Dublin Gazette: South Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 16-22, 2020

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

Hospital staff claim surgical cover loss GARY IBBOTSON PATIENTS and staff working in the Emergency Department at St Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire claim surgical cover in the department was removed two weeks before Christmas and has yet to be reinstated.

It is understood that patients who attend the department in need of surgery are referred to St Vincent’s Hospital

on Merrion Road.

Richard Boyd Barrett TD (PBP) told Dublin Gazette he received phone calls from two sources inside the hospital “and one relative of a patient saying that the surgical cover in A&E had been withdrawn before Christmas” and “that all surgical patients are currently being forwarded to St. Vincent’s.”

When contacted for comment on the matter St Vincent’s Healthcare Group –

the governing body of St Michael’s and St Vincent’s said “all surgical cover and services remain in place in St. Michael’s Hospital.

“All patients with a surgical condition attending A&E in St. Michael’s Hospital continue to be assessed by the surgical cover in the hospital.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 3

Marsh proposals slammed LOCAL conservation groups and politicians are objecting to a proposed development on the periphery of the protected Booterstown Marshes on Rock Road.

Paddy McKillen Jnr’s Soundvale Ltd has filed planning permission with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council for the development of a five-storey “biodiversity” centre on the edge of the marsh which includes a café, creche, gym and swimming pool. SEE PAGE 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

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PLANNING SOUGHT FOR FIVE-STOREY ‘BIODIVERSITY’ CENTRE

Booterstown marsh proposals slammed  GARY IBBOTSON

gibbotson@dublingazette.com

LOCAL conservation groups and politicians are objecting to a proposed development on the periphery of the protected Booterstown Marshes on Rock Road.

Paddy McKillen Jnr’s Soundvale Ltd has filed planning permission with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council for the development of a five-storey “biodiversity”

An artist’s impression of the proposed interpretative centre and spa

centre on the edge of the marsh which includes

a café, creche, gym and swimming pool.

Planning permission has been filed with both local authorities due to the marsh sprawling over county boundaries.

The site on which the development is proposed for is located between Merrion Gates and the marsh, opposite the recently demolished Tara Towers hotel.

However, An Taisce and environmental group Friends of Booterstown Coast (FoBC) are calling on the local authorities to reject the plans saying the development will be detrimental to the marsh – a protected nature reserve.

Both groups say the project will harm the flora and fauna of the n e i g h b o u r i n g m a rs h and especially it’s rare bird population which includes “moorhens, reed buntings, sedge warblers, teals, snipes, lapwings, oystercatchers, redshanks, dunlins, and brent geese.”

An Taisce says that “as the only remaining saltmarsh on the south shore of Dublin Bay, the Booterstown reserve is one the city’s key biodiversity areas.

“It forms part of the

South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary and is itself a pNHA (proposed Natural Heritage Area), a designation that extends into the Dun LaoghaireRathdown portion of the application site.”

Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council have the earmarked land zoned as a “green network” space with the construction of commercial developments only permitted under excep-

strongly advocate that the site should only be used as open space and not for commercial use.

“I believe the time has come for both Local Authorities to come together and review the zoning objectives for the lands between Merrion Gates and Blackrock Park with a view to securing their future as a nature reserve,” he said.

Green Party councillor for the Blackrock area, Séafra Ó Faoláin says

tional circumstances.

Independent Senator Victor Boyhan, says that the earmarked land should be kept as a greenfield site.

“The site is unique in that it falls within the Local Government Administrative Area of both Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council.

“Having represented the residents of Booterstown and Blackrock for many years as a councillor and as someone who has been active in An Taisce locally, I would

that more questions may have to be answered by the developers.

“Broadly, a biodiversity centre that threatens biodiversity is not justifiable,” he says.

“Similarly, if the applicant cannot guarantee that there is no disruption to important climate action projects, such as the Sutton 2 Sandycove Cycleway, then this should not go ahead as currently envisaged.

“I am in agreement with the thrust of the submissions made by FoBC and An Taisce.”

“

Broadly, a biodiversity centre that threatens biodiversity is not justifiable

FASTNews Shakespeare Festival at The Mill Theatre THE MILL Theatre in Dundrum has announced it will be hosting the upcoming Schools Shakespeare Festival from January 22 to 24.

Nine secondary schools from around the country will be taking part in the festival which will see each participant producing a 30-minute Shakespeare play of their choice – incorporating all aspects from tech to stage management.

Taking place over three nights in the Main Auditorium, the school groups will receive feedback from Theatre Director and adjudicator Geoff O’Keeffe on their production.

The nine participating schools are; Loreto Dalkey, St MacDara’s in Templeogue, Temple Carrig in Greystones, St Joseph’s in Rush, St Bricins College Cavan, Mount Sackville in Capelizod, Ramsgrange Wexford, Mount Anville in Goatstown and St Raphaela’s in Leopardstown.

Organisers say the festival’s “aim is to create a unique opportunity for students to experience Shakespeare as his work should be experienced, on stage.

Call for no election posters

STEPASIDE councillor Michael Fleming (Ind) has asked General Election candidates to consider not erecting posters in south Dublin villages and towns during their campaign.

In an online post, Cllr Fleming said he is “calling on all candidates to agree to keep our villages clean and tidy by not putting up any of their posters within our villages.

“Aside from the obvious environmental impact these posters have, they can ruin the aesthetics of our Villages too.”

PosterFree.ie, a campaign set up to stop the erection of single-use plastic posters during election time, says that 123 candidates around the county have pledged to not put up posters.

That figure is accurate from the campaign’s launch in April 2019.

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CULTURE 2025: RENEWED GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO DOUBLE PUBLIC FUNDING

Ireland’s first ever cultural policy framework announced GARY IBBOTSON

IRELAND’S first ever cultural policy framework, Culture 2025 – A National Cultural Policy Framework to 2025 has been announced.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan (FG) revealed the framework last week.

Culture 2025 aims to set out the direction for Government policy across the cultural sector, “including the arts, the Irish language and the creative, heritage and audiovisual sectors,” a statement said.

Minister Madigan said: “Our culture in all

its distinctiveness and variety is what identifies us as a people.

“It captures our past, shapes our present and imagines our future.

“One hundred years on from the cultural revival which accompanied and inspired the

“

Our culture in all its distinctiveness and variety is what identifies us as a people

revolutionary movement that led to independence, it is timely to set out a vision for our cultural future.

“Culture 2025 sets out an overarching vision and framework for the future and outlines our plans for action. It is underpinned by a firm Government commitment to continue to significantly increase funding for culture, doubling it to €576m by 2025.

“This builds on the progress made to date which has seen funding for culture increase by 24% since 2017,” she said.

According to the Department of Culture, the key actions of Culture 2025 include increasing

access to and participation in the arts, working collaboratively “to enable the creative potential of every child and young person”, investing in Gaeltacht areas and the Irish language, supporting traditional Irish culture and “protecting and promoting Ireland’s natural habitats and biodiversity”.

Minister Madigan said that “much has been achieved in the cultural sector over the last number of years but clearly there is still a long way to go.

“Culture 2025 sets out a broad road map of where we need to get to and of what needs to be done to get there.”

Surgical cover removed claim patients and staff FROM PAGE 1

“The ED has actually expanded, not been reduced, which is good news for the people of Dun Laoghaire and its surrounds.

“In certain instances, patients are redirected to the surgical unit in St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

“This is addressed on a case by case basis and is dependent on the clinical need of the patient at the time.”

H o weve r, a n u r s e working in the Emergency Department at St Michael’s told Dublin Gazette that no surgical consultant is currently scheduled to work at the hospital.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said that “this removal of the surgical cover at the A&E, if it is the case, would be absolutely d e t r i m e n t a l to D u n Laoghaire and the wider area.

“St Michael’s provide such a fantastic service to the people of Dún Laoghaire.

“Considering the current trolley crisis and with the disastrous situation that is going on across the whole health system, the withdrawal of the surgical cover or downgrading would be beyond comprehension

“

St Michael’s Hospital in Dún Laoghaire

The withdrawal of the surgical cover or downgrading would be beyond comprehension and would have a major knock on impact on the already severe overcrowding in St. Vincent’s hospital and would have a major knock on impact on the already severe overcrowding in St. Vincent’s hospital.

“I have written to Minister Simon Harris and have asked him to look into this as a matter of urgency.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett says that the removal of the surgical cover in the department is a “very serious downgrading” despite what the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group are saying.

“Apparently, the staff in the hospital are very worried because if the consultant goes then certain associated jobs would go,” said Deputy Barrett.

“If you don’t have a consultant surgeon then you don’t need an anaesthetist, for example,” he said.

In 2007, the Sisters of Mercy, who founded the hospital in 1876, sold the car park located behind the hospital to developer Noel Smyth for reportedly

between €20m and €30m.

At the time, Smyth had sought to develop 80 apartments and two shops on the car park site but planning permission was rejected by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

After rumours circulated that the hospital site itself may be part of the sale, the health care group and the Sisters of Charity said they had no plans to dispose of the hospital “either by sale or site swap”, a spokesper-

son said.

Smyth currently has listed the car park site on the market for €6.5m.

Since 2007, the Emergency Department has run seven-daya-week from 8am to 8pm.

When contacted for further comment, St Vincent’s Healthcare Group said its original comment still stands and that surgical cover is still in position at the Emergency Department at St Vincent’s.

FASTNews Funding for men’s and women’s sheds SOUTH Dublin Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been given a boost after it was announced that €6,732 in funding has been allocated to their development.

Minister for Culture, Josepha Madigan (FG), said: “My colleague Minister Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today confirmed that 372 Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been allocated a total of €500,000 from his Department in order to support the important community work done by these groups.

“I am delighted to confirm that funding has been allocated locally to Ballinteer which will receive €1,283, Dundrum/Windy Arbour will also get €1,283, Glencullen will receive €1,100, Nutgrove and Loretto will receive €1,283, Sandyford will get also get €1,283 while Southside Travellers Men’s Shed will get €500.

“I am delighted to see that Women’s Sheds have also received funding from the Government for the first times. I hope the number of Women’s Sheds continues to grow in the coming years.

“This funding will support these excellent local projects in the contribution they make to our local area.

“This capital funding will enable individual Men’s & Women’s Sheds to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises through the provision of small grants,” she said.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

SOUTH DUBLIN: ENCOURAGING PUBLIC TO CLEAN UP AFTER DOG

Talking lamp-posts aim to help stop dog-fouling GARY IBBOTSON

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) is taking an innovative approach to tackling the problem of dog faeces in public parks with the installation of ‘talking lamp-posts’.

The installation of these posts throughout the county will work in coordination with on-going Green Dog Walker environmental awareness programme.

The posts are self-contained audio devices which communicate a pre-recorded message about responsible dog ownership when a person is nearby.

According to the council, “the main aim of the device is to create awareness about the issue and start a conversation in the local community.

“The device has potential to reduce incidents of dog fouling litter by over 80%.

“The initial temporary locations for the devices are Ballyogan, Marlay Park, Killiney Hill, Glenageary and Seapoint.

“The devices will be

rotated throughout the County, over the coming year,” it said.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Shay Brenna n sa id: “Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has many beautiful walks and it is lovely to see people enjoying them.

“This initiative is a preventative measure and is about educating the small minority of dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets.

“The overall philoso-

“

ness around responsible dog ownership and prevent dog litter being abandoned by owners.

“This initiative complements the on-going Green Dog Walkers programme, local radio, bin and cinema advertising, lamp-post signage, education in schools and the Dog Warden’s enforcement patrols,” says the council.

The Green Dog Walkers programme “is a non-confrontational and friendly initiative” to prevent dog fouling says the council

This initiative is a preventative measure and is about educating the small minority of dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets

phy of this campaign is to shift attitudes so that it becomes socially unacceptable to not clean-up after your dog.”

The council says the system is a “holistic” approach to raise aware-

and it asks dog owners to; clean up after their dog, carry extra dog waste bags, be happy to be approached to ‘lend’ a dog waste bag to those without and be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up

An Cathaoirleach Cllr Shay Brennan at the launch of the programme. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

after their pet.

DLRCoCo says dog owners can sign up to the initiative by obtaining a form from www.dlrcoco.ie and returning to the local authority.

Any person who registers will receive a compli-

mentary ‘doggie bone’ bag dispenser, a roll of bags and information leaflet from the council.

The scheme is also available to local residents’ associations, community groups and Tidy Towns/ Tidy Districts committees.

FASTNews

New Group Editor at Dublin Gazette CÓILÍN Duffy has been appointed as Group Editor of Dublin Gazette.

He replaces Patrick Finnegan, who was appointed in October 2017, and retired at the end of 2019.

Cóilín is originally from Laois and has more than 16 years’ experience across the media industry in a variety of roles in broadcast (radio and TV), online and print media.

He has an extensive background in both sports and current affairs media, and has provided con-tent for both Irish and international media outlets and organisations.

A fluent Irish speaker, Cóilín came on board with the newspaper group in 2018 as a freelance sports journalist, and also provided occasional cover as Sports Editor.

He said: “I am excited by the challenge that taking on my new role as Group Editor of Dublin Gazette entails.

“It’s my aim to continue to help maintain our quality newspaper and digital coverage, while continuing to provide the people of Dublin with the high standard of local content that has placed the Dublin Gazette as a forerunner in local media over the past 16 years.”

Tesco’s €237,000 to help Dublin TESCO has announced the Tesco Community Fund donated a total of €237,000 to local projects across Dublin last year.

Throughout the year, Tesco customers nominated local Dublin projects for inclusion in the programme, with the 2019 Tesco Community Fund supporting 903 worthy Dublin projects and causes including Finglas Suicide Network, Capuchin Day Centre and many more.

Since 2014, through the Community Fund, Tesco has helped more than 15,000 local projects.

Samuel Beckett Civic Campus set for an upgrade

Storm hits hard in Dun Laoghaire DUN Laoghaire pier was battered as Storm Brendan hit on Monday morning bringing high winds and a risk of coastal flooding. After what Met Éireann’s head of forecasting Evelyn Cusack described as “several hours of very dangerous weather”, the second named storm of the year blew out over the Irish Sea by teatime after triggering a Status Red warning in all coastal areas for a time. Picture: Dun Laoghaire County Council Facebook Page

THE Samuel Beckett Civic Campus in Ballyogan will soon be seeing an upgrade after it was announced it will receive funding to contribute to the development of a multi-sports building, civic amenities and library.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport said the funding has been granted through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

Leas Cathaoirleach and Independent councillor for Dun LaoghaireRathdown, Deirdre Donnelly says she welcomes the announcement.

“I am delighted that Dún Laoghaire– Rathdown County Council are recipients of this infrastructure fund and would like to congratulate the staff involved in making the application to the department.

“I particularly welcome the facilities that will be available for children.

“Ballyogan and its surrounding areas have seen massive development over the last number of years and many families with young children now live in the area.”

These funds were allocated as part of phase two of the development with phase once including the construction of a community building, three grass pitches, three astro pitches, a children’s playground and a skate area which was completed in 2016.

Phase two is expected to include a sports hall, a children’s and 25m swimming pool, a dance studio, gym and two-storey library.

Labour councillor for the Glencullen/Sandyford area, Lettie McCarthy says she is “delighted to see the Samuel Beckett allocated funding as we need to get the swimming pool and library started in Ballyogan”.

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

BT YOUNG SCIENTISTS 2020: IMPRESSIVE SHOWINGS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF DUBLIN SCHOOLS Megan Williamson and Jack Cullen, from Kill O’The Grange NS, and their project, Is Ferry WheelY Physics?

Picture: Karl Hussey/Fennell Photography

Two students develop new site to tackle Irish obesity TWO students from Meanscoil Iognaid Ris have created a website aimed at tackling Ireland’s growing health problems.

Third year students Ross Manning and Roshan Jagan have spent more than a year working on the site, after being concerned about the rising levels of obesity.

Ross told Dublin Gazette: “Obesity is a big issue in Ireland in recent years.

“We could be the most obese country by 2030 if we don’t change now, so we decided to make people more aware.

“Climate change is a big topic at the moment, and we wanted to bring obesity to the fore, because it is also a big topic, but it isn’t getting mentioned enough.

“We read a case study

by Dr Donal O’Shea which stated that we could become the most obese country in Europe by 2030, so that’s how we decided to make this website.”

The duo undertook a huge survey among their school colleagues, said Roshan.

He said: “They were giving us huge feedback about the website, and what they would like to see on it.

“We also brought in guest stars, such as Conor McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh. He also gave us advice as well.”

Roshan also outlined the findings of the project, adding: “Our main findings were how obese Ireland was now, and that the most obese country was the Czech Republic, and that Ireland [had a] 25% [obesity rate for the general population].”

It was a big deal for Ross and Roshan to take part, as they were the first students from the Walkinstown school to qualify for the Young Scientist Exhibition in 20 years.

Backing their handy, colourful project were Laura Walsh, Nicole O’Shea and Maeve Brady, a trio of sixth class pupils from Scoil San Treasa, Mount Merrion.

Picture: Julien Behal Photography

Shay Walsh, managing director of BT Ireland and Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh are pictured presenting the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Individual Award to Oscar Despard (17), a fifth year student from Sandford Park, for his project, entitled Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Picture:Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

Young researcher wows with project related to Irish ageing CÓILÍN DUFFY

SANDFORD Park student Oscar Despard scooped the top individual gong at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition for his project, entitled Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

The fifth year student used data in his project from a large database of Irish individuals to analyse a number of blood proteins to see if there was a correlation between blood levels and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Levels of a protein called LDL showed an unexpected relationship with AF,

which can see an individual’s heart beat in a disorganised and irregular way, potentially leading to a range of symptoms and complications.

The research, somewhat unexpectedly, suggested a possible beneficial effect of LDL in reducing the risk of AF. The work went on to show that a protein in white blood cells in the heart played a pivotal role in the process.

The judges commented on how “this exceptional young researcher took a new perspective on a global problem and has brought new insights”.

His project also picked up the Perrigo Best Biological and Ecological best proj-

ect award.

17-year old Oscar has been busy in recent months, and was one of the delegates to the recent Youth Assembly on Climate Change held at Government Buildings.

Oscar’s project was one of four from Sandford Park School.

Benjamin Murray’s project in the Technology category saw him create a ‘JC Coder’ – an e-learning website for teachers and students of the Junior Cycle Short Course in Coding.

Benjamin picked up a Special Award from HEAnet – Ireland’s National Research & Education network – for

his project.

The school had one group project, with Breffni Carroll and Ruth Caraway Pointon in the Biologicial and Ecological Sciences category, where they entered a project, entitled Testing The Effects of SO2, NO2 and Particulate Matter on the Air Quality Surrounding Trees.

Alex Li’s project in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category was of particular interest to golfing enthusiasts, with the project asking Which Factor can Cause the Most Affect to the Golf Ball Hitting Distances?

Highlighting wi-fi’s susceptability to hacking BEWARE when you are accessing wi-fi networks and other devices, as all may not be as it seems, according to Belvedere College student Brian Kelleher.

Brian’s project – We are Not Safe – is the result of a two-year study by him, where he examined the security behind wi-fi networks.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I did four main experiments as part of my project.

“Firstly, I looked at hacking wi-fi; secondly, I looked at hacking locked Apple computers that are password-protected; thirdly, I looked at installing viruses on Apple computers; and, finally, I did a survey to see how secure people think their passwords are.”

The project earned him a special award from the IE Domain Registry (IEDR).

Brian explained how his wi-fi experiment works.

“It uses a program called

Wi-Fi Phisher, which uses a fake wi-fi page to trick the user into entering their password.

“It looks like a normal router upgrade front page, but in reality when you put in the password, it goes to the attacker.

“I tried it on five wi-fi networks, and four of them were vulnerable to the attack.

“Because public wi-fi networks are unencrypted, an attacker can monitor what you can do.

“There’s an attack where the hacker can ‘spoof’ a website. So, for instance, if you look at facebook.com, they can intercept that request and put up a different page, and you wouldn’t necessarily know.”

Passwords to start your computer can also be the subject of attacks.

Brian said: “This type of attack exploits a vulnerability in a mode called ‘Single user mode’.

This allows the attacker

to access all of the files in a computer.

“What an attacker would do is delete a file, and create a new admin account. Once they have a new admin account, they can change all of the other passwords in the system.

“If the attacker has one password, they essentially have all of the passwords, because if you have a Gmail password, for instance, you can reset all of the other passwords.

“Most people still use

the same password. In the survey I conducted, 80% of people use the same password on multiple sites. Clearly, if you have one password, you have most of them.

“People need to be vigilant online, and use secure passwords. Make sure what you click on, or what you enter your password in, or any credentials, are credible.”

It was Brian’s second year in a row at the Young Scientist Exhibition.

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

POLITICS: PARTIES, POLITICIANS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION 2020

We’ve waited more than a century for a Saturday general election THE last time a general election took place on a Saturday in Ireland was December 14, 1918.

Held as part of the 1918 United Kingdom General Election, this election was a pivotal moment in the history, and creation, of this state.

Held in the aftermath of World War I, the Easter Rising and the

Conscription Crisis, it was the first general election to be held after the Representation of the People Act 1918, which meant it was the first time women over the age of 30, and all men over the age of 21, could vote.

Previously, all women and most working-class men were excluded from voting.

It took two weeks and a Christmas break for all votes cast to be counted.

When they eventually were, on December 28, the Sinn Fein party – which had never stood in a general election – scored a resounding landslide victory, securing 73 of the 105 seats available for Ireland.

The moderate nationalist Irish

Parliamentary Party, which had been the main party in the country since the 1880s, suffered a crushing defeat.

The unionists won 26 seats, and the nationalists of the Irish Party, which had held 68 seats prior to the election, only won six seats.

Sinn Fein had promised in its elec-

tion manifesto to establish an independent Irish republic.

Following the election, Sinn Fein’s elected members refused to attend the British Parliament in Westminster, and instead formed a parliament in Dublin – the First Dail Eireann, which declared Irish independence in January, 1919.

Some would-be voters could be caught out by a technical ruling over the voter register – so check you’re listed, now RACHEL D’ARCY

THOSE who applied to vote after February 15, 2019 are being encouraged to check the voter register ahead of the upcoming general election, as they may not be eligible to vote.

This is because the Register of Electors is only updated officially once per year, on February 15, meaning those who applied to vote after this date in 2019 may not yet be included on the updated Register of Electors.

This is a date fixed into law under the Electoral Act 1992, Section 1.

With the general election taking place on February 8, it is believed that thousands of people who have registered to vote will have to apply to the Supplemental Register, as Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy confirmed that the 2019-2020 register will be the one applicable to the upcoming election.

The Supplemental Register would be the only way for many voters to guarantee that they would be registered in time for the general election.

This will mean that those that need to apply to be on the Supplemental Register will have to apply for addition before January 22 to ensure their vote.

Minister Murphy said: “It is up to each of us as individuals to ensure we are correctly registered to vote, and the best way to do that is to check directly with the relevant local

authority.

“However, the crucial point is that there is still time to register to vote in this general election.”

People should take the following steps to ensure that they are correctly registered to vote.

Step 1 Check online at checktheregister.ie if your details are included on the 2019-2020 electoral register, or check directly with your local authority.

If your details are included correctly, no further action is necessary.

Step 2 If your details are not included on the 20192020 register, you should contact the relevant local authority and check if your details are included in the Supplemental Register.

If your details are included in the supplement to the register of electors, no further action is required.

Step 3 If your details are not included in either, you should obtain the appropriate application form from your local authority, or download it from checktheregister.ie and complete the relevant form.

Before signing the declaration, bring the form and photo ID to your local garda station and sign it in the presence of a member of An Garda Siochana, who will stamp the form.

Forms must reach the local authority on or before close of business on January 22.

It’ll be a bruising battle for An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar leading Fine Gael, Michael Martin for Fianna Fail, and Mary Lou McDonald for Sinn Fein

It’s Dail to play for as party leaders reflect on upcoming battle GARY IBBOTSON

SPEAKING in front of Government Buildings on Tuesday afternoon, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he “always said the election should happen at the best time for the country – now is that time”.

Among the reasons to hold an early election, the Taoiseach cited Brexit and the negotiations surrounding the Free Trade agreement.

The next European Council is in March and he said he wants the new Government formed and prepared for then.

The Taoiseach said:

“It has been a privilege to lead this country as your Taoiseach for the past two and a half years.

Thank you for that honour and your trust in me.

“Our economy has never been stronger.

There are more people at work than ever before, incomes are rising, poverty is falling, and the public finances are in back in order.

“As a nation, we have every reason to be hopeful about the future.

“We’ve modernised our society – marriage equality, women’s rights, real progress in education, welfare and childcare.

“But, it’s not enough.

I know it’s not enough.

People want their government to do much more.

And I want us to do much more.”

Reacting to the calling of the election, Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin said housing and health are two most pertinent issues that need to be addressed going forward.

Deputy Martin said “Fine Gael has failed” to tackle the problems in those sectors, and “it clearly is time for a change of government”.

He added: “For us, and the Irish people in particular, this is a vital election in terms of their future

because we are facing enormous challenges.”

Speaking at Leinster House, Deputy Martin said the campaign will be tight, and rejected the suggestion that his party is currently in the lead.

He said: “I don’t accept anything of the sort. I’m a very humble man, as you know, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s very competitive.

“I think it’s neck-andneck. If I’m honest, and I think there’s a lot of competitive electoral battles in the different constituencies.2 Deputy Martin said he would “love” a TV debate and would “prefer” a one-

on-one debate with the Taoiseach, but is open to other formats as well.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the party has “listened and learned” from their local election losses, and is optimistic the party can gain back the trust of the public this election.

She said: “We’re setting out to defend the seats that we hold; we’re confident we can do that – we don’t underestimate the challenge, but we’re confident.”

The other party leaders had not publicly commented at the time of writing and going to print.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

€2BN FUND

PROJECT ALLOCATED €5.25 MILLION

Call for funding urged

Funding awarded to multi-sport campus

INDEPENDENT Senato r an d for m e r D u n Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councillor Victor Boyhan is calling on local authorities to apply for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

Senator Boyhan said: “The URDF is an important source of finance, I would urge councillors to raise this second call for funding with your council chief executive, so that applications can be prepared in good time.”

To qualify for funding proposals must consist of projects that are innovative and transformational and align with the local action plan or strategy.

Applications will open to local authorities on February 1 with the closing date for applications at 12pm on March 31.

EuroMillions win is just the ticket for Blackrock shop THE Champagne pops as management and staff of Centra in Blackrock celebrate having sold the winning ticket for last Friday’s (10th January) EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ top prize of €1 million. Store manager Blaise Kenny pictured with Joann McKeever at the store as the National Lottery announce the winning shop. Picture: Mac Innes Photography

THE proposed multi-sport complex on the St Thomas estate, South County Dublin is one step-closer to becoming a reality after the project was allocated €5.25m through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

The project, which was granted planning permission in July of last year, was first set in motion in 2013 when Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club (DSDAC) purchased 15 acres of land on the estate.

In 2016, the club purchased 10 additional acres and began working with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to design the complex and apply for planning permission.

It is understood that the facility will accommodate multiple sports clubs including DSDAC, Fencing Ireland, Dundrum Archers, Special Olympics, Orwell Wheelers, Belpark Triathlon and Trojan Gymnastics.

The complex will consist of a 400m external running track, field athletics facilities, an 80m indoor sprint track, a 700 sqm multi-purpose sports hall and gymnastics centre.

In a statement, DSDAC said it is

“delighted” that the funding has been allocated.

“This project is very important for one of the most populated places in the country, which has few sporting facilities for minority sports, and no athletics track available to the public,” it said.

“Having partnered with several minority sporting bodies (including gymnastics, cycling, fencing, archery, triathlon and Special Olympics), DSD volunteers have been tirelessly working with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to see the St Thomas Multi-sport Campus become a reality.”

Labour councillor for the area, Lettie McCarthy said, “I am delighted St Thomas’s received this funding.

“We need to invest in the health and wellbeing of our children and young people. Facilities like this are a wonderful asset to our area and deserves all the support it can get.

“I have a long relationship with DSDAC and I know the tremendous service they have provided to so many of our children over the years. It’s such an exciting project and I wish it every success.”

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

CRIME: SEVERAL HOUSING ESTATES TARGETED IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT, SPARKING CONCERN

Public urged to stay vigilant following a spate of car break-ins GARY IBBOTSON

GARDAI are investigating several car break-ins that occurred at Stepaside Park last week.

The break-ins follow on from numerous reported incidents which occurred before Christmas where vehicles parked in the housing estates of Balally Park, Kilcross, Sandyford Hall, Leopardstown Heights, The Gallops, Belarmine, Stepaside Park, Cruagh, Kilternan, Cairnfort and Glenamuck Road were targeted by thieves driving a silver four-door salon.

Independent councillor for the area, Michael Fleming, says locals are concerned about the increase in burglaries over the past few months.

He said: “I was contacted by several residents from Stepaside Park informing me that there were multiple car break ins and at least one car stolen in the estate overnight [Wednesday, January 8].

“I was sent CCTV footage from various residents which shows what appears to be at least two young individuals dressed in tracksuits entering driveways and shining a torch into all

“

I would ask everyone to ensure that their car is locked properly when unattended, and please ensure that there are no valuables in sight in the car

parked cars.

“The time showing on the CCTV videos was between 4:20am and 4:55am.

“All this evidence has been provided to An Garda Siochana, and I con-

tinue to liaise with them on this very serious issue.

“I would ask everyone to ensure that their car is locked properly when unattended, and please ensure that there are no valuables in sight in the car.

“Report anything suspicious to Dundrum Garda Station at 01 666 5600.”

He added: “I am very much looking forward to the Stepaside Garda Station being reopened in just a matter of weeks and it is testament to the efforts and commitment of our entire community that we are realising our goal.”

A statement from An Garda Siochana said the Force is “investigating a number of thefts from cars which occurred in the Stepaside Park area, Dublin 18 in the early hours of January 8.

“No arrests have been made.”

FASTNews Fund a boost for cycling

Ross welcomes FAI changes as new leadership appointed Minister for Sport, Shane Ross (inset) on the FAI: “We’ve got a new dawn here, we’ve got a new opportunity, we’ve got new people who are going to produce a plan”

GARY IBBOTSON

MINISTER for Sport and Dublin-Rathdown TD Shane Ross has said that the Government will consider financially aiding the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) after the appointment of new independent directors to the board.

Minister Ross was speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland last week when he said that the Government are now willing to work with the organisation “now [that] we’ve got a new FAI”.

Before the appoint-

“

All those people who attend football ... will look to them as a kind of beacon of hope

ment of new independent directors, Minister Ross was reluctant to provide financial aid to the FAI after it requested an €18m bail-out.

Minister Ross said that the appointment of Roy Barret as independent chairman to the FAI was welcomed, as well as the selection of Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce as independent directors.

He said: “The €18m was asked for, as we all know, and that was just a kind of bail-out money.

“We’re not going to bail them out. We’re not going to just give them a blank check.

“The Taoiseach has said that; I’ve said that absolutely clearly; but what we’ve got to say is this: we’ve got a new dawn here, we’ve got a new

opportunity, we’ve got new people who are going to produce a plan.”

Minister Ross thanked the new members for taking on the task of repairing the association, and said: “now we’ve got a new FAI, we’ll look at anything that’s put on the table”.

He added: “They’re taking on an association with a debt of €60 million; they’re taking on a formidable challenge.

“But we think that their advent, which has been sought for a very long time and been resisted by the FAI for a very long time, will mean that those

who are the creditors and all the stakeholders will take great encouragement.

“All those people who attend football every weekend will look to them as a kind of beacon of hope for football in Ireland.

“We hope, and we believe that their leadership will be able to take the FAI [away] from the awful backing morass and credit chaos which they’re in,” he said.

Minister Ross said that the appointments represented a “new chapter in what has been a disastrous story” and although

the FAI would not be given unlimited support, he is satisfied that the “precondition had been met” for financial backing.

Under the new regime, there will be an emphasis on developing grassroots football and the League of Ireland said the Minister.

Minister Ross said that the clearing out of the FAI board was met with opposition but what they have “succeeded in doing against great resistance, is removing the entire board”; however, “that doesn’t automatically change the culture,” he said.

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced that funding is being made available to provide cycle parking to primary schools in the county.

Schools are required to apply to the council and outline what they are doing to promote cycling to pupils in their school.

A review will be made of all applications and the cycle parking will be supplied to the successful schools.

All primary schools in the county have been notified of the initiative.

In addition to the provision of school cycle parking, the council intends rolling out more cycle parking stands around the county in the coming year. Approximately 400 cycle parking spaces were installed in 2019.

Road takes a step forward

THE Glenamuck District Road Scheme has taken another step towards existence as An Bord Pleanala (ABP) has given permission to Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council to forcefully purchase lands surrounding the project.

The local authority filed a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) with ABP in April of last year to obtain lands surrounding the proposed project near the R117 Enniskerry Road and Glenamuck Road East.

Now, ABP has given permission to the council to proceed with the purchase without amendment.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Rachel Riordan and James Kelly

Orla Menanmin, Delourdes Seymor, Noel Murray and Susan Brennan. Pictures: Emily Gallagher

Fiona Byrne and Aine Moran

Ann Callanan and Erica Calder

Daragh, Cian, Sarah and Eva Kelly

Karl Mannion with Clare and David Curtain

Run, two, three ... having fun at 2020’s first Parkrun held over at Marlay Park

A

Tricia Fitzpatrick, Ian Walsh, Orla Fitzgerald, Kim Byrne and Clare Kelly

SEA of colourfully-dressed runners, walkers and supporters gathered in the grounds of Marlay Park recently for the first weekend Parkrun of the new year.

Already established as a hugely popular event, the Parkrun saw hundreds of people of all ages assemble to take part, with many spotting neighbours, friends

and familiar faces in the throng.

The free event proved to be fun and accessible for everyone, with the serious runners taking up prime spots at the front of the crowd, while more casuallyfocused participants assembled towards the back.

However, whether they were giving the 5k their all with an intense run,

or whether they were walking the route with babies, dogs or pals in tow, everyone was able to enjoy the great get-together in one of the area’s most relaxing spots.

There were also plenty of nods to the volunteers and stewards also giving up their time and attention to help make the run so great for everyone.

16 August 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Gary Nolan and Sinead Cummins with Susan and Zoe Smith

Fair play – and a warming towel – to Marie Moran and Martina Duignan

Diarmuid McDonald and Susan Smith

Their faces said it all as they took the plunge and waded into the freezing sea – but well done to all involved

Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, and Caroline Lafferty, chief executive, Cycle Against Suicide.

Pictures: Colm Mahady/Fennells

Swimmers brave the icy waters at Sandycove L Dr Niall Muldoon with Barry O’Connor, Padraig Cunnane and Barry McAllister

OTS of brave souls took to the icy waters at Sandycove Harbour recently for the second annual Dip in the Sea in aid of the Irish mental health charity, Cycle Against Suicide.

Although more than one grimace was spotted as first feet, then everything else

encountered the bitterly cold water, all the participants were happy to help support the cause, with many people fundraising for the national charity as well as doing their bit to help promote the charity and its work.

Cycle Against Suicide’s chief executive,

Caroline Lafferty, paid tribute to the hardy bodies splashing about at the harbour, giving some very sincere thanks to them, and all the charity’s supporters throughout the year, who are helping to drive a national conversation about taking better care of one’s mental health.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

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

QUIRKY MATTERS

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

ROBBIE McCarthy was happy to line up lots of Irish Coffees at The Old Storehouse in Temple Bar, where thoughts were turning to the upcoming International Irish Coffee Day, on January 25. On the day, the bar will see a Guinness World Record attempt at noon for the most Irish coffees being made in under three minutes, with four bartenders going head to head for the challenge. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Cops rush to rescue Rambo A CONCERNED neighbour in Florida called the police after hearing a woman screaming “Help, let me out” – but things weren’t what they seemed.

Four sheriff’s deputies responded to the call in Lake Worth Beach and found a man working on a car on his driveway.

When the police enquired about who was screaming, the man brought the ‘screaming’ woman out to the waiting police, revealing the

source of the noise to be Rambo – his 40-year-old parrot.

Footage was captured on the unnamed man’s video doorbell, showing the bird greeting the officers, who are shown to be sharing a laugh before leaving the premises.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office posted about the event on Facebook, saying that “hilarity ensued” after they made the call.

Woman rescued from a bin

A WOMAN in New Jer-

sey has been freed from a clothing recycling bin after three days, when a passer-by heard her screaming for help.

Po l i ce i n Pa te rso n responded to a call from a concerned citizen reporting that the woman was trapped inside.

When police arrived and the woman was freed, the 38-year-old told police that she was reaching inside the bin when somebody pushed her inside and closed the door, causing her to become trapped.

With temperatures in New Jersey dipping as low as 0C when she was trapped inside, the woman was found to be

suffering from frostbite and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

‘Wrong trousers’ halt sport

AN ICE hockey game in the UK had to be delayed last week, after one of the referees forgot to bring his trousers to work.

Ice h o c key re fe re e Richard Belfitt left his officiating trousers at home, meaning that the imminent game between the Peterborough Phantoms and the Telford Tigers had to be delayed while he found appropri-

ate trousers.

Ice hockey officials need special black trousers with padding, due to the speed of the puck.

The game began 15 minutes behind schedule after Belfitt found some official trousers to wear, but not before a gentle ribbing from the crowd and on social media.

Speaking to BBC sport, Peterborough Phantoms player Tom Norton said everyone “saw the lighter side of it”.

He added: “As annoying as it was for us, having done our warm-up and been ready to go, these things happen and it’s a bit of comedy, really.”

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

This week’s dog of the week is Sonny, an older dog (9) but don’t be fooled – this handsome dog has bundles of energy. He loves to play with his toys but also loves a good cuddle; he’s super friendly both with dogs and people, so it’s important that Sonny lives with another dog.

Sonny’s ideal home would be with a family with another dog for him to play with and cuddle up to; he also loves children but, given his exuberance, there is a potential for him to bowl

smaller children over.

As Sonny loves attention so much, he would struggle being left been alone for long periods, so he is looking for a home where this won’t happen If you have room in your heart and home for Sonny then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

sonny

16 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

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EDUCATION FOR LIFE Whether you’re a first-time student or want to boost your existing qualifications, there’s a lot to learn about college life – luckily, Dublin Gazette has everything you need to know

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GAZETTE

YOGA THERAPY P14 ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS P16

We must embrace lifelong learning for everyone MINISTER OF STATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION MARY MITCHELL O’CONNOR

LAST year the Sloan School at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) took part in a major conference at Dublin Castle on the Future of Work and how education providers, business and government can prepare our graduates for these challenges.

At that conference, we heard how nearly every conversation about the future of work and the modern economy is dominated about the everlooming influence of robotics and intelligent machines.

Studies forecast that up to half the jobs we know today will disappear over the next two decades.

During 2019, I launched four new Masters’ programmes, two in Dublin City University – one in Artificial Intelligence, the other in the Internet of Things.

A further two in NUI Galway – Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

These programmes are highly innovative in terms of their content.

There is a clear need for education to enhance the skillset of graduates facing into a more futuristic workplace.

There are currently around 100,000 tech professionals working in Ireland, with another 60,000 projected job opening over the next four years.

Greater learning in the In-

formation and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is the future of our jobs.

Ireland’s third ICT Action Plan 2019 to 2022 tells us of the demand for professionals with high-level ICT skills. That means the delivery of 5,000 graduates in this area by 2022 to keep up with growth in the sector.

That is why facilitating our education system with myriad courses in ICT will not only prepare and train for the technological changes that lie ahead but establish Ireland as a forward-thinking nation and one that is prepared for the incredible changes that lie ahead.

And what will a futuristic jobs market look like?

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report gives us a taster.

Calling our times “the Fourth Industrial Revolution” it talks about how the skillsets required in both old and new occupations will change in most industries and transform how and where people work.

It says: “Of the children entering primary school today, 65% will end up working in job categories that do not yet exist”. It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, “when I go grow up, I want to be…”

In March 2019 , the government published details of Future Jobs Ireland, which aims to prepare people and companies for coming technological changes.

It takes account of the challenges facing us, then translates these into a small number of impactful and deliverable actions. An immediate aim is to double the “lifelong learning” rate to 18% in six years times.

There are plans for a new female entrepreneurship strategy – I have already begun to right the wrongs of gender imbalance at the top level in our higher education institutes.

So reader this is why we must embrace lifelong learning for everyone.

The future of jobs hangs on an ability to think ahead and allow our imaginations to run.

In doing so, we can we prepare for the daunting and unforeseen challenges ahead.

Our young students need to be adaptable and flexible, creative and resourceful. They need to be problem-solvers.

They need to be researchers in their own right. They need to be innovators.

The world is changing so fast that no longer will young people enter a job in their early twenties and exit forty years later with a pension.

Our graduates will probably have several careers in their lifetime. The transferable skill that will allow them to navigate this terrain is a passion for life-long learning.

As the American philosopher John Dewey observed ‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.’

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

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Join Yoga Therapy Ireland as it celebrates 20 years YOGA Therapy Ireland (YT) marks 20 years as a leader in the yoga training sector on Saturday

February 1, with celebrations taking place at Marino Institute of Education.

Events include yoga, chanting and yoga dance with music by Jack Harrison.

Lectures by: • Heather Mason, Minded Institute UK: Yoga and Mental Health • Trinity Researcher Michael Melynchuk: The Yogi Masters were right; breathing exercises can

sharpen your mind • Dr Raj Kaur: The Yoga/Ayurveda Connection Special Guests include, Mrs Sabina Higgins, YTI Patron and Mr Sandeep Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Ireland.

YTI are passionate advocates of yoga and its benefit for physical,

mental and emotional wellbeing for all.

The organisation holds teacher trainings, specialist trainings in pregnancy, sport and children.

They also host guest trainers in areas such as cancer care, osteoporosis and autism.

For experienced teachers, advanced yoga therapy courses are provided with a strong emphasis on the anatomy and body mechanics.

Relevant YTI is taking the centuries old practice of yoga and applying it to the modern day world; making it relevant for daily life, health concerns and chronic conditions.

Yoga Therapy Ireland was founded by five passionate women with a mission to bring yoga to all – in particular those less able bodied and those with impaired health; YTI looks forward to continuing its mission over the next 20 years and its 2020 Vision is to have yoga included in mainstream healthcare and education.

16 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Trust Sallynoggin CoFE for a great education experience WHY choose Sallynoggin College of Further Education?

Aside from our long history of excellence in the provision of PLC and further education courses, and our track record for student progression to employment or higher education, SCFE

Third level studies are increasingly accessible to everyone, with financial supports and a welcoming attitude towards mature students making your potential area of interest ever more within your reach

is renowned for providing a positive student experience by supporting a holistic approach to education.

Our students become involved in many learning experiences above and beyond the curricular requirements.

Whether it’s a relaxation session in meditation, yoga or Indian head massage, an activity supporting positive mental health and resilience-building, a fashion show or theatre production, there is always a buzz being created around the college by our students.

The buzz doesn’t stop when you finish your course – former students of SCFE are making waves in all corners of the world.

One notable former student achiever is Harry Austin, who was awarded The Times Higher Education award for best STEM project, relating to research carried out as part of his PHD study on Characterisation and engineering of a plastic-degrading aromatic polyesterase.

Another former student making waves is designer Sarah Murphy, whose custom-designed dress was worn by fashionista and advocate Sinead Burke when she appeared on The Late Late Show in November.

To find out more about student life in SCFE, see our Facebook page, and Instagram, at www.scfe.ie. Applications are now open for September – apply online at www.scfe.ie

Third level study becoming increasingly accessible THIRD LEVEL education is becoming increasingly accessible to adults on

both a full-time and a part-time basis.

Many colleges and universities hold information events for people who want to study as mature students. The Qualifax website has a calendar of career events that run throughout the year.

Third-level colleges reserve a small number of places specifically for mature students who want to participate in full-time day programmes.

If you are over 23* you can apply for one of these places. This means that you will compete for your place on a different basis to those who are just leaving school.

The number of places reserved for mature students are limited, however, so it is likely that you will still have to compete with your peers. ( * G e n e r a l l y, y o u are considered to be a mature student if you are at least 23 years of age on January 1 of the year you enter your course.)

If you are interested in a particular college you should check how it defines a mature student.

If you opt for a fulltime course in this way,

you will be expected to attend classes or lectures every day and you will be assessed in the same way as the other students on your course.

However, if the fulltime model does not suit you, there are other options available, including part-time courses, modular programmes and distance learning.

If you choose to study on a part-time or modular basis, you can spread your studies over a number of years.

This gives you the opportunity to organise your time and to study in bursts when it is most convenient for you.

It has the obvious drawback that it will take longer to complete than a full-time course, but it also has the advantage that it allows you to work at your own pace, gradually building credits towards your qualification.

A modular programme is made up of separate modules, which are selfcontained units within a course.

You can study and complete each module separately at different stages during that course.

Modular programmes

can take place in regular classroom settings or can be part of a distance learning programme.

Modular courses are available at degree level in some universities.

The term distance learning covers a wide range of learning programmes that take place away from the physical presence of the classroom and the tutor.

If you participate in a distance learning programme, it is likely that you will use a wide range of packaged materials and media throughout your course.

Some courses organise periodic classes where students come together for a day, a weekend or a week at a time, in order to study intensively.

University access programmes aim to increase the partic ipation of under-represented groups at third-level.

They do this by supporting young adults and mature students to study at third-level colleges.

Students attending access or foundation courses that are on the Department of Education’s approved list of post-leaving certificate courses may be eligible for funding under the

Student Grant Scheme.

However, students attending a foundation or access course in any other college or university will not be eligible for funding.

An access or foundation course is considered to be a second-level course for the Back to Education Allowance.

You should check your options around access programmes with the university of your choice or local Education and Training Board.

Generally, you will need to have completed your Leaving Certificate. However, if you are applying for a place as a mature student, you will not be asked to meet the usual entry requirements.

Different courses operate different entry procedures, but, in general, the colleges will take into account your educational background, work history, community involvement and other achievements and interests.

This system is known as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning or Recognition of Prior Learning.

In some cases, you may be asked to take an entrance exam.

16 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

TOP 10 TIPS FOR CAO APPLICANTS 1. Save money: apply before january 20 for a reduced application fee.

2. Check to ensure that your name on the CAO application is the same as on your birth certificate and/or passport.

3. The CAO will email you a verification code to complete your application. if you don’t seem to have received this, check your email’s spam folder.

4. Enter the correct years of school attendance – you’d be surprised how many students can’t remember the year in which they started!

5. When creating a password, create one which is just for your cao application; a nice idea is to think about your future course and create a password based on your goal. keep this password in a safe place.

6. You don’t need to f i na l ise you r cou rse choices until july 1st, 2020. However, you can add some course choices when making your initia l application. have those codes to hand when applying; if you get distracted while looking up course codes, your online application may time out and you’ll have to start over. add now, tweak later!

7. if you want to apply for a grant, don’t forget to tick your maintenance fee grant application status on your cao application form.

8.if you have an exemption from irish or a third language, you must modify your nui exemption status on your form.

9. if you are applying for hear or dare, you need to tick the appropriate box on your cao application. for more information on hear and dare schemes, see: www.accesscollege.ie 10. Don’t panic! the application process may seem daunting but, it’s not complicated.

GAZETTE

EDUCATION FORFOR LIFE EDUCATION

Develop your knowledge and skills at Inchicore College THINKING about college? Choose Inchicore College and discover The TEN BEST reasons why you should study with us.....

1. What we’re about – our friendly and welcoming atmosphere where students are central to our purpose.

2. What you can study – our exciting range of innovative courses will meet your interests and needs.

3. How you learn – our class sizes allow for greater individual participation and you can learn in ways that suit you.

4. What we provide – our excellent track record in providing quality-assured full and parttime courses for more than 30 years.

5. What you pay – our lower fees – our courses cost an average of €500 which usually covers all your college requirements for the year.

6. Who we are – our highly qualified staff have vast experience in your chosen area of study and are committed to you and your success.

7. Where you go – the opportunity to work and study in Europe on an Erasmus + programme

in countries such as Sweden, The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Italy and France.

8. How you work – our highly regarded work placement programmes enable you to develop your knowledge and skills in your field of study.

9. Where you go next – our graduates go places – we have an outstanding track record for student progression to employment and higher education.

10. How to get here – we are easy to get to by bus, Luas and train.

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Uversity’s scholarships help unlock adult learners’ potential

Unlocking their potential with adult education – scholars Adina Bocotan, Karina Grustane, Helen Noble (TCD) and Lukasz Olszewski (UCD)

WANT to start college in 2020 but not sure how to fund it! Uversity’s Higher Education Scholarships for Adult Learners might be your answer.

Since 2018, Uversity has awarded 49 scholarships to mature students to pursue Bachelor’s Degrees for the first time.

Uversity’s scholarships provide support throughout the course of the degree and are tailored to Scholars’ circumstances.

Eligible applicants must be 23 years and older, a citizen of an EEA member state or

Switzerland and resident in Ireland for 3 years or more by 1st January 2020.

They should be returning to higher education after a break from education of 3 years or more or have recently completed a progression / preparation course.

Apply They need to apply to a Bachelor’s Programme for 2020/21 or have deferred a place from 2019/20.

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate academic preparation and potential, a

clear motivation and ambition for their education / future, a drive to succeed and strong work ethic. What distinguishes Uversity’s Scholars is their commitment to being transformed and transforming others.

Applications for the 2020/21 academic year must be submitted by March 1, 2020 via www. uversity.org.

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and may be shortlisted for interview. See w w w.uversity.org or contact apply@uversity. org for further information.

Get saving now: forward planning by parents pays off for expense of college ACCORDING to financial advisors HerMoney, the average cost of educating a child from primary school to college is estimated to be over €60,000.

Furthermore, by far the biggest portion of the expense is incurred during a child’s time in third level education.

This is indicated in research done by Technological University (TU) Dublin, which shows that the average cost of going to college for students living away from home is €12,171 for the year.

That figure is roughly halved at €6,771 students who continue to live at home.

Karen Goodlife, director of HerMoney has advice for parents who are thinking about saving for their child’s future in third level education.

She said: “The most important word when it comes to saving for your child’s education is ‘start’. The earlier you start, the easier it is to manage your finances.

“For example, if your child is starting college in 16 years’ time, and living away from home, you would now need to save €250 per month in order to accumulate €48,000 by 2035.

“Whereas, if your child is starting college in four years’ time, in 2023, you would now need to start saving €1,000

per month,” she said.

HerMoney recommends that if your child is starting college within five years time; your best bet is to start a bank or credit union deposit account.

The financial advisor says that this is because there is not enough time to look at investment options and you are foregoing growth for safety – HerMoney says to save as much as you can afford and shop around the various institutions to try an achieve the highest interest rate possible.

In regards to long-term plans, HerMoney says: “There are a number of investment vehicles available at all levels of investment risk.

“Our most popular options available are investment and savings policies through the various life companies.

“These policies enable you to invest in a range of funds, from low to medium to high risk and will accept lump sums of money as well as regular monthly savings from as little as €75 per month.

“Many of our clients opt to invest in multi-asset funds within these policies which spread their money across a number of different asset types, such as shares, property, bonds and commodities.”

Be aware - interning isn’t always a positive route EXPERIENCE can be the key to gaining employment.

But when you’re a college student who has yet to join the workforce, experience is often the one piece of the puzzle that is missing.

It is for this reason that one of Ireland’s leading recruitment agencies, Matrix Recruitment, is keen to highlight the benefits of doing an internship before starting out on the career ladder.

“While the jobs market in Ireland is buoyant right now, we are finding that college leavers can really struggle to get a foot in the door.

“Experience is something that we see our clients looking for more and more as they search for the right candidate and it can really help applicants stand out from the crowd.

“An internship is a great way for those starting out to gain experience, but unfortunately internship programmes are not as plentiful as one might think,” Breda Dooley of Matrix Recruitment said.

Warning Not all internships are cut from the same cloth, Dooley warns. Some companies take advantage of people who are eager to get worthwhile experience on their CV. Be wary of companies that advertise six-monthlong unpaid internships or seem to have a steady flow of interns entering and exiting the business.

Do the maths before you apply for an internship.

Check how much it will cost you to travel to and from work experience, will you be using your own phone as part of your work?

How will you pay rent and bills If you are interning for free? Are there other expenses to consider, such as paying back a loan?

16 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

A wealth of options open to Leaving Cert students BEATRICE DOOLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS, HAS SOME EXCELLENT ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

P O S T- L e av i n g C e r t (PLC) courses, apprenticeships and traineeships are attractive pathways after the Leaving Certificate.

Their graduates are rated highly by Irish employers as graduates from third-level colleges.

PLCs offer practical/ academic work and work experience in areas such as business studies, childcare, computing and more. Log onto fetchcourses. ie, a useful link to research and apply to a variety of courses. Application closing dates vary, applications are accepted until all places are filled.

With a strong emphasis on practical skills and hands on learning, apprenticeships lead to careers,

where you can “earn while they learn”. A formal contract usually spans 2–4 years, with a minimum 50 percent on-the-job learning, you’re also paid by your employer. Qualifications vary from Level 5 to 10 in NVQ’s.

Apprenticeship.ie is the main website with links to specific programmes in different sec-

tors, there is no central application system. Many have deadlines for applications from March/May. Research your eligibility for each programme and how to apply.

T h e r e ’s c u r r e n t l y over 52 apprenticeships available in areas like accounting, insurance, engineering, logistics, construction, electrical, engineering, ICT, hospitality, motor with more in development.

Traineeships combine learning in education and workplace settings and are delivered by Education & Training Boards (ETBs,) with employers. Traineeships exist in areas identified to have skills shortages, such as business, construction, finance and beauty and offer high employability.

Beatrice Dooley

They are ideal for learners not yet ready to commit to a lengthy course or job.

Is Studying abroad popular?

Eunicas.ie is an independent application support service which offers advice on the application process for programmes in Europe.

Germany, France, the Nordic countries and more offer free university degrees through the English language. Deadlines for applying vary from country to country, and many programmes are still open for entry in 2019.

Entry requirements are generally lower than the equivalent courses in Ireland, yet nine Dutch universities are higherranked than Trinity College, Dublin. They just don’t use points! A group of Dutch universities are returning to Dublin on October 23 to meet prospective students. Booking is free, at Eventbrite.

If you are looking to study in the UK, UCAS application deadlines

Committed to providing education and training of the highest quality THE programmes we offer are

welcome all ages from school

learner-centred and provided in

leavers to Mature students.

a friendly, inclusive and support-

We are situated 5 minutes from

ive environment. In fact we won

Killester Dart Station which is two

an Award for Excellence through

stops from Connolly Station.

Accessibility in 2011.

PLC Grants; Back to Education

All our courses range from

Allowances; Vocational Training

QQI(FETAC) levels 4, to levels 5

and Opportunities scheme (VTOS)

and 6. They are accredited by

are available.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland

If you are an early school leav-

(QQI) They are qualifications in

er, unemployed, wanting to upskill,

themselves but can also be used

seeking to go on to Third level-we

to progress onto Third Level. We

offer you a platform.

were January 15, but now a second opportunity to apply occurs during Clearing.

Research the UCAS website, but first talk to your parents/guardians about the feasibility of funding this option.

While the impact of Brexit is unclear, www. ucas.com/brexit provides information on tuition fees and student finance support for EU nationals hoping to start a course in the 2019/20 academic year. Work experience is an excellent way for students to discover what

they are good at and enjoy doing.

Building up work experience, gaining transversal skills, independence and developing as a person are all very valuable outcomes of employment.

The follow-on chances of gaining employment are high, unemployment levels are low right now at 4.5%.

Organisations offering volunteer programmes should be carefully researched as the quality and safety of such programmes can vary significantly.

The Value of Repeating the Leaving Certificate The decision to repeat is not to be taken lightly; it requires ref lection and professional advice, preferably from a qualified guidance counsellor.

Any student considering repeating a year should ask themselves, what will I do differently next year to guarantee different results?

You can only use Leaving Certificate results from one sitting for points purposes, but you can repeat one subject to satisfy minimum entry requirements.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

DUBLIN STYLE

RIDE ‘EM, COWGIRL!

BeautyBITS

Jo Malone launch new spring fragrance JO MALONE have added a new scent to their Cologne Intense collection, designed to warm the soul with it’s scent through these colder months.

The new addition is Vetiver & Golden Vanilla, a combination of Madagascar’s two prized ingredients.

The sensual scent opens with a dash of cardamom teamed with the freshness of grapefruit tea, ushering in the earthy depths of native vetiver. Precious Vanilla Bourbon warms and envelops, hand-picked from the jungles of Madagascar.

Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone, said: “Through Cologne Intense we want to whisk you away on a journey using ingredients that have a true, strong story.

“We consciously magnified the name of the new fragrance with ‘Golden’ to call to mind the warmth of the scent. It’s glowing and bountiful – like the island of Madagascar itself.”

The new scent is available now, priced at €135 for 100ml, or €90 for 50ml.

Punk Prairie

 Rachel D’Arcy

AS WE COME into the

slightly warmer time of the year - meaning a degree or

two higher than freezing - our minds have turned to what lies ahead for Summer.

This year, so-called ‘texan chic’ is playing a part in trends in a big way. From faux leather to

New massage therapy ideal for chronic pain A WOMAN has said her backpain has been greatly helped by the introduction of CBD oil into her daily routine, as well as CBD massages.

Eileen Fleming was speaking about the new CBD massage on offer from the CBD Spa, saying massage therapy had been brought to a new level for her.

“CBD oil was recommended to me by a trusted friend in March 2019 and not only has it helped my overall mental health and wellbeing, I can hand on heart say it has helped reduce the consistent back pain I suffer from as well as help me get a better nights sleep,” Eileen said.

“I’ve had two CBD full body massages now and they both have brought massage therapy to a whole new level for me.

The targeted techniques used are ideal for a person like me who suffers from chronic back and nerve pain.”

The CBD Spa are offering their massage services now at The Buff Day Spa on South King Street.

For more information on CBD massages on offer, see cbdspa.ie.

tassles to prairie style dresses, looking like you’re on your way to a punk concert in the deep south is what’s in this season, for the most part. Whilst most of the high street will be taking a turn at this trend, River Island have launched a range of the styles that will suit all body shapes and all tastes.

From tassled statement dresses to ruffled, delicate two-pieces, there’s a garment to suit everyone on offer this Spring and Suffer. All of these styles are available now from River Island.

16 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

DUBLIN MOTORS An appreciation of a true motoring legend

The all-new Renault Clio is ‘a driver’s car’ offers power, style, safety and terrific value DECLAN GLYNN

THE hotly-anticipated all-new Renault Clio has been launched in Ireland, to much acclaim.

With the previous generation Clio proving itself to be a huge sales success for the French manufacturer, the new model could not afford to be anything but perfect.

Thankfully, the allnew Clio is the most advanced, most driverfocused, safest, and most comfortable model in the Clio’s illustrious 30-year history.

There are four trim levels to choose from in the new Renault Clio – Expression, Dynamique, Iconic, and range-topping RS Line.

The new Clio is better equipped than ever before, with even the entry-level Expression model benefiting from full LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and traffic sign recognition.

Further features include cruise control

with speed limiter, and heated front seats, along with a suite of active safety systems, including lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

Presently, there are four engines to choose from – three petrols, and one diesel.

The range starts with the SCe 75, a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre threecylinder unit with 71bhp

that’s only available with a five-speed gearbox.

A more sophisticated, turbocharged version of this engine is offered in the TCe 100, producing 99bhp and offered with a five-speed manual, or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A four-cylinder petrol engine is offered in the form of the TCe GPF, a 1.3-litre unit that’s

already been used in some much larger Renault cars, including the Megane and Kadjar.

It produces 128bhp and only comes in combination with a sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The single diesel engine option is a 1.5litre four-cylinder unit (Blue dCi 85), with 84bhp and a healthy 220Nm of torque.

My review car was a Renault Clio RS Line TCe 100, which looked amazing in Iron Blue metallic paint.

On the road, the new Clio proved itself to be a fun, proficient car to drive, with excellent driving dynamics for an overall terrific driving experience.

Well-weighted steering and solid brakes ensure that the new Clio is a true driver’s car, while excellent levels of damping allows the car to handle road imperfections with ease.

Pricing for the new Clio starts at just €17,195 and represents terrific

THE late, great, Henry Ford (right) was ahead of his time in more ways than one.

He is best remembered for pioneering assembly-line low-cost car manufacturing, his Model T, and his famous slogan: “You can have any colour, as long as it is black”.

Henry Ford launched his Ford Motor Company in 1913, and it has grown in to a global vehicle manufacturing giant.

He was known to be in favour of ‘lightweight’ engineering, believing that the most beautiful things in the world are those from which all excess weight has been eliminated.

Ford was also to the forefront of cutting prices to boost sales.

Parallel to his simple design philosophy was

his belief that sales would go up, not so much by improving the product, but by lowering the price.

He also rightly believed that building a car and just selling it was not enough.

He once said that a car was 75% complete when it left the factory, and the other 25% was done by the dealers.

Ford would be proud of the blue oval firm he founded back in 1913.

What the world needs now are more people like good ol’ Uncle Henry.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 January 2020

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at some of the common challenges for CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!your money people in retirement, and managing

Tips for managing your money in retirement Common challenges for people in retirement THE three main challenges that people are faced with in retirement are identity, routine and relationships.

Identity Identity can be a challenge because for many people, they describe themselves by what they do rather than by whom they are. This change may also impact the spouse/ partner whose own identity may be categorised to that of their partner.

Routine For a very long time, there has been a definite rhythm to life (alarm, commute, work, commute, non-work activities) five days a week, every week.

When the world of work is no more, they get 50 hours per week back every week for the rest of their life.

What new routine will the retiree establish?

Every day is a weekend. For many, the real issue is what to do with their time, not finances at all!

Relationships The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland suggests relationship dynamics face a challenge.

Partners may now be spending more time in each other’s company than they have for years.

Beware of doing everything together as the conversation may dry up. Plan for separate as well as joint activities and conversation will thrive.

Thinking, communicating and planning are key fundamentals in helping to deal with these challenges.

Think about what a typical week or month would look like. Do not plan every minute of every hour, but rather plan for chunks of time.

Discussing your ideas with spouse/ partner/ family and friends is important – don’t assume they will fit in with you (the retiree)! Be flexible, but it is important to learn to say “no” as others may assume that you (the retiree) have nothing else to do and may try to organise things. You may begin to resent them if you don’t have time to do the things you want to do.

Planning to include a purpose or a reason to get out of bed. Start with a mental challenge such as volunteering, return to education, working on, hobbies, sport, etc. Maintaining/ developing a social network of real people is king.

Remember many of your friends will still be working and so will not be available to socialise with you during the daytime. Did you know 80% of our contacts are through work, only 20% are family and friends. Developing new friends has proven to be vital in living a long, healthy and happy retirement.

THE Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPCI) is advising retirees to get organised and start thinking about their finances this January.

By establishing new saving and spending habits, retirees can avoid falling victim to common financial mistakes in 2020.

Make a plan The average worker gets back 50 hours per week in retirement and according to the RPCI, it is easier to spend money when you are not working.

Establishing a plan will allow retirees to closely monitor income and outgoings to ensure they have a grasp of their financial position.

Co u rs e L e a d e r fo r the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland and former Pensions Ombudsman Paul Kenny said: “It is useful to know what’s coming in, and when, what the likely expenditure is, and when it is likely to arise.

“That way, you can anticipate large outgoings (such as a tank of heating oil) and put some money aside regularly for those.

“New retirees should budget for miscellaneous spending each month, including coffees, lunches, books and clothes. It is also

a good idea to use cash during the first weeks of retirement – as it feels like real spending – instead of tapping a bank card, where the charge might not be taken from your account for 2-3 working days. This is recommended to measure and control spending.”

File a tax return According to Paul, one of the first steps to take is to file a tax return. PAYE tax payers, should make sure they complete a tax return to ensure they are getting the allowances and credits they are entitled to.

“First off – and this doesn’t just apply to retirees – make a tax return.

People on PAYE often don’t feel the need to make regular returns, but it is a useful way of ensuring that you get all your entitlements, such as age allowance. Revenue can also look back over four years, to see if there are things you missed out on previously.”

Spread out payments The not-for-profit organisation is also advising retirees to look at spreading out payments over a period rather than being

met with lump sum payments.

“Many companies, such as motor and home insurers, will allow payments to be spread over most of the year, in some cases without any extra charge.”

Shop around The RPCI also notes the importance of shopping around with different service providers to get the best deals.

“Retirees should look to shop around and be open to switching service providers in order to save money. Bonkers.ie is a free and impartial service,

where you can compare charges for gas and electricity, broadband, phone and TV providers, banking services and insurances such as life, health and serious illness cover.

Ask for discounts “Older people should also be aware of discounts that are available in retirement.

“Many retailers offer discounts to older people, usually on specified days of the week. Some gyms offer reduced membership prices for daytime hours, when other members are at work.”

Key features of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act THE Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act applies to everyone and has relevance for all health and social care services.

The Key features of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act are: • It applies to everyone and to all health and social care settings.

• It provides for the individual’s right of autonomy and self-determination to be respected through an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive – made when a person has capacity to come into effect when they may lack decision-making capacity.

• It provides for legally recognised decision-makers to support a person maximise their decision-making powers.

• It places a legal requirement on service providers to comprehensively enable a person make a decision through the provision of a range of supports and information appropriate to their condition.

• It abolishes the Wards of Court system.

• It provides for a review of all existing wards to either discharge them fully or to transition those who still need assistance to the new structure.

• It repeals the Lunacy regulations gov-

erning the Ward of Court system.

• It establishes a Decision Support Service with clearly defined functions which will include the promotion of public awareness relating to the exercise of capacity by persons who may require assistance in exercising their capacity.

• The Director of the Decision Support Service will have the power to investigate complaints in relation to any action by a decision-maker in relation to their functions as such decision-maker.

For further information see Citizens Information - Incapacity or get legal advice.

16 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS BOOKMAKER BOURNE BUNGALOW CRUISING DISCRETION ESPOUSED FRILL FURY GODWIN JACK JULIE

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

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HURLING P30

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SHOOTING STARS: BASKETBALL: EDEL Thornton’s 26-point salvo saw her play a starring role for Trinity Meteors in Cork as they beat Ulster University 77-63 to book their spot in the Hula Hoops Women’s Division One National Cup final at the National Basketball Arena at the end of the month. Thornton gave a masterclass under the boards as Meteors came from behind to win.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P28

PAGE 29

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | LEINSTER CONTINUE PERFECT RUN ON ALL FRONTS

RDS beckons for quarters  sport@dublingazette.com

LEINSTER all but secured a home Champions Cup quarter-final with a six-try, 42-14 victory over French side Lyon at the RDS on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues’ ninth successive Champions Cup win – a first in the club’s history – ensured a draw away to bottom-placed Treviso on Saturday will guarantee home advantage in the last eight.

A brace from wing Dave Kearney and further tries from Josh van der Flier, Max Deegan, Sean Cronin and Andrew Porter saw Leinster bring up a fourth try bonus point of the pool stages.

Leinster dominated territory in the first half but, despite scoring three tries, held a slender seven-point advantage at the break as Lyon made good use of their meagre possession.

Tries from Virgil Bruni and, three minutes before half time, Hendrick Roadt kept Leo Cullen’s side honest but they added three unanswered scores in the second half to put gloss on the scoreline.

Leinster hit the front after nine minutes as quick thinking from Ross Byrne, taking a quick penalty to pick out James Lowe with a crossfield pass, and he batted the ball inside for Kearney to crash over.

Byrne added the extras on a day when he would land a flawless five kicks from five, and a lovely offload from scrum-half Luke McGrath sent van der Flier through for the second four minutes later.

Lyon weren’t prepared to lie down as they battled to maintain their slim hopes of qualification, and number eight Bruni picked off a loose pass from Garry Ringrose to stride home under the posts.

Byrne and Lowe linked up once more on the half-hour as the New Zealand-born wing once again provided the skilful offload for Kearney to dot down, his ninth try in as many games.

Once again, Lyon fought back and Roadt was the beneficiary as a series of pick-and-goes on the Leinster line ended with the South African lock burrowing over the line.

Leinster upped the tempo in the

Leo Cullen was pleased with how his side’s accuracy improved in the second half against Lyon. Picture: Martin Doherty

second half and, after Felix Lambey was yellow-carded for cynical play, Deegan brought up the bonus point with a well-taken try under the sticks.

Replacement hooker Cronin added the fifth try off the back of a maul following Xavier Mignot’s sin-binning before another sub in Porter forced home a sixth late on.

“There were a lot of stoppages in the game and we never got any real rhythm,” said Cullen.

“We looked a little bit edgy in the dressing room at half-time. In the second half the players applied themselves well, put more pressure on Lyon and were a bit more accurate in what they were doing.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for Jan 9th 7,10,18 and 19. Not won. . €100 Stuart Kyne, €50 each to Eamonn Finn, and Rita Delaney. Joker Consolation Pat Griffin.

Next Lotto with Jackpot of €1,200 and Joker prize €650 on Jan 16th 2020 Condolences to John and Betty McCarthy and family on the death of Johns brother Con. Table Quiz on Friday Jan 31st 8:30pm in aid of Cycle4CF Malin2Mizen 2020. 2020 Membership Fees are now due.

They should be paid online at http://www. smartclubcloud.com/ Please email registrations@bsjgaa.com with any queries.

BSJ County Board Delegates for 2020 Adult Football Pat Smith, Adult Hurling Sean Lane, CC Board member Elaine Dolan, CC2 Enda Nolan, CC1 Paul McDonald, Camogie Conor Dolan, LGFA Paul Leahy.

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

Tickets €65. Text to book tickets - 0879877602/ 0862265783.

Tickets will be for sale in the Clubhouse on Sat 18th 12-1pm. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. A great Club event.

BSJ’s Luke Breathanach, Oisin Grady, Johnny Quirke and Matt Lynch have been called into the Dublin minor panel.

KILMACUD CROKES HARD luck to the Dublin Senior Hurlers who lost to Galway, 0.18 to 0.19, in the Walsh Cup Semi-Final.

Lorcan McMullan, Oisín O’Rourke and Marc Howard were the Crokes players involved. Hard luck to the Dublin Senior Footballers who narrowly lost to Longford, 3.6 to 1.13, in the O’Byrne Cup Semi-Final.

Dan O’Brien, who made his Senior intercounty debut, and Ross McGowan were the two Crokes players involved.

Club membership renewals for 2020 are now due. You can pay online at the club web site www. kilmacudcroks.com The Kilmacud Crokes Gala night takes place on

Saturday 25th January in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.

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

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

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

Tickets can be purchased at the link now: https://member.clubforce. com/tickets_m.asp?LL_ ID=822&CLB=1

SOCCER: KILTERNAN CLUB SECURE SERVICES OF CRONIN AND

Waves quick to sign up strong line-up WOMEN’S NAT LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

DLR Waves have moved quickly ahead of the 2020 Women’s National League season by retaining a number of key performers from last year’s transitional season.

Captain Catherine Cronin and former Irish international goalkeeper Eve Badana, a summer recruit from Cork City, have put pen to paper on new deals.

Defender Oleta Griffin is the first new signing following a successful breakthrough season at Kilkenny United while Niamh Prior and Fiona Donnelly, a summer signing from Shelbourne, also return.

Vice-captain Rachel Doyle has re-signed while Sophie O’Donoghue, Ciara Maher, Kerri Letmon and Nicole Keogh have also committed their immediate future to the Kilternan club.

Winger Cronin, Badana and striker Doyle, who missed much of the 2019

season with injury, will form a key part of the leadership group as Graham Kelly begins his second season in charge.

28-year-old Cronin, who won two league titles, two FAI Cups and competed in the Champions League with Raheny United, returns for a sixth season in Waves colours.

She initially joined midway through the 2014-15 and was part of the side that reached the 2017 FAI Cup final under Noel Kealy, narrowly losing out to Cork City at the Aviva Stadium.

Canadian-born stopper Badana was an unused substitute for City that day and she joined Waves midway through the 2019 season after relocating to Dublin for work reasons.

The 26-year-old managed only four appearances due to outside commitments but will hope to be a more regular presence between the sticks in 2020.

Badana has three senior caps for Ireland, having initially been capped in a 2012 Algarve Cup game against Hungary while

studying at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

23-year-old Doyle joined Waves midway through the 2018 season from Peamount United and she was a big loss as she sat out six months of the most recent campaign with injury.

Versatile defender Griffin was part of Shelbourne’s inaugural under17 national league-winning team in 2018 and progressed to the first team at Tolka Park before moving

to Kilkenny last summer.

Following Kilkenny’s removal from the league for the coming campaign, Kelly wasted little time in tempting her to South Dublin.

17-year-old Keogh was another to make the step up to senior football in 2019, her ability at full-bac and wing-back making her indispensable in the latter half of the season.

Full-back Prior, a senior international, and mid-

fielder Donnelly were key members of Shelbourne’s treble-winning side in 2016.

O’Donoghue is one of the longest-serving players at Waves, having broken through in 2017, while Maher returns to the centre of the park after missing the second half of last season with work.

The squad have begun pre-season training ahead of the new season, which is due to start in March.

Wesley miss out on top spot

Old Wesley have an attack quelled by Malone. Picture: Ken Richardson

OLD WESLEY fell 12-9 to Malone in Donnybrook to miss out on the chance to go top of AIL Division 1B. Title rivals Highfield were well beaten at Shannon but Wesley, in their first game since the turn of the year, were unable to capitalise from a bright start.

Malone took their chances, meanwhile, with Dave Cave bundling over for a try in the 20th minute for a 7-0 lead, Rory Stynes replied quickly with the first of three penalties, reducing the deficit to 7-3 at half-time and he duly added another couple

from the tee for a 9-7 lead.

Wesley now looked the better side as they bombarded the visitors with attack after attack and it looked like the result was going to go their way.

But, from a fairly innocent looking midfield play Malone swung the ball out wide.

Their centre found a gap making good ground before passing to winger Angus Kernohan who ran in untouched for a try.

The conversion was missed giving Malone a 12-9 lead, an advantage they would hold until the end.

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

BADANA FOR 2020

BASKETBALL: SOUTHSIDERS SET UP NATIONAL CUP FINAL DATE

Thornton brilliance sees Meteors soar

HULA HOOPS WOMEN’S DIVISION ONE CUP Trinity Meteors Ulster University  sport@dublingazette.com

Catherine Cronin fills in her registration forms for the season ahead

SALMO’S LEAP

DLSP U-20s hold off Cill Dara challenge MIKEY Holly, pictured, was among the try scorers for DLSP’s Under-20s as they maintained their 100% record in JP Fanagan Premier 3 with a 33-14 win over Cill Dara RFC. The Kildare side gave Salmo a real scare in the second half and some nervous moments in the last quarter before the Kilternan side pulled clear. Salmo sit at the top of the table although Coolmine have a game in hand and this campaign shows every sign of going down to the wire.

77 63

EDEL Thornton’s 26-point salvo saw her play a starring role for Trinity Meteors in Cork as they beat Ulster University 77-63 to book their spot in the Hula Hoops Women’s Division One National Cup final at the National Basketball Arena at the end of the month.

Thornton put in a superb second half performance, in particular, and gave a masterclass under the boards as Meteors came from behind to take a big win.

Ulster got off to the brighter star, with Kollyns Scarbrough and Lexi Posset dominating for the Belfast side.

Lauren Grigsby stepped up for Meteors and she, along with Carolyn Binder and Sarah Kenny, worked hard to reduce the deficit as scores rained in from Ulster’s Erin Maguire and Aoife Callaghan.

A big Jade Daly buzzer beating three-pointer just at half time saw Meteors reduce the gap even further and they trailed by just four at the break, 37-33.

The third quarter was a hotly contested affair and it was here where Thornton truly began to come into her own.

Anything that happened on either end of the floor, Thornton had a hand in, and she made some big plays and key assists to force some big turnovers for Ulster.

Aoife Callaghan kept the pressure on for UU though and made some big drives through to keep their scoring ticking over and they led by four going into the last to tee up a thrilling finish.

A huge fourth quarter followed and it was

Edel Thornton on the attack.

Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Thornton and Grigsby who led the way for Meteors with Thornton fighting tooth and nail under the boards, pulling down some big rebounds to keep momentum with the Dubliners.

Ulster were dealt a blow when Briana Mulhern had to leave the court through injury. With some of their key players in foul trouble, Meteors capitalised from the free throw line and kept the pressure on right until the end, winning out 77-63.

Speaking afterwards, Meteors’ Eimear Mairtin said: “We had our game cancelled last week while Ulster had a double-header so we knew over Christmas break that we haven’t had the game time that we would have hoped for.

“But we had two really good tough sessions this week and we knew rebounding was going to be a threat from Ulster.

“We had such a good team defence, that worked really hard as a unit and came up trumps!”

Moran magical run for UCD Marian U-20 MEN’S CUP SEMI-FINAL UCD Marian Portlaoise Panthers  sport@dublingazette.com

89 68

UCD Marian booked a Hula Hoops Under-20 men’s National Cup final spot against Moycullen after an 89–68 victory over Portlaoise Panthers.

They were led by Pairic Moran behind a 27-point performance while UCD guard Jake Owen ran the floor and Eoin McCann was a force on the blocks. They led 20-17 after the first quarter before UCD began to build a lead in the second, with scores coming from McCann and Moran on the fast break, moving 45-29 up at half-time.

Portlaoise stormed into the

second half with consecutive scores from Trevor Swayne, only to be met with a reply from UCD’s McCann.

Conor Byrne swerved his way between the defence and lay it in for one of the highlight plays of the quarter. However, a UCD scoring run, led by Jamie Muldowney, saw his side lead, 66-47, heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw UCD Marian maintain their lead through the inside dominance of McCann and the sharpshooting abilities of Muldowney.

Portlaoise attempted to reduce the lead with scores from Swayne and Byrne but UCD saw out the result.

After the game, UCD Marian

UCD Marian’s Jake Owen on the attack. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

head coach Eddie Barron said: “The performance was exactly what we thought it would be.

“When you’ve a really talented group of players, it’s impor-

tant you keep yourself confident instead of arrogant and they pulled it off perfectly, so I’m really looking forward to playing Moycullen now.”

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 16 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

NAOMH OLAF HUGE congratulations to Naomh Olaf player, Seán O’Driscoll, who has been selected for the Dublin Minor Football panel for the coming year. Well done, Seán!

Comhghairdeas mór to the St. Benildus College’s Under 16 Footballers who won the Dublin A Football Championship recently, only the second time in 53 years that they have won it. The Naomh Olaf players on the team were Daragh O’Brien, James Oliver, Aaron Doolan, David Cunningham, Sam Doran, Daniel Gilsenan and Rian Cahill. Best of luck to the team in the Leinster Semi Final.

The Academy for 2020 is well underway with boys’ academy on Saturday morning and girls’ on Sunday morning. The Academy provides a happy and friendly environment for the improvement of football and hurling/camogie skills together with social development. If you would like your child to take part, please drop in on Saturday or Sunday mornings to sign up.

Congratulations to Amy Kilpatrick and Mick O’Mahony who celebrated their engagement over Christmas. Wishing you both every happiness!

The Adult Players Awards Night for 2019 took place last weekend – a thoroughly enjoyable evening for players, mentors and supporters alike. Player of the Year Awards were awarded to Katie Grimes (Senior Ladies’ Football), Louise Bennet (Junior Ladies’ Football), Julie Grimes (Minor Ladies’ Football), Christine Shanahan (Senior Camogie), Caoimhe Gleeson (Minor Camogie), Aaron Walsh (Senior Men’s Football), Shane Whyte (Junior 1 Men’s Football), Evan Cahill (Junior 2 Men’s Football), Harrison Byrne (Minor Men’s Football), Glenn Soraghan (U.21 Men’s Football), Donal Leavy (Senior Hurling), Darragh Hickey (Junior Hurling), Ciaran Foley (Minor Hurling) and Rory Gallagher (U.21 Hurling).

SHANKILL THE CLUB Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s there was no winner of the jackpot and the €50 prize went to Noel O Sullivan.

This week’s jackpot is €1500.

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

Operation Transformation (pictured) walks continues this Thursday.

Meet at 6.45pm at St Anne’s resource centre.

Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others, a group has been set up catering all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary.

This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123.

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

The juvenile Academy which is for boys and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored by O Donnell’s Shankill Total Health Pharmacy will return to action at 10.00am on Saturday 25th January 2020 in St Anne’s, Rathmichael and Scoil Mhuire National Schools.

The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge.

For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact, secretary.shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 6072746.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club, where we all belong.

WANDERERS LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 1-21-36. €100 goes to David McCoy, Jackie O Connor, Paul Doolan, Noel Dykes.

Jackpot next week is €10,000. As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €1,600. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw.

Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page. If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754.

If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info. Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested.

If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie. All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

HURLING: KILKENNY NOW THE FOCUS FOR DUBS

Kenny tests his pack WALSH CUP SEMI-FINAL Galway 0-19 Dublin 0-18  CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com

FOR the second time in as many days, a Dublin team were pipped by the minimum, and lost out on a final berth as Dublin’s senior hurlers were denied a Walsh Cup final spot by Galway at Parnell Park on Sunday.

Playing their third game in a week, following wins over Carlow and Laois, Mattie Kenny’s charges pushed the Tribesmen all the way, but in the end the visitors held out for a hard earned victory.

Kenny wasn’t overly disappointed with the display by his side.

“After every game, I always say that it’s about getting something out of these Walsh Cup games, so we are not overly disappointed,” he said.

“It was a competitive game. There was very little between the sides all the way through. It was a good work-out for both teams.

“There was a couple of positives today. Danny Sutcliffe was out with an injury for the last while, so he got 15 minutes into his legs towards the finish up. Sean Moran was away for a while, so he was back today and he got some time.

“We had a number of

Alex O’Neill with young club mates following his first Dublin senior appearance

Under-20 guys there today.

“Alex O’Neill and Andy Dunphy, I thought played well today. Andy played well at corner back.

“He has played all of the Walsh Cup games, and has been very impressive.

Those two young guys have been a big plus for us over the last couple of weeks.

“A number of guys have stepped up there, and it’s very, very positive.

With 14 players Fitzgibbon Cup tied, the Dublin management made a number of changes, with five

BOXING CLEVER Monkstown trio on the rise MONKSTOWN Boxing Club’s

Suffie Edris (pictured) reached the quarter-final of the national Under-18 championships with a preliminary round win over Liberty’s Jake McMahon last weekend. He bowed out in the next round but the club does have a number of other bouts still to look forward to. Jack Marley (91kg) is in the quarter-finals on Friday while Jake Rapple is in the 52kg semi-final on Saturday evening at the National Stadium.

different players named to start, from the side which accounted for Laois at the same venue on the previous Thursday.

Sean Brennan, Alex O’Neill, Chris Crummey, Lorcan McMullan and Cian Derwin were all handed starting berths.

Dublin began brightly to take a four-point lead, however, Shane O’Neill’s new charges turned the tables to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish by the interval.

Scores from John Hetherton, Oisin O’Rorke,

Eamonn Dillion and Chris Crummey helped the hosts to a 0-7 to 0-3 lead after 11 minutes.

The lead was again at four points in the final stages of the half, with Hetherton and O’Rorke continuing to impress, but Galway finished strong to take a 0-12 to 0-11 advantage at the half-time whistle.

On the restart Dublin battled hard to try and take the lead, but too no avail, despite the best efforts of Marc Howard, Sutcliffe and O’Rorke.

16 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: FARRELL’S REIGN STARTS WITH DEFEAT BUT BIG GUNS TO RETURN HURLING

BSJ’s Aherne almost inspires big result

Longford’s Iarla O’Sullivan and Dublin’s Niall Walsh contest possession.

Picture: Bernie Farrell

Cuala’s O’Callaghan makes his Dubs case O’BYRNE CUP SEMI-FINAL

Longford 1-13 Dublin 3-6  CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com

DESSIE FARRELL may have got off to a losing start as Dublin senior football manager but there were plenty of positives to take from this O’Byrne Cup semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday.

The visitors made full use of the rolling substitutes rule, and gave game-time to 26 players with many of Dublin’s established senior stars still away on holidays.

Cuala’s Niall O’Callaghan netted twice with Templeogue Synge Street’s Killian O’Gara getting the other in what was a potential trial for many of the faces to be part of the Allianz League squad which begins against Kerry on January 25 at Croke Park.

“The objective today was to give fellas a run out,” Farrell said after the game.

“Obviously we want to identify a couple of players that we can bring forward into the official squad.

“It was good to get back out on the pitch after the last couple of weeks. It’s all about the football at the end of the day, and it was great to kick off today.

“The players come back from their holidays over the next couple of days, and

back to training next week and focus on the opener.”

Stephen Cluxton was among those in the large travelling crowd that watched an experimental Metropolitan outfit come acropper to Longford, just as they did at the same stage in the same venue back in 2016.

In a tight and keenly contested encounter, little separated the sides throughout but it was Longford who made the more impressive start.

The hosts led by 0-4 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter, with Rian Brady and Darren Gallagher among their early scorers, and Lucan Sarsfields clubman CJ Smith keeping Dublin in touch.

Dublin made the first of 23 substitutions over the contest with Ross McGowan replacing Cian Murphy, before the only goal of the tie.

O’Gara found the net for the visitors opening goal soonafter, before being substituted - a fate that also befell O’Callaghan after he bagged his second goal 20 minutes from time.

O’Gara’s effort levelled the tie in the 19th minute before a raft of Dublin subs, with the Templeogue Synge Street clubman replaced by Scott Fulham.

Longford regained the lead through a point from play by Rian Brady, but this was cancelled out by Diarmuid McLoughlin, who landed a fine score off his left

boot.

Ballyboughal’s Gerry Seaver put the visitors ahead but an Oran Kenny score ensured the sides were tied 1-3 to 0-6 at the break.

O’Callaghan, brother of senior star Con, found the net for the first time inside the opening minute of the second half, but Longford fought back with 1-2 unanswered, including a 45th minute Kevin Diffley goal.

Dublin offered the perfect response four minutes later, when O’Callaghan netted for a second time to push his side into a two-point lead.

Longford battled hard in a keenly contested final quarter, with Dublin leading 3-6 to 1-10 in the 64th minute, before the hosts grabbed three unanswered points, including scores from Darren Gallagher and Darragh Doherty on the way to a onepoint win.

The midfield battle in Pearse Park. Picture: Bernie Farrell

BALLINTEER St John’s Tom Aherne came within a few moments of landing Trinity a famous result in the Fitzgibbon Cup only to be denied in the final play by Maynooth University.

The sharp-shooter landed 0-11 all told at Santry Avenue in their opening match of the third level competition as his side fell 0-16 to 0-15.

After a lively start, the city centre outfit fell behind by four points at half-time 0-9 to 0-5 - and they looked set to be completely out-gunned in the second half when Maynooth, mainly courtesy of former Kilkenny Under21 player Andrew Gaffney, stretched out an imposing 0-15 to 0-7 lead with 17 minutes of normal time remaining.

But Trinity, switching the towering Wicklow man Andrew Kavanagh from midfield into full-forward, suddenly turned the tide.

They got back to within three points with five minutes to go before Aherne came into his own.

He clipped over four successive points with ice running through his veins from some seriously difficult frees.

The Ballinteer man’s efforts duly brought his side level in the third minute of extra time with Maynooth going 20 minutes without a score. That was until the final seconds when Conor Browne was brought down and Gaffney stepped up to clear the bar from the ensuing free.

GazetteSPORT JANAURY 16-22, 2020

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

METEORIC ASCENT BASKETBALL:

National Cup final beckons for Meteors following Edel Thornton’s virtuoso display in Cork.

SEE P29

SEMI-FINAL SHUT-OUTS

GAELIC GAMES:

Dublin senior footballers and hurlers both rung the changes for O’Byrne and Walsh Cup semifinals.

SEE P30-31

DLR’S CREST OF A WAVE

SOCCER: Kilternan

based club wastes no time in snapping up a number of players for the new women’s national league season.

SEE P28

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Eanna and Templeogue’s southside showdown BASKETBALL

 STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

DBS EANNA and Templeogue only have a short hop to make across the M50 to the National Basketball Arena in a few weeks’ time, setting up a huge royal rumble for the men’s Hula Hoops Pat Duffy National Cup title.

For Eanna, they are continuing to live the dream in their first year back at Super League level as they booked their place in their first ever men’s cup final with a 78-63 point win over Garvey’s Tralee Warriors.

“We played their game, and we beat them at,” said head coach Darren McGovern afterwards.

“This is my first time ever here – I’d only been to watch one National Cup semi-final before in my life and now I’m here as a head coach, and I swear I’m a bundle of nerves and wrecked.

“I don’t know what to say, I’m so happy and so proud. The performance levels from what we did in Tralee last week compared to today was totally different – a rebounding team, a fighting team.

It is just one of those moments you have to enjoy.

“We are there now and just have to see what happens.”

An extremely close first quarter saw nothing between the sides as they slowly began to work each other out. Defensive pressure was to the fore as despite good scoring

Joshua Wilson and his Eanna team take in the applause from the crowd at the Neptune Stadium. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“The performance levels from what we did in Tralee last week compared to today was totally different – a rebounding team, a fighting team.“ from Josh Wilson and Stefan Zecevic for Éanna and good work at the other end from Paul Dick and Eoin Quigley saw the game tied at 14 points apiece.

The low-scoring continued into the second quarter, with Zecevic and Wilson again leading the charge for Eanna, with Mark Reynolds adding a good score. With scores at a premium at either end, it was again Paul Dick and Quigley lead-

ing the charge, while monster work under the boards from Andre Berry saw Tralee edge a slender 24-26 half time lead.

The third quarter continued in the same vein, but this time Wilson managed to work himself some great space, and begin to hit Warriors where it hurt, clocking up 11 points in the period.

Zecevic was key inside for Éanna adding to his tally well, while at the other end, Quigley was the

main offensive threat for Tralee. Daniel Jokubaitis hit five points for the Warriors in the quarter but it was Éanna who led going into the last, 47-41.

A huge start from Éanna in the fourth kept momentum firmly in their favour, with Zecevic, Hillary Netsiyanwa and Wilson in superb fo r m to ke e p t h e m ahead. Warriors replied with superb work from Jokubaitis and Quigley, but a big press on defense

from Éanna kept Warriors fighting for every single board and ultimately, it was free throws down the stretch that widened the margin at full time, as Éanna knocked down 10 free throws in the closing stages to win out 78-63 and book themselves a place in Tallaght.

Templeogue, meanwhile, shaded Coughlan C&S Neptune 78-75.

Speaking afterwards, head coach Mark Keenan stated: “I’ve mixed emo-

tions. I don’t think we played very well, but it’ll sink in soon that we actually won.

“Semi-finals can be games like that, you still have to try and win them, we found a way in the fourth quarter to get in front. Neil [Randolph] hit a massive three to put us in the lead and we got a lot of energy from that. I am delighted, I’m thrilled we got through, but we will need to play a lot better than that.”