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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE SDCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED NOVEMBER 2-8, 2017

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OVER 1,000 INCIDENTS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR REPORTED IN 2016

Calls for dedicated Luas police to curb attacks  MARK O’BRIEN

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OVER 1,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour on Luas Cross City services were reported in 2016, leading to calls for a dedicated Dublin Transport Police Unit.

TD John Lahart (FF) – a member of the Luas-Dublin Bus forum in Dublin South West, said it is “deeply regrettable” that commuters continue to contact him with reports of antisocial behaviour on the Luas.

Continued on Page 6

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR | OFF-ROAD BIKES CAUSING DISTRESS

Council consider task force to tackle ongoing scrambler problem  MARK O’BRIEN

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) have said that they may consider setting up a county-wide task force to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour on scramblers and quad bikes.

The issue was raised by Cllr Francis Timmons at the recent meeting of the Clondalkin Area Committee of SDCC In his motion, Cllr Timmons said: “The behaviour is causing ongoing distress to many residents, it is both anti-social and a

dangerous behaviour.”

In response to Cllr Timmons’ motion, the council issued a report saying that it was acutely aware of long standing problems related to scramblers and quad bikes.

The report added that measures had been taken in an attempt to combat that problem.

These measures included the erection of 1.2 metre high fencing along the side of green space areas, installation of bollards and an awareness campaign launched ahead of Christmas 2016 asking

parents to make sure that they were aware of the legal requirements related to the use and operation of such vehicles.

The council’s parks and open spaces byelaws state that any mechanically propelled vehicle – including scramblers and quad bikes – are not allowed on parks and open spaces.

Under the byelaws these vehicles can be removed

by An Garda Siochana.

The council report acknowledged that there may be difficulty in prosecuting offenders and suggested that a task force

Anti-social behaviour on scramblers is causing ongoing distress to many residents

may be set up to tackle the problem.

The repor t stated: “While it is acknowledged that there may be/is difficulty in bringing successful prosecutions, the council passed a motion at the January 2017 council meeting calling for the introduction of primary legislation to regulate ownership and use of vehicles.

“The Minister for Justice’s reply at that time indicated that such legislation would require a review of road traffic legislation and the commu-

nication had been referred to that Department.

“As no response was received from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, a reminder was recently issued to his office.

“A s t h e p r o b l e m is not limited to the Clondalkin area, it may be appropriate that the potential establishment of a county wide task force be considered jointly by the Environment Public Realm and Climate Change and Land Use Planning and Transportation SPC.”

FASTNews

Residents disappointed with lack of bus services RESIDENTS of Palmerstown Woods have said that they are disappointed that there are still no bus services in the area.

A survey recently carried out by Cllr Francis Timmons found that 99% of respondents are in favour of a bus service in the area.

Cllr Timmons said: “Palmerstown Woods was built in 1981. Over 36 years later there is no bus service.

A survey of the 330 houses has returned a 64% response and 99% of those that replied demanded a bus service for their area.

“Along with Palmerstown Woods is the new estates of Millford and Palmertown Way and also Cloverhil/ Wheatfield prison is nearby.”

Cllr Timmons said that he will continue to lobby Minister for Transport Shane Ross, The National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus to secure a bus service for the area. ‘’There is many needs in the Palmerstown Woods area,” he said.

“Many young families that need public transport.

They deserve better than what they have got the last 38 years. Enough is enough. There should be a Bus service serving this growing area.’’

Kenny picked for Election GINO Kenny has been selected to run for People Before Profit in the next general election.

At a meeting in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Clondalkin, Deputy Kenny was unanimously selected to run by People Before Profit party members.

Speaking after the selection meeting, Deputy Kenny said: “Obviously it’s an ongoing privilege and honour to represent the people of Dublin Mid-West.

“It’s been a huge learning curve both personally and politically since I got elected in February 2016.

“I think a general election will take place in the coming year or possibly sooner so it’s important that we are prepared for every eventuality.”

“In the meantime we’ll continue to do what we are doing in trying to make a political difference and challenging the political system inside and outside the Dail.”

A done dealz: Store sponsor Esker Celtic DEALZ Fonthill have announced that the store will sponsor the Esker Celtic U-15 Football Team.

The store is providing the ambitious young side with Dealz sponsored jerseys, which will be worn throughout the upcoming season.

Roy O’ Brien, manager of the U-15 team said: “We

at Esker Celtic are very proud of our club, which has been running for 25 years this year.

“Providing these young people with an opportunity to stay active and play a sport they love is fantastic and we are hugely grateful to Dealz Fonthill for their recent sponsorship.” Picture: John Shortt Photography

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GRIFFEEN VALLEY | CHILDREN FROM TOTS OF FUN PRE-SCHOOL INTERACT WITH THE ELDERLY

Nursing home residents enjoy some frightfully fun visitors  MARK O’BRIEN

THERE was great excitement at Griffeen Valley Nursing Home last Friday as the residents were paid a visit by fairies, princesses, supermen and dragons.

These were just some of the Halloween costumes worn by the three and four-year-old children from Tots of Fun pre-school, who were brought to the nursing home to meet and interact with the elderly residents.

The visit was organised by The Homeshare’s Lucie Cunnigham.

“I set up this initiative after watching the Channel 4 programme earlier on this year where local creches partnered up with local Nursing Homes for regular visits,” said Lucie.

The project has proved to be a success in the UK, with proven outcomes for both the children and the residents.

Interacting with the children has helped elderly residents improve their memory, has helped to combat depression and even helped to increase mobility in some cases while the children benefit from interacting with older people, who they may not usually come in contact with.

Lucie recently met with Minister for Older Persons Jim Daly with a view to eventually rolling out the project across the country.

She said that the Minister’s response was extremely positive and she hopes to gradually increase the visits in the Lucan area before expanding it to other communities.

“We currently have about seven childcare facilities and three nursing homes in Lucan on board and we’re delighted with this first visit,” she said.

“As we get this pilot scheme up and running, we will be encouraging other communities to start their own.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

Out and About

Students at Lucan Community National School opening ceremony. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

Vicky Burrows, Sharon O’Donohoe and Tina Ancheta

Sergiu and Lana Lupascu

Lucan Community NS is the picture of health T

HE official opening ceremony for Lucan Community National School was a hit with both students and their families when it was held last week. And as if there wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, the school also became the latest school in the country to be presented with the Healthy Ireland -‘Health Promoting Schools’ Flag’, the first school in the Dublin South, Meath, Westmeath, Kildare, Longford Area to achieve this accolade.

Anna Kulbicka and Lucy Fiona and Eliana McGavin and Lily Elward

Rita Gupta

Power

Laura Spencer and Erica Healy

Vicky Burrows, Colin Doyle and Pauline Doyle

Anna Asiedu-Appiah and Michael Romana Pintek, Greg Burke and Margot Doyle

Ancheta

Students and staff with the Health Promotion Flag awarded by the HSE

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6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

‘Council will lose residents’ goodwill if they close N4 motorway entrance’  MARK O’BRIEN A LOCAL councillor has warned South Dublin County Council that they will lose all goodwill amongst residents of Lucan if they proceed with controversial plans to close an entrance onto the N4 motorway.

Cllr Ed O’Brien (FF) was speaking after council management signalled an intention to proceed with the plans despite his motion to scrap the plan being approved by other councillors.

“I am incredibly disappointed that management seem intent on ignoring the express wishes of residents in Lucan,” he said.

“Over 190 submis-

sions were received during a public consultation on the matter and the overwhelming majority of those where against closing the entrance at the Woodies Bridge as it is known, which would in effect bring more traffic into Lucan village.

“The village is saturated due to excessive number of cars crossing the Liffey Bridge and cannot take any further traffic.”

Cllr O’Brien said there were other routes available to the engineers and that these should be considered ahead of the plan currently being discussed.

“We have already begun to construct cycle routes through smaller estates and areas which

Cllr Ed O’Brien (FF)

have less traffic and these routes are more than adequate in my view to cater for children cycling to and from school,” he said.

The matter is now due to come before the next county council meeting in November and Cllr O’Brien said that he hopes that with the support of the full council the plan will be shelved permanently.

Mrs Browne to inspire Boom Boom to victory AARON ‘Boom Boom’ Browne is a remarkable young man, who is stepping up in his conquest to become Muay Thai Kick boxing World Champion, in his latest outing against a tough opponent.

Irish champion Aaron (24) from Ashbourne will fight Italian champion Giuseppi Conti in a European eliminator fight at St Finbarr’s GAA club in Cabra on 18 November under full Thai rules in the 65kg weigh division. Boom Boom is making his 65kg debut after collecting the 70kg title earlier this year.

Aaron’s father Gerry was the comedy partner of Brendan O’Carroll. His mother and Aaron’s grandmother, Annie Browne, who is a hale and hearty 87 yearold renowned for her turn of wit, was the inspiration for the creation of Agnes Brown.

Aaron’s success story has been remarkable ; he is the most decorated Irish fighter and is currently holding 7 different belts. What makes Aaron’s success so remarkable is that he has to fight his own demons, as he suffers from ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, which made school a real problem for him, but he feels this is just a little bump on the road to be overcome. Aaron told us that discovering Muay Thai Kick Boxing changed his life in a very positive way.

“I found my feet and I concentrated my energy into being as good as I could be and since I joined the Lionheart gym, I’m improving with every fight and I’m very confident of taking a big step towards becoming world champion on November 18.

Doors open at 6pm, with tickets priced €25, walk-up tickets €30, and U-18 tickets priced €15. For further information, call 087 2388 666.

CLONDALKIN | ‘LEADING WAY WITH POSITIVE INITIATIVE’

Go-ahead given for accessible benches  MARK O’BRIEN ACCESSIBLE park benches will be installed across South Dublin after a motion proposing them was unanimously passed by councillors.

The motion was brought before the council by Lucan councillor Vicki Casserly (FG).

Cllr Casserly, whose son James is a wheelchair user, said she was delighted that the council had backed her idea.

She told The Gazette that she decided to campaign for installation of the benches having seen them abroad.

“I’d seen it before on my travels when we were away on a family holiday in Australia,” she said.

“The one thing I’m trying to do within our county is to try and make the county more accessible for eve-

rybody, including our parks.”

An accessible bench is a bench specifically designed to enable wheelchair users to use picnic benches.

“It can be more than just a wheelchair,” she said.

“It could be a pram, it could be a buggy but it’s just another step in making that accessible county that we’re trying to achieve.”

Cllr Casserly paid tribute to her Fine Gael colleagues Emer Higgins and Kenneth Egan who backed her campaign and have succeeded in having an accessible bench installed in Corkagh Park Cllr Higgins said: “I’m delighted that we’ve new accessible benches in Corkagh Park. Kenneth and I had a joint motion down earlier this year asking for the council to make our picnic benches more inclusive

by allowing wheelchair users to sit at the table just like everyone else.

“It’s a really simple idea that Cllr Vicki Casserly has been campaigning on and I’m so pleased that Clondalkin is leading the way on this positive initiative.”

Cllr Casserly also thanked SDCC management for backing her proposals.

“In all fairness to the council’s management they are very on board with my thinking on creating that kind of universal design,” she said.

“They really should be acknowledged in playing their role in trying to be progressive. It’s a good working relationship and it’s really benefitting everyone in the community.”

Accessible benches will be installed in Tymon Park and Griffeen Valley Park, with more locations to follow.

FROM PAGE 1

Dedicated transport police unit

“Whether it’s the Luas, Dart or Dublin Bus, they each provide an essential service to so many Dubliners and those visiting our city,” he said.

“A z e r o - t o l e r a n c e approach must be taken to target the culprits and combat incidents of anti-social-behaviour on transport services.”

T here have been numerous incidents on the Luas in the past year.

Earlier this month, reports emerged of a 19-year-old woman being attacked by a man near the Fettercairn Luas stop.

Also this month, a man was sentenced to three years imprisonment with 18 months suspended for attacking and robbing a Brazilian student in 2015 on the Luas at Inchicore.

In April, Jordan Lee (19) was sentenced to three months in prison for breaking a man’s nose after the man asked Mr Lee to stop smoking on the Luas at Suir Road.

Deputy Lahart said that while Transdev – who operate the Luas – have made substantial efforts to curb anti-social behaviour on the Luas, he did not believe that private security firms had the necessary authority to tackle the on-going issues.

“Fianna Fail has consistently proposed to examine the concept of establishing a Dublin Transport Police unit which will be responsible for enforcing the law on all public transport services,” he said.

He said that the majority of funding for the transport police could be funded through the public transport operators and their powers would reflect those of the gardai.

“Added to this, a collaborative effort between community groups and youth services would also help to tackle challenging behaviour by some members of the public using the tram service,” he said.

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

Having ‘sum’ fun with Maths THE Maths Department in Confey College had a busy week as they set out to show students how important it is to have fun with maths during Maths Week.

Ms Ciara Kennedy said: “It’s very important that students enjoy doing maths and see how relevant solving maths problems is in day-to-day life situations.

“We find maths week a great opportunity to have fun and students really enjoy working on the maths problems together.”

Students had a wide variety of events to choose from, including a maths treasure hunt, and the Mangahigh competition.

Council: Keep dogs on a lead THE council have said that they will initiate a promotional campaign to remind dog owners to keep their dogs on leads in parks.

The issue was raised at the Clondalkin Area Committee meeting of the council by Cllr Francis Timmons. Under council byelaws, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in parks unless they are in designated dog runs.

In response to Cllr Timmons’ motion, SDCC said: “To ensure that our parks and open spaces as provided as public amenities are used by members of the public to the maximum extent in safety and comfort, we will activate a promotion campaign as outlined in the sentiments of the motion.”

AWARDS | ELAINE SAYS SHE IS DELIGHTED TO BE NOMINATED

Local woman up for Carer of the Year  MARK O’BRIEN

A CLONDALKIN woman has been nominated as a Carer of the Year finalist in the Comfort Keepers Homecare Ireland awards.

Elaine Doherty was nominated for her outstanding service to the community.

Elaine told The Gazette that she was delighted to be nominated for the award.

“It was a bit of surprise but I’m delighted,” she said.

Elaine visits elderly clients in Clondalkin, Lucan and Ballyfermot to assist them with their needs and offer support and advice to families.

She said she firmly believes that keeping elderly people in their home is of

huge benefit to their health.

“It’s great to see them at home” she said.

“They come on leaps and bounds in their own environment.”

She said that she finds the work very rewarding and loves to meet her clients and hear their stories.

Comfort Keepers started their Carer of the Year awards seven years ago to recognise their staff who improve the quality of others by offering care, support and companionship.

“The awards has grown year on year and is very much the highlight of our year,” said Brid Gould, managing director of Comfort Keepers.

“Each of our regional winners have been nomi-

nated by their colleagues and clients.

“The awards ceremony also recognises our employees in various other support roles throughout the organisation for their outstanding performance and dedication to quality care in our communities.”

The overall winner of the National Carer of the Year will be announced at a gala event and Elaine – who will attend the event with her mother – said that even if she doesn’t win, the job is reward enough.

“The job is great,” she said.

“I love going to work. If you hate going to work then there’s no sense in doing the job.”

Elaine was nominated for her outstanding service to the community

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

CALLS RECEIVED | RESIDENTS SEEK EXTRA ACTIVITIES

Call for more events at Tallaght Stadium  MARK O’BRIEN

TALLAGHT residents have said they would like to see more events take place in Tallaght Stadium.

Local councillor Charlie O’Connor (FF) raised the issue at the recent Tallaght Area Committee meeting of South Dublin County Council after he received a large number of calls from residents on the issue.

He said that it is an

important issue for Tallaght and additional use of the stadium is good for the local community and boosts the local economy.

In response to Cllr O’Connor’s motion, the council issued a report that stated that the stadium sees an average of two events per week between February and November each year.

These events include Shamrock Rovers football matches, FAI Senior

Wo m e n ’ s a n d U 21 international matches, South Dublin Schoolboy League football finals, American football games, GAA Feile finals and Leinster rugby matches.

The report added that a balancing act had to take place to ensure the pitch usage is maximised without any detrimental effect to the playing surface, but that it was actively looking to expand the amount of

events that the stadium could host.

T he repor t stated: “The development of the new third stand will increase seating capacity to 8,000 and we will then look to bring a concert to Tallaght Stadium with exploratory discussions under way with some promoters in this regard.

“In addition, plans for festive attractions at the stadium over the Christmas period are also advancing and should be announced in the coming weeks.

The County Promotion Unit will continue to explore spor ting, entertainment and other events for the stadium.”

Pink rubber ducks race down the Liffey to help fight cancer THOUSANDS of pink rubber ducks raced down the River Liffey in Dublin last week as part of the Powering Pink Duck Race in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation, which is based in Lucan.

The 3,000 ducks had been sponsored as part of a fundraising effort by the cancer Foundation with duck #2918 crossing the finish line first at the Talbot Memorial Bridge

and winning its owner, Katherin Tarrant from Loughrea, Galway a luxury weekend at the Conrad Hotel Dublin.

The Powering Pink Duck Race raised funds for Marie Keating Foundation’s breast cancer programmes and services including its Positive Living programme for women with metastatic breast cancer. Picture: Aishling Conway

Men to be sentenced over drug possession

TWO men who have pleaded Murray told gardai guilty to possessing a comon arrest that he didn’t bined total of €95,000 worth know Dunne and hadn’t of cocaine are to be sentenced looked in the bag, but next month at Dublin Circuit that he knew he was to Criminal Court. collect and deliver drugs Glenn Murray (28) of Pairc and had been given a Mhuire, Saggart and Frank phone to make arrangements to do so.

Dunne (50) of Lealand Hse, He said he had no Clondalkin, were arrested a little over a year ago after gardai idea of the amount of got a tip-off on the handover of Glenn Murray and Frank Dunne are to be sentenced drugs involved but that next month at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court controlled drugs. he had been “nervous” A prosecuting garda told when he felt the weight Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that was immediately cooperative and of the package. acting on this confidential informa- said later that he was “glad he was Murray told gardai that he had tion, gardai took up positions in the caught”, that he was “in over his met an unnamed man at a Luas stop car-park of Dunnes Stores in Saggart head” and that he didn’t want to be who gave him instructions to collect on September 15, 2016. the cocaine and deliver it to a desiginvolved in it.

They saw a blue Ford Focus drivDunne was also arrested as he nated location.

He said it was his first time en by Frank Dunne entering the car- drove towards Dublin city on the park and parking. They also spotted M7; he also cooperated and gave being involved in something like Glen Murray approaching the car instructions to gardai as to where this and that it was a “once-off park from the Pairc Mhuire housing they would find more drugs at his thing”, because he was in financial difficulties due to crashing estate while having a conversation house. on a mobile phone.

The drugs in the black shopping his car and other money problems Murray was seen approaching the bag were analysed and found to in relation to his ex-partner and Ford Focus, opening the passenger comprise over 1,000 grammes of access to his child.

Frank Dunne also cooperated side door, leaning in and walking cocaine worth €70,126. Two further away moments later carrying a black bags containing over 369 grammes fully with gardai and said he went to shopping bag with a rectangular of cocaine with a street value of Dunnes Stores to meet an unnamed block in the bottom of it. €25,877 were found in a bedside man who took a package from his car.

Gardai arrested Murray who locker of Dunne’s house.

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

Out and About

Game for a great time at rugby blitz DJ Hanley, Matthew Lowth and Rachel Hetherington

Sam White and Adam Brazil. Pictures: Simon Peare

Frank Buggle, Danny Cullen and Dara Black

A

ROUND 500 children from a number of local schools took part in the MU Barnhall schools rugby blitz last week. Great fun was had by the players and coaches on what was a fun day out and a brilliant team-building opportunity, with the talented young players putting their skills to the test, competing with friends, and showing some great team spirit.

Kyle O’Meara, Charlie O’Boyle and Cian Crowley McGuinness

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Blathnaid Glennon and Kate Gallagher Erin Farrell, Tara Fagan and Jessie Hogan

Neil O’Toole and Jane O’Reilly and Sophie Drennan

Harry Thomas, Samuel Sinnott and Evan Gaffeny

Vincent Kelly

Action on the pitch

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Expansion changes in store for Nesta I RI S H- ow ned sel fstorage company Nesta has announced plans to increase its current operations with a €2 million investment.

The planned expansion will see an added 100,000sq ft of storage space created, across Sandyford, Deansgrange, Kylemore Rd. and Santry.

Managing director Brian Hefferon (pictured) said: “The investment will mean a 35% increase in available space and make Nesta the largest [such storage] provider in Ireland.

“It will allow us to meet the growing needs of the local communities we ser ve. We will also increase the amount of office space,

from 25,000sq ft to more than 30,000.”

The planned development is scheduled to get under way this year, with Hefferon adding they expect to see the project completed within 2018, increasing the company’s services available to local communities, and facilitating further employment opportunities.

He added: “Directly, the investment will create two full-time staff to manage the space, but indirectly it will offer start-up businesses with a cost-effective premises to grow their business and, in turn, create more employment.”

For further information, see https://www. nesta.ie.

Celebrating 40 years of excellence DUBLIN-based international construction company Ardmac celebrated the completion of a rebranding initiative in culmination with its 40th anniversary as a leading international specialist contractor in Dublin with a party at the Westin hotel.

Pictured are Brent Pope; Tom Kelly, head of manufacturing, global sourcing and competitiveness division at Enterprise Ireland; Richard Joyce, managing director, Linesight, and Ronan Quinn, chief executive, Ardmac.

THE Cadbury Foundation, which has been in operation for more than 80 years, has donated €56,000 to Irish mental health organisation and Cadbury Ireland charity partner, Aware, to support its Beat the Blues initiative for secondary schoolsand Paulina Maiziesyte.

A positive mental health programme, Beat the Blues is aimed at senior cycle students throughout Ireland.

Delivered over two class periods, the programme is designed to teach students about mental health and to help equip them with the tools to deal with life’s challenges.

To mark the donation, Eoin Kellett joined Gerry O’Brien, head of fundraising at Aware, and Dublin football legend and Aware ambassador, Bernard Brogan, to pay a visit to Larkin Community College, Cathal Brugha Street,

Dublin 1.

There they joined Bernard’s fellow Dublin teammate and Aware mental health trainer, Kevin McManamon, where he was delivering a Beat The Blues talk to the school’s students.

Speaking at the school, O’Brien said: “We are really grateful to The Cadbury Foundation for their generous donation to support our Beat the Blues initiative.

“The funding will allow us to

expand the programme, so that more Irish students will be able to understand, and most importantly, look after their mental health.”

Pictured are Bernard Brogan, Hanna Marzin, Leah Cleary and Paulina Maiziesyte, happy to take an upbeat selfie to help spread the message of positivity, sharing experiences and availing of support to help maintain positive mental health.

Six Dublin companies in the running for Seedcorn funding competition

Ill winds blow a little bit of good for tax returns

SIX Dublin companies have been shortlisted for the Dublin regional final of InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn competition, which takes place next month.

Assure Hedge Ltd, CroiValve Ltd, EnergyElephant, ikydz Ltd, Coroflo and Eskimo Software compete against other shortlisted companies in the Best Early Stage Company and Best New Start Company categories for a chance to win €20,000 to help finance the initial stages of their ventures.

The shortlisted companies are based across Dublin and are involved in a range of industries, including medical devices, currency hedging and software.

The winning companies from each of the four regional finals

will go on to compete in the all-island final of the competition, which will take place on Wednesday, November 22 at the Crowne Plaza Northwood, Co Dublin.

Overall €100,000 prize Companies are in with a chance to compete for the overall Best New Start Company prize, worth €50,000, or the overall Best Early Stage Company prize, worth €50,000, and ultimately the Overall Winner title, worth €100,000.

Now in its 15th year, Seedcorn is the island of Ireland’s biggest business competition for new start and early stage companies in any sector, from any part of the island.

The competition is aimed at companies which have a new equity funding requirement and has an overall cash prize fund of €280,000, with no equity stake.

To date, InterTradeIreland has supported more than 2,300 enterprising companies through the Seedcorn process.

With €229 million in new equity being raised by the companies which have reached the regional finals stage of the Seedcorn competition over the past 14 years, the competition has a strong track record of supporting early business start-ups to become investor ready.

Further details are also available on the Seedcorn website at www.intertradeireland.com/ seedcorn.

REVENUE have extended the deadline for online Pay and File submissions due to the impact of the recent storms across the country.

Revenue said it was very aware of the difficulties that affected many households and businesses as a result of Storm Ophelia and Storm Brian, and was conscious that this may have impacted on preparations to meet the upcoming online Pay and File deadline.

In order to assist customers and practitioners impacted by power outages, the deadline has been extended to midnight on Thursday, November 16.

Howe ve r, t h e O c t o b e r 31 deadline for paper filers remained unchanged.

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

MOTORING P24

DUBLINLIFE

SLOBBERY, LUBBERLY PORKIE WILL DELIGHT HIS LOVING FAMILY OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Porkie, a one-yearold male Pit Bull cross.

Porkie is a smashing young dog who will make a fantastic addition to an experienced home. From a young age Porkie has been boisterous and playful and can become overexcited easily.

For that reason, it is very important that he finds the right home, as he will grow into a large, strong dog.

Porkie is looking for a home with adults who can continue the fantastic training started here at Dogs Trust. This includes basic training, self-control training to help with excitability, and muzzle training, as he is a restricted breed. He enjoys the company of other dogs but would need a confident and playful (yet sensible!) dog to live with if his new family had another pet. Equally he would be happy in a home without other pets.

You can contact Dogs Trust by calling 01 879 1000 – they are based in the Ballycoolin Industrial Estate near Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find Dogs Trust on Facebook and on Twitter.

WIN

CINEMA P28

Let The Gazette take you on a tour of everything that’s happening across Dublin city and county this week

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GAZETTE

MUSIC P20

’s y e o H ia r a M f o y p o c a signed l ir G t s o L t s a L e h T l debut nove ‘A haunting, mesmerising first novel with a chilling secret at its core. It will grip and surprise you to the very last page’ - RTE GUIDE

ON a perfect July evening in the sizzling Irish summer of 1976, fifteenyear-old Festival Queen Lilly Brennan disappears.

Thirty-seven years later, as the anniversary of Lilly’s disappearance approaches, her sister Jacqueline returns to their childhood home in Blackberry Lane.

There she stumbles upon something that reopens the mystery, setting her on a search for the truth a search that leads her to surprising places and challenging encounters.

Jacqueline feels increasingly compelled to find the answer to what happened to Lilly all those years ago and finally lay her ghost to rest.

But at what cost?

For unravelling the past proves to be a dangerous and painful thing, and her path to the truth leads her ever closer to a dark secret she may not wish to know.

To WIN a signed copy of Maria Hoey’s The Last Lost Girl, just visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and Like and Share our Last Lost Girl post.

Alternatively, you can email your entry to competitions@dublingazette.com making sure to put Last Lost Girl in the subject line, and your contact details in the body of the email.

‘NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM’ Read Dublin novelist Maria Hoey’s exclusive interview with The Gazette – see Page 18

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

PEOPLE: THE GAZETTE TALKS TO XPOSE HOST AND HB HAZELBROOK FARM ICE CREAM AMBASSADOR

Karen keeps her cool as a busy mum and presenter  EMMA NOLAN BETWEEN working as an Xpose presenter and running around after two babies, Karen Koster is a busy woman.

The Gazette sat down with the Killiney local to discuss how she balances life and work and how she takes time to slow down and enjoy the quiet moments.

With two boys under three, Karen says that time is flying with Finn and JJ. “My constant dialogue in my head is: ‘Am I doing the right thing? Am I working too much? Will I look back and feel I didn’t spend enough time with them?’ So the time that I do have with them is so precious to me.

“I know with my guys, I try to pack so much into the weekends – be it visiting grannies and nanas, and playdates or going to the zoo – that you forget that you can actually just have a bit of craic at home!

“You don’t have to over-stimu-

late children all the time, because they need quiet time too instead of rushing around all the time.

“I try and have those quality moments because my two are so young and I know those baby years are going to be gone so quick.”

That’s why Karen is now ambassador for HB Hazelbrook Farm’s “share a little magic campaign”.

“I jumped on this campaign because it’s a nostalgic one for me. I can clearly remember making ice cream sandwiches with my own mum, so now that I’m a mum myself I want to pass it on to my little guys.

Simple moments “It’s all about just slowing down and finding the joy and enjoyment in the simpler moments; just sitting down, having an ice-cream with your kids to watch a movie or something.”

Karen says she really tries to make those quiet moment counts.

“I’ll try and

make the drive to the creche fun, singing songs in the car to Finn and JJ. We love nothing more than pointing out a digger on the street or a cement mixer – that’s very exciting! It’s trying to make those little things more fun.

“In the early days, you’re trying to get kids into a good routine – making sure they have to be in bed at a certain time, and they have to have a bath every night – that’s gone out the window for me. They’re washed twice a week and they’re grand!

“I’ve sort of tried to take the rushing out of their childhood because I certainly didn’t have that in my day.”

When it comes to her work life, one of Karen’s best moments recently was meeting the iconic Victoria Beckham.

“I was so starstruck!

I basically couldn’t hear anything she was saying, it was probably the most nervous I’ve been in a long, long time – I got heat rash from my chin down to my toes!

“But she totally disarmed me by being so charming; she was a breath of fresh air. I thought she’d be a little aloof or maybe even a little robotic, because we’re so used to the paparazzi shots where she doesn’t smile and all that, but she was incredibly warm. She was lovely; she had time for everyone.”

Read more about HB Hazelbrook Farm’s new campaign at icecreammakesuhappy.ie.

HB Hazelbrook Farm ambassador Karen Koster with Luke Dempsey, from Sutton, and Amelia Kavanagh, from Lucan. Pictures: ROBBIE REYNOLDS

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

Out and About

Some 19 members of Lucan Harriers athletes took part. Pictures: Caroline Norman

A general view of runners making their way past St Patrick’s Cathedral during the SSE Airtricity Dublin

A fiendishly fun Dublin Marathon Marathon 2017 in the heart of the city. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

B

OYS and ghouls of all ages and levels of fitness took part in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon at the start of the week, with some horribly good Halloween-inspired costumes and accessories fleshing out a fun spectacle for the onlookers. Organisers nodded a friendly fang-you-very-much to a variety of Draculas, with Drac and pals adding a splash of colour along the route. Thousands took to the streets around the city centre, where great weather provided some perfect conditions for the runners and onlookers alike. Harrier clubs took to the streets alongside a number of international pro runners, but everyone had a great time on the day.

Patrick Valentin makes

Richie Powell crosses the line to finish

a dramatic finish. Picture:

second in the wheelchair category.

Paul Boyle finishes strong despite his

Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

“injury”. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Hazel Watt and her friend, Catriona Kilbride, both from Glasgow, take a selfie together with their medals.

Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

First... but not the Last IT’S often said that good things come to those who wait – in reality, they come to those who believe in their own ability, and who keep at it.

Dubliner Maria Hoey had always dreamed of becoming a writer, having shown promise as a schoolgirl and later winning praise – and prizes – for her short stories and poetry.

But what she wanted most, and believed she was destined to do, was to write novels.

Maria had left school at 16, and went to work, landing an office job in her hometown of Swords. After marrying young and having her daughter Rebecca, Maria went back and took night classes so she could complete her Leaving Certificate.

By then a hardworking and determined single mum, Maria went on to become a dental nurse and more recently a legal secretary – a job she only left this year.

In the intervening years, she went back to college at 30, and earned herself a first class degree in English and History from DCU. Fast forward to this summer, some 38 years after she completed her Leaving, and the 56 year old had her debut novel, The Last Lost Girl, published.

The psychological thriller is the first in a three-book deal Maria signed with Poolbeg, with her second novel due to be published next year.

The talented author spoke to The Gazette about growing up in Swords, following her dream and writing on the go as she walks along Portmarnock beach.

She says: “I’d written poetry and short stories all my life. I’d had some success getting short stories, and poetry published with Poetry Ireland.

“Then I wrote a short story back in 2010 and it was shortlisted for the Michael McLafftery Award, and it was runner-up in Mslexia International (a prestigous international women’s literary magazine) and I thought, ‘Wow, I think this is it, this my novel’.”

Maria describes herself as an “erratic writer”, but says that the long wait to pen her first novel made it all the sweeter.

She explained: “It took me so long to do this. It was a lifetime dream, but, for whatever reason, it wasn’t the time, and I started to think, ‘It’s never going to happen’ and then, as I say, the story just came to me – and it’s even more special now because it took me so long, “I’ve signed a threebook deal with Poolbeg and I’m half way through the second book.”

Though The Last Lost

DEBUT NOVELIST MARIA HOEY TALKS TO THE GAZETTE ABOUT LIFE, WRITING & WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE UP YOUR DREAM

“We had a great party actually, and Glasmore has the most incredibly community spirit, and they’re so, so proud of me,” she laughs.

“We had a huge bash, and the mayor came out, and we had a street party, and then we had a party in Fingallians GAA, and they had to stick a marquee tent on to the back of it because the turnout – we had people coming back after 50 years, and it was just incredible.”

Maria has some gems of wisdom for aspiring writers, and also paid tribute to her husband Garret for always believing in her.

She adds: “Garrett was really encouraging.

And the one thing he was really right about was, he used to say, ‘Stop polishing it, just finish it!’

“Because I would just be there crafting sen-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘Don’t write for the market.

Write what you have a heart for. I wish I could write about wizards and vampires. I can’t.’ tences, you know. And now, because obviously I have a deadline for my second and third novels, that’s just a luxury I just can’t allow myself.

“Obviously the quality of the writing really matters to me, and I have to write well, but though I would still be a stickler for that, I know now I need to get a first draft down and finished, and then go back and craft the second draft, “But I think the big thing is, you just literally have to write.

Girl is set in a fictional Irish town, Maria revealed that her inspiration was her hometown.

“I very much had my home town of Swords in mind for the geography of The Last Lost Girl,” she says.

“The story moves between the heatwave summer of 1976 and the present day.

“And there’s a fictional UK town, which I made up myself, but definitely, for the 1976 section of the book, I had Swords firmly in mind, and the Fingallians summer festival was the model for the book.

“With the second book, I haven’t really got the geography of it straight in my mind, but it will definitely be locally based.”

While Maria now lives in Portmarnock with her husband Garret, her ties to her

Believe “And then the big thing is to believe – if it is your dream to write, then you have to keep faith with yourself, because certainly, when I was writing my book, I could see that all the prognoses was doom and gloom – you know, I’d hear that nobody’s even looking at unsolicited manuold stomping ground of Swords are as strong as scripts. But the thing is, you can’t let that stop ever. you. You have to write, and finish the book, and In fact, when The Gazette caught up with her, keep faith, and believe that, although that bit is she was still recovering from a street party to cel- out of your control, it will still happen. ebrate her old estate’s 50th anni“And the other thing is – versary. don’t write for the market!

She continued: “Well Swords is Write what you have a heart my hometown, where I grew up, for. sThere’s no point in trying to write about wizards if and I went to school in St Joseph’s that’s not your thing.

– then the Mercy Convent – Rush, “I wish I could write about so I’m very much a North County wizards and vampires. I Dublin girl. can’t. We’d all love to, but “I’m very proud to say that I you have to go with what grew up in Glasmore Park, in your heart is in.

Swords, and they are celebrating “And just believe.” their 50th anniversary this year.”

That sense of community is n The Last Lost Girl is published clearly one that still means a lot to

by Poolbeg Crimson and is availthe talented writer, who bashfully able from all good bookshops admitted her old neighbours were priced €8.99 (Kindle, €5.67). as proud as punch of her achievements.

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

DIARY PHOENIX PARK: HELPING FUND THE ORGANISATION’S NATIONWIDE SUPPORT

Aware of our flagship fundraiser?

AWARE has launched the 12th annual Aware Christmas Run which will take place in the Phoenix Park, on Saturday, December 9.

The Run is Aware’s f lagship fundraising event, seeing over 2,000 people take part and raising more than €60,000 for the organisation’s nationwide support, education and information services.

Online registration is now available at aware. ie/events for both 5k and 10k options at a cost of €25 per person.

Gerry O’Brien, head of fundraising at Aware said: “The Aware Christmas Run offers the perfect excuse to get friends, family and colleagues together to do something fun, festive and healthy, while helping ensure that Aware continues to make a real difference in the lives of others throughout the year.”

TAKE PART IN FUN RUN AND HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE MUMS, dads, sons and daughters are invited to take part in a fun 5k run

with Keith Duffy and friends this November.

The event kicks off from 2pm on Sunday, November 12, in St Anne’s Park.

“Calling all dads, and granddads, mums, sons and daughter, sign up today and help make a big difference to families all over Ireland,” says Keith Duffy, founder of the Keith Duffy Foundation, supporting charities across Ireland.

I n d i v i d u a l t i c ke t s cost €15, parent and child tickets cost €25 and a family ticket costs €40.

For more information about the event please contact the Fight Blindness team on 01 6789004 or fundraising@fightingblindness. ie.

HAVE YOUR MOST DESIRED CHRISTMAS WISH COME TRUE

WHAT is the one thing that will make your Christmas wish come true?

One4all is pledging to spread extra cheer this winter by granting a number of special Christmas wishes and is calling on people in Dublin who would love to have their Christmas wish come true to take part.

The lucky winners will receive a prize like no other – memories that will last a lifetime and an experience that is guaranteed to leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling long into the New Year.

Whether it’s being reunited with a long-distance loved one, asking the love of your life to be yours forever, or making the

Leinster rugby player Joey Carbery and tv presenter Cassie Stokes with Matthew Hannon and Ryleigh Brady launching the 12th annual Aware Christmas Run. Picture: Naoise Culhane

wish of a child come true, One4all wants to hear from you.

Participants are invited to enter the competition until November 27, through One4all’s Facebook page or through one4all.

Simply submit your wish, detailing exactly what you desire and wait for the magic to unfold.

IT’S WEAR RED DAY AGAINST RACISM SCHOOLS, businesses, community and sports organisations in Dublin are being encouraged to get involved in Wear Red Day, an initiative of antiracism and education charity, Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC).

SRtRC is calling on the public to wear red on November 24 and donate €2 to help raise much needed funds for the charity.

All funds raised through Wear Red Day will be used by SRtRC to continue to challenge racism by providing education resources, programmes and intercultural activi-

ties which support integration.

Show Racism the Red Card are encouraging

participants to share their activities on social media using the hashtag #WRD17.

For information on how to get involved in Wear Red Day, contact info@theredcard.ie.

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

A comeback adventure in Balian beats

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Award-winning opera-pop singer and composer joins an unusual Gamelan orchestra collaboration in Dun Laoghaire

Dubray Meets Nigella Lawson

The famed chef drops in on Dubray’s Grafton Street store to sign copies of her books, and perhaps hand over the odd cooking tip along the way. Saturday, November 4 at 11am.

Pet Expo 2017

The National Show Centre in Swords brings everything about pets together for a two-day weekend exhibition.

From cats and dogs to tarantulas and snakes, you’ll find shops, clubs, entertainers and information. November 4 and 5.

International Stout Festival

PET EXPO 2017

Where better to celebrate the world’s selection of different ‘black stuffs’ than Guinness?

This four day festival at the Storehouse will feature food to accompany special one-off brews, from November 2 to 5.

WWE Live

Wrestling of the non-Olympic variety comes to the 3Arena, in what’s sure to be a hugely popular evening featuring plenty of colourfully-clad stars.

The throws, ringside antics and groin-hugging suits drop in on November 2.

The FAI Cup Finals

With the ‘League of Ireland’s rubbish’ myth swatted away by recent European successes, embrace the rising star of Irish club soccer.

Dundalk v Cork is as big as the men’s games gets, and preceded by UCD in the women’s finale. November 5.

Vintage and Flea Market

The Bernard Shaw’s ever-wonderful market cycles back round to the vintage Saturday, where you’ll find classy pre-worn clothes, furniture, vinyl, garden ornaments and great, great coffee. November 4.

Mongoose EP launch

The fantastically underrated Irish folk-pop act launch their new EP, entitled simply ‘Four’.

The EP features a song written by each member of the band, then restyled collectively. Plenty of intrigue, then. November 3.

Dine in the Dark

The annual event in aid of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland comes to a host of city restaurants, each of which will dish up surprise meals in the pitch black for one night only.

Learn all about it at dineinthedark.ie. Various dates.

New album of the week

Kygo - Kids In Love. The Norwegian house star has been helped to fame by a massively popular track performed together with a certain Ed Sheeran, we’re reliably informed Kygo (pronounced Ky-gu) is what the kids are into these days.

It pulses.

GAZETTE GAZETTE

GAZETTE GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

THE IRISH GAMELAN ORCHESTRA presents a concert of new music, dance and spoken word with a stellar line up of special guests.

 JAMES HENDICOTT COMBINING her plethora of talents, Julie Feeney exploded onto the Irish music scene in 2005 with ‘13 Songs’, a delicately perfect Choice Music Prize winning album on which she personally plays no less than eleven instruments.

Renowned for her theatrical and intimate live performances, she’s gone on to tour the world, write operas, play a ten-night stint at the National Concert Hall, become influential in fashion circles, and even qualify as a primary school teacher.

It’s been a quiet few years for Feeney, however, and the way she’s chosen to return might surprise. Having contributed to an album alongside them in 2015, Feeney is now performing live as a much-valued guest of the Irish Gamelan Orchestra.

Gamelan is the traditional formal, orchestral style of Java and Bali, in Indonesia, and it’s visually spectacular. It consists of drum and xylophone-style

instruments, some of which are made out of metal, and some wood, alongside vocals and key changes far outside of western orchestral norms.

Feeney was originally brought into the Irish Gamelan Orchestra as part of their collaborative approach to music.

The collective invited star musicians with a classical edge - like the Galway-born pop-opera fanatic, and Belfast’s piano-meets-poetry artist Duke Special - to contribute alongside spoken word acts like author Joseph O’Connor (Ghost Light) and ex-Riverdance man Colin Dunne.

While the project is very much an aside for Feeney, it clearly evokes a passion.

“The orchestra is almost overwhelming, physically,” she explains. The set up, with the guests, probably sounds a bit like a variety performance, but it really isn’t. They asked different composers to contribute pieces, and I originally composed a short 20-minute piece with Michael Murphy to play at a college launch. I’m very lucky, I don’t really get asked to do

things that don’t sound great to me, and this was really exciting from the start.”

“It’s such an interesting style of music, very different to anything I’ve experienced in composing before, and it’s been great finding a connection with that.”

Feeney’s been on something of a break since releasing 2012 album ‘Clocks’, her third, in part because of the arrival of two little ones into her life. It’s clear her children have had a profound effect on the composer, one that’s likely to flow into the content of her fourth release, expected sometime next year.

As well as the album, which is in advanced in its progress, there’s also an operatic composition based on OscarWilde on the way.

“I’ve become very aware of what’s going on in the world, far more than before they came along,” she tells of her new life as a parent. “I find I see much more of the world. I’m far more into politics than I used to be, and it really affects me.

“I don’t feel it’s my place to talk about, for example, war in Syria in my music, as it’s not my experience.

But it affects me deeply now. You’re very aware that your world is also your children’s world and you notice things in a different way.”

“You also have to be far more controlled with your use of time,” she continues. “I hope people will understand that I decided to take some time off and establish my children on our planet. Certain things will be different. It’s very much about the music now, I just don’t feel the need to be a spokesperson for independent music. That’s just gone, I just don’t really care for it anymore. I have three hours scheduled in for recording in a few days time, and I have to plan that really carefully. But I wouldn’t change that one bit.”

“With the opera, I won’t be managing, or producing, or anything like that. I’ll just be making the music. I used to be the person who would write at 3am, or go swimming at midnight. But I’ve only spent two nights away from my children in their lives so far, and I found it really hard. That’s not about to change.”

“I’m different emotionally, too. I’m more grounded and I’m feeling things so deeply, and yet nothing is

quite as black and white as it used to be. I’m feeling things I just didn’t think were there.”

The album, which has no confirmed date just yet, will reflect that new depth, and it’s being produced simultaneously with a separate long-term project in the form of an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Happy Prince’, entitled ‘Bird’. The latter has been on the go for years for Feeney, and was close to completion in 2013, when she set it aside to focus on her children. That’s proven a smart move, as it’s now undergoing considerable alterations.

“I’m really glad I didn’t finish it in 2013,” she explains. “Marina Carr has come on board with it, and I’ve found it’s turning into something a little bit different. Marina suggested I don’t just tell Oscar Wilde’s story, but that I also try to delve into the worlds of some of the characters in my own way, to explore their perspectives.”

There’s a passion behind these projects, one that’s always simmered in what Feeney does, which seems motivated by life experience (and the delicate expres-

sion of it) above all else. It’s captured in the story of a detour on a trip to Seattle, during which she was asked to travel to a remote district of Canada and perform for a loyal fan who’d recently been in a major accident.

Feeney went, played no less than six gigs, and put on a fashion show, too.

The pace is a little slower today, but the output no less wonderful. Feeney will be keeping things international whilst staying local, exploring those Javanese beats while she constructs her next solo masterpiece.

With Feeney’s music traditionally of the sublimely mellow, emotional and vocally breathtaking variety, her Gamelan interlude might just invert a cliche: the lively storm before 2018’s perfect, beautiful calm.

Julie Feeney performs in Dun Laoghaire with the Irish Gamelan Orchestra on Friday, November 11. She’ll play alongside other guests including Joseph O’Connor and Colin Dunne at the Pavilion Theatre, tickets available at paviliontheatre.ie.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Arnotts Alex and Ani Deathly Hallows Necklace €49 Rafaelian Silver Finish

Arnotts Alex and Ani Hogwarts Expandable Wire Bangle €36 Rafaelian Silver Finish

FOR THE

SPORT OF IT

Harry Potter Glasses -Harry Potter Glasses Ring Wrap €36 925 Sterling Silver or 925 Sterling Silver w14kt Gold Plate  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

Alex and Ani.. and Harry?

GYM clothes don’t have to be your grossest baggy sweats any more.

Life Style Sports has officially launched Women’s Studio – the

one-stop destination within Life Style Sports stores and online, for trend-conscious and fit-focused womenswear.

As well as launching Women’s Studio as a new concept, the chain has also welcomed the new Instagram channel, @LifeStyleS-

portsWomensStudio.

The new athleisure range aims to find a balance between sportswear and everyday clothes to take you from the gym to the street, combining function and fashion.

To shop the collection, see lifestylesports.com.

THE ALEX AND ANI Harry Potter collection has arrived at Arnotts, a limited edition collection inspired by the much loved book and movie series.

Alex and Ani teamed up with Warner Bros Consumer Products to launch Alex and Ani’s 10-piece capsule collection and features a range of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings adorned with symbols from one of the most loved series of all time.

Alex and Ani is a lifestyle brand that creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewellery to positively empower and connect humanity.

The memorable symbols seen throughout the new Alex and Ani Harry Potter Collection are designed to reignite the magic of the series that has captivated generations of dreamers for 20 years.

For more information, contact Sarah Williams at swilliams@arnotts.ie or Natalie Burke at nburke@arnotts.ie.

Latest campaign shots from Lifestyle Sports Women’s Studio. See www. lifestylesports.com. for details.

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

FOOD&DRINK

GAZETTE

STYLE

The full scoop on Gino’s opening at the Pavilions LAST Saturday marked the opening of the 16th Gino’s Gelato store in Ireland, at The Pavilions in Swords.

The new store will house 40 seats, serving up the chain’s famed range of gelato, crepes, waffles and specialty coffee.

The outlet will employ 15 staff,

including a master gelato maker who will make the gelato fresh in store each day.

Speaking about the latest opening, Gino’s co-founder Anthony Murphy said: “We are delighted to be opening a new outlet in Swords Pavilions. It’s a great shopping centre, so we are

in great company!

“We’ll be offering all of our usual treats and will also be catering for children’s birthday parties which is a fun addition to this store.

“We have 16 stores across the country now, employing 250 people. We are also opening two

stores in Cork in the coming months, as well as one each in Limerick and Kilkenny.

“It’s amazing to see the growth of the business over the past few years. I think a lot of it is to do with the optimism of the Irish – we’ll eat gelato all year round, we don’t let the weather bother us!”

A Guaranteed way to find a Food Hero GUARANTEED Irish is calling for nominations for Dublin’s Food Hero. Since the beginning of the year, the organisation has run the Guaranteed Irish Hero Awards, recognising the best talent in Ireland across various sectors.

To date, awards have been made to high-achievers in the arts, sports, science and music industries. Now, they are hoping to find the country’s top food figure.

Members of the public are invited to nominate their Guaranteed Irish Food Hero before the deadline of Thursday, November 30.

Launching the call for nominations, Brid O’Connell (below), chief executive of Guaranteed Irish, said: “We’re calling on businesses and individuals to get involved and nominate anyone who has demonstrated a real commitment to creating a better Dublin and Ireland, through championing jobs, community and provenance within the food sector.”

To nominate your Guaranteed Irish Food Hero, email info@guaranteedirish.ie or use the dedicated hashtag: #GIhero on social media, including details of your nomination.

Luxury treats ready for any chocaholic

ATTENTION chocolate lovers! Luxury chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat has just opened a brand-new store in Dundrum Town Centre – and even chocolate gin is on the menu.

“More Cocoa, Less Sugar” is the mantra of Hotel Chocolat, which stocks rare and vintage chocolate bars made with premium cocoa from around the world.

Looking for something unusual? Hot chocolate fans can try their interesting cocoa-infused interpretations such as Cocoa Gin and Cocoa Beer.

Meanwhile, foodies will love experimenting with their range of sweet and savoury condiments, including Spiced Cocoa Nib Ketchup, Cocoa Balsamic and Chocolate Orange Marmalade.

For further information, see hotelchocolat.com or visit the store.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Don’t put all of the pressure on the TPMS MOST modern cars now come with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to let the driver know if the tyre pressures fall to a dangerous level. While this valued technology has been proven to improve road safety by advising of a change in tyre pressure, drivers need to check their TPMS is working and be aware that it does not warn drivers of the condition of their tyres nor the amount of tread depth.

Vehicles first used after January 1, 2012 and equipped with a TPMS fitted by the vehicle manu-

Dacia Duster delivers SUV driving delights Dacia has brought a new level of value to the SUV market with the competitively priced Duster. This re-styled midrange SUV has lead the Renault owned brand to a significant market share in the Dublin car market and for good reason as MICHAEL MORONEY reports.

facturer must have a functioning system to pass the NCT test. While typically reliable, drivers do need to check their car’s TPMS to ensure it’s working on a regular basis, as the system can fail and batteries in the wheel-mounted sensors can run out.

Tyre pressure monitors are currently a failure point on the National Car Test (NCT) but it is simply a check to see whether or not it is functioning. The TMPS warning light on the dashboard must come on, and switch off again within a few seconds, in order to pass. There is no further investigation made during the NCT of whether or not the system is accurate.

Any alerts displayed by the system should not be ignored and, if in doubt, the advice of a tyre professional should be sought. Regrettably, too many drivers are ignoring the warning lights as the number of NCT failures due to faulty TPMS systems has risen between 2015 and 2016.

Kona joins Hyundai SUV range HYUNDAI Ireland has

ing prices from €20,995.

announced the speci-

Hyundai will be offering

fication and pricing for

the Kona with a 1.6-litre

the new Kona SUV which

turbo-diesel engine later

is due at Hyundai dealer-

in 2018 followed by a full

ships in Dublin from this

electric version in 2019.

week onwards. The new

This new Kona will be

Kona claims to offer a

available in four trim lev-

completely new compact

els, Comfort, Executive,

SUV platform.

and two Premium ver-

DACIA’S very popular Duster SUV got a mid-life makeover last year and there is more to come for 2018.

The Duster is an affordable SUV that offers a reasonable price package for families that want SUV features at a value price.

I’ve recently driven the upgraded Duster, which is a model that just been on the Irish market for five years. Despite it’s relatively short time here, the distinctive Duster design and the value for money image have made the car highly identifiable.

The Dacia brand is a wholly-owned part of the Renault Group. For decades Renault had been supplying Romanian-based Dacia with car components and then in 1999, the Renault Group acquired the full business.

Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi Summit Engine 1.5 litre Engine power 109hp 0 – 100km/hr 11.8 seconds Economy 21m/litre

(4.4/100km or 59mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 Emissions 115g/km Road Tax Band A2 €180 Main Service 15,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5-star (2012) Warranty 3 years/100,000km Entry Price €16,890 Dacia’s brand image is all about value, using some tried and test Renault components that are now also found in the Nissan range, which is also part of the Renault family of brands.

For the Irish market Dacia has kept things simple. There is one diesel engine offering with 109bhp power out

and varying CO2 levels depending on whether you opt for two- or fourwheel drive versions. The price differences are then based on the specification options, while the entry price of €16,890 sets the tone for the value discussion.

In an overall sense and relative to the competition, you get a whole lot

of car value in a Dacia Duster for the competitive price and the package includes three years/100,000km warranty. These are the compelling reasons to give the Duster a closer look but they are not the only ones.

Taking the Duster to the road I soon found that the overall car styling and build quality has improved so much from the first Duster that I drove almost five years ago.

This newer Duster has improved comfort, better engine performance, its smoother and quieter to drive. It well deserves to be respected and not just for its value tag.

The engine performance is good, not remarkable, while it is on par with the entry-level Nissan Qashqai. Both

the Duster and the Nissan Qashqai use a similar 1.5-litre Renault designed diesel engine. While the Dacia version will be a slightly older generation engine, there is little difference in the key performance features.

The economy data for the Duster is a match for the competition. While this is not a heavyweight SUV on the scales, it does deliver an economy figure that’s only surpassed by the related Nissan Qashqai. With a rated economy figure of 21m/litre (4.4/100km

Continental aims zero road

The early edition mod-

sions, a manual and auto-

els will be offered with

matic gearbox version.

a 1.0-litre turbo petrol

All cars come on 16 in alloy

engine rated at 120bhp

wheels and include a lane

The ‘blind’ Mercedes Benz E Class with blacked out

and a six-speed manual

keep assist and a driver

windows that showed how the car’s camera and sensor

gearbox with star t-

fatigue warning system.

systems can navigate a pre-prepared course

LAST week, Continental best known as a leading tyre company, brought its Vision Zero Live event to Mondello Race Circuit in Co Kildare.

Over three days, car owners, staff from tyre retailers and managers of large company fleets had the opportunity to participate in a range of ‘hands on the wheel’ demonstrations of the company’s latest tyre and automotive technologies.

Continental and its five divisions

have a very clear safety vision. The company wants to achieve zero injuries, zero fatalities and zero accidents on our roads, hence, Continental’s Vision Zero initiative. The company aims to achieve this through ensuring that Continental’s full range of technologies, from the company’s premium tyres to the safety systems that are in many of the vehicles from all of the main car brands.

Using a fleet of some 20 vehicles to run a series of practical demonstra-

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Citroen launches compact C3 Aircross compact SUV CITROEN will have its new C3 Aircross

for maximum passenger comfort, with

compact SUV at Dublin Citroen dealer-

generous legroom in the front and rear,

ships from next week, with entry prices

as well as an exceptional modular boot

starting at €20,695. The new Citroen

space with a volume of up to 520 litres.

C3 Aircross got its first public show-

The new C3 Aircross also scored maxi-

ing at the Ideal Home Show at the RDS

mum 5 Euro NCAP rating for car safety

Simmonscourt over the Bank Holiday

for models fitted with either Safety

weekend.

Pack 1 or Safety Pack 2.

This new generation SUV has been

trim levels Touch, Feel and Flair. The new

Comfort programme and uses the lat-

SUV offers a choice of five different inte-

est in grip control technology with hill

rior ambiences comprising of special

descent assist for added driver control.

seat upholstery, a range of dashboard

It comes with a new continuous con-

textures, door panel designs, and

nectivity system that includes wireless

touches of colour on the central console

smartphone charging.

surround, steering wheel, air vents and

Citroen claims that technology

or 59mpg), this Duster beats all others in terms of economy, on paper at least.

Out on the road, the Duster demands a little more the accelerator pedal the achieve its best.

That meant that my relatively shorter test drive than usual gave a performance that was 25% off the rated figure. That in my book is the standard in the market, so it is enough for me to rate the Duster a reasonably economical car.

Interestingly, the Duster has the longest wheel-

base among the midrange SUV’s such as the Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

This despite the fact that it’s the most compact in terms of length and that makes it easier for city driving. Add the fact that its turning circle is good you have a car that’s easy to drive and now comes with some additional driver friendly features.

Since the first days of the Duster the build quality has improved significantly. The car just feels more solid and by some styling adjustments, the

look has also been modernised. These subtle changes to the styling give a better look to the car, while its raised stance is preserved to give a true SUV look to the Duster.

The Dacia has plenty of safety kit it has not undergone a Euro NCAP safety test since 2011, when it received a three star rating.

The car comes with ISOfix couplings, four airbags and a host of safety features, I’m surprised that as a Renault Group car it has not a more recent Euro NCAP safety rating.

I drove the Summit

version with some additional kit over the entry model. This included cruise control and speed limiter, electric front and rear windows, MediaNav touchscreen navigation, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, metallic paint, 16” alloy wheels, burnt orange air vent surrounds, Duster orange trim upholstery, body side and wheel arch mouldings. That extra kit adds nearly €5,000 to the price, while it’s still competitive for a similar specification package from the competition.

seat backs. The car has a practical inte-

continues as a core theme in new C3

rior with a split sliding and folding rear

Aircross with 12 different technologies

bench, 60/40 split-folding and adjust-

that assist your journey including voice

able seat backs.

controlled 3D navigation, keyless entry The Dacia Duster is now five years on the Irish market and with a mid-life upgrade and more changes to come in 2018, this mid-range SUV has a lot to offer for family motoring with entry prices starting at a competitive €16,890.

The car is available in three specified

influenced by the Citroen Advanced

The new Citroen C3 Aircross is avail-

and start, 60/40 sliding rear bench,

able with either the PureTech petrol and

lane departure warning and blind-spot

BlueHDi diesel engines, as well as the

monitoring. Citroen claims that the new

latest generation EAT6 fully automatic

C3 Aircross offers best-in-class space

gearbox as a further option.

Citroen is launching the new C3 Aircross SUV at Dublin dealerships from next week

Stonic joins expanding compact SUV market KIA has entered Europe’s and Ireland’s fastest-growing market sector, the small B-SUV segment with the new Stonic. This is a new sporty and smart new model priced from €18,599 for the entry level 1.2-litre model.

The Stonic is based on the latest Rio and is powered by what Kia claims are high-efficiency, high-technology petrol and diesel engines. There are four engine

fatalities with new technology demo tions, participants at the Vision Zero Live event were shown how dangerous it is to drive on tyres that are at or near the legal tread depth level of 1.6mm. In addition, there was the opportunity to get behind the wheel and perform emergency braking manoeuvres in cars fitted with premium and budget tyres and to observe the difference in performance and stopping distances.

Some of the Continental automo-

tive technologies that were on display included Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) where the car will stop automatically if the driver does not intervene to avoid a collision. AEB is becoming ever more popular on all types of cars and is no longer the preserve of the more premium brands.

One of the most popular activities from Vision Zero Live was the opportunity to get behind the wheel

of a Mercedes E Class with all of the windows blacked out and just the option of using the car’s camera and sensor systems to navigate a preprepared course.

Speaking about Vision Zero Live, Tom Dennigan, Head of Continental Tyres Ireland, said: “This event is all about educating the public about the wider expertise of the Continental Group and showing our longstanding commitment to safety.”

options for the Stonic, the 1.2-litre petrol entry level; a more powerful 1.4-litre petrol and a range-topping, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol version. The diesel option power comes from a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Stonic is slightly longer than the Rio, at 4,140mm. It is also 70mm taller and rides 42mm higher from the ground to give it a clear SUV stance. While the two cars share some mechanical components, Stonic has a bespoke body and interior.

All models are front-wheel drive as the take-up for all-wheel drive in this sector of the market is small. All versions are equipped with an extensive range of active safety features and up-to-the-minute connectivity. Electronic Stability Control

The new Kia Stonic comes with 1.2-

(ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management

litre entry level petrol engines and

(VSM) are standard.

prices start from €18,599

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

R1

DUBLINLIFE

WIN

Everything’s

The Rose Hotel’s bedrooms boast possibly the comfiest beds in Ireland

a two night spa break for two at The Rose Hotel, Tralee

TO CELEBRATE the launch of the new Serenity Spa, The Rose Hotel in Tralee are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a relaxing retreat for two people in this charming hotel in the heart of the Kingdom.

The lucky winner will enjoy a two-night stay with a delicious breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening of your choice in the elegant Rose Room restaurant with seasonal menus created by Head Chef Odran Lucey. You and your guest will also enjoy a 25 minute treatment each in the newly launched Serenity Spa - choose from a relaxing Swedish Back Massage, an Express Elemis Facial or an indulgent Hot Stone Massage.

The Serenity Spa offers guests a range of Elemis treatments in luxurious and soothing sur- Spinach & white asparagus arancini with roundings. Designed to nurture red pepper & tomato ragout and nourish the mind, body and soul, visit the Serenity Spa and emerge invigorated and reenSimply Like and Share the Rose Hotel ergized. Authentic and easeful, warm and welcoming, The Rose post on the Dublin Gazette Facebook page, Hotel is the perfect place for a or email competitions@dublingazette.com, relaxing retreat in the heart of putting Rose Hotel in the subject line and your contact details in the email itself. the Kingdom!

Nurture the mind, body & soul with a spa break THIS winter make rejuvenating and relaxing a priority with a spa break at The Rose Hotel, Tralee.

Designed to nurture and nourish the mind, body and soul, the newly launched Serenity Spa at The Rose Hotel is a tranquil haven to escape to this winter, featuring carefully selected world acclaimed ELEMIS Skincare Therapy products.

Spoil yourself with a weekend escape at The Rose Hotel where you and a guest can enjoy a two-night spa break with a

bottle of Prosecco on arrival, dinner on one evening of your choice in the elegant Rose Room restaurant, breakfast each morning and a choice of spa treatments at the Serenity Spa (choose from a deep tissue massage or an ELEMIS 55-minute facial of choice). Spa Escapes start from €480 for a total stay based on a twonight stay for two sharing.

For more information on spa breaks visit www.therosehotel.com or call +353 66 7199100.

 ALISON O’HANLON

KERRY’S county town is world-renowned for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, but unless you’re from Mars, you already knew that, didn’t you!

Did you also know that some of Ireland’s best traditional pubs can be found in the Kingdom’s largest town; or that the 160km Dingle Way ends and starts in Tralee; or that it’s home to arguably Ireland’s best indoor water park – meaning the kids will be happier than a Kerryman in Croker when the Dubs lose.

A gang of us headed down to the Kingdom last weekend for a weekend of R&R, and if it’s a lovely, chilled out staycation you’re after, the four-star Rose in Tralee is the place to be.

Owned by Dick and Eibhlin Henggeler, the Rose Hotel is the kind of place that helps to give Ireland its reputation as the Land of a Thousand Welcomes.

The Henggelers themselves epitomise warmth and friendliness.

The couple bought the then Fels Point Hotel back in 2015 to honour their late daughter Dorothy, who sadly died in 2014 aged just 27 – less than three years after she was the Washington DC Rose at the festival.

And Dorothy, who was known as Dott, would be proud of all her parents have achieved in Tralee, a place that meant so much to their daughter and a place that will forever be special to them.

The Henggelers play a leading role in the annual festival and are behind the town’s push to build a

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

R1

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Rosey in the Kingdom Tralee guards the entrance to the Dingle Peninsula in north Kerry permanent dome on the land adjacent to the hotel – on the same site where a temporary dome goes up every autumn as the world’s eyes turn to Tralee.

We turned up in Tralee late, as usual. After checking in and quickly dumping our bags in our wonderfully luxurious suite, we nipped down for a bite to eat in Dott’s Bar, a cozy hotel lounge where you’re made to feel instantly at home.

The food – a massive bowl of mussels for me – was locally sourced and seriously scrumptious, but even if it hadn’t been, the friendliness of the staff is such that everything about this place just seems perfect.

After a hearty breakfast the following morn-

ing, we headed down the road to check out Siamsa Tire, home to the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. And it was here where the whole R&R thing went out the window, as we were given an impromtu hour-long lesson in Irish dancing from the wonderfully talented Jonathan Kelliher, the company’s artistic director.

When he had put us through our paces and patiently watched us fail miserably as we attempted to ‘Shoe the Donkey’, Jonathan took us on a tour of the theatre, an impressive warren of gallery spaces and rehearsal studios that can accommodate everything from art exhibitions, dance sessions, music and theatre performances, workshops and big-stage productions.

Next up on the itinerary – a nice hot whis-

Afternoon tea works best with bubbles. Every time!

key back in Dott’s, before we got to enjoy every girl’s dream: Champagne Afternoon Tea. Need I say more. Didn’t think so.

But it gets better. Because Afternoon Tea was followed by every girl’s other dream: A sublime couple of hours being spoiled and pampered at the hotel’s Serenity Spa. While us girls were being given an idea of what heaven is really like, the gents in our group took the five-minute stroll into town, where we were told later that both Sean Og’s and the Bailey Corner were amongst the best bars “in the world, never mind Ireland”. They needed food.

We all did.

But whether you were hungry or not, there’s

simply no way you could ever turn down dinner in the hotel’s elegant Rose Room. No way ever.

With so much excellent local produce to choose from on head chef Odran Lucey’s a la carte menu, you’re guaranteed to experience the real flavour of the region.

I went for the Kerry lamb, which arrived with a mini shepherd’s pie, caponata, black olives and some envious glances. It was, like everything else this hotel has to offer, divine.  TO reserve your star at the Rose Hotel, visit www.therosehotel.com.

And you can check out what’s on at Siamsa Tire while you’re in Tralee by going to www.siamsatire.com/events

Siamsa Tire – The National Folk Theatre of Ireland

The 160k Dingle Way starts and ends at Tralee and takes in

some of Kerry’s most impressive beauty spots

Dotts Bar is the perfect place to unwind

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

THOR - RAGNAROK: THE GODS THEMSELVES WOULD APPROVE OF THIS FUN SEQUEL

By Zeus, Thor’s new film hammers home a winner THOSE who found themselves caught up in the cultish fervour that followed director Taika Waititi’s hilarious vampire-farce, What We Do In the Shadows (2014), and delighted in the offbeat buddy-comedy of last year’s, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, will have been understandably dumbfounded at the announcement that the New Zealand filmmaker would be helming Thor: Ragnarok (Cert 12A, 130 mins).

Waititi’s cinematic worlds thus far have been intimate in scale and scope, uniquely oddball comedies, as absurd as they are endearing.

These tendencies seem alarmingly ill-fit for the massive-scale blockbusters that Marvel trade in, so one would be forgiven for any scepticism held.

However, Marvel’s “God of Thunder” (Chris Hemsworth) is in safe, capable hands – hands that have moulded a series in danger of going s t a l e into a refreshing, off-the-wall c o m e d y, w h i c h boasts all the frenzied, explosive superhero action we’ve come to expect from the studio, but fills its gaps with the director’s unique brand of humour.

It strays further from the well-worn “Marvel formula” than any other release in the 17-film MCU franchise.

F o l l ow i n g h i s return to Asgard at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) , Thor has spent some time fruitlessly searching

ReelReviews

A SACRED DEER

Will it make a killing?

THERE’S something disturbingly dark at the heart of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (121 mins), despite its occasionally absurd leanings. Colin Farrell is the bearded, brilliant doctor at the heart of the film, but his family life with Nicole Kidman begins to shake apart when he takes a paternal interest in a youth. Things take a surreal but dark-hearted twist for the worse ...

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

for Infinity Stones.

After a run-in with a gigantic fire-demon, who warns the god of the fabled “Ragnarok” – the destruction of Asgard, the gods’ home – Thor sets off on an adventure that finds him imprisoned on a planet on the other side of the universe.

There, Thor is forced to fight in a deadly contest by “the Grandmaster” (Jeff Goldblum, at his most wonderfully eccentric), a battle that sees him eventually team up with an old friend, The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

BLADE RUNNER 2049 Just misses the mark

Returning as Thor, Chris Hemsworth has to face off against Hela, the Goddess of Death (a fun turn from scenery-chewing Cate Blanchett) as the latest threat to the gods

Meanwhile, the Goddess of Death, Hela (Cate Blanchett, left), as evil as she is powerful, is also intent on taking over Asgard, so Thor finds himself in a race against time to get home and stop her.

Loki also makes an appearance here, played by Tom Hiddleston in a considerably more comic role than in previous instalments.

The same could be said for any of the series’ cast of otherworldly heroes and villains: the mighty T hor is at his most bullheaded, the Hulk

has never been so concerned with “smashing”, and particular applause must be given to Karl Urban’s hilarious turn as evil henchman, Skurge.

Marvel have quite clearly given Waititi free reign to reshape this universe with all his charming and bizarre idiosyncrasies; above all else, this is a comedy.

In that respect, Ragnarok is closest in style to the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and with all its space-hopping madness, it’s fair to say that Waititi’s vision could only have been greenlit following the success of the aforementioned galactic superhero-comedy.

This, however, is a much, much funnier film. Unfortunately, all that humour pushes

a typically epic-in-scale plot to the background at times and the characters have less archetypal growing to do than in your standard Marvel adventure.

Hela is a strong villain, as nasty as they come, but regrettably one-dimensional. Thor accepts some responsibility along the way, but is very much the same hero we get when the film starts.

These narrative flaws are easy to forgive – there’s just so much to fall in love with and laugh at in this vibrant, charming and utterly daft superhero movie.

A Marvel movie that doesn’t fit the Marvel mould, this is one of the studio’s best, and certainly one of the year’s finest comedies.

Verdict: 8/10

BLADERUNNER 2049 (Cert 15A, 163 mins) is an interesting sequel that continues to explore what it means to be human, but there’s something a little soulless here. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are fine, but they’re a little lost under the weight of its admittedly great visuals. Its underwhelming box office returns suggest that it’s just missed the mark in delivering a razor-sharp sequel to the classic film.

HAPPY DEATH DAY

Has some killer deja vu IMAGINE Groundhog Day with a serial killer twist.

That’s perhaps the ‘elevator pitch’ for Happy Death Day (Cert 15A, 100 mins), which is surprisingly enjoyable despite its pure B-Movie shlock story. A young college student keeps getting murdered – then relives the same day, trying to work out who the killer is. The twist here is that her ‘reboots’ are limited, adding some urgency to her quest.

2 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

TECH Nintendo mark a big milestone

GREAT news over at Nintendo HQ with the news that its Switch console has been a roaring sucess .

Despite flying under the radar of many gamers and retailers, the Switch has taken just six months to hit half of its predecessor’s lifetime sales, clocking up a very impressive 7.6m unit sakes in just six months, compared to the Wii U’s 13.5m units sold across five years.

Choosing to take a more gaming-focused approach (rather than the cold war tech race that Sony and Microsoft are locked in) has clearly paid off, with Nintendo recording sales of 374bn yen (£2.5bn) in the last quarter – an outstanding increase of 173% on the same period last year.

Cuphead continues to dazzle

SPEAKING of sales figures, Cuphead has been a spectacular success for Microsoft.

Long in development, the rock-hard, 1930s cartoons-inspired game has wowed critics and gamers, with its stunning, hand-animated retro look and challenging gameplay going down a treat on MS platforms.

The exact figures aren’t in just yet, but its been clear that since its release barely a month ago, its sale have rocketed, making it a quiet but well-deserved hit.

With everything from fake news to state-orchestrated misinformation and manipulation swirling about, navigating online content is insidiously becoming more difficult

FAKE NEWS: SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS INCREASINGLY CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

Online war worsens FACEBOOK has been back in the tech news headlines again this week, with ‘that Russian thing’ our American friends are dealing with also ensnaring the tech titan in its grasp.

It’s been widely reported for some time now that Russian-backed content was swirling about on Facebook during the race for the US presidency last year, but the scale of the issue was given some extra clarity this week.

On Tuesday, just ahead of going to print, the company was preparing to release definite figures to a Senate judiciary committee, seeing millions of US voters potentially affected by tinkering orchestrated from abroad, with Russia in the frame.

It was reported that, last year, the company found some 120 fake Russian-

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

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

‘From an Irish context, it’s fascinating to watch the political drama unfolding, while paranoidly wondering if our own social media platforms are being manipulated by any foreign agent’

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

backed pages pumping out 80,000 posts that 29 million Americans would have received directly.

Multiply that number by the amount of reshares, likes and following the posts, and it’s hard to put an upper number on the amount of people – American voters, to be precise – whose votes could have been influenced by this very definition of fake news.

The news will come as a cold comfort to a variety of tech analysts and political scientists, who’d long suspected that the scale of this new cold war tak-

ing place on a technological frontline wasn’t being taken seriously – now, the figures compiled by Facebook lay bare this unquiet reality.

Of course, Facebook isn’t the only tech and social media giant caught in the crossfire – Google and Twitter have also reported similar suspicious activity on their own platforms, as have others.

These, too, have also given US regulators and politicians an oversight of the scale of the irregularities and issues that they’ve uncovered, ranging from

advertising spending on controversial issues, to YouTube channels linked to Russian disinformation, with ‘divisive’ topics – ranging from immigration to LGBT topics etc – getting promoted.

Already a topical issue, the political interference across these social platforms took on another, even more urgent dimension this week.

In the fast developing story at the time of going to print, legal actions against key US officials saw Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and adviser

Rick Gates indicted for conspiracy, with their alleged Russian links playing a key role in the charges.

From an Irish context, it’s fascinating to watch the overseas political drama unfolding, while paranoidly wondering if our own social media platforms are being manipulated by any foreign agent.

Taking my tin-foil Conspiracy Hat off again, nobody wants to go back to the good-old, badold days of fearing ‘Reds under the bed’ or wondering if CIA ‘spooks’ are tapping everything.

However, when political and technological giants start publicly battling, it’s difficult not to wonder if even smaller players on the global stage (like Ireland) are also being manipulated

on these new social media frontlines.

For now, the highstakes clash between the political and technological spheres will be fascinating to watch play out, with social media platforms and their everyday online processes which most of us use very much in the spotlight.

It’s worth keeping the drama across the pond in mind the next time you see a particularly outrageous or provocative thing online – or even something that’s perhaps subtly manipulative.

A dose of sceptimism for a lot of online ‘news’ and posts is a healthy thing, particularly for those who turn to social media as their primary news platform.

Ultimately, you have the news – and then you have what you read online ...

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport BELVO MOVE INTO 1B’S TOP FOUR IN STYLE: OLD Belvedere swept to a comprehensive 38-10 win over Dolping at Musgrave Park last weekend in the Ulster Bank League Division 1B. Winger Shane McDonald weighed in with a hat-trick of tries in Old Belvedere’s eye-catching win.

Having scored only three tries in the opening four rounds, ‘Belvo turned in their best attacking display yet under Eddie O’Sullivan.

Replacement Chris Carey’s injury-time try, which registered the bonus point, was the ideal finish as O’Sullivan’s men climbed into the top four. They are now unbeaten in three league games and beginning to find form heading into the winter.

They laid down solid foundations in the first half, their goalkicking centre Tim Foley kicking three penalties and converting McDonald’s opening try to give Belvo a 16-3 interval lead.

RUGBY: FOUR SECOND HALF TRIES SEE HQ CLUB PULL AWAY AT TEMPLEVILLE

Lansdowne sweep clear to keep perfect run rolling on

UBL DIVISION 1A

St Mary’s 7 Lansdowne 33  sport@dublingazette.com

FOUR second half tries propelled Lansdowne to a dominant 33-7 bonus point win over St Mary’s College as they moved to the top of Division 1A on Friday night.

Mike Ruddock’s men took advantage of leaders Terenure’s defeat at Clontarf to hit the summit, going ahead through Charlie Rock’s 55th-minute try and never looking back.

Clashes between these sides normally have some interesting sub-plots, and this latest encounter was no different.

Lansdowne are coached by ex-Wales senior and Ireland Under-20 head coach Ruddock and, in the opposite corner, his son Ciaran led Mary’s into battle.

The late withdrawal of fullback Sean Kearns was a setback for the hosts but, just three minutes in, they broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion as USA international Tim Maupin gathered a terrific cross-field kick from Conor Dean, on the right wing, and used his pace to

Lansdowne clear their lines against St Mary’s last Friday. Picture: Lansdowne RCC Flickr

score a converted try.

Dean, who started for Leinster A last week in the British & Irish Cup, failed with a 26th minute penalty attempt.

His opposite number, Lansdowne talisman Scott Deasy, also missed a tricky placekick before the visitors finally opened their account just past

the half hour mark.

Some patient build-up play was rewarded when Ireland Sevens international Adam Leavy confidently powered his way through the heart of the Mary’s defence for an impressive levelling score.

The match was now finely balanced and the next score

would be crucial.

Both sides created decent phases in opposition territory and timely steals by Mary’s pair Adam Coyle and Daragh McDonnell frustrated Lansdowne.

Nonetheless, it was the visitors’ lively scrum half, Rock, who succeeded in squeezing

over to the right of the posts, a few minutes later.

The headquarters club were very much on the front foot head into the final quarter.

Replacement hooker Jack Dinneen supplied the finish touches to a pushover try, converted by Deasy, and fellow replacement Jack O’Sullivan registered the bonus point by the posts after Lansdowne had worked the ball through a central channel.

Mary’s pressed hard for a consolation score in the closing minutes, but it was Dan Leavy’s younger brother Adam who had the final say.

The pacy left winger completed his brace thanks to a quick-witted counter attack and an assist from Daniel McEvoy.

Deasy tagged on his fourth successful conversion to complete the win.

Division 1A’s early pacesetters Terenure College lost for the first time this season as they went down 29-17 to Clontarf under the Castle Avenue floodlights on Friday.

The result saw them drop b e h i n d L a n s d ow n e w h o remain on a perfect winning start to the campaign.

Glutz and YM fightback but still see the red mist  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

YMCA’s Grant Glutz. Picture: Adrian Boehm

YMCA produced a stunning comeback to draw 3-3 with Leinster hockey’s men’s Division One title rivals Corinthian but ended the week sitting in sixth place with a points deduction hanging over them.

On the pitch, it was a game of two halves at the new local derby between Corinthian and YMCA who both have high intentions of pushing for the Irish Hockey League playoffs.

It was the reds who controlled

the first half and opened the scoring with a fine striker’s finish from Stephen Reid who slotted the ball home. Ian Stewart then pouched another goal for the reds from a far post cross before Robbie Clarke made it 3-0 at half time with a tapin following a great stop on the line from a YM defender.

Corinthian then appeared to sit back as YM came out firing.

Grant Glutz was taken out after a neat one-two in the circle and coolly slotted home the resulting penalty stroke.

Ben Campbell also showed his composure after another defen-

sive mistake by the reds to go around Corinthian captain Ross Murray in goals to make it 3-2 midway through the second half.

Then, after a reds attack which looked like it might seal the result for them, it was YM who countered and it was Glutz who beat the defence but was once again taken down for another penalty stroke and yellow card.

Glutz sent Murray the wrong way to make it 3-3 and, in the dying minutes, had a short corner to nick the win but weren’t able to convert.

That outcome would have been

enough to put YM into a share of third place after four rounds of matches. However, the club have subsequently been docked points for each team in the club for an issue relating to the postponement of a Division 3 game. YMCA are currently appealing.

Asked about the situation, the LHA is not currently in a position to outline the situation of the case.

“At the moment, it is subject to appeal so it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on it. To be fair to them though, it is important to point out that it not because of any direct action by YMCA 1sts.”

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

O’Hanlon’s hopes of Irish title cut short Clonliffe man celebrates Irish marathon glory only to find out Raheny’s Sittuk had become eligible for national title  sport@dublingazette.com

Killester delight packed crowd at IWA Clontarf PYROBEL Killester’s women delighted a packed house at the IWA in Clontarf as they beat IT Carlow 87-61 to move up a place in the women’s basketball SuperLeague.

Chantell Alford and Rebecca Nagle both scored 15 points with good support from Aiobheann Byrne, Hannah Thornton, Aisling McCann, Emma Sherwood and Jade Daly.

It meant they had something to spare as they progressed on a 43-37 half-time lead.

Elsewhere in the women’s competition, Courtyard Liffey Celtics overcame DCU Mercy on Sunday running out 71-68 point winners at the end of a nail biting fourth quarter at DCU. A 30-point display from Liffey’s Jazmen Boone sent Mark Byrne’s charges home to glory in a game that certainly lived up to its billing.

Speaking afterwards, Byrne said: “That was a really tough game, we always knew it was going to be tough. We had a super start, which is something we hadn’t had in recent weeks, but we let it slide and they had a really good press. But the girls did well, they hung in and dug deep and were smart down the stretch so I’m delighted.”

In the Men’s Super League meanwhile, it was a very busy weekend with eight more teams in action again.

UCD Marian bounced back well from their loss to Pyrobel Killester last weekend to see off DCU Saints 104-80, Maree lost out to Griffith College Swords Thunder, while Black Amber Templeogue secured a win over KUBS. Elsewhere, it was a thriller in Clontarf as Pyrobel Killester and Garvey’s Tralee Warriors went head-to-head, but a superb performance from Trae Pemberton in the fourth quarter sealed the win for the visitors, while UCC Demons made the long journey to Belfast Star worthwhile on Sunday afternoon, winning out 84-75 in the end.

On Monday, there were further games. Griffith College Swords Thunder ell at the hands of DCU Saints for the second week in-a-row, losing out 65-69 at the ALSAA.

GARY O’Hanlon has spoken out after a Kenyan-born athlete denied him the chance to lift the Irish national title at the Dublin Marathon last weekend.

The Clonliffe Harriers runner thought he was the first Irish man over the line when he crossed in a time of 2.18.52 but he was unaware that Freddy Sittuk, who finished nearly three minutes earlier, had become eligible for the national title after being resident in Ireland for six continuous months which made him eligible for the Irish national title.

“I didn’t know he [Sittuk] was part of the national field, I was only

told after I crossed the line,” O’Hanlon told the Irish Times after the race.

“Look, I was sure I’d won the national title, and in my head that’s the way I ran my race too. I don’t mean to knock it, but this opens the gates, and we could be flooded now with athletes coming here to win national titles.

Sittuk participated in the marathon wearing the colours of Raheny Shamrocks and has run for the club for the last five years, winning numerous races on the Irish circuit including the Limerick half marathon earlier this year and the Waterside marathon in Derry.

The Raheny representative still trains in the Kenyan town of Iten

in between his spells in Ireland.

“You hear about these Kenyans running for Turkey, or wherever, and Fionnuala McCormack giving out about missing out on medals. It’s different if they’re living here on a permanent basis,” said O’Hanlon.

At 43 years of age, O’Hanlon ran a personal best beating last year’s Irish champion Sergiu Ciobanu and Belfast native Stephen Scullion.

“I’ve always wanted to win a national title, and I ran a best by a minute here, so in my mind I am national marathon champion. I was thinking a lot about that coming in the closing minutes, my new born son, and how I was

going to celebrate it. I definitely feel like I’ve earned it.”

“I had it geared up in my mind, to come through in the second half, and got past Sergiu, and then Stephen. I felt in control the whole way; ran on my own the whole way. I don’t want to sound bitter about it but when I heard about this Kenyans denying other people medals, I never really thought it would affect me.”

Despite the controversy, Sittuk believes he is entitled to compete for the national title having run for the Dublin club for the last five years.

“I think yes, it’s fair because I have run for Raheny since 2012 and I

Gary O’Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers), Frankie Sittuk (Raheny Shamrocks) and Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe) following last Sunday’s Dublin marathon .

have competed for them in cross-country and also in the half-marathon,” said Sittuk.

This year’s Dublin marathon was the 38th in its history with a record 20,000 people taking to the street – a huge rise since the 2,000 who competed in the first race back in 1980.

On the women’s side, Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) defended her title in 2.39.06 ahead of Caitriona Jennings (Letterkenny) in second in 2.42.36 and the evergreen Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) in third in 2.50.53.

The performance guaranteed selection for Graham for the European Athletics Championships Marathon Cup team in Berlin next August by winning the national title along with the qualifying standard from the Berlin marathon in September when she ran 2:37:05.

It was a brilliant run for the serial racer and marathon runner whose trophy cabinet continues to grow apace. She had to hold off a strong run from 2012 Olympian Caitriona Jennings (from Rathfarnham WSAF) who was ahead of her twice in the race.

“It was tough,” said Graham after who was delighted to defend her national title. “I love it. I just enjoy it.”

Curley was equally ecstatic and in slight shock to have won the bronze medal – her 11th time on the podium.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: COLDCUT SIDE BLUNT SWORDS AMBITIONS WITH FINE WIN

Palmerstown win thriller to move into third spot PALMERSTOWN FC won a seven-goal thriller in a 4-3 win over Ratoath Harps in the LSL Premier 1 Sunday at City Jet Park last weekend.

Both sides enjoyed chances during the first half but the game’s opening goal didn’t arrive until the 42nd minute and it went the way of the home team. Matthew Gunn was the man who finally found the back of the net. His effort from close range gave the visiting keeper no chance after he raced onto Gavin McKane’s lofted ball into the box.

The floodgates opened in the second half with Palmerstown equalising two minutes after the restart thanks to Jamie Rice’s deflected effort from the edge of the box.

Ratoath had failed to come out for the second half and they almost found themselves behind when Dillon Sheridan smashed the ball off the crossbar from 25 yards.

Sheridan was involved again on 58 minutes when he picked up the ball and slid in Danny McSweeney who finished to give Palmerstown a 2-1 lead.

They doubled their advantage eight minutes later and McSweeney was once again on hand to score. Gerard Kelly had won the ball in midfield before releasing McSweeney who rounded a defender and finished with a touch of class by dinking the ball the advancing keeper.

Craig Fitzgerald then left the Ratoath defence for dead and squared for Jack McDonnell to produce another fine finish.

It looked like the tie was dead and buried but Ratoath managed to find a way back into the game with 21 minutes remaining when Darragh Kelly found the top corner from 20 yards.

With ten minutes to go, they ensured a tense finale when a Ratoath free kick into the box wasn’t dealt with properly and Adam Griffiths tapped home from a defensive error.

McKane had a great chance to draw Ratoath level from point black range but Johnston made up for his previous mistake with a fantastic save.

Fitzgerald had a chance to put the tie to bed during the dying embers when he rounded the keeper but his effort was cleared off the line.

The result sees Palmerstown into third position after recording their fourth win from five games.

The Dublin Bus starting team from their win over Swords Celtic

No stopping Bus’s route LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 Dublin Bus Swords Celtic  sport@dublingazette.com

4 1

DUBLIN Bus FC continued their recent good form with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Swords Celtic in the LSL Sunday Senior 1 division at Coldcut last weekend.

The visitors started well to take the lead early on but Aaron McGuirk equalised for the home side with a fine header after 25 minutes.

Owen Devereux then put Dublin Bus in front five minutes later. Dylan Byrne put some daylight between the teams in the

second half before he produced an even better strike five minutes later to wrap up all three points for his side.

The win is Dublin Bus’s third on the trot and sees them rise to seventh in the table having won three and drawn two of their opening seven league games.

They have at least one game in hand over very other team in the division, however, as they look to put behind them the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion to the top division last season.

The previous week’s shock 1-0 victory over

TASTE OF VICTORY Leixlip United pair win big with Republic team TWO Leixlip United players represented the club on the international stage as the Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad retained the Victory Shield with a 2-0 win over Scotland in Bangor last weekend.

Josh Guirigi and goalkeeper Harry Halwax were both involved in the squad as Ireland secured two wins and a draw.

Ireland were victorious in the competition last year and repeated that feat once again after they remained unbeaten from their three games.

local rivals Bluebell United in the FAI Intermediate Cup was also something the Bus could take confidence from.

They started this game nervously, however, and were punished by Swords taking the lead.

The home side then finally found their feet and equalised in the 25th minute after Gareth Kenna turned away from his marker before finding McGuirk with a cross towards the back post that was headed home.

The Bus were well and truly on top at this stage and took the lead just five minutes later when Jack Brady picked up

the ball on the left-hand side and whipped a powerful cross into the box.

Kenna reached the ball first to flick on into the path of Devereux and he smashed past the keeper.

The score line remained that way going into the break but the Bus stretched their lead in the second half.

Byrne and Brady combined well for a quick one-two before the former fired into the top corner from 20 yards.

Byrne then had the spectators in applause once again five minutes later when he picked the ball up at the half way line before embarking on

a mazy run into the heart of the Swords defence.

He sauntered past three players before calmly slotting past the keeper and into the bottom corner.

Swo r d s h a d t h e i r chances throughout the game but the Bus’ defence – the opening goal aside – was on top form to deny them anymore than their solitary strike.

The win sees Dublin Bus overtake Swords in the table to hold a midtable position but they can’t afford to drop too many more points if they hope to close the gap to the leaders and challenge for promotion once again.

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: HERMITAGE PARK CLUB MARCH INTO LAST EIGHT OF THE SFAI CUP

Esker too good for Portlaoise

 sport@dublingazette.com

ESKER Celtic’s Under14s swept past the challenge of a competitive Portlaoise in Hermitage Park to advance to the fourth round of South Leinster SFAI Cup. The tie began at a frantic pace as the Portlaoise keeper brilliantly tipped over an effort from Emmanuel Canga.

When the visitors did breakthrough, they were twarted by Adam Alsafi and Aaron McKeever who remained calm and collected at the back.

A one-two between Liam McGuirk and Adam Kelly saw the latter deliver a fine cross which found Canga at the back post only for the Portlaoise netminder to make another fantastic save with his feet.

Esker had the upperhand now and captain Ciaran Scully sent Josh Nevin through one on one. Nevin’s low drilled shot was again brilliantly pushed past the post by the keeper.

T he deadlock was eventually broken from the resulting corner when

TJ Gill spectacularly volleyed home Nevin’s corner. Two minutes later, some fine footwork in the box saw McGuirk make it 2-0.

Esker keeper Darragh Burke showed a safe pair of hands dealing and Gill also showed his determination at the back bravely blocking a goal-bound effort.

Just on half-time, Kelly forced another corner and Mamadou Bah powerfully headed home Nevin’s excellent delivery for a 3-0 lead. Portlaoise pulled one back

FastSoccer BELL BOUNCE BACK WITH LEAGUE WIN:

Esker Celtic score one of their goals against Portlaoise last weekend

early in the second half with a headed goal from a corner and, five minutes later, the referee pointed to the spot for Portlaoise.

Stand in keeper Matthew Coogan – replacing the injured Burke – produced a magnificent save diving to his left to maintain Esker’s twogoal lead.

This seemed to shock Esker back to life and the ever-dangerous Canga found Louis Butler who kept his nerve to finish well into the far corner.

Portlaoise were denied again by Owen Connolly and Aaron McKeever in defence.

And when Ciaran Scully found his midfield

partner Marcus Malone in space, Malone put the result beyond doubt with a nice finish.

That goal def lated Portlaoise and Malone took advantage scoring a quick second goal from the edge of the box and sent Esker Celtic deservedly into the last eight of the competition.

BLUEBELL United made it seven games unbeaten in the LSL Sunday Senior, bouncing back from their FAI Intermediate Cup elimination at the hands of Dublin Bus with a 2-1 win over Leixlip United.

Gary Seery found the bottom corner when set free for the opening goal just before half-time.

Shane Stritch doubled the lead in the second half when he slipped home a delightful finish. Leixlip pulled one back with 20 minutes to go but Bell held on to make it six wins in seven outings.

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 2 November 2017

SPORT

FASTGAA

HURLING: CLONDALKIN CLUB JUST UNABLE TO HOLD ON AFTER STRONG FIRST HALF

Boden see off Lucan BALLBODEN St Enda’s Under-16s won the Under-16A camogie title with a 3-7 to 2-5 win over Lucan Sarsfields with a fine victory at Abbotstown.

The two clubs had traded titles at younger age group with Lucan winning at Under-13 and Boden at Under-14.

Boden went in at half-time at 1-3 to 0-4 ahead thanks to Hollyn Kennedy’s goal.

Lucan went ahead with a goal a minute into the second half before the game went back and forth. Kennedy set up Erica Tobin for a goal that put Boden back in front and she rattled the next once again to make the game safe despite a Lucan figthback.

The Round Tower Under-15 side that contested the C hurling championship final

Towers toppled by Colmcilles U-15C HC FINAL

Round Tower, Clondalkin 1-7 Whitehall Colmcilles 1-10  MICK MCGLYNN sport@dublingazette.com

A CHAMPIONSHIP final of two halves brought a bitterly disappointing outcome for the Round Tower Under-15 hurlers as they fell to a three-point defeat in Blakestown.

Having delivered a commanding opening 30 minutes, the Towers lads will feel the final was there for the taking. But they encountered an improved Whitehall side in the second half that were also

abetted by a considerable wind advantage.

Towers four point advantage at half-time – 0-6 to 0-2 – would have offered greater security had they not conceded Whitehall’s only two points of the half very late into the opening period.

Two minutes were on the clock when midfielder Conor Morrow broke free from a puck-out and struck on the run from the right. Towers’ tenacity in defence was evident from the off.

Whitehall attackers were consistently pressurised and did not have

the freedom for clean strikes at goal. They had struck two wides before the seven-minute mark when midfielder Ryan Swan broke into inside forwards but Towers pressure forced his strike wide.

Shane Morrow was commanding at full back, winning high balls, one of which led to Ben English pointing. Ciaran Courtney and English were to the fore in pressurising and Michael Broderick was the beneficiary to point the third.

The advantage gained in the first quarter would have been wiped but

for an outstanding save by goalkeeper Matthew O’Meara. Whitehall’s Alex Murray cut inside and his low strike was brilliantly flicked away by the outstretched hurl of O’Meara.

Walsh added a free before Morrow jinked inside before releasing Gareth O’Brien and he converted on the run for a five point gap.

Towers won the subsequent puck-out and Killian McDonnell’s flick released English and he struck between the posts.

From there, the pendulum swung towards

W h i t e h a l l . Mo r r ow won again in the air and O’Meara pulled off another brilliant stop. Whitehall’s first score arrived on the 28 minute mark from a free. The subsequent play brought a free and point for Whitehall, the last of the half.

Within two minutes of the second period the deficit was narrowed to a goal with substitute Daniel Chebac striking for Whitehall.

A foul enabled Walsh strike successfully from distance for Towers in reply. But Whitehall kept growing with Derry Noo-

nan striking twice and, on the 42 minute mark, they edged clear for the first time with another Noonan effort.

Alex Tyrell put them two clear and while Towers were by no means out of the game but found themselves stifled.

And the key moment came 10 minutes from the end with a low O’Meara strike broke the game. A point from a free followed very quickly.

Walsh was fouled and picked himself to strike a penalty to reduce the gap but Whitehall were home free.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

CONGRATULATIONS to Gary Maguire and Conor Dooley who finished in second place in the national club Poc Fada.

The hurling section AGM is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15.

More information on www. bodengaa.ie.

Well done to our minor footballers who are through to the minor C football championship final after their win over Na Fianna, Congratulations to all the team and management.

Congratulations to Scoil Naomh Padraig and Ballyroan Boys National School on their

superb victories in Croke Park this week.

Well done to our U-16A girls who were crowned Division 1 camogie champions against Lucan this week. Congrats to all the team and management.

GARDA/ WESTMANSTOWN

GREAT win by our minors on Sunday morning away at O’Toole’s in the semi-final of the championship shield.

A great all round performance ending in a final score of 2-15 to 1-8 ensures a place in the final against St Pat’s, Palmerstown; date and venue to be fixed this week.

Well done to the Doherty brothers Oisin and Rian who helped their school Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada overcome Our Ladies Ballinteer in Cuman na mBunscoil in Croke Park last Wednesday.

The boys scored five points each and all at Garda Westmanstown Gaels are very proud of you-hopefully the first of many appearances at Croke Park.

The club AGM takes place on Monday, November 20 in Westmanstown Sports Centre at 8pm.

All club members are asked to attend; this is your club and this is your opportunity to have your say on how things are run; bi ann gan teip!

The club annual gala dinner and awards night takes place at Westmanstown Sports Centre on Friday, December 1 at 8pm.

It’s been a long and busy season and this is the time to celebrate the achievements and look forward to next year.

Tickets will be available this week from club officers and cost €35; don’t miss out.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE senior hurlers bounced back from their championship loss to a 2-14 to 1-9 win over Ballinteer to secure a place in the promotion playoffs.

Lucan’s U-15 ladies rounded off an exceptional

year by claiming the Division 1 camogie championship.

That’s Division 1 league and championship in camogie and ladies football.

All support required in O’Toole Park, 11am, next Sunday morning for the county minor A hurling championship final as Lucan take on Na Fianna.

The minor ladies football championship final is refixed for Sunday although this is subject to change.

Live music continues in the bar on Saturday night.

AGM 2017 will take place on Thursday, November 23 at 9pm in the club.

Lucan Healthy Clubs presents The Next Steps:

Hear My Story. Guest Speakers include Niall McNamee (former Offaly footballer), Oisin McConville (former Armagh footballer) and Kenneth Egan (politician and former boxing champion).

Monday, November 6 at Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club from 7.30pm.

Parents welcome as are players 15+. Admission free with donations to the Rutland Centre.

Annual Mass for Deceased will take place on Thursday, November 16 at 8pm in the club.

All club members are welcome as we remember the lives of those we lost this year.

2 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: MINOR SHOWDOWN WITH NA FIANNA

Lucan’s final date

MAHC SEMI-FINAL

Lucan Sarsfields Kilmacud Crokes  sport@dublingazette.com

3-15 1-14

ALL ROADS lead to O’Toole Park next Sunday morning for the county Minor A hurling championship semi-final as Lucan Sarsfields take on Na Fianna, looking to bridge a 12-year gap and win the title for just the second time.

They got to the final with a tidy 3-15 to 1-14 w i n ove r K i l m a c u d Crokes last week as they made the best of the conditions to win their way through to the final.

Lucan made the most of a strong wind at their backs in a dominant first half display that saw them lead 3-10 to 0-5 at half time.

A goal burst that yielded three goals in 15 minutes and some great point scoring from play were the highlights of an impressive opening period.

The goals came from Alan Murphy and Harry Ladd who both flicked home adeptly from close range, and from Herkus whose long range strike

deceived the Crokes defence and goalkeeper.

K ilmacud did rally somewhat in the second half with the wind in their favour and had the Lucan defence under pressure for long periods but they held firm with goalkeeper Cillian Murray making some great saves.

Rob Ward and Eoghan Reynolds were to the fore throughout and Luke Walsh showed his class when needed. Crokes

did manage a goal with 10minutes to go and reduced the gap to six but Lucan held out for a relatively comfortable seven point win.

Sviglinskas did a lot of hurling around the middle while Ben Coffey led the forwards very well before an early departure for a harsh second yellow.

That evened the sides as Crokes had lost a man 10 minutes previously.

Cian McHugh picked off

some nice scores while Ladd and Emmet Allen also threatened regularly.

Overall, it was a very good performance from a Lucan team that looked doomed after their first two matches in this championship, but now progress to contest the final seeking to secure the title for only the second time, 12 years after the historic breakthrough championship victory in 2005.

CLEAN SWEEP

Sars complete yet another double FOR the third year running, the Lucan Sarsfields Under-15 side

claimed both the Dublin Ladies Football Division One league and championship double.

A trip to Rush and a match against St Finians of Swords in the height of storm Brian was the final step on the journey that began last February against the same opposition over in Swords.

Having won last year’s Under-14 treble of Feile, league and championship, this year it was always going to take a huge effort to match those achievements.

It was obvious from the first training session back in the first week in January that the same hunger and drive was still there and the side went through the league, both home and away, unbeaten with hard fought victories over the likes of St Finians, Castleknock , St Brigids and Na Fianna.

Following a well earned two-month break, it was back to training at the beginning of August to prepare for championship with a five team group it meant any defeat could spell the end of involvement in the championship.

After some great battles with the teams they had played earlier in the season, Lucan again went through the group stages of the championship unbeaten and set themselves up for a final against St Finian’s.

The last words given to the girls before the start of the game was, “the team that makes the least mistakes in the difficult conditions will win the match”, and it proved so true as Lucan adapted to the cross field gale force wind much the better and led at half time on a score of 1-4 to 0-0.

With nothing to lose, Finian’s threw everything they had into attack and got the first two points of the second half but Lucan kept doing the simple things right and a couple of points put them back on top and then, just before the end, Sarsfields got a second goal to run out winners on a scoreline of 2-7 to 0-4.

Lucan saw off Kilmacud Crokes’ minor hurlers with something to spare

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

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

The Cupla Focal club is on Monday at 8pm to 9pm.

Bingo is on Wednesdays at 8.30pm where the jackpot is growing and attracting a lot more players.

The club shop is scheduled to open on Thursdays at 7.308.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30am – 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 €13,000 lotto where the numbers were 5, 15, 22 and 27.

This week’s €13,400 lotto draw will be managed by Edel Mooeny and is sponsored by Diamond and Gem Jewellers. Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

COMMISERATIONS to our U-13 girls footballers who were defeated in

their championship final on Friday night. Our U-21 hurlers championship fixture was cancelled.

Congratulations to our local schools and club players for a fantastic turnout at the Cumann na mBunscol finals.

Gaelscoil na Camogie boys drew their final and share the cup. Gaelscoil na Camogie girls finished runners up in their final.

In an all Clondalkin Final, Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcain beat Clonburris in an exciting, close game. Great representation from the Clondalkin schools.

Line dancing continues

every Thursday and newcomers are welcome to participate.

The beginners class runs from 7.30pm and improvers class from 8pm.

Contact Linda at 086 8306740 for further information.

Round Tower lotto (October 23): jackpot €3,100. Numbers drawn were 3, 5, 10 and 22; the bonus ball was 8.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner.

Three €100 winners: Peter Brambles, Antoinette Roche, John Cleere.

Thank you to all who

support our club Lotto.

Play online for as little as €2 per week.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN

A GREAT weekend for our minor footballers: Brilliant performance from our minor football team to take them on to the shield final with a one-point win over Fingallians, great team effort and determination from all the lads, well done all. Looking forward to a great final.

The U-10 and 12 camogie teams were out on Saturday on the pitches,

training and showing some great potential there. Well done to all.

Our mass to remember the deceased members and friends of St Patrick’s GAA club takes place on Sunday, November 12 at 10.30am in the Assembly Hall of St Lorcan’s BNS. All welcome to attend.

St Patrick’s GAA Club AGM for our members takes place at 8pm on November 15 at our clubhouse.

All members welcome.

Nomination forms and letters of invite have gone out in the post.

Nominations and proposals for AGM

must be in by 4.30pm on November 6 please.

Please send in your teams news so I can share it with our members weekly.

Further a-field, well done to former St Patrick’s GAA club player Shane Stapleton on his part in winning the Kikenny SHC final with his current club Dicksboro.

Our lotto numbers for this week were 6, 12, 15 and 30. There was no winner.

Next week’s jackpot is €5,400.

The draw takes place every Sunday in Palmerstown House at 10pm.

GAZETTESPORT

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

NO STOPPING BUS: Coldcut club back up stunning FAI Inter Cup win with handsome Senior One success P36

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2017

LUCAN’S SUPER SARS: 12th Lock club’s young teams flying high on all fronts P39

Rovers wrap up third Shamrock Rovers celebrate a late goal in their FAI Senior Cup semi-final against Dundalk. Picture: Martin Doherty

Tallaght club enjoy productive campaign, moving up a step in the LOI rankings with Europe secured and ambitions high for the 2018 season

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

SHAMROCK Rovers wrapped up third place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a 2-1 win over Limerick in Tallaght on Friday night.

Stephen Bradley’s side were already assured of European football – and the minimum €225,000 jackpot it brings – but finishing third was important to demonstrate real progress on the pitch.

The Hoops improved on last season’s fourthplace finish by leapfrogging Derry City, whose good start came to a halt following the untimely death of captain Ryan McBride in March.

While Dundalk and Cork City once again occupied the top two positions, Rovers man-

aged three wins from their meetings, compared to none in 2016.

Nevertheless, Rovers finished with one point fewer than they did in 2016, and 13 losses from their 33 games was more than relegated Galway United.

A new CEO and COO have been installed behind the scenes, while new investment has seen the second-phase of the top-class Roadstone training facility in Kingswood completed.

The off-season saw a huge turnover in the playing squad – 12 players in and 12 out – as Bradley looked to shape a squad that could take the club forward.

The manager cautioned his side would take time to gel and that’s borne out by results – just 13

points from their first series of games compared to 22 from the second and 19 in the third.

Defender Lee Grace was one of four players brought in during the transfer window, joining from Galway United with an undisclosed transfer fee paid for his release.

“My first game was a loss but after that we went on a seven-game winning streak, so that took us up the table and more or less overtook Derry,” Grace told GazetteSport.

“The last couple of games didn’t go as planned but we secured third and secured Europe, so it’s been a good second half of the season.”

Grace helped the Hoops to the semi-final of the FAI Cup, where they and Dundalk couldn’t be separated over 180 minutes before the Lily-

whites won in extra time in Tallaght.

“To get to the semi-final of any cup is not easy so it is progress. We were so close to getting to the Aviva. Next year we’ll go one further and get into the final.”

Grace believes the squad can mount a stronger challenge next season if a few choice recruits can be summoned.

“I think the gaffer is going to recruit again now in the off-season. A couple of players I think we do need to try catch the likes of Cork and Dundalk.

“This season has been a learning curve for the gaffer and nearly all the players getting to know each other. I think next season we can push further.”