Dublin Gazette: South Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 10-16, 2019

DUBLINMAGAZINE: As the New Year gets under way, we have plenty of great features to help get 2019 off to a flying start SEE PAGE 13

South Edition

FREE

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

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

SPORT BASKETBALL:

Conor Meany tells Gazette Sport about his club’s hopes to find the heights of 2018 in cup semifinal. SEE P31

FAMILY FUN IN SANDYFORD HEAD of Science and Sport, Mark Langtry pictured with Laura Manning, Grace Thompson, Conal Curran, Tommy Horkan and Sarah Thompson enjoying the fun at Explorium, Ireland’s first sport and science centre which is set to become the country’s most exciting destination for family fun in 2019. See Gallery on P6 Picture: Robbie Reynolds

travel

INDULGE IN A LITTLE STAYCATION LUXURY IN THE COUNTRY P18

Unprovoked attack causes local outrage Teenagers put lives in danger

REBECCA RYAN

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

LOCALS are very “angry and disgusted” after a group of teenagers viciously attacked a car in Ballybrack.

Last Saturday at around 10pm, a woman reported she was driving through the area when her car was ambushed by a large

group of around “15 to 20 teenagers”.

In a post on Facebook page Shankill Open Forum, she said she slammed on the brakes when cans were thrown at the windscreen. The young group of vandals then “ran over to kick the wing mirrors off and kicked the door in”.

The woman said that there is a few grand

worth of damage done to her car.

“It was crazy. Just so unexpected and totally unprovoked… We literally stopped in the middle of the road because we were just in shock like.

“We’re ok, just a bit shaken… Be careful out there, one minute you can be cruising along belting out Cher, next thing you’re in a scene from Dangerous Minds,” warned CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 the woman.

‘Shankill legend’ is remembered TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a muchloved caretaker of Scoil Mhuire school in Shankill who has sadly died.

Bill Lyster (90) passed away peacefully last Saturday.

SEE PAGE 3

Shops shut LOCALS in Cabinteely are shocked as two loved businesses in the village have shut shop in the space of one week.

SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

PICK UP YOUR

DublinGazette SOUTH EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY! at the following locations:

• Nutgrove Shopping Centre • SuperValu – Ballinteer • Tesco – Petrol station (D.T.C) • Marks&Spencer – Dundrum • Costcutter – Windy Arbour • Scent Restaraunt – Churchtown • SuperValu – Churchtown • St Johns Gaa • St Olafs Gaa • Dundrum Library • Tesco – Rathfarnham • Tesco – Stillorgan • Leisureplex – Stillorgan • Dunnes – Beacon S.Q • Leopardstown S.C • Harvey NormanCarrickmines • Kilmacud Crokes • The Glenside • The Bottle Tower • Tesco – Nutgrove S.C • The Old Orchard – Rathfarnham • Centra – Stepaside • XL – Main St, Dundrum • Frangos Foodhall – D.T.C • Dundrum House • Rathfarnham Credit Union • Spar – Churchtown • SuperValu – Blackrock • Poppies Cafe – Dun Laoghaire • Centra- Glasthule road • Stop Press News & Deli – Dun Laoghaire • Spar – Glasthule • IADT – Dun Laoghaire • Tesco – Bloomfield S.C • Cornelscourt SC • Dalkey News • Dalkey Utd • Centra- Glenageary • SuperValu – Dalkey • Centra – Dalkey • McLoughlins Pub • Lidl – Deansgrange • Bloomfield Shopping Centre • SuperValu – Dun Laoghaire SC • O’Brien’s Day Break – Dun Laoghaire • Dun Laoghaire SC • Tesco – Ballybrack • Tesco – Park Pointe • Tesco – Shankill • Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council – Marine Road • Bank Of Ireland – Deansgrange • SuperValu – Deansgrange • Texaco – Newtown Park Ave • Sandyford Credit Union • Ballinteer Credit Union

For further info

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

‘FEW GRAND WORTH OF DAMAGE’ DONE TO CAR

Shock as woman’s car is viciously attacked  REBECCA RYAN

rryan@dublingazette.com

LO C A L S a re b e i n g warned after a group of teenagers viciously attacked a car in Ballybrack.

Last Saturday at around 10pm, a woman reported she was driving through the area when her car was ambushed by a l a rge g ro u p o f around “15 to 20 teenagers”.

In a post on Facebook p a ge S h a n k i l l O p e n Forum, she said the incident happened “outside Ridge Hall.”

“Cans thrown at the windscreen, and when we slammed on, they ran over to kick the wing mirrors off and kicked the door in. So perhaps avoid if possible,” warned the woman.

She added: “...I would say there’s a few grand worth of damage! My husband was with me thankfully. “…It was crazy. Just so unexpected and totally unprovoked… We literally stopped in the middle of the road because we were just in shock like.

“We’re ok, just a bit shaken… Be careful out there, one minute you can be cruising along belting out Cher, next thing you’re in a scene from Dangerous Minds,” warned the woman.

She said that Gardai were called and were “very responsive and helpful”.

Messages of shock and concern have been pouring in on social media for the woman.

One wrote: “Omg that is awful my daughter lives in Ridge Hall and we constantly drive up there.... hope they are caught...”

Another wrote: “[What

is] wrong with kids these days... We need [to be] on watch more when driving late... It’s shocking...”

“

They ran over to kick the wing mirrors off and kicked the door in While another advised: “…All the more reasons for dash cams.”

A Garda spokesperson told Dublin Gazette that they are investigating the incident of “criminal damage.”

“Youths were seen in the vicinity of the incident. Youths who in turn caused damage to car. No injuries sustained, but damage caused to the car. No arrests have been

made and investigations are ongoing,” said the spokesperson.

Local councillor Shane O’Brien (SF) told Dublin Gazette: “As a resident and local rep for the Ballybrack area, people are very angry and disgusted by this incident.

“I condemn those responsible for such behaviour and would hope that those involved reflect on the seriousness and potential consequences of their actions.

“Parents also have a role in ensuring that their children do not engage in violence of this kind and must do more to teach their children respect for their neighbours, community and other members of our society,” added Cllr O’Brien.

He also said the incident highlights the need for a greater Garda presence in the area to combat antisocial behaviour.

FASTNews

Glasthule spa celebrates 25 years A GLASTHULE clinic is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The top beauty salon and skincare clinic Nu Aesthetics was recently revamped and relaunched as a dedicated aesthetic skin clinic.

Owned and managed by one of Ireland’s most recognisable names in the beauty industry, Nuala Woulfe, she manages two separate Clinics in Glasthule- namely Nu Aesthetics and Serenity Day Spa. Both Clinics offer an extensive list of face and body treatments ranging from relaxing facials and therapeutic massages, nails, bronzing & slimming treatments catering to both men and women.

Speaking of her business milestone, Nuala said: “It is hard to believe I am celebrating 25 years in business and it’s a great feeling. I have weathered two recessions which goes to show that us Irish women like to look and feel good, no matter what the economic climate.

“My customer base is wonderfully loyal, they come from all around Ireland, and it’s lovely to see returning customers as well as new faces coming into both clinics, thanks to client referrals and reviews.”

LauraLynn holding Thank You Day 2019 LAURALYNN are holding ‘Thank You Day 2019’ tomorrow (Friday).

On International Thank You Day, the children’s hospice charity will be extending a big thank you to the everyday heroes who have helped them to deliver essential services to children with lifelimiting conditions and their families throughout Ireland.

The charity is thanking one very special couple from Knocklyon, Fran and Arthur O’Brien. The married couple have been fundraising for the charity since hearing founder

Trent steps in to help Holly keep Dancing RTE One has revealed a new dancer to succeed Curtis Pritchard, who sustained serious injuries in an unprovoked attack on St Stephen’s night.

Australian choreographer Trent Whiddon steps in to

dance with model Holly Carpenter on series three of Dancing with the Stars, helping Holly to keep dancing until Curtis recovers and returns to the show.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

Fran and Arthur

Jane McKenna tell her story on the radio about her two daughters Laura and Lynne and how they passed within two short years of each other.

Jane’s story compelled the duo to do something to help and since 2005 they have been fundraising for the charity, just recently surpassing raising €500,000.

Fran O’Brien established McGuinness books with her husband and publisher Arthur McGuinness and has now published several novels to raise funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

DEATH: MUCH-LOVED CARETAKER WAS LAID TO REST IN SHANGANAGH CEMETERY

Tributes pour in for Bill Lyster, ‘a real Shankill legend’ TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a much-loved caretaker of Scoil Mhuire school in Shankill who has passed away. Bill Lyster (90) passed away peacefully last Saturday and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery yesterday.

The father of eight, who was married for 63 years, was well known in the community and the children of Scoil Mhuire Primary School were very fond of Bill, who has been remembered as “gentle” and the “nicest man ever”.

His son, Ben, told the community on Facebook page Shankill Open Forum about his dad’s passing.

He wrote: “Well I don’t know if you know that beautiful man all the children loved that was the caretaker of Scoil Mhuire Rathsallagh for so many years. Bill Lyster, my dad, passed away last night in Loughlinstown hospital.”

Tributes flooded in for the muchloved community man following the post, with many fondly remembering Bill from their time at the local

school.

One wrote: “So sorry to hear this, a true gent and a real Shankill legend.”

Another wrote: “[I] was only recently talking about him. Loved Mr Lyster. He was the only good thing about going to school.”

While another wrote: “Mr Lyster will be fondly remembered by all in the community especially those who attended Scoil Mhuire all those years ago.”

One praised Bill’s kind character and said: “Mr Lyster made every

child feel like they were the centre of his attention. He was never just a care taker.”

Another commented: “What a kind man he was to me even though I was a little brat lol. R.I.P Mr Lyster.”

While another said the whole of Shankill will remember him: “I haven’t met many gentlemen in my life, but Mr Lyster was definitely one! A beautiful man inside and out he will always be remembered not just in Scoil Mhuire, but the whole of Bill Lyster (90) passed away peacefully Shankill.”

Family seeking help to buy wheelchair accessible car REBECCA RYAN

A FAMILY from Shankill are fundraising for transport and a medial fund for their seven-year-old son who has been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy.

Herve Rolland was born in October 2011 at 23 weeks. He weighed just 660 grams and was given little or no chance of survival.

Herve’s mother Caroline said it was a very tough time for the family.

“When he arrived in this world at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, we were told that he was alive but extremely ill and that it would be second by second, minute by minute possibly hour by hour to see if he would survive. “ W h e n He r ve su rvived through his first night we were absolutely elated but we knew that this was only the start of a very long and difficult road.”

Herve encountered the toughest medical issues caused by his premature birth which included bleeding on his brain in numerous places, breathing and heart problems, among a long list.

Despite all of that, Herve was getting a little stronger each day, but at

16 weeks he became seriously ill again and was not expected to make it through. He had a lack of oxygen to his brain causing lasting damage.

But once again, he amazed everyone and pulled through.

Caroline said: “We always call Herve ‘our little fighter’ due to the fight he has had, and will always have, to survive from the moment he was born.”

Herve is now seven years old and was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy at the age of one.

He is blind in his right eye, has hearing issues, he has to be fed through a peg feeding tube, he cannot walk or talk and requires 24-hour care.

This month Herve will have his first wheelchair and his family are fundraising to get their first wheelchair accessible car and for his future medical expenses that w i l l m o s t d e f i n i te l y occur.

Caroline told Dublin Gazette it would make such a difference to Herve and the family.

“We are so lucky to have Herve but it has not been an easy road for any of us.

“Financially having a child puts pressure on you as a parent, having

FASTNews Glencullen boil water notice ‘could have been avoided’ OVER the Christmas, a boil water notice was put in place for Glencullen in south Dublin, after the discovery of the bacteria Giardia in a routine sample test.

Local councillor Lettie Mc Carthy (LAB) shared the frustration and upset of residents in Glencullen.

She told Dublin Gazette she wants to see an end to Irish Water’s “excuses”.

“This could have been avoided had Irish Water delivered on their promises to have the new system in place over a year ago.

“I have been working with Irish Water since 2015 to have the Glencullen area served by the new supply from Burrow Road Reservoir and there is always an excuse and more delays.”

Herve encountered the toughest medical issues caused by his premature birth

“

We always call Herve ‘our little fighter’ due to the fight he has had, and will always have, to survive from the moment he was born

a child with severe disabilities, that pressure multiplies beyond anything you ever think you can cope with.

“To be able to bring Herve to see his grand-

parents or even bring his grandparents in the car with us would be amazing.

“A ny a m o u n t t h a t you could spare would m a ke a re a l d i f fe r-

ence to us and would help to change Herve’s transport needs for the future.”

Ne a r l y € 1 1 , 0 0 0 o f the €30,000 goal has been raised so far. If

you would like to hear m o re a b o u t He r ve ’s story or get involved, visit GoFundMe www. gofundme.com/rrfqnvxf or Herve’s Smiles For Miles on Facebook.

Commitment Cllr Mc Carthy is calling on Irish Water to fulfil their commitment to her and the residents of Glencullen and commence supplying the Glencullen area from the Dublin Regional Supply immediately.

She added: “I would also advise residents who are served by private wells to have their water tested on a regular basis.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

CABINTEELY: PUBLIC THANKED FOR CUSTOM OVER THE YEARS AS COMPANIES CLOSE DOWN

Locals shocked as two loved businesses shut up shop LOCALS in Cabinteely are shocked as two loved businesses in the village have shut shop in the space of one week.

Dandelion Hair Salon closed their doors over Christmas and thanked the locals for their custom over the years.

“Sorry to be sharing this news, as staff members of Dandelion we are only after finding out this news ourselves this morning. Thank you to everyone for their custom over the years it has all been really appreciated,” said the Dandelion staff.

Las Tapas in the village also closed its doors the same week.

Local Facebook page Cabinteely Life shared the news with the community and said of the restaurant: “Their Greystones branch will remain open. Sad to see another restaurant close in the Cabinteely area in recent weeks.”

Many locals expressed their sadness of the news online.

Speaking of Dandelion Hair Salon closing, one customer wrote: “Ah my hairdresser for years. So sad for Ger and staff. Where will I go now for the same quality of service?”

While another wrote: “I go there all the time, great salon. They were only doing the place up

again inside. That’s a real pity.”

Reacting to the closure of Las Tapas, one customer said: “Such a loss! Wonderful staff couldn’t [have] asked for better! Went there at least once a week.”

While another commented: “Very sorry to hear that Las Tapas has closed down, I’m very surprised, we loved it. “ Some locals raised the issue of poor parking in the village saying that parking is “impossible.”

One wrote: “So sad to see so many business premises closing. Pickles Cafe, beside Tesco Express in the Park Shopping Centre also closed

Launch of nationwide singing campaign

FASTNews Kick start your new year on a healthy road

IF you are looking to kick start your new year on a healthy road, there is a free public walk taking place this weekend as part of Operation Transformation.

Meeting from 10.30am this Saturday, January 12, beside the bandstand in the Peoples Park, the 4km route will bring participants along the Coast Road, down the beautiful East Pier and back.

All ages and fitness levels are very welcome to attend the event supported

by Sport Ireland and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Trained walking leaders will be present on the day for a helping hand and there will be a complimentary hot cuppa after the event for all.

Table quiz fundraiser for two charities A TABLE quiz fundraiser for two charities is taking place on February 7 in the Graduate Bar and Restaurant in Killiney, Dún Laoghaire.

The event will raise necessary ONE (Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann - The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel and IUSRU (The Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit) who help those in times of distress.

All proceeds raised on the night will be divided equally between the two charities.

The event starts at 7.30pm and includes a raffle.

before Christmas. The parking situation in Cabinteely Village cannot be a help.”

Another wrote: “Very hard for business people when there is not enough parking spaces and it has to be paid for.”

While another admitted: “I’d go to Cabinteely more often but [the] lack of parking is really off putting!”

Pickles Cafe also closed its doors the week before Christmas.

Dublin Gazette contacted Dandelion Hair Salon and Las Tapas for comment but received no response before going to print.

TWINS Mackenzie and Georgia Dixon from Harbour Ukulele Group Bray and Chloe Foster from Greystones pictured on Grafton Street at the Launch of Give Us A Song Nationwide Campaign for Cancer Research by the Caroline Foundation.

The campaign appeals to choirs, groups and friends to put on singing performances over the weekend of February 4 to mark UN designated World Cancer Day. The money raised will go to the Caroline Foundation for Cancer Research. Picture: Jason Clarke

Clean start to 2019 for inspirational youngster REBECCA RYAN

IT’S set to be another busy year ahead for an inspiring 11-year-old from Sandycove whose passion is looking after the environment and keeping our beaches clean.

Flossie Donnelly, a sixth-class student who aspires to be a marine biologist, but also be a rock star, started off the new year by holding a huge clean up on Killiney Beach on New Year’s Day. Last year was a big year for Flossie. Ireland got its first sea-bin – a floating device which captures and removes waste, especially plastics, from the ocean - in Dun Laoghaire Harbour thanks to the young activist’s fundraising efforts.

Speaking of the achievement, Flossie told Dublin Gazette she was so happy to see the sea-bin come to Dun Laoghaire.

“When the sea-bins finally arrived in Ireland I was so so happy because it took so much fundraising and a couple of people said it couldn’t happen, but it did, and it was amazing.”

Flossie took an interest in looking after

the environment when she was kayaking in Thailand with her parents at the age of seven and noticed all the plastic in the sea.

At home, she noticed the problem of rubbish on our beaches, so she set up the group ‘Flossie and the Beach Cleaners’.

“The reason I set up a beach cleaning group was because my parents and I moved to a house next to the sea and whenever we were on the beach, I would notice all the rubbish and I knew I would need help to clean it.

“My Mum and I clean the beach every week, all year round, and every day during the summer if it is really bad!”

Flossie thinks Ireland is “doing its best” in terms of helping the environment but believes we could do even better.

“If you can, you could try to cut down on all plastic, for example stop using clingfilm. It’s the worst type of plastic… And, if you ever go on a walk, try to bring a bag with you to pick up the rubbish along the way.

“But one of the most important things is, that after you spend a hard week re-

Flossie (inset) and the Beach Cleaners on New Year’s Day

cycling your rubbish for the green bin, try not to put it all in a big black plastic bag. The black bag is not re-cyclable and means it will ruin all our hard work of recycling.

“Also, you have to remember this might be a negative subject but if we work together, we can make this positive and win!”

Flossie’s family are very proud of her,

and her mother, Harriet, said: “We are immensely proud of Flossie and all she has achieved in the last 18 months. We had no idea how much notice she was taking of the destruction to our planet, she opened our eyes!”

If you would like to follow the incredible work Flossie does, visit www.flossieandthebeachcleaners.com or Flossie And The Beach Cleaners across social media.

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Tommy Horkan

Tommy Horkan, Grace Thompson, Sarah Thompson and Conal Curran.

Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Head of Science and Sport, Mark Langtry with Laura Manning, Grace and Sarah Thompson Conal Curran pictured examining the bed of nails

Doors open at massive sport and science centre

D

UBLIN welcomed the opening of Explorium, a new sport and science centre overlooking Dublin city, recently. Called Explorium, the centre contains more than 300 exhibits spanning 110,000 sq ft on the Dublin Mountains

near Sandyford. Those who consider themselves the daredevil type will also be able to try out the G-force anti-gravity loop where visitors are harnessed into a bicycle and rotate 360 degrees on a circular track.

Mark Langtry pictured with Laura Manning, Grace Thompson, Conal Curran, Tommy Horkan and Sarah Thompson

Laura Manning

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 Janaury 2019

DUN LAOGHAIRE : APPEAL FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE MINDFUL ABOUT LITTERING

Local woman’s anti-litter efforts praised REBECCA RYAN

A LOCAL woman has been praised for her anti-litter efforts in Dun Laoghaire after she was spotted cleaning the park.

Z d e n k a D u r a j ov a , 36, posted a photo on Fa c e b o o k p a ge ‘ Yo u know you’re from Dun Laoghaire when’ showing t h e ru bbi sh s he pickup up and encouraged others to be more mindful.

“I just collected all of this trash on the playground in People’s Park.

I just want to ask you to take your rubbish to the bin or back home if bins are full.

“This is a wonder-

ful place to live, and the amount of rubbish makes me so sad and angry. Please, let’s make it clean,” she said in the post.

“

people think it is ok to throw their crap wherever they chose. Makes me angry!!

Another wrote: “Absolutely agree, no excuse

We want to keep our houses clean and tidy, why not keep the same attitude outside our doors?

Many praised Zdenka online for her efforts, with the post sparking off a debate about littering.

One wrote: “I will never understand why

to leave litter regardless if bins are over f lowing…”

While another said: “Bring [litter] home. It’s not rocket science.”

Zdenka is from Slova-

kia and moved to Dun Laoghaire two years ago.

The stay at home mother and jewellery maker has always been conscious of the environment.

She told Dublin Gazette: “I started to live more consciously regarding the waste. I am minimising my waste where it is possible, and I still have a long journey in front of me.

“I found it very difficult here [in Ireland].

There is no bottle deposit scheme, no automates for fresh milk, poor public transport, no water faucets on public places, poor choice of zero waste shops.”

The good Samaritan went to the playground in the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire last week with her family and was disgusted to see so much litter.

She is hoping her good

Zdenka Durajova (inset) posted this picture on Facebook of an overflowing bin in the People’s Park Dun Laoghaire

deed of picking up the rubbish will encourage others to be more mindful of their rubbish.

“We want to keep our houses clean and tidy,

why not keep the same attitude outside our doors? People need to understand that they are responsible for their trash. Missing bins or

full bins are no excuse for leaving the trash on the ground. Ireland is a wonderful country, it is worth to stop littering it and make it clean!”

Call for a bit more Concert to raise money for college cop-on and courtesy

Information evening on new primary schools DUBLIN and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board are hosting an information evening on Monday, January 14 at 7.30pm in Blackrock Further Education Institute on their Community National School model (CNS) which they wish to bring to the brand-new primary schools in Booterstown-Blackrock and Goatstown- Stillorgan in September 2019.

At this event, after a short presentation, Community National School teachers and DDLETB staff will be able to answer parents’ questions about this model of primary school education.

For further information on this event please email johnmcfadden@ddletb.ie

POPULAR group ANÚNA are singing in a special concert to raise money for a local college.

The f lagship acappella vocal ensemble will be gracing the audience in the beautiful surrounds of Christ Church Dun Laoghaire Church of Ireland next month.

The gig is part of St. Nicholas Montessori Teacher Training College and Primary School in Dun Laoghaire’s fundraising activities roll-out for its 2025 Development Plan. The College has been a central part of Dun Laoghaire for over 30 years.

It is set to be a great night with a post-concert wine reception. The event takes place on Saturday, February 16 at 7.30pm in Christ Church Dun Laoghaire.

Tickets are €28.50 including booking fee and are available from EventBrite.

on the Luas

A LOCAL Senator is calling for a bit more “cop-on and courtesy” and better etiquette from commuters on the Luas.

Dublin Rathdown Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond (FG) has asked Luas bosses, Transdev to ask commuters who use backpacks to remove them, which is a common complaint on a packed tram.

“The net effect discommodes passengers and results in vital standing space being taken up.

“A simple measure to partially alleviate this would be if Transdev would replicate signage already in use in London on the underground asking commuters to remove backpacks while on trams.”

He added for commuters to adhere to announcements to move down the aisles to allow others on board.

“This also applies to allowing the elderly or pregnant women sit down on packed trams.

“A bit more cop-on and courtesy to all would be a good way to begin 2019 for all using Luas trams,” said Senator Richmond.

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

CAPTURED : ISIS FIGHTER LIVED HERE FOR THIRTEEN YEARS

Shock as local jihadi caught fighting for ISIS - but no need for panic PADRAIG CONLON

AN Irish specialist in Islamic counter terrorism says there is no need for alarm after an Irish citizen was arrested in Syria fighting for ISIS. Alexandr Ruzmatovich Bekmirzaev, who l ive d i n D u b l i n a n d became a naturalised Irish citizen in 2010, was part of a group arrested

by Syrian Democratic Forces in the east of the country on December 30.

Originally from Belarus, he moved to Ireland in 2000 but left in 2013 when he took his family to the Middle East.

Noel Whelan, a Tallaght native now based overseas, is an International Counter Terrorism Advisor who specialises in countering Islamic extremism.

He believes that despite of the arrest of Bekmirzaev, who lived in numerous rented properties in the inner city and southside of the capital during his 13 years in this country, the public

should not panic.

“Obviously having an Irish citizen allegedly show up among a group of ISIS fighters captured in Syria is thankfully a very rare occurrence,” Whelan told Dublin Gazette.

“However, The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation in London believe up to 40 Irish passport-holders have gone to engage in jihad in Syria or Iraq.

“I think though the gardai are doing a very good job surveilling suspected Islamic extremists within the state so there is no need for alarm.

“I was back in Ireland for Christmas and have to say I was very impressed with the Gardai in Dublin city centre on New Year’s Eve. “They were very switched on, had an excellent presence and were patrolling the area in a very impressive manner.

Whelan, who has worked with and advised agenc ies like the US

Department of Homeland Security, British Armed Forces and United States Federal Agencies says suspected terrorists returning to this jurisdiction can cause a headache for gardai.

“It’s not possible to keep every person of interest under surveillance, it’s a very labour intensive job,” he said.

“The amount of attention given to a target would depend on how active they are and if they’re associating with important players.”

Whelan says a thorough Garda investigation will now be taking place into Bekmirzaev’s life in this state.

“A new review will be carried out to establish his movements in recent years, who he was in contact with, any business dealing etc,” Whelan said.

“I think the gardai do need the help of the Muslim community as well, they need Uumah, an Arabic word for community, if they suspect

FASTNews Family left shaken after rock thrown through bus window

Alexandr Ruzmatovich Bekmirzaev. Picture: Syrian Democratic Forces

someone may be radicalised.

“ISIS are the masters of propaganda, the ir digitised communica-

t i o n s a re ex t re m e l y sophisticated and mean young men can be radicalised in the ir own homes.

California dreaming a reality for Dermot MUSIC lovers were delighted last week as the line-up for this year’s Coachella Festival in California was released, with this year seeing a special Dublin connection.

Rising Dublin musician Dermot Kennedy is set to take to the stage in Indio this April alongside the likes of Childish Gambino, Jaden Smith, The 1975, Ariana Grande, Tame Impala and more.

Kennedy has been a rising star on the Dublin music scene for a number of years, with his most recent hit, Power Over Me, receiving incredible amounts of airplay on Irish radio.

He’s the only Irish act on the prestigious bill for this year’s Coachella, which takes place in the California desert across two weekends in April (12-14, 19-20).

A FAMILY were left extremely shaken after a rock was hurled through a bus window causing injury to a two-year-old.

Last Sunday night a father was travelling with his toddler on the 45a in Loughlinstown when a “large rock” was thrown through the side window of the bus.

In a post on social media, the father went on to say his baby was “covered in broken glass as well as ourselves.”

He added: “Thankfully we managed to come away with very minor scratches and splinters.”

However, he feared what could have happened if they had the buggy on the other side where they “usually put it” saying that his son may have been “seriously injured or worse.”

Locals have described the incident as “sickening” and “disgraceful.”

One wrote: “That’s just sickening. Hope the baby is ok and everyone.”

Another wrote: “…where are their parents... it needs to stop… that child could have been seriously hurt.”

While another commented: “There’s gangs of teenagers around that area causing trouble every night. They hit a passing car last night as well.”

A spokesperson from Go-Ahead Ireland told Dublin Gazette: “Any type of anti-social behaviour is taken very seriously and the safety of our passengers and drivers are of paramount importance to us. Furthermore, we report all incidents of this manner to both the gardaí and the National Transport Authority and are investigating this incident.”

A rock hurled through a bus window caused injury to a two-year-old

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Intesar Dawod and Dr Safra Alshamari

Orla Treacy and Sharouq Alshayadi

Sara AbdulMajid, MC for the night with singer Farah Elle. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Laragh Pitman, Rafika Rajab, event director and founder, MC Sara AbdulMajid and Nadette Foley of the Welcome Cafe

Amy Worrall, Roxana M<anouchri and Tina Ahmadpour

Dublin Arabic Language Day Gala at Chester Beatty Library

T

HE Chester Beatty Library hosted an Arabic Language Day 2018 gala evening recently. Guests enjoyed food, music, art and a talk.

The event was part of World Arabic Language Day which was established by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010 to celebrate the language and promote its cultural diversity.

Christina Qunber from Palestine with Nadette Foley of the Welcome Cafe and Suzan Marzoug

Hichem Hidouk, Rayan Elsheikh and Leila Mokhbi

Brother and sister Mohammed and Ruyuf Ibrahim

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Brave swimmers take part in the first Dip in the Sea for Cycle Against Suicide. Pictures: Colm Mahady/Fennells Ciaran Heeney from Glasnevin with Katie Rock

Steve Purcell with son and daughter

Washing away the stresses of last year

E

NCOURAGING people to prioritise their mental health in 2019, brave swimmers took part in the first Dip in the Sea for Irish mental health charity, Cycle Against Suicide.

Spurred on by former Irish International rugby player, Shane Byrne, men and women of all ages braved the icy cold waters at Sandycove Harbour, to welcome in the New Year with renewed energy, vitality and with a positive mental mindset.

Shane Mooney

Noel Mostyn, former Chairman of Cycle Against Suicide

Tackling Dip in the Sea for Cycle Against Suicide

Zoe O’Connor, Marie Moran and David Somerville

Shane Byrne with Thomas Logan and Caroline Lafferty, CEO of Cycle Against Suicide

Ciaran Heeney with Katie Rock

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: DELVE INTO THE BEST THAT UNUSUAL DUBLIN HAS TO OFFER

ST MICHAN’S CHURCH CONTAINS FIVE LONG BURIAL VAULTS CONTAINING THE MUMMIFIED REMAINS OF MANY OF DUBLIN’S MOST INFLUENTIAL FAMILIES FROM 1600 TO 1800.

DUBLIN MADE EASY F

Some of the more off beat things to do the next time you have a few hours to kill

OLLOWING the festivities of the past few weeks you probably want to do something that doesn’t involve excessive eating or drinking!

If you’re looking for things to do in the city then why not delve into unusual Dublin.

As you would expect from somewhere over a thousand years old, the capital has plenty of quirky and wonderful places to excite your imagination.

Here, we’ve collected some of the more offbeat things to do the next time you have a few hours to kill.

It’s not just visitors to our amazing city who’ll want to explore some of these unusual places, even we Dubliners forget what’s on our doorstep every now and again.

ST MICHAN’S CHURCH

MARSH’S LIBRARY

JEWISH MUSEUM

ST Michan’s Church, which was originally founded in 1095 on the site of a Norse chapel, is noted for what lies beneath it.

While the interior boasts fine woodwork, and an organ from 1724 on which Handel is said to have composed his Messiah, the vaults uniquely contain mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential families from 1600 to 1800.

Among them are the 400-year-old body of a nun, a six-and-a-half foot man believed to have been a crusader, and a body with its feet and right hand severed.

Open to tours on Saturdays, and seasonally on some weekdays, St Michan’s Church is well worth a visit.

FOUNDED in 1707, Marsh’s Library holds some 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, and is the oldest public library in Ireland.

Narcissus Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin, donated many of the books in the library from his personal collection, and is buried nearby on the Cathedral grounds.

The library has seen much of Dublin’s history, some of the bookcases are riddled with bullet holes from the Easter Rising, when the hotel next door was occupied.

Marsh’s Library is located on St Patrick’s Close, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, and open to the public everyday apart from Tuesday and Sundays.

THE Irish Jewish Museum is located in the once highly Jewish populated area of Portobello on the site of the former Walworth Road Synagogue, which could accommodate around 150 people, consisting of two adjoining terraced houses.

Due to the movement of the Jewish people from the area to the suburbs of Dublin and with the overall decline in their numbers, the Synagogue fell into disuse and ceased to function in the early 70s.

The museum contains a collection that includes photographs, paintings, certificates, books and artefacts covering all aspects of Jewish life.

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

DUBLIN

REMEMBERING SOME CINEMA LEGENDS AND ACTRESS EVA’S HAPPY TO HELP INDULGE YOURSELF WITH A LAP OF NAMES WE LOST SCOLIOSIS SUFFERERS ... P16 LUXURY STAYCATION HOLIDAY ... P18 IN 2018 ... P20

MAGAZINE

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

HAPPY TO HELP PROMOTE A FUN DUBLIN MENTAL HEALTH FESTIVAL THERE were plenty of smiles at the launch of the First Fortnight European mental health art and culture festival 2019 recently.

Pictured are (foreground) Tony Mohan and Seve Feathers, Clowns Without Borders; David Keegan, co-founder and chief executive of First Fortnight; State Lights’ Shobsy; artist Emma Sheridan; The Academic’s frontman Craig Gallagher and Cathy Coughlan For further information on the festival and its aims, see overleaf, Page 15. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

Kathryn Kennedy and Maureen McKittrick

Suzanne Murray and Gill Cooper

C O N TA C T S

Edwina Casey and Richard Bolger

Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com

Pat Shortt and daughter Faye Shortt. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

Ernie and Cian Gallagher

Kathy and Cian Gallagher

Preview screening of The Belly of the Whale P AT Shortt joined fellow cast members on the red carpet at a special screening of The Belly of the Whale at the Omniplex Rathmines recently.

The Belly of the Whale tells the story of two down on their

luck souls who attempt to rob an amusement arcade to solve their problems. The other cast members in attendance on the night included Love/Hate actor Peter Coonan and Lewis MacDougall.

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Fiona Bonnie

David Heffernan and Orla McHugh

Simone McConnell and Clare Beegan

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

FEATURES

Challenging mental health prejudice through the arts PADRAIG CONLON

THE first festival of the year is already underway after First Fortnight began on New Year’s Day. The annual arts and mental health festival, first founded in 2009, returns with a very impressive series of events in Dublin and nationwide over the coming weeks.

First Fortnight is an artsbased mental health charity aiming to challenge

mental health stigma and discrimination.

The festival sees over 150 events in January with family and child friendly events, music, sports, comedy, theatre, film, panel discussions, workshops and much more.

Co-founder and chief executive of First Fortnight, David Keegan, said his motivation for starting the festival was to raise awareness of mental health in Ireland.

He said: “In 2009, it

seemed mental health didn’t feature too highly on anyone’s list of priorities despite the suicide epidemic Ireland was experiencing at the time, particularly among my demographic.

“My best mate, and First Fortnight co-founder JP and I had personal experience of the devastating impact of mental health stigma.

“It was at that age I began to self-harm and JP lost a brother to suicide.

“When we sat down, our intention was to design a model to start a national mental health conversation.

“We’d a shared interest in art and culture. It reflects us societally.

“It was my background.

JP worked in the mental health services at the time.

“Artists have always championed issues of great social importance.

“Great art can affect great change.

“Ultimately the festi-

First Fortnight helps create a space where people can talk about mental health issues

val is a medium through which we start meaningful conversations, challenge stigma and raise mental health awareness at a challenging time of year for a lot of people.”

Highlights this month include shows by Irish actor Emmet Kirwan, British musician Professor

Green, Irish screenwriter and playwright Stefanie Preissner, musicians The Academic and Saint Sister and former athlete David Gillick which aim to challenge mental health stigma in Dublin and throughout Ireland.

Events will be held across Dublin in venues

including The Sugar Club, A4 Sounds on St Joseph’s Parade, Smock Alley, The Ark on Eustace Street and The Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin.

The festival partners include St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Mental Health Ireland, See Change and SpunOut.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

FEATURES

Rush native Eva Butterly (main) suffered through years of pain and discomfort as a teen, with scoliosis giving her a lot to overcome. However, she worked long and hard – and worked out a lot to strengthen her back muscles – to overcome the condition, going on to appear in Game of Thrones (inset right, Season 6). Today, as ‘The Scoliosis Warrior’, Eva wants to help inspire other scoliosis sufferers to feel better.

HEALTH | ACTRESS WORKED HARD TO HELP PUT YEARS OF BACK PAIN BEHIND HER

Eva’s inspirational Scoliosis Warrior message set to help fellow sufferers REBECCA RYAN

DUBLIN actress Eva Butterly, who was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teen, is now helping others with the condition through fitness.

The 27-year-old Rush native – who also had a part in TV hit Game of Thrones, as an actress in a travelling troupe who portrayed canny Margaery Tyrell – was diagnosed with an extreme curvature of the spine at the age of 12, but in recent years she has found that lifting weights has dramatically improved her condition.

Eva told Dublin Gazette she discovered she had the condition after her primary school teacher noticed that her shoulder was “slumped to one side”.

“

I want people to know that they don’t have to be a slave to their scoliosis and there are lots of things they can do to help themselves manage the condition “She informed my mam, who then brought me to see a chiropractor, where I was diagnosed with scoliosis.

“I received chiropractic treatment for six months, but my back got progressively worse to the point where a large hump started to form.

“I was sent to see an o r t h o p e d i c su rge o n , who diagnosed me with severe scoliosis and required immediate surgery because my curva-

ture was so aggressive.”

Eva then had two spinal fusion operations.

The first was to insert metal rods into either side of her spine to prevent the curvature getting worse, but after complications the second operation was to remove the rods as they became infected.

“I wore a body cast for a year after that to secure my spine in place, and thankfully there have been no further compli-

cations since.”

Growing up with scoliosis was hard for Eva. She remembers: “My body felt very alien to me and I had trouble finding clothes that fit.

“The backs of chairs in schools always caused a lot of discomfort, and I felt very different to other girls my age.”

Eva started going to the gym at 18 and over the years she has found that weightlifting has helped her manage the scoliosis. She is hoping to inspire others with the condition.

“Strengthening the muscles that surround my spine has helped tremendously with pain and also the overall aesthetic appearance of my back.

“Through weight lifting, I developed a newfound confidence in

myself, which was very empowering to a previously self-consc ious teenage girl.

“I continued to train 4-5 days a week and over the course of a few months my body started to change. I became a lot more symmetrical, and my pain pretty much disappeared.

“There are many studies that show lifting weights not only relieves back pain and improves the functionality of the spine, but it also increases your bone density.

“Strong muscles have a much easier time holding the spine in place; strong bones help prevent degeneration of the spine as we get older.”

She added: “My miss i o n i s to e m p owe r people to take control of their health through

resistance training. I also advocate for the importance of well-balanced nutrition and mental health.

“I want people to know that they don’t have to be a slave to their scoliosis and there are lots of things they can do to help themselves manage the condition.”

Eva’s message to people with scoliosis is to get support: “Go online and get yourself some support. Don’t be afraid to reach out; be curious about your condition, ask questions about the best treatment options available.

“Scoliosis is not only physically difficult, but it is also a struggle mentally, and it is easy to feel very alone on the journey. Reaching out to other people can help

lessen the load. “ T h e re a re p e o p l e out there who relate to your struggles and can empathise with you. You might even make a new friend in the process!

“I am always open and willing to chat if anyone ever needs a listening ear.”

2019 is set to be a big year for the inspirational woman. She will be working with people all over the world with the launch of her online coaching service, Scoliosis Warrior, and no doubt she will continue to go from strength to strength in whatever she sets her hand to.

To follow Eva Butterly, see The Scoliosis Warrior @evabutterly on Instagram, or on Facebook see www.facebook.com/ evabutterlyfitness/

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

FOOD & DRINK

Nonna knows best for celeb chef Gennaro REBECCA RYAN

CELEBRITY chef Gennaro Contaldo was in Dublin just before Christmas for an exclusive festive masterclass.

The warm, friendly and insanely talented Italian chef and restauranteur is most known for his association with his protégé, Jamie Oliver, teaching him everything he knows about Italian cooking.

He is also well known for his partnership with fellow Italian chef, the late Antonio Carluccio and their BBC Two television series Two Greedy Italians.

Dublin Gazette caught up with the much-loved chef in Jamie’s Italian in Dundrum for the exclusive masterclass. He was full of praise for the popular Dublin restaurant.

“It’s beautiful. The way Gerry looks after this place. All the chefs are so passionate.

They’re all on it. Everything is tasty. I went back to show them how to make a fish dish, my God they were better than me!

“This is what you want, you want them to do better, because if they do exactly what I do, it is a photocopy. They have to do better. You feel happy.”

Gennaro was brought up in Minori, a small fishing village on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

“

Their latest project was touring around Italy for two years for the new Jamie Cooks Italy Book.

The famous duo were passionate to learn authentic Italian recipes from nonnas [grandmothers] so that the recipes would never be lost.

Gennaro said the nonnas are the “real cooks” and meeting them changed the way he cooks today. “[Jamie and I] planned this trip a few years ago. We’d been very busy with the restaurant and filming, we had to find the time to go. We travelled all over Italy from right in the north to the mountains to the last island in Italy.

“With the nonna, filming is quite slow.

You have to go with the pace of a nonna. Some of the nonna needed a little rest. Some of the nonna can be very cheeky!

“When we found the nonna, we said hi, we stayed with them, we talk with them. You fell in love as soon as you see them.

“They treat you like a little child because under their eyes we are little children. After a few days with them they become your real nonna.

“The most difficult thing was when we had to say goodbye. Because of their age, they are quite old, in the back of your mind you think are you going to see them [again], perhaps it would be the last time.”

Gennaro added that the nonnas taught Jamie and himself so much about cooking.

“We had to learn how to ‘un-chef’. I think we do everything wrong! You have to be with a nonna to see how to cook!

“We learned so much. At my age that’s a privilege. It’s changed the way I cook.”

We couldn’t leave without asking Mr Italy himself what his favourite Italian dish is, but it was a very hard choice for him as he likes them all!

“Ah! It’s very difficult because I like everything! What I like for myself to have on New Year’s Eve is simplicity. Stock fish, salt bacalao, just boil it, twist of olive oil, a little bit of garlic, parsley and a squeeze of lemon. But I like everything else as well!”

Gennaro’s latest book ‘Gennaro’s Fast Cook Italian’ is full of enticing, authentic and quick to prepare recipes which is now available.

We learned so much. At my age that’s a privilege. It’s changed the way I cook

The value of mealtimes He learned from an early childhood the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, the potential of taste and texture and, in true Italian style, the family man knows and values the sheer pleasure of mealtimes.

Jamie and Gennaro go way back. When Jamie was a young man, his dream was to make the “best pasta in the world”. His friend told him about Gennaro and gave him the address of his restaurant in Covent Garden.

Jamie knocked on Gennaro’s restaurant door looking for a job. Gennaro took him under his wing and quickly realised his potential. He also wanted to have someone he could pass on his knowledge to and Jamie was the perfect candidate.

Both Jamie and Gennaro have been heavily involved with Jamie’s Italian.

Gennaro Contaldo (left) cooking up a storm in Dundrum

MORSELS OF NEWS... MORSELS OF NEWS...

VAT-driven increase leaves coffee lovers with bitter complaints

McDonald’s serves up its first vegetarian Happy Meal offerings

MCDONALD’S Ireland has introduced the first ever vegetarian Happy Meal, along with a new Spicy Veggie Wrap (above) on the main menu.

The two new additions are in response to the growing customer demand for more meat-free meal choices.

The two new vegetarian wraps catering to adults and children include: NEW Happy Meal Veggie Wrap (209kcal) made with a red pesto goujon with tomato ketchup and shredded lettuce, wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla.

The other is a new Spicy Veggie Wrap (364kcal) made with two red pesto goujons, a dressing of spicy relish with tomato, lettuce and red onion, all wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla. The ingredients are all also dairy-free.

Duncan Cruttenden, menu director at McDonald’s Ireland and UK, said: “We are really thrilled to be able to give our customers this new choice.”

COMPLAINTS have been heard from coffee lovers in Dublin as the New Year saw the price of a coffee going up.

Last October, a hike in VAT rates was announced by the Government in Budget 2019. Rates on the hospitality sector were increased from 9% to 13.5%, which affected cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars.

The price jump has been passed onto many customers from businesses.

Coffee lovers have been reacting online, with some complaining about the hike and asking was the price reduced when the VAT was cut to 9%?

One person asked: “Had you reduced the price when VAT was cut to 9%?” Another said: “Not sure the decrease to 9% was reflected everywhere when the rate was reduced, but companies and businesses are quick to increase.”

Others were understanding of the hike, with one person writing: “Some people just don’t seem to understand that things [have] changed since 2009.

“You can’t expect a business that’s been running with 9% VAT change to 13.5% and absorb it.”

Of the increase in prices, another person wrote: “And rightly justified! Anyone who doesn’t understand this must not be selfemployed or own a business!”

Yum, yum – world’s first lab-grown steak cooked up by start-up

A LANDMARK accomplishment has been achieved in the fake meat industry as the world’s first labgrown steak has been revealed.

Israeli start-up Aleph Farms, with a slogan of ‘Leading the slaughterfree meat revolution for a healthier world’, announced it had grown a steak in a lab using cells extracted from a living cow.

The firm’s boss, Didier Toubia, said: “The initial products are still relatively thin, but the technology we developed marks a true breakthrough and a great leap forward in producing a cell-grown steak.”

Aleph Farms had to find a nutrient combination that would encourage the extracted animal cells to grow into a tissue structure similar to that found in a cow.

Toubia said: “Making a patty or a sausage from cells cultured outside the animal is challenging enough – imagine how difficult it is to create a whole-muscle steak.”

Scientists say it will be available to buy within two years.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

TRAVEL COMMERCIAL CONTENT

Make 2019 the year to visit the Seychelles – just one trending destination to consider

GoHop to it to plan your great escape

IRISH holiday firm GoHop.ie has just launched their 2019 summer holiday sale, entitled Plan your next Escape.

The early January booking season is normally littered with holidaymakers seeking out cheap deals, but early trends for 2019 indicate a notable increase in demand for upmarket holidays right across the globe.

Trending far-away destinations that currently top the list of the early 2019 popularity ratings include Dubai, South Africa, The Seychelles, Vietnam, Florida, Cuba, Peru and The Galapagos.

Whilst value for money is still an important consideration, the recent improvement in the economy, coupled with tempting new flying options, has made many bucket listtype destinations a lot more affordable.

GoHop.ie has a wide range of tempting holiday options to satisfy early bookers so, regardless of your budget, there’s no excuse not to Plan your next Escape and book that well-earned trip of a lifetime in 2019.

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

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

The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

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

Farnham Estate marries classic comfort with contemporary touches to create a singularly relaxing destination

IRELAND | PAMPER YOURSELF WITH A DOMESTIC BREAK

De-stress and unwind here at home with lots of great offers to start the New Year in luxury SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor COME the New Year, everyone’s thoughts turn to holidays – but if your piggy bank is feeling the pinch then a trip abroad just might not be possible.

Why not banish the stress of Christmas with a refreshing break closer to home?

Whether you opt for a reboot at Inchydoney or a mindfulness massage in Cavan, the options are endless.

We’ve chosen some of the best January pamper deals closer to home to ease you into 2019 ...

Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort Get the new year off

to a mindful start with a luxury overnight escape to Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort, at Coras Point, Cavan.

Arrive and relax over a light lunch in Cafe Vista overlooking the beautiful countryside surroundings before making your way to Farnham’s world-class health spa.

Enjoy time in the infinity swimming pool and experience a journey of the senses in the thermal suite, before unwinding that busy mind with an 80-minute ESPA Mindfulness Massage, which will calm both the mind and the body.

Mindfulness Moments at Farnham Estate costs from €149.50 PPS and includes an overnight stay with a buffet

breakfast, light lunch, massage and access to spa (see www.farnhamestate.ie).

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Start as you mean to continue with a Wellness Break in Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa at Clonakilty, Co Cork.

Escape to the sea with a two-night bed and breakfast with beautiful Atlantic views and a treatment in the calming surroundings of The Island Spa. Your Wellness Break also includes a slimming Algo body wrap, and a full body massage in The Island Spa, using Elemis Cellutox body oil, which contains sea buckthorn, sea fennel, lemon and juniper to help cleanse the body.

After your treatment you

Set amidst some of Cork’s most

can retire to one of their relaxation areas with stunning ocean views, and enjoy a herbal tea or juice.

The two-night Wellness Break, including access to the pool, sauna, steam room and gym, is available from €299 PPS (see www.inchydoneyisland.com).

Castlemartyr Resort Weary winter bodies can be revitalised at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork with the Timexpert C+ Face and body envelopment treatment.

Designed to give your skin a much-needed boost, it starts with a Vitamin C exfoliation followed by a collagen-boosting body wrap while you are treated to an advanced anti-glycation facial.

In Cork, Castlemartyr guests will to leave any weary body or spirit

Utilising the benefits of Ume extract and Vitamin C, this facial fights against the damaged elastin and collagen fibres, leaving skin feeling revitalised and radiant.

Luxurious, tranquil and gorgeous, The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort is a

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

A celebration of Game of Thrones

breathtaking scenery, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa offers guests a spectacular setting – with superb services and comfort to match

enjoy not only a stunning setting, but a range of treatments feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for the rest of 2019

spectacular centre where the wrap-around glass frontage surrounding the 20-metre swimming pool and water room gives unbeatable views out over this five-star country estate.

Treat tired skin to the Timexpert C+ Face and

Body Envelopment for €115 (see www.castlemartyrresort.ie).

The K Spa Make time for yourself to unwind and relax at The K Spa in Straffan, Co Kildare.

Avoid slipping back into

Long synonymous with luxury, The K Club has mastered the art of pampering guests, with a wide range of therapies to help relax and de-stress anyone

the same old routine by checking in to the luxurious surroundings of The K Club and explore the glorious grounds before treating yourself to a choice of therapies at The K Spa. Loosen any tension with a 50-minute signature massage, combin-

ing the very best Eastern and Western massage techniques but designed just for you, or refresh your skin with a 60-minute Natura Bisse Skin Comfort Facial, followed by enjoying a delightful 25 minutes of complete serenity in the rasul mud

chamber.

Enjoy a four-course meal in The K Club’s elegant Byerley Turk restaurant, before a blissful night’s sleep in peaceful surroundings.

Nab a January spa deal from €240 per person (see www.kclub.ie).

CALL your bannermen and get mobilised – Game of Thrones, The Touring Exhibition will make its debut visit to these shores at the TEC in Belfast from April to September.

The dramatic expo was designed by GES Events in collaboration with show creators HBO and combines costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons.

The result is a spectacular interactive and immersive GoT experience like no other – guaranteed to impress even the most devoted of superfans.

This is the largest Game of Thrones public display ever put together and it will be located in a 5,000sq m venue, set is in the shadow of the legendary Titanic Studios where scenes for the series were filmed over a ten-year period.

The exhibition will give fans the experience of a lifetime with an up-close and personal look at the artistry and craftmanship behind the Emmy awardwinning series.

The exhibition runs from April 11 to September 1. Tickets (from £15) are available at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk, or www.discovernorthernireland.com.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

OBITUARIES | SOME OF THE GREATEST NAMES ON OR OFF THE SILVER SCREEN WHO PASSED AWAY

Those Cinema lost in 2018 WHILE every year sees some notable names joining ‘the obituary club’, 2018 was a particularly harsh year for Cinema lovers.

Although many of those  SHANE DILLON who passed away last year were elderly figures, plenty were not, with some talents burning out too soon while others are, perhaps, more dimly remembered.

However, all of them made their mark in Cinema in one way or another, and deserve to be noted, mourned – and celebrated – for their legacy. And with some of these figures also finding fame on the small screen, with newer technologies also providing renewed access to some of their notable works, here’s hoping that their names and contribution to Cinema will live on long into the future.

In no particular order (starting from the top left)...

1) MARGOT KIDDER Actress Oct 17, 1948 – May 13 FOREVER known as Lois Lane, there was a time when the Superman star had the world at her feet, before she crashed to earth, hard, becoming a subject of pity and concern in Hollywood.

Margot’s feisty, gutsy turn as Superman’s love interest charmed audiences, but the massive success that those films brought her – despite some notable turns in several other cinema and TV pro-jects – were offset by her personal difficulties.

A well-publicised nervous breakdown and mental health issues in later life left her largely sidelined, with Margot appearing in smaller roles and Indie films in later years, showing some of the passion and wit that had never deserted her.

2) NICOLAS ROEG Director, auteur Aug 15, 1928 – Nov 23 IT’S just over a month and a bit since Nicolas Roeg got a nod in your Gazette, but honestly, he’s more than worth returning to – much like his films, which reward repeat viewings.

While the 60s and 70s produced many cinema auteurs, few made their mark like Roeg, who regularly turned out one effort-

lessly bizarre, memorable film after another, directing stars who were at or rising to the peak of their cinema fame, such as Mick Jagger, or David Bowie.

More than anything else, however, his masterpiece – Don’t Look Now – remains a very singular work that almost defies definition or categorisation, with its funereal Venice setting and creeping horror being something that’s once seen, never forgotten.

3) BURT REYNOLDS Actor, sex symbol Feb 11, 1936 – Sept 6 OFTEN called “the sexiest man on the planet”, Burt Reynolds was a master player in the Hollywood system, channelling natural charisma and appeal into an international AAAlist power in the 70s/80s.

If many of his later films and TV roles were poor, audiences largely forgave him, with Burt often playing on his macho-man appeal to take on less serious roles, sending himself up in roles before it became commonplace for many stars to do so.

In later years, Burt enjoyed a mini renaissance, popping up in small or cameo roles, and seemingly rarely brooding on the many roles and characters he infamously turned down, including James Bond and Han Solo.

PIC 1

PIC 2

PIC 3

PIC 4

PIC 5

PIC 6

PIC 7

PIC 8

PIC 9

4) R. LEE ERMEY Actor, benchmark Mar 24, 1944 – Apr 15 THERE are few character actors who can make an impact like R Lee Ermey did, with his 1987 portrayal of the fearsome Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket still the benchmark of on-screen toughness.

As a former US Marine Corps drill sergeant himself, Ermey was born to play the terrifying sergeant with a passion that he channelled into similarly authoritarian roles.

With a wry grasp of the power of his fearsome image, Ermey popped up as a no-nonsense tough guy in all kinds of unlikely places, voicing characters in everything from the likes of Toy Story to Spongebob Squarepants.

5) PENNY MARSHALL Director, actress Oct 15, 1943 – Dec 17 EFFORTLESSLY able to make audiences laugh

both at her comic acting and her films alike, Penny Marshall made her mark on the small and big screens, delighting millions in TV’s Laverne and Shirley before she turned her hand to directing.

Not only was she the first female director to smash the $100m mark, she made Tom Hanks a star with Big – just one of a string of hits that, like her smash film of almost the same name, truly placed her in a league of her own.

6) STAN LEE Writer, publisher, legend Dec 28, 1922 – Nov 12 ALTHOUGH he’s another figure who got a recent nod in the Gazette to lament his passing, there’s still something a little sad about a world without ‘Uncle’ Stan Lee. Once ‘just’ best known as Spider-man’s creator, Stan created, fleshed out and developed a dizzying number of characters and worlds, saying that

coming up with ideas was never a problem, but finding the time to get to them all was.

The past couple of decades saw many of his works explode onto cinema screens, creating a vast range of Marvel films, TV shows and spin-off material that largely owes it all to one avuncular old gent.

7) HARLAN ELLISON Author, scriptwriter May 27, 1934 – June 28 YOU could easily fill a page or two just on Harlan alone, such was the dizzying output and reach of the legendary writer.

Often found in the midst of one falling out or controversy after another, the prolific – to put it mildly – writer busied himself in many creative media, reaching into cinema, television, radio and other outlets with some of the 20th Century’s finest Science Fiction.

His shadow loomed over all manner of pop culture

hits, from Star Trek to lesser works, with many films and entire genres picking up direct influences from his work, while it’s also impossible to disregard his influence on a vast number of TV series.

8) ISAO TAKAHATA Director, screenwriter Oct 29, 1935 – Apr 5 YOU may not know the name ‘Isao Takahata’, but you certainly know his works, as Takahata-san’s arguably most famous accomplishment was as a co-founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli.

Together with longtime collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki, and Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, the Japanese director was a driving force behind a number of striking anime, with Ghibli’s singular vision charming global audiences in recent decades.

Takahata-san’s last film as director was The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

(2013), nominated for an Academy award, with his typically delicate focus on human connection proving a fine swansong.

9) VERNE TROYER Actor, comedian Jan 1, 1969 – Apr 21 LAST but definitely not least, news of Verne Troyer’s death at 49 shocked people around the world, marking one of the few times they weren’t laughing when the actor and comedian came to mind.

As one of the shortest people in the world, the 2’ 8” star channelled his energy into comedy, providing a stalwart foil as Mini-Me alongside Mike Myers’ Dr Evil character – a role which brought Verne his greatest success, putting him on the global map.

He would reprise several funnyman-sidekick roles in a number of other films, teaming up with Myers in other projects, as well as proving a staple of several reality TV shows.

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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

ENTERTAINMENT

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming the latest news

Albert Square may be set for its first ever gay bar IN A BID to reflect a more diverse London, the new executive producer of EastEnders has said that a gay bar may open on the legendary Albert Square in the next year.

New senior executive producer Kate Oates joined the much loved soap recently from Coronation Street.

Oates said that she’s ‘really interested’ in introducing more LGBT characters into EastEnders, adding that “maybe we will have a new precinct for [the LGBT characters] as well”.

In a view posted to the official EastEnders Twitter account, Oates said: “We are looking at opening a gay bar on the square which will be a super-cool precinct where gay and straight characters can just hang out and loads of stories can cross.

“It should just be something really exciting, really fun, really visual and feel really true to multicultural London. Hopefully that will be something exciting for the next year.”

RTE launch revamped online streaming service THE RTE PLAYER has received a facelift recently, with a number of original shows and favourites being added to the platform.

Taking on other streaming giants with the new-look layout, there’s a number of original programmes on offer on the player that can’t be seen elsewhere.

These include the likes of Capsule, a fashion series following six Irish fashion bloggers as they create their perfect wardrobe, and ‘One Day You’ll Understand’, a stand-up special with Des Bishop exclusive to the player.

RTE have also added cult favourite, the American series Dawson’s Creek to their online line-up, in addition to former RTE reality show Fade Street.

Stranger Summer

Three of the main cast of Bandersnatch- Asim Chaudhry (Mohan) , Will Poulter (Colin), and Fionn Whitehead (Stefan)

New Black Mirror special Bandersnatching attention RACHEL D’ARCY

IF YOU’VE seen the name Bandersnatch on social media and scrunched your nose in confusion recently, you’re not alone.

The latest Black Mirror installment has been garnering a ton of hype, namely as it’s Netflix’s first interactive movie.

That’s right - you get to choose what happens next, reflecting the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ game created in the hour and a half long special.

Starring Fionn White-

head as game designer Stefan, it’s set in the 80’s as he attempts to recreate the book Bandersnatch in video game format.

Fans of Black Mirror will be familiar with the ‘altered reality’ concept of the show, taking a dark viewpoint on life and scenarios, and Bandersnatch is no different.

The opportunity to choose Stefan’s fate is enticing, but one was left wondering when it would take a turn for the worse for our protagonist, the mundane part of the spe-

cial seemingly dragging on, perhaps to acquaint the viewer with the concept of choice on offer.

The whole adventure is billed to only last an hour and a half, but ultimately it requires much more of your time and attention. It’s not something you can put on and half watch after work - you need to be focused on why you’re making your choices, otherwise you may be forced to ‘go back’ or ‘start again’ if you choose incorrectly, leading to an increased viewing time too.

There’s ten endings to

Cult favourite to return to screens in July RACHEL D’ARCY

ONE OF Netflix’s biggest hits, Stranger Things, will return for it’s highly anticipated third season on July 4.

Making the announcement on New Year’s Eve, the supernatural show is expected to take place during the summer

break from school for the main cast.

The third season has been teased for months, with eager fans desperate for a release date for months, since the first teaser released in July 2018 let fans know a third season was definitely on the way.

It was confirmed in

2017 that there would be a third season, leaving fans waiting over 18 months for the third installment.

Speculation is rife as to what the third season will involve, with some key guesses hinting at the involvement of technology, ‘demo-rats’ and perhaps some Russian

involvement too.

This is all based off the video confirming the release date, with fans of the show knowing that hints and clues frequently appear in trailers and posters for the show.

Season three will see the main cast returning, including Millie Bobby

Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Caleb McLoughlin as Lucas, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Noah Schnapp as Will and more recurring characters. There will also be a new cast member – Robin, played by Maya Hawke.

Bandersnatch, with a number of them tragic, or slightly confusing. It’s not for the faint of heart when it comes to some aspects, and could potentially be upsetting to some viewers, though it comes with a content warning so it really is at your own risk.

Stefan also becomes seemingly self aware of the viewer’s control at one point, providing a slight sadistic form of entertainment when you realise you’re ultimately in control of his destiny.

It’s an exciting concept, the interactive element,

but it’s difficult to foresee how Netflix will implement it on something outside of Black Mirror, or indeed outside of this particular plot.

Finding myself growing a little weary at times - having to stop and start once or twice - it’s your typical Black Mirror episode once you’re willing to put the work in. Not one of Black Mirror’s finest, but it still provides that spinetingling shudder that the show is famous for.

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is available now on Netflix.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019

ENTERTAINMENT GOING OUTOUT

GET TUNED IN WITH WHAT’S ON

PUNK AND

CIRCUMSTANCE

PICK

OF THE WEEK

JANUARY 14 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49 The closing shows of an extended residency at Vicar Street for the trad legend take place this week, with Christy plays the last of eight nights in the iconic Dublin 8 venue.

JANUARY 10 (THURSDAY) The 1975 + Pale Waves @ 3Arena, €41 Samarkand @ Whelan’s, €17 Fergus Daly @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

JANUARY 11 (FRIDAY) David Keenan @ Whelan’s, sold out

JANUARY 12 (SATURDAY) 2 Many DJs @ Tivoli Theatre (late), €25 As the Liberties venue begins its wind-down before being turned into another hotel, ‘DIstrict 8’ begins its last hurrah. The Belgian duo 2 Many DJs are certain to get the place bouncing.

Rebel Rebel - the David Bowie Experience @ The Academy, €28 David Keenan @ Whelan’s, sold out JC Stewart @ Whelan’s Upstairs, sold out

JANUARY 14 (MONDAY) Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49

JANUARY 15 (TUESDAY) Mastodon @ The Olympia Theatre, €37 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49 Chris Leonard @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

JANUARY 16 (WEDNESDAY) Neil and Liam FInn @ The Olympia Theatre, €40 One To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5

DUBLIN’S CURRENT penchant for vibrant, pulsating rock bands is one that’s grabbed headlines across Europe, a pattern that looks set to continue.

Silverbacks, a five-piece punk outfit centred around brothers Daniel and Kilian O’Kelly, are a band inspired by grit, a DIY ethos and a fraught social conscience, and the latest to look all set for breakout.

Having already formed a label, PK Miami (though it’s solely for their own music), and settled on a distinctive style of swirling, deeply layered guitar, there are big plans in place for Silverbacks in 2019, including releasing a debut album, and touring as much as humanly possible.

Their roots have stood to them.

“Doing it DIY was initially a necessity and eventually became a natural progression that made sense for the band,” frontman Daniel O’Kelly explains of the act’s

 JAMES HENDICOTT

progression.

“We’ve never really known anything else and it’s been fun, but it’s not necessarily and ethos we’re married to.

“A good few of our favourite bands started out this way, such as Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth. I think it often stands to a band if they’ve been doing things for themselves and writing songs for a number of years before they get picked up by a wider audience.

“Moving to a full band and a proper studio has allowed us to be more adventurous and have much more freedom with what we can write and record.

“The likes of [singles] ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Just In The Band’ would have never worked if we had tried to

record them in our bedroom.”

“We got compared to The Wire last week,” O’Kelly says of the recent attention the band have gained in the media.

“I enjoyed that one. I take the ‘Pavement’ and ‘Television’ comparisons as a compliment, we definitely ‘borrow’ a few of their tricks.

Both bands had their own unique sound and I’d like to think that we do too.”

The band’s recording link

most recent single, ‘Just In The Band’.

The result is a glorious parade of distortion, headspinning and titillating, and not afraid to take a swipe in the lyrics, including, somewhat comically, at the idea that they might succeed in early melody ‘Not Ones To Watch’.

The tracks kind of tighten in an intense coil of jarring guitar, before unleashing into explosive, frantic chorus

in naturally with one of the scene’s biggest success stories, Girl Band, and even feature Daniel Fox from that act on production duties for

lines.

In ‘Just In The Band’, things reach peak intensity, in a setcentring track that seems to flow at breakneck speed from

“

Moving to a full band and a proper studio has allowed us to be more adventurous and have much more freedom with what we can write and record

start to fiery finish. Despite the punk-ethos, the band jokingly insist their key aim for the coming year is to get a track on a popular TV show, or write a hit Christmas song.

“Kilian and I have found that the best way we write songs is for one of us to start with an idea and the other to finish it,” Daniel O’Kelly says.

“Thinking of guitar hooks is something that comes naturally enough to us so what often happens is that a demo will eventually have too many guitar layers.

“We’ll then restructure the demo and strip it back so that there are three or four layers.

We then take the song to the band and between Peadar, Kilian and myself we work out the best way to play the guitar parts.

“Peadar and Kilian have their own distinct guitar styles and the two of them work together like a dynamic football partnership, Henry and Bergkamp. I’m more of a Mathieu Flamini.”

10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

PUZZLES

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS AIMED ANSWER APPLICANT CARDINAL CHRISTMAS DILUTING DYNAMO EXPEND FRIEND GERMAN

GRITTED JAIL NAPPING PARKER PARTIALLY SKILL STRATAGEM UNUSUALLY VENTURING ZERO

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

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  SOUTH DVD TRANSFERS

ROOFING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

INSURANCE CLAIMS

PAINTING

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

SOUTH  DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

CONTACT rachel AT rhall@DUBLINGAZETTE.COM OR ON 60 10 240

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

RUGBY P28-29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

LATE LATE SHOW: BASKETBALL: CONOR Meany admits his UCD Marian side will be underdogs when they take on Belfast Star in the semi-finals of the National Cup in Cork this weekend.

The south Dublin side were beaten finalists last year and bounced back to seal the league title in May, but this season hasn’t quite gone according to plan.



GAZETTE

GOLF P30

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | SUPER LEAGUE

Templeogue riding high in Star showing  sport@dublingazette.com

TEMPLEOGUE lead the way at the top of the men’s Super League after a thrilling 83-81 point victory over Belfast Star.

It was Star’s second game of the weekend having overcome Pyrobel Killester in nail-biting (92-88) fashion on Saturday evening as part of an action-packed two days of top of the table action.

Sunday’s game saw them stage a late comeback against the Dubliners to see the game in the melting pot right up until the final buzzer.

Neil Randolph and Stephen James got some crucial scores at the death for Templeogue to send them home to victory.

Templeogue’s American, Dee Proby, was also one of the standouts on the day, finishing the clash with 21 points.

Speaking afterwards, Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan said: “It

was such an intense battle. It went right to the wire when it looked like, with five minutes to go, that we got a 10-point lead and would go home happy.

“But you can never count Star out and they fought until the end and I’m just relieved that we came out on the right side because it could very easily have gone the other way.

“At different parts, people made different big plays. Neil Randolph’s three was massive after they had hit a number of threes. Stephen [James] making that free throw gave us that little extra buffer.”

Elsewhere, DBS Éanna are now the only unbeaten team remaining in the Men’s Division One after they defeated Limerick Celtics 58-90. Neil Lynch scored 27 points for the Dubliners in a huge winning effort.

Indeed, it was wins all round for the Dublin teams in this opening weekend of cross conference games with Abbey Seals Dublin Lions recording

Neil Randolph (33) landed a crucial three-pointer for Templeogue to send them top of the table. Picture: Martin Doherty

a big 66-91 point victory over LIT on Saturday with Igor Markiewicz dropping 25 points on the night.

Bad Bobs Tolka Rovers were also victorious, running out 72-89 point winners over UL Sport Eagles in Limerick. Despite a whopping 39-point display from Tarchee Brown, it was not enough to get them to victory.

In the Women’s Super League, DCU Mercy also continued their impressive winning streak, defeating IT Carlow Basketball 39-65 on the road on Saturday to keep the pressure on Liffey Celtics at the top of the table.

Sarah Woods top-scored for the Dubliners with 19 points as they controlled the game from start to finish.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for December 20. Lotto A numbers were 10, 14, 20 and 23. No winner Lotto B numbers 3, 7, 19 and 24. No winner.

Next Thursday’s Jackpots €10,000 and €1,600.

Winner of €100 Karen Conway, Referees corner, €50 Anne Kiernan Referees Corner, and Steo c/o Bar. Joker Consolation Tom Chambers.. Radisson Blu Dinner for two won by Laura Masterson.

Joker next Thursday €550. Next Lotto draw on Thursday, January 10th. BSJ Bingo back now every Monday at 8pm.

Both Parish Cups Junior and Senior were won

by Team Marlay.

The annual Stephens Day mentors matches went off well. As always JJ Duffy was the genial host in Áras na nÓg for the traditional aftermatch gathering.

Well done Robbie Gaughan who played for the Dublin Senior Footballers v Dubs Stars and Glen Whelan and Tom Ahearne with the Dublin Senior Hurlers over the Christmas. Glen also played in the Walsh Cup victory over Laois on Sunday.

BSJ Nursery starts back on Saturday, February 2 on AWP at 10am.

Condolences to Siobhan Mooney and family on the death of husband Frank.

BASKETBALL

Meteors launch into 2019 in Thunder storm TRINITY Meteors’ 71-54 victory over Swords Thunder keeps the pressure on Ulster University Elks at the top of the Northern Conference of basketball’s National League.

Meteors recorded their second league victory against Thunder this season despite playing without star woman Rebecca Raberio.

Thunder’s intensity meant that they led for the first 19 minutes through top scorers Peggy Black and Tia Kelly Stephens.

Sarah Kenny’s performance, however, lifted her into the top scorers as Meteors depth on the bench easily subdued a Thunder team who were exhausted in the final quarter.

After losing their Cup game to Elks back in December, Trinity Meteors’ head coach, Vinny O’Keeffe was pleased with his side’s first victory after the Christmas break.

“I always hate games after Christmas because you never know what kind of performance you’re going to get. Swords came out firing and we gave ourselves a hole that we had to dig ourselves out of. But they kept with it and kept with it, and by the end of the game we were running strong.”

RUGBY: DONNYBROOK CLUB SECURE LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE

Ruthless Wesley show gap in quality over 2B’s ’Stones LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE Old Wesley Greystones  KEN BROWNE sport@dublingazette.com

41 5

OLD Wesley showed up the divisional gaps between the sides as they led from start to finish to win Division 2 of the Leinster Senior League at Energia Park.

For Greystones, it was a tough outing against a side who play their AllIreland League rugby two divisions higher in Division 1B. Right from the kick off the action was in the Greystones half and in the opening play Tommy O’Callaghan was nearly in for a try following a deft chip ahead, only to be dragged into touch short of the line by a defender.

But shortly after from a line out, the ball was swung out the Wesley back line where Tom Kiersey exposed a weakness in

the opposition defence to run in for a try under the posts. Rory Stynes converted.

It was nearly 10 minutes into the game before Greystones got any foothold in the Wesley half but solid defence ensured that the scoreboard was not affected.

Wesley were once again asking questions and, following some good carries and a neat offload by Darren Horan, JJ O’Dea found himself in the clear to trot in from 20 metres out for the second try. Stynes again converted.

Good handling saw captain Paul Harte look to be clear for a third try only to lose control of the ball.

Greystones eventually had a scoring opportunity with a penalty 35 metres out, but the kick was pushed wide.

Then, just short of half time, Paul Derham found himself with some open space. He made good

Paul Harte accepts the trophy from Leinster vice president Robert Deacon. Picture: Deryck Vincent

ground before passing to winger O’Callaghan who made further yardage before offloading to James O’Donovan who dotted down in the corner.

Half time and Old Wesley held a comfortable 19-0 lead. And they continued that dominance into the second half when Stynes converted a shortrange penalty and a break by the elusive Josh Miller had Wesley back up to the Greystones 22.

He passed to Harte who,

still with some work to do, finished off the move with a try near the corner.

Greystones were trying hard with limited possession but once the home side regained possession they were lethal with strong carried from far out.

A turnover near halfway line saw Charlie O’Regan make a probing run down the blind side before passing to Conor Barry who crossed with ease to score under the

posts.

The Wicklow men did however score a consolation try following some good carries following a scrum and penalty, which they wisely opted to run, with Killian Marmion claiming the honours.

Approaching full time, Stones threw caution to the wind with long passes near their own line, but an intercept by Miller allowed him to stroll in for the last score of the match.

Larmour’s higher aspirations

Jordan Larmour at the announcement of the partnership with Energia. Picture: Billy Stickland

LEINSTER’S rising star Jordan Larmour says he is keen to make 2019 “even better” after an incredible 2018 which included Six Nations and European club glory.

Speaking at the announcement of his multiyear partnership with Energia, he said he is aware there may never be a better year for Irish rugby but the plan is always to aim higher and higher.

“I am, but I haven’t thought about that, because in my mind I just want to win, I just want to go out and win trophies and to be involved in

big games,” he said.

“Last year was a pretty special year, but hopefully this one can be even better.

“I don’t think I am reflecting on it, I am kinda in the thick of it, I am not over-thinking it, I just stick to the process, stay in the present, I’m taking everyday as it comes, really,” said the former St Andrew’s College student.

“It is such a busy time of the year, I don’t really have any time to be thinking of all this. You are just going about it, trying to play well. I’m going with the flow, I suppose.”

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

DIVISION TWO

Old Wesley’s Padraig Cullen, with Josh Miller and Tommy O’Callaghan in support.

Picture: Ken Richardson

RUGBY: YOUNG GUN FORCES COACH TO TAKE NOTICE

O’Brien takes up Leo’s challenge brilliantly PRO14  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

VOLLEYBALL

Connolly spikes first win ever for Ireland ROCKFORD Manor’s Laura Connolly was part of the groundbreaking Irish Under-16 volleyball side who won the country’s first international fixture in the sport this week at the European Championships qualifiers.

They beat Iceland to claim fifth place overall in the competition with Connolly providing some hard-hitting spikes in a nailbiting third set.

It proved crucial as they went on to win by three sets to one.

LEINSTER head coach Leo Cullen has backed Conor O’Brien to make the step up to Champions Cup rugby if required for the pivotal Pool 1 clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Clontarf centre scored a scintillating try and was rewarded with the man of the match honour as the blue province eviscerated Ulster at the RDS last weekend.

Sean Cronin touched down twice, while Andrew Porter and Jamison Gibson-Park also crossed the whitewash as Cullen’s side cruised to a 40-7 bonus point win.

However, it was the performance of O’Brien that really caught the eye, and the Mullingar native is a candidate to line up alongside Garry Ringrose against the French outfit.

Ringrose’s regular partner Robbie Henshaw has returned to training ‘under medical supervision’ this week after injuring his hamstring during the November internationals.

Rory O’Loughlin and Noel Reid deputised for Henshaw in home and away wins over Bath respectively, but O’Brien offers a more off-thecuff threat with ball in hand.

“We have been talking quite a bit about it – Conor is definitely a live option for us,” Cullen said in the aftermath of the Ulster win.

“He’s a very strong ball carrier and he’s got a big left foot as well.

“He’s getting better all the time and learning and understanding what is required of him.

“We’re trying to test him out again and in the training environment [and] we hope it pays off when they get their opportunity.

“It’s something we will consider for sure ahead of the Tuesday deadline. I saw a lot of Conor when he was with the Ireland under-20s and thought he was one of the standouts then.

“He needs to understand that we have con-

Conor O’Brien makes a break for Leinster against Ulster. Picture: Martin Doherty

fidence, so when we put him in there, we think he is ready.

“He just needs to back himself now because he has lots of ability and we have got a lot of confidence in him.”

The 23-year-old, who represented Westmeath up to minor level in Gaelic football, has had to be patient while Ireland under-20 teammates James Ryan and Porter have kicked on.

And he revealed that he took matters into his own hands at the beginning of the season to ensure management were paying him his due attention.

“I went into Leo at the start of the year and was like, ‘What do I have to do here to get some opportunities?’

“There was one day when I was training with all the first-year players. I was in the academy so maybe it was a bit big of me to do.

“I was kind of like, ‘I deserve to be training with the big guys here’.

“I went up after and went, ‘Something needs to change here’.

“I can either lie down and accept that’s going to be the way — or if you don’t like the situation, you have to change what you are doing.

“Leo told me, ‘Stay involved in the games and take your opportunities when they come and build on a good Celtic Cup’.

“Leo’s given me the opportunities and has full confidence in me. I appreciate that an awful lot.”

Free public walk set for Saturday OPERATION TRANSFORMATION  sport@dublingazette.com

DUN LAOGHAIRE-Rathdown Sports Partnership will host a

free public walk on January 12 as part of Operation Transformation, starting in the People’s Park at 11am (registration from 10.30am).

This event is being held in con-

junction with Sport Ireland and RTE’s Operation Transformation TV programme. On this day, every county in Ireland will have a similar walking event to cater for all levels of fitness but, in particular, those looking to start exercising again.

Meeting from 10.30am beside the bandstand in the Peoples Park, the 4km route will bring participants along the Coast Road, down the beautiful East Pier and back, is based on pathways and suitable for all walkers.

Speaking in advance of the event, Shane McArdle, Coordinator with the Sports Partnership

remarked: “For heart-health, adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week.

“By taking part in these types of local events, people can become more aware of the excellent walking routes in the county and how it can be made social and fun.”

All ages and fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For further information on this event and to register your interest please contact Dún LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019

GOLF

SOCCER: DUNDRUM CLUB LAND MARQUEE FAI JUNIOR CUP WIN

Padraig Harrington at Monday’s announcement. Picture: Getty images

Stackstown hero to add to Ryder history STACKSTOWN’S Padraig Harrington was named as the European captain on Monday for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

The three-time major champion has a storied Ryder Cup career, having represented Europe six times as a player – including four triumphs – while latterly he has brought his extensive experience to the role of vice-captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest.

The 47-year-old joins Grange man Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016) as professionals from the island of Ireland to lead Europe.

He will be hoping to emulate the last European triumph on American soil – at Medinah in 2012 – as Europe defend the trophy won memorably at Le Golf National last September.

Harrington was chosen as Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Bjørn, Clarke and McGinley – as well as the Chief Executive of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, and European Tour Tournament Committee representative Edoardo Molinari.

Harrington said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Ryder Cup Captain and I am relishing the next 20 months as we work towards Whistling Straits and Europe’s defence of the trophy.

“I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role.”

The Irishman claimed a total of 10 1/2 points over his six Ryder Cup appearances, starting at Brookline in 1999, when he teamed up with Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the day one foursomes to halve with Davis Love III and Payne Stewart before claiming his maiden singles victory, defeating Mark O’Meara by one hole.

His first experience of a European victory came at The Belfry in 2002 where he took two points from his four matches.

Harrington’s greatest single match points haul of four from five matches came in Europe’s recordbreaking 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 victory at Oakland Hills in 2004. He resumed his partnership with Montgomerie to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the fourballs and Davis Love III and Fred Funk in the foursomes, before teaming up with McGinley to beat Love III and Woods in the foursomes, before rounding off with a singles win over Jay Haas.

He was part of another stunning win by the same scoreline two years later, this time on home soil at The K Club, before rounding off his playing career in the contest as part of Europe’s dramatic 14 1/2 - 13 1/2 triumph at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010.

Rosemount Mulvey prior to their FAI Junior Cup tie with Dunboyne AFC.

Roses await FAI ruling

FAI JUNIOR CUP

Dunboyne AFC 0 Rosemount Mulvey 2  JAMES HENDICOTT & DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

ROSEMOUNT Mulvey won their biggest postreformation game as the Dundrum side left it late to defeat Dunboyne AFC in Meath to reach the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup. What happens next remains up in the air – at time of going to press – as their date with Crumlin has seen plenty of back and forth.

“We’ve had a few issues with the FAI,” manager Karl Markey told the Dublin Gazette. “They wanted it played this weekend; if

we played it this weekend, we’d lose home advantage.

“We agreed Monday evening it would be played in Rosemount next Saturday. Now, on Tuesday, we got an email from the FAI saying they went to see the Rosemount pitch this morning and it’s not suitable under such rulings that the game has to be played in an enclosed ground.

“We have to come up with some solution or even meet with the FAI and see what they propose we do, if we can rope off the pitch or not. We want to play the game in Rosemount.

“They’ve been pushing for us to play it this week, lose home advantage and go play in Crumlin. Now they’ve thrown another

HEROIC SEND-OFF Olympic hockey legend given fitting send off CLONSKEAGH’S Ronan Gormley was given a

suitable send-off last Saturday at Pembroke at his testimonial following an incredible career which saw him play for Ireland 256 times and captain the country on 121 occasions.

He was part of the Irish men’s hockey team’s rise from outside the world’s top 20 to ninth in the rankings, winning a European bronze and Olympic spot along the way. In his testimonial, he scored the last goal in a 4-3 win for an Irish selection against a Pembroke XI. He is pictured with partner Javiera and children Tiago and Ayla.

Picture: sinead hingston

spanner in the works, we’ve no dugouts, another spanner again. So I don’t know what we’re going to do at the moment.”

It makes for confusion ahead of what would be a big moment for the club in their recent history.

Mulvey are previous finalists in the national junior competition, back in 1992, but had gone out of existence for several years before reforming to play in the LSL in 2017.

In last weekend’s cup tie, Mulvey were in control from the off, pressing Dunboyne back into a defensive stance in the opening period, forcing the Meath side into a battling, defensive approach.

Dunboyne goalkeeper

Rob Hickey made several early saves with Liam Byrne at the heart of much of Rosemount’s attacking ambition.

The pattern continued until the break: Rosemount created a succession of opportunities, but failed to find the onion bag as Dunboyne battled against the rising tide, and Hickey turned away the visitors best efforts.

The home side did come to life in the second half with Joey Supsed chipping over Chris McCudden in the Rosemount goal, and forcing a goal line clearance from the back-tracking visiting defence.

That was to be the only clear chance of the game for Dunboyne, though, as

Rosemount continued to dictate terms/ They created a number of other chances before a rightwing cross saw centre back Daniel Kennedy nod home and finally put Rosemount in front, to their vocal relief.

They added a flourish to what was ultimately an outstanding away performance when substitute Shane Andrews knocked a second home in the closing stages.

Reflecting on the tie, Markey added: “I did expect a bit more from them and I’d say they didn’t expect much from us being down in 1D. We dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute.”

10 January 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

BASKETBALL: CUP FINAL SPOT ON THE LINE AFTER MIXED SEASON TO DATE

UCD Marian’s Conor Meany in action during the 2018 National Cup final. Picture: Martin Doherty

UCD need to revive Mean streak again NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

CONOR Meany admits his side will be underdogs when they take on Belfast Star in the semi-finals of the National Cup in Cork this weekend.

The south Dublin side were beaten finalists last year and bounced back to seal the league title in May, but this season hasn’t quite gone according to plan.

UCD sit just inside the top half of the table in sixth position having won just six of their 11 games so far and sit nine points adrift of leaders Templeogue with a game in hand.

Their preparation for Sunday’s game hasn’t quite gone according to plan either after they fell to a 76-71 defeat to DCU Saints last week saw their Dublin rivals leapfrog them in the table.

After losing just five games in the league in all of last season, Marian have already lost five this year, and that inconsistency has dogged them all season.

Part of that has been down to injuries, but Meany also feels they may have temporarily lost the drive that got them to both major finals in 2018.

“It’s been a combination of a number of different things,” point guard Meany tells the Dublin Gazette.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries. We haven’t had our whole team together for many games this year and been missing key players at different stages.

“I think after the season we had last year in the league, it’s been difficult to replicate that sort of drive we had to finally get over the hump.

“That’s the thing that was maybe missing at the start of the year but we definitely have the hunger now to right those wrongs in the second half of the season, and the cup is the first opportunity to do that.”

Motivation isn’t something that was lacking going into the final months of the 2017-18 season after they were edged out by Templeogue in the National Cup final.

They used the disappointment – and possibly a sense of injustice after coach Ioannis Liapakis was called for a harsh technical foul late on – to spur them onto a first league title in 40 years.

“We parked the cup pretty quickly last year because we were still chasing the league at that stage. I think we felt we redeemed ourselves when we won

the league.

“We haven’t won the cup since 2011 and we’ve lost two finals since then, so we’re keen to get back there and try to win it again.”

Meany was one of four players in the current squad (Cathal Finn, Matthew Kelly and Neil Baynes) who were around when Marian stunned Killester in the final eight years ago.

And they’ll need every ounce of experience against a side featuring American standout Mike Davis, Slovenian Mark Berlic and Spanish Sergio Vidal.

“They’re an incredibly talented team.

This year they’ve got four professional players.

“We know it’s going to be very difficult and we’re up against it, but hopefully we’ll be able to give them a good game.”

UCD celebrating their league victory last March. Picture: Martin Doherty

SEMINARS Training load focus at southside sport science talks SOUTH Dublin County Sports Partnership has teamed up with Technological University Dublin, Tallaght Campus to deliver a monthly series of Sports Science Seminars from January to May. The first seminar on Thursday, January 17, Monitoring Training Load, is being delivered by Shane Malone. Malone is an associate researcher for the Gaelic Sports research centre at TU Dublin in Tallaght and he previously worked as the head of sport science for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

He has published more than 40 research items in Gaelic football, hurling, hockey, soccer and rugby 7s and has been invited to many team organisations to share his research in the fields of team sport conditioning and sport sciences with the aim of providing easy to understand information on how best to apply data to help coaches plan training.

The seminar will start at 7pm with registration from 6.30pm.

To book a place, please see https:// www.eventbrite.ie/e/ sports-science-seminar-monitoring-training-load-tickets-545 84491684?aff=ebdssb destsearch or contact the Sports Partnership office, info@sdcsp.ie or text 086 0441071 The following Sports Science Seminars will be advertised on Eventbrite in the coming weeks: High Intensity Interval Training – Thursday, February 21; Concussion Awareness – Thursday, March 21; Nutrition – Thursday, April 18; Video Analysis – Thursday, May 16.

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 10 January 2019