South

WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND SPORT FROM YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA 

A 4* LUXURY BREAK TO BELFAST’S TITANIC QUARTER!

Gillick’s love for running returns P40

FEARS OVER PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AT BULLOCH HARBOUR

Who would live here?  REBECCA RYAN

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Find us on

MARCH 8-14, 2018

SEE P23

TOURISM Northern Ireland are offering the chance to win a short break to Belfast. The prize includes a two night stay with dinner on one night in the 4* Titanic Hotel Belfast and passes to two of NI’s top tourist attractions, Titanic Belfast and HMS Caroline.

SPORT

EE FR

DublinGazette WIN SOUTH EDITION

THERE are waves of concern over proposed residential developments at Bulloch Harbour after severe flooding

during Storm Emma. It comes as a video was posted online on the Dalkey Tidy Towns Facebook page showing high waves crashing into the harbour. Continues on Page 9

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

DUN LAOGHAIRE | DEBATE TAKES PLACE ON HARBOUR OWNERSHIP

Future of Harbour Company uncertain  REBECCA RYAN

A MAJOR debate is taking place on the future control and ownership of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

The 200-year-old harbour is currently operated

by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) and is responsible to the Department of Transport.

A special meeting took place on Tuesday where Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) recommended the dissolution of DLHC and the transfer of its assets to the control of local authority.

Under the Harbours Act adopted in 2015, responsibility for a number of harbours across the State has been transferred to local authorities.

However, concern was raised after a risk assessment found the cost of works required to bring the harbour infrastructure to “taking in charge” s t a n d a r d wo u l d b e €33.1million.

DLRCC has informed the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that it has no means of funding those works and that the ongoing investment over 5 years would have to be provided from the Revenue Budget each year which, alongside the €800,000 ongoing maintenance costs, would require a substantial increase in

 REBECCA RYAN

rryan@dublingazette.com

income and/or a reduction in other services.

An information pack which was issued to elected members outlined two options for the councillors to choose from to recommend to Minister Shane Ross.

Option (A): A transfer of shareholding of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company from Minister for Transport, Tourism and Marine to DLRCC or Option (B): The dissolution of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and transfer of its assets, liabilities and staff to DLRCC. The council recommended in the pack for option B to be pursued.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Shane O’Brien said, although he supports the dissolution of the Harbour Company, he wants to see assurances of the necessary funding from the government first.

“Simply opting for “Option B” is not the question to be considered by the councillors, it is the potential impact on the council’s budget.”

Cllr Michael Merrigan is also concerned.

“Unless the State is to provide financial assistance, I will not be supporting the acquisition of the Harbour.”

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company chief executive Gerry Dunne said we should be looking at the example of Drogheda Port Company and Louth County Council, who in 2016 agreed on the formal share transfer from the

companies are dissolved, there is a burden placed on the tax payer.

“If you remove that commercial mandate and that commercial experience then you undermine the capacity of that entity to maximize the generation of commercial income.

“Then you very much increase the threat of the burden of the cash that’s

A major debate is taking place on the future control and ownership of Dun Laoghaire Harbour

Department of Transport to the council under the Harbours Act 2015.

“The model that was chosen by both Drogheda Port and by Louth council was the continuation of the company as a trading commercial company such that it could continue to generate commercial income that could be used for operations and infrastructure to pay for ongoing investments.”

He added if harbour

needed to fund the ongoing operations and fund the infrastructure that is being passed on through the council to the tax payer.

Mr Dunne said he thinks there has been a rush to judgement.

“I think it just needs much more careful consideration because there are very long-term consequences of what decisions are made now. And I don’t see any evidence to sup-

port any of the basis for rushing to the conclusion that dissolution is the best option.”

He said: “Greater dialogue” between the local authority and the Harbour Company is needed and that the Harbour Company brings vital experience to the table.

“Like if somebody says, ‘we need greater investment in Marine Tourism’, we might say, well that’s fine, but actually our evidence over the last 20 years is that is very difficult to achieve.”

On the recent weather events he said there was extensive damage done to the upper East Pier.

“There has probably been millions worth of damage done to the infrastructure of the harbour over the last week or so and then the question is who pays for that?

“The reason for the existence of harbour companies is that they themselves pay for it.

“They go out and they generate the commercial income so they can pay for the infrastructure.

“And that becomes a serious risk if there is no commercial company because the council doesn’t have the commercial competency or commercial personnel to be able to replicate what a harbour company does.”

Appeal for help after exotic birds escape aviary THERE’S an appeal to locals to keep their eyes peeled for rare exotic birds that have gone missing from Rathfarnham.

Last weekend during Storm Emma the roof of Marlay Park aviary collapsed from heavy snowfall. Birds like kakariki, cockatiels, red rumps, budgies and diamond doves escaped.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, a local wildlife expert told us what happened at the Rathfarnham park.

There was “such an accumulation of snow, the weight of it basically just pulled it in. One of the rangers I think spotted it.”

He said a few of the birds were caught but there could be up to two dozen missing. He is

concerned that one particular bird will go after other birds.

“I am and I am not worried. The magpie’s the biggest and he’ll probably attack and kill because he’s a very aggressive bird.

“A lot of these birds are there for years and can adapt and have adapted to our climate.

They’re good strong healthy birds.”

He is appealing to locals for help.

“I would like to try if some of them can be caught. Some of them might come to people because they’re not afraid of people. They’re used to people. People are up looking at them every day. So please God some of them might turn up.”

He told us that one bird has already been found by a local.

The bird flew into her shop with the help of her customers she caught it. She is keeping it safe in her shop in a box and has made arrangements to return it.

If anyone spots one of these exotic birds, the local wildlife expert advised people what to do.

“What I would appeal to anyone is to feed our own native birds and they will come to the same table. Quite possibly we might catch them that way.

“If they can catch them in a small box or cage and ring the DSPCA or ring the park ranger.”

FASTNews

The Team from St Andrew’s College: Mr Darren Goode, Patrick Perrem, Ted Crossingham, Aifric O’Connor, Conor Duckett and Max Proctor-Quigley

Local students qualify for national finals in Germany TEAMS of students from St. Andrew’s College in Booterstown and Gonzaga College in Ranelagh will be competing in the national finals of the Generation €uro Students’ Award on March 9 at Central Bank of Ireland in Dublin.

It consists of three rounds: an online quiz, a group analysis predicting the future adjustment of the interest rate for the euro area and a presentation of their analysis.

The winning team will go to the European Central Bank in Germany and meet with the ECB’s president and the governors of the national central banks.

Entries open for Tidy District Competition THE Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announced the 2018 DLR Tidy District Competition, which includes 20 different award categories for housing estates/residential streets, mixed use streets and urban towns/villages.

The entry form can be found through the “Download It” section of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council website and can be submitted via email or mailed to the county hall.

Applications are due June 1, and judging will take place in July.

Talk on the foundation of trade unionism postponed DUE to the severe weather, the planned talk by historian Charles Callan on the foundation of trade unionism in Dun Laoghaire which was scheduled for the Dun Laoghaire Club last Thursday, March 1 has now been postponed until May 3.

Historian Charles Callen will speak on the difficult foundation days of Trade Unions in the Dun Laoghaire area.

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR DUBLIN SOUTH GAZETTE: Dundrum, Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Dalkey, Shankill, Ballinteer, Glenageary, Deansgrange, Ballybrack, Stillorgan, Sandyford, Milltown, Churchtown, Leopardstown Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

LUAS | CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT

New tram line causing traffic chaos - Devlin

 REBECCA RYAN

A LOCAL councillor is slamming the roll out of Luas Cross City.

Fianna Fail’s Cormac Devlin told a public meeting he hosted on Monday that the new tram line is causing traffic chaos.

“It has resulted in a reduction in tram frequency, dangerous overcrowding, and left many passengers late for work, school and college.”

Cllr Devlin said it is not fair on commuters.

“It is clear, sufficient planning was not carried out before the roll out of Cross City and before the arrival of longer trams.

“This has resulted in dozens of bus routes being

Cllr Cormac Devlin at Bride’s Glen Luas Stop

diverted, which is causing delays for bus users and motorists alike. According to the council some bus journey times have increased by 110%. “ T h e G ove r n m e n t were warned about this in 2014, but chose to take no meaningful action. They

remain inactive and seem unable to bring forward solutions to alleviate the chaos.”

He wants to see immediate action.

“Minister Shane Ross has said LUAS Cross City is a ‘victim of its own success’ and that this chaos

is simply a teething issue.

This laissez faire attitude by the minister and the government is completely unacceptable.

“The message from the public meeting was clear, we need to see an immediate review of the LUAS timetable to increase peaktime frequency between St. Stephen’s Green and Bride’s Glen which would take pressure off College Green and reduce congestion.”

Cllr Devlin was joined at the meeting by TD John Lahart (FF).

The audience were told the party would bring forward a suite of proposals to reduce congestion in the capital.

T hey include, the

establishment of a Dublin Transport Commission to coordinate public transport in the capital and drive investment in new infrastructure such as additional buses, park and ride facilities and the expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme.

The National Development Plan also came in for criticism, Cllr Devlin said “there is very little in Ireland 2040 to improve public transport in south Dublin between now and 2027”. “ The government must boost public transport capacity in the short term by investing in the Dublin Bus fleet.”

His views were echoed

by Deputy Lahart.

Free admission for disabled visitors and carers at OPW heritage sites  JORDAN UPSHAW

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillor Deirdre Donnelly has welcomed the latest announcement that the Office of Public Works (OPW) will begin granting free admission to OPW Heritage sites to visitors with disabilities and their carers. The initiative is set to begin on May 1 of this year.

The announcement was made recently by Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran saying: “The OPW is entrusted with looking after wonderful heritage sites and I feel passionately that everyone should be able to enjoy these cultural assets on our doorstep.

“This includes those with disabilities and I am delighted to announce today that the OPWwill, at all its paid admission sites, admit disabled persons and their carers for free.”

The initiative will apply to heritages sites nationwide.

There are 21 OPW heritage sites in Dublin alone.

They include notable historical buildings such as Dublin Castle, natural areas such as Phoenix Park, public areas such as St Stephens Green and various memorial sites.

It was also announced that Irish Sign Language (ISL) tours will be available for hearing impaired visitors at many OPW Heritage sites throughout the summer, something Cllr Donnelly also welcomes.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 9 March 2018

CYCLISTS | MOTORISTS WILL SOON HAVE TO LEAVE MINIMUM PASSING DISTANCE

New safety campaign is wheeled out to save lives

FASTNews

 REBECCA RYAN

Fine for ‘selfish’ disabled bay car parkers doubled

MOTORISTS will soon have to leave a minimum passing distance (MPD) when overtaking cyclists.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross has announced that he will legislate for “Stayin Alive at 1.5” to make our roads safer for cyclists.

Drivers will have to leave one metre on roads with a speed limit not exceeding 50 km/h and 1.5 metres on all other roads.

Minister Ross said the

law will save lives.

“In 2017, there were 15 cyclists killed, which was a 50% increase on 2016.

Clearly this is an intolerable situation which has to change.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy and as Minister for Transport, I am committed to do everything within my power to prevent preventable road deaths.”

He added the measure is in line with best international practice.

“It was brought to my attention that other jurisdictions apply a MPD and

I determined to undertake research to see if such legislation would benefit Irish cyclists.

“I particularly wished to know if the perceived difficulties in enforcing and prosecuting offences relating to MPD legislation were outweighed by the benefits.”

Minister Ross asked the RSA to carry out a study of best international practice.

While the report states that little conclusive evidence is currently available to support or rebut claims that MPD legis-

Minister Ross says he is trying to make roads safer for cyclists

lation will specifically address cyclist fatalities, greater awareness by both motorists and cyclists while overtaking was rec-

ognised as having safety benefits.

Minister Ross said: “If such awareness entails safer driving and fewer fatalities then it will be worth introducing the necessary legislation.”

The regulations will be introduced once the legislation is finalised and approval by the Office of the Attorney General, and once the required equipment for measuring the MPD has been procured

by An Garda Siochana.

Local Independent Senator Victor Boyhan, who is a keen cyclist, has welcomed “Stayin Alive at 1.5”.

“With an ever increas-

ing number of cyclists taking to the roads it’s important that their safety is paramount in any new road safety measures being considered.”

“Cyclists are extremely vulnerable on public roads par ticularly in urban areas and very concerned about the rise in fatalities on our roads.”

Minister Shane Ross also has a drink driving legislation that is at Committee Stage.

The legislation would give motorists a mandatory ban if they are caught driving over the limit, instead of the current fine and penalty points.

Dun Laoghaire Home Help hours decrease  JORDAN UPSHAW ACCORDING to figures obtained by Fianna Fail, over the past year Home Help hours in Dun Laoghaire have been reduced by over 1,500 hours.

Councillor Cormac Devlin has stated that he is particularly troubled by this news and the pressure it is putting on families in the area who rely on the essential services offered by Home Help.

Cllr Devlin expressed his concern saying: “Families in Dun Laoghaire have seen their home help hours repeatedly curtailed under this Government.

“It’s become all common that the time allocated is simply not enough for healthcare providers to carry out all of the work required.”

Home Help provides general services such as assisting elderly residents with basic household tasks such as washing, cooking and cleaning. While not particularly complicated undertakings, they are time-consuming tasks which can have an unquestionably positive impact on the quality of life of older Dun Laoghaire residents.

Cutting hours means cutting services that older people rely upon in order

to continue living in their homes.

Healthcare services are also included in Home Help hours and workers have been unable to devote enough time to visits with patients.

Home Help often prevents older residents from having to enter assisted living facilities and allows them to remain in the comfort of their own homes even after they begin to have difficulty performing common household chores.

Cllr Devlin said: “The care givers and recipients are losing out as a result of these harsh cuts. Healthcare workers are under severe pressure to get their work carried out under unrealistic time constraints, and unfortunately people are not receiving the level of care they deserve.

“There are countless families in our area that are helping their loved ones to stay at home when they are ill or very frail and they have very little assistance from the State.

“This is not good enough and older people and their families are being forced to consider nursing home care when their wish is to be cared for in the comfort of their own home. Clearly this view is not shared by the Government.”

Are you disabled with a valid parking permit?

No? Then don’t park in a disabled bay!

THE fixed charge for motorists who park in a disabled bay without displaying a valid permit is to be increased from €80 to €150.

Speaking about the increase, Minister for Transport Shane Ross said: “In response to the selfish and thoughtless behaviour of certain motorists who think it is alright to park in a disabled bay without a permit, thereby depriving disabled drivers of safe, convenient access to parking spaces reserved for them, I have decided that the fixed charge should be increased from €80 to €150.

Increase “I hope that this increased charge will encourage able-bodied motorists to refrain from taking parking spaces reserved for those who need them.”

Motorists have 28 days to pay the fixed charge of €150, which rises to €225 if paid within the following 28 days. Failure to pay will result in proceedings being initiated.

Disability advocate Sean O’Kelly said: “I am pleased to see further action taken on those who park in the disabled parking bays without a badge.

“As a driver with a disability, I need the parking space to allow room to get my wheelchair out. When people who use the space without a badge make some excuse of ‘I’ll only be a minute’, that is very frustrating and inconsiderate.”

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

EVENTS St Joseph’s football AFC recognising amazing talent at club

Eamonn Duignan, John Lean, John Kelly Jimmy Lawless and Mick Larkin

Annual presentation of awards in Sallynoggin

T James Lee-Matthews and Vincent Kompany. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

HIS week we are bringing you some more fantastic shots from the recent St Joseph’s AFC Annual Awards 2018 in Sallynoggin. A large crowd of over 450 players, past players and parents gathered to celebrate. Special Merit awards were presented to Eamon Dignam, Jimmy Lawless, Mick Lambkin, John King and John Leane for their contribution to Joes totalling over 300 years of involvement in the schoolboy academy.

Award-winner Oisin Doyle-O’Callaghan with mum The O’Brien family

Claire and sister Erin Alessandro De Ferrari with dad Enzo

Award winner Neil Langan

John Weir, Deirdre Hayes and David Allen

Senior player of the year Aran Horgan

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

THE BIG FREEZE | HOW DUBLINERS COPED WITH THE WORST SNOWSTORM IN MANY YEARS

A city in lockdown as ‘The Beast’ roars past ONE little Dublin citizen had a furry lucky rescue during Storm Emma (see panel, right), but for most of the rest of us, the combined impact of The Beast from the East and Storm Emma late last week saw the city go into full shutdown as an eerie calm settled over the capital, disturbed only by the storm winds howling through the deserted streets and suburbs.

Across the city, the local authorities had their hands full – with shovels, salt and even snowploughs – as council staff and other key workers did their best to keep the city’s infrastructure working, as well as preparing for the storm’s aftermath and

clean-up.

Gritting their teeth and gritting the roads, the local authorities’ workers – and some plucky civic-minded citizens – worked in some truly miserable weather to try to clear roads and paths, and lessen the impact of the storm.

Many volunteer groups continued their unsunghero work, doing everything from food runs and transport for elderly neighbours to helping the city’s homeless cope.

While there was some bad news for the city – most notably, the dreadful impact on many of the city’s homeless, with reports of some being sectioned for their own safety – most areas escaped rela-

tively unscathed, although thousands experienced power cuts and water shortages, with warnings that the city’s water may be affected for weeks to come.

Perhaps the worst impact of Storm Emma in Dublin was witnessed over in Tallaght, with the highly-publicised incident at a Lidl store there, and the burning of several cars in a separate incident, horrifying locals and the capital alike.

With ‘the big melt’ now nearing its end and just a few remaining stubborn, discoloured banks of snow and slush here and there, as the city’s white hills look on from afar, here’s a look at how some parts of Dublin coped with ‘the big freeze’.

Helped schools Over in Lucan, one local man went above and beyond by helping seven local schools open.

Mayor of South Dublin Paul Gogart y said on Monday:

“Well done to local man David Stanley of Roadstar Paving who has cleared seven Lucan school car parks of heaped snow.

“Yesterday his digger was at Scoil Mhuire GNS, St Mary’s BNS, St Andrews NS, St Joseph’s College and Scoil Mhuire Airlie Heights; all reopened thanks to him and the many volunteers at each school who cleared the footpaths alongside.”

The Deputy Mayor of South Dublin, Breeda Bonner (Lab), praised council staff who braved the elements during the crisis brought on by the extreme weather.

“Those people risked their own safety and wellbeing through clearing roads and helping people who got into difficulty during the Arctic winter conditions.”

Animal rescues With many animals caught by the weather, My Lovely Horse Resc u e

(MLHR) was kept busy during Storm Emma.

The charity organisation dedicated to caring for horses in the South Dublin area delivered hay and other supplies to horses in Rathfarnham, Bluebell, Ballyfermot and Clondalkin.

Many abandoned horses were left without food until MLHR brought them hay.

The group didn’t just feed horses where they attended – they also continued their regular animal rescue efforts, made all the more imperative by the heavy snowfall.

The group took in a Shetland pony that’d been wandering the roads in the Inchicore/Jamestown Rd/Grand Canal area, with the pony’s owner asked to contact Kilmainham Garda station with proof of ownership.

Locals also brought a badly injured dog to them, and MLHR is currently searching for the owner.

While these and other tireless volunteers attended to the city’s animals,

That’s an ice view at a city centre landmark.

Picture: Crispin Rodwell

A furry lucky rescue

DURING a clearing of the runways at Dublin Airport, an eagle-eyed worker spotted and saved a baby hare in deep snow on Saturday morning.

Taking to social media to post about the discovery, Dublin Airport have been giving followers updates on the hare.

Multiple news sites across the globe, including Fox News and Sky News, have shared the story of the baby hare, which was taken home by an airport worker. The female has been named Emma, after the storm.

The worker’s family are now nursing Emma until she is strong enough to be re-released into the wild, giving regular updates on the hare’s health through social media.

Storm Emma saw the volunteer Defence Forces as well as the Civil Defence responding to many weather-related incidents, including in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdow n area.

Primary response agencies such as the HSE, An Garda Siochana, the ESB and local authorities reached out to the two groups for help during the course of the storm.

They helped to transport patients and medical staff, delivered meals, cleared paths and provided assistance to the emergency services.

Senator Neale Richmond (FG) praised both agencies saying, “Throughout the recent days of Irish weather at its worst we have seen our communities at their best.”

Trojan work Fingal councillor Darragh Butler (FF) paid tribute to all of the coun-

cil staff and the emergency services who put in such trojan work over the past week, working 24/7 in terrible conditions, clearing roads, keeping locals safe and keeping Fingal moving.

He said: “I would also like to thank the local companies, farmers and community groups who pulled together and completed tremendous work locally.

“Local residents were out with their shovels spending hours shovelling snow and clearing paths for their neighbours all over Swords, getting out and contributing hours to their community.

“To me, storm Emma not only proved to me what fantastic council staff and emergency service personnel that we have, but also what fantastic local companies and community spirit that we have.”

See gallery overleaf for some lovely snow shots

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

DALKEY | BULLOCH HARBOUR SUFFERS SEVERE FLOODING DURING RECENT STORM EMMA

Flooding sparks a wave of concern over harbour plan

High waves crashing into Bulloch Harbour during Storm Emma

 FROM PAGE 1 The group have raised concerns over proposed plans to redevelop the harbour near Dalkey by Bartra Capital Property Group which include two apartments and three large houses, a building workshop for “traditional timber boats”, a public square, a cafe, community changing facilities and new units for existing businesses, including boat rentals.

Des Burke-Kennedy of Dalkey Tidy Towns told Dublin Gazette what happened.

“With some of the most damaging seas in living memory, the 200-yearold Bullock Harbour was

pounded by Storm Emma tidal waves.

“Some created overtopping at roughly 60ft above the old Western Marine building. This in turn caused extensive flooding as the old drainage system was completely overwhelmed.

“The Harbour quays were also damaged, and one piece of hand cut granite estimated to weigh about 8 tons was thrown from the jetty up on to the quay area! Some cast iron benches were also destroyed. Inspectors from Dublin Port Company has already visited the area and will report on the overall damage shortly.”

He said the plans for residential development

at the harbour is an ongoing saga.

“Twice over the past year, Bartra Development sought Planning Permission to construct Apartments and three large three-storey houses at this area hit hardest by not just Storm Emma but by regular seasonal storms over the years.

“The planners refused permission on both occasions. Between the two applications, over 700 observations were lodged by the public expressing their opposition to the plans submitted.

“Those who oppose construction at this location feel very strongly that as a significant historical site it is just not suitable for

residential development.

Storm Emma proved why this is so.

He told us what some locals would like to see happening.

“As this mediaeval harbour site is of considerable historical significance and Dalkey is a Heritage Town, many believe that this site should now be taken in to public ownership and then developed with public marine-based activities, clubs, tourist facilities, changing rooms, etc.”

Councillor Michael Merrigan has already been in touch with the planning authority about concerns he has of the proposed development, including flooding issues.

Some of the concerns

Calls for better equipment for severe weather A COUNCILLOR for Glencullen/Sandyford is calling for better machinery to deal with severe weather conditions like Storm Emma.

Labour’s Lettie McCarthy said estates in particular were badly hit.

“Dlr Gritting Team had a tough few days and did a tremendous job and we are all very grateful to them. I believe we need to look at our snow machinery and decide

how we can best serve estates.

Large snow Ploughs and JCB’s are simply not suitable for estates with cars parked on both sides of the road.”

She is calling for dlrc’s senior management to meet with the team working on the ground and decide how best to equip them.

“Maybe we should look at ways of sprucing up the tractors we have in stock, we simply have to come up with more imaginative

ways of tackling estates.”

Cllr McCarthy also praised the locals for helping each other and local businesses doing their part during the storm.

“The snow brought out the best in people and showed community spirit was alive and well.

“Forced away from our cars, many neighbours chatted for the first time and worked together to clear snow in their estates and around schools.”

he submitted included the site being “exposed to high seas, overtopping waves and storms causing flooding”, the site being “susceptible to serious flood risk, to grant development here would be in breach of government guideline and best international practice” He also submitted concerns that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, and its commercial ratepayers and its Local Property Taxpayers, and Dublin Port Company could “potentially be exposed to significant and ongoing financial liabilities

associated with providing flood damage/ relief measures associated with this site in the future” and that homeowners could potentially be deprived of insurance which could “render the properties worthless and simultaneously drive up the cost of insuring all properties in the areas adjacent to the Harbour.”

Some locals reacted to flooding concerns after the video on Dalkey Tidy Towns Facebook page was posted, which read: “Ridiculous to think that this site is suitable for apartments /houses - and

what insurance company would be crazy enough to take on the risks!”

“Those apts would be washed into the harbour!”

“This should be sent to An Bord Planala and DLR CoCo. It is incumbent on the planning bodies to prevent this development.”

“Perfect place to build million euro homes.

“Local people always know best regarding the history of this Harbour and the developers and the planning authorities should take heed” We contacted Bartra Capital Property Group but received no reply before going to print.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

Out and About

Russell Fitzpatrick from Finglas trys to surf down the hill at the Papal Cross, Phoenix Park. Picture: Conor McCabe

Juliette Hannon in Ballinclea Park . Picture: Michael Chester

Russell Fitzpatrick and Hannah Jones

Lexi enjoying the snow in Holywell, Dundrum

Having snow much fun in south Dublin T

HE Beast from the East and Storm Emma did their best to leave the city and country shivering and shaking in their wake, but across all of South Dublin squeals of delight filled the air as thousands of children – and more than a few adults, too – dashed out to go skiing, sledding and having fun in the snow. Unfortunately Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier in now requiring major repair works after being battered by Storm Emma.

Brian Emmerson, Michael Browne, Oisin Jones and Michael Chester. Picture: Michael Chester

Yelena and her daughter Sophie Cannon in Ballinclea Park. Picture: Michael Chester

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Children build an igloo at Royal Terrace Dun Laoghaire

Storm Emma rages in Dun Laoghaire harbour

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS Takeda Ireland Limited’s investment will see the creation of a facility dedicated to manufacturing a novel stem cell therapy

Sky, Netflix partner with new bundle deal  RACHEL D’ARCY

SKY and Netflix are set to team up for a new bundle subscription pack, deemed to be the first of its kind.

Through the Sky Q platform, millions of Sky customers will be given seamless access to Netflix. Both new and old customers of Sky will be extended the opportunity to purchase the new ‘entertainment TV’ pack, which is the first time Sky and Netflix content will be combined side-by-side.

The Netflix app will be integrated into Sky Q, and Netflix programmes will be promoted alongside Sky content. Customers will be able to watch Skyexclusive programming such as Big Little Lies, and Billions, alongside Netflix Originals such as Stranger Things, and Black Mirror, as well as free-to-air TV on the Sky platform.

Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive of Sky said that the new partnership makes the “entertainment experience simpler for customers”.

He said: “By placing Sky and Netflix content sideby-side, along with programmes from the likes of HBO, Showtime, Fox and Disney, we are making the entertainment experience even easier and simpler for our customers. Our recent announcements mean we will extend our leadership in delivering customers the best viewing and user experience in Europe.”

It will also reduce the need for a Netflix bill also, as customers will be able to be be billed for their Sky and Netflix usage in the same bill. Existing Netflix users will be able to migrate their account to a new Sky TV bundle, or will be able to sign into Netflix on Sky with their existing account details.

Baldonnell Business Park adds major hub A NEW €40m development was launched in Baldonnell Business Park early last week.

The new development by logistics company Mountpark EU will potentially see nearly 1,000 jobs created within the local area.

During the construction phase, 120 jobs will be created, with a further 850 jobs expected to be created by companies that will operate from the logistics hub. There are set to be up to 150 ancillary services jobs also created from the new project.

The first phase of the development is currently under construction, with the first unit due for completion in October.

Mountpark EU’s Baldonnell development will provide units in excess of 350,000 sq ft for companies to rent for distribution purposes.

CONSTRUCTION | JAPANESE FIRM CREATING SPECIALIST €25M FACILITY

70 new jobs dispensed by Grange Castle pharma  RACHEL D’ARCY

UP TO 70 new jobs are to be created at a new pharmaceuticals facility in Grange Castle.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals are to invest €25m in the construction of a new regenerative medicine facility, dedicated to manufacturing a novel stem cell therapy.

Up to 70 construction

jobs will be created in the building of the new facility, which is scheduled to be in commercial operation by 2021.

Local Fine Gael TD Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the announcement from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, saying: “I am pleased with this announcement. This is in addition to the €40 million investment in

the construction of a standalone production facility which I was delighted to turn the sod on last year.

“Takeda’s decision to invest in Ireland is a great win and a vote of confidence in Ireland and it builds on our ongoing expansion of the sector here.

“The pharma industry contributes greatly

to the Irish economy in terms of jobs and exports, and is one of the fastest growing sectors,” said Deputy Fitzgerald.

The new project is set to deliver a boost for the Lucan and Clondalkin areas.

L a s t we e k , a € 4 0 million Logistics Park Development was launched by Mountpark EU in Baldonnell.

Deputy Fitzgerald has said that projects such as these show a ‘vote of confidence’ in the workforce of the area.

She added: “This continued investment by companies such as Mountpark and Takeda is a demonstration of the strong business offering that the county has for Irish and International businesses.”

Bioscience company Grifols reports some impressive ’17 profits STAYING with Grange Castle, a bioscience company with a base there has announced that its reported profit for 2017 has reached more than €663 million.

In its 2017 annual report, Spanish pharmaceutical and chemical company Grifols reported that revenues increased by 6.6% to €4.3m in 2017, and its reported profits have grown by 21.5%.

Grifols announced a €85m investment in the construction

of a new specific plant for the purification and sterile filling of a plasma product (albumin) at their Grange Castle site in 2016.

Last year, the Spanish company also filed plans with South Dublin County Council for a €77m expansion to its Grange Castle site.

In its 2017 report, Grifols reported that its bioscience sales have grown by 7.3% to €3.43m, something that the company report shows their ‘leadership’ in

their specific sector.

They also report that their overall workforce grew by more than 23% in 2017, with the company now hiring 18,300 individuals in over 30 countries.

In 2015, they announced they would be hiring 140 individuals at their Grange Castle facility, with this number expected to grow with the expansion of their

facilities in Dublin.

Grifolds produces plasmaderived medicines for patients, and provides hospitals with tools, information and services needed to deliver medical care.

They have three main divisions –bioscience, diagnostic and hospital, with their products available in more than 100 countries worldwide.

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

Fido’s Agility class fun  MARK O’BRIEN

A NEW dog training school in Kilternan is planning on getting your dogs active by teaching the canine sport of Agility.

WaggyMamas Agility has been set up by Agility enthusiast Laura Murphy who has been competing at the sport for a number of years with a variety of different pet dogs.

She says: “Agility is a win-win sport. Even if

it all goes completely wrong, it’s still adorable.

You can’t lose!”

Agility is a little bit like show jumping for dogs, being a competitive sport that involves a human or ‘handler’ who guides their dog around a course of obstacles including jumps, tunnels and a see-saw.

The school also offer courses with qualified trainers in basic obedience for puppies and adult dogs.

Dogs under a year old can take part in nonstrenuous ‘Agility-themed games’ that are suitable for growing bones.

They cater for complete beginners and first-time dog owners who haven’t tried anything like this before.

According to WaggyMamas, what makes Agility training special is that it combines mental stimulation with physical exercise in a way that’s challenging

for both the owner and their best team mate – their dog.

Laura says: “I’ve seen all kinds of dogs do agility. They don’t need to be a particular breed. Sometimes, it’s the ones you least suspect that end up really surprising you.”

Wagg yMamas only uses force-free positive reward-based training and aims to train all students to a high standard



GAZETTE

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

WE’RE SURE YOU’LL LOVE THIS WINTER

compatible with entering competitions in the future.

The school welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, from Bichons to Bull Mastiffs.

To book a class for your perfect pooch, or for more information, see Waggymamasagility.com, or phone 087 299 8182

DUBLIN Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Meet Winter – a playful, active twoyear-old greyhound with a taste for mischief! He is looking for a home with owners who can keep him busy and entertained, in a home where there is somebody there for the majority of the day.

He would be best as the only dog in the home, where this cool dog is more than ready to delight older children with his snack-stealing skills.

If you think that you have room in your heart for Winter, please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

LEGENDARY ‘CULCHIE EMBASSY’ GETS READY TO RAZZLE-DAZZLE

Are you ready for WE’VE all had an experience in Coppers over a weekend or several – now that experience is being embodied forever in the form of a musical!

Opening in the Olympia on July 5, Copper Face Jacks: The Musical is described as a “celebration of a club that started life as something of a Culchie

embassy in Dublin”.

Written by Paul Howard, the creator of Ross O’Carroll Kelly, the musical tells a love story set on the evening of a Dublin

vs Kerry All Ireland final when a Kerry girl who moves to ‘the Big Shmoke’ falls head over ‘flat shoes’ for a Dublin team member.

Speaking about the show, Howard said that it was “impossible” not to want to write a musical about the legendary Harcourt Street venue.

“Once you hear the name Copper Face Jacks: The Musical, it’s impossible not to want to make it happen. We’ve been talking about it for a few years now so it’s brilliant to think in just a few months it will be up and running,” Howard said.

The musical is being produced by the same team behind ANGLO: The Musical, with tickets from €28 on sale now from Ticketmaster.

Follow @CoppersMusical on Twitter for more information.

YOU WON’T BE BARD OF THIS COURSE THE Ranelagh Arts Centre has announced that it will be holding a six-week acting course this summer.

The Summer Shakespeare Bootcamp will help those taking part learn how to perform one of Shakespeare’s funniest comedies, The Comedy of Errors.

Working with professional director Joe Devlin, the six-week course

includes five weeks of training before a week of performances of one of Shakespeare’s best plays.

The course is set to help gain confidence in public speaking, with no experience in acting necessary to take part in the course.

It will begin on July 16, and run from 9:30am to 5:30pm five days a week for the duration of the bootcamp. For further information or to book a place on the course, email ranelaghar tscentre@ gmail.com.

SHINING A LIGHT ON WES ANDERSON FILMS CINEMA fans are in for a treat with a brand-new film season at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield.

Fantastic Mr Anderson – also known as Wes Anderson Season – began in the cinema on March 5 and continues until March 30, showcasing some of the best of the Texan director’s feature films.

Events will also take place across the month, including the Grand Budapest Hotel: Prosecco and Patisserie event where viewers will be treated to a glass of Prosecco or a Grand Budapest-themed mocktail alongside patisserie treats during a screening of the 2014 film.

Three of Anderson’s

best-known films (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Acquatic and The Darjeeling Limited) will all be shown in 35mm film as part of the almost month-long festival.

Tickets for all films and events are available now from lighthousecinema.ie.

DRAG YOURSELF TO A COOL FUNDRAISER AS RUPAUL once said: “You’re born naked, and the rest is drag”, and DCU’s LGBT society will be celebrating the art-form at their annual Drag Race on March 14.

DCU Drag Race is the largest student-organised drag competition in Ireland, with eight contestants set to compete in the show to raise funds for BeLonG To youth services, an organisation for young LGBT people in Ireland.

It will be held in Temple Bar’s Button Factory, and promises to be an exciting night.

Based on the popular TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race, eight drag queens will compete in lip-sync battles and show off their finest fashion and makeup skills to raise money for the worthy cause.

Hosted by well-known Dublin-based drag queen Victoria Secret, the judging panel will comprise

?

some of Ireland and Britain’s best drag acts. Tickets are priced at €6, with all ticket sales and profits from the event going to BeLonG To. For further information, see facebook.com/DCULGBTASOC.

YOUR KIDS WOOD LIKE THIS FUN CAMP LOCATED in Tibradden, near Rathfarnham, The Hazel House has a number of events running across March, including Easter camps for children.

Its organisers will have a bird-house building event, a chair making course, as well as a screening of Disney’s Brave at their cafe in the Dublin mountains.

The Hazel House also hold monthly mountain walks on the last Saturday of every month – weather permitting, of course!

As well as these, they will hold a three-day camp for kids to learn how to work with wood to build their own vegetable trough. Running from 10am until 2pm from March 27-29, the camp is suitable for children aged over seven.

The camp costs €100, with a deposit of €20 required in advance. For further information and to book a place, see thehazelhouse.ie.

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

Out and About A LITTLE BREAKFAST LUXURY BREAKFAST at the Westbury Hotel was a little extra

of Extra-Firming. Irish TV presenter Amanda Byram was

luxurious with the launch of Clarin’s latest anti-ageing

also on hand to celebrate the launch.

skincare innovation, Extra Firming. Clarins Scientific

A Clarins staple for over 40 years, the 2018 editions

Communication Director, Marie Helene Lair presented

include new skin care duo with new formulas and new

the groundbreaking research and scientific discoveries

scientific and plant discoveries.

Triona McCarthy and Laura Bermingham

Laura Erskine

Jessica Grealis and Alba Walsh

Marie Helene Lair and Amanda Byram pictured at the launch. Pictures: BrianMcEvoy

ICE TO SEE SOME FUN IN THE SNOW AT THE ZOO WHATEVER about the impact of ‘The Beast from the East’ on the shivering country, these beasts were only too happy to get to grips with the white stuff at Dublin Zoo. With snow being a natural environment for many of the zoo’s creatures – but as novel for many of them as for the rest of the city’s citizens – the heavy sprinkling was welcomed by many of the animals, while the rest stayed indoors in their extra-warm enclosures and homes, bedding down like most of us until the cold had passed.

While some of the animals were just curious about the snow, many others enjoyed experiencing it

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Jessica Grealis and Alba Walsh

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

MODERATE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues!

Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

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.

SCRIBBLE BOX

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS affair

mistress

amour

office romance

cheating

philandering

dalliance

seduce

doings

thing

episode

tryst

fling

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

flirtation intrigue liaison lover

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Shining a light on a busy arts scene

WEDNESDAY, March 7 saw the start of the 11th annual Five Lamps Arts Festival, which runs until March 11.

Events range from family-friendly to adults-only and include theatre, film, dance, magic, comedy, workshops, exhibitions and many more.

Several upcoming events will be free and run from 9am to 5pm daily. Maps, Coastlines – a Message in a Bottle at Connolly House, Marino College is one such event.

Children from St Laurence O’Toole Girls National School have been working on this art show since last September with artist Martina Galvin’s guidance, and their very own artwork will be on display.

Another free daily event is an exhibition featuring the artwork of Tara Kearns, Niamh Molloy and Barbara O’Meara at Custom House Quay.

Of particular note is O’Meara’s

project, The Covering, a baby blanket made out of 796 squares, one for each of the babies found buried at the Tuam mother and baby home.

Visitors are encouraged to meet the artists and knit, stitch, crochet or weave their own baby square.

Another such exhibition will be put on by SWAN Youth Service, entitled What’s Your Issue, at Connolly House.

Artwork by Megan Kavanagh, Aaron Connolly, Claudio Marsella and others will be featured tackling issues such as the daily difficulties faced by women, the coming out experiences of LGBT youth, and raising awareness of homelessness in Dublin.

On Friday, The Charleville Mall Library will host Bloom and Buzz, a free interactive theatrical performance for children aged three to six years old. The event promises to explore mature themes such as life and death in a playful, sensitive and

age-appropriate manner.

Connolly House, Marino College will host a free performance of, Sweet Dreams Mr Heroin, a play dealing with heroin addiction, prostitution, heartbreak and family on Friday at 12pm.

Odeon Cinema Point Village will be showing the films Stalker at 4:45pm and Cardboard Gangsters at 7pm for €5 each.

The former is an Irish psychological thriller following a volatile homeless man who believes God has given him a mission to “clean up” society, while the latter follows a group of young lads who set out to move up in the world of illegal drugs.

T here will be a free Donal Vaughan Science Magic show for children aged five and older at Connolly House on Saturday. Children will learn fun science tricks that appear magical and that they can perform safely at home.

The Five Lamps Arts Festival organisers have curated an eclectic range of content and events for people of all ages to enjoy in Dublin

Conversation Salons will present, A Feast of Strangers, at Cloud Cafe on Friday from 7pm to 10pm.

The festival concludes on Sunday, March 11, with the Dublin Circus Project, a free family circus workshop at 3pm, and a free circus

performance at 4pm.

The performance will feature both professional and beginner circus performers.

For the full programme of events, as well as booking details, check out www.fivelampsarts.ie.

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

SPOOK OF THE THIRTEENTH LOCK: 18-PIECE DELVING INTO A STIRRING PIECE OF OUR HISTORY

Sounding the Lockout

LET’S GO OUT

PICK

BEST OF THE REST OF THE WEEK MARCH 13 (Tuesday) Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, (rescheduled date) From humble beginnings Erasure have easily kept their place at the top of the synthpop league. Never afraid to speak out about things they care about, you’ll know Andy Bell and Vince Clarke’s tunes within seconds – with an Erasure gig guaranteed to leave you with an infectiously upbeat, sunny vibe.

MARCH 8 (Thursday) The Gloaming @ National Concert Hall, €40 Chris Jones and the Night Drivers @ Pavilion Theatre, €16 RTE Choice Music Prize @ Vicar Street, €28 The annual celebration of the best of Irish music is always a worthwhile night out, and has the added bonus this year of featuring every nominated artist performing live. A great summary of the Irish music scene as it is today, and the afterparty is something else...

The Strypes @ The Bowery, €25

MARCH 9 (Friday) Luka Bloom @ Pavilion Theatre, €20 Inni-K @ The Cobblestone, €12 Willy Mason @ The Grand Social, €15 The Revellions @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), late show The Riptide Movement @ Number 22, €20 Paddy Hanna @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Unquestionably one of Dublin’s most interesting current musical men, Paddy Hanna’s latest album (Frankly, I Mutate) is heavy on the self-examination and soulsearching, but delivered in quirky pop vocals. Beautiful.

NEWLY expanded to an 18-piece and back with a beautiful concept album dedicated to a key moment in Irish history (just in time for St Patrick’s Day), Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock look set to cement their place as one of Ireland’s most original acts.

THERE’S very little that’s conventional about Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock.

Their conversation flits happily between their pervasive politics – substantially Left-leaning – and the charisma of their music.

They work on albums for years before launching them onto the market, playing relatively rarely, with a focus on areas like historical accuracy. They also make sure they enjoy the ride.

The product is rock that’s riddled with Irish inf luence and hef ty chords, but also comfortably distinct from trad, the Irish punk scene or even local folk.

Their growth has been an incremental one, in a sense, though rarely less than fantastically ambitious.

“We started out as a four-piece, around 2006,”

 JAMES HENDICOTT

says guitarist Enda Bates.

“For the second album we bounced up to a five-piece, then added an extra guitar. After that last album, we started to change our approach, and added all the extra guitars.”

That growth to an 18-piece has seen Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock develop into a different kind of band, one that’s able to produce layered power and gorgeous, jarring nuance.

Divided guitars “Technically, it is a full orchestra,” Enda adds, “in that it’s lots of different people playing the same part. There’s the core group, and they take care of the more complex, melodic stuff, and then the guitars are divided into four parts, playing together.

“There are some American groups that put together symphonies for 100 or 200 electric guitars, but there’s not much out there like it. It’s an incred-

ible sound; it’s like the comparison between one violin and an orchestra of violins. You get this really thick, slightly jarring feel.”

Of the change, he explains: “It was something we were always interested in, and it kind of thematically fit with Lockout, with the big groups of workers all working together.”

The Lockout he refers to, of course, is the industrial dispute between 20,000 workers and their employees that took place over the rights of workers to unionise, and over their preposterous working conditions, led by Jim Larkin and James Connolly in late 1913 and early 1914. The Lockout had an impact across Dublin society.

“You really have to do your reading for something like this,” vocalist Allen Blighe says of the project, having approached the new album with all the vigour of a passionate historian.

“We got a few different sources. There was a housing collapse on Church Street in inner city Dublin, for example, that killed a lot of people. It was kind of the Grenfell Tower of its

time.

“There’s a very short book that’s recently been put out locally in Stoneybatter about it that’s very powerful. That was a big influence.”

Enda recalls: “Some of our songs in the previous albums had historical themes, but they were distinct songs.

With this one, we wanted to tell the story of the Lockout on a full album.

“Before we had much music written, we already had the narrative and structure all planned out. We knew the lyrical ideas, which is the other way round to how we used to work in the past, with the music coming first.”

Narratives Those narratives filter naturally into the music.

Allen explains: “We use this very harmonious open tuning on all the guitars to represent the strength and unity of the unions.

“But then there are the dark moments in the story, in which we very deliberately create dissonance, whether it’s rhythmic or harmonic dissonance, to represent those themes.

“There’s also big and small. There’s all guns blazing, all guitars going,

and different points where it really shrinks back.

“In terms of arrangement, it can be really interesting. It uses the dynamic range in different ways.

It’s not just ‘a noise fest’; in fact, it’s quite sparse at times.”

The two aren’t afraid to express their own admiration for the Lockout strikers, or their sense that the relative absence of such

collective action is a sad reflection of modern society.

Allen says: “It’s about capital versus labour, ultimately, even if it’s not really expressed that way any more.

“Historically, we lost the battle of the Lockout, but when World War I broke out there was no surplus of labour anymore, so it was a superficial failure, as there was no surplus of labour anymore.

“The union involved became SIPTU, still the biggest union in the country. It created conditions for what came next.

“There are huge differences between then and now, but there are some similar themes,” he argues.

“That capital against labour fight is still very much relevant. Tenement slums back then were full of vermin, and people were struggling for food.

“It was about accommodation, and the security of accommodation is a huge thing again now.

One of the successes of capital, I guess, has been to take that debate out of the equation. It’s not really discussed any more.”

The 1916 anniversary, though, has brought some clarity to the era, in Enda’s opinion.

“It’s perhaps less mythologised, and treated with a bit more context.

I remember the Lockout being talked about in very positive terms, but not being explained as this Socialist action.

“As a subject, though, it’s handy in a way. We’ve always liked tying our songs together, with big intros and outros, and this is just that idea, times ten!

It’s complex, but it’s cohesive, and you know where you’re going.”

The journey might have had its simplistic sides, tonally at least, but the result is spectacular: a deep, detailed and original album no other Irish act could have written.

MARCH 10 (Saturday) The Gloaming @ National Concert Hall, €40 Daniel Avery @ District 8, €22 MARCH 11 (Sunday) The Gloaming @ National Concert Hall, €40 Tommy Fleming @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €31 Damien Jurado @ Whelan’s, €22 DVSN @ The Academy, €28 Sophie Coyle @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 MARCH 12 (Monday) The Gloaming @ National Concert Hall, €40 Niall Horan @ 3Arena, €50 The former One Direction man drops in as near as he’s going to get to home with a date at the cavernous 3Arena, where he’ll run through his debut album Flicker (and no doubt a little of the old stuff, too).

Rejjie Snow @ Olympia Theatre, €22 MARCH 13 (Tuesday) The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 LU TYSKY @ Whelan’s, €8 Vince Clarke and Andy Bell better known as Erasure a duo responsible for such

Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock play Dublin’s Pepper Canister Church on March 16, as part of the St Patrick’s Day Festival, with support from Landless. Lockout is released the same day.

hits as A Little Respect, Chains of Love, Always and many more...

MARCH 14 (Wednesday) The Wombats @ The Academy, €25 Death From Above @ Tivoli Theatre, €30 Keep Shelly In Athens @ The Grand Social

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

GARDENING

NARCISSI: EXTEND THE DAFFODIL SEASON UP TO APRIL BY INTRODUCING DIFFERENT VARIETIES

Daffodils with a difference - and the perfect planting partners Anne Byrne Garden Design provides easy to follow garden plans that you can implement right away or in stages.

Her design flair and passion for plants brings a touch of magic to gardens of all sizes.

Anne Byrne Garden Design – Creative Ideas  ANNE BYRNE – Practical Solutions – Stunning Gardens. info@dublingazette.com

MARCH is the month when daffodils, or narcissi, really come into their own and look wonderful planted en masse, especially around the base of mature trees.

You can extend the daffodil season, however, by introducing different varieties so as to enjoy golden yellow or white blooms from February right through to April.

One of the earliest to bloom is the reliable “Tete a Tete”, a miniature variety often with two or three flowerheads on the same stem.

It’s a great one for spreading throughout a border, as it’s very small but really makes an impact when planted in dozens. Other lovely early cultivars are “Minnow” and “February Gold”.

For a change from yellow, you could try Narcissus “Thalia” – the

flowers are a traditional shape but are a lovely clean white.

This particular cultivar is one of my favourites and I use it a lot in planting plans – it’s very reliable and has the most elegant shape and habit of any narcissus I know.

For something a little different, consider trying some double varieties.

Many of these are scented and are brilliant for cutting, as well as displaying some beautiful petal combinations.

“Bridal Crown” and “Cheerfulness” are widely available doubles and one of the best has to be “Sir Winston Churchill”, an orange – splashed double with a particularly sweet fragrance.

Longer stemmed doubles are safer in a sheltered spot and some

Anemone blanda helping out with the Easter Egg Hunt in the garden

Thalia works well with pinks such as these Tulipa Margarita

individual plant has to work hard to earn its place.

A perennial is really any plant that lives for more than one season, but in this context we’re looking at herbaceous, or non-woody plants, rather than shrubs.

Some are evergreen and retain green leaves all year, with seasonal flowers, and some die back in winter with new leaves appearing in spring.

The beauty of the latter is that their newly emerging foliage helps to disguise the browning leaves of early bulbs, which you shouldn’t really cut down until six to eight weeks after flowering.

The brown leaves can get a bit messy but are easily disPulmonaria guised by fresh new perennial foliage.

Here are a few of my favourite perennials for early spring: • Pulmonaria – some have leaves attractively splashed with white, and flowers are white, blue or pink • Anemone blanda – grown from tubers and often avail-

support can be useful, even if it’s just a few twiggy sticks.

If you plant them in pots near doorways, you can appreciate the lovely scent easily without venturing too far outdoors.

As a garden designer I’m constantly looking for ways to improve people’s enjoyment of their outdoor spaces, and even though the year’s still young, there are so many beautiful perennials that can brighten up borders in early spring, so it’s well worth seeking them out.

If you’re lucky enough to have a very spacious garden you’re spoiled for choice, but in a smaller space editing is everything as each

Bressingham White

able growing in pots, dainty daisy like flowers in blue or white – really pretty under a tree.

• Bergenia cordifolia: Also known as Elephant’s Ears for its evergreen, rounded leaves, a reliable all-year-rounder with early spring flowers in white, pink or red.

“Bressingham White” is a good choice if you want to avoid colour clashes with yellow daffodils!

FOR further information on Anne Byrne Garden Design, call 086 683 8098, or see www. annebyrnegardendesign.com

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

THERE’S NOTHING MINOR ABOUT THE CHARMS OF OUR NEIGHBOUR’S SOUTHERN SIDE

WALES

WONDROUS WONDERFUL

With views like this - of Garn Goch (Picture: Anthony Pease) - who can resist visiting Wales? Such magnificent views are just part of the attraction; consider also (from top, right) Hay Castle (Picture: Dan Santillo), Felin Fach Griffin, in Brecon, or Booths Books, Hay-On-Wye.

 JAMES HENDICOTT THE trendy Danish concept of ‘hygge’ – a cozy, memorable, charming feeling of being utterly at ease – might have peaked as the big conceptual winter fashion, but it remains a wonderful concept.

Here’s why a trip to the hills of Wales is full of just the right kind of hyggelike, cuddly charm...

Somewhere between Anglesea’s expansively named Llanfairpwllgwyngyll... (yes, I cut off two thirds of the name, it is that long) and the Brecon Beacons National Park, you hit the winding hillside roads of Snowdonia.

You cruise gently under tunnels of trees, the climate seemingly changing as you cross through each little hillside pass and rugged, three-house village.

The land has that soggy green depth that feels like it hasn’t been dry in months; the texture reminiscent of an ancient realm of Hobbits.

It’s the kind of place you almost drift through, giving re-emerging onto a dual carriageway the air of a post-dream slap around the face.

If Snowdonia is the realm of Hobbits, the Bre-

cons feel more like they belong to the giants.

The southern park is all expansive sweeping valleys, soaring hillsides and picture box villages that look unchanged in generations. The main draw of the Brecons, then, is the scenery.

In Winter, the slow rising roads lead you through tiny clusters of ageing houses, the pathways edging above the treelines until they burst out suddenly into great soaring valleys.

In the Summer, this is a hiking hub. In Winter you’d need to be more hardy to hit the upper slopes, but the delicate stone of the tiny towns comes into its own, lit up in slanting light and offering cozy corners next to fires to envelop guests.

For somewhere to stop over, the award-winning Angel Hotel in Abergavenny delivers casual class.

Tucked in behind a fairly innocuous looking facade is something of a community hub, bustling with activity.

You can grab a tiny electric car to roam the hills in (provided on the house), or explore local artists’ work in the hotel shop.

TO VISIT RYANAIR fly (usually cheaply, though watch out for rugby weekends) to Cardiff, just over an hour from Abergavenny.

Given its outstanding scenery and quirky stop-offs, however, we far prefer making a day of it with the longer drive down from the Holyhead Ferry.

If you’re hiring a car, it’s worth noting the evening ferry arrival isn’t much good (or at least you’ll need to stay in Holyhead overnight), as the car hire companies close their doors by six. They do, however, allow return trip drop-offs when they’re closed.

TO STAY THE Angel in Abergavenny is the kind of enticing rural hotel it would feel utterly opulent to lounge in for the weekend without ever passing the porch. That said, the many nearby hill walks give the place an air of ‘earnt luxury’, and add to the feel of the Welsh hotel of the year.

It’s the social side of the hotel that stands out, though: it’s unobtrusively welcoming, popular as a conversation-driven night out as well as in its capacity as a hotel, with plenty of little corners in which to plant yourself.

Naturally, there’s also an oak-clad bar crammed with heady local brews, while the afternoon tea (a Tea Guild delicacy, no less, featuring ample scones and pastries) and top-tier restaurant (crab, scallops and succulent local venison, as well as local beef and cheese) are both sublime.

They’ve even opened an in-house bakery, spe-

cialising in delicate pastries and flavoured breads, and expanded the hotel outwards into various utterly luxurious buildings around its outskirts, including a wedding venue-meets-organic cafe.

You’re similarly treated in the hills, where many semi-rural restaurants – both walker stop-offs, and Sunday drive-tos for locals – have grown to produce some genuinely memorable food in fireside pub settings.

You can learn more about every aspect of the Brecon Beacons via the tourism website at breconbeacons.org.

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

BeautyBITS

SPRING/SUMMER18

Karl Lagerfeld Pyramid earrings www.Karl.com

Karl Lagerfeld Pyramid Cluster ring www.Karl.com

Founder of Inglot Ireland Jane Swarbrigg

The first ever Inglot Awards show to be a ‘celebration’ of make-up  Rachel D’Arcy EVER since it entered onto the Irish beauty scene in 2009, Inglot have become a household name to anyone with a love of beauty across Ireland.

Jane Swarbrigg, alongside her mum Geraldine and brother Peter, were responsible for introducing Inglot to Ireland back in 2009 when they opened their first store in Liffey Valley.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Jane said: “It’s amazing, I keep calling us the babies of the make-up industry here in Ireland, but after nearly nine years, I can’t really call us babies anymore!”

Inglot have set an industry standard across Ireland, with their use of social media marketing, and creative make up artists within their stores being able to recreate any and all looks.

“Any look that a client brings into our store, say

DRESSING

littlew oo detail d ds.ie V by Ver enim jac y ket €65 pearl and stu d

UP or DOWN?  Jessica Maile, Style Editor

WHAT if you are going out and you have to dress up but you don’t feel like dressing “up” up? The best option? Dressing down. Yes, dressing down!

You can mix skirts, sequins, denim, eclectic jewellery, sporty backpacks in luxe finishes, pearls, blazers and t-shirts in combinations that keep dressing up just that bit more comfortable

they see something on Instagram, it’s important that our artists can recreate that. We have these trend Thursdays, where we encourage our artists to be as creative as they can – it’s amazing what they can do, what all artists can do,” Jane explained.

On March 26, the brand will host their first annual Inglot Award show in the Raddisson Blu Hotel in Dublin City, on a night that founder Jane Swarbrigg promises to be a ‘celebration’ of make up across the board, not just Inglot.

“It’s going to be glamorous. I wanted to put something together to celebrate not just the Inglot family, but make up and undiscovered artists as a whole,” she told Dublin Gazette. “I have a lot planned, there’s set to be exciting entertainment and everything.”

polk a do ts €

94

There will be 11 categories over all on the night,

but leave no doubt you are dressed to impress.

For Spring/Summer 18, Mint Velvet have given a soft, elegant approach of dressing down with a motif sweatshirt in a soft grey and blush pink sequined skirt matched with simple white trainers.

For a more structured look, RIver Island has combined a striped blazer, t-shirt and a ripped denim shirt embellished with pearl beading.

Topping off the look are killer statement shoes.

So, when you are going out and want the best of both worlds, just experiment with dressing Penneys ir redescent b down. ackpack €14

for Inglot Make-up Artists, artists with a high social media following, and artists who were previously with Inglot and since left.

lle le athe r

The awards aren’t just for artists either, with Jane saying there will be 200 tickets available for fans to

Gaze

attend on the night, as well as a special ‘Inglot Addict’

Jane Swarbrigg and Inglot are also delighted to announce that the Inglot roadshows are returning this March and will be taking place in new locations across the country. The roadshows will provide expert tips and tricks. Tickets are €15 and available at www.inglot.ie

Dressing down River Island style from their Spring/Summer 18 collection

Sch

The shortlist of those nominated is available now on inglot.ie, with voting open until this Sunday, March 11.

uh a

dida s

award for their biggest fan, as voted by the public.

littlewoods.ie Benefit High Beam liquid highlighter €27.50

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

WHATTA

DEALZ  Rachel D’Arcy

I am Busy sweatshirt €79, sequin midi skirt €149, Circle and bar stud earring €35 and Allie silver contrast detail trainer €119 from Mint Velvet

WHAT could be better than cheap clothes with a decent quality?

Last Friday, PEP&CO launched their first nine Irish stores inside Dealz shops across the country. Launching in four Dublin stores - Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Finglas and Nutgrove – prices begin at €1.50, with the most expensive item costing just €19.50.

“We are very excited to bring our fashion and brand to Irish consumers,” said Adrian Mountford, managing director of PEP&CO. “By the end of this year, with over 300 shop-inshop fashion stores [across the UK, Ireland and France], we’re set to become a major fashion player,” he said.

Stock in PEP&CO stores changes every six weeks, meaning there’ll something new for you to get your hands on each month. Take a look at our top picks from their debut Irish release.

GAZETTE

STYLE

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

From the Battle of Clontarf to Wood Quay, the Vikings left an indelible mark on Dublin

HERITAGE: CELEBRATING THE HARDY, COMPLEX PEOPLE

Quick, quick – the Vikings are coming (so don’t miss their four-day festival)  MARK O’BRIEN A NEW four-day festival celebrating Viking culture is coming to Dublin this Easter weekend.

VikingFest 2018 takes place at Dublinia and Wood Quay from Friday, March 30 to Monday, April 2.

The festival of Viking heritage will include Living History demonstrations and Viking ships moored and on display in Wood Quay.

The highlight of the festival is a live outdoor spectacle with the Follow the Vikings audiovisual and theatrical performance on Saturday, March 31 at the historic Wood Quay amphitheatre.

D e n i s e B r o p hy, director of Dublinia,

said: “Dublinia is delighted to be part of the Creative Europe Follow the Vikings project which seeks to create a borderless tourism destination focusing on the Viking world.

“Working with our

international partners we have created the Follow the Vikings roadshow which travels to 12 important Viking heritage sites across Europe, with Dublin and Waterford being two of those sites.

“With the support of our partners, Dublin City Council and Failte Ireland, we have upscaled this event to bring you VikingFest.”

Living History, Viking weaponry, coin minting and crafts will all be on display at Dublinia throughout the festival, allowing visitors to experience activities from Viking times.

T he Vikings are coming back to Wood Quay in style, with two Viking ships sailing up

the Liffey to Wood Quay.

These will be moored and on display for all to see, with a shoreside Viking ship to be found at Wine Tavern Street.

Lakeland Viking warriors will be on hand to tell visitors all about Viking life and the sea.

The organisers say that one of the highlights of the festival will be the Vikings-focused audiovisual and theatrical extravaganza on Saturday night, March 31.

Audiences will be enthralled by the international Follow the Vikings show, taking place outdoors in the Wood Quay amphitheatre.

The creative narrative of the show uses the life and times of Icelandic warrior poet Egill Skallagrimsson as its inspiration.

For everything you could want to know about the Vikings, come along to VikingFest 2018 at Dublinia and Wood Quay, where in addition to their well-deserved warrior reputation (above) you’ll learn much more about the Vikings’ complex culture

Egil, a revered and fearsome warrior saves his own life not with the sword or axe as you would imagine, but by reciting a poem to make his great enemy, Erik Bloodaxe, immortal!

The 45-minute show mixes film, animation, projection, sound, dance, drumming, battle reenactment and live action.

The performance takes place at 8.30pm with a second show at 9.45 pm.

The show is free of charge but is ticketed, and tickets are now available at www.dublinia.ie.

Dublinia is also offering discounted admission to its exhibitions during this exciting weekend.

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

ReelNews

GAZETTE

CINEMA

Director Guillermo del Toro was delighted with his well-deserved wins for The Shape of Water, one of the night’s more upbeat moments as Hollywood faces into a range of lingering issues

COURTING JUSTICE Legend’s lawsuit nears

WHILE most eyes have been bent on Hollywood’s current elite as the awards season culminated in the Oscars (right), other eyes are firmly focused on one of the very, very last of Hollywood’s old guard, Olivia de Havilland (above), as the regal actress readies for a battle she’s likely to lose.

‘Old’ is the word – like fellow legendary luminary Kirk Douglas, Ms de Havilland is more than 100 years old, but despite her age she’s at the heart of a long-awaited, upcoming court case due to be heard on March 20 – one which, in the unlikely event that she wins, would have a signifiicant impact on film.

In essence, her lawsuit against the FX network and Ryan Murphy Productions takes issue over Catherine Zeta-Jones’ portrayal of her in the docudrama, Feud: Bette and Joan, about the bitter rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Golden age The Oscar winner is suing over the unauthorised use of her name and image in the production, making a rare move into the public eye from the fading shadows of the golden age of Hollywood.

She’s particularly annoyed about her portrayal as (as she basically put it) a coarse gossip – quite at odds with her quiet character.

It’s an interesting lawsuit that’s not without merit, given how many people can be the subject of films without their knowledge or approval, and are largely left at the filmmaker’s mercy.

Although she’s expected to lose her case, we all know that the Gods can be fickle and it’s not certain by any means that she’ll lose.

If so, the repercussions for filmmakers could be huge, effectively blocking all kinds of (American, at least) biopics and TV docudramas.

One way or another, the verdict should be known later this month ...

ANALYSIS: VIEWERSHIP HIT AN ALL-TIME LOW

Oscars sparkled a little less NOW that the Oscars are done and dusted, the glittering gowns have gone back to the designers, and Frances McDormand has been reunited with her missing Best Actress Oscar – more on that, below – let’s delve a little deeper into some aspects of this year’s Oscars.

A number of shadows were cast over the 2018 awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 90th, which – shockingly – saw US Prez and man with seemingly absolutely nothing else to do Donald Trump actually getting something absolutely correct in a Tweet, typing: “Lowest rated Oscars in HISTORY.” In this, the orange one was dead right: just 26.5 million US TV viewers tuned in, down a whopping 16% from last year’s figure, and marking a nadir for the august academy awards.

While TV viewers now only represent some of the metrics, as I bet huge numbers watched the Oscars online, watching the conventional viewership spiralling downwards must have given TV and Hollywood execs food for thought.

 SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

Despite revamping some criteria years ago to try and give the Oscars better reach, which arguably favours US-centric blockbusters at the expense of other

films, the prodding and poking just doesn’t seem to have reinvigorated the ceremony or the buzz.

In commercial terms alone – not that I’d be so crass to say that the Oscars should just honour whichever films made the most wheelbarrows of money – the past year’s box office juggernauts were noticeably absent, even from the more technical awards.

For all of the hype

over one such absolute money-making machine – Wonder Woman – and the intense international critical and academic focus on that film’s cultural significance, the Oscars rolled right on past.

Not only that – despite the current buzz over the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns, and their (quite right) attempts to crush sexism and exploitation within

Oscars are invaluable for a film, but what if owners wanted to just flog them?

AS FOR Frances McDormand’s richly deserved Best Actress Oscar – which briefly went walkabout during an after party but was later retrieved, with a man arrested after a suspicious photographer didn’t recognise him while he brandishing the very conspicurous bling about – here’s some Oscar statue info that you may not know.

There’s not much that can be done with any Oscar, which aren’t literally worth as much as people think. In fact, the Oscar winners don’t own their Oscar – following rule changes in the 1950s, they remain the property of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Oscar awards are little more than long-term loans from the Academy, which has legal first dibs on any Oscar statuette up for sale, which must be offered to them, first, for the princely sum of ... $1.

While there are plenty of older Oscars (right) out there for sale (some of which often have astronomical price tags), their literal worth isn’t exactly sky-high. It costs about $400 to produce each 24-karat gold-plated award, which – at today’s fluctuating metal prices – are currently worth only about $650.

the industry, that anger and high-profile focus didn’t translate into anything much during the ceremony itself.

By and large there were some ripples of frisson rather than waves of rebellion running through affairs, with things pretty much running smoothly under its blandly popular host, Jimmy Kimmell, who, lacking the edginess of some of his peers, kept matters mostly efficient and safe.

It’s a sign of how conventional matters were that more people seemed to be talking about the late, dulcet-toned Batman and pop icon Adam West being inexplicably absent from the In Memoriam listing rather than any did-you-see moment from the ceremony itself.

I won’t run through the winners here, which we’ve all r e a d over the p a s t f e w

days absolutely everywhere, and it’s hard not to agree with the generally excellent winners, and shortlisted names and titles, which didn’t see any We Wuz Robbed shock wins.

Perhaps the only slightly surprising win came with The Shape of Water scooping the Best Picture Oscar, given that the academy is notoriously resilient to sci-fi.

The film resolutely falls into this category, no matter how much it’s dressed up with romance, social commentary and period drama elements, but the academy voters fell for this very fishy tale, hook, line and sinker.

Interest There was great interest in whether smash-hit Call Me by Your Name would win the top title instead, marking two years in a row for resolutely gaythemed films following last year’s superlative Moonlight (because, hey, why not), but Water was still a well deserved win.

Perhaps the film’s win, and some of its shortlisted peers, have opened the door for quirkier content to win at Oscars 2019.

Here’s hoping ...

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 March 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Opel adds extra features to 2018 Combo Life OPEL has launched the new Opel Combo Life, which is based on a fifth-generation Combo that claims to be spacious, highly practical and versatile. The Combo Life, due here in April, is equipped with one or two rear sliding doors and can be ordered as a short (4.40 metres) or long (4.75 metres) version and as a five or seven-seat people carrier car.

This new Opel claims to raise the bar in terms of level of safety and comfort. It is fitted with technologies and driver assistance systems well-known from the compact or SUV segment such as Driver Drowsiness Alert, Rear View Camera with 180° bird’s-eye view, head up display, and IntelliGrip. Comfort features include heated seats and a heated leather steering wheel.

One of the new assistance systems fitted to the Opel Combo Life is the Flank Guard which supports drivers when turning at low speeds.

The Combo Life also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment systems with up to eight-inch colour touchscreen. The fun-factor for occupants is further increased with USB ports in the front and second row ensuring that tablets and smart phones can be recharged even while the devices are in use.

A 230V power socket in the front footwall even allows one passenger to plug in a laptop. Compatible smart phones can also be charged wirelessly via the inductive charging pad located below the air-conditioning controls.

The Combo Life can also double as a small transporter. With the rear seats folded down the boot volume of the standard version more than triples to 2,126 litres

X-Class adds touch There’s a new and more luxurious option in the growing 4x4 pick-up market with the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Michael Moroney took the luxury load carrier for an on and off-road test drive and here he evaluates the luxury appeal.

MERCEDES-Benz aims to add more than a touch of luxury to the 4x4 pick-up market with the arrival of the new X-Class at the start of this year.

As the growth in pick-up sales accelerates, Mercedes-Benz aims to boost that with a new pick-up that adds German star brand features to widen its appeal.

While the general car market struggled to grow in 2017, the market for 4x4 pickups rose by 10%, even if that’s starting from a low base.

Ford’s Ranger topped the market and while that’s not the place Mercedes-Benz aims to take on, the new X-Class will compete at the top end

Mercedes Benz X-Class 2.3 Engine Engine Power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price of this growing market.

Externally, this Mercedes-Benz pick-up has its own clear identity. The most obvious of these features is the Mercedes-Benz twinlouvre radiator grille, centrally positioned star and honed bonnet

2.3 litre 190 bhp 10.9 seconds 12.7km/litre (7.9l/100km or 36mpg) 80 litres 207g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 5 stars 2012 2 years unlimited €39,950 and headlamps, extending far into the wings, designed to give the pick-up a distinctly upmarket appeal.

Jump into the X-Class and you’ll instantly feel that this new generation of pick-up combines a hint of luxury with prac-

tical off-road ability.

On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz design means that the X-Class interior is very similar to that of other MercedesBenz models in the range. You clearly feel that your onboard a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, with a brushed metal effect dash and controls laid out in a similar way to many other Mercedes-Benz cars.

Out on the road the driving experience is smoother than many other pick-ups while not really on a par with passenger cars.

Make no mistake that it’s still a pick-up and you’ll notice that after you’ve driven over 650km as I did, mainly

meaning that getting camping equipment, larger luggage or bikes from A to B is no longer a problem. Again, the longer version of the Combo Life offers even more capacity when the rear seats are folded down. In this configuration, it can carry an impressive 2,693 litres.

The front passenger seat folds flush with the rear seats, extending the length of the loading area so that

Peugeot shows its outdoor side in 4x4

even surfboards can be transported.

Under the bonnet, Opel Combo Life customers will have the choice between a variety of turbo-charged, direct injection petrol and diesel engines. All of the engines are paired with five or six-speed manual transmissions with a segment-first eight-speed automatic option also being available.

PEUGEOT has unveiled its new Rifter 4x4 concept car at the Geneva Motor show this week for those with an outdoor passion to their driving. This car comes with an Overland roof tent and houses a new electric Peugeot mountain bike.

The Rifter comes with distinct bright yellow features and badging and is presented in a shade of spangled grey, punctuated with mat black and onyx black features. The car is shod on 16-inch diamante, varnished alloy wheels for extra attitude.

The Rifter 4x4 concept is fitted with full-wheel drive developed by Dangel, the brand’s partner that specialises in four-wheel drive transformation. The Rifter concept is raised to give 80mm ground clearance so as to allow the vehicle to

overcome most obstacles.

A selector is located at arm’s reach on the dashboard, to the right of the gear lever, giving the option of three driving modes.

The 2RM mode engages front-wheel drive mode, for everyday trips. The 4RM mode powers the rear wheels, in the case of loss of motor function.

The Lock mode locks the rear axle, which is useful for extreme travel and crossing bridges.

Peugeot Rifter 4x4 Concept is fitted with allterrain wheels provided by BF Goodrich. They combine endurance, style and traction while the BlueHDi 130bhp diesel engine, with a manual sixspeed gearbox, produces a comfortable 300Nm torque.

on the road.

Mercedes-Benz claims that the X-Class has a wider track than the competition, including the Nissan Navara and that its spring and damping system is tuned to deliver Mercedes-Benz levels of comfort.

It is fitted with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs not leaf springs to help deliver more comfort.

For off-road driving the selectable 4MATIC all-wheel drive with its low-range gearing and optional rear axle differential lock showed its ability to master any terrain. Mercedes-Benz says that a permanent all-wheel drive version will be available next year.

The X-Class comes with safety features that include Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Billed as the first intelligently connected pickup, ‘Mercedes me’ connect means owners are linked to theirX-Class via smart phone at all times.

When you delve under the skin of the X-Class you’ll quickly see the similarities. It is powered by the same Renault designed 2.3-litre engine that’s fitted to the Nissan Navara. This engine is available with a choice of two power outputs 163bhp in the single turbocharged X220d, and 190bhp in the biturbo X250d version, matching accurately, Nis-

8 March 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

launches 2nd of pick-up luxury BMW generation X4 BMW has unveiled the second

twin headlight units, while the new

generation of its X4 Sports Activity

horizontal LED fog lights are inte-

Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.

grated into the outer air intakes.

The X4 will arrive in Ireland this

All models feature Adaptive LED

summer and will start with an on

headlights as standard.

the road price of €67,190.

The X4 claims to come with

housing, are slim in design and

standout exterior design and with

positioned at the extreme edges

a strong coupe silhouette and

of the rear. Together with the twin

even more refinement, along with

exhaust tailpipes (shared by all

state-of-the-art driver assistance

engine variants) magnify the width

systems and connectivity. There

of the rear end. allow drivers to tailor the appear-

M40i and M40d, to cater to cus-

ance of the all-new BMW X4 to

tomer tastes.

reflect their personal tastes. Each

was unable to challenge its towing ability.

The X-Class is pitched at a more luxury end market, so why pay more than you would for a Nissan Navara that has all of the same performance features.

Entry prices for the 190bhp versions start from €46,300 for the Progressive

models; that’s about €4,000 more than the equivalent Nissan Navara LE offer.

That indicates that the price lift is not as much as you would initially think; there’s a more luxurious feel to the X-Class with all of the performance features that you would expect from a 4x4.

comes with standalone design

its predecessor, with 54mm added

features as well as model-specific

to the wheelbase and 37mm extra

19-inch light-alloy wheels.

width. It is also lower by 3mm. BMW

The X4 can now also be specified

claims that these emphasise its

with options from the BMW Indi-

perfect 50:50 weight distribution

vidual portfolio. Extras designed to

and hint at the enhanced perfor-

give the exterior design an exclu-

mance potential.

sive feel include the BMW Individual

The car retains the brand’s

I had on the road. That gearbox is smooth to use, adding to the luxury feel and easy driving.

I’ve driven the X-Class both on and off the roads and its luxury feel belies its very impressive off-road driving ability.

The test version was not fitted with a towbar, so I

Two optional model variants

models in the range, the BMW X4

The BMW X4 is 81mm longer than

san’s Navara performance.

T he 80 litre capacity fuel tank includes an AdBlue tank and I was able to achieve an impressive 600km range from the full tank.

Six-speed manual transmission is standard on the more powerful 190bhp X250d 4MATIC version that

The L-shaped LED rear lights, with their three-dimensional

enhanced driving dynamics,

are two additional M Performance

Mercedes-Benz has a new 4x4 pick-up on the market with strong hints of the MercedesBenz heritage in terms of styling, comfort and safety with entry prices starting at €39,950 for the higher power 190bhp versions.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

trademark BMW kidney grille and

paint finish Sunstone metallic and 21-inch BMW light-alloy wheels.

February delivers steady car sales AFTER a disappointing January, the latest official new car sales statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that the total new car registrations for the month of February were steady at 17,081 compared with 17,089 new cars sold in February 2017.

Irish new cars registrations for the year to date remain -3.5% (54,143) down on the same period last year (56,092).

For the Dublin region, 7,291 new cars were registered, up by 4.73% compared with the same month last year, giving a year to date total for Dublin of 20,039, just marginally behind last

year’s levels.

Used car imports continue to soar as sterling stays weak against the euro. The latest SIMI figures show that in the Dublin region 5,234 used cars were registered so far this year, compared with 3,980, a 31.5% increase compared to the first two months of 2017.

Sales of petrol electric hybrid cars have risen by 56%, while plug-in hybrid car sales rose by 88%, indicting a significant change in car buyer fuel choices.

Electric car sales are still slow across the country apart from the Dublin region when they have significantly increased with 90 new electric cars registered so far this

year. Sales of automatic cars are on the increase and the latest SIMI figures show an increase from 19% of all cars sold in 2017 to 23% this year.

The best-selling new car in Ireland for February was the Skoda Octavia. While the Hyundai Tucson was the best-selling car in Ireland, Dublin buyers put the Nis-

san Qashqai at their leading choice, followed by the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Micra, in that order.

Toyota led the Irish market as the leading car brand for the year to date, while the Volkswagen brand topped the Dublin market.

Subaru and Castle Garage sponsor Monkstown Hockey Club SUBARU Ireland and Castle Garage, a family-owned, Subaru dealership in Bray are providing new kit and support for the U-16s Monkstown Hockey Club. The new kit is a welcome boost for the rising stars of the well-known & very successful South Dublin hockey club.

Castle Garage was established in 1955, and the business is based right in the heart of Bray, just 2 minutes off the N11 with ample customer parking. The dealership is the longest serving Subaru Dealer in Ireland.

Monkstown Hockey Club was established in 1894, and are one of the oldest Hockey Clubs in Ireland.

They are a South Dublin based hockey club with Mens, Ladies, Colts and Fillies teams. Striving for

The Nissan Qashqai was number 1 with Dubliners

success and the craic!

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  SOUTH DVD TRANSFERS

ROOFING

FIREWOOD

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin. For up to date news follow us on Twitter @DublinGazette

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

LOCAL

MATTERS

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

SOUTH  DUBLINGAZETTEPLANNING STAIRLIFTS

LOCAL

MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

SUPPORT

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

LOCAL BUSINESS



SHOP LOCALLY

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

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

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

ASDFSDAF P27 CURLING P35

SHERIFF REOPEN P34

DUBLINSPORT

Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES P39

FASTSport

Phoenix’s Strydom in MCC side for unique tour Lydia Boylan in action during the omnium at the world track cycling championships

CYCLING: SANDYMOUNT RIDER UNCLIPS AT APELDOORN ARENA

Boylan finds going tough at track world championships

SANDYMOUNT’s Lydia Boylan, working with Lydia Gurley, finished ninth at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships tonight. Gold went to Great Britain, silver to the Netherlands, and Italy took bronze.

In the men’s Omnium Felix English finished 19th. The championships take place in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.

A ferociously fast start dictated the final podium in the Women’s Madison, with a

group of five taking a lap.

“It started super-fast,” noted Gurley after the race. “A group of five got away and got the lap really quickly. It was unfortunate we missed that first move was we could have been in the top five.

“It was not a power issue missing out, it just started so quick. After missing that move we minimised damage and were in the mix.”

Boylan described a series of unfortunate incidents in

the race that didn’t help: “we kept fighting after they got the lap but I unclipped during a change and crashed down.

Puncture “Then I got a front wheel puncture which wasn’t ideal.

But we managed to keep fighting to the end.”

“There were a few unfortunate, unforeseen things, but it was a better result than last year, and we did the best we could do, but you always want

to do better,” added Gurley.

T he Madison has been added to the Olympic programme for Tokyo, and was added to the World Championship programme last year.

Earlier in the week in the women’s omnium, Boylan finished in 17th place after the four races.

Speaking after the race, a dispirited Boylan said “I’m disappointed with today’s race but I’m going to have to put it behind me and refocus.”

PHOENIX CC’s Reinhardt Strydom has been selected for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) as they depart for Brazil and Chile next week.

MCC begins its 2018 touring programme next week and Strydom will form part of a thirteen-man squad of Playing Members from around the United Kingdom that departs for Brazil and Chile.

The fifteen-day trip is the first of three overseas tours which will take place this year, with visits to Sweden and Kenya to follow.

Strydom has played One-Day International and T20 International cricket for Ireland as well as having played extensively for Ireland A. Starting on Thursday, March 8, MCC will take on the Brazilian, Chilean and Peruvian national sides during the trip, as well as several other fixtures against leading clubs in Brazil and Chile. All matches on the tour will follow the T20 format.

The squad will arrive first in the Chilean capital, Santiago, where they will take on the Prince of Wales Country Club, before fixtures against the national teams of both Chile and Peru. They will also partake in nets and training sessions with the Chilean national women’s team.

The squad will then fly to Brazil and the city of Sao Paulo, where they will play Sao Paolo Cricket Club in two T20 matches, and the Brazil national team, also in two short format games. Rio de Janeiro is the final stop on the tour, where Carioca Cricket Club will be their opponents in four T20 matches across two successive days.

GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

SPORT

FastSport FENNELLY AND DEEGAN IN FED CUP LINE-UP: DUBLINERS’ Jane Fennelly and Lauren Deegan – along with former St Andrew’s student Amy Bowtell – have all been named in the Irish team for this year’s Fed Cup by BNP Paribas in the Europe/Africa Zone Group III. Yvonne Doyle the Irish team captain welcomes back Bowtell after a lengthy lay off with injury; US collegiate player Ruth Copas along with Fennelly and Deegan complete the line up.

The tournament will take place in Ulcinj Bellevue in Montenegro the week commencing April 16. Ireland will compete with the following nations for promotion to Group II for 2019: Montenegro, South Africa, Finland, Morocco, Malta, Kenya, Cameroon, Mozambique, Andorra and Uganda.

CLUB REOPENING: INSURANCE CLAIMS ISSUE SAW INNERCITY CLUB CLOSE DOORS

Sheriff YC finally back on its feet after frustrating wait

 DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

SHERIFF YC were celebrating a long-awaited return to their home grounds after an insurance problem locked them out of their facilities in the north inner city.

The Sheriff Street-based club were stung at the end of November when their insurance claim came up for renewal and they were informed they presented too high a risk.

A couple of claims, relating to functions in the club bar, that were paid out several years ago saw the premiums rise to unmanageable levels – and left their premises unusable.

That was the case for more than two months – with football teams playing all their matches away from home – until financial firms JLT and AIG stepped in to help solve the problem.

“There were 300 kids being left on the street,” Sheriff PRO Hugo Richardson told the Dublin Gazette.

“We’re a voluntary organisation. Kids come down here to the academy on Saturday morning – closed. Badminton – closed. Bowls – closed. Bingo

symbolised just how vital the club is to the local area, providing a link to the outside world for many elderly people.

“The main thing is the bingo.

The local women come into the bingo every Wednesday.

“That was closed for six to eight weeks, and some of the women didn’t even leave their homes until that started back up. It’s a small bingo, but it’s great for them to get them out.”

The club can once again look to its future now, and with their 50th anniversary coming up in 2022 they can look ahead to remaining a vital part of a community that lacks amenities.

Sheriff YC President Jack Russell, AIG Ireland GM Declan O’Rourke, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, An “What we hope to get out of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and JLT Director Amanda Harton at the club’s reopening. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile it is to keep the club going for as long as we can. Keep more for the old folks – closed. credit to the whole North Wall of recreation activities to the kids off the streets, more kids “Declan Woods is a local area. local community from badmin- involved in sport, no matter. goalkeeper – he played for the “It’s a lesson-learner for other ton to bowls, with indoor facili- The more the merrier. club. He keeps in touch with clubs. We’ve been educating ties provided for basketball and “You’d need to be going here his mates and all that and he’s them on the same system – if five-a-side football.

24 hours to keep the kids occuChris Giles, the son of the pied around the area – there’s with JLT. They got in touch with you have a small bar in your AIG, who are based around the clubhouse, have the bar private legendary Irish footballer not enough for them. We’re just financial area. to the sport. You’ve no prob- John, runs the kids’ academy one of the big things in the area.

“You have the boxing and from ages five to nine, while “They linked up together and lems then.”

Sheriff are best known for volunteers keep the club open other stuff as well but we need worked on it for a couple of weeks and by the grace of god their senior men’s football team, around the clock for the local more. If [the club] shuts down, the whole street shuts down, they sorted the problem out for who have dominated junior youth. football for the past decade.

However, it was the loss of the whole area shuts down and us.

The club also offers a range the weekly bingo night that there’s nothing doing.”

“We’re back home and it’s a

Trio call on Dubliners to support 32-county challenge  sport@dublingazette.com

Runners Noel McNally, Niall Farquharson and Paul Tyrell

IN AUGUST, Noel McNally, Niall Farquharson and Paul Tyrell are taking on the challenge of a lifetime this summer to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity They are calling on various running clubs across Dublin to volunteer in support of a good cause.

The trio are in training to run 32 marathons on consecutive days, covering every county on the island of Ireland. The adventure will begin on August

2, in Derry, and stopping in Dublin on August 11.

The finishing race, all being well, will take place in Ormeau Park in Belfast, with the runners joining in on the Laganside 10K on the 2nd September.

Noel McNally explained why the trio are taking on the unique challenge.

“I know it sounds a bit crazy and there are a lot of logistical things to get organised, and that’s all before we pull on the runners and start the first marathon in few months time.

“But August 11 in Dublin, we

know we can call on the support of various running clubs, like the Crusaders AC, as well as members of the wider running community throughout the county.

“We will be relying on these local volunteers to marshal our routes, time the runs and most importantly to join us for a day, even it is for a few miles, a half marathon or the full 26.2 miles.

“Myself, Niall and Paul are committed to raising as much money as we can to support the work of the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and we know the amazing work undertaken by the staff at the unit. If we can help the Unit to support the families who desperately need that help, then all the better.

Local runners in Dublin are encouraged to join in on August 11.

Details of the event and how to support the initiative can be found at www.http://ccu32. com/ and donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ccu32

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Hayes pursuing the ice hockey dream in Canada  JAMES HENDICOTT

STEPHEN Hayes has become the second player from Blanchardstown-based ice hockey side the Flying Ducks to head for Canada, in the hopes of forging an career in the game.

Stephen Hayes, who attends St Peter’s College in Dunboyne, turned 14 while in Canada, and is currently playing with Somang, a team well known for their player development.

He trains with ex-NFL star Francois Landreville, and will stay in Canada this time around for a period of six weeks, joining older teammate Mark Murphy, who has already signed on for a year at Somang.

Hayes has been playing ice hockey for half his life, having picked up the game through the Flying Ducks at the age of seven, playing at the nowdefunct Castleknock on ice.

Reports from Canada indicate that Hayes has already improved substantially as a result of his short stay, whilst studying at the local international school, and has earned an invite to return for an entire year when he enters his next school year. While funding will be an issue, Hayes – with the support of his family – is determined to take up the opportunity.

He was also part of a young Irish side that traveled to South Korea ahead of the Winter Olympics, showcasing the game’s development in this part of the world, and earning a surprise 3-2 win over their hosts.

They also played world-class age-group sides from Russia, Canada and the USA, and got a taste for the lifestyle. His stay back in Ireland before heading for Canada was just 24 hours.

“He wants to go as a far as he can in the game,” Stephen’s dad Ross Hayes, who is heavily involved with the Flying Ducks, told the Dublin Gazette.

“He’s loving the life over there, and would ideally like to play in the NFL, though there are also other professional and semi-professional options like the Elite League and leagues in Asia to look at.

“He’s really gone through the roof in terms of ability. He’s training six days a week and doing all the other stuff that come with the game, too. We’re hoping to get funding for a return in September, but if not we’ll have to fund the trip as a family.”

Local curlers battling to put game on Irish ice A highlight of the winter Olympics every four years, the Irish Curling Association is hoping their sport can get a permanent home on the island to allow them to grow  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

EVERY FOUR years, as the Winter Olympics roll around, the sport of curling suddenly takes a rare moment in the limelight.

It’s a strategic contest played across ten ‘ends’, the objective being to finish an alternating series of turns with your stone – slid across ice – closer to a marked target than your opponents.

This year, the stars of the show were the host nation South Korea’s “garlic girls”, an obscure provincial team that’s grown in the sport in preparation for the Pyeongchang hosted Olympics, and despite a lowly expectation, soared through to a final, only to be outplayed by Sweden at the last.

You might be surprised to hear, though, that the heavily winter-leaning sport is also active in Ireland.

John Burns, a mem-

xxx . Picture: xxx

ber of the Irish Curling Association committee, outlines the surprisingly diverse history in Ireland to the Dublin Gazette.

“Curling started in Scotland over 500 years ago and was played outdoors on frozen ponds,” he explains. “It had spread to many countries in the late 1800s, especially Canada and the United States, but other countries included Russia, Sweden and Ireland where there were three curling clubs around Belfast.

“Ireland missed out on the move to indoor rinks and on the explosion in world curling leading up to the re-introduction of the sport to the Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan in 1998.

“But, in 1990, several Irish expatriates living in Scotland founded the Irish Curling Association. Our membership of 60 are all entitled to curl for Ireland by birth or parentage but most of us learned to curl

in Scotland and continue to live there.”

There’s been some substantial successes for the small association.

“In 2012, in Copenhagen an Irish seniors (over50s) team drawn from our membership of 60 beat a Canadian team (drawn from a million Canadian curlers) to win a world title, and we have won two more bronze medals at senior level since then,” Burns tells us.

“Our mixed doubles team [a new Olympic discipline introduced this year] won qualifying points to play in the Olympics, but unfortunately not enough to qualify as one of the eight playing teams.

We are recognised by the Olympic Council of Ireland and the World Curling Federation.

“Our main challenge is that there are no ice rinks in Ireland other than the rink at Dundonald in Belfast which struggles to cope with the local

demand for ice time as well as ice hockey players and skaters who travel up from the Republic.

“Curling can be played from age eight to age 80 or more – one of the players in a forthcoming Irish Mixed championship is aged 11 – and we would love to develop Juniors curling in Ireland.

“It can be played by able-bodied and wheelchair contestants. Men and women play on equal terms, which makes it a very social sport. It combines physical exercise (as many calories are burnt while sweeping curling stones as in 100m hurdles races) with an intellectual tactical challenge.

“It would be a great sport for Ireland, if only we had ice to play on. We need flatter, harder, colder ice than skaters do, but it is perfectly possible to

xxxx. Picture: xxx

convert ice from curling ice to skating ice and back again, given a few hours and good ice technicians.”

But is there demand in Ireland? Burns thinks so.

“If curling was available in Ireland, would it be a popular sport? We see no reason why it should not be as popular as in Scotland, where around 30,000 curlers play in 20 curling rinks.”

Like Dublin’s ice hockey teams, then, the curlers are part of the drive to build winter sports facilities in the capital. “We need an ice rink to share with ice skating and ice hockey.”

Burns agrees: “Anywhere in Ireland would do but Dublin is ideal if only because there are many Canadian students in Dublin who curled in Canada and miss their sport over here.”

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

SPORT

SCHOOLSRugby

CRICKET: SOUTH DUBLIN CREW MAKE IMPACT AT WC QUALIFIERS

Wesley complete juniorsenior cup double glory WESLEY College came out on top at a snowy Naas RFC 33-10 against Kilkenny College in the final of the 2018 Bank of Ireland Fr Godfrey Cup. The Ballinteer had the better of the early exchanges and the pressure told when they were awarded a scrum five metres from the Kilkenny line.

Inside centre Chris Bailey ran a nice line, taking an inside pass from the Sean Verdon to score under the posts with six minutes gone.

Verden slotted the extras to make it 7-0 to Wesley.

Buoyed by their positive start to proceedings Wesley pushed on to get their second try at the 10-minute mark. Lock Stephen Whitehead came onto the ball from seven metres out to dot down under the post with Verdon again converting.

Another five-metre scrum for Wes was followed by several phases before the captain Chris Gilmer crashed over for Wesley’s third try before half-time. Verdon’s third successful conversion was the final action of the half, giving Wesley a 21-0 lead at the break.

The Ballinteer school continued were they left off in the second period, with good carries from Bailey and Whitehead.

It wasn’t long until Wesley had their fourth through openside Adam Walker, Verdon’s conversion attempt falling victim to the strong winds.

Despite the 26-point deficit, Kilkenny continued to look for a foothold in the contest.

The combination of number 8 Joshua Akanji Murphy and Greg Edogan nearly resulted in their first try but the ball was held up over the line.

A Kilkenny scrum on the Wesley five-metre line followed and, after a few phases on the opposition line, Akanji Murphy finished, putting his side on the board.

Kilkenny continued to attack and tighthead prop Stephen Young finished in the corner but it was brief respite as Wesley settled the contest with seven minutes remaining.

Back row Oisin Spain scored their fifth and final try of the day to seal a Bank of Ireland Fr Godfrey Cup and Vinnie Murray Cup double.

Andrew Balbirnie was named man of the match in Ireland’s win over the Netherlands

Balbirnie leads way for Ireland sport@dublingazette.com

LEINSTER Lightning players have been at the heart of the opening matches of Ireland’s campaign to qualify for the reduced-size Cricket World Cup in England this week.

The boys in green successfully traversed the opening two rubbers of the qualifiers, defeating relative underdogs in Holland and Papua New Guinea.

South Dubliners Andrew Balbirnie, Kevin and Niall O’Brien and George Dockrell – along with Merrion’s Ed Joyce – are all on international

duty in Zimbabwe, as the side - recently granted historic test status - look to carry their recent good form into the 2019 finale.

In the opening game on Sunday, Ireland swatted aside Holland in a rain affected match. The Dutch have traditionally been a tricky opponent at the middling level of international cricket, and the win by a margin of 93 runs – on the Duckworth Lewis system – in Harare is as good a start as the boys in green could have hoped for.

Only two of ten teams qualify from the convoluted dual-group format that leads to the tournament

SIX NATIONS Claffey and Fitzhenry backed by Fitzgerald FORMER Blackrock College RFC man Luke Fitzgerald is pictured with the club’s newest internationals Michelle Claffey and Katie Fitzhenry.

The duo have been part of the women’s Six Nations side that has seen them win against Italy and Wales with something to spare in the last two rounds of the competition.

They are looking forward to keeping their outside title ambitions alive on Sunday afternoon when they meet Scotland at Donnybrook at 1pm.

in England and Wales, and Ireland will need to be consistent across the one day internationals.

Paul Stirling (20), Joyce (32) and William Porterfield (47) all got in without really blowing away the Dutch, before Balbirnie and Niall O’Brien put together a partnership of 101 in a swift 82 balls to establish a promising total for Ireland.

While Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson failed to make a mark, Balbirnie’s knock of 68 took Ireland to a domineering looking total of 268/7.

The Dutch never really looked like matching the tally, even with the

overs reduced and target revised downwards due to rain.

Tim Murtagh starred amid the bowlers, taking 3/28 as Ireland consistently took wickets and eventually bowled Holland out for 149, well short of their revised target of 243.

It was onwards to outsiders Papua New Guinea on Tuesday. Despite the status as true cricketing minnows, the islanders gave Ireland a genuine scare, largely thanks to a debut century for Tony Ura, the opener hitting an astonishing 151 of the islanders total of 235 all out.

So long as Ireland held onto their wickets, though, they were favourites, and captain Porterfield set the scene with a steady 111, Joyce adding a further 52 in an impressive opening. PNG did briefly threaten to derail the inform boys in green, but they wrapped things up in the final overm edging passing PNG’s score with a handful of balls to spare.

Ireland look likely to qualify for the secondary qualifying stage, the ‘super six’ with two wins from two, but Saturday’s contest with the tournament favourites the West Indies remains key to their chances.

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: CRONIN TALKS ABOUT STREETWISE SUCCESS

FASTSoccer

Shamrock Rovers’ Glenn Cronin and Damien Duff’s #footballlovesus campaign is up for an award

#Footballlovesus viral campaign up for gong FOOTBALL LOVES US  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

SHAMROCK Rovers are in the running for a prestigious industry award following their wildly successful viral campaign #FootballLovesUs. The Tallaght club ran the initiative, which aimed to encourage kids to get out and play football on the streets over Christmas and received worldwide acclaim.

The campaign featured videos of coaches Damien Duff and Glenn Cronin, as well as members of the Rovers academy, doing drills and playing games that have been passed down generations.

Former Ireland captain Richard Dunne was one high-profile name to send in his own video as the hashtag went viral on social media and reached all five continents.

Now Rovers have been shortlisted for the Digital Engagement Community Award at the annual Sports Industry Awards, where they’re up against the likes of AIB/GAA and

Vodafone/IRFU. “Damien approached me when it was coming to the end of the season about getting sessions together for his players over Christmas,” Cronin told the Dublin Gazette, “Because obviously they wouldn’t be training and there’s a long break. Then we sat down and we said, ‘why don’t we do Whatsapp videos?’

“Not all of them have a training ground, so why don’t we come up with street games that we would have played as kids, stuff that they can play in their garden or work on their touch.

“We needed to get it out before Christmas, so Damien was straight down and we got them out. We did about 10 or 11 videos in an hour or so; we banged them out.

“It was basically just games we would have played as kids. I did it in Ballyfermot in exactly the same place where I would have played them games as a kid.

“When I was a kid, if I walked out of my house, my brother would be there

with his mates, the older lads. I’d just rock up and ask for a game.

“I don’t think there’s anybody out there anymore passing these games on. It was to give kids ideas to get out there and play.

The older brothers aren’t out there anymore – it’s a different generation.”

Board director Mark Lynch, who handled the social media campaign, added: “It was very rewarding to see that a lot of people picked up on the health and well-being element physical activity brings.

“We were bringing it through social media platforms, but we were bringing it in a fashion that

anyone, without any particular equipment, could get involved.

“All you needed was a round-shaped ball and, as one of the videos showed, they were using a two-litre bottle of Fanta as cones to run around.

“One kid was in the inner city and he was going around the pedestrian bollards to do his slaloms for the drill.

“It does hit the mark on lots of levels, and the community involvement of anyone from any age, and the community involvement of anyone from any age, shape or creed to participate in any form was very rewarding as an outcome.”

UCD celebrate their CUFL Men’s Premier Divisions title. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

McClelland strikes gold as UCD rustle up yet another CUFL Premier crown UCD won their seventh RUSTLERS Colleges and Universities Premier Division title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UCC at a snowy Home Farm.

Jason McClelland’s right-footed strike with 22 minutes remaining proved to be the difference between the two sides.

UCD had the better opportunities in the first half with McClelland and Timmy Molloy calling UCC keeper Cathal O’Hanlon into action in a tight opening period.

The second-half was a much dramatic affair with plenty of heart-inmouth moments. Just moments after having a goal ruled out for offside, David Dalton struck a thunderous effort that beat Conor Kearns in the UCD goal and smashed off the crossbar. The UCD keeper was helpless when the shot rebounded off his back but fortunately for him, crept the other side of the post for a corner.

UCD had a wonderful opportunity of their own when substitute Yousef Mahdy danced through a number of challenges and squared it for Georgie Kelly but last year’s SSE Airtricity First Division top goalscorer could not guide the ball past O’Hanlon.

The Dublin side did make their opportunities count moments later when McClelland cut in off the left flank and struck with his less favoured foot into the bottom corner past the helpless O’Hanlon.

Both sides had opportunities to add more goals to the game with Liam Scales heading a corner off the bar and Dalton blazing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

UCD have completed the CUFL and Collingwood Cup double for the third time after successes in 2007 and 2010.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Cronin and Duff’s go toe-to-toe

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 8 March 2018

SPORT

SENIORCup

Blackrock sweep aside Mary’s to reach final BLACKROCK College moved into the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup Final at the expense of a brave St Mary’s College on Tuesday on a score of 42-15 at Donnybrook Stadium.

Rock were quickly into their stride, producing carriers came in waves and, after initially being held up over the line, a well executed scrum saw full-back Stephen Madigan put wing Liam McMahon over in the right corner for 5-0 in the sixth minute.

When St Mary’s sat back in defence, it invited trouble and out-half James Tarrant nailed a penalty for 8-0 in the 15th minute.

St Mary’s had to do something and leftwing Eoin Carey broke Rock open with a counter that needed a try-saving tackle by Madigan.

It roused the crowd and the forwards took up the baton to force a penalty, struck cleanly by full-back Ruairi Shields for St. Mary’s first score to make it 8-3 in the 18th minute.

Then, superb sleight of hand by Liam Turner put left wing Harry Donnelly through a hole for Blackrock’s second try, converted

by Tarrant for 15-3 in the 22nd minute.

It got worse for St Mary’s when out-half Sean Bourke’s grubber was blocked and picked up by Donnelly for his second try in four minutes, converted by Tarrant.

Mary’s could not push home the advantage of an extra man soon after were further behind when Turner moved menacingly past hallway to slip the ball to McMahon for his second try, just as Ed Brennan returned to the field of play on half-time.

The scoreboard pressure was increased by full-back Stephen Madigan’s three pointer in the 38th minute.

Prop Thomas Clarkson added Blackrock’s fifth try for Madigan to convert in the 53rd minute. Mary’s did get 12 points back in the closing stages but Blackrock had the final say when Gavin Jones sliced through for their sixth try.

They will face either St Michael’s College or Belvedere College in the final.

SOCCER: EXTENDED SNOW BREAK GIVES INCHICORE SIDE PLENTY TO PONDER

Pat’s extra time to mull over big Bohs showdown

DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

ST PATRICK’S Athletic were left frustrated last week when the snow downpour prevented them from bouncing back immediately from their disappointing defeat in Waterford.

The Saints had been due to face Sligo Rovers – who suffered a heavy defeat to Cork City the same night – in front of their home fans with the disappointing midweek defeat at the RSC. However, the weather conditions required that game to be postponed, meaning the Inchicore side have been left with a week-and-a-half to mull over their second loss in three games this season.

With their first Dublin derby of the season looming against Bohemians in Dalymount Park on Friday, they know they’ll need

to thaw out quickly to get back on the winning trail.

“It was really frustrating,” assistant manager Ger O’Brien told the Dublin Gazette.

“Especially after being beaten in Waterford, a game against Sligo so quickly would have been ideal to bounce back.

“With the weather the way it went, and how dangerous it was out there, we were like most and we just couldn’t do anything.”

It was a frustrating week all-round for the coaching staff at Richmond Park, who saw their team start well in Waterford only to concede two sloppy goals.

“For the first nine minutes, we controlled the game, controlled the ball.

We were working Waterford quite well and we were getting good positions and then we conceded a corner and they scored off it.

“Unfortunately, that

CYPRUS SUNSHINE Irish Under-15s record fine win in Dundalk TWO second-half goals earned the Republic of Ireland Under-15s a 2-0 win against Cyprus, in an International Friendly in Dundalk.

Scoreless at half-time, two goals in less than 15 minutes from Anselmo Garcia McNulty and Oran Crowe earned Jason Donohue’s side a well deserved win in their first game of 2018. The two teams meet again on Thursday, March 8, in Dublin’s AUL Complex. Kick-off is at 1pm.

Picture: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

St Pat’s Ger O’Brien

old cliché ‘goals change games’ comes into effect.

We found it difficult to break them down.

“They’ve a style that suits them well – they’ve two two big lads up front and they play a lot of direct balls to them and caused us problems.

“Waterford were deserving winners in the end but, in the last 20 minutes, we had a couple of chances we blazed over from five

yards and one off the line.

“We could easily have come away with a draw – but it would have been undeserved.”

O’Brien will be demanding a much-improved performance from his side when they come up against another of his former clubs from his playing days on Friday.

“They’ve brought in a lot of players and they have a vey big squad now,

so it’ll be interesting to see who they play.

“Games against each other have always been competitive over the past two years, and even when I was playing they were always competitive and entertaining with loads of goals in them.

“I don’t expect it to be different on Friday night – I think there’ll be goals, I just hope we’re on the right end of this one.”

8 March 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: COLAISTE EOIN SEE OFF CHALLENGE OF RIVALS EANNA

The kings of Dublin

SCHOOLS A FINAL

Colaiste Eoin 0-20 Colaiste Eanna 1-9  PADRAIC MACLOCHLAINN sport@dublingazette.com

COLAISTE Eoin retained the Dublin senior A hurling championship title before the snow landed seeing off Colaiste Eanna in Abbotstown.

The two teams’ paths to the final could not have been more varied as Coláiste Éanna won their semi-final way back in October while the Booterstown schoo played their semi-final against St Fintan’s just four days earlier.

For Eanna, their main scoring threat came from the two Cashmans – Enda

and Ciaran – who between them got eight points, the majority coming from Ciaran who scored seven from placed balls.

The Rathfarnham outfit started the brighter of the two sides as Sean O’Cinnseailligh’s opening score for Colaiste Eoin was cancelled out shortly after by a Ciaran Corcoran goal.

Eoin were rattled by the concession of this early goal although the three unanswered points from Seamus O’Fiachna, Dara O’Puirseal and Fionn O’Ceallaigh that followed helped steady the ship.

One of Ciaran Cashman’s frees left the sides level. However, a point from O’Fiachna and

Picture: Martin Doherty Colaiste Eoin celebrate

Donncha O’Muireadaigh pushed Eoin in front once more and two from O’Fiachna and one from Donal MacDuinnsleibhe increased the lead.

The Cashmans, once again, led the Colaiste Eanna fightback with two more scores but it was after this that Colaiste Eoin asserted their dominance, knocking over six points with no response.

A point from Johnny O’Donoghue and yet another from Ciaran Cashman gave Eanna a sliver of hope as the third quarter drew to a close.

After a point by Padraig O’Luinneachain, the Rathhfarnham school received a body blow as defender Cillian Wall was given a straight red card.

They fought hard in the last quarter with a free from Cashman but three points from O’Ceallaigh, O’Muireadaigh and Puirseil put the game to bed.

Colaiste Eoin player Colm Mac Giolla Phadraig felt that the team were the better hurlers on the day.

“The contribution of the subs off the bench was a big factor in the victory.”

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO Results (February 22) numbers were 6, 7, 11 and 21.

No winner. Next Thursday’s jackpot is €3,000, Lotto Joker €700. Winner of €100 Frances Webster; €50 William Finn and Patricia Whelan.

Joker consolation prize Luke Naughton. ELC forecast was won by Jackie Lee. Congrats to Teddy McCarthy of Fermoy and Marlay on winning €1,350 at the bingo. Bingo continues every Monday at 8pm.

Sunday, February 25, our senior hurlers got off to a great start with a comprehensive win over Naomh Olaf in the league. Our junior A hurlers also had a great win over Faughs away to set them up nicely in the league.

The third team completed the hat trick with a sevenpoint win away to Lucan Sarsfields. Well done to Ken Sheehan and the lads.

Saturday, March 10: U-16 footballers away to Cuala at 3pm while the U-16Bs are at home to Cuala at 3pm. Next Sunday, March 11, the senior hurlers play at home to Naomh Fionnbarra at 10.15am

with the junior A team home to Crumlin at 12pm. The junior Bs are at home to Erin go Bragh at 2.30pm.

Enrolling now for Easter Camps: senior infants to sixth class (March 26-29), contact GPO Carol Nolan on 085 1424543 and School of Excellence 12 to 15 year olds, April 3-5. Contact GPO Donal Gormley on 087 6312082.

Condolences to the Cox family Broadford, The Quinn family Llewellyn and the O’Connor family, Grangewood, on their recent bereavements.

GERALDINE MORANS

OUR sponsored walk fell foul of the weather and had to be cancelled a new date will be arranged soon.

Hurling fixtures this weekend are U-12 home to Parnells, U-11 away to Good Council, U-10 home to Ballinteer St Johns, U-9 away to Kilmacud Crokes, U-8 away to Naomh Olaf.

One football fixture is the U-14 home to Naomh Barrog.

Good luck to all the teams playing academy training every Saturday from 10-11am in Clonkeen College

XXX EMMA STORM

Sports hall; new members are always welcome, phone Darren on 086 8055354 for further information.

Easter Gaa camp is on in Loreto Foxrock from March 26-29, places are limited and can be booked online at www. geraldinesgaa.ie.

KILMACUD CROKES

STORM Emma severely impacted club operations and activities last week.

Thanks to all who helped protect club facilities and who looked out for each other during the bad weather.

KickStart Program 2018 will wrap up this week with a family/community 5km fun run/walk planned for Sunday, March 11. All are welcome. See the club website for details.

Crokes golf society outings for the year - see club Facebook/email for details.

SHANKILL

THE juvenile academy, sponsored by O Donnell’s Pharmacy, is in action in the gym of St Laurence’s College

at 10am every Saturday.

All equipment is provided free and the cost is only €2 per child each week, there is no annual subscription. So why not come along and give the Academy a try your child will learn the skills of Gaelic games while having fun with their friends?

After the severe weather last week, there may be some disruption to training so please contact your coach for the times of the various team sessions.

The club is trying to form a Ballad Group, contact Aine on 086 8646494.

Ladies football team, check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group, e-mail stevedavis203@gmail. com or contact Steve on 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team are looking for new players which are always welcome; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact secretary. shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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

County board confirms refix dates LAST weekend’s senior club football fixtures had to be rescheduled

due to Storm Emma with the Dublin county board imposing a blanket ban.

The senior football refixtures will now take place on Saturday, May 19 at 6.15pm for AFL Division 1 to 4 and Sunday, May 20 at 11am (AFL5-8) and 3pm (AFL 9-11) respectively.

The rescheduled minor hurling league fixtures will take place on Wednesday, July 18 at 7.15pm.

GAZETTESPORT

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

KINGS OF DUBLIN: Colaiste Eoin win over their big southside rivals to win A senior hurling crown P39

MARCH 8-14, 2018

#FOOTBALL LOVES US: Duff and Cronin’s viral sensation up for big award P37

David Gillick, members of the Vhi Support Team, launched the 2018 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathonon Monday. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Gillick hooked on running

Ballinteer man says his love for athletics has been rekindled after a number of tough years following his retirement from elite competition

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH Olympian David Gillick has found joy in running again after injury forced him to retire from the sport that had come to define his life.

Speaking at the launch of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the Ballinteer native recalled how his involuntary retirement forced him to confront his demons and learn about himself as a result.

The double European indoor 400m champion – who represented Ireland at the Beijing Games in 2008 – resigned himself to calling a premature halt to his career three years ago.

A mixture of injury and mental health issues saw him fall out of the athletic lifestyle he’d pursued for most of his life, but he found redemption in the life that had given him so much.

“It was like a death,” Gillick told the Dublin Gazette of the calf injury that ended his dream of competing at the 2012 games and ultimately led to his retirement.

“I was lost – I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do. It was finding that purpose.

“You’re going from a career where you’ve mapped out every day, month, week or year, or every four years. For suddenly that to stop, you’re lost.

“It’s taken me a while, but like with anything you put your hand up and say I need help.

“You talk to people and implement the change, I began to understand more about myself and what the triggers were and once I knew that, you have a bit of a toolbox.

“That’s what it’s about, having that toolbox and understanding what you need to do.”

A major part of that toolbox, Gillick found, was running, the absence of which he found was a trigger that enhanced his depressive symptoms.

Armed with the knowledge that healthy body reinforces a healthy mind, Gillick is enjoying life as an RTE pundit and promoting a positive lifestyle with VHI, for whom he’s an ambassador.

“Now I’m back running recreationally but at

the time, at the level I was at, it curtailed a lot of stuff.

“Competing at a certain level where you could try and make an income from the sport, that soon diminished. I just couldn’t run that fast.

“My mental health probably wasn’t great post-career and I pinned an awful lot on the result of my athletics.

“It’s only now I realise athletics is something I’m passionate about and I’m getting out and running 5ks in Marlay Park.

“I now understand that is my drug and it’s a trigger for me, and if I’m not out doing that there’s a negative spin-off, so I make sure I do it.”