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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DLR AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  FEBRUARY 8-14, 2018

DEARMARY

OFF TO THE RACES

P21 ROSES ARE RED, SINGLETONS ON VALENTINE’S DAY COULD BE BLUE, BUT LOVELY MARY BYRNE HAS GREAT ADVICE FOR YOU!

FOOD Ready for a very tasty Tuesday? P26

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THIS group of race goers looked like they were having the time of their lives at the recent Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse. They were among the thousands who enjoyed the twoday extravaganza which has been described as a resounding success. Picture: ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

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GARDAI WARNING LOCALS TO BE VIGILANT AFTER SPATE OF BREAK-INS

Six burglaries in the space of 3 days in Rathfarnham  REBECCA RYAN

GARDAI are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Rathfarnham area and are warning locals to be vigilant. Six burglaries were reported to gardai recently in the space of three days.

On January 31, after 7pm there were three unoccupied, newly-built houses broken into at Scholarstown Wood where a boiler was stolen from each property.

See Full Story on Page 8

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2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

CLONKEEN COLLEGE | MOVE TO DISSOLVE SCHOOL BOARD

Board of management’s treatment slammed  REBECCA RYAN

PARENTS at Clonkeen College have lashed out at the treatment of the school’s board of management.

T he Edmund R ice Schools Trust (ERST), which is the patron of 96 primary and secondary schools including Clonkeen College, sparked controversy last year when it came out that it decided to sell 7.5 acres of pitches at the Deansgrange school for a price tag reported to be around €18 million.

Clonkeen College is challenging that decision and the board of management (BOM) has been told it will be axed over their resistance to the plan.

In a statement, the ERST accused board members of showing “poor governance” and failure in acting in the “best interests of ERST’s school” and they are now seeking the Education Minister’s consent to dissolve the board.

The Parents’ Association of Clonkeen College told Dublin Gazette they “strongly disagree” with that statement.

“It is our view that the Board of Management have acted in the best interests of the school and its students at all times. In fact, this Board, our Board are acting in the best interests of the entire school community. As a parents’ association we feel the dissolution of the Board of

Management will have a profoundly negative and destabilising effect on the boys. Not only does it throw into question the smooth running of the school, but it diverts attentions away from the boys’ need to concentrate on their studies. In a Secondary school the run up to exams can be stressful enough as it is without this being thrown into the mix.

“In our opinion this Board of Management are exemplary role models for our sons. They have seen an injustice and have stood up for what is right.”

The association said they were “completely and utterly dismayed” by the proposal to dissolve the board, which they claim

to be a “very deliberate act to frustrate the activities of the BOM, in seeking to retain the playing fields at Clonkeen College.”

The ERST said it is concerned that the Clonkeen Board is “continuing to support a High Court challenge to the sale of land adjacent to the school, despite confirmation of a significantly improved offer of additional land to the College, made by the Congregation of Christian Brothers and agreed by the developer.”

The trust added that additional land now available to the school means that Clonkeen College will have significantly more land than Department of Education and Skills recommendations for a school of its size.

“It will also have a larger area for playing facilities than over 90% of the ERST network of 97 schools has access to. In addition, Clonkeen College will receive €1.3m to develop

the area as it requires.”

The Parents’ Association say that they stand firmly with its board of management and they “implore Minister Richard Bruton to reject dissolution” of their Board of Management.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education and Skills told Dublin Gazette that the Minister is in the process of deciding on the matter.

“The Patron of Clonkeen College, ERST, has sought approval to dissolve the Board of Management of the College in accordance with Section 16 of the Education Act 1998.

The statutory process of dissolution is underway in which the Minister for Education and Skills must make a decision having considered the submissions made. It would not be appropriate to comment on the matters that are related to the dissolution.”

SciFest well worth droning on about ...

WITH a drone keeping watch from a few feet above them, former SciFest winners Conor Foy (2013) and Caolann Brady (2016) helped launch this year’s nationwide SciFest competition for second level schools.

As the largest and most inclusive science fair initiative on the island of Ireland, SciFest helps to encourage an interest and participation in science, with the winner(s) of this year’s SciFest to represent Ireland at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona.

Picture: Shane O’Neill

FASTNews

Minister Shane Ross at the launch with James McCarthy, CEO Nissan and Peter Nicholson, CEO Windsor. Picture: Orla Murray/SON Photo

Fund to encourage drivers move to electric vehicles MINISTER for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross, has announced a new €500,000 fund for Taxi/ Limousine/Hackney drivers (SPSV’s) to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Irish taxi fleet. The new grant scheme will give SPSV drivers up to €7,000 towards the purchase of an electric vehicle.

Speaking at the launch this week Minister Ross said it will benefit the environment and the driver.

“The electrification of the national SPSV fleet will play a significant role in our transition to a cleaner and greener transport fleet, not only will this be beneficial for our environment, in terms of improved urban air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, but reduced running and maintenance costs will also be of major benefit to the drivers themselves”.

Analysis shows that fuel savings of up to 10% per km can be achieved by driving an electric vehicle.

For a vehicle clocking up to 55,000km per annum, this would equate to fuel savings of over €5,000 and net reduction in over 3.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Commemorating role of women in Irish political life DUBLIN Rathdown TD and Minister Josepha Madigan launched the State programme to mark the introduction of voting rights for women in 1918 and their right to stand in parliamentary elections.

The Minister also launched the publication by historian Sinead McCoole Mna of 1916/Women of 1916 based on her major exhibition on the contribution of women to the Easter Rising of 1916.

Speaking at the launch event in Marlay House in Rathfarnham Minister Madigan said: “One hundred years ago today, a significant milestone was reached on a long and difficult journey towards enfranchising men and women equally.

“The passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918 delivered a major extension of voting rights to men of all classes and provided a first limited franchise for women.

It was the first step towards the full inclusion of Irish women in public and political life.”

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

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

DUN LAOGHAIRE | SUPERGROUP PLAYING AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY

Jacksons to play first Irish show at Beatyard  REBECCA RYAN THE Jacksons are set to perform live in Ireland for the very first time and they’ve chosen Dun Laoghaire as their stage.

One of the greatest pop and Motown supergroups in the history of music will headline as part of this summer’s Beatyard Festival at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Original members Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Jermaine will perform all of their mega hits live with an impressive 9-piece band.

The 90-minute show will be filled hits like Can You Feel It, Never Can Say Goodbye, ABC, I’ll Be There, Shake Your Body, Walk Right Now, Blame It On The Boogie and many, many more.

In the early 1970s, The Jackson 5, which once included Michael

The Jacksons are set to perform live in Ireland for the very first time

Jackson, shot to fame when their first four singles I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There peaked at Number 1 on the charts After countless tours, albums and chart successes, Michael Jackson left the group in the

1980s to pursue a solo career.

Over the years, the group clocked up five number one albums, 18 number one hits, 17 top 10 albums, and 17 top 40 singles.

The Jacksons will headline Friday, August 3 as part of the fourth edition of the family-friendly, mul-

ti-stage Beatyard Festival.

The three-day event will also host other performers including hip hop legends the Sugarhill Gang, US jazz sensation Kamasi Washington, English electronic dance music duo Orbital and Irish electronic duo I Am The Cosmos.

As well as musical treats, Beatyard Festival will also have over 100 food vendors to choose from, along with demos and food competitions.

There’ll be plenty on offer for the whole family with Kidsyard and Gamesyard, and the famous boat parties makes a comeback on the waves in the Boatyard.

Tickets went on sale on February 7 at Ticketmaster, The Beatyard and Eventbrite from €59.50 plus booking fee. It’s advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Running RIOT at stylish new club

VOGUE Williams (centre) with friends Clodagh Watson and Sarah Regan as she celebrated her engagement to reality television personality Spencer Matthews prior to taking to the decks at the opening of hip nightspot RIOT in Aston Quay Dublin last week.

The couple were all smiles as they showed up hand in hand, with Vogue flashing her mega sparkler, which Spencer designed himself and is worth a reported €170,000.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

SCHEME | TARGETING BUILDERS WHO CAN DELIVER SOCIAL HOUSING ON REASONABLE SCALE

‘Imaginative’ partnership for new homes welcomed  REBECCA RYAN A LOCAL Senator has welcomed new proposals to build 2,500 new homes.

It’s under the plan Rebuilding Ireland and part of a new Enhanced Long-term Social Housing Leasing Scheme.

The main aim of the scheme is to target house builders who can deliver social housing on a reasonable scale, with a required minimum of 20 units available within a single local authority.

The Housing Agency will manage the scheme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Agency will act as the point of contact between the building provider and the local authorities.

Leases will be signed, with local authorities, under the scheme for a period of up to 25 years.

Tenants will be nominated for the new housing unit by their local authority and the local authority will be the landlords to the tenants.

The goal is to have 2,500 units leased under the scheme up until 2021.

Senator Victor Boyhan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and told Dublin Gazette about the main differences between this new scheme and

Keith’s on the ball for schools

TO highlight the recently launched sponsorship of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme, Republic of Ireland footballer Keith Andrews was a special guest at the SPAR Guild Retailer event 2018 which took place Senator Victor Boyhan at Citywest Hotel.

Pictured was Khalid Abbathe existing leasing scheme which will also si, SPAR Harolds Cross with Keith Andrews. stay in place.

The SPAR FAI Primary “The builder provider will be responsible for the maintenance of the housing School 5s is a five-a-side units as opposed to the local authority, school blitz competition open which is currently the arrangement.” to boys and girls from 4th, The Independent Senator welcomes the 5th and 6th class, and puts news. emphasis on fun and inclusiv“Some would argue that the private sec- ity. tor should not be involved in the provision Register for the SPAR5s by of social housing, I welcome this initiative February 9 at www.fai.ie/prias yet another imaginative partnership to mary 5 deliver much-needed housing.”

PROUD DAY FOR DUNDRUM’S MARIANNA

Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor and NCBI CEO Chris White present Marianna Watchorn with the NCBI Bursary Award at the NCBI head office in Drumcondra. Marianna is a second year student of Irish and Philosophy in Trinity who is visually impaired and from Dundrum. Picture: MICHAEL KELLY

Park Run calls on southsiders to keep moving PARKRUN organises free, weekly 5km timed runs all around the world.

They are open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in.

The events take place in beautiful parkland surroundings including our very own Marlay Park, Shanganagh Park and Cabinteely Park.

It happens every Saturday at 9:30am.

People of every ability are encouraged to take part, from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians.

There are also special junior parkrun events for those aged between 4 and 14.

It is all free to join in but if it is your first time you have to register and bring a printed copy of your barcode.

The events are entirely organised by volunteers and locals are invited to join in the fun and take part, whatever your pace.

For more information check out www.parkrun.ie

Big win for local groups TENNIS for All and Ballyogan Festival have won at the recent All Ireland Community and Council Awards (LAMA) on February 3.

Tennis for All won Best Community Sports Team/ Club. The Shankill club provides access to a world class facility for all members of the community at a low cost.

Ballyogan Festival took home the silver award in Best Arts/Culture initiate.

The event is a weeklong diverse multi-cultural community festival that brings people together to celebrate their shared history, arts, culture, sport and music in a series of events that catered for all ages, genders and backgrounds.

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 Advertorial Feature

Antonios famously kebab massive homemade

Mum, Auntie Mariantonia (Mrs Borza) and young Assunta outside the shopfront in Churchtown

Tradition lives on at

There’s nowhere else in Dublin where customers are able to choose their preferred fillet of fish and watch it being cooked while they wait

IN JUST six short years, Macari 66 has established itself as one of the premier chippers in the South Dublin area.

Located on Braemor Road in Churchtown, Macari 66 serves Dublin 14 and 16, as well as parts of Dublin 6, 6W and Dublin 18.

Owner Antonio Macari’s family is steeped in the tradition of Irish Italian chipper culture.

His father opened his first chipper in Harold’s Cross in 1966 and Antonio has continued on the fine tradition of his family by only serving the freshest fish and chips, while paying tribute to his family’s legacy by naming his chipper Macari 66.

Delicious homemade pizzas and pasta dishes are made to order, while they also offer homemade burgers, chicken tenders, Italian sausage and homemade naan bread for their kebabs, they only use vegetable oil in their fryers to

Home of the finest Homemade fresh food daily

ensure the freshest chips around.

This dedication to freshness and quality has seen Macari 66 recognised as the Best Chipper at the 2015 Just Eat National Takeaway Awards.

Local reaction to Macari 66 has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We are regular customers of Macari 66 and we are happy to recommend it as brilliant chipper,” says one loyal customer.

“The food is well prepared and cooked in front of you. It is consistently busy which is always a good sign.

“The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and they turn around each order very efficiently.”

People have even come from further afield to sample the incredible food served up by Macari 66.

One visitor from Spain said: “It is much more

than the usual “chipper”. On each occasion I purchased multiple meals for my family, young and old, and everything from the lightly battered fish, freshly cooked chips, delicious authentic Italian pasta and pizza were cooked to perfection.

“All the necessary sauces - tartar, curry, slices of lemon etc were also provided.

“It was also reassuring to observe that the premises throughout was spotlessly clean.

“Staff are friendly and highly efficient. On my next visit to Ireland I look forward to returning to this establishment and strongly recommend it as exceptional.”

Macari 66 have also relaunched their website, making it even easier to order the best fish and chips in South Dublin.

Log on to www.macari66.ie to get 15% off your order til 31st March

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

Out and About

Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Diana Copperwhite, Cathaoirleach Tom Murphy, Shirley Copperwhite and Minister

Exhibition of work by sisters on show Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Aidan Roseingrave. Pictures: Peter Cavanagh Photography

C

ATHAOIRLEACH of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Tom Murphy was on hand to open an exhibition of work by sisters Diana Copperwhite and Shirley Copperwhite at dlr LexIcon recently. Diana is a painter whose practice encompasses wall drawings, installation and painting, while Shirley is a surface designer with over thirty years’ experience. The exhibition entitled Double Vision, runs until March 25.

Diana Copperwhite with Rachel Lee and Bernard Dunleavy

Shirley Copperwhite, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Tom Murphy, Diana Copperwhite and Ciara King, assistant arts officer, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

Siun Lindsay with her mam Namara

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Michele Hannan and Mary Rose Gearty

Heather Shipman and Sandra Lawmal

Diana and Shirley Copperwhite

Alannah, Steven and Leah Griffin

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

RATHFARNHAM | SIX BURGLARIES REPORTED IN SPACE OF 3 DAYS

Locals urged to be extra vigilant after spate of burglaries  REBECCA RYAN GARDAI are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Rathfarnham area and are warning locals to be vigilant.

Six burglaries were reported to gardai recently in the space of three days.

On Wednesday, January 31, after 7pm there were three unoccupied, newly-built houses broken into at Scholarstown Wood where a boiler was stolen from each property.

Two days later, cash and jewellery were taken at Ballyroan Crescent between 10am and 1pm.

On the same day in a separate incident, there was a burglary at Orchardstown Drive and an attempted burglary at Delaford Way. A Garda spokesman from Rathfarnham told Dublin Gazette they are appealing to

locals for information.

“Gardai at Rathfarnham would ask that if anyone noticed any suspicious activity in any of these locations around the time periods to report the matter.”

Local councillor Emma Murphy told Dublin Gazette the increase in local crime is shocking.

“It is shocking that people buying new houses that are not yet occupied are being targeted.

It is not good for the community or the area.”

The Fianna Fail councillor is asking locals to be extra vigilant and to report suspicious activity.

“We have a text alert system that works well. We are asking locals to report crimes, so we can track what is happening.

“If you notice any suspicious activity, cars acting suspiciously, attempted break-ins, send a text around.”

Councillor Murphy said she has submitted questions to the Joint Policing Committee and the council to discuss the increased crime in the area and what needs to be done about it.

Gardai are also advising locals to make sure to securely lock all their doors when their houses are vacant.

They have these burglary

prevention tips: • Secure all doors and windows • Light up your home, use timer switches when you are out • Store keys safety and away from windows and letter boxes • Record details of valuables and don’t keep large amounts of cash at home

Gardai are investigating a spate of burglaries in Rathfarnham

Dublin students urged to get involved in SciFest SCIFEST 2018 was launched recently in Dublin, calling on second-level students across the island of Ireland to put their skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) to the test.

SciFest is the largest and most inclusive science fair initiative on the island of

Ireland.

The winner(s) of the SciFest National Final 2018 will be presented with a trophy and will represent Ireland at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The closing date for SciFest@

College 2018 is March 9.

Pictured are previous winners Caolann Brady and Christopher Carragher with Margie McCarthy, Head of Education and Public Engagement, Science Foundation Ireland.

Picture: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

‘Feminists forced me out of work’  REBECCA RYAN

A BLACKROCK woman who worked as a walkon girl for the Professional Darts Corporation has blasted feminists for the loss of her job.

It comes as the organisation announced walkon girls will no longer accompany players to the stage at PDC events.

Rebecca Bowers (pictured) said she was “very saddened and disappointed” to lose her job because she “absolutely loved” doing it. She said she wasn’t given any notice.

“We heard rumours about it possibly happening in December but had no notice it just happened so quickly.”

Speaking to the Dublin Gazette, the 31-yearold said she blames feminists for putting the PDC bosses under pressure.

“Yes, I blame feminists because I believe the PDC bosses were under pressure from them to not have girls ‘just using their looks’ in a job and look pretty beside men even though we loved our job.”

She added that it should be a women’s choice and feels her rights have been taken away.

“I don’t think anyone has the right to tell us what we can and can’t do - that’s what feminism is all about but for some reason we lost our jobs because of it, it doesn’t make sense as we weren’t doing anything harmful or wrong.

“We wear nice dresses and escort the dart players onto the stage and we smile and that’s it really.”

Bowers, who also works as a childminder added that there are a lot of fans who are disappointed by the decision.

“We added a bit of glamour and fun to an event and we had a lot of fans who are very disappointed in the ban - they have a petition to get us back which had over 40,000 signatures on it the last time I checked so surely that’s saying something.”

There has been mixed reaction to the news among darts players.

Last year, world number one Michael van Gerwen predicted the move, saying in an interview with AD Sportwereld: “The PDC wants more people to see it as a sport. It does not interest me (walk-on girls). It is just a sport.”

While former world champions Raymond van Barneveld said he “will really miss the girls” as they are “part of the darts”.

The move by the PDC has also put pressure on others to follow suit with Formula 1 this week announcing it would be cutting grid girls from its rosters with a new programme called “grid kids” this season.

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

Out and About

Jockey Derek O’Connor is congratulated by Jack Kennedy after winning

Dublin Racing Festival rises to the occasion Ciaran Lennon and Alison McLelland. Pictures: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

T

HE Dublin Racing Festival was a huge success at Leopardstown Racecourse last weekend. As well as the great races on offer, there was also an array of food and beverage to be enjoyed and a festival marquee which hosted the best of Dublin entertainment alongside other cultural entertainment throughout the day.

Darren Gaye, Carl Monaghan and Paul McCarthy

Sally and Paul Farrell

Elaine and Tony Farrell

James Carolan and Liane Roberts

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Paul Townend onboard Mr Adjudicator is led into the parade ring after winning the race

Tom Connors and Rachel Chidgey

Donal Crosbie and Dara Splaine

Niamh McCarthy with Richard Donaldson

Darragh and Amy O’Se

Kevin O’Brien and Brendan O’Brien

Tommy Kent and Sharon Power

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

LEOPARDSTOWN | UNUSED LAND ALREADY ZONED FOR HOUSING

Call for residential lands to be used for affordable housing  REBECCA RYAN A SINN Fein councillor for Glencullen Sandyford is calling for residential lands at a local racecourse to be used for housing.

Cllr Chris Curran has called on the Ministers for Agriculture and Housing to step in to make sure that vacant sites on the outskirts of Leopardstown Racecourse are handed over to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council immediately, to be used in the provision of mixed tenure, social and affordable housing.

Cllr Curran said: “Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is not only the smallest county in the state, it has one of the worst housing waiting lists too with extremely limited land resources.

“Leopardstown Racecourse is owned by the semi-state body - Horse Racing Ireland. Every

year, horse racing enjoys significant financial support from the state.

“Last year alone the sport received €64 million in state funding, an increase of €5 million on the previous year. In many respects, the taxpayer has paid for this land many times over.

“Having researched the land in question and after communications with senior council officials, we estimate the sites to be around 6.5 hectares that could yield up to 450 housing units.”

He added that the land in question is currently unused and is already zoned for housing.

“It is already zoned ‘A Residential amenity’ (housing), water serviced, borders an unused Luas station, is flood risk free, and is within the boundary of the Ballyogan Local Area Plan.

Cllr Chris Curran

“This site was not included in Rebuilding Ireland plan. So it’s vital that this site is secured by the state before it’s sold off to a private developer.”

The Sinn Fein councillor also said there is a precedent for

securing similar sites.

“In Cherry Orchard, the HSE handed over land to Dublin City Council and in Cork, CIE are apparently providing land under licence to Cork City Council on the Ceannt Station site.

Cllr Curran is now calling on the The Minister for Housing, The Minister for Agriculture, the Chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland and the CEO of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to meet to discuss options where the land can be used for social and affordable housing.

“This site is ideal and has remarkably similar characteristics to Shanganagh Urban Village, where the council anticipate 520 to be provided.

There’s no reason why the same thing can’t happen in Leopardstown.”

FASTNews

Father Ted Quiz set for March

THE third annual Father Ted Quiz is set to take place in Dublin this March.

Taking place on Holy Thursday for the third year in a row, the Father Ted Quiz and Lovely Girls Competition will Host Patrick McDonnell take place in DTwo on Harcourt Street on March 29. Hosted by Patrick McDonnell – also known as Father Eoin McLove from the show – the quiz will be based on trivia from the show.

There will also be a ‘Lovely Girls Competition’, open to both women and men, during the quiz interlude.

Prizes for best dressed priest, nun and hairy baby are also up for grabs on the night.

Tickets are on sale now at www.holythursdayted. eventbrite.ie.

Record number of start-ups A RECORD number of start up companies were established in Ireland in 2017, with an average of 61 companies formed every day last year.

According to Vision-Net, 22,354 new companies were registered in Ireland last year.

This is a figure up by over 6% on 2016 and is the highest amount of start-up companies registered in Ireland in 20 years.

In 1998, over 21,145 start up companies were registered in Ireland. Last year marked the first year since 1998 that the figure topped over 20,000.

There were also an average of three insolvencies a day in Ireland last year, with 1,018 recorded – a 3% increase on 2016.

Anyone for tennis in Blackrock?

WORKS are due to commence on a new tennis pavilion at Springhill Park, Blackrock, which will be the new home of Newtown Park Tennis Club. The club was first formed in 1992 and has over 500 members catering for both junior and senior club members.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Murphy commented: “The contract has now been

signed so that work can commence on the new pavilion.

Newtownpark Tennis Club will continue to build on bringing communities together, through a shared love of tennis”.

The new pavilion will also provide changing rooms, club room, kitchen, toilets, store/playroom plus an outdoor ramp for access, terrace and bicycle racks.

Pictured at the signing of the construction contract at Springhill Park in Blackrock were, Eamonn Griffin, development committee, Newtown Park Tennis Club; Councillor Melisa Halpin, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council; Ruairi O’Dulaing, Senior Parks Superintendent, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; Johnny Burns, Burns Construction;

Councillor Tom Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; Mary Kate Halpin, Development Committee, Newtown Park Tennis Club; Paul King, Mens Captain, Newtown Park Tennis Club and Councillor Marie Baker, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council.

Picture: Peter Cavanagh

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

RETAIL

EU laws may bring an end to ‘geo-blocking’  RACHEL D’ARCY

Hoping to help spin some love for single Dubs A RADIO station’s dynamic duo DJ team is taking a break from spinning the latest tracks to, hopefully, spinning some love between Dubs in a quirky new campaign.

Spin1038’s Fully Charged Breakfast duo, Graham and Nathan, are flexing their matchmaking muscles, with Fully Charged’s Billboard Singles set to see four Dublin singletons geting their very own billboard dating ad for two weeks from February 26.

With huge numbers of passersby able to see them, any prospective daters interested in the ‘Billboard Single’ that’s caught their eye can send in a WhatsApp voice note on why they’d like a date with them, with the Billboard Single picking their potentially perfect match on air.

Pictured above, Nathan (O’Reilly) and Graham (O’Toole) are joined by Doire-

ann Garrihy and Martin Guilfoyle, with them all calling on shy singletons to step forward for the fun dating support.

Would-be billboarders can sign up now at www.spin1038.com/SINGLE, with the four finalists to have their stories featured on the Billboard Singles segment every morning on the Fully Charged Breakfast Show once they appear from February 26.

Rush to sell U2 tickets prompts fresh call to tackle greedy touts  RACHEL D’ARCY THERE have been further calls to tackle ticket touting in Ireland, after tickets for U2’s four Dublin gigs ended up on resale sites within 30 minutes of going on sale.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, who last year authored legislation to ban above-cost reselling of tickets, has criticised the Government’s slowness to act.

Deputy Rock said: “Belgium has successfully introduced legislation in this field. The Irish people are overwhelmingly in favour of legislation – with a recent Ireland Thinks poll showing 89% of people support this. “[Above-price reselling] is now happening on a weekly

basis with concerts big and small, as well as larger sporting events: people know they can make a quick few quid by snapping up tickets, and make at least double their money back.”

Tickets for U2’s gigs in the 3Arena originally were priced from €40.50, but now are being resold on Ticketmaster-owned reselling site Seatwave for up to €210 at time of print.

Similarly, tickets for Britney Spears’ sold-out show on August 20 were originally priced between €65 to €90 but are now being resold for up to €140.

In Januar y, Ticketmaster announced that it would be introducing its VerifiedFan system to Ireland in an aim to combat ticket touts.

However, it’s understood that

the codes that are given to ‘verified fans’ as part of the scheme are being sold online, or shared on social media, meaning touts can still get their hands on tickets meant for genuine fans.

Deputy Rock concluded: “This situation cannot continue: the ticketing industry cannot be relied upon to regulate itself.

“Time and time again, they promise that things will change.

Time and time again, they fail to change things. It’s time for Government to step in with legislation.”

Rock’s calls for legislation come as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission revealed they have obtained over 230,000 emails and other documents as part of an investigation into the ticket-

ing industry.

RTE have reported that the Commission have held ten summons hearings where individuals were questioned about ticket touting under oath.

“Having requested the CCPC look into this a year ago, I am satisfied with the progress made to date and while I understand they cannot comment in detail at this point in time, I believe it underlines that this industry, which is worth over €4bn per annum across Europe, is worthy of further and on-going scrutiny, and I am satisfied that the CCPC agree with this stance,” Deputy Rock said.

The CCPC launched an investigation into breaches in consumer law in the ticketing sector in January 2017.

NEW legislation being brought before the European Parliament is set to put an end to the practice of ‘geo-blocking’ by online retailers.

‘Geo-blocking’ is a practice where an online retailer will re-direct consumers from one website to another that is dedicated to their region.

There are different selling conditions implemented for different countries based on their IP address, or their credit card’s country of issue.

For example, if an Irish consumer visited a “.co.uk” domain, they would automatically be redirected to an Irish version of the site, where products could potentially be more expensive.

The new rules will mean that any EU-based e-retailer will have to treat all EU citizens as ‘local’ customers, rather than redirecting them to another version of the website.

Andrus Ansip, the European Commissioner for the Digital Single Market, told the European Parliament that he wants to make the digital single market a reality by introducing the new rules.

In 2017, 57% of EU citizens bought something online, with 68% of overall internet users shopping online in 2017, as reported by EU Reporter.

The PwC Total Retail Report detailed last year that one in four Irish people shop online weekly, with 48% of all

Irish consumers also shopping online at some point in 2016.

The new laws are up for debate in the European Parliament this week, and if they are passed, they will come into effect around November.

A representative from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation told Dublin Gazette: “The realisation of the full economic potential of the digital single market is an important driver for growth and competitiveness in all our economies, and ending unfair geo-blocking practices is a step towards this realisation.”

The European Parliament has said that the geo-blocking practice limits cross-border trade within the EU, and has raised concerns in regard to consumer protection and competition as a result of the practice.

According to the European Parliament, geo-blocking is present in various forms across 63% of European websites.

Under the new legislation, online shoppers will also be able to avail of wider access to products including concert tickets and hotel bookings. Copyrighted materials such as e-books and audio-visual products are currently excluded from the regulation.

There will be a ‘review clause’ in the new legislation, which means there will be an evaluation of the new rules after two years.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY | DIGITAL MAPPING HELPS TO HIGHLIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS

A lot to dig into in a new platform for Irish construction ESRI Ireland has announced that Construction Information Services (CIS) has leveraged its digital mapping platform to present its members with a visual guide to construction projects around Ireland, with some 36,500 construction projects – worth €56 billion – currently mapped on this visual platform.

Having published a weekly report since the 1970s providing compa-

nies with the information about construction projects, and transitioning online in 2008, CIS wanted to provide its subscriber base with a more interactive experience. such, CIS As approached Esri Ireland to create a map showing the location of all projects around the country.

T he result is CIS Mapping – an interactive system that enables construction companies

planning for the future to examine the opportunities for new builds throughout the country.

Subscribers to the service can view their search results on a highly-detailed map of Ireland, and filter results using a number of criteria, including project type, location and size of the project.

This allows companies to quickly assess jobs that might be of interest and proceed to the next

Celebrating the launch of a new digital mapping platform to help gain an understanding of Irish construction projects are Dermot O’Kane, sales manager, Esri Ireland with Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS

stage of the process.

Esri’s platform also enables CIS to illustrate other data sets that may be of interest to their customers, including area demographics and zoning information. All of this information can be very helpful to compa-

nies bidding for business.

Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS, said: “The construction sector in Ireland is once again becoming an important pillar of the Irish economy after a number of difficult years.

“To ensure this posi-

tive momentum continues, companies need access to in-depth, reliable data about projects across the country from the pre-planning to onsite stages.

“This is where CIS Mapping comes in. With more than 36,500 con-

struction projects worth €56 billion already listed on the map, this tool presents organisations with a huge opportunity to quickly and efficiently decide on the projects that interest them most, and that demonstrate the most potential.”

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

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

ANIMALS: MEET PJ – THE LATEST ABANDONED VICTIM LEFT FOR DOGS TRUST TO CARE FOR

Is a dog for life, or just for Christmas?

IT SEEMS that many people are still not heeding the advice that “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” after dog welfare charity Dogs Trust reported a spike in people looking to surrender a dog in the three weeks following Christmas.

The charity launched their #PawsForThought campaign in November last year, where they urged the public to “pause” and think twice before getting a dog for Christmas.

An upsetting case arriving at Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre came on Janu-

ary 9, when a two-year-old Jack Russell Terrier – PJ (right) – was cruelly abandoned at the centre.

The distressed dog watched from the car park as a man dropped his lead and drove away. With no other option, PJ was taken into the safety of Dogs Trust and is now looking for a loving family.

PJ is suffering from a lack of confidence which could indicate that he missed out on socialisation in his early life, as he is very quiet, spending most of his day in bed, and is scared to meet other

dogs and play the way a happy dog should.

Catriona Birt, head of operations at Dogs Trust, said: “It is painfully upsetting to see PJ, a friendly young dog, being discarded in such a heartless way.

“PJ is a particularly sad case which highlights how important those early months are for a pup and how vital it is to make time to socialise and habituate your new arrival in their puppyhood and adolescence.

“Our care team here are helping PJ with basic training and confidence build-

ing, and showering him with love and affection.

“He is recovering well from the incident, and he is looking for a new family who will love and

Poor little PJ was cruelly abandoned after Christmas

care for him.”

Dogs Trust operates at full capacity and offers as m a n y places as possible to dogs from pounds, as they are the ones most at risk of destruction, so unfortunately the charity are not in a position to take surrendered dogs from members of the public.

Suzie Carley, executive

director of Dogs Trust, said: “We urge the public to avoid getting a dog around the Christmas season.

“It is disappointing to see that this message is still falling on deaf ears for many, as the number of surrender requests continue to rise.

“PJ is a particularly sad case. He is such a sweet and kind dog, and for him to be discarded this way is deeply upsetting.

“Dogs Trust recognises that not all surrender requests are made lightly, and that sometimes

circumstances change, resulting in no other option but to surrender a dog.

“We would ask the public to try and anticipate any major lifestyle changes such as an upcoming move, or a baby coming into the home, and consider how a dog may impact this before bringing one into your home.

“Dogs Trust coined the phrase, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, and it is astonishing to see that almost 40 years later this message is still as relevant today.”

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CHARITY: IRISH GYM EXERCISES A FUNDRAISING IDEA TO HELP SUPPORT POOR UGANDANS

Water way to help improve lives

AN IRISH- OWNED gym group – Gym Plus – has launched a charity initiative in its eight locations to help provide clean safe drinking water in communities in Uganda.

Already, one well has been drilled in OkelloKuc in northern Uganda, a place where sharing the same water source with animals is a way of life, and where children have died from drinking dirty water.

Now, the new borehole benefits 172 local households, where people had previously walked 2km to draw water from an open well.

To fund further safe water developments in East Africa, Gym Plus is selling reusable 1 litre Camelbak water bottles and a smaller BPA free children’s drink bottle, with €2 from every sale going to the project.

In addition, the reusable bottle will also help to reduce the amount of waste plastic that ends up in the ocean.

Launching the water campaign, Josh van der Flier, Leinster and Ireland rugby

player, said: “This Gym Plus partnership gives gym members the opportunity to m a k e a real d i f f e rence in Ugand a n

children’s lives, simply by buying a new water bottle.”

Gym Plus has Dublin clubs in Rathfarnham, Swords, Clarendon Street and Ballsbridge.

PUT YOUR DESIGN STAMP ALL OVER A ‘POSTCARD GARDEN’ ARE you a blooming good gardener, or a budding green-fingered Leinster and Ireland rugby player Josh van der Flier launching

the Gym Plus water bottle campaign to help Ugandans

plant perfectionist?

Bord Bia’s Bloom festival returns to the Phoenix Park this June bank holiday weekend, with organisers looking out for people to design ‘Postcard Gardens’.

These gardens offer passionate amateurs, garden clubs and community and Grow It Yourself (GIY) groups a chance to showcase their talents to more than 100,000 visitors attending the popular event.

The Postcard Gardens comprise 3m x 2m plots which can be used to represent a club, locality or a special person or character from your community.

Applications are now open on the Bloom website and will close by March 6.

For application details, email kerrie.gardiner@bloominthepark. com, call 086 130 4170, or visit www.bloominthepark.com’s exhibit section.

BRIGHT SPARKS WANTED FOR 70 ESB APPRENTICESHIPS THE ESB has announced that its ESB Networks Apprenticeship Pro gramme is now open, with the company looking for 70 bright sparks to join its prestigious programme.

Apprenticeship pro-

grammes, such as the ESB’s, play a pivotal role in helping to maintain and develop core parts of the Irish economy.

ESB’s high-quality apprentices hip pro gramme offers on-thejob experience as well a s cl a s s r o o m - b a s e d learning, with successful apprentices obtaining a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate with the utility, which serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland.

Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, March 14. To apply, see www.esbnetworks.ie/ careers.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Perhaps a little overshadowed by the sinking of better-known ships of the era, the loss of the RMS Leinster in the Irish Sea still casts a long shadow

BOOKS: EXPLORING THE LEGACY OF THE GREATEST MARITIME TRAGEDY IN IRISH WATERS

Honouring the RMS Leinster, 100 years after her tragic loss  SHANE DILLON WITH this year marking the 100-year centenary of the sinking of the mail boat Leinster just outside Dublin bay, history buffs and those looking for more information about Ireland’s greatest maritime tragedy will find plenty of food for thought in The Last Voyage of The Leinster (right).

Officially launched late last year, the handsome hardback tome delves into the ship’s sinking, which saw more Irish people killed than those who were lost on more famous sinkings, such as on board the Titanic or the Lusitania.

However, the loss of the RMS Leinster, and the official death toll of 501 people out of a total of 771 on board, had a profound impact on Dun Laoghaire, with the tragedy striking at families as far away as Australia.

With the State commemorating the Leinster’s loss as one of the key national events of

2018, this year will also see communities far beyond the historic coastal Dublin suburb focusing on the Leinster.

For any reader, the book is likely to give an invaluable insight into the lives and loss of those on board that fateful morning of October 10, 1918 – just a month and a day before the end of the First World War. That day, the mail ship was bound to Holyhead, but she was soon torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat just outside Dublin Bay. The ship had been pre-

viously targeted in the Irish Sea, but this time, she was unable to avoid the three torpedoes that slammed into her hull in quick succession.

While those on board largely comprised military personnel from a range of armed forces, there were also many civilians, as well as postal workers in her mail room, and nurses drawn from all over the world.

Along with many of these, a wide range of famous and prominent people were also lost when the ship rapidly sank following a huge

explosion, as well as several children, with many of the military personnel who died buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery.

The loss of life connected with the Leinster didn’t end with her quick sinking – the crew of the U-boat which sank her, the UB-123, was itself lost very shortly afterwards on or about October 19, with her entire crew also lost at sea.

Today, The Last Voyage of The Leinster provides a fascinating look at the ship, those that sailed and worked on her, and a world in flux at the time as the first world war raged and society faced rapid changes.

However, it’s also largely an exploration of the ordinary men and women on board who were lost when she sank, as well as the thoughts of their ancestors and prominent people, a century later.

Her loss was a devastating blow that reverberated far around the world, with modern Dun Laoghaire

continuing to bear the scars of her loss, as well as honouring one of the greatest ships to have sailed from the historic Dublin port.

The fascinating National Maritime Museum in

Dun Laoghaire is set to play a key role in commemorating the Leinster, which is also further recalled at the postal museum in the GPO, in the city centre.

Published by the Mail

Boat Leinster Centenary Committee with assistance from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, The Last Voyage of the Leinster is widely available at all good book shops, priced €15.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

Out and About

Ashley Kehoe and Claudine Kehoe Carol Byrne Judy Wong, Timoa Stoilowa, Roy Wong and Amanda Wong. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Shona Guerin and actor Television star Caitlyn Jenner Lucy Kennedy won the award for

Michelle Regazzoli won Best Freelance Make-

Best Female TV Star

Up Artist

Emma Leary and Beth Kelly

Barry Keoghan

A celebration of the best in fashion and entertainment A HOST of Irish and international stars took to the pink red carpet at the Mansion House for the inaugural Xpose Benefit Awards last week. The public voted the winners in 14 categories, with the best and brightest in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries of Ireland awarded on the night. Television star Caitlyn Jenner showed up at the bash unexpectedly before scooping the Beauty Icon award.

Rob Condon, Christian Shannon and James Patrice won Best Male TV Star

Pippa O’Connor won Best High Street Range

Claire Brock and Anne Marie Hand

Darren Regazzoli

Caroline Lambe

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

PUZZLE PAGE

ADVICE

Valentine’s Day is a day for you to focus on you, not just others

SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

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.

Is there something on your mind? Mary Byrne is delighted to offer her advice to Dublin Gazette readers; email her today at marybyrne@dublingazette.com

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.

SHARE A GREAT VALENTINE’S NIGHT WITH MARY AND PALS

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

SCRIBBLE BOX

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS Aniston

Jolie

Bardot

Kidman

Berry

Mirren

Binoche

Newton

Dench

Paltrow

Dunaway

Portman

Fonda

Streep

Gardner

Tautou

Green Haley Hudson

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

TREAT yourself to a great Valentine’s night with Mary next Wednesday – she’s starring in The Red Cow Inn’s Trio Royale cabaret show, alongside Elvis Idol USA winner Liam Murphy and diva Kayleigh Cullinan.

Mar y and friends are looking forward to welcoming couples, singles, friends and groups along to share the great night’s entertainment, with everything from soulful sounds to rockn-roll and divalicious hits to enjoy. For further info, see redcowinn.ie.

Sharing with others is great – but I’m tired of being ‘Mother’ and nagging people to help clean and tidy up our home...

I JUST moved into an apartment with a group of girls, and it’s been great fun – but I seem to be the only one that cleans.

I don’t mind sharing chores, but no one seems to care if the bin overflows, or if the kitchen and bathroom need to be cleaned.

I don’t want to sound like a nag, and it’s my first time living away from home, so I’m nervous they’ll get mad if I constantly ask them to help!

I didn’t know them before I moved in.

How can I bring it up without sounding like their mother?

Sarah

MARY SAYS: CLEANING can be one of the biggest issues in sharing accommodation. It starts as something that shouldn’t

be a big deal, but then grates on your nerves as you constantly spend hours of your precious time cleaning up other people’s mess.

Everybody’s standards of cleanliness are different. Some people are happiest surrounded by clutter, whilst others like to fold their trousers and iron their socks.

There’s no right or wrong way to live – it’s about finding a compromise that works for everybody.

You won’t sound like their mother, you’re all adults! If they are old enough to be out living by themselves, they should be able to wash a cup.

You need to have a gentle but firm conversation with them. They probably don’t even realise how untidy they are – after all, they leave a cup down, and by a miracle it’s gone, washed and back in the press as if by magic!

Be ready to compromise and come up with a suitable arrangement with them.

However, do not leave passive-aggres-

VALENTINE’S Day is coming up next week, and I know there are a lot of people who are really looking forward to it – but I know that there are also a lot who will feel really left out and lonely.

For me, over the years, I felt that way too when I didn’t have a partner.

It took me a long time to realise that Valentine’s Day is not just about couples, it’s about the whole concept of love itself, and the power that love can give to each and every one of us.

When my daughter was young, I remember sending her a Valentine’s Card and thinking to myself: “Am I nuts, sending my daughter a Valentine’s Card?”

But when I saw her face light up I realised that Va l e n tine’s Day was not just for lovers but it was for me,

my daughter, my family…

As the years went on, I realised that I had to love myself, too. Love is one of the most beautiful things that we can share with ourselves and others, so this Valentine’s Day, if you are feeling lonely, remember that it’s not just for the couples, it’s for you too.

Celebrate it in whatever way you want, buy yourself some flowers or a box of chocolates, and sit down and watch a movie on TV and tell yourself: “I’m worth this – I can celebrate Valentine’s Day without needing somebody sitting there beside me”.

Just feel the love of yourself and the ones you love around you.

It’s a day for love – not just a couples’ love but to show yourself and all your loved ones just what they mean to you.

Unless you’re happy to be The Magical Apartment Fairy who tidies up after everyone else, don’t be afraid to tell the others to clean up too

sive notes lying around the place; do not bitch behind their back, and do not divide the kitchen into ‘their’ area and ‘your’ area!

Use phrases like: “I feel that...”; don’t blame and say: “You do this…” etc. Hopefully, it will improve and they will follow your lead!

REMINDER Mary needs you to contact her by noon on Monday, so don’t delay – email your problem straight over to Dear Mary at Dublin Gazette today!

GAZETTE GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE BEST OF THE REST

FEBRUARY 8 (Thursday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 The Lost Brothers @ The Sugar Club, €22.50 RavenEye @ The Grand Social, €13 Chinese Newspaper + Easy Tide + Young Earth @ Whelan’s, €8 The Felonies + Boom Child + The Elephant Room + Emma Langford @ The Workman’s Club, €8 A selection of the Irish acts most likely to breakthrough into mainstream consciousness this year takes to the stage as part of Gigonometry Presents in the Workman’s Club. The Felonies and Emma Langford look particularly hot property: get there while it’s cheap.

Hamell On Trial + Clive Barnes @ East Side Tavern, €16

PICK

OF THE WEEK

FEBRUARY 9 (Friday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 FEBRUARY 10 (Saturday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 I Draw Slow @ Whelan’s, €15 Dimitri From Paris @ The Button Factory, €25 The Ratzingers @ The Mint Bar FEBRUARY 11 (Sunday) Franz Ferdinand @ Olympia Theatre, €36 The 00s indie icons Franz Ferdinand have a new album for 2018, and while it’s unlikely to soar in the way early hits ‘Fire’ and ‘Take Me Out’, they still have the jaunt and melody to make one hell of a night out.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers @ Vicar Street, €29 Therion @ Tivoli Theatre FEBRUARY 12 (Monday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 The modfather returns to Ireland, fresh from playing the Sydney Opera House.

Expect solo material and classics from his unforgettable former band The Jam. Maleek Berry @ The Academy, €20 SYML @ Whelan’s, €15 FEBRUARY 13 (Tuesday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Lewis Capaldi @ The Academy, €15 The Front Bottoms @ Vicar Street, €24.50 FEBRUARY 14 (Wednesday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Iron and Wine @ The Helix, €30.50 Suicideboys @ Tivoli Theatre, €24.50 5 Dollar Shakes @ Whelan’s, €8

PAUL WELLER

AT THE OLYMPIA THEATRE The legendary Modfather behind The Jam and The Style Council returns to Dublin for a number of performances at The Olmpia Theatre.

The quintessential soundtrack to English life, Paul Weller’s timeless songwriting has never been more critically acclaimed with the release of his latest album, A Kind Revolution.

Tickets €55

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

“Music Magpies” the Eclectic Indie Beats of Django Django

 JAMES HENDICOTT Having bounced from a bedroom-DIY debut that brought a Mercury Prize nomination, to a follow up they seem to have dismissed as an uninspired blip, Django Django - an almost impossible band to peg - are back with a third album, Marble Skies, and heading for Dublin....

Django Django have been hovering around the edges of a burgeoning indie scene for years, hard to define but easy to love.

They draw in aspects of straight up indie rock, electro-punk, mild psychedelic tendencies and plenty of varied, often-sampled beats.

The entire concept seems to hang on limitless experiment, something that’s evolved strongly through their careers, and now revolves around a large practise room in Tottenham (North London), crammed with their monstrous vinyl collection and all the instrumentation they need.

“We have to take it a little differently now,” frontman Vincent

Neff - a native of Derry - says of the band’s everyday life.

“When we’re back in London, it’s very much a normal working schedule, as some of us have families, so the whole all-night, up drinking while we write music thing is largely a thing of the past.

“That’s totally different on tour, of course, but when we’re recording we have to consider family life.

“W hat we produce comes largely from a lack of belief in genre. Dave [Maclean, the band’s producer and drummer] has a crazy techno record collection, while the other lads have other influences.

“There are five or six new records coming into the practise space every week.

“Growing up in the 90s you were going to a gig one night and a rave the next, listening to the Happy Mondays and hard house.

“I don’t really understand how anyone can just be into a genre, and come out with stuff like ‘I just listen to techno’. That idea eroded for us a long time ago.”

There are difficulties with that variety, of course, not least in Django Django’s textured and nuanced sound being extremely difficult to reproduce live.

“It takes a long time to sort,” Neff admits, laughing.

“You get onto the stage and it sounds different. There are definitely some songs we just can’t do, and others that are different live, that we change the rhythm of, or use different instruments.

“Some songs we try for a few minutes as a live set up and it’s immediately obvious it’s just not going to work. Others we kind of stumble on solutions.”

Latest album Marbles Skies has been a long time coming.

“By the time it comes to release you’re just excited to have it out there,” Neff says of the launch of their third release.

“It’s been six months finished, and working on other stuff, like videos, and how to play the tracks live, and it’s more of a relief than anything to actually have it out there.

“Ideally we’d like to put it out

the next day, but things don’t really work that way, though I did come across a label that does that recently.

“We actually wrote this one apart, in a sense, and that worked quite well. It was quite dynamic at the beginning. We got Anna [Prior, the drummer with Metronomy] involved.

“Dave being away from us was a bit of an accident, but in a way it gave us all space, and we came at each track with fresh ears, which made things slightly different from before.”

There’s a sense, in fact, that Neff wasn’t all that happy with Django Django’s second album, which saw the act shift to the ‘big time’ but perhaps become a little less themselves.

They moved from a very-much bedroom recording set up in their 100,000-selling self-titled debut, to a high-end studio production in sophomore release, Born Under Saturn.

“You can say you don’t care when the critics aren’t as into it,” Neff says, “but that’s only so true.

If someone pummels it, it’s not like you can go out and just fix it the next time.

“Nothing’s ever going to be to everyone’s taste and you kind of have to go with your gut.

“But I don’t really believe anyone doesn’t care what people think of what they’ve put so much work into.

“We work with an amazing label, and that gives us real freedom,” he continues.

Based on the reception of its early singles and the first few days of the new album, it seems likely the Marble Skies will be the popular return to form that Django Django were looking for.

The critics are certainly infatuated, if continuing a charming and convoluted struggle to pin down exactly what this band actually are.



Django Django play the Tivoli Theatre on Francis Street on March 2.

Their acclaimed third album ‘Marble Skies’ is out now..”

GAZETTE GAZETTE

MUSIC

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINFITNESS Gareth Francis is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach with over eight years experience in the fitness industry.

He now works as head coach in Kickstart Fitness.

 GARETH FRANCIS info@dublingazette.com

5

fitness myths That need to die in 2018

Myth 1

Training and targeting specific body parts for fat loss

IF only this were true, we could do endless crunches and our stomach fat would disappear but unfortunately this isn’t the case.

We can’t pick and choose which area we want to burn fat in.

Our body reduces fat as a whole when we expend energy (burn calories) so this is why bigger exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges and sprints are actually better for fat loss.

They take more effort to do therefore they burn more calories. Although you can target specific muscles to grow under fat.

Myth 3

Cardio is best for fat loss FOR most people who join the gym to lose some weight, they’ll head straight to the treadmill or cardio machines.

Even though this is an effective way to burn up calories and lose fat, in my opinion, we all need some strength training in our training plans.

Even if the goal is just to lose a few pounds, strength training is a more effective way to lose fat long

CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie

term.

This is due to the excess post oxygen consumption that occurs elevating your metabolism leaving you burning calories long after your workouts are done.

You also get the benefit of building lean muscle while strength training.

So I advise strength training being the base training of your programme and cardio, you just add in to burn up some extra calories.

Myth 2

When you get old your metabolism slows down

ALTHOUGH this term is somewhat true it is very over exaggerated. As we get older our metabolism does slow down but not by a significant amount. Studies have proven that our metabolism actually only reduces from 5% to 10% as we get older.

One thing that does slow down as we get older which is always overlooked is our NEAT levels. Basically this is the amount of activity we do that is not exercise.

As we get older, we tend to move around a lot less which makes our energy expenditure a lot less, storing calories and gaining weight, so we just need to move a bit more to maintain what we had when we were younger.

Myth 4

The weighing scales I’M not completely against people using the weighing scales as a tool to track their progress, once they know how to use it right!

Yes I know you would think it’s as simple as stepping on and reading the numbers right?

But if those numbers aren’t what you expected them to be, it can be very disheartening.

Here are a couple of things to consider when weighing yourself that could tip the scales in the wrong direction.

Are you using the same scales each time?

Have you eaten food that’s still in your system? (fasted first thing in the morning is best).

Have you used the bathroom before stepping on?

Are you female and close to your monthly cycle?

Are you retaining water?

So taking all of the above into account, there are other ways to track your progress.

Like body-fat measurements or feeling better in your clothes and looking at yourself in the mirror because those three never lie.

Myth 5

Fat burners Firstly let me say, if there was a pill you could take that just burned fat like some of these well known brands say it can, there would be a lot of empty gyms out there. In fact there’s never been

any research that showed any of these so called “fat burners” actually work.

Truth be told, if they did, I’d probably take them myself, so don’t waste your money guys.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

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stick is a luxurious liquid lipstick with a plush matte finish and

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And for the most

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There is little bit of love in the air at Littlewoodsireland.ie in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to something innocent and pink with a frilly blouse or go full-on red with a romantic dress with the ever-so-tough biker jacket to show your wild, passionate side. Watch out! You could get love struck with just a click.

elegent colour. Available in pharmacies nationwide

V by Very Tea Dress €62

V by Very High heel knitted sock boot, €58

Treat your skin FRENCH brand Payot have two new products that will leave you living your skin this Valentine’s Day. The Peeling Oxygenant Depolluant (RRP €38) peeling mask oxygenates, detoxifies and neutralises pollution while the Gommage Doucer Framboise (RRP €35) contains real raspberry seeds for super soft exfoliation. Available in pharmacies and selected stores nationwide and at http://payot.ie

Floral blouse €42

V by Very Faux leather biker jacket, €2

Behind every strong brow is a strong woman ELIZABETH Oakes has been a Permanent Make-up technician and educator for over 15 years and is highly regarded within her field. On a regular basis, Elizabeth meets clients who are suffering the effects of cancer and are losing or have lost their hair through the effects of cancer treatments.

With her skills, Elizabeth can give back something to these ladies and considers herself very lucky to be able to help them in a such an important way.

The eyebrow treatments that Elizabeth offers makes such an astounding difference to their lives and helps bring confidence back in these ladies whilst they are suf-

fering the physical and mental effects of cancer.

Elizabeth feels extremely passionate about helping and supporting these people and gives a lot of her time and skills to these ladies on a regular basis on a pay-with-a -smile ethos.

A charity event will be held on the February 18 in the NSI Swords

where ladies in these situations are invited to attend and get a brow treatment complimentary.

There will be many other surprises on the day. It will be an intimate event and a look good, feel better pamper day for the ladies involved.

For more information or if you would like to partake or support in anyway please call 012544245 or email info@elizabethoakes.ie

Love is in the CREATE the perfect hairstyle for Valentine’s Day using the

hair

revolutionary Remington Air Plates (€99.99).

The innovative suspended plates adjust to provide maximum contact for straighter hair and faster results. Each plate is coated in black titanium ceramic to ensure a smoother glide and smoother results, up to 75% smoother than a standard straightener.

Available from independent Irish electrical retailers and pharmacies nationwide.

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

Tastytitbitsabout PANCAKES

IT’S that time of year again – Pancake Tuesday is almost upon us, with next February 13 ushering in one of the tastiest Tuesdays of the year.

W hether you like ’em big and flat like the Mammy makes them, or small and fat like our American friends serve them, pancakes are a delicious dish that is also surprisingly adaptable.

Quick and easy to make, as well as being

very budget-friendly, pancakes have a surprising versatility that goes far behind the traditional serving (sprinkled with sugar and a quick dash of lemon) that many of us still plump for.

Whatever way you’re tucking into your perfick pancake next Tuesday, these titbits about the humble pancake may give you some food for thought ...

Devout Christians know that the day is the

last day to indulge before the start of Lent, with the day traditionally used to use up the last of some food staples before marking their fasting.

In line with seeking some spiritual nourishment, Christians also know that Pancake Tuesday falls 47 days before however Easter Sunday

falls that year.

Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to mark Pancake Tuesday in Ireland rather than Finland or Iceland – our Finnish friends celebrate Shrove Tuesday (to use its religious title) with green pea soup; in Iceland, it’s marked with salted meat and peas.

The Swiss have perhaps a more literal take on Pancake Tuesday – they refer to it as “Gudisdienstag” which is derived from a word meaning “a stomach full of food”.

Whatever your reason – as if any were needed – be sure to tuck in to some tasty pancakes next Tuesday, and enjoy!

Go gluten-free at restaurant week PERONI Gluten Free has teamed up with some of Ireland’s leading restaurants to host Gluten Free Restaurant Week from Monday, February 5 to Sunday, February 11.

Each participating restaurant has created a special gluten free Italian dish, which is on the menu all week, and comes complete with a complimentary bottle of Peroni Gluten Free.

Dublin restaurants taking part include Coppinger Row, The Exchequer, Sophie’s at The Dean, Angelina’s, Roberta’s, Lemon & Duke and The Bridge 1859.

To enjoy this offer, customers simply make a reservation at their restaurant of choice and choose the special Peroni Gluten Free dish when they place their order. Gluten free options range from a beetroot risotto at Coppinger Row to braised lamb shank at The Exchequer.

Peroni Gluten Free will also sponsor a new Free From award at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards.

The award will go to the Irish restaurants offering the best ‘free from’ options on their menu, and whose presentation highlights the unique qualities of the ingredients.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.rai.ie.

Coppinger Row Beetroot

Ireland needs to become a foodie destination

The new Failte Ireland Food & Drink Strategy aims to change overseas visitor perceptions of Irish food and drink

THE Irish Tourism industry needs to work towards changing the perception of food and drink amongst overseas visitors.

Paul Keeley, Director of Commercial Development at Fáilte Ireland said that Irish Food and Drink needs to be to repositioned from being a pleasant surprise to becoming one of the compelling reasons to visit Ireland.

His remarks came at a briefing to tourism and food & drink industry representatives on the publication of the tourism body’s new Food and Drink Strategy 2018 – 2023.

“Food and drink consumption is an intrinsic part of the tourist experience,” he said.

“Quality experiences are now a major contributor to increasing holiday satisfaction, cre-

ating positive memories and driving advocacy.

“A m o n g s t t h o s e deciding on a holiday location, the expectation of good food is nearly as important as hospitality.

Global reputation

“We undoubtedly have the product and expertise, we have natural produce, fresh ingredients, and great fish and meat but we need

to ensure that our food and drink offering gains a global reputation that matches the reality on the ground.”

The new Food and Drink Strategy is seeking to increase the number of tourism businesses engaged with development initiatives and, overseas, to increase and enhance the awareness and perception of Ireland’s food and drink offering.

In 2017, revenue from overseas visitors totalled €6.5bn with approximately a third - about €2 billion – spent on food and drink.

By targeted investment and effective promotion of the quality food and drink experiences available, the report claims that food could help grow tourism revenue by as much as €400 million over the next five years.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

COCO

Go loco for Pixar’s latest PIXAR’S latest has more than the bones of a good movie – it’s a great one, as Coco (Cert PG, 105 mins) fleshes out an old Mexican tradition with beautiful style. A young boy becomes trapped in the land of the dead, with his ancestors teaming up to help him back to the land of the living – and to pursue his dreams – in one of the best animated films in recent years. Truly heartwarming stuff here.

Welcome to the house of horror – horror-bly cliched, that is, as Winchester’s sprawling mansion contains as many obvious jump scares as creepy ghosts

DARKEST HOUR

It’s bullishly brilliant COARSE, rude, calculated and bad-tempered – even so, Winston Churchill’s suddent rise to power at the heart of Darkest Hour (Cert PG, 125 mins) is a terrific examination of the legendary leader’s legacy. An unrecognisable Gary Oldman excels as the British bulldog, with a sense of mounting pressure, and the Dunkirk Risotto evacuation, adding to the tension behind the theatrics.

Darkest is an early bright spot in the year’s releases.

THE COMMUTER

Some rail-ly daft action LIAM Neeson straps on his action shoes yet again for The Commuter (Cert 15A, 104 mins), playing yet another everyman allround action hero forced to save the day in one extraordinary day. He’s the titular train commuter who gets caught up in a deadly game, on board a train full of other passengers, bad guys and suspects. It starts well, but ends up derailed by its muddled plot twists.

WINCHESTER: PLENTY OF LACE FRILLS, NOT SO MANY CHILLS IN MISFIRING HORROR

Has boring bullet points  SHANE DILLON THERE’S something about the haunted house as a narrative device that keeps seeing filmmakers returning to this tried and tr usted cinema device time and again.

After all, it’s the easiest thing in the cinematic world to lure in an audience, then send them tripping down a dark hallway here or shadowy staircase there, all the while readying one cheap jump scare after another to make ’em jump.

However, at this stage, it’s a little too tried and trusted – for ever y film that tries

something new with the formula (such as 2011’s horror-comedy, Cabin in the Woods), there are dozens of derivative shlockhorror films that

leave audiences itching to run for the exits out of boredom, rather than fear.

As the latest addition to the genre, Winchester (Cert 15A, 99 mins) at least aims to try and do something new, basing itself – very loosely – on a real-life house (and a character in its own right): the Winchester Mystery House.

Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the eponymous firearm kingpin, the actual Californian mansion is a sprawling labyrinth of 160-plus rooms.

I t ’s r e p l e t e w i t h dead ends, staircases to nowhere, unlikely twists and turns, and Liberally doused in black ... Helen Mirren is the eponymous widow at the heart of the film

a-la-carte architecture – apocryphally attributed to Sarah’s fear of ghosts, with the confusing, baffling layout designed to keep ghosts and bad spirits lost inside.

(One can only guess what the original house was like, as the famous 1906 earthquake saw a lot of it destroyed.)

Hey, that all sounds like the great basis for a haunted house movie, I hear you cry – as did Hollywood.

Step forward Helen Mirren, gamely stepping into Sarah’s shoes as the eccentric widow liberally doused in yards of black lace, ruling like a lost queen over her winding, sprawling, confusing realm of rooms, hallways, and hidden horrors.

Yes, horrors, as it’s not long before we’re firmly in bog-standard haunted house territory here, with

the Winchester home gunning for horror fans but, alas, shooting plenty of blanks along the way.

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that the Winchester house is soon swimming in more spirits than the average pub at Christmas, with all kinds of creepy goings-on, courtesy of just some of the many, many unfortunates who’d lost their lives to the late MrWinchester’s massproduced rifle.

Sarah is just the trigger – pun intended – for the increasingly batty horrors on show here, with a snooping psychologist (Jason Clarke) further added to the mix, and proving to have his own ghosts (inner, that is) in tow.

Add in problems with the staff, things that go bump in the night (and the day), and one cheap jump scare after

another, and you have a Winchester that’s rifled through one too many cinema cliches.

Mirren seems to be enjoying herself in the archly over-the-top role, but while she’s a grand Dame, this film isn’t exactly grand guignol, being neither horribly good nor horrifically bad.

Ultimately, Winchester is very much a “Meh” film, and you’ve certainly seen meh-ny better ones.

Much like the actual Winchester Myster y House, you’re likely to stroll right along through this film, taking in the sights, clocking some of the particularly cool rooms and interiors – and then calmly exit, with the film, as with the house, little more than a jumbled maze in the mind – and that’s about as amazing as Winchester gets.

Verdict: 4/10

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

Penalty points for incorrect tyre pressures IRISH motorists are being warned that for the first time since penalty points were introduced in 2002, drivers could now be liable to incur points on their licence if their tyres are either under or over-inflated. Following an analysis of the penalty points issued to Irish drivers during 2017 carried out by Continental Tyres in Ireland, the research has shown that for the first time ever, a driver was given two penalty points for having incorrect tyre pressure.

The penalty point offence in question, ‘unsuitable tyre due to degree of inflation’, was one of a raft of new tyre-related penalty point offences that were introduced in April 2016 by then Minister for Transport Paschal Donohue. However, the first allocation of penalty points under this measure was made during July 2017. The analysis was carried out as part of Continental Tyre Group’s commitment to its Vision Zero strategy, a long-term commitment to reduce accidents through tyre technologies and innovative automotive systems.

According to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland: “Irish motorists need to realise that incorrect inflation of their tyres does not only have important safety implications for the performance of a vehicle, now you could get penalty points if your tyres are either over or under-inflated.”

The new Volvo XC60 Hybrid drive gives impressive road performance coupled with low CO2 emissions in a car that’s rated as one of the safest Volvo ever produced. Prices for the hybrid models start from €69,950 with some attractive grant incentives to ease the cost.

New era XC60

Volvo’s commitment to cleaner driving now comes in the shape of the new plug-in hybrid XC60 mid-range SUV model that heralds an era of change for the Swedish brand as MICHAEL MORONEY when he took the car rated as the safest on the market for some lengthy test drives.

THE new generation Volvo XC60 has a hybrid engine offer that confirms Volvo’s intention to have no petrol or diesel only cars in its range by next year. The new hybrid version of the Volvo XC60 affirms that plan with a drive system that claims to further enhance the capabilities of what is in every other sense, a very impressive mid-size SUV. The 2018 version of the Volvo XC60 is impressive in so many respects. The car is such a solid vehicle on the road, combining comfort, safety and now new low levels of exhaust emissions, in one. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the XC60 does the SUV thing really well with a level of style and comfort that makes this car less intrusive than some of the other brands.

In recent weeks, the XC60 has come through

a new generation Euro NCAP crash test programme to add its credits.

Volvo claims that this car is one of the safest that it’s ever made, and it has been crowned the best-performing large off-roader and the car with the best overall performance in the Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98% in the adult occupant safety category, and its Safety Assist system scored a 95% rating, 20 percentage points higher than the nearest large off-road competitor, further confirming Volvo’s position as a leader in automotive safety.

Sometimes we take the Volvo safety message for granted, while in this car its one of its outstanding features. The other is the plug-in hybrid drive system. At a time when we are being encouraged to move

away from diesel and petrol engines, the Volvo hybrid offer is timely.

alent of 407bhp backed by huge torque levels that give almost instant accel-

Volvo XC60 Hybrid T8 Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price This hybrid drive offer is a powerful one. Volvo combines the power from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with that of a rearwheel-drive electric motor to give a powerful package in what’s labelled as the T8 version. The combined power comes to the equiv-

2.0 litre 320hp +85hp 5.3 seconds 21km/litre (2.1/100km or 136mpg) 50 litres 49g/km A1 €170 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2009) 3 years (100,000km) €69,950 eration.

This smooth combination of petrol and electric power gives the car a hugely impressive 0 to 100km/ hr acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds. And I assure you that it can easily deliver that pace.

The plug-in system gives

a pure electric range of up to 45km (28 miles). The combined engines claim a fuel consumption figure of 2.1 l/100 km (134.5 mpg), which on paper is impressive. The CO2 rating is very low at 49g/km and that’s kept the road tax at an affordable €170.

T his new plug-in hybrid XC60 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that allowed very smooth acceleration and when the two power sources are combined, the car has really impressive acceleration power.

The transmission is very seamless and effortless to use.

Volvo’s City Safety system is fitted to every XC60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist.

This feature helps to avoid

or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle.

There’s an obvious luxury feel in a minimalist Swedish way to the interior of the XC60 hybrid.

The seating is good and firm with electric adjustment on the test car. The touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and Bluetooth phone set-up took little effort and more than one phone can be connected.

The Volvo XC60 T8 hybrid is possibly the safest and one of the cleanest cars in the luxury end of the mid-size SUV market.

Hybrid XC60 entry prices start at €69,950.Grant incentives are available such as a €2,500 refund on VRT in addition to a €5,000 grant for private buyers.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Skoda replaces Yeti with stylish Karoq THE new Skoda Karoq compact SUV, the second model in the brand’s SUV offensive, is now on sale in Ireland, with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models. This new Karoq replaces the Yeti, which has been a popular model with Irish drivers.

The Skoda Karoq is positioned just below its bigger counterpart, the Kodiaq, in the Skoda vehicle line-up. While the Kodiaq is primarily a seven-seat vehicle, the Karoq is strictly a five-seat compact SUV with all the space, functionality and

features that are synonymous with the brand.

This new Karoq is larger than the Yeti, which it replaces, being 160mm longer and 48mm wider.

The boot capacity has increased by 105 litres to 521 litres in standard format. Despite this, Skoda claims that the Karoq is actually 13kg lighter than the outgoing Yeti.

From the exterior, the Skoda Design language is evident with crystalline effects in the LED head lights and body panel lines.

Like all Skoda models, the Karoq offers class-leading luggage space and func-

tionality. Positive impressions continue into the cabin.

On the inside, the optional and unique VarioFlex seating system can be adjusted into multiple formats (or removed completely) to accommodate the more bulky luggage transporting tasks. With VarioFlex seating, the standard luggage capacity increases to 588 litres. All Karoq versions are provided with a foldable umbrella that is stored beneath the passenger seat.

The Karoq comes with a choice of four engines, ranging from 115bhp to

150bhp, with three DSG automatic gearbox offerings, as well as a 150bhp 4X4. The top navigation systems, Columbus and Amundsen, also offer a Wi-Fi hotspot for on board Wi-Fi. A wireless phone charger can also be added to the Karoq, removing unwanted cable clutter.

The entry level Ambition trim comes standard with 17” Ratikon alloy wheels, 8” touch screen Bolero infotainment system, Climatronic airconditioning, rear parking sensors, Smart Link+ and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

The new Skoda Karoq replaces the Yeti with more space, more style and improved engine options with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models.

FASTNews New electric car grant for taxis and public vehicles THE Department of Transport has announced a new electric car grant

licence and wish to replace their vehicle.

Jaguar offers fast charge electric I-PACE

It will also be available for existing drivers

JAGUAR’S new electric I-PACE car will promise both

who operate a wheelchair accessible

rapid charging and rapid performance when it goes on

vehicle (WAV) licence and wish to replace

sale on March 1 of this year. The car claims a charging

their vehicle with an electric WAV and the

time of less than 45 minutes combined with sports car

new licence holders who wish to operate

performance and SUV practicality. Jaguar claims that

electric WAVs or limousines.

the new I-PACE will be an everyday car, whether on the

scheme worth up to €7,000 for taxis and Toyota lead the new car

public service vehicles. The scheme will

market in January

be available nationwide to existing taxi

Toyota’s hybrid sales give market lead TOYOTA Ireland claims that its new car market lead for January 2018 is thanks to significant demand for its hybrid range.

Toyota ended January with a 11.83% market share, achieved through the sale of 4,393 passenger vehicles, 48% of which were hybrid, according to the company.

Looking across Toyota’s best-selling hybrid models, Yaris sold 1026 units, of which 49% were hybrid, Auris sold 807 units, of which 71% were hybrid, C-HR sold 813 units, of which 77% were hybrid and the RAV4 sold 582 units of which 49% were hybrid.

Toyota Ireland’s chief executive Steve Tormey said: “With close to 50% hybrid

mix of our total passenger car sales, it’s very clear that hybrid is the best technology in the market today to meet customers’ needs for more environmentally friendly and better driving experiences. With diesel now accounting for only 21% of our car sales, Toyota customers are ahead of the market in their move out of diesel and into hybrid.

“Similar to the Irish Government, Toyota too has a vision for a zero emissions society, which we believe can be a reality by 2050.

To help achieve this, Toyota’s self-charging hybrid cars, which are in electric mode for up to 55% of the time, should be viewed as a stepping stone for consumers into full electrification”.

The new Jaguar I-PACE

drivers who operate a standard vehicle

The electric vehicle grant scheme will be applicable to both new and second hand electric vehicles. For the purpose of

school run, daily commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures.

This new I-PACE has been rigorously tested across

this Grant Scheme only Battery Electric

extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has

Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric

tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather

Vehicles (PHEV) will qualify for purchase

test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low

relief. Fully hybrid vehicles or vehicles

as -40°C.

older than six years of age will not be eligible for support.

Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a

Up to €7,000 grant will be made avail-

journey. Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum

able from the National Transport Author-

range, performance and comfort whether tempera-

ity for the purchase of a new BEV and up

tures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up pre-

to €3,500 for the purchase of a new PHEV

ferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules

— with lesser amounts being available

can be done from either the on-board InControl system,

the older the vehicle is (up to a maximum

or the Remote smartphone APP, and is as easy as setting

of six years old).

an alarm.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

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WEDDINGS/ANIVERSARIES

NAME HERE

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IN MEMORIAM

DEATH NOTICES

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IN MEMORIAM

NAME HERE & NAME HERE OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

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NAME HERE & NAME HERE OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

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8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

SPORT

FastSport NOVA HITS THE SIX AT SIX: FOR the next six weeks, Radio Nova will bring their unique twist on The Six Nations Championship with the ‘6 At 6’ from 6pm-7pm every Thursday.

Brent Pope will join Pat Courtenay in studio as they look forward to the weekend’s games.

Does Brent Pope still believe we can claim the Grand Slam as he has so often stated or with a resurgent Wales and England on form, have his expectations dropped?

Of course, with no Brent on TV this year, Nova is the only place to get your annual Popey fix. And being two Kiwis, Brent and Pat are not afraid to say it as they see it.

There will be special guests dropping by and the lads will be encouraging listeners to call directly into studio.

The ‘6 At 6’ with Pat Courtenay and Brent Pope continues on Thursday, February 8.

ULTRA-RUNNING: CABRA-BASED RUNNER BREAKS EIGHT HOUR MARK FOR 100KM

Higgins follows Pheidippides route on the road to Sparta

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN-BASED ultramarathon runner Alastair Higgins has hit the much sought-after automatic qualifying time for iconic ultra race the ‘Spartathlon’, taking home first place in the UK’s Flitch Way 100km race, near Braintree, in the process.

Higgins took the lead in the Flitch Way race with around 20kms to go, having run much of the distance in third place.

His consistent splits saw him average four minutes 43 per kilometres over the 100kms, and contained only 12 kilometres at over five minutes pace.

It saw Higgins reel in the leaders over the out and back course, to finish in seven hours and 55 minutes. A sub-8 hour time is enough to qualify for the Greek contest.

“The course was 5kms each way, out and back, which acts as a kind of mental reset after each time,” Higgins said of the race.

“It breaks it all up into five or 10km chunks, which is helpful as it can be hard to keep track of your pace when you don’t

Alastair Higgins following the 100-mile Vartry Lakes race

have regular markers.

“As it was out and back, I could also see the other runners in front of me at about the same point on the course every time, and I knew I was slowly reeling them in.

“I was trying to keep some-

thing for the end, and knew I had a bit in the bank. The eight hours was key, that’s an automatic qualifying time for Spartathlon, and outside of that you need a slower time to get into a lottery.”

The Greek race traces the

route Pheidippides took from Sparta to Athens, a path of around 150 miles that finishes with a climb up and down a mountain.

There are regular time cut offs that must be made by racers, and another serious inhib-

iting factor is the heat.

Training in Ireland involves regular runs in multiple layers of clothing aimed at raising the core temperature.

The field of athletes is world class, and a top 50 finish would be a fantastic achievement.

Higgins, though, is used to the hard yards: “I peaked at about 180kms a week,” he said of his recent training, “and tried to stay above 100 miles, which is about 161kms.

“Obviously, as a parent, that doesn’t always go to plan and you can’t really just add it on next week at that kind of distance, so you just have to accept it and move on.

“I’ve learnt a lot about recovery and nutrition, and you can really maximise the benefit and bounce back quickly.

“The worst part after the last run is actually my arms, from holding water bottles.”

Higgins is also the drummer in popular Dublin dance act Le Galaxie, and as well as the Spartathlon, plans to run the Belfast to Dublin ultra race later this year (he ran the same contest in reverse in 2017), and to go for entry to notorious American ultra race Badwater.

Saints stun Marian with crucial last minute free throws  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Saints’ Dee Proby. Picture: Sportsfile

DCU Saints caused a big upset in the Men’s Super League on Saturday evening as they overcame league leaders, UCD Marian, at the death, 71-70.

A nail-biting finale to one of the games of the weekend saw the clash ultimately decided on the free throw line, as everyone held their breath when Dee Proby edged DCU ahead.

UCD Marian missed the opportunity from the same spot at the other end – netting just one from two of their bonus

shots – to tie the game on the buzzer to send the game to overtime.

“I’m delighted with the win!” said Saints head coach, Joey Boylan. “It was a tough game, and the last couple of minutes it came down to who was getting their shots and who would miss them and, unfortunately for them, they missed a free throw on the buzzer.”

Marian didn’t have long to wait though until they got back to winning ways as they took the spoils from their big clash with UCC Demons at the Mardyke

in Cork on Sunday, winning out 95-78 in the end with a 31-point display from Mike Garrow.

“We would have loved to have won both games,” admitted Marian’s Ioannis Liapakis. “But the way things came about, one win is enough – it’s good, we’re happy. We needed that win: in five months, we had only two losses and all of a sudden, in one week we had two losses in a row. We needed that win to get back on track.”

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, meanwhile, kept their spot at second place on the table secure

this weekend, with an 84-72 point win over Pyrobel Killester in the Complex in Tralee.

I n t h e Wo m e n ’s S u p e r League, meanwhile, the hugely anticipated clash between Courtyard Liffey Celtics and DCU Mercy certainly lived up to all expectations, with Liffey winning out 61-57 in a cracking game.

A nail-biting end to the clash saw brilliant scoring from Devon Brookshire and international underage star Sorcha Tiernan see them home to victory.

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Gillick back on home turf for Marlay parkrun VHI is calling on walkers, joggers and runners to join them at Dublin’s Marlay parkrun on Saturday, February 10 when they will host a special event to celebrate their partnership with parkrun Ireland.

Parkrun, in partnership with Vhi, support local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday at 9.30am which are open to all ages and abilities.

In addition to the normal Marlay parkrun on Saturday, Olympian, David Gillick will be on hand to lead the warm up for parkrun participants before completing the 5km course alongside newcomers and seasoned parkrunners alike.

Refreshments will be provided in the Vhi relaxation Area at the finish line. Free massage balls will be given out on a first come first served basis and a qualified physiotherapist will also be on hand to guide participants through a post event stretching routine.

Marlay parkrun event director, Liam McCambridge is extending a warm welcome to newcomers: “The community at Marlay parkrun prides itself on being welcoming to all, so if you’ve never completed a parkrun before or have just let your parkrun habit slip, I’d encourage you to give it a go this weekend.

“Vhi will be providing an extra level of support to participants and volunteers so Saturday is a great opportunity to get active! Just register at parkrun.ie and we’ll see you in Marlay Park for what should be a brilliant morning!”

The Vhi parkrun roadshow visited 11 parkruns during 2017 and has hosted events in Dublin, Kildare and Limerick over the past number of weeks.

The events across Ireland are organised by more than 600 volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer. Over 100,000 registered participants have run more than 3.6 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012. Originally launched in the UK in 2004, parkrun is the single biggest participation running event globally with nearly three million registered participants and an average of 165,000 weekly participants.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www. parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.

McGuckin going back in time to sail around world Battling high winds and rough seas is one thing but one Goatstown man is making things even tougher as he harks back to the 60s in his bid to circumnavigate the globe solo  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DU BL I N E R G r e g o r McGuckin is looking to be the first Irish native to sail solo and non-stop around the world, with his challenging adventure race set to get underway in late June, amid a field of 25.

McGuckin isn’t making his life easy, either: the contest he’ll enter is a recreation of an infamous non-stop, solo race that took place in 1968. It goes so far as to use yachts dating back to the era, ban electronic navigation (the competitors will rely on a compass and the sun and moon), and even prohibit communication that wasn’t available 50 years ago.

Instead of an MP3

p l ay e r a n d K i n d l e , McGuckin – and the rest of the competitors – will carry a haul of books and cassette tapes.

McGuckin’s circumnavigation is expected to take approximately 270 days, and his number one goal is to finish, though the 31-year-old hasn’t ruled out a push to win the competition. Having crossed the Atlantic on numerous occasions, as well as the Indian Ocean, his main concerns are not so much about the sailing, but about the isolation.

“We’ll have long range radios, which work sporadically, so I will be able to talk to home, though I’ll be relying on limited charge and intermittent contact,” he tells us.

“We have a GPS, but it’s for safety, and it’s kept

Gregor McGuckin on the bow of his boat

in a box that we’re disqualified for opening. The same goes for the satellite phone, except for calling the organisers.”

“I’m confident I’ll be fine alone for the first month or six weeks but I am worried about boredom. It’ll be easier if I’m going along at a good speed, the boat is well maintained and I’m near the front. If I’m out of the race somewhere down the back, it’ll be a lot more difficult.”

Despite it being 50 years old, McGuckin’s is confident his boat, a Biscay 36 Ketch - touted as one of the most competitive models permitted in the race - is more than capable of the journey.

“It’s a good solid boat,” McGuckin explains.

“They weren’t so certain

of the strength of fiberglass at that time, so they actually made the hulls a lot thicker and a lot stronger to be sure they were safe.

“It has basic controls; I have modernised the control system a little bit, but it’s not like driving a vintage car. It’s definitely a boat capable of making it around, and it’s in pretty good nick right now.

“It’ll have to last under sail for almost the entire distance [around 30,000 miles] , as while I have an engine for emergencies, I’ll have very little fuel.

So I hope it holds up,” he jokes. “The Southern Ocean has effectively no land mass in the way, so storms build with constant westerly winds.

They’re bigger seas, and bigger challenges thou-

sands of miles away from land. It’s cold, grey and big, and crossing the Atlantic isn’t really comparable, but I’ve been in big seas before.

“As much as that, my worries are things like that I read quickly. I might try reading in a different language or something to make it take a little bit longer, as I can’t bring too many books for weight reasons.”

McGuckin was raised in Goatstown and attended Colaiste Dhulaigh.

His passion for sailing has developed from an interest in windsurfing, and he has spent recent years teaching children to sail off the coast of County Mayo. He has over 50,000 miles of logged sailing experience, and will add a further 30,000 should he complete his trip.

While the race gets under way in June, a feature film about a competitor in the original contest, The Mercy (starring Colin Firth) is out this week, with Firth playing Donald Crowhurst.

Crowhurst was a failed amateur competitor in the original 1968 race, widely believed to have committed suicide once he realised his ill-thought-out plan to ‘win’ by hanging around in the Atlantic and return home at speed without circumnavigating the globe was likely to be discovered, and lead to his bankruptcy.

The original race was won by Robin KnoxJohnston.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

JUNIORCup

SCHOOLS RUGBY: RATHMINES OUTFIT WIN BATTLE OF THE SAINTS

Picture: Paul Lundy

Rock avenge 2017 final defeat to St Michael’s BLACKROCK College moved into the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Junior Cup quarter-finals at Donnybrook on Sunday with victory over St Michael’s College, avenging last year’s final defeat.

Rock won 36-12, scoring six tries in a superb performance at Donnybrook, getting their campaign up and running in perfect fashion.

Jude O’Reilly crossed first before lock Michael Moloney got the second. O’Reilly made it three tries in the first following David Walsh’s quick hands. Captain James Culhane extended the lead out to 24-0 before O’Reilly completed his hat trick of tries and Thomas Quinn completed the half dozen late on.

St Mary’s salute their crowd following their win over St Andrew’s. Picture: Paul Lundy

Mary’s might outdoes Andrew’s SENIOR CUP 1ST ROUND St Mary’s 29 St Andrew’s 18  MATTHEW KENNEDY sport@dublingazette.com

ST MARY’S triumphed over St Andrew’s in Donnybrook on Friday to book themselves into the quarter finals of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup. The enthralling contest began at a frenetic pace with both sides looking to assert themselves into the game early on.

The pace and power of St Mary’s duo Ruairi Shields and lock Sean Heeran proved instrumental in earning an early penalty for the Rathmines outfit which Shields him-

self pulled wide of the upright.

St Andrew’s scrum-half Daniel James was another to make an early impact, his line break and offload opening the pitch up for number eight Stephen Keane whose barnstorming run was brought to a halt prematurely.

The St Mary’s forwards found joy with their driving game. Centre Ben McDonnell was denied off the back of the maul

by Aaron O’Neill, stripping the ball away too for a crucial turnover.

T h e B o o t e r s t ow n school capitalised on this turnover efficiently, scrum-half James dancing around a midfield ruck and eventually releasing

HONOURS EVEN Wesley unable to escape the Dolphin challenge OLD WESLEY shared the spoils in Cork with

Dolphin following a 13-13 draw, keeping them in seventh place of Ulster Bank League Division 1B. Played in bright but cold conditions, Josh Miller kicked Wesley into the lead on the half hour for a 3-0 half-time lead. Barry Keeshan’s pair of penalties countered one from Miller for 6-6. JJ O’Dea’s converted try put Wesley in front once more but Dolphin drew a penalty try late in the game for the draw.

prop Jack O’Brien with a clever kick to get the first points on the board.

St Mary’s swiftly replied to going behind when scrum-half Adam McEvoy stole down the right, popping the ball smartly to wing Hugo Conway who drove over the line.

The Rathmines school added to their lead, hooker Gavin O’Brien’s sublime piece of skill opening enough space for wing Eoin Carey to dot down on the 23rd minute for a 12-5 advantage.

Past pupil Jordan Larmour was on hand with the kicking tee for his former school as he assisted Aaron O’Neill whose magnificent penalty from the left sailed between the

posts to cut the deficit for St Andrew’s.

St Mary’s extended their lead once again before the half when a trick play led to a Shields try. This took the teams into the break at a score of 17-8.

The Booterstown boys came out of the traps quickly in the second half, spurred on by an early turnover from O’Neill.

Scrum-half James bundled home after a smart dummy in the 40th minute. This converted try slashed the deficit to just two points.

St Mary’s appeared unfazed by the mounting pressure and looked to extend their advantage once again. Their perseverance paid off in the

48th minute when second row Ian Wickham snatched a loose pass from beneath the Saints noses and scampered over the line to reopen the gap.

St Andrew’s heads never dropped and after another smashing O’Neill penalty they gained momentum.

Full-back Reece Jordan made a stunning, mazy run, driven on by the roar of the Donnybrook crowd however he was brought down short by the covering backs.

St Andrew’s couldn’t capitalise on their momentum as St Mary’s hooker O’Brien stormed over the line to consolidate victory for the D6 school at a score line of 29-18.

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: STRADBROOK SIDE SHARE EIGHT-GOAL CLASSIC

SCHOOLSSoccer

Champions League awaits Benildus  MATTHEW KENNEDY TEK United are in ninth place in the LSL Sunday Senior 1 division

TEK United rocked by Glenville comeback LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 TEK United 4 Glenville 4  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

THE game of the week at intermediate level unfolded in Stradbrook on Sunday afternoon as Glenville and TEK United shared the spoils in an eight-goal thriller.

The hosts found themselves with a three-goal lead inside 16 minutes as Adam O’Brien, Paul Barr and Paddy Byrne scored in quick succession.

O’Brien opened the scoring after two minutes after Glenville failed to deal with a ball into the box following a foul by Conor Moore.

Barr doubled the advantage in similarly scrappy circumstances shortly after before a quick counter chance allowed Byrne to add to what seemed an insurmountable lead.

The visitors from Palmerstown did eventually find their feet and forced the game back to 3-3 going into the last quarter, only for Brian Horgan to again put TEK in front.

Glenville weren’t going to leave without a point after such an effort in making a comeback and Keith Weeks’ goal in the dying minutes earned a deserved draw.

The Glenville comeback began on the half-hour as tenacious work from Rob Murtagh earned him a stroke of luck, winning a tackle with the goalkeeper and slotting home.

Five minutes later, it was 3-2 as a cross from deep sat up in the box for Moore, who made amends for his earlier error with a superb volleyed effort.

The visitors thought they’d levelled before the break after finding the net for a third time only for the linesman to flag for offside and scratch off the goal.

The equaliser eventually come on the hour mark as Ryan Hughes beat one man and rode a second tackle before shooting, and the rebound fell nicely for him to sidefoot home.

TEK hit the front once more in similar circumstances as Horgan picked up the rebound from his own shot and passed the ball into an empty net.

Substitute Weeks was to have the last laugh, however, as he sent Rory Kelly’s deep cross back across goal and into the roof of the net.

“It probably made for an exciting game,” TEK United manager Les Flynn told the Dublin Gazette.

“We thought we’d won it, then we threw it away.

We thought we’d won it again and they came back into it and fair play to them.

“We’re a small side and young. We can be bullied,

and we were on Sunday.

I said to them after the match, it’s a learning experience for them.

“I couldn’t see any young lads playing for them yesterday. It was men against boys in certain aspects.

“You’d rather be looking up than down, and we’re probably looking a bit down, worrying at what’s behind. 28 or 30 points will keep you safe so the sooner you get that the better.”

ST BENILDUS College’s Under-17 soccer team of St Benildus College look forward to defending the Leinster Champions League in the coming weeks, with preparations beginning for their quarter-final clash against Boyne CS of Trim.

The Kilmacud side qualified for the competition by winning the South Dublin Metro League. They came out on top of the four-school league, consisting of- Moyle Park, Drimnagh Castle, Lucan CBS and themselves.

St Benildus lost their first encounter at Moyle Park in a tight affair 3-2 but followed this defeat up with a brave 3-1 win against Drimnagh Castle. A number of fringe players stepped up in these games in the absence of more regular starters.

Without the strength in depth of the squad, it is almost certain the level of success they’ve achieved would not have materialised.

This run of games helped the team on their way to the league final against Lucan CBS. Led by returning captain Harry McEvoy, the Kilmacud outfit romped to a 4-1 victory in Peamount, earning their first piece of silverware of the season and qualifying for the Leinster Champions League.

The talent in the squad has not gone unnoticed in the footballing world.

Winger Shane Flynn and centre-half Jack Funge hope to ply their trade in the Premier League in the future with the pair signed to clubs Leicester City and Southampton, respectively.

Flynn plays for Bray Wanderers here at home, recently appearing in first team games ahead of the new Airtricity League season while Funge plays for the esteemed St Kevin’s Boys Club in north Dublin.

Also, at club level, goalkeeper Darragh Kenny, skipper McEvoy and Daniel Dobbin represent clubs in the League of Ireland at their age groups, including Cabinteely and UCD. This plethora of talent has been instrumental in the team’s success.

These key players will have to be at the top of their game with the quarter final of the Leinster Champions League approaching. The competition includes the winners of all the regional leagues in Leinster.

St Benildus can expect a tough challenge away to Boyne CS after the midterm break. The North Dublin regional final is yet to be played with Ashbourne CC and Coláiste Choilm of Swords seeking to claim a berth in the competition in that clash. West Dublin is represented by Coláiste Pobail Setanta in Clonee.

The U17 squad in Benildus are no strangers to success on the big stage, winning the Champions League competition last season and the bulk of the panel were involved in the first-year team that won the FAI All Ireland Schools Cup three years ago.

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38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 February 2018

SPORT

FASTSport

CYCLING: ORWELL WHEELERS RIDER STARS AT CYCLOCROSS CHAMPS

UCD’s Katie Mullan against Loreto. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Mullan magic keeps UCD clear at the top

KATIE Mullan’s 63rd minute drag-flick earned UCD another important away win to keep them four points clear at the top of the women’s EY Hockey League table.

The first half was very tight with neither side having a clear chance while Niamh Small and Mullan both drew green cards, indicative of the battle at hand.

The second half proved livelier as the tempo upped considerably. Both sides had corners in the third quarter with Alannah Carragher and Hannah Matthews combining to save well from Lena Tice while Loreto’s corner was charged down.

Nicci Daly also drew Clodagh Cassin off her line to make a fine save, keeping it level going into the final quarter. Matthews reverse drew a quality stop from Cassin from the next Loreto corner before the game was eventually settled by Mullan. Her drag took a deflection off a Loreto stick to leave Carragher stranded.

Loreto swapped their goalkeeper for an extra attacker for the remaining minutes but UCD ran down the clock well for a hard-fought win.

Loreto launch parahockey initiative KICKING off on February 21, Loreto Hockey Club is starting a new parahockey initiative called Loreto Lions.

Loreto Lions is all about inclusive hockey for young people with intellectual disabilities.

Open to girls of aged nine and above, the five-week course is free of charge and will be run by volunteers from Loreto who will

supply hockey sticks; players just need to bring gumshield and shin guards.

Loreto Hockey Club is very excited about this new incentive to promote social inclusion through sport. To find out more, email Sarah at loretolions@gmail. com.

Parahockey was introduced to Ireland in 2016 and now has three clubs established with Three Rock Rovers, Railway Union and Monkstown hosting training, games and tours for their groups.

Lara Gillespie at the world championships in the Netherlands last weekend

Gillespie steps up in class sport@dublingazette.com

ORWELL Wheelers talent Lara Gillespie demonstrated her cycling prowess and versatility last weekend, finishing 23rd in the Under-23 event, and was the fourth junior over the line, at the 2018 UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Valkenburg, the Netherlands.

The first-year junior won a silver medal in the Time Trial at last year’s European Youth Olympic Festival, and competed in the Under-23 event in the absence of a junior category.

Gillespie stormed to

glory in the Elite Women’s National Cyclocross Championships earlier this month.

Speaking after the race, the relieved 16-yearold was boosted by the crowds, with an estimated 40,000 spectators enjoying the weekend of racing.

“That was an amazing experience, the crowds, and particularly the Irish fans, were amazing. There were so many people shouting for me, so thank you to everyone!”

Despite having missed time on the bike due to illness, Gillespie was well equipped in the fast and technical discipline.

“I was sick last week

EURO CROSS COUNTRY Taylor leads way in top class run in Portugal DSDAC’S Junior (U-20) team shone in Lis-

bon, Portugal, last Sunday at the European Clubs Cross Country Championships, where 25 nations were represented in this top European competition.

Abbie Taylor entered this race in top form, after her recent 9.36 3,000m Indoors, and showed immediately to the front of the field and was only denied a medal by five seconds, after battling all the way to the line to finish 4th. Niamh Carey, who won the U.19 Irish Championships ended 16th overall.

and didn’t touch the bike for seven days, and it was touch and go if I would even make the start line.”

T h e y o u n g S c o t tOrwell Wheelers rider has a busy schedule over the coming months, juggling cycling and running.

“I have a few days off now and will be back to Belgium for the Junior Ghent-Wevelgem in March. Our school team has also been selected for the World Schools Cross Country Championships in Paris over Easter.”

The National Champion in the Junior Men’s Cyclocross event, Thomas Creighton, finished 50th in the event, and

described a tough but enjoyable course.

“The course was probably the toughest I’d every ridden, but you’d expect that from a World Championship event.”

In the elite men’s race Glenn Kinning finished 55th in tricky conditions “The last week has been great. The support team has been excellent and so has the preparation.

Today’s race was probably one of the hardest I’ve ridden.

“Conditions like that would probably have been called off back home!”

Mechanical issues affected Under-23 cyclocross talent David Con-

roy at the Championships – but the young rider is upbeat about the future “My race didn’t go to plan, however, my season as a whole has been a success, and I’m already looking forward to building towards next season.”

At her first World Championship event Maria Larkin was 39th in the Elite Women’s race “This was the most special race I’ve ever ridden.

The crowd, the atmosphere and the Irish fans were amazing. My first lap was tough and I made a few mistakes. I could hear the Irish fans cheering my names as well as some of my Chicago friends.”

8 February 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: SEMI-FINAL AWAITS FOR HYDE ROAD CLUB

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results (February 1): Numbers drawn were 2, 15, 16 and 19. No winner.

paid online and submitted by February

the lotto joker is €575. Winner of €100:

25. Please see instructions on how to

Carmel Kelly, €50 Ella and Patricia, and

pay your registration fees online on the

Anne Lane.

club website.

Joker consolation prize: Jackie Lee.

Congrats all who took part and

ELC forecast was won by Kieran Duffy,

helped organise the U-8 family table

Tom Donohoe and John Rutherford.

quiz on Sunday in the clubhouse. A great

CUALA

Kerry to Cuala to All-Ireland glory ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER a few years of punishing seven-hour round trips to Kerry for club and county training, Darragh O’Connell eventually threw his lot in with the Cuala hurlers at the end of 2014.

A teacher in a gaelscoil in Greystones since 2012, he began a parttime course in Setanta College and that helped him make the decision to put an end those arduous cross-country treks home.

It’s been a fruitful spell for the Abbeydorney native since then.

Cuala have become a dominant force in Dublin and Leinster, winning three county titles and two provincial crowns in succession.

O’Connell, who has also featured for Dublin, admits he never expected to enjoy such levels of success when he made the move.

“Absolutely not,” he said at the AIB GA A All-Ireland Semi-Finals media day. “W hen I

joined in 2014, we hadn’t won a county title since the early 90s. That was the main aim at that time and it’s funny to see how it has progressed since then.

“I knew some of the lads and I was living down in Shankill when I moved up first. A couple of lads said to come over and train with them during the winter and that’s how it came about in the end.

“I’ve got great support from everyone at home.

The opportunity came but it’s different when you’re travelling up and down. It was another challenge and it’s something I’m enjoying.”

The last side to put together back-to-back All-Ireland club hurling titles was Portumna in 2009, but Cuala are 120 minutes away from matching that feat.

T hey arrive into a last-four encounter with Liam Mellows on Saturday on the back of a Leinster campaign where they won their three games by an average of almost 11 points.

“There is a very motivated group there. We always say that whatever happened has happened.

“All you’re doing is you’re looking forward and trying to prepare as well as you can for the next challenge and that’s how we’ve looked at this year.

“It’s a brand new year.

Last year’s championship is last year’s, Leinster and county whatever

it was. Now this is a new competition and we’re just looking forward to Saturday.

“These occasions don’t come around too often. We’re just focused on the game and everything else that goes on around it, you try to block it out.”

The semi-final takes place at 4pm on Saturday afternoon in Semple Stadium.

léir ar fhoireann Choláiste Íosagáin a

ruary 19 in Cuala GAA club. Nominations

bhuaigh Leathchraobh na hÉireann Dé

can be found on the website.

hAoine. Imreofar an Chraobh i Mí Márta.

Good luck to our senior hurlers who

Well done to Cuala’s Róisín Ní Drisceoil

face Liam Mellows in the All-Ireland Club

and Anna Curraoin who were picked for

Senior Hurling Championship in Semple

the Dublin camogie U-14 development

stadium next Saturday.

squad. Well done also to Kerrie Begley

Fundraising table-quiz for the senior hurlers is on in Sheeran’s Club Bar in Dalkey this Thursday at 8pm.

who was picked for the U-13 development squad.

All aboard the Cuala Bus to Semple

Comhghairdeas le Buachaillí 03 a chur

Stadium ! If you can’t make the Train to

tús láidir lena Léip Peile agus bua cuim-

Tipp, there is always the Bus – no excus-

sitheach acu ar Nh Maur, Ros Eo maidin

es, get down to Semple to support the

Domhnaigh. Buíochas leis na Mionúir a

Senior Hurlers in their All-Ireland Club

d’athraigh an dtraenáil ionas go bhféad-

semi-final. Tickets are €15 Adult, €10

faí an cluiche a imirt.

Child. Available from the Cuala Office or

Moladh mór do na himreoirí Cuala go

KILMACUD CROKES

Cronin’s service station.

CROKES involvement across all three

Bill O’Carroll and Fergal Whitely were

Dublin squads over the weekend with

the Crokes representatives involved.

Dublin winning all three games.

Well done to the Dublin senior footballers who beat Tyrone 2-13 to 1-11

The U-15 footballers were in action over the weekend. The Division 1 team beat Jude’s by a point.

to win their second league game. Paul

The Division 5 team drew with Robert

Mannion was the Crokes representa-

Emmets while the Division 8 team lost

tive.

out to Templeogue Synge Street.

Congrats also to the Dublin senior

Well done to all who attended the

ladies who beat Westmeath 2-10 to 2-s.

Dublin County Board workshop “Play-

Well done to Eabha Rutledge, Aoife Kane

ing Under Pressure” hosted in Crokes

and Lauren Magee who were the Crokes

last Friday.

Well done to the Dublin senior hurlers who beat Antrim by a point, 0-23 to 0-22.

SHANKILL

THE JUVENILE academy, sponsored by

All set for the club gala night next Saturday, February 10. Promises to be a great night.

details later.

O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, is back in action

Ladies adult football team is going

in St Laurence’s College at 10am on Sat-

from strength to strength with all

urday mornings. Times for various team

abilities catered for so check out our

training sessions, contact your team

Facebook page and follow the link to the

coach.

ladies Facebook group, e-mail steveda-

There was a brilliant attendance for our AGM with all positions being filled;

vis203@gmail.com or contact Steve on 087 6414123.

please check the contact page on our

The men’s adult football team have

website for details. We would like to give

ambitions to climb up through the league

a very big thank you to the crowd who

divisions so new players are always wel-

turned out on the night for the meeting.

come; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

The new committee is looking forward

For more information on the club,

to a very busy year with lots of exciting

contact secretary.shankill.dublingaa.

projects in hand and with our move from

ie or call 086 4010438. Follow us on Face-

Shanganagh Castle to Stonebridge Road

book and Twitter.

of utmost importance.

Collins. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

afternoon’s fun was had by all.

THE AGM will reconvene on Monday, Feb-

representatives.

Cuala’s Darragh O’Connell, left, and Liam Mellows’ David

All membership payments must be

Next Thursday’s jackpot is €2,400;

Bingo continues every Monday at

Cuala’s Darragh O’Connell, left, and Liam Mellows’ David Collins. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

8pm.

Gaelic for Mothers & Others is coming to Shankill in the near future; more

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

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39

ROUND THE WORLD: Goatstown man going back in time to solo sail around the world in the style of the 60s P35

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2018

FROM KERRY TO CUALA: O’Connell looks ahead to huge All-Ireland semi-final P39

Great Scott retires Scott Evans will play for the Irish team for the last time next week in Kazan

Three time Olympian and Ireland’s best ever badminton player Scott Evans has decided the time is right to step back following epic career

 STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLINTEER man Scott Evans announced his retirement from international badminton following an exceptional 15-year career, featuring three Olympic Games – reaching the last 16 in Rio in 2016 – and a plethora of Irish national titles.

He will close this chapter when he plays with the Irish team for the last time next week in Kazan, Russian at the European men’s and women’s team championships.

It follows a colourful career that saw him move to Denmark in his mid-teens to pursue his passion and a professional dream, moving away from home and Wesley College where he had been in school.

There followed plenty of highs and lows with the victories in Rio bringing him to national attention as he put all his emotions on show.

Reflecting on the decision this week, he said: “What can I say?

“After 15 years as a professional badminton player, with three Olympic games and a ton of amazing memories, I am officially retiring from international badminton. Finishing my international career representing Ireland is a great way to end.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and one I have thought long and hard about for quite some time. My desire to continue training 100% has not been the same this last while and without that I know my level will not be at its best.

“I would like to thank a lot of people; firstly my family, Camilla and her family, Lauge, Tom, Badminton Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, Institute of Sport, Olympic Council of Ireland, GBK, Hegarty Financial Management, Sinead and of course my close group of friends.

“My future will continue in badminton where I will be teaming up with a former player in an exciting new project, which I will talk more about in the coming weeks!”

Chairperson of Badminton Ireland Ronan Rooney led the tributes to Evans, saying: “As a fan, and a board member, I, like many others, have enjoyed watching Scott’s career develop and go from strength to strength over many years.

“A career that has been populated with many memorable highlights, including numerous Irish

caps, an Irish Open title, several International Open Titles, multiple Irish national titles, a world ranking of 23, and three Olympic Games – reaching the last 16 in Rio, which culminated in the now famous, and viral Full Evans!

“Scott has been a long-serving ambassador for Irish badminton, inspiring others to follow the path that he has paved. His success has in no small way contributed to the popularity and growth of badminton amongst our younger players, some of whom will continue to represent us on the European and world stages.

“He has done himself, his family and his country proud, brought much enjoyment and excitement to those of us back home, and set a very high bar for the aspiring stars of tomorrow to follow. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”