DublinGazette SOUTH EDITION
2017
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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DLR AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
SPORT 2017’s year in review 28-31
AUGUST: IT’S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR MANY OF TEMPLE BAR’S COBBLES AS THEY FACE REMOVAL TO MAKE THE AREA MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL OCTOBER: CROWDS GATHER AT DUBLIN AIRPORT TO HELP GIVE IBRAHIM HALAWA A WELCOME HOME AS HIS EGYPTIAN PRISON NIGHTMARE FINALLY ENDS
CATHAOIRLEACH TOM MURPHY REVEALS FANTASTIC AMENITY
South Dublin park opens for first time EMMA NOLAN
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
MARCH: THE NATION IS SHOCKED AT THE LOSS OF FOUR RESCUE 116 HEROES, WITH TWO OF THE LOST CREW FROM DUBLIN
Picture: RTE Player
SEE INSIDE FOR OUR LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE TOP STORIES ACROSS DUBLIN
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THE YEAR IN REVIEWP6
JANUARY 4-10, 2018
DUBLIN’S newest park opened in Stepaside for a few hours on New Year’s Eve. Around 500 people got to have a glimpse of Fernhill Park and Gardens before it opens fully
to the public in 2018. Fernhill is a former substantial family residence with ancillary buildings situated on 34 hectares of gardens, parkland, woodland and agricultural land in an elevated location overlooking Dublin Bay.
Welcoming the first visitors to the estate, the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Tom Murphy said: “This new park will be a fantastic facility for our community. See full story on Page 2
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FERNHILL | NEW RECREATIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES PLANNED
500 get a glimpse of Dublin’s newest park EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN’S newest park opened in Stepaside for a few hours on New Year’s Eve. Five hundred people got to have a glimpse of Fernhill Park and Gardens before it opens fully to the public in 2018. Fernhill is a former substantial family residence with ancillary buildings situated on 34 hectares of gardens, parkland, woodland and agricultural land in an elevated location overlooking Dublin Bay. It was purchased by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for €4.25 million in December 2014. In September 2017, the council agreed a masterplan to develop the estate into a regional park. The first tracks and trails have been completed and the public were invited to visit the park on New Year’s Eve for the first of several planned partial openings that will occur as works proceed. Welcoming the first visitors to the estate,
the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Tom Murphy said: “This new park will be a fantastic facility for our community. Council officials have prepared a detailed proposal for the development of the park. “The plan includes a range of new recreational amenities and facilities, it also includes pedestrian and vehicular entrances from the Enniskerry Road. “The historic natural character of the site presents the opportunity for developing a unique public amenity, not only to serve Exploring one of the 150-year-old Giant Sequoia trees the residents of DLRCC and surrounding region, but also as a prime visitor attraction in close proximity to Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains National Park.” Also present on the day was Transport Minister Shane Ross who explored the park with his granddaughter. He said: “Fernhill Garden Sandyford opened for a few hours this morning. My granddaughter Issy and I hugged 33 trees!! Fernhill House Wonderful.”
Irish Ferries Investing €165m in new Ferry TOURISTS and hauliers sailing between Dublin and Holyhead will soon be able to travel on the world’s largest cruise ferry, following an order placed by Irish Ferries. T he new ship will set the company back €165.2 million, and will increase freight capacity by 50 per cent in comparison to the Ulysses ferry, and the number of cars on board by 200. The number of passengers that will be able to fit, however, will reduce by 50, from 1,850 to 1,800.
Amenities Facilities will be spread over three decks, with a variety of restaurants, enter tainment options, and club class amenities with direct access to car level. The new ferry is due to be completed by 2020.
FASTNews
‘We must stand up for Ireland and say no thanks Nigel’ NIGEL Farage has set his eyes on Ireland and its EU membership, following the vote for Brexit in the UK, a Fine Gael senator has claimed. The former UKIP leader is involved in Nigel Farage an anti-EU conference to be held by the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group in Dublin next month. Neale Richmond, spokesman on EU Affairs for the Seanad, said the group is spreading misinformation. “They incorrectly state that Ireland’s corporation tax rate of 12% is under attack,” said Richmond. “Firstly the current rate of corporation tax rate is at 12.5%, secondly it is not under threat and thirdly even if it was Ireland has a rock solid veto on this area.” The group also state Ireland’s biggest export partner is the UK, where it is third largest, after the US and Belgium, said Richmond. “We must take on the lies and mistruths being spread; stand up for Ireland and say no thanks Nigel.”
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 3
ANNUAL LUNCH | FESTIVE FEAST AT BLACKROCK RUGBY CLUB ‘A TRULY JOYOUS EVENT’
Making sure Christmas day is not a lonely one for locals EMMA NOLAN
OVER 200 people gathered in Blackrock Rugby Club on Christmas Day for the 31st annual lunch for people who are alone on Christmas. Organised every year by local activist Margaret Brown, this year’s event was a great success. “The idea of the lunch is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone and are socially isolated on Christmas Day,” Margaret told Dublin Gazette. “Some people really feel the pain of being alone at Christmas, for them it’s a time of isolation and loneliness, they find it difficult to get through the day when everyone else is with families and friends.” The guests attending the event came from a diverse range of places such as from Friends of the Elderly, Roch-
estown House, Glasthule Buildings, Beaufort and CrossCare to name a few. At 12 noon the traditional meal was served and then Santa arrived at 1pm with gifts for everyone. Entertainment in the afternoon was thanks to live music from William Byrne followed by dancing and a sing song. “It was a truly joyous day!” Margaret said. In addition to the lunch, 50 traditional dinners were delivered to Bentley House Homeless Hostel, hot meals were brought to the Traveller families in Ballyogan and to the families living in caravans at the west Pier in Dun Laoghaire. Margaret Brown thanked all the generous sponsors, volunteers, and the members and staff of Blackrock College RFC who provided the space.
Tom Murphy, Margaret Brown and Cllr Cormac Devlin
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Noel Vaughan, Emma Moore and An Cathaoirleach Tom Murphy and Rosie Mooney
Henry Moore
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 4 January 2018
COURTS | ‘VICIOUS ATTACK ON ENTIRELY INNOCENT PEOPLE’
Men jailed for attack on Afghani nationals TWO men have been jailed for their part in an unprovoked attack on three Afghani nationals including a thirteen-year-old boy who had been on a cycling trip in a park. Joseph Connors (22) of Daltree Place, Ballycullen, Dublin, and John Connors (20) of Ballyogan Grove, Carrickmines, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder in Balinteer on May 5, 2016. Judge Cormac Quinn imposed prison sentences of three years on both men. He suspended the last 18 months on condition they keep the peace and engage with Probation Services for that period. He said both men took part in a vicious attack on entirely innocent people. He refused a request from lawyers for Joseph Connors to remand him on bail until after
Christmas as his wife is due to give birth on Christmas Day. The court heard that as a result of the attack one of the men had left Ireland and returned to Afghanistan because he felt safer there. Garda John Healy told Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, that three males from Afghanistan had been cycling in Marlay Park in south Dublin and were on a cycling lane along a road when men began shouting at them from an adjacent car. The car driven by John Connors, which contained Joseph Connors and two other men, pulled in front of the three males and they were forced to stop. Several men got out of the car and confronted the three males. Statements such as “What are
you doing in my country?” and “What have you done to my fucking family?” were shouted at the three males. A man, who was not before the court, punched one of the adults in the head. When the victim tried to defend himself the other three men from the car began attacking all three Afghanis. Gardai obtained CCTV evidence from a passing Dublin Bus and several of its passengers who recorded the incident on their phones. The footage shows Joseph Connors aiming two kicks at a man who had been knocked to the ground. The footage also shows John Connors knocking one of the men to the ground with a punch, then knocking the teenager to the ground with a punch and kicking
him while he was on the ground. The four men fled from the scene in their car. One of the Afghani nationals sustained a broken nose during the incident. He has had several operations on his nose, none of which were covered by a medical card. The thirteen-year-old boy has since left the country because “he doesn’t feel safe here”. Joseph Connors has 56 previous convictions for offences including burglary, trespassing with intent and public order offences. The majority of these were District Court convictions, with the exception of a hit-andrun conviction dealt with in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. John Connors has two previous convictions for minor road traffic offences.
Eithne Flynn, Sadie Parker, Rita Fagan and Pauline Corcoran
Members of Dundrum Active retirement Group
Festive feast at the garda dinner BLACKROCK’S gardai served up a Christmas dinner and a party to remember for senior citizens at Talbot Hotel Stillorgan. The event allows the gardai to maintain their links to the community and to the elderly and vulnerable people. The event proved to be a huge success, with partygoers dancing the night away after their meal of turkey, ham and pudding.
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GAZETTE
2017 Shock, joy and heartbreak usher in the Spring months
JANUARY Ballyfermot in shock as granny stabbed at door
CITY: LOCALS in Ballyfermot were in shock after a 72-year-old grandmother was attacked on her own doorstep. Mum-of-five Bridie Smith was repeatedly stabbed when she answered her door to two men as she was preparing to go to mass. Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan said he was shocked by the attack. “We cannot allow our older folks, our elderly, our neighbours to be held siege by this criminality,” he said.
Council turned down 446 homes from NAMA for social housing
SDCC: South Dublin County Council refused 446 NAMA homes on the
GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN
grounds that they would result in an over-concentration of social housing tenants. It emerged that a total of 592 houses were offered by the agency for social housing, but demand was confirmed for just 128 and 446 were rejected “for sustainable community reasons”. In all, more than 2,000 homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities, but only 776 were accepted. South Dublin County Council had the lowest take-up of the four councils – accepting just 22% of the 872 units made available.
Heartless scam stung people for ‘roofing fixes’
SOUTH DUBLIN: Vulnerable south Dublin locals were being targeted in a “nightmare” roofing scam. There were reports of a group of men offering to repair roofs which they claimed were damaged in the Mount Merrion,
Blackrock and Foxrock areas. Some lost as much as €20,000 in the scam. Mount Merrion local, Kathleen, told Dublin Gazette that she was threatened by the men who damaged her roof deliberately before trying to extort money from her.
FEBRUARY 90-year-old meets his family for the first time
CLONDALKIN: A 90-yearold Clondalkin man was moved to tears after meeting his two half-sisters for the first time. John Clarke, from Convent View Cottages on the Boot Road, had two very special visitors from the UK – Bonnie Stanford and Valerie Hipkiss. John was born in 1926 and was placed in St Kevin’s orphanage and hospital as a child. He was placed in a foster home in Clondalkin in 1932 and never left the area. He found out he had six half-brothers and half-
The nation shocked by loss of four Rescue 116 heroes off the coast CITY: March saw Dublin and the nation mourn the loss of “unforgettable hero” Captain Dara Fitzpatrick (left) who tragically lost her life while on board the Rescue 116 Coast Guard helicopter. The Kilternan native was one of four crew on board the rescue helicopter which went down off the coast of Mayo on Tuesday, March 14.
Above: Sheer joy as Clondalkin man John Clarke (90) meets his half-sisters, Bonnie and Valerie, for the very first time in February. Picture: Clondalkin Reunion Facebook page Right: Also a good-news story in February, little Evie Kelly (7) and her cousin, Sophie Kavanagh (4), showed the kindness of children when they lopped off their long, lucious locks at Reba Reborn Hair in Ongar Village. The girls cut off their hair to send it to the Rapunzel Foundation, so that it could be be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness. The 14 inches of hair they gace will make a huge difference to others.
sisters after a genealogist helped trace his family tree.
Fears ‘Shankill Stalker’ back on the prowl again
Pilot and commander, Capt Fitzpatrick (45) had bravely saved lives for more than two decades on search and rescue missions. The loving mother of a threeyear-old boy Fionn, Capt Fitzpatrick and her heroic crew had been providing top cover for another Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, that was performing a medical evacuation off the coast of Mayo. Rescue 116 was returning to base when it fell out of contact and a search operation got under way. The other heroes lost in the tragedy were Paul Ormsby, Mark Duffy and Ciaran Smith, from Oldtown.
SHANKILL: There were fears that the so-called “Shankill Stalker” had struck again in February after a woman in her 40s was sexually assaulted in Killiney by a man descrived as six foot in height. The woman suffered minor injuries and did not require medical assistance at the scene. Locals expressed their shock and fear on Facebook following the assault with one saying: “I hope this isn’t the return of the Shankill stalker.” A spate of sexual assaults occurred in the Shankill area at the same time the previous year. In each case a lone male approached a lone female and an alleged assault took place.
MARCH ‘Memorialise the Seagull terror at suffering of our seaside setting Magdalenes’ BALBRIGGAN: Fearless seagulls were causing havoc in Balbriggan by attacking children and older people as they fight for scraps of food. There were calls in the Seanad for lasers to be used to deter the aggressive birds from nesting and scavenging in urban coastal areas. Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) said: “They are dangerous, dirty ... and they have a tendency to attack and reports locally suggest that they viciously attack for scraps. “This is potentially quite dangerous for children.”
DUN LAOGHAIRE: Calls were made to memorialise the women who were housed St Patrick’s Refuge operated as a Magdalene Laundry from 1878 to 1963. Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) spoke to Dublin Gazette and said that he believes that the women who were in St Patrick’s Refuge should be memorialised in some way. He said: “I strongly believe that this town and the county council should erect a memorial in the town centre to recognise these women, their pain and suffering.”
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
Man ‘at wit’s end’ killed rooster in neighbour’s yard PORTRANE: A man killed his neighbour’s rooster by banging it off the wall because he was at his “wits’ end”. Joseph Kennedy, 49, admitted an animal cruelty offence at Swords District Court arising from an ongoing row with his neighbour Steven Ho. The court heard Kennedy, from Portrane, broke into Mr Ho’s property, grabbed the bird by the neck and hit it off a wall. He pleaded guilty to cruelly ill-treating a rooster, theft, and to two counts of trespass on June 2, 2016. The incident was caught on CCTV,
Judge Dermot Dempsey heard. The court was told Kennedy was his mother’s full-time carer, and the rooster had been keeping her awake at night. Less than two weeks earlier, on May 21, 2016, the two neighbours clashed over the noise the rooster was making at about 1am.
Shock as woman scammed out of her €90k savings
CLONDALKIN: Pensioners were warned to be careful after an “exceptionally vulnerable” woman was conned out of her €90,000 life savings. A Clondalkin man involved in the scam which left the woman, a
psychiatric out patient, with just €93 in her bank account was jailed for three years for deception. In a separate case a Clondalkin man who persuaded an OAP to pay him €3,570 for unnecessary roof repairs was ordered to pay the money back. Age Action Ireland spokesman Justin Moran told Dublin Gazette: “Your heart goes out to people who’ve been treated in this way and targeted by unscrupulous individuals. We would urge people to be careful.” Mr Moran, head of advocacy with A AI, added: “Scams and frauds targeting elderly people are a real problem in this country. “We advise people always to ask for ID and references.”
Tethered horse left alone to die of stress, starvation in a muddy field TYRRELSTOWN: Animal cruelty reared its ugly head across the group in a number of distressing stories throughout the year, with the death of this horse in March proving particularly harrowing. The seven-year-old cob, named ‘Pippa’ by some
GAZETTE
JANUARY TO MARCH
would-be rescuers from My Lovely Horse Rescue, was left tethered to a tree in a field opposite the graveyard on Church Road. However, despite their best efforts, Pippa died from heart failure, with the rescuers and locals alike shocked by the terrible conditions she had been left in. Local woman Eileen Thomas posted: “Rest in peace Pippa. Another innocent animal destroyed and let down by people.”
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GAZETTE
2017 Hero mourned, fairies help to spread goodwill
GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN
APRIL Missing Rescue 116 hero’s family continue sad vigil Still missing: Rescue 116 hero Ciaran Smith
FINGAL: The family of missing coast guard hero Ciaran Smith (left) spoke of their “living nightmare” as he remained missing
following the crash of the Rescue 116 helicopter off the coast of Mayo. He had been missing for three weeks at the time and his sister Orla issued a heartfelt plea for help in finding the 38-year-old winch operator from Oldtown. “We need those boys home now. We really do,” she said. “We’re doing our best to keep going, to stay as strong as possible and to stay as positive as we can. But it is tough. “My parents need them home, my sister-inlaw needs him home. My nieces need him home. They have to come home now.” Ciaran Smith’s body has still not been recovered.
Newsie wins his battle against a shopping centre
DUN LAOGHAIRE: There was joy in Dun Laoghaire as local legend and newspaper seller George Davis celebrated his court victory over Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre. A judge ruled he could continue to sell newspapers from the spot he has held for 38 years in Dun Laoghaire. The centre bosses said that George was unauthorised to sell from his
stall and that he didn’t pay rent to use the spot. However, the judge ruled that George could retain his pitch for the rest of his life based on an agreement drawn up between him and the centre in the 1970s.
MAY Thugs caused €10k of damage to harbour boats
SEASIDE: Up to €10k of damage was caused when vandals went on a spree of robbery and destruction on Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier. The Irish Youth Sailing Club (IYSC), which teaches children, saw one of their junior safety training boats slashed and left floating in the sea nearby. It also had its engine stolen. The Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts had an engine stolen off one of its sail training boats and all of the boat’s equipment was thrown into the sea. A boat belonging to the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club was also ransacked and had its windows and doors smashed. I YS C b o s s Ky r o n O’Gorman said: “Gardai are doing all they can but it’s a worry where we can put a boat that will be safe.”
APRIL TO JUNE
ABOVE: One of the year’s feel-good
colourful garden complete with fairy
stories came in April courtesy of a
doors, murals, a giant mirror, fantasy
brave little girl, Brooke Dunne (9),
lighting and a ‘fairy mail’ post box.
from Clondalkin.
Mum Julie said: “It’ll mean an awful
Brooke suffers from the debilitating
lot to her. Not only have they filled
disorder Rett Syndrome, and the
our lives with hope and joy, they have
charity Make-A-Wish dream saw
made my little girl feel like a child
her back garden transformed into a
again.”
JUNE Vandals costing Residents won’t FCC €60k a year roll over to allow FINGAL: It emerged that Fingal County Council ‘brothels’ spread forks out €60,000 every
CITY: Dorset Street residents vowed to protest against their area being turned into a red-light district amid reports of numerous brothels operating nearby. Residents said that several complaints have been made to gardai over the last year but that nothing has been done. “Residents believe that certain buildings are being used as brothels,” said Fianna Fail Dublin Central representative Brian Mohan. He said that the residents’ claims were not speculative but based on some investigations they carried out themselves. He also said that a shop on the street shares a back entrance with one of the alleged brothels and it is often littered with “paraphernalia associated with that sort of business”.
year to repair damage to playgrounds caused by
vandals. A council spokesman told Dublin Gazette: “Apart from the expense, the biggest nuisance is time spent by staff making the area safe, and the time that the equipment is unavailable for use.”
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
GAZETTE
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 4 January 2018
2017
GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN
Ten-year-old hero Flossie Donnelly, front centre, with her crew of beach cleaners
Warnings over unwelcome summer sizzler: hogweed
FINGAL: Wildlife experts were urging vigilance near the middle of the year after a schoolgirl suffered third-degree burns from a toxic giant hogweed plant. The giant phototoxic plant contains a poisonous sap that causes blisters. In extreme cases these can swell to the size of a fist and cause scarring which may require plastic surgery. Crumlin mum Lorraine Jewell warned others to be vigilant after her teenage daughter Ellie had to be treated in hospital for third degree burns. Fingal County Council said it had been undertaking control measures at a number of sites since 2010 – but that the seed remains viable for seven years so the same sites have to be revisited for that length of time in case new plants germinate.
Fair play, Flossie, for doing so much for the coastline
SANDYCOVE: Meanwhile, in July,
readers were impressed by a 10-yearold girl from Sandycove who dedicated her summer holidays to cleaning up the coastline. Flossie Donnelly (pictured above, with some of the helpers who came along) dedicated every Friday evening of the summer months conducting a clean-up of the coastline around the Sandycove area. “I and my mummy live right next to the beach and when we go crabbing, we always find rubbish so I wanted the beach to look clean,” Flossie told Dublin Gazette. Flossie even made a poster requesting people to meet up at 6pm every Friday for an hour-long clean up. When her mum Harriet shared it online it got a great response. One Friday evening, a family from Finland even changed their holiday plans so that they could come along and help Flossie after seeing her poster on social media. “Other families come and see the beach full of rubbish everywhere. I know the council come [to clean up] but they need some help sometimes,” she said.
At risk: Temple Bar’s cobbles?
Could plans for beloved paving prove a load of cobblers? CITY: Summer saw the news that Temple Bar is set to lose its famous cobblestones as part of a “major decluttering exercise” by the council. The popular tourist spot will undergo a redevelopment that will see some of the iconic cobbled streets resurfaced in order to improve accessibility and also make the space more suitable for cultural events. The proposals reported in August
include the removal of the existing street furniture, trees, licensed outdoor seating terraces and replacement with new street furniture, new tree planting, seating and public lighting. The council also want to improve the area’s accessibility by removing the likes of excess bins, pub barrels, sandwich boards and street lights, with the square to be extended as a single surface across the adjoining streets of Temple Bar.
JULY TO OCTOBER
Celebrations as beginnings, both JULY D15 native revs up for an exciting job with F1 team
BLANCHARDSTOWN: A Dublin 15 native told Dublin Gazette how he was swapping life in the army for life in the fast lane after securing a job with the Mercedes Formula 1 team. Eamonn Slattery, from Fortlawn was gearing up for a move to Brixworth – near the famous Silverstone race track – in September to take up a job helping to design engines for the successful racing team. Eamonn joined the a r my w h e n h e w a s 17-years-old and completed a mechanical apprenticeship during his seven years of service. He then won a place studying engineering in Trinity College which has led to this job at the team’s factory-set mission control.
Goatstown man preparing to sail around the world
GOATSTOWN: Dublin sailor Gregor McGuckin plans to turn back the hands of time next year to compete in a round the world race using only traditional navigation skills. The 30-year-old will spend nine months at sea taking direction from the sun, moon and stars and armed with just paper charts, a compass, sextant
and a radio. Gregor is the first ever Irish contender aiming to retrace the record-setting trip of Sr Robin KnoxJohnston in 1968. More people have been in space than have successfully completed the feat which Gregor is attempting. He told Dublin Gazette: “I’ve always liked the idea of adventure. I’m an ocean yacht master so as part of my training I’ve used traditional navigation skills. “The biggest challenge will be to keep myself mentally fit. I will be nine months without my girlfriend; she has been very supportive of my dream.”
Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien commended the action, telling Dublin Gazette: “The waste industry is very lucrative and there are organised criminal gangs involved. “This is not about people throwing bags of rubbish in the ditch, it’s far more serious and sinister than that.”
AUGUST Armed gardai aim SEPTEMBER to crack down on Floating homes illegal dumping FINGAL: A series of armed housing proposal garda checkpoints were set up across Fingal in to makes waves tackle illegal dumping. The Armed Response Unit, Traffic Corps and Divisional Crime Task Force were drafted in to man the first of these random checkpoints in Baldoyle. They assisted Fingal County Council’s environment enforcement unit in a clampdown on fly-tipping which has escalated over the summer months. A council spokesperson said: “The checkpoints will continue with the aim of identifying unauthorised and bogus refuse collectors.”
DUN LAOGHAIRE: Floating homes in Dun Laoghaire Harbour could be a possible solution to the housing crisis in what local representatives called “a crazy idea”. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) proposed that up to 50 new homes could be permanently moored in Dublin Bay as part of an affordable solution to the housing crisis. DLHC has called for statements of interest to build the homes and is seeking a partner to provide them as part of a new
housing scheme. Local TD Richard Boyd Barrett condemned the plans, describing them as a “crazy idea”. However, Gerry Dunne from DLHC said that there had been a positive response to the idea and challenged Deputy Boyd Barrett to come up with a better solution.
Picture: RTE Player
OCTOBER Ibrahim Halawa’s Egyptian prison nightmare ends
CITY: There were emotionally-charged scenes at Dublin Airport as Dubliner Ibrahim Halawa (above) finally returned home, marking one of the biggest Dublin and national stories of 2017. Emotional scenes saw the now 21-year-old reunited with family and friends, as a large crowd celebrated his return. Addressing the wellwishers, he said: “This is the moment I’ve waited for, for four years. It’s a dream come true. I didn’t think it would come through any time soon.”
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
Dubs ready for new at home and abroad NOVEMBER Shock as arson destroys business
DONABATE: An arson attack in Donabate saw renewed calls for a garda station in the area. Pharmacist Nuala Mac Cinna spoke of her shock after the blaze, which was deliberately started in wheelie bins to the rear
of the property, gutted the shop. “I can’t believe it,” she said at the time. “The fire spread so rapidly. When I got here last night the fire was in the roof and spreading very fast. I just feel disbelief.” Fire crews from Swords, Kilbarrack, Finglas and Tara Street battled the blaze until 4am as flames engulfed the one-storey building.
DECEMBER Gay councillor’s home is targeted by thugs – again
CLONDALKIN: The home of a Clondalkin councillor was targeted by vandals just two weeks after he received homophobic letters through the post.
Cllr Francis Timmons woke up to find the windows of his house and his windscreen smashed. Cllr Timmons told Dublin Gazette that the repeated targeting of his home was “so frustrating”. “When you get up in the morning and the windows are smashed like that, it’s horrendous,” he said.
Despite the recent incidents, Cllr Timmons paid tribute to his neighbours and the people of Clondalkin who have been supportive of him, with some even offering him money to help pay for the repairs. “It gives you a bit of faith in people. It’s just a small minority of people [who carry out such attacks],” said Cllr Timmons.
GAZETTE
NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER
Kind-hearted Blanch boy Ben uses his savings to help lots of homeless
CORDUFF: December saw a seven-year-old schoolboy raiding his piggy bank to buy sleeping bags for the homeless. Ben Armstrong, from Corduff in Blanchardstown, was so concerned about rough sleepers outdoors in harsh weather conditions he decided to use his Christmas savings of €70 to help them. Ben raised even more money through family and friends and then handed over 78 sleeping bags to a homeless charity. His proud mum Deborah told Dublin Gazette: “After the last storm he came downstairs from his bed extremely upset. He was very concerned for the homeless people.” Ben raised over €300 to add to his ow n money and after buying up the entire stock in Penneys, he spoke to the manager to request 60 more units.
GAZETTE
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018
DUBLINBUSINESS
Top tips for tackling your finances in 2018 €7m development at
LESS than three in ten Irish consumers believe they will be better off financially in 2018. That’s according to research carried out by independent price comparison and switching service, Switcher.ie, which revealed the extent of consumers’ financial concerns for 2018. Eoin Clarke, managing director of Switcher.ie, said: “It’s likely many of us could be emerging from the Christmas season with a financial hangover that feels hard to shake.” Switcher.ie’s top tips for tackling your finances in 2018. Draw up a monthly budget, including all your income and expenses, and try your best to stick to it. If you can manage to put some money into savings each month, even better. If you have long-standing credit card debt that you’re finding hard to shift, think about
switching to a card with a 0% balance transfer offer, making sure to pay the balance off within the interest-free period. Ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for your household essentials. If you haven’t switched your energy, broadband or phone plan in some time, make it one of your new year’s resolutions to take half an hour to do this. It’s quick and easy and could save you some much-needed cash - switching energy alone could save you up to €335, while savings of up to €432 are available on some broadband packages. Take time to review all of your monthly payments - be it for the gym, a cinema membership, or a streaming service - and cancel any you no longer use. Make the most of any tax reliefs or benefits you’re entitled to - for example, you can
claim tax relief on some medical expenses that are not covered by the State or by private health insurance. There’s loads of information on benefits and taxes on the Revenue website, so take some time to check these out at the start of the year. Take some energy-saving measures around the home. Simple changes, like turning down the heating by just one degree can knock up to 10% off heating bills, while turning appliances off, rather than leaving them on standby, will reduce the appliance’s energy use by around 20%. See if you can get a discount by switching from monthly to annual payments. The chances are you’re paying extra for the convenience of paying things like gym membership or insurance on a monthly basis, so although paying upfront will be a larger outlay of cash in one go, it will save you in the long run.
Castleknock Hotel done CASTLEKNOCK Hotel has completed a €7 million development, which includes 52 additional bedrooms, a lavish spa and two new restaurants. Begun in January 2017, the development has increased capacity from 138 rooms to 190. Thirtyeight rooms are ‘deluxe rooms’ with upgraded amenities; three are deluxe executive suites with a four-poster bed and Jacuzzi bath. The hotel has added two new restaurants. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Neil Kearns, Earth & Vine follows a farm-to-fork ethos, serving a contemporary menu of artisanal food sourced directly from local farms and producers. For more informal occasions, guests can enjoy Italian and Sicilian favourites, with a Castleknock twist at 22 Bar + Restaurant.
ASDFASFD | IASDF SDAFDSF SDF DSF DSAFDSAF DASFSDAF
asdf asdf asdf dsaf dsaf asdf dsafasdfsd THE Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City Women in Business Network awards saw Anita Donoghue, of The Hair Cafe Salon in Smithfield, and Rita
DUBLINLIFE
GAZETTE
4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
PROJECT: PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR CHILDREN WHO MIGHT BE FEELING LONELY
Fostering friendships with buddy benches MARK O’BRIEN LONELINESS can have a long-lasting effect on children. Studies have shown that children who feel lonely are more likely to develop low self-esteem, are less likely to take positive risks and are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as smoking and abusing drugs, when they get older. In recent years, schools around the world have come up with a way to prevent children from feeling lonely.
Buddy benches have gained popularity in the US, Canada and mainland Europe and many schools in Ireland have now adopted the idea. The idea behind buddy benches is a simple one. A child who is feeling lonely or has no one to play with at school sits on the bench. This tells other children that the child is in need of a buddy. T he benches have proved very effective in teaching children to recognise and respond to their own feelings.
Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills recently installed two buddy benches in their school yard. T he benches were donated by Greenhills & District Credit Union. The Credit Union’s youth liaison officer Marion King told Dublin Gazette that they were very keen to get involved in the project. “No child should be on their own,” she said. “We all need a friend.” Marion thanked all of the staff of the Credit Union who supported her
The new Buddy Bench at Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills
in raising funds for the buddy bench. “The buddy bench will be a special place in the school yard where a child
can go and sit if they feel sad, lonely, isolated or just need someone to talk to or play with,” she said. “Mental Health starts at
a young age and we want to combat this. “Our aim is to give a child the confidence to talk and make new friends
and also to let them know it is okay to have a bad day. “The buddy bench is not just for kids feeling sad, or lonely it is for all children. Everyone needs a buddy.” One of the benches is dedicated to Sinead Pugh, an SNA at the school who sadly passed away recently. Marion cut two pink balloons in memory of Sinead at the opening ceremony. “Ms Murray, the principal, said the balloons were going up to our friend Sinead Pugh in heaven,” said Marion.
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14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
FUNDING: CALLING ON PEOPLE TO GET GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD IN 2018
Teaming up to ‘Get Ireland Growing’ IT’S TIME for Ireland to get growing as funding for community food growing groups will be available next year. GIY and Energia are calling on people across the country to get growing their own food in 2018 and are offering all budding growers the opportunity to apply for funding from the “Energia Get Ireland Growing” €75,000 funding pool. Grants from the fund will be split across three categories “Sow”, “Grow” and “Harvest”with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000 plus one very special group will receive a massive €5,000 grant for their project. Together GIY and Energia will support at least 85 community food growing groups in 2018 and enable food growing by community and voluntary organisations all across Ireland including Northern Ireland. The projects should all have an element of
outreach, promotion and inclusivity and should have some plan to encourage more people to grow their own food. The successful applicants will be celebrated at a gala event, which will be held at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford, in March 2018. For further details and to submit an application see GIY.ie. The application period is open until January 19.
You can drop unwanted gifts into any one of the shops, safe in the knowledge that its sale will make someone else happy and at the same time raise money for Barnardos’ work. The children’s charity works with more than 14,100 children and families across its 40 centres nationwide, and campaigns for the rights of all children in Ireland.
BARNARDOS LOOKING FOR THE CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU WON’T USE
GELDOF DONATES BAND AID MEMORABILIA TO LIBRARY
DID you get any unwanted gifts this Christmas? Well, whether it’s a jumper that’s two sizes too small, a book that’s already sitting on your shelf at home or another scented candle, there’s a home for it in a Barnardos shop. Barnardos has seven shops around the country, located in Carlow, Cork, Wexford and Dublin (Rathmines, Clondalkin, K ilbarrack and Dun Laoghaire).
THE National Library of Ireland (NLI) is to bring the Band Aid archive to a worldwide audience with plans to digitise a vast collection of letters, photographs and charity records from the iconic 1984 fundraiser. Band Aid was a worldwide phenomenon in the mid-1980s. The supergroup, formed by Bob Geldof, brought together more than 40 of the top musical artists
Pictured are Nathan Cullen-Delsol, Carla Cullen-Delsol, Aisling Rohan, Erin Rohan, Daisy Dubois and Ultan Rohal at the launch of the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’ fund. Picture: Patrick Browne
of the 1980s, including U2, Ultravox, Bananarama, Duran Duran and Geldof’s own band, The Boomtown Rats.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT KINGS AND QUEENS BROUGHT TO LIFE H I S T OR I A N S f r o m the National Museum of Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin and Queen’s University, Belfast, have worked together to help Expedia create a fascinating account of the kings and queens who reigned in Ireland thousands of years ago. Their new website, Kings and Queens That Shaped Ireland includes a wonderful display of illustrations depicting the different kings and queens, as well as a series of connecting timelines and stories dating back some thousands of years ago. Those that enter the site can expect to be taken on a journey through the lives of some of Ireland’s most notable kings and queens as they battle for power, marry numerous times, and eventually relinquish or pass on their throne.
From the likes of Brian Boru, arguably one of Ireland’s greatest kings, to the lesser-known thrice married Queen Gormlaith and King Conchobar mac Nessa, once a High King of Ulster. Discover more at blog. expedia.ie/irish-kingsqueens
GET ACTIVE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WITH 2018 TREKS MULTIPLE Sclerosis Ireland is encouraging people to sign up for a 2018 MS trek and raise funds
for vital services for those living with MS. MS Ireland has been organising treks around the world since 1989. The 2018 treks include climbing the world’s highest mountain to Everest Base Camp, trekking the Via Francigena to St Peter’s Square in Rome and making the Biblical journey into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The treks are suitable for all levels of fitness providing a great opportunity to take part in active trips as an individual or group.
Funds raised will help provide one-to-one and family support including newly diagnosed sessions, physiotherapy and symptom management programmes through ten Regional Offices across the country, operate the MS Information Line and deliver specialised services in the MS Care Centre, Ireland’s only respite and therapy centre for people with MS. Register today at www. ms-society.ie or call (01) 678 1600 to receive more information.
Take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the kings and queens that shaped Ireland for centuries
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4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
DUBLINLIFE
A REMARKABLE REMAKE WHEN THE STELLA THEATRE IN RATHMINES CLOSED ITS DOORS IN 2004, DUBLIN LOST ONE OF ITS MOST ICONIC AND ENDURING CINEMAS. MARK O’BRIEN ORIGINALLY opening its doors in 1923, the theatre - affectionately named The Stella – once accommodated 1,283 patrons, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time. It also boasted a ballroom that was once a hub of Dublin’s social scene. In 1981, the cinema was divided into two smaller cinemas but by the early part of the last decade, the theatre was not what it once was and finally closed its doors 14 years ago. But in October of last year, The Stella finally opened its doors once again, having been lovingly restored to its 1920s grandeur. General manager of the reopened theatre, Dave O’Keeffe, told Dublin Gazette that the reaction from locals has been overwhelmingly positive since they opened their doors on
October 31. “It’s been fantastic,” he said. “The feedback from the public has been wonderful and the interest and support from Rathmines in general has been excellent. “It’s very much a case, I think, of people happy to see it back and restored to what it once was.” During the restoration, some beautiful original 1920s features such as the original facade were uncovered. These include a typical art deco handrail which guides patrons up to the first-floor balcony, detailed mosaic tiling of the original Stella logo and original ceiling mouldings. These can be seen kindly restored and dotted throughout the theatre. “From the restoration p e r s p e c t i ve , e ve r y t h i n g was done with a significant amount of respect for the actual period that it opened,”
said Dave. “It’s been very important to us that it does have that art deco feel and has all that sort of style that goes with that period, so it’s all been very thoughtfully done.” The painstaking 18-month renovation process has certainly proved worthwhile. Today, the Stella Theatre comprises one eye-catching large auditorium with a large balcony bedecked with a beautifully ornate ceiling, The Stella Cocktail Club – where the ballroom once stood – and the Refreshments Bar in the foyer. All three elements combine to create a cinematic experience like no other in Ireland. “It is totally one of a kind in Ireland, not just Dublin,” said Dave. “Nationally, there wouldn’t be anything that would be of the same sort of calibre or the same sort of offering.” There are also some unique seating options on offer. “We have three different seat types primarily,” said Dave. “A lovely luxurious red leather armchair would be your standard admission and then for people maybe out on a date night or somebody who is out celebrating a special occasion, we’ve got won-
derful couches on the ground floor and on the balcony as well and then what’s very unique to us is there’s five king-size lie flat beds. “Where traditionally in the front row of a movie theatre you would sit upright craning towards the movie screen, we have very comfortable lie flat beds where you lie back and watch the movie from there.” Even if you don’t fancy catching a movie, you’re welcome to pay a visit to The Stella. “Guests are definitely welcome to join us for a cocktail before or after the movie or even just to pop in and have a bite to eat and a few drinks without ever going to catch a show,” said Dave. The Stella Theatre is open for business seven days a week screening the newest movies, along with some classics that people may have missed the first time around. “It’s very important to us that we do actually present the blockbuster of the time plus a selection of classic movies that people would have come to during their childhood here or just those cinema greats that you really want to have the cinema experience for,” said Dave. Tickets for the Stella Theatre can be booked at stellatheatre.ie
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018
Out and About
John O’Dwyer, CEO, Vhi; Sabina Cotter, Irish Youth Foundation; Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon with local
Promoting fitness and inclusivity children Braxton Rice and Elliot Toale. Pictures: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY
D
Philly watches on as children exercise
UBLIN GAA star, Philly McMahon joined The Irish Youth Foundation and Vhi as they announced details of ‘Run for Fun’, a new initiative developed to encourage young people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland to embrace the benefits offered through running. The initiative has been created to encourage more young people to get involved in running both for fitness and for recreation.
Pictured at the launch in Bradog, Dublin, were Philly with youth participants Sarah Bardon; Casey Nolan; Shannon Delahunty; Saoirse Glennon; Holly Bardon and Abbie Dyer.
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4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
DUBLINFITNESS
CHECK OUT
www.kickstartfitness.ie
Recover well, stay injury free and keep progressing in 2018 Gareth Francis is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach with over eight years experience in the fitness industry. He now works as head coach in Kickstart Fitness. THIS January a lot of us will run back to the gym with the mindset of smashing as many workouts as possible. Although some of us might not have been to the gym for some time so our bodies will be in for a shock. Here are six ways to deal with DOMS and help with your recovery after your workouts. Delayed onset muscle soreness is also known as
GARETH FRANCIS info@dublingazette.com
DOMS. This is a common sensation felt after lifting weights. Most trainees actually base the success or effectiveness of their training sessions on how sore they get. However, this is not a good way to judge your workouts. Typically DOMS is characterised by muscle tenderness, stiffness and soreness and can actually slow down your pro-
STEP 1 SLEEP Sleep is the number one factor to recovery. It’s your body’s only chance to completely shut down and rest. So get your 8 hours in guys. Try to “switch off” about 30 mins before you go to bed. Get into the habit of leaving the phone downstairs, make sure the room is dark and even try to read an enjoyable book before you fall asleep. Give your brain some down time, time away from the internet and the mundaneness of social media. Allow yourself to switch off before actually going to bed and you will be amazed in how different you sleep and how much better you actually feel the next day!
gression in the gym if they occur too often due to being too sore to train again the next day. Most of us like that feeling of waking up the next day a bit stiff after working out just enough to remind us that we’ve put in some good work however nobody likes that excruciating muscle pain when you can’t even sit on the toilet! (ouch!) This level of DOMS is usually caused by training something completely new or just over training in general and can last up to seven days. Here are some tips on how you can help reduce and prevent DOMS and recover well after your workouts.
STEP 5 ACTIVE RECOVERY
Call it hair of the dog if you like! While you may want to become a hermit until the muscle pain passes, a better strategy for the body is some activity! Your body wants to move
STEP 2 HYDRATION Exercising while dehydrated can cause greater damage to muscles and reduce the body’s ability to repair itself. So keeping your body hydrated throughout the day with a minmum of three litres of water and an extra litre when exercising will help in a speedy recovery.
STEP 3 NUTRITION
STEP 4 SMR
Follow a nutrition plan that is complete in all macronutrients. A well nourished body will be better equipped to fuel your workout and recover efficiently! Protein plays a crucial role in the recovery of broken down muscle fibres after resistance training. For someone resistance training on a regular basis the recommended amount of protein daily is 1.0g - 1.5g per pound of body weight Meal timing is also important, consume a well balanced meal within two hours of training.
Self-myofascial release is performed in a sports massage or by using a foam roller. This technique has been proven to reduce stiffness and release tenderness in a muscle. Be careful with foam rolling if you have never done it before. Check out some Youtube videos on how to foam roll certain parts of the body.
so after suitable rest jump straight back in...
STEP 6 YOGA REGULAR yoga sessions can help loosen or reduce DOMS by maintaining the elasticity in the muscle fibres and release the myofascial surrounding the muscle tissue which in turn will reduce the risk of scar tissue and reduce your recovery time. Adding at least one yoga session into your training week will not only help with the pain of DOMS, it will also reduce the risk of injury! Win Win!
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DUBLINLIFE
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N E V E with JAMES HENDICOTT
Dinosaurs Around
The World A chunky collection of life-scale mechanical dinosaurs comes to the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin, where they’ll roar, shimmy and teach you a little of their history. There are even a couple for the kiddies to ride on. All week.
The Science Gallery - Economic Collapse
How about this for an optimistic Jimmy White will return to start to the New Year? The Science Gallery (Trinity)’s latest class is on eco- the Irish Masters Seniors nomic collapse, with a six-person panel Snooker discussing a kind of ‘what happens next’ for any further financial disaster. January 10.
University Open Days
Thinking of starting something big in 2018? University Open Days are a great way to get a taster, and most of the big universities are hosting something this week with UCD, Dublin Business School, DIT and Maynooth amongst them.
David Bowie Festival
A celebration of the great man and his evolution takes place with lively musical tributes across Dublin, from cover acts to well established scene stars. The Bowie love in takes place across various venues from January 4 to 10.
First Fortnight
A festival to get you through the long winter, First Fortnight involves itself in mental health, aiming to both light up your days and get mental health issues into the national conversation. Check out a host of events on firstfortnight.ie, all week.
Irish Masters Seniors Snooker
The likes of Jimmy White and Stephen Henry return to the legendary Goff’s venue in Naas, Kildare, where they’ll compete over two days in a tournament also including two highclass local qualifiers, as part of a new world seniors tour.
Leinster v Ulster
The third and final Christmas inter-provincial derby for Leinster boys sees them take on their northern counterparts at the RDS on January 6, with more of the fireworks that have featured in the earlier clashes to be expected. It’s gearing up to be a classic.
Urban Retreat
The ultimate New Year detox? Lifecleanse are running a day of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, health tips, juice, nutrition work and lifestyle adjustment at their South William Street Office on January 7. The Red Shoes at the Gate Theatre Hans Christian Andersen’s work (adjusted for stage by Nancy Harris) comes to the Gate Theatre in a winter production of the classic fairytale, which is part theatre, part dance. It runs until January 27.
Future “As we edge into another year, we can’t help but look ahead to 2018 in Irish music, casting a glance the way of the country’s great hopes. There’s plenty to be excited about,from a rising hiphop scene to plenty of impressive and lairy rockers, but we’ve narrowed it down to just seven rising stars. Here are our picks for Ireland’s most likely breakthrough artists for the next twelve months,” says James Hendicott.
Jafaris IRELAND’S hip-hop scene seems to get better by the day, and while Rusangano Family are the much-acclaimed kings, Jafaris - who played Ngig in Sing Street - is coming up fast on the outside. With a quick quip constantly to the ready and a live show that seems to wow everyone before him, the Diffusion Labs rapper is working on a 2018 album as a follow up to the sensational Velvet Cake EP. Add the man to your ‘must see’ list before he starts playing anywhere bigger: when a vocalist delivers this kind of cuttingly intense honesty together with the boisterous on-stage persona that Jafaris has made his own, the result is certain to fly.
Bitch Falcon AFTER a patchy 2017 that saw the three-piece undergo a personnel change, this grungy Dublin outfit are all set to fly once again. They seemed to be everywhere for a little while, with their pounding, intense live show backed up with an early single nodding to obscure parts of the body (TMJ) amongst a sprinkling of lairy, crafted riff-laden tracks. They have a cult-like following on the Irish guitar scene, and November’s new single ‘Of Heart’ created some buzz in the UK music press, too. And who wouldn’t want band merch with that particular band named blazened all over it. In a word, ferocious. Brilliantly so.
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Blending folk, jazz and her own distinctive vocal, Limerick singer Emma Langford is all about memorable melody and soul-exploring lyrics, and showed it with a gorgeously eloquent 2017 debut album in ‘Quiet Giant’. She’s been around for a little while, but Langford felt like she came into her own in the last 12 months, and with her sharp takes on modern life and cleverly ‘less is more’ production, she’s the kind of artist who has the potential to wriggle quickly into the forefront of minds. A space to watch.
Thumper
Emma Langford
THEY might share a name with a Disney character, but these guys are no soppy cartoon: Thumper’s blaring and manic live show was ably backed up with a surprisingly brilliant 2017 EP in ‘Pop Goes The Weasel’. The EP’s surprising mainly because Thumper sound like the kind of band that excel live, and this third release was a marked step up on its predecessors, and had the feel of a coming of age. Seemingly inspired by their compatriots Girl Band, Thumper say they play pop music. What they mean is they roar their melodies through a dank filter at high volume. All kinds of excellent.
2018’s Most Likely in Irish Music
Vulpynes
THE new darling of the Dublin punk scene, this powerful young two-piece are abstract, grungy and very, very loud. Nodding heavily to an abundance of late 80s and early 90s influences, they make more noise than should be feasible for a just two, and have won the love of their punk peers as they’ve gigged relentlessly through 2017, slowly edging into Dublin muso’s consciousness as they bounce from venue to venue. Think snarlingly aggressive tunes kicked firmly into the 21st Century, formed with the most modern of twists (via a shoutout on Boards.ie), and delivering gorgeously raw tones.
The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock
Siobhra Quinlan A HIGHLY creative soprano composer who’s making waves on the opera scene, Siobhra Quinlan is perhaps the most likely classical crossover artist of the coming year, combining vocals that will please to casual listener and the technically minded, and going fiercely creative in the abstract and imaginative styles that make up her work. Over the course of 2017 she released several powerful offerings from her awesomely ambitious Sfiiinx project, as well as work examining George Bernard Shaw, and taking on a 24-hour project that saw her producing and performing an opera as part of a talented team. Inventive, and memorable.
GAZETTE
Stars?
MUSIC
BLENDING folky-trad roots with some louder and more modern rock licks, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock have been relatively mute for years. They formed way back in 2005 and released their self-titled debut in 2008, with memorable follow-up album ‘The Brutal Here and Now’ arriving back in 2012. It turns out they’ve spent the last few years
doing something huge. ‘Lockout’ is the product of five years worth of work, and will look at the 1913 Lockout workers protests in Dublin, as well as glancing at the impact of Constance Markievicz and the women’s rights movement in Ireland. History fused with nuanced and intelligent trad-rock music: expect them to return with a bang come the album launch in March.
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DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics
LOOKING BACK: YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO LOOK TOO HARD TO FIND AMAZING MOVIES IN 2017
Movies of 2017 - 10 of the best IT’S been a great year for cinema - mainstream, independent and everywhere in-between. Here are our picks for the best of 2017.
Manchester by the Sea Manchester by the Sea kicked off 2017 with what was easily the most emotionally ruinous moment in cinema this year. Director Kenneth Lonergan told us a story about profound, unshakeable grief and the arduous road to recovery, featuring a quietly captivating central performance from Casey Affleck. Not an easy watch; not to be missed. Moonlight This rich and nuanced character study in three acts from director Barry Jenkins shone a light on the experience of LGBTQ people of colour - territory rarely visited in mainstream cinemas. Intimate camerawork, an emotive score and superb performances from its three leads made for a uniquely human, often
DAVE PHILLIPS
devastating cinematic experience. The Handmaiden Fresh territory for Korean director Park Chanwook, this multi-layered period drama maintained all the masterful framing, bleak humour and brutal violence that has gained his work critical acclaim and cult status. W hile not for the squeamish, The Handmaiden is a stunning Hitchcockian suspense tale that mesmerises and devastates in equal measure. Get Out Fiendishly entertaining, sinister, shocking and deeply necessary, director Jordan Peele’s Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie
with purpose. Balancing bitterly dark humour with thoughtprovoking social commentary, it wore its genremovie influences on its sleeve, setting box office records and seizing nearuniversal praise. Dunkirk Christopher Nolan brought his idiosyncratic
Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie with purpose
storytelling approach to one of the war’s most decisive battles in the summer’s biggest cinematic event. Weaving together a rich tapestry of narratives and timelines, visceral and affecting throughout,
that was deservedly shortlisted for the Palme D’or at this year’s Cannes.
Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics.
The Death of Stalin The bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for director Armando Iannucci’s uniquely bitter brand of political satire in the hilarious The Death of Stalin. Despite hefty subject matter, the grim facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity. Great comedic performances from Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs and Michael Palin. The Florida Project The Florida Project takes a look at all the irrepressible curiosity of childhood with an honesty rarely seen on screen. Director Sean Baker couples joy with sorrow, always lifting us in high spirits just before he throws us down. This is empathetic filmmaking at its best, raising critical questions about modern America while
The Florida Project entertained with incredible performances from its young cast
keeping us entertained with incredible performances from its young cast and a career-best from Willem Dafoe. Good Time This stunning crime thriller from auteur directing duo Ben and Josh Safdie gave Robert Pattinson plenty of room to demonstrate his skills, further cementing his post-teen idol status as an actor to be reckoned with. Evoking early Scorsese and Michael Mann, Good Time is an exhilarating, often disturbing and emotionally complex drama
The Disaster Artist Finally, a great piece of filmmaking from occasional-director James Franco. The Disaster Artist tells the stranger-than-fiction true story of Tommy Wiseau and the making of The Room, commonly considered the worst film of all time. Often moving and dow nright hilarious throughout, a deeply per-
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Perhaps the most unpredictable instalment since the series-defining Empire Strikes Back, director Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise. Diehard fans, however, found plenty to complain about - Episode VIII is perhaps the least “Star Warsy” Star Wars yet. Regardless, Johnson’s personal touch cuts through decades of convention; a forward think-
The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise
sonal project that actually makes one want to revisit the awful source material.
ing sci-fi epic that feels both exhilaratingly fresh and comfortably familiar.
4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
Penneys Green velvet jumpsuit €18
Pretty Little Things Pink velvet bandeau jumpsuit €28
Next Lipsy ruffle halterneck jumpsuit €63
GAZETTE
STYLE
GET A JUMP ON
2018! JESSICA MAILE Style Editor
DO YOU want to go out and look effortlessly stylish but don’t have the energy to come up with the perfect outfit? Look no further than the jumpsuit! It’s an all-in-one concoction of chicness that should be a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. From sleek and sexy, to playful and flamboyant, jumpsuits can be more comfortable than fly-away dresses and skirts. Just pair with some eye-catching jewellery, your fave heels and you will be on your way to fun in no time ...
Navy Stud €8 Purple Tassel €15
Accessorise with…
Red D
rop T a
ssel
€15
Mint Pom Pom Tassel €15
BETTY & BIDDY
Dublin jewellery brand Betty and Biddy have a range of fashion earrings, perfect for sparkling up any outfit, especially a fab jumpsuit. Shop the entire range at www.bettyandbiddy.com.
Pretty Little Things Green stripe plunge side-split leg jumpsuit €45
GAZETTE
24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018
DUBLINMOTORING
Compact SUV offers dominate new cars
for 2018
As 2018 heralds a brand new motoring year there are new cars on the way for Dublin motorists across almost every brand. There are more options than ever in terms of power source and while petrol and diesel power is still dominant, the electric and hybrid car options are expanding at a phenomenal rate. MICHAEL MORONEY takes a look at some of the new cars on offer for 2018.
LOOK across any of the new car offerings across the brands for 2018 and you’ll find they offer a new compact SUV. The market for smaller cars with SUV styling and a higher driving position has mushroomed across Europe and Dublin drivers are certainly following that trend. Car buyers are moving with another trend and that is petrol power after the issues around diesel emission cheating were further exposed. Governments across Europe have reacted with tougher
regulations for engine emissions and diesel sales have taken a hit, but not as much in Ireland, just yet. Promise
Petrol engine design has improved at the same time, lowering emissions and raising performance at the same time. The generation three-cylinder petrol engines are showing promise and growing in driver acceptance as well as being economical. More significant engine chang-
es are looming further down the line. The era of the electric car is coming closer to us so expect to see larger numbers of electric cars on Dublin roads in 2018. The news that Governments in some European countries are to ban the sale of new cars with any form of internal combustion engine, be it petrol or diesel from 2030 onwards, puts the electric car into a whole new perspective. That’s just about 12 years away, or two car changes for many families. And that prospect will force a sig-
nificant re-think for new car buyers in Dublin, who need to plan their motoring investment carefully, after all the cost of owning a car comes second behind the cost of buying and running a home in the Dublin region. In the meantime, its compact SUV time for many Dublin car buyers in 2018, and here we look at some of the options. These will be among the best-selling cars for Dublin 2018 and some of these new generation models will stand out for their sheer design style.
New E-Pace joins the Jaguar range THE new Jaguar E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family. This five-seat SUV packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design has 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 claims to be one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The next-generation touchscreen infotainment system connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.
BMW adds new sporty compact X2 to the range
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
BMW aims to break new ground with the new X2 SUV addi-
6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-
tion to the BMW X model range. The car’s chassis and xDrive
limited top speed of 243km/hr. For customers
intelligent all-wheel-drive system claims to deliver a balance
who want greater efficiency, the front-wheel
between sporting dynamics and efficiency and entry prices
drive 150bhp Ingenium diesel delivers CO2 emis-
start at €50,320.
sions of 124g/km and annual road tax of €270. The new Jaguar E-PACE comes with a limited
The new BMW X2 is two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, yet has the same
edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for
wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched,
the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model.
coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic. The car’s driving responses can be adapted by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose
The 20d diesel model comes equipped with xDrive intelligent all-
between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO
wheel drive as standard. The integral Hill Descent Control feature
mode and SPORT mode. The pre-programmed set-up available via
enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on
SPORT mode claims to give the car even more dynamic steering
steep descents by taking care of brake control for the driver, who
and engine responses.
can then devote their attention to the task of steering.
From January, the X2 xDrive20d diesel variant will be available.
The car is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-
It generates maximum output of 190bhp and 400Nm of torque
nectedDrive Services, both of which are now available in updated
enabling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7 seconds. Official fuel con-
form. Further variants of the BMW X2 will be added to the Sports
sumption is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km (61.4mpg), while CO2
Activity Coupe’s line-up in early 2018 in the shape of the four-cylin-
emissions are as low as 121g/km.
der X2 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d.
4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
Citroen launches new C3 Aircross CITROEN launched its new C3 Aircross compact SUV at Dublin Citroën dealerships in advance of the January registration period with entry prices starting at €20,695. This new generation SUV has been influenced by the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme and uses the latest in grip control technology with hill descent assist for added driver control. It comes with a new continuous connectivity system that includes wireless smart phone charging. Citroen claims that technology continues as a core theme in new C3 Aircross with 12 different technologies that assist your journey, including voice controlled 3D navigation, keyless entry and start, 60/40 sliding rear bench, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Citroën claims that the new C3 Aircross offers best-in-class space for maximum passenger comfort, with generous legroom in
The car is available in three specified trim levels Touch, Feel and Flair. The new
Volkswagen T-Roc to turn heads in 2018
SUV offers a choice of five different interior ambiences comprising of special seat
VOLKSWAGEN’S new T-Roc crossover model is going
upholstery, a range of dashboard textures, door panel designs, and touches of
to attract a lot of attention when it takes to Dublin
colour on the central console surround, steering wheel, air vents and seat backs.
roads in 2018. This new mid-size crossover comes
The car has a practical interior with a split sliding and folding rear bench, 60/40
with a starting price of €24,750, which in itself will
split-folding and adjustable seat backs.
attract enough attention.
the front and rear, as well as an exceptional modular boot space with a volume of up to 520 litres. The new C3 Aircross also scored maximum 5 Euro NCAP rating for car safety for models fitted with either Safety Pack 1 or Safety Pack 2.
The new Citroen C3 Aircross is available with either PureTech petrol and BlueHDi
The entry-level T-Roc specification is offered with
diesel engines, as well as the latest generation EAT6 fully automatic gearbox as a
Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting
further option.
out 115bhp. Standard specification on this grade includes Climatronic 2-Zone air conditioning, USB interfaces, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch
Subaru delivers redesign in new XV SUBARU’S XV crossover for
Volvo Popped Up on Grafton Street
2018 is claimed to be totally
‘Composition Colour’ radio system. All T-Roc models come with Front Assist and Lane assist systems. Volkswagen will be offering a range of packs around the T-Roc model. These include the T-Roc Design version which also features the 1.0-litre TSI 115bhp petrol engine and adds 16” Chester alloy wheels, a larger Composition Media radio system featuring an 8-inch glass touchscreen, a chrome package, Voice Control and App Connect amongst others for slightly higher price of €26,995. Volkswagen will also offer a number of Technol-
new from the ground up, inside and out and from top to bottom. The changes
ogy Upgrade Packs for the T-Roc. With these Option
include a new platform with a new suspension system, a new Subaru Boxer
Packs, customers can make savings on a number of
engine and a new transmission. The car has a redesigned exterior and claims a
popular optional extras.
more spacious, more comfortable and more connected passenger cabin.
For the entry level T-Roc specification the Technology Upgrade Pack includes; adaptive cruise
IF YOU’VE been on Dublin’s Grafton Street in the
SE models are equipped as standard with Eyesight, adaptive cruise control,
weeks before Christmas you’ll have seen Volvo
hi-beam assist, Subaru rear vehicle rear detection, automatic LED headlamps
control, front fog lamps and 16-inch Chester alloy
Car Ireland’s car pop-up shop. The new shop
and headlamp washers, alloy wheels (1.6 litre models – 17-inch alloy and 2.0-litre
wheels for €599, a claimed saving of €639 over the
provided visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s
models – 18-inch alloy), heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button
items individually.
new XC40 compact SUV, Volvo’s first ever entry in
start, and privacy glass, as well as a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment sys-
the small premium SUV segment.
tem, incorporating audio, smart phone connectivity and a rear view parking
specification, which comes with a choice of 1.5-litre
At the top of the T-Roc range will be the Sport
camera. The system also incorporates Subaru STARLINK and is Apple CarPlay
150bhp petrol engines or the 2.0-litre 150bhp TDI
much of the advanced connectivity, entertain-
and Android Auto compatible. SE Premium models add leather seats, satellite
diesel, with the latter available in either six-speed
ment and safety technology from Volvo’s newest
navigation, sunroof, and electrically-adjustable driver’s seat for added func-
manual or seven-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre TSI Sport
60- and 90 series cars, the XC60, S90, V90 and
tionality. Subaru SV prices start at €33,495 for the new 1.6i SE Lineartronic CVT
starts from €29,750 and the 2.0-litre TDI 4Motion
XC90. It is also powered by Volvo’s efficient
automatic, rising to €38,495 for the range topping 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic
starts from €34,795.
Drive-E engines, and is offered with front- or
CVT automatic.
Designed primarily for the city, it features
all-wheel drive, and with manual and automatic gearboxes. be available, with power ranging from 150 to
Kona joins Hyundai SUV range
250bhp. All these engines are 2.0-litre, four-
HYUNDAI buyers will have had a peek of the new Kona SUV from November and
cylinder units; there are 156hp T3, 190 hp T4 and
now have a opportunity to take on to the road. The new Kona is smaller than
247bhp T5 petrol engines, and 150bhp D3 and
the best-selling Tucson and claims to offer a completely new compact SUV
190 hp D4 diesels. The T3 is available exclusively
platform.
Three petrol and two diesel engines will initially
with front-wheel drive, while the D3 is offered
The early edition models will be offered with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine
in front- or all-wheel-drive form. The T4, T5 and
rated at 120bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox with starting prices from
D4 come with all-wheel drive and an automatic
€20,995. Hyundai will be offering the Kona with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine
gearbox. An automatic gearbox is also avail-
later in 2018 followed by a full electric version in 2019.
able on D3 versions. Full technical details of
This new Kona will be available in four trim levels, Comfort, Executive, and
these engines will be released at a later date.
two Premium versions, a manual and automatic gearbox version. All cars
Other engines will be offered later in the XC40’s
come on 16-inch alloy wheels and include a lane keep assist and a driver
lifecycle.
fatigue warning system.
26 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 4 January 2018
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DUBLINGAZETTEPLANNING SOUTH
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GAZETTE
28 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 4 January 2018
SPORT2017
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE
Ultra glory abouds for southside sport stars January
COLAISTE Iosagain landed the Dublin Senior A post-primary schools camogie championship title in excellent fashion, holding off the second half fightback from Our Lady’s, Terenure to prevail 4-7 to 3-5 at Clanna Gael Fontenoy.
February PAT Devlin hit out at the Football Association of Ireland for failing to include the First Division in their promotional campaign at the launch of the 2017 SSE Airtricity League season in the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday. Cabinteely FC’s new director of football and first team manager is a big player in the process of overhauling the club in a bid to reach the Premier Division as soon as possible, and he is not happy about how the governing body have overlooked the First Division.
March CUALA returned to Dalkey to enjoy a St Patrick’s Day that will be forever etched into the mem-
ory after the club comfortably won the biggest game in their history to become All-Ireland club hurling champions. Boss Mattie Kenny, already linked to county jobs off the back of his achievements this year, worked wonders in his tactics, shutting down star Ballyea man Tony Kelly and getting the better of a tight forward battle to see the side home by 2-19 to 1-10. After the match, Kenny said: “it’s an unbelievable feeling”. St Laurence’s College, Loughlinstown secured their first ever Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup title following a pulsating penalty shoot-out win against favourites Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill. Dundrum South Dublin Athletic’s Club athlete Shane Sheridan brought home a silver medal from the 200 metres at the World Master’s Indoor Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, as well as reaching the finals in the 60 metres and men’s 4 x 200 metre contests. Sheridan’s achievements are particularly astonishing given he only took up the sport at the
age of 53. At the age of 58, is one of the oldest competitors at the sharp end of his M55 category for those aged 55 and over.
The Ballybrack Bulls in wheelchair basketball action against Fr Mathews. Picture: Martin Doherty
Monkstown’s Laoise Kenny in alpine action during the Special Olympics
Jordan Larmour in action for the Irish
World Winter Games in Austria. Picture:
Under-20s during a spectacular break out
Ray McManus/Sportsfile
season. Picture: Deryck Vincent
The Cuala Ultras cheer on
April CUALA’S Con O’Callaghan and Kilmacud Crokes’ Cillian O’Shea co-captained Dublin to a piece of history as they defeated Galway by 2-13 to 2-7 at Tullamore’s O’Connor Park in the last-ever Under-21 All-Ireland football final. Galway, clearly identifying O’Callaghan as Dublin’s danger man, t a s ke d S e a n A n d y O’Ceallaigh with the unattractive job of marking their opponent’s cocaptain out of the game, but the move proved fruitful as he was restricted to a score of 1-1. Old Wesley enjoyed an April to remember as their junior teams, collected two trophies and two successive promotions in the process. First up, it was the turn of Wesley’s fourths against Clontarf in the Metro League Division 5 final. After a very hard fought, lively and sporting encounter, the Donnybrook team emerged
Three Rock Rovers captain Jody Hosking lifts the EY Champions Trophy om behlaf of
Old Wesley reach out for a
his club at Grange Road. Picture: Adrian Boehm
1A tie against Ballymena.
victorious on a slightly flattering 24-10 scoreline, having been 7-3 down at half time. This team won the Metro League Division 6 last year as well as the Winters Cup and, after two back to back promotions, will now be operating in the heady heights of Division 4 next season.
May STEPHEN McA fee walked away from the biggest card in Irish boxing history with his first win in the bag thanks to
a third round knockout of Poland’s Marcin Ficner at the National Stadium. The Sallynoggin native was making his professional debut at the Celtic Rise 2: The Following event as he looks to get his name out in search of a contract, and did his cause no harm by putting Ficner to the canvas in each of the three rounds. The 26-year-old welterweight attacked his opponent from the beginning as he looked to impress and used his speed advantage to move forward, land some combinations, and duck back out.
R a t h f a r n h a m cl u b Three Rock Rovers are looking forward to three trips to Europe as Ireland’s hockey representative following an incredible season. T hey won the EY Champions Trophy with a 2-1 final win over south Dublin rivals Monkstown to land the national crown, earning a place in the Euro Hockey League where they will be among the top 16 clubs on the continent next Easter in the Netherlands. Three Rock got through their semi-final by beating reigning champions Lis-
nagarvey in a shoot-out after a 3-3 tie. In January, the club had also won the national indoor hockey title. St Tiernan’s cycling club entered the An Post Ras, the first time in their 30 year history that the Dundrum club has been part of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 ranked race. All five team members crossed the line in Skerries to become ‘Men of the Ras’, the term which is now synonymous with any finisher of one of the professional cycling world’s most unique
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
‘‘
QUOTABLE
QUOTES
Blackrock College start to celebrate their U-19C cup final win over Larkin College. Picture: Gary Carr/Inpho
“It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. “All your warm blood goes to your core, around your heart, and your extremities get very cold.”
- Ice swimmer Conor Turner, from Whitehall, on his sub zero sport their side to All-Ireland senior club hurling championship glory
Foxrock en route to Feile glory. Picture: GAAPics.com
“T here’s a sense of loss. It’s a big part of your life just taken away. It’s a little ironic, as I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the sport’s safety.” - Drimnagh’s
try during their UBL Division
Mount Anville College celebrate after they won the Junior Girls Relay race during
Picture: Deryck Vincent
the Irish schools athletics championships. Picture David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
races.
June FOXROCK Cabinteely mentor Linzi Simpson praised the performances of her players as the club’s Under-14 side kept up their great record on the national stage, reaching the quarter-finals of the national ladies football Division 1 Feile. There, they were narrowly undone by Glanmire, 1-4 to 2-0, in Cavan last weekend but it did not take the gloss off another excellent performance. The team won all three
of their group games to make it through to the last eight but just missed out to the eventual winners of the tournament. “The girls worked very hard for it. We trained twice a week and they played their hearts out,” Simpson told GazetteSport. They had earlier won the Dublin Feile. John-Ross Crangle became the All Ireland pitch and putt champion, after winning the final in the Tipperary foothills as he triumphed on a course he was playing for the very first time. The Loughlinstown
man came out on top over 36 holes and he described the event as “a serious test of both mental and physical ability”, highlighting the need to play six 36-hole matches over the course of a three-day weekend. Three St Joseph’s Boys stars were involved as the DDSL side walked away from the University of Limerick as Kennedy Cup champions for the 31st time. Darragh Lynch, Leigh Kavanagh and Andrew Moran were part of the 20 man squad who defeated Sligo/Leitrim 2-0 in the
final. Joeys and Bray Wanderers, meanwhile, formally opened their SJB Academy at their new base on the Glenamuck Road in Carrickmines The formation of the academy is a direct result of the new underage League of Ireland structures, introduced by the FAI at Under-15, 17 and 19 level with an Under-13 division en route. To this end, St Joseph’s have sought to raise their game, linking up with Bray to provide a seamless link between their schoolboy section with the academy
Aisling Daly on coming to terms with enforced retirement from MMA St Michael’s celebrate their Leinster schools rugby junior cup success
providing the pathway into the professional ranks with Bray. Siofra Cleirigh Buttner has been making a name for herself on the American college athletics scene, with the South-Dublin native excelling for Villanova as a junior middledistance runner. Formerly of DSDAC and Colaiste Iosagain, Cleirigh Buttner was named Mid-Atlantic ath-
lete of the year earlier this month as a college junior in advance of her trip to the American national championships. Cleirigh Buttner then went on to appear in the 800 metres at the careermaking NCAA (National College Athletics Association) Championships for the second year in a row, running her fastest collegiate time of 2:02.11 in her quarter-finals.
“This is LA, your face is your calling card, but she never seemed worried about it.” - Dubliner Kerrie Christie on the perils of training former beauty queen Whitney Miller
GAZETTE
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 4 January 2018
SPORT2017
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
LOOKING BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER
Blue boys and girls light up a stunning end to sporting year July SARAH Healy was the standout performer during a successful 2017 European Youth Olympics for several Dubliners – as 40 athletes from across the country returned home to a fine reception. The runner from Monkstown won Ireland’s first gold medal at the tournament in Hungary when she crossed the line in a personal best time of 4.19.85 to take victory in the 1500m. Shankill’s Alan Sothern scored the crucial goal that saw the Irish men’s hockey team qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1990 as they continue to push the boundaries for the sport. Sothern also scored a crucial goal in the Olympic qualifying process when Ireland beat Pakistan in a 1-0 victory and he repeated the feat at last Saturday’s World League Semi-Final, landing the goal that beat New Zealand to ensure a fifth place finish at the competition. Nearly 2,500 sailors took part over four days at Ireland’s largest sailing event, the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. Sailors travelled from as far away as Australia and South America, as well as the UK and Europe, to
participate in the prestigious biennial event on picturesque Dublin Bay. 475 boats took part across 35 classes between Thursday and Sunday and more than 300 volunteers were on hand to ensure the event ran smoothly. Dublin clubs led the prize haul, winning 23 of 35 classes, including the most prestigious of all, the Boat of the Week trophy, awarded to John Maybury of the Royal Irish Yacht Club. Nine days of superb golf came to a close at the AllIreland Father and Son Foursomes competition at Castle Golf Club in Rathfarnham as 500 entrants were whittled down to just four on finals day. Michael and Tadhg Kellett of Clontarf faced off against the synonymously named David and David McGrath duo from Portmarnock for the overall prize; and it was the Kelletts who emerged victorious in the battle of north Dublin. Philip Orr, the former Ireland and Lions prop forward, was enrolled as the 130th President of the Irish Rugby Football Union at the annual Council meeting in the Aviva Stadium last weekend. He has assumed the highest office in Irish rugby after a distinguished career
as player and administrator. His services have twice been recognised by the Rugby Writers of Ireland, as winner in 2007 of the Tom Rooney award for exceptional contribution to Irish rugby and also induction to the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Cuala retained the Dublin and Leinster titles. winning in Dublin against Kilmacud . Picture: Diarmuid O’ Gallchobhair
Ballinteer St John’s Fergal Duffy on
St Tiernan’s hosted a hugely successful
the attack in their vital AFL2 win over
Laragh Classic in the spectacular Dublin
Raheny. Picture: Paul Lundy
and Wicklow Mountains.
The Dublin ladies football
August SCOTT-Orwell Wheelers cyclist Lara Gillespie won silver in the 10km TT cycling time trial after clocking a time of 15.20 to give Ireland its first ever cycling medal at the European Youth Olympics. The 16-year-old put in an impressive performance to finish just three seconds behind Swiss cyclist Ronja Blochlinger and three seconds ahead of Brit Elynor Backstedt. It was a case of seven and out for Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club as they fell just short of an unprecedented eighth successive national women’s title at the Irish Life Health National Track & Field League finals in Tullamore. With the DSD team heading into the event understrength, they did well to finish second after running up a grand total of 112 points, 23 behind the overall team winners St Abban’s of Laois - despite
Kenneth Doyle has his arm raised as he Monkstown’s Sarah Healy won the European Youth Olympic
became Monkstown boxing club’s first
1,500m gold in Hungary. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile
national senior champion
taking first place in four of the 18 scoring events.
September CON O’Callaghan completed an incredible 12 months for the Cuala youngster as he picked up his second senior All-Ireland medal after Dublin defeated Mayo 1-17 to 1-16 at Croke Park – with the forward finding the back of the net for the first score of the game. The 21-year-old UCD student was a member of the Dublin panel who beat Mayo in last year’s All-Ireland final before the dual star helped lead his club side to become the first Dublin team to win an All-
Ireland club hurling title. A month later and O’Callaghan had that winning feeling once again as part of the Dublin Under21 side that defeated Galway in the All-Ireland final. And it was to be a blue double as the ladies footballers from the capital scratched a seven-year itch to put their senior football final demons to bed as they confidently dismissed Mayo 4-11 to 0-10 in front of a huge record crowd of 46,286 at Croke Park. Three years after the collapse of their last surviving adult team, Rosemount Mulvey – former FAI Junior Cup finalists from the Windy Arbour
area of south Dublin – have revitalised the club, bringing the game back to an area of Dublin that’s long been a black hole in a football-loving city. The club’s historic standing has seen them reinstated straight into a relatively high spot of the Leinster Senior League, the Saturday Premier division. With the new reincarnation of the club taking shape in the year of the outfits’ 50th anniversary, things are very much looking up.
October CABINTEELY closed out their SSE League of Ireland First Division cam-
paign with a low-key 3-1 loss at the hands of Shelbourne at a chilly Tolka Park. It dropped Cabo two spots to sixth place in the division but despite that, the club is still reflecting on a reasonably productive campaign in which they picked up the most wins, most points and highest league position in their short history. In addition, the Stradbrook club produced their longest runs in both the FAI Senior Cup and Leinster Senior Cup as they continue to find their way on the national stage since formation a couple of seasons ago. Ballinteer St John’s
4 January 2018 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
‘‘
QUOTES OF
THE YEAR “A lot of people would argue I didn’t play football at the top level either.” - Pat
Jay Byrne celebrates his Irish boxing title win over Gerard Whitehouse. Picture: Alan Finn
Gilroy on whether his hurling credentials match up to what to his football background.
“The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words.”
team celebrate their famous All-Ireland senior victory in Croke Park. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
- Dublin ladies footballer Noelle Healy Deirdre Faul was a squash
Cian O’Sullivan with his nephew Max Wendell in the
Foxrock Cabinteely retained the New Ireland Assurance Dublin Ladies senior football
medalist at the Transplant
Sam Maguire cup following Dublin’s victory in the All-
title, adding Leinster glory, too. Picture: Maurice Grehan/GAAPics.com
Games in Malaga
Ireland final. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
footballers won their second title of the year as they clinched the AFL 2 top spot after Raheny did them a massive favour by dismissing their local rivals Naomh Olaf. It was a dramatic second-tier run in for the club who went into the final week of the season both needing a win, and also for their rivals to slip up, to take the single automatic promotion places and a 2018 spot in the top league. Three Rock Rovers hosted Ireland’s first ParaHockey games as their Rockets welcomed the Monkstown Strikers and the Railway Union Railblazers to Grange Road.
lowed in the esteemed footsteps of Michael Carruth and Billy Walsh by winning the Irish senior light welterweight title at the National Stadium. The 18-year-old has fought out of Monkstown Boxing Club since he was just nine years of age, and has now written himself into the club’s history books by becoming their first senior champion. Cuala’s ladies brought their excellent season to a remarkable end by completing the treble with victory over O’Dwyers in their league and cup double header. They had already enjoyed junior A championship success with
victory over Lucan Sarsfields, before finishing the season by adding the Division 4 league and cup titles to their tally in one fell swoop. “It is brilliant. Tremendous,” Cuala mentor John McKeown told the Dublin Gazette. “We set down a few goals at the start of the season; in particular to improve on last season. “To be honest with you, we surpassed our goals by winning all three titles so it was an exceptional year. Niall O’Connor secured his second win as a professional boxer, proving far too strong for Spaniard Manuel Prieto on the Celtic Clash 4 undercard at the Nation-
It comes 11 months after the formation of the Rockets, a hockey team for children and young adults with intellectual disabilities.
November SATURDAY, November 27 will be remembered as a momentous day in the annals of Naomh Olaf as the club’s Merrion Fleet sponsored senior footballers overcame the challenge of Na Fianna 2-20 to 0-4 in Pairc Ui Bhriain. The victory sees them join neighbours Ballinteer St John’s as the two teams to gain promotion to the top tier of Dublin football for 2018.
This success was all the more impressive as the Sandyford outfit had spent only a single year in Division 2, having gained promotion from Division 3 12 months ago. Foxrock Cabinteely were edged out in Bray as the largely dominant Dubliners were undone by power ful Cork side in Mourneabbey in the All-Ireland ladies football semi-final. It meant that there was no national title to go with the Dublin and Leinster titles already won in 2017.
December KENNETH Doyle fol-
al Stadium. The Ballybrack light welterweight was slow to get into the fight but eventually found his rhythm and won on a third round stoppage. Jack MacGabhann was one of the standout performers for Dundrum South Dublin AC at the National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships at Waterford IT as he returned home with gold from the Novice men’s 6,000m race. He returned to Ireland from his studies in Holland to cross the line in first place and secure his first individual gold medal at senior level.
“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.”
- Shelbourne legend Richie Baker on why he has no interest in taking up management in the League of Ireland and prefers it in the amateur game
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
JANUARY 4-10, 2018
THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LOCAL SPORT: Gazette Sport looks back on an exceptional 2017 with glory galore for captial clubs and individuals P28-31
Jordan Larmour in action for the Irish Under-20s earlier in 2017. Picture: Deryck Vincent
Larmour’s Ireland call
Andy Dunne calls on Joe Schmidt to elevate former St Andrew’s man straight into the Irish rugby team for the upcoming Six Nations KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
JORDAN Larmour should be parachuted straight into the Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament according to former Leinster out-half Andy Dunne. The rising star is the name on the lips of every Irish rugby fan at the moment after his sensational solo try against Munster in the Pro14 on St Stephen’s Day. Many former and current stars of the game have since come out in praise of the 20-yearold former St Andrew’s College full-back and wing, and Dunne told offtheball.com that
Ireland manager Joe Schmidt should now sit up and take serious notice of the youngster. “I certainly would be of the school of thought that you throw him straight in because he’s good enough. He can do things most guys can’t do,” said Dunne. “You have to go back 20 years at the highest level and not find someone who can do that in a Leinster-Munster game.” Leinster held an eight-point lead as the game reached the 69th minute but all was still to play for. Munster out-half Ian Keatley delivered an up-an-under towards the 22 metre line as he looked to get his side back into the game.
However, his kick was picked up by Larmour who masterfully side-stepped two challenges. He then accelerated away from the chasing pack before side-stepping Keatley. Munster fullback Simon Zebo provided one last attempt to stop Larmour but he impressively switched the ball from his right to left hand and managed to touch down. Raw Larmour is still a raw talent who has a lot to learn, particularly defensively but Dunne believes he has such ability that he should be allowed to learn on the job. “He can learn defensively how to improve
quickly under pressure and I think you’ve got to allow him to make a mistake or two at the highest level and keep him there. “I wouldn’t say he deserves to, without doubt, go in there and start but he needs a couple of international games to grow his confidence. I think the worst thing we could possibly do with a guy like that is start chipping away at him. It would be a very Irish thing to sit on him and say no. “I think it would be a shame because a player like that could lose confidence quickly. He needs to be wrapped up and managed. For me, the best way to do that is to let him go out and make a few mistakes.”