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Lusk community living in fear following riots Call for Oberstown wardens to prevent repeat of inmates escaping and rioting

 SYLVIA POWNALL A COMMUNITY is “living in fear” amid concerns that rioting and security breaches at Oberstown youth detention centre in Lusk will continue.

Neighbours of the trou-

bled campus have called for prison wardens to be drafted in to prevent any repeat of inmates escaping and rioting.

Farmer Michael Hoey said: “There are a lot of people living on their own in this community and a lot

of elderly people. They are feeling very vulnerable. It’s only a matter of time before lads out cutting cabbages or counting sheep get caught up in this.”

One member of staff was hospitalised after a rooftop protest two weeks ago and a

number of young offenders set a fire causing up to €2m worth of damage. Unions citing fears for workers’ safety have suspended three days of strike action to allow for talks at the Labour Relations Commission.

Full Story on Page 9

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

CRIME | DAD FEARED FOR HIS LIFE DURING VIOLENT CARJACKING

Taxi driver stabbed after picking up men  SYLVIA POWNALL

Airside retail park in Swords, Co Dublin. Picture: Google maps

GARDAI are trawling through CCTV footage from a number of premises in Airside retail park in Swords as the hunt for two men who stabbed a taxi driver in the early hours of Saturday continues.

The cabbie picked up the pair just before 3am outside a fast-food restaurant at Airside and drove them to the Pavilions roundabout, where he was knifed in the neck, chest and stomach.

The two passengers viciously assaulted T homas Vayalil and stabbed him up to six times before taking off with his car, his mobile phone and his night’s takings.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was released from Beaumont Hospital later on Sunday night – just hours before his wife Sneha gave birth to his fourth child, a baby girl.

Horrific Despite the horrific incident, Thomas, who moved to Ireland from India 10 years ago, has revealed he will return to work once he recovers in order to support his growing family.

The dad-of-four said he feared for his life during the violent carjacking.

He added: “I was terrified – who wouldn’t be if they were stabbed?

When the two people

were attacking me with the knife, I was afraid I would die.

“One of them put a knife around my neck and the other one was hitting me. I was very afraid for my life.

“I stopped the car and got out. The guy in the front got out and I knew he was going to come around and stab me again.

“I had to give them the keys and they took the car. I got stabbed in the face with a knife and on my left side.”

Gardai are calling on anyone who was near the roundabout at the time of the incident to contact them.

They are also appealing for information on any sightings of the taxi – a 10-D registered grey Ford Mondeo, which drove north along the M1, between 3am and 6.30am.

T he car was later found burnt out near Bellewstown, Co Meath.

A Garda source said: “This was a particularly vicious and nasty attack and the taxi driver was lucky to escape alive.

Anyone who thinks they saw or heard something that could help with the investigation should get in touch with An Garda Siochana.”

Anyone with inform a t i o n i s a s ke d t o contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, The Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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

FASTNews ‘We need a shed load of money for fit out’ SWORDS Men’s Shed is forging ahead with plans to move to a new building and expand its activities early next year. Dublin Airport will sponsor the group’s Christmas concert, which takes place on December 3 in the Riasc Centre, Swords.

The award-winning Celtic Choristers male voice choir are the star attraction, and they will be joined by Aimee Banks, who represented Ireland in last year’s Junior Eurovision song contest.

Maura Cassidy, community liaison manager at Dublin Airport, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the concert and support the shed’s fundraising campaign. When fully operational, Swords Men’s Shed will make a great contribution to the community of the greater Swords area.

“We believe this is a very important development, so we are very pleased we can help out in this way,” she said.

Swords Men’s Shed was founded in 2014 and currently has 33 members.

It hopes to more than double this once it moves to a bigger premises.

Spokesman Michael Quinn revealed they would move to a new clubhouse in 2017, and “substantial funds” are needed to fit it out.

He added: “We are very grateful for the sponsorship. It is great recognition for the work we are doing. The December Christmas concert is a very important fundraising event for us.”

Brothers Anthony and Paul Dunne will provide the new purpose-built premises through their company, Knife/Edge Fencing Ltd. Michael said: “All of this support is a great boost for all the volunteers involved in the Swords Men’s Shed project, and will enable us to increase our membership as well as offer a greater range of activities.”

Tickets for the Christmas concert are available from 083 487 5352.

Council to consider local road traffic issues

FINGAL County Council has agreed to consider a number of road traffic issues raised by Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF) in its 2017 list of works.

The elected representative raised the concerns at the Howth/Malahide Area Committee meeting of the local authority last week.

Vehicle-activated speed signs will be listed for consideration along the stretch of road from Cave’s Strand to Bissetts Strand.

A traffic survey will be carried out along Carrickhill Road in Portmarnock, with a view to installing ramps to tackle speeding.

A traffic survey will also be carried out along Kettle’s Lane – which has a 50kmph limit – to see if further safety measures are needed.

Cllr O’Brien’s request for a traffic survey on Seabury Road was unsuccessful. The council’s reply pointed out that there are already speed ramps and at the entrance, and there are 30kmph signs installed there.

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

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4 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | STAY ON ALL WORKS BY THE COUNCIL IS GRANTED BY JUDGE

Bats bring a halt to plans for forest adventure centre  SYLVIA POWNALL PLANS for a forest adventure centre in the grounds of Malahide Castle have been put on hold pending a judicial review of the controversial proposal.

Last week, the High Court heard that Fingal County Council failed to consider what impact the development would have on the local bat population.

Noel Mahon, of Inbhir Ide Close, Malahide, is challenging the plans for

a forest adventure and reinforced grass area at Malahide Demense woodlands.

Mr Mahon organised the Save Malahide Woodlands campaign, which was the driving force behind a petition with almost 4,000 signatures being handed in to the local authority.

After the ruling last week, he posted on the campaign’s Facebook page. He said: “I have just left the High Court with our lawyer. We have been granted leave to apply for

a judicial review.

“And we have been granted a stay on all works by the council in the area of the proposed development at Bridgefield and the woodland at Malahide Castle Demesne.”

The announcement was welcomed by supporters online, who left more than 100 comments welcoming the news.

Mr Mahon, who walks in the demesne every day, claims the proposed development marks a high-level route through

the trees using wire ropes for transport, support and safety.

His solicitor, Alan Doyle, told the High Court the decision was flawed because the local authority had failed to take a number of factors into account.

Mr Doyle said the council had not considered whether there would be a disturbance of the local population of bats – a protected species in Ireland – and their feeding areas.

Mr Mahon is seeking

Concerns have been expressed about the project disturbing the local population of bats and their feeding areas

an order quashing the council’s decision of July 11 giving the proposed development the green light.

Councillors authorised the development at a meeting by a narrow margin of 18 votes to 16.

Mr Doyle said it was Mr Mahon’s case that the

council erred by deciding the development did not need an Environmental Impact Assessment to be conducted before giving the proposal the goahead.

The council had also failed to notify An Taisce of the application, given that Malahide Castle and

its surrounding features’ status as national monuments.

Mr Justice Raymond Fullam granted Mr Mahon leave to challenge the proposal and placed a stay on the council’s decision. The matter will be heard again in court later this month.

Fingallions are up for the final FINGALLIONS clubhouse in Swords is the venue for a live TV preview of the All-Ireland final to be screened tonight, September 15.

The show, called Mad For Sam, will feature a host of GAA personalities and former legends of the game, and airs from 8 to 10pm.

The two-hour programme will be presented

by GAA commentator Brendan Hennessey and presenter Rebecca Horan.

With a lively panel discussion and an audience of local die-hard fans, it hopes to build on the excitement ahead of Sunday’s Croker clash between Dublin and Mayo. Fingallions sent out a special good-luck message to forward Paul Flynn and the rest of the Dublin squad as they bid to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Kerry in 2007.

The panel will include legends Sean Cavanagh, Sean Boylan, John O ’ M a h o n y, To m m y

Lyons, Charlie Redmond and Kieran Duff.

Mad For Sam will be broadcast on Irish TV, Sky TV channel 191, Freesat 400 and across the globe on www.irishtv. ie and www.irishtv.com.

Show producer Mairtin O’Reilly said: “Irish TV

has a very loyal following in Dublin and we have pulled out all the stops for this two-hour special.

“It will be a wonderful showcase of all that is good about club and county football in the capital. The final thoughts of manager Jim Gavin and

a host of present players will also feature.”

Irish TV will also be giving away two priceless All-Ireland football final tickets on the night, with a special competition running on all Irish TV platforms and social media.

Tune in to Culture Night events

LOCAL venues are gearing up for this year’s Culture Night - the annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. Held on September 16, the event will feature an array of events taking place across Fingal including a traditional music night at Ardgillan Castle and evening tours of Newbridge House and Gardens. For one night only, arts and cultural organisations and venues will extend their opening hours to allow access to the public for unique events, workshops and talks specifically programmed at participating locations with all events available free of charge. See www.culturenight.ie.

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY

| SO MUCH TO SEE AT THE BLEEDING PIG CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Clare and Peadar Bates

Time for a group selfie for the girls of Prima Ballet. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Claire Johnson and Alaina Weir

Culture in Donabate T

HIS year’s Bleeding Pig festival featured a terrific range of cultural talents, with everything from traditional and contemporary dance to singing, poetry and more on offer. Live music from the Cois Farraige Ceili Band was a particular highlight for many.

Friends Heather Dunne, Becky Kiernan, David Driscoll, Georgie Daly, Finn Byrne and Elli Prendergast

These members of Project Fashion made all of their clothes themselves

Cois Farraige Ceili Band

Peg McManus gets the ceili started in Pipers Diner

A ceili in full swing, demonstrating some fancy footwork

Melanie O’Reilly, Neil Chapman and Niall McDemott

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

Concerns over plans for airport

PILOTS have expressed concerns over safety issues linked to the expansion of Dublin Airport.

The Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) is worried that the proposed passenger transfer area at the pier at Terminal 2 could put lives at risk. The project secured planning permission from Fingal County Council, but now the IALPA is appealing it to An Bord Pleanala.

The Dublin Airport Authority has dismissed claims of any health and safety risk and says the safety of passengers is its number-one priority at all times. The pilots’ group is also concerned about the increase in the number of transatlantic routes by Aer Lingus.

The planning appeals board is due to rule on the terminal issue by November 28, and the second issue by next January 3.

COURTS | GARDAI ASSAULTED BY MAN

‘I’ll bite your face off’ threat to garda

Whetting the appetite for a special showcase event

PALLAS Foods development chef Simon Hudson and kitchen assistant Marzena Baniewicz are pictured ‘prepping’ for the upcoming Pallas Food Show at the National Show Centre in Swords, which will take place from September 20 to 21. The event will feature the widest range of Irish and international products under one roof, masterclasses, demos, spot prizes, which make it an absolute must-visit for professionals involved in the food, hospitality, catering and retail industries.

A FAST FOOD worker from Swords who threatened to kill an armed Garda and bite his face off was ordered to pay €2,000 in compensation.

Jordan Joyce, 20, of Jugback Green, Swords, punched the officer in the ribs af ter he searched him for drugs and also assaulted his colleague by kicking him on the left leg.

Joyce also threatened to “knife” the two gardai and said he would “get them the next time I see them”.

Joyce admitted possession of dr ugs, assaulting Garda David Smith, and obstructing Garda James Carolan.

Judge Dermot D e m p s e y, w h o w a s told the defendant “panicked”, ordered a

probation report and said Joyce should pay €2,000 compensation to the gardai.

The judge said it was an “absolute disgrace” that Joyce was not charged with assaulting Gda Carolan, who was off work for two weeks after the incident.

Gda Carolan was on armed patrol in Swords at around 8.30pm on August 20 last year when he encountered a group of youths at St Cronan’s Close, the District Court heard.

He said he spoke to Joyce, detected a strong smell of cannabis, and told him he was going to search him. Joyce emptied his pockets and the Garda found a grinder and a cannabis joint, worth €5.

Gda Carolan said J o y c e b e c a m e ve r y aggressive towards him, returned the items to his pocket and punched him twice on the left side of his rib cage. The garda was armed, so he protected his weapon and raised his arm to push Joyce away.

Joyce tried to swing at him, and Gda Carolan called on Gda Smith to help. Gda Smith tried to grab Joyce’s arms, but he kicked him in the leg. He was shouting at gardai: “I’ll kill you, I’ll bite your face off.”

Gda Carolan said a r e l a t i ve o f J o y c e tried to calm him, but he remained aggressive. Defence solicitor Fiona D’Arcy said Joyce had apologised for his behaviour.

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

MALAHIDE ROAD | RAILWAY CROSSING TO BE WIDENED TO MAKE IT SAFER FOR PEDESTRIANS

Motorists facing further delays as bridge work starts  SYLVIA POWNALL PORTMARNOCK motorists woke up to traffic chaos yesterday as repair work on the main access bridge started – and the bad news is they face more disruption in the weeks to come.

Night-time closures and diversions are in the pipeline for the Railway Bridge at Back Road, Malahide – but

the council is vowing these won’t start until work in Portmarnock is completed.

The railway bridge will be widened to make it safer for pedestrians.

Work began on the new pedestrian footbridge over the line on Monday.

The work, expected to take five months, will involve the removal of the existing northern parapet and its replace-

ment with stainless steel woven mesh panels.

Kerbing and bollards will separate the walkway from the road, and a new concrete beam will be lifted on to new foundations using a crane.

Iarnrod Eireann has agreed a series of nighttime closures of the rail line and a stop/go system will be in operation on Back Road at certain times during the con-

struction works.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “This will not coincide with timing of the works related to Portmarnock Bridge.

“The operation will involve the removal of some shrubs and trees growing in the vicinity of the lodge.

“These trees are located east of the existing car park and are not linked to the overall tre-

Pedestrians and motorists have already had to deal with heavy traffic due to bridge repairs in Portmarnock. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

escape within Malahide Castle and Demesne.

“Following the completion of the bridge works, the area will be landscaped and semimature replacement trees planted.”

Up-to-date information on rail line closures and traffic management will be available during construction from Fingal County Council’s twitter feed, @fingalcoco.

Meanwhile, a free shuttle bus service is running from 7am to 7pm in Portmarnock during the repair works, which are expected to take no longer than 12 days.

Closure order Bernadette’s well versed in history served on shop SPICE Bazaar in Swords was served with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) last month.

The ethnic grocery shop at the Castle Shopping Centre was shut down for a breach of food safety legislation, but reopened to customers three days later.

It was one of three Dublin businesses issued with orders by environmental health officers with the HSE. The other two were Camden Halal butchers in Camden Street, Dublin 2, and Sakura Sushi restaurant at Kimmage

Road Lower, Dublin 6.

Namaste India takeaway, located at North King Street in Dublin 7, was issued with a food closure order under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2010 act.

FSAI chief Dr Pamela Byrne said the number of closures in August was unusually high.

She added: “All food businesses must have a food safety management system in place that is updated on a regular basis, in order to avoid non-compliance issues and breaches of food safety legislation.”

AS part of Heritage Week, Bernadette Marks of the Swords Historical Society (third from left) led a walk around historic Swords, starting at St Colmcille’s Well.

The group were fascinated to hear some of the history of the well, including that it was said that the water was so holy that people took small amounts home to bless their houses.

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

DON’S DUBLIN The Mayo man who left a monumental legacy on Dublin

JOHN Gray was once

described as a Renaissance Man, and by being a doctor, surgeon, journalist, newspaper proprietor and politician, the commentator

SECURITY BREACHES | NEIGHBOURS MEET TO AIR THEIR CONCERNS

Farmers ‘living in fear’ following riots at Lusk youth detention centre  SYLVIA POWNALL

was spot on.

It is rare that a person should excel in so many different disciplines, but then Gray was the exception to all the rules. He was born on July 13, 1815 in Claremorris, Mayo, and entered Trinity College, Dublin where he studied medicine.

In 1839 he graduated as a Master in Surgery from Glasgow University and returned to Dublin, married Mary Dwyer and worked in a hospital on North Cumberland Street.

Although from the Protestant ruling class, Gray became the political editor of the nationalist newspaper, The Freeman’s Journal, and was co-owner from 1841. He used the newspaper to discuss important issues and in 1843 backed Daniel O’Connell’s call for the Repeal of the Act of Union, and both men were sentenced to prison.

However, due to the impetuousness of the prosecutor who challenged Gray’s defence to a duel, neither he nor O’Connell went to gaol.

In 1850, he became sole proprietor of The Freeman’s Journal, reduced the price and considerably increased its readership.

With his interest in local politics he was elected an alderman of Dublin Corporation in 1852. He put the issue of clean water for the city at the top of his agenda and did everything to promote the Vartry

FARMERS in north Dublin are “living in fear” following a spate of security breaches at the State’s youth detention centre in Lusk.

Neighbours of the Oberstown campus met to air their concerns after armed gardai and six units of the fire brigade were needed to quell a riot and fire two weeks ago.

One member of staff was hospitalised after the violent incident, and it took armed gardai and six units of the fire brigade to quell the disturbance.

It’s the second serious breach of security in the space of a month – in August, five inmates armed with bats and clubs broke out of the centre, and it took six hours to track them down.

Scheme.

This was a massive project and necessitated building a series of water pumping and filtering stations from the Vartry River to Dublin. Due to chronic overcrowding and bad housing conditions in the city, the introduction of clean water was vital in defeating the regular outbreaks of typhus and cholera that claimed so many young lives.

On the day the project came into operation - June 30, 1863 - Gray was knighted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

He died in Bath in 1875 and a public subscription raised the funds for a statue on O’Connell Street. It was unveiled in 1879 and is dedicated to the “appreciation of his many services to his country, and of the splendid supply of pure water which he secured for Dublin”.

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A public subscription raised funds for a statue of Sir John Gray on O’Connell Street

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The garda helicopter and tracker dogs were used to round up the escapees – one of whom had previously been involved in a violent assault involving a broken mug at the centre.

Farmer and food processor Michael Hoey said: “People were told to lock themselves in their homes and close all the windows.

“It’s only a matter of time before lads out cutting cabbages or counting sheep get caught up in this.”

Michael, managing director of Country Crest, chaired a public meeting for people to air their concerns.

The community now wants prison warden staff to be introduced at the campus to control inmates.

He added: “There are

a lot of people living on their own in this community and a lot of elderly people too, and they are feeling very vulnerable.

“Will it take someone to be badly injured or worse for something to happen?”

The young inmates were confined to their rooms during a work stoppage on the day of the riot, but some broke free and climbed on to the roof, starting a fire.

Damage estimated at €2 million was caused as a result, and staff have repeatedly raised concerns for their safety over poor security systems.

Last week, unions representing the workers agreed to defer three planned stoppages to facilitate talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

The previous day, the facility’s board of directors held an extraordinary meeting and were briefed by campus manager Pat Bergin.

Afterwards, chairperson Prof Ursula Kilkelly issued a statement on what she described as a “difficult week” for Oberstown.

She said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express my solidarity with the staff of Oberstown for what has been an extremely difficult few days.

“I am grateful to everyone for the exceptional service they have continued to provide during this time.”

She wished the staff member injured during the unrest “a full and speedy recovery”, adding: “Supports are being made

available to staff and the young people on campus”.

Prof Kilkelly met with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, last week to discuss the fall-out from the riot.

The Minister said she was determined “we never again” have a situation where children are detained in adult prisons – and she dismissed suggestions that young offenders at Oberstown might now be transferred to UK institutions.

In 2015, a total of 100 incidents – almost half of which were described as critical – were recorded at Oberstown, which is licensed to hold 46 children.

These resulted in a total of 3,000 sick days for the centre’s 65 staff.

10 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY | STARS ARE OUT ON THE STARTING LINE FOR LAUNCH OF THE

2FM Breakfast Republic presenters Bernard O’Shea, Jennifer Zamparelli and Keith Walsh

Stephen Kelly, models Julia Mielcarek and Aoife McGrane, and David Patton. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

RTE host Miriam O’Callaghan with broadcaster, journalist and rugby Don O’Neill and Tracey Moroney

pundit George Hook

Supercar spectacle roars into city centre A

Orla Glackin and James Byrne

Singer and model Michelle McGrath

WHOLE host of stars came out for the start of Cannonball 2016, which had its starting point at Point Village. This is the largest ever Cannonball event and it takes place all over Ireland. The gleaming convoy is driving through 900km of Irish open roads, with stops in Dublin, Cavan, Westport, Bunratty, Galway, Tullamore and Wexford. Now in its eighth year, the Supercar spectacle has raised more than €850,000 for charities and this year, proceeds will go to Pieta House. Spectators could view the supercars and meet the drivers whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Pat McCloskey and fashion presenter Glenda Gilson

Model Emma Quinlan

Some of the superb muscle cars on show

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 11

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DUBLINBUSINESS

Pupils right on the money as Ulster Bank launches online finance lessons ULSTER Bank has unveiled a range of new MoneySense content for five- to eight-year-olds as the summer holidays draw to a close.

MoneySense is an impartial, free financial education programme covering a wide range of topics such as money safety and money management.

The programme, which is Ireland’s largest and longest running free financial education programme, has helped millions of young people learn about money in nearly 60% of schools in the UK and Ireland,

and has been running in Ireland for more than eight years, having been introduced to secondary schools here in 2008.

T he award-wining free programme offers a full range of curriculum-

linked practical and interactive resources for students aged up to 18 years.

It aims to help students understand money and make sound financial decisions in the future.

Eamonn O’Reilly, chief executive, Dublin Port Company with Andrew Hetherington, chief executive, Business to Fergal Fitzgerald, Ulster Bank MoneySense volunteer

Arts launch Port Perspectives. Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

and primary school pupils unveil a range of exciting

INITIATIVE: LOGISTICS HUB BRUSHES UP ON ARTS

new MoneySense content for 5 to 8 year-olds

Artists could make some waves thanks to their site-specific port works

 IAN BEGLEY

D U BL I N P o r t h a s announced the launch of an open call to artists and arts projects to create site-specific works in Dublin Port as part of Port Perspectives.

The commissioned artworks will respond specifically to the built environment and local areas in and around the port, enhancing the public realm to draw audiences and port visitors, while creating a living exhibition and cultural trail.

The inspiration for this project comes from Dublin Port’s increasing interaction with the arts.

In recent years, a series of commissioned arts projects have provided an effective and powerful means to tell the story of

the port and are helping to renew the historical link between it and the city.

A central objective of Dublin Port’s soft values strategy is rebuilding these links, which have been traditionally forged through long-standing education, cultural, sporting and community initiatives, and now the arts.

Challenges E a m o n n O ’ R e i l l y, chief executive of Dublin Port, said: “One of the challenges for Dublin Port is to create stronger links between the port and the city, and through the arts we are working to achieve that.

“With Port Perspectives, we want to bring the port and surrounding

areas to life, using new and original artworks that inspire, engage and tell the story of Dublin Port to audiences far and wide.

“This is a project that celebrates both the visual arts and built environment where we live and work, and one that will greatly enhance the quality of the public realm at the port.

“I look forward to seeing how artists respond to the brief and working with them on this exciting new initiative.”

The commission is open to practitioners in the areas of visual arts and film, including projections. There is an open category for artists and arts projects that are keen to respond to the commissioning brief.

Proposals may be made for temporary and permanent artworks and a number of locations within Dublin Port have been selected as locations.

These include Poolbeg Lighthouse, the Half Moon Battery, Dublin Port Company’s headquarters and the North Quay Extension, close to the East Link Bridge.

The shortlisted artists will be notified in November, and the commissioned artists will be announced next January.

The deadline for applications is October 10.

Artists can find more information and learn about the application process on the Business to Art website, at www. businesstoart.ie/portperspectives

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 13

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BUS STRIKES P16-17

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

ROBERT ARKINS: SPEAKS TO GAZETTE ON HOW HE WAS LANDED ICONIC ROLE

BON JOUR, CLAUDE – A LOVELY DOG INDEED ...

Twenty five years on and still focused on the music  IAN BEGLEY

25 YEARS ago, on the big screen, wannabe band manager Jimmy Rabbitte put an advert in the local newspaper and before long a loveable ragtag group of Dubliners got together to form the soulful sounds of The Commitments.

Renowned director Alan Parker’s funny, uplifting, gritty film, based on Roddy Doyle’s debut novel, took the world by storm on its 1991 release, garnering critical acclaim and awards galore, including a BAFTA for Best Film.

It has since spawned a slew of touring bands and a hugely successful stage musical which commences its UK tour later this year.

Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) knows he’s the world’s greatest band manager… now he just needs a band.

Auditioning anyone and everyone

he can find from the rough streets of Dublin, he eventually gathers the ten most talented, but least experienced musicians with the aim of launching the greatest Irish Soul band of all time.

Speaking to The Gazette this week, Robert told the story of how he was landed the role of Jimmy.

“The keyboard player of my band had a girlfriend who was an actress.

She told her agent about the band and somehow we were tracked down and asked to come in for an audition.

“I didn’t know anything about what they were doing even though I read the book about a month before. It was when I was on holiday in Copenhagen that I got a call from the agent to say I needed to come back to Dublin because I got the part of Jimmy Rabbitte.”

Robert added that he wasn’t nervous about playing the role because



GAZETTE

FEATURE P14

Robert Arkins starred as Jimmy Rabbitte in The Commitments

the director of the film said he believed he could do the character justice.

“Acting and filming never crossed my mind at any point before The Commitments.

“I definitely was a bit of a film freak before then, but I never really thought about what the film would entail, but what it really entailed for me was more to do with contracts and negotiations.

“They all wanted me to be at their beck and call… I didn’t have time to absorb how big the film was at the time. My time was taken up with lawyers and potential managers and agents, which just went on and on

and on. I didn’t really get to enjoy the whole thing of being in films and being famous. I was in a band and only focused on my music. I wasn’t interested in being famous, selling records or making money – it was all about music.”

Robert said that music is still a big part of his life and plans on releasing something in the near future.

“I reckon down the line I’m going to release something as soon as I can, which has nothing got to do with the 25th anniversary of The Commitments or anything like that.”

The Commitments 25th anniversary special edition DVD and BlueRay will be released on September 19.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Claude – a four-year-old pit bull cross that you might recognise from Dog Tales with Andrea Hayes on TV3 (Fridays at 8:30pm; shown again at noon on Saturday).

He is a handsome (and now famous) boy who adores people and loves affection and cuddles.

Claude is super strong, and will need a family who are able to manage his size and strength, so he would be best suited to a home with older children.

Although he really loves people, he struggles with other dogs, so would prefer to be the only dog in the home. We really believe this dog will make the most amazing pet!

If you can be Claude’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.

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14 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

INTERVIEW: ONE OF IRELAND’S BEST-LOVED COMEDIANS ISN’T SHORTT OF A FEW INSIGHTS

Pat’s amount of projects are nothing short of D’Unbelievable  EMMA NOLAN

H AV I N G r e c e n t l y starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in The Cripple of Inismaan on Broadway, The Gazette caught up with comedian and actor Pat Shortt to find out about his latest projects and why he thinks writing is “f***ing miserable!”

The popular Limerick funnyman, who is best known for his hilarious show, D’Unbelievables, was in town for the launch of TV3’s newlook autumn schedule, which includes his new drama, Smalltown.

Shortt has a long list of projects he’s been working on – his latest movie is due out in October, and he’s gearing up to take his new live show on the road from next month.

He told The Gazette: “I’m writing a new live show at the moment,

which has me in the office writing, scripting, editing, proofing posters – basically, doing everything to get ready for the tour to start at the end of October in theatres all over Ireland.”

Touring The show will also be going on the road to New Zealand, Australia and to New York, where he plans to visit his favourite pub there, the Red Lion in Greenwich Village.

He added: “I’m in Dublin doing a lot of publicity for that – the usual running around.”

As well as that, the busy Killinaskully actor’s latest film is coming out on October 14.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to that; it’s by the same team who did Man About Dog.” Dow ntime doesn’t

come often for Pat, but when it does he likes to go fishing on Lough Derg, leading him to muse: “The young fella and meself, we go camping and fishing and all that carry on.”

When asked if he prefers writing or acting, he said: “Acting, hands down! Writing is f***ing miserable!” he laughed.

“It’s miserable – it has its great moments where you get excited.

What happens is, the craft of writing kicks in and you have to make it work either for stage or television.

“The mechanical aspect of it kicks in and you have to sacrifice good material to make it work. It’s like losing weight – it’s f***ing awful!”

It’s all go for Pat right now, and with a new RTE show also in the pipeline, we’ll soon be seeing him everywhere.

Pat Shortt takes time out at the TV3 autumn schedule launch to talk to The Gazette’s Emma Nolan

Dublin’s delights impress Richard  EMMA NOLAN

A FAMOUS face was spotted out and about on a bike on the streets of Dublin last week as actor Richard E Grant paid us a visit.

The Withnail And I star was in town with Tourism Ireland to help promote Dublin to British visitors.

Richard hung out with locals and immersed

himself in local culture in an effort to showcase some of the experiences on offer here.

Whether on foot on by bicycle, the film star and luxury travel presenter took in a range of the city’s top attractions, with the world-famous library at Trinity College (right) proving a highlight.

When complete, the campaign will reach more than 5.5 million

people across Britain.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s deputy head of Great Britain, said: “We are really excited to be

working with Richard E Grant and Smooth Radio, as they are a great fit with this important demographic.”

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Barber festival is combing to town DUBLIN’S first ever barber festival is set to launch this October.

Taking place in the Opium Rooms on Wexford Street, Barber Cut Dublin will be the biggest gathering of celebrity and master barbers for a festival-style, day-long event.

The festival will showcase all aspects of traditional and modern barbering, including shaving techniques by some of the world’s most talented professionals.

Founded by master barber Sam Donnelly and event organiser Kieorin Black, together they have brought some of the world’s most skilful barbers to share their years of knowledge and expertise of barbering in the hope

of motivating and inspiring those of all ages and levels of experience within the industry.

Tickets for the event are €50 and are available at Eventbrite.ie.

BIRR-ING YOUR FILM SKILLS TO OFFALY TAKE your first step on the road to the Oscars and get involved in the 57 Hour Filmmaking Challenge at the 2016 OFFline Film Festival, which runs from October 12 to 16 in Birr, County Offaly.

Teams of filmmakers are asked to register on October 13, then shoot and edit a short film in and around Birr. They’ll have access to equipment, locations and a database of local actors and extras.

On the evening of October 15, their films will be submitted to a panel of judges and screened to the public the next day, with the winning short film guaranteed a coveted slot at the Galway Film Fleadh 2017.

The first prize is €3,500 post-production studio rental and equipment rental as well as a slot in the 2017 Galway Film Fleadh. The second prize is a €1,000 equipment rental voucher.

To sign up, see www. offlinefilmfestival.com and click on the Challenge tab.

SCREENING TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS OSCAR-nominated director Lenny Abraham-

son is on his way to Dublin for a special screening of his film, Adam and Paul, in support of the Peter McVerry Trust.

Lenny will be joined

by Francis Doherty, of the trust, in Herber Park to highlight the increasing homelessness issue in Ireland.

Taking place on September 16, gates will open at 6.30pm with a panel discussion at 7pm, and the film is scheduled to start around 8pm. Tickets are listed at €5 per person and are available at www. happenings.ie, or can be purchased at the gate.

Also in discussion will be the recent international success of the Irish film industry, which has been spearheaded by Lenny

and Ed Guiney, and their four-time Oscar-nominated film, Room.

As part of this event, €500 plus 15% of the total gate take will be presented to the Peter McVerry Trust.

A DREAM TICKET FOR THEATRE LOVERS SHAKESPEARE’S A Mid Summer Night’s Dream is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for six performances only as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Taking place from September 28 to October 1, this “gleefully mischievous” take on one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies is set to be a festival highlight.

The festival, which is

Hirsutes you, sir... hipsters and all beard lovers will welcome the arrival of Dublin’s first barber festival

now in its 59th year, will run across 18 days and nights, making Dublin the go-to destination for a myriad of exciting theatrical experiences from Ireland and across the globe.

The 2016 programme showcases the diversity

of contemporary theatre and includes drama, opera, both classical and experimental, dance, performance art, documentary theatre and film.

For full programme details, see dublintheatrefestival.com.

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

VOX POPS

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Dubliners and visitors to the city alike have found themselves dragged into a public transport row yet again.

With the city bracing for the next two days of bus strikes, Emma Nolan and Ian Begley took to the streets to hear what you think about the strikes, their impact and how they affect you ...

COMMUTING A SENTENCE ON THE CITY

 SUSAN

FORSYTHE I CAN understand why they’re doing it, but I think to hit the public this way is not fair.

Personally, I had an appointment and I couldn’t make it because I couldn’t make it in on time. Fair enough, [the drivers] haven’t got a pay rise in eight years, but at the end of the day they have a job and they have a pension, which many people today don’t have. I’m for it and against it ...

If we [Ireland] were in a better financial state, they should maybe get it, but it’s always the average Joe on the street that has to get the bus who’ll be affected by [such strikes]. I won’t be affected personally, though.  NORA

DUNNE I DON’T think I’ll really be affected, because I usually get the Dart, and I support the strike because I always support worker’s rights.  FIONA

 CAROL

FOGARTY I DON’T support them – I think the workers a r e a s king for too much, and they’re asking [for a raise] because they’ll know they’ll get it.

O’DONOVAN I WON’T be affected by the strikes on Thursdays, but I will on Fridays, and will have to get the Dart to work instead.

It won’t take me longer, but it’s just a little inconvenient for me,

and the train will be very packed as well, which isn’t nice.

The pay rise they’re asking for seems reasonable to me, but I’m sure a lot of people also haven’t had a pay rise in eight years.

I would say I’m undecided on it – it’s probably reasonable for them to want a pay rise, especially with the Luas drivers getting one.  ERIC WAN

I AGREE that the strike is a big nuis a n c e for many c o m m u ters, but at the same time I think it’s good that more people are using this as an opportunity to walk or cycle into work.

Some Dublin towns will be more affected by this strike than others, so I hope the strike will be resolved very quickly.

Dublin Bus is such an important amenity, and we can’t afford to have them off our roads for much longer.

 SABRINA

BEEHAN I’M A bit m i x e d about the w h o l e thing, to be honest.

I u n d e rstand why they’re striking, but it’s still a big inconvenience for commuters.

A lot of people depend on the buses. and the hassle of it all will create a ripple effect on the amount of traffic in Dublin.

People are worried that it will turn into another Luas dispute, but hopefully it won’t.  TRACY

SALTER I WON’T be affected by the strikes, because I can either get the bus or drive to work, so I’m lucky.

I might get stuck in traffic, so I’ll have to leave extra early.

I don’t support the strike –

Because of the bus strike, Clondalkin man Gordon Sweeney faces a two-hour round trip walking from Clondalkin to Ballyfermot to get to and from work

You spoke, we listened – it’s clear that the strikers enjoy a decent level of public support – for now – despite the difficulties the strikes pose for commuters and businesses

they’re looking for extra money when they’re already getting enough.  SARAH

BURKE I WILL be affected by the strike because I have to go to the airport very early in the morning – I’d usually get the bus, but I’ll just have to get a taxi this time. I always support workers and strikes – I supported the Luas drivers too.

I think [the bus drivers] get a lot of bad press for going on strike, but we can’t have workers’ rights eroded. Ultimately, I’m for it – obviously, it’s inconvenient, but that’s life.  CONOR

GANLEY I THINK it’s an absolute joke. We keep giving in to

all these ridiculous demands for more money.

At the end of the day they’re sitting around, not doing an awful lot. If you want to earn more money go back to college and learn something – don’t just sit around and ask for a hand-out.

The Luas drivers were bad enough! Students are looking for jobs all the time, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to operate [a bus].

Obviously, a bus takes some level of skill, but at the end of the day it’s not rocket science.  ANDREW NUDING I DON’T get the bus that m u c h because I drive and get the Luas the odd time too, so the strikes won’t really affect me.

I s u p p o r t t h e s t r i ke s because I think everyone is entitled to strike.

The Dublin Bus workers

are well within their rights, especially since they haven’t got a pay rise in eight years, and since the Luas drivers got their rise.

I think the bus drivers work really hard and they deserve the raise.  RYAN COULTER I DEFIN I T E LY 100% support the strikes.

[Bus driving is] a

really important job to sustain Dublin’s mobility.

The Dublin Bus workers have to have a basic standard of income to support themselves and their families, and the people who said it’s easy to drive a Luas – well, a bus is a different story ...

It’s definitely an important service for the city, and the staff need to be looked after and well paid.

Hopefully, the public will understand the importance of the service that Dublin Bus provide through the deficit of that service.

 JOY HOWLIN I WILL be affected because I’m going to have to get a taxi to college.

I do support the strike, but I don’t support [the strikers] taking away a whole public transport service.

If you look at people like the Gardai – they haven’t gone on strike in a long, long time, and their pay conditions aren’t great either.

THE BUS DRIVER’S VIEW  ANONYMOUS STRIKER I KNOW that this strike affects many passengers around Dublin, but we’re being forced into industrial action by Dublin Bus and the Government for reducing Ireland’s subvention to this service.

Driving a bus takes a lot more skill compared to operating a Luas, and unlike [Luas operator] Transdev, Dublin Bus is making a big loss. Driving through the city centre dur-

ing rush hour, and weaving past road works, is extremely challenging and you have to be fully wired in throughout the journey to avoid potential hazards.

We also have to interact with the public every day, which also be very demanding, especially if the passenger is problematic.

We haven’t been given a pay rise in eight years, and I don’t think we’re asking for a lot.

It’s a Clon-g way for man to walk during the strike CLONDALKIN man G o r d o n Swe e n e y was one of thousands of commuters lef t stranded without public transport as a result of last week’s industrial action by Dublin Bus. He was forced to walk almost two hours to and from work on Friday – and uploaded a video of his travails and travels to highlight the inconvenience caused by the bus strike.

Gordon, who lives in Thornfield Square apartments off Watery Lane, does not own a car, so is dependent on Dublin Bus to get him to and from work in Ballyfermot.

Normally, he gets the No 13 bus, which stops just outside the apartment complex, but he was left with no choice but to make the onehour journey on foot last week.

Australia The strike also prevented him from visiting his sister – who arrived home to Knocklyon after a trip to Australia on Friday.

Gordon said drivers at Dublin Bus have been offered a good deal, and should take it.

He added: “It’s a major inconvenience.

They should take the deal and not be affect-

ing the city as they are.

“I understand they want their money, but they have had a decent offer of 2.75% [per year] for the next three years.

“I would be delighted to get 1% over the next three years. I’m lucky to have a job. What they are being offered is very good. When the Luas drivers got their way, this [strike] was always going to happen.”

Gordon said the strike had left countless commuters in the same boat as himself.

He said: “People have had to do shift changes, get taxis and rely on other people to get to work. It is unfair.”

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18 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE

BEAUTYbits Get good brows A GOOD brow palette is an essential part of any make-up these days - throw in a shape angle brush and you’re good to go.

The Brow Artise palette from Young Blood

Fur Faux 140 S O AS oat € c Over

(€37.50) is a handy kit that contains everything you need for perfectly groomed arches; two shades of pressed brow powder, a lightly tinted wax, a dual-

Artiste’s demagogically approved formula is also paraben-free, meaning the brow kit is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and which may be prone to acne, rosacea or psoriasis.

Suitable for all skin tones, the brow artiste kit is available in four shades: blonde, brunette, auburn and dark.

Application Tips: • Tweeze stray eyebrow hairs, then brush hairs up with spoolie end of brush.

• Lightly shade powder into brows with slanted end of brush.

• To set the brows, apply wax through the brows with the spoolie end of the brush.

It is available in selected pharmacies nationwide.

Alex and Ani

Bundle

celebrate autumn Because I love You True Direction €36 ALEX AND ANI are back with their striking 1970s-inspired collection for autumn.

The latest pieces from the eco-conscious brand “in charge of their own destiny”.

The colour palette of navy, warm golds, and deep neutrals reflects the 1970s vibe along with their new symbols for honour, liberation, love and freethinking.

The pieces are available in Dublin in Arnotts,

UP! d French Connec tion Trench Coat €21 2

celebrate confident, independent women who are

Fields Jewellers and Weir and Sons.

d

River Island colour block mac €87

Penneys €32

With skin-calming ingredients including jojoba seed oil and honeysuckle, Youngblood Brow

Littlewoods Ireland Patchwork Animal faux fur coat €104

ended brow brush and a premium tweezer.

River Island bomber parka with faux fur collar €80  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

THE BEST and worst thing about summer ending is that we now have to wear more clothes.

It’s bad because we have to say goodbye to sandals, bare legs, bare arms and a rather care-free approach to dressing, thanks to the increasing fear of colds and flus.

It’s good, however, because one of life’s greatest pleasures (for me, anyway) is shopping for a

new winter coat! It’s something I like to always splash out on – after all, it’s what you will be wearing most days for the next few months.

The latest trends are in no way uniform, with the autumn/winter 2016 runways unveiling everything from giant puffa jackets to patchwork faux fur, military-style trenches and lots of colour.

Some more reasonably priced transitional coats are also a great option for autumn while it’s still relatively warm.

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 19

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DUBLINLIFE

TITANIC Belfast has been named Europe’s top visitor attraction, beating some of the world’s biggest hotspot attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace and the Acropolis.  IAN BEGLEY

NAMED as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in Italy, the museum has attracted three million visitors from more than 145 countries since opening in 2012.

It becomes the first Northern Irish site to win the award in its 23-year history.

The museum celebrates Belfast’s shipbuilding history and the crea-

tion of the Titanic – the world’s most famous ocean liner.

However, it is the second year in a row a tourism initiative from Ireland has won the accolade after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin bagged the top prize in 2015.

Reacting to the award, Titanic Belfast chief executive Tim Husbands said it was a huge achievement, considering the attraction was still relatively young in world tourism circles.

“After only four years in opera-

tion, to be recognised and beating stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum is a true honour.

“We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is special and something our city and country can be proud of, and we are so pleased this has been recognised at an international level,” he said.

Husbands added that since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast had established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage.

“Last month, we welcomed our three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number

expectations.

“This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day, to date.

“The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth, to date, from France, Germany, USA and China, year to year,” he said.

Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister Mar tin McGuinness described the award as a “phenomenal achievement”.

He said: “The story of the Titanic ship is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world-class visitor attraction to match.”

Titanic Belfast was also honoured

recently in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel list of 500 of the world’s most striking locations.

The museum is housed in East Belfast in a six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.

Chief executive of Tourism Ireland, John McGrillen, said the organisation was “extremely proud” of the win.

“I congratulate Tim and his team and I have every confidence that Titanic Belfast will remain at the heart of our tourism industry for decades to come,” he said.

A titanic attraction FROM January 14 to March 26 2017, Disneyland Paris awakens with the Season of the Force.

Summon your inner Jedi and lead your young Padawans to Walt Disney Studios Park for an intergalactic extravaganza, where a spectacular night time show blasts you to the heart of the Star Wars saga.

During the day, the light or dark side, you must choose.

But be sure to pick wisely, as the fearful First Order

march perilously close and Stormtroopers patrol the streets. And if it’s more of the Force you’re after, fulfil your destiny at the Jedi Training Academy in Disneyland Park.

Book with Abbey Travel and you can get up to two extra days and nights free for arrivals from November 1 right up to March 28, 2016.

Also, for each adult booked children under seven receive free hotel and park tickets for the entire stay. This means a

family of two adults and two kids under seven can stay in Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe for four nights starting from €498, including five days’ park tickets. Flights and transfers are not included.

Price based on Sunday to Thursday arrivals between January 8 to February 2, 2017.

You can avail of this Galactic Winter Offer if you book before October 3. To book call Abbey Travel on 01 804 7160 or visit www.abbeytravel.ie

Let the force light up your holiday

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 21

The Titanic was the world’s largest ship when it was constructed in 1912.

It could carry 2,453 passengers, and its first-class section boasted a swimming pool, a squash court, a Turkish bath and a grand staircase that descended through seven decks.

The ship travelled from Belfast to Cobh, on the south coast of Ireland, before sinking after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic.

The museum is located at the spot where the ship was launched, and is designed to mimic the bows of a ship. Visitors to Titanic Belfast have included James Cameron, Queen Elizabeth II and Adele.

Sales Since opening, Titanic Belfast has sold 338,000 postcards and more than 20,000 Titanic snow globes.

Along with the TV series Game

GAZETTE

TRAVEL of Thrones, which is filmed in the region, the museum has been credited with raising Northern Ireland’s profile among visitors.

A record-breaking 2.3 million people visited the region in 2015, with the Giant’s Causeway the most popular attraction.

Titanic Belfast will now go on to compete for the title of world’s leading attraction at a ceremony in the Maldives later this year.

There’s now a retreat where you can do yoga with goats

You’ve got to be kidding!

Goat Yoga becomes a hit Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in Italy

Enjoy a spooktacular family-friendly Halloween ALTON Towers Resort is set to unveil a number of new attractions at its forthcoming Scarefest this Halloween and, to celebrate, Irish Ferries has announced a “spooktacular” family-friendly package deal that will be sure to appeal to parents seeking fun-filled adventure over the mid-term break.

Valid for stays between October: 8, 9, 15, 16 and 21 to 31, a threenight stay with breakfast in the

nearby Best Western Tillington Hall Hotel costs €615 for a family of two adults and two children under 11 years, sharing a family room. The price includes return car ferry crossing on Irish Ferries’ sailings between Dublin – Holyhead, and Rosslare – Pembroke, and two full days at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire.

For bookings, call 0818 300 400, or see www.irishferries.com/alton.

Enjoy the Scarefest at Alton Towers

Travel Department has the perfect break for sun seekers to culture vultures TRAVEL Department, which is celebrating 20 years in business this year, has announced the launch of its exciting range of holidays for 2017.

Everyone from sun seekers to culture vultures will be well catered for in 2017, with holidays at amazing prices such as seven nights in the Algarve starting from €399pp, or a city break to stunning Prague from just €289pp for three nights.

There are plenty of new and

carefully planned itineraries on offer, such as the Highlights of the Veneto, including Venice, Padua and Bologna from €799pp between April and October; the magic of Munich and the Black Forest in May from €749pp; or April in the stunning Greek Island of Crete, from €999pp.

For more information on Travel Department’s 2017 departures, or to book, visit www.traveldepartment.ie or call 01 637 1600.

a little head-scratching of goats.

“They can be a little distracting,” admits Morse-Dyer, who says that it’s not just her lovable goats that get in on the fun—sometimes her barn cat and chickens join the action too.

The farm, which is situated in the middle of Oregon’s idyllic wine country, currently houses six goats, including two Nigerian Dwarf mini goats—Ansel and Adams—as well as a rescued Boer goat named Dodger, and two Pygmy mini-goats.

Morse-Dyer plans to launch a line of goat milk food and beauty products to sell at the farm as well as the local shops and farmers’ markets that sell locally-produced food and the area’s revered wines.

The fact that animal-loving yogis are flocking to MorseDyer’s farm is particularly surprising, because she is not one of them.

“I actually don’t practice yoga!” she says. “Isn’t that funny? Maybe I better start.”

So far. Goat Yoga has been a runaway success and MorseDyer continues adding classes to the schedule to meet the growing demand for the unusual activity.

The class schedule is posted to the farm’s Facebook page (Your Daily Goat), making it easy for daytrippers to add Goat Yoga to their agenda. For more information, visit www.lonelyplanet.com.

GAZETTE

YOU’VE got to be kidding!

A farm in Oregon has just launched a bizarre and unique new programme to entice visitors to the Willamette Valley, otherwise known as “Goat Valley”.

When you thought that yoga trends couldn’t get more ludicrous, the class takes place among a number of free-range goats joining in the fun.

“I have a yoga teacher come in and I supply the atmosphere and the goats,” Lainey MorseDyer, who hosts the class at her No Regrets Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, told Lonely Planet.

The class lets participants find their inner peace by kicking back in Warrior Two pose with goats in a rolling green field with views of Oregon’s coastal mountain range in the distance.

“The whole atmosphere is extremely relaxing,” said MorseDyer.

The idea of adding goat yoga to the farm — located a little over an hour from Portland, Oregon — came about when a local yoga instructor asked if she could hold a class in one of the farm’s fields.

“I thought it was a great idea and thus Goat Yoga was born.”

For just $10 a class, yogis get to practice their tree poses while goats join in the fun, sitting on the yoga mats, and try to entice attendees away from their downward-facing dog poses into

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DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

PEOPLE: REVEALING THE ORDINARY DUBLINERS DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS TO HELP OTHERS

Honouring Hidden Heroes  EMMA NOLAN

DUBLIN’S ever yday heroes were honoured at a special ceremony last week.

Broadcasters and celebrities were out in force to crown Ireland’s Hidden Heroes at a national awards ceremony hosted by Hidden Hearing in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel.

The Dublin Heroes came from all across the city and were praised for feats of heroism.

Broadcaster Mar y Kennedy joined Hidden Hearing’s managing director Stephen Leddy to present 21 people with awards in recognition of their achievements and contributions to communities throughout the country.

A “Charity Hero” was also voted on by the public on the day, and presented with a cheque for €2,000 from Hidden Hearing.

Commenting on this year’s Hidden Heroes, Kennedy said: “This is my second year hosting the Hidden Hearing Heroes awards.

“I was incredibly moved last year by the stories from ordinary people who are doing

extraordinary things the length and breadth of the country, and I was delighted to be invited to be a part of it again this year.

“These ordinary people, from all walks of life, are making our communities and our country a happier and healthier place through their kindness and generosity of spirit.

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

‘These ordinary people are making our communities and our country a happier and healthier place through their kindness and generosity of spirit’ --------------------------

Broadcaster Mary Kennedy

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

“They are helping others without expecting anything in return. This is our opportunity to acknowledge them and say a huge ‘Thank you’.”

13-year-old Tadgh O Midheach from Shankill was named the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing hero.

Ta d h g c o n t r a c t e d meningitis when he was two, and lost his hearing as a result, but uses international sign language and speech to communicate. Tadhg also has autism.

He is known for his sense of humour and has overcome his challenges to make a huge contribution to his school and community. He also managed to raise more than €500 for children with autism.

Lucan man Damien Douglas was awarded the Family Hero Recognition award. Damien retired from work to take care of his twin daughters, who require full-time care due to their condition, Wolf Hirschorn Syndrome.

Margaret Reilly, from Cabra, won the Family Hero award for taking in her three-year-old niece after her sister died.

Along with eight children of her own, she brought everyone up in a small two-bedroom house.

Margaret also moved her grandmother in to care for her until she passed away on Christmas Eve in 1981.

Even though on Christmas Day her heart was broken, Margaret

Barbara Clarke, sister, and Ava, daughter of Clare Clarke, with Conor Campbell Perrie with Lorraine Keane

Stephen Leddy, Hidden Hearing

Joanne O’Riordan and Young Hero Sean McCullagh

made sure that Santa came and there were presents and turkey for everyone.

She also advocated and cared for her son, Michael, when he became ill with cancer and stayed strong for everyone, despite her grief when he passed away in 1995. She has since become a grandmother 17 times and has one great-grandchild.

The Young Hero Recognition award went to Conor Campbell Perrie from Glenageary.

Conor saved his uncle’s life when he slipped into unconsciousness due to low blood sugar. His uncle is a diabetic and Conor realised that he was unresponsive when playing with him. An ambulance was called and his uncle’s life was saved as a result.

Sean McCullagh from Blanchardstown received the Young Hero award. Sean was paralysed at the age of four in a car accident.

He has overcome the

challenge to excel in sport and sailing, in particular.

He was part of the Leinster sailing team which was awarded the Causeway Award, and also represented Ireland at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation 2016 games, in Prague, and won two bronze medals.

Sean helps children with disabilities and recently trained to be a wheelchair skills trainer.

A special Lifetime Achievement award was presented this year to the family of Clare Clarke, from Artane. During her life, Clare, who was the mother of two young girls, found she struggled to explain her own cancer diagnosis to them.

She sought help and was stunned to find that there were no services available for children until they were bereaved.

Clare decided that this was unacceptable so investigated and found the Climb programme,

Donal Gill with Stephen Leddy, Hidden Hearing

Dolores Madden, Hidden Hearing, with Susan Dowling, daughter of Family Hero award winner Margaret Reilly

which was only available in Northern Ireland.

Clare campaigned to bring the services nation-

wide and now, thanks to her efforts, the Climb service has 22 centres throughout the country.

15 September 2016 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK

A tea-riffic new way to see the city AF TERNOON tea is always a treat but a Howth woman has come up with a twist on the norm with her Vintage Tea Tours – Afternoon Tea with a Difference.

“It has been said that ‘If tea can’t fix it, then there’s no hope’. Or maybe that’s just another Irishism!”

So says Karen Nixon, who was inspired to start her new venture after a trip to London.

Vintage Tea Tours is a Dublin City tour with a difference.

Passengers get the chance to enjoy some of the city’s well-known sights, whilst comfortably seated in a vintage double decker Route-

master bus named Pauline, and while indulging in some afternoon tea treats.

The tour runs three times a day, at 11am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm, with tickets starting from €40.

Juicy facts Passengers are in the safe hands of driver Bob and the on-board Vintage Tea Tours team, who share some interesting and juicy facts about Dublin, its sights and, of course, the bus Pauline, named after Karen’s grandmother.

All of this can be enjoyed while nibbling on an array of delicacies and some surprising treats, such as a vanilla

panna cotta with forest berry compote, or a Guinness brownie, all freshly prepared daily by fine dining Italian chef Donato Romano.

Entrepreneur a nd founder Karen Nixon, with the suppor t of her family, felt that the romance and fun behind the concept of being chauffeured in a double decker bus, while enjoying pastries and the likes, needed to be shared – so much so that she bought a bus (inset, right).

Speaking about the new venture, and about Pauline the bus, Karen said: “We are so excited to be introducing Pauline to the world of tours and afternoon tea.

Entrepreneur and Vintage Tea Tours founder Karen Nixon

“As a family, we’ve all had a part in making this venture happen and it is fantastic to be able to include my beloved gran on this journey with us.

“There is so much history and romance involved in Vintage Tea Tours and we want our customers to be able to

experience it all. “ We w a n t t h e m to share a nostalgic moment with family and friends, as they remember the simple pleasure of tea and cake while sitting at their gran’s table in the snug warmth of her kitchen – it’s just on wheels this time!”

Recipe: Bayin Oils Chickpea Curry BAYIN Oils, a pioneering Irish start-up, is the first company in Europe exporting any food product from Myanmar to Europe.

Naturally produced oils are cold-pressed and unrefined, retaining the numerous health benefits of sesame seeds and peanuts.

Bayin are sharing this recipe for Chickpea Curry – the perfect healthy curry to warm you up on cold evenings.

Ingredients l 6 tbsp Bayin Peanut Oil

2 onions sliced 1 tsp fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped l 1 tsp ground cumin l 1 tsp ground coriander l 1 tsp garlic crushed l 1 tsp chilli powder l 1 tsp turmeric l 1 tsp smoked paprika l 2 fresh green chillies finely chopped l Bunch of fresh coriander chopped l 300ml vegetable stock l 1 large potato l 400g tin chickpeas l 400g tin tomatoes l 1 tbsp lemon juice l l

Method

Heat Bayin Peanut Oil in large pan. Add onions and cook until golden. l Reduce heat, add ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic, turmeric, smoked paprika, chilli powder, green chillies and coriander leaves (reserving some coriander for garnish). l Stir-fry for two mins.

Add stock and mix well. l Dice potato and add to pan with chickpeas and tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 mins. l Sprinkle with lemon juice and remaining coriander. Serve hot. l

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

CAFE SOCIETY SET in the 1930s, Woody Allen’s bittersweet romance Cafe Society follows Bronxborn Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg) who moves to Hollywood, where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York he is swept up in the vibrant world of High Society nightclub life.

(Cert 12A, 96 mins)

ANTHROPOID ANTHROPOID is based on the extraordinary true story of “Operation Anthropoid” – the code name for a Czechoslovakian operatives’ mission to assassinate a SS officer. The film follows two soldiers from the Czechoslovakian army-inexile, Josef (Cillian Murphy) and Jan (Jamie Dornan), who are tasked with assassinating Heydrich.

(Cert 15A, 120 mins)

SAUSAGE PARTY SAUSAGE Party (Cert 16, 89 mins) provides a side-order of utterly foulmouthed 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.

Juvenile delinquent Ricky (Julian Dennison) and sour Hector (Sam Neill) are forced to get along as circumstances drive the mis-matched pair together in the wilderness

HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE: DEADPAN WIT & CHARMING ABSURDITY

A wild & wonderful comedy

T H I R T E E N -Y E A R OLD Julian Dennison carries the weight of this wild and wonderful comedy from New Zealand director Taika Waititi.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Cert PG, 1h 41m) is consistently hilarious, loudly absurd and quietly emotional; an odd-couple comedy that isn’t afraid to get heavy.

Split into 10 chapters, the film is structured along the lines of an archetypal children’s narrative and, accordingly, follows a kind of haphazard fairy-tale logic, despite dealing with some fairly adult themes.

Dennison plays Ricky Baker, a troublesome orphan sent from the city to live in the coun-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

tryside with new foster parents: loud but loving Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and cantankerous bushman Hector (Sam Neill).

After some short-lived growing pains, Ricky embraces his new home.

However, tragedy strikes and Ricky finds himself running away again, out into the bush.

“Uncle Hec” pursues, but when child services find the house abandoned, they surmise he’s kidnapped Ricky. A national manhunt thus ensues ...

You’d be forgiven for expecting heaps of syrupy sentimentality after one read of Hunt for the Wilderpeople’s plot – Waititi’s script, however, is heavy with the kind of deadpan wit and charming absurdity we’ve come to expect from the filmmaker.

Despite a few handkerchief moments, then, Hunt for the Wilderpeople never indulges in the maudlin or melodramatic.

Whenever the story teeters on the edge of mushiness, an off-thecuff remark from Ricky, drenched in innocent ignorance, quickly grounds everything.

While Neill may have top billing here, and does his job amicably as the

film’s straight man, it is Dennison’s performance that drives everything.

The young actor wonderfully communicates a kind of innocent, simple wisdom and curious selfconfidence that is both comically endearing and outright inspiring.

Ricky has been put through the grinder of the foster care system and envisions himself as a gangster, an outlaw; followed everywhere by his canine companion, Tupac.

His unwillingness to return to that system gives the narrative a sense of danger: a kind of desperado charm that drives the adventure forward.

This is very much a “journey” film and its

p i c t u r e s q u e s we e p s through the vast and distinct geographies of the New Zealand wilderness evoke The Lord of the Rings – a fact not lost on Ricky, who compares their adventure to Peter Jackson’s film.

A couple of bizarrely placed but riveting action sequences, and a retro -sy nth score straight out of a 70s Italian police- thriller, keep the pace fast and flowing throughout; there is never a dull moment in a run time that just about borders on overly-long.

Also of note is the director’s uproarious cameo as a rambling, incompetent priest, and Rachel House’s turn as the monomaniacal child services worker – she

compares herself to The Terminator, and Ricky to Sarah Connor, “in Terminator 1, before she could do chin-ups!”

While the plot hinges on a curmudgeonly old man/bothersome child odd-couple stereotype, an abundance of unique absurdity, visual quirkiness and endearing characterisation mean that every archetypal plot turn appears natural.

Waititi’s best film yet, The Hunt for the Wilderpeople manages to feel both refreshingly original and comfortably familiar.

The director’s leap into the mainstream with next year’s Thor: Ragnarok is an interesting prospect – I for one am giddily optimistic.

Verdict: 9/10

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

COMMUNICATIONS: ANOTHER YEAR, AND ANOTHER VERSION OF THE FAMOUS PHONE

WeeBytes

Care to take a bite at Apple’s latest iPhone?

THOSE of you with close to a thousand quid burning a hole in their pocket (I know, I know – that could be anybody) may already have made up their mind to plump for the highest-spec version of Apple’s newly announced latest mobile phone, the iPhone 7 , which starts – starts! – at a wallet-whalloping €749 for the basic 32GB model, before strolling up to €919 for a snazzier, larger iPhone 7 Plus (256GB).

Whether interested in the Plus or not, the price alone will be a significant negative for a lot of people, should a quick scratch around behind the sofa not provide the sufficient readies.

However, eye-watering prices aside, what makes the iPhone 7 the latest must-have (or can’tafford) to take note of?

It’s been hard to nose through tech sites without noting the mutters and dissent about the greatest change in the latest iPhone – Apple’s ditching of the good ol’ earphone jack, found in

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

just about every audiovisual device over the past 30-plus years, at least.

Well, gone, but not gone-gone, as some might say – no need to throw away your twisty earphones just yet, as audio adaptors are available, with one supplied with the phone.

However, in essence, Apple wants you to ditch your ye-olde headphones (providing sound that’s about as crisp and clear as granny’s ear trumpet) and switch to its EarPods instead – snazzy wireless earphones using proprietory tech.

It’s a somewhat divisive move – after all, enforced wireless audio connectivity is anything but the norm – yet it plays into Apple’s gradual iteration game, rolling out key tech, hardware or soft-

ware changes every so often.

Moving on, and while there are many changes across the board, one of the more obvious ones comes to light courtesy of the camera.

Whether the iPhone 7 or its bigger brother, the Plus, the cameras have been beefed up a little, with the Plus’s two cameras delivering a little more oomph in the picture quality.

But away from the loss of the audio jack, and the tweaking of the camera, however, there’s nothing that’s particularly revolutionary about the latest iPhone.

Yes, it’s a faster, stronger beast – but the pace of evolution that Apple once set as it strode confidently out in front of competitors has slowed right down, with Samsung, in particular, nipping at its heels lately.

Apple fans will know exactly what they’re getting – a powerful, beautifully made phone with a wealth of features, and apps and usability that

Responsibly recycle old batteries, says Bosco

Bin those batteries and help sick kids PEOPLE (and tech writers) of a certain age will remember RTE legend Bosco only too well – and everyone’s favourite high-pitched, red-haired presenter is currently boxing clever, helping WEEE Ireland to ask people to recycle their batteries and help LauraLynn, Ireland’s children’s hospice.

Bosco is asking the country’s boys and girls, and adults too, to recycle their old batteries at the blue WEEE Ireland box that can be found at many retailers all across the country.

As always, the iPhone is a beautifully designed and finished piece of tech, with further design changes adding to the iPhone 7’s tactile appeal. However, the changes mark a refined vision, rather than a truly revolutionary overhaul.

are unmatched. In this regard, the iPhone 7 (and Plus) lives up to the hype.

Ultimately, tech watchers have 2017 marked in their diaries, as the tenth anniversary of the iPhone then may see Apple unveil something that’s even more revolutionary than ‘just’ ditching the jack.

Until then, the iPhone 7 (or iPhone 7 Plus) will just have to do ...

Goodbye cords, hello wireless ... Apple’s removal of the trusty audio jack in favour of wireless EarPods marks the single greatest change to the iPhone.

Facebook at the coal face of new media challenges THE censorship of a photo of a young, naked girl led to widespread negative coverage for Facebook last week, underscoring the increasing challenges faced by all social media platforms in adjusting to not just how current news, but historical data, can or should be disseminated to the masses.

Understandably, pretty much any photo of a naked child draws swift action by all responsible website and new/social media operators.

However, the photo in question – that of a naked and badly burned 9-year-old girl, Phan Thi Kim Phuc (and other children) running down a road in terror in

GAZETTE

TECH

1972 – was not just one of the defining images of the Vietnam War, but one of the 20th Century’s most iconic and bestknown photographs.

Following widespread condemnation of Facebook’s actions in removing the photo from around the site – with Norway’s prime minister, Erna Solberg,

even accusing the social media giant of editing history – the photo was swiftly reinstated.

The core issue of content versus context that was at the heart of the spat highlights just some of the emerging challenges facing all of the leading, and rising, social media content providers.

Call With WEEE Ireland acting as the country’s biggest recycling scheme for used batteries, the call has gone out to help Ireland in the EU-wide role to reach a target of recycling 45% of all batteries sold by the end of 2016.

With a WEEE Pledge programme in place at many schools (for info, see www.weeepledge. ie), the recycling efforts also help to raise some much needed funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

By safely and responsibily helping WEEE Ireland to recycle old batteries, everyone can help to support the children’s hospice in its vital work – something worth helping Bosco to make a fuss about ...

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

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FINGALCLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

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seeks to recruit a

PART-TIMER CARETAKER to join the staff at this friendly primary school

We are looking for a candidate who is dynamic and forward-thinking and who will display a high degree of commitment to the school community and can work well as part of a team. Duties involve routine maintenance, repair work and grounds work and we are looking for candidates with a good broad knowledge of D.I.Y. – full duties of the post can be found on the school website www.letns.org The hours of this post are part-time (currently 20 hours per week) and operate on a splitshift basis (1 hour each morning and 3 hours each afternoon Monday - Friday). Applicants should note that the successful candidate will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to commencing duty. Applications should be made by standard application form available to download from the school website www.letns.org.

Completed applications should be sent to the following address to arrive no later than 12 midday Thursday 22nd September 2016.

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GAZETTE

28 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

SPORT

FastSport MARKEY ON THE MARK AS BLUES WIN INTERPROS: SANTA Sabina schoolgirl Erica Markey proved one of the stars of the show as she scored four times in three games for the Leinster Under21 women’s hockey team who claimed the interprovincial title in the first action of the new season.

It was the teenagers first involvement with any representative side but she took full advantage of the call up with a goal in the opening 7-0 win over Connacht before scoring twice against Munster last Saturday at Donabate.

She then put Leinster in front in their final game on Sunday against Ulster.. They held that lead for a long time before Erin Getty equalised for the northern province with eight minutes to go.

The blues bounced back immediately, however, with Ellen Curran firing home on her backhand to give the blues a 2-1 win and ultimate victory in the tournament.

DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL: PHIBBLESTOWN CLUB’S EUROPEAN CHALLENGES

Handball hopeful for funds  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN International Handball Club are looking to return Ireland to the European stage of the sport with a fundraising campaign to take the team to the EHF Cup – a right won by the team as

national champions – in place to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

The club, based in Phibblestown Community Centre near Blanchardstown, play the Olympic (as opposed to the GAA) version of handball, and have represented Ireland at Europe-

an level before, with the most recent of their four European Cup appearances taking place in the 2011/12 season.

The side currently consists of a host of Irish internationals as well as a number of former youth internationals from other countries, and are look-

Dublin International celebrate their success last season.

ing to raise €20,000 to get their first team to the tournament.

Goran Seselj, one of the club’s key players, is behind the fundraising campaign, which has arisen out of a difficulty getting hold of sponsorship for the club, and a belief in what the club – Ireland’s most successful in recent years – are doing.

“I got together with my teammate Piotr to put together the fundraising campaign,” Seselj tells GazetteSport. “We think we can make a name for the sport in Ireland and being there will help us do this and get sponsorship. It will also help other clubs that are struggling like us.”

“Every year, the level in

Ireland is getting better, and that’s a good thing,” Seselj continued. “Lots of teams depend on players who come here to study, and that can be a problem for teams like UCD and UCC as they never know what kind of team they will have year on year.

“For now, there are six league teams but there are four more that only play cup games. We hope things will go from there.

More teams and a bigger league will make the sport easier to promote.”

The Dublin-based club started out as part of DIT but went on to become an independent entity.

They are always looking for new players, both in seniors and in their developing youth set up,

and have seen a surge of interest after the sport was regularly televised as part of the Rio Olympics.

“Handball was the second most watched sport after football at the Olympics,” Seselj said.

“Television is a powerful promotional weapon. It has lots of similarities to GAA, football and basketball. It’s a very attractive sport with lots of contact. I think it would intrigue Irish people.”

As well as attending the EHF, the club have plans to bring in men’s and women’s teams from across Europe to play a tournament in Dublin.

The club can be contacted via Dublinhandball.com, where a link to their fundraising campaign is available.

Belvo’s Rock Dublin rivals as title defence starts  sport@dublingazette.com

Old Belvedere began their title defence in style.

OLD BELVEDERE got the defence of their women’s AllIreland league title off to a flying start as they recorded a comprehensive 24-0 victory over Blackrock.

Winger Alison Miller scored the first try of the game after 15 minutes, in her first start for Belvedere.

Out-half Jackie Shiels kicked the ball into the Blackrock half allowing Miller to cross the line, and followed up her try with a conversion.

Their second try came on the 30 minute mark through Roisin O’Donnell, giving Belvo a 12-0 lead going into the break.

Franziska Klappoth got her first try of the season to bring the score to 17-0 after good work from Shiels sent her down the wing. Miller crossed the line for the second time before the final whistle to ensure Belvedere left Anglesea Road with a bonus point victory.

Railway Union returned from Belfast disappointed after they lost out to newly-promoted side Cooke by 14-7.

Cooke raced into an early lead in difficult conditions at Shaw’s Bridge, with Beth Cregan fighting her way past Railway’s determined defence to cross the line.

When the referee ruled that Eliza Downey had been taking down illegally through a high tackle, Grace Jackson converted a penalty try for Cooke, who is managed by former Ireland star Grace Davitt.

With 56 minutes on the clock, it was Railway’s turn to be awarded a penalty try when Nikki Caughey was also deemed to have been taking down with a

high tackle. The conversion was no more than a consolation but it did ensure that Railway left with a losing bonus point.

There was also away disappointment for St Mary’s, being managed for the first time by Gareth Logan and Philip Lynch, as they were heavily defeated 41-5 by Galwegians.

Full- back Mairead Coyne ran in four of the home side’s tries as the Dubliners were forced to finish the game with 14 after scrum-half Sarah Duignan and flanker Aoife Moore had to be stretchered from the pitch.

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

O’Dwyer’s Shannon shoots out lights  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER helping overpower Na Fianna in the Dublin Ladies’ Junior C Final a fortnight ago with her fluid and punishing attacking play, O’Dwyer’s full forward Shannon Richardson has been named the New Ireland Assurance Player of the Month.

Richardson scored a stunning 3-11, with only a single point not scored from open play as the i nve n t i ve f o r w a r d ’s play overwhelmed the Glasnevin side and confirmed their promotion to the junior B Championship next season.

The Balbriggan club saw their lead cut as they took their foot off the gas in the dying minutes, conceding three goals, but still came out with an emphatic 4-17 to 3-6 margin in the most

important game of their season. Siobhan Roy and Shauna O’Hara starred alongside Richardson in O’Dwyer’s cutting forward line.

Trinity College Earth Sciences student Richardson, who scored just over half of her side’s points, told the Gazette: “our team is stronger than ever” following the award.

“We are unbeaten in the league with one match left and we are into the semi-final of the cup.

“This has probably been one of my best seasons so far in terms of my scoring and my performances. I’ve had a few off games but I’m really enjoying it this year with the team because we are all like family.”

Richardson has also been making her mark with the Dublin Under-

FINALFever

Supreme talent lights up championship finale A HIGH octane series of championship finals saw no end of hugely impressive performances across all levels of competition, aiding the various clubs’ paths to glory.

The senior final at Parnell Park was a thriller with Amy Connolly and Amy Ring catching the eye of Dublin boss Greg McGonigle who sited the duo as the key players for Foxrock Cabinteely in landing the big title once again, holding at a Caroline Brogan-inspired St Brigid’s.

For Gazette writer James Hendicott, Olivia Leonard’s nerve to kick the winning point for St Maur’s in their Junior A success ahead of Castleknock was another pivotal moment, capping a sublime overall performance.

Clontarf’s Sarah Fagan, St Brigid’s Caoimhe O’Connor and O’Dwyer’s Erin Healy were all cited on the shortlist for the third New Ireland Assurance Player of the Month award of the summer for performances in the Dublin ladies football championships.

But Shannon Richardson’s epic haul of 3-11 for Balbriggan club O’Dwyer’s - with a massive 3-10 from play - was the singularly most dominant and defining moment of all as the 19-year-old underpinned a huge moment in the club’s history.

She joins Ballyboden St Enda’s Emiy Flanagan and Naomh Barrog’s Laura McGinley as winners of the awards in 2016.

Xxxx XXx O’Dwyer’s Shannon Richardson in action against Na Fianna. Picture: GAAPics.com

21 side, and recalls the final as very much a team effort, despite her scoring antics.

“We didn’t start off our best but by the second half ever y thing started to go our way, we didn’t give up, our defence put in some great tackles and fought extremely hard which stood to us, and our shooting was very on target which resulted in a good win.

“Junior B will be tough. We are a young team, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle if we play our best and

stay focused on our goal.

“Things came together very well for the final we have been doing a lot of work in training and putting a hundred percent into all of our matches which has stood to us as a team and gave us the extra edge in the final.”

Manager Michael Blount was quick to praise R ichardson’s maturity and development at O’Dwyer’s, and sees her as a potential county star.

“Shannon has continued to improve year on year,” he said. “She

is very focused on what she wants and has the potential and drive to go as far as she wants in the game.”

“She was rewarded with a deserved call up to the Dublin Under-21s this year and they went on to win the All-Ireland tournament held in Naomh Mearnog.

“Amazingly at 19, she is one of the senior members of our squad and has a very bright future ahead of her.”

Congratulations to Shannon and to O’Dwyer’s on their season.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

Greta’s Paralympic personal best in Rio SWORDS star Greta Streimikyte left Rio with a personal best time of 4.45.06 as she finished fourth in the final of the T13 1500m at the Paralympic Games.

Samaya Bousaid (36) from Tunisia won the gold medal, with 21-year-old Streimikyte initially crossing the line if fifth but she was bumped up a place after the disqualification of Mexican athlete Daniela Velasco Maldonado.

The time is also an Irish record but Streimikyte believes that the fast pace of the race destroyed her game plan and forced her to adapt her style to keep up with the rest of the field.

“It was a fast race and I still need time to process what happened but it was a fast race and I did a personal best – so that is great you know.

“The race pace ruined my tactics because in the heats I led the field but here, the field led me and I had to push. It is a championship race and you never know. I am happy and look forward to Tokyo,” said Streimikyte after the race.

Also commenting on her performance, James Nolan, Head of Paralympic Athletics added: “I am massively proud of Greta, a huge personal best for her. She put herself in a position to take the bronze if it became available. You cannot ask for any more than to arrive at the biggest race of your life and to run your fastest time ever.”

She had reached the final after producing a lung-busting run to finish third in her heats behind automatic qualifiers Izaskun Ayucar and Bousaid. She set a time of 4.51.75 so to shave nearly four seconds further off that time was very impressive.

Originally from Lithuania, Streimikyte moved to Ireland five years ago after relocating with her family to Swords, and only became an Irish citizen last December. She is also due to start her third year of international relations in DCU this month.

GOLF: THE ISLAND WOMAN MAKES BEST OF TOUGH ARKLOW CONDITIONS

Gertie McMullen en route to her Irish Senior Open stroke play success

McMullen’s Open ecstasy sport@dublingazette.com

THE ISLAND’S Gertie McMullen battled hardest on the final day of the 2016 Irish Senior Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship to take home the silverware following an excellent tussle.

The final day brought wind and rain to the sunny South East as the players diced with the Arklow Links.

As the scorecards began to come in, a clubhouse leader in Catherine Reilly (The Heath) was established after she carded a two over par 74 in the challenging condi-

tions.

However, out on the course, 36-hole leader Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna) and McMullen were tied for the lead with 9 holes to play.

The leading pair were one shot ahead of Sheena McElroy (Grange) while Pat Doran (Donabate) was a further shot behind.

As the gales strengthened, the finishing nine holes became tougher and it was a race to the finish line for the leaders. Both Corcoran and Sonja Bland (South Africa) faltered on the tough closing holes to finish on 239 and 244 respectively.

CERTIFICATE OF SUCCESS Swords Celtic Under-9s shine at Archerstown SWORDS Celtic’s Under-9 side, managed

by Robbie Shields, recently enjoyed a high quality tournament run by Ashbourne United at Archerstown.

They took on the likes of Ashbourne, Ratoath and Corduff and were subsequently presented with certificates for taking part in the competition.

The club’s youngest sides are all up and running now for the new season with weekly games in the schoolboy leagues.

McElroy finished with a closing 83 to tie for third place with Corcoran on 239.

Canadian Alison Murdoch, who has travelled to this tournament for the last number of years and will go from Arklow to Liverpool to compete at the British Women’s Senior Open Stroke Play Championship next week, finished with a respectable 79 which would be good enough for 2nd place.

However, the player who battled the hardest over the back nine and ultimately finished on top of the leader board was McMullen.

The 2013 Irish Senior Women’s Open Stroke Play Champion and 2015 & 16 Irish Senior Women’s Close Champion can now add this tournament to her list of achievements.

She had her loving husband Frazer on the bag was delighted with her win.

“I am ecstatic, I can’t believe it. To have two Irish Opens and two Irish Close Championships now is just incredible!”

He exploits, in tandem with McElroy and Corcoran also brought with it the bonus of the Team Event prize winners as

part of an Ireland A side.

She will now travel to the British Senior’s next week followed by the Senior Women’s Home Internationals which will be played in Scotland from September 27 to 29.

She will be joined in the team by many of her rivals from Arklow last week including Corcoran, McElroy, Headfort’s Maria O’Reilly, Tralee’s Mary Sheehy, East Berkshire’s Laura Webb and Laytown and Bettystown’s Carol Wickham.

Doran is a reserve for the side off the back of her best gross score on day one of the Irish Open.

15 September 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

BARROG BREAKDOWN

Syl’s overhauled in Senior B group match

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS

ST SYLVESTER’S fell to a 2-13 to 0-10

loss to Naomh Barrog in their latest senior B hurling championship tie, meaning they have two wins from four outings to date.

Collie Byrne’s scores had them in good shape while Tony Dunne made some great saves before Barrog bounced back with two goals and they duly overhauled Syl’s and swept to victory.

GOOD luck to Paul and the Dublin squad

Paralympic Ireland 2016: Congratu-

next Sunday as they attempt to win

lations to Catherine Walsh (and her

back to back All-Ireland titles for the

pilot Fran Meehan) who finished eighth

first time since Kerry achieved this in

on Sunday afternoon in the triathlon.

2007.

FOOTBALL: RAVENS MAN HUNGRY FOR MORE SUCCESS

Tickets – Dublin v Mayo: An open

Irish TV on SKY 191 – Sold Out: Mad

draw for qualifying members will take

for Sam – a preview of the All-Ireland

place in the club bar this Friday at

for Irish TV will be broadcast live from

9pm. Cash will be the only method of

the club, on Thursday, September 15

payment.

from 8-10pm. Patrons lucky enough

Stars of the future: We had a record

to get tickets must attend between

200+ boys and girls at the nursery on

7-7.30pm.

Saturday morning. To facilitate the

The panel will include legends

large numbers, registration will take

Sean Cavanagh, Sean Boylan, John

place each Saturday from 9.30am for

O’Mahony, Tommy Lyons, Charlie

kids aged four to seven-years-old.

Redmond and Kieran Duff. There will

New members are very welcome.

also be music from Foster & Allen, The

As is now traditional, the final will

Merry Ploughboys, Chris O’Donnell

be live in the hall this Sunday on a

and Eddie Sherlock.

big screen. The hall will be open from

The annual Colours Night party will

1.30pm. After the final whistle, we will

take place this Saturday prior to the

have ballads from 7-9pm followed by

All-Ireland final. The dress code is

Dave Cleary playing until last orders.

strictly your county or club colours.

The intermediate football champi-

The evening of music and craic will

onship quarter final v Good Counsel is

start at 8.30pm.

on Saturday, October 1 at 4.30pm.

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

members who will be afforded the

tickets, please contact the club email

opportunity to purchase All-Ireland

address stfiniansgaaclubswords@

football final tickets.

gmail.com or text Maree McDonough by 8pm Thursday, September 15.

Darren Daly has been a long-term member of the Dublin senior football panel.

Team ethic crucial for Daly and Dubs

ALL-IRELAND FINAL

 sport@dublingazette.com

FINGAL Ravens’ man Darren Daly says Dublin’s team ethic will play a crucial factor as Jim Gavin’s side prepare for this Sunday’s All-Ireland senior football championship final against Mayo in Croke Park on Sunday.

T he Dubs showed their mettle in their semifinal victory over Kerry to firstly come back from a five-point deficit at half-time and then to come from three points behind entering the last 10 minutes to secure

their final berth.

The Ravens man says there was no panic in the Dublin dressing-room at the interval.

“It was the same as any other time, whether we were five points up or five points down,” says Darren.“Very calm, controlled, follow the same pattern at half-time no matter what position we are in.

“We didn’t make a change, it was controlled, just chipped away and thank God, we came out the right end.

This group is a special group.

“We are tight-knit, lads

just generally work really hard and a few games that were in the melting pot, we gelled well and we dug them out.”

Daly is a well-heeled member of the panel, playing his part in the panel in three previous All-Ireland successes as well as five Leinster senior championship campaigns and four national league titles.

And he says that the team’s know-how to win in tough circumstances is a pivotal factor in how they regularly dig themselves out of a seemingly difficult hole.

“It just comes from

experience. Sometimes you are not always at your best but you know the things to do to get that ultimate performance,” Daly added.

“I think I know the appetite is there. There is huge hunger from all the lads. It is great to see when we came under a bit of pressure, that lads did respond, for lads going into the next game.”

He is among a number of Fingal-based players in the panel with Fingallians Paul Flynn and the Naomh Mearnog duo Kevin O’Brien and Shane Carthy.

Remember there’s still the opportunity to win a pair of All-Ireland

Only fully paid up adult members

football tickets in the club raffle. Tick-

and juvenile members who play on

ets are €5 and can be purchased in

adult teams can purchase tickets

the club office, from mentors or any

through the club and only one ticket

member of the executive committee.

may be ordered per member.

This draw will take place at the club

Please note that applying for a ticket will not guarantee a ticket.

race night in Peacocks on Saturday, September 17.

As demand has now exceeded the

The club is running the inaugural

club’s tickets allocation, a draw will

Kenneth Smith Cup and Shield U-11

take place on Thursday, September

football tournament on Saturday,

15 at 9pm in the clubhouse to pick club

September 17.

FINGAL RAVENS CONGRATULATIONS to our minor team

bers of Fingal Ravens: Pat Kinsella

on their fantastic win in their champi-

(Swords), Aidan Donnelly, Andrew

onship game against Fingallians.

McLoughlin and Carmel Fortune (nee

This was a hard fought game with our players having to dig deep at five points down to win by two points. Well done lads and the managment team.

O’Brien) and we thank them for all they have contributed to our club.

All-Ireland tickets: we are not accepting orders for tickets. Anyone

Our annual sponsored cycle will

who has ordered tickets for previous

take place on Saturday, September

games and all fully paid up members

17, starting from the clubhouse at

will be entered into the draw. The draw

5pm. Sponsor cards are now avail-

will take place on Friday, September 16

able. Please contact Ray Ahearn (087

at 7pm in Rolestown Community Hall.

9267822) and Mick Foley (086 8148464) for more details. This is always a great

Good wishes Sean (Chuck) Kennedy who has been unwell recently.

occasion for the children so please

The astro pitch is progressing well.

support it. We are looking for unwant-

Photos can be viewed on our Face-

ed photo frames of any size which will

book page. We are all looking forward

be used to display team photos. Please

to Sunday’s All-Ireland and would like

contact Ann Fox.

to wish the team well. Special good

The club committee have decided to make the following Honorary Mem-

wishes to our representative Darren ‘Butsey’ Daly.

32 FINGAL GAZETTE 15 September 2016