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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Locals left horrified following muggings MARK O’BRIEN

GAZ SEE WHAT THE GAZ HAS TO SAY THIS WEEK: Well,

EE FR

DublinGazette APRIL 5-11, 2018

FOUR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Sienna, Saoirse, Caoimhe and Zara had a ball developing their skills at the Lucan Sarsfield GAA Easter Camp and School of Excellence last week.

Picture: SIMON PEARE. See full Gallery on page 10.

LOCALS were left reeling from news of two shocking mugging incidents in Clondalkin on Friday night.

The first incident occurred in the Oakwood area on Friday evening when a pizza delivery driver had cash robbed at knifepoint.

Later the same evening, a woman was approached by a young man outside the Mill Park apartments.

The man attempted to steal the woman’s bag and stabbed the woman several times before leaving the scene.

CCTV footage emerged (above) of

the terrifying attack and locals took to social media to express their horror at the incident.

Writing on the Clondalkin Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page, one resident said: “What’s the world coming to?”

SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

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01 60 10 240

JUST ONE WINNING PROJECT WAS FINISHED

Have Your Say projects remain uncompleted  MARK O’BRIEN

mobrien@dublingazette.com

JUST one of the winning projects from last year’s €300k Have Your Say for the Lucan and Palmerstown area has been fully completed.

Residents in the Clondalkin electoral area will soon vote on projects for their area but a report last week shows that most of the winning projects from last year have not yet been completed.

The information was included in a report by the council to the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Paul

Gogarty.

The winning projects were announced in June last year and were due to be completed within a year.

But Cllr Gogarty noted in a previous update in February: “One thing in the small print that a lot of people didn’t notice last year was the council’s definition of “within a year”.

“Apparently for this year it means September 2018, this being a year of the final sign-off meeting by the Steering Committee.

“For next year it will be at the annual budget period at end October early November.”

Of the eight winning projects last year, one is fully completed while the others are at various stages

and required works.”

of development.

The Christmas lights for Lucan village were delivered in December last year.

The proposed planting of native apple trees in Lucan commenced with the planting of an apple tree by the Mayor and the children from Scoil Aine Naofa, in Vesey Park on Wednesday, March 21.

It is proposed to plant 70 Apple trees as community orchards in Lucan Demense, Griffeen Valley Park, Willsbrook Park, Vesey Park and Waterstown Park.

The proposal for free library books in public places has seen books delivered to the Lucan Institute of Further Education and Palmerstown Community Centre.

Books for Ballyowen Community Centre have been processed and the council say they will be available at that location soon.

Public consultation has been completed on the playground in Waterstown Park, Palmerstown and the multi-games wall in Lucan, with both expected to go to tender this month.

A feasibility study into the restoration of the Silver Bridge in Palmerstown is currently being developed in conjunction with Fingal County Council.

A project to restore King John’s Bridge in Griffeen has had a mortar analysis completed.

The council said: “Due to deep roots which have penetrated the bridge structure, further investigation will be required as to how these can be removed safely without causing any damage to the original building’s fabric.

“The architectural conservation officer will seek further advice from the previously engaged conservation engineer.”

The final project related to access to the church and graveyard at Mill Lane, Palmerstown.

The council had sought further clarification in relation to ownership of the site.

The report states: “It has been confirmed that the lands from Mill Lane to Palmerstown Church and Graveyard are not Council lands and the land area has not been registered.

“Based on the information from local community groups, the land is part of the land ownership of the lower mill complex.

“The issue of land ownership needs to be fully discussed with regard to consent for the works.

“A meeting is to take place between the Area Road Engineer and the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer to discuss the issues on site

FASTNews

Students flying high after Airport debate DUBLIN Airport hosted a North Runway themed debate between sixth class students from Esker Educate Together National School, Lucan.

“The students are learning about how noise is generated and wanted to look at a practical example,” said Dublin Airport Community liaison manager, Maura Cassidy.

“They decided to debate the merits of North Runway, aircraft noise issues and the planning conditions associated with it as their example,” she added.

The 24 pupils were divided into four groups representing the key stakeholders of Dublin Airport, airlines, Tourism Ireland and local residents.

The students were invited in to perform their debate after a tweet, posted by the class teacher, had been seen by Dublin Airport’s social media.

Following the debate, the students decided that the runway should be built.

Suicide awareness training in Clondalkin

LED-type lights for tower gets the go-ahead

THE next Safetalk suicide awareness training day will take place on Saturday, April 21 between 12 and 4pm.

The event will take place in the Scruleen Parish Centre in Clondalkin.

Cllr Francis Timmons said: “We have had two very successful Safetalk training days in Balgaddy and Bawnogue so far.

“There is a huge issue with suicide in our area and this is one step that will help.

“This course could help save lives.

“I would appeal to everyone over 18 to do this course.

“Education is part of the solution to an issue that has affected and devastated our area.”

To book a place on the course, please email safetalk@francistimmons. com or text names to 0872869315.

A MOTION calling on the Office of Public Works to investigate the possibility of installing LED candle type lights in each of the four top windows in Clondalkin’s Round Tower was passed at the March meeting of the Clondalkin Area Committee of South Dublin County Council.

The motion was brought before the council by Cllr Breeda Bonner (Lab).

In her statement, Cllr Bonner said that such candle type lights would draw people’s attention to the beautiful Round Tower at night-time.

She added that it was also quite possible that the Tower could have been lit in a similar way in monastic times. The matter now rests with the Office of Public Works which controls the Tower.

Cllr Bonner said she hoped they would respond positively to her suggestion.

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CLONDALKIN: SHOCKED COMMUNITY MOURNS TRAGIC PASSING OF BRAZILIAN STUDENT

Fundraising page raises over €13,000 to help Caique’s family QUINN KANNER

A G O F U N DM E ca m paign has raised over €13,000 to support the family of a Brazilian man whose body was found in Clondalkin.

24-year-old Caique Trindade de Olive ira was reported missing on March 6. According to the GoFundMe page, he left his home in Clondalkin that morning, but never arrived at his English class.

Upon hearing of his disappearance, his mother, Valclecia de Jesus Trin-

dade, flew to Dublin from Brazil to be here for the search.

While helping with a planned Garda search,

“

hopefully alleviate a little stress so she can focus on finding her son,” O’Donoghue says in the GoFundMe description.

A small gesture by many will help reduce her financial burden

Cathal O’Donoghue met Valclecia and arranged to set up the fundraising campaign “as a gesture from the local community”.

“Every cent will go directly to her, and will

On March 26, the Garda Water Unit recovered Caique’s body in Clondalkin.

“Our thoughts are with his mother today at this heart-breaking time,” the fundraising page updated to say.

The Garda Water Unit recovered Caique’s body in Clondalkin on March 26

“The people of Clondalkin and the Brazilian community can continue to show their support for her by donating to, what will be, substantial costs. A small gesture by many will help reduce her financial burden.”

The campaign raised €13,427 in its first six

days, with support from 775 donors.

In addition to the financial support, many donors left well-wishing comments on the page.

“So sorry for your loss.

A small donation to help with the financial burden. Sending love and strength to you at this

tragic time. God bless x,” said Jamie Greene.

“Very sorry for your loss… from a fellow bereaved mom,” Cristiane Cash said.

“My heart goes out to his poor Mother and family. So sorry this tragedy came to you so far from home Caique. Rest in

peace,” Deirdre Phelan said.

While the donations exceeded the campaign’s final goal of €12,000, O’Donoghue does not plan to raise the target again, but will leave the page open if people wish to make further donations.

St Joseph’s students help launch National Spring Clean campaign MARK O’BRIEN mobrien@dublingazette.com

THE National Spring Clean celebrates its 20th Year in 2018.

To celebrate this milestone in South Dublin County, the students and staff of St Joseph’s Special School assisted the Mayor of South Dublin County Cllr Paul Gogarty launch the initiative in Tymon park last week.

At the launch Mayor Gogarty commented: “National Spring Clean is about communities coming together to tackle litter, and encourages individuals and groups to get involved in local clean-up events.

“This year National Spring Clean is celebrating its 20th anniversary, with the project going from strength to strength each year and it’s remarkable that volunteers across communities having contributed over 10 million hours of their time to date.”

National Spring Clean is organised by An Taisce and supported by South Dublin

County Council who help co-ordinate cleanup activities for communities in the county and organise for the disposal of all rubbish and waste materials collected.

All those wishing to take part in the campaign should register on www.nationalspringclean.org or call 01 400 2219.

In addition to the materials supplied by National Spring Clean, local groups who wish to carry out local environmental enhancements, can avail of support materials through the council’s Social Credits Scheme which supports volunteers with clean up supplies, as well as materials to start up community gardens and much more.

Groups can also avail of Green Dog Walker pledge cards which encourage all dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs while out in the community.

In addition, an “Adopt a Bring Bank” initiative has been recently rolled out. For more information on these initiatives please visit www.sdcc.ie or www.socialcredits.ie.

Students and staff of St Joseph’s Special School assisted the Mayor

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

CRIME: PIZZA DELIVERY MAN ROBBED AT KNIFEPOINT; WOMAN VICIOUSLY STABBED POLITICS

Horror attacks sparks outrage in Clondalkin MARK O’BRIEN mobrien@dublingazette.com

LOCALS were left reeling from news of two shocking mugging incidents in Clondalkin on Friday night.

T h e f i rs t i n c i d e n t occurred in the Oakwood area on Friday evening when a pizza delivery driver had cash robbed at knifepoint.

The driver was not injured in the incident.

Later the same evening, a woman was approached by a young man outside the Mill Park apartments.

The man attempted to

steal the woman’s bag.

The woman fought back and the man stabbed her several times in the hand and leg before giving up and leaving the scene without the bag.

The woman was taken to Tallaght Hospital and treated for her injuries which were not life-threatening.

CCTV footage emerged of the terrifying attack and locals took to social media to express their horror at the incident.

Wr i t i n g o n t h e Clondalkin Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page, one resident said:

“What’s the world coming to?

“My daughter’s travelling and coming home next week and I dread her safety with all the lunatics.”

Another added: “I’ve wife and kids in this village. This cowardly b*****d need to be caught ASAP.” One woman said she was frightened after hearing about the incident and said she “wouldn’t even think of walking on my own somewhere at night anymore”. Others wished the victim of the attack a speedy recovery.

Gardai confirmed to Dublin Gazette that a man was arrested in relation to the Mill Park

attack. He was charged and will be brought before the courts in relation to the incident.

Gardai also confirmed that they were investigating the incident in Oakwood.

A garda spokesperson said that no arrests had been made in relation to the incident but added that they were following a definite line of inquiry.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 6667600.

Deputy John Curran (FF) condemned the attack and repeated his concerns about ongoing garda manpower issues in the Dublin West region.

Local TD Fitzgerald in show of support for referendum

The woman was attacked outside the Mill Park apartments in Clondalkin, with CCTV footage capturing a rain of blows as she was repeatedly stabbed

Harriers have a flying time in Dunboyne LUCAN Harriers Patrick Holden and Derek Taylor put in impressive performances last week at The Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race and Fun Run. The course offers great potential for athletes to target a fast time, gives first time participants a great introduction to the 4 mile distance, and also allows supporters to provide plenty of encouragement along the way as it goes through Dunboyne Village three times. Picture: Tomas Greally

LOCAL TD Frances Fitzgerald has said she will be supporting the recommendations of both the Constitutional Convention and the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment.

She said: “I support this referendum because I believe in women and I feel a duty as a legislator to ensure we have a Constitution and laws that respect women’s lives.

Abortion is a hugely divisive subject and I respect everyone’s personal beliefs on the matter.

“But as someone who has suffered two miscarriages, I am acutely aware that pregnancy is not always a straight forward or positive experience for some women.

“I have met with families who have received a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality, who felt abandoned by their country in their time of need.

“I have read the media reports over the years about women who passed away because their doctors were not able to provide the appropriate medical interventions due to the Eighth Amendment.

“And I am concerned for women’s health, especially given the prevalence of illegal abortion pills are being taken without medical supervision.”

Last week, the Government announced that the referendum will be held on May 25, with polls open from 7am to 10pm.

It will propose that Article 40.3.3 is deleted in its entirety and a clause inserted that makes it clear that the Oireachtas may legislate to regulate termination of pregnancy.

Should the electorate vote in favour of Repeal, legislation will be enacted that would make terminations lawful where an appropriate medical practitioner has certified that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks.

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

GALLERIES

Zainab Salch, Tasneim Thathia and Mubina Thathia. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

Divya Sharda and Vipul Dhoot

Elaine McGee

Amazing works at the People’s Art Fair S T Andrew’s Church in Lucan was bursting with creative works at the People’s Art Fair last week. The event was a great opportunity for anyone wanting to pick up a special gift or amazing artwork to decorate their home.

With pottery, art works, woodwork, drawings, paintings and much more, there really was something for everyone in this fantastic collection of creative products.

Cody Morris

Valerie Stephenson

Trish Malone

Sue Beattie

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

HOSPITAL BOARD EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE DECISION TO WITHDRAW FUNDING

Funding withdrawn for new renal dialysis unit at Tallaght Hospital MARK O’BRIEN mobrien@dublingazette.com

THE HSE has withdrawn funding that had previously been allocated to build a new Renal Dialysis Unit at Tallaght University Hospital.

Funding of €14.6m had been approved for the project in June 2017 but according to the minutes of the hospital’s January board meeting, the hospital were informed on December 20 that the funding had been withdrawn.

According to the minutes, the hospital board have expressed their disappointment to the HSE at the decision to withdraw funding.

The hospital currently

have a dialysis unit but also outsources treatment to private companies, such as the Beacon Hospital.

Tr i o n a M u r p hy o f the Tallaght Hospital Action Group told Dublin Gazette that she couldn’t understand the decision.

getting the planning permission and funding was there for it,” she said.

“What really annoys me is I go through and I read strategy documents that come out left, right and centre from the HSE and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group had a plan

“There obviously is a need for a new dialysis unit otherwise the hospital wouldn’t have done so much work on design,

for the next five years in the Ireland 2040 document around building new health services.

“The renal unit is in all

“

It just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s probably more expensive to outsource patients to the Beacon.

Fundraising is on the cards for Lucan Bridge Club STEPHEN McCabe and Evelyn McLoughlin played their cards right as they took part in the Lucan Bridge Club Charity Night at the Springfield Hotel Leixlip last week.

The event was held in aid of the St Francis Hospice and the LauraLynn Foundation. The club continues to provide a fun social outlet for the area. Picture: Simon Peare. See gallery next week.

of those documents. The Ireland 2040 was published after the HSE said they didn’t have funding for the dialysis unit anymore.”

Triona added that she felt that it would be more costly to continue to send patients to private hospitals than build the new

unit.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s probably more expensive to outsource patients to the Beacon.”

The hospital board have requested a meeting with the secretary general of the Department of Health and the director

general of the HSE to discuss the issue.

A spokesperson for the HSE said: “The allocation of capital is managed by the HSE Estates and they have advised that the proposed new Renal Dialysis Project at Tallaght Hospital is expected to commence

late 2018 / early 2019.

“The HSE and Tallaght Hospital will be in receipt of tenders by the end of Q3 2018 and a decision on the progression of the project will be made shortly thereafter.

“The anticipated total Project Cost is approx €14.6m.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

CONCERNS THAT COMMUNITY CENTRE MAY BE PRIVATISED

Brookfield Centre reopens but not to general public MARK O’BRIEN mobrien@dublingazette.com

THE Brookfield Youth & Community Centre in Tallaght has reopened in a limited capacity but residents have not yet been contacted to form a new board of directors.

The centre closed in September 2017 when staff were informed that the company that previously operated the centre was to cease trading and the staff were made redundant with immediate effect.

The staff subsequently held a sit-in protest for a number of days in protest at the closure.

T h e ce n t re i s n ow back in operation but only for the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB)and Foroige and is not open to the general public.

Cllr Emma Hendrick raised the issue at the recent Tallaght Area Committee meeting of South Dublin County Council.

Cllr Hendrick told Dub-

Cllr Emma Hendrick

lin Gazette: “I was under the impression that for a community centre to open back up in the community with a board of directors they would go around and ask people

in the community and perhaps ask councillors if they wanted to sit on it.

“As far as I’m aware, nobody has been approached. I certainly haven’t been approached.

I’d do it because I feel very strongly that it’s a facility that’s going to waste.”

Cllr Hendrick added that she has concerns that the centre may be privatised.

“I’ve been contacted by residents and I’m also in contact with the staff who did the sit in at that point,” she said.

“I know the staff were given the impression that when it opened back up, they would be able to reapply for their jobs but my fear would be that they’re going to try and privatise it.”

In response to Cllr Hendrick’s motion, the council said: “The Brookfield Youth & Community Cen-

tre was managed under licence by Brookfield Youth and Community Centre Ltd. “This independent company has ceased trading and there is no formal management structure currently in place.

“The temporary operation of the centre is being managed by the Community Services team in partnership with the DDLETB and Foroige.

“Consideration is now being given to identify the most suitable model to facilitate the establishment of a new company.

“When this process has been completed, an invitation will be given to interested parties to engage.

“Every effort will continue to be made to re-establish a suitable entity to meet the needs of the Brookfield community.”

FASTNews

Firearms found in Clondalkin search GARDAI have recovered two firearms and arrested four people in Clondalkin as part of ongoing investigations targeting serious criminal activity in the Dublin Region by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau.

The arrests were made last Friday at approximately 4.15pm when two vehicles were intercepted during an operation on Monastery Gate Avenue.

During a search of the vehicles, two loaded revolvers were recovered, pending a ballistic examination.

Three males aged 26, 28 and 29 and one female aged 28 were arrested and are currently detained at Clondalkin Garda Station.

Assistant commissioner John O’Driscoll, the head of Special Crime Operations said: “The targeting of people to kill or seriously injure, by organised crime groups continues.

“However, this activity is being tackled by members of An Garda Síochana in Special Crime Operations and other units, who are determined to protect life, seize firearms and arrest those involved.”

One of the men was charged by gardai and appeared before a special sitting of Dublin Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday morning.

Free waste Volunteer collection drivers of electrics sought WEEE Ireland will be hosting a free collection event to make it easy for householders to clear out electrical waste.

The WEEE Ireland collection day will be take place on April 7 at Confey GAA Club, Leixlip, from 10am - 4pm.

Whether you need to return a lightbulb, hairdryer, washing machine or dishwasher, anything with a plug or battery will be accepted, for free.

Visit the interactive map on www.weeeireland.ie to find your nearest participating retailers and recycling centres.

Children can also get involved by returning their waste batteries in school through WEEE Ireland’s popular WEEE Pledge campaign – www.weeepledge.ie – while anyone can drop off batteries in big blue battery recycling boxes across the country.

CLONDALKIN Helping Homeless are appealing for volunteer drivers for their FoodCloud project.

Cllr Francis Timmons, who set up the group in 2014, said: “Clondalkin Helping Homeless’ current main function is FoodCloud Collection and delivery.

“We collect FoodCloud on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as available from Tescos.

“We give the food out to families and anyone in the area that is in need.

“We are also appealing that if anyone knows any families or individuals in need please let us know ASAP. Confidentiality is respected at all times.

For more information, follow the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ ClondalkinHelpingHomeless/

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

DANCING STAR: ROBYN HAS BEEN DANCING SINCE SHE WAS THREE-YEARS-OLD

Clondalkin dancer Robyn takes third place at Championships MARK O’BRIEN mobrien@dublingazette.com

AN IRISH dancer from Clondalkin secured third place at the Irish Dancing World Championships in Glasgow at the weekend.

Robyn Connolly (19) had previously finished fourth on several occasions at the championships.

She told Dublin Gazette that she was delighted to finally secure a podium finish.

“Thank God is all I can say,” she said.

Robyn has been dancing since she was three-years-old.

“It’s been a long time but I couldn’t wish for anything better to do,” she said.

“I’d like to make a career out of it.”

Robyn is already taking steps in that direction and has toured with Riverdance for the past two years.

But for now Robyn, who was cheered on by her parents and members of her dance school in Glasgow, said she plans to take a

well-earned break.

“At the moment I’m still doing competitions so I’m going to train and tour in between but I’m home now for a while so I think I’ll take a little bit of a break.”

“

She is a credit to herself, her parents, her club and her area of North Clondalkin

Local councillor Mark Ward (SF) congratulated Robyn on her achievement.

Last month, Cllr Ward tabled a motion with the council to recognise Robyn’s achievements and to extend the best wishes from the council to Robyn as she took part in the World Championships.

Speaking following news of

her third place finish, Cllr Ward said: “What a fantastic, wonderful achievement for Robyn in finishing third in the Irish Dancing World Championships in Glasgow over the weekend.

“Robyn had previously finished fourth twice so to finally get a podium finish is brilliant.

Cllr Ward added that Robyn’s achievements so far have been “amazing”.

“She has three major Leinster titles, three Irish National titles, one All Ireland Championship and previously finished fourth twice in the Worlds.

“That some haul of honours for someone so young at 19 years of age.

“Robyn has also travelled the world with River Dance and was recently on Dancing With The Stars.

“I just want to extend my congratulations to Robyn and her family. She is a credit to herself, her parents, her club and her area of North Clondalkin.”

This ‘Microwave man’ hopes to ‘rays’ money for mental health RACHEL D’ARCY

A DUBLIN Institute of Technology student is set to take off hitchhiking across Ireland, with nothing more than the clothes on his back, a bag and a microwave.

Diarmuid McCleary is hitchhiking across Ireland in aid of Jigsaw, the mental health charity that works with young people.

As events officer for DIT’s Student Union, he said Jigsaw are a charity that was chosen by the student population as the beneficiary charity from the union’s fundraising efforts.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, McCleary said: “They’re a relatively new and small charity, but the work they’re doing is so worthwhile.

“They’re keeping the discussion on mental health going, and I hope I can raise enough for them.”

The inspiration came to him last year, but he ‘chickened out’ until having a sudden stroke of de-termination after attending a music festival last Summer.

He said: “I went to a music festival in the middle of Nevada where people were doing all these mad things, and it made me so determined to come home and do something similar.

“I had read a book about a guy who went on a trek carrying a fridge and talked to a few friends about doing the same with a microwave.

DIT student Diarmuid McCleary

“I chickened out but have finally picked up the courage to head out and do it, all while raising money for charity.”

Setting off on April 6, McCleary is hoping to make it around the country with his microwave through hitchhiking alone in two weeks, relying on lifts from people across Ireland. He’s also planning to busk in towns across the country to raise additional funds for Jigsaw.

“I’ve actually managed to turn the microwave into a Bluetooth speaker. I’ll set it up in the middle of towns in places like Roscommon or Leitrim where I don’t know anybody, and just start busking to raise some more money and hopefully get talking to people about getting a lift,” he said.

Despite the challenges of hitching with a microwave, Diarmuid still wants to raise “as much as possible” for Jigsaw.

To follow Diarmuid on his adventures, search for The Microwave Express on Facebook; to donate you can visit gofundme. com/themicrowaveexpress.

Robyn Connolly with Cllr Mark Ward (SF)

ORGANS

Launching awareness week A NUMBER of Lucan families attended last week’s launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week.

Heart Transplant Recipient Ken Mulkerrins (39) underwent his transplant in March 2016.

Ken was formerly on the Irish Freestyle Kayaking Team for 10 years and plans to cycle from Dublin to Galway this summer.

Ken is married to Pamela and they have two young children aged nine and seven.

Crystal and Emmett Spollen from Lucan, now living in Kinnegad are parents of a deceased donor child called Nevaeh who passed away days before her 10th birthday. They have three other children including a new born.

National Organ Donor Awareness Week runs until Saturday, April 7.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

GALLERIES

Michael, Cathal and Matthew Sienna, Saoirse, Caoimhe and Zara. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

On the path to the best performance L

UCAN Sarsfield GAA held their Easter Camp and School of Excellence last week and it was a great opportunity for young people to help develop themselves into better play-

ers in areas such as the skills of the game, the tactical awareness of the game and the physical and athletic skills needed to play the game. The four-day event included football and camogie/hurling.

Brian, Tadhg, Eoghan, Seren, Lily, Tara and Eva

Conor has his eye on the ball

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Leon, Daragh, Conor and Charlie

Jack, Joseph and Kiera

Ege, Milly and Eabha

Cillian, Ollie, Reece, Dean, Rory and Katie

Lorcan, Sean, Dylan and Elliot

Daire, Rory, Robert and Chris

Cliondhna, Katie, Faith, Taylor, Katie, Ella, Robyn, Mia, Eimhear, Ciara, Rachel, Lucy, Ellen, Erica, Ema and Sarah

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

HOME & STYLE:



FROCKS APPEAL: NOW that the sun has started to return with the grand stretch in the evenings, you’ll want to stretch to get a bit of a golden glimmer yourself. Thankfully, some pops of colour have started to dazzle on the high street, with & Other Stories very much on trend with its cool fashions to help you get some of the hottest looks around this season.

ARE YOU READY, PLAY ONE? P20

MAGAZINE

PAGES 26-27

DUBLIN

TEE OF UP NORTH FOR A TRUE GOLFING DELIGHT PAGE 24

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

THE GIFT OF GAZ | GARRULOUS GAELIC

Irish I didn’t have to listen to Davy’s guff about his ‘Celtic soul’ DAVY would drive you to distraction. We were sitting in Would ye believe how often I have to put up with lisa nice cafe in town having a grand auld chinwag when tening to this guff? he stands up and says loudly to me: “An bhfuil cead “The people of Castleknock probably don’t think so,” agam dul go dti an leithreas?”

I says. “Why not?” he says.

“Jaysus, Davy!” I says to him as I pulled the biggest “Well, yer man Sheeran is coming to the Pheono but reddner you’ve ever seen. the residents there say they’re worried about people “This isn’t high babies. You don’t need my permission using their gardens as the jacks.” to go to the bleedin’ jacks.”

“Really?” he says to me, leaning in like this is some “I know,” he says. “But I’m trying to use me cupla sort of grand conspiracy. focal. It’s dying out, so it is. I hear they’re not even using “Yeah, they’re worried about anti-social behaviour – it in Dingle anymore. A load of tourists said they went that’s what we used to call acting the maggot.” down there and didn’t hear anyone speaking Irish. In a The wrinkles on Davy’s forehead tend to swim up Gaeltacht area, like.” and down his head when he’s thinking. It’s almost like “And sure why would they be speaking you can see his brainwaves slowly Irish to someone from Germany or Spain clicking into gear.

Even still, I or wherever?” I says to him. “Sure, they’re After a while, he says to me: not gonna have a clue what they’re saying like using the cupla “Here, I heard they were thinking focal. Puts me in anyway.” of putting in a farm in Ballymun to “I suppose you’re right, Gaz,” says Davy. touch with me Celtic tackle anti-social behaviour.”

“But even still, I like using the cupla focal. soul.

“So?” I says.

Puts me in touch with me Celtic soul.”

“Well maybe the animals have a “Celtic soul?” I says. “You’re some tulip! calming effect,” he says.

But sure, I’m sure your Celtic soul is a fine “Wha’? So ye reckon if the peosoul indeed.” ple of Castleknock get a few rab“Ah now, don’t start again,” he says bits and whatnot in their gardens with his face creasing up again. it’ll stop people using their garden “The Celtic soul is a powerful thing. as a jacks?”

People of the diaspora all possess it. Look “I dunno, maybe.” at yer man Ed Sheeran, king of the pop I can think of more than a cupla world thanks in part to his Celtic things wrong with that, Davy, for soul.” focal sake.

“

Pippa O’Connor looked as perfectly styish as ever when she came along to the La RochePosay Baby Skincare Masterclass in the Iveagh Garden Hotel recently. For more shots of the glamorous guests at the launch, see the gallery on P22-23.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

PEOPLE

WAYS TO HELP OTHERS, AND TO HELP YOURSELF, TOO

How Dynamo usually looks (above) versus (right) his appearance battling Crohn’s disease at its worst

No magic solution for Crohn’s – but get help to treat it REBECCA RYAN

DUBLINERS with Crohn’s disease are being encouraged to reach out for support, with the illness getting a high-profile nod from the magician Dynamo, who has opened up about his struggles with the illness.

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition which causes ulceration of the digestive tract, and symptoms can include recurring diarrhoea, blood, abdominal pain, fever, chronic fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, recently posted a video on his social media accounts revealing the shocking toll the disease has taken on his body.

The 35-year-old has had the inflammatory bowel disease since he was a teenager and half of his stomach was removed at the age of 17 to help combat the disease.

On Twitter, the magician said he has been keeping a low profile for the past eight months as he ended up in hospital last summer due to “a really bad type of food poisoning, which having Crohn’s disease and food poisoning is a really bad

combination”.

He is also suffering with arthritis as a side effect and said the reason his appearance has drastically changed is because he is on a lot of medication.

His post has been a source of encouragement to those suffering with the disease. One person wrote: “Here’s my moon face when I was on steroids.”

Another wrote: “Sympathy! Don’t fret about hamster cheeks & spots.

It’s just the steroids & will go away. I had it too & am now slowly looking more like myself. Arthritis means I cannot practice as a doctor at the mo so I know how you feel about hands especially. Get well quickly and safely.”

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, athlete C a ra d h O’Donovan (right), who a l s o b a ttles with C r o h n ’s disease, said Dynamo has created great awareness about the effects of the disease.

The kickboxing champion said: “As this disease isn’t obviously vis-

ible it can be difficult to get through day to day activities in public such as accessing public bathrooms in emergencies without judgement.”

She is encouraging Dubliners who are battling with the disease to get help.

“The biggest mistake I made before getting diagnosed was ignoring the symptoms for years until they got so severe that I got incredibly sick.

“So, my advice to anyone is that if they think they have symptoms to get help. Go to your GP straight away!

“I [also] looked at other athletes with IBD who were doing quite well in their careers to motivate me.”

The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s disease, headquartered in Dublin, h a s m e e tings across Dublin and Ireland, and they are also launching a new self-management programme this summer called Living Well With IBD. For further information, see www.iscc.ie.

Pat Dennigan, chief executive, Focus Ireland shares a fundraising cuppa with Deirdre O’Kane. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Get together and help to support 10,000 homeless RACHEL D’ARCY

FOCUS Ireland have launched Ireland’s Great Get Together, a brandnew fundraising campaign aimed at encouraging the people of Dublin to ‘get together’ to raise vital funds for the charity.

Taking place from April 20 to 22, the event was launched last week by comedian, actress, and Dancing with the Stars finalist Deirdre O’Kane.

Deirdre said that she is “delighted” to be part of the launch of the campaign, one that holds particular relevancy following An Taoiseach’s Leo Varadkar’s announcement that homelessness in Ireland is now at a level of national emergency.

She said: “Ireland’s Great Get Together is a fantastic chance for the people of Dublin to get

together with the important people in their lives and raise money for a very worthy cause. It’s great to see Bord Gais Energy getting involved and helping Focus Ireland to combat this crisis.”

Almost 10,000 people are currently without a home in Ireland, with a child becoming homeless every 3.5 hours, based off the most recent statistics.

Deirdre added: “It’s shocking to think that one child becomes homeless every 3.5 hours in Ireland.

It is also unacceptable and we all need to do our bit to try and help change this.”

The new initiative from Focus Ireland, who have teamed up with Bord Gais Energy, asks for the public to come up with any kind of initiative to get people together.

From a dinner party to a sports tournament, it

doesn’t matter as long as vital funds are raised for Focus Ireland.

Focus Ireland’s chief executive Pat Dennigan said: “Focus Ireland helps more than 14,000 people a year and we need the great support we get from the likes of Bord Gais Energy and the public so we can reach all these people.

“Ireland’s Great Get Together is a new event and it will be really positive as it gives people the opportunity to do the things they love, and bring their friends, family and community together, while also helping our work.

“Thanks to the support of Bord Gais Energy, all the funds raised will go towards helping provide services for families who are homeless or at risk and we hope this campaign

will also raise awareness of the deepening crisis in Ireland.”

Mark Prentice, managing director of Bord Gais Energy, said the partnership with Focus Ireland has recently been extended until 2021, and they hope to help more and more families through the Great Get Together and other initiatives in the future.

He said: “To date, this partnership has already supported more than 5,182 families in need, but there is still more to be done to tackle this issue and that is why fundraising initiatives such Ireland’s Great Get Together are so important.”

Anyone looking to take part is asked to register their get together at focusireland.ie, where they can download a host pack and get more information.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

NEED HELP?

ASK MARY

EMAIL MARYAT MARYBYRNE@ DUBLINGAZETTE.COM DON’T DELAY – EMAIL MARY

TODAY! Is my husband not the man I thought he was? Carla, Tallaght

I’M a happily married woman with three children, living in a lovely home at the foothills of the Dublin mountains.

During the recent bad weather we were snowed in for five days and couldn’t leave the house.

I was shocked to see a side of my husband that I’ve never seen before.

He was angry, impatient with the kids, rude and inconsiderate towards me and almost like a stranger.

He’s been OK since the snow went but I’m worried. Have I been living a lie for the last 12 years and is my husband not the man I thought he was?

Dear Carla,

WE ALL love the snow, in small doses! Once the excitement of the first flurries wear off the reality sets in and the practicalities of dealing with the weather hit home.

We all saw the mad rush for bread and milk,

and I must admit that I was drawn into the panic at one stage.

Your husband was thrown into a situation where his routine was completely disrupted.

Some men are ‘hunter/ gatherers’, meaning that they subconsciously feel that they need to provide for their family at all times.

Being trapped and unable to provide can have, and in your husband’s case, did have a profound effect on behaviour at a basic level.

This subconscious ‘failure’ on his part led to frustration and anger and unfortunately he expressed these emotions in a negative way towards you.

No doubt the big thaw saw him thaw as well as he was able to fulfil his subconscious needs.

Now he’s back to normal, have a chat to him about how he behaved, tell him how it hurt you and the kids, and hopefully in future he can be more understanding toward you all.

I’m attracted to another man in the office and don’t know what to do. Shane, city centre I’M 19 and work in a busy solicitors office in town.

I’m single, happy and have a small apartment that I rent with a couple of other guys.

My problem is that I’m attracted to another man in the office and don’t know what to do.

We occasionally meet at the coffee machine and he’s always charming and almost flirtatious with me and I literally go weak at the knees.

I don’t want to make a fool of myself but I can’t go on like this.

What would you do in my situation?

Dear Shane,

IN THE words of the famous song, ‘Love is a many splendoured thing’, and certainly in my experience it has its highs and its lows.

Attraction isn’t defined by rules, it can happen any time and any place, often when we least expect it.

Your coffee machine encounters suggests to me that the object of your desire feels some positive vibes towards you but how do you test the waters?

Probably the best way is to try to meet outside the office environment.

Ask your flatmates for help, organise a night out as a group, invite a few of your work col-

leagues as well, and invite him along.

You’ll soon gauge his interest by his reaction to your invitation.

If he rejects your invite I’m afraid it’s cold coffee from now on, but if he gratefully accepts, with his flirtatious charm you could be in for something that’s really hot.

Outside the office environment it will be up to you to work your charm, and safe to do so as well.

Good luck, Shane!

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Sue Griffith sgriffith@dublingazette.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

WELCOME TO SUN-KISSED... DUBLIN? Memories of snow were firmly banished by an Easter cracker of a sunset over Dublin last Saturday, which brought an LA vibe to the slightly less exotic M50 link roads. If you have great, high-res shots of the city that you’d love to share with our readers, email them to news@dublingazette.com. Photos: Shane Dillon

Hop into the Disney Store for an egg hunt

THE Disney Store on Grafton Street will play home to an exclusive event on April 8.

Participants are invited to ‘hop’ in store to take part in an exclusive Disney Egg Hunt event to find eggs placed around the store.

Those taking part will receive a free Ufufy soft toy (while supplies last), as well as a free activity sheet which allows children to design their own Disney eggs.

The event is suitable for children aged three and up, and will start at 9am for all Sunday’s early birds, but spaces are limited.

TRAVEL, PAGE 24

It’s Tee Time Putt yourself on a Northern golf course

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Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

DIARY

DOG OF THE WEEK

Tidy Towns calls on Dubliners to get involved THE 2018 SuperValu TidyTowns competition has opened for entries.

Now in its 60th year, the competition is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and is sponsored by SuperValu.

Minister for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, said that the success of the long-running competition is due to the ‘selfless effort’ of those that take part.

Last year, over 870 towns participated in the competition, with over €1.3 million provided to 900 TidyTowns committees across Ireland to spend on improving their communities.

This year’s competition will also see the addition of the Schools Award that aims to encourage schools in communities across the country to get involved with their local TidyTowns committee.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competitions is May 23, 2018.

Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition can be obtained by visiting tidytowns.ie or supervalu.ie.

Little Museum salutes trailblazing females A BRAND new exhibition launched in the City last weekend, in another event to mark 100 years of women getting the opportunity to vote.

Hosted by The Little Museum of Dublin on Stephen’s Green, ‘What’s She Doing Here?’ is set to be an photographic exploration into women who have excelled in industries that have traditionally been dominated by men.

Looking at the last 100 years, there will be a focus on historical heroines such as renowned suffragette Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, as well as a look at the women of more modern times who defy sexist attitudes to propel themselves to the tops Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington of their respective industries. It was launched last weekend by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaelteacht, Josepha Madigan, and is set to run until June 10.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspaper have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Lady is a gentle and caring four-year-old female Lab cross that is looking for a family to share her love with.

Lady was a wonderful mum to her babies, and now that all of her pups have found loving homes, she is looking for a home of her own with someone who is going to give her lots of love.

She feels best around people, especially when she can rest on someone’s lap.

This beautiful girl craves the attention and adores her gentle cuddles, so if you are looking for an affectionate companion she may be the one for you.

Lady is such a sweetheart, and she will make a wonderful pet and a great addition to a young family. She could potentially live with children, but like all dogs, she will always need to be supervised while interacting with them.

This beautiful girl would like nothing more than a loving and caring family to take her home and give her a happy life.

If you have room in your heart for Lady, then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Ten days of magic music in the city

MUSICTOWN will be back with a bang this April, with a ten-day musical celebration taking place from April 13 to 22. The event sets out to explore and celebrate the diverse constellation of music cultures that exist in Dublin city.

MusicTown aims to unify the city, making its music relatable and accessible, instilling a sense of pride in Dublin’s musical heritage, whilst welcoming newcomers and visiting artists.

Highlights include another unique collaboration between one of Ireland’s most acclaimed indie-rock groups, Little Green Cars, and acclaimed painter Andrew Vickery, at The Abbey Theatre on Thursday, April 19.

John Sheahan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire with special guests will be at the Abbey Theatre with a special collaborative performance on Saturday, April 21.

For all other events at various locations, just visit www.musictown.ie Little Green Cars

Wreath-laying ceremony to remember The Rising’s dead GLASNEVIN Cemetery began nationwide commemorations last week to honour those who perished in Easter week 1916. Ceremonial events included a number of wreath-laying ceremonies that took place at the Sigerson Monument and the graves of Edward Hollywood (the man who delivered the first Tricolour flag to Ireland from France), and Peadar Kearney (composer of Ireland’s first national anthem).

Minister Josepha Madigan was joined by Sarah Tiffan, deputy head of Mission at the British Embassy, HE Excellency, Ambassador Stephane Crouzat, on behalf of the French Embassy, members of the Irish Defence Forces and the chairman of Glasnevin Trust, John Green, to begin the nationwide day of remembrance for all those who served on Easter week in 1916.

Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennells

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

GOINGOUTOUT A Dublin dance group’s quest for greatness just took a twist by adding a stellar Irish legend. Meet

Le Galaxie PICKWEEK OF THE

APRIL 6 (FRIDAY)

A Night For Aware @ Olympia Theatre, €25 Cry Monster Cry (above) are just one of the highlights of a night to remember at the Olympia, where Christy Dignam, In Tua Nua, Mundy, The Pale, Barq, Jem Mitchell, Trouble Pilgrims and The Skatuesques are also set to delight in a dizzying night in aid of Aware.

The bands and artists are doing their bit to help keep the mental health momentum going, with the fundraiser acting as a great way to help support Aware’s work with those impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions – and get a brilliant night out, too.

APRIL 5 (THURSDAY) Toto @ Vicar Street, €55 Karine Polwart Trio @ Pavillion Theatre, €23 Tandem Felix @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Theo Katzman and the Four Fine Gentlemen @ Whelan’s, €23

APRIL 6 (FRIDAY) Arcade Fire @ 3Arena, €60 Canada’s finest return to Dublin to explore several albums of driving, melodic indie rock.

Expect some beautiful harmonies and catchy choruses.

David Kitt @ The Button Factory, €18 Bahamas @ The Grand Social, €15 The Nordanians @ The Workman’s Club, €10-15

APRIL 7 (SATURDAY) Le Boom @ Button Factory, €14 Jeremy Loops @ The Academy, €20 Black Label Society @ Tivoli Theatre, €30 Vernon Jane/Thumper @ The Sugar Club, €10-15 Shame @ Whelan’s

APRIL 8 (SUNDAY) The High Kings @ Vicar

Street, €33.50 The Outcasts @ Toner’s, €10 Raucous, old-school Belfast punks choose Dublin as the venue to record their latest live record.

Heavily backed by the local punk scene, they play in the 70s tradition, their edges suitably roughed. Outcast by name, but music to bring in punk fans.

Jive Aces @ Whelan’s, €12

APRIL 9 (MONDAY) Dua Lipa @ Olympia Theatre, €26 Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Whelan’s, €18 Marillion @ Vicar Street, €40

APRIL 10 (TUESDAY) Beth Hart @ Vicar Street, €39 Dua Lipa @ Olympia Theatre, €26 Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Epica @ Tivoli Theatre Laoise @ Whelan’s, €10 Tiger’s Jaw @ Whelan’s, €16

APRIL 11 (WEDNESDAY) Keeva @ Whelan’s, €12 Calum Scott @ The Academy, €19

DUBLIN’S most popular dance act might have left behind the world of major labels, but with the addition of former Fight Like Apes vocalist Mary-Kate Geraghty to the band, an international-class distance runner on drums and an absolutely pulsating live show, they remain an act to be watching out for.

FEW acts are quite like Le Galaxie. Locally notorious for their late-night festival shows, glowstick showers, shiny stage outfits and thumping dance-pop beats, they’ve evolved where their peers have stagnated.

With the addition of an Irish music legend in Mary Kate Geraghty, they have the potential to push the boundaries a whole lot further, despite saying goodbye to major label Universal after just one album.

Their sound is euphoric: bleepy and charmingly sing-along, lively and driving. They bounce across the stage, blazing through tracks like impressing at any individual show is the criteria for ever getting to do another.

 JAMES HENDICOTT

They’ve established a phenomenal depth of local loyalty in Dublin, in part thanks to the constant, lively evolution. It’s personified this time around in Geraghty.

“The decision to bring Maykay [Geraghty] in full time came in the middle of our sessions with the producer on this album,” frontman Michael Pope says of the band’s new addition.

“She was doing vocals already, and came in during the latter third in more of a songwriting kind of

way. We should have done it a year earlier, really.”

“It was like a movie. I kept it really cool in the office when they asked me, and then got outside and flipped,” Geraghty jokes. “Before that I’d been doing one song a show with them for a while, but it’s frustrating to go out, go crazy for three minutes and then come off.”

“We’d started to bring her on for more songs,” Pope continues. “The dynamic of her being on stage is like a bolt of lightning. It isn’t all about myself and Mary, call and response or anything like that, though. It’s still about the band and what they’re doing. If anything, it’s become more dynamic, more intense, more joyous.”

Whilst Geraghty had been fronting Fight Like Apes for most of Le Galaxie’s career, she’s long been a fan, and being part of their latest offering, Pleasure, gives her the outside per-

spective to see how she fits into their progress.

“I’d already seen as an onlooker that the band really aren’t afraid to adapt, to move and change,” Geraghty says, throwing in the planned addition of her own synth station – ideally a rotating one – to the Le Galaxie repertoire.

“As a fan, I’d seen them go from completely kind of ambient instrumental, to a bit dancier, then to having vocals, then to having me.

“It’s not like going into a company where there’s no room for promotion. Le Galaxie always h a s space to change.

They’re open to anything. But they’re also very sure.

“You’re more than welcome to make suggestions, but if they don’t l i ke t h e m , you’ll be very politely told

‘No’. I like that.”

So drummer Al Higgins will continue to show up to practise a few hours after running 24-hour races and batter his drumkit like it’s not a thing.

Michael Pope, dressed in a silver shellsuit with glitter flashes smeared across his face, will egg on the crowd with glow sticks and triumphant gestures.

Mary-Kate Geraghty ... she’s a Dublin music icon, and for Le Galaxie, right now she’s their great unknown.

Le Galaxie’s third album, Pleasure, is out soon on this Friday, April 6.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

ENTERTAINMENT AMERICAN SUPPORTER IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE SPORT BUT BACKS OUR BOYS IN BLUE

Happy to cheer on the Dublin team at ... whatever it is you do in football QUINN KANNER

WITH no knowledge of Gaelic Football other than its existence, I decided to go see a match of what I’d been informed was ‘proper football’. So it was that I recently attended the Dublin v Monaghan game at Croke Park.

The morning of the match I attempted to research the game, and what I found reminded me of the games played during elementary school PE when we’d have only a soccer field, baseball bases and a dodgeball to use to play something resembling a real sport.

With its inclusion of ele-

ments from soccer, rugby and basketball, Gaelic football seemed like a similar amalgamation.

Watching the athletes warm up at the stadium did not provide any more clarity on what to expect from the gameplay.

Some groups appeared to be playing basketball, dribbling and swerving in an effort to keep possession of the ball.

Others were running and practicing throwing passes. Another group was kicking balls into a rugby goal fork on top of a soccer goal, many of which went so high they flew over the net behind the contraption into the stands.

“

Gaelic football seems to involve elements of soccer, rugby and maybe basketball

Quinn was happy to pitch in with plenty of support for her adopted city but alas, the mighty men from Monaghan won the day

During the warmups, one of my friends decided Dublin’s #9 was going to be a star player, though he didn’t end up being put in play until the second half.

Once he was, I bemoaned the monitor’s lack of close-ups, because I really wanted to know what was going on with his hair, which had some

great movement every time he jumped or ran.

Because I didn’t really understand the gameplay, I decided to follow the crowd’s cues on when

to cheer. That was complicated by the fact that behind me was a row of vehement Monaghan fans and in front of me was a very vocal Dublin fan.

At one point, I was slightly worried about being caught in the middle of a brawl, hearing a muttered comment from the guy behind me about the guy in front of me shouting about jersey pulling.

It wasn’t until the Monaghan sup-

U2 retain reign as richest Irish stars MARK O’BRIEN

IN A NOT so shocking twist, it turns out that U2 are still the richest entertainers in Ireland, according to the recent 2018 Sunday Times Irish Rich List.

The Sunday Times Irish Rich List surveys the wealth of the 300 richest individuals and families on the island of Ireland in a variety of areas, including entertainment, sport, business, technology and construction.

U2’s riches flow in part from their extensive touring and a €3m annual income from their back catalogue,

merchandising and airplay.

Their 14th studio album, Songs of Experience, peaked at number five in the UK album charts as well as topping the Billboard chart in the US. The €2m increase in their overall wealth helped them finish ahead of husband and wife team Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, who have a combined fortune of €443m.

United States-based Burnett (57), is president of MGM Television and is the king of reality television, devising The Apprentice, Survivor, and The Voice, while his wife – Derry-born Roma Downey

(also 57) is chief content officer of the faith and family division of MGM Television.

She co-produced the TV miniseries, The Bible, seen by 100 million people.

The couple made their fortune from a successful production company, in which MGM took a 55% stake in 2015 for $364m, with the couple exchanging their remaining holding for 1.3 million MGM shares, currently worth €107m.

The wealthiest Irish actor is Liam Neeson, who at 65 remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Most recently seen as the star

of The Commuter – which has grossed $108m worlwide, to date – Neeson’s movies have earned more than $6.9bn at the box office overall.

Valued by The Sunday Times at €113m this year, he has been lined up to co-star in Widows, directe d by S teve McQueen, starring Colin Farrell and R o b e r t Duvall.

porters gave a standing ovation to their team’s narrow win in overtime that I realised how many of them were blending in to the sea of blue-clad fans.

I left the match disappointed by Dublin’s loss, but really impressed with the athletes’ abilities. I’m not good at a single sport, and I feel like they have to be good at all of them to play Gaelic football effectively.

Liam Neeson has taken seventh place in the chart, with an estimated 2018 wealth of €113m

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

ENTERTAINMENT

VIRTUALLY ASSURED TO BE PLEASED

CINEMA | READY PLAYER ONE LIVES UP TO THE PRE-RELEASE BUZZ WITH EASE

VIDEOGAME -related content largely continues to be a tricky issue for directors, with plenty setting their sights on films based around games, but rarely delivering anything more than mediocre movies.

For all the narrative

 SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

richness and depth that can be found in plenty of

games now as the medium matures, capturing the same potential complexity and core essence of a great game continues to prove difficult.

With Ready Player One (Cert 12A, 140 mins), director Stephen Spiel-

SUDOKU

Wade (Tye Sheridan) may look a bit of a plonker in that hightech virtual reality gear, but he’s actually helping to save the world – at least, an online one...

Spielberg plays along with tech in terrific style

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

TOP TWEETS EASY

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

@ibrahimhalawa13 Ibrahim Halawa has his priorities right

up largely contemporary tech (extrapolated a little further down the road), alongside some classic Spielbergian themes.

Set in the near future, an American youth, Wade (Tye Sheridan), is pretty much like everyone else living in now commonplace slum-like conditions, using tech to escape the modern, messy world by jumping into the Oasis – the crazily complex global virtual reality that most

“

with the high-octane race featured extensively in the trailers the first stumbling block that they can’t get past.

Now, what are the odds that Wade will find a way?

Throw in an evil corporation with indentured players doing its bidding, real world danger versus the virtual world drama, and something of a classic hero’s quest for Wade and his allies to take in both realities alike, and RPO

The film’s about much more than gaming – it’s a packed potpourri of pop culture references people spend a lot of time in, where people can be or do pretty much anything.

Apart from just escaping impoverished reality, many Oasis users also know that its late creator, James Halliday, left a hidden easter egg legacy – there’s a Halliday secret hidden somewhere in the Oasis, and whoever finds it can take control of the entire network, as well as finding riches galore.

The fate of the (virtual) world is potentially at stake, but in the real world nobody’s even been able to get off the starting block in the particular game that leads to Halliday’s legacy,

delivers a high-energy, high-stakes tale that’s highly entertaining in parts.

The eye-popping visuals can be overwhelming, but then again they should be, given the nature of Oasis. Still, Wade/Sheridan successfully drives the film - including in the most literal sense - under Spielberg’s masterful control.

As a result, even if you don’t know your augmented realities from your global neural networks, you’re virtually guaranteed to enjoy the often spectacular ride.

Verdict: 8/10

CODEWORDS in association with

I never let the hate get to me and I go out and enjoy the things I’ve really missed. The Cliffs of Moher are something I always wrote about from prison and how they express so much freedom. I wanna thank all the people who supported me and caused this to happen.

berg takes a stab at capturing some of the giddy excitement and individual engagement at the heart of much of modern gaming, and for once the medium gets a decent cinematic presentation, RPO is about much more than gaming, mind you – it’s a packed potpourri of pop culture references, liberally sprinkling about a dizzying range of nods and winks to all kinds of blink-and-you’llmiss-them easter eggs that refer to cinema, TV and other cultural themes.

Many of these were present in the 2011 book that the film is based on, but seeing them on screen is a different matter.

While the trailers have made heavy use of The Iron Giant, for example, eagle-eyed culture vultures will find a long, long list of classic (and some contemporary) characters and icons popping up in overt and subtle ways alike.

The end result is something of nerd heaven, given the amount of gaming and pop culture elements to spot, with many flashing by in very subtle ways.

Still, as fun as it is to spot all these things they’re largely incidental to the film itself, which is very on-trend in serving

MODERATE

PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH

Taking note of anyone that Instagrams a Lindt Easter egg this weekend and sending it to the tax office because nobody should have that kind of disposable income to be throwing around.

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

@Ciara_Knight Ciara isn’t eggsactly yolking as she keeps watch

Ok so once in ikea dublin, someone came back after over a year complaining that their blue kitchen was peeling. they had never taken the protective wrap off it & thought they got sent a blue kitchen by accident but decided that they liked it better than the white 1 they ordered. @earley Retweeting another post, and hey, who hasn’t been in this situation too? We’re not aware of being able to try the same thing with houses, however, as they tend not to come pre-wrapped.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS bladderwrack

mozuku

carola

nori

cochayuyo

oarweed

dulse

sea grapes

gutweed

sea lettuce

hijiki

spiral wrack

Irish moss

sugar kelp

kelp

wakame

laver

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

GALLERIES

Janette Ryan, Pippa O’Connor and Niki Ralph. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Stars step out for a baby skincare class S

KINCARE brand La Roche-Posay hosted a special baby skincare masterclass in Dublin’s Iveagh hotel recently. Pippa O’Connor, Gail Kaneswaren and Grace Mongey were among the well-known mums who attended the class to find out the best way to care for their skin. Guests enjoyed a discussion with consultant dermatologist, Dr Niki Ralph, and La Roche-Posay skincare expert, Janette Ryan.

Laura Erskine and Ciara Swan

Lisa Brady

Niamh Durcan

Edel and Pearl Lawless

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Pippa O’Connor

Tara O’Farrell

Kelly Felton and Kellie Kearney

Ursula Walsh

Ciara Swan and David O’Brien

Ece Parlar

Niki Ralph

Gail Kaneswaran

Deirdre Woods

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

Hit the North for some of the finest golf courses around QUALITY COURSES | HONE YOUR SKILLS IN A GOLF PARADISE IT’S no secret that Northern Ireland is a golfer’s paradise – some of the world’s best courses are dotted along its spectacular coastline.

But while probably best known for its famous links, it’s also home to some of the best parkland tracks in Ireland and beyond.

Two of those, both boasting stunning views of beautiful Belfast Lough, were the setting for the Writer Cup – an annual golf tournament held over two days in which a team of media

The ROI Writer Cup team

men from the Republic take on the North’s finest journalists in a format not unlike the slightly more vaunted Ryder Cup. McHugh’s Bar in Belfast City Centre

Holywood G C i s w h e re Rory McIroy honed the skills that would lead him to four majors, and it’s a golfer’s Mecca.

Set in the picturesque Holywood Hills just outside bustling Belfast, replicas of Rory’s trophies are

proudly on display in the warm and welcoming clubhouse. You can even pose with the famous Claret Jug, the impressive PGA trophy, or the US Open cup – better still, all three, which probably just about every visitor to the club does.

The course itself is a cracker, tough but fair, with smart play and prudent club choices rewarded.

The sixth hole is a little gem of a par three, while the fourteenth is a par four that shows the lough at its most spectacular.

The other track we were lucky enough to play this year is the majestic and historic Royal Belfast, an absolute beast of a course that oozes class from the clubhouse to the last tee.

The opening five are up there

Michael McGovern teeing off

amongst the finest golf holes you’ll find in Ireland – but be warned, the chances are you’ll need your sandwedge.

Like Holywood, the views show Belfast at its finest and, like Holywood, Royal Belfast is a beautifully maintained and wonderfully challenging course.

And, also just like Holywood, a certain Mr McIlroy is a member.

But back to the action.

My ‘ f i r s t time’ on tour with the ROI Writer Cup team was anything but gentle – packed full of excitement, disappointment and most of all, good craic with a great bunch of lads from both sides of the border.

Before we teed off at Holywood, Team NI were reminded that Team ROI held a 5-2 lead over the past seven years.

We should have kept our mouths shut...

By the end of the day’s play the score was 3 ½ to ½ in favour of the northerners.

Naturally, we headed to the pub to drown our sorrows, and our hosts kindly treated us to a top-quality meal in the magnificent McHugh’s

Pub, one of the oldest bars in Belfast and also one of the friendliest.

After a few pints and a great night’s sleep in the lovely four-star Hilton Hotel in the city, we made the short trip to Royal Belfast for day two and the eagerly awaited singles matches.

For a while, it looked like our strategy of plying the e n e my w i t h One of the world’s top golfers, Rory McIlroy

pints the night before might prove to be a winner, but alas it wasn’t to be, and when we had to forfeit a point after our star player hurt his ankle halfway through his match it was curtains. In the end, Team NI deserved their 6 ½ to 4 ½ victory.

Thanks to all in Tourism NI who sponsor the event and do so much to help it grow bigger and better every year.

My only regret was that I didn’t have longer to explore the majestic coastline – it’s no wonder Belfast and the Causeway Coast are Lonely Planet’s number one region to visit in 2018…

For more visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

‘Start serving up more chefs for the industry’ DUBLIN Senator Catherine Noone has called for the chronic chef shortage to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

She said: “The current shortage of qualified chefs in Ireland is reaching unacceptable proportions and it is negatively affecting countless Irish businesses.

“Currently there is an estimated deficit of 7,000 chefs in this country. Training colleges are only producing 1,800 new chefs per year, while the industry needs at least 5,000 annually.

“While new apprenticeships have made some impact in alleviating the current situation, it is my understanding it is not sufficient to meet the current demand in the short- to medium-term.

“In fact, it is estimated that even with all the new apprentice and mentoring initiatives coming on stream now, it will be three to four years before they will have any impact at all on the current shortage.

“In the short-term, I am calling for chefs to be added to the critical skills employment permit list as a matter of urgency. In the long-term, I believe the re-establishment of the hospitality agency CERT would assist in addressing the enormous shortage by producing more graduates,” said Senator Noone.

Beer we go ...

Heinken bring 0.0% to Ireland

HEINEKEN Ireland has launched a new non-alcoholic lager: Heineken 0.0%.

According to the drinks giant, the launch of He ineken 0.0% comes as a response to Irish consumers’ needs and demands, driven by the global and local cultural trend of living a balanced lifestyle.

Heineken added that the new drink empowers those who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol to be involved in every beer and non-beer moment without compromising on quality or taste. Currently, the number-one reason Irish consumers choose not to go alcohol-free on a night out is for fear of being seen as unsociable or not good fun, and abstaining from alcohol completely is their primary moderating behaviour.

Radina Shkutova, marketing director at Heineken Ireland, said: “Heineken has seen strong growth within the low- and no-alcohol segment and expects this to continue, driven by the global cultural trend of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.”

Willem van Waesberghe (pictured), global craft and brew master at Heineken, said: “Heineken 0.0% is double-brewed; we then remove the alcohol and blend with natural flavours, allowing Irish beer lovers to enjoy a world-class tasting alternative on any occasion without compromising on quality.”

FOOD & TRAVEL

TUCK INTO A SUCCULENT, TIMELY DISH FROM NEVEN

Spring for lamb for genuine Easter fare THIS week we have a delicious Easter-inspired recipe (to serve 6-8) courtesy of Neven Maguire: aromatic crusted butterflied lamb with caramelised garlic and orange salsa.

The marinade is a version of bulogogi, which originates from Korea and is normally used with beef, but it is absolutely delicious with lamb – particularly if you leave it to marinate for a couple of days before cooking it.

INGREDIENTS 3kg (7lb) leg of lamb, boned and well trimmed, roughly 5cm (2in) thick 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and roughly chopped 5cm (2in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 3 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp dry sherry Half tsp light brown sugar 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns SALSA 3-4 garlic heads, separated into cloves (you’ll need about 300g (11oz) in total) 3 tbsp olive oil 1 small orange 4 tsp sugar 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 15g (half oz) fresh mint, leaves stripped and shredded 1 tbsp lemon juice Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Charred little Gem lettuce or Savoy cabbage wedges, to serve (optional) PREPARATION Place the lamb in a shallow non-metallic dish.

Place the spring onions in a food processor with

the ginger, sesame oil, soy, sherry, sugar, sesame seeds and peppercorns, then blend to a thick paste and rub all over the meat in a shallow non-metallic dish (or use a turkey bag if you have one).

Cover with clingfilm and chill for up to two days, or leave to stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours if time is short.

Preheat the oven to 230C (475F), Gas mark 9. If the lamb has been chilled in the fridge, bring

it back to room temperature, then place, cut side up on a rack in a large roasting tin and season with salt.

Roast in for 20 minutes, then turn over and roast for another 15 minutes for rare.

Meanwhile, make the salsa. Bring a mediumsized pan of water to the boil, then add the garlic and blanch for two minutes.

Drain and repeat the blanching process again.

Drain well on kitchen paper and then peel off the skins; they should come off easily.

Wipe out the pan, add the olive oil and then place over a medium-high heat.

Add the garlic cloves and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides, stirring occasionally.

Add one tablespoon of the sugar, the balsamic, a quarter teaspoon of salt and six tablespoons of water.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the garlic cloves are covered with a nice thick syrup. Leave to cool.

Pare the rind from the orange, avoiding the white pith and then cut into 1mm julienne and put into a small pan.

Squeeze out the juice from the orange and make up to 100ml (3.5fl oz) with water. Pour over the julienne and add the remaining teaspoon of sugar.

Bring to a simmer over a medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about a third.

To finish the salsa, stir the chilli, mint and lemon juice into the caramelised garlic syrup and then stir in the orange julienne without the syrup.

Remove the lamb from the oven and leave to rest in a warm place for 10 minutes.

If you don’t like your lamb too pink you can cover it with foil at this point and it will continue to cook.

Carve into slices and add any of the cooking juices to the orange salsa.

Taste and add a little of the remaining orange syrup if you think it needs it.

Arrange the carved lamb on warmed plates with some of the caramelised garlic and orange salsa on the side or on top.

Ad d s o m e o f t h e charred little Gem lettuce wedges or cabbage to serve if liked.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

HOME | COLOUR THEORY IS KEY TO A HAPPILY DECORATED HOME

Tangled up in blue (or red, or green)  Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW...

Bold patterns and cool colours are a-plenty in the upcoming home collections from Aldi (bottom left and right) and Harvey Norman (top and centre)

COLOUR theory is key to a well designed and furnished room. One colour can say the world about your home (and you!) so it’s key to match your furnishings to that oh-so important shade range.

Compliment bolder walls with muted furniture, or vice versa, or find a distinct pattern choice to throw into the mix to liven things up.

There’s no wrong way of designing your room, as long as the colours and furnishings feel authentic to you!

BOLD AND BRASH | FURNISHINGS WITH MINIMAL IMPACT THAT STILL PACK A PUNCH

Penneys Mandala soft cushion €10

Next LYLA chair €135

HomeSense Circle Foot stool €69

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

WEDDING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING

HOME & STYLE

BeautyBITS

Kaftan dress, & Other Stories, €125

Crochet dress, & Other Stories, €145

Louis Vuitton reveal new artistic director  Rachel D’Arcy

Robe dress, & Other Stories, €99

Louis Vuitton have appointed their first ever African-American artistic director in the form of Virgil Abloh.

Appointed as artistic director for their quickly

Grafton Street’s & Other Stories are set to launch their bridal capsule collection later this month.

blossoming menswear line, Virgil has become a wellknown name on social media as the founder of luxe

Baby doll dress & Other Stories, €89

Patterned dress, & Other Stories, €89

street-wear brand Off-White.

As a brand, Off-White has become something of a social media firestorm in the last year, with It-Instagram Models Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber

Smock dress, & Other Stories, €89

known to be fans of the bold yet relaxed designs. At last year’s Paris Fashion Week, a near riot incited outside Off-White’s fashion show as fans battled to get in for a prestigious look at the next collection.

Virgil is also known as Kanye West’s creative protege, even being nominated for a Grammy as part of his artistic work on West’s 2011 ‘Watch The Throne’ collaboration with Jay-Z. Editor of Vogue, Edward Enninful, said: “Virgil is one of the few designers who truly marries street culture with high fashion - and the first black designer to be given such a position in the gilded halls of [Vuitton’s parent company] LVMH. “His appointment is a step in the right direction for diversity, as well as a particularly exciting creative moment for the industry”. His first collection for Louis Vuitton Menswear will hit runways later

S

r e m m u

 Rachel D’Arcy

Lovin’

AS THE weather gets warmer, we’re coming into wedding season. The season for the struggle of finding that perfect outfit to wear to a wedding, of secretly hoping you’ll find a look that might take everyone’s eye off the bride – for just a split second! & Other Stories have the answer. They will launch their Bridal Capsule collection, filled with vibrant colours and soft silhouettes at the end of this month. Prices range from €89 to €145, and the collection will be available in store and on stories.com.

this year.

Pro make-up on pocket prices Beauty has become somewhat of a luxe-hobby in recent years. An eyeshadow palette can cost upwards of €50, and some concealers can even set you back around €30. It’s become a serious game thanks to YouTube and Instagram, both financially and in terms of upping your skill, but now a low-cost brand has come to answer our prayers.

Make-up Revolution have just launched their ‘pro’ range, offering high-quality products at a low price. Their concealers are already being praised as dupes for more expensive Nars and Tarte counterparts, at the pocket change price of €4.99.

Their eyeshadow palettes are also retailing at just €8.99 for 18 pigment packed shades – and are perfect dupes for some pricer palettes from popular brands Huda Beauty and Anastasia Beverly Hills.

To take a look at the full ‘pro’ range, check out revolutionbeauty.com.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 April 2018

TECH TIME

MACHINE OF THE WEEK Illustration: Shane Dillon

The possible US demands to see our social media could lead us to...

SHANE DILLON

Tech Editor

SO YOU’RE going to America. Great!

Have you got your dollars? Is your passport up to date? And have you provided the US authorities with access to five years-worth of your social media and email activities under all of your usernames?

Wait, what?

Alarmist as that sounds, that’s something that the administration across the pond are currently mulling over.

The powers that be are considering a tough, positively Orwellian stance over linking social media activity directly to visa applications, with countries that don’t currently have automatic visa exclusions to be hardest-hit.

Don’t panic just yet – Irish visitors to the States don’t travel with a ‘visa’ as such, given the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) programme that’s been in place between

Visa-tor problems

our countries since 2009.

However, given the current chaotic and rather ugly state of American politics, it’s difficult not to consider this potential social media analytic ‘creeping’ into other access methodologies – such as the ESTA programme – as part of the Make America Whatever Again mindset that’s seized control of much of the country’s mechanisms.

There are still some two months of public consultation to go before any decision is made, with the public invited to make their thoughts on the proposals clear.

Loosely speaking, it’s proposed that visa applicants from countries which don’t have automatic US access – which would affect about 14.7 million people – would have to provide details of their social media activities.

They’d have to provide five years of their telephone numbers, email addresses and travel history, alongside more obvious, standard matters such

as saying if they’d ever been deported from a country, or if any relatives involved in terrorist activity.

While every country has the right (and these days, the need) to keep out undesirables and try to protect citizens, the proposals would represent another disturbing turn for America, all but presuming guilt of would-be immigrants and others.

It’s also difficult not to note the recent net neutrality farrago, which saw a truly huge number of US citizens and companies objecting to the de-facto creation of a two-tier internet (prompted by – surprise, surprise – commercial factors), which was approved despite their mass objections.

To use a crude Americanism, the net neutrality matter is something that will come back to bite us all in the ass – but this visa move, if passed, is something that millions of people will have to face a lot sooner, if not all of us down the road ...

Another cracking good bad news story about Facebook TAKING a break from writing on the international Facebook data mining row – which is still blazing away like an underground coal mine fire – let’s look instead at ... another Facebook bad news story which created plenty of negative press late last week instead.

To wildly misquote Oscar Wilde: To be at the centre of one international bad news story is misfortune, but to be at the centre of two looks like carelessness.

The tech titan found itself under attack from a new front when an internal 2016 memo written by a vice-president was leaked to Buzzfeed: “Maybe someone dies in a terrorist attack coordinated on our tools. And still we connect people. The ugly truth is that we believe in connecting people so deeply that anything that allows us to connect more people more often is *de facto* good.”

Internal Facebook consternation was met by widespread external criticism,

with the memo – since disavowed by its author – being roundly rejected by Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg (forced into damage control yet again).

With apologies to Mark (sorry, Mark), as a blase comparison you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and as such it’s fair to say that Facebook – and any and all other social media platforms – could be used for terrorism or in negative activities, statistically speaking.

However, as a general rule, eggs don’t like to hear about omelettes, and I imagine that most social media users don’t particularly like to consider the odds of there being genuinely bad people running around online, doing shifty stuff, with the tech powers that be appearing to be considering the statistics of connecting ‘more people more often’ to be good, as opposed to ... well, it’s not quite clear.

As it’s often said that bad news comes in threes, it’s hard not to wonder what the next such story will be ...

Skoda delivers a car worthy of its Superb title The Skoda Superb has got a reputation for being a big car and that’s well founded. The latest model has even greater comfort and good economy with a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine that Michael Moroney found a real treat.

IF YOU want space in a car, then you just have to consider the new Skoda Superb; and if you want to add an extra bit of style opt for the SportLine versions There is simply no other car on the market that brings together the balance of space with competitive pricing, low running costs and new, impressive styling.

You have to drive the Superb to get the full impact of the space within the car. With this new third-generation Superb, the car is bigger, more modern and packed with additional features to make it more comfortable to drive.

The 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine is the engine of choice for me and was the engine in the car that I drove some weeks ago.

This allows the big car to achieve its best when it comes to on-road comfort and driveability. Volkswagen fits a very similar engine in the new generation Passat.

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI DSG SportLine Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price The performance figures are almost identical between the Superb and the Passat, even though the Superb feels such a bigger car.

There’s virtually nothing to separate them in terms of performance and economy – and that’s even if the Superb was 35% poorer in economy terms than the Skoda-rated figure.

It still meant that with some longer journeys I was able to return a range of more than 1,000km from the car’s 66-litre fuel tank.

2.0 litre 150hp 8.6 seconds 24.4km/litre (4.5/100km or 63mpg) 66 litres 118g/km A47 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2015) 3 years/100,000km €40,945 When you couple that with a low 118g/km CO2 rating for the automatic version fitted with the renowned Volkswagen Group DSG gearbox, then this Superb has to be a very low cost car to run.

There is little to separate the Superb from the Passat in terms of performance and the pricing is merging now, too.

So, once again it’s a space thing, and here the Superb wins out against all comers – even the big Ford Mondeo.

Opel Ireland appoints its new GM OPEL Ireland has appointed Gillian Whittall as the company’s new general manager. Gillian joined Opel Ireland in 2008 as head of marketing & PR, bringing extensive experience from high-profile brands within AIB, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Danone.

Gillian said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of managing Opel in Ireland. The brand is embarking on a new era, already evident in the new Grandland X. By combining the agility of Groupe PSA with the design and engineering excellence of Opel in Germany, the brand will continue to strengthen its offering, impressing loyal customers and newcomers.”

5 April 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

TECH & MOTORS

Range Rover Velar is planet’s most beautifully designed car THE Range Rover Velar has been judged the most beautifully designed vehicle on the planet, winning the World Car Design of the Year title at the 2018 World Car Awards.

Bringing glamour, modernity and elegance to the Range Rover family, Velar claims a unique combination of design excellence and engineering integrity.

The distinctive design of the Range Rover Velar features super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights, flush deployable door handles and sleek Touch Pro Duo infotainment.

The Skoda Superb SportLine is handsomely designed – and its power under the hood and all-round fuel efficiency also impress

While against the measuring tape it is a little shorter than the Mondeo, it has far more legroom, especially for the rear passengers, and the Superb’s boot area, with the large hatchback-type opening, gives acres of load space.

While it’s big on the inside and very spacious it doesn’t feel too big on the outside. This is a comfortable car to drive and I found it easy to get used to its overall dimensions, helped by the reversing camera kit in the SportLine version.

And now Skoda has added more technology to the car. This includes

a variety of custom-built applications that drivers can use to send data from their car directly to their smart phones.

The system also allows drivers to control smartphone applications from their car dashboard. The system has connectivity with both Apple and Android via SmartLink technology. Skoda retains the facility to insert an SD card for storage and to play music files.

There are a number of USB ports to allow you to connect and charge external storage devices and the car comes with Bluetooth audio streaming.

Skoda’s new SmartGate technology allows the driver to see the performance and economy data from the car’s electronic control unit using special apps created by Skoda.

I found it interesting that you could convert the car into a WiFi zone and use it to connect other mobile devices to the outside world.

There is no shortage of technology in this car for Dublin drivers to use. Individual drivers can have the flexibility to pick and choose from this technology menu for entertainment or for work.

The new Superb fea-

tures a range of new assistance systems that provide a new level of safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

This third-generation model has seven airbags (front side, curtain and driver’s knee) as standard and there ISO-Fix couplings in the rear seats for two children.

The car comes with a number of other features as standard including Automatic Post Collision Braking System, and Front Assist, and has a Euro NCAP five-star rating.

Skoda Superb cars seem to be holding their values well with low depreciation

costs which make this a very cost-effective large car to own.

It has load space, passenger space and good towing ability all wrapped up in a more modern looking car that gives ownership value.

The entry prices for the 2.0 litreTDI SportLine Superb start at €40,945.

Prices have dropped marginally since last year to give improved value.

This is a car worth driving if you need the space and don’t want to pass up on passenger comfort, leaving you impressed by a car that’s Superb in more than its name alone.

Are kids safe in your car?

SCORES of parents are cutting corners on safety when driving with their kids, according to a new UK study which surely has very similar parallels in an Irish context.

The research of 2,000 mums and dads found 34% have allowed their children to travel without a suitable child restraint, and around 37% have driven with someone else’s child as a passenger despite not having a suitable child seat for them.

It has also emerged that one in 10 have (or would) travel a short distance without their child or children safely secured in the vehicle.

Shockingly, 16% revealed their kids have travelled while sat in the boot and more than one fifth have perched them on a cushion instead of a suitable car seat.

The study also found 32% have driven

New UK research has shown that found 34% of parents have allowed their kids to travel in their cars without a suitable child restraint

with their children sat on someone’s lap and 20% have ‘squeezed’ their kids into a backseat containing four or more passengers.

The survey was Commissioned by mifold (corr), a grab-and-go portable child restraint, which also found that ‘pester power’ is one of key the reasons why parents don’t always take in-car safety into account.

Other factors include not having access to suitable child car seat and a lack of understanding of the rules and regulations of travelling with kids in road vehicles.

It also emerged that one in four parents didn’t know it’s potentially dangerous for kids to use a standard seat belt without a suitable child restraint – even in the back of the car.

More than half didn’t know kids could slide under a seatbelt in the event of a crash, if the lap strap is too high over the abdomen.

The Range Rover Velar luxury SUV overcame the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus LC 500 to take the World Car Design of the Year award, as voted for by the World Car Awards jury, comprising 82 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries. Velar’s success follows the 2017 double win for the Jaguar F-PACE. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, the Velar claims to deliver the practicality, connectivity and capability expected from the Range Rover family.

With the latest technology and the inclusion of more sustainable materials, this Range Rover Velar is priced from €62,240 in Ireland, and is available to order now at Land Rover dealers across Dublin.

Volvo scoops World Car of the Year 2018 award with the XC60 THE new Volvo XC60 midsize SUV has been named World Car of the Year 2018 at the New York Auto Show, adding another accolade to Volvo’s growing list.

The XC60 also scooped the prestigious North American Utility of the Year Award earlier this year, while the XC40 small SUV was named European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The World Car of the Year win is the first in this competition for Volvo Cars.

In the new XC60, Euro NCAP’s best overall performer in 2017, Volvo’s City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been enhanced with steering support for when automatic braking alone may not help avoid a potential collision.

In addition, Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist which helps mitigate head-on collisions and Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist functionality has been added to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions for the XC60 (below).

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

GARDENING

LOVELY TREES | FOR SMALL GARDENS

Let Spring blossoms brighten the April garden

WITH daylight increasing all the time this month, spring is definitely in the air, and if you don’t already have a tree in your garden for spring blossom, now is the time to remedy that.

In a smaller garden where space is limited, you could consider Magnolia stellata, the Star Magnolia.

Compact and slowg r o w i n g, i t c a n b e treated like a shrub and incorporated easily into a mixed border.

Its starry white blooms are one of my favourite sights in the spring garden and have a sweet fragrance.

Un d e r p l a n t w i t h snowdrops or grape hyacinths and you will be enchanted by this lovely magnolia in bloom for many years to come.

Amelanchier lamarckii, or snowy m e s p i l u s, is a lovely choice for a small tree and as well as snowy spring blossom it offers glowing leaf colour in autumn.

We can’t really talk about spring blossom without giving the flowering cherry a mention.

Fleeting but glorious, in a sheltered garden they bring a touch of magic with single and double blossoms in white or pink.

Choose carefully

though so that your tree won’t outgrow the space you have, and make sure the shape is attractive – it’s easy to be distracted by pretty flowers and forget about the structure of the garden.

When thinking of spring flowers it’s often bulbs that come to mind and most of us tend to plant them in borders in any space that’s available.

This can work very well and planting them like this adds colour and interest to otherwise brown and green borders early in the year.

But there is another way to make them work for you, and that’s to naturalise them in grass.

“Naturalising” in grass just means Grape hyacinths

you plant the bulbs and allow them to die down each year and spread themselves about naturally, which they will often do by means of seeding about.

This works on a number of different scales – larger flowers in larger areas – like the “host of golden daffodils”

made famous by William Wordsworth – and smaller blooms in a more modestly-sized space.

“Ten thousand saw I at a glance” said the poet – but I suspect most of us would have to be content with knocking a zero or two off that number!

In a smaller garden, snowdrops work very well in grass, as do crocuses, scilla and anemone blanda.

Anemone nemorosa, the wood anemone is very pretty too in white drifts around the base of a tree.

In fact if you have a deciduous tree in your lawn, around the base is usually a good place for naturalising bulbs, as they can produce their leaves and flowers while the tree’s branches are still bare, allowing in the necessary light.

Don’t plant too close to the trunk – allow a little space – and scatter the bulbs loosely on the grass, planting them where they fall, so that it looks as if they’ve appeared there naturally.

Don’t cut the grass in the planted area until six to eight weeks after the bulbs have flowered, to allow them to build up strength and flower and multiply each year.

The perfect excuse to leave mowing till a few weeks later – don’t say I never give you anything!

 Anne Byrne Garden Design

Flowering cherry and Magnolia stellata (inset) both boast stunning flowers

Anemone nemorosa is very pretty too in white drifts around the base of a tree

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

Because no match is too small...

Gazette Dublin Now even bigger and better

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEINSTER MARCH ON TO SEMI FINALS P36

GAZETTE

RONAN GRIMES PARA-CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT P37

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BOHS BEAT UCD ON PENALTIES P37

SPORT

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS HOCKEY | RATHFARNHAM CLUB MISS OUT ON EURO HOCKEY LEAGUE

Three Rock Rovers miss out on quarter-finals  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sfindlater@dublingazette.com

THREE Rock Rovers missed out on a place in the Euro Hockey League KO8 – what would have been a first for an Irish club – in painful style as they succumbed 3-2 to Saint Germain in Rotterdam.

While the performance was somewhat ragged at times, there were plenty of moments of what might have been for the 170 travelling fans amid a sold out crowd of over 6,400 on the day.

Rovers were level at half-time at 2-2 due to a Harry Morris turn and smash just before the break. It cancelled out Martin Genestet’s closerange finish with field goals counting for two in this competition.

In the end, Francois Goyet’s penalty corner tip-in settled the game

in the 34th minute. Rovers were left to rue Morris’s stunning strike from the top coming back off the crossbar while Luke Madeley had a pair of drag-flicks cleared off the goal line

by Hugo Genestet.

Indeed, adding in Ross Canning’s early flick at goal being batted away

by Frederic Gohlke and Richard Pautz shooting into Arthur Thieffry’s chest, Rovers had enough big moments but could not make them tell.

As such, the Irish wait for a place in the quarter-final of world hockey’s best club competition goes on.

Two days later – on Easter Monday – Rovers faced Belgian side KHC Dragons in the ranking matches, a new introduction to the EHL. It was a tough ask from the start, facing a side featuring seven of the European Championships silver medal win-

Three Rock Rovers hockey Captain Jody Hosking running towards goal against Saint Germain in Rotterdam. Picture: Frank Uijlrnbroek

ning side and five Olympic silver medalists.

Rovers, by contrast, had a virus afflicting their team with Ravin Nair and Ross Canning sitting out the tie while Luke Madeley, Ben Walker and Mark Samuel all played limited roles due to stomach complaints.

As it was, Rovers got involved in one of the most bizarre games in EHL history, one which ended 20-10

– in old money, it would have been a similarly strange 12-5.

The Belgians stormed clear in the early stage but Rovers hit the next five times in the last 12 minutes to reach double figures with John Mullins, Harry Morris, Daragh Walsh, Kevin Mullins and Jody Hosking all hitting the net.

They return to action in Ireland with Irish Senior Cup on Saturday.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

St Patrick’s GAA Palmerstown THE Féile 2018 Quiz for our football, hurling and camógie teams will be held in the Palmerstown House on Friday 13 April, 2018 at 8.30pm. All support would be appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Special General Meeting during the week. It was an important night and great to see such huge interest in taking the club forward.

Thank you also to Intel for their continued support. Thanks to Keith Maher and James Daly for the hours they put in which helped secure very welcome funding.

Well done to our Go-Games Camógie referees who made their debut at the weekend – Lauren Sliney and Jessica Keogh. Well done also to our U11 girls who battled hard in a tough challenge game against Faughs. Special mention to Sadbh McWeeney and Grace Garner, our two girls of the game.

Our junior camógie team’s first league game will be on Tuesday at home against Lucan at 6.45pm. This is the first time in years that we will have two adult camógie teams. All support most welcome.

Membership for 2018 was due to be paid by the end of February. If you still have not done so, the easiest way is to pay on on-line at https://www. stpatricksgaa.ie/online-memberships Our Lotto numbers this week were 2, 3, 14 and 16. There was no winner. There were four Lucky Dip winners – Erroll Dunne, Madeline Slater, Richie Garrigan, and Mag Dillon. The jackpot next week will be €9,600 with the draw taking place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm.

Tickets are available from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, Manor Hair Studios, Mullingar House, and Chapelizod Post Office.

Faughs GAA Club SATURDAY 7th April sees the first round of Championship matches. Snr b play Parnells @ 6PM IN Chanel and Jnr As are at home to St Brigids also @ 6pm. Jnr B get their Championship campaign started on Sunday 8th April @ 11am in Tymon Nth against Kevins.

A good performance by Snrs before going down by 7pts to Ahane on Sat last, so Ahane retain the Tony Herbert Cup. A big thank you to Ahane Chairman Colm Barry & his Executive for tremendous hospitality.

The next big Faughs 2020 meeting is on Wed 11th April @ 8pm. All members are encouraged to come along to plan for the future.

More details on www.faughs.ie.

Deepest sympathy to Eoin Reynolds and family on the death last week of Teresa, mother of Eoin and grandmother of Catherine. Deepest sympathy also to PJ Donohue on the death of his mother Agnes, Grandmother to Trevor & Paul, also deepest sympathy is extended to Sylvia Keane on the death of her father Tom and also to the family of Michael Meagher who passed away last week.

Next Trad Night in the Members’ bar this Thursday 5th April @ 9.45.p.m. Instrumentalists, singers, dancers, storytellers or anyone just interested in Irish culture are all invited to come along and enjoy the craic.

Good luck to Mary McCormack in her retirement.

ASDFASDF: ST ASDFCRUSH ASDF ASDF ASASD FDASF RUGBY: LEINSTER ENGLISH SIDE SARACENS AT AVIVA

Leinster win over English opposition A thunderous third-quarter surge launched Leinster Rugby into the Champions Cup semi-finals as they knocked out last year’s champions Saracens in a 30-19 victory at Aviva Stadium.

Converted tries from man-ofthe-match Dan Leavy (46 minutes) and James Lowe (57) had Leo Cullen’s men almost out of reach, and although Blair Cowan’s maul tried to give Sarries some hope, Leinster were able to see out a deserved win.

Garry Ringrose’s third-minute try put the province on course for a 13-12 half-time lead, with Saracens making it a one-point game courtesy of three penalties from Owen Farrell and one from halfway by Marcelo Bosch. Johnny Sexton kicked Leinster’s other first-half points.

Sexton, who finished with 13 points, kept up his 100% record with a long-range penalty and the conversions of Leavy’s terrific try, which exhibited James Ryan’s deft hands and the flanker’s pace off the mark, and a poacher’s effort from Lowe – his seventh try in nine starts.

Roared on by the majority of the crowd, Leinster unlocked the visitors’ defence in the opening minutes.

Theywent wide from just outside their 22 as Lowe broke a tackle from Liam Williams and the supporting Isa Nacewa put the foot down to create a two-on-one and send Ringrose in behind the posts.

Sexton converted for a 7-0 lead.

Saracens had a strong response, using their forwards to gain ground and work some space out wide for Sean Maitland. Leinster leaked a penalty close to their line, allowing Farrell to split the posts. He added a second one on the quarter hour mark after Ringrose was whistled up for an infringement on the deck.

Sexton pushed Leinster into double figures with a well-struck 20th-minute penalty, following some ground-gaining carries by Sean Cronin and Leavy, but another period of possession and collision-

“

winning earned a third successful place-kick from Farrell in the 26th minute.

Richard Wigglesworth failed to challenge Sexton, getting away with just a penalty. Leinster took advantage of the territory, winning a maul penalty before Cian Healy got his side of the scrum up and the Leavy-led pressure on Jackson Wray, off the base, resulted in a turnover.

Having got within range of the tryline, a Sarries offside allowed Sexton to make it 13-9.

However, Sexton was penalised for kicking the ball away before the restart and Argentinian centre Bosch stepped up, from halfway, to immediately claw back those three points. Saracens had two late lineout opportunities just before the interval, but Ryan got up well to disrupt and Scott Fardy was first to the loose ball.

Healy was the victim of a high tackle in the second half’s early exchanges, and although a fleetfooted break from Rob Kearney promised more than three points, Sexton was able to slot the 42ndminute penalty from long range to restore the four-point gap – 16-12.

It got even better for the home support a few minutes later when lock Ryan led an attack out of the home 22.

Ringrose threaded an excellent kick to touch, five metres out from Sarries’ whitewash.

The visitors were able to kick clear through Wigglesworth but Leinster struck a couple of phases later, a clever interchange between Leavy and Ryan exploiting space at the side of a ruck as the in-form openside took the return pass, darted through and evaded Maro Itoje’s tackle to dot down under the posts.

Sexton’s conversion nudged the lead out to 23-12, and a bonecrunching tackle by Tadhg Furlong on Mako Vunipola soon led to a Leinster penalty in their own half.

Roared on by a majority of the crowd, Leinster unlocked the visitors’ defence in the opening minutes

”

Leinster found themselves with a 21 point lead over Saracens last weekend. Picture: Leinster Rugby

Further breaks from talismanic captain Nacewa and Leavy had Saracens scrambling in defence, but they forced a knock-on at the end of 22 breathless phases.

The third try duly arrived just before the hour mark, Ryan again building momentum with a powerful carry and Fergus McFadden and Sexton’s attacking of the blindside had Sarries hanging on close to their line. The pressure told when Lowe came in on a hard line, kept his feet and the drive took him over, the New Zealander doing really well to stretch and ground the ball successfully.

With Sexton receiving treatment, McFadden added the extras, yet Saracens were able to hit back due to the impact of their bench. One of their replacements, back rower Cowan, touched down under a pile of bodies from a well-executed 63rd-minute lineout maul. Farrell converted from wide on the right to reduce the arrears to 11 points.

Rhys Ruddock made a welcome return in blue for the final quarter of an hour – his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury away to Exeter Chiefs in December. Young half-backs Nick McCarthy (23) and Joey Carbery (22) and 21-year-old

Champions Cup debutant Max Deegan also came on to help Leinster hold Sarries at arm’s length.

Mark McCall’s charges made the hosts fight all the way, but the men in blue kept coming up with big moments in defence. Toner’s tackle on Farrell forced a knock-on, Leavy got in to win turnover ball a few minutes later and, with Nacewa continuing to play a key role, Leinster kept their line intact with Sarries guilty of crossing.

Although Toner’s outstretched boot gave away a penalty and a yellow card, 14-man Leinster were able to end the game in possession and in control of field position. Their swarming defence led to another couple of knock-ons from Saracens, one by George Kruis off a close-in maul near the right corner and another after Mako Vunipola had slipped through in midfield.

The home side kicked downfield, pressed again and from a late scrum with Ruddock at lock and Lowe at flanker, they wound down the clock before McCarthy booted the ball dead and the jubilant Leinster fans savoured the prospect of hosting Scarlets in a mouth-watering Celtic clash in three weeks’ time.

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

EA SPORTS LEAGUE CUP: UCD LOSE OUT ON PENALTIES

Bohemians teach UCD students a lesson EA SPORTS CUP DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

GRIMES PARA-CYCLING DEBUT RONAN Grimes of Scott Orwell Wheelers had an exceptional first World Para-cycling Championships in Brazil last weekend, achieving three top ten finishes. Grimes rides with the Wheelers, a fast-growing Dublin club - competes in the C4 category for people with lower limb impairments.

THERE was penalty shoot-out drama at Dalymount Park on Monday night as Bohemians overcame UCD in a tense EA Sports Cup second round tie.

Just three of Easter Monday’s eight scheduled fixtures went ahead as heavy rain caused games to be postponed across the country, and this was the only one of four in the capital to go ahead.

St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers saw their ties with Dundalk and Longford Town rained off, while St Mochta’s first round game with Drogheda United was also unplayable.

Bohemians looked set to rue the referee’s decision to proceed as they fell into a 2-0 deficit by half time as the Students put on a display of quick-passing football.

Daire O’Connor was the creative force behind both goals: his pass set up Yoyo Mahdy for the opener, before captain Gary O’Neill curled home a stunning second.

O’Neill’s strike was a thing of beauty, started by O’Connor as he won possession in the middle before fixing a defender to create the angle for the sublime finish.

Bohs were a changed side after the break, however, and they pulled one back early on through former Leeds United striker Eoghan Stokes.

It was the ingenuity and raw pace of 18-year-old Grant that led to the opportunity for Stokes, who had just moved up front in a tactical switch that reaped instant rewards.

They levelled eight minutes from time through JJ Lunney’s penalty after Grant had outstripped sub left-back Darragh Corcoran before being dragged down.

The sides couldn’t be separated by 30 minutes of extra time, and the first three penalties from each side were also on target.

Lunney stepped up again and this time saw his spot-kick saved by UCD keeper Conor Kearns, only for wicked backspin to then see the ball kick back and over the line.

Bohs keeper Colin McCabe was the hero

UCD’s Gary O’Neill and JJ Lunney tussle for the ball. Picture: Peter Fitzpatrick

then as he saved from UCD substitute Paul Doyle, and Stokes stroked home his penalty to send the Gypsies into the quarter-final.

“I was just watching it spinning and spinning and I was hoping he wasn’t going to get up and save it,” the shoot-out hero McCabe told the Dublin Gazette of Lunney’s fortunate finish.

“I thought we could have gone on and got the third in the second half. We made the saves and had gotten the goals.

“I was just hoping, for all our hard work, we didn’t concede one, for all our effort we put in in the second half.”

“Penalty shoot-outs are just a bit of luck here and there. Fortunately, he saved it and it just didn’t stay out, and when I saved it did

stay out. That was the difference in the end.”

UCD manager Collie O’Neill told the Dublin Gazette: “It is a little bit hard to take but we only have ourselves to blame.

“We were excellent in the first half, deserved to be 2-0 up, and had enough chances in the second half to put it to bed.

“Even when they got the one back, we basically broke straight away and Daire was clean through one-on-one.

“It’s a little bit hard to take when you’ve had the chance to go and put it to bed and just got done in the end.

“It comes down to lack of experience.

When Bohs got the first goal back, they panicked a little because it got the crowd up a little bit. It’s something that we’ll learn from.”

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

LUCAN SARSFIELD THANKS to all who helped out with the Annual Maintenance Day on Good Friday. New goalmouths were laid and all sprinkler heads lifted on the main pitch, plenty of other great work was complete so thanks to all.

Well done to the Adult Ladies footballers who got their seasons off to winning starts, Div 2 away to Garda/Westmanstown and the Div 8 team vs Na Gael Ogá.

Senior Camogie kicks off their league season this week Snr 1 home vs OPER; Snr 6 away to Bray Emmets and Snr 7 away to Pats.

Big week for the Hurling as well with Senior Hurlers playing Crumlin in the opening round of Championship 2:15pm Sunday, all support welcome.

Would you like tickets to the Rolling Stones or even the All Ireland Final? Well we know who you should talk to, the one and only Paul McGann. €20 gets you a whole load of opportunity.

The Golfing season starts in a few weeks, on Saturday April 21st. Contact Seamus Fagan for details 086 816 8984.

Last week there was no winner of the €20,000 lotto where the numbers were 1, 12, 26 and 27. This week’s draw will be managed by Shay Hurson and is sponsored by John Ryan Accountant. Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar. Lucky Dips Winners were: John Hodgkinson, B Ó Moalmhána, Roisín Carey, Niall Gleeson.

The ‘Cúpla Focal’ club is on Mondays 7:30pm to 9.00pm. Bingo is on Wednesdays 8:30pm Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on Saturdays, 9:30am for Girls and 10am for boys (5+).

Ballyboden St Endas CONGRATULATIONS to Michael Darragh Macauley, Colm Basquel and the Dublin Football team on their National League Final win.

Thanks to everyone involved in the Club Development Programme night. It is a hugely important initiative to ensure we can continue to successfully grow and develop our club. These enhanced facilities will enable us to compete even more effectively at all levels and in all codes.

All club members are being asked to play their part by signing up to a Direct Debit payment of €12.50 per month.

The Ballyboden Health and Wellbeing Committee, working alongside the Executive, have invited Jigsaw, the National Centre

for Youth and Mental Health, to speak with all mentors and interested adults on the “One Good Coach” initiative. This workshop will give our mentors and coaches a greater awareness of how to promote and support young people’s mental health and the skills to be that “one good coach”. It is on Monday 9th April in Ballyboden St Enda’s from 7.30pm 9pm The 48th Annual General meeting of Ballyboden St. Endas Gaa, Camogie and Ladies Football Club will take place on Monday, April 23rd, 2018 at 8.30 p.m. in the club hall.

All full members are cordially invited to attend this meeting and are asked to attend promptly at 8.30pm so that a quorum would be formed and the meeting start on time.

LSL FOOTBALL : BLUEBELL HOLD ON TO LEAGUE LEAD

LEAGUE LEADERS WIN WEST SIDE DERBY DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

BLUEBELL United maintained their four-point lead at the top of LSL Sunday Senior as they came from behind to beat Firhouse Clover in a west Dublin derby at Brickfield Park.

Aji Sule had given Firhouse a surprise early lead before goals in each half from Gary Seery and Shane Stritch turned the tie for Andy Noonan’s Bluebell.

The Bell received a boost two weeks ago when second-place Killester United were surprisingly beaten by Malahide and took the chance to move four points clear.

Firhouse have had a quietly successful season of their own, safely ensconced in mid-table and into the semi-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup, where they drew away to Letterkenny Rovers.

This game was moved from Firhouse’s usual home at Tallaght IT to the Brickfield astro in order to preserve the former for Sunday afternoon’s replay against Letterkenny.

Firhouse boss Keith Baker strengthened his squad in January with the addition of striker Aji Sule, the Citywest man signing back for the club from Newbridge Town.

There was barely a minute on the clock when Clover took the lead, and it was the returning

Bluebell United playing in the Leinster Senior League. Picture: Martin Doherty

Sule who broke the deadlock with his first strike back in green and white hoops.

C a r l Fo rsy t h p l aye d a through-ball for the striker, who curled a left-footed shot into the top corner from a narrow angle.

The former Bluebell man could have doubled his tally shortly afterwards and again Forsyth was the creator, crossing to the back post where Sule stretched to divert the ball onto the post.

The league leaders gradually took control of the game with frontman Stritch proving the focal point for Sean Byrne and Gary Seery to run off.

SUPPORTING ST PATS AFC THE Green Isle Hotel has now joined forces with St Patricks athletic Football Club in Richmond Park, Inchicore.

After announcing the Sponsorship deal Director Ger O’Brien along with St Pats Head Coach Liam Buckley presented a signed team jersey to the hotel’s Sales and Marketing Manager Sharon Moylan.

Located minutes from the N7 & M50 intersection this iconic hotel is known for its large bedrooms, spacious restaurant and locally renowned carvery menu.

The swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre gives the team players the ideal breakaway and revitalisation needed during the games. The location is ideal

for the visiting teams with the easy accessibility off the motorway and ample parking for team coach buses.

The iconic Green Isle hotel boasts a long history in the local areas for hosting special occasions, christenings, communions, weddings and anniversaries.

There are special entertainment packages also in the horizon, the new operations and sales department have their sights set on utilising the large event space to entertain and draw new and promising events to the area.

The Green Isle hotel is also delighted to be in partnership with Cherry Orchard and Crumlin Football Club and look forward to working with all the teams.

It was Seery who was credited with the equaliser when it did arrive, the striker working himself into space in the box and firing a shot past Firhouse keeper Ian Molloy.

Sule continued to threaten and Andy McNulty did well to deny the striker a second goal as half time approached.

The second half was a more even affair, but it was the Bell who went in front with 20 minutes remaining when Stritch latched onto a long all and poked it past the outrushing Molloy.

Clover roared back and continued to press for an equaliser, with the Bell forced into ever-

more-desperate defence in a bid to guard the three points.

Sule thought he’d found the equaliser close to the end when he caught a volley flush from the edge of the box and beat the keeper but was once again denied by the woodwork.

The result leaves Bluebell four points clear at the top with a game in hand on Killester and well-placed to wrest back the league crown surrendered to St Mochta’s last May. Firhouse face Letterkenny at IT Tallaght on Sunday, where they’ll be without the services of captain Darren Forsyth following his red card in the first leg, while Sule is cup-tied.

5 April 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

DUBLIN WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dublin hold off Galway to reclaim league title ALLIANZ LEAGUE FINAL Dublin Galway  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

0-18 0-14

DUBLIN were crowned Allianz Football League champions for the fifth time in six years on Sunday. A battling performance and the team’s knack of taking control at key moments saw the boys in blue over the line against a tough Galway side.

Galway have looked increasingly impressive this year, and had finished top of the Division One group stage after a much-changed Dublin side were pipped by Monaghan at Croke Park last week.

The Dubs have recently been solid but less inspired, and looked under threat of a second successive loss midway through the second half. A match that had been nip and tuck throughout appeared to swing the Tribesmen’s way due to the dismissal of Niall Scully after 50 minutes.

With Ciaran Kilkenny, Jonny Cooper and Stephen Cluxton restored to the Dublin starting 15, Galway full-forward Damien Comer was nevertheless the stand out in the early stag-

es, a constant threat as he buzzed around the Dublin backline.

It was a scrappy, physical contest, centred heavily around the impact of Galway’s increasingly notable defence, with Kilkenny and Paul Mannion both finding tiny fractions of space in the Galway defence early on to open up a 0-5 to 0-3 lead for the Dubs.

Galway’s stifling aggression started to take hold, however, with Barry McHugh as good as Dean Rock from the set-pieces, they were Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton lifts the Irish National Insurance Cup. Picture: Official Dublin GAA via Facebook. the better side heading into the break, with Dublin a little fortunate to remain sions. building win that led to Cluxton lifting the Then came the character that has helped Jim trophy again than the emphatic victory Dubat 0-8 a piece.

The best chance of the half had fallen to Gavin’s side stand out: come the hour, come the lin fans have become used to. Despite the win, Mannion, with Ruairi Lavelle tipping a fine push. Philly McMahon and Rock were critical there are a few areas of concern around the in taking chances, while Colm Basquel is look- Dublin camp at the moment, not least in the effort over the bar on 23 minutes.

Dublin had edged into a two point lead early ing increasingly like a Championship player, continuing unexplained absence of Diarmuid in the second half, a lead that held until Scul- as he made an impact off the bench, grabbing Connolly, and the side’s propensity for red ly was shown red for two quick consecutive 0-3. Stepping up when it counted, the Dubs cards over the course of the league. bookings. That margin was almost immedi- snatched a succession of points in the closing That said, we’re still a way short of the sharp ately eliminated by Galway as soon as the half- stages, and remained league champions by end, and that the Dubs have come out on top forward trotted from the field. An exchange of 0-18 to 0-14 thanks to that late flurry. Though anyway is a sign of how strong Gavin’s side points ensued as the contest remained tight, the score flattered a touch, the winning margin have become. They’ll take the win, and work though it appeared Dublin were staying in the was obtained entirely whilst down a man. on adding that polish with the championship contest largely thanks to Galway’s free concesAll in, it was more a ground out, character- around the corner.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 April 2018