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FIRHOUSE MAN BACK IN IRELAND AFTER OVER FOUR YEARS IN PRISON

‘Dream comes true’ as Ibrahim Halawa comes home

 MARK O’BRIEN IBRAHIM Halawa said it was “a dream come true” to finally return to Ireland after four years in an Egyptian prison. The Firhouse man was acquitted last month of all charges relating to mass protests in the Egyptian capital in 2013.

There were emotional scenes as the 21 year old reunited with family and friends See Page 6 at Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

LACK OF GARDA | ‘ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED TO TACKLE PROBLEM’

Crime surge sparks calls for more gardai  MARK O’BRIEN T H E R E h ave b e e n renewed calls for additional garda resources in Lucan and Clondalkin following a surge in crimes reported in the area.

Public order and criminal damage offences have risen by over 50% in the past 10 months in Lucan while reports of crimes including assault, theft from vehicles and public order offences are on the rise in Clondalkin.

Local TD John Curran said that he believed that the increase was due to a lack of garda numbers.

“Earlier this month, figures that I received from Justice Minister Charlie

Terror on the streets

FOR details of the major incident that gripped Clondalkin and Tallaght on Monday, see Page 4.

Flanagan through parliamentary question revealed that the number of gardai stationed in Lucan Garda Station has fallen by five since the previous 12 months,” he said.

Deputy Curran added that he felt that additional garda resources were required to tackle the problem.

“The only measure that will ultimately curb anti-social behaviour or criminality of any nature is greater Garda visibility in our community. The figures I have received indicate

that the necessary level of Garda presence is simply not possible.

“The presence of dedicated gardai provides reassurance to communities, especially those with a growing population such as Lucan.”

Following a recent meeting of the Local Community Policing Forum in the Green Isle Hotel, Cllr Francis Timmons echoed Deputy Curran’s call for extra resources.

The meeting revealed increases in a number of crimes in the Clondalkin

area, including assault causing bodily harm (up 29%), possession of offensive weapons (up 46%), theft from vehicles (up 34%) and public order offences (up 24%).

Cllr Timmons called on garda management to tackle the issue for the benefit of the law-abiding residents of the area.

“It is no longer acceptable that law abiding citizens are been intimidated and subject to anti-social behaviour on a daily basis while a few disregard the law of the land and wreak chaos and disruption in communities trying to live decent lives,” he said.

Cllr Timmons and Deputy Curran also raised the issue of scramblers and quad bikes being improperly used in the area and

called for action to be taken on the issue.

In a statement to The Gazette, the spokesperson said: “Local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a district, divisional and regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

“Senior Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community.”

FASTNews

ACCA ceremony welcomes nearly 200 new members ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) welcomed nearly 200 new members at a ceremony in the Aviva Stadium last week.

The newly-qualified accountants and guests were addressed by keynote speaker, Marie O’Connor, PWC & 30% Club at the event in addition to ACCA global president, Brian McEnery.

New members, Beverly Blake (left) from Lucan is pictured at the event with Lisa McEneff from Killester.

The new members join a global organisation of 198,000 members and 486,000 students, supported by a network of 101 offices worldwide.

Senior citizens to benefit from Seniors Alert Scheme LOCAL senior citizens living in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and the Four Districts have been encouraged to apply for the new and enhanced Seniors Alert Scheme, which comes into effect on November 1, 2017.

“This renewed Scheme, provides older persons (65 years +) with a free personal monitored alarm and gives peace of mind and security to older rural people in their homes,” said Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

A new range of measures have been introduced by the department which means that from this year on, people no longer have to be living alone in order to qualify for the scheme.

Giving back to the community ALDI’S Fonthill store staff have awarded Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme a €500 grant in recognition of its vital work and contribution within the local community and to help support its essential services.

Alin Milesan, Aldi’s Fonthill store ‘Charity Champion’, presented the €500 grant to Maria Finn, Yvonne Gough and Michelle Brien of the Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme.

Get ready to cut the commitment

TALLAGHT comedian Al Porter was on hand to preside over the pairing of couples for a ‘no strings attached’ wedding to celebrate Virgin Media’s no string, 30 day TV, broadband and mobile packages.

Virgin Media’s new 30-day “no strings” contracts for broadband and TV mean that you don’t need to worry about being tied down to the one provider for a year or more.

Picture: Julien Behal Photography

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

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

Kids teach how to protest  MARK O’BRIEN MORE than 160 parents and pupils from Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna turned up outside the Dail on Tuesday to protest for a long-awaited permanent school building.

The Knocklyon school, which caters for 245 pupils, has been operating in 16 prefabs since it first opened 21

years ago.

South Dublin County Council recently acquired a strip of land via Compulsory Purchase Order which was delaying building of the permanent structure, but parents and staff have been told it could take up to a further five years before building is completed.

Trish McGinley, chairperson of the school’s parents’ association, told The

Gazette that the cost of maintaining the prefabs is eroding the fund that has been earmarked for building the permanent building.

She said: “The floor in our hall is rotten, that has to be replaced. The cost of maintaining them is becoming more and more, and this was all money that was intended to go to a new school building, but now it’s being

taken to patch these old prefabs up which should have been long retired.”

She said that this is why they decided to hold the demonstration: “The purpose of our demonstration is to voice our disappointment, to date, at the length of this process, [and] also to communicate that any further delays are wholly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

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MASSIVE MANHUNT | GARDAI APPEAL FOR WITNESSES AFTER DRAMATIC PURSUIT

Man arrested following terrifying crime spree  MARK O’BRIEN LOCALS were shocked after a man armed with a machine gun went on a terrifying seven-hour crime spree across Tallaght and Clondalkin on Monday morning.

Joseph Rafferty allegedly went on a rampage in which he hijacked

several cars while armed with a 9mm eight-gauge machine gun following a domestic dispute in the Brookview area of Tallaght on Monday morning.

The 37-year-old man was eventually apprehended by gardai at Citywest Shopping Centre that afternoon following

a massive manhunt across West Dublin.

Locals reported having to lock the doors of their workplaces during the manhunt out of fear for their safety.

Schools in the area also contacted parents to say they would not let children walk home on their own due to the serious-

ness of the incident.

Local Senator Lynn Ruane tweeted a picture of a message she received from her children’s school requesting that parents pick their children up.

“Scary morning in Tallaght,” she wrote.

“Hope all the parents can get to the school. You never expect to get a text

Tick, tock – time to change the clock!

DON’T leaf it too late to turn the clocks back!

That’s the message from Annabelle Edwards and Abbie Kilbane, who

were happy to help remind Dubliners that the clocks change this weekend at 2am on Sunday, October 29. The

girls are ready for winter hours to come into effect this weekend, so don’t forget to check your clocks, watches,

phones, tablets, and anything else that may need the time changed too. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

like this from school.”

One Twitter user whose daughter works in the shopping centre replied to Senator Ruane to confirm that the man had been arrested. “They caught him Lynne,” she wrote.

“My eldest works in City west and he ran past her with machine gun, several collapsed with shock, well done to guards.”

Local TD John Lahart also commended the gardai for their efforts in apprehending the suspect.

“Today’s events have been frightening for all those living in and around Dublin West, and particularly for residents in Tallaght,” he said.

“While the exact detail of each incident unfolds as gardai begin their investigation, I commend the work of each the members of An Garda Siochana that were involved in today’s successful operation.

“I am relieved that there was no loss of life or major injury and that the armed suspect involved is now in Garda custody.”

Gardai appealed for

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

‘Locals reported having to lock the doors of their places of work during the manhunt out of fear’ --------------------------

witnesses after confirming the arrest.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai investigating a number of incidents in the Tallaght area this morning have arrested a male in his 30s.

“The male was arrested this afternoon in the Citywest area and is currently detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at Tallaght Garda Station.

“A firearm (pending technical examination) has also been recovered by gardai. Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 6666000, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”

FASTNews

Minister Zappone with Blossom Moore at Kilnamanagh Family Resource Centre. Picture: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

Tusla set to invest €5m into programme THE Child and Family Agency, Tusla, will be investing an additional €5m into its Family Resource Centre Programme between now and the end of 2018.

The announcement was jointly made by Minister Katherine Zappone and the chief executive of Tusla Fred McBride, during a visit to Kilnamanagh Family Resource Centre in Tallaght.

This funding includes additional once off funding to centres between now and the end of 2017, further increases in funding to existing centres next year and the expansion of the programme to include additional new centres.

Funding applications can be made via the Tusla website: http://www.tusla. ie/services/family-community-support/familyresource-centres/

AbbVie commended for commitment to sustainable business practices

ABBVIE in Ireland’s commitment to sustainable business practices was highlighted at the recent Irish Pharma Industry awards where the company was presented with the Responsible Care award.

The awards recognise and celebrate the most original and innovative individuals and companies that demonstrate excellence in the Irish Pharma sector.

Pictured are Andrew Shaw and Catriona Mortell, AbbVie Citywest; Dr Michael Gillen, BioPharmaChem Ireland; Jens Buchwald, AbbVie Cork; Bernard Murray, AbbVie Ballytivnan, Sligo and Michael Gallagher, AbbVie Manorhamilton Road, Sligo.

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HOMES | WINTER COMFORT

Get cosy with EZ furnishings WITH the clocks going back this weekend and darker evenings around the corner, it’s the best time to cuddle up with a cosy new armchair, invest in a high-quality mattress, or add a soft, autumnal glow to your home with stunning gold candle holders and lanterns.

Thankfully, EZ Living Furniture’s range gives customers the opportunity to spruce up their homes for a fraction of the cost, without compromising on quality.

The knowledgeable and experienced staff at EZ Living Furniture are always on hand to help customers with queries and offer advice and styling tips.

Customers are advised to come prepared with accurate measurements of their rooms for new

furniture, and colour swatches to help them make the right purchase.

A full home delivery and assembly service is also available.

EZ Living Furniture’s well-known sales have made them a popular staple for everyone looking to put a truly personal touch on their homes, with the outlets at Blanchardstown Retail Park, Airside Retail Park and Fonthill Retail Park reporting a brisk trade as the winter nights begin to draw in.

For further details of its comprehensive ranges, see the site at www.ezlivingfurniture.ie.

JUSTICE | CROWD WELCOMES YOUTH HOME AFTER FOUR-YEAR ORDEAL

Despite the media scrum, there was no shortage of outstretched hands, smiles and hugs waiting for Ibrahim Halawa at Dublin Airport. Picture: RTE Player

A hero’s welcome as Ibrahim comes home  EMMA NOLAN and MARK O’BRIEN “IT STILL feels like a dream.”

Those were the words of Dubliner Ibrahim Halawa on his arrival in Dublin Airport for the first time in four years on Tuesday.

Highly emotional scenes saw the now 21-year-old reunited with family and friends as crowds gathered to welcomed him home.

Addresssing the large gathering, Ibrahim said: “This is the moment I’ve waited for four years. It’s a dream come true. It’s impossible that I’m really here. I didn’t think it would come through any time soon.

“I want to thank all the ministers, Minister Simon [Coveney]. I want to thank the Taoiseach and I want to thank [Sinn Fein MEP] Lynn Boylan as well for working so hard.

“The parliament, all the human rights organisations, the student union ... I just want to thank everyone for helping me.

“I need to get some medical checkups. I’m going to be taking some time off. My mum is sick, so I need to spend some time by her side. We need to get some family time as well.

“I really want to thank the haters.

They made me stronger, to come out and be ready for everything. Like they say, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones…’,” he said.

Speaking after leading the airport on Tuesday, Ibrahim said on Facebook: “Thank you so much to all the

amazing people who made it today, and to those who didn’t I will be having a homecoming party for all.

“Thank you for everyone who made this happen. Much love to all.”

In a poignant moment that demonstarted how much has changed in the four-plus years since the Firhouse lad left these shores aged just 17, his close pal Pete Moloney told Newstalk: “It was just an absolute joyous day, a great day for him and an even better day for his family who’ve been fighting for the last four years, fighting his corner and never ever stopped.

“The first thing he said to me was ‘Pete, you’re tall’ and I said ‘A lot has changed man, it’s been four years.’

“And then after that we had a laugh and he just kept thanking me and thanking me - and then we just kept hugging, just couldn’t stop”.

Ibrahim was acquitted last month of all charges relating his being incarcerated in Cairo after mass protests in the Egyptian capital in 2013. He said he would speak about his experiences in the Cairo prison in the near future.

Ibrahim was welcomed home by a number of public figures and politicians, all expressing their delight that his ordeal was finally over.

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SOL) said: “It’s a testament to Ibrahim that he mentioned the homeless and position of Irish prisoners abroad on his return.”

On Twitter, Colm O’Gorman, Amnesty International, said: “Don’t

ever underestimate the power of ordinary people standing up for human rights. What a moment.”

Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan said: “I am delighted with the news that Ibrahim has been released. Ibrahim was illegally detained for more than four years and for a further month after he was cleared of all charges. It’s important Ibrahim has the proper supports available to him in order to begin the process of rebuilding his life.”

Minister Simon Coveney said: “I and all of my colleagues in the Government are very pleased that his ordeal is now at an end, and that he is back home with his family.

“There will be many challenges for Ibrahim as he comes to terms with all that he has been through, and all the changes that have taken place while he has been detained in Egypt.

“He will need time and space in the period ahead and I hope that his privacy and that of his family will be respected.”

Deputy Colm Brophy (FG) said: “Every singular effort was made to secure his release and perseverance has finally paid off. I welcome his release today. Ibrahim has waited long enough for it.”

Deputy Catherine Martin (GP) said: “Ibrahim lost four of the most important years of his young life, languishing in prison.

“It’s essential that now, at 21 years old, he be given the chance to rebuild his life with the support of his family and friends.”

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

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BUTTERFLY EFFECT CAMPAIGN | MOTHER IS SEEKING SUPPORT

Appeal to help raise awareness of rare, painful skin disease  MARK O’BRIEN

A CLONDALKIN mother whose young daughter has a rare and painful skin condition is asking local people to help to support her child by wearing a special butterfly tattoo this week.

Five-year-old Casey Connors from Kilmahud-

drick has a severe form of the ‘butterfly skin’ disease Epidermolysis ullosa(EB).

This incredibly painful genetic condition causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch.

“Casey could be injured by someone just brushing against her,” said he moth-

er Rachel.

Casey is one of only 300 people in Ireland with the condition and has to be bandaged almost from head to toe to protect her from everyday life.

O c t o b e r 2 3 -2 9 i s National EB Awareness Week and Debra Ireland, the charity that provides support for EB patients

and their families, is trying to fight this devastating disease by creating a ‘butterfly effect’ to raise funds and awareness.

“We are asking people to help by picking up a Debra Ireland Butterfly Tattoo at any Applegreen service station and texting the word BUTTERFLY to 50300 to make a €4 donation,” said Rachel.

“We are also asking people to spread the word by taking a selfie of their tattoo and sharing it on social media to create awareness and be part of the #butterflyeffect.”

Casey is in junior infants at St Ronan’s national

5-year-old.

“She doesn’t let the condition bother her at all,” said Rachel.

“She’s happy enough and she still likes to play with her dolls and watch the telly.”

Rachel said that Debra Ireland have also given her huge support.

“They come out if you need anything,” she said.

“They have a support worker so if you didn’t want to go to the hospital on your own to appointments they would come with you.”

Debra also organise for families of people living with EB to meet up twice a year.

FASTNews

Jacqueline jets off for an international conference CLONDALKIN woman Jacqueline Sheehy travelled to Tallinn in Estonia last week to attend an international conference on active citizenship, democracy and participation, and meet with other adult education professionals from across Europe.

Jacqueline works in The Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme, a community service for drug users, over 18 years of age, and their families from the North Clondalkin area.

She is also involved in the Community Education Network, run by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation.

The trip took place as part of the ERASMUS+ ‘Making an Impact at European Level’ project, an EU-funded project organised by AONTAS that supports the professional development of adult education workers.

Speaking before the trip, Jacqueline said: “I’m really excited to visit Tallinn where I will be hosted by the ESREA Research Network, an association known for promoting and disseminating research on the education of adults in Europe, through their networks, conferences and publications.”

Transport concerns over Clonburris construction

Casey Connors from Clondalkin. Picture: Suzanne Collins

school in Clondalkin.

Rachel said that school has been very helpful in catering for Casey’s needs.

The school have set up a bathroom specifically for Casey and have provided a small yard where she can go and play at lunchtime with two of her friends.

“The teacher sat down and explained to them that she has very special skin and gave leaflets out to send home to the parents to tell the children (about the condition),” said Rachel.

In spite of her condition, Casey is just like any other happy-go-lucky

“We meet the families at Christmas and then again in the summer so that the children with EB can see each other so at least they meet people the same as them,” said Rachel, who is hoping that as many people as possible will back the butterfly effect campaign.

“With EB every little bit can hurt but a little Debra butterfly can help so do please pick one up at any Applegreen,” she said.

Support EB patients by picking up a Debra Ireland butterfly tattoo at any Applegreen and texting BUTTERFLY to 50300 to make a €4 donation.

FIANNA Fail TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has said that the lack of forward planning in transport to deal to the 8,000 new homes to be built as part of Clonburris SDZ is foolish and leaves existing residents with an even weaker transport infrastructure.

Deputy Curran said: “I am concerned that the already stretched transport services will be further crippled once construction begins.

“Clonburris SDZ has every capacity to succeed as a new community but it must be integrated into the surrounding communities of Clondalkin and Lucan by means of public transport links, external road links that service the entire area as a whole.

“The fact that no focus was provided in Budget 2018 to fund increased transport infrastructure in the area means that Clonburris looks very likely to become an isolated new community.”

Deputy Curran added that he felt Minister for Transport Shane Ross should have fought for funding in the Budget to deliver the Luas to the area as well as the building of Metro West.

“It appears that this Government are yet to learn the lessons of the past, such as Adamstown where housing plans ignored the need to develop other necessary infrastructure to respond to the challenges of a growing population,” he said.

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

Out and About

Best Place to Eat Award: The Woodlock Brasserie

CSR Award: Thorntons Recycling

Celebrating south Dublin businesses T

Best Not-For-Profit Organisation: ReCreate Ireland, with Minister Katherine Zappone

HE South Dublin County Business Awards 2017 run by South Dublin Chamber took place in Citywest Hotel last week, with the awards honouring business excellence across the county. The black tie ceremony, MC’d by popular RTE broadcaster Marty Whelan, featured music by the Alexandra Miller Trio Band.

There were 12 different category awards on the night, all designed to celebrate companies and individuals who have gone above and beyond to address both their own competitive interests and the interests of the community.

Customer Service – Retail Award: Celines Gifts and Flowers

Customer Service – Tourism & Hospitality Award: Red Cow Moran Hotel

International Trade Award: Meditec Medical

Best Start-up/New Business: Super Disty

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Marking 150 Years of the Presentation Sisters Sister Mary Rossiter and Sister Mary Noelle Corkery and Margorie Elliott

Nora O’Brien and Mary Boland

McDermott

Aisling Murran

Catherine Bligh and Sister Rosario at a very special evening that St Joseph’s College held to celebrate 150 Years of the Presentation Sisters in Lucan.

There was a great attendance of past and present teachers, principals, trustees, members of the local ICA, student council and staff.

Aoife Murphy, Orla Lynch and Siofra Cronin

Maria Siddi and Sister Thainese Anthony. Pictures: Simon Peare

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

MOTORING P24

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

TRAVEL P26

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GAZETTE

MUSIC P20

Shelter’s long-term dogs looking for loving homes DOGS TRUST has revealed their longterm dogs, #TheUnderDogs, in a bid to find them homes.

The poignant campaign focuses on some of the adorable residents at Dogs Trust who, through no fault of their own, just can’t seem to find a home.

Some of the unfortunate pooches have been overlooked thousands of times since being rescued.

All of “The Underdogs” highlighted in the campaign have been at Dogs Trust for at least six months and unfortunately, some have been there much longer.

The longest resident Buddy has been overlooked 34,076 times since being rescued.

There are a number of reasons why some dogs might get overlooked.

Sometimes, if a dog has had a particularly tough start in life, he might become a little nervous or frightened

and need additional care and attention in order to adjust to home life.

Other times, a dog might be unfairly judged by his breed but may be the softest soul underneath his appearance. Believe it or not, sometimes black dogs can be overlooked because they do not stand out as much as a lighter coloured dog.

As a part of their moving campaign, Dogs Trust has also launched an emotive video of one of their longest residents Kyia, who arrived in the centre back in 2013.

The video highlights how these adorable dogs at the centre are needlessly overlooked and sometimes just need some extra special care and attention, as well as some additional time with their potential new owners before they go home, in order to adapt to family life.

All the staff at Dogs Trust truly love and care for every dog at the centre

but would love for them to go to their forever home.

The team are desperately trying to find homes for these beautiful characters and know that there is a special someone waiting out there for each and every one of them!

Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #TheUnderdogs.

To find out more about how you can support this campaign or adopt one of “The UnderD o g s ” log onto w w w . dogstrust. ie/TheUnderDogs

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

PEOPLE | NEW START-UP AIMS TO HELP FIND A PLACE TO LIVE, AND SUPPORT SENIOR CITIZENS AT THE SAME TIME

According to TheHomeshare, people are carefully screened and matched to share with an older citizen in their home for cheaper rent – in return, they commit to spend time in support and companionship

Older people could be a key way to help housing crisis  MARK O’BRIEN WITH no sign of the housing crisis letting up across Dublin, a new start-up has come up with an innovative way of providing people with cheap accommodation while allowing older people to stay living

independently for longer.

The Homeshare matches two people to live together for mutual benefit. An older householder offers a room in their home to a younger person in exchange for 10 hours per week in support and companionship.

The concept has gained popularity in the UK in recent years where there are now 24 such services operating. The business is the brainchild of Lucie Cunningham, who previously worked in the homecare sector for 10 years before launching

The Homeshare in July.

She said: “I could see first-hand that there was a huge gap there for older people and the support that they receive from the HSE to what they actually need.

“They might have a carer calling twice a day

for an hour each day, and then obviously there’s 22 hours a day that they’re on their own.”

The service costs €195 each to the householder and the home sharer, with the home sharer required to give 10 hours of support based on the needs of the older person.

This can range from watching football or the soaps together, to doing the shopping, or making sure the older person gets safely up the stairs to bed at night, and so on.

All potential sharers must pass a rigorous screening process before they can be matched with a householder.

This includes phone and face to face interviews, a minimum of three references, and garda vetting.

Once this process is completed, the sharer will be introduced to householders, with no one matched until both parties are happy.

“We’ve been matching hundreds and hundreds of carers with hundreds and hundreds of clients over the past 10 years so we’d like to think that we’ve a fairly good base of what

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

‘We’re there for as much or as little support as the two people want’ --------------------------

Lucie Cunningham, TheHomeshare.ie

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

does and what doesn’t work,” Lucie says of the process.

The sharers are also given free training in the safeguarding of older people.

“They [the homesharers] don’t have to have any formal training – it’s all down to personality,” says Lucie. Having said that, we do have student nurses, nutrition students and things like that but what we do is we provide training in safeguarding vulnerable adults because for some people they may not have had much dealings with older people.”

Both parties are then asked to sign up to a contract for at least nine months, with The Homeshare offering continuous support as required.

Lucie says: “Even if things are running smoothly, we still call to the house and ring. We’re there for as much or as little support as the two people want.”

With around 10 matches so far, and many more in the pipeline, Lucie feels that The Homeshare has started on a positive note and thinks the concept will grow in popularity.

“A lot of people are receiving a homecare package from the HSE and that’s suiting some of their needs, but there’s something missing, and I believe that The Homeshare is filling that void.”

Further information about The Homeshare can be found at thehomeshare.ie.

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

Out and About

Caoimhe Egan of Tivoli Guides, Dun Laoghaire, pictured after receiving her National Guide Award at Croke Park

River Valley Swords Guides receive their awards. Pictures: ROBBIE REYNOLDS

Blazing a trail in the Girl Guides world Rathfarnham Guide Ellen Reid looks proud as punch after receiving her National Guide Award at Croke Park

Ballyroan Irish Girl Guides show off their hard-earned awards

D

UBLIN Girl Guides were well represented at the Trail Blazer National Guide Awards at Croke Park last week. More than 100 Guides, aged 14-15, travelled from all corners of the country to receive the award and, with their families, celebrated reaching the pinnacle of Guiding. Each girl received a Trail Blazer gold pin and a National Guide Award certificate from Irish Girl Guides (IGG) President Maureen Murphy and IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon.

The award is made in recognition of the successful completion of a series of challenges, including teamwork activities, outdoor survival skills, community service, global awareness and working with younger IGG members to help them develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.

Delighted Lucan Irish Girl Guides pose with their National Guide Awards

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

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DUBLINLIFE

€ 5 0 0 N WI

COMPETITION

A VOUCHER WORTH

THIS autumn head to Marks & Spencer for a culinary adventure like no other as they welcome a selection of new products and flavours to its popular Taste range as well as new game, artisan meats and pies being introduced.

As well as building on existing popular dishes, M&S celebrates the introduction of bold, authentic flavours inspired by worldwide exotic destinations. Thailand continues to be a big focus, with the addition of delicious main meals, tasty sides and savory snacks inspired from Japan including Taste Chicken Penang Curry with Jasmine Rice and Yellow Thai Chicken Noodles .

Sri Lankan cuisine is new to the Taste range this autumn, including

Taste for Adventure at Marks & Spencer some must-try dishes with the addition of the King Prawn Curry.

Renowned for its rich heritage in the spice trade, Sri Lankan curries incorporate Indian spices like coriander, turmeric and coriander seeds, with more traditional Asian influences such as coconut milk and chilli.

One of the hero products of the new range is the Signature Sourdough, made fresh by local Dublin supplier Aryzta. The new sourdough is made using live sourdough culture, blended with white, wholemeal and dark rye flour. Resulting in a complex, full bodied delicious loaf that is ideal for pairing with your favourite brunch accompaniments. For

the ultimate Sourdough experience, look to their new San Francisco Style Sourdough which is actually brought over from San Fran itself and made with a 26-year-old live culture. This fantastic rich blend of flavours tastes divine when toasted for breakfast and paired with poached eggs and dried chilli flakes.

Flavours If you haven’t tried the latest selection of Deep & Loaded Pizzas well then, you’re missing out!

Unlike other pizzas, this new range is inspired by the infamous pizzas of Detroit and have a deep but light square base, which is then smoth-

ered in house dressing and finished with American-inspired ingredients.

Favourites from the range include The Whole Hog, with smoky sausage, spicy pulled pork & BBQ’s burnt ends as well as the Meatball Marinara, topped with mini meatballs and sautéed onions. Each of the six pizzas comes with its own sauce, that has been perfectly paired to each flavour. Simply drizzle over when hot and fresh out of the oven!

Autumn wouldn’t be autumn without Halloween. At M&S this Halloween, it is all about the treats and no tricks! Like many of us, Percy loves dressing up for Halloween and this season Percy has

Here’s how to ENTER: TO celebrate the launch of the new Autumn Ranges at Marks & Spencer and for your chance to stock up on all the autumn favourites with a M&S voucher worth €500, simply email competitions@dublingazette.com – making sure to put M&S in the subject line,

taken inspiration from the popular Halloween staple – the pumpkin.

Percy Pumpkins are a spooky selection of soft gums made with real fruit juices. The limited-edition bags each contain a mixture of pink, green and orange Percys. Percy fans will notice that he also has a ghoulish grin for the occasion. It’s not just Percy who enjoys dressing up for Halloween, Colin the Caterpillar has also had a ghoulish makeover. Count Colin the Caterpillar cake is a delicious chocolatey cake with a spooky twist. You can also enjoy mini Count Colin the Caterpillars, miniatures of the chocolatey favourite that are perfect for your Halloween get-together.

and your name and contact details in the body of the email.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, November 3.

The best of luck folks, and get down to Marks & Spencer this autumn for a culinary adventure like no other as they welcome a selection of new products and flavours to their popular Taste range.

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

HEALTH | SUPPORT

Learn all about the dangers of blood clots

 MARK O’BRIEN

A NEW group is trying to raise awareness of the dangers of blood clots, with approximately 4,000 people dying each year in Ireland because of them.

Blood clots in the legs or in the lungs are collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) – a condition that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. If all or part of the DVT breaks off and the blood clot m ove s t o block a vessel in the lung, this is referred to as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

However, it’s been estimated that 1,900 of these deaths are preventable, and now Thrombosis Ireland wants to raise awareness about the condition and help save lives.

Ann-Marie O’Neill (above) founded Thrombosis Ireland last year as she felt there was a lack of information available here about it.

Having suffered medical difficulties related to blood clots, Ann-Marie said she was disappoint-

ed with the lack of information provided to her on these occasions.

She said: “Nobody sat down and explained exactly what was happening, that it may happen again or how I could protect myself.”

She decided to start Thrombosis Ireland as a way of offering support to people who had gone through similar experiences to hers.

“I searched and found English and American anti-coagulation websites and they were helpful, but they didn’t relate to the Irish health system. So, I decided to look at setting up our own Irish thrombosis support and advocacy group.”

She said that she hopes that the group will be able to spread the message about the steps to reduce the risks of thrombosis.

“I want everyone to know that blood clots can affect anyone, male or female, young or old, fit and healthy, and they can be fatal if we don’t know what to look out for. A little knowledge can save your life!

To learn more about DVT and preventative measures, see thrombocoach.com.

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURES

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E V E

Dublin City Marathon

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Whether you’re running, or simply choosing a spot to watch the nifty front-runners and slogging distance-joggers pass by, the Dublin Marathon is quite the spectacle. The hardcore feat takes place on Sunday, October 29.

Bram Stoker Festival

Taking over huge chunks of the city, this festival tribute to the Clontarf man who wrote Dracula takes in everything from a live music trail to a party in St Patrick’s Park, running from October 27 to 30, including...

s c u i m n i t g a n u H s a t e l e m n i a m o F r f Above: John Sheahan, Floriane Blancke, Rob Calder, Eimear O’Grady and Chris Herzberger – just some of the band members responsible for (right) Declan O’Rourke’s striking album

The Macnas Parade

MUSIC: DECLAN O’ROURKE CRAFTS A THING OF BEAUTY FROM OUR DARKEST DAYS

 JAMES HENDICOTT

SAT somewhere in the realm where storytelling and music meet, Dubliner Declan O’Rourke has spent more than a decade researching his latest offering. It may just be his magnum opus.

Declan O’Rourke is not your typical modern-day musician. Having powered onto the Irish music scene in 2004 with debut, Since Kyabram, he became a radioplay mainstay with hit single, Galileo (Someone Like You).

After touring with Bob Dylan and Snow Patrol, though, O’Rourke was not to be lured by the temptation to repeat the same trick.

Instead, he’s stood a million miles from pop tropes, writing on the workhouses his grandfather worked in, or ruminating on arranged marriages.

At times, he’s had the RTE Concert Orchestra on board; at others, his music has been beautifully toneddown and delicate.

This latest release, Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine, is the result of 16 years of research into the untold stories of the 1840s – a passion product that’s been a rumbling constant

in the background of O’Rourke’s entire career so far.

“It just took that long to research,” O’Rourke tells The Gazette of the chunk of his life dedicated to this album. “It needed that. Regular songs come and go, but when you’re dealing with something where the material is based on information that you have to find, there are mountains and mountains to wade through.

“What I was looking for was personal stories. There’s a lot of legislative information and political background about the Famine, but the personal accounts are few and far between – most of Ireland’s poor were illiterate at the time.

“Then there was the phenomenon of not talking about it afterwards.

Stories that were passed down just kind of died out.”

So, O’Rourke dug in, searching out tales from every corner. “If you keep going through books, you eventually find voices and stories,” he says.

“Then it’s about finding the best ones to get an overview of things, and to paint different sides of what happened. Part of it was also about making sure I didn’t miss out any really important bits.

“I’m not an avid reader, so it was laborious. The crafting of the songs themselves wasn’t so hard, but because of the academic nature, you’re second guessing yourself to make sure you’ve got it right.

“It gave me a chance to explore the kind of music I was raised on, and that I loved from a very early age. It was all trad and folk songs for me back then, and nearly all of that is based on songs that have been around forever. I’m a writer, so it was a chance to connect with that and still write.”

Astonishing The depth of exploration that went into Chronicles of the Great Famine meant O’Rourke uncovered ample stories that are far from widely known, and plenty that are genuinely astonishing.

The story of Curry Shaw, for example, is a gem that stands out on the album.

The 23-year-old fled his ship, Hannah, with two crewmates aboard the only lifeboat after the ship struck an iceberg in a storm off Canada in 1849.

His actions left at least 48 Irish

immigrants to die in the water or on the ice.

Shaw also tried to force the ship’s hatch closed with most of those on board below deck, to prevent the passengers from following him.

“One of my best friends, a guy that I lived with in Australia for years, told that story to me,” O’Rourke explains.

“His wife is a relative of someone who was on that ship, and the story only emerged around 2005.

“I mean, it was probably known originally and forgotten, but it really came out again a few years ago.

“A lot of people left a small community in Armagh that was known as Forkhill. They were arriving in a place in Canada that became known as Little Forkhill, because so many of them were there.

“There was a documentary crew that went looking for that story in 2005/ 2006, and looking for ancestors, and they found my friend’s wife.

He rang me up and told me the story.

He knew I was writing about the Famine.

“You get a lot of people coming up to you and telling you stuff. It’s less often you get a good one, but I was chuffed with that, as it’s a really great

one with a personal connection.”

Stories landing in O’Rourke’s lap certainly wasn’t the norm. “Nearly the entire system of records from back then is gone,” he says.

“You can go back to the 1901 census, and before that it’s very sparse.

Parish records are a new world to explore. I couldn’t really find anything about my own past, but the thing that sparked this whole thing was that my grandad, who was born in 1916, worked in a workhouse.

“I didn’t know what that meant, but I was kind of determined to find out. A book jumped out at me in Easons a couple of months after I heard about my grandad’s job.

“I picked it up in the bargain bin, got on the bus, and read about it.

From the first page, I realised the connection – that the workhouses were built for the Famine. It made the hair stand up on my neck.

“They’re very moving stories.

Whatever that bone is that’s tickled as an artist, I just wanted to write about it straight away.

“I found so much that I realised that one song wasn’t going to do it,” O’Rourke said of his journey, one of rare depth and beauty.

Unquestionably the highlight of Bram Stoker and Halloween fesivities, this dramatic, dark-themed parade through town features huge floats and interactive performances from its passionate actors. October 29 on the northside, after sundown.

Horror Expo

A slightly more serious take on Halloween from the Horror Expo, which explores special effects and film screenings, as well as hosting a collection of horror-themed guests.

It’s in the spooky environs of The Freemason’s Hall on October 29.

Halloween Workshops at Airfield

YOU’LL VONNT TO HELP BRAM STOKER’S HORR CELEBRATE OR LEGACY

Dundrum’s urban farm is a great spot any day, but the Halloween workshops make it a little more involved for the little ones. Aimed at 5-8 year olds, they’ll be making their own monsters on October 28 and 31 (pre-booking recommended).

Dracula’s Disco

Another one for the kids, get them dressed up and head for Meeting House Square in Temple Bar on October 30, where they can dance away to a spooky DJ at an outdoor dance party. Thriller, Ghostbusters and spiky teeth, then...

Ideal Home Show

The RDS’s regular exploration of beautiful interiors and how to produce them returns, promising special offers from a nice big variety of homely companies. It’s on all weekend, from October 27 to 30.

The Cauldron of Smithfield

Rounding off an extremely spooky feeling listing, The Cauldron will see Smithfield Square go big on October 31, with a haunted house, 300ft zipline, circus, bouncy castle, performers, and even a bungee jump.

New album of the week “I’ve learnt over the years that I’m no good at putting together things that other people like,” he concludes, “so I just do what I like.” The rest, in more than one way, is history.

Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine is in shops from October 27. Declan O’Rourke plays Vicar Street on December 14 as part of an 11-date December tour of Ireland.

Weezer - Pacific Daydream. An eleventh studio album from the pop-rock icons, Pacific Daydreams see Rivers Cuomo and co return, channeling – in their words – The Beach Boys and The Clash.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Aslan tune in to support single for Cancer Society ONE of Ireland’s favourite bands have given their support to a brand new song which is released this Thursday to benefit the Irish Cancer Society.

Aslan’s Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell dropped into rehearsals with Eclipse Stage School’s 80-piece vocal group this week to give the students (aged from 4 to 19) from across Dublin advice and mentor them on their road to releasing their debut single.

The chosen song is I Lived, which was originally written by American band One Republic.

The project is the brainchild of creative director and choreographer Kenneth Giles (27) from Kilbarrack, Dublin.

The song focuses on living every moment of life and being able to say you have done it all.

The Kilbarrack-based group have recently picked up awards for Best Stage School in Ireland, Dance Group of the Year and have performed at many venues including the RDS and Croke Park

Stadium.

The single is available now on all digital platforms including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Google Play as well as the music video on YouTube with all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society.

DUBLIN PORT PROJECT HAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THE Taoiseach and the Lord Mayor of Dublin were the guests of honour as the Dublin Port Centre was officially opened at a star-studded ceremony.

Micheal Mac Donncha and Leo Varadkar were among a 500-strong crowd that was serenaded by acts including Damien Dempsey, John Sheahan of the Dubliners, The Blades, Lisa O’ Neill, Colm Mac Con Iomaire of The Frames and Catherine Fitzgerald.

The project has softened the Port’s boundaries to the city and provides public realm at Port Centre for the first time in 35 years.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, TaoContinued overleaf

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

iseach Leo Varadkar said: “This new project will enhance Port-city integration to the benefit of city dwellers and visitors.”

Dublin Port Company is now focused on plans for a new internal road network, cycle lanes and pathways.

The 3km route will give pedestrians and cyclists access to the Port estate for recreational use for the first time.

QUEEN-THEMED EXTRAVAGANZA COMES TO THE BUTTON FACTORY A QUEEN-THEMED gospel gig will take place in the Button Factory, Temple Bar on Saturday, November 4 at 8pm.

The Maynooth Gospel Choir present It’s a Kind of Magic, bringing all the hits, from Radio Gaga to Bohemian Rhapsody, with a gospel twist.

The choir played a wellreceived show in the Sugar Club in June and this Queen-themed extravaganza promises to be a gig not to be missed.

Tickets cost €20 and can be booked via www. eventbrite.ie.

For further information on the Maynooth Gospel Choir can be found on Facebook or by emailing info@maynoothgospel. com.

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS FOR ALL TO ENJOY THIS HALLOWEEN DUBLIN City Council and local communities all over the city have organised a ghoulish pro-

GAZETTE

DIARY

gramme of family friendly events for all ages to enjoy this Halloween.

These include the Dockers and Demons Festival.

This new initiative in the Irishtown/Ringsend area connects the historic and cultural significance of Oiche Samhna while providing fun, family friendly events for people of all ages to enjoy.

The Ballymun Otherworld Festival also takes place on October 31 with an Escape the Zombies Parade which starts at 5:30pm at the Aisling Project on Shangan Road.

The Finglas Fright Night Halloween Festival will take place at the Civic Centre, Mellowes Road on October 31 from 6pm to 9pm.

There will be many many attractions including the teenage terminator fun fair ride, mini roller coaster, cups, saucer and a carousel.

The Cauldron of Smithfield is also back this year with a new 300ft zipline and a daunting bungee jump for the bravest of participants along with the favourites from last year such as The Haunted House.

Sheriff Street, Ballybough, Summerhill and Sean MacDermott Street areas are coming together for The Big Scream – which will see playstation tournaments taking place as well as a main stage with a mix of local and professional performers.

For more information on local events visit www. dublincity.ie/halloween.

Aslan’s Christy Dignam pictured with Zoe Farrell ,Kate Pepper, Sinead Leahy, Aoife Dunne, Zarah Gibbons and Taylor Molloy, members of the Eclipse Stage School, at the launch of I Lived single. Picture: Patrick O’Leary

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

The Ford Kuga ST-Line comes with price reductions of up to €6,500 under Ford’s Clean up for 181 sales campaign

Ford launches ‘Clean up for 181’ sales offer FORD has announced a range of offers as part of the company’s Clean Up for 181 campaign in preparation for the January new car market. Deals on offer include reductions of up to €6,000 on some cars, plus extended warranties and a super low PCP finance offer of 0%.

The new Ford Kuga ST-Line and Ford’s Grand C-Max, S-Max and Galaxy cars come with the highest price reductions of €6,000 for specific specification models in the ranges.

The Ford Clean Up for 181 campaign includes reductions on Ford’s most popular vans, with reductions of up to €4,000 on the Transit range and the Ford Ranger pick-up truck plus a finance rate of just 3.9%.

“Our Clean Up for 181 campaign is all about making it extremely easy for car buyers to get out of older, less efficient cars and get into one of our new models which have engines that are all Euro 6 compliant, meaning they are meeting the strictest European emissions regulations,” said Ciaran McMahon, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland.

Hybrid car sales jump by 76% over the past year SALES of new hybrid cars have increased by 76% over the past year while diesel car demand fell by 16%,

Compact Ignis is reincarnated with SUV styling Suzuki has an enviable reputation in the small car market at home in Japan, where it’s the dominant player. For 2017, Suzuki launched the new Ignis model with fresh styling and a more compact stance in a car that’s altogether better than ever before as MICHAEL MORONEY found out when he took its mild hybrid version for a test drive.

SUZUKI has re-incarnated the Ignis into a more compact looking car that’s modern and uses some smart technology. The Ignis is designed as a city car with SUV-like credentials so that you feel that you get a little more than you expect.

Sales of compact cars are growing across Dublin City and its commuter belt as motorists are looking for ways to manage costs with flexible, good-looking cars. This new Ignis introduced at the start of this year, stands out in terms of its design. There’s no doubting its individuality, which is classically Suzuki in terms of identity.

This is a car that has the potential to charm and this charm has won me over. The overall design is modern, with strong hints of the Suzuki Japanese

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price influence and it is closely based on a previous concept car design. One thought that crossed my mind was if the Ignis grew up to be a real full-size SUV, then it would make some statement.

One of the special features of the Ignis is the novel mild hybrid engine design. It’s not available

1.2 litre 90hp 11.4 seconds 23km/litre (4.3/100km or 66mpg) 32 litres 98g/km A2 €180 15,000km/12 months 5 star (2016) 3 years/100,000km €16,995 in all models and it was a feature of the test car that I drove recently. This system enhances the fuel economy from the tidy 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with claims of a low CO2 emissions figure of 97g/km and a combined fuel consumption performance of 23km/ litre (4.3l/100km).

The Suzuki mild hybrid system is lightweight and uses what is called an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor. This belt driven device assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration.

It also generates electricity to recharge a compact lithium-ion battery placed under the front passenger seat, through regenerative braking.

The energy assistance provided during acceleration makes this a mild hybrid system and it adds just 6.2kg to the overall weight. Suzuki claims that the ISG generates electricity more efficiently than a conventional alternator through regenerative braking. The ISG unit detects this as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.

Suzuki’s new Ignis combines small and compact motoring with SUV styling and good economy.

Entry prices for the mild hybrid versions start at €16,995.

It is seamless in operation and that’s what makes the car so easy and comfortable to drive.

Out on the road the compact petrol engine is relatively quiet even though you need to rev it up past 3,000rpm on the engine to achieve close to the maximum performance from its five-speed gearbox. While the sweet little engine never seems to be working too hard and my economy experience delivered a range of almost 600km which is

according to the latest statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). Hybrid cars now offer

Latest Range

a great mix of economy with green credentials. There is a wider choice of models now available with credible options in all segments of the market from small cars to large SUVs. Irish car buyers have embraced the technology with few concerns over the life of a battery. In the UK, automotive data experts hpi have crunched the numbers to come up with the best picks when considering a hybrid vehicle. They claim that the luxury Porsche Panamera hybrid retains over 81% of its value after three years and 50,000km. For a family car, they claim that the Volvo XC90 retains over 70% of its value after three years. The Kia Optima hybrid retains 56.1% of its value.

The hybrid system on the new Range Rover P400e emits only 64g/km on the combined cycle and provides an allelectric range of up to 50km without the Ingenium petrol engine running

RANGE ROVER has launched a new plug-in hybrid drive version with what it calls sustainable luxury and new levels of efficiency and capability complementing its refinement and desirability. This new and powerful Range Rover claims a combined 404bhp from the engine and hybrid drive to give impressive acceleration of 6.4 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race.

The SUV has a range of 50km on electric-only power and has a rapid full re-

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio sets Nurburgring SUV speed record THE ALFA Romeo Stelvio Quadri-

distribution. The high-performance

foglio has set the new benchmark

SUV is powered by an all-aluminum,

for a production SUV at Germany’s

direct-injection 2.9-litre 24-valve

legendary Nurburgring circuit, lap-

Twin-Turbo intercooled V6 engine,

ping the epic 20km Nordschleife in a

delivering 510hp and 600Nm of

record seven minutes 51.7 seconds.

torque, which is coupled with the

This new time is a full eight seconds

Q4 all-wheel-drive system. The

faster than the previous produc-

engine is paired to an eight-speed

tion SUV record.

automatic transmission with spe-

Alfa Romeo’s first ever production SUV, integrates lightweight, state-of-the-art materials, such

equivalent to 20% off the rated economy level.

I was also impressed with the road holding and stability of the Ignis when I took it for a longer drive. Out on the motorway it could hold its own and un-phased by passing trucks and comfortable at motorway speeds.

This Ignis was a four-seat car, with a sliding bench seat. The high cabin roof gives an airy feeling to the car so it feels spacious in terms of height, if more compact in width. Still, I never felt cramped in any

way and quickly got comfortable with the controls and their use.

The central info screen is easy to use, but it’s a pity that it wasn’t a little bigger as the frame is deeper than it needs to be. I liked the easy-to-use trip meter so that you don’t need to be a computer programmer to establish or re-set the car’s performance.

The boot area is good for a car of its size, but as the emphasis is for city driving, there is no spare wheel on board.

There’s plenty of safety kit included, such as ABS with EBD and brake assist with stability control as well as hill hold control and hill descent control. This Ignis achieved a five-star safety rating in its recent Euro NCAP crash test, but only for the model with the full safety kit, which includes six airbags (driver, front passenger, side and curtain) with front passenger activation, front height adjustable three-point ELR seatbelts, front seatbelt pre-tensioner and force limiter and two

rear three-point ELR seatbelts, as well as foot protecting brake and clutch pedals and two rear ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Suzuki sees the Ignis competing against the likes of market leader the Toyota Aygo, Opel Adam and Renault Twingo, while I consider that it has wider appeal. Entry prices are competitive, while the more economical mild hybrid version that I drove is marginally more expensive, it’s still relatively attractively priced at €16,995.

cific settings for shifting in just 150 milliseconds in Race mode.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio range is

as a carbon fibre driveshaft, to

now available in Dublin dealerships

deliver torsional rigidity, direct

and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio will join

steering and a perfect 50/50 weight

the line up in the Ireland in 2018.

The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV with its powerful 510bhp engine has set a new Nurburgring circuit SUV speed record

Oliver Tattan joins board of BMW Financial Services Ireland OLIVER Tattan has joined the board of BMW Financial Services (Ireland) DAC, as an Independent non-executive director. Earlier this year BMW Financial Services (Ireland) DAC, took a significant step in establishing itself as the leading motoring credit institution in Ireland having received authorisation to act as a Retail Credit Firm under the Central Bank of Ireland Act 1997.

Oliver Tattan will serve in an advisory capacity to the management team at BMW Financial Services Ireland and will provide guidance, steering and oversight. He is best known for having founded Vivas Insurance and GloHealth (now Irish Life Health). He is currently chairman for numerous companies in a wide range of industries including Brookson, Fadata and Applied Research for Connected Health and Chairs the Remuneration Committee at CPL Resources. He is an independent non-executive director at AGF

Rover gets silent hybrid drive luxury charge time of just short of three hours.

Range Rover is quoting an economy figure of 35.7km/litre (2.8l/100km of 101mpg) from the new drive system, giving it a new level of economy performance. This new Range Rover P400e emits only 64g/km of CO2 on the combined driving cycle.

Refinement

The cabin has been redesigned to deliver even more refinement wheth-

er travelling for business or pleasure.

There is a new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with twin high-definition touch screen controls.

Comfort levels have been improved with new front seats that feature up to 24-way movement thanks to the new seat frames, with wider and deeper foams as well as heated arm rests. In the rear a redesigned cabin and seating layout create comfort with no compromise to the rear load space.

If you’re working while being driven, up to 17 connection points including domestic plug sockets, USB, HDMI and 12-volt are all available; 4G Wi-Fi hotspots for up to eight devices and convenient storage are all designed for the business traveller. The cabin is tailored for relaxation with luxurious seats offering 25 massage programmes, thanks to Hot Stone massage technology within the seat backs.

International was also the founder of Insurance Regulatory Capital and OneBigSwitch. Previously, Oliver Tattan served as the chief executive of VHI Healthcare and was a co-founder of Daon.

BMW Financial Services was established in Ireland in 2007 and currently employs over 25 people in its Dublin head office, and is the captive finance

Brian Merrigan, managing director, BMW

company for BMW Group

Financial Services, Ireland with newly

in Ireland.

appointed non-executive director Oliver Tattan

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

DUBLINLIFE

 ALISON O’HANLON

IT’S often said that if only Ireland had the same sort of climate as, say, the Mediterranean, it’d be the greatest little place on Earth.

Well, with its Celtic heritage – not to mention a lush, green landscape so similar to our own – perhaps Galicia, the crown jewel on the Camino Way, is just that.

It feels far removed from the rest of Spain and it’s vibrant living history is unique.

Flying in to the charming city of Santiago de

Compostela, I checked into the boutique Carris Hotel Casa de Troya, smack, bang in the middle of the old town, surrounded by narrow streets filled with bars, restaurants and shops. It was the perfect base for discovering Galicia.

At the heart of this magical UNESCO world heritage site is the 700-year-old Cathedral of Santiago, the final destination for many Camino pilgrims and site of the tomb of St James.

During the Pilgrims’ mass at midday, you may be lucky enough to see them swinging the Botafumeiro – a gigantic incense burner that hangs

from the cathedral’s vaulted ceiling. It takes eight men to get it swinging and reaches speeds of up to 75kmh, a spectacle you won’t soon forget.

Then, before you get too dizzy, make your way up to the cathedral roof to get a bird’s eye view of this ancient city.

When eating out in Santiago de Compostela, Franco and Raina streets in the heart of old quarter are the perfect place start. Lined with restaurants

The beautiful village of O’Cebreiro

The ancient narrow streets of Santiago’s old town

Local delicacy percebes... or ‘gruffalo claws’

Praterias Plaza in Santiago’s old town

and bars, many displaying a wealth of typical dishes and tapas on offer, the quality and flavours will have you coming back for more.

On our first night we were lucky enough to enjoy the mouthwatering food at the Michelin Star Casa Marcelo.

Honestly, I would have licked the plates clean if it wasn’t a bit unpilgrim-like!

Galicia is well known for being a gastronomical hub and whether you are eating out in Santiago or one of the smaller villages you won’t be disappointed.

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

The choice of seafood is endless, with everything from octopus to percebes – which look like the Gruffalo’s claws but are so sweet and succulent that I managed to polish off the best part of a plate. Whatever you chose, be it empanadas, Galicia broth, scallops and spider crabs, they can all be washed down with refreshing local wines such as an Albarino or Ribeiro. Not bad fare for a pilgrim!

The French way of St James is a colourful path surrounded by mountains, picturesque villages, stone crosses, monuments, churches and the smell of fresh country air. One of my favourite

Historic Pontevedra

hamlets on the French way, O’Cebreiro, is a beautiful village of traditional thatched dwellings or ‘pallozas’ and is home to the church of Santa Maria. It was here in the winter of 1300, a Benedictine priest was celebrating mass when the eucharistic host miraculously changed to flesh and the wine to blood. Piglrims come every year to see the host, which is preserved in a shrine along with the chalice that contained the blood.

A stop in Palas de Res to see the church of Vilar de Donas is a must. This small church is said to have been built in the 7th century by Irish

The Baotafumeiro in full swing

monks, and boasts beautifully carved stonework, magnificent medieval paintings and sculptures.

Only a ten minute drive from Vilar de Donas you’ll find Arqueixal in Alba, a family farm which produces organic homemade cheese, yoghurt and organic milk. It offers ecotourism activities and a glimpse into the traditional way of life. Pre book for the chance to make your own cheese.

Accommodation along the Camino varies.

Spotless government-run hostels from €6 per night, private hostels, country houses, luxurious paradoes and hotels – you can take your pick!

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Saying goodbye to Santiago, only an hour to the south is Pontevedra.

Shaped by a rich maritime history and trading past, Pontevedra boasts a well preserved medieval town centre, and you can capture the true essence of the city by exploring its network of lanes and squares which are abuzz with markets, shops, tapas bars and cafes.

Before reaching A Guarda at the very southwest tip of Galicia which borders Portugal, stop for a seafood lunch at Lemos in the village of Redondela. I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Overlooking the Atlantic ocean, the stunning coastline and spectacular beaches surrounding A Guarda will take your breath aw ay. W h i l e there, a trip to the deserted village – and Celtic fort – of Santa Tegra is not to be missed.

Originating Church of Vilar de Donas The 700-year-old Santiago Cathedral from about 500 BC, there are remnants of over 100 huts inside an encircling wall. The 341m summit is a 4km drive or a 2km The spectacular view of the uphill walk from town.

UNESCO World Heritage site A visit to A Guarda would not be complete from the top of the cathedral of without a visit to one of its wonderful wineries.

Santiago. Pictures:ALISON O’HANLON Bodega Terra Gauda provides tours of the vineyards and winery followed by a lovely tasting experience. You won’t leave empty handed.

For our final night in Galicia we made ourselves comfortable at the stunning National Parador of Baiona. Built in the style of a Galician manor house within the walls of a medieval fortress, this parador will exceed all of your expectations, from the food, facilities, helpful staff and superb surroundings.

Flying out of Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, there was just enough time to stroll around the charming and well preserved old quarter and to enjoy a coffee in the sunshine.

After six days in Galicia soaking up the beautiful lush green countryside, eating some of the most fabulous food I’ve ever tasted and completing a mere 10km of the French Camino on foot, it has definitely left me with an itch for more, so watch this space – I’ll be back.  For more information on your booking your holiday to Galicia visit www.spain.info

GALICIA: ALICIA: A Celtic paradise on the Camino Way

The Celtic fort of Santa Tegra

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 26 October 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ROUND-UP: SOME OF THE TOP TITLES TO GIVE YOU THRILLS AND CHILLS IN CINEMAS

ReelReviews

A SACRED DEAR

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 core of the film, but his family life with Nicole Kidman begins to shudder apart when he takes a paternal interest in a youth, whose own story takes them along a surreal journey.

BLADE RUNNER 2049 Not as sharp as wanted

Horribly good films Clockwise from top left: It, Insidious: The Last Key, Annihalation, and Jigsaw

LET’S face it – horror movies don’t win awards.

Sure, there are plenty of best visual effects, costume design and the occasional editing or cinematography nod to go around.

Howe ve r, t h e b i g awards are rarely given to anything that doesn’t skirt the line between horror and thriller – Hannibal Lecter might get Oscar attention, but Freddie or Jason never will.

Still, it’s the time of year to get excited about the genre; as long as the scares are delivered, who cares about realism or thespian performances?

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the biggest horror in cinemas this Halloween and in the months to come ...

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

With It, director Andres Muschietti introduced pop culture’s most infamous evil clown to a new generation and redefined him for long-time fans with this reboot.

It’s perhaps the most Stephen-Kingy Stephen King adaptation ever made – indeed, it got the author’s rarely-awarded seal of approval.

While It falls short of dishing out genuine, longlasting scares, it packs a talented young cast,

rarely shies away from the darkest elements of the source material, and holds plenty of promise for 2019’s planned sequel.

Still on general release, catch it in cinemas this Halloween!

Moving on, and with 2010’s Saw 3D billed as the final entry in the sostale-it’s-mouldy horror series, it seemed we’d be spared future instalments fraught with more dreadfully convoluted plots and barely strung together torture sequences.

It’s a shame really, as the 2003 original, directed by James Wan, was a pretty refreshing, disturbingly clever little horror movie.

Judging from trailers, Jigsaw appears to take itself a little less seriously

than the past few Saw entries, and if it eschews all headache-inducing layers of “plot” in favour of a more stripped back story, Jigsaw may live up to the promise of the original and deliver a Halloween treat.

Notably, Tobin Bell reprises his role as the titular villain – odd, considering the character died about four movies ago ...

On to Insidious: The Last Key for another big horror sequel, and another franchise initiated by director James Wan. Though not to the same disastrous extent as the Saw series, the Insidious films have waned following a delightfully creepy start back in 2010.

Insidious 2 followed up on some of the prom-

ise of the original, but the third entry in the series was unfortunately routine, packing in plenty of chilling imagery but failing to dish out any genuine scares.

Judging from the trailer, this fourth instalment will certainly deliver on the former. In another prequel to the original, following Insidious 3, Lin Shaye returns as “parapsychologist” Elise Rainier, who’s led to investigate a haunting that’s disturbingly close to home.

Insidious: The Last Key hits cinemas in early January.

Last but not least, Annihilation sees director Alex Garland’s attempt to film the unfilmable with this adaptation of the first

part in writer Jeff Vandermeer’s ultra-weird sci-fi horror trilogy.

Garland f lexed his intellectual sci-fi muscle with 2015’s excellent ExMachina, and has demonstrated a knack for forward-thinking terror with his screenplays for 28 Days Later, and Sunshine.

The recently released trailer for Annihilation suggests a dark, meditative handling of the source material: a Lovecraftian story in which a biologist (Natalie Portman) carries out an expedition with a secret government agency into a mysterious disaster zone.

Annihilation also stars Oscar Isaac and Jennifer Jason Lee and hits cinemas next February.

BLADERUNNER 2049 (Cert 15A, 163 mins), to be blunt, isn’t quite the razor-sharp follow-up fans of the true cinema classic have waited decades for. Yes, it’s 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 the admittedly great visuals

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 turns out to be surprisingly enjoyable despite its 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 urgency to her quest.

26 October 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK

Start spreading the news… of the Big NYC Melt Sub LONGING for a taste of the Big Apple?

Halloween treats GET creative and whip up a batch of our homemade Halloween treats this year! These spooktacular cookies are perfect for your fright-night party or to hand out to trick or treaters on Halloween night.

Your little monsters will not only enjoy devouring these sweet treats, but the method is easy enough for them to take up the role of sous chef in the kitchen.

Makes about 20 (depending on size of cutters used) Ingredients (for the biscuits)  100g butter, at room temperature

115g Siucra Caster Sugar  1 medium egg  2 teaspoons vanilla extract  250g plain white flour Ingredients (For the icing)  Siucra roll out icing  Orange & black icing colour  Siucra Icing Sugar 

Method To prepare the cookies Preheat the oven to 190°C. Beat the butter and Siucra Caster Sugar together with an electric whisk until combined.

Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again.

Finally beat in the flour at a low speed to mix. Once mixed form into a ball of dough with your hands.

ZAMBRERO, a healthy quick-service restaurant chain and humanitarian enterprise, has announced the opening of two new Dublin-based locations.

Spearheaded by former Leinster rugby pro, Darragh Fanning, the Australian chain, which specialises in fresh, healthy Mexican food, recently opened the doors of its fourth Irish restaurant and first franchise, located at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford.

A second restaurant will open on Parnell Street in mid-November.

Commenting at the launch Darragh Fanning said:

Try this tasty recipe

Put the ball of dough onto a work surface that you have dusted with flour.

Roll out the dough to approximately ½ cm thick and cut out shapes using the cutters.

Lift carefully onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment.

Bake for 14-15 minutes until golden.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the tray.

To prepare the icing Break off some of the white Siucra Roll Out Icing and knead until it softens.

Dust your work surface with Siucra Icing Sugar.

Roll the white icing out to a thin layer and cut out the same shapes

you used for the biscuits.

Lift off the work surface carefully. Put a few tiny dots of water on the back and then stick onto your cookies.

Tear off two more pieces of Siucra Roll Out Icing and colour one piece orange for the pumpkins and the other black for the bats. To colour the icing put a small amount of colour onto the white icing and knead it in until it is well combined. (You may want to wear gloves when doing this.)

Add more colour if necessary.

To decorate Use the black and white icing to make eyeballs, mummies, spiders, spooky (or friendly) ghosts, monsters, vampires etc.

Mexican food chain Zambrero comes to Dublin Menu choices include slow-cooked meats marinated with spices and natural herbs; the freshest of accompaniments, from crisp cos lettuce to fiery

“I first came across Zambrero while playing rugby

jalapenos; six speciality sauces exclusive to Zam-

in Australia and was instantly intrigued by the

brero; and a range of sides.

unique values and fresh outlook of the business.

“Two years later, I’m pleased to say this season marks an exciting time for Zambrero in Ireland.

“The opening of our fourth and fifth stores in the heart of the capital is testament to the huge demand for our offering and the uniqueness it brings to Ireland’s food scene.

“I am excited for what the next 12 months has in store and look forward to customers experiencing our food and brand-new coffee offering.”

The chain offers classic Mexican favourites, as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

You’re in luck as Subway stores are adding a delicious new product to their menu that will bring the authentic taste of NYC to Ireland introducing the Big NYC Melt Sub, available nationwide for a limited time only.

The Big NYC Melt comes loaded with delicious pastrami and is lightly toasted, smothered in melted cheese and topped with tomato, pickle and classic American mustard.

Sound good? Don’t wait around to get your hands on this delicious Sub as it will only be available in stores until November 14.

In the words of Frank Sinatra, start spreading the news…

Zambrero Beacon South Quarter is operated by franchisees Cameron and Marina Matthews.

Speaking at the restaurant opening, Cameron said: “Marina and I have been seeking a career change for some time now.

“The Zambrero franchise opportunity instantly appealed to us due to the company’s pace of growth internationally and its brand values.

“We are really thrilled to be opening Ireland’s fourth Zambrero in Sandyford today and look forward to playing our part in Zambrero’s future success.”

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

SPORT

FastSport NAC AND UCD SWIMMERS IN IRISH SQUAD: NAC’S Conor Ferguson, Brendan Hyland and Alex Murphy and UCD’S Darragh Greene were all included in the Irish swimming team for the LEN European Short Course (25m) Swimming Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark from December 13 to 17.

Ferguson comes into the team off the back of a fine weekend at the Amsterdam Swim Cup where he won 50m and 100m Backstroke golds, breaking his own 100m senior Irish record in the process.

The team includes 2017 World Championship team members Nicholas Quinn, Jordan Sloan, Hyland, Mona McSharry and Ferguson lead the team.

The 50m breaststroke bronze medalist at the 2015 event, Murphy, is joined by Irish record holders Danielle Hill and Conor Brines and 2017 World University Games swimmer Greene and Calum Bain completing the 10-strong team.

CYCLING: IRISH TEAM FINISH SECOND IN MADISON EVENT ON BERLIN TRACK

Euro silver medalist Boylan ‘in disbelief’ at track glory

 sport@dublingazette.com

RINGSEND’S Lydia Boylan and team mate Lydia Gurley won silver at the 2017 UEC Track Elite European Championships in Berlin last Sunday as the powerful pair stormed into the Madison medals after lapping the field twice.

Gold went to Great Britain’s Elinor Barker and Eleanor Dickinson, with the bronze medal going to Dutch multiple World and European Champion Kirsten Wild with her partner Amy Pieters.

Speaking after the race Boylan and Gurley were in disbelief – “It hasn’t quite sunk in,” said Boylan: “It’s my fourth elite Europeans. I train really hard every year, and finally it all came together. We have the legs, we have the power, and we are gaining in experience all the time. To get a medal is unbelievable really.”

Gurley highlighted the strength of the Irish pairing – “I’m really proud of what we achieved today. It was an awesome team effort. We work really well together.

“I’m still in disbelief – it means so much to us – and

Lydia Boylan and Lydia Gurley with their silver medals

that it’s a team medal as well.

It means so much more than an individual medal. We always work really hard and it’s worth it – we push each other in training to get better.

You give 100% because you know the other one is giving 100% too.”

The Madison has recently been added to the Olympic programme, and this year

was the first year for it to be included in the women’s track programme.

The Irish team are coached by former Madison World Champion David Muntaner, and have been honing their skills and technique in their track base in Majorca.

Boylan and Gurley eased themselves into the 30km race, remaining calm and

composed in the early stages.

“It took us a while to settle into it,” said Boylan, “We haven’t raced since the worlds so we didn’t have any expectations.

“We didn’t panic, and after 20 laps got to the front of the group – we were watching moves, and watching David.

Then we got into the group that got a lap, and then we

took another one. We were up there and racing – we were in the race, not just chasing like we were doing at the Worlds last year.”

The Irish women were leading coming into the last sprint which had double points on offer.

Gurley said: “The last sprint was just so fast – there wasn’t a lot we could do. But if you told me this morning that we would get silver, I wouldn’t have believed you!! Ultimately, we are two strong riders, and that’s good.

“Technically we can get better, and we have three more races coming up in the next few weeks, and racing is the best training you can do.”

With two World Cups coming up in the next three weeks, this bodes well for the silver medal winning duo.

“We are proving to ourselves we are strong enough to compete. Today, we got a European medal; if we are capable of a medal here, we are capable of one on the world stage, this is going to give us a boost going into the World Cups” said Boylan, who finished eighth in the Omnium a day earlier.

Tarnogrodzki hails UCD showing despite Molde loss  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD Under-19 manager Maciej Tarnogrodzki

UCD Under-19 manager Maciej Tarnogrodzki praised his side following their 5-4 penalty shootout defeat in the UEFA Youth League against Molde FK. The students went into the game with a 2-1 lead from the home leg but the Norwegian side pegged UCD back with goals from Sivert Gussias and Leo Oestigaard.

Jack Ryan’s 51st-minute strike levelled the tie on aggregate to force extra-time and after a goalless 30 minutes, the game

was decided on penalties. Luke Boore’s penalty was saved by Molde keeper Jonatan Byttingsvik to send the Norwegians through to the second round of the domestic champions path of the UEFA Youth League.

Despite the narrow penalty shoot-out defeat, Tarnogrodzki was full of praise for his side who are only the second side from Ireland to play in the UEFA Youth League.

The UCD U19 manager said: “To lose on penalties is always going to be difficult for us to take.

We didn’t play particularly well

in the first-half but in the secondhalf, we came back strong.

“We were the better team throughout the second-half and we kept the ball really well.

Molde struggled with our play and I think we did really well to get them to penalties.

“It is always unlucky to lose that way and not progress in the competition.

“I think the players should be really proud of their achievement tonight as this is a great level for them to be competing at.

“Molde are a fully professional side and their players

train throughout the week, and we’ve more than matched them tonight.

“They’ve got seven international players playing for Norway and we’ve only got one international but the players rose to the level and to only lose on penalties, that is a great sign for us.”

The students gained a place in the UEFA Youth League through the domestic champions path after they won the SSE Airtricity Under-19 league title last season.

Tarnogrodzki believes the UEFA Youth League experience will benefit the players in the future.

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Teenagers McLoughlin and Torrans shine in Irish debut  STEPHEN FINDLATER

DUBLIN teenagers Sarah Torrans, pictured above, and Hannah McLoughlin both showed up well in their Ireland senior international hockey debuts last Sunday at Stormont as they played their part in a 1-1 draw with Scotland.

It was Ireland’s first international tie on home soil of 2017 with coach Graham Shaw using a much-changed side from the one that played in the summer, earning World Cup qualification and retained their top tier European status.

Torrans came through the Corinthian club’s youth system before moving to Loreto in Beaufort. McLoughlin is another who moved to Loreto having previously played for Avoca.

They were ten changes from the side that played in August’s Europeans. Given all the changes, the coach was content with the performance for a side with an average age of 21.

“We’ve got to look at the World Cup but we also have to look even further, beyond that to Tokyo in 2020,” Shaw said afterwards. “We have to make sure we have a squad full of different generations.

We need to give the younger players, give them the opportunity and see if we can make a really competitive squad.”

As for the debutantes specifically, he added: “Hannah showed a lot of composure. She has a good physical presence and is calm on the ball.

She needs to play a bit more but I was happy with how she went.

“Sarah was a real constant threat up there.

When you have that speed, it’s really exciting to see her use it. We feel her skill-set and the physicality she has is so suited to international hockey.”

Indeed, for Torrans, it has been a particularly steep rise through the ranks, playing for the Irish Under-18s and 21s this summer, even more remarkable given that she spent the guts of nine months out with a cruciate knee injury.

“She was someone we were targeting at the time,” Shaw said of the injury, one which he was in attendance at the time. “We were pretty excited when she was coming through. When she picked up the injury, it was obviously disappointing but to come back like that and show the level to play Under-18, 21 and make her debut at senior is a testament to her.”

Sky is the limit for Keane in Paralympic promotion After school days marked by self-consciousness, Clontarf woman Ellen Keane says it took until college days to finally grow confidence in herself despite her swimming exploits  DARRAGH O’CONCHUIR sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH Paralympic swimming sensation Ellen Keane is on a mission to remove any lingering stigma surrounding physical impairment, after admitting that she felt like a freak because of her undeveloped left arm until her late teens.

Now 22, the Paralympic bronze medallist from Rio 2016 was still wearing long sleeves during her Leaving Cert year even though she had competed at the Beijing and London Games by that point.

It was only when she went to DIT, where she is studying culinary entrepreneurship, that Keane finally felt confident enough outside the pool

to be herself.

“When I was growing up, I became so selfconscious about my arm and the only place where I was myself was when I was swimming” said Keane.

“So Paralympic sport has been my life and is where I found confidence in my body.

“When I was growing up, people in wheelchairs were in the media. People knew blind and deaf people. But when you see a kid walking around with one arm people get scared and stare. And that causes the kid to doubt themselves and be scared themselves.

“The more people like myself are out there, the more it can be seen as a norm and the more

confidence that young, disabled person is going to have in themselves, that they’re not a freak.

Because that’s what I felt about myself.”

Keane was speaking at Sky Ireland’s headquarters after she was announced among a list of ten sportspeople recruited to the Sky Sports Scholarship Programme.

The Clontarf native is enthused by having a greater platform from which to raise the profile of Paralympic sport and increased funding as she looks to the European Championships in Dublin next year and the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.

Meanwhile, the threeyear programme will also

provide invaluable mentoring and work experience opportunities.

“When I was applying for it I was thinking ‘This is Sky Sports, this is so cool.’

“Being a Paraly mpic athlete, it was about growing the sport, making people realise that it is an elite sport. It’s not the Special Olympics. That’s what they always confuse it with. It’s on a par with the Olympics.

“Having that extra bit of money means I’ll be able to get the extra bit of stuff that everybody else has but I couldn’t afford, even with the funding I get from Sport Ireland, which is greatly valued.

“When I get ner vous, I get so cold so getting some heated jackets

Irish Paralympic swimmer, Ellen Keane, is amongst ten sportspeople across a range of sports that have been recruited to the Sky Sports Scholarship Programme. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

would be worth investing in. And then sometimes my temperature gets very high post-race so some ice jackets would help recover better.

“Then there are recovery boots for compression. You put them on and fill them with air.

That’s worth looking at.

Because I have one arm, I’m leg-dominated when I swim so that would be a big help.

“The work experience is important too, with my post-swimming career in mind.”

The familiarity of the National Aquatic Centre, where she trains under the eagle of eye of Para Swimming legend Dave Malone, will be beneficial when the European Championships come to town.

There will be increased expectation, particularly given her medal-winning efforts at the Paralympics and World Championships, but Keane is not shying away from THAT. “You have the choice.

You can either worry about what could happen or you can be excited about what could happen.

“In the past I probably worried a lot more about things going wrong instead of being excited about what could happen.

“So I’m changing my thought process. It’s about embracing it and the more I embrace it the more the country is going to embrace it.”

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

BOXING: STEPHEN ORMOND FRUSTRATED BY ERRANT JUDGING

Harriers take on tricky Longwood Village races SEVEN Lucan Harriers made their way to take part in the eighth annual Longwood Village 5k and 10k races that took place last Sunday.

It was a lovely morning and a nice run along rural roads with a number of hills and bridges over canals and rivers First home in the 5k race for Lucan was Fiona Hegarty who finished in 27.51 and was third in her age category. Next in was Jim Dwyer, pictured, who finished first in his age category in a time of 31.24. Winifred Ryan crossed the finish line in 32.44.

In the 10k race, Lorraine Heffernan led the Lucan Harriers athletes home finishing in a time of 47.06. She was followed by Anne McGrane in 1.01.48, Anita Hughes in 1.03.41 and Bernie Doyle in 1.03.51.

Glenanne’s run comes to an end GLENANNE’S perfect record in the men’s EY Hockey League came to an end despite leading 2-0 and 3-1 before succumbing to a 3-3 draw against Pembroke.

The Glens – with three wins from three under their belt going into the tie – started

perfectly with Eddie O’Malley netting twice in the first 15 minutes.

Jack Ryan pulled one back before half-time but Richard Couse’s second goal in a week put Glenanne 3-1 clear early in the second half.

Cian Murphy gave Pembroke a lifeline just before the thirdquarter break and Kirk Shimmins made the game level with 11 minutes to go.

Stephen Ormond made his Sky Sports debut last weekend in Belfast

Split decision defies Rock sport@dublingazette.com

STEPHEN “The Rock” Ormond found himself on the wrong end of a controversial split decision at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast last weekend as Paul Hyland Junior’s arm was raised.

It was a sickening defeat for the Clondalkin man who is no stranger to rough decisions having previously been widely viewed as being robbed of a decision in Liverpool in 2013 against Derry Matthews.

The Hyland bout was the main support bout on the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov world title undercard.

Hyland’s IBF East/West Europe lightweight belt was on the line with the Sky Sports cameras in the house for the contest.

The home favourite was busier early on while Ormond landed heavier blows with his left hook the key shot.

It quickly became a war with Ormond working the body in the second round before Hyland settled in the third and dropped the Dubliner with a counter right.

The Dubliner recovered well, throwing regularly in the fourth and fifth rounds and seemed to shade the first part of the sixth round before

Hyland replied in kind.

Ormond was warned early in the seventh round after a clash of heads but still manage to clip Hyland throughout this round and the next as the home fighter slowed, going this deep for the first time in his career.

The ninth saw the pair trade blows before Ormond got much the better of the final round, sending the fight to the judges cards.

Ormond took the fight 115-112 on one count but lost the other 114-113 and a hugely surprising 117-110 on the crucial final one.

It meant the 34-year-

old had to suffer his second successive loss on his record, going to 24 and five.

The Clondalkin man was hugely disappointed with the judging but told Irish-Boxing.com afterwards: “What I take out of tonight is: I was on Sky and I performed well on Sky. After all those years I got on Sky and I am glad I performed the way I did.

“I really enjoyed it in there. The shimmyshammy was back and I think the last time I had that was when I fought Derry Matthews. Everyone that was in the dressing room today noticed the difference

was the lack of pressure.

“I just went to enjoy it like I used to. I didn’t put any pressure on myself.

Everyone thought I was finished going into this one. I did want to prove them wrong, but there was no pressure.

“Eddie [Hearn] told me he thought I won the fight. He said it to me and Paul. Look, it’s nothing to do with Paul Hyland, he wasn’t judging and he is a good fighter, but I thought I won.

“He caught me with a good shot in fairness to him, but I got up and from there on I thought I started breaking him down.”

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: CLONDALKIN CLUB MARCH ON IN FAI JUNIOR

FASTSport

Dublin Marathon hits streets on Sunday

Booth Road Celtic are looking to follow up last season’s success

Sheppard guides Booth through

FAI JUNIOR CUP Booth Road Celtic Swords Celtic  sport@dublingazette.com

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BOOTH Road Celtic progressed to the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup after Phillip Sheppard struck in extra-time to secure a 2-1 victory for his side at the SDFL Astro in Ballyowen Park last weekend.

Booth Road and Swords Celtic have both had slow starts to their LSL campaigns but the former gave their season a big boost by dumping out a team competing several divisions above them.

The Clondalkin side are looking to go far in the competition this year after they did well to reach the final 16 last season.

Neither team managed

to find the net until Booth Road took the lead from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half.

Swords fought back well to take the game to extratime before “Sheppy” struck to send the local fans into wild celebrations.

The first half was a bit of a dull affair with the conditions affecting play, and both teams struggling to create many chances of note. Dan Whitefield had the best opportunity of the half when he found himself one on one with the Swords keeper but squandered the chance by electing to attempt a lob rather than going around him.

It looked like the second half was going to go the way of the first but Sheppard did have a half chance from distance 10

minutes after the restart.

Booth Road eventually found the net to take the lead just minutes later when Nathan O’Callaghan won a penalty. James Kelly stepped up and coolly smashed the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.

The opening strike of a game can sometimes spur a dull affair into life but that couldn’t be said about this contest as Booth Road went through the 15 minutes after the goal looking comfortable.

Swords eventually managed to get themselves back on terms, however, with a goal that Booth Road would have been extremely disappointed to concede.

Chances continued to come at a premium throughout the remain-

der of the 90 minutes and the game eventually drifted to extra-time.

Both sides battled hard during the first period of extra-time but again failed to create anything other than the odd half chance. Booth Road looked the more dangerous but were pulled back several times for offside.

The second period of extra-time looked like ending scoreless with penalties needed to separate the sides. However, Shane Merrigan and Sheppard had other ideas and combined to score a fantastic goal worthy of winning any tie.

Merrigan was the creator as he put an excellent ball into the box that Sheppard controlled exquisitely before slotting under the keeper and into the back of the net.

SUNDAY sees the 38th Airtricity Dublin Marathon take place on the streets on Dublin with over 20,000 participants from all over the world due to take place.

This year’s event will be the biggest in its history with elite athletes such as Stephen Scullion Sergiu Ciobanu, Tom Fitzpatrick, David Mansfield, Barbara Sanchez and Pauline Curley set to lace up their running shoes and represent their Dublin clubs.

Ciobanu is the current Irish National Marathon champion and was the first Irishman to cross the line in last year’s race.

Live coverage of the event will be broadcast on the Dublin Marathon YouTube page from 8am until 5pm with the likes of sports journalists Ian O’Riordan, long distance legend Catherina McKiernan and Feidhlim Kelly providing commentary.

“The SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon is now the largest Marathon in Ireland and the fifth largest in Europe so we are very excited to be streaming our event this weekend,” race director Jim Aughney said.

“We have collaborated with the Big Red Box on a number of occasions and they have shown a real commitment to capturing the essence of the event and bringing the atmosphere to life through their content.

“It is great to have 20,000 people take part in our Marathon so being able to show it off to a worldwide audience is a real bonus for our team and Dublin itself.”

Emily Duffy from Celbridge is the cause of this year’s race having been diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer in November of last year when she was just three years of age.

Leixlip duo part of Republic U-16 Victory Shield panel LEIXLIP United’s Harry Halwax and Josh Guirigi are both part of the Republic of Ireland panel that are taking part this week in the 72nd edition of the Victory Shield currently taking place in Wales.

The Republic Under-16 side won their opening game thanks to a

second-half goal from Troy Parrott.

Parrott’s penalty in the 44th-minute was the only goal of an entertaining encounter in the Bangor Fuels Arena. Striker Armstrong Okoflex was fouled in the box before Belvedere’s Parrott scored the winner.

Speaking after the game, manager Paul Osam was delighted to start off with the win. “Our focus was to get a good start today and a positive result.

We got that.”

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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017

SPORT

CAMOGIE: RATHCOOLE CLUB END 20-YEAR WAIT FOR SENIOR TITLE

FASTGAA

Commercial success DIVISION 7B FINAL Commercials 1-7 Erin’s Isle 2-1  sport@dublingazette.com

Ward’s quality provides Davis dramatic victory TOMAS DAVIS won a tight, low-scoring 0-10 to 1-6 contest against Na Fianna to lift the Dublin intermediate hurling championship in horrendous conditions at Parnell Park last Friday night.

In the scrappy early stages, both sides battled for control of the sliotar in battering rain with Na Fianna making the first major incision. Niall Madden decided to go alone and lashing into the net.

Points from John O’Riordan and David Byrne reduced the deficit to 0-2 to 1-0 but some tit for tat scores made it 1-3 to 0-5 at the break.

Andy Flaherty extended the lead from a free in a physical start to the second half but a reduceddistance free – following some jostling – and a Byrne point levelled the tie once more.

Byrne then gave Davis the lead for the first time on 50 minutes and Kevin Ward added another to keep their noses just in front. Jesson’s angled score tied the game yet again but the Tallaght side won it with a moment of real quality.

Grabbing the sliotar in midfield, Ward slammed over the bar from 50 yards to hand his side the title.

COMMERICALS landed their first championship title in over 20 years, bouncing back from last year’s final defeat to Ballinteer St John’s, as they won the We Are Dublin Senior 7B championship.

They were made fight every inch of the way by a brave Erin’s Isle at Abbottstown’s synthetic surface, eventually prevailing by three points.

Indeed, they can also give a big vote of thanks to their keeper Niamh Dungan, receiving her player of the match award from Board Treasurer Mona O’Sullivan, who was rock solid, making a crucial 42nd minute save from a point-blank shot.

Commercials were first on the scoreboard when Roisin Doyle fired a rocket from over 30m to the net in the 11th

minute. Both defences were on top and scores we r e h a r d t o c o m e by. Commercials were enjoying the better of the exchanges but struck six wides before the break.

E r i n ’s I s l e f o u g h t back with Kirsty Conner involved in many of the plays. From a long Conner delivery, Cathy Connaghan managed to get a flick on the ball to steer it into the net and the Finglas crew were back in the game.

A minute later, Comm e r c i a l s we r e b a c k in front when Sophie Strumble pointed from cl o s e r a n g e . N o e l l e Comyn then found her range with a pointed free.

Chloe Lambert went very close to goaling for Isle’s in the 31st minute only to see her effort go narrowly wide. Moments later, Conner battled through to have a blast at goal with Dungan saving superbly but Cathy Connaghan was on hand to put her name on

a second goal; Isles were 2-0 to 1-2 in front at the break.

Within two minutes of the restart, the pacey Angelique Kilgannon levelled the game for Commercials. It was the signal for a fine period for Commericals as two points from Comyn, the second from play, put

them 1-5 to 2-0 in front.

Donna McAllister was enjoying some good possession and, from a free in the 37th minute, she brought the game to parity once more. However, it was to prove Isles only score of the half.

In fact, the next score didn’t come for another 27 minutes as the sides

battled with great intent.

Sarah Ryan, Joni Shattock, Ruby Tracy, Caoilf hionn Ni Dhulaing defended stoutly for Commercials as Isles through everything at them.

With time almost up Noelle Comyn hit the insurance points for a famous win.

Commercials celebrate their Senior 7B success

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

SUBMISSIONS for the Boden News Annual 2017 are being sought; members can send in their pieces to the following email address - bodennews2017@gmail.com.

Pictures (high resolution only) and text should be sent together via WeTransfer for convenience with the subject clearly identified.

Congratulations to our senior hurlers who overcame St Brigid’s in the league final with a scoreline of 0-23 to 1-12. Well done to all involved.

Hard luck to our U-15A and Bs, losing out to Castleknock in the A championship 3-9 to 1-17 and to our Bs who were narrowly pipped

by Fingal Gaels 3-7 to 3-10.

Congratulations to our U-21 footballers as they both progressed in the championship.

The As produced a spirited comeback to beat a talented Ballymun side while in Edenmore, the Bs proved too strong for Monica’s.

Our U-16A ladies were crowned Division 1 championship winners as they overcame neighbours Thomas Davis 6-7 to 3-7. Well done to all the team and management.

The Boden Theatre Group are busy rehearsing their new play “The Shaughraun”. The play runs for four nights from Wednesday, November 22 to Saturday, November 25 at 8pm in the club hall. Make sure to book your tickets early by calling Ger: 086 8516387 or Carol: 086 4070015.

GARDA/ WESTMANSTOWN

GREAT end of season week for both the ladies and men’s teams with two cups won last weekend.

The ladies won their cup final at Westmanstown on Sunday afternoon against St Peregrine’s by one point in a hard fought encounter on a score line of 3-7 to 1-12.

The Tom Langan Memorial Cup Police Tournament was played

in Belfast over the weekend with victories over NYPD and PSNI in the final on Saturday. Well done to all involved in both victories.

The minor ladies also contributed to a great weekend winning their shield competition in great style. The U-14 hurlers won away at St Anne’s by 4-9 to 3-8 and the U-12 hurlers won away at Clontarf by 4-3 to 1-2.

Two important dates coming up are the club AGM on Monday, November 20 – with motions and nominations to the secretary before October 30 – and the club’s gala dinner and awards night on Friday, December 1.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

FOLLOWING the fortunes of Lucan Sarsfields teams this past weekend has been like riding a rollercoaster. We’ve had amazing highs, sickening lows but we have so much more yet to come.

The senior hurlers suffered a three-point loss in the championship semi-final against

Kilmacud Crokes. There were losses also for the senior and U-21 footballers.

The U-15 ladies footballers claimed the Division 1 championship, the U-15 hurlers won their shield.

The minor hurlers beat Kilmacud in the championship, giving them a place in the final v Na Fianna.

The minor ladies football championship final was postponed. Refix details not available yet.

Over the weekend, Lucan hosted the ladies football Division 1 championship finals.

In the shield, Lucan lost out to Kilmacud while Foxrock Cabinteely played Clontarf in the championship final.

Thanks to the volunteers who helped ensure our hosting was so successful.

Live music continues in the bar on Saturday night.

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

Careers morning was on

Saturday last. The event was well attended and people were treated to insights to a variety of career choices, some intentional some accidental. Thanks to all the contributors.

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.

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

The ‘Cupla Focal’ club is on Monday from 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 from 7.308.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm.

Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on Saturday, 9.30am for girls and 10am for boys (5+).

Last week, there was no winner of the €12,600 lotto where the

numbers were 7, 8, 12 and 15. This week’s €13,000 lotto draw will be managed by Diarmuid Dawson and is sponsored by Finnstown Pharmacy. 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-15 hurlers who were defeated by Whitehall Colmcille in their county championship final.

Our senior hurlers rounded off their league campaign with a win against Scoil Ui Chonaill and now await result elsewhere to determine if they are league winners or are in the play-offs.

Our junior hurlers were defeated by St Jude’s. Other games over the weekend fell victim to the weather.

New club hats available to order for €14. Please contact Betty on 087 6752238.

26 October 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: KILMACUD END LUCAN’S SHC RUN IN SEMIS

Sars stung

by O’Carroll final strike DUBLIN SHC SEMIS

Kilmacud Crokes 1-13 Lucan Sarsfields 0-13  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields were desperately unlucky to lose out in a dramatic Dublin senior hurling championship semi final at Parnell Park on Sunday, as Kilmacud Crokes edged out the 12th Lock side in a thrilling endgame.

This was the classic smash and grab for Crokes, with Sarsfields having led by a single point going into the final minute, only for the Stillorgan club to step up when it mattered.

In a tactical contest, Sars started defensively which appeared to play into Crokes’ hands.

The usual suspects were doing the damage with

Ross O’Carroll dominating the centre, while Oisin O’Rorke was sharklike in building a 0-4 to 0-1 lead.

Chris Crummey was always going to be key for Sars, and he began to edge Lucan back into the game, only for three late points seeing Crokes into a deserved 0-9 to 0-5 lead, achieved with the wind.

For most of the second half, however, Lucan were in charge.

Tentatively at first, Sarsfields began to dominate the Crokes puck-out, swamping midfield and dragging themselves back into the contest.

In fact, 20 minutes into the second half, their slow accumulation of points had been matched by precisely nothing at the other end, with six points in a row giving Lucan a two-point lead, 0-11 to 0-9 with 10 minutes.

HURLING LEAGUE FINAL

Boden end AHL1 season on a high Lucan Sarsfields’ Peter Kelly prepares to battle for a high ball against Kilmacud Crokes last weekend

The concession of two poor frees by Sarsfields brought things back level, and the pair exchanged points over the nail-biting following minutes, leaving Sarsfields that single point up in the closing stages, and looking to hold out.

For all Johnny McCaffrey and Cr ummey’s fantastic efforts, they couldn’t quite do it.

It was O’Carroll - the villain after the football semi-final, in which he got an early red for a daft

sliding challenge - who hit the crucial winner.

His goal came from a massive stroke of luck that saw O’Carroll react first to hammer home after the sliotar has come back from high on the Sarsfields post.

The final tally of 1-13 to 0-13 was harsh on a Sarsfields side that had outdone themselves in the second half, a performance that would have left few complaining had they won, but it wasn’t to be.

AFTER the disappointment of a quarter-final end to their Dublin senior hurling championship runs at the quarter-final stage, Ballyboden St Enda’s and St Brigid’s were both seeking a positive end to their 2017 campaigns.

The former prevailed 0-23 to 1-12 at O’Toole Park to land the AHL Division 1 crown last Sunday. Quickest from the traps were the Boden men and, within a minute, Conal Keaney had pointed from out the wing to set the tone.

Brigid’s Paul Winters levelled from a free but Boden were to run up a first half lead of 0-12 to 0-4 with James Madden landing a point while Keaney and Paul Ryan – with his first of ten scores – stretched out a lead they never looked like relinquishing.

Four Ryan frees, countering scores from John O’Loughlin, put Boden well clear. The second half lacked the fluency of the first thirty, Brigid’s now abandoning their earlier strategy of using county man Darragh Plunkett as a sweeper.

Opportunities did come Boden’s way and Conor Robinson and Niall McMorrow looked sharp and bagged a brace each.

David Curtin added to the tally, after good graft by Conor Dooley. Dooley was also feeding Niall Ryan and he shot two quick-fire points. Brigid’s kept battling and were rewarded with points from Johnny McGuirk, O’Loughlin, and Cian O’Sullivan, but they had to wait until the second minute of injury time for the goal they craved, Murphy the provider.

Paul Ryan continued his scoring, maintaining a hundred percent record from frees with arguably the score of the day, an eighty yard arrow that faded in off a strengthening crosswind, completing a 0-23 to 1-12 win.

Picture: Eamon O’Sullivan

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

Line dancing continues every Thursday in newcomers are welcome to participate.

The beginners class takes place at 7.30pm and runs to 8.15pm. Improvers class runs 8pm to 9pm; €5 per class. Contact Linda at 086 8306740 for further information.

All are very welcome to join in the fun.

Bingo continues every Tuesday with first call at 8.30pm.

This week’s jackpot is €1,000 for a full house if checked within 46 numbers.

Otherwise, €20 for a full house.

All in €2 to buy in with game usually being €90 to €150. All welcome.

Round Tower lotto (October 17): Jackpot €3,000.

Numbers drawn were 24, 26, 28 and 29; bonus ball 25. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner.

Three €100 winners: Pat

Byrne, Mark Kelly, Alan G Verso. Thank you to all who support our weekly lotto draw.

Play online for as little as €2 per week.

ST MARY’S

THE U-21s match against Skerries Harps was called off due to weather and pitch conditions as were the girls U-13 and U-18 shield finals.

Hard luck to our girls U-15 team in losing their shield final against Na Fianna in extra time.

The minors play championship semi-final against Fingal Ravens in Saggart on Sunday with a 12pm throw in.

The executive committee has closed Saggart pitch for all training until further notice.

Congratulations to neighbours Commercials on winning their junior league

title and the Dublin camogie championship final.

Our thanks to everyone who attended our race night and to all those who placed ads, sponsored races and bought horses.

A special thanks to David Byrne and Spectrum Print on all their work on the Race programme.

Don’t forget our 80s Night/Halloween Fancy Dress party is taking place in the club lounge on Bank Holiday Sunday.

Come on down for a night of nostalgia, fun and games, super 80s music with our guest DJ and prizes for best costumes.

Club AGM will take place on Thursday, November 30.

With our club growing so quickly, we need more active members involved in the running of the club. If you feel you have something to offer, please allow your name to go forward.

Nominations and motions

must be submitted in writing to club Secretary by Thursday, November 23 or to secretary.stmarys.dublin@ gaa.ie or naomhmhuireclg@ eircom.net There is a new range of club gear in the shop for Christmas.

Photos and details are posted on Facebook and club website.

All orders must be in by Sunday, November 12 to Eileen Coyne during shop hours or 086 1684766.

The club would like to extend its sympathies to the Quinn family, Brittas on their recent bereavement.

Lotto numbers drawn this week were 4, 18, 22 and 28.

There was no winner so next week’s jackpot remains capped at €8,000 with a €400 roll-over.

There were two Match 3 winners of €50 each: Glen Walker, C/O Jacobs, and Sean Kelly, The Lugg, Saggart.

Next week’s match 3 will be worth €100 win/share.

There is a new App available to play the club’s lotto directly from your phone.

Look for MCF in the Apple Store or MyClubFinances in the Google Store and download it.

We will also be able to send Club Notices using the App. Links to videos on how to use the apps are on our Facebook page.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN

QUIETER week on the pitches as the younger juvenile teams start to wind down in their matches.

End of an era for some of our Minor hurlers on Sunday as they played their last minor hurling game for the club.

Thanks to all the mentors that have brought them up from the academy to minor

level and best of luck to the lads as they move on to adult level next year.

Great bunch of lads and mentors and have always done the club proud, well done and good luck to all.

The minor camogie side have had their amalgamation agreed for the 2017 championship with Round Towers at the Camogie Board meeting; they await the start date of their campaign.

The minor footballers play their shield semi final on October 29.

St Patrick’s Palmerstown GAA is running an advanced training course on Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31 aimed at 12 to 16-year-old boys and girls.

Courses will be presented

by Dublin intercounty players, including Ciaran Kilkenny. Cost €25 for the two days.

Places are limited. This

is for the senior tier of the juveniles section, age 12 + who don’t attend summer or Easter camps.

Booking through the Facebook page or website.

The date for St Patrick’s GAA Club AGM will take place on November 15 at 8pm.

Our annual mass for decreased members of St Patricks GAA club takes place on Sunday, November 12 at 10.30am inthe Assembly Hall at St Lorcans BNS. All welcome to come along.

Lotto numbers for this week were 15, 18, 22 and 30.

There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €5,200.

Thanks to all our sellers for your continued support and to all our lotto teams.

Tickets are available from SuperValu Palmerstown, Palmerstown House, Manor Hair Studios, Chapelizod post office and Mullingar House.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 26 October 2017