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SEE PAGE 22
RESIDENTS HAVE URGED COUNCIL TO HEED THEIR CONCERNS
Over 600 submissions received by council on Clonburris SDZ
MARK O’BRIEN LUCAN and Clondalkin residents have urged the council to heed their concerns over the proposed Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). Almost 600 submissions in relation to the proposed development were made before the November 3 deadline. See Page 6
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HERMITAGE PARK | SPECIAL GUESTS ATTEND TURNING SOD CEREMONY
Sod turned on new Frame Football pitch MARK O’BRIEN
Cllr Vicki Casserly, James Casserly and FAI chief executive John Delaney. Picture: Ben Ryan Photography
MAYOR of South Dublin County Council Paul Gogarty officially turned the sod for the new Frame Football pitch in Hermitage Park, Lucan, on Monday. The Mayor was joined by Daniel McLoughlin, chief executive of South Dublin County Council and John Delaney, chief executive officer of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), plus guests, at the ceremony. Frame Football is designed for players who require the use of a walker style frame and also to those who feel that they can compete more equal-
ly by using these frames. The game is played using the frame as an aid with the basic rules of football which are the same 4v4 or 5v5 games. This is the first purpose-built Frame Football facility in Ireland. Speaking at the event Mayor Gogarty said: “I am delighted to be able to formally launch the Frame Football pitch construction project today. “Since Esker Celtic launched a team in 2016, the squad has gone from strength to strength with the assistance of trainers from the FAI. “This new all-weather facility will copperfasten the Esker Celtic Frame Football team and encourage new players to get involved.” FAI CEO, John Delaney said the event was a “significant development” for Frame Football in Ireland. “To launch this exciting project, as part of South Dublin County Council’s events to mark National Accessibility Week, is a significant sign of the great
work that is being done to help those, no matter what their ability or disability, to play the game that we all love,” he said. Colm Young, vicechairman of Esker Celtic Football Club said: “Esker Celtic Football Club, as the only football club in Ireland offering access to this sport, truly welcomes this exciting facility. “When constructed, the new bespoke surface will allow players who require a walker style frame to play football. “The surface is also suitable for wheelchair users and opens up further possibilities in terms of amputee football, such as the desire to establish an East Coast centre for junior amputee footballers. “We must acknowledge South Dublin County Council and the Football Association of Ireland in funding this initiative. “Whilst this is a niche sport the decisions made by these organisations provides a much-needed facility from a disability perspective.”
FASTNews
Mini Scientists set to attend regional finals FOUR girls from Scoil Aine Naofa are to attend the Intel Mini Scientist Regional Finals in the Institute of Technology in Tallaght on Friday (Dec 8). Ayo Salawu, Phargavi Shyam Sundar, Melissa McGrath and Leah Kiniry (pictured) will present their innovative project, ‘Air Pollution’ at the event. The girls were awarded first place out of a total of 46 projects on display in their school hall during Science Week as the school hosted the “Intel Mini Scientist” exhibition. The children exhibited their knowledge of Science and presented their projects with purpose and confidence to a wide audience.
Lucan quiz team scoop top prize of €3,000 A LUCAN team has won Ireland’s only national table quiz. The National Council for the Blind of Ireland organised the annual event in a bid to provide Braille, audio and large print books for people who have sight loss in Ireland. In the end, The Norfolk and Chance from Lucan beat off stiff competition from 15 other teams and scooped the top prize of €3,000. Team leader, Dan O’ Malley said: “We are thrilled with our win. We love table quizzes and the NCBI is a truly deserving cause which we are delighted to support.” The national Braille, audio and large print library does not receive any statutory funding, so its production and distribution capacity is limited. Funds raised through the National Table Quiz will enable the charity to increase this capacity.
Gardai in drug seizure GARDAI seized over €4m of cannabis in Lucan last Friday. At approximately 2.50pm, uniform gardai from Ronanstown stopped a truck travelling inbound on the N4 at Lucan. Following a search of the truck cannabis herb (pending analysis) with an estimated street value in excess of €4m was discovered. The driver of the truck was arrested at the scene and was detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Lucan Garda Station. The truck has been seized for a technical examination. The man was due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on Monday.
Grace McCann, Matthew Keenan and Mayor Paul Gogarty
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MARATHON KIDS | STUDENTS LEARN HUGE AMOUNT ABOUT HEALTH, FITNESS AND NUTRITION
‘I was really impressed by each and every runner’ SYLVIA POWNALL
FINGAL students proved they could go the distance when they ran the final mile of a marathon in Morton Stadium, Santry last week. A total of 1,700 fifth and sixth pupils from 34 schools took their final steps in the route as part of the Marathon Kids programme organised by Fingal and South Dublin County Councils. They each clocked up 26 miles during group training sessions over an eight-week period and ran the final full mile together at the national athletics track on Friday. Their efforts were rewarded at the finish line where Olympic athlete David Gillick congratulated each and every one of them and presented them with a medal. Council sports officer Niall McGuirk said: “This was designed for runners of all abilities. They increased
their distances gradually so it was sustainable and enjoyable. “Students learned a huge amount about health, fitness and nutrition along the way, and improved their confidence as they saw their fitness levels improve.” Commenting at the finish line council chief Paul Reid said: “I was really impressed by each and every runner who crossed the finish line today. “It demonstrates huge dedication and hard work to have run 26 miles over the course of eight weeks and they should be extremely proud of themselves..” Mayor Mary McCamley said it was a “fantastic achievement for students as young as 11 and 12”. She added: “I am sure that every runner here today has individual abilities, fitness levels and may or may not be interested in sports but they all seemed to be happy, smiling and proud as they completed the final mile.”
Pictured at the Marathon Kids final mile event held in Morton Stadium, Santry, was Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley, Irish international athlete, David Gillick and chief executive of Fingal, Paul Reid, with Sophia Motinga, Simone Tuthille, Emily Windsor, Doireann Carey and Aoibhinn McCooey from St Bridgid’s, Castleknock
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KINGSWOOD | BIRTHPLACE OF INFLUENTIAL POET IN RUINS
Call to restore house with literary links MARK O’BRIEN
Katharine Tynan was a noted member of the Irish Literary Revival
THE Tallaght birthplace of an influential poet has been left in ruins and should be restored according to local residents. The house, known as Whitehall, in Kingswood Heights, was the birthplace of Katharine Tynan. She was a noted member of the Irish Literary Revival and a friend of W.B. Yeats and Charles Stewart Parnell. Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) recently raised the issue at the Tallaght Area Committee meeting of South Dublin County Council. He told Dublin
Gazette that he felt it would be great for the area to see the house restored as a local place of interest. “It’s a very historical site but you wouldn’t think it,” he said. “If you go down there, the place is in ruins and it’s not very well kept. “Tallaght didn’t just fall out of the sky 40 years ago. We do have a heritage, we do have a history and that’s a historical site that’s in a sad and ruinous condition and something should be done about it.” The land that Whitehall is on is owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), who bought it in the 1990s with the intention of developing the land. The development never happened and the house – which it is believed was visited by Yeats and A.E. Russell among others – has since fallen into ruin, with fencing erected around it to prevent vandalism.
Cllr O’Connor said that he was hoping to meet the IRFU to raise the issue with them. “They (the IRFU) haven’t done anything about it and nobody else has and meanwhile a really historic site has become really derelict.” Local residents have also backed the idea. Sharlene Kennedy, a lifelong Kingswood resident, told Dublin Gazette that she often brings her mother and daughter to the site of the house and would love to see it restored. “It would be fantastic for it to be restored,” she said. “It’s a big, big bit of history just sitting there.” South Dublin County Council said that the site is in private ownership and as far as they are aware, there is no intention by the IRFU to develop the site. A spokesperson for the IRFU hadn’t responded at the time of going to press.
The house has been left in ruins
FASTNews
Cllr Emer Higgins and Katy Jansesn
Spreading Christmas cheer in West Dublin THE Christmas spirit was alive and well in West Dublin over the weekend. Cllr Emer Higgins (FG) paid several villages a visit over the weekend and paid tribute to locals who came out to make Christmas events such a success. “Despite the cold there were huge crowds at ‘light up’ events across the County this weekend,” she said. “Mayor Gogarty switched on the lights at County Hall, Tallaght and my colleague Cllr Vicki Casserly’s inspiring son James switched on the lights in Lucan. None other than Santa Claus himself did the honours in Rathcoole and Newcastle. “Between the St. Finian’s Christmas Fair and the fair in Aras Chronain there were lots of gifts ticked off the list, thanks to amazing local craft-makers and entrepreneurs.”
Specsavers team bring sight to over 1,000 A TEAM of optometrists from Specsavers have just returned from a successful trip volunteering for The Hope Foundation in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) bringing sight to over 1,000 people. Having raised over €11,000 for the charity ahead of the trip, the group spent seven days in the Indian city, marking the first mission that Specsavers has embarked on with the charity. Specsavers store owners across the country donated money towards the charity in order to purchase glasses for the team to bring to Kolkata but to also purchase a portable auto-refractor machine, worth €6,500, which was gifted to the Hope Foundation. During the seven days, store director Lisa Walsh, together with opticians Orla Murphy and Jasmine Jose and dispensing optician Edwina McKinney, carried out over 1,000 eye tests on people across slums, schools, hospitals and rural villages in the region. Edwina McKinney said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everybody who donated and helped in our fundraising efforts at our Liffey Valley, Crumlin and Clondalkin stores.”
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LUCAN AND CLONDALKIN | ACTION GROUP SEEK TRANSPORT LINKS
Residents lobby for better infrastructure MARK O’BRIEN LUCAN and Clondalkin residents have urged South Dublin County Council to heed their concerns over the proposed Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). Almost 600 submissions in relation to the proposed development were made before the 3 November deadline. Submissions show residents are concerned about issues such as transport, road infrastructure and the height of buildings. Maria Smith of the Lucan Clonburris Action Group told Dublin Gazette that residents were not opposed to developing the land but they had a number of concerns about the current plan. “We’re not opposed to the land being developed but it’s the way it has been planned and actually the lack of provision in it that’s the main concern,” she said. Maria said that a lack of public transport was a huge area of concern. “They’re saying there may be extra buses and they’re going to open Kishogue [railway
station]. “That seems to be the only provisions, whereas in the original SDZ for that land, there was provision for the Metro and the Luas to Lucan, but all that has been shelved.” Transport Minister Shane Ross has previously confirmed, in response to a parliamentary question from local TD Gino Kenny, that there were no current plans to bring the Luas to Lucan or extend the DART to Hazelhatch. “They’re telling people in this new development they want them to be carless homes so they’re not even providing sufficient parking spaces for them,” said Maria. “Without proper transport options, how is that a viable and realistic plan?” The lack of road infrastructure is also another concern. Maria and her group have been engaging with groups from Clondalkin who have also expressed similar concerns that the lack of additional roads would worsen the traffic problems in the area. “The existing roads are beyond capacity and there’s no provision for additional roads
to cater for these new homes.” The height of the new buildings was also cited as a concern. “This is a suburban area,” said Maria. “It’s primarily two-storey housing, but when you look at the plans, it says two to five storeys. “Now I don’t know any developer that, if they have permission for five storeys, are going to go for two. “We want it written into the plan that similar sized buildings are adjacent to existing buildings and the same on the Clondalkin side as well.” South Dublin County Council previously confirmed to Dublin Gazette that all submissions were currently being assessed, and will be addressed and considered by the council in the chief executive’s report. The chief executive’s report is being prepared this month and will then be presented to councillors. Further consultation may be carried out if material alterations are made to the Draft Planning Scheme following presentation of the chief executive’s report.
A Winter Festival of Lights for everyone
SOFIA and Alexander Hrytsuk are pictured at the launch of Unwrapped which marks the beginning of celebrating the winter festive season across South Dublin County. The launch started with a lantern parade at IT Tallaght which made its way through the village to County Hall where singing and dance performances took place before the Christmas tree lights are switched on. Picture: Simon Peare See full Gallery next week
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ROSSFIELD | AREA ‘BEING RUN BY DRUG DEALERS AND CAR THIEVES’
Over €20k spent to tackle anti-social behaviour in estate MARK O’BRIEN SOUTH Dublin County Council have spent over €20,000 since last year in an attempt to combat anti-social behaviour in one Tallaght estate. The figure was revealed at the recent Tallaght Area Committee meeting of the council.
In a motion, Cllr Dermot Richardson asked the council to “report on antisocial behaviour in the Rossfield area and what action is going to be taken regarding this problem?” In response to Cllr Richardson’s motion, South Dublin County Council confirmed that it had spent €20,901 since January combatting anti-
social behaviour in the area. The works included the rebuilding of a vandalised boundary wall in Glenshane Dale at a cost of €590, erection of railings at Glenshane Dale at a cost of €1,861 and the rebuilding of a boundary wall destroyed by vandals at Bawnlea Drive, costing €2,179.
The council also spent €6,111 erecting fencing at Rossfield Park and €2,247 rebuilding a boundary wall at Rossfield Way. The area has been plagued by reports of antisocial behaviour in recent years. At the April Tallaght Area Committee meeting, Cllr Charlie O’Connor raised the issue and quoted a resident who said the area is: “Being run by drug dealers and car thieves and all the actual decent people are gone into hiding”. In the report to Cllr Richardson, South Dublin County Council confirmed that they were aware of drug dealing issues in the area and that
gardai were working to tackle the issue. The report said: “The council are aware that the Gardai are dealing with a drug dealing issue in the area. “If successful prosecutions are obtained against members of council households in the Courts then the council will be able to initiate actions under the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2014. “It should be noted the main cause for complaint from residents in the estate in recent times have been dirty garden complaints which are being actively pursued by Estate Management Staff.”
FASTNews
Early Christmas present for Lucan man Paul LUCAN man Paul Kearney received an early Christmas present when he picked up a whopping €58,000 on Winning Streak last weekend. Paul works as a truck driver for a Dublin-based drinks company, a role which he has held for the past 13 years, beginning when he was just 19. The 32-year-old Liverpool fan is just back from a trip to see his beloved Reds and now with his win on the show, he will also make his trips to Anfield a more regular occurrence.
Local community groups at Pride of Place Awards
TWO South Dublin community groups were among the winners of the 15th annual IPB Pride of Place Awards. The winners were announced on Saturday (December 2) at a Gala Awards Ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny, Donegal. Pride of Place is an all-Island competition that acknowledges the high-quality work that communities are doing all over the Island of Ireland. Tallaght Community Arts picked up a Runner Up Award in the Category 7: Creative Place Initiative and Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre/Ballyroan Community picked up a Runner Up Award in Category 11: Urban Neighbourhoods.
Primary schools to receive a funding boost
LOCAL primary schools are to receive a funding boost to carry out works and improvements. Every school in local communities in Rathfarnham, Tallaght and Citywest will receive a grant of €5,500 for minor works. They will also receive an additional €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs student attending a special class or school. Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone says it is important that children enjoy the benefits of the funding as soon as possible. “Primary schools are the very heart of our communities,” she said. “They ensure our children have the best possible start in life. As a regular visitor to schools I am always impressed by the range of learning and activities which take place to teach young students new skills, increase their awareness and inspire passion for music, arts and sport. “This is down to the hard work and dedication of parents, teachers and boards of management. “We must see this money turned into real improvements in the classrooms, halls and playgrounds in Rathfarnham, Tallaght and Citywest.”
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WALKWAYS | MOVE TO MAKE AREA MORE ACCESSIBLE
Calls for guidance strips for visually impaired people MARK O’BRIEN
THERE have been calls to make Lucan and Palmerstown more accessible by installing guidance strips for visually impaired people along walkways. The guidance strips have been installed on Grafton Street and allow visually impaired people to walk down the street with greater ease. Cllr Vicki Casserly raised the issue at the recent Lucan Area Committee meeting of South Dublin County Council. Cllr Casserly told Dublin Gazette: “I’ve been working very hard to make Lucan more accessible and I thought this was a fine
opportunity to enhance the village further.” In response to Cllr Casserly’s motion, South Dublin County Council said that it is not intended to include the strips as part of footpath maintenance in the area. But Cllr Casserly said that council management have agreed to look at the issue again. “The management have agreed to go back and have another look at it and see if it can be incorporated somewhat and they’re going to come back to me on it,” she said. “I hope it’s something that they give strong consideration to.” She added that while it was good to see other initiatives to help people with disabilities being
incorporated into Lucan village, she plans to keep pushing for the guidance strips as well. “I am constantly looking around the country and elsewhere to see what can be done because sometimes it’s the small little things that make a significant difference.”
Consultation The guidance strips on Grafton Street were installed three years ago by Dublin City Council following consultation with the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI). A spokesperson for the NCBI was unable to comment at the time of going to press.
Hackathon helps charities get with the programme LUCAN-BASED charity Pieta House scooped second place at PayPal’s charity hackathon at the Castleknock Hotel. The event Ireland brought together 30 PayPal teammates to create and develop digital resources and systems for Irish charities over a 24-hour period. Led by Jonathan Davies, Manager of Small Business Integrations and Optimisations at PayPal, the teammates were drawn from various disciplines including coding, software development, customer support, risk and compliance. They were tasked with working with the charities to develop solutions for their most pressing digital needs. Pictured at the event are Guy Thompson, Fingal Chamber president and GM Castleknock Hotel; Alison Pryce, PayPal; Kristina Fernandes, PayPal; Cian Delaney, PayPal; Francesca Placido, PayPal; and Anthony Cooney, CEO, Fingal Chamber.
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Out and About
Emmanuel, Adaeze, Zim, Lotanna and Ola Ugwoke. Pictures: SIMON PEARE Glen O’Keefe, Holly O’Keefe, Lee Cannon, Tracey Cannon and Georgia Cannon. Pictures: SIMON PEARE
Enjoying some festive fun at local family day T
Donal and Daniyal Meehan
Caroline and Gemma Redmond
Marie Isabel, Mary Angel and Elena Sadoveanu and Terry Sneyd
HE Retail Park Liffey Valley hosted their Annual Christmas Family Fun Day last week. Families enjoyed a Winter Wonderland filled with Christmas cheer and giveaways for children of all ages. There was plenty of entertainment including family portraits, face-painting, balloon modelling and a Christmas scavenger hunt around the retailers with a chance to win an incredible prize! And most importantly Santa himself mad a visit to speak to the children who have been on their best behavior all year round!
Martina, Ada and Milo Hanlon
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Out and About
Stacey Darcy, Brooklyn O’Connor, Gerard O’Connor and Georgie Rose O’Connor
Mark, Danielle, Brianna and Jasmine Redmond
Grace Richardson, Daisy Mae Richardson, Taylor Saul and Mason Quinn
GAZETTE
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS
Microenterprise loan fund approved €21m – new report THE latest Microfinance Ireland report shows that €21m of loans have been approved under the Microenterprise Loan Fund, to date, supporting 3,336 jobs in borrowing companies. The Microenterprise Loan Fund is part funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Minister for Trade, Employment and Business Pat Breen welcomed the publication of the Microfinance Ireland report, saying: “It is now five years since Microfinance Ireland first opened its doors and it continues to show its support for our microenterprises throughout the country through its suite of distinct loan offerings.” The Microenterprise Loan Fund was established by the Government in 2012. The reasoning behind the establishment of such a fund and establishing MFI was that access to finance for microenterprises, in particular, was a major issue with the banks at that time continuing to decline loans in the microfinance space.
Promoting cellar safety THE Irish Brewers Association and the Health & Safety Authority have colaunched a programme designed for publicans and bar managers to enhance basic safety practices in cellars, cold rooms and across all areas of bars, restaurants, hotels and pubs around the country. Speaking at the launch of the programme, Jonathan McDade, head of the Irish Brewers Asso-
ciation, said: “This initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland. We’re hoping it will benchmark health and safety standards for all licensed operators in Europe. “BeSMART.ie is quick and easy to use and will give bar managers an idea of how safe their cellars are and if any safety issues need to be addressed.” The cellar safety programme aims to improve
safety in the workplace environment for thousands of workers and service providers and for customers of the hospitality sector. The programme was designed to address safety issues arising from serious accidents in bar cellars across Europe in recent years. It is aimed at helping bars to protect their staff and meet legal requirements to ensure their
workplace is a safe place to operate in. The new safety programme can be accessed through the HSA’s existing online risk assessment tool, BeSMART.ie. Pictured launching the programme are Padraig Cribben, Vintners Federation of Ireland; Donal O’Keeffe, Licensed Vintners Association; Ian Reidy, Heineken and Jonathan McDade, the Irish Brewers Association.
Marks & Spencer arrives in Santry HUNDREDS of local residents gathered in Santry last Thursday (30th November) for the opening of the new Marks & Spencer Foodhall. Store manager, Richie Fahey, celebrated the opening with 55 new M&S colleagues - many recruited from the local area - by cutting the ribbon at 10am and welcoming the first customers into store. He said: “I am so proud of the team for their efforts in preparing the store for its opening this morning. “We are thrilled with the response we have received from customers so far, and we can’t wait to hear more feedback on the range of food and drink products on offer. “We are looking forward to
working with, and becoming part of, the Santry community over the next few years.” Richie was joined by two longserving M&S staff members, Alison Moore and Brian Conlon. Alison and Brian have worked for M&S for 31 years and 27 years respectively, and both live locally so were delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the new store team. The 9,000 sq ft store, located in Omni Park Shopping Centre offers a 42-seat Cafe for shoppers to enjoy a coffee and cake in. With over 5,000 delicious products on offer, shoppers filled their baskets with the latest M&S food and drink, including a range of treats for Christmas like the Wob-
bly Santa Tin, filled with chocolate chip shortbread stars and the stunning Chocolate Pine Cones. The Paddington Bear range also proved a real hit with customers, with the Milk Chocolate Paddington Wellington Boots proving to be a popular choice. The in-store bakery will provide customers with a range of brand new artisan breads, including M&S’ Signature Sourdough, which is inspired by the traditional sourdoughs of San Francisco, and three new 100% spelt loaves, which are available at M&S for the first time. Customers can take advantage of the popular Collect in Store service by having orders delivered free of charge. Free parking is also available at the store.
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DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
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VIVIENNE IS SHY, SWEET AND LOVING
OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Vivienne, a two-year-old female Pit Bull terrier who is crying out for a perfect home. This stunning looking dog has gained many friends among staff members since her arrival and it’s easy to see why, as she has such a sweet and affectionate nature. Vivienne is a sensible soul and she can be worried initially when meeting new people, but given time and space she makes friends easily. She is looking for an adult home because she can be worried by noises and over-handling. She likes a gentle approach and doesn’t like too much fuss around her. Vivienne would prefer to be the only dog in the family. If you can be her #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
Cool Runnings stars Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) and Rawle D Lewis (Junior Bevil) pictured at the launch of Après Dublin, a giant custom built ski lodge in Dublin’s city centre
LAUNCH: COOL RUNNINGS STARS LEAVE WARM LA FOR THE SLOPES OF DUBLIN
Get on up, it’s bobsled time EMMA NOLAN and MARK O’BRIEN . “FEEL the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time!” Cool Runnings may have come out over 20 years ago, but the classic movie’s many quotable lines are still as recognisable today, as our its stars. Much to the delight of Dubliners, Rawle D Lewis (who played Junior Bevil) and Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) were in Dublin last week for the first time ever to launch Apres Ski at the IFSC with Coors Light. Rawle and Doug shot to instant fame as stars of the popular film about Jamaica’s unexpected participation in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
“It’s fantastic, beautiful, the people are fantastic!” Doug told Dublin Gazette at Apres Ski. While they were having a great time in the fair city, the two admitted they were shocked to be invited. Exuberance
“I was like ‘Dublin, really? Alright!’ I live in LA where there’s a lot of tourists and Irish people and I always like your exuberance! So I thought, imagine meeting a whole country of them!” Rawle joked. Hundreds of people were delighted to meet the pair at Apres Ski and they were more than happy to pose for photos and chat with fans.
“The movie came out 20 years ago but they’re acting like it came out yesterday,” Rawle said. “It still surprises me though, the level of people who are excited about this. It’s amazing how many people have quoted me lines from the movie and how many likes they know. They’re reminding me!” Doug added: “I love that, seeing people happy and feeling like you’re part of their happiness in some way is the best.” Asked if they wanted to be known for other projects they’ve worked on since Cool Runnings, the two said they were proud that the film inspired so many people. “With something like this, that’s done such good, you can’t knock it.”
The Cool Runnings stars with Sorcha Kavanagh at the launch
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DUBLINLIFE
BARNADOS: LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT COUNTRY’S NEEDIEST PEOPLE
Appeal to help spread cheer to thousands BARNARDOS, the children’s charity, has launched its Christmas appeal to help give children a happy Christmas. This year, Barnardos is not asking for toys, but for donations to allow the organisation to provide more practical gifts for the families they work with. Another way to support Barnardos is by purchasing a Gift For Good – an alternative gift to buy for family or friends in lieu of a present, which will directly benefit a child or family
that Barnardos works with. The charity’s chief executive Fergus Finlay said: “Following our work with many generous public and corporate suppor ters, and talks with the man in red himself, we know every child we work with will get a toy this Christmas. “However, we have identified the need for more practical gifts for families such as pyjamas, slippers, books, duvets, pillows, bedding and food vouchers. “We also know that
this Christmas more than 3,194 children will be homeless. We work to provide supports to many of these families. “The children will be facing a Christmas of uncertainty, and we want to make them as comfortable as possible this year. Each family has different needs to the next, but your donation will allow us to direct your help how each need it most.” Yo u c a n d o n a t e online at www.barnardos.ie/christmas, or by calling 1850 216 216.
BEAUTY AND BEAST HELP SICK CHILDREN MAGIC was in the air at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital last week, when the cast of The Helix pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, arrived in character (below) to spread some Christmas cheer this festive season among the young patients, families and staff. This year, The Helix has teamed up with the hospital as its charity partner, and on Thursday, December 7, The Helix is hosting a designated charity show in aid of the Hospital, with all proceeds going directly to the hospital. Speaking on the partnership, Claire Tighe, chief executive of TheatreWorkX Productions, said: “We are thrilled
to be teaming up with Temple Street again this year. It’s such a worthy cause and we’re hoping that we’ll have a full house on December 7.” Tickets for the charity show are priced at of €18.50 per seat (booking fees apply) and are on sale from www.thehelix.ie, and at The Helix’s box office; telephone 01 700 7000.
EXTRA SHOWS SET FOR RAPUNZEL ANOTHER hugely popular panto – The Gaiety Panto – has announced extra performances of Rapunzel as tickets have been snapped up. Rapunzel opened to sold-out performances on Sunday, November 26. A limited number of tickets for dates up to January 7 are on sale now from €19.50 (including booking fee),
with brand-new extra dates added from January 11-21 also on sale now. The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since 1873. Tickets are available in person at Ticketmaster outlets and the Gaiety’s box office, 0818 719 388. F o r g r o u p b o o kings, call 01 648 6029, or email group.sales@ ticketmaster.ie; see also www.gaietytheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie.
A LOVELY GIG TO HELP CARE FOR HORSES MY LOVELY Neightivity Gig is taking place in Whelan’s main room next Friday, December 15. The equine-saving bunch got their name from Father Ted – and
Cute as buttons Katie May and Lauren O’Brien, and teddy pals, helping to launch Barnardos’ Gifts For Good Christmas
rightly so, as one of the charity’s founders, Cathy Davey, is the partner of Neil Hannon who wrote the brief but beloved song. House band T he Love Tailors will keep the par ty moving at a canter, while guests include Cathy Davey, Cry Monster Cry, Roisin O and CC Brez. My L ove l y Ho r s e Rescue says that 4,000 horses a year are rounded up and euthanised because they are not being properly looked after, with the night set to be a great fundraiser to help horses. Doors 8pm; tickets priced €15; see www. whelanslive.com.
HOP OVER TO THE BUSY FLEA MARKET THE Dublin Flea Christmas Market returns to The Point Square this weekend, until Sunday, December 10. After a hugely successful market last year, with almost 30,000 shoppers attending,
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
this year’s free market will once again offer an alternative to Christmas on the main street. The market will feature up-and-coming Irish contemporary design, art, hand-made craf t and delectable foods alongside T he Dublin Flea Market’s m u c h - l ove d m i x o f antiques, vintage and retro collectibles. Once again, Dublin City Council are supporting The Dublin Flea Christmas Market this year – the only pop-up retail event in DCC’s Dublin At Christmas Programme for 2017.
A NEW WAY TO HELP ELDERLY PATIENTS THE Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is launching an awareness campaign to encourage patients to Get up, Get dressed, Get moving, Get Well and Get Home. The campaign is focused on providing high-quality patient care and empowering
patients, with the initiative part of a wider programme of activity, entitled #Last1000days, itself a worldwide social media movement which has spread across the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. Ward staff are encouraged to identify those patients who would benefit by getting out of their PJs or gowns and getting out of their rooms at the start of each day, should the patient wish to participate. The average length of stay for patients aged 85 and older in the Mater is 18.1 days, but evidence shows that patients staying in their pyjamas or gowns reinforces the sick role, and leaves them vulnerable to a higher risk of infection, loss of mobility, fitness and strength, which results in them staying in hospital longer. For further information, see www.mater.ie or tweet @MaterHospital.
GAZETTE
DIARY
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
Out and About
Glenda Gilson with models Sarah McGovern, Vivienne Connolly and Gail Kaneswaran. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
A star studded bash to launch jewellery line
Susan Molloy, Ruth Henshaw and Gillian Langan
T
HERE was a host of famous faces at No 37 Dawson Street last week as Glenda Gilson unveiled her first jewellery line. Glenda opened the evening by thanking all of those involved in bringing the collection to life along with her pr Tara O’Conner. Guests were treated to bespoke cocktails on the night along with a tastys election of mini burgers and finger foods. Speaking about her inspiration for the collection Glenda said: “I have always worn jewellery, especially delicate jewellery since my modelling days and I’ve been know for my layering and mixing of metals.”
Don O’Neill and Tracey Moroney
Linda Keating and Edel Selina and Michelle Regazzoli
McCabe
Emily O’Donnell
Vivienne Connolly
Carol Byrne
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
Out and About
Fidelma Breathnach
Christine and Karen Bruton
Lisa Nolan
Actor Liam Cunningham
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
DUBLINLIFE
JAMES HENDICOTT SEVEN years after their last release, Ireland’s favourite indie outliers Super Extra Bonus Party return with a new single. They look back to their blistering best. IT’S EARLY 2007, and against all the odds, Newbridge band Super Extra Bonus Party are stood on the stage collecting a gong and a large cheque, having taken home the Choice Music Prize for their self-titled debut album. It’s probably the most controversial decision in the history of the competition. Cathy Davey, Delorentos and Kila are all household names, and all have acclaimed albums up for the award, but it comes as little surprise to those with their ear to the ground of Irish music. An album that’s only touched on the fringes of mainstream consciousness has, in some knowledgeable corners, been hailed as the most inventive Irish album in a decade. With follow up Night Horses, the hip-hop/ indie fusion act returned with abundant Dublin-scene special guests in 2009, accompanying the searing and memorable release with a series of blistering and beloved live shows, before calling an indefinite hiatus in 2011. Whispers of a return began as early as 2015, and with November’s new single ‘Switzerland’, the revered six-piece (seventh member Rodrigo Teles has sadly departed Irish shores for his native Brazil) have finally returned to the fray. “It had been kicking around for a while, but the decision was made out the back of a pub in Dingle in December 2014 as part of a ‘tired and emotional’ chat we all had while on a mate’s stag,” Gavin Elsted tells us. “We felt that we had left things unfinished and without any external pressure, wanted to start working on music just to see if the old spark was still there.” “It was never about the relationships in the band, because in the intervening years we’d still hang out whenever we could, so when we eventually took the first step into the studio, it was like we never left. There was so much joy at being back where we felt we belonged. I still think in some ways it’s an excuse to hang out a bit more with each other, but at least now we have something to show for it!” In a sense, with Irish hip-hop currently at by far its highest ever ebb, Super Extra Bonus Party are a more natural fit for today’s scene, with Elsted telling us that current stars Rusangano Family “made me wish Bonus Party were still going every time I saw them.” “We’ve listened to hip hop forever really and it’s still a very integral part of the band and one of our main influences,” Stephen ‘Fats’ Foley adds. “It’s a very natural part of our arsenal, so we’d be producing tunes with a hip hop influence regardless of the climate for sure.” The climate, though, is very likely to be still more accepting than last time around, and that can only be a positive. That writing process has come very naturally, with Foley describing the progression as less challenging than last time around, at least so far.
MUSIC
Super Extra Bonus Party
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT
Santa at the Marsh Library
A magical spot to meet the big man, the centuries-old Marsh Library next to St Patrick’s Cathedral will throw in a tour and a photo with their one-day-only Santa meeting. December 9, book ahead. The gift, naturally, will be a book.
The co-present Pieta House gig
Check out some great local talent and chip in on the launch of The CoPresent’s new compilation, in aid of Pieta House. Columbia Mills, Session Motts and I Have A Tribe are amongst those playing Drop Dead Twice on December 9.
a glitchy, bleeping melody fused with power chords and fresh, echoey vocals. “Switzerland was one of the first demos that were floating around when we first started working on music again,” Elsted explains. “As per usual with us, it started off as a totally different song.” “I think it was meant to be more of a housier track with some guitars added, but we stripped it back and all that was left that we actually liked was the little synth arpeggio, which is essentially the spine of the song. “It went through various permutations with other members veering between trying to get rid of it altogether (not naming any names!) and adding some valuable constructive criticism or
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Love it or loath it (and the comedy certain divides opinion), Mrs Brown’s Boys has become almost as much a part of Christmas as the tinsel and the chocolate binge. The live show drops in on the 3Arena, December 14-16.
Fusion Sundays at the Dublin Food Co-Op
A December global glance from the Food Co-Op in Newmarket, Dublin 8, where you can indulge in beautiful food and gifts from Africa, Asia and South America.
Magical Christmas Cinema
Retro Drive-In will get seasonal and old-school over the weekend, with showings of Elf, Love Actually, Santa Claus and Home Alone, plus the promise of chocolate cake and tunes. Leopardstown Racecourse, December 9-10.
Lankum
An Irish trad band that drew their influences from a spectrum of ancient folk, before evolving their sound into something poignant and current, Lankum are the rising stars of the Irish trad-folk scene. They play Vicar Street on December 9.
Return of the underdogs
“Mostly It feels a lot easier,” he explains, “and I think that’s going to be reflected in the music. We’ve developed a lot both as people and as musicians. Years ago we avoided difficult conversations. We avoided uncomfortable confrontation and the necessity of critical analysis.” “Our approach back then tended to be to identify space in a tune and immediately fill it with my amazing part. Now we’re talking so much more about our music and trying create and maintain space, facilitating each others ideas and encouraging each other as much as we can.” New single Switzerland, naturally, went through a slightly messy, iterative process, as has much of Bonus Party’s work. The result is
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20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi suggestions for the sequencing. We had been rehearsing it for a while before we finally got into gear.” “The drums were done in Herbert Place Studios in Dublin with our long-suffering producer Sean Corcoran, with the instrumentation and vocals all done in his studio in Rathmines. “Lots of ‘Ooh I’m not sure about that’ and ‘We are definitely not using that synth it sounds like an arse’ later, we had the bones of the song. The mixing process was surprisingly easy, but I reckon that was because Sean wouldn’t let us near it. Probably for the best. We’re so delighted with how it turned out.” Switzerland is not to be a one off. The band are already announcing shows, and an album
- jokingly working-titled ‘Led Zeppelin 4’ - is on the longer-term horizon. “The album is still our yardstick,” Foley tells us. As for that big moment at Vicar Street all those years ago? “You have to understand that we were total outsiders,” Elsted recalls. “We were relatively unknown to critics and bands because we had essentially come from nowhere. I remember being excited to play in Vicar Street, really relishing it. “Being able to hoof around and have fun with my friends on a national stage was an indescribable feeling. The win was the win. We can’t account for why we were chosen, we were just blown away by it.”
The latest in the Star Wars saga lands on December 15, with tickets expected to be in extremely high demand between the launch date and Christmas. Get booking early to watch Rey begin her training.
Aware Christmas Run
Another chance to postpone the season’s crash weight gain with a pre-emptive strike against the food monster, whilst raising some funds for charity, too. The Aware Christmas Run (5km or 10km) is on December 9 in Phoenix Park.
New album of the week
The Co-Present Pieta House charity album. Available around Dublin, this showcase of local Irish talent will raise money for those struggling in life. It serves as a great intro to the Irish music scene, too.
DUBLINLIFE
FEATURE
Ready, Set...Colour!
Laureate na nOg and children’s book illustrator PJ Lynch pictured with Pippa Smullen, Sally White and Finn McLoughlin at the launch. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
WIN We’ve teamed up with Motivation Weight Management to offer one lucky reader the chance to WIN an all-inclusive weight loss programme with Ireland’s leading weight loss clinic network. MEMORIES of past Christmases may well be ones of too much food and feeling bloated and depressed. Well now is the time to give yourself a great Christmas, one to remember! For close on 25 years we have been helping Irish men and women to eat healthily and happily over the Christmas and New Year season while losing weight at the same time. We provide all the support, tools and meal plans you need to lose weight in private one-to-one consultations. Join over 250,000 Irish people that have walked through our nationwide clinic network to a better, happier and ‘lighter’ future. To be in with a chance of winning this prize, email your contact details (address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit Dublin Gazette Facebook page and follow the instructions. Closing date for entries is FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER. Competition terms and conditions are available on dublingazette.com
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME WITH
MOTIVATION
CHILDREN across Dublin have been working hard, practicing their painting skills and perfecting their masterpieces as the deadline for the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards approaches. Completed works of art need to be submitted by Friday, December 16. Each year thousands of budding artists across Ireland create colourful artworks in the hope of being named the overall winner at next spring’s award ceremony. Embracing creativity and education are the core objectives of the competition which is open to primary school students of all ages and this year’s theme, ‘Put Us in the Picture’, has been inspiring thousands of thoughtful and imaginative entries over the past number of weeks.
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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
Don’t be afraid to go crazy and use vibrant colours are tips given by the judges for this year’s Junior PainterAwards and of course, don’t miss the closing date! 15 regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a Awards Day in 2018 where three overall national winners will be announced. Every child that enters will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their artistic efforts. The closing date for entry is Friday, December 16. Parents and children still wishing to get involved can do so by speaking to their school teacher or by visiting the Sightsavers website to request entry forms: www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter
New Zealand Pop Up for cold weather ailments KIWI Country Clothing will “The secret is in the possum, “A blended product of merino make a return visit to Dublin for and it is medically recognised as wool and possum fibre, possum the month of December (until being able to significantly reduce merino, is the ultimate in super 24th). pain as a result of the cold. warm knitwear... 35% warmer Not only do they carry a range “We make hand wear and foot than cashmere and 55% warmer of premium, yet practical solu- wear to order and carry regular than merino lambswool. tions for all cold and wet weath- stock of the amazing possum “Typically, a pair of socks er complaints, including diabe- fur insoles, which give instant should only be washed every 4-6 tes, Raynaud’s, arthritis and weeks. poor circulation issues, but “T he possum naturally they also stock an extensive sanitises the foot. No smell, range of high quality excelno sweat, and warm beyond lent Christmas and Winter belief. gifts. “We also make a specific Elizabeth McGuinness, sock for diabetes, which is originally from Monaghan, seamless, low tension, soft returned to Ireland from top and gets the bloodflow New Zealand five years ago to tips of the toes, whilst proon a mission to dress people tecting the fragile skin. for cold and wet weather. “This Pop Up will be our She initially began in the last outing, as we move excluequestrian and farming secsively online after Christmas, tor, but increasingly is workso be sure to call in to see ing a lot more now in the touch and feel the range of health sector. products while you can.” “I am now getting regu- Proprietor Elizabeth McGuinness with They are located at First lar referrals from various Taoiseach Leo Varadkar checking out some Floor, 18 South Anne Street hospitals both north and of the products (over Tinnakeenly Leathsouth, and from dozens of ers) and can be contacted at GPs everywhere for people who warmth and comfort to cold feet. 0868931953. suffer intolerance to cold in their “The possum insoles are the Further info at www.kiwichands or feet. greatest joy to cold feet ever. ountryclothing.ie
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7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
DUBLINFITNESS
Forget the myth: Lifting weights does not make women bulky... Ladies! Lets smash some really frustrating myths that have been floating around! Lifting heavy weights will NOT, I repeat NOT make you look bulky. If you’ve ever come across a woman on the internet with extremely big muscles there’s 100% chance that she takes performance enhancing steroids because a woman’s body cannot just build muscle like that without them. Absolutely almost every woman we have introduced to weight lifting has asked at the beginning, “are you sure about this? I don’t want to get bulky. I just want to tone up.” Toning Up…
Well, let’s just explain what toning up actually means. Firstly, we can’t tone a muscle into a specific shape, we can only make it bigger or smaller. Toned: This means well built glutes, legs and good definition in the arms and back and also having a thin layer of fat around the muscles that keep you from having that too lean or shredded look. To do this, we must build muscle in these areas by lifting weights and we don’t mean lifting light weights for lots of reps; we mean lifting heavier weights over
GARETH FRANCIS
info@dublingazette.com
need to do. To do this, you must create a calorie deficit (burning more or eating less calories than your body is using for fuel) by taking in less calories or burning up more. Cardio
time to keep the muscle getting stronger and to grow. “But what happens if the muscle gets too big and I start to look bulky?” Well this is where your fat and calorie control comes in. Having that bulky look usually means you’re carrying too much fat around the muscles and not that the muscle has actually gotten bigger. No matter how many times a week you’re lifting or whatever training you do if you’re eating more calories than you need to fuel your body and training, then you’re going to gain fat around your muscles and look bulky. So if you’re trying to prevent the bulky look while making gains in the weights room, then you need to control your calorie intake and eat at a maintenance level (eating the same amount of calories than your body is burning). If it’s that leaner look with more definition in your muscles that you’re going for, then decreasing the amount of fat around the muscles is what you
Cardio is a great tool for burning up those extra calories and keeping body fat down, but if too much cardio is done it can have a negative effect on your goal to look toned. As explained earlier, to have a toned body we must have well built legs, glutes and back etc but cardio alone can’t do this for you. Only weight training can. Too much cardio can actually send you in the opposite direction and you can lose muscle gains. You’ve heard the saying ‘if you don’t use it you lose it’ well that goes for your muscle too. If you’re not lifting weights and just doing cardio, there’s a good chance you’re burning through your muscles to fuel your cardio and losing your muscle mass and after time that can leave you looking thin or “skinny”. The ultimate guide to looking lean and toned!
Firstly, get yourself to the weights room, as scary as it may seem. Now let building strength be the
Myth busted: Lifting weights does not make women look “bulky”
goal and keep trying to lift heavier weights over time. Focus most of your workouts on the body parts you want to grow or maintain like glutes and legs, but don’t neglect those other muscle groups and hit those weekly too. If you’re not happy with the amount of fat around your muscles, this doesn’t mean you need to drop the weights and get on the thread mill. It just means you need to create a small deficit in your calorie intake but keep lifting to maintain your muscle while losing the fat. If you hate cutting calories because you love food, then you could add in some cardio or more activities throughout the day to help burn some of those calories but just don’t let it get in the way of your weight lifting. TAKE HOME POINTS 1. Lifting weights does not make you “bulky”. 2. Being bulky means you’re carrying too much fat not muscle. 3. Muscle won’t grow if you’re not feeding it enough calories to do so.
CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie
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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
DUBLINMOTORING
Mercedes-Benz refreshes its compact SUV
FASTNews
The new generation Volkswagen Amarok
VW Amarok wins International Pick-up Award VOLKSWAGEN’S Amarok has won the International Pick-up Award 2018. Like its predecessor
in association with
Mercedes Benz has refreshed the GLA compact SUV for 2017 and MICHAEL MORONEY has taken it for a test drive to appreciate the step up to luxury end motoring. Here he gives his appraisal.
in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists. The Volkswagen Amarok becomes the only pick-up to win this accolade for a second time. The jury rated the Amarok as the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard’, a core element of the entire pick-up segment and described the Amarok as a ‘top pedigree workhorse’. The clear design, the fantastic feel and the finish, in short the workmanship, were specifically cited by the jury as being key factors in their decision. The size of the double cab with room for five people, the benchmark in the segment, also impressed with its modern design. The ergoComfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, adorned with the AGR logo of the ‘German Healthy Backs Society’, also won over the jury, who in addition highlighted the unique eight-speed automatic transmission and broad V6 engine specification in the segment. Performance is not a challenge for the Volkswagen Amarok V6. Its wide selection of 3-litre TDI engines, which range from 120 to 190 kW, fulfils the power and torque desires of all customer groups. The second-generation Amarok with its V6 engine is a hit with customers. This year, to the end of October, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already supplied customers with 65,200 vehicles from the Amarok range compared with 57,600 vehicles for the same period in 2016, an increase of 13.2%.
THE Mercedes-Benz entry level SUV is the GLA, a compact car that’s been upgraded for 2017 from the original one first introduced back in 2013. The GLA is pitched at the upper end of the compact SUV market, putting it into a price bracket that’s well north of the best-selling competition in the sector. That always begs the question about why spend more? Why opt for a more luxury end SUV when one of the volume makes will do the very same job? Or will they? After spending some days behind the wheel of the new generation GLA, which is improved for 2017, it becomes clearer as to why this SUV has some special appeal. I took the car across the country, through Dublin and Limerick cities and the longer that I drove the GLA to
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price
cover over 950km, the more the appeal of the car grew on me. The GLA never claims to be a big SUV; it credentials are firmly in the compact SUV sector. It’s a car that you easily feel comfortable in, there’s a good driving position, strong seats and a clear instrument arrangement.
2.1 litre 136hp 9.1 seconds 24km/litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg) 56 litres 108g/km A3 €190 30,000km/12 months 5 star (2014) 2 years €35,400
The interior design is uncluttered and easy to become familiar with. That means that you quickly get down to feeling comfortable behind the wheel and you start to appraise the car for what it’s worth. The test car came with the off-road comfort suspension which raises the car body an extra 30 milli-
metres higher. This claims to give improved off-road capability thanks to higher ground clearance and a higher seat position. In styling terms this latest GLA has new lightalloy wheels. The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have been replaced by LED headlights and they are impressive for night vision. With its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, the GLA 200d’s 136bhp output means that this car is a lively performer. The car is among the heavier of the compact SUV’s on the market, while it still achieves an acceleration figure of 9.1 seconds in a 0 to 100km/ hr race. That compares well with all contenders, while the new generation and lighter Nissan Qashqai with which it shares some architecture, is marginally
New Jaguar just in time for Christmas THE new Jaguar E-PACE is making its Dublin debut in Jaguar Land Rover showrooms in early December. The E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family following the F-PACE, Jaguar’s performance SUV and winner of World Car of the Year 2017. To celebrate its arrival, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland announced a limited edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model. This represents a €2,000 saving. The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat com-
pact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheeldrive vehicle. The exterior design is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches while optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance. The E-PACE is one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The nextgeneration touchscreen infotainment system
connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps. Under the bonnet, E-PACE is available engine options from the Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers E-PACE from 0-100km/ hr in just 6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 243km/hr. The new E-Pace has just received a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, in the week that it hits the Dublin market.
The new Jaguar E-PACE
The newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with some enhanced features, especially in the area of safety, in a very comfortable and solid compact SUV.
faster off the blocks. The GLA is a thrifty performer with a rated economy figure of 24km/ litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg). While in reality that’s difficult to achieve, this comparison figure is still close to being the best in this class, well ahead of most of the competition, apart from the new Nissan Qashqai. I drove the automatic version of the GLA and quite honestly this is the best format to appreciate the car’s driving style. The seven-speed automatic gearbox design is where Mercedes-Benz excels and in the GLA this gives driving options to choose
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
in association with
Ho Ho Ho! Plan your Christmas shopping spree CHRISTMAS shopping signals the really
do watch for this sort of thing. Leav-
festive start to the season. Despite the
ing valuables in a car is never a good
parking charges on the streets or in car
idea especially after you spent all that
parks across Dublin City, if you plan well
time and effort in choosing the right
you can get everything done without
presents.
breaking the bank on parking. This week we give some advice tips to all those planning on making a day of
lights on and give your eyes time to
getting all the Christmas shopping done.
adjust to the different light level. Keep a
1. Deciding where to park can have a
look out for pedestrians thinking more
huge impact on cost, we’ve experience
about their shopping list than their
a shopping spree where the parking
safety, especially excited children.
charges cost more than some presents
between pace and economy at the press of a button. That’s the part of the Mercedes-Benz driving appeal that I especially liked about the GLA. It’s small and compact while being great to drive. There’s a solid feel to the car and the comfort of sure footed handling that puts you at ease. That driving experience is helped by the large 18in wheels that give the car some presence as well as contributing to that solid driving feel. That solid feel permeates throughout the GLA;
it’s not a badge thing, even though that extra appeal is obvious. Both inside and outside the MercedesBenz presence is obvious. An electronic handbrake takes over from the traditional foot operated one for other larger cars in the Mercedes-Benz range. The entire dash area is uncluttered. The column shift control lever for the automatic gearbox leaves the centre console area clear for use of the multifunction control dial. This dial operates all of the functions on the larger floating infotainment
screen. The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a Smartphone Integration function which allows iPhones and Android smart-phones to be integrated into the vehicle using Apple CarPlayTM or Android Auto respectively. There is a raft of safety features included and that’s why the GLA received a five star rating in the Euro NCAP test programme when the previous model was tested three years ago. If anything, the current GLA should excel with
attention assist, active brake assist to warn of cars or obstacles ahead. This system is able to trigger autonomous braking if a rear-end collision appears imminent and the driver fails to react, so preventing an accident or at least minimising the consequences. This upgraded GLA is a car that’s crafted for downsizing. If you want to downsize with comfort, good economy and low running costs, then include it in the shopping list for a compact SUV. At €35,400 its more expensive than an Audi Q2, has better driving comfort and presence, suppor ted on bigger wheels. You’ll need to move up the specification ladder to get the benefits of the smooth sever-speed automatic gearbox, and it’s worth it.
5. Some car parks are not as well-lit as others so it’s a good idea to put your
6. Choose your parking neighbours
themselves. Have a look and see if your
and space carefully as a car which is
town have special offers on parking
looked after and in good condition is less
around the festive season some car
likely to have a door open into yours.
parks in the city have reduced rates on
Also, although never on purpose, a car
certain days and for late night shop-
with child seats in it might have children
ping, while some shopping centres offer
who are not quite as careful in charge of
free parking.
the door.
2. Think about where you leave your
7. Reverse park or drive in? Use the
vehicle in a multi-story car park. Always
option which suits you best; if you need
choose your space on when you plan to
to put your shopping in the boot when
return, it is never nice to return to the
you return consider driving into the
only car left on the top floor of a now
space, reverse parking is not always the
relatively empty car park.
best solution.
3. At any one time, hundreds of driv-
8. Avoid leaving your ticket in the car
ers on Dublin roads are in city centres
and make sure you put it somewhere
searching for a parking space, on
safe, if you are a regular at losing tick-
average it takes 10-15 minutes to find
ets, take a quick photo of it so you have
somewhere to park and during busy
all the details to hand just in case it is
periods that time frame gets bigger! So
not your day again.
make sure you add the time it will take to get parked up into your time plan for the day. 4. Try to avoid returning to your
9. If you have used a pay and display, set an alarm on your phone to remind you what time it runs out, it can be
vehicle to leave your presents while
very easy to let time slip by without you
you continue on, unfortunately thieves
noticing.
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DUBLINLIFE
FEATURE STYLE
The special limited edition gold Hope pendant (€65) and Hope keyring (below, €25)in support of Pieta House
HOPE
IS THE KEY
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
DUBLIN jewellery designer, MoMuse, has brought back the Hope pendant with 100% of its proceeds go to Pieta House. She also introduced the new limited edition leather Hope keyring. All proceeds generated from each piece will be donated to Irish suicide and self-harm prevention charity, Pieta House, to aid in its efforts to help people feel hopeful about the future, while continuing to tackle the grave issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland today. I n S e p t e m b e r 2 015 , MoMuse founder and designer, Margaret O’Rourke introduced the special limited edition gold Hope pendant in support of Pieta House. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the public, with purchases from home soil and as far afield as Australia, the Hope pendant sold out in just four weeks, resulting in over €18,265 in funds being raised for Pieta House. Mo Mu s e i s d e l i g h t e d t o
announce the return of the Hope pendant for a limited period of time, again with 100% proceeds going to the good work of Pieta House. “Pieta House empowers people through generating hope and through creating acceptance – my own wish is that this keyring and pendant can in-turn inspire hope in others too. Be it a symbol, a special reminder or a sign of support, you can carry Hope with you everywhere you go,” Margaret said. “I was so moved by t h e ove r-
whelming response to our first collaboration and the positivity shared by those who supported the project. With every purchase, a real-life story came with it, which inspired me to design a new piece, to bring this message of hope to a wider audience. Hope is the key.” Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta
House said: “Whilst these items are limited edition, hope is not. This simple message of wearing hope and letting others see its beauty, holding onto hope and indeed giving hope to others is so simple yet so powerful. We are so grateful to MoMuse and the people who will support this wonderful concept for helping us move closer to seeing our vision realised of ‘a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced with hope, self-care and acceptance.” Hand finished by Margaret O’Rourke, the Hope pendant will retail at €65.00 and the Hope keyring will retail at €25.00, w i t h 10 0 % o f proceeds donated to Pieta House. The Hope pendant and keyring are available now in store in MoMuse, Ground Floor, Powerscourt Town Centre and online at http://www.momuse.ie/
Irish jewellery designer Margaret O’Rourke and Brian Higgins, Pieta House CEO, pictured at the MoMuse launch of a specialedition Hope pendant in support of Pieta House
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
A cut above the rest at Boca Cafe
Go loca for Boca – quality coffee and homemade sandwiches elevate the IFSC’s café offering EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
BOCA Cafe strives for quality, and in a sea of generic IFSC coffee chains, this is a place where you can get a proper sandwich. “I was sick of walking over that bridge,” owner Keith Ryan tells Dublin Gazette. Having lived in Spencer Dock for seven years and having to constantly walk across the Samuel Beckett for a decent sandwich and coffee, he decided three years ago he was going to take matters into his own hands. “I love a good sandwich and there was nothing over this side of the bridge, so the idea was to bring quality sandwiches here. People I know who work around here were saying the same thing, they were fed up walking over the bridge and that was the eureka moment. “We were originally going to call it Bocadillo, [Boc-a-dee-yo] which means sandwich
GAZETTE
FOOD&DRINK
The modern yet comfy Boca Cafe and (right) barista Juliet McBain, barista Natalia Grabowska, owner Keith Ryan and chef Kevin Byrne
in Spanish but nobody could pronounce it,” he jokes. So the name was shortened to Boca, which means ‘taste’ or ‘mouth’ – perfectly fitting for a cafe dedicated to excellent coffee and sandwiches, which are a meal in themselves. Homemade
With choices like the Chicken and Chorizo (which contains roast lemon chicken with chorizo, mozzarella, carrot and fennel slaw and pesto mayo on sourdough) or the Roast Beef (with caramelised onion, vintage cheddar, tomato, celeriac slaw and horseradish mayo) the menu has been carefully thought out by Keith, manager Niamh Barry, and head chef Kevin Byrne. Formerly of Green Bench cafe on Montague Street, Byrne’s reputation for crafting a whopper sandwich precedes him. “We’re striving for quality here,” he says. “All the meat is slow-roasted and all of A velvety smooth flat white the sauces are scratch made in house. It takes longer, but it’s worth it, and we try to get better and better every week.” All the sandwich ingredients, down to the pesto and the ketchup, are made in Boca’s kitchen. “Absolutely no corners are cut and it tastes better this way.” Breakfast is also an event here, with the star of the show being the Avo and Eggs on Toast – a crisp slice of sourdough topped with avocado, bacon, feta, tomatoes and two soft poached eggs. The perfect feed before a busy day in the IFSC. Avo and Eggs on Toast Anything not made in house is provided
One of Boca’s signature sandwiches
by quality Irish suppliers; Baker Street Bakery provide the breads and the baked goods and sweet treats come from nearby Camerino Bakery. As for the coffee, Boca uses Full Circle Coffee Roasters, and head barista Natalia explains they use single origin beans from Altos de Erapuca in Honduras, roasted by Full Circle founder Brian Birdy. The flat white is velvety smooth, naturally sweet and made with care. It’s up there with the best of Dublin’s top coffee spots and will no doubt become a must try destination for connoisseurs and caffeine lovers alike. Bold and Bright
Located on Spencer Dock, behind the Convention Centre, Boca is a comfortable spot for group and solo dining. Spacious and high ceilinged, the decor is clean, bold and bright. And while Keith says there are a few finishing touches to be added, its vibe is modern yet welcoming, and there’s plenty of room to sit in and enjoy lunch without having to rush back to the office. They also deliver to offices in the area.
Boca have been open for just a few months but are quickly establishing themselves as a one of Dublin’s best new cafes. “I used to walk around the block here with my daughter Holly and if you had have told me three years ago, that I would have a cafe here up and running, I would have said you were mental.” Keith’s business partner Marco Garbinesi had always wanted to open and cafe and with encouragement from both him and Keith’s wife Orla, Boca was born. “It’s been hard work but I feel like this is a place I could happily sit in and have a coffee, it’ll be a nice moment when I get a chance to do that.”
Boca Café is located at Unit C5 Ground Floor, Kilmore House, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1. Open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm. Check them out on Facebook @BocaCafe and Instagram @bocacafespencerdock.
GAZETTE
28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
THE DISASTER ARTIST: THE FILM OF THE BOOK ABOUT MAKING ‘THE ROOM’ – A MOVIE SO BAD, IT’S LOVED BY MILLIONS
ReelReviews
A hilarious tribute to a notoriously awful film YOU’D be forgiven for any ignorance of James Franco’s filmmaking career. Given themostly negative responses his directorial efforts have received, much of Franco’s work has flown under the radar. The actor has demonstrated a taste for projects based on work by literary giants, adapting two of William Faulkner’s most famous books and directing a film version of Cormac McCarthy’s violent andperverse novel, Child of God. With The DisasterArtist, Franco undertakes another literary adaptation, this time tackling Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell’s nonfiction book of the same name – an account of the making of writer-producer-director-actor Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film The Room, a modern cult classic beloved by hordes and widely considered to be one of the worst films ever made. W hile the critical responses to Franco’s aforementioned adapta-
MARTIN MACNAMARA
tions were sweepingly negative, The Disaster Artist received a standing ovation at its South By Southwest festival premiere. One can’t help but feel like Franco was born to play Tommy, effusing all that same chaotic mystery that anyone familiar with The Room can’t quite explain or understand – and can’t help but love. Franco moulds a story of resounding failure into an inspirational movie-abouta-movie; through Franco, Tommy becomes a chaotic force, inspiring change whether he intends it or not. Of course, it’ll help if you’ve actually seen The Room before witnessing the bizarre circumstances of its production and the mad, often mystifying man behind it – Franco’s
performance may come across just as baffling otherwise. Tommy Wiseau has to be seen to be believed, so do yourself a favour and check out any of the many interviews with him before purchasing a ticket. Dave Franco (brother of James) plays Greg Sistero, an aspiring actor living in San Francisco in the late-90s. After meeting the bizarre, infectious and completely uninhibited Tommy in an acting class, the pair decides to chase success in Los Angeles. When fame seems completely out of reach, Tommy writes, directs and stars in his own movie and Greg agrees to act in it. Completely funded by Tommy, “The Room” seems sets for disaster, driving Tommy into further delusion and infecting Greg’s professional and personal life. The Disaster Artist also features Seth Rogen and Paul Scheer as the film’s script-supervisor and DOP – at times the only people
BATTLE OF THE SEXES Game for a good movie
A REAL-life sports feud carries a serious message behind its breezy facade, with The Battle of the Sexes (Cert 12A, 121 mins) serving up an entertaining but also thoughtful film. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are great as tennis champs Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, whose 1973 grudge match put gender equality in the centre court, as each took their best shots at defending their differences.
SUBURBICON
Nasty neighbours galore THE FILM poster has lots of multi-star praise – but many film critics have slated this misfiring dud from director George Clooney. Suburbicon (Cert 15A, 104 mins) takes a look at the darkness behind idyllic suburbia in late 1950s America, but the lurking violence and latent racism the film portrays aren’t exactly shocking, with the current climate in America hurting the film’s narratives.
James Franco (above) is great as Tommy Wiseau, with Franco, and the film, nailing both Wiseau (right) and the source film’s sheer oddness, right down to The Room’s terrible, cheap sets
holding the production together. Alison Brie stars as Greg’s girlfriend Amber and Josh Hutcherson as one of “The Room’s” illfated actors. However, despite commendable turns from its supporting cast, and cameos from Sharon Stone, Zac Efron and Brian Cranston, The Disaster Artist is all about Tommy. James’s performance is pitch-perfect and avoids stumbling into imperson-
ation territory, a trap that would have been all too easy to fall into. Franco becomes Tommy Wiseau and, in the process, turns in one of the most enigmatic and bafflingly inspirational performances we’ve seen this year. Despite Franco’s directorial fumbles in the past, his fervour and determination as a director is commendable and somewhat mirrors Tommy’s own mad conviction. It’s a real
treat, then, to see Franco succeed in that area. The Disaster Artist often stumbles in terms of narrative coherence, yet remains enlightening, moving, downright hilarious and – one can’t help but feel – a deeply personal project for Franco. Most significantly, however, it does the impossible – it actually leaves you wanting to watch The Room again.
Verdict: 8/10
JUSTICE LEAGUE
Underwhelming heroes SUPERHERO fatigue seems to be setting in, with Justice League (Cert 12A, 120 mins) on track to be an underwhelming flop. While Marvel’s latest Thor was warmly received, Justice League has been getting the cold shoulder from many, with its slightly mismatched – and not in a good way – group of superheroes stuck with some ugly visuals, a forgettable villain, and an unsuccessful franchise entry.
7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
Seasonal specials for some festive luxury
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
TravelShorts
The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff
Tis the Season for Giving GET Christmas wrapped up early this year and start ticking people off your gift list with a voucher from Eccles Hotel. The hotel – located in Glengarriff Harbour – offers spectacular views second to none and won’t be beaten when it comes to a winter break in West Cork.
Trinity City Hotel Christmas Entrance Lobby
Choose one of their experiences from an SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor
WE’VE all dreamed of a Christmas dinner that doesn’t involve slaving over a hot stove or mountains of washing up – so this year why not check in and relax in festive luxury? There are a variety of seasonal specials on offer which mean you don’t have to break the bank and you won’t have to drive for hours to reach your destination either. The holiday season at The Shelbourne is when the hotel looks at its very best, full of glitter and magic, where centuries of Dubliners meet to celebrate Christmas and where fun, style and delicious food and festive drinks are the order of the day. Celebrate the ringing out of the old and in of the new in the magnificent Saddle Room Restaurant. T hen move to the glamour and the buzz of No. 27 Bar & Lounge to ring in the New Year. Including one nights accommodation in one of The Shelbourne’s gor-
geous Deluxe rooms, and traditional Irish breakfast on New Year’s Day, New Year’s packages at The Shelbourne cost from €295 per person sharing per night, with upgrades to Park View rooms from €100 (01 6634500). If you want to prolong that festive feeling with a post-Christmas break it’s a wonderful life at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa this ‘Twixmas’. Mulled wine & mince pies, fun board games by the fire, your favourite classic Christmas movies, a relaxing Festive back massage in The Island Spa, beach walks and more will ensure that the joy and magic of Christmas lingers well into the New Year. Beach walks
A t wo - n i g h t s t ay including breakfast, spa treatment and all the festive trimmings – with bracing beach walks on your doorstep – costs from €310 per person sharing (w w w.inchydoneyisland.com). For a bit of festive fizz and the best of city cen-
overnight stay to afternoon tea or give the gift of choice and select an Eccles Hotel monetary voucher for friends and family this Christmas. The hotel has earned a deserved reputation for its full Irish breakfast and
Treat yourself to a two-night break at Brooks Hotel
friendly service – and the home-baked brown bread is the best you’ll taste. AFTERNOON TEA FOR 2 Treat someone special to sumptuous afternoon tea lovingly prepared by the hotel’s head chef. Relish three tiers of heavenly delicacies – perfect to be savoured together
Enjoy a post-Christmas break at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
tre shopping why not hole up at Trinity City Hotel. They say good things come in threes and that’s cer tainly tr ue here. Urban, vibrant and smart it’s the perfect base for shopping, lunch and a retail blitz with an extra 10% at the Kilkenny store exclusive to guests. The shop and drop package includes overnight accommodation for two with breakfast the following morning,
Enjoy the holiday season at The Shelbourne
a glass of Prosecco on arrival and 10% off at in store at Kilkenny on Nassau Street from €175 per room per night (trinitycityhotel.com). If it’s spectacular surroundings you’re after Fota Island Resor t’s Christmas experience takes some beating. The gorgeous woodlands are transformed into a winter wonderland and family packages ensure there’s a bit of yuletide cheer for young and old alike.
Prices range from €250 for an overnight stay with B&B for two adults and one child sharing a classic king hotel room to €595 for two nights in one of Fota Island Resort’s selfcatering lodges (www. fotaisland.ie). Alternatively, treat yourself to a decadent two-night break on your doorstep at the stylish four-star Brooks Hotel on Drury Street. Arrive on Christmas Eve to bubbly and festive
canapes by the fire and on Christmas morning, after unwrapping your personally selected gift, enjoy a full Irish either in your room or in the dining room. Five-course Christmas lunch is served at 1pm and afterwards relax in the Jasmine Bar to the sound of resident pianist. This exquisite package is priced from €300 per night (01 670 4000 or visit www.brookshotel. ie).
overlooking the bay… ONE NIGHT ESCAPE Give the gift of relaxation… Leave the world behind and enjoy a night away in a classic double or twin room, with threecourse dinner for two and full Irish breakfast. Between now and Christmas the Eccles Hotel is offering 10% off the price of all gift vouchers bought over the phone on FRIDAYS. Call 027 63093 to avail of this offer.
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE WEST 7 December 2017
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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE WEST 7 December 2017
SPORT
FastSport CLARKE HAT TRICK OF TRIES POWERS BLUES: LEINSTER’s women’s rugby team began the defence of their Interprovincial title with a solid and deserved 34-10 bonus point win over Ulster in Dromore. Adam Griggs’ side are a very impressive outfit and were made work hard for their victory by a gallant Ulster team. Leinster led 10-0 at the break following tries from Aimee Clarke and Lindsey Peat out wide on the right. Ulster had been tight and controlled in that first half and tried to limit Leinster’s opportunities but they were being tested to the limit by the probing Leinster side. Michelle Claffey added another try before Ulster bounced back but a fourth Leinster try from Railway Union full-back Susan Vaughan put the blues out of sight before Clarke cross twice more.
BASKETBALL: LIFFEY CELTIC STAR COMBINING ELITE SPORT WITH STUDIES
Tiernan’s Ireland ambition powered by family support
KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com
LIFFEY Celtics is something of a family affair for rising star Sorcha Tiernan. Her father is the chairman of the club and her sister plays alongside her on the team but its not something they were born into. “My sister started off in the academy when she was seven or eight and then I just sort of naturally followed her at Liffey Celtics,” Tiernan told the Gazette after the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup basketball season. “Neither of my parents played basketball but it just happened that we fell in love with it and we both still play a lot. My younger brother plays as well. We tried every sport when we were younger, but it just happened to be the one we all stuck with.” Tiernan has been kept busy both on and off court this year as she prepares to sit her Leaving Certificate next June, while playing basketball for her school, club and country. She will compete for her school Colaiste Chiarain
Lauren D’Arcy, Our Lady’s Terenure, Sorcha Tiernan, Colaiste Chiaran, Leixlip and Lynn Tunnah, St Louis Rathmines at the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho
Leixlip in the Under-19 A semi-final come January and lines out for the Celtics’ Super League and Under-20 sides, as well as donning the green jersey at both senior and Under18 level. “It can be hard at times to juggle but you just have to make sure that you are pre-
pared for everything; like you have your homework done on time. Most of the time, my teachers are quite understanding if I am going to matches and stuff like that. “You just know that school is very important this year but basketball is obviously very important to me too so I just
have to make sure that I am prepared for both of them,” said Tiernan. The world is still at the feet of the 18-year-old but college is something high on her agenda. “I want to go to college so I’m kind of in the process of trying to decide what I want
to do at the moment. I really like maths so I’m thinking actuarial or engineering or something along those lines. Obviously, that is pointsdependent so I’ll see how I get on throughout the year.” W here she will attend college is still up in the air but one thing for sure is that she wants it to be in Ireland. “I was talking to a few schools at the start of the year but I’m unsure if I really want to go away. I think I would probably like to stay at home and go to school in Ireland so that’s where my head is at the moment.” Tiernan was involved as Celtics’ won the women’s super league for the first time in their 14-year history last season. “We are quite a young club so it is great to see how well we are doing especially at senior level. At underage level, our teams are generally near the top of the Dublin leagues every year. “It’s great to be able to play for your club team at such a high level with so many players who have come up through the club,” Tiernan concluded.
DCU show no Mercy in classic Hula Hoops cup tie sport@dublingazette.com
Close encounters between DCU Mercy and Liffey Celtics. Picture: Martin Doherty
“IF ANYBODY is going to watch a women’s sport, they need to come and watch women’s basketball,” stated DCU Mercy head coach, Mark Ingle on Friday evening as his side kept their cool in the dying seconds of their Hula Hoops Women’s quarter-final showdown against Courtyard Liffey Celtics to win out 81-76. In one of the games of the season so far, the top two sides on the Women’s Super League table dished up an absolutely superb
game of basketball in front of a packed gym and, by the end of the first quarter, it was already clear that a nail-biting finish was in the pipeline. DCU stormed into an early ten-point lead midway through the first, with Alex Masaquel and Tiffany Corselli carving holes in the Liffey Celtics defence to give them a 5-15 cushion. The home team regrouped quickly though, and an in-form Aine O’Connor and Jazmen Boone closed the gap back to just two points at the end of the first, and it was officially game on.
A huge second quarter display from both sides kept the scoreline neck-in-neck, with Liffey drawing level midway through and taking a narrow 40-37 point lead into the dressing room at half time. But the battle was far from over, with DCU edging ahead (56-59) by the end of the third teeing up a nerve-wracking finale. Brilliant displays at both ends of the court saw an absolute showcase of basketball put on for the crowd, with Aisling Sullivan, Corselli and Masaquel wowing for DCU, while O’Connor, Boone and Devon Brookshire had the
home crowd on their feet. It wasn’t to be for last year’s finalists though, as with seven seconds on the clock, Liffey tried in vain to bag the much-needed three-pointer to send the game to overtime, but DCU’s Rachel Huijsdens had other ideas, and finished off a fast break in style to put her team up by five and send them through to the Hula Hoops National Cup semi-finals in Cork in January. “It was a great game,” said DCU coach, Mark Ingle. “We’re on a pretty good run and we’ve started to play well.”
7 December 2017 WEST DUBLIN GAZETTE 35
GAZETTE
Season of Sundays paints picture of memorable 2017
FASTSport
Sportsfile photographer Brendan Moran speaks about what makes their annual GAA album such a special project each year JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
ICONIC GAA photobook A Season Of Sundays has returned in its 2017 form with a beautiful visual summary of the year in the association. Brendan Moran, a senior photographer at the agency that created the book, Sportsfile, tells us that as well as being a nice look back, the book is a chance to contextualise another year in the sports. With Dublin having clocked three in a row and Cuala taken a senior hurling title, it’s been a good year for the county. But there have also been interesting developments elsewhere, too, from the outstanding Slaughtneil
(Derry)’s breathtaking cross-code success to events in Boston and Singapore, and, of course, Galway ending their long wait to get their hands on Liam McCarthy. “The book is great from a photography point of view,” Moran explains. “It’s a chance to use pictures that might not be in demand for newspaper publication. The book is about historical context as well as what’s happened this year. “We might have captured someone who’s retired back when they were playing as a kid, for example. “The crowds become a historical record of Ireland at that time, with the fashion and the hairstyles and all that,
and the development of grounds, some of which have changed a lot over the years.
Helicopter “This year, we went up in a helicopter to capture the first day of the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It doesn’t really make sense to do that for one game until you think about the historical context of it. “It’s a moment in the GAA’s history that will never happen again and you’ll only have one chance to do it.” Like the professionalism and growing commercialisation of the GAA, the progress of Sportsfile’s photography – evident through the ‘Season of Sunday’ books over the years – is some-
Capturing the emotion of championship action as Aidan Devaney shouts out during Sligo’s Connacht senior championship tie against New York. Picture: Sportsfile
thing that’s resulted in heavy adaptation. “It’s logistically far more difficult today. The game has got far more professional,” Moran explains. “As a photographer, you go to a game having an idea what the picture might be. “We rotate photographers at venues as, after a while, it’s very difficult to get a new angle on a venue. “We all love it when somewhere new opens as, for a couple of years, you’ll still be working out how to get the best pictures from it. “But you have to take into account the commercial use of a photo. Sometimes, they might want a particular player with a sponsor’s sign in the background, for example. “You have to know the game, know who’s likely to do what, how a team plays, and where you’re likely to get the best pictures. “Obviously you can’t control what happens on the pitch, but you can stack the odds in your favour. “What’s great about a Season of Sundays, though, is that you can forget all of that for a moment and just ask yourself what the best picture is, and what it says. “It’s become a lot harder over the years, as we have a vast number of pictures to choose from, but you can look back over the book and really picture the moments. “It can become more difficult when the same
team keeps winning. There wasn’t the same sheer joy after wards when Kilkenny kept winning the hurling over and over, and having the same faces lifting the trophy isn’t great for the photographer. “I’ll never forget in 1995, one of my first All Ireland’s, when Clare first won [Liam McCarthy] after so many years. You could just see it meant everything.”
Murphy set for Ulster JORDI Murphy is bound for Ulster next season, making the switch from Leinster after 95 appearances and 17 tries since his debut in September 2011. A graduate of Blackrock College, he captained Leinster A to the British & Irish Cup and was also part of the 2013/14 PRO12 winning side, starting 18 times that season. He has also played 18 times for Ireland “I’ve loved my time at Leinster and have made friendships that will last a lifetime,” Murphy said.
GAZETTE
36 DUBLIN GAZETTE WEST 7 December 2017
SPORT
MENSHockey
BOXING: LUCAN MAN RECORDS THIRD SUCCESSIVE PRO VICTORY
Glenanne move further clear at the top of EYHL THREE first half goals saw Glenanne add yet another big win to their list, one that sees them further clear at the top of the men’s EY Hockey League, inflicting a first defeat of the season on Lisnagarvey. It moves them three points clear of Three Rock Rovers with a game in hand – away at Monkstown next weekend – which could guarantee them Christmas number one status. Stu Ronan’s quick first time ball into the circle from Stephen Brownlow’s sideline ball was missed by the Garvey defence in the 11th minute to allow Eddie O’Malley nick in and open the scoring. Sean Murray equalised four minutes later when David Keogh did well to charge down an initial shot but it fell invitingly for the Irish international to score. But the Glens got back in front with O’Malley when he latched onto a long ball, trotted into the circle and spanked home. Shane O’Donoghue extended the lead to 3-1 at half-time with a delicious corner drag-flick. Some in the crowd thought they had a sublime fourth from Richie Shaw but it was chalked off. Garvey upped the pressure and started to run up the corner chances and got back in range from their fifth corner, Paul Gleghorne on the mark with his first of the season. They had plenty of time left to equalise with Andy Williamson spurning a big chance while O’Donoghue almost killed it off but saw Richard Arneill take it off the line. The win was their seventh from eight outings in the league this season and capped an excellent week for the club. They were approved for a sports capital grant of €150,000 to go towards developing their pitch at St Mark’s Community School which has deteriorated in terms of quality in recent times. On the women’s side, the Glens fell to Old Alex in Leinster Division One in their second meeting in as many weeks, going down on a 4-0 scoreline with an injury to Hannah Delaney compounding the situation.
Lucan’s John Joyce celebrates his victory last Saturday night at the National Stadium. Picture: Alan Finn
Joyce overcomes awkward foe KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com
JOHN Joyce secured his third win as a professional boxer last weekend after making light work of Hungarian Imre Simon on the Celtic Clash 4 undercard at the National Stadium. T he Lucan welterweight, who at 30 years of age is a latecomer to the sport of professional boxing, was forced into a change of style early on but still had far too much for his opponent, and took victory after a second round stoppage. “To be honest, he was
awkward. Ver y awkward,” Joyce told the Dublin Gazette after the fight. “He changed to southpaw straight away so that kind of put me off a little bit. I had obviously game-planned for an orthodox fighter but, look, you have to be able to change when you are there. They are completely different styles so I literally had to change the way I fought.” Simon seemed to spend more time on the canvas than on his feet with the official knockdown count standing at five but, unofficially, at eight or nine.
CELTIC CLASH McDonagh makes big statement knock-out JOBSTOWN’S Dylan McDonagh made it two wins from two as he landed a statement first round knock-out against Hungarian Robert Kanalas last Saturday night at the National Stadium on the Celtic Clash 4 card. The energetic 32-year-old told Irish-Boxing. com that “I broke more of a sweat in the warm-up. “I enjoyed that, they [the fans] enjoyed it, and hopefully there’ll be more there next time.” Picture: Alan Finn
“I knew I had hurt him early because his legs were gone. He just wouldn’t go away though, which was the only thing,” said Joyce. “He dropped a few times but I made hard work out of something that should have been easy to be honest with you. He was very awkward.” It can often be the case that little is known about the fighters coming over from Eastern Europe and Joyce praised his trainer for preparing him correctly ahead of the fights. “Tony Davitt teaches me well and has me well
ready for them anyway. I would have gone another ten rounds there with the way he trains me.” The veteran manager, trainer and promoter was also quick to praise his student. “The lad has a good record so it was a bit of a step up for him That was only his third fight; two knockouts and a win on points,” said Davitt. When asked what is next for the Irish Army colonel, Joyce explained he would be leaving it in the capable hands of his trainer. “Another six-rounder. We’ll see what happens.
It’s up to Tony who I fight next, he’s the boss.” Davitt then confirmed that Joyce’s next fight would again be over six rounds. “His next contest will be a six-rounder in the new year then we will go from there.” “Hopefully a title maybe after that,” Joyce interjected. However, Davitt was quick to keep his fighter’s feet on the ground. “Maybe two more fights and then a title. We are not going to rush it or get over excited. That was a good win tonight so I’m happy and he’s happy.”
7 December 2017 WEST DUBLIN GAZETTE 37
GAZETTE
SOCCER: IRELAND SECURE FAMOUS DUTCH DRAW
FASTSoccer
Amber Barrett of Peamount United being presented with her player of the year award by Eamon Naughton, Chairman of the WNL committee, in the company of Tom Dennigan. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Peas’ Barrett relishing step up to national side WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
PEAMOUNT United striker and FAI Women’s National League player of the year and golden boot winner Amber Barrett is delighted with the start she’s made fronting Ireland’s team, having been called up at the start of this World Cup qualifying campaign. The Ireland ladies have made a breathtaking start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with victories over Northern Ireland and Slovakia, before a trip to European Champions the Netherlands, where they drew 0-0 last week. They sit joint top of their qualifying group. Barrett was asked to do a tough job up front alone against Holland. She’s happy with the team’s focus on defensive foundations, however, and feels Ireland still have more to give. “It’s a huge result, to get an away draw against the European Champions. Of
course, it’s tough up front on your own, you get a real workout,” she tells the Dublin Gazette. “Everyone from front to back put in a huge shift. I think we’ve always known we were well capable if we can be defensively solid. “We’ve stopped leaking goals, which was our biggest problem in the past. [Manager] Colin Bell has made it very clear to us that defence is first, then we work on attack. We defend front to back and that can be hard to hear as a striker, but it’s correct. We’ve had eight clean sheets in the last ten games, and conceded only three goals. That’s massive.” It’s astonishing that DCU Masters student and Peamount star Barrett is already at such a level in soccer, given that only earlier this year she was splitting her time between the game and a prominent role in the county Gaelic football team from her native Donegal. “It was a step up going to the World University
Games in Taiwan,” she admits of her experience captaining Ireland’s university team earlier this year. “This is another level completely. There are a few girls from the team that played in Taiwan that are on the fringes of the national team, but it’s a big step up, you’re really amongst the elite, and that’s pushing us to improve. “I do miss the players, the craic and the reckless preseason of the Donegal panel. The All Stars were last week and a few of the girls were on the team. “It doesn’t compare to the other night, though. Playing in front of a packed stadium of 13,000 at the elite level like on Tuesday night is something else, though. “It’s what I wanted for myself. It’s not always easy, but I don’t regret my decision.” Peamount, of course, had a strange season. It was successful in the extent to which they pressed for trophies, something that’s been
lacking recently, but disappointing in that they missed out on finale chances to win both the league (losing to rivals Wexford Youths on the final day, when they needed a draw to take the title) and the cup (losing the Shelbourne on penalties). “They just got the better of us on the day,” Barrett says of the Wexford game. “Of course it’s disappointing, and it will definitely drive us on. “People are saying we had a good season, and I do understand why, but at the end of the day we’ve got nothing to show for it. “It’s no good unless you follow up. Obviously awards like player of the year, and the golden boot do mean a lot to me personally, but it’s all about team at the end of the day. I’d trade them in a second for winning the league.” With such a winning attitude, both the charging young Ireland side and Dublin ballers Peamount United look like they have a promising future.
Five-star Bluebell ease past Ports BLUEBELL United progressed to the second round of the Charlie Cahill Cup last weekend with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Portmarnock AFC at the Red Cow. The two sided were facing each other for the first time in their histories, and both sides started the game by playing some nice football. Chances, however, were proving hard to come by during the opening 20 minutes. The first goal could have come for either side but it was the Bell who hit the front through Aaron Robinson’s header after Sean Gleeson’s fine cross into the box. The home side saw their advantage doubled within two minutes when Dean Ebbe flicked on and Gary Seery produced a sublime lob over the keeper from 40 yards – surely a goal of the season contender. That goal proved the final of the half, and the visitors could count themselves unlucky to go into the break two down. The second half saw much of the same, but the link-up play of Ebbe, Riche O’Hanlon and Seery proved decisive. Portmarnock managed to pull a goal back when they took advantage of a mix up at the back gifted them a way back into the match. The game’s turning point came when referee Paddy McNeill pointed to the spot to award a penalty to Bluebell. David Scully was the man who stepped up and slotted past the goalkeeper to give the Bell some breathing space. Andy Noonan used the chance to empty his bench by introducing Keith Quinn, Willo McDonagh and the returning Peter D’Arcy. Quinn had an almost instant impact as he ghosted past the opposition with one of his trademark runs and volleyed into the top corner. Portmarnock looked spent by knew and Bluebell inflicted further damage by scoring a fifth late on. Ebbe had a fine game, which he rounded off by adding his name to the score sheet with a finish into the far corner.
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GAZETTE
38 DUBLIN GAZETTE WEST 7 December 2017
SPORT
FOOTBALL: NEW UCD PITCH A TRIBUTE TO A DUBLIN AND UNIVERSITY LEGEND
FASTGAA
Carey honoured for her brilliant 2017 year in blue THOMAS Davis’s Olwen Carey, third from left, was named the Dublin senior player of the year at the Dublin ladies Gaelic football awards evening in Croke Park last Friday. She is pictured alongside, from left to right, joint senior players player of the year Nicole Owens and Sinead Aherne, Dublin LGFA chairman Joe Keane, minor players’ player of the year Jennifer Dunne and Dublin minor player of the year Siabh Hannigan. It follows a groundbreaking year for the sport with Dublin landing just their second All-Ireland title in September when they got the better of Mayo in the final in front of a record crowd. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com
Lucan Sarsfields’ Emmett O’Conghaile holds off UCD’s Brian Daly. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Billings Park’s grand opening SENIOR FOOTBALL sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN and UCD played a lively senior football challenge match at Belfield on Thursday night to mark the opening of David Billings Park. The pitch is named in honour of the Dublin, UCD and St Vincent’s stalwart and both sides served up
an entertaining tussle. Several players who featured for the Dubs this year were involved such as David Byrne, Ciaran Reddin, Ballyboden St Enda’s Collie Basquel, Cormac Costello, Conor McHugh, Lucan Sarsfields Emmett O’Conghaile and Shane Carthy. They were bolstered by members of this year’s AllIreland Under-21 winning side
Sean McMahon, Aaron Elliott and Glenn O’Reilly along with O’Byrne cup winners like John Brian Carthy, Eoin O’Brien, Ryan Deegan and Ross McGowan as well as two members of the 2016 minor team, Kevin Callaghan and Mal Tighe. UCD settled better before Adam Rogers scored their first of Dublin’s seven goal and, by the inter-
val, a Cormac Costello goal had Dublin 2-7 to 0-11 ahead. The students got level early in the second period but then Basquel stole the show as he scored a second half hat-trick. Dublin footballers next play on Saturday, December 23 in the annual Dubs star game hosted by St Vincent’s (football 12.30pm; hurling 2pm).
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S
CONGRATULAIONS to Cuala GAA who were crowned Leinster club hurling champions. Well done to our U-21B footballers who overcame Naomh Fionnbarra with a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-11 in the U-21 C championship. Congratulations to St Colmcilles CS on their win over neighbours Colaiste Eanna in the Dublin postprimary school juvenile football B final. Full time 5-8 to 3-4.
GARDA/ WESTMANSTOWN
SUPER night on Friday night last with over 200 attending the annual gala and awards night at Westmanstown Sports Centre. The event was a great success and a big thank
you to Janet Mitten and her organising committee on a job well done. Congratulations to all the award winners who were honoured over the evening. The following were this season’s recipients: Club Person of the Year - Jenny Fagan, Intermediate menPadraig Syron; Junior men - Ger Reddy; Ladies - Keri Harmon; Minor - Peter McNamara; Minor Ladies Heather Smith. Well done to Heather on her recent call up to the Dublin ladies denior panel. Another big event for our younger members was the arrival of Santa Claus with lots of gifts on Sunday, December 3. Thanks to Geraldine Culloty for organising and negotiating with Santa to travel from the North Pole at his busiest time of the year. Very little playing activity as 2017 draws to a close but the U-13 girls had a good win over Kilmacud Crokes recently, winning 7-6 to 4-0.
Great performance on a full size pitch with special mention of Emma Fay and Aibhilin who started their first game. We are already looking forward to next season and we welcome those new club members who have joined us for 2018. Membership is open to all both Garda and civilian and we field teams in football, hurling, camogie and ladies football from nursery to adult. Don’t forget the club shop when thinking of your Christmas shopping; great club gear for all the family with a full list of items available on the club website.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS A BIG thank you and well done to Joe Lavin and his team of volunteers on a wonderful job hosting our friends from Australia. It was a fantastic event and a sincere thanks to all the players, managements, parents etc
who supported the event and made it such a success. We have teamed up with the Inner City Helping Homeless charity to act as a drop off for their shoebox appeal. Drop offs from 7.30-10pm until Friday, December 8. We accept second hand clothes that are in good condition such as: jackets, tops, jumpers, hoodies, tracksuit bottoms, winter coats, runners, shoes, hats, scarves and gloves. We also take donations of new underwear and socks. For our Christmas Shoebox Appeal, you can donate a shoebox for a male, female or child. For child, indicate if boy or girl and age. On the camogie side, well done to Ali Dunne, Aoife Coffey, Caithlin Maguire, Ellen Dunphy who were named in the Dublin U-16 squad. Also to Emma Flanagan, Orla Beagan, Ali Twomey and Mairi Moynihan who were named in the senior squad, best of luck
to all and hopefully they can build on the successful year last year. Also, well done to Emmett O’Conghaile who lined out for the Dublin senior footballers in the game to mark the opening of Billings Park in UCD. Live music continues in the bar on Saturday night. 25 Card Drive continues every Friday at 9pm. Caters for all levels, beginners welcome. The Cupla Focal club is on Monday from 8-9pm. Bingo is on Wednesday at 8.30pm where the jackpot is growing and attracting a lot more players. The club shop is scheduled to open on Thursday from 7.30-8.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm. Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on Saturday, 9.30am for girls and 10am for boys (5+). Last week, there was no winner of the €15,000 lotto
where the numbers were 9, 10, 19 and 27. This week’s €15,400 lotto draw will be managed by Frank Fleming and is sponsored by John Ryan Accountant. Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.
ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN
THANK you to all who attended Round Tower AGM 2017. The following were elected to Round Tower executive committee 2017/18: President: John O’Malley Snr; Vice Presidents: Frank Cosgrove, Bernie Cronin, Mary Dardis; Chairman: Ed O’Malley; Vice Chairman: Tony Delaney; Honorary Secretary: Fred McCarthy; Honorary Treasurer: Andrew Cronin; Assistant Secretary: Niall Connaughton; Assistant Treasurer; John Ryan; Oifigeach Gaelige: Alan
7 December 2017 WEST DUBLIN GAZETTE 39
GAZETTE
SCHOOLS HURLING: DEFENCE KEY FOR SENIOR GLORY UNDER-21A FOOTBALL
LCC retain title COLLEGES SEN A FINAL Lucan CC Holy Family, Rathcoole sport@dublingazette.com
4-8 1-12
A BRILLIANT second half defensive display proved to be crucial for Lucan Community College as they got the better of their west Dublin rivals from Rathcoole in this tightly contested final in Abbotstown. After playing with a strong wind in the first half and gaining a sevenpoint half-time advantage, it was backs to the wall stuff in the second half. Despite repeated efforts the Rathcoole players could not break down a resolute Lucan backline. The match had only started when Charlie Keher blasted a goal past a helpless Holy Family goalkeeper. The teams exchanged points before Holy Family got a goal of their own. Then Alan Murphy
replied with a candidate for goal of the year, a brilliant finish after carrying from near halfway. A fortuitous Dylan Kelly goal left the half-time score was 3-5 to 1-4. The second half opened with the Rathcoole outfit closing the gap with some good points. Then Michael Carron sneaked inside the opposition defence
and scored a goal with a clinical finish. From there on, most of the play was in the Lucan half. The strong wind aiding continuous attacks on the Lucan goal. Full back B e n O ’ To o l e p e r formed heroics to stop what looked like certain goals. Good points from Ben Mullins, Killian Boylan and Keher
kept the distance on the score line and helped deflate the Holy Family attack. A final scoreline of 4-8 to 1-12 gave LCC a deserved win, though the margin of victory was probably a bit unfair on a very good Rathcoole side. Keher ended with 1-5 to his name with Alan Murphy’s 1-1 also proving invaluable.
Boden set up Na Fianna final date BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Under-21 footballers made it into the A
championship final, defeating local rivals Thomas Davis at Pairc Ui Murchu, 5-16 to 1-6. Two goals from Warren Egan and and Barry McGarra ensured that Boden never looked troubled. The Firhouse Road club oozed class throughout the contest and, from the first whistle, Davis never looked like they could compete. Boden nearly scored after 20 seconds but the ball evaded Ross McGarry so Boden had to settle for a Colm Basquel point. Egan scored his first goal of the game soon after the missed opportunity. Davis reduced the deficit to three points soon after to give them a glimmer of hope. But from the restart Boden scored a slightly fortuitous goal and a point in the space of 60 seconds. This extended Boden’s lead to seven points after 13 minutes. Boden’s superior skill was becoming more evident the longer the first half went on as they went into the interval 17 point to the good. Boden started the second half as they finished the first and it wasn’t long before McGarry scored their fourth goal. With the bench emptied and the intensity dropping, Davis snatched a consolation goal. Basquel kicked the last couple of points of the match until Davis were finally put out of their misery. Ballyboden will go on to face Na Fianna in the final on December 9 at 2.30pm in O’Toole Park.
The Lucan CC side that beat Holy Family, Rathcoole
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Milton; Members: Willie Kennedy, Billy O’Connor, Michael McGlynn. Our new GPO Shane Treanor will deliver a Towers Og workshop on Saturday, December 16. It will take place at Collinstown Park Community College from 9.45am to 12 noon. All welcome to participate and learn coaching Gaelic Games to children. Try bring a whistle, notepad and pen. Congratulations to all who undertook a camogie workshop last Friday evening, delivered through our GPO, and thanks to Niall Williams who delivered the workshop. On Monday, December 18 we will host our annual Christmas draw. We urge members to get behind it. Tickets available from behind the bar or from draw chairman Frank
Cosgrove, 086 3786356. There will be no lotto sales in the Mill Shopping Centre for the month of December. Our lotto draws for the month will feature three extra prizes of €50 each night. Play lotto online for as little as €2 per week. Round Tower lotto (November 27): jackpot €3,500; numbers drawn were 4, 8, 16 and 29; bonus ball was 30. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: David Quigley, Patsy O’Shea, Jess O’Malley. Thank you to all who support our weekly lotto. Bingo every Tuesday night in the club from 8.30pm. This week’s jackpot is €1,000 for a full house if checked within 49 numbers. Otherwise €20 for a full house. All in €2 to buy in with a game usually being €90 to €150.
All welcome.
ST MARY’S
HARD luck to our minors
on losing the league semi-final to Fingal Ravens on Sunday. Well done to all the lads and mentors on a great season for the club. That ends our football season and Saggart is now closed for pitch work and floodlight refurbishment until further notice. Date for your diaries: adult Player of the Year awards takes place in the club lounge on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Executive Committee 2018 was elected at the AGM last Thursday: Chairman Pat Farrelly, Vice-Chairman Conor Lehane, Secretary Mick Nugent, Asst Secretary Stephan Murphy, Treasurer Sharon
Redmond, Registrar Siobhan Moran, Working Members - Brendan Murray, Paul Ballesty, Tony Kenny, Johnny Callaghan, Patricia Hinch-Kenny. Our thanks to all that attended and to Kevin O’Byrne and Paul Ballesty for standing for election for Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. The club would like to thank Brendan Murray for all his work and dedication for the club during his seven years as club Chairman. Monthly Ceili takes place on Saturday, December 9 from 8.30pm in the club hall, music by the Long Note Ceili Band. All are welcome. Lotto numbers drawn this week were 12, 21, 25 and 26. There was no winner so next week’s jackpot remains capped
at €8,000 with a €1,000 roll-over. There were three Match 3 winners of €100 each: Emilia McCarville, Michael Russell and Jim Murray. Next week’s match 3 will be worth €100 win/share. There is a new App available to play the club’s lotto directly from your phone. Look for MCF in the Apple Store or MyClubFinances in the Google Store and download it. We will also be able to send club notices using the App. Links to videos on how to use the apps are on our Facebook page.
THOMAS DAVIS
WELL done to the U-16 footballers who beatWhitehall to claim second spot in Division 2. Well done to
the players and management on a great year. Congratulations to all the players who picked up player of the year awards at the players’ night on Friday. Thanks to all the organisers who did a great job. Well done to Olwen Carey who won the Dublin ladies player of the year. Lotto numbers were 4, 11, 13 and 23; the jackpot was not won. Next week, the jackpot is €2,250. Saturday, December 9, we will have the academy Christmas party. Details to follow. The Healthy Club Christmas flower arrangement workshop is back again this year due to popular demand. It started on Tuesday. To book a place, please contact Eileen on 087 983 6884, Deirdre on 085
156 9092 or Jackie on 087 2311311.
WANDERERS
LOTTO: numbers drawn were 17, 20 and 34. There was no winner, €25 to Lisa Kinsella, Mark Molloy, Kathleen O’Connor and
Ryan Lalor. The jackpot next week will be €800. The adult men’s season is over and they are now recruiting for new players for next season. Please contact Keith on 087 924 2974 if interested. Our ladiues team are also finished for this year. If interested in joining next year, please contact Louise on 086 8333587 for more info. Our juvenile training continues on Saturday mornings at 10.30am. Please contact Fergal on 087 621 3142 for more details.
40 DUBLIN GAZETTE WEST 7 December 2017