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DECEMBER 7-13, 2017

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SEE PAGE 22

NEW MINISTER FOR ARTS IS ‘PASSIONATE’ ABOUT IRISH LANGUAGE

Madigan appointment a second success for constituency

 EMMA NOLAN TWO cabinet ministers now hail from the three-seat constituency of Dublin Rathdown with the appointment of Deputy Josepha Madigan to the Arts portfolio last week. The Dundrum TD, (47) was appointed as the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar following the resignation of former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald. Continues on Page 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

SOCIAL HOUSING | CENTRAL MENTAL HOSPITAL TO MOVE IN 2020

Dundrum Housing Co-op look to hospital land  EMMA NOLAN

in what we are trying to do, which is A MAJOR lobbying cambuild homes in the paign to ensure the DunDundrum area that drum Central Mental are affordable to Hospital (CMH) lands are people on low and used for affordable housmiddle incomes,” ing is getting underway. spokesperson Brian A new CMH is being Leeson told Dublin built in Portrane and a Gazette. group in Dundrum has “For the last fifteen years house formed to campaign that prices in the greater affordable housing be Dundrum area built on the current CMH A Dundrum Housing Cooperative meeting at Taney Parish Hall attracted more than 150 people. have been beyond grounds once vacated. the reach of the The Dundrum Housing Cooperative was established in in Ballymun, with prices starting average family. As a result, thouAugust this year with the aim of at €140,000 for a two-bed house. sands of people from the area The group held a meeting have had to move to other parts lobbying government and local authority to provide land to them last month in Taney Parish Hall of Dublin and to commuter at a reduced rate, similar to the attended by more than 150 peo- towns.

“Other people have even emiO’Cualann Housing Co-Opera- ple. tive who are building 49 homes “There is clearly huge interest grated because of the lack of

secure and affordable housing.”

The CMH at Dundrum is currently still in use and not up for sale. It is understood that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have met with hospital management and viewed the grounds, and a meeting is being arranged with the Office of Public Works to discuss plans for the site. The site is expected to be vacated by 2020.

Leeson said there was “clear demand” for the site to be used for affordable housing once vacant.

“Over the coming weeks and months the Dundrum Housing Coop will be building a major campaign to prevent the sell-off of the hospital site and to secure some, or all, of the site for Cooperative housing.”

FASTNews

Two UCD researchers receive €4m in ERC grant TWO UCD researchers have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants of €2 million each. The funding will enable the establishment of ten research positions.

Professor Susi Geiger of UCD College of Business will receive funding for a study, ‘Misfires and Market Innovation’, and said: “We need new conceptual frameworks to understand how to re-organise societally significant markets, such as healthcare, from the inside, to give voice to otherwise disadvantaged groups within these markets.”

Dr Barry Molloy of UCD School of Archaeology will receive funding for a study ‘The Fall of 1200 BC’,, which will enable him to“explore historic realities behind hotly debated ancient tales of migrations for the first time by using recent advances in genetic and isotopic methods that can measure human mobility”.

Longitude to return to Marlay Park in 2018 LONGITUDE is returning to Marlay Park next summer, it has been confirmed. Last year’s event generated €480,000 for council projects, according to a review submitted to the council. Beneficiaries include Marlay Park playgrounds, DLR Events including Samhain and Movies in Parks, and works on Marlay Golf Course due to begin in 2018.

Local FG councillor Emma Blain welcomed the review: “The Longitude Festival proved to be a great success again this year with significant revenue generated to benefit the people and parks in DLR. Increased Garda presence and improved enforcement against anti-social behaviour also helped alleviate concerns of residents.”

Stillorgan College fundraiser for Anam Cara

Rock star Sting sails into town

INTERNATIONALLY renowned musician STING is pictured at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre as he announced details of his acclaimed musical The Ship which will run at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from June 4th–9th 2018.

The production, which will star Jimmy Nail, has a TONY-nominated original score and lyrics composed by Sting.

Picture: Brian McEvoy

THE EVENT Management students of Stillorgan College of Further Education will hold a Christmas fundraiser to raise money for Anam Cara by selling cakes and holding a raffle on the day. Anam Cara offers support services for bereaved parents and their families after the death of a child. Student Rachael O’Brien said: “The fundraiser has given our class great experience in organising an event as well as an opportunity to donate towards a great cause.”

The Fundraiser, A Christmas to Remember, will take place at the college from 10.30am-12.30pm on 13 December.

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

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

MARATHON KIDS | STUDENTS LEARN HUGE AMOUNT ABOUT HEALTH, FITNESS AND NUTRITION

‘I was really impressed by each and every runner’  SYLVIA POWNALL

FINGAL students proved they could go the distance when they ran the final mile of a marathon in Morton Stadium, Santry last week.

A total of 1,700 fifth and sixth pupils from 34 schools took their final steps in the route as part of the Marathon Kids programme organised by Fingal and South Dublin County Councils.

They each clocked up 26 miles during group training sessions over an eightweek period and ran the final full mile together at the national athletics track on Friday.

Their efforts were rewarded at the finish line where Olympic athlete David Gillick congratulated each and every one of them and presented them with a medal.

Council sports officer Niall McGuirk said: “This was designed for runners of all abilities. They increased their distances

gradually so it was sustainable and enjoyable.

“Students learned a huge amount about health, fitness and nutrition along the way, and improved their confidence as they saw their fitness levels improve.”

Commenting at the finish line council chief Paul Reid said: “I was really impressed by each and every runner who crossed the finish line today.

“It demonstrates huge dedication and hard work to have run 26 miles over the course of eight weeks and they should be extremely proud of themselves..”

Mayor Mary McCamley said it was a “fantastic achievement for students as young as 11 and 12”.

She added: “I am sure that every runner here today has individual abilities, fitness levels and may or may not be interested in sports but they all seemed to be happy, smiling and proud as they completed the final mile.”

Pictured at the Marathon Kids final mile event held in Morton Stadium, Santry, was Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley, Irish international athlete, David Gillick and chief executive of Fingal, Paul Reid, with Sophia Motinga, Simone Tuthille, Emily Windsor, Doireann Carey and Aoibhinn McCooey from St Bridgid’s, Castleknock

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

FROM PAGE 1

New Minister applauds Fitzgerald work record

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan

She replaces Heather Humphreys who will now become Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as Simon Coveney has taken over as Tanaiste.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Minister Madigan said it is a “great honour and privilege to be entrusted with the position”.

“I look for ward to playing my role as a member of Cabinet in building towards the best possible future for all in this country.”

A non-f luent Irish speaker, there has been some rumblings in the last week about her suitability for a ministerial

position with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, but she explained that she doesn’t think it will be a hinderance.

“While my Irish is not fluent, I am passionate about the language and look forward to doing everything I can to further our language and our culture,” she said.

“A person’s capabilities in Irish are not a fair reflection of their love for their native language.

I will do everything possible to promote Irish in my role as Minister.”

While she is delighted with her promotion, she says the circumstances in which she was appointed to the Cabinet was “not something [she] wanted to see happen”. “ F r a n c e s F i t z g e rald was an excellent Tánaiste and Minister and I take no pleasure w h a t s o e ve r i n w h a t has happened to her.

That, unfortunately, is the nature of politics at times,” she said.

“If I can show the same type of compassion, dedication and commitment to being a Minister as Frances Fitzgerald did, then I’ll be making a good start to my new role.”

A solicitor and mother of two boys, Minister Madigan was elected to the Dail for the first time in the 2016 general election. Prior to that she served as a councillor in the Stillorgan ward.

Since becoming a TD, she has drawn up two pieces of legislation.

The first is on speeding up the divorce process for couples and the second seeks to factor in the use of social media into the laws governing contempt of court.

She was also an active member of the Public Accounts Com-

mittee and Chaired the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee since being elected.

Speaking on her new portfolio, she said she hopes to bring her varied background and experience to the role.

“In my Department, I look forward to working on various issues including the upcoming Heritage Bill; we are launching the Creative Children Programme this Thursday; 2018 will be Bliain na Gaeilge – there are many positive projects to develop and promote our language and Ireland’s unique, strong culture and heritage.”

While she is rising through the ranks at a speedy rate, Ms Madigan has gained some negative criticism for a leaflet she produced a b o u t t h e Tr ave l l e r halting site in Mount Anville.

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‘As for those who still criticise the leaflet, I say it is in the past’ She received backlash for describing the halting site as a “dreadful waste of taxpayers’ money”, but has since explained that she was not attempting to portray an anti-traveller stance, but was criticising the Council’s proposal to house only four families on the site, which is worth several million euro.

“As for those who still criticise the leaflet, I say it is in the past. If they want to dig up something from 2014 when there are so many current issues to work on, let them keep on looking at events in 2014.”

FASTNews

Saibh Ni Mhuircheartaigh and Rian Zambra pictured at the launch . Picture: Gareth Chaney

Get your Santa hat on and have fun for a good cause!

MORAN Park beside the dlr LexIcon will be a sight to behold as a sea of Santa Hats takes over this Saturday. The challenge is to get as many people as possible wearing Santa Hats in the dlr LexIcon Garden, with spot prizes for the funniest ones. Santa Hats, Elf Hats, Christmas Tree Hats, Pudding Hats and even Turkey Hats are welcome and the event is open to all the young at heart. DJ Tommy Greene from East Coast FM will host the event with face painters and festive cheer. The Santa Hat Challenge is part of the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival.

Wristbands can be bought at The Kiosk and Golden Discs in Dun Laoghaire, and at Enable Ireland shops for €3. www.events.dlrcoco.ie

Poetry speaking winner brings Lullaby to new life A BALLINTEER student has won a prestigious national poetry award.Holly Micklem from Wesley College won in the intermediate category. Poetry Aloud is an annual poetry speaking competition for post-primary school students across the island of Ireland. It has grown from just a few hundred entries since its launch in 2007 to 1,700 entries in 2017, with 143 schools nationwide participating.

The competition has three categories: junior, intermediate and senior. The prescribed poems for this year were ‘Little Skellig’ by Moya Cannon (junior); ‘Lullaby’ by Francis Ledwidge (intermediate) and ‘State Funeral’ by Thomas McCarthy (senior).

Bríd O’Sullivan of the National Library of Ireland said: “We’re proud to host Poetry Aloud in partnership with Poetry Ireland. Congratulations to all.”

Dentist awarded for longterm care of young patient A LOUGHLINSTOWN dentist has been named Dentist of the Year at the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year Awards 2017. Dr Ciara Scott, HSE Regional Orthodontic Unit, Loughlinstown Hospital, was nominated by a patient. The awards recognise dentists who have provided patients with dental care above and beyond expectation. Dr. Scott realised there was an abnormality with her patient’s bite and an issue with her jaw nine years ago and referred her to a specialist. Aged just 12, the patient was diagnosed with a rare jaw condition. She has been having treatment with Dr Scott since, in tandem with Mr Gerry Kearns, Maxillofacial specialist in St James’s Hospital, Dublin. The patient said, Dr Scott ‘always treated me and my family with the utmost respect and professionalism and was always patient and supportive. It’s a pity there is no ‘Dentist of the Decade’ award” she added. The judges noted Dr Scott’s long-term commitment to her patient.

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

Big win for entrepreneur PICTURED at the presentation of the award for the winner of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County last week were, left to right, Helena Cunningham, Local Enterprise Office, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; winner of the competition Conor O’Loughlin, Glofox — The

Gym & Health Studio Management Software and Owen Laverty, one of the judges in the competition.

Mr O’Loughlin will now progress further to the Dublin finals following his local success on November 29 in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown group.

Picture: Peter Cavanagh Photography

COURTS | FIGHT BROKE OUT AT PARTY SEVEN YEARS AGO

Man jailed for New Year’s Eve assault A LITHUANIAN national who kicked a man on the ground following a scuffle outside a NewYear’s party leaving him with serious head and face injuries, has been jailed for three and a half years.

Julius Jakelaitis (26), who was 19-years-old when he committed the assault in 2010, had since gone back to his native country, where he was in a relationship and working in insurance. He was returned to Ireland earlier this year after consenting to the execution of a European Arrest Warrant. Jakelaitis has minor previous convictions for road traffic offences pre-dating the assault.

Jakelaitis, formerly of Butterfield Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing serious harm at Bancroft Avenue, Tallaght, on January 1, 2010.

The court heard gardai have been unable to trace the injured party, who was also 19 at the time of the assault, and believe he has returned to his native Romania. A garda said

the last time she was speaking to him, he had returned to work and communicated normally with her.

The victim sustained multiple facial fractures and was in a coma for a time. He had reported suffering memory problems and seizures after the assault. Judge Martin Nolan noted Jakelaitis and the victim had been at a party and a dispute arose by way of the injured party’s behaviour. He said the pair “brought their difficulties outside” and accepted this was at the invitation of the injured party.

He noted there was punching from both sides before the injured party fell to the ground and Jakelaitis kicked him twice, once to the chest and once to the head. He said Jakelaitis crossed into criminality when he kicked his victim on the ground. Judge Nolan accepted there had been some provocation, but said the injured man did not deserve what had happened to him.

He took into account Jakelaitis’s good work history, his guilty plea,

remorse, co-operation and the fact he was unlikely to come before the courts again. He noted that as a foreign national, time in prison would be more difficult for him.

Judge Nolan said Jakelaitis had made a life for himself since the offence and would more than likely be a good Irish or Lithuanian citizen on his release. He imposed a three and a half year sentence, which he backdated to June when Jakelaitis went into custody on this charge.

Defence counsel, Roderick O’Hanlon SC, said Jakelaitis had expressed remorse and submitted this was a spontaneous incident which should not have happened.

He said there had been considerable drink taken on both sides.

He said Jakelaitis was now in a relationship and his partner was expecting a baby. Since returning to Lithuania he had completed his military service. He said Jakelaitis had lost his mother at a young age and had come to Ireland as a nine year old with his father.

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7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

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8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

THE END OF AN ERA FOR A A BITTERSWEET FAREWELL TO CHURCHTOWN STORES  EMMA NOLAN “I DON’T know what we’re going to do without you!” a woman said at the till of Churchtown Stores last week.

After over 30 years in business, the landmark hardware store owned by the Flood brothers is closing down this January.

A haven of all things hardware, the Braemore Road shop is bursting with anything and everything, and if it’s not there, they’ll make sure they get it for you.

The brothers, Kieran, Fehan and Barry Flood, who are originally from Westmeath, know many of their customers by name and have loyal patrons who have been returning to them for years.

“We’re very disappointed that we have to close it down,” Kieran says.

“We have sold it and we had no difficulties selling it. We tried to sell it as a going concern, but we are very pleased with who purchased it.”

The brothers opened up shop on the last day of February in 1988, a leap year, after running a hardware and electrical shop in London for 25 years previously.

In all that time, Kieran says they never advertised Churchtown Stores, even in local newspapers – simply because they never needed to.

“I don’t like to say that, and I always apologise when I say it to people looking for adverts. I feel bad saying it because it’s like tempting fate.”

Kieran equates their success with the simplicity of their mantra and their dedication to customer service.

“We have a very simple motto – we just respond to the market.”

The brothers have built a reputation on their dedication to finding whatever it is that their customers need.

“So what people want, if it’s reasonably within our sphere, we will get it. It’s as simple as that.

“If we say we’ll do something for a customer, whether it’s deliver something, whether it’s repair something, whether it’s get something in – we’ll either do it or tell them we can’t.”

And it’s obvious that they will be missed. The store is constantly packed and locals from all over Churchtown, Dundrum, Ballinteer and beyond have been paying tributes to the iconic local store, the like of which will be hard to come by again.

A post of Facebook page Ballinteer Today announcing the closure gained hundreds of comments from saddened punters.

“Fabulous shop. Aladdin’s cave. It will be missed.

Not just for the all the items but the knowledge of the staff,” one comment read.

Comments from others read: “End of an era.

Fantastic shop with extremely knowledgeable staff who would do anything for you. We always referred to it as Bill and Ben’s.”

“Best shop in South Dublin for stuff other hardware stores don’t have, it’ll be missed.”

“A really great shop, a big part of Churchtown, could always get what you needed there. It will be sadly missed.”

With no fancy tills or computers, things are still

BROTHERS BARRY, FEHAN AND KIERAN FLOOD

done the old-fashioned way here and refreshingly, they never push sales or upsell.

“We never have to push a sale, never – and we wouldn’t. When I interview the staff I would tell them not to push sales,” Kieran says.

“We never decided what the customer wants, we responded to what they want, and we advise them.

“That was our way all along, even if somebody was buying something that was actually too good for the job they’re doing I would always offer them the cheaper option.

“Some people prefer the more expensive option but most people are very appreciative of that.”

With a closing down date set for January 31, Kieran says that he and his brothers are preparing to retire.

“I probably won’t do anything, but I’ll take it easy.”

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

LOCAL TREASURE TROVE ----------------------------------

‘If we say we’ll do something for a customer, whether it’s deliver something, whether it’s repair something, whether it’s get something in – we’ll either do it or tell them we can’t’ ----------------------------------

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

DUN LAOGHAIRE | LATEST ‘BATTLE OF BLACKROCK’ AVERTED

Devlin wins FF ticket for next general election  EMMA NOLAN ANOTHER so-called ‘Battle of Blackrock’ has been averted as only one Fianna Fail candidate has been selected to contest the next general election in Dun Laoghaire.

Cllr Cormac Devlin (38) has secured the nomination following a selection convention which saw him gain 74 votes, followed by Cllrs Kate Feeney and Mary Hanafin who received 61 and 45 votes respectively.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be selected at convention,” Cllr Devlin said.

He thanked both Kate Feeney and Mary Hanafin for putting themselves forward and party members for “placing their trust” in him to secure a seat in the constituency.

Around 200 FF members and supporters gathered in the Royal Marine Hotel last week for the party’s selection convention chaired by Senator Gerry Horkan.

The last general election saw Devlin selected at convention and Hanafin later added to comply with new rules that all parties must ensure a third of their candidates are female.

At the time, Cllr Devlin said that a one party strategy would have been preferable and would have given them a greater chance of securing a seat in the four-seat constituency. Although it was effectively a three seater in 2016 as Ceann Comhailre Sean Barrett (FG) was automatically reelected.

Cllr Devlin now says he

FASTNews

New Red Bean cafe opens at hotel in Leopardstown

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin joins Cormac Devlin in Dun Laoghaire on his first post-convention canvass

is focused and “ready to hit the ground running” with his campaign.

“I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have supported me.”

The former cathaoirleach of DLR and father of three told Dublin Gazette he’s thankful that there’s no Christmas election after last week’s uncertainty.

“I’m looking forward to getting the campaign started whenever an election in called, but I will remain as active as I have been, so nothing changes on that front.”

A NEW coffee shop has opened in Leopardstown at the Clayton Hotel.

The Dalata hotel group plans to roll out the new coffee brand, Red Bean Roastery, across more of its locations.

A team of four trained baristas are now serving their signature coffee, pastries and handmade treats, with healthy salads, soups and gourmet savoury items being prepared on-site.

General manager of the hotel, Alan Deller said: “This addition to the hotel — and to the Leopardstown and Sandyford business district — is a fantastic step forward in providing more facilities in the area.”

The Red Bean Roastery Coffee shop is the first standalone coffee shop in the Dalata group, with more planned for around the country.

This first branch is located in central park, Sandyford business district, beside Clayton Hotel Leopardstown.

Councillor submits motion for widening of local road

Sports project grants are a knock-out for constituency

LOCAL TD Shane Ross stepped into the ring last week to announce funding for local sports projects. Some €56 million in grants is to go to 1,700 sporting projects nationwide as part of the Sports Capital Programme.

Minister Ross said: “As Minister for Sport and as TD for Dublin-Rathdown, I’m delighted that every valid sports application from this constituency has received all of the funding applied for.

“From boxing to basketball, cycling to camogie, archery to athletics, the fact that I was able to secure near double the original allocation of €30million, means that many more worthy sports projects can now go ahead.

“The benefits of participating in sport are well documented; physically and mentally, sport provides good health for toddlers, teens and those in their twilight years. The funding is also good news for our community as a whole, as sport is a great way to foster local pride, affinity and inclusion.”

Details of all allocations can be found at sportscapitalprogramme.ie. A further €4m has been set aside for regional grants (with maximum grants of up to €200,000). These allocations will be announced in the coming weeks.

CALLS have been made to widen the Hillcrest Road in Sandyford.

“You could fill a junk yard with the amount of wing mirrors that end up lying on this road,” local councillor Lettie McCarthy (lab) told Dublin Gazette.

“There is simply not enough space for two cars to meet.”

Cllr McCarthy has submitted a motion that the Council draw up plans to begin the process of widening the road.

The motion calls for improvements to be included as a six-year road objective of the current County Development Plan.

The project has been prioritised for after the Blackglen Road Improvement Scheme, which is due to be under construction in 2019 and 2020.

“We thankfully, have made great progress progressing many of the very dangerous roads in our area, like Blackglen Road and Glenamuck Road, and we must now prioritise Hillcrest Road.

“Cyclists use this road out of necessity, but it really is not a safe road for them in its current state.

“Many pedestrians also use this road walking on an inadequate footpath which desperately needs to be widened.

“I intend to keep up pressure on all concerned until I see plans drawn up in the interest of safety for all.”

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

Out and About

Pictures: Liam Madden

Cuala GAA lays out its vision for the future C

UALA GAA launched their Strategic Plan for the next five years last week in the Cuala hall. The hall was packed with an eager audience who were excited to see the vision for the future of the club and the plan to deliver that future. It was a very exciting next chapter in the club’s history. An Uachtarán CLG Ó Fearghaill was in attendance as well as many other well-known faces.

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Out and About

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Microenterprise loan fund approved €21m – new report THE latest Microfinance Ireland report shows that €21m of loans have been approved under the Microenterprise Loan Fund, to date, supporting 3,336 jobs in borrowing companies.

The Microenterprise Loan Fund is part funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Minister for Trade, Employment and Business Pat Breen welcomed the publication of the Microfinance Ireland report, saying: “It is now five years since Microfinance Ireland first opened its doors and it continues to show its support for our microenterprises throughout the country through its suite of distinct loan offerings.”

The Microenterprise Loan Fund was established by the Government in 2012.

The reasoning behind the establishment of such a fund and establishing MFI was that access to finance for microenterprises, in particular, was a major issue with the banks at that time continuing to decline loans in the microfinance space.

Promoting cellar safety THE Irish Brewers Association and the Health & Safety Authority have colaunched a programme designed for publicans and bar managers to enhance basic safety practices in cellars, cold rooms and across all areas of bars, restaurants, hotels and pubs around the country.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Jonathan McDade, head of the Irish Brewers Asso-

ciation, said: “This initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland. We’re hoping it will benchmark health and safety standards for all licensed operators in Europe.

“BeSMART.ie is quick and easy to use and will give bar managers an idea of how safe their cellars are and if any safety issues need to be addressed.”

The cellar safety programme aims to improve

safety in the workplace environment for thousands of workers and service providers and for customers of the hospitality sector.

The programme was designed to address safety issues arising from serious accidents in bar cellars across Europe in recent years.

It is aimed at helping bars to protect their staff and meet legal requirements to ensure their

workplace is a safe place to operate in.

The new safety programme can be accessed through the HSA’s existing online risk assessment tool, BeSMART.ie.

Pictured launching the programme are Padraig Cribben, Vintners Federation of Ireland; Donal O’Keeffe, Licensed Vintners Association; Ian Reidy, Heineken and Jonathan McDade, the Irish Brewers Association.

Marks & Spencer arrives in Santry HUNDREDS of local residents gathered in Santry last Thursday (30th November) for the opening of the new Marks & Spencer Foodhall.

Store manager, Richie Fahey, celebrated the opening with 55 new M&S colleagues - many recruited from the local area - by cutting the ribbon at 10am and welcoming the first customers into store.

He said: “I am so proud of the team for their efforts in preparing the store for its opening this morning.

“We are thrilled with the response we have received from customers so far, and we can’t wait to hear more feedback on the range of food and drink products on offer.

“We are looking forward to

working with, and becoming part of, the Santry community over the next few years.”

Richie was joined by two longserving M&S staff members, Alison Moore and Brian Conlon.

Alison and Brian have worked for M&S for 31 years and 27 years respectively, and both live locally so were delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the new store team.

The 9,000 sq ft store, located in Omni Park Shopping Centre offers a 42-seat Cafe for shoppers to enjoy a coffee and cake in.

With over 5,000 delicious products on offer, shoppers filled their baskets with the latest M&S food and drink, including a range of treats for Christmas like the Wob-

bly Santa Tin, filled with chocolate chip shortbread stars and the stunning Chocolate Pine Cones.

The Paddington Bear range also proved a real hit with customers, with the Milk Chocolate Paddington Wellington Boots proving to be a popular choice.

The in-store bakery will provide customers with a range of brand new artisan breads, including M&S’ Signature Sourdough, which is inspired by the traditional sourdoughs of San Francisco, and three new 100% spelt loaves, which are available at M&S for the first time.

Customers can take advantage of the popular Collect in Store service by having orders delivered free of charge. Free parking is also available at the store.

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

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

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VIVIENNE IS SHY, SWEET AND LOVING

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Vivienne, a two-year-old female Pit Bull terrier who is crying out for a perfect home.

This stunning looking dog has gained many friends among staff members since her arrival and it’s easy to see why, as she has such a sweet and affectionate nature.

Vivienne is a sensible soul and she can be worried initially when meeting new people, but given time and space she makes friends easily. She is looking for an adult home because she can be worried by noises and over-handling. She likes a gentle approach and doesn’t like too much fuss around her. Vivienne would prefer to be the only dog in the family.

If you can be her #SpecialSomeone*, 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, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

Cool Runnings stars Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) and Rawle D Lewis (Junior Bevil) pictured at the launch of Après Dublin, a giant custom built ski lodge in Dublin’s city centre

LAUNCH: COOL RUNNINGS STARS LEAVE WARM LA FOR THE SLOPES OF DUBLIN

Get on up, it’s bobsled time  EMMA NOLAN and MARK O’BRIEN .

“FEEL the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme!

Get on up, it’s bobsled time!”

Cool Runnings may have come out over 20 years ago, but the classic movie’s many quotable lines are still as recognisable today, as our its stars.

Much to the delight of Dubliners, Rawle D Lewis (who played Junior Bevil) and Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) were in Dublin last week for the first time ever to launch Apres Ski at the IFSC with Coors Light.

Rawle and Doug shot to instant fame as stars of the popular film about Jamaica’s unexpected participation in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

“It’s fantastic, beautiful, the people are fantastic!” Doug told Dublin Gazette at Apres Ski. While they were having a great time in the fair city, the two admitted they were shocked to be invited.

Exuberance

“I was like ‘Dublin, really? Alright!’ I live in LA where there’s a lot of tourists and Irish people and I always like your exuberance! So I thought, imagine meeting a whole country of them!” Rawle joked.

Hundreds of people were delighted to meet the pair at Apres Ski and they were more than happy to pose for photos and chat with fans.

“The movie came out 20 years ago but they’re acting like it came out yesterday,” Rawle said.

“It still surprises me though, the level of people who are excited about this. It’s amazing how many people have quoted me lines from the movie and how many likes they know. They’re reminding me!”

Doug added: “I love that, seeing people happy and feeling like you’re part of their happiness in some way is the best.”

Asked if they wanted to be known for other projects they’ve worked on since Cool Runnings, the two said they were proud that the film inspired so many people.

“With something like this, that’s done such good, you can’t knock it.”

The Cool Runnings stars with Sorcha Kavanagh at the launch

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16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

BARNADOS: LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT COUNTRY’S NEEDIEST PEOPLE

Appeal to help spread cheer to thousands BARNARDOS, the children’s charity, has launched its Christmas appeal to help give children a happy Christmas.

This year, Barnardos is not asking for toys, but for donations to allow the organisation to provide more practical gifts for the families they work with.

Another way to support Barnardos is by purchasing a Gift For Good – an alternative gift to buy for family or friends in lieu of a present, which will directly benefit a child or family

that Barnardos works with.

The charity’s chief executive Fergus Finlay said: “Following our work with many generous public and corporate suppor ters, and talks with the man in red himself, we know every child we work with will get a toy this Christmas.

“However, we have identified the need for more practical gifts for families such as pyjamas, slippers, books, duvets, pillows, bedding and food vouchers.

“We also know that

this Christmas more than 3,194 children will be homeless. We work to provide supports to many of these families.

“The children will be facing a Christmas of uncertainty, and we want to make them as comfortable as possible this year. Each family has different needs to the next, but your donation will allow us to direct your help how each need it most.”

Yo u c a n d o n a t e online at www.barnardos.ie/christmas, or by calling 1850 216 216.

BEAUTY AND BEAST HELP SICK CHILDREN MAGIC was in the air at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital last week, when the cast of The Helix pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, arrived in character (below) to spread some Christmas cheer this festive season among the young patients, families and staff.

This year, The Helix has teamed up with the hospital as its charity partner, and on Thursday, December 7, The Helix is hosting a designated charity show in aid of the Hospital, with all proceeds going directly to the hospital.

Speaking on the partnership, Claire Tighe, chief executive of TheatreWorkX Productions, said: “We are thrilled

to be teaming up with Temple Street again this year. It’s such a worthy cause and we’re hoping that we’ll have a full house on December 7.”

Tickets for the charity show are priced at of €18.50 per seat (booking fees apply) and are on sale from www.thehelix.ie, and at The Helix’s box office; telephone 01 700 7000.

EXTRA SHOWS SET FOR RAPUNZEL ANOTHER hugely popular panto – The Gaiety Panto – has announced extra performances of Rapunzel as tickets have been snapped up.

Rapunzel opened to sold-out performances on Sunday, November 26. A limited number of tickets for dates up to January 7 are on sale now from €19.50 (including booking fee),

with brand-new extra dates added from January 11-21 also on sale now.

The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since 1873.

Tickets are available in person at Ticketmaster outlets and the Gaiety’s box office, 0818 719 388.

F o r g r o u p b o o kings, call 01 648 6029, or email group.sales@ ticketmaster.ie; see also www.gaietytheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie.

A LOVELY GIG TO HELP CARE FOR HORSES MY LOVELY Neightivity Gig is taking place in Whelan’s main room next Friday, December 15.

The equine-saving bunch got their name from Father Ted – and

Cute as buttons Katie May and Lauren O’Brien, and teddy pals, helping to launch Barnardos’ Gifts For Good Christmas

rightly so, as one of the charity’s founders, Cathy Davey, is the partner of Neil Hannon who wrote the brief but beloved song.

House band T he Love Tailors will keep the par ty moving at a canter, while guests include Cathy Davey, Cry Monster Cry, Roisin O and CC Brez.

My L ove l y Ho r s e Rescue says that 4,000 horses a year are rounded up and euthanised because they are not being properly looked after, with the night set to be a great fundraiser to help horses.

Doors 8pm; tickets priced €15; see www. whelanslive.com.

HOP OVER TO THE BUSY FLEA MARKET THE Dublin Flea Christmas Market returns to The Point Square this weekend, until Sunday, December 10.

After a hugely successful market last year, with almost 30,000 shoppers attending,

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

this year’s free market will once again offer an alternative to Christmas on the main street.

The market will feature up-and-coming Irish contemporary design, art, hand-made craf t and delectable foods alongside T he Dublin Flea Market’s m u c h - l ove d m i x o f antiques, vintage and retro collectibles.

Once again, Dublin City Council are supporting The Dublin Flea Christmas Market this year – the only pop-up retail event in DCC’s Dublin At Christmas Programme for 2017.

A NEW WAY TO HELP ELDERLY PATIENTS THE Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is launching an awareness campaign to encourage patients to Get up, Get dressed, Get moving, Get Well and Get Home.

The campaign is focused on providing high-quality patient care and empowering

patients, with the initiative part of a wider programme of activity, entitled #Last1000days, itself a worldwide social media movement which has spread across the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.

Ward staff are encouraged to identify those patients who would benefit by getting out of their PJs or gowns and getting out of their rooms at the start of each day, should the patient wish to participate.

The average length of stay for patients aged 85 and older in the Mater is 18.1 days, but evidence shows that patients staying in their pyjamas or gowns reinforces the sick role, and leaves them vulnerable to a higher risk of infection, loss of mobility, fitness and strength, which results in them staying in hospital longer.

For further information, see www.mater.ie or tweet @MaterHospital.

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18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Out and About

Glenda Gilson with models Sarah McGovern, Vivienne Connolly and Gail Kaneswaran. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

A star studded bash to launch jewellery line

Susan Molloy, Ruth Henshaw and Gillian Langan

T

HERE was a host of famous faces at No 37 Dawson Street last week as Glenda Gilson unveiled her first jewellery line. Glenda opened the evening by thanking all of those involved in bringing the collection to life along with her pr Tara O’Conner.

Guests were treated to bespoke cocktails on the night along with a tastys election of mini burgers and finger foods.

Speaking about her inspiration for the collection Glenda said: “I have always worn jewellery, especially delicate jewellery since my modelling days and I’ve been know for my layering and mixing of metals.”

Don O’Neill and Tracey Moroney

Linda Keating and Edel Selina and Michelle Regazzoli

McCabe

Emily O’Donnell

Vivienne Connolly

Carol Byrne

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

Out and About

Fidelma Breathnach

Christine and Karen Bruton

Lisa Nolan

Actor Liam Cunningham

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT SEVEN years after their last release, Ireland’s favourite indie outliers Super Extra Bonus Party return with a new single. They look back to their blistering best.

IT’S EARLY 2007, and against all the odds, Newbridge band Super Extra Bonus Party are stood on the stage collecting a gong and a large cheque, having taken home the Choice Music Prize for their self-titled debut album.

It’s probably the most controversial decision in the history of the competition. Cathy Davey, Delorentos and Kila are all household names, and all have acclaimed albums up for the award, but it comes as little surprise to those with their ear to the ground of Irish music. An album that’s only touched on the fringes of mainstream consciousness has, in some knowledgeable corners, been hailed as the most inventive Irish album in a decade.

With follow up Night Horses, the hip-hop/ indie fusion act returned with abundant Dublin-scene special guests in 2009, accompanying the searing and memorable release with a series of blistering and beloved live shows, before calling an indefinite hiatus in 2011.

Whispers of a return began as early as 2015, and with November’s new single ‘Switzerland’, the revered six-piece (seventh member Rodrigo Teles has sadly departed Irish shores for his native Brazil) have finally returned to the fray.

“It had been kicking around for a while, but the decision was made out the back of a pub in Dingle in December 2014 as part of a ‘tired and emotional’ chat we all had while on a mate’s stag,” Gavin Elsted tells us. “We felt that we had left things unfinished and without any external pressure, wanted to start working on music just to see if the old spark was still there.”

“It was never about the relationships in the band, because in the intervening years we’d still hang out whenever we could, so when we eventually took the first step into the studio, it was like we never left. There was so much joy at being back where we felt we belonged. I still think in some ways it’s an excuse to hang out a bit more with each other, but at least now we have something to show for it!”

In a sense, with Irish hip-hop currently at by far its highest ever ebb, Super Extra Bonus Party are a more natural fit for today’s scene, with Elsted telling us that current stars Rusangano Family “made me wish Bonus Party were still going every time I saw them.”

“We’ve listened to hip hop forever really and it’s still a very integral part of the band and one of our main influences,” Stephen ‘Fats’ Foley adds. “It’s a very natural part of our arsenal, so we’d be producing tunes with a hip hop influence regardless of the climate for sure.” The climate, though, is very likely to be still more accepting than last time around, and that can only be a positive.

That writing process has come very naturally, with Foley describing the progression as less challenging than last time around, at least so far.

MUSIC

Super Extra Bonus Party

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Santa at the Marsh Library

A magical spot to meet the big man, the centuries-old Marsh Library next to St Patrick’s Cathedral will throw in a tour and a photo with their one-day-only Santa meeting. December 9, book ahead. The gift, naturally, will be a book.

The co-present Pieta House gig

Check out some great local talent and chip in on the launch of The CoPresent’s new compilation, in aid of Pieta House.

Columbia Mills, Session Motts and I Have A Tribe are amongst those playing Drop Dead Twice on December 9.

a glitchy, bleeping melody fused with power chords and fresh, echoey vocals.

“Switzerland was one of the first demos that were floating around when we first started working on music again,” Elsted explains. “As per usual with us, it started off as a totally different song.”

“I think it was meant to be more of a housier track with some guitars added, but we stripped it back and all that was left that we actually liked was the little synth arpeggio, which is essentially the spine of the song.

“It went through various permutations with other members veering between trying to get rid of it altogether (not naming any names!) and adding some valuable constructive criticism or

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

Mrs Brown’s Boys

Love it or loath it (and the comedy certain divides opinion), Mrs Brown’s Boys has become almost as much a part of Christmas as the tinsel and the chocolate binge. The live show drops in on the 3Arena, December 14-16.

Fusion Sundays at the Dublin Food Co-Op

A December global glance from the Food Co-Op in Newmarket, Dublin 8, where you can indulge in beautiful food and gifts from Africa, Asia and South America.

Magical Christmas Cinema

Retro Drive-In will get seasonal and old-school over the weekend, with showings of Elf, Love Actually, Santa Claus and Home Alone, plus the promise of chocolate cake and tunes. Leopardstown Racecourse, December 9-10.

Lankum

An Irish trad band that drew their influences from a spectrum of ancient folk, before evolving their sound into something poignant and current, Lankum are the rising stars of the Irish trad-folk scene. They play Vicar Street on December 9.

Return of the underdogs

“Mostly It feels a lot easier,” he explains, “and I think that’s going to be reflected in the music.

We’ve developed a lot both as people and as musicians. Years ago we avoided difficult conversations. We avoided uncomfortable confrontation and the necessity of critical analysis.”

“Our approach back then tended to be to identify space in a tune and immediately fill it with my amazing part. Now we’re talking so much more about our music and trying create and maintain space, facilitating each others ideas and encouraging each other as much as we can.”

New single Switzerland, naturally, went through a slightly messy, iterative process, as has much of Bonus Party’s work. The result is

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20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi suggestions for the sequencing. We had been rehearsing it for a while before we finally got into gear.”

“The drums were done in Herbert Place Studios in Dublin with our long-suffering producer Sean Corcoran, with the instrumentation and vocals all done in his studio in Rathmines.

“Lots of ‘Ooh I’m not sure about that’ and ‘We are definitely not using that synth it sounds like an arse’ later, we had the bones of the song.

The mixing process was surprisingly easy, but I reckon that was because Sean wouldn’t let us near it. Probably for the best. We’re so delighted with how it turned out.”

Switzerland is not to be a one off. The band are already announcing shows, and an album

- jokingly working-titled ‘Led Zeppelin 4’ - is on the longer-term horizon. “The album is still our yardstick,” Foley tells us.

As for that big moment at Vicar Street all those years ago?

“You have to understand that we were total outsiders,” Elsted recalls.

“We were relatively unknown to critics and bands because we had essentially come from nowhere. I remember being excited to play in Vicar Street, really relishing it.

“Being able to hoof around and have fun with my friends on a national stage was an indescribable feeling. The win was the win. We can’t account for why we were chosen, we were just blown away by it.”

The latest in the Star Wars saga lands on December 15, with tickets expected to be in extremely high demand between the launch date and Christmas. Get booking early to watch Rey begin her training.

Aware Christmas Run

Another chance to postpone the season’s crash weight gain with a pre-emptive strike against the food monster, whilst raising some funds for charity, too. The Aware Christmas Run (5km or 10km) is on December 9 in Phoenix Park.

New album of the week

The Co-Present Pieta House charity album. Available around Dublin, this showcase of local Irish talent will raise money for those struggling in life. It serves as a great intro to the Irish music scene, too.

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Ready, Set...Colour!

Laureate na nOg and children’s book illustrator PJ Lynch pictured with Pippa Smullen, Sally White and Finn McLoughlin at the launch. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

WIN We’ve teamed up with Motivation Weight Management to offer one lucky reader the chance to WIN an all-inclusive weight loss programme with Ireland’s leading weight loss clinic network.

MEMORIES of past Christmases may well be ones of too much food and feeling bloated and depressed. Well now is the time to give yourself a great Christmas, one to remember! For close on 25 years we have been helping Irish men and women to eat healthily and happily over the Christmas and New Year season while losing weight at the same time.

We provide all the support, tools and meal plans you need to lose weight in private one-to-one consultations. Join over 250,000 Irish people that have walked through our nationwide clinic network to a better, happier and ‘lighter’ future.

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, email your contact details (address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit Dublin Gazette Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Closing date for entries is FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER. Competition terms and conditions are available on dublingazette.com

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME WITH

MOTIVATION

CHILDREN across Dublin have been working hard, practicing their painting skills and perfecting their masterpieces as the deadline for the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards approaches. Completed works of art need to be submitted by Friday, December 16.

Each year thousands of budding artists across Ireland create colourful artworks in the hope of being named the overall winner at next spring’s award ceremony.

Embracing creativity and education are the core objectives of the competition which is open to primary school students of all ages and this year’s theme, ‘Put Us in the Picture’, has been inspiring thousands of thoughtful and imaginative entries over the past number of weeks.

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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Don’t be afraid to go crazy and use vibrant colours are tips given by the judges for this year’s Junior PainterAwards and of course, don’t miss the closing date!

15 regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a Awards Day in 2018 where three overall national winners will be announced.

Every child that enters will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their artistic efforts. The closing date for entry is Friday, December 16.

Parents and children still wishing to get involved can do so by speaking to their school teacher or by visiting the Sightsavers website to request entry forms: www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter

New Zealand Pop Up for cold weather ailments KIWI Country Clothing will “The secret is in the possum, “A blended product of merino make a return visit to Dublin for and it is medically recognised as wool and possum fibre, possum the month of December (until being able to significantly reduce merino, is the ultimate in super 24th). pain as a result of the cold. warm knitwear... 35% warmer Not only do they carry a range “We make hand wear and foot than cashmere and 55% warmer of premium, yet practical solu- wear to order and carry regular than merino lambswool. tions for all cold and wet weath- stock of the amazing possum “Typically, a pair of socks er complaints, including diabe- fur insoles, which give instant should only be washed every 4-6 tes, Raynaud’s, arthritis and weeks. poor circulation issues, but “T he possum naturally they also stock an extensive sanitises the foot. No smell, range of high quality excelno sweat, and warm beyond lent Christmas and Winter belief. gifts.

“We also make a specific Elizabeth McGuinness, sock for diabetes, which is originally from Monaghan, seamless, low tension, soft returned to Ireland from top and gets the bloodflow New Zealand five years ago to tips of the toes, whilst proon a mission to dress people tecting the fragile skin. for cold and wet weather.

“This Pop Up will be our She initially began in the last outing, as we move excluequestrian and farming secsively online after Christmas, tor, but increasingly is workso be sure to call in to see ing a lot more now in the touch and feel the range of health sector. products while you can.”

“I am now getting regu- Proprietor Elizabeth McGuinness with They are located at First lar referrals from various Taoiseach Leo Varadkar checking out some Floor, 18 South Anne Street hospitals both north and of the products (over Tinnakeenly Leathsouth, and from dozens of ers) and can be contacted at GPs everywhere for people who warmth and comfort to cold feet. 0868931953. suffer intolerance to cold in their “The possum insoles are the Further info at www.kiwichands or feet. greatest joy to cold feet ever. ountryclothing.ie

GAZETTE

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

DUBLINFITNESS

Forget the myth: Lifting weights does not make women bulky...

Ladies!

Lets smash some really frustrating myths that have been floating around!

Lifting heavy weights will NOT, I repeat NOT make you look bulky.

If you’ve ever come across a woman on the internet with extremely big muscles there’s 100% chance that she takes performance enhancing steroids because a woman’s body cannot just build muscle like that without them.

Absolutely almost every woman we have introduced to weight lifting has asked at the beginning, “are you sure about this?

I don’t want to get bulky. I just want to tone up.”

Toning Up…

Well, let’s just explain what toning up actually means. Firstly, we can’t tone a muscle into a specific shape, we can only make it bigger or smaller.

Toned: This means well built glutes, legs and good definition in the arms and back and also having a thin layer of fat around the muscles that keep you from having that too lean or shredded look. To do this, we must build muscle in these areas by lifting weights and we don’t mean lifting light weights for lots of reps; we mean lifting heavier weights over

 GARETH FRANCIS

info@dublingazette.com

need to do. To do this, you must create a calorie deficit (burning more or eating less calories than your body is using for fuel) by taking in less calories or burning up more.

Cardio

time to keep the muscle getting stronger and to grow.

“But what happens if the muscle gets too big and I start to look bulky?”

Well this is where your fat and calorie control comes in. Having that bulky look usually means you’re carrying too much fat around the muscles and not that the muscle has actually gotten bigger. No matter how many times a week you’re lifting or whatever training you do if you’re eating more calories than you need to fuel your body and training, then you’re going to gain fat around your muscles and look bulky.

So if you’re trying to prevent the bulky look while making gains in the weights room, then you need to control your calorie intake and eat at a maintenance level (eating the same amount of calories than your body is burning). If it’s that leaner look with more definition in your muscles that you’re going for, then decreasing the amount of fat around the muscles is what you

Cardio is a great tool for burning up those extra calories and keeping body fat down, but if too much cardio is done it can have a negative effect on your goal to look toned. As explained earlier, to have a toned body we must have well built legs, glutes and back etc but cardio alone can’t do this for you. Only weight training can. Too much cardio can actually send you in the opposite direction and you can lose muscle gains.

You’ve heard the saying ‘if you don’t use it you lose it’ well that goes for your muscle too. If you’re not lifting weights and just doing cardio, there’s a good chance you’re burning through your muscles to fuel your cardio and losing your muscle mass and after time that can leave you looking thin or “skinny”.

The ultimate guide to looking lean and toned!

Firstly, get yourself to the weights room, as scary as it may seem. Now let building strength be the

Myth busted: Lifting weights does not make women look “bulky”

goal and keep trying to lift heavier weights over time.

Focus most of your workouts on the body parts you want to grow or maintain like glutes and legs, but don’t neglect those other muscle groups and hit those weekly too.

If you’re not happy with the amount of fat around your muscles, this doesn’t mean you need to drop the weights and get on the thread mill. It just means you need to create a small deficit in your calorie intake but keep lifting to maintain your muscle while losing the fat.

If you hate cutting calories because you love food, then you could add in some cardio or more activities throughout the day to help burn some of those calories but just don’t let it get in the way of your weight lifting.

TAKE HOME POINTS 1. Lifting weights does not make you “bulky”.

2. Being bulky means you’re carrying too much fat not muscle.

3. Muscle won’t grow if you’re not feeding it enough calories to do so.

CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie

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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINMOTORING

Mercedes-Benz refreshes its compact SUV

FASTNews

The new generation Volkswagen Amarok

VW Amarok wins International Pick-up Award VOLKSWAGEN’S Amarok has won the International Pick-up Award 2018. Like its predecessor

in association with

Mercedes Benz has refreshed the GLA compact SUV for 2017 and MICHAEL MORONEY has taken it for a test drive to appreciate the step up to luxury end motoring.

Here he gives his appraisal.

in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists. The Volkswagen Amarok becomes the only pick-up to win this accolade for a second time.

The jury rated the Amarok as the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard’, a core element of the entire pick-up segment and described the Amarok as a ‘top pedigree workhorse’. The clear design, the fantastic feel and the finish, in short the workmanship, were specifically cited by the jury as being key factors in their decision.

The size of the double cab with room for five people, the benchmark in the segment, also impressed with its modern design. The ergoComfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, adorned with the AGR logo of the ‘German Healthy Backs Society’, also won over the jury, who in addition highlighted the unique eight-speed automatic transmission and broad V6 engine specification in the segment.

Performance is not a challenge for the Volkswagen Amarok V6. Its wide selection of 3-litre TDI engines, which range from 120 to 190 kW, fulfils the power and torque desires of all customer groups. The second-generation Amarok with its V6 engine is a hit with customers. This year, to the end of October, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already supplied customers with 65,200 vehicles from the Amarok range compared with 57,600 vehicles for the same period in 2016, an increase of 13.2%.

THE Mercedes-Benz entry level SUV is the GLA, a compact car that’s been upgraded for 2017 from the original one first introduced back in 2013.

The GLA is pitched at the upper end of the compact SUV market, putting it into a price bracket that’s well north of the best-selling competition in the sector.

That always begs the question about why spend more? Why opt for a more luxury end SUV when one of the volume makes will do the very same job? Or will they?

After spending some days behind the wheel of the new generation GLA, which is improved for 2017, it becomes clearer as to why this SUV has some special appeal. I took the car across the country, through Dublin and Limerick cities and the longer that I drove the GLA to

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

cover over 950km, the more the appeal of the car grew on me.

The GLA never claims to be a big SUV; it credentials are firmly in the compact SUV sector. It’s a car that you easily feel comfortable in, there’s a good driving position, strong seats and a clear instrument arrangement.

2.1 litre 136hp 9.1 seconds 24km/litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg) 56 litres 108g/km A3 €190 30,000km/12 months 5 star (2014) 2 years €35,400

The interior design is uncluttered and easy to become familiar with. That means that you quickly get down to feeling comfortable behind the wheel and you start to appraise the car for what it’s worth.

The test car came with the off-road comfort suspension which raises the car body an extra 30 milli-

metres higher. This claims to give improved off-road capability thanks to higher ground clearance and a higher seat position.

In styling terms this latest GLA has new lightalloy wheels. The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have been replaced

by LED headlights and they are impressive for night vision.

With its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, the GLA 200d’s 136bhp output means that this car is a lively performer. The car is among the heavier of the compact SUV’s on the market, while it still achieves an acceleration figure of 9.1 seconds in a 0 to 100km/ hr race.

That compares well with all contenders, while the new generation and lighter Nissan Qashqai with which it shares some architecture, is marginally

New Jaguar just in time for Christmas THE new Jaguar E-PACE is making its Dublin debut in Jaguar Land Rover showrooms in early December. The E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family following the F-PACE, Jaguar’s performance SUV and winner of World Car of the Year 2017.

To celebrate its arrival, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland announced a limited edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model. This represents a €2,000 saving.

The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat com-

pact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheeldrive vehicle.

The exterior design is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches while optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance.

The E-PACE is one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The nextgeneration touchscreen infotainment system

connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.

Under the bonnet, E-PACE is available engine options from the Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers E-PACE from 0-100km/ hr in just 6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 243km/hr.

The new E-Pace has just received a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, in the week that it hits the Dublin market.

The new Jaguar E-PACE

The newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with some enhanced features, especially in the area of safety, in a very comfortable and solid compact SUV.

faster off the blocks.

The GLA is a thrifty performer with a rated economy figure of 24km/ litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg). While in reality that’s difficult to achieve, this comparison figure is still close to being the best in this class, well ahead of most of the competition, apart from the new Nissan Qashqai.

I drove the automatic version of the GLA and quite honestly this is the best format to appreciate the car’s driving style. The seven-speed automatic gearbox design is where Mercedes-Benz excels and in the GLA this gives driving options to choose

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

in association with

Ho Ho Ho! Plan your Christmas shopping spree CHRISTMAS shopping signals the really

do watch for this sort of thing. Leav-

festive start to the season. Despite the

ing valuables in a car is never a good

parking charges on the streets or in car

idea especially after you spent all that

parks across Dublin City, if you plan well

time and effort in choosing the right

you can get everything done without

presents.

breaking the bank on parking.

This week we give some advice tips to all those planning on making a day of

lights on and give your eyes time to

getting all the Christmas shopping done.

adjust to the different light level. Keep a

1. Deciding where to park can have a

look out for pedestrians thinking more

huge impact on cost, we’ve experience

about their shopping list than their

a shopping spree where the parking

safety, especially excited children.

charges cost more than some presents

between pace and economy at the press of a button.

That’s the part of the Mercedes-Benz driving appeal that I especially liked about the GLA. It’s small and compact while being great to drive.

There’s a solid feel to the car and the comfort of sure footed handling that puts you at ease.

That driving experience is helped by the large 18in wheels that give the car some presence as well as contributing to that solid driving feel.

That solid feel permeates throughout the GLA;

it’s not a badge thing, even though that extra appeal is obvious. Both inside and outside the MercedesBenz presence is obvious.

An electronic handbrake takes over from the traditional foot operated one for other larger cars in the Mercedes-Benz range.

The entire dash area is uncluttered. The column shift control lever for the automatic gearbox leaves the centre console area clear for use of the multifunction control dial.

This dial operates all of the functions on the larger floating infotainment

screen.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a Smartphone Integration function which allows iPhones and Android smart-phones to be integrated into the vehicle using Apple CarPlayTM or Android Auto respectively.

There is a raft of safety features included and that’s why the GLA received a five star rating in the Euro NCAP test programme when the previous model was tested three years ago.

If anything, the current GLA should excel with

attention assist, active brake assist to warn of cars or obstacles ahead. This system is able to trigger autonomous braking if a rear-end collision appears imminent and the driver fails to react, so preventing an accident or at least minimising the consequences.

This upgraded GLA is a car that’s crafted for downsizing. If you want to downsize with comfort, good economy and low running costs, then include it in the shopping list for a compact SUV. At €35,400 its more expensive than an Audi Q2, has better driving comfort and presence, suppor ted on bigger wheels.

You’ll need to move up the specification ladder to get the benefits of the smooth sever-speed automatic gearbox, and it’s worth it.

5. Some car parks are not as well-lit as others so it’s a good idea to put your

6. Choose your parking neighbours

themselves. Have a look and see if your

and space carefully as a car which is

town have special offers on parking

looked after and in good condition is less

around the festive season some car

likely to have a door open into yours.

parks in the city have reduced rates on

Also, although never on purpose, a car

certain days and for late night shop-

with child seats in it might have children

ping, while some shopping centres offer

who are not quite as careful in charge of

free parking.

the door.

2. Think about where you leave your

7. Reverse park or drive in? Use the

vehicle in a multi-story car park. Always

option which suits you best; if you need

choose your space on when you plan to

to put your shopping in the boot when

return, it is never nice to return to the

you return consider driving into the

only car left on the top floor of a now

space, reverse parking is not always the

relatively empty car park.

best solution.

3. At any one time, hundreds of driv-

8. Avoid leaving your ticket in the car

ers on Dublin roads are in city centres

and make sure you put it somewhere

searching for a parking space, on

safe, if you are a regular at losing tick-

average it takes 10-15 minutes to find

ets, take a quick photo of it so you have

somewhere to park and during busy

all the details to hand just in case it is

periods that time frame gets bigger! So

not your day again.

make sure you add the time it will take to get parked up into your time plan for the day.

4. Try to avoid returning to your

9. If you have used a pay and display, set an alarm on your phone to remind you what time it runs out, it can be

vehicle to leave your presents while

very easy to let time slip by without you

you continue on, unfortunately thieves

noticing.

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE STYLE

 The special limited edition gold Hope pendant (€65) and Hope keyring (below, €25)in support of Pieta House

HOPE

IS THE KEY

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

DUBLIN jewellery designer, MoMuse, has brought back the Hope pendant with 100% of its proceeds go to Pieta House.

She also introduced the new limited edition leather Hope keyring.

All proceeds generated from each piece will be donated to Irish suicide and self-harm prevention charity, Pieta House, to aid in its efforts to help people feel hopeful about the future, while continuing to tackle the grave issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland today.

I n S e p t e m b e r 2 015 , MoMuse founder and designer, Margaret O’Rourke introduced the special limited edition gold Hope pendant in support of Pieta House.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the public, with purchases from home soil and as far afield as Australia, the Hope pendant sold out in just four weeks, resulting in over €18,265 in funds being raised for Pieta House.

Mo Mu s e i s d e l i g h t e d t o

announce the return of the Hope pendant for a limited period of time, again with 100% proceeds going to the good work of Pieta House.

“Pieta House empowers people through generating hope and through creating acceptance – my own wish is that this keyring and pendant can in-turn inspire hope in others too. Be it a symbol, a special reminder or a sign of support, you can carry Hope with you everywhere you go,” Margaret said.

“I was so moved by t h e ove r-

whelming response to our first collaboration and the positivity shared by those who supported the project. With every purchase, a real-life story came with it, which inspired me to design a new piece, to bring this message of hope to a wider audience. Hope is the key.”

Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta

House said: “Whilst these items are limited edition, hope is not. This simple message of wearing hope and letting others see its beauty, holding onto hope and indeed giving hope to others is so simple yet so powerful. We are so grateful to MoMuse and the people who will support this wonderful concept for helping us move closer to seeing our vision realised of ‘a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced with hope, self-care and acceptance.”

Hand finished by Margaret O’Rourke, the Hope pendant will retail at €65.00 and the Hope keyring will retail at €25.00, w i t h 10 0 % o f proceeds donated to Pieta House.

The Hope pendant and keyring are available now in store in MoMuse, Ground Floor, Powerscourt Town Centre and online at http://www.momuse.ie/

 Irish jewellery designer Margaret O’Rourke and Brian Higgins, Pieta House CEO, pictured at the MoMuse launch of a specialedition Hope pendant in support of Pieta House

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

A cut above the rest at Boca Cafe

Go loca for Boca – quality coffee and homemade sandwiches elevate the IFSC’s café offering  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

BOCA Cafe strives for quality, and in a sea of generic IFSC coffee chains, this is a place where you can get a proper sandwich.

“I was sick of walking over that bridge,” owner Keith Ryan tells Dublin Gazette.

Having lived in Spencer Dock for seven years and having to constantly walk across the Samuel Beckett for a decent sandwich and coffee, he decided three years ago he was going to take matters into his own hands.

“I love a good sandwich and there was nothing over this side of the bridge, so the idea was to bring quality sandwiches here. People I know who work around here were saying the same thing, they were fed up walking over the bridge and that was the eureka moment.

“We were originally going to call it Bocadillo, [Boc-a-dee-yo] which means sandwich

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK

The modern yet comfy Boca Cafe and (right) barista Juliet McBain, barista Natalia Grabowska, owner Keith Ryan and chef Kevin Byrne

in Spanish but nobody could pronounce it,” he jokes.

So the name was shortened to Boca, which means ‘taste’ or ‘mouth’ – perfectly fitting for a cafe dedicated to excellent coffee and sandwiches, which are a meal in themselves.

Homemade

With choices like the Chicken and Chorizo (which contains roast lemon chicken with chorizo, mozzarella, carrot and fennel slaw and pesto mayo on sourdough) or the Roast Beef (with caramelised onion, vintage cheddar, tomato, celeriac slaw and horseradish mayo) the menu has been carefully thought out by Keith, manager Niamh Barry, and head chef Kevin Byrne.

Formerly of Green Bench cafe on Montague Street, Byrne’s reputation for crafting a whopper sandwich precedes him.

“We’re striving for quality here,” he says.

“All the meat is slow-roasted and all of A velvety smooth flat white the sauces are scratch made in house. It takes longer, but it’s worth it, and we try to get better and better every week.”

All the sandwich ingredients, down to the pesto and the ketchup, are made in Boca’s kitchen.

“Absolutely no corners are cut and it tastes better this way.”

Breakfast is also an event here, with the star of the show being the Avo and Eggs on Toast – a crisp slice of sourdough topped with avocado, bacon, feta, tomatoes and two soft poached eggs. The perfect feed before a busy day in the IFSC. Avo and Eggs on Toast Anything not made in house is provided

One of Boca’s signature sandwiches

by quality Irish suppliers; Baker Street Bakery provide the breads and the baked goods and sweet treats come from nearby Camerino Bakery.

As for the coffee, Boca uses Full Circle Coffee Roasters, and head barista Natalia explains they use single origin beans from Altos de Erapuca in Honduras, roasted by Full Circle founder Brian Birdy.

The flat white is velvety smooth, naturally sweet and made with care. It’s up there with the best of Dublin’s top coffee spots and will no doubt become a must try destination for connoisseurs and caffeine lovers alike.

Bold and Bright

Located on Spencer Dock, behind the Convention Centre, Boca is a comfortable spot for group and solo dining.

Spacious and high ceilinged, the decor is clean, bold and bright. And while Keith says there are a few finishing touches to be added, its vibe is modern yet welcoming, and there’s plenty of room to sit in and enjoy lunch without having to rush back to the office.

They also deliver to offices in the area.

Boca have been open for just a few months but are quickly establishing themselves as a one of Dublin’s best new cafes.

“I used to walk around the block here with my daughter Holly and if you had have told me three years ago, that I would have a cafe here up and running, I would have said you were mental.”

Keith’s business partner Marco Garbinesi had always wanted to open and cafe and with encouragement from both him and Keith’s wife Orla, Boca was born.

“It’s been hard work but I feel like this is a place I could happily sit in and have a coffee, it’ll be a nice moment when I get a chance to do that.”

Boca Café is located at Unit C5 Ground Floor, Kilmore House, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1.

Open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.

Check them out on Facebook @BocaCafe and Instagram @bocacafespencerdock.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

THE DISASTER ARTIST: THE FILM OF THE BOOK ABOUT MAKING ‘THE ROOM’ – A MOVIE SO BAD, IT’S LOVED BY MILLIONS

ReelReviews

A hilarious tribute to a notoriously awful film YOU’D be forgiven for any ignorance of James Franco’s filmmaking career.

Given themostly negative responses his directorial efforts have received, much of Franco’s work has flown under the radar.

The actor has demonstrated a taste for projects based on work by literary giants, adapting two of William Faulkner’s most famous books and directing a film version of Cormac McCarthy’s violent andperverse novel, Child of God. With The DisasterArtist, Franco undertakes another literary adaptation, this time tackling Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell’s nonfiction book of the same name – an account of the making of writer-producer-director-actor Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film The Room, a modern cult classic beloved by hordes and widely considered to be one of the worst films ever made.

W hile the critical responses to Franco’s aforementioned adapta-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

tions were sweepingly negative, The Disaster Artist received a standing ovation at its South By Southwest festival premiere. One can’t help but feel like Franco was born to play Tommy, effusing all that same chaotic mystery that anyone familiar with The Room can’t quite explain or understand – and can’t help but love.

Franco moulds a story of resounding failure into an inspirational movie-abouta-movie; through Franco, Tommy becomes a chaotic force, inspiring change whether he intends it or not.

Of course, it’ll help if you’ve actually seen The Room before witnessing the bizarre circumstances of its production and the mad, often mystifying man behind it – Franco’s

performance may come across just as baffling otherwise.

Tommy Wiseau has to be seen to be believed, so do yourself a favour and check out any of the many interviews with him before purchasing a ticket.

Dave Franco (brother of James) plays Greg Sistero, an aspiring actor living in San Francisco in the late-90s. After meeting the bizarre, infectious and completely uninhibited Tommy in an acting class, the pair decides to chase success in Los Angeles. When fame seems completely out of reach, Tommy writes, directs and stars in his own movie and Greg agrees to act in it. Completely funded

by Tommy, “The Room” seems sets for disaster, driving Tommy into further delusion and infecting Greg’s professional and personal life.

The Disaster Artist also features Seth Rogen and Paul Scheer as the film’s script-supervisor and DOP – at times the only people

BATTLE OF THE SEXES Game for a good movie

A REAL-life sports feud carries a serious message behind its breezy facade, with The Battle of the Sexes (Cert 12A, 121 mins) serving up an entertaining but also thoughtful film. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are great as tennis champs Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, whose 1973 grudge match put gender equality in the centre court, as each took their best shots at defending their differences.

SUBURBICON

Nasty neighbours galore THE FILM poster has lots of multi-star praise – but many film critics have slated this misfiring dud from director George Clooney. Suburbicon (Cert 15A, 104 mins) takes a look at the darkness behind idyllic suburbia in late 1950s America, but the lurking violence and latent racism the film portrays aren’t exactly shocking, with the current climate in America hurting the film’s narratives.

James Franco (above) is great as Tommy Wiseau, with Franco, and the film, nailing both Wiseau (right) and the source film’s sheer oddness, right down to The Room’s terrible, cheap sets

holding the production together.

Alison Brie stars as Greg’s girlfriend Amber and Josh Hutcherson as one of “The Room’s” illfated actors. However, despite commendable turns from its supporting cast, and cameos from Sharon Stone, Zac Efron and Brian Cranston, The Disaster Artist is all about Tommy.

James’s performance is pitch-perfect and avoids stumbling into imperson-

ation territory, a trap that would have been all too easy to fall into.

Franco becomes Tommy Wiseau and, in the process, turns in one of the most enigmatic and bafflingly inspirational performances we’ve seen this year.

Despite Franco’s directorial fumbles in the past, his fervour and determination as a director is commendable and somewhat mirrors Tommy’s own mad conviction. It’s a real

treat, then, to see Franco succeed in that area. The Disaster Artist often stumbles in terms of narrative coherence, yet remains enlightening, moving, downright hilarious and – one can’t help but feel – a deeply personal project for Franco.

Most significantly, however, it does the impossible – it actually leaves you wanting to watch The Room again.

Verdict: 8/10

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Underwhelming heroes SUPERHERO fatigue seems to be setting in, with Justice League (Cert 12A, 120 mins) on track to be an underwhelming flop. While Marvel’s latest Thor was warmly received, Justice League has been getting the cold shoulder from many, with its slightly mismatched – and not in a good way – group of superheroes stuck with some ugly visuals, a forgettable villain, and an unsuccessful franchise entry.

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Seasonal specials for some festive luxury

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

TravelShorts

The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff

Tis the Season for Giving GET Christmas wrapped up early this year and start ticking people off your gift list with a voucher from Eccles Hotel.

The hotel – located in Glengarriff Harbour – offers spectacular views second to none and won’t be beaten when it comes to a winter break in West Cork.

Trinity City Hotel Christmas Entrance Lobby

Choose one of their experiences from an  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

WE’VE all dreamed of a Christmas dinner that doesn’t involve slaving over a hot stove or mountains of washing up – so this year why not check in and relax in festive luxury?

There are a variety of seasonal specials on offer which mean you don’t have to break the bank and you won’t have to drive for hours to reach your destination either.

The holiday season at The Shelbourne is when the hotel looks at its very best, full of glitter and magic, where centuries of Dubliners meet to celebrate Christmas and where fun, style and delicious food and festive drinks are the order of the day.

Celebrate the ringing out of the old and in of the new in the magnificent Saddle Room Restaurant.

T hen move to the glamour and the buzz of No. 27 Bar & Lounge to ring in the New Year.

Including one nights accommodation in one of The Shelbourne’s gor-

geous Deluxe rooms, and traditional Irish breakfast on New Year’s Day, New Year’s packages at The Shelbourne cost from €295 per person sharing per night, with upgrades to Park View rooms from €100 (01 6634500).

If you want to prolong that festive feeling with a post-Christmas break it’s a wonderful life at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa this ‘Twixmas’.

Mulled wine & mince pies, fun board games by the fire, your favourite classic Christmas movies, a relaxing Festive back massage in The Island Spa, beach walks and more will ensure that the joy and magic of Christmas lingers well into the New Year.

Beach walks

A t wo - n i g h t s t ay including breakfast, spa treatment and all the festive trimmings – with bracing beach walks on your doorstep – costs from €310 per person sharing (w w w.inchydoneyisland.com).

For a bit of festive fizz and the best of city cen-

overnight stay to afternoon tea or give the gift of choice and select an Eccles Hotel monetary voucher for friends and family this Christmas.

The hotel has earned a deserved reputation for its full Irish breakfast and

Treat yourself to a two-night break at Brooks Hotel

friendly service – and the home-baked brown bread is the best you’ll taste.

AFTERNOON TEA FOR 2 Treat someone special to sumptuous afternoon tea lovingly prepared by the hotel’s head chef. Relish three tiers of heavenly delicacies – perfect to be savoured together

Enjoy a post-Christmas break at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

tre shopping why not hole up at Trinity City Hotel.

They say good things come in threes and that’s cer tainly tr ue here. Urban, vibrant and smart it’s the perfect base for shopping, lunch and a retail blitz with an extra 10% at the Kilkenny store exclusive to guests.

The shop and drop package includes overnight accommodation for two with breakfast the following morning,

Enjoy the holiday season at The Shelbourne

a glass of Prosecco on arrival and 10% off at in store at Kilkenny on Nassau Street from €175 per room per night (trinitycityhotel.com).

If it’s spectacular surroundings you’re after Fota Island Resor t’s Christmas experience takes some beating.

The gorgeous woodlands are transformed into a winter wonderland and family packages ensure there’s a bit of yuletide cheer for young and old alike.

Prices range from €250 for an overnight stay with B&B for two adults and one child sharing a classic king hotel room to €595 for two nights in one of Fota Island Resort’s selfcatering lodges (www. fotaisland.ie).

Alternatively, treat yourself to a decadent two-night break on your doorstep at the stylish four-star Brooks Hotel on Drury Street.

Arrive on Christmas Eve to bubbly and festive

canapes by the fire and on Christmas morning, after unwrapping your personally selected gift, enjoy a full Irish either in your room or in the dining room.

Five-course Christmas lunch is served at 1pm and afterwards relax in the Jasmine Bar to the sound of resident pianist.

This exquisite package is priced from €300 per night (01 670 4000 or visit www.brookshotel. ie).

overlooking the bay…

ONE NIGHT ESCAPE Give the gift of relaxation… Leave the world behind and enjoy a night away in a classic double or twin room, with threecourse dinner for two and full Irish breakfast.

Between now and Christmas the Eccles Hotel is offering 10% off the price of all gift vouchers bought over the phone on FRIDAYS. Call 027 63093 to avail of this offer.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

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GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

FastSport CLARKE HAT TRICK OF TRIES POWERS BLUES: LEINSTER’s women’s rugby team began the defence of their Interprovincial title with a solid and deserved 34-10 bonus point win over Ulster in Dromore.

Adam Griggs’ side are a very impressive outfit and were made work hard for their victory by a gallant Ulster team.

Leinster led 10-0 at the break following tries from Aimee Clarke and Lindsey Peat out wide on the right.

Ulster had been tight and controlled in that first half and tried to limit Leinster’s opportunities but they were being tested to the limit by the probing Leinster side.

Michelle Claffey added another try before Ulster bounced back but a fourth Leinster try from Railway Union full-back Susan Vaughan put the blues out of sight before Clarke cross twice more.

BASKETBALL: LIFFEY CELTIC STAR COMBINING ELITE SPORT WITH STUDIES

Tiernan’s Ireland ambition powered by family support

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

LIFFEY Celtics is something of a family affair for rising star Sorcha Tiernan.

Her father is the chairman of the club and her sister plays alongside her on the team but its not something they were born into.

“My sister started off in the academy when she was seven or eight and then I just sort of naturally followed her at Liffey Celtics,” Tiernan told the Gazette after the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup basketball season.

“Neither of my parents played basketball but it just happened that we fell in love with it and we both still play a lot. My younger brother plays as well. We tried every sport when we were younger, but it just happened to be the one we all stuck with.”

Tiernan has been kept busy both on and off court this year as she prepares to sit her Leaving Certificate next June, while playing basketball for her school, club and country.

She will compete for her school Colaiste Chiarain

Lauren D’Arcy, Our Lady’s Terenure, Sorcha Tiernan, Colaiste Chiaran, Leixlip and Lynn Tunnah, St Louis Rathmines at the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Leixlip in the Under-19 A semi-final come January and lines out for the Celtics’ Super League and Under-20 sides, as well as donning the green jersey at both senior and Under18 level.

“It can be hard at times to juggle but you just have to make sure that you are pre-

pared for everything; like you have your homework done on time. Most of the time, my teachers are quite understanding if I am going to matches and stuff like that.

“You just know that school is very important this year but basketball is obviously very important to me too so I just

have to make sure that I am prepared for both of them,” said Tiernan.

The world is still at the feet of the 18-year-old but college is something high on her agenda.

“I want to go to college so I’m kind of in the process of trying to decide what I want

to do at the moment. I really like maths so I’m thinking actuarial or engineering or something along those lines.

Obviously, that is pointsdependent so I’ll see how I get on throughout the year.”

W here she will attend college is still up in the air but one thing for sure is that she wants it to be in Ireland.

“I was talking to a few schools at the start of the year but I’m unsure if I really want to go away. I think I would probably like to stay at home and go to school in Ireland so that’s where my head is at the moment.”

Tiernan was involved as Celtics’ won the women’s super league for the first time in their 14-year history last season.

“We are quite a young club so it is great to see how well we are doing especially at senior level. At underage level, our teams are generally near the top of the Dublin leagues every year.

“It’s great to be able to play for your club team at such a high level with so many players who have come up through the club,” Tiernan concluded.

DCU show no Mercy in classic Hula Hoops cup tie  sport@dublingazette.com

Close encounters between DCU Mercy and Liffey Celtics.

Picture: Martin Doherty

“IF ANYBODY is going to watch a women’s sport, they need to come and watch women’s basketball,” stated DCU Mercy head coach, Mark Ingle on Friday evening as his side kept their cool in the dying seconds of their Hula Hoops Women’s quarter-final showdown against Courtyard Liffey Celtics to win out 81-76.

In one of the games of the season so far, the top two sides on the Women’s Super League table dished up an absolutely superb

game of basketball in front of a packed gym and, by the end of the first quarter, it was already clear that a nail-biting finish was in the pipeline.

DCU stormed into an early ten-point lead midway through the first, with Alex Masaquel and Tiffany Corselli carving holes in the Liffey Celtics defence to give them a 5-15 cushion.

The home team regrouped quickly though, and an in-form Aine O’Connor and Jazmen Boone closed the gap back to just two points at the end of the first, and it was officially game on.

A huge second quarter display from both sides kept the scoreline neck-in-neck, with Liffey drawing level midway through and taking a narrow 40-37 point lead into the dressing room at half time.

But the battle was far from over, with DCU edging ahead (56-59) by the end of the third teeing up a nerve-wracking finale.

Brilliant displays at both ends of the court saw an absolute showcase of basketball put on for the crowd, with Aisling Sullivan, Corselli and Masaquel wowing for DCU, while O’Connor, Boone and Devon Brookshire had the

home crowd on their feet.

It wasn’t to be for last year’s finalists though, as with seven seconds on the clock, Liffey tried in vain to bag the much-needed three-pointer to send the game to overtime, but DCU’s Rachel Huijsdens had other ideas, and finished off a fast break in style to put her team up by five and send them through to the Hula Hoops National Cup semi-finals in Cork in January.

“It was a great game,” said DCU coach, Mark Ingle.

“We’re on a pretty good run and we’ve started to play well.”

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

Season of Sundays paints picture of memorable 2017

FASTSport

Sportsfile photographer Brendan Moran speaks about what makes their annual GAA album such a special project each year  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ICONIC GAA photobook A Season Of Sundays has returned in its 2017 form with a beautiful visual summary of the year in the association.

Brendan Moran, a senior photographer at the agency that created the book, Sportsfile, tells us that as well as being a nice look back, the book is a chance to contextualise another year in the sports.

With Dublin having clocked three in a row and Cuala taken a senior hurling title, it’s been a good year for the county.

But there have also been interesting developments elsewhere, too, from the outstanding Slaughtneil

(Derry)’s breathtaking cross-code success to events in Boston and Singapore, and, of course, Galway ending their long wait to get their hands on Liam McCarthy.

“The book is great from a photography point of view,” Moran explains.

“It’s a chance to use pictures that might not be in demand for newspaper publication. The book is about historical context as well as what’s happened this year.

“We might have captured someone who’s retired back when they were playing as a kid, for example.

“The crowds become a historical record of Ireland at that time, with the fashion and the hairstyles and all that,

and the development of grounds, some of which have changed a lot over the years.

Helicopter “This year, we went up in a helicopter to capture the first day of the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It doesn’t really make sense to do that for one game until you think about the historical context of it.

“It’s a moment in the GAA’s history that will never happen again and you’ll only have one chance to do it.”

Like the professionalism and growing commercialisation of the GAA, the progress of Sportsfile’s photography – evident through the ‘Season of Sunday’ books over the years – is some-

Capturing the emotion of championship action as Aidan Devaney shouts out during Sligo’s Connacht senior championship tie against New York. Picture: Sportsfile

thing that’s resulted in heavy adaptation.

“It’s logistically far more difficult today. The game has got far more professional,” Moran explains.

“As a photographer, you go to a game having an idea what the picture might be.

“We rotate photographers at venues as, after a while, it’s very difficult to get a new angle on a venue.

“We all love it when somewhere new opens as, for a couple of years, you’ll still be working out how to get the best pictures from it.

“But you have to take into account the commercial use of a photo. Sometimes, they might want a particular player with a sponsor’s sign in the background, for example.

“You have to know the game, know who’s likely to do what, how a team plays, and where you’re likely to get the best pictures.

“Obviously you can’t control what happens on the pitch, but you can stack the odds in your favour.

“What’s great about a Season of Sundays, though, is that you can forget all of that for a moment and just ask yourself what the best picture is, and what it says.

“It’s become a lot harder over the years, as we have a vast number of pictures to choose from, but you can look back over the book and really picture the moments.

“It can become more difficult when the same

team keeps winning.

There wasn’t the same sheer joy after wards when Kilkenny kept winning the hurling over and over, and having the same faces lifting the trophy isn’t great for the photographer.

“I’ll never forget in 1995, one of my first All Ireland’s, when Clare first won [Liam McCarthy] after so many years. You could just see it meant everything.”

Murphy set for Ulster JORDI Murphy is bound for Ulster next season, making the switch from Leinster after 95 appearances and 17 tries since his debut in September 2011.

A graduate of Blackrock College, he captained Leinster A to the British & Irish Cup and was also part of the 2013/14 PRO12 winning side, starting 18 times that season. He has also played 18 times for Ireland “I’ve loved my time at Leinster and have made friendships that will last a lifetime,” Murphy said.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

BOXING: BALLYBRACK FIGHTER IMPRESSES AFTER SLOW START

McAfee and O’Donovan fight out classic draw STEPHEN McAfee was hoping for a bigger challenge in his third professional fight, and he certainly got his wish as he battled out an epic draw with Colin O’Donovan on the Celtic Clash 4 card at the National Stadium last weekend.

The Sallynoggin native enjoyed comfortable victories over Marcin Ficner and Attila Horvath, but the bout with Cork man O’Donovan, fought at super featherweight, was seen as his biggest test to date, and it didn’t disappoint.

The contest got off to a cagey start with both fighters looking to feel their way into the fight.

McAfee appeared to edge the opening round, before looking to make an impression in the second as he hunted his opponent down. His relentless pressure was frustrating the Corkman and resulted in O’Donovan throwing a couple of shots well after the bell had gone.

McAfee didn’t react to this slight, however, and continued about his business at the start of the third. He landed several more clean blows, but O’Donovan finally recomposed himself to finish the round stronger.

It was hard to split the two men over rounds four and five, with both shown spurts of the aggression that would define the final round.

The fight drifted into the sixth and final round with the victory up for grabs, and both men gave those in attendance a spectacle that will last long in the memory.

McAfee was the one on the front foot, but O’Donovan was finding success with some well-placed counter shots. McAfee landed a sensational hook to bust the nose of O’Donovan but he responded in fine fashion to draw blood himself - turning both fighters’ white shorts a shade of crimson.

The crowd responded by jumping to their feet in excitement as they exchanged blows to finish out the best fight of the year on these shores.

Both men ended the contest bruised and bloody, with Irish boxing the clear winner as a rematch is looking more and more likely.

Niall O’Connor celebrates his win at the Celtic Clash. Picture: Alan Finn

O’Connor too good for Prieto  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

NIALL O’Connor secured his second win as a professional boxer last weekend after proving far too strong for Spaniard Manuel Prieto on the Celtic Clash 4 undercard at the National Stadium.

The Ballybrack light welterweight was slow to get into the fight but eventually found his rhythm and won on a third round stoppage.

“I started off a bit slow,” O’Connor told Dublin Gazette after the fight. “I don’t know what it was but I didn’t

feel as sharp. I went back to the corner and I knew I needed to just get with it. Get the jab going and stuff like that. What the lads tell me to work on in the gym, I just did it.

“I thought I did well today though. I was nice and relaxed waiting for him to tire out, make him miss, take his heart away, then load up on the hard right-hands.”

O’Connor defeated Pal Olah in his debut bout but was left frustrated by the negative Pole. This time round he was posed a much more positive challenge and he was all the happier for it.

“He came to fight,

JUNIOR PARKRUN Marlay welcomes new addition to Sundays PARKRUN Ireland, in partnership with Vhi,

expanded their range of junior events to thirteen with the introduction of the Marlay junior parkrun on Sunday morning.

Pictured is Tom Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown with volunteers.

Junior parkruns are 2km long and cater for four to 14-year-olds, free of charge.

They provide a fun and safe environment for children to enjoy exercise. To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie.

Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

he wasn’t negative,” O’Connor said. “You get a lot of those journeymen who are just there to get their wages then say ‘fight next week?’ but he came to fight so props to him.”

Despite coming to fight, the damage eventually told on Prieto and he was visibly less inclined to come forward as the fight wore on.

“He was then sent to the canvas after absorbing a number of big shots.

“I don’t think he wanted to know anymore, even when he got back up. Every time I hit him he was wincing. I hurt

him with a right and I knew then that if I put in on him, I would be able to finish him.

“You can watch all the videos you like of these lads, then when they come out it is completely different. I don’t really what to expect before my fights.

“I just try to keep calm and do what my trainer tells me to do. Stick to the plan that is going to win. That is what I’m going to do from now on anyway.”

O’Connor also praised his family for continuing to show support by buying tickets to the events “Huge props to my

family and friends because without them buying tickets, I wouldn’t’ be boxing. It’s a hard aul graft the pro game.

“People s aw good fights tonight. It wasn’t boring so people will come back and pay money for the next one.”

With someone coming at me more, I was able to counter more and show a bit of my boxing.

Loughlinstown fight Jay Byrne was the comain event on the card and he left the arena as the new BUI Celtic welterweight champion after a knockout victory over Ger Whitehouse.

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: CABO SKIPPER MOVES ON TO LONGFORD

MEN’SHockey

John Mullins on the attack for Three Rock Rovers. Picture: Adrian Boehm Daire Doyle, pictured captaining Cabinteely against Bluebell earlier this season. Picture: Paul Lundy

Doyle bows out after 20-year pro career LOI FIRST DIVISION  sport@dublingazette.com

DA I R E D o y l e h a s announced his retirement from playing, and will move on to pastures new by taking up the role as assistant manager at Longford Town.

The former midfielder, who spent time on the books of Coventry City, Kidderminster Harriers, Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne amongst others, joined Cabinteely in a player-coach role at the start of last season.

The 37-year-old made 16 appearances for the South Dublin side, scoring once as Cabo finished sixth in the SSE Airtricity First Division. He will now continue his career on the coaching side of football as he takes on the role of right-hand man to Longford Town boss Neale Fenn. He joined Longford in 2007 as player and spent two seasons at the City Calling Stadium, scoring twice in 61 appearances but suffering relegation at the end of the first season. He elected to stay at Long-

ford and captained them in the First Division.

Doyle spoke to the official Longford Town website upon his arrival at the club and praised the experience he picked up during his time at Cabo.

“It was great to gain experience at Cabinteely working with Pat [Devlin], Eddie [Gormley] and Graham [O’Hanlon] last season. Among them they have so much experience that I could take all that in, and I feel that time spent with them will help me going forward.

“I have been coaching at various levels over the last eight years, from schoolboy football right up to being a player-coach at Cabinteely last season.

But with now having finished up playing, I can concentrate on putting my all into the role. I know I will miss playing but if not playing, coaching is the closest you can get to it. It’s what I’ve been working towards for when I finished playing so I can’t wait to get going.

Now a competitor of Cabinteely, Doyle was pleased to learn of the

new format adopted for the First Division by the FAI. “I would have liked two up and two down automatically plus a playoff with third from [the] First Division against eight from the Premier.

Although I didn’t feel the FAI would go with this. I expected one up and one down with the winner of second and third versus ninth in the Premier playoff. With the new format for [the] First Division with second, third and fourth being in the mix for

promotion, it will definitely keep things interesting, so I do see that as a positive for the competiveness of all games as the season goes on,” Doyle said.

As well as Doyle’s departure, Stradbrook also saw an arrival last week with 22-year-old g o a l ke e p e r S t e p h e n McGuinness joining Cabo from Drogheda United. McGuinness was voted as Drogheda’s Player of the Year last season and previously played under Devlin at Bray Wanderers.

Rovers and Monkstown lose ground DUBLIN rivals Pembroke and Three Rock Rovers shared a feisty 2-2 draw at Serpentine Avenue in the men’s EY Hockey League in which both sides had their moments to win the tie.

The Ballsbridge hosts took an early lead through Greg Chambers before Ben Walker made it 1-1 in the 18th minute from a corner move. Richard Pautz put Rovers in front for the first time just before half-time.

Rovers had a trio of good chances to go further up before Pembroke had their spell in the ascendancy with Alan Sothern levelling with 11 minutes to go following Kirk Shimmins’ excellent run.

Sothern, though, made a rare mis-step in front of goal from a penalty stroke which he put wide with five minutes to go. Richard Sweetnam did brilliantly to save off the line from a Luke Madeley drag-flick at the end to ensure a draw.

Both sides have now completed the first half of their campaigns with Rovers sitting in second place with Pembroke in fourth, three points back and in decent shape to land one of the playoff places.

They both, though, have plenty of ground to make up on leaders Glenanne with the Tallaght club

three points clear of Three Rock with a game in hand.

They inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Lisnagarvey last Saturday at St Andrew’s with Eddie O’Malley scoring twice in addition to a Shane O’Donoghue rocket in a 3-2 success.

Elsewhere, Keith Black’s third goal of the day earned Cookstown a share of the points against Monkstown.

Monkstown led three times, the first of which came eight minutes in from Karl Smith’s corner rebound.

Michael Kerr levelled from a corner before Black tapped in his first at the back post for a 2-1 lead but they saw the lead swap once again before half-time.

Guy Sarratt nailed a drag-flick for 2-2 and Shane Nolan made it 3-2 to Monkstown at half-time. Black smashed home for equality for a third time early in the second half following an overhead and Mark Crooks’ subsequent deft touch into the path of Black Nolan nabbed another for a 4-3 lead from the second phase of a penalty corner but they could not make the lead stick. Matthew Rollins’ determined tackling fell for Black at the back post and he added the simple finish.



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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

FOOTBALL: NEW UCD PITCH A TRIBUTE TO A DUBLIN AND UNIVERSITY LEGEND

FASTGAA

Dunne honoured for her brilliant 2017 year in blue CUALA’S Jennifer Dunne, second from right, was named the Dublin minor players’ player of the year at the Dublin ladies Gaelic football awards evening in Croke Park last Friday.

She is pictured alongside, from left to right, joint senior players player of the year Nicole Owens and Sinead Aherne, senior player of the years Olwen Carey, Dublin LGFA chairman Joe Keane and, on the far right,, Dublin minor player of the year Siabh Hannigan.

It follows a groundbreaking year for the sport with Dublin landing just their second All-Ireland title in September when they got the better of Mayo in the final in front of a record crowd.

Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Annette Billings, widow of the late David Billings catches up with Jim McClean, former Director of UCD Rugby. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Billings Park’s grand opening SENIOR FOOTBALL  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN and UCD played a lively senior football challenge match at Belfield on Thursday night to mark the opening of David Billings Park.

The pitch is named in honour of the Dublin, UCD and St Vincent’s stalwart and both sides served up an entertain-

ing tussle.

Several players who featured for the Dubs this year were involved such as David Byrne, Ciaran Reddin, Collie Basquel, Cormac Costello, Conor McHugh, Emmett O’Conghaile and Shane Carthy.

They were bolstered by members of this year’s All-Ireland Under21 winning side Sean McMahon, Aaron Elli-

ott and Glenn O’Reilly along with O’Byrne cup winners like John Brian Carthy, Eoin O’Brien, Ryan Deegan and Ross McGowan as well as two members of the 2016 minor team, Kevin Callaghan and Mal Tighe.

UCD settled better before Adam Rogers scored their first of Dublin’s seven goal and, by the interval, a Cormac Costello goal had Dublin

2-7 to 0-11 ahead.

The students got level early in the second period but then Basquel stole the show as he scored a second half hat-trick to see Dublin run out 11-point victors.

Dublin footballers next play on Saturday, December 23 in the annual Dubs star game hosted by St Vincent’s (football 12.30pm; hurling 2pm).

Naomh Olaf David Byrne. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO results (November 30): numbers drawn were 11, 17, 19 and 22. Winner of €2,400 jackpot was Noel Reid from the Ballinteer Male Voice Choir.

Next week’s jackpot is €1,000.

The lotto joker is €400; winner of €100 D. Doyle; €50 Moira Flynn and Eamonn Lawler. Joker consolation prize: Thomas Waters.

Bingo every Monday at 8pm.

Parish Cup games on December 16 on the AWP. Cup presentation and player of the year awards in all codes in the clubhouse on the night of December 16.

BSJ Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 16.

Looking for sports gear for Christmas? The club shop is open in Aras Naomh Eoin

(clubhouse) on Thursday from 7.30-8.30pm and Saturday from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Free car BSJ stickers with club crest now available in club shop.

CUALA

MANY thanks to all those who came to our Strategic Plan launch and to all those who volunteered to decorate the hall for the occasion. It looked fantastic.

Well done to our senior hurlers who defeated Kilcormac-Killoughey in Portlaoise last Sunday to win their second Leinster SHC in a row. Well done also to the huge travelling support who made the journey down to cheer on the lads.

Hard luck to our U-21 footballers who lost 1-12 to 1-9 away to Na Fianna in the semifinal of the A championship in a

keenly contested match.

The club AGM has been moved to Thursday, December 14 in the Royal Marine at 8pm, not Wednesday, December 6 as previously advertised.

This week’s jackpot will be €12,500. Our lucky dip winners last week were Bob Allen and Edel Boland.

KILMACUD CROKES

THE annual club benevolent draw will take place in the club on Saturday, December 9 at 9pm.This is always a great fun night of music and comedy. Free admission.

All donations for prizes very welcome and can be dropped into the club ahead of the draw or on the night. Raffle tickets also available in the club and on the night. Please support this great club night. All proceeds to the fund.

Football section AGM will take place on Sunday, December 10 in the function room at 8.30pm.

All are welcome.

Annual Christmas pitch and putt will take place on Saturday, December 16. Usual format. Contact Gerry Greene for info.

SHANKILL

THE academy on Saturday morning at 10am in St Laurence’s College and is sponsored by O’ Donnell’s Pharmacy, is the last training session this year as we take a break for the Christmas holidays. We will return at the end of January 2018 for another exciting year.

Rumours are flying around the village about the visit of a special person to the academy on Saturday so make sure that you arrive early to enjoy the

fun.

The AGM will be held in St Anne’s Resource Centre Shankill at 8pm on Monday, January 29, 2018. Notice of motions or nominations for the committee must be submitted in writing to the secretary before the end of December 2017.

The ladies adult football team is going from strength to strength with all abilities catered for so check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group; e-mail stevedavis203@ gmail.com or contact Steve on 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team have ambitions to climb up through the league divisions so new players are always welcome; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact secretary.

shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club where everybody knows your name.

STARS OF ERIN

LAST Saturday, Santa arrived for the nursery kids.

Pine Forest Gaels U-12 footballers received their medals for winning both ;eagues.

No winner of the lotto jackpot. Numbers drawn were 4, 14, 17 and 21.

There was no winner; €20 winners: Sheila Malone, John Concannon, Lisa Kenna and Brian O’Flynn.

Next week’s jackpot is €2,300.

Thank you for all your support.

7 December 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: DALKEY CLUB IN PROVINCIAL SHC DREAMLAND AGAIN

REACTION

Cuala celebrate their second successive Leinster senior club hurling championship title.

Cuala cruise to back to back Leinster glory

LEINSTER SHC FINAL

Cuala 1-23 Kilcormac-Killoughey 1-9  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

CUALA followed up their first ever Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship title, won in 2016, with an immediate second on Sunday, taking a dominant but eventful 1-23 to 1-9 victory over Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly) at O’Moore Park.

The Dalkey club had effectively put the game to bed out of the blocks, scoring 1-8 before their opponents notched their first score in front of a boisterous traveling crowd in Portlaoise, with the provincial title topping an astonishing year for their key forward man.

Con O’Callaghan was once again at the heart of things, and the win marks a total of seven major trophies for the dual code man known as “The Answer” in the course of the calendar year.

Those wins have come for club and county, in hurling and football, and

at senior and under-21 level. He’s also taken a football All Star and Young Player of the Year.

This particular contest was not one of the closer ones that O’Callaghan’s been involved in, with the main man hitting 1-2 in the opening 18 minutes as he seemed to have the run of the park as Cuala smashed that early 1-8.

The goal came on 12 minutes, and it was direct, but vintage Cuala. A long free out of defence saw O’Callaghan break free of his marker, He duly beat Kilcormac-Killoughey’s goalkeeper Conor Slevin along the ground, from an angle that seemed almost impossibly tight.

The points were coming easily, too, so much so that heading towards half time, Cuala had already dug out an eleven point lead, finding space across O’Moore Park as the defensive strategy from the Offaly side barely slowed the holders.

The ever-reliable David Treacy was to hit an astonishing ten placed balls over the course of the game.

There was a brief hit back from for the underdogs before half time, but no sooner had it come than they undid their own good work.

Key man Conor Mahon was moved further up the pitch, and it was his bettering of Cian O’Callaghan under a high ball that saw him lash past Sean Brennan in the Cuala goal.

Mahon almost immediately grabbed at the helmet of Oisin Gough, however, and was sent from the pitch for his indiscipline, leaving the Dublin champions with a halftime advantage of both a chunky 1-10 to 1-2, and an extra man.

In truth, things had been over as a contest for some time before that, and the second half proved something of a procession, with Nicky Kenny, Colm Cronin, Jake Malone and Treacy impressing for Cuala, and Cian Waldron putting in a top-class cameo having replaced Paul Schutte towards the end of the first half.

As these things often go, the challengers were better

without realistically having a game to win, despite their man disadvantage.

Ger Healion made a solid full forward replacement for Mahon, and did cut the gap a little, with Sean Brannan even called into action to tip over a Ciaran Slevin penalty after Gough brought down Dan Currams.

There’s something really ruthless about this Cuala side, though, a dominance that’s seen them swat aside opposition recently with perhaps the great-

est ease they’ve shown to date, and while they now face a break heading into the semi-finals, there is no question their form in dominating contests is highly, highly promising.

Cuala will face an AllIreland semi-final in February against Galway’s new champions, Liam Mellows.

After by far the most successful year in the club’s history, they will already eyeing another trip to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

Paul Schutte lifts the Leinster cup

Schutte hails “small club values” on massive scale CUALA skipper Paul Schutte hailed the influence of manager Mattie Kenny for helping the club reach suc incredible heights in the past few seasons, winning three Dublin titles and a second Leinster crown last weekend with victory over Kilcormac Killoughey from Offaly.

In the wake of the final, he said that it is the perfect tonic for the club he has been a part of since his earliest days.

“It’s absolutely brilliant for all the families involved with Cuala. For the whole club, we’re constantly growing,” said Schutte.

“We just want to keep pushing on. The results would say the Dublin championship [was tougher than Leinster] because we were lucky against Brigid’s and Crokes to get over the line. The scorelines the last three days in Leinster have been pretty flattering towards us.

“Mattie has brought a bit of steel to us but what he’s also done, he’s come from a small club in Galway and he’s brought small-club values into a big club.

“We’re trying to implement that, just little things, going for food after games and bringing the family element into it. It’s been a huge achievement for us.”

For Kenny’s part, he added to RTE that “the journey continues”, saying “we’re very proud of the lads. It’s a great feeling to win.

“The first 15 minutes, we got some early scores. Our half-back line dominated their puckout a bit. We kept turning over the ball.

“We’d a bit of a purple patch in that quarter and built up an early lead, but by God we needed it. The momentum started to swing and Kilcormac started coming into it.

“It’s important that you recover and be fresh. We’ll get over tonight and tomorrow; then we’ll start planning for a huge clash in the semi-final.”

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 7 December 2017