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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE SDCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  JANUARY 25-31, 2018

GAZETTE

Motoring

MICHAEL MORONEY TAKES A LOOK AT THE GROWING POPULARITY OF PICK-UP TRUCKS ACROSS IRELAND

PAGES 28-29

SPORT Harper’s Temple of Boom P37

WEDDED BLISS

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Apts for rent despite planning controversy advertised at the apartment complex

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 MARK O’BRIEN CLONDALKIN councillor Madeleine Johansson (PBP) has criticised an apartment complex owner for advertising apartments for rent without planning permission.

The apartments are located in the converted Liffey Valley Fitness build-

ing at the Coldcut Road.

The developers were granted planning permission to build 27 apartments, but were denied when they applied to build an additional 21 units on the site.

However, Cllr Johansson said when she contacted the auctioneer, she was

advised that 50 units were being advertised for rent.

She said: “It is very concerning that apartments which I believe have been constructed without proper planning permission are now being advertised on Daft.ie for rent.”

See full story on Page 5

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CRIME | VICTIM WAS NEPHEW OF VETERAN CRIMINAL GERRY HUTCH

Man killed in halting site shooting linked to gangland feud  MARK O’BRIEN THE shooting of a man in Clondalkin on Saturday is believed to be linked to the ongoing Kinahan-Hutch feud.

Derek Coakley-Hutch (27) was gunned down in an attack at the Bridgeview halting site beside Cloverhill Prison at approximately 3pm.

A getaway car was found burnt out at the Crag Avenue Industrial Estate and gardai recovered shotgun cartridges from the vehicle.

Coakley-Hutch was the nephew of veteran criminal Gerry Hutch, also known as The Monk.

He is the fourth member of the Hutch family to be killed as part of the feud, bringing the total number of deaths to 14.

Coakley-Hutch, a father of two, had a number of minor convictions but was not thought to be a major gangland player.

He was also a talented football player, who previously played for dominant AUL club Sheriff YC. Paying tribute to him, Sheriff YC took to Twitter to say: “The club is shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of former player Derek Hutch.

“Derek played with SYC throughout schoolboy and senior

football and was the hero as we won our first ever LFA Youth Cup. “Thinking of his family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time.”

Clondalkin councillor Francis Timmons urged anyone with information in relation to the shooting to contact gardai.

He said: “It’s horrendous that another family has been left devastated.

“This is someone’s son and its awful to see a human life lost in such an horrendous manner.

“Gun crime has got all too common in our area and I hope

whoever is responsible is brought to justice as quick as possible.

“Anyone with information should contact gardai at Ronanstown Garda Station.”

An incident room has been established at Lucan Garda Station.

A garda spokesperson said that there has been no further updates in relation to the investigation since last week.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on 01-666 7300, Ronanstown Garda Station on 01-666 7700 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

FASTNews Council will attempt to progress Canal Greenway SOUTH Dublin County Council will endeavour to progress the Grand Canal Greenway over the coming year.

The news comes in response to a question raised by Cllr Ed O’Brien at the monthly Lucan Area Committee Meeting.

Cllr O’Brien said: “The Greenway plan is one that has been around for a long time now but appeared to have stalled.

“I placed a question in relation to the council’s intention in relation to the plan following contact from the Hazelhatch Greenway pressure group and I am very happy to report the first steps towards completing the Greenway.

“The county council have confirmed they will seek funding from the National Transport Authority this year to progress the Greenway and that is very much welcomed.”

Some works on the Greenway were previously completed by South Dublin County Council during the construction of Grange Castle and Cllr O’Brien said he is keen to see the greenway completed as the Clonburris development begins to see increased housing and public access to the area.

College to offer adult creative writing course ON January 30, Lucan Community College will start offering an adult creative writing course from 7.30–9.00pm Tuesday nights.

“It takes a lot of courage to submit work to a writers group”, said Tutor Ross Campbell.

“Participants who are new to a writing class may be anxious about how their work will be received.”

To assuage those fears, the students’ work will be circulated by email, instead of being read by them in front of the class.

The class will run for eight weeks and costs €85.

Passing of Road Traffic Amendment Bill welcomed

Teaming up to launch new unit

GUEST of honour Michaela Morley (13) from Mayo is pictured with Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll at the official opening of the new €5.5m Neurology and Renal outpatients unit in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, entirely funded by public donations.

The two-floor unit will cater to over 6,500 patients who attend the hospital for treatment each year. Picture: Andres Poveda

DUBLIN Mid-West TD Eoin O Broin is pleased that the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, which would automatically disqualify the license of anyone drink driving, passed to the committee stage.

“Having met and campaigned with Leo Lieghio, a Clondalkin man who tragically lost his daughter Marsia in a hit and run at the Fonthill Road in 2005, aged just 16, I am absolutely convinced that this legislation has the potential to save lives,” O Broin said after the vote.

“If it even saves just one life on the road then we have done our job as legislators,” he added.

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

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

OPERATION TRANSFORMATION | LUCAN RESIDENT PULLED OFF SHOW’S BIGGEST EVER LOSS

Record breaker David sheds over a stone in seven days  MARK O’BRIEN

A LUCAN resident has broken the record for weight loss on RTE’s Operation Transformation after he shed over a stone in the first week.

David Cryan (38) weighed 19st 5.5Ib at the start of the show but shed 1st 2.5Ib after the first week.

David is a Community Sergeant in an Garda Siochana, and is based in the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin city centre.

He told Dublin Gazette that he decided to go on the show once he hit 19st last year.

“Once I hit 19 stone I started saying ‘Oh my God’. I went from 17 to 18 to 19 and I said if I don’t do something I’ll by 20 next year.

“That’s really it and I said I’m going to tackle it now when I can. I didn’t look 19 and a half stone but I was and you can

imagine how I felt.”

David and his wife Siobhan have two children, Dylan (5) and Zoe (3).

Zoe was born prematurely at 24 weeks weighing only 540 grams.

Siobhan is Zoe’s full-time carer as she has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and has to be fed through a tube.

David wants a better quality of life with his family and as Zoe gets more active he wants to be able to keep up with her and also spend more time with Dylan.

“Before little Zoe was born I’d say I would have been 17st or 16 and a half and then in the last three years, I just put on two and a half to three stone.”

David was a talented Gaelic footballer and played minor football for his native Roscommon.

He is still actively involved with the Garda GAA Club in Westmanstown and the club have shown their support for his efforts by organising a “Walk for

Davy” every Monday during the run of the show.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” David said of the support the club have shown him.

“I was up there last night and I was shocked with the crowd up there. There was over a hundred people up there, so it was absolutely brilliant.”

David will also be taking part in the Griffeen Parkrun on Saturday and he said that the support shown to him by his family and friends has spurred him on.

“I’ve still a long journey,” he said.

“Weeks three, four and five are going to be tough because that’s really the hard weight to lose but it has given me a change of mindset.

“The support I’m getting from my family and friends, from my colleagues in work and my football club as well, I kind of feel like they’re all with me so it’s not as hard. I’m not doing it on my own.”

David is a Community Sergeant in an Garda Siochana

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 25 January 2018

Out and About

On the last lap L

UCAN Harriers athletes came out last week to run a last lap of the old cinder track before work starts on the new tartan track. Vinny Murtagh, Jean Murtagh and Ann Magee who all ran the first lap of the cinder track when it opened in 1984 were there to take part in the last lap along with members of the senior, fit4life and the juvenile sections of the club.

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

HOUSING | ‘I AM CONCERNED THIS IS AWAY FOR LANDLORD TO MAKE EASY MONEY’

Apartments without planning permission up for rent in Clondalkin  MARK O’BRIEN

CLONDALKIN councillor Madeleine Johansson (PBP) has criticised an apartment complex owner for advertising apartments for rent without planning permission.

The apartments, which are being constructed by Cavvies LTD and rented out through Ray Cooke Auctioneers, are located in the converted Liffey Valley Fitness building on the Coldcut Road.

Cavvies were granted

planning permission to build 27 apartments at the site but had applied to increase this to a total of 48.

The council refused to grant permission for the additional apartments last year – a decision that is currently being appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

But Cllr Johansson said when she contacted the auctioneer, she was advised that 50 units were being advertised for rent.

“It is very concerning that apartments which I

Cllr Madeleine Johansson

believe have been constructed without proper planning permission are now being advertised on DAFT.IE for rent,” she said.

“Planning permission was initially granted for

the conversion of the building into 27 apartments but I believe that an additional number (up to 50 units) have been constructed despite the fact that planning permission was refused in 2017

by South Dublin County Council and is currently in an appeals process with An Board Pleanala.”

She said that she has written to Ray Cooke requesting that they not proceed with viewings until the planning issues have been clarified.

“I am also concerned that this is another way for a landlord to make easy money out of people who are desperate for housing while disregarding proper procedure,” she said.

“I have written to the council planning department requesting them to inspect this site immediately for planning noncompliance.”

A spokesperson for An Born Pleanala said that the planning appeal is at an advanced stage and is likely to be decided soon.

T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n added: “As to the question about advertising, that is a commercial issue and it is not something that falls within the Board’s remit.

“Any developer who chooses to advertise a development that is not yet permitted does so in the knowledge that the Board could refuse permission or could attach conditions to a grant that could have the effect of altering what was applied for in a material way.”

Local band in finals of wedding awards T H E J u ke b ox K i n g s Wedding Band from West Dublin have been nominated as a finalist in the Entertainment category of the 2nd Irish Wedding Awards 2018.

“We are delighted to have been nominated for this prestigious event which we share with some fantastic acts,” The Jukebox Kings said.

“Good luck to all the nominees for 2018.”

Finalists The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Sunday, January 28 at the Crowne Plaza Dublin, along with other awards including Caterer of the Year and Photographer of the year.

Finalists were chosen based on nominations from the public.

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Calls for cattle grids to help protect local rural heritage  MARK O’BRIEN

THERE have been calls to protect Tallaght’s rural heritage by installing cattle grids in four locations around the area.

A cattle grid is an obstacle used to prevent livestock from passing along a road.

South Dublin County Council agreed to look at the issue last year but little progress has been made on the issue since then.

Chair of Tallaght Community Council, Tara de Buitlear told Dublin Gazette that they would like to see some movement on the issue.

She said: “Tallaght Community Council would place a lot of value on heritage, so from our perspective there’s a couple of priorities or drivers around this.

“One obviously is to support our peers in the community and in this case they happen to be a rural community and farmers.

“Secondly, it’s important that we preserve

the heritage of farming in Tallaght and in particular this commonage grazing.

“What the farmers are telling us up there is there is an issue with animals getting loose because commonage grazing wouldn’t be a very well used type of animal grazing.

“It’s a really old system where hundreds of years ago, farmers would have had communal areas of ground that weren’t really owned by anybody so it’s important that that tradition is preserved.”

The campaign has received widespread support from local councillors, as well as from well-known environmentalist Duncan Stewart, who hails from the Glenasmole area.

He said: “It is well recognised that the grazing by sheep and cattle in mountain pastures/ commonages is critically important, in order to manage and maintain mountain vegetation and to protect biodiversity habitats and mountain landscape.

“It is therefore important that farmers

are encouraged to continue to graze these mountains, as this sustainable practice has occurred over many centuries.

“This form of grazing is a free service that is provided by mountain pastural farmers, which is needed to control fires and for the common good.”

The council have cited concerns over road safety, but Tara said that cattle grids have been successfully installed in other parts of the country, such as the Curragh and Carlingford.

“It’s not that we’re looking to do something that hasn’t been tried and tested elsewhere,” she said.

“Really the road safety concerns that the council are sending don’t really stand up.”

Tallaght Community Council were due to meet with South Dublin County Council on Wednesday evening but the outcome of that meeting was not known at the time of going to press.

Reconnecting with nature in a fun and interactive way ARE your kids struggling to identify a Puffin but can name all the Pokemon? Well not anymore as Bord na Mona is calling for more schools, more teachers and more school-kids to get involved in Eco Rangers, a primary schools programme which attempts to overcome the growing nature deficit amongst children by reconnecting them with nature in a fun and interactive way.

Teachers are provided with all the tools they need such as teachers’ packs, lesson plans and games.

Log on to www.ecorangers.ie for more information. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

FIRHOUSE | INVESTIGATIONS INTO INCIDENT ONGOING

Gardai investigating alleged assault of a young boy at Scientology centre  MARK O’BRIEN

GARDAI are investigating an alleged assault on a minor at the Scientology Centre in Firhouse.

The assault occurred on Saturday, January 13 and is alleged to have been carried out by a security guard at the centre.

A 14-year-old boy is reported to have suffered a number of injuries, including a fractured wrist.

Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai in Rathfarnham received reports of an alleged assault on a minor on Firhouse Road, Rathfarnham on 13/1/18 at approximately 6:30pm, enquiries are ongoing.”

The Church of Scientology opened the centre in Firhouse in October on the site of the former Victory Centre.

The centre was repor tedly bought for €6 million in 2016 and the auditorium on the premises is understood to have a capacity of 1,000.

According to the 2016 Census, 78 people listed Scientology as their religion in Ireland.

The Church has been the subject of much controversy and a group of around 70 anti-Scientology protestors turned up to protest at the opening of the Firhouse centre in October.

The Church of Scientology have ramped up their presence in Ireland over the last number of years.

In 2016, they opened a National Affairs Office on Merrion Square.

The Church of Scientology’s Irish website says: “Narconon not only addresses the debilitating effects of drug abuse on both mind and body, but also resolves

the reasons why a person turned to drugs in the first place.”

But the methods used have been widely disputed and locals in Ballivor have taken to the streets to protest against the opening of the centre.

Dublin Gazette contacted the Church of Scientology for comment on the alleged assault at the Firhouse Centre but received no response.

In a statement to Newstalk last week, a church spokesperson disputed what happened.

The spokesperson said “a group of unruly teenagers” had to be escorted off the property on three separate occasions due “abusive and disruptive behaviour”.

The statement claimed that, according to the security guard, the teenager left the premises without showing any signs of injury.

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 25 January 2018

Out and About

Adult management team of the year Minor A hurling Tony Moulton, Vincent O’Connor, Dermot O’Brien and Joe

Awards evening at Lucan Sarsfields Whyte with Chairman Ben Murphy

Minor A Camogie POY Aoife McKearney with Chairman Ben Murphy

A

N amazing night was had at the Lucan Sarsfields GAA club last Saturday as the club celebrated the 2017 annual award winners. All the award winners were joined by family, friends and club members and presented with their award before the celebrations continued into the night.

Liam Carton (right) got the Hall of Fame award, pictured with Trustee Gerry McAndrew

Senior Hurling POY Ronan Smith

Senior Football POY Tommy Brennan

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Juvenile management team of the Year U14B Hurling Minor B Camogie POY Katie Hegarty

Robbie Breen collected the Minor C POY Award on behalf of Jodie Chalkley

Ger Cooper and Christy Boylan

Minor B Football POY

Minor B Hurling POY

Senior 1 Camogie POY

Cillian Murray

Cillian Hogan

Sinead O’Toole

U21 Football POY Daire Shanahan

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Over 950 jobs saved through examinership

OVER 950 jobs in Ireland were saved through examinership last year according to a new report.

The latest Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index shows that 957 jobs were saved, with 22 companies successfully emerging from the examinership process.

Despite the fact that the economy continues to recover with unemployment expected to dip below 5.5% this year and economists across the board forecasting GDP to grow by around 4%, there continues to be a number of businesses in counties across the country that are struggling with debt or structural issues that arise from the previous boom.

The principal cases involved companies in all corners of Ireland, including well-known brands such as The G, The Eye Cinema, The Meyrick, The Golden Pages and The Regency (since rebranded as The Bonnington Hotel Dublin).

More information about the Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index is available at www.bakertillyhb.ie.

Review into codes on workplace bullying THERE have been calls for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the HSA to review their codes on bullying in the workplace.

Minister Pat Breen has called for a review of the codes, with WRC’s code dating back to 2002, and the HSA code last being updated in 2007.

Breen said: “It is timely to have a review carried out.

I have asked the WRC and the HSA to work together to examine the possibility of developing a single Code of Practice for Bullying in the Workplace”.

This initiative has been brought to the fore as it has become evident that case law surrounding workplace bullying is constantly evolving.

The calls for review follow the enactment of a new code of practice on Longer Working in December.

REPORT | THREEFOLD INCREASE IN ENQUIRIES FROM MORTGAGE HOLDERS

A flurry of activity reported in mortgage switcher market EXPERTS at MyMortgages.ie have reported a flurry of activity in the mortgage switcher market since the beginning of the year.

The brokers forecast the switcher market alone will experience double digit growth in the first six months of the year, as an increasing number of mortgage holders learn of the option which could potentially save them anywhere in the region of €311 per month and €112,000 over the lifetime of an average €350,000 mortgage.

Joey Sheahan, head of credit at MyMortgages.ie believes a number of factors that have led to the influx in enquires they have experienced in the last two weeks.

“We have experienced a threefold increase in the volume of enquiries received

since January 2 from mortgage holders all over the country wondering if they might be eligible to switch lender and avail of cheaper rates,” he said.

“We put this down to a number of factors.

As a result of recent media reports, anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of mortgage holders seem to now be aware of the fact that switching lenders to avail of a better rate might be a viable option for them.”

Experts at MyMortgages.ie predict that recent proposals put forward by Fianna Fail to ban bank incentives to switch will lead to an even greater level of activity as people try to “get in” before any such legislation is introduced.

Mortgage holders are looking to avail of cheaper rates

Dealz to launch Pep&Co clothing line DEALZ has announced it will open 30 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets in its stores creating over 120 Irish jobs.

The first 10 of the 30 Irish PEP&CO concessions will open on the same day.

The first ten shop-in-shops will appear in Dealz f lagship store in Blanchardstown, K ilkenny, Dundr um, Naas, N e w b r i d g e , G o r e y, A t hy,

Finglas, Ballina and Castlebar.

In Ireland, prices at PEP&CO start at €1.50 with almost 60 per cent of items at €5.00 or less.

The news comes as part of a wider announcement made by parent company Poundland, as they unveiled plans to open over 150 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets over the next 12 months in Ireland, the

UK and France.

Managing director at PEP&CO, Adrian Mountford, said: “We are very excited to bring our fashion and brand to Irish consumers. “ We a l r e a d y r u n 17 0 PEP&CO stores in the UK, most of them located inside Poundland stores, so introducing PEP&CO to the Irish marketplace via Dealz has always

been a priority.

“This Christmas we sold over a million more items than we did in our whole first year of trading in 2015.

“Thanks to our partnership with Poundland – and now Dealz in the Republic of Ireland - we’re set to double in size over the coming year, helping us to drive economies of scale to keep prices low .”

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

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

DOG OF THE WEEK: CAN YOU GIVE ONE OF THESE CANINE COMPANIONS THE HOME THEY DESERVE?

Either of these boys will charm DUBLIN Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week, we’re highlighting two delightful dogs for your consideration – just two of the many canines that Dogs Trust is trying to find a loving home for.

First up, and Sid (right) is a lovely, three-year-old crossbreed that’s hugely people-focused.

Sid will literally give you a hug when he sees you, and adores cuddles. He is

playful with his doggy pals and as he can be a bouncy boy, Sid is best suited to a home with children who are 10 years old or older (so he doesn’t bowl them over with his affections).

He’s an energetic dog who will require plenty of exercise on a daily basis, so an active adopter will be best for him.

Sid is quite good on his walks, and isn’t bothered by common distractions like cars and bikes.

Apart from his love of walks, Sid is also a big lover of food, which makes

Meet Sid

him ideal to train as he can be easily motivated with his favourite treats.

Next up, and we have Ralph, an extremely

Hi, Ralph

handsome one-year-old Belgian Shepard (above) who steals the hearts of everyone he meets.

Since his arrival at the

centre, Ralph has made lots of friends and really enjoys his daily cuddles and play sessions. Ralph also loves going on walks

and is happy walking beside his doggy pals.

Ralph is still a very young dog that will require plenty of training, but taking into consideration his love for food and intelligence, working with him should be lots of fun and definitely a positive experience.

Ralph is such a social creature and enjoys spending time with people. He should be more than happy living with sensible and gentle kids, but he will need to be walked by adults, as he is

a very strong dog!

He will make a very special addition to a family looking for an active and loyal companion.

If you think you can offer either Sid or Ralph a loving home, 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 at www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

GAZETTE

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DUBLINLIFE

Hundreds to rock with Trinity music PUPILS from in and around Dublin will have the opportunity to experience life as a rock star when Trinity College London presents its Trinity on Tour Rock & Pop experience this weekend.

Over 200 students aged between 6 and 16 will take part in the initiative, which takes place at Dublin’s Firhouse Educate Together School on Saturday, January 27 The aim of Trinity on Tour is to introduce children to the rewards of learning a musical instrument.

Through its newly launched Rock & Pop 2018 graded exam syllabus, Trinity College London encourages pupils to experience musical education, learning from new song lists with hundreds of well- known songs by artists ranging

from Adele to David Bowie, AC/DC to Taylor Swift and Daft Punk, adapted by education experts for grades one through to eight.

Children along with their music teachers are invited to attend the free half day event, which offers the opportunity to meet and play alongside real session musicians.

Instruments including keyboard, guitar, bass and drums are provided and the day is split according to age with workshops that cater for those with no experience up to accomplished singers and players.

For further information or to book places on the forthcoming Trinity on Tour experience visit www.trinityontour.com

Great news...

MARY BYRNE

joins Dublin Gazette Dublin Gazette is delighted to announce that the ever-popular, quintessential Dubliner Mary Byrne, is joining Dublin’s Number 1 local newspaper, to provide a weekly advice and guidance column for our readers, starting in our next edition on February 1.

Readers can contact Mary at marybyrne@ dublingazette.com, so make sure to get your questions in as soon as possible.

Mary shot to fame in 2010 when she appeared on the hugely popular X-Factor TV talent show.

The gregarious check out assistant at Tesco in Ballyfermot charmed audiences, not only in Ireland, but also in Britain, as she reached the semifinal of the show.

When asked to provide advice to readers of Dublin Gazette, who may be suffering with mental and physical issues similar to hers, Mary had no hesitation in becoming part of our team to help people.

She said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of a paper that goes out everywhere, that people can pick up and sit down, get some information and read great local stories.”

Mary became the darling of the nation during celebrity Operation Transformation last year, where she revealed her vulnerable self.

She spoke openly about her battle with depression, weight problems and how, by recognising her trigger points, she was able to address her demons and deal with them.

“They saw warts and all and I knew that when I agreed to do that programme, there was an onus on me to be totally and utterly honest.

“I would class myself as someone who knows how to listen and if I can help people with problems that I have, and that I know other people have, but are afraid to talk about them – well that’s great.

“I’m no doctor – I have no medical experience, but what I can do is talk to people about how I feel and hopefully reach out to people who are going through what I’m going through.

“I’m just like you - I suffer like you and you can talk to me about it and let’s see if we can sort something out and get you back on the right track and getting you the help you need. I’m looking forward to this tremendously.”

“Operation Transformation opened a different door and gave the public a glimpse at the real and honest ‘Byrner’ from Ballyfermot, with all the problems that everybody goes through on a daily basis. Being honest with yourself is so important.

“I believe that I can help readers of Dublin Gazette who write in to me and tell me they feel really bad and don’t know what to do about it.

“Don’t be afraid to go out and change you life and I look forward to hearing from you at marybyrne@dublingazette.com every week and helping you get over the obstacles that are holding you back.”

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GAZETTE

FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Sharing the magic of quidditch for Harry Potter’s sporty fans

HOBBIES: FIRST EVER IRISH TOURNAMENT BEWITCHES ONLOOKERS IN A NORTH DUBLIN PARK

 QUINN KANNER DESPITE the cold, rainy morning of Saturday, January 20, spectators crowded along one side of a field in Fairview Park, bundled in jackets and rain coats, to watch the first ever Irish Quidditch Cup. With the popularity of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, people around the world have started

adapting its magical game of quidditch (see panel) into a real-life sport.

Eamon O’Keeffe, assistant tournament director and player for the Dublin Draichta Dragons, said: “In real-life quidditch – as opposed to the version in Harry Potter – to differentiate the positions and to help the refs know who’s-who, seekers wear

yellow headbands, beaters wear black headbands, chasers wear white headbands, and ke e p e r s we a r g r e e n headbands, so they’re able to tell who’s who.”

Additionally, all the players run around riding ‘brooms’ or pieces of plumbing pipe that are about a metre long.

Eamon said: “I think, in the early days of quidditch – very early – they

actually used brooms, like those you’d see in the Harry Potter films (see Harry, lower right), but when the sport took a more serious turn and people started to take it a bit more seriously, the wood was swapped out for pipes.

“Wood can splinter very easily and was not a safe thing to be using out on the pitch.”

Ireland’s first quidditch club team, the Dublin Draichta Dragons, was founded in 2016 by Stefan Scheurer and Martina Brazdova, who had both played quidditch abroad before moving to Ireland.

Stef a n s a i d : “ We b o t h didn’t know anybody except for each other, so we started this club together.

“We went to the unis and a lot of groups on the internet where people were in similar situations to us – people who’d moved to the city and didn’t know anyone, but wanted to get to know some people, and who wanted to do something in the afternoon or something at the weekend.”

Now, almost three years later, Ireland had enough teams to host their own Quidditch Cup. Last Saturday saw three teams competing: the Dublin Draichta Dragons, the Northern Wyverns Belfast, and “Galweinster” – a com-

WHAT IS QUIDDITCH? JUST as in the books and films, each team has seven players who play on the field at a time – three chasers (who try and score points with the quaffle, a slightly deflated volleyball); one keeper (who guards the team’s three goalposts from score attempts); two beaters (who peg the opposite team’s players with bludgers – slightly deflated dodgeballs – forcing them to run to their goalpost and tag back in); and a seeker (who catches the snitch – a tennis ball inside a sock attached with velcro to a special referee who acts a snitch runner, and who tries to keep the seekers from catching the snitch).

Catching the snitch ends the game and awards that team 30 points, as opposed to the 10 points earned by a quaffle score. A gender quota comes into play: of the team’s seven members on the field, there can be no more than four of either gender.

binat i o n team of the Galw ay G r i n dylows, the Mid-Leinster Moontrimers, and international mercenary players.

Stefan said: “I think it’s very important that

these smaller teams get their first [tournament] experience. “ I f you play your first tournament, it can be ver y encouraging, and it creates a lot of enthusiasm in the players.”

The day got off to a rough start when the rain waterlogged the field at Trinity College, where the cup was sup-

posed to take place.

Eamon O’Keeffe said: “We had been planning the event for half a year, and 15 minutes before the opening ceremony we were told we couldn’t play in front of Trinity.

“So, it was frustrating, but it’s rain – there’s nothing we can do about rain!”

However, the cup was moved to Fairview Park, where they managed to play two of the three scheduled matches.

Eamon added: “It was very, very mucky – very wet. The park rangers sort of said, when they saw the state of the pitch after two games of quidditch, he said that we had to move somewhere else, so we ended up having to cancel the last game.”

Since the Dublin Draichta Dragons won the first two games, they won the cup and a spot in the European Quidditch Cup in Germany in April.

Stefan said: “We’re gonna play against the 32 best teams in Europe.

It’s gonna be really exciting!”

Dublin Draichta Dragons scoring despite the muddy conditions. Picture: Mark Hill

GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

To Have to Hold N I W WEDDEDBLISS BLISS We have a great range of wedding features to cover everyone from die-hard traditionalists to contemporary couples, and help meet your needs for the big day.

SEE INSIDE

WORTH

€200

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT PACK See Page 23

SUITED AND BOOTED:

Classic style at Remus Uomo to ensure gentlemen look their very best Page 20

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Check your list, list, list...

FOR most couples, deciding to tie the knot and get hitched is the easy part, as the big day itself marks the end of months (and sometimes even years) of meticulous marital planning.

To help ensure that the day passes off without a hitch, you’ll undoubtedly refer to The List a lot – the endless to-dos to get through before your I-Dos can start.

Here are just some of the main pointers to note and tick off as you prepare for a wonderful wedding – yours!

12 MONTHS TO GO

3 MONTHS TO GO

1 WEEK TO GO

• Set yourself a budget

• Three months out is pretty

• Print or do up place cards

• Start researching venue/ ceremony locations

much your last chance to tell

• Look in to wedding insurance

• Compile your wedding gift

• Decide how many guests you

list (if you’re having one)

want and make a rough list

• Start collecting addresses

• Think about the style of venue you’d like • Start researching wedding suppliers and services such as wedding photographers, entertainment, florists, etc

and do up table plan • Organise envelopes with

everyone

of friends and family for the invites and buy stamps • Decide on your song choi es: first dance, reception etc • Arrange food tasting and decide on menu

payments for suppliers – allocate groomsmen to look after them on the day • Give reception venue/caterer final guest numbers • Attend wedding rehearsal with celebrant • Pack your honeymoon bag (don’t forget your passport)

If you’re having your marriage ceremony abroad, make sure you’re organised before heading off

Mini boys stripe blazer €37, Grandad shirt €13, chino shorts €24 , Girls white 3D flower tulle skirt dress lace €87 and boys blue blazer €56, all available at River Island

The Cuteness

FACTOR PAGE BOYS & FLOWER GIRLS

CHILDREN can bring a sense of fun and lighthearted-

fabulous sense of style. Soft baby pinks and pretty

ness to a wedding and they deserve comfortable

laces will delight any young fashionista and comfortable

and fun outfits for the special day. River Island has

brushed cotton suits in hazy hues will keep the youngest

created the Flower Girl and Summer Suits Collection

of men happy and stylish. The range suits ages 6-months

s o your

to 12 years. See www.riverisland.com

littlest guests can show off their

Getting married abroad?

WITH travel becoming every more affordable, and many modern couples turning away from traditional weddings, or ‘a big do’, it’s understandable that lots of people are looking to get married in a far-flung destination.

Apart from the attraction of getting married somewhere exotic, many romantically-minded (yet also practically-headed) couples like to make a foreign wedding something extra-special, typically by making it an immediate-familyand-very-best-friends-only affair.

Rather than getting married with your milkman’s cousin and your third-cousin Susan who you haven’t seen in 20 years in tow, there’s something magical about getting married with ‘just’ 20-30 or so people in tow, knowing that your big day is being shared with the most important people in your life – and that they’re also having a fun holiday, too.

However, just as with getting married at home, there are some important

things to keep in mind, with getting married abroad presenting its own unique things to note.

1. Check that you are not paying for any extra legal requirements while in the resort – always check before committing to any deal.

2. Always ask how many weddings a day your chosen hotel will have – you don’t want to be part of a ‘conveyor belt’ wedding just churning them out.

3. Always ask if you need to leave the hotel to complete formalities that could involve a visit to the local Licence Office or Registrar’s Office while on your holiday/honeymoon.

4. Go easy on the sunbathing – you definitely don’t want to get sunburnt before your wedding.

5. Finally, always, always travel with your original documents and paperwork, regardless if you’ve sent copies beforehand – your wedding won’t take place unless you have these.

Mini girls pink floral lace dress €60, Mini girls pink metallic bow plimsols €17, girls rose gold bow hairband

Boys pink blazer €56, boys pink suit trousers €33, boys

€6 and Mini boys grey check 4 piece suit set €55, Mini

pink oxford shirt €16, pink and navy striped bow tie €6,

boys tan tassel loafers €29.

white trainers €21.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

 FIND BLISS IN BALBRIGGAN THANKS TO THE BRACKEN COURT 

A bespoke venue to help create the day you’ve dreamed of THE Bracken Cour t Hotel is a well-established 4 -star lu xur y hotel, exceptional in design and character.

From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life.

Whether it’s to be a grand affair or an inti-

mate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you.

With the perfect stylish suites to choose from, the Bracken Court Hotel is a premier venue in North County Dublin.

The bespoke wedding venue is also registered to host civil ceremonies, and there is a variety of large and small spaces w i t h i n t h e B r a c ke n Court to host everything

from the most intimate wedding celebrations to the most lavish occasions.

Excellent value wedding packages at the Bracken Court Hotel start from €39.95 per person, with a premium all-inclusive package priced at €79.95 per guest The hotel also offers perks for the bride and groom to choose from, adding the extra touches

to a perfect wedding day.

From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the happy couple the following morning in their bridal suite, the Bracken Court in Balbriggan has a single focus on creating memorable weddings.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding co-ordinators will ensure everything, from the style of the

The Martello Suite at the Bracken Court Hotel – just one of a number of spaces that can be tailor-customed to suit your wedding’s needs, from the grand to the intimate

wedding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, and entertainment is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements.

Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations.

Recently engaged or looking for the ideal wedding venue?

J o i n t h e B r a c ke n Court Hotel on Sunday, February 18 for their upcoming Spring Wedding Fair from 2pm6pm and meet with the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators and exclusive

preferred partners who will have everything you need for your special day.

The Bracken Court Hotel can be contacted at 01 841 3333, with weddings and other special occasion details available at www.brackencourt.ie.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

LOVE MARRIAGE

Dark grey tr

ousers €1

05

Dinner Suit Jacket €235 Dinner Suit Waistcoat €80 Dinner Suit Trousers €110 Shirt €45

Grey blazer €220 Grey waistcoat €75

ge Trousers with

ometric print

€115

Navy blaze r€ Navy wais 220 tcoat €75

Penrose-London.com

Classically

GROOMED BRIDES tend to hog the limelight at weddings – but dashing

grooms have almost as much pressure to look their best. (Well, almost.) Thankfully, men have plenty of options to dress to impress – after all, it’s their big day too – with a dash of dapper tailoring and attention to detail helping men to look their best.

There are a wide range of gentlemen’s outfitters out there catering for grooms, but we’ve pulled out some items from Remus Uomo to help be a cut above, with ties from Penrose London completing the look.

Penrose-London.com

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

 OFFERING OLD-WORLD CHARM CLOSE TO THE CITY'S EDGE 

A unique, tranquil wedding setting to delight everyone THE Court Yard Hotel is a unique, intimate and bespoke wedding venue in Kildare, offering the perfect wedding location for couples who are looking for that little something extra.

Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the hotel offers old-world charm and beautiful original stonework with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling. The Court Yard Hotel truly is Kildare’s best kept secret.

From its humble beginnings back in 1756, the hotel has become a popular choice with a unique space for weddings and events.

Renowned for its ability to capture the true essence of the day, its staff firmly believe that each wedding should truly reflect the bride and groom’s own personal style.

It is ideal for intimate

offers its own private terrace for pre-drinks reception and evening party room with an exclusive piano bar.

The Court Yard Hotel’s exclusive Store House package, aptly named after its Guinness heritage, includes all the finer details for €89 per person to bespoke inspired packages such as the Boat House package starting from as little as €49 per person.

The charm of the historic hotel, coupled with its magnificent riverside setting, make the Court Yard Hotel a truly superb wedding venue

gatherings, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate with up to 100 cherished family and friends in the stunning R iverBank reception

room – a truly beautiful wedding room with captivating views of the River Liffey and Leixlip Castle Boat House.

The RiverBank room

Recently Engaged?

An upcoming Spring Wedding Showcase takes place at the Court Yard Hotel on Thursday, February 22 from 6pm-9pm.

Meet with their dedicated wedding team and enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Court Yard Hotel has to offer you on your special day.

The Court Yard Hotel can be contacted on (01) 629 5100; see also www. courtyard.ie

Research your photographer carefully, and getting the best shots of your all-important day should be a snap NO MATTER who you are, who you’re marrying or where you’re getting hitched, and how, there’s one thing everyone wants to have: great wedding photos.

The importance of hiring a professional wedding photographer cannot be over-emphasised – turning to a friend with a good camera do it, leaving it to your guests, or hiring a non-wedding photographer is almost certainly a bad idea.

Any of these groups or people can give you some more photos to treasure, but they can’t compete with the skills and experience of an experienced professional who specialises in capturing couples’ dream shots.

It’s never too soon to start thinking

about the photos of your big day, with a good photographer being something that you should research just as carefully, and as far in advance, as any other key part of the day.

Hiring a professional photographer is a part of the wedding that is crucial to get right. Remember: your photos will form some of the most important and lasting memories you’ll have of the day, and if they don’t

turn out as you want, then your memories will be ruined.

The same applies to those who choose a videographer, with your wedding or ceremony video also needing a skilled professional to get right; many photographers and videographers work as a team, or can recommend someone to work with to get your still and moving images just right.

Apart from word of mouth, and being able to turn to friends and family for direct recommendations, be sure to also check online portfolios of photographers’ work, with most now offering subtle digital retouching and polishing to enhance your shots, with copies often included in their packages and wedding deals.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Sojourn in stunning Sorrento – just one of the pearls scattered along Italy’s jaw-dropping Amalfi coast, and a perfect destination for honeymooners

So many options to find your heavenly honeymoon break  RACHEL D’ARCY

YOU’VE sur vived the stresses and joys of your big day – now, it’s time to get away!

The honeymoon is your first step into wedded bliss, and there’s nothing like a top-class travel agent to organise the perfect getaway for you and your partner.

For those looking to venture a little further afield, Tour America has some great packages available.

From a ten-night break to Cancun and Las Vegas, to a Carribean cruise with a New York stopover, they have something to cater to all tastes.

They even have a Universal Studios package for the more thrill-seeking newlyweds! Prices start from €1,449 per person.

E s c a p e 2 o n Lowe r

Abbey Street offer tailormade luxury honeymoon packages to exotic destinations such as Bali, the Dominican Republic and Paradise Island.

Fo r a s e v e n - n i g h t break in Punta Cana, prices begin at €1,289 per person, with a week in Mexico costing €2,419 per person.

Fancy staying a little closer to home? Look no further than Sunway Holidays. From five-star hotels in the Algarve to seven nights in opulence in luxurious Lanzarote, they’ve got you covered.

All their honeymoon offerings range from fourto five-stars for the break you deserve.

Prices start at €1,458 f o r s e ve n n i g h t s o f f i ve - s t a r g l a m o u r i n the Algarve, ranging to €2,669 for a Sorrento siesta.

Don’t be afraid to hand over some control (and stress) to your planner MANY couples never even consider hiring a professional wedding planner, not realising that having outside, additional help can save both of them time, aggravation, and even money.

Whether you and your future spouse are behind in your wedding planning, or are just looking for some general guidance, a wedding planner for the big day could be a great option to avail of.

It’s only natural that you both want to take control of your big day, but there’s a lot to be said for having help from a skilled wedding professional, and for leaving them to deal with many of the logistics, problems and stresses involved – after all, that’s their job!

For those looking for a dash of decadence and a beautiful way to add something special to the wedding dining, gold cutlery is sure to be a hut

Try gold cutlery to be a cut above with the meal

FOR couples looking to add an extra-special touch to their big day, one Dublin woman has something to help be a cut, jab and scoop above – gold cutlery.

When Churchtown native Amy McGovern got married in Italy in 2016, she picked gold cutlery for the reception, with the luxurious splurge elevating the table settings and proving a hit with impressed guests.

A fter the wedding, however, Amy realised

she had a 750-piece set of gold cutlery and no use for it.

Instead of letting the

beautiful collection of cutlery gather dust up in a box in the attic, Amy now rents the lovely set out for

use at other weddings and big events, and says she’s delighted to be helping make any other couple’s big day even better.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, she says: “I really wanted the set for my own wedding. It was my one extravagant buy, and I looked in to hiring this type of cutlery in Ireland and I couldn’t find any option that was in any way reasonably priced.

“So, when I researched it, it made sense for me to actually purchase gold cutlery outright.”

Amy shipped the cutlery in from China and, as part of her own beautiful wedding, says the cutlery really added a special touch of decadence to the reception, as well as being a fun talking point with guests.

She has since set up an Instagram profile showcasing the cutlery in all its glory – search for #goldcutleryforhire on Instagram.

Alternatively, you can also email Amy at goldcutleryforhire@outlook. ie for a quote.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

 TALBOT HOTEL STILLORGAN HELPS TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY LITTLE DETAIL 

Offering the warmest of welcomes for your big day

YOUR wedding day is the most special day of your life, and staff at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan are determined to ensure that every detail is perfect.

As part of the familyow ned Talbot Hotel Group, the hotel’s staff understand tradition and offer the warmest of welcomes to couples and their guests.

Offering a selection of wedding suites which can be individually tailored to let the bride and groom create and celebrate their dream day, the Talbot Hotel Stillor-

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan promises to help create the perfect mood for your big day

gan provides the ideal setting for the perfect South Dublin wedding venue.

From intimate gatherings to formal receptions, the hotel’s wedding coordinators will

WI€N200 WORTH

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Instax 300 Instant Camera • Three packs of 20 photos (total 60 wide-format shots) • Pen, bespoke wedding album and adhesive pads

work with the bride and groom to create a uniquely special day.

W hen it comes to their wedding day, every detail is paramount. The staff are on hand to help guide couples through

their special day, with ever y detail being thoughtfully considered from the beginning to end.

T h e Ta l b o t Ho t e l Stillorgan’s exquisite French courtyard and

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT BUNDLE THANKS to our friends at Fujifilm, we have a Fujifilm Instax 300 Wedding Gift Bundle (worth €200) to give away to a lucky reader.

This wonderful all-in-one pack would make a perfect gift for the happy couple – or be a terrific way to capture some onthe-go moments of their special day, with the easy-to-use cam-

era making it a cinch for everyone to capture and share the memories of the wonderful day.

TO WIN, email your details to competitions@dublingazette. com (name, address, contact number); alternatively, visit our Dublin Gazette Facebook page before 5pm on Friday, February 2, and follow the instructions there. Best of luck!

garden oasis creates a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing guests to unwind during the drinks reception and throughout the special day.

The Talbot Stillorgan is also licensed for civil ceremonies, with tailored packages on offer, and a choice of two ceremony suites which can cater for groups of 25-250 guests.

For further information, see www.talbothotelstillorgan.com, email weddings@talbotstillorgan.com, or call 01 200 1800.

Lots for couples to think of and get organised about before the big day arrives

COUPLES have lots of options to consider for their big day. For example, for their wedding ceremony, do you want to have a church ceremony or a civil ceremony? If it’s to be a church ceremony, are you both of the same religion?

The majority of church weddings in the Republic of Ireland are still Catholic ceremonies, but as society and culture changes, this too is changing, with the evolving state of marriage in Ireland giving couples more choice than ever before.

As most couples are still traditionalists looking to get married in a church or similar religious venue, the process can be quite bureaucratic, so it’s important to check with your local

religious figure, and venue, as to what you have to do.

If you’re thinking about a civil ceremony, are you thinking of a registry office or would you like to get married at a venue? Do you want separate venues for your ceremony and reception or would you like them in the same place?

As for those who’d like to get married outdoors, it can be a bit tricky to get married outdoors in Ireland (only Humanist ceremonies and particular religions – not for civil ceremonies or Catholic ones).

However, lots of couples choose to have a civil ceremony for the legal bit, and then plan their own ceremony in the location of their choice.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE  TRANSFORMED VENUE SURE TO DELIGHT 

Red Cow Moran will tick all your wedding boxes Rose open ring with red cubic zirconia €59

Heart padlock silver ring €39

Heart-shaped rose spacer with red cubic zirconia €35

Floating locket heart key silver pendant with clear cubic zirconia and necklace €119

Two hearts silver charm with clear cubic zirconia €49

Bling it on! nice, sweet way to say thank-you

OKAY, so you’ve got the rings and

Pandora have some great gifts

the bling sorted out – well, you’d

that would go down a treat with

to your bridesmaids and helpers

hope so, with your big day looming

bridesmairds, or to some other

– and if any of them aren’t hitched

on the horizon - but what about

close pals who’ve also been a trea-

yet, they might even bring them

adding a sparkling touch to the

sure with organising everything.

a little luck as they stand by your

They’re simple gifts, but they’ll a

memories of your helpers?

side on your own special day!

Prismatic Shadow 15

NO SELF-RESPECTING bride would dream or

The unexpected hues and tones will add

dare of getting married without “some-

as vivid (or subtle) a shade of blue, cyan,

thing blue” – enter NYX Professional Make-

and everything in between you could hope

Up, offering some unexpected and daring

for, creating a contemporary dash of

shades that will leave any bride looking

colour that could be a wonderful addition to

blue-ming beautiful.

all the rest of the day’s traditional stylings.

Jumbo Baby Blue eye pencil €5

Something blue…

Water elements blue-based palette

THE TRANSFORMED Red Cow Moran Hotel has been transformed by the recent addition of an extension that has added 152 luxury guestrooms, 14 new event spaces, Link lounge with wine bar and coffee dock, a fitness suite, gorgeous new courtyard garden and Tom’s Table restaurant, making it the perfect choice for your wedding reception.

Offering complete wedding packages and catering for up to 450 guests and more intimate weddings, along with extensive menu options and drinks packages, couples can rest assured that their wedding day will be unique as they are.

The Red Cow Moran’s dedicated wedding coordinators always go the extra mile to make the big day truly unforgettable.

The hotel is ideal for weddings of any size.

Weddings can start from an intimate party of 10 people right up to 450 dinner guests in the ballroom, up to 200 guests in Tom’s Table, or up to 70 guests in a private suite.

Wedding packages are based on a minimum of 80 guests, so smaller weddings are each individually tailored to suit.

The Red Cow Moran’s

wedding packages offer a “One wedding a day” promise, and its experienced wedding coordinators will ensure that couples enjoy their special day every step of the way, with their arrangements carried out with the individual attention and personal service that the Red Cow Moran Hotel is renowned for.

Location Occupying one of the best locations in the country and with 275 luxurious bedrooms, the Red Cow Moran Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to accommodating guests who have to travel from all corners of the country, or who are coming in from abroad.

Located just off the N7/M50, the hotel offers speedy access to all parts of the country, in addition to Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport, and Heuston and Connolly train stations.

The Red Cow Moran Hotel is also a popular choice for those seeking a civil ceremony or an informal blessing in Dublin. Its beautiful new courtyard garden offers brides- and grooms-to-be the opportunity to have their ceremony outdoors

in a chic urban oasis.

Exchanging vows at a hotel allows couples to enjoy their wedding celebrations all under one roof, meaning less to worry about on their special day.

Couples have the option of using the hotel’s civil ceremony venue for gatherings from two to 200 guests.

Its courtyard garden provides the perfect backdrop for engagement parties, cocktail receptions and even post-wedding day BBQs. This hidden gem can be decorated in a variety of ways to make the special day truly unique.

For beautiful wedding photographs, the courtyard garden and dramatic sweeping staircase, with Murano glass chandelier, provide amazing backdrops.

Whether planning a celebration that’s traditional or trendy, festive or formal, intimate or grand scale, the Red Cow Moran guarantees that you’ll be saying YES to holding your wedding there.

Contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator by emailing weddings@redcowmoranhotel.com, or call 01 459 3650.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

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.

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.

SCRIBBLE BOX

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS affliction

pang

anguish

pound

cramp

smart

grief

sore

hankering

spasm

heartache

suffer

hunger

throb

hurt

torment

insufferable

twinge

longing

woe

misery

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE PICK OF THE WEEK

LET’S GO OUT MUSIC

ERASURE

@ THE OLYMPIA THEATRE SYNTH pop duo Erasure play the Olympia Theatre on January 29, 30 and 31.

Since releasing their first single in 1985, Erasure have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.

For 32 years, without a break or break-up, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have mined a rich seam of creativity

that has led to chart-conquering singles, a string of immaculate albums, a BRIT, an Ivor Novello Award and now World Be Gone, their seventeenth studio album.

Tickets for their Olympia Theatre shows, priced from €54.50, are on sale now from Ticketmaster .

BEST OF THE REST JANUARY 25 (Thursday) Elder Island @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free Andy Irvine + Donal Lunny @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €30 Jarlath Henderson Band @ St Michan’s Church, €25 The Fureys @ Porterhouse (Temple Bar), €3 Jack O’Rourke + Sounds of Sirens @ St Werburgh’s Church, €20 Stockton’s Wing @ The Merchant’s Arch The 4 Of Us @ Whelan’s, €25 JANUARY 26 (Friday) The Spitfires @ Workman’s Club, €15 Moon Duo @ The Button Factory, €16 Lord Huron @ Vicar Street, €25 The Frankenstein Bolts @ Graphic Studio Gallery Judy Collins @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €38 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 27 (Saturday) Rosborough @ Whelan’s, €13 Heavily touted as a soon-to-be superstar, Rosborough - a youngster from Derry - plays charming and memorable ditties inspired by anyone from Bruce Springsteen to The Ramones and Muse. His newfound solo career shows all the hallmarks of years fronting fast-gigging bands.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Sofi Tukker @ The Button Factory, €18 Huxley + Mele @ District 8, €17 Martha Wainwright @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €32

The Legend of Luke Kelly Show @ Vicar Street, €30 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 28 (Sunday) The Weather Station @ The Grand Social Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free The Menzingers + Pup + Cayetana @ Whelan’s, €22 Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Folk Gala featuring Shelby Lynne + Allison Moorer @ Dublin Castle, €40 JANUARY 29 (Monday) Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €40-50 A man who needs no introduction, a Monday night spent watching Christy light up Vicar Street is a night well spent. Pure sonic poetry.

JANUARY 30 (Tuesday) Jeff Tweedy @ Vicar Street, €40 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Revel in camp sing-alongs from this wonderful pop act, as they bring their over-the-top tunes to the Olympia and lead a chorus on respect.

Hayseed Dixie @ Whelan’s, €20 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Visions of Floyd @ The National Concert Hall, €22-32.

JANUARY 31 (Wednesday) Pale Waves @ The Grand Social, €13 Ulaid + Duke Special @ Whelan’s, €22 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

THREE BILLBOARDS Unrelentingly powerful

FRANCES McDormand is a raw force of nature in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Cert 15A, 115 mins). Here, her daughter was murdered and she’s out for justice, with three unused billboards proving perfect for her ads to pile pressure on the local police in their small town. Things soon escalate in a dark direction, but her steely character remains sympathetic throughout.

Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf turn in equally memorable roles, bouncing off each other with an intensity that rings true for many parent-child relationships

LADY BIRD: FILM HAS REAL HEART, WITH EMOTIONS THAT TURN ON A DIME

THE POST

A press worth opening THE Post (Cert 12A, 115 mins) is director Spielberg’s love letter to journalistic integrity, given some intentional topicality by the strange embrace of ‘fake news’ mantras by far too many people today. Stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep excel as The Washington Post’s editor and publisher respectively, as they mull over tough choices in what they can can – and should – publish in the paper as they expose Nixon’s wrongdoing.

THE LAST JEDI

Still a Forceful franchise AFTER a certain scene in The Last Jedi (Cert 12A, 155 mins), you’d be forgiven for thinking the late Carrie Fisher (as General Leia, above) in her final film was the last Jedi. But, no, despite her spinetingling swansong, the film very much belongs to Mark Hamill’s startling turn as the eponymous Jedi, with his jaded, guilt-ridden Luke Skywalker helping the series move on, thematically.

Awkwardly wonderful ANYONE who spent their formative years navigating the awkward fashions and questionable music of the early millennium will find some instant kinship in Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut.

For tunately, Lady Bird (Cert 15A, 94 mins) is such an utterly endearing coming-of-age tale, anybody who’s outmanoeuvred the choppy waters of adolescence will find something to love in this charming comedic drama.

That something, above all else, is “Lady Bird” herself – the Sacramento, California high school student whose story is based on Gerwig’s own teenage years, brought to life with the magnetism and burgeoning talent of Saoirse Ronan.

Gerwig’s first effort is a lovingly crafted film, bearing all the notes of her co-writing work with director Noah Baumbach

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

– hard evidence of an auteur at work.

Christine McPherson, senior student at a Catholic high school, prefers to go by “Lady Bird” - her ‘given’ name (“she gave it to herself”).

Struggling to maintain a strained relationship with her headstrong mother (Laurie Metcalf), Lady Bird navigates her first romantic relationship, the tribulations of her high school’s social hierarchy and stages optimistic plans for her future – plans her mother considers unrealistic and, given her father’s (Tracy Letts) recent redundancy, unaffordable.

Lady Bird takes its cues from the same cinematic

pool as most American coming-of-age stories: Christine wanders from phase to phase, learns who her friends are, gets in trouble, drinks, smokes, fights and falls in and out of love.

These are tropes and plot points we’ve seen time and time again, but instead of feeling tired, the narrative in Lady Bird oozes a comfortable, homespun familiarity.

Ger wig documents the era perfectly, rendering each familiar beat remarkably fresh.

She creates a world both personal and universal, and Ronan pulls us right into it.

Everything about adolescence is awful for Lady Bird – she doesn’t have the ‘right’ friends, can’t find the ‘right’ guy and doesn’t seem set to go to the ‘right’ colleges.

Ye t w i t h R o n a n ’s vibrant, wonderfully natural performance, Lady Bird’s story breathes out

a tremendous optimism.

In and around all her highs and lows, Ronan’s performance has a loveably awkward warmth and precise comedic timing that brings to mind Gerwig’s own turns in front of the camera.

Gerwig juxtaposes the very real (at the time) dramas of adolescence with moments of heartfelt comedy and R o n a n ties it all together with a c o m mand of the craft that even n ow, a decade into her c a r e e r, is pro found for an actor her age.

O u t wardly

confident and yet utterly vulnerable; heedless, irrational and yet wise beyond her years, Lady Bird radiates a warmth we can’t help but cling to.

However, it’d be unfair to insinuate that Ronan carries Lady Bird. Metcalfe delivers a superb per formance as Christine’s mother; the scenes in which they cl a s h a r e some of the film’s m o s t devastating a n d p o i gnant.

Relat i v e n e w comer Lucas

Hedges builds on all the promise and natural aptitude he demonstrated in last year’s Manchester by the Sea and, as her best friend, newcomer Beanie Feldstein delivers one hell of a break-out performance.

Speaking of break-outs, Gerwig’s first turn behind the camera further cements her as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cinema.

At its heart, Lady Bird is her story, and there isn’t a frame here that doesn’t feel deeply personal.

Lady Bird may hit familiar beats, but there’s nothing trite about Gerwig’s film – a short, sweet story that flows naturally, feels effortless and provides the perfect space for its burgeoning star to demonstrate her skill.

Verdict: 9/10

Ronan does a great job at capturing some of the highs and horrors of our adolescent years

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINMOTORING

Style, comfort and power ensures Ranger leads pick-up market

There is a big feeling to the good looking Ford Ranger while the price is competitive at €44,175, incl. VAT

Pick-up trucks are no longer just functional machines and they now come with features and comfort levels that were unimaginable just five years ago.

These are unique vehicles that are growing in popularity across Ireland and the world. MICHAEL MORONEY took the 2017 market leader, the Ford Ranger on test and justifies its popularity.

PICK-UPS are fashionable once again with hints that Irish drivers are following those in America in their quest for a weekend motor that’s stylish, functional and attractive, with the capacity to work for the rest of the week.

No 4x4 pick-up meets these demands better than the Ford Ranger and the market has proven that desire as the Ranger topped the 4x4 sales in 2017.

Ford has a pick-up truck heritage that’s the envy of other brands.

For years, Fords F150 pick-up has been America’s best-seller, across any car make and model.

Ford has built a new reputation in Europe and Ireland for the Ranger series, a more compact pick-up than what’s available in North America.

The new generation

Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price

3.2 litre 200hp 10.9 seconds 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg) 80 litres 221g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 5 stars 2012 3500kgs 2 years unlimited €44,175

Ranger has some styling lines from the American market that add to its appeal.

My test version was a blackWildtrak Ranger and the chrome was replaced by an all-black Titanium front that gave it even more appeal.

Ford uniquely offers

two engine and power bands for the Ranger pick-up. The entry model is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. My test Ranger was the more powerful, five-cylinder version that’s rated at 3.2-litres and pumps out 200bhp from this throaty sound-

ing engine.

The big solid engine feel and sound is more than superficial. Everything about the Ranger has a big and strong feel to it, helped by the high torque figure of 400Nm that ensures that it can tow a 3.5 tonne load at low revs and with ease.

Out on the road the six speed gearbox allows the Ranger to cruise on the motorways at 120km/hr at just about 2,250rpm, even with a full load on board.

Hitching up a trailer is easy with the impressive reversing camera and when towing the load is barely noticeable because of the Ranger power.

That bigger engine delivers power and takes a little more fuel than some of the competition.

Over a test drive of almost 700km, I found

that the Ranger was very near true to its economy claims of 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg), helped by its start/stop system when driving in heavy traffic.

That’s marginally less economical than the new V6 Volkswagen Amarok pick-up.

The Ranger wins out on acceleration, but only marginally so over the higher power versions of the Nissan Navara and the Volkswagen Amarok.

While the Amarok tops the league in terms of engine power and torque, all three are rated at the top towing figure of 3.5 tonnes.

Driving off road is effortless by just engaging the four-wheel-drive system in high or low range by means of a dial beside the gear lever.

This can be done on

the move at slower speeds, allowing the driver to deal with frost and snow conditions on the road, as well as the more serious mud plugging adventures.

I took the Ranger across some seriously waterlogged fields and with care and steady driving, my route was never compromised.

The high engine torque meant that at low revs, we pushed through the mud and water with a steady pace, with little hint of wheel spin or slippage.

The Wildtrak version comes with lots of specification on board, including larger 18 wheel, an off-road pack, as well as a leather trimmed steering wheel, and a full range of safety features that are the now available on higherend standard road cars.

While the Ranger has

not had a recent Euro NCAP test result, the overall safety package is equivalent to that available on those that have.

Sales of the Ford Ranger just by 26% in 2017 based on an impressive specification and competitive entry price that starts at €44,175 for this high powered version.

That’s marginally more competitive than the slightly higher power Volkswagen Amarok and more expensive than Nissan’s Navara.

The Ranger package is very complete, the vehicle is strong and workmanlike while delivering a level of comfort for the weekend, complimented by styling good looks. The Ranger deserves its market leading place and it demands a test drive if you’re in the pick-up market in 2018.

Fiat offers choice of three for 181 FIAT Ireland has announced three 181 offers available to customers until 31 January 2018.

Customers trading in an older Euro 1 to Euro 4 car (petrol or diesel of any brand) will be able to avail of scrappage bonuses of up to €5,000 on selected Fiat models.

Customers that do not qualify for the Fiat Scrappage

The Fiat offer applies only to any passenger car with preEuro 5 emissions standards (petrol or diesel) registered before 31st December 2009 and where the car has been in the owner’s name for more than 180 days.

The scrappage bonuses available by model are; Model

Scrappage Bonus up to

bonuses will be able to avail of either low rate finance or

Fiat Punto

€1,500

cash savings offers, with 0% APR Personal Contract Plan

Fiat 500

€2,000

(PCP) & Hire Purchase (HP) available across selected Fiat

Fiat 500X

€3,000

500, Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Fiat 500L and Fiat 124 Spider models

Fiat Tipo

€3,500

or cash savings of up to €3,000 available across the Fiat

Fiat 500L

€4,000

range.

Fiat 124 Spider

€5,000

Fiat is offering a new scrappage option across many models

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Ford fits a five-cylinder turbo-diesel to power the Range 3.2 and its has a powerful sound backing up its 200bhp rating

VOLVO Cars’ XC60 has been crowned the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance of 2017 in the prestigious Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98% in the Adult Occupant category and in its Large Off-Road class, showed a clear advantage in Safety Assist with a score of 95 per cent – 20 percentage points higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor – underlining Volvo Cars’ position as a leader in automotive safety.

The Euro NCAP award for the XC60 follows in the tracks of Volvo Cars’ XC90, which in 2015 was also named the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance that year.

Volvo Cars’ V40 is another previous Euro NCAP winner, in the Small Family class.

The XC60 also joins the S90 and V90 in making history for Volvo Cars as the first manufacturer to hold all top three car rankings in Euro NCAP’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests – AEB City, AEB InterUrban and AEB Pedestrian. The three Volvo cars are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all three AEB categories.

“The new XC60 is one of the safest Volvo cars ever made,” said Malin Ekholm, Vice President, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

“It is fully loaded with new technology designed to assist drivers, to help protect vehicle occupants and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, plus mitigate collision risks.

We are proud that our ongoing commitment to innovating new safety features has been recognised with another Euro NCAP Best in Class award for Volvo Cars.”

GAZETTE

Volvo XC60 is rated as safest car in Euro NCAP testing

FASTNews

Slow down in diesel forecast in 2018

DIESEL engines, once the favoured options across Europe, have been in decline due to a number of factors, and now industry experts claim that the diesel engine should not be counted out just yet.

Diesel car and van sales will continue to be important in 2018 because car companies still need to keep a high percentage of diesels in their ranges to meet carbon emissions requirements, currently 130 grams per km of CO2 for the European fleet.

Car companies are now working hard to come up with an engine mix that will allow them to meet the next big emissions cut, that takes full effect in 2021, to a fleet average of 95g/km of CO2.

This figure will mean significant numbers of electric and electrified cars in the fleets of the car companies. This means there will still be plenty of diesels available at dealerships, with car companies strongly motivated to sell them at competitive prices.

Record year at Skoda SKODA Ireland claims that despite the Irish new car market decreasing by 10% in 2017 compared to 2016, Skoda increased its new car turnover figure by 1% to €146 million in 2017 and increased turnover from parts and accessories by 8% to €9.6 million.

Skoda claims that a growing number of customers are also availing of the competitive Skoda finance offers, with the brand loaning over €112 million to customers over the past twelve months, an increase of 5% on 2016.

Skoda Ireland have also recorded market share of 6.9% which is the highest ever share recorded by the brand in Ireland.

Skoda delivered 9,056 new vehicles to customers in 2017, making it the sixth bestselling car brand in the country for the third year in a row, as the brand now sets its sights on a top five finish in 2018.

John Donegan, brand director at Skoda Ireland, said: “There’s no doubt that the new car market has been impacted by the level of imports in 2017.

Brexit and sterling values pose big threats to the industry but Skoda has remained strong based

The drop leaf tailgate on the Ford Ranger 3.2 is strong and solid enough to add to the load carrying ability and

The Volvo XC60, S90 and V90 are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all

on our extensive range, strong dealer network

when shut it can be securely locked.

three Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests categories Euro NCAP’s tests.

and competitive offers.

“Just over 53% of the cars sold by Skoda in Ire-

Drivers still want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars TWO out of three European drivers want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars become commonplace, according to a major new piece of research launched by Mazda.

The Ipsos research, which was commissioned as part of Mazda polled 11,008 people across key European markets and revealed that an average of 66% of drivers wanted to remain behind the wheel even if self-driving cars become widely available.

That figure is as high as 71% in the UK, Germany, Austria and Poland and only in

Italy does it dip below 60% (59%).

Coupled with this, the study also found that only 33% of drivers “welcome the advent of self-driving cars” with the number dropping as low as 25% in France and the Netherlands and reaching only 29% in the UK. Interestingly, there is virtually no evidence of greater support for self-driving cars in younger age groups across Europe – in fact, 18-24 year olds (33%) were no more likely to welcome self-driving cars than 25-34 year olds (36%) and 35-44 year olds (34%).

The research also reveals that 69% of drivers “hope that future generations will continue to have the option to drive cars”.

The figure is as high as 74% in Poland and 70% or higher in the UK, Germany, France and Sweden.

In addition, 36% of those who enjoy driving see their car and the act of driving as an “extension of my personality” with the number rising to 56% in Poland and 46% in Italy.

And 34% agree driving is in danger of becoming a “forgotten pleasure” – in France, Italy and Poland the figure is 40% or higher.

land were financed by Skoda Finance and we’re looking forward to growing that number further in 2018,” said John Donegan.

Skoda has reported a record year in 2017 with sales of over 9,000 cars and turnover of more than €146 million

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 25 January 2018

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SPORT

FastSport NAC WORLD RECORD GETS RATIFICATION: ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, 100 Irish swimmers celebrated National Swimming Day by breaking the Guinness world record 100 x 50m relay at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.

The swimmers collectively set a time of 46 minutes 38.04 seconds breaking the previous record by over nine minutes.

The time has now been ratified as an official Guinness world record.

Ireland’s fastest ever female swimmer Danielle Hill led off the relay with Bangor swimmer Jack McMillan bringing it home. The team of swimmers, aged from 15 to 60, included national squad members, club, masters, open water swimmers and water polo players coming together from all four regions.

SOCCER: DALYMOUNT CLUB SPREADING OUT FURTHER INTO LOCAL COMMUNITY

Bohs launch their ambitious More than a Club programme

 sport@dublingazette.com

BOHEMIANS More Than A Club programme was launched at Dalymount Park by the Football Association of Ireland, the club and the Bohemian Foundation.

The programme is a par tnership between Bohemian FC and the FAI with the objective of creating a sustainable social enterprise in our community, which will develop and deliver life sciences and sporting programmes to promote social inclusion.

This programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund’s IrelandWales Programme and will be rolled out by two League of Ireland clubs in Ireland (Bohemian FC and Cork City FC) as well as two clubs in Wales (Conwy Borough FC and Haverfordwest County AFC), for an initial 18 months.

Each club will be provided with two full-time and one parttime staff for the duration of the project with Carina O’Brien and Shane Fox working full-time with Bos, while Ger Coughlan has taken up the part-time role.

Programmes which will be

Shane Fox, Carina O’Brien, Oscar Brennan and Ger Coughlan at the More Than A Club launch Picture: Sportsfile

delivered from February 2018 will engage with all age groups in our diverse community including: numeracy through football with primary school children; run the Club with young people aged 16-24; sporting memories with older people; walking football with people with disabilities and football playing and coaching in Mountjoy Prison.

It is envisaged that the More

than a Club Programme will build on the success of the Bohemian Foundation and enable it to expand its reach throughout our community.

Bohemian FC President Chris Brien said: “We are proud of what we do in the area. We have been involved with the northside community for 128 years and as a members-owned club, we are very aware of our responsibilities to that community.

“The Bohemian Foundation has carried out a lot of work with minimal resources in terms of finance and people.

“We’ve carried out weekly walking football sessions in Cabra with children with autism and adults with mental health issues, we have walking football in Ballymun for unemployed and retired people.

“In Mountjoy Prison, we run football coaching and

competitions as well as comedy workshops with the prisoners.

We’ve also run the comedy workshops for homeless people with Focus Ireland.

“We visit schools regularly to advise children of healthy eating habits among other things.

“We don’t do this to feel good about ourselves. We as a club are in and of the north Dublin community and we have a duty to contribute to that community.

“We have a duty to help improve the situations of those people living in the area from which we garner our support. “ We h o p e t h a t t h i s partnership will allow us to move to another level so we can expand and build upon the work we’ve already been doing.”

FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin said: “We expect that the project will empower football clubs to recognise and utilise the powerful attraction of football and the value of their own club brand locally to promote social good.

“It will encourage them to work in partnerships with key agencies and groups with an interest in community d e ve l o p m e n t t o d e l i ve r important social programmes.”

Railway Union’s double delight in Leinster indoors  sport@dublingazette.com

Railway Union’s indoor hockey side with the Leinster Cup. Picture: Tristan Stedham

R AILWAY Union won the Leinster indoor hockey double as both their men and women prevailed last Sunday night at St Columba’s College.

For the women, it was a comfortable affair as they ran up a 4-0 win over Glenanne.

Hannah de Burgh Whyte got them off to a flying start when she burst forward from the back to slot home from the right edge of the circle.

Kate McKenna popped home the second in the 10th minute,

picking up breaking ball after two Glenanne players collided in midfield. McKenna – a cricket international who was also on the Dublin ladies football team that won the All-Ireland in 2017 – scored her second after half-time from Ruth Clifford’s delightful backhand slipped pass.

Kate Dillon hit the bar from a penalty stroke but Anna-May Whelan capped the win in the last play when she took a free quickly, racing into the circle and scoring.

In the men’s final, Jeremy Duncan was the returning

hero as he scored five times in Railway’s 7-4 win over Three Rock Rovers.

Rovers lead 1-0 and 2-1 through Daragh Walsh and Ross Canning but Duncan – who plays his outdoor hockey professionally in Belgium – equalised both times and then pushed his side 4-2 up at halftime.

Richard Pautz and Canning tied the game up for a third time at 4-4 early in the second half and it remained that way until a couple of minutes from time.

Duncan, though, was unstop-

pable as he broke forward and flicked in a fifth goal to restored the lead.

He set up Fiachra Maher to make it 6-4 a minute later and, for good measure, Duncan’s shot fell was saved by Conor Quinn but fell only as far Maher who nudged in the rebound.

All the finalists will now advance to next Sunday’s AllIreland stages with Ulster’s Queen’s competing on the men’s side while, in the women’s competition, Connacht’s Galway and Ulster’s Ards are also involved.

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

RUGBY

Robbie Henshaw scored a key try. Picture: Martin Doherty

Cullen wary of favourites tag for European journey LEINSTER head coach Leo Cullen says the “challenge doesn’t get any easier” despite his side reaching the knock-out stage of the European Cup as the number one seed, guaranteeing them a home quarter-final and - should they get there - a home semi-final as well.

They will meet Saracens in the last eight of the competition on the Easter weekend in the Aviva Stadium following their narrow 23-14 win over Montpellier in southern France last Saturday, making it six wins out of six in the group stages.

Cullen, though, was keen to downplay any suggestions of a favourites tag despite the breathtaking run through the preliminary phase of the competition.

“Our focus all along was to just get out of our pool given that we were drawn against three teams at the top of their respective domestic competitions,” Cullen said.

“The players and the backroom staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve that goal and to achieve the home quarter-final in the Aviva Stadium on Easter weekend.

“The challenge doesn’t get any easier against a Saracens team looking for three Champions Cup titles in a row. They’re well coached under Mark McCall and have an array of English and foreign talent at their disposal and they’re showing good form in Europe and in the Premiership.

“They’re the top try scorers in both competitions so we’re under no illusions as to the task ahead.

“It’s a while away yet but great to know who we have and we can start planning. It’s a challenge that we very much look forward to and I know the Leinster supporters will respond in kind to make it a brilliant occasion at the Aviva.”

Against Montpellier, Leinster trailed 14-8 at half-time but Robbie Henshaw managed to dive over in the right corner to get them right back in the mix before a Ross Byrne penalty - en route to a total of 13 points - put them in front with half an hour to go.

Sean Cronin bundled his way over from an excellent rolling maul to complete the victory in the 51st minute.

Next on the Leinster agenda is a February 9 date away to Edinburgh at Myreside.

Kenilworth’s rich history looking to next chapter Idyllic Rathmines bowling club now open for league action on a year-round basis with top quality artificial green in place to keep them sustained through the winter months  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

KENILWORTH Bowling Club has an extensive history dating back almost 130 years. Bowling became a thing in the gardens of houses around Kenilworth Square in Rathgar back in 1890 when Charles Eason (of the book-selling family) began the game in his back garden.

By 1892, a formal club had been formed, and bowling moved to Kenilworth Square itself, before later moving to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, where they reside today.

Honorar y Secretary Eamonn Murray described the modern club, one which has switched to an all year round activity as a result

of the club’s all-weather pitch.

The winter league runs distinct from an unrelated indoor league which also exists in the capital with the main events in the height of the summer.

Murray is keen to extend involvement year round.

“We’re the only club in the country with two greens,” he explains. “We play summer on grass.

The two leagues, for men and women, finish in August or September.

A lot of other clubs have grass only so the winter league is less games and a smaller competition, maybe groups of five or six teams.

“Some clubs that play on grass come and use the artificial surfaces. There are about 20-25 clubs in Dublin and the winter

A general view of Kenilworth Bowling Club

league has taken on a life of its own.”

Despite the year round leagues, however, Murray feels lawn bowls in Dublin lags behind where it should be.

“You might find one club in every small town here,” he explains. “In Northern Ireland, you’d find three or four. It’s a cultural difference. I think people in Ireland see it as a game to play when you stop playing another game.

“That’s a real shame.

It’s a bit like cricket, for example. It can be quite a hard sell for young people as it’s a slow game but once people start to play they tend to love it and stick to it.

“Some people are very naturally strong, and those who are can go a

long way very quickly.”

Kenilworth, in fact, played out much of its early history in modern day Northern Ireland due to the absence of competition in the Republic.

At the turn of the 20th Century, league games i nvo l ve d c o m p e t i n g against eleven different sides, all of which were from Ulster.

In 1908, the club moved to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, keeping the name Kenilworth, and later bought the square outright, moving in a tennis club and hosting international matches.

“We gain a lot of our members as we’re in the middle of a public square with people out walking, and quite often they just want to find out what’s going on,” Murray says.

“You’d learn quickly that the weight and is very important, and the weather conditions can have a big impact on a game.

Naturally good players learn fast, and it can be advantage to have a background in other sports.”

Kenilworth are very open to new members, then, whether they’re retiring from a more physical sport, those who’ve simply taken an interest, or teenagers looking to expand their sporting horizons. The only thing you need is a pair of flat shoes so as not to mark the greens.

“We have a lot of equipment, as quite often when members die, the families have no use for it and leave it to the club,” Murray explains.

“That’s ver y useful because ever y player needs to work out the correct weight and size of their ball, and there’s huge variety in what suits each player.

“A larger ball could weigh up to five or six times a smaller one, and people have the chance to work out what suits them. If people are curious, they can come down on a Sunday and see what it’s all about.”

If you’re interesting in attending one of their regular open days, or bowling with Kenilworth Bowling Club, you can contact them via the league website irishlawnbowls.ie, or by emailing Eamonn directly at murrayste@ yahoo.co.uk.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 25 January 2018

SPORT

FASTSport

HOCKEY: TALLAGHT CLUB MOVE SEVEN POINTS CLEAR IN EY LEAGUE

Lucan CC’s Carey wins national silver medal LUCAN Community College student Max Carey performed heroically in winning a national medal last Saturday.

Lining out in the Donore Harriers vest, he took silver at the Athletic Ireland’s All Ireland Combined Multi Events, which were held at the Athlone Institute of Technology’s indoor arena in Athlone.

Multi events are a multi-discipline competition featuring both track events of sprinting and middle distance running as well as throwing and jumping field events.

In the 60m hurdles, he produced the second best time, coming home in 9.10 seconds. He followed up with a 5.66m long jump and a 6.75m throw in the shot putt.

In the high jump, he also produced the second best height with a clearance of 1.76m before completing the 1,000m in 3.10.77, giving him a total of 2,687 points, second behind Kildare’s Tadhg Murtagh.

Clon advance to Towns Cup second round CLONDALKIN rugby club advanced to the second round of the Provincial Towns Cup as they got the better of Edenderry in the opening round for the second year in a row.

The Dublin club

led 10-6 at half-time as they dealt with a fired up Edenderry.

The second half saw them pull away with a converted try and penalty leaving it 20-6 before a third and final try at the death pushed them out to a 25-6 win.

They go on to meet New Ross in the second round of the competition with home advantage.

Richard Couse and David Keogh celebrate a Glenanne goal last Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Glorious Glens leave it late EY HOCKEY LEAGUE

Glenanne 5 2 Three Rock Rovers  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

A STUNNING threegoal salvo in “Glens’ time” saw Glenanne soar into a massive lead at the head of the men’s EY Hockey League, beating nearest rivals Three Rock Rovers 5-2 at St Andrew’s.

Shannon Boucher, Shane O’Donoghue and Neil Byrne all scored in the closing four minutes to move them seven points clear at the head of the table and very much the champions-elect.

Incredibly, they have

now earned 10 of their 29 point-tally this season with goals in the closing five minutes of games, a stat that player-coach Joe Brennan has become a psychological calling card.

“It’s down to fitness initially,” he said. “But belief builds on belief and when you know you have it and other teams know all about it, they find it difficult to close out games.

“It was something we had years ago and its coming back and it is a bloody strong thing to have in the locker.”

The win means a first national title since 2010 is very much theirs to lose.

MUD-BATH Garda beat Railway and conditions in semi-final GARDA advanced to the final of the J4 Mad-

den Cup as they battled past both Railway Union and the conditions at Westmanstown to record a 34-10 victory amid a mudbath last Saturday afternoon.

Who they play in the final, though, remains to be seen as Guinness and CYM’s game was one of a number around the province that was called off to the heavy rains. Their semi-final has been refixed for February 10.

Picture: Martin Doherty

“The guys have worked so hard. They have been hearing from the old team about the glory days and I think they were sick of it and decided to do something about it. We had a nice early run and momentum has become a huge thing.”

Early on, Three Rock made much of the running with a series of early chances with Mitch Darling at the heart of a series of attacks. He put them ahead when he smashed one off the crossbar which bounced back to him and he banged in the rebound.

Against the run of play, the Glens found an

equaliser from a corner from a one-two move which fell to Gary Shaw to slap in. Into the second quarter, Richie Shaw slotted the ball to David Keogh who made up 50 yards; he drew the keeper and slipped to Richard Couse to slap home.

Luke Madeley equalised early in the second half from a corner and Rovers looked the more likely for parts of the second half to score next as goalkeeper Iain Walker made some brilliant saves. While he kept out those chances, Glenanne summoned a big late push and they went ahead when Boucher spun 360

degrees and shot in with a dragged shot.

Byrne’s reverse made the game safe with two minutes left as Rovers went dow n to nine players. O’Donoghue scored a stroke soon after for 5-2.

“It was a brilliant game between the two best counter-attacking teams in the country, an amazing advert for the club game,” Brennan added. “Rovers are lethal at times, are so young and can be a truly brilliant team.

“In fairness, Walker kept us in it at times – he has been unbelievable for us [since moving from YMCA].”

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

BASKETBALL: BELFAST OPPONENTS FELLED LATE ON

Templeogue College celebrate their success. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Harper’s Temple of boom in U-19 A final

U-19A BOYS FINAL

Templeogue College St Malachy’s, Belfast  sport@dublingazette.com

74 65

TEMPLEOGUE College dished up an absolute thriller at a packed Arena in Tallaght as they saw got the best of St Malachy’s College in the Under-19A Boys SUBWAY Schools Cup final on Tuesday.

Templeogue’s Matthew Harper was crowned MVP of a game that had absolutely everything but had a huge supporting cast around him in the form of Iarla McKeon, Sam and Jack Walsh to name but a few.

St Malachy’s were dominant across the floor too, with CJ Fulton one of the stars on the court for the Belfast team Templeogue started the game the brightest, driving into an 0-5 lead early on, but Malachy’s soon settled and by the end of the first – which saw Templeogue leading by just 8-11 – it was obvious to all in attendance that this was going to be a dingdong battle.

Big scores from Temple-

ogue captain Sam Walsh, McKeon and Adam Riordan in the second quarter were answered at the other end in style

by Niall Hurson, Niall McGinnity and Matthew Mulholland and it was neck-in-neck throughout, with Malachy’s just holding a slim lead at the half, 34-32.

An absorbing third quarter followed, as within the first 40 seconds, the games were tied at 35 points apiece, and two huge scores from Harper followed to edge Templeogue back into the lead moments later.

A fantastic move inside from St Malachy’s Hurson saw the games back at level pegging second laster though, but this was responded to almost immediately at the other end with a massive three from Iarla McKeon.

End-to -end action it remained, as Conor Cooke responded for Malachy’s, but again, a huge score from Jack Walsh from Templeogue kept them just ahead, before two final free throws of the quarter from St Mal-

achy’s put the bare minimum between the sides going into the last, 50-51.

Another extremely close quarter followed, with Malachy’s taking the lead (60-59) midway through thanks to super work from McGinnity.

But a super steal from Walsh saw him find Harper inside under the boards, and Templeogue went up by four, 60-64.

With their tails now up as they could see the clock

counting down, Templeogue began to push on.

A huge defensive display from the Dubliners in the closing minutes set them up for some fantastic scores at the other end and they ran out 65-74 point winners in the end after an absolutely classic game of basketball.

Also on Tuesday, St Colmcilles, Knocklyon won the Under-16C girls final with a 40-29 win over Gortnor Abbey.

IRISHStar

Payne’s rise continues at pace HEATHER Payne impressed for the Republic of Ireland last weekend as she helped her country to a 3-1 friendly win over Portugal as Estadio San Miquel in the Azores.

The Peamount United star joined teammate Amber Barrett in the squad, and started both games against the Iberian side, with Portugal winning the first 1-0 last Thursday thanks to a penalty from Diana Silva.

The midfielder, who only turns 18 on Friday, is tipped to have a big future in the game, having bagged seven goals in last season’s campaign to help her side to second place in the Women’s National League.

Ireland hit the front just past the half hour mark when Payne pounced to win the ball in her own half and played in Shelbourne striker Leanne Kiernan down the right, who produced a brilliant cross into the box that was headed home by Kilnamanagh native Katie McCabe.

The visitors took their slender lead into the break before doubling their advantage three minutes into the second half when Kiernan won the race to Niamh Fahey’s long ball forward before showing great composure to lob over the keeper.

It was almost 3-0 two minutes later when McCabe unleashed a long range strike on goal that needed to be tipped over the bar.

Ireland secured the win ten minutes from time when McCabe moved into the box and drilled a shot across the box that was brilliantly headed back across goal and into the back of the net via the post by defender Louise Quinn.

Portugal netted a consolation soon afterwards through Diana Silva’s strike, but Ireland were clear and deserved winners over a team who have qualified for the European Championships set to take place this summer.

“It was a deserved victory,” Ireland Head Coach Colin Bell said after the game. “We were much better today. I thought we were very sluggish on Thursday, maybe the long journey had an effect but that was much improved.

“We made a couple of changes and put two up front, and I think we created plenty of problems for Portugal. They’re a very good side but as soon as we scored the first goal, we were in control of the game and got the result.

“They were fantastic goals and I’m delighted for Leanne Kiernan who performed to the levels we know she’s capable of today. She’s trained really well over the past two days and got a deserved goal, I’m delighted for her.

“They were plenty of great performances and it’s been another important week as we continue to prepare for the qualifiers in April. This is a great result to keep that momentum going and we can take plenty of confidence from this.”



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! St Colmcilles celebrate their victory. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 25 January 2018

SPORT

CAMOGIE: SECOND HALF MASTERCLASS DOES THE DAMAGE FOR HERITY’S

FASTGAA

Dublin succumb as the NAT LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Dublin 3-5 Kilkenny 3-17  sport@dublingazette.com

Sarsfields honour their stars of the 2017 season LUCAN Sarsfields honoured the people that make the club tick at their awards night last weekend at the 12th Lock with Greg O’Neill named the club person of the year while the long serving Liam Carton was their newest inductee into the hall of fame.

Tommy Brennan was named the senior footballer of the year having amassed 2-9 in their two championship matches, including a memorable equalising point against St Sylvester’s.

Ronan Smith was named the senior hurler of the year following his performances for the club during the year whichy have moved him to the brink of Pat Gilroy’s Dublin panel for the new season.

Sinead O’Toole was the senior one camogie player of the year while Aisling O’Toole was the senior two camogie star.

DUBLIN’S date with Kilkenny was the only L i t t l e wo o d s I r e l a n d Camogie League Division 1 game to survive last weekend’s deluge of rain that played havoc with spor ting events throughout the country.

It was the cats that benefited with a secondhalf master class to overcome Dublin by 3-17 to 3-5, making the best use of the conditions at the Parnells astro in Coolock.

Both sets of players produced a wonderful hour of camogie despite the difficult, attritional circumstances in what was a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland semifinal.

The champions got off to a very quick start with points from Dan-

ielle Morrissey (free) and Anne Dalton inside the opening minute.

Ballyboden St Enda’s Eimear McCar thy opened the scoring for Dublin but it was the visitors that were dominant in the initial phases and they stretched their advantage to five after 11 minutes thanks to a flurry of points from play by Miriam Walsh and Katie Power, who landed two apiece.

A ke y m e m b e r o f the Dublin team that reached last year’s premier junior All-Ireland f i n a l , R o i s i n B a ke r stopped the rot and that was the genesis a brilliant run of a goal and four points that rocked Kilkenny back on their heels, albeit momentarily.

N a F i a n n a ’s Z o e O’Donoghue continued the early impression she has made this term with her second

goal in a week, the exWaterford player being given her opportunity in the absence of All-Star attacker Aisling Maher.

A seven-point contrib-

utor last week, Naomh Fionnbarra’s Siobhan Kehoe hit three consecutive points, including two from play and David Herity’s charges were a

couple ahead.

Kilkenny are full of experience but it was minor, Aoife Doyle who provided the riposte they needed with a goal just

Dublin on the attack against Kilkenny in their league tie last weekend. Picture: ilivephotos.com

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

GARDA/ WESTMANSTOWN

INTERMEDIATES and juniors continue with preseason training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm in Westmanstown but last Sunday’s challenge with Duleek had to be postponed because of unplayable pitch.

Ladies training begins on January 31 with a fitness assessment in Blanchardstown.

Fundraising table quiz on February 23 at Westmanstown.

Juvenile activity was limited last weekend because of the poor weather conditions but the U-12 boys hosted St Vincent’s at Westmanstown with two competitive games taking place.

Great week for club stalwart Davy Cryan, losing over a stone in his first week on Operation Transformation. All club members are reminded they can “Walk For Davy” every Monday night at 7pm for the next six weeks at Westmanstown where the lights will be turned on to facilitate.

Online membership is now up and running and club members are reminded that payment must be completed before the end of February. Players, in particular,

need to be fully registered and paid up in order to be compliant with insurance regulations in the event of a playing or training injury.

For online payment, go to payments.gardawestmanstown. com. Cash or cheques will still be taken by the club registrar.

Tickets are now available for the National Club Draw from committee members. All members are asked to purchase same; remember all money raised is retained by the club.

Condolences to Anne Egan on the death of her mother Mary.

May she Rest in Peace.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS MEMBERSHIP is now due for 2018, pay online before February 14 to avail of an interest-free sixmonth instalment plan.

A novel presentation to our Club Person of the Year, Greg O’Neill. Also, our newest inductee to the Hall Of Fame was the long serving Liam Carton. Full details of award winners can be found on the website.

The Club is delighted to announce that Ciara Dardis has come on board as the juvenile games secretary; we are really

looking forward to working with Ciara as she takes on this important role.

Every thanks to Diarmuid Kennedy who has filled the role for the last number of years and put in a huge amount of time and effort. Diarmuid, of course, took the promotion to the executive in November and we are delighted to have him. You will all be glad to hear that he will still be fronting our main sponsors – Centra Griffin’s Local Hero’s Campaign for a while longer; until open auditions are held.. Watch this space!

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club annual dinner dance is on Saturday, February 3 2018.

Tickets €30 each on sale from any of the committee members.

Tickets are selling well but there is still a few left but don’t leave it too late to get yours for the social event of the year. Numbers are limited and need to be confirmed so if interested make contact with organisers, a great way to mix and meet new and established members.

Peter Flannery’s annual hurling quiz is on next Friday, January 26 at 9pm and is always a good night; come up and test

your hurling knowledge. Peter, I am sure, will be making plenty of noise.

Leopardstown Leaps continues again this year but has moved for any of you wondering.

Sunday, March 4 a date for the diaries.

Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop: To all mentors working with players up to the age of 18.

As previously stated, all mentors working with players up to the age of 18 – including senior teams – must be vetted; it is valid for five years and must be renewed on expiry, it is nontransferable from organisation to clubs; it must be GAA approved.

You must also have attended a CPSA (Child Protection in Sport Awareness workshop). Both of these are legal requirements.

There will be a CPSA workshop in the function room on Friday, February 2, pre-booking is essential as places are limited, book via email to clubs Children’s Officer Colette Condon.

The club bar is looking for volunteers to assist with the rota, it might be good for students looking to gain experience, or maybe to meet

more members, full training provided. Anyone interested can leave details behind the bar.

Club shop to open again on Saturday, January 27, it is scheduled to open on Thursdays 7.30-8.30 and Saturday’s 10.30am – 1pm.

25 Card Drive continues every Friday at 9pm. Caters for all levels, beginners welcome.

The Cupla Focal club is on Mondays 8pm to 9pm.

Bingo is on Wednesdays at 830pm.

Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on Saturdays, 9.30am for girls and 10am for boys (5+) Last week there was no winner of the €17,800 lotto where the numbers were 4, 13, 15, and 26.

This week’s €18,200 lotto draw will be managed by Gerry McAndrew and is sponsored by O’Grady Hearing Care Services. Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar. Members will have noticed work has commenced on the Newcastle road development, obviously there will be disruption over the course of the works.

We will be trying to work with the contractors for it to be kept

to a minimum. But there will be disruption and inconvenience at times and we ask for your patience and co-operation. We will keep people informed as best we can of changes.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

HAVE you children interested in playing Gaelic games? Our juvenile section is looking for boys and girls to become involved. A listing of our juvenile mentors for the year ahead is now featured on our website.

Towers Óg is our GAA academy for children aged four to seven years of age. It takes place at our all-weather playing surface at Monastery Road every Saturday morning from 10am (indoors at Collinstown College during winter months).

New participants are welcome for 2018. If you’ve a child interested in participating, contact Shane Treanor, our Games Promotions Officer, at 086 1600042.

Membership is now payable for 2018. All memberships are to be paid online and new

25 January 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

SIDE IN THEIR SECOND LEAGUE BATTLE

Cats hit form before the interval and a point in injury time to put her side back in front by 1-7 to 1-5 at half time.

Dublin resumed in ideal fashion with a goal

from Lucan Sarsfields’ Emma Flanagan, who like O’Donoghue, also raised a green flag in last week’s draw with Limerick but the Noresiders

found another two gears and the hosts were unable to respond.

They shot two goals and eight points by the time the Sky Blues added to their tally with Na Fianna’s Alex Griffin’s goal five minutes from time but by then, the destination of the three points for the win was beyond doubt.

Morrissey provided three of the points and Dalton two, with the other minors provided

by Walsh and Doyle.

It was Malone that made the killer contributions with a brace of goals in three minutes at the beginning of the final quarter to put her side out of reach.

It was left to Morrissey, who finished with five points and Walsh, who brought her tally to four from play, to complete the scoring and stretch the margin to 12 at the final whistle.

TOP CLASS ADDITION

Dublin ladies football manager Mick Bohan. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Sars star Casey joins up with Mick Bohan’s crew

DUBLIN ladies senior football team manager Mick Bohan is hoping that 2011 All-Ireland winner Paul Casey will be part of his coaching team for the forthcoming season.

Subject to ratification at a Dublin LGFA meeting next month, Casey could come on board as defence coach with the reigning TG4 All-Ireland senior champions.

Already involved with an underage intercounty development squad, the Lucan Sarsfields clubman has indicated that he would be willing to commit to the Dublin ladies’ setup on a part-time basis for the Lidl National League Division 1 campaign.

If his appointment is rubber-stamped, Casey would work closely with Sorcha Farrelly and Paul Gilheaney, and he’s no stranger to former Clare senior football coach Bohan.

The two are friendly, and have worked together with both Dublin City University (DCU) and Lucan in the past.

“Paul would have been one of our heroes

on that quest for Sam in 2011,” Bohan told the media at the announcement of Gourmet Food Parlour as the new sponsor of the Higher Education Committee (HEC) third-level championships.

“When you see guys at that level wanting to get involved in the women’s game, I think it’s really good for the game. I think anyone coming in from the men’s game to women’s football brings that extra little bit of savvy and nuance and whatever else.”

In terms of the panel of players, there’s been some movement. With 14 new panellists in an extended 43-woman squad, Bohan aims to hold that for the league and cut it after.

It’s understood that Siobhan McGrath – a key defender when the Sky Blues landed their first senior All-Ireland in 2010 – has returned to the set-up after some time in Australia. Former minor star Muireann Ni Scanaill and Na Fianna’s Lucy Collins are among others to return.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

membership fees for juveniles and minors have been introduced by the executive. Further detail on our website.

Members are alerted to important documents featured within the downloads section on the homepage of our website. It features regrading forms for adults, details regarding the GAA Injury Benefit Fund, Club Membership Form, CCC Rules and Regulations 2018, CCC Fixture Calendar 2018.

Our minor footballers are hosting a fundraising table quiz in the club Friday, January 26 at 8pm. Tickets available from mentors priced at €40 for a team of four or €10 per quiz participant.

Round Tower lotto (January 15): Jackpot €1,700.

Numbers drawn were 2, 4, 13 and 22, bonus ball was 12. No overall winner and one bonus ball winner: Davy McCarthy. Three €100 winners: Tom Corrigan, Aidan Cronin, Paddy Graham. Sign up to play our

lotto online for 2018. You can play for as little as €2 per week. Thanks to all who support the lotto.

Bingo every Tuesday night in the club. First call at 8.30pm with the jackpot being €1,000 for a full house if checked within 52 numbers. Otherwise, €20 for full house. All-in €2 to buy in. Game usually €90 to €150.

ST MARK’S

FOR the next few Saturdays, a number of our youth members (U-14s and U-16s) will be in the parish seeking sponsorship. They will be accompanied by adult members also.

The funds raised will go towards the kitting out of the Féile teams and a new kit for the U-16s. Any queries can be directed to the adult members present or contact Greg Cooling at pro. stmarks.dublin@gaa.ie.

The adult camogie team continue to recruit new

players, all ladies over 15 are welcome, Training on Tuesday and Thursday, contact Erica McLoughlin on 087 2183046.

The 2018 St Mark’s boys U-10s are currently seeking new players for both Gaelic football and hurling for the upcoming season. Boys must be born after January 1, 2008.

If interested and for further details, please call or text Ashley Pitts at 085 1599219.

All juvenile section training has returned to date, contact the relevant mentors for info. The adult football section has returned to training.

Music every Saturday in the club, Saturday, January 27 by Shirley. Live sport every weekend. Bar opening hours 8pm all week, 5pm Friday and 2pm Saturday, 12.30pm Sunday.

Set dancing classes on Mondays at 8pm. Bingo Thursday night, starts at 8.45pm, open to everyone.

Slimming World every

Tuesday at 5pm and 7pm and Wednesday morning at 9am in the main lounge.

Please continue to support the club lotto.

Tickets €2 each or three for €5.

ST MARY’S

CONGRATS to our players of the year recipients, Peter Doyle (Senior), Paul McCabe (Junior), James Fenlon (Minor) and Lauren Healy (Ladies Minor).

National Club Draw tickets are now available.

All money raised stays within the club and there are great prizes on offer.

Contact Brendan Murray or any Executive Member for details. We would ask that tickets are returned ASAP. Membership for 2018 is now due. Rates are Adult Player €130, 3rd Level Student Player/NonPlaying/Associate €70, Juvenile €50, Senior Citizen €20, Family Membership €175. Membership can be

paid on-line at https:// www.myclubfinances.com/ memberships_cart_m. asp… or by clicking on the Blue “Shop Now” button on the Facebook Page or contact Siobhan Moran every Monday evening 7-8pm.

Monthly Whist takes place this Thursday 830pm in club lounge. New players always welcome!

Lotto numbers drawn this week were 1-12-22-28.

There was no winner so next week’s Jackpot remains capped at €8000 with a €1700 Roll-over.

There were no Match 3 winners so next week’s Match 3 will be worth €200 win/share. You can now follow the LocalLotto link on our Facebook page to play Lotto online.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN

A GOOD start to the year for our senior footballers with an eight-point win on Sunday

over Blackhall Gaels in a preseason challenge game.

The official launch of Operation Transformation took place on Monday evening in Glenaulin Park.

This is hosted by St Patrick’s GAA in partnership with Waterstown Warriors and sponsored by SuperValu Palmerstown. Walks are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm.

All are welcome.

Our junior academy is back training on Saturday from 10-11am on the all-weather pitch at the clubhouse. The academy caters for girls and boys four years and over or who will be starting “big school” in September. Contact James on 087 6821582 or Denise on 086 1591268.

Our new U-7s girls and boys teams are training on Monday evenings from 6-7pm in the Ballyfermot Sports Hall (behind the St Patrick’s GAA Clubhouse).

New members always welcome. Contact Denise on 086 1591268 (girls) or David

on 087 7422646 (boys).

The Peil Óg programme for girls who are new or existing players aged 8-13 years is starting in The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown, on Monday, January 29 at 6.30pm. Further details on our Facebook page and website.

Congratulations and best wishes to Denise and Pat Mullins on the birth of their baby son and our newest member, Tomas Patrick.

Our lotto numbers for this week were 1, 8, 10 and 26.

There was no winner. There was three match three winners – Jim Ffrench and JK (x2). The jackpot next week will be €7,600 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.

Many thanks to all our ticket sellers and everyone for supporting this important fundraiser.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR WEST DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39

TEMPLE OF BOOM: All-Ireland glory for Templeogue as Harper produces marquee final performance P37

JAN 25 - FEB 1, 2018

BOHS MORE THAN A CLUB: Dalymount outfit launch new community programme P34

Liam Rushe had an injury-hit 2017 with a groin problem limiting his involvement

Rushe back for Dublin St Pat’s Palmerstown man one of a series of stars vying for a place in Pat Gilroy’s senior hurling set-up as he puts groin injury behind him

 sport@dublingazette.com

ST PAT’S Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe became the latest big name to rejoin the Dublin panel ahead of the National Hurling League opener this weekend against Offaly.

The 27-year-old is back and in the running for a spot in Pat Gilroy’s plans following a groin injury that ruled him out in 2017. The former captain has been one of the county’s key players since his debut in 2009, lining out in a variety of different roles with stints in centre-half-back and full forward.

In that time, he was a crucial part of the Dublin side that won the league title in 2011 and the

Leinster championship in 2013 as well as picking up two All-Stars.

While an instant return to the team is unlikely, it is a big boost to Gilroy’s options. Since the former Dublin football manager took on the role, he has also welcomed back Ballyboden St Enda’s Conal Keaney, St Jude’s Danny Sutcliffe – following two years in US pursuing work and study developments in the wake of his 2013 All-Star – and Joey Boland.

They will vye with a series of players from west Dublin for a place in the team. In the Walsh Cup, Lucan Sarsfields’ Johnny McCaffrey, Chris Crummey and Paul Crummey all started in the semi-final against Wexford, a strong showing that

ultimately petered out toward the end. They had eased to wins over Antrim and Meath in group stages.

McCaffrey, along with fellow Lucan man Peter Kelly, was another stalwart of the Dublin side that was cut from the panel during the tenure of Ger Cunningham but bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Against Offaly, both sides will be under new management, with Gilroy taking on Kevin Martin who won All-Ireland medals in 1994 and 1998. The game is the curtain-raiser at 5pm on Saturday evening in Croke Park with the footballers hitting the field at 7pm.

On February 4, the Dubs meet Antrim in the

second series of games before facing Limerick, Galway and Laois in their bid to get back to the top tier of league hurling.

The footballers, meanwhile, begin their league campaign against Kildare with further games against Tyrone, Donegal, Mayo, Kerry, Galway and Monaghan.

Jim Gavin handed over the management of the O’Byrne Cup to Paul Clarke in January with the competition used to provide outings for potential newcomers a chance to impress and break into the county panel.

As such, predicting what kind of a team he will line out with at time of going to press is difficult to predict.