Fingal

Gazette FINGAL

September 8 - 14, 2016

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Boozed-up thugs brag of attacks on social media  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THUGS threw beer bottles at people out walking in the grounds of Malahide Castle last week – then boasted about it on Facebook.

Gardai are probing the MESS: Just some of the waste left behind incident in which a gang of

teenagers took over the green area beside the cricket pitch and threatened passersby.

They lit disposable barbeques and left a mountain of rubbish behind them, including broken glass and take-away wrappers.

At one stage, a dog was

taken from its owner – but later returned – when he tried to reason with the youths about their behaviour.

When Enjoy Malahide posted pictures of the destruction on its community Facebook page, dozens of obscene comments were

left by users congratulating each other on a “great sesh last night”.

Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) said: “This was a very serious incident and it highlights the issue of garda resources in the town.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

BUSINESS | CHAMBER OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MOVE

Swords Plaza goes on sale for €14.5m

 SYLVIA POWNALL

Red kites’ numbers slowly rising FINGAL is already home to some of the most diverse communities in all of Dublin, and now has welcomed some unusual new residents – young red kites. Two nests have been confirmed in the county, with three chicks recorded.

The chicks mark the continuing success of the all-Ireland effort to restore red kites, with almost a decade of careful monitoring and conservation efforts slowly but steadily seeing their numbers gradually rising. Birdwatchers all across Fingal, and beyond, have been thanked for playing their part in helping to monitor and support the birds’ return to the skies of Ireland.

FOUR major investors are rumoured to have expressed an interest in buying Swords Plaza, which went up for sale last Friday with a guide price of €14.5 million.

The 101,000sq ft office and retail complex was wor th an estimated €30 million when it was built in the late 1990s by developer Gerry Gannon.

Occupancy levels at the development, set between Forster Place and Main Street, are at more than 97% and sales agents Cushman & Wakefield expect it to attract a range of Irish and overseas buyers.

The complex has an annual net operating income of €1.5 million, with anchor tenants including ASL Aviation

Swords Plaza has gone on sale with a guide price of €14.5m, with four major investors rumoured to have expressed their interest. Picture: Google Maps

(€361,000), McDonald’s (€160,000) and DHL Express (€142,000).

Other tenants include Wr i g h t ’ s c a f e b a r, Hughes newsagents, Fingal Citizens Information and the Vocational Education Committee.

There is also a 315-space car park and two apart-

ments.

Despite the fact that the nearby Star pub is also for sale, Fingal Chamber believes the move is a sign of continued recovery for the north county capital and hopes it will breathe new life into the town centre.

Spokesperson Tony Lambert said: “The fact that things are up for sale is not necessarily a bad thing.

“These are interesting times, and Swords Main Street is going through a time of renewal. A number of buildings are up for sale and it looks like new investors will come in and remodel the town.

“We want to see all of Swords occupied and

there are a lot of new restaurants and other businesses thriving.

“All this means there’s a recovery there. We want to see more – we want it to be every bit as vibrant as it was in the past.”

NAMA took over the Gannon group’s debts in 2010, estimated to be in the order of €16 million.

At one point, it had up to 700 acres of zoned land in its ownership in north Dublin.

Gerry Gannon, one of the so-called Anglo Irish Bank “golden circle”, bought the 200-acre Belcamp College site in Clongriffin and was behind the Robswall housing development in Malahide.

Secondary school opens in Balbriggan A NEW 1,000 pupil secondary school opened its doors in Balbriggan last week.

Colaiste Ghlor na Mara is a multi-denominational school where Irish is the primary language and includes a special education unit for students with special needs.

While it will eventually accommodate 1,000, last

Thursday 130 students from 15 countries started at the school.

Principal Aoife Elster said: “We are really excited. This is the result of eight years of hard work.

“We’re delighted that the Irish language is so popular in this area, and that students with such diverse backgrounds and cultures have chosen to learn through Irish.”

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

MUSIC | EVEN SIMON SMILES AS KINGSWOOD WOMAN WOWS JUDGES AT X FACTOR AUDITION

Jantastic!  SYLVIA POWNALL

DUBLINER Janet Grogan is bidding for second time lucky on The X Factor after she stole the show at the Dublin auditions.

The 28-year-old from Kingswood was cruelly ditched by Simon Cowell at the six chairs stage two years ago.

But on Saturday, TV3 viewers saw her brave return pay off as she blew the panel away, singing Zane’s Pillowtalk.

Eagle-eyed viewers will have seen our front page announcing “Louis has the X Factor” as it rolled off the presses (right).

There was a distinctly Irish air to Saturday’s show – which opened with Dermot O’Leary introducing the Dublin auditions at Croke Park.

Tallaght Leisure Centre, where Janet works as a lifeguard,

posted a good luck message to the talented brunette shortly before the show aired. It said: “Janet makes her first appearance & hopefully not the last one on this weekend’s show. Go Janet Grogan!!!!”

Simon Cowell (above) – who admitted on Twitter that he’d made a mistake axing Janet the first time round – said he’d been “praying” ever since that she would come back.

Janet revealed: “Once I

read what Simon had said after I lost out on a place in the final, I always intended on going back.

“It was just a matter of when I was ready, and I felt ready this time. I think the knowledge I gained the first time was invaluable.”

Since appearing on the show the first time, Janet has been busy improving her voice. She was the only Irish woman to feature on Saturday’s show, with Simon telling her it was the best audition he’d heard all day.

To see all the action from X-Factor at Croke Park turn to Pages 10/11

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

MALAHIDE | CALLS FOR GARDA ACTION AFTER DEMESNE INCIDENTS

Anger as teens accused of vandalism, abuse at park  SYLVIA POWNALL

Up for a fun fest LOCALS and artists have been hard at work preparing for an exhibition to run during the annual Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival on the Donabate/ Portrane peninsula. The public art events is running until September 11 at Lynders Mobile Home Park and a number of other locations in Portrane.

This year sees returning artists include Michael McLoughlin, Mike Finn, Alan James Burns, Fiona Marron, Caroline Doolin. Emer Lynch and Ella de Burca. Donabate/Portrane’s popular Bleeding Pig Festival will also feature a singing session at the Waterside Hotel this Thursday night, storytelling with Niall de Burca on Friday, and a ceili on the streets on Saturday afternoon. Entertainment for children includes a circus skills workshop and singing lessons, both at the Parish Hall. For further information, see www.bleedingpig.ie.

GARDAI are investigating reports of broken bottles being thrown at people walking their dogs in the grounds of Malahide Castle.

Last week, a mob of teenage vandals arrived armed with bottles of beer, fast food and barbeques and proceeded to hurl abuse at anyone walking past them.

In one instance, a broken bottle was lobbed through the air and in another one of the youths picked up someone’s dog and ran off with it.

When reports of the incident surfaced on a community Facebook page, some users left obscene messages boasting of their exploits.

Fingal County Council confirmed the park rangers spent much of last Wednesday, August 31, cleaning up the mess the thugs left behind on the green in front of the cricket pitch.

The area was strewn with broken glass, while large patches of grass were burnt and the artificial wicket was destroyed after a fire was lit on it.

Disturbingly, the vandalism was reported on the Enjoy Malahide Facebook page where dozens of foul-mouthed and abusive replies were posted commenting on a “great sesh”. These have since been removed.

However, other users of the site urged that gardai pursue the “young sewer mouths” via their Face-

Photos posted at the Enjoy Malahide community page on Facebook, showing rubbish and damage in the grounds of Malahide Castle

book profiles.

One wrote: “I’m sure their parents would like to know what filthy mouths their little darlings have and question them about the damage they have done. Screenshot their Facebook page and I’m sure it will be quite easy to find where they live.”

Another commented:

“It is local teenagers. I see them around the village all the time. This summer has been a nightmare.

Where are their parents?”

Last year, anti-social behaviour by a group of teenagers on the green led to complaints to gardai.

According to social media reports, there were several calls made to both

Malahide and Coolock garda stations, but neither had the manpower to send a patrol car.

Fingal County Council confirmed the area beside the cricket grounds had been left strewn with rubbish.

A garda spokesman was unavailable for comment.

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY

| MARCHING BANDS IMPRESS WITH SKILLS AT MALAHIDE

Team coordination and cooperation was a common theme in many displays

Many polished performances Fingal Mayor Darragh Butler and CEO Paul Reid with Georgia Tech band members. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

A

GREAT evening was enjoyed by the huge crowd who turned up at Malahide Castle and Gardens last Thursday for Malahide’s Marching Band Classic.

A crowd of 2,000 people braved the weather and were enthralled by the colour, music and razzmatazz that

all the bands provided.

The free event saw two of the USA’s finest college marching bands – Boston College’s Screaming Eagles, and Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets – play alongside a number of local bands, including the Crumlin Community Youth Band, Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Dub-

lin All Stars Marching Band and Vikings Drum Corps.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler said: “It was a fantastic occasion and full credit to all the bands on their amazing performances that enthralled the crowd.

We hope to see you all back in Malahide again some time soon.”

Whether playing, marching or demonstrating skills, all the bands’ members gave their all

Whether playing or practicing, Boston College Band members remained upbeat

Members of the Dublin All Stars Marching Band enjoying the performances

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

‘Use bus lanes to reduce bus strike impact’ WITH potentially weeks of Dublin Bus strikes looming, the AA has called for bus lanes in the city to be opened up to motorists on the relevant days.

According to AA research, more than 400,000 people will be affected by the strikes, while the additional traffic expected during the strikes will add to the city’s congestion.

Conor Faughnan, director of Consumer Affairs, AA said: “The only sensible thing to do is to allow all traffic to use the empty lanes.

“That is a call that Minister [for Transport] Shane Ross should make. We should be making pragmatic decisions to lessen the effect.”

PORTMARNOCK | LOCALS RAISE RANGE OF FEARS AS CLOSURE OF LINK LOOMS

Life or death warning as bridge to close for 12 days

 SYLVIA POWNALL

EMERGENCY services could lose precious minutes responding to calls in Portmarnock during bridge repairs, locals have warned.

The 5.2km detour – 11km for buses and HGVs – could mean the difference between life and death for anyone needing urgent medical care.

Traders met with Fingal County Council to outline their concerns and a petition signed by hundreds of people has been circulated.

However, the council is adamant that the closure of the bridge linking Strand Road with Station

Road will go ahead – for what it vows will be a maximum of 12 days.

David Kelly, of Portmarnock Community Development Association, said: “A lot of people have commented on the effect on emergency services.

“There doesn’t seem to be a plan [to access Portmarnock] other than using the back roads, or Malahide. It would take a lot longer to get to the scene of a fire; the same with ambulances coming from Beaumont.

“Also, if there is flooding on the back roads in old Portmarnock, the only way for all traffic in and out would be via Malahide – causing abso-

As the council begins bridge repairs, traffic has already begun to significantly slow up. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

lute gridlock.”

Work is due to commence next Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, Dublin Bus had not advised of its plans for the 42 route – nor had the council erected any road signs advising of upcoming works or detours.

The council’s traffic management plan, which is being finalised, provides for temporary traffic lights on key junctions along the Druimnigh Road, and variable messaging signs on both approaches to the bridge.

Engineers have com-

mitted to building a temporary pedestrian bridge – but the local authority says a temporary bridge for vehicles is out of the question, due to issues of cost, health and safety and the timeframe.

A council spokesperson said: “The bridge

will close from 10am on Wednesday, September 14, re-opening at the latest from Monday, September 26.

“It is likely ... that the bridge will be open before September 26. We will be giving regular updates to keep people advised.”

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY

Isabelle Lynch and Alva Cahill

| FINGAL VINTAGE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Tadhg and Aine racing

Sophie, Cliona, Alva, Kyle, Kevin and Amy. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

A fun day out for all the family F

Alfie, Evan, DJ, Finn and Tom

Mickaela O’Connor with her sister

Michael John

Laura

Keenan

Tom Early

INGAL Vintage Harvest Festival was a fun day out for all the family with vintage vehicles on display, threshing of the oats, soap box derby, a scarecrow competition, food and craft stalls and much much more. The event was held at Skerries Mills.

Sean Hand, with sisters Aimee and Ciara

David Murtagh with daughter Rachel

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

10 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

CULTURE | THE GAZETTE HAD A SPECIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN WELCOMING THE X FACTOR BACK TO

Who’s got the Factor?

WE DO! Screengrab: TV3 Player

A giant Louis face filled the side of a bus

Dermot’s got the moves all right

Special X Factor Gazettes

X Factor and Gazette fans Lisa Kenny and Jenny Ashe. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Fans Anna O’Hanlon and Katie

roll through the printing presses, ready to help spread the word

Nice to see you too, Simon

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 11

DUBLIN FOR AUDITIONS

GOT A STORY?

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@dublingazette.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION!

KING LOUIS ON HIS ROLE IN THE SHOW  IAN BEGLEY

WHEN The X Factor bus came rolling into Dublin, the programme makers knew they needed something big, local, popular and important to help them get their message out – and The Gazette was happy to help!

That’s why when Simon, Nicole, Louise and Sharon arrived at Croke Park, their X Factor fans were already in the mood for some unforgettable sights and sounds, with their special commemorative Gazettes, hot from the presses (see left) helping to set the mood – and giving them Dublin’s best read.

Once the judges had arrived, marking the end of a six-year departure from Dublin, the auditions at Croker saw the good, the bad, and the memorable from a wide range of eager performers wanting to become the next big thing.

Louis got a very welcome return to the show, arriving in style on an open-top bus with his face on it – which Simon couldn’t resist having a jab at it.

One of the contestants winning the judge’s approval was Janet Grogan from Kingswood, Tallaght – a familiar face for Cowell (see Page 3). The 28-year-old made it to his Six Chairs two years ago, but he eventually swapped her for another singer, which he later regretted.

I met up with Louis (top) at TV3’s autumn season launch recently to ask what it’s like being back on the panel, and if he genuinely believes that Ireland has the potential to claim victory in this year’s competition.

‘I’m having much more fun’ He said: “I absolutely love being back – it’s business as usual, but this time around I’m having much more fun and, with Simon being on the panel along with Sharon, it’s a dream come true. Simon is probably my favourite, because I’ve known him for so long, but to be honest I get along really well with everyone.

“I can remember about 10 people in the Irish auditions who did well, but I feel the ones we chose really have potential.”

But do you really think that an Irish person could win? “It’s possible, but it’s going to be tough. I’d obviously love it to happen, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Louis added that out of all the countries he’s travelled to, he loves being based in Dublin the most.

However, the one thing that really annoys him about this country is Irish radio.

“Dublin is such a great city to live in, but you only really appreciate it once you go abroad, even for a short space of time. The biggest problem I have with Ireland is that they don’t play enough Irish radio.

“We could play so many new Irish acts on our airways, but instead they just play the same type of music over and over again. This is why it’s so hard for young people here to break into the music industry.”

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS

Teaming up for better opportunities QUALITY and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for maintaining the ten level National Framework of Qualifications, is delighted to announce it has joined forces with Transition Year Ireland on a three-year partnership.

Through this partnership, QQI will get involved with the

upcoming TY Expo 2016, which is taking place on September 12 and 13 at the Punchestown Racecourse Event Centre, where they will actively engage with attendees through speaker opportunities and branding at the event.

The TY Expo is an annual event that focuses on TY students and places them, as well

as their teachers and parents, face-to-face with the people behind the many opportunities available to them throughout the year. Pictured at the announcement is Dr Padraig Walsh, chief executive, QQI (left) with Elle Loughran, student and Edwin Landzaad, CEO, Transition Year Ireland.

Picture: Robbie Reynolds

Green Innovator receives award UCD has presented professor Kevin O’Connor, a leading green technologies researcher and innovator, with the NovaUCD 2016 Innovation Award.

Professor O’Connor’s interests include research into the development of biodegradable polymers; methods of improving the recycling of plastic and other materials i.e. upcycling; the transformation of waste products and industrial side streams into value added products.

His expertise includes areas such as the bioeconomy, environmental technology, bioprocessing, biocatalysis, and protein engineering.

The award was presented to professor O’Connor, a professor at the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and a principal investigator at the UCD Earth Institute,

by UCD president, professor Andrew J Deeks, during an event held at NovaUCD, the centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event the UCD president said: “I am delighted to present this to Professor O’Connor in recognition of the quality and impact of his peer-reviewed research, his technological developments for the production of bio-based products as well as his

Professor Kevin O’Connor with his award

industrial collaboration and successes in the commercialisation of the intellectual property arising from his research at the University.”

On receiving the award Professor O’Connor said: “I am honoured to receive this prestigious

award.

“It recognises the huge effort, commitment and intellect of the current and past researchers and students in my research lab in UCD and in Bioplastech to develop and commercialise our technologies.”

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 13

ASDFSDAF P27 GAMING P25

FEATURE P22

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



GAZETTE

A DAY IN THE LIFE P14

DARLING, SUPER SID IS FULL OF POTENTIAL

The city’s many arches and bridges are always there to link and usher you along to a new shopping, cultural or entertaining experience. Photos: Shane Dillon

RETAIL: THERE’S MUCH MORE TO THE CITY THAN ‘JUST’ THE CENTRE – SO EXPLORE!

Dublin delights for shoppers RIGHTLY or wrongly, Dubliners are often accused of being insular by their country cousins, and it’s probably fair to say that many Dubs don’t know much of the capital beyond their own neck of the woods.

With budgets tight and the kids back at school, if you’re looking for a quick break from it all (but don’t have the time of money to venture far afield), why not look at some of the fantastic attractions on your own doorstep?

VisitDublin.com – the official tourist information website for the capital – recently rolled out a new video which highlights just some of the great destinations and experiences the capital has to offer (and you can check it out on

our website or Facebook page).

So, if you’re looking to get away from it all without going far – and, more importantly, you believe in supporting local businesses – Visit Dublin has given us some great pointers that highlight how lucky we are to have such a diverse range of towns and villages right in our own backyard, with all the attractions and businesses that they offer Dubs, culchies and tourists alike ...

Savour shopping in Dublin Dublin city and its coastal villages are not just vibrant, bustling and eclectic destinations for tourism, outdoor adventure, great food, culture and

unique experiences, but have helped make the city become known as a real shopping mecca.

Today, Dublin offers an abundance of choice for those shopping lovers who want to seek out independent stores, Irish crafts, family-friendly markets and venerable shops that have stood the test of time.

Whether it’s the work of an emerging Irish artist, a rare cheese or exquisite tailoring you’re after, there’s no shortage of places across the city and county to take your fancy, as the following categories illustrate ...

Womenswear Drury Street, in the heart of Dublin’s

“creative quarter”, is a mecca for fashionistas seeking brands not common on the high street.

Both Om Diva and Costume (the latter on the corner at Castle Market) carry Irish and international brands to turn heads.

Just around the corner, at Exchequer Street, there’s a distinctly retro feel to Carousel, where you can buy vintagestyle dresses for reasonable prices.

Malahide has several inviting boutiques, with Neola and Sans Souci among them.

For more about the wonderful range of shopping and activities found across Dublin, see P23

OUR Dog of the Week looking for her #SpecialSomeone* is stunning Sid, a oneyear-old male Rottweiler cross.

He has just completed his muzzle training and is ready and waiting to go to his forever home.

He is a big, bouncy boy and loves training games and playing with his doggie pals. Sid will do almost anything for treats, but he’s not too keen on sharing with fellow canines or children, so he would like an adult-only home.

If you can be Sid’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. *As part of their 10th birthday celebrations, MAXI ZOO IRELAND will be championing 10 of our dogs for the next 10 weeks in some of their stores, to help us try and find their #SpecialSomeone.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE: MRS BROWN’S BOYS STAR RORY COWAN NEVER ASPIRED TO BE AN ACTOR

Rory went from smash hits to Mrs with no training  IAN BEGLEY

MRS Brow n’s Boys’ e x t r ove r t s t a r R o r y Cowan has revealed that he only inherited the role of Agnes’s gay son after the man who was due to play him left acting — to become a train driver.

Speaking to The Gazette at the launch of TV3’s new-look autumn schedule, Rory said he never aspired to be an actor and fell into the job of playing flamboyant character Rory.

He explained: “I honestly never had any ambition to become an actor even though I was closely associated with the industry.

“I used to work as a sales and marketing manager for EMI and rubbed elbows with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina

-------------------------------------------------------

‘I used to work as a sales and marketing manager for EMI and rubbed elbows with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner and Diana Ross.’

--------------------------------------------------------

Turner and Diana Ross.

“I was also involved in the marketing for Mrs Brown’s Boys and about ten years ago it was revealed that the former actor who played Rory had trouble getting a mortgage for a home because he was an actor.

“He decided to leave acting to become a train driver – the only problem was they opened in Liverpool the next morning for a threeweek theatre show.

“Brendan asked me to fill in for him because I was so closely associ-

ated with the show and he thought I’d suit the character perfectly.

“I had only one day to learn all of the lines and decided to bleach my hair blonde and wear really bright clothes to stand out as much as I could.

“That was the only time I ever got nervous on stage. After that I fell in love with the role.”

Rory added that he isn’t surprised the hit TV show was voted the best British sitcom of the century. Viewers in the UK recently voted the series as the best

show of the millennium in an online poll for the Radio Times, where it beat off critically acclaimed shows such as The Office (2001), The Thick of It (2005) and Peep Show (2003).

Rory says he’s over the moon with the result, but he wasn’t exactly knocked for six.

He added: “The success of both the sitcom and live show is really staggering, especially in the UK. “We have between eight to ten thousand people attending our theatre shows each night and in the big cities like Liverpool and in London we would perform for about 60,000 people in a week.

“So when we were voted as the best sitcom of the century it really didn’t come as much of a surprise.”

FEATURE

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Drumming home a charity’s mission JONATHAN Irwin, chief executive of The Jack & Jill Foundation, was on hand at Argillan Castle to help drum up awareness of the charity’s annual initiative, Up the Hill for Jack and Jill.

At the castle, Irwin was joined by 70 friends and supporters to launch the campaign, including Sandra Salmon, whose daughter, Hannah, is supported by Jack & Jill.

She said: “This is an amazing charity – they have been our lifeline for the past year and a half, supporting us with home nursing care for Hannah and all sorts of practical support. We would well and truly be lost without them.

“Every donation is

greatly appreciated and the magic number is €16, as this is the cost of a nursing hour.”

Running all this month, the fundraising initiative invites people to walk or run a hill, with registration now open at www. jackandjill.ie, priced €16.

JUDGE WORD WAR’S DUELLING DEBATERS WORD WAR judges are needed in Dublin for the intellectual equivalent of The X Factor – a national debating contest run by Concern Worldwide.

I r e l a n d ’s l a r g e s t humanitarian aid agency is recruiting volunteers to join their panel of adjudicators for Concern Debates, the country’s biggest secondary

schools debating contest.

In the All-Ireland competition, teenage debating teams go head-to-head on highly relevant and topical arguments.

Each year, around 150 schools take part in the war of words, with the final held in The Helix.

The winning team is taken to one of Concern’s projects overseas, such as drought-hit Malawi, where last year’s winners – Cross and Passion College from Ballycastle, Co Antrim – witnessed firsthand the charity’s lifechanging work.

Anyone who wants to volunteer and join Concern’s panel of debates judges is asked to contact Concern’s Schools and Youth Programme

Administrator, Geraldine Carroll, at 01 417 7733, or by emailing debates@ concern.net.

TEAM CHALLENGE ROAD RUN RETURNS THE Twilight Team Challenge 5k Road Run returns to Sandyford Business District this coming September 29.

Last year, almost 1,000 people took part with applications for this year’s run expected to exceed this number significantly.

People can take part individually or as part of a team and the event offers an opportunity for team building and a lighthearted rivalry between staff from offices in the area.

Gerard O’Farrell,

Lisa Maguire with Jonathan Irwin, chief executive, The Jack & Jill Foundation; Sandra Salmon and Fran Cochrane with their daughter, Hannah, who the Foundation supports. Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennell Photography

managing director of the Spirit Motor Group, event sponsors, said: “We are delighted to see this event return for its second year. The enquiries are already coming in, so we

are expecting a significant turn-out of individuals and teams for this year’s challenge.

“We are supporting the Ross Nugent Foundation for this event, although

entrants can also fundraise for their own chosen charity.”

Registration is open at www.twilightteamchallenge.com, and the entry fee is €25.

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

BACK TO

Two-year-old Cora McIlhatton and best pal Leah Pownall, 3, can’t wait for their first day at Haven preschool in Clondalkin

Goodbye summer... hello learning IT WAS Back to School week for thousands of lit-

galleries, to run in our print editions throughout

tle Dubliners this week – and it’s a time of mixed

September.

emotions for one and all, with as many tears shed

We have some wonderful prizes to give away -

by mammies and daddies are there were by their

including a €150 gift card for Life Style Sports, €50

little students.

vouchers for M&S, Penneys and Dealz, a hamper

The response to our Back to School competition

from Flying Tiger, every kid’s favourite variety

has been magnificent, with hundreds of read-

store, AND a €100 voucher for the Base – Ireland’s

Audrey Buttner sent in this great pic of her three children. She

ers sending in their pix – so much so that we’ve

Number 1 entertainment centre.

said they had a great summer and were delighted to be heading

Sophie and Lucy Osbourne , Presentation

back to school...”or at least one of them was”!

Girls School, Maynooth

decided to extend it by another week. So keep an eye out for your little ones in our Back to School

And don’t be stuck folks - get your last minute Back to School essentials from Life Style sports.

Little Leo Byrne from Baldoyle is ready for anything school life

Little Bella wishes her big brother Tadgh

throws at him

good luck as he heads off to start Second

Roisin Fitzpatrick,

Rosa McManus, 9,

Senior Infants,

heading off to start third

Presentation Primary

class in Tyrrelstown

School Teranure

ETNS

Class at the Divine Word, Rathfarnham Little Rani Smith was really

school!

Kate’s as proud as punch that her little sister Lucy is

excited to be going into

Cian Fitzpatrick, Jamie Timoney, AJ Corish, Kate Melady

Junior Infants at Scoil

and Ella Burns are all smiles at St Marnock’s NS

Mhuire in Lucan

These Rathfarnham brothers are both starting big school, with Evan, 12, going into First Year at Colaiste Eanna and fiveyear-old Ryan starting Junior Infants at

Maya and Jessica Wilson are ready to start their school year

Scoil Naomh Padraig

at St Vincent de Paul Infants School Griffith Ave

Pals Mia Carroll, Lara Nola and Belle n O’Sulliva n froim S Helen’s N t S, Portm arnock

joining her in St Sylvester’s NS, Malahide

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

It’s the great beauty bake off

RUSH lady Anna Maguire won the Tipperary Crystal Rose of the Curragh competition this year in a dress of her own design.

Anna is a professional dressmaker at Ana Mac Boutique in north County Dublin, and the winning dress was originally designed for this year’s Dublin Rose.

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

WITH everyone’s favourite baking programme dominating our TV screens, it only seems fair that we, in the world of beauty, get to bake too!

This technique of making your foundation look flawless and creaseless has been an industry secret among make-up artists and drag queens for years, and involves layering concealers and powders and leaving them to set.

NYX Cosmetics have two suitable products for ‘baking’ that face ...

1. Begin with a hydrating eye cream to prepare the eyes for the make-up.

2. Thickly apply NYX Concealer wand (above; RRP €6.99) under your eye, all the way from the apples of your cheeks towards your temples. Blend it out.

3. Follow up the concealer with ... more concealer! Apply NYX Concealer wand lightly on top of the first layer.

4. Now it’s time to set the concealer. Use the NYX Stay Matte Not Flat powder foundation (right; RRP €10.99) and lightly tap it onto the eye area.

5. To ‘bake’ this make-up, use either a damp make-up sponge or a brush and apply a very generous amount of powder below your eyes (don’t worry if it looks a bit extreme at this stage).

6. Leave the powder to set on the face for 5-10 minutes.

7. With a fluffy brush, lightly dust off the powder and enjoy your flawless make-up!

ASOS €37.33

Dublin stylists hoping to be a cut above at Wella’s top UK and Ireland contest  EMMA NOLAN

EIGHT Dublin hairdressers have been recognised as Ireland’s top professional hair stylists by Wella.

Sinead Berrigan, Lisa Roe, Shauna Forman, Nicole De’Torre and Nadine Walshe from House of Colour; Darren Lacken and Nikita Purdey from Crowe Street Collective in Temple Bar; Alex Reid from Keville Salon on South Anne Street, and Leanne O’Gorman from Foundation in Dublin 8 reached the

UK and Ireland Final of the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award 2016, to be held in London.

Created to discover and acknowledge the industry’s most skilled hair stylists and colourists, the competition focuses on all aspects of hair styling and colouring, and the Irish heat is judged by some of the UK’s leading hair icons, including Rudi Rizzo from Sanrizz and Edward Darley from Sassoon Academy.

This year, the trend movements or theme of the competition are Molten Ecaile (a multi-

ASOS €37.33

ASOS €42.67

tonal colouring technique) and Bronde Luxe (a mixture of brown and blonde shades), with entrants asked to interpret one trend with their own style.

Alex Reid from Keville Salon, who competed in the Color Vision category, said she has always had a passion for hair.

She said: “I’m so proud to

have reached the final of such a prestigious competition. To be taking part and competing against the best hairdressers in the country is a huge honour.”

The hairdressers will spend the next few weeks preparing for the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award UK and Ireland Final in October.

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 19

Beauty of the pyjama blouse

GAZETTE

STYLE

THE

Penneys €11

 EMMA NOLAN

THE shirt of the season has arrived and laid-back luxe is on the agenda.

Pyjama blouses are simply, well, pyjama blouses, but we now have permission to wear them outdoors.

A good silk blouse will never go out of style, and this take on the trend offers a more relaxed and obtainable approach to adorning oneself in silk every day.

Penneys’ pyjama blouses are some of the nicest garments to come out of Penneys in a while, and at €11, they’re a steal.

Other high street offerings are good, but Penneys wins this time. Take to ASOS for some more interesting, albeit expensive, colour and shape combinations.

This sort of casual chic lends itself well to a “nonchalantly put together” vibe. The blouse is easy to throw on and is best paired with high-waisted pants.

New Look €TBC

Penneys €11

New Look €TBC

Penneys €11

New Look €TBC Missguided €33.25

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

A NEW ERA: IRELAND’S FIRST LUXURY SLEEPER TRAIN FINALLY LAUNCHED IN DUBLIN

Your carriage awaits: A journey on Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train doesn’t come cheap - a two-day trip will set you back a whopping €3,160

A grand day for a train trip

 IAN BEGLEY

CHOO! CHOO! Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train has finally launched in Dublin with a six-day trip costing as little as €7,700.

Yes, you read that right: €7,700.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian was launched last week and includes 10 carriages, 20 en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car, all refurbished by specialist outfitters.

Two-day trips cost €3,160, four days cost €5,420 and six days cost €7,722. On board the passengers will have double or twin cabins with goose feather and Irish-made down bedding.

It’s inaugural journey from Heuston Station took 40 guests on a six-night Grand Tour of Ireland.

Marking a new era in luxury rail travel, Belmond Grand Hibernian is the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout the Island of Ireland.

The train’s contemporary interiors are elegant yet relaxed, evoking the sense of travelling in an Irish country house with genuine and warm service provided by the train’s crew.

Throughout the inaugural sixnight itinerary, covering 2,217 kilometres, guests will first travel from

Dublin to Cork where they will visit the Jameson’s Distillery, followed by a private visit of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone before the grounds are open to the public.

Belmond Grand Hibernian then heads west to Killarney and its National Park for a boat tour of the spectacular Lough Leane.

As the train heads north, a walking tour of the creative city of Galway is followed by a full day visit to Ashford Castle for a lunch and walk around the property’s stunning grounds.

The elegant, midnight blue carriages then travel to Northern Ireland and Belfast for a visit of the award-winning Titanic Experience.

The train then returns south to the Viking port of Waterford for a visit to the House of Waterford and Curraghmore House, home to the Waterford family. The journey then ends in Dublin.

Head chef Alan Woods has created mouth-watering dishes showcasing the best of Irish produce with a contemporary twist. On the menu are dishes such as seafood chowder, Roast Killarney Venison, Donegal Turf Smoked Salmon and Crab Cannon, Skeaghanore Duck Leg Confit and Warm Kildare Wild

Elderberry and Plum Compote. All food is regionally sourced from local producers.

Guests can expect to enjoy home-baked soda bread and scones; served with salty butter and homemade jams and fresh cream.

Each carriage is named after an Irish county with interiors reflecting the local flora and fauna and colours inspired by the county’s tartan.

Irish creative flair is also reflected in the staff uniforms, designed in Ireland, using materials such as Donegal tweed.

Kildare, the Observation Car and social hub of the train has the

charm of a local Irish tavern, with live entertainment each evening and a varied choice of Irish gin and whiskies for guests to enjoy after dinner is served in the elegant and light-filled dining cars Wexford and Sligo.

The sleeper cars, including Waterford, Leitrim and Kerry, feature 20 luxury en-suite cabins including four double cabins with spacious storage and elegant details such as the Galway crystal jewellery stands and Irish goose feather and down pillows and duvets, made in Westport.

Commenting on the launch, JP Kavanagh says: “As a proud Irishman, I am delighted to be part of

the launch of this exciting new train showcasing authentic Irish hospitality, scenery, produce and culture.”

Belmond Grand Hibernian offers two, four and six-night itineraries for up to 40 guests running from now until the end of October.

Guests will be immersed in the rich Irish culture, including history, art and music, or choose to play a round of golf at famous courses along the way.

In 2017, the season will run from 25 April to 14 October.

For more information or to make a reservation for 2016 or 2017 - visit Belmond.com/grandhibernian

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Mexico: Bursting with culture and history  IAN BEGLEY

COMBINE relaxation with culture and history on an incredible 13-night trip to Mexico.

Your journey will bring you through the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the quaint streets of Merida, and from the ancient Aztec and Mayan empires to the white sandy beaches of Cancun.

You will begin your holiday with a half day tour of Mexico City, accompanied by your expert local guide.

A metropolis originally built by the Aztecs, today Mexico City is the cultural epicentre of Mexico and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Here, you will visit national landmarks such as the National Palace, the Diego Rivera murals and the Anthropology Museum.

Next, explore Teotih-

uacan, the 2000-year-old city that is known as The Birthplace of the Gods.

T his ancient settlement of the Aztecs was originally built between 100BC and 250AD, and is home to the oldest Mesoamerican pyramids on the continent.

En route, you will enjoy a stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Catholicism and one of Mexico City’s most spectacular buildings. You will also enjoy a full day e xc u r-

sion to the historical and cultural city of Oaxaca.

Stop off at the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal and enjoy a city tour of Merida on the way.

A UNESCO World Heritage S i t e , Uxmal showcases

buildings like the Governor’s Palace, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Pyramid of the Magician.

Then, journey on to Campeche, stopping for a visit to the archaeological Mayan region of Palenque.

Containing some of the finest sculpture and architecture that the Mayans have produced, Palenque will take your breath away.

Discover Mexico’s most popular tourist attraction which is also believed to be one of the oldest settlements on earth, Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan settlement which boasts the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, the

Great Ball Court and the Castillo Temple.

Ik Kil Cenote is a world famous lagoon, where you will descend a carved staircase in the rock face to reach the bright blue water. Open for swimming, the pool is 26m deep and a popular diving spot.

Spend your final two days relaxing and enjoying Cancun at your own pace.

Ask your guide for activity recommendations, or spend time chilling out by the hotel pool. Cancun is most famous for its beautiful beaches and the crystal clear water for swimming and snorkelling.

Prices star t from €2,799pp including return flights from Dublin, internal flight within Mexico, transfers, taxes & charges, 13 nights’ B&B/half-board hotel accommodation and excursions, with flight departing April 27, 2017.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Squirm in your seat for an orchestra of oddities TRAVEL back to a time when gentlemen wore top hats, ladies wore corsets and mobile phones were steam powered – a time when the Freak Show dominated in all its odd and shocking glory.

Squirm in your seats as our Orchestra of Oddities thrill, shock and entertain in equal measure.

Bleedin’ Deadly - Bram Stoker Festival’s flagship evening event (strictly over 18’s) - will run for four nights only in the iconic Pillar Room, Rotunda Hospital: October 28 to 31.

Hosted by The Space Cowboy – extreme performance artist and 44 time world record holder – the Bleedin’ Deadly line-up includes the world’s most pierced woman Elaine Davidson, Coney Island’s side show impresario Donny Vomit, snake charmer and burlesque reptile queen Kitty LeRoux and local bizarrio Grim Squeaker.

See Australia’s internationally renowned sword swallow The Space Cowboy perform some of his death defying stunts including ingesting a 2000v neon lightbulb, catching a flaming arrow while blindfolded and his unmissable weight lifting eyelids.

T he human pincushion “Elaine Davidson” has adorned her

body with over 9,000 piercings which weigh in excess of 3kgs.

This Brazilian-born former nurse not only is the world record holder for body piercing, but has now achieved a new Guinness Record for The person holding the piercing record for the longest time (since 2000).

With over 192 piercings on her facial area alone, Elaine says: “People often just want to look at me or touch me - some even want to kiss me”!

Meet Coney Island’s freakshow frontman Donny Vomit who has made a living by hammering nails into his skull.

His tattoo “A hard way to make an easy living” pays homage to the long tradition of Human Blockhead at Coney Island which was created in 1930.

Also an escapologist, his performance will feature some heavy hardware - chainsaws, a strait-

jacket, a mouse trap and a bed of nails!

Introducing Ireland’s sizzling sideshow couple - burlesque snake charmer Miss Kitty Le Roux and local bizarrio Grim Squeaker.

The striking green haired belle Kitty Le Roux is known as the Reptile Queen with her menagerie of 12 exotic reptilian beauties - seven snakes, three lizards, one gecko and one tortoise.

Beautiful, deadly and cold blooded, this cabaret snake charmer extraordinaire is not to be missed.

Witness Kitty’s boyfriend, Ireland’s premier sideshow performer Grim Squeaker, as eats broken glass and sharpened razor blades and is smashed with sledgehammers as he lays upon a bed of nails.

Tickets to Bleedin Deadly, Ireland’s Freakiest Halloween Event, as part of Bram Stoker Festival are from €20.

It is an over 18 years event. Tickets available at www.bramstokerfestival.com / Booking Tel: 01 881 9613

Looking for a freakishly good time?

We have a pair of tickets to give away to Bleedin’ Deadly – just send us your scariest story to be in with a chance of winning!

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

SHOPPING RETAIL: A LOOK AT SHOPPING DIVERSITY

Discover for yourself why Dublin has so much to offer Continued from Page 13

Menswear Dublin men keen to get their hands on designer clothes a little out of the ordinary are spoiled for choice at Nowhere on Aungier Street.

Those with a penchant for hard-to-get Scandinavian brands should head to Indigo & Cloth on East Essex Street, Temple Bar – it’s got a branch of the popular Clement & Pekoe cafe in-store for tea and coffee.

And, also in Temple Bar, in West Essex Street, Tamp and Stitch also offers cool clobber and excellent coffee.

Children Babies and toddlers can be kitted out with the best at JoJo Maman Bebe on Wicklow Street, which also boasts an impressive selection of maternity wear, while Pearl, on South King Street, close to the Gaiety Theatre, offers style with a difference for preschool kids and those who are a little older.

Irish Design Some of what’s great about Irish craft and design can be found at Powerscourt Townhouse

Centre on South William Street.

There, talented Dubliner Chupi Sweetman’s stunning range of delicate gold jewellery can be checked out in Chupi.

Further choice at Powerscourt comes courtesy of Article.

Industr y carries a wide selection of Irish and European goods at its Drury Street store, and there’s a fine cafe there too, specialising in exceptional salads.

Artisan Food Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street offers some of the most sumptuous food in the city, and its butcher is justly famed for its game and rare cuts of beef.

If it’s cheese you’re after, there’s nowhere better than Sheridan’s on South Anne Street – they’ve an unrivalled selection of Irish and international offerings.

Dublin’s coastal villages are well served with high-end food emporia, such as Caviston’s at Glasthule Road, Glasthule, celebrated for its stunning fish selection.

Back in town, and Liston’s, on Camden Street, sources a wide range of high-quality Irish and international food prod-

ucts, and it’s a great place to stop for delicious fresh breads, cheese and cold meats.

Books Dublin has a huge selection of bookshops and the country’s largest – Chapters on Parnell Street – has a massive second-hand section.

The Gutter Bookshop, West Essex Street, Temple Bar, has carved out a niche as an exemplary independent bookstore, with several writers’ events held here.

There’s a second Gutter Bookshop in Dalkey, on Railway Road – a place that’s especially busy during the popular Zurich Dalkey Book Festival – and the denizens of Ranelagh swear by their local haunt, The Company of Books.

Named after the Yeats poem, and in honour of its winding staircase, The Winding Stair Bookshop is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin, and its upstairs restaurant is also a favourite meeting place for foodies looking for relaxed dining.

Music The independently owned Tower Records

Whether browsing through some of the very latest on-trend styles or exploring establishments with a rich, long-standing heritage, Dublin offers plenty of choice to suit all tastes, needs and budgets

on Dawson Street boasts one of Ireland’s largest selection of vinyl.

If it’s a second-hand bargain you’re looking for, both Spindizzy in the Victorian George’s Street Arcade and the Secret Bookshop and Record Store on Wicklow Street are must-visits on your itinerary.

RAGE, in the short but hugely vibrant Fade Street, caters for both gamers and lovers of vinyl.

Markets The number and quality of food and crafts markets in Dublin has mushroomed rapidly in the past decade. The Temple Bar Market in Meeting

House Square offers a bustling experience on Saturday mornings, while the Dun Laoghaire Sunday Market in The People’s Park is the perfect place to grab an alfresco bite. It’s especially lovely on sunny summer days when the views take in Dublin Bay and Howth Head.

Be sure to check out some of the much-loved flea markets in the city.

Dublin Flea Market – a fantastic indoor market safe from the on/off Irish summer – takes place on the last Sunday of every month in The Co-op on Newmarket square.

The Grand Social at Lower Liffey Street hosts the weekly Ha’Penny

Flea Market every Saturday from noon til 6pm.

Elsewhere, the food market at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park, and the Red Stables Market in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, are ideal antidotes to the fast pace of modern life.

Arts and Antiques Francis Street, in the beating heart of The Liberties, is Dublin’s traditional antiques quarter and its proud tradition continues today, thanks to such well-regarded establishments as Niall Mullen Antiques and Martin Fennelly Antiques.

Those seeking work by the latest generation of

young Irish artists should high-tail it to the Jam Art Gallery on Patrick’s Street – in the shadow of St Patrick’s Cathedral – where a wide selection is available.

Whether you love contemporary or traditional art, Gallery Zozimus, also on Francis St, offers an excellent collection of paintings, sculptures in bronze, ceramic, glass and wood as well as street and urban art, and here you will find exciting work from many new and emerging artists.

For more cool ideas about exploring Dublin’s vibrant shopping scene, see www. visitdublin.com.

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

LIGHTS OUT

A bright idea for a film DIRECTOR James Wan takes the premise of a short film and gives it a decent treatment with Lights Out (Cert 15A, 81 mins). A young boy is being haunted by a dangerous and very real being who lives in the dark – however, she has direct ties to his family, some of whom know exactly who ‘Diana’ is ... Wan’s skill at directing horror come to the fore, with an interesting premise presented with skill.

THE PURGE 3

Gets a vote of approval TO GIVE it its full and correct name, The Purge: Election Year (Cert 16, 109 mins) isn’t going to win any votes for sharpness, but its twisted take on politics and violence in America is entertaining enough. A US senator and her team try to survive the annual Purge – 12 hours when any and all crime is legal – against the ever-shrinking odds. This latest Purge film provides some food for thought.

SAUSAGE PARTY A half-baked idea

Sausage Party (Cert 16, 89 mins) provides a side-order of utterly foul-mouthed silliness, sprinkled with crudity. What would happen if your food could talk, only to realise that – gulp – it’s doomed to be skinned, burned, boiled and eaten alive? Sausage Party starts off well, but runs out of juice before the juice – and the sausages, and the eggs, and the milk – try to run off to freedom.

Viggo Mortensen is perfect as the radical patriarch in this enjoyable, offbeat road movie.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR: A STRICT SENSE OF IDEALISM AND OUTSIDER POLITICS

A not quite fantastic dramedy

CAPTAIN Fantastic is a gorgeously shot, often heart-warming and occasionally poignant dramedy, telling the story of a father attempting to raise his family in seclusion with a strict sense of idealism and outsider politics.

Viggo While Mortensen is perfect as the radical patriarch in this enjoyable, offbeat road movie, Captain Fantastic suffers from underdeveloped themes and a tendency to fall back on flat political discourse and all-toofamiliar tropes.

Ben Cash and his family live off the grid in a secluded Washington woodland.

Exhibiting an acute disdain for the capital-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

ist culture of modern America, Ben raises his children with ideological fervour, training them in the basics of survivalism, teaching them multiple languages and lecturing a vast swathe of communist doctrine.

Despite some oddball tendencies, Ben’s children seem happy and healthy enough.

Tragedy, however, sets them off on a journey of personal discover y across America: Ben’s wife, suffering from depression in an

institution, has taken her own life.

The family leaves for New Mexico to reclaim her body from his inlaws and have it cremated, in line with her beliefs as a Buddhist.

Captain Fantastic is at its best when attempting to probe Ben’s seemingly unshakeable worldview.

While his idealism is often infectious, director Matt Ross doesn’t refrain from exposing the darker side of such an unwavering attitude.

Indeed, although Ben leads his brood with tenderness, humour and a kind hand, he is occasionally unsympathetic and often easy to dislike.

The Cash family, raised on ritual and

optimistic radicalism, occasionally borders on a cult – with Ben as its fanatical leader.

Ben doesn’t give his children freedom to grow. Rather, he leaves them no other option than to follow in his footsteps.

Consequently, Captain Fantastic works best when Ben begins to learn how to be a father, and not just a leader or guide.

Ross’s film is genuinely affecting when the cracks begin to show in Ben’s perception of himself.

Unfortunately, while this makes for an emotional, human story, it muddles some of the politics on which it is founded and leaves a number of interesting

themes underdeveloped.

T he alternative child-rearing politics it espouses often boils down to videogames = bad, reading = good.

Unfortunately, for all its radicalism, Captain Fantastic rarely thinks outside the box.

The road movie plot frequently journeys through well-worn territory and familiar fish out of water jokes dominate the script.

While there is plenty of room to explore the potentially hilarious interactions that Ben’s children could have with wider society, the most significant encounter comes down to tiresome clumsiness with the opposite sex.

Des pite its f laws , Captain Fantastic is

often moving, thoughtful and stimulating; the sense of idealism that permeates throughout is, admittedly, genuinely inspiring.

While it suffers from an occasionally torpid pace and about three e n d i n g s t o o m a ny, Captain Fantastic has much to say about family life and the cost of idealism.

Beautifully shot and replete with some great performances from its young stars, especially George McKay as eldest son Bodevan, Captain Fantastic is certainly worth a look.

It’s just a shame it never quite manages to tell the radical tale that its oddball beginning suggests.

Verdict: 7/10

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

WeeBytes

Set early on in Batman’s rise in Gotham City, the game has a host of familiar characters to introduce Illustration: Shane Dillon

Spot the difference?

As ever, Bruce Wayne is the mask that Batman wears, rather than vice versa  SHANE DILLON

Tech Editor

POOR old Bruce Wayne – his parents were killed in 1939, and yet here we are in 2016, but Gotham’s well-meaning (and wellheeled) socialites are still banging on about it!

The unfortunate Wayne family history – and their business dealings – are just part of the story driving part one of the five-part Batman (multiplatform; c. €5.99 per episode, Cert 18); the latest adventure title from critically acclaimed developer , Telltale Games.

At its simplest, Batman takes familiar elements from the masked vigilante’s established canon (Gotham as a fundamentally corrupt city, Jim Gordon as its gruffly honest police commissioner, and so on) but crafts a new story with these oh-sofamiliar components.

Chiefly, it asks ... what

if the Waynes weren’t as squeaky-clean as everyone – including their troubled heir, Bruce – thought they were? Could the whole Wayne empire come crashing down because of some alleged ties to ‘dirty money’?

The stage is thus set for a sprawling multi-part tale (with Episode 2 due for release on September 20), as Bruce’s tdarkest days and greatest personal trials loom ...

Despite the game’s cartoony cel-shaded graphics, there’s a decidedly adult, and engaging, tale being told here, creating a Gotham that’s worthy of the Batman legend.

With each chapter only lasting a brisk couple of hours, they won’t outstay their welcome, with a story that develops from any decisions you make.

Regular gamers may not go batty for this one, but it’s still worth flitting into Gotham to try this.

Adding a slight social element, the game keeps track of the major decisions you made at key moments (above left) compared to all other players. However, it’s your choices and decisions (above) that shape how the story develops.

Actress Lindsay Lohan and GTA V character Lacey Jonas.

Judges rule in Lohan vs GTA V NOT since Rumpole of the Bailey retired has the legal world been in such a tizzy as that seen a few days ago: actress Lindsay Lohan’s longrunning lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive (the parent company of Rockstar Games – the developer of the worldconquering Grand Theft Auto franchise) finally had its day in court.

Seemingly rumbling away since close to the dawn of time, Lohan’s lawsuit saw her attempting to sue the company for basing an iconic GTA V marketing character (‘Lacey Jonas’) on her.

She argued before the courts that Lacey’s image, peace sign, and in-game persona was clearly marketed on her.

Unfortunately, the five-judge panel that ruled on her case disagreed, dismissing her lawsuit and noting that, in effect, the game’s broad style, setting, characters and dialogue rendered it a work of fiction and satire.

Bad luck, La– errr, Lindsay ...

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

SPORT

FastSport FAI HONOURS 75 GRADUATES: THE FAI and the Education and Training Boards (ETB) celebrated the graduation of the 2015/16 class after they successfully completed the football training course.

A ceremony was held in the FAI National Training Centre where Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane were on hand to give out certificates to the graduates.

Keane shares a special connection with the course having been enrolled as a young player prior to a move to England and it is a course that has directly benefitted the SSE Airtricity League with over 100 graduates competing in the League.

The centres Cabra, Clondalkin, Irishtown, Limerick, Castlebar, Blarney, Carrigaline and Ringmahon - have proved to be hugely influential in developing young players to go on to a higher level.

LADIES FOOTBALL: CABINTEELY SURVIVE THRILLING BRIGID’S SALVO LATE ON

Connolly’s star turn for Foxrock SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Foxrock Cabinteely 1-13 St Brigid’s 2-9  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely maintained their Dublin senior ladies’ football title with the tightest of wins over rivals St Brigid’s, who they beat in the finale for the second year in a row to progress to provin-

cial level.

The current powerhouse of Dublin ladies club football faced a massive scare, however, as they almost threw away a game they controlled for huge chunks in the dying seconds.

The southsiders got off to a strong start in a low scoring first half, with Amy Connolly at full-forward looking particularly

threatening as she took on the role of playmaker, dropping back into the half forward line to power attacks herself.

While Connolly and co racked up the points, though, Brigid’s threatened goals. First, Marian Monaghan just failed to connect with a crossfield ball yards from the Foxrock goal, before the prolific Leah Mullins

Foxrock put 12 players on the line to block a late free. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Foxrock Cabinteely celebrate winning the New Ireland Assurance Dublin ladies football senior championship. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

went one better. Mullins got on the end of a scrappy attack, breaking into the heart of the box, where she beat the despairing dive of goalkeeper Laurie Ahern.

Fox Cab were the more efficient side throughout, though, and simply kept knocking over the points, with Connolly and Amy Ring the main protagonists. When Ring got on the end of a sweeping move to beat Ciara Trant from close range, Foxrock found themselves with a 1-8 to 1-4 half-time lead that reflected their dominance.

The second half was tighter, and in large parts the sheer athleticism of Foxrock Cabinteely meant they looked like

strolling away with things. The margin slowly stretched, until AnneMarie Murphy knocked over the tightest of points with five minutes left on the clock to open up a six point lead.

But there was almost to be a sting in the tail.

First, Enya Farrell finally found some space behind the Cabinteely defence, hitting a sharp strike to close the gap to a single goal.

Brigid’s awoke, with Caroline Brogan adding a point, and Farrell spinning a powerful second goal attempt just inches wide of the far post.

The game ended with a series of Brigid’s frees, and with a goal needed to snatch the title, the hold-

ers lined half the team up on the goal line and defended for their lives.

Str uggling to find space, Brigid’s refused the easy point knowing they were two down with seconds of injury time remaining.

Eventually, the ball broke to Elaine Kelly, who with a fraction of a second’s space, dragged a goal attempt just over the top as Foxrock held on.

Brigid’s – outsider based on their recent record against Foxrock Cabinteely – came within inches of pulling off a final shock that for much of the game didn’t look on the cards. By a single point, 1-13 to 2-9, Foxrock Cabinteely cling to their title.

Hoolahan helps launch new FAI schools season  sport@dublingazette.com

Irish internationals Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce and Wes Hoolahan at thge FAI launch. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

REPUBLIC of Ireland and Derby County duo Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce, along with Wes Hoolahan, Norwich City, launched the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Post Primary Schools competitions for the 2016/17 season this week at Abbotstown.

Joining the international players in the FAI National Training Centre were the winners and runners-up of last season’s Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Cups.

These prestigious competitions have featured many highprofile players through the years, most notable Ireland internationals Seamus Coleman (St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs) and Stephen Ward (Portmarnock Community School).

The interest in schools football has increased over the last number of years with 38,000 players from 510 schools participating nationwide last year.

Speaking about Bank of Ireland’s involvement, Laura Lynch, Head of Youth Banking,

said: “As Ireland’s leading bank for students, we are delighted to be sponsoring the FAI Post Primary Schools competitions for a third year. Sport plays a very positive role in youth development; helping to build character, foster higher self-esteem, and grow teamwork and leadership skills.

“The high level of involvement by schools across the country demonstrates the huge appetite out there for initiatives like this.

The strength of Bank of Ireland’s school and community ties through its 250-strong branch network makes us the perfect

partner to support this competition to continue to grow and develop nationwide.”

The numerous cup and league competitions offer huge variety with small and large schools catered for. There are various divisions that accommodate boys and girls from first year right through to Leaving Certificate.

The FAI Schools programme is co-ordinated at provincial level and schools are encouraged to sign up now for the forthcoming season as competitions will be commencing at the end of September.

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Liberty’s green space of Saintly rugby growth

FASTSport

Formed from an inner-city outreach project, the Liberty Saints rugby club is ambitious to keep growing, Peter Cunningham tells JAMES HENDICOTT, but needs much more green space AT 10-YEARS - OLD, there’s a very simple way to sum up Liberty Saints in Irish rugby culture: they’re the antithesis of Ross O’Carroll Kelly.

Coming from a charismatic but often overlooked inner city suburb, the Liberties-based club are still very much a team in flux. Currently running two sides – a league Under-17 side and a burgeoning Under-13 team – the club face a host of challenges associated with inner city living, space and recruitment, but power on as a testament to the way sport can influence lives.

“Liberty Saints spun out of the Solas Project, an inner-city outreach charity,” club secretary Peter Cunningham tells GazetteSport.

“It grew from playing tag rugby to playing friendlies and doing a couple of tours, with the teams made up of a

bunch of local 15 and 16 year olds.

“About five years ago, a guy called Tom Magee got involved. He has lived and has family living in the area. He’s a big guy, six foot eight or so, and he was introduced to rugby at 26.

“Within two years, he was on the Wanderers first team playing AllIreland League rugby.

He’s the club president and is passionate about rugby and what a positive influence it can have on young people’s lives.

We have two teams now, but we hope in a few years we hope to have three youth teams and possibly a minis section” The Under-17s have a decent squad and, last year, they played in a league for the first time, under the guidance of new coach and former Greystones RFC Captain, Barry Holmes.

“We were on the end

of a few big scores but the lads showed great heart and came back to win a few games near the back end. You’re playing teams that have played rugby for 10 years,” Cunningham explains. “It can be difficult. Some of our guys only took it up last September.

“It’s all about getting lads involved in anything, any sport.” he adds.

“Rugby aligns well with some of the guys’ athletic ability. It’s amazing, seeing guys come in in September to training, uncertain of what to make of the game for the first few weeks, almost fearful.

“Six weeks later, they’re just milling fellas on a rugby pitch, running into rucks full steam, tackling hard.”

Perhaps the greatest issue currently facing the club is training facilities. “We train in an area about two tennis courts in size,” Cunningham tells

The Liberty Saints are hopeful of gaining new facilities to grow their project

us of their training area, a tiny walled space that’s part of St James’ School, kindly lent to them as a training space near the Fatima Luas stop.

“For obvious reasons, we don’t play much of a kicking game. It’s hard to teach a drift defence in a small space, so we can have trouble playing teams that are good out

happening at all in the Liberties area at all, as there are no facilities to play field sports – of any code.”

As a result, Liberty Saints are one of a number of sporting clubs from the area campaigning with Sporting Liberties, a group looking to get a piece of land behind St Catherine’s Sports Cen-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘It’s hard to teach a drift defence as the Liberties does not have a lot of green space’ - Peter Cunningham

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wide. But if we moved the training sessions out of the immediate area we would struggle to get numbers to training. Liberties doesn’t have a lot of green space.

“It’s not a traditional rugby area at all,” Cunningham explains. In fact, there is very little sport

tre turned into a full sized sports field.

Despite a population of around 50,000, no full size pitch exists in this part of Dublin. At present, home games for Liberty Saints are played on an away basis, and these matches remain the only access they regularly get to a full-sized pitch.

Our interview takes place in Ballsbridge, and at one point Cunningham pauses to point out that if we were to look at a map, we are surrounded by rugby clubs.

The contrast is stark.

In terms of community importance, this small, limited-facilities, volunteer-driven enterprise is often fighting for its life.

It feels absolutely vital to provide the facilities. ** Liberties Saints are keen to recruit new players from the area for the coming season.|

Parks Tennis and Maxol link up for second year MAXOL will continue to sponsor Parks Tennis for a second year as it launches its Autumn programme.

This is the company’s second year supporting Parks Tennis, which encourages young people to enjoy the game at a great price and with all equipment provided.

The Parks Tennis programme started in 1977, and today employs 330 coaches in 150 venues nationwide. The programme has become increasingly popular with 25,000 youngsters currently enrolled across the country.

The Autumn programme will start mid-September and runs for eight weeks at a cost of €30 per child across Dublin.

Speaking about Maxol’s sponsorship of Parks Tennis, Fergal Harrington, Group Brand Development Manager, Maxol commented: “Maxol is thrilled to be part of the Parks Tennis programme, we love to see young people learn new skills which inevitably fills them with confidence.

It is important that youngsters find a sport that they enjoy.

“More than anything, it is so healthy for young people to be part of social outlet, which is interactive, results-driven and a bit of fun.”

Parks Tennis Ireland is a non-profit making company in operation for 39 years, run by 28 volunteers and supported by various organisations, such as Sports Ireland, the National Governing body, Tennis Ireland, and various local authorities. For more information, log onto www.parkstennis.com.

Harrington is pictured with James Cluskey, an Irish professional, and Parks Tennis enthusiasts at Shankill tennis club.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 September 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: PROMOTED SWORDS CLUB GETTING BACK TO FULL FITNESS

Malahide and Windsor continue partnership MALAHIDE Golf Club have renewed their partnership with Windsor Airside Nissan and Peugeot, part of the Windsor Motor Group, continuing as sponsors for a fourth year in a row.

The sponsorship includes a dual sponsorship agreement with Windsor Airside Nissan being the main sponsor of men’s golf and Windsor Airside Peugeot being the main sponsor of ladies’ golf.

The renewal of the partnership provides Windsor Airside Nissan and Peugeot with a wide range of branding, marketing, hospitality and vehicle display opportunities and will run for the remainder of the year.

Commenting on the sponsorship, John Byrne, Windsor Airside Nissan and Peugeot, said “I am delighted to confirm our continued support to Malahide Golf Club. We are proud to have been a loyal partner over the last number of years and look forward to working with the club as their main sponsor for 2016.”

Mark Gannon, General Manager of Malahide Golf Club, added: “I, like our members, am delighted to see the Windsor Motor Group back on board, it’s an excellent sponsorship partnership that has continued to develop over the years.

“Their excellent products’ support and after sales service are second to none and the members are very appreciative of the close association we have.”

For more information on the Windsor Motor Group, please visit their website here: https://www.windsor.ie.

Established in 1892, Malahide Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland.

The club has grown and developed over the years, culminating in 27 holes now and a thriving membership.

The course is maintained to an excellent standard and has a very solid reputation, which sees many visitors returning year after year, and new visitors visiting based on glowing referrals from fellow golfers.

For information on Malahide Golf Club, please visit their website here: http://malahidegolfclub.ie.

The Rivervalley Rangers senior team that earned a place in the AUL Premier A division as winners of Premier B

Rangers off the AUL mark AUL PREMIER A Rivervalley Rangers Baldoyle Grange United  KARL GRAHAM

2 2

sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers registered their first ever point in the AUL Premier A but their wait for a maiden win goes on after a 2-2 draw with Baldoyle Grange United at the AUL all-weather.

They still sit bottom of the Premier A having lost their first three games, 3-1 to East Wall Bessborough, 3-1 to Hardwicke FC, and 3-0 to Kilbarrack United.

T hey were behind from the penalty spot

after just a few minutes but went on to boss the rest of the half, drawing level from a trademark Ronan Murtagh free kick.

Another half and another bad start for Rivervalley saw them behind once more after they fell asleep while defending a corner.

Just like in the first half, the hosts dominated and eventually drew level through a Thomas Cooney header. Rivervalley created chance after chance but wasteful finishing and an inspired keeper continued to frustrate them.

Rivervalley manager

EUROPEAN CHAMPION Island’s McMullen aids Irish victory in Poland THE ISLAND’S GC’s Gertie McMullen

helped Ireland be crowned European champions at the Senior European Team Championships at Sierra Golf Club Poland, after overcoming Belgium 3-2 in a nail biting finish.

She beat Switzerland’s Katherine Hills in the first round of the competition before havling her semi-final against Sweden’s Louise Idestahl. She was denied in the final on the 18th by Sylvie van Molle but her side ultimately took the laurels.

Stephen Doran spoke to GazetteSport about his side’s first point and their start to the season as a whole.

“It’s probably the first time that we’ve had a full squad to pick from so it’s been a tough start; we just have to move forward now. We’ve had a lot of injuries over the first three games so we sort of knew what we were going up against.

“Now that we’ve got our first points on the board, we have to try and get a few more and push on.”

This season’s start is not something Riv-

ervalley are used to so once their injured players return to the team, Doran is confident they will eventually star t climbing the table.

“When we have all our players we are one of the better sides in the league; it’s just unfortunate that it has been the start of the season that we are missing some key, key players.”

Doran also believes that recent refereeing decisions have not been going his side’s way.

“In the four games, we have seen some of the most outrageous refereeing decisions you’ll ever see in your

life, I mean absolutely shocking. We gave away a penalty on Friday night, the ball clearly hit our defender in the face a yard outside the box and the referee gave a penalty.

“But we have to get on with it; we can’t keep relying on the referees to make the correct calls,” said Doran.

The fixtures don’t get any easier for Rivervalley as next up is Sheriff YC on Friday night at Clontarf Road Allweather. They will have to be back to their very best if they are to turn over the champions from the last six years.

8 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: NORTH COUNTY SIDE LAND JUNIOR A

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS MAD FOR SAM: Irish TV (SKY 191) will

vester’s in their opening group game

broadcast live from the club on Thurs-

on Sunday morning.

day, September 15 from 8-10pm. The

Senior ladies: We had a great mid-

show will be a live preview of the foot-

week win over Thomas Davis in the

ball final with expert analysis.

league. We are currently top of the

With all kids now back in school, our academy will restart on this Saturday, September 10 at 10am. New members

Well done to our girls who won Lidi

are most welcome (aged four to seven,

in store competition and received

boys and girls) and can register from

a cheque for €1,000. Thank you to all

9.45am.

those who voted for Fingallians and to

Paralympic Ireland 2016: Catherine Walsh (and her pilot Fran Meehan)

Light-footed Leonard Rushes Maur’s to win JUNIOR A FINAL

St Maur’s 1-11 Castleknock 1-10  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ST MAUR’S edged out Castleknock to claim the New Ireland Assurance Junior A championship final despite almost giving up an eight-point first half lead.

Castleknock restricted Maur’s to just three points from the 23rd minutes onwards but, in a low scoring end, Olivia Leonard kept her cool to slot over with an injury time final kick and send the title to the north county.

The first half was frantic. Hannah Hanton set the tone, smashing a free from distance over the Maur’s bar. Leonard delivered a swift response, first scoring from a tight angle down the right, and then beating her marker to weave in on goal off the touchline and add a second.

Maur’s quickly established early dominance, their powerful running side racking up five points on the bounce, the

last coming from an Aine Pyne run and shot that smashed off the crossbar and edged over the bar rather than into the net.

Alice McNally pulled one back but it was becoming increasingly clear that the Rush side had pace in abundance, as first Pyne and then McGuinness found the space to blitz through the Castleknock defence.

With Maur’s already five points up, Naomi Clare’s free from distance dropped just over the head of a back-pedaling Amy Mahony and into the Castleknock net, opening up a eight points lead for Maur’s and leaving Castleknock with a mountain to climb.

Aoife Whelan hit back, latching onto a long ball over the Maur’s defence to charge in on ‘keeper Francesca Towers and slot in at her at her near post. Three minutes later, Aisling O’Donnell almost had the game blown wide open as her speculative shot beat Towers but clattered off the bottom of the Maur’s post.

Castleknock were on the charge, though, and

having been 1-8 to 0-3 down, went in at halftime behind by just 1-8 to 1-5.

Castleknock came out hard after the break, too, with McNally pushing a chance on goal wide, and Maur’s packing the defence but the gap sat at about three points as the teams exchanged scores and the game went through a scrappy period.

Midway through the second half it had been over a third of a match since Maur’s had scored, and despite being behind Castleknock were starting to look like favourites.

O’Donnell came close as she burst through and hit

a firm strike straight at Maur’s ‘keeper Towers.

Leonard steadied the ship, breaking their scoring duck and reopening a two point difference.

Carolan halved that and with Maur’s hitting a string of wides, Castleknock eventually took advantage to level through substitute Debbie Geraghty.

Maur’s turned it on when it counted as the outstanding Leonard showed the composure needed to break from midfield and fire the match-winning point firmly over for Maur’s magic moment.

football.

The Dublin Scor na nOg final will take

petition, the triathlon, will take place

place at an earlier date this year –

on September 11. Updates on her pro-

November 11 (further detail to follow).

book page and Twitter.

Our Irish conversation group has resumed on Wednesday evenings

#AFL3: Our adult footballers remain

at 9pm in the club bar. New mem-

in contention for promotion as the

bers sought. Ni mo eolais o Liam: 086

beat Naomh Fionnbarra 3-17 to 1-7.

3814422

Our next game is fixed away to Garda

Athletic Section: The juveniles have

in Westmanstown on September 17 at

started back training each Monday in

6pm.

the club from 6pm and in Santry every

Our minor hurlers drew with St Syl-

Tuesday.

FINGAL RAVENS OUR annual sponsored cycle will take

Next week’s jackpot is €17,000. When

place on Saturday, September 17

the current jackpot is won, the new

starting from the clubhouse at 5pm.

jackpot will start at €6,253.

Sponsor cards are now available.

We are looking for girls to join our

Please contact Ray Ahearn on 087

U-15 team. Our training sessions

9267822 and Mick Foley on 086 8148464

started on Monday, September 5 at

for more details.

6pm. Contact Ger Mulvaney or Chris-

This is always a great occasion or the children so please support it.

sie Harford for more information.

We send condolences to the Fitzpat-

Lotto numbers were 2, 9, 17 and 29.

rick family on the passing of Jimmy’s

There was no winner; €250 to Micko

mother. Wishing Joe Kavanagh a

White who matched three numbers.

speedy recovery after his surgery.

ST FINIAN’S TO APPLY for All-Ireland football final

will take place at the club race night in

tickets, please contact the club email

Peacocks on Saturday, September 17.

address stfiniansgaaclubswords@

The nursery (boys and girls 4-5

gmail.com or text Maree McDonough

years of age at 10am) and acad-

by 8pm Thursday, September 15.

emy (boys and girls 6 years of age at

Only fully paid up adult members

11.30am) will be starting back on Sat-

can purchase tickets through the club

urday, September 10 at River Valley

and only one ticket may be ordered

pitches. Please contact James Devlin

per member.

on 086 4000324 or visit the club web-

The executive committee will endeavour to facilitate ticket alloca-

site or club Facebook page for further details.

tion in a fair manner with fully paid

Well done to the Division 9 hurlers

up members but if demand exceeds

who beat Realt Dearg on Monday by

supply, a draw will take place to pick

double scores 2-18 to 1-9 in River Val-

club members who will be offered the

ley and also to the adult camogie team

opportunity to purchase All-Ireland

in beating Cuala B by 3-5 to 1-4 in the

football final tickets.

Senior 7 championship in River Valley

Remember there’s still an opportu-

Maur’s close down a Castleknock attack

Lidl for their support to ladies Gaelic

have arrived in Rio. Catherine’s com-

gress will be posted on the club FaceSt Maur’s celebrate their championship success. Picture: Derek Balfe/GAAPics.com

Division 1 with three matches remaining.

last Tuesday.

nity to win a pair of All-Ireland football

Congratulations also to the U-14

tickets in the club raffle. Tickets are

camogie team who beat Lucan Sars-

€5 and can be purchased in the club

fields by 2-4 to 5 points in the A cham-

office, from mentors or any member

pionship in River Valley on Saturday

of the executive committee. This draw

morning in dreadful conditions.

GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

OFF THE MARK: Rivervalley Rangers earn first ever point in AUL Premier A after their tough baptism P30

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2016

HOW THE TITLE WAS WON: Southsiders retain Dublin crown with gritty victory P28

Dublin manager Jim Gavin

Gavin fit for Mayo battle Boss says he has no concerns at all over James McCarthy ahead the Dubs bid to retain the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title ALL-IRELAND FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN manager Jim Gavin said his side are closing in on full fitness ahead of their AllIreland senior football championship final next week.

Speaking at the last Dublin media outing ahead of the final, Gavin said he has “no concerns” over James McCarthy following his knee injury that kept him out of the quarter-final against Donegal and a subsequent shoulder strain on his return in the semi-final against Kerry.

“No injury concerns at all,” says Gavin, “with the exception of Shane Carty but then he’s

only returning this weekend, so he’s the last one back. So it’s looking good, and the boys are training well, so, yeah, full selection to pick from.

“We could have played James McCarthy if we had to [against Donegal] but, thankfully, we didn’t, to give him another week, but you saw his mobility on the pitch against Kerry, and that’s what he was demonstrating in the weeks leading up to that game.”

Looking at the Mayo tie, Gavin says Dublin are a week behind in terms of preparation for the big game, their semi-final coming seven days after Mayo beat Tipperary in their final four encounter.

And, as is a regular occurrence in such media

briefings, Gavin was fully aware of the challenges posed by the opposition.

“From what I’ve seen of them, I’m not surprised [they reached the final] when you look at the players they have. It’s a very mature team and they have learned a lot. They have been in finals before so they know how to get here.

“Over the last number of games in the qualifier series, it has benefited them. They’ve got a run now and tightened things up defensively.

They have introduced a few younger players from their Under-21 squad so it doesn’t surprise me.”

“Good teams get to finals and they are a good team.

“You don’t come into an All-Ireland final

under the radar.

“They have earned all their victories along the way, and learned a lot from it. They have been right up there in the past.

“Any time we have played them, from 2013 to last year, even up in Castlebar this February, there wasn’t a bounce of a ball between us. I’m sure there will be a bounce of a ball between us again.

“Plus their manager as well. Stephen Rochford has achieved a lot with his club as a player and with Corofin three Galway championships on the spin and winning the All-Ireland club series. He is a proven club manager so it seems to be a good fit.

“They will be a good challenge for us.”