Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 3-9, 2019

YEARINREVIEW: The highs, the lows, and everything in between – we look back on some of the top stories from 2018 FROM PAGE 4

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

Happy New Year!

Megan laid to rest

A YOUNG local teenager who died in a tragic accident before Christmas has been laid to rest.

SEE PAGE 2

SPORT

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: We look back on an incredible year on the local, national and international stage for Dublin’s sport stars SEE P27-31

travel

EXPLORE SOME NEW HORIZONS IN THIS NEW YEAR SEE P18

FIREWORKS WOW The year started with quite a bang in the city centre – and whatever 2019 holds in store, you’ll find it all covered right here in your very own Dublin Gazette! So keep reading, and Happy New Year to everyone!

Callous disregard for special needs pupils PADRAIG CONLON

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

LOCAL drug dealers are now brazenly operating beside a special needs school in Clondalkin.

This is according to local councillor Francis Timmons who has appealed to the gardai and Minister For Justice to take immediate action.

Last month Scoil Mochua, a school for severely physically disabled children in Clondalkin, moved to introduce increased security for their students and staff following some extremely concerning events.

Cllr Timmons told Dublin Gazette local residents are growing ever more fearful.

“With the great work on clearing St Cuthbert’s Park of overgrown trees and the addition of CCTV, drug-dealing activity has now moved onto vacant land beside Scoil Mochua and at and around the Cherrywood Crescent entrance of Corkagh Park and the area in general.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Gardai appeal for witnesses to assault GARDAI are continuing to appeal for witnesses to a serious assault in Lucan that occurred on Friday, December 28.

Kean Doherty from Cherry Orchard in Ballyfermot was found in Ballyowen Lane with serious head injuries and rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

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APPEAL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM MINISTER

‘We now have open drug dealing where children are playing’ FROM PAGE 1

“We now have open drug dealing in an area where young children are playing and residents are feeling very intimidated by this unwanted behaviour.

“Young children are witnessing and seeing this drug dealing “The notable increase in illegal activity in and around Cherrywood Crescent entrance of Corkagh Park is alarming and of huge concern in the area that has many young families.

“I am appealing to the Guards to deal with this issue and for the Minister to ensure they have the adequate resources to deal with ongoing drug issues in the area, doing nothing is not an option the risks are too high to do nothing.’’

In response to enquiry an about the drug dealing activity beside Scoil Mochua a Garda spokesper-

son told Dublin Gazette: “Targeting the sale and supply of illegal drugs is a priority for An Garda Síochána.

“

The notable increase in illegal activity is alarming and of huge concern in the area “Every district in Dublin city has a local drug unit that tackles the sale and distribution of controlled drugs at a local level.

“Many areas of Dublin City have a problem regarding the sale, possession and use of controlled drugs.

“Crack Cocaine does feature

prominently in detections as does Diamporphine, Cannabis and prescription type Drugs.

“Gardaí have a number of operations in progress to combat and disrupt the Sale and Supply of controlled drugs in the area.

“These operations cannot be published for operational reasons but we are committed to reducing the levels which can also be construed as a health issue.

“AGS meet local representatives and work closely with DCC and social services to meet regularly and address these issues.

“Gardaí will continue to address this issue with all stakeholders in the area.

“Also, if anyone has any information that could help Gardaí in combating drug dealers please ring the Garda Confidential Line Freephone on 1800 666111 or ring GNDOCB on +353 1 6669900.”

Sports scholarship for Clondalkin’s Erin RONAN Keaskin, ITB Sports development officer, is pictured presenting Erin Mc Bride from Clondalkin, who is studying Sports Management and Coaching with a scholarship for her high performance in Taekwon-do.

Erin represented Ireland in European Championships in Slovenia in 2018 and got first place in the Leinster Open 2018 and third place all round best female in the Dutch Open in Holland 2018.

Picture: Andres Poveda

FASTNews Tragic local teen Megan laid to rest A YOUNG local teenager who died in a tragic accident before Christmas has been laid to rest.

Eighteen year old Megan O’Connor from Glenshane, Tallaght, passed away on Sunday, December 23, after she severed an artery in her groin after falling on a Megan O’Connor died glass bottle she was car- after a freak accident. rying in her waistband. Picture: RIP.ie Hundreds of mourners gathered for her funeral mass on Wednesday (2nd) in the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Jobstown before burial at Bohernabreena Cemetery.

Megan had been out with friends in the Dublin 12 area when the accident occured.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene where they found Meghan bleeding heavily from her wounds.

The 18-year-old was rushed to St James’ Hospital from Sundrive Road in Dublin but sadly passed away a short time later.

Over €1.35m for local main roads OVER €1.35m is being made available to get local main roads in the South Dublin County Council area in order.

This is according to Dublin South West Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone who says the money from Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be used for maintenance, lighting and paving of primary and secondary roads in local communities.

Minister Zappone said: “A good road network with safe pavements is essential not for only for business but also to allow people in our communities go about their daily business.

“Many of our roads still have scars from the harsh weather of last winter and will be further damaged by recent heavy rains.

“Therefore this investment is timely and should be put to good use.

“It is important this funding is made available to the

Council as soon as possible so that the work of the crews who keep our roads maintained and safe can be supported.

“It is my hope that we will see these improvements early in the New Year.

Men’s Shed reopens LUCAN Men’s Shed reopens after the Christmas break at 10.30am on Monday, January 7th.

Their next general meeting will be on Monday 14th January from 6.30 to 7.50pm in Lucan Library.

Everybody will get a chance to voice their opinions and/or bring forward suggestions plus attendees will receive an update on the shed’s fit-out & upgrade. All are welcome.

Lucan Men’s Shed say they are striving to build an effective community group, providing muchneeded facilities for their members and assisting and cooperating with other community groups.

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CRIME: MAN FOUND WITH HEAD INJURIES

FAMILIES

Gardai appeal for witnesses who may have seen assault

Clondalkin delivers a baby girl for 2019

PADRAIG CONLON

Assault victim Kean Doherty

GARDAI are continuing to appeal for witnesses to a serious assault in Lucan that occurred on Friday, December 28.

Kean Doherty from Cherry Orchard in Ballyfermot was found in Ballyowen Lane with serious head injuries and rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

An Incident Room has been established at Lucan Garda Station to investigate the assault on the 20-year-old.

A Garda spokesperson said: “We wish to appeal for witnesses or anyone with any information, particularly to anyone who was in the vicinity of Ballyowen Lane or Ballyowen Shopping Centre between 11pm and midnight on December 28, to contact us at Lucan Garda Station, 01 666 7300; the Garda Confidential Line, on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

“We also wish to appeal to any persons who have dash-cams and who may have been in that area between those times to contact us.”

Leinster players help tackle Christmas cheer at hospital

LEINSTER players brought the Champions and Pro14 cups on a special visit to the children in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC), bringing some extra-special Christmas cheer to the wards’ young sports fans. Little Ruby Flynn and staff nurse Jenny Murphy were among some of the delighted fans to meet the Leinster players, with their visit helping to lift spirits at the busy hospital. Some 11,000 children were expected to have visited OLCHC during December, including several from across West Dublin. Picture: Mark Stedman

THE first baby born in Dublin in 2019 was a little girl from Clondalkin.

Amelia O’Brien was born in The Coombe at four seconds past midnight on January 1 to proud parents Leanne Farrell and Alan O’Brien.

Weighing in at 3.175kg (7lbs), Amelia is the Clondalkin couple’s first daughter and third child after older brothers Alfie and Charlie.

Little Amelia was the second baby born in the country on New Year’s Day after a girl was born one second before her at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, in Drogheda.

It was a very busy start to the year at The Coombe with three babies born before 12.30am.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2018’S TOP STORIES

Remembering 2018 – Tallaght’s Evelyn wowed the judges on Ireland’s Got Talent, Beast from the East bit and tragic murder of Anastasia Kriegel January MINDLESS VANDALISM AS PITCHES WRECKED

JOYRIDERS on scramblers and quad bikes wreaked havoc on sports pitches across West Dublin.

The latest case of damage occurred just after Christmas Day in Ballymount Park on Kingswood Castle FC’s pitch.

The club said in a statement on their Facebook page, which included pictures of tyre marks running across the pitch: “Just when we were all having a great Christmas, looking forward to the New Year and second half of the season we get a call to say that someone had done this to our pitch.

“How can anyone be stupid enough to do this?”

RECORD NUMBERS OF PATIENTS ON TROLLIES

TALLAGHT Hospital had to move adult patients to a children’s ward to cope with increased demand due to the Australian flu outbreak.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) reported record numbers of patients waiting on trolleys across the country – peaking at 677 on Wednesday, January 3.

Ac c o rd i n g t o t h e INMO’s Trolley Watch, 122 patients were waiting on trolleys in Tallaght Hospital between Monday and Friday.

KINGS HOSPITAL LADS WIN YOUNG SCIENTIST

STAFF and pupils at the Kings Hospital school in Palmerstown were celebrating after two students tasted success at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Dylan Bagnall and Richard Beattie came first in the Intermediate section of the Biological and Ecological category.

Their project, Identifying bats from the roost using an inexpensive raspberry pi detector and PCR, also won the Irish Research Council award.

PROTEST OVER ZERO HOUR CONTRACTS

A GROUP of building workers protested outside a Ballymount-based employment a gency over what they zero-hour contract practices which restrict their employment rights.

The group protested outside recruitment agency O’Neill and Brennan for a week.

The company supply workers to the building industry but the protesters say that, due to the nature of the contracts, they were afraid to raise any issues on-site out of fear of not being offered any further work.

February AL PORTER SPEAKS FOR FIRST TIME ABOUT ALLEGATIONS

TALLAGHT comedian Al Porter spoke out for the first time to deny allegations that he groped a psychiatric patient.

In November, a former patient at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services alleged that Porter had touched and kissed him at an event in the hospital two years previously.

Porter’s legal team released a statement to the Sunday Mirror stating that he was continuing to co-operate with the inquiry.

GREAT GRAN ON IRELAND’S GOT TALENT

A GREAT grandmother from Dublin captured the nation’s hearts in February on the first episode of Ireland’s Got Talent.

Evelyn Williams (81), who lives in Tallaght, wowed the judges and left many audience members in tears with her incredible rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s Send In The Clowns on the TV3 show.

Her stirring rendition attracted attention from all over the world.

LOCAL WOMAN WINS 20K ON RADIO CONTEST

A PALMERSTOWN resident became €20,450 richer after correctly guessing 98FM’s Secret Sound.

Carol McGuinness correctly guessed the sound, which was a DVD case being put into a DVD boxset.

98FM’s Secret Sound

MARCH: The ‘Beast from the East’ held the city and country tight in its grip, with ice and snow – lots and lots of snow – coating the capital

had driven Dublin crazy with listeners coming up with a huge variety of guesses on what the sound was.

March BEAST FROM THE EAST WREAKS HAVOC

WORK began to get Dublin moving again after Storm Emma hit the city in March.

The public safety notice advising people to stay indoors was lifted eventually but a Status Red weather alert remained in place.

Dublin’s four local authorities worked hard to clear roads but gardai urged people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

JANUARY: Dylan Bagnall and Richard Beattie tasted success at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Picture: Alan Betson / The Irish Times (see story)

EVENTS NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF TALLAGHT SAY RESIDENTS

TALLAGHT residents took to social media to showcase the real Tallaght following shocking scenes of anti-social behaviour.

Nine men were arrested following looting in the Jobstown and Citywest areas, including the destruction of the Lidl supermarket at Fortunestown Lane by a stolen digger.

Locals disgusted at the action of the small minority took to social media to highlight the community spirit shown during the snow storm.

Using the hashtag #Thi-

JANUARY: The group protesting outside recruitment agency O’Neill and Brennan in Ballymount. (see story)

sIsTallaght, locals highlighted the work done by locals in helping to clear roads and footpaths and help their neighbours.!

CALLS TO REDUCE PARKING CHARGES FOR CANCER PATIENTS

CALLS were made for Tallaght University Hospital to reduce its car parking

charges, after it emerged the hospital has some of the highest charges in the country.

The hospital currently charges €2.50 per hour, with a maximum fee of €10 per day.

Local Social Democrat representative Carly Bailey said: “If you have a child or adult relative in

hospital for a week, you could be forced to pay over €100 just to park.

“It is unacceptable to be generating such huge incomes at the expense of children and adults experiencing illness.”

Continued on Page 6

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW Continued from Page 4

April LOCAL SUPPORT FOR TRAGIC STUDENT

A GoFundMe campaign raised over €13,000 to support the family of a Brazilian man whose body was found in Clondalkin at the end of March.

24-year-old Caique Trindade de Oliveira had gone missing two weeks prior after failing to turn up for his English class.

His mother Valclecia had travelled over from Brazil to assist in the search efforts.

SHOCKING MUGGING INCIDENTS

CLONDALKIN locals

were reeling after two shocking mugging incidents in the local community in April.

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

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

The man attempted to steal the woman’s bag and the man stabbed her several times in the hand.

GIRLS DANCE OVER THEIR COMPETITION

A CLONDALKIN Irish danc ing school were celebrating after a truly remarkable performance at the Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa (CRDM) World

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2018’S TOP STORIES IN

Championships in Citywest.

Dancers from M.O.R.E Irish dancing picked up a slew of awards, including two world champions.

CLONDALKIN LIVERPOOL FAN ATTACKED

CLONDALKIN native Sean Cox received serious head injuries following an assault outside Anfield stadium prior to Liverpool’s Champion’s League semi-final against AS Roma last year.

Mr Cox, originally from Clondalkin, but now living in Dunboyne, Co Meath – was seriously assaulted by a group of Roma fans in an unprovoked attack outside the Albert pub before the match.

May COUNCIL STAFF WORKER WENT TO EUROVISION

A MEMBER of staff at South Dublin County Council went to Lisbon as one of the co-writers of Ireland’s entry for last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Laura Elizabeth Hughes, who began work as a library assistant in Tallaght’s County Library in March last year, wrote the song ‘Together’ with friends Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Mark Caplice.

COUNCIL OWED €10 MILLION FOR HOUSING

IT was revealed in May that the Department of Housing owed the council almost €10m for social housing projects.

T h e f i g u re s we re revealed in response to a parliamentary question that shows that the Department owes councils nationwide €77m in housing capital expenditure.

Sinn Fe in housing spokesperson Eoin O’Broin called on the Department of Housing to pay what it owes to local authorities for social housing.

LUCAN COMMUNITY SHOCKED AT MURDER OF LOCAL GIRL

THE local community was left devastated after the body of 14 year old Lucan girl Anastasia Kriegel was discovered.

She had been missing for three days.

Ana was a First Year student in Confey College.

Principal Mike O’Byrne led tributes saying: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of our first year student Anastasia Kriegel.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Anastasia’s family and her friends.”

TACKLING DANGEROUS DRIVING AT SCHOOLS

SOUTH Dublin County Council launched a pilot scheme aimed at deterring aggressive drivers who may be endangering school children and school wardens.

Under the initiative school wardens in some areas will wear GoPro

APRIL: Dancers from M.O.R.E Irish dancing picked up a slew of awards, including two world champions. (see story)

APRIL: A woman was attacked outside the Mill Park apartments in Clondalkin, with CCTV footage capturing a rain of blows as she was repeatedly stabbed (see story)

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3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

YEAR IN REVIEW

DUBLIN WEST were seriously injured when the car, which was driven by a retired priest attending the funeral, crashed in to them outside the church.

78 year old Christopher Phillips, one of the people struck by the car, tragically died a month after the accident.

CLONDALKIN PUBLIC HAVE THEIR SAY ON €300K INITIATIVE

APRIL: The Garda Water Unit recovered Caique’s body in Clondalkin on March 26. (see story)

THE winning projects in the €300k Have Your Say initiative for Clondalkin were announced at the Round Tower Visitor Centre in June.

The 15 winning projects were announced by then Mayor of South Dublin Paul Gogarty.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Gogarty said: “Participatory budgeting allows local people to have a direct say in the running of their local communities, putting them at the heart of how decisions are made.

“This initiative is about enabling people to have a greater voice on local priorities.”

July MAM SHARES SUICIDE STORY SO SON’S DEATHS NOT IN VAIN

MAY: The Lucan community was left devastated after the body of Anastasia Kriegel was discovered. (see story)

cameras to record incidents of dangerous driving near schools.

The initiative was suggested by Cllrs Vicki Casserly and Emer Higgins (FG) who tabled a motion at a full council meeting.

June CLONDALKIN GARDAI PRAISED FOR RESPONSE

GARDAI at Ronanstown were commended by Cllr

Francis Timmons for their efforts in combating anti-social behaviour in North Clondalkin.

Gardai in the area seized cannabis with a value of €40,000 at apartments near the Rowlagh shops on the Neilstown Road.

In follow up searches quantities of Diamorphine (Heroin) with an estimated value of €50,000, two Taser type

stun guns and other drug making paraphernalia were recovered.

CAR STRIKES MOURNERS AT FUNERAL

TWO people were left in a critical condition when a car crashed into a crowd of funeral mourners outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Killian in Clondalkin village.

A total of 13 people

A LUCAN mother who lost her two sons to suicide spoke out to encourage people to talk and fight the stigma against mental health.

Karen Docherty’s son Stephen died aged 30 in June 2015. Her other son Graham died in November last year.

“I want to make something positive,” Karen told Dublin Gazette.

“I don’t want their deaths to be in vain. I’ve said it to everybody, I’ve two choices.

“I can lay down and die or I can get out there and do something and I have to do something. That’s what gets me up in the mornings.”

MARK WARD ELECTED AS NEW MAYOR

SINN Fein councillor Mark Ward was elected as Mayor of South Dublin County Council by

one vote, ahead of Cllr Vicki Casserly, with four Fianna Fail councillors abstaining.

During his acceptance speech, Mayor Ward said he wanted to use his time to break the stigma around homelessness, revealing that he became homeless not long after he became a councillor in 2016.

A ‘MARRY ME’ SURPRISE HIDDEN IN THIS PAPER

A WELSH woman on a bucket list trip to Dublin in July got the surprise of her life when she opened Dublin Gazette to find a marriage proposal from her partner inside.

Laetitia Rocke’s partner, Russell Kent, whisked her away to our city, which she had always wanted to visit.

Unbeknownst to Laetitia, Russell had been in touch with this paper to arrange an even bigger surprise by placing an ad on a page about Michael Buble – a favourite musician – asking Laetitia to marry him.

In the touching ad, Russell wrote: “To my darling Laetitia, all I can say is thank you for bringing so much joy and love to my life.

“Being with you is everything, and life is for

sharing. I completely and utterly love you. I am all in ... Are you?”

Having played our small part in Russell’s cunning plan, we are delighted to report that Laetitia accepted Russell’s proposal, with the happy couple planning to tie the knot.

STRIKERS FORCED TO PICKET IN CAR PARK

MANAGEMENT of the Mill Shopping Centre in Clondalkin were criticised for moving striking workers out of the centre.

Workers at Lloyd’s Pharmacies across the country were engaged in escalating industrial action over the previous three weeks including at three locations in Clondalkin – the Mill, Neilstown and Rowlagh.

But workers in the Mill centre were told by centre management that they were not allowed to picket inside the centre and have had to picket in the car park outside the centre.

‘COINAGE’ COMPLAINT EARNS A €20 LEAP CARD

CONOR McGregor’s father, Tony, went viral over the summer after making a trip on the DART. Tony McGregor made waves on social media after posting a video

of himself complaining about how he had nowhere to put the “coinage” in his “slim-fitting Hugo Boss suit”, given to him as change for a “crisp €20 note” by a ticket machine.

In the wake of the memes that appeared across the internet, a GoFundMe account was set up to help McGregor get a Leap card, reaching its €20 target in less than a day.

CITY’S FIRST TRANS PRIDE PARADE IS HELD

DUBLIN hosted its first Trans Pride parade, with a sizeable turnout.

The parade focused on the theme of bodily autonomy, with an aim to highlight the issue of transgender individuals in Ireland not being given full control over their own bodies.

It was the second political gathering relating to transgender rights in the capital in July, as hundreds participated in a grassroots protest in the city centre just two weeks previously, calling for better healthcare for transgender people in Ireland.

Continued on Page 10

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10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW Continued from Page 7

August TALLAGHT WINS FIRST GREEN FLAG

TALLAGHT had its first Green Flag park after Sean Walsh Park was awarded the honour in August.

Tallaght Community Council began to actively focus and lobby to raise standards across Tallaght parks four years ago.

Their hard work paid off when An Taisce announced that the park had been awarded a Green Flag.

LOCAL AIMS FOR MISS BURLESQUE TITLE

A TALLAGHT woman was hoping to take home the title of Miss Burlesque Ireland at the Grand Final of the competition.

Emma Weafer – who performs as DialEmma – has been a well-known regular of the Dublin caba-

ret, drag, and burlesque scenes since she began her performance career at The George in 2000.

In 2011 she co-founded underCURRENT Seriously Camp Cabaret, an inclusive queer cabaret troupe, with her wife and fellow performer Lady K. Emma ended up doing fantastic in the contest finishing up as the 2nd Runner-up.

LUCAN MAN IN 212KM CYCLE FOR CHARITY

A LUCAN man completed a mammoth cycle in August to raise awareness for organ donation.

Ken Mulkerrins (39) cycled 212km from Lucan to Galway just two years after he had a heart transplant.

He told Dublin Gazette that he undertook the cycle to get people talking about organ donation.

He said: “What made me do it was to raise aware-

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2018’S TOP STORIES IN

ness about organ donation and to raise awareness around the fact that the current legislation surrounding organ donation means that it’s your next of kin that has the final say.

September LOCAL TEENS RECEIVE GIRL GUIDE AWARD

TWO young Lucan women reached the pinnacle of Guiding after hiking 60km in County Waterford while carrying all their camping and cooking equipment, food and clothes, and surviving on €3.50 a day.

Irish Girl Guides members, Aoife Woods and Alex Healy (17), also completed eight projects and kept a log book of their experiences during the five-day Chief Commissioner’s Award.

LITTLE LUCIE LOSES LOCKS WITH LOVE

A KIND hearted little girl

from Clondalkin decided to donate 16 inches of her hair to a charity in honour of a classmate who lost her battle with cancer.

Gaelscoil na Camoige pupil Lucie Perry (7) decided to donate her hair after a classmate in Junior infants lost her hair while undergoing cancer treatment.

COLAISTE BRIDE NAMED AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

A CLONDALKIN school was named a Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School in recognition of the work they do in raising mental health awareness.

Colaiste Bride picked up the award at a ceremony held at The Honourable Society of King’s Inns on Wednesday, September 12.

The awards recognise the immense efforts of 99 schools around the island of Ireland who have com-

pleted the Ambassador Schools’ Programme and became actively involved in mental health promotion.

October NEAR TRAGEDY PROVOKES CANAL SAFETY CONCERNS

A CLONDALKIN man had a near-death experience when he tried in vain to rescue his beloved dog, who had slipped into the canal at the 10th lock at Bawnogue, at the back of Ashwood estate.

Pensioner Peter Madden (68) was left heartbroken when Beau, his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, drowned in the canal.

This near tragedy then prompted a call by local residents and representativeness for safety measures to be installed immediately along this dangerous stretch of the canal.

COURT ORDER TO REDUCE GRAVE LEAVES FAMILY DEVASTATED

A LOCAL woman, ordered to reduce the size of her father’s grave, said South Dublin County Council left her distraught.

L i s a M a r i e He a l y, whose late father David Murray is buried in Esker Ce m e te r y i n L u ca n , received a registered letter from South Dublin County Council calling for the grave to be rearranged.

“The council will not comment or engage with us at all, we can’t understand why they are being like this,” Lisa told Dublin Gazette.

“All I want is for the council to help us put it back together.

“My father’s grave now looks like a little building site, it doesn’t look like a resting place anymore.

I’m distraught, it’s horrendous.”

GROUP VOWED TO STOP NEW ROAD

CONCERNED locals fighting to stop a road being built through their muchloved St Catherine’s Park, vowed to fight plans by Fingal County Council to put a large road through it linking the M4 to the M3 motorway.

The Save St Catherine’s Group have other ideas though and vow to do their “damnedest to ensure it never gets built.”

MAYOR HOPED TO INSPIRE OTHERS

AHEAD of taking part in the Dublin Marathon Mayor of South Dublin County Mark Ward had an inspirational message to share.

13 years on from his MS diagnosis Mayor Wa r d t o l d D u b l i n Gazette: “Today I am healthy, mentally and physically.

“My relationships with

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

YEAR IN REVIEW

DUBLIN WEST my family and friends is unbelievable. I live a fully active life where I try on daily basis to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

To show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If what I am doing helps them and their families not to suffer the way I and my family did, it will be worth it.”

November LOCALS ASK FOR WARM WELCOME TO TALLAGHT

A CAMPAIGN for a “Welcome to Tallaght” sign gathered momentum again after new poles were installed on an M50 ramp.

Back in April, Tallaght Community Council (TCC) erected a sign which was removed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) following a report from the local council.

TCC say since that they have received massive support online from the community who voted in favour of having the sign put back beside Kilsaran on the N81.

However, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) says that permission was never sought for the sign.

Tara De Buitlear of TCC says now is the time for the Council to sign off on this project.

HOUSES ON HOLD OVER INTIMIDATION

BUILDERS refused to work on a new development of social houses in Clondalkin after weeks of threats and intimidation.

John Sisk Construction, who are doing the work for South Dublin County Council, left the site in St Cuthberts Park in November after workers were threatened, tools stolen and cars broken into.

Security guards employed to protect the site 24 hours a day have reported being attacked by thugs.

Building work, which started four weeks ago, has now been put on hold until the serious security issues are addressed.

December APARTMENTS GREEN-LIT DESPITE OPPOSITION

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build apartments on a site attached to a Tallaght park will go ahead, after local councillors voted to proceed with the construction of 81 elderly social housing apartments on a site at Watergate Sean Walsh Park.

The vote was 25 to 13 in favour with councillors accepting the motion that it was “in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

All 12 Tallaght councillors voted in favour of the Part 8 and explained their decisions at the meeting.

AUGUST: Ken Mulkerrins with his two children Conor and Kate. Ken

AUGUST: Emma Weafer – who performs as DialEmma, was hoping to

completed a mammoth cycle in August to raise awareness for organ

take home the title of Miss Burlesque Ireland at the Grand Final of the

‘SALE AND SUPPLY OF NARCOTICS IS NOT SLOWING DOWN’

donation. (See story)

competition. (See story)

RUNNING GROUP OFFERS SANCTUARY TO ASYLUM SEEKERS

NOVEMBER: TWENTY seven students and four teachers from Colaiste Phadraig CBS Lucan

NOVEMBER: St Joseph’s College Lucan

travelled to Iceland over the mid-term for a memorable four day educational school tour.

students Jessica Aughney and Aoife Smullen

Their first activity was a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a Geothermal Spa located in a sprawling 800

took part in a production of Mary Poppins

A DRUG seizure in Liffey Valley was further evidence the sale and supply of narcotics in Ireland is not slowing down.

This is according to Dublin Mid-West Fianna Fáil TD John Curran, who also said the seizure of cocaine worth €3.43m reassures the public “work is ongoing in the fight to defeat organised and drug related crime in our urban communities”.

PEOPLE living in Direct Provision in Clondalkin enjoyed a new initiative which brings people together through running.

The Dublin Sanctuary Runners are a solidarityinspired group who run every week with asylum seekers living in the Clondalkin and Hatch Hall Centres.

The group, who have been taking part in the Corkagh Park 5km parkrun each Saturday for the last eight weeks, officially launched at the end of last month.

Anna Pringle, who is coordinator for Dublin Sanctuary Runners, explained to Dublin Gazette how running is helping integration in the local community.

year old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes Penisula-a UNESCO Geopark.

NOVEMBER: Alanna Glover from St Bernadette’s Senior National School, Clondalkin, and Ayse Guven from St Aidan’s Senior National School, Tallaght, had their art work chosen to feature on a very colourful bus as part of the annual Children’s Art Competition. Pic: MAXWELLS DUBLIN

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE SUMMER’S HOTTEST FESTIVALS

GET OVER THE WINTER BLUES

BY LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME SUMMER SUN WITH 2019’S BEST FESTIVALS

DUBLIN MADE EASY W

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S BEST FESTIVALS

E KNOW what you’re thinking – we’re barely five minutes into the New Year, only just recovering from Christmas – but it’s time to look forward to warmer weather spent surrounded by music, friends and more.

Think forward to the Summer, when several festivals and hundreds of music acts will grace the capital and beyond.

The sun is shining, you’re out of this cold dreary weather and post-Christmas haze, and everything is calm and relaxing just for a moment!

There’s something for everyone this festival season, from the more electronic tones of Forbidden Fruit to the hip-hop edge of Longitude.

We’ve picked our best of the festival bunch to give you a look at what festivals we’re most looking forward to, giving you an insight into the line-up and what you can expect at each.

Be sure to pick up your tickets for these soon – we’re sure they’ll be sold out!

FORBIDDEN FRUIT WHERE: ROYAL HOSPITAL, KILMAINHAM BULMERS Forbidden Fruit Festival marks the start of the summer festival season., running from June 1-3. The Irish Museum of Modern Art will once again play host to this hotly anticipated three-day festival, which features a line-up for everyone.

Friday will be headlined by Skepta and Danny Brown, while Saturday sees Mura Masa take to the stage. The Sunday of the festival will be closed by First Aid Kit and Elbow, catering to all kinds of musical tastes.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster, but be aware that this is a strictly over-18s event.

LONGITUDE WHERE: MARLAY PARK, RATHFARNHAM NOW known as one of the capital’s best festivals, Longitude returns in 2019 with a stellar line-up.

Following the hip-hop and R’N’B edge of the last few years, this year’s line up is jam packed with the cream of the crop – Chance The Rapper, A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, Rae Sremmurd, Amine and Future will all take to various stages across the south side’s Marlay Park This is only the first round of acts, with the second promising to be just as exciting when it drops soon.

Running from July 5- 7, weekend tickets are available now from Ticketmaster.

ALL TOGETHER NOW WHERE: CURRAGHMORE ESTATE, WICKLOW FOR anyone looking to escape the capital, Wicklow’s All Together Now is only an hour and a half from Dublin, headlined this year

by The National.

It will be set across 16 stages, featuring natural amphitheatres, secret woodland stages, and more. The flow of the festival will means the grounds will be easily navigable, intimate but with many quirky gems to enjoy at this 3,000-acre site.

Tickets are on sale now priced at €208.

The festival is family-friendly, and runs from August 2-4.

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL... P18 MUSIC... P20

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

FEATURE... P14

THANKS, 2018 – IT WAS QUITE A BLAST!

WERE you there? Were you one of the delighted thousands taking in the spectacular New Year’s Eve views by Custom House on Monday night?

If not – but even if you were – we’re delighted to share one last, spectacular shot from the thrilling evening. It’s our last action shot from 2018, but don’t worry – we’ll keep bringing you lots of great content all through 2019!

Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

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

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

FEATURES RETAIL: NEW CAFFE NERO OUTLET ADDS TO EXPANSION OF DINING SELECTION AT BUSY HUB

Food choices take off at the airport REBECCA RYAN

IF YOU are flying out of Dublin Airport in the near future, you have another food and beverage outlet to choose from to tickle your taste buds as Caffe Nero has just opened in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2.

The new cafe offers a range of coffee, food and drinks to have in store or to take away.

Food options include fresh sandwiches, wraps and rolls as well as sweet treats such as pastries, cakes, muffins, oat bars and fruit.

Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison welcomed the new arrival, saying: “Caffe Nero is a great addition to Terminal 2 and is ideally

DAA senior project manager Terminals, Parool Rajput; Emma McCusker, Caffe Nero and DAA programme manager Emmet Murphy

located for arriving passengers and those waiting to welcome friends and family.

“The new outlet is part of an overall revamp of both the land-side and airside areas of Terminal 2.

“We are constantly reviewing and refreshing our food and beverage offering so we are delight-

ed to have this new brand at Dublin Airport.”

The design of the new outlet in Dublin Airport

has a lot of interesting features which connects with different parts of Ireland.

The bar has been handmade by an Irish company, Wilson’s Yard, while the farmhouse tables in the outlet were all made by a local joinery company, DC Joinery in Lusk.

The external wall was hand-painted by local artist Colin O’Connell. The store also features a large graphic of Grattan Bridge, and pictures of Temple Bar and Crow Street in Dublin city centre.

Speaking on the Irish tone at the café, Harrison said: “We’re really pleased that the new store has a distinctly Irish feel with its customised decor and design.

“I’ve no doubt that Caffe Nero will be popular for

both passengers and airport staff.”

The new outlet will employ nine people. The family-owned business operates more than 800 coffee houses across Europe.

Its new outlet in Terminal 2 means the chain now has 12 cafes in Dublin and 15 in total across Ireland.

The new spot will be welcomed for the busy airport. Dublin Airport welcomed more than 29.2 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2018, which was a 6% increase over the same period in 2017 year.

More than 1.8 million extra passengers travelled through the airport between January and November in the year just gone.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: SET REALISTIC, FAIR GOALS

Resolutions can be great – just don’t go crazy with them PADRAIG CONLON

ANOTHER year is about to end and a lot of people are wondering how to make next year better than the one just gone – and many of us will be making a New Year’s Resolution or two.

They will be trying to change old habits, create new ones, work harder, find ‘the one’, spend more time with family, earn more money, quit smoking, lose weight, and focus on other aims that will prob-

ably be forgotten before the first month is over.

Most experts say if you set resolutions like this you are setting yourself up for failure.

Maybe you don’t really

want to achieve them, but you just feel guilty that you should do them for personal reasons.

There is a danger with going down the negative road of lists of ‘shoulds’ that can end up making you feel deprived and unhappy.

Instead, ask yourself: “What makes me feel happy and fulfilled; am I living the life I want; what would enrich me and feel rewarding?”

This year, why not be unusual and make your New Year’s Resolution a living resolution that

remains a part of your life for longer than January.

Why not decide to do voluntary work, or anything that may enrich your life or the lives of other people?

Use this New Year as an opportunity to make an impact in the community or environment.

Now that it’s January, sit and think about what you want to achieve this year.

When you know this, then you can spend some time working out a plan to help you achieve it.

Creating something new in your life takes effort and positive action, but if you are truly committed to

Once the New Year celebrations are over, feel happy that you’ve set achievable New Year Resolutions that are genuinely helpful for you personally to aim for

achieving your New Year’s Resolution you will forget about calling it a ‘New Year’s Resolution’!

If it’s a living resolution that you are committed to achieving, it won’t fade after January finishes, because it will be a part of your life that doesn’t need a yearly review to survive.

Why not look outward instead of inward when

making your declarations? Maybe then you will be able to complete a year feeling satisfied, rather than angry, with yourself.

If you want a life that is truly fulfilling in every aspect, it is time to seek out the right answers. Make your New Year’s Resolution a success story – create a life you love.

As final words of encouragement to resolution makers: remember the words of Howard Thurman, African-American philosopher and activist: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs.

“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

FEATURES OPINION: SR STAN ON THE EVER-WORSENING HOMELESS CRISIS, WHICH HITS CHILDREN HARDEST

Thousands of children are still homeless – but you can help to make a difference to a family IN THIS Opinion piece, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Life President and founder of Focus Ireland, writes on the ever worsening homeless crisis and its impact on families, as well as the failure to undertake a sufficient response to tackle it. However, she also adds a note of hope, with the support that you can give to Focus Ireland to help it work with families and children in need.

‘‘

C H R I ST M A S is a special time of year for many reasons. It is a time we all think of our home and family.

However, as most of us look forward to this time of year, many people dread it, and none more so than the nearly 10,000 people who are homeless.

The harsh reality is that one family becomes homeless every eight hours in Ireland. Some individuals also lose their homes every day.

I have never seen it so bad. These people live under terrible stress and it’s the children who suffer the most.

There are nearly 4,000 children homeless.

It really breaks my heart to know that some of these children have been born into homelessness.

Some of them will spend their first Christmas with their family, all forced to live in one little room together.

They are our children too and we have a duty as a society to provide a safe home for them.

We have a duty to protect the childhoods of these children and to make sure they do not suffer from being homeless for long periods of time.

Focus Ireland’s Family Team work hard to support families in this situation, in partnership with the

Dublin Region Homeless Executive, and the support includes specific childcare workers.

Each family has a case manager who assesses their needs, provides support and works towards helping them to secure a home.

In recent months, the Focus Ireland coffee shop on Eustace Street in Dublin city took the step of extending its opening hours until 9pm so that families can have somewhere to be and somewhere for their children to play, as they face the stressful scramble of finding a hotel room for the night.

Lifeline services While the crisis is still deepening – with a record total of nearly 10,000 people now homeless – the situation would be much worse without the lifeline services and more than 1,100 homes provided by Focus Ireland.

It is heartening to hear that we have supported well over 350 families to secure a home and escape homelessness so far this year.

We rely heavily on donations from the public to ensure we are able to carry out the full extent of this life-changing work.

While Focus Ireland does receive State funding, we have to raise 50%

Putting a human face on an emergency – Sr Stan with Karen Ciesielski and her son, Lugh, at the launch of Focus Ireland’s urgent Christmas appeal. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

of our budget to ensure our frontline staff are always able to be there when people need help.

Focus Ireland has been running an urgent Christmas appeal with a hardhitting campaign that highlights nearly 4,000 children are homeless nationwide.

We really do depend on donations, now more than ever, to raise funds so our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.

I am asking people to please give what they can afford to support our urgent Christmas appeal.

Any donation will help us to directly support these families and also help fund our work to pre-

vent other families and individuals from becoming homeless in the first place.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie or by phoning 1850 204 205.

One family who are homeless and living in hotel emergency accommodation feature in our Christmas appeal. The mother, Fiona, wrote in a letter about how the family are struggling but Focus Ireland’s help has made a big difference.

She said: “We have our case manager from Focus Ireland and I don’t think we could have coped with it all without her and Focus Ireland. They help us a lot.”

She added: “Sometimes, I lie awake at night and I can’t cope. I can’t believe we are still in this situation.

“But I know I can talk to our case manager at any time for a shoulder to cry on. My children love all the Focus Ireland staff.

They almost feel like family now.”

To me, this shows the real value of our work.

Our staff are there to help people in their darkest hour. To keep them going.

To provide vital support and also hope. To remind them this will pass. They will find a way home.

I would stress that every euro donated counts in the battle against homeless-

ness, as 89 cent of every euro received by Focus Ireland goes directly on services to support people who are homeless and those at risk.

The right decisions It is vital our society does not lose sight of the fact that homelessness can be prevented – and ended – if the right decisions are taken.

We need more homes to end this crisis, not more hotel rooms. The Government appears to be just accepting this as a natural phenomenon it can do nothing about.

But, in fact, it can take several meaningful steps to make people more

secure in their homes.

Much more can – and must – be done if we are to end this terrible human crisis and protect the childhoods of nearly 4,000 children left homeless.

We also need a massive rise in the numbers of social homes being built.

The Government must also implement a specific family homelessness strategy that includes a commitment that no family will be left without shelter and a cast-iron deadline that no family will be homeless for more than six months.

This needs to be done now.

We cannot wait any longer.

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

One of ‘Ava’s’ pics from her @avavanroseofficial account

PEOPLE | DUB ON HIT SHOW

Nothing that’s Botched about ‘Ava’s’ rise to the top on TV

REBECCA RYAN

A DUBLIN glamour model has revealed her goal is to be “the most memorable Irish celebrity possible” as she appeared on a hit US cosmetic surgery show, Botched.

Ava Van Rose (28), whose real name is Bridget Byrne, features in the show where doctors Paul Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow treat patients with extreme surgery requirements, or correct former surgery mistakes.

Ava Van Rose told the medical duo that she wants another breast e n l a rge m e n t a s s h e “wants to go larger”, despite telling them that the skin is so stretched that it is starting to ripple.

She told the surgeons that she has had two breast jobs, two buttock augmentations, liposuction on her stomach and back and a procedure on her vagina.

She said: “It’s a big deal for my body to look on point, because I take pictures. I still want to go

larger – that’s my dream goal.

“I don’t want to look like a mom; I don’t want to look like I’ve had a baby; I don’t find ‘the mom bod’ attractive.

“I’m not frumpy – I’m fit and fabulous, and that’s the way it’s going to stay,” she said.

The Clondalkin native added: “I went to [the] Czech Republic and I had liposuction to my stomach, liposuction to my back and my ass redone as well. I had them over the space of a year.”

Her goal, she said, is to be the most memorable Irish celebrity possible as she does not want to look “average”.

Ava Van Rose said she was contacted by the producers last year to appear on the TV show.

The reality TV star personality, who has more than 150,000 Instagram followers, has also previously starred in another reality show, Infectious.

Botched is available to watch now on E! and ITVBe.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

TRAVEL COMMERCIAL CONTENT

‘Plan your next Escape’ with GoHop

IRISH holiday firm GoHop.ie has just launched their 2019 summer holiday sale, entitled Plan your next Escape.

Booking early is key to securing the best possible value and availability, particularly for families with school-going children who are tied to the peak season dates of June, July and August.

GoHop.ie all-inclusive packages continue to prove a popular option for many families as they make overseas spend a lot easier to plan.

European sun holiday destinations that are sure to prove popular in 2019 include The Algarve, Lanzarote, Majorca, Salou, Costa del Sol, Italy and Turkey.

A good choice of short-haul flights from all Irish airports and a wide selection of good-value accommodation are still proving to be the key factors in most holiday consumers’ decision-making processes.

Consumers whose main consideration is price have nothing to fear – GoHop.ie has a wide range of tempting lead in offers to satisfy the early bookers including exclusive sale offers and great family deals.

Regardless of your budget, there’s no excuse not to ‘Plan your next Escape’ and book that well-earned 2019 summer holiday now.

But be warned, early booking is the key to securing the best possible value.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland.

Irish-owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers, offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop. ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie.

Wonderful long

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor THE travel industry is on the crest of a wave right now with a whole heap of far-flung destinations emerging as hot trends for 2019.

Dublin Airport has introduced a number of longhaul services with direct flights to Calgary in Canada and a number of Asian cities.

Ryanair has also introduced 15 new routes, nine of them from Dublin, including Dubrovnik and Split on the stunning coastline of Croatia.

The hotspots are too many to explore here but they include Sri Lanka,

Croatia, China, Dominican Republic, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand.

According to industry experts, most travellers are now seeking a bit more than sun, sea and sand and active, solo and retreat holidays are all on the increase.

Here are some of our favourites for 2019 ...

South Africa Enjoy a South African road trip, for 12 nights this May/June, from €1,695pp including car rental.

Spice up your summer and uncover one of the most stunning corners of the world with this offer from Travalue.ie.

This trip is the perfect

way to uncover all the beauty, cuisine and landscape that South Africa has to offer.

Your journey will begin in Cape Town, home to jaw-dropping scenery, a stunning coastline and sandy beaches.

Travel down to the Cape of Good Hope or venture by cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Or stay local around the harbour area and take the boat to Robin Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

After two nights in the idyllic Winelands, you will move along to the Garden Route and spend four nights marvelling at the outstanding beauty lit-

tered across the area.

The trip concludes with a spell-binding safari with two nights on a full board basis in Eastern Cape Safari Addo Elephant National Park, with game drives included.

Price includes all accommodation and nine days’ car rental.

For more information on this offer from Travalue.ie, see: http://itaa. ie/2018/12/12/south-africa-6/ America’s Deep South Have you dreamt of visiting the vibrant Deep South? American Holidays have released fantastic offers that can turn your dream into reality, from

€1,218pp.

The southern United States are unlike anywhere else you will ever go. Hot weather, warm smiles, rich history, and arguably, some of the best food in the US – not to mention being a mecca for music lovers.

Fro m t h e Na s hv i l l e home of Country music, to the Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll of Memphis and the Jazz of New Orleans – you will hear it all.

You can combine up to three destinations on multi-centre trips or choose an escorted holiday – the choice is yours.

For the following three offers, call American Holidays to book on 01 673

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

haul

Some of Travel’s main trends to look for in 2019

Make 2019 the year you branch out and avail of great deals for stunning places

THE luxury travel market is booming – but the sun is also shining for other segments of the industry.

Here are some of the main trends for 2019.

Solo Travel Whether it’s for the sense of adventure and new experiences, to make new friends or simply for the freedom of planning what to do and where to go, solo travel is on the rise.

In Ireland and the UK, the number of people travelling alone has increased by a third since 2011 – and the trend is set to continue.

Green Travel The biggest issue in travel next year will undoubtedly be the impact of over-tourism.

As widespread concern for the environment increases in everyday life, so does the window of opportunity for sustainable travel, and the options are quite varied.

Searches for wildlife refuges and natural areas outside big cities is increasing, and so is the interest for “hidden” tourism in regional communities and local farms to discover organic products (Leitrim is ahead of the field on this one).

Here are just three of the unforgettable long haul destinations you could strike out for this year – Seattle and Mount Rainier (main), Torres del Paine (top) and Victoria (above)

3804, drop into their office at 18- 19 Duke Street (just off Grafton Street), or visit www. americanholidays.com.

Nashville & Memphis Spend four nights at the three-star Clarion Downtown Nashville, followed by three nights at the three-star Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, from only €1,289pp.

Price includes return f lights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation, one day compact car hire, taxes and charges.

Based on two adults s h a r i n g ; t rave l t h i s March, American Holidays ref no: 51458553.

New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville Spend three nights at the three-star Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, two nights at the Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, followed by three nights at the three-star Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville, from only €1,218pp.

Travel this February, American Holidays ref no: 51451764.

Tastes and Sounds of the South Take this escorted tour from €3,159pp; the nine-night tour will take you to Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and

New Orleans, with dates available from March to November.

The price includes return flights, accommodation, nine full breakfasts, five dinners, luxury transport, a professional tour guide and transfers.

American Holidays ref no: 51351243.

Amazing Alaska Cruise Explore the truly stunning Alaskan scenery on this fantastic cruise holiday, including Seattle from €3,499, taking in visits to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, as well as a stop in the Canadian city of Victoria on the return journey.

Relax on board the stunning Norwegian Pearl as you sail past majestic mountains, glistening glaciers and, if you’re lucky, some of the incredible wildlife that calls Alaska home.

With a two-night stay before the cruise in Seattle, including a city tour, you’ll have time to visit some of the city’s many museums, shops and restaurants, see its bustling waterfront, the historic Pioneer Square and, of course, the iconic Space Needle.

On board, the Norwegian Pearl features include hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much more.

Optional excursions at ports of call are also available to book in advance or on board the ship.

Prices start from €3,499 including return f lights from Dublin, transfers, pre and postcruise B&B hotel accommodation in Seattle, seven-night all-inclusive cruise with Ultimate Beverage Package and guided Seattle city tour, departing September 6.

For details, see www. traveldepartment.ie.

All prices and details correct at time of going to press; check with individual travel operators per deal.

Transformational Travel More than ticking boxes in traditional locations, modern travellers look for new experiences – and this includes meaningful, personal development and deeper connection with culture and nature.

It’s a bit more serious-minded than just yoga retreats.

A complete transformative trip usually combines a mix of physical, cultural and spiritual experiences – and, of course, plenty of time for personal reflection and meditation.

Interest for the segment has been growing in the past couple of years, and the movement is set to continue.

Cruises for Millennials Once synonymous with holidays for older generations, cruising is now finally reaching the millennial market.

For many, it’s an opportunity to discover new experiences and visit different places with friends, while others like the idea of travelling solo while still being part of a community.

The cost is also a factor: for a generation that’s constantly worried about prices, an all-inclusive trip with accommodation, entertainment and nightlife sounds like a no-brainer.

Some companies already realised the increased demand and developed packages with good value for millennials, but this new market can be explored further.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

GET TUNED IN

THE ONES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE COMING YEAR

The Irish acts set to breakthrough in 2019

2018 was another great year for Irish music, but there’s plenty more of talent just about to emerge from the bars and backrooms of a Dublin music scene recently shown to have more shows than its far larger compatriots in Birmingham and Manchester, and make their own attempts to conquer one of the toughest industries out there.

It’s always hard to call who might succeed in the next cycle, but some contenders stand out above the crowd. Here are our top tips to make a bang in 2019...

Silverbacks A boisterous Dublin rock band who have already found themselves highlighted by NME as they take a brutal stab at the country’s social problems in a complex whirl of guitars.

The Irish rock scene has had a hell of a 2018, and Silverbacks are about to add their name more firmly to the list of bands emerging from this city recently, purveying wonderfully abrupt, jagged guitar melodies.

A natural accompaniment to Girl Band, Fontaines D.C and The Murder Capital.

CARRON Tw o s i s t e r s f r o m Ranelagh singing heartfelt melodies strung together through turmoil and some truly stunning harmonies.

Carron’s career has been stop-start so far, but with a studio now set up at home to help them along, and live shows become a more frequent thing, they look all set to lift off in 2019.

It’s those twisting dual vocals and the delicate depth to the songwriting that really stand out here.

Rocstrong Andre JP Banagla’s act Rocstrong had a flying start to their career, after they were picked up by the Coen Brothers to fea-

ture on the soundtrack to the movie ‘Hail Caesar’.

Unsurprisingly, progress

 JAMES HENDICOTT

has been a little slower since, but the Congo-born Dubliner’s funk has taken on a new dimension recently that lifts him far beyond the role of good time guy.

He gets deeply and profoundly personal in exploring his upbringing on newly released EP ‘All On Black’, easily his best moment yet.

Spies Another stonking guitar band, Spies disappeared from our radar for quite some time after forming way back in 2011.

They already had three great early EPs, but the break - spent in part sitting on a newly recorded album and contemplating whether they wanted to run with it - has done them the world of good.

Debut album ‘Constancy’ is a huge contender for the Choice Music Prize next year, featuring a newfound electronic twist and some slow-burn self-analysis alongside their previous thrashing

guitars.

Topso Reggae is not a genre you’d immediately associate with Ireland, but for a long time, The Barley Mob did an excellent job of holding up a tiny rootsy scene in their own right.

They all but disappeared in 2014, though, as band members faced different lives.

Frontman Adam Daly was always the Kildare act’s star man, and he announced a return in late 2018, revealing some serious mental health issues and, thankfully, a full recovery along the way.

His previous band always wore their hearts charmingly close to their sleeves; his new one is likely to be just as good.

Zaska One of those men who’s been known on the scene for quite some time, Max Zaska has collaborated with anyone who’s anyone in Dublin in the creation of his debut album, set for release in February.

If the participation of BARQ, Wyvern Lingo, Little Green Cars, Super Silly and Loah aren’t a sure sign of the quality that’s about to emerge, his distinctive playing style and vibrant approach to crafting a deeply personalised sound should do the job.

Huge, huge potential.

Silverbacks

Carron

Rocstrong

Spies

Zaska

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Opel Grandland X – an Xceptional SUV

New Audi Q3 officially launched

DECLAN GLYNN

AUDI Ireland has

THE Opel Grandland X SUV is based on the same platform as the multi award-winning Peugeot 3008 SUV. Thanks to Opel’s recent takeover by the PSA Group (Peugeot’s parent company) the Grandland X shares many parts with the French SUV, and comes with a similar range of engines and gearboxes.

Powerful & Elegant Stance Modern, dynamic lines, and a cool off-road look with elevated seating position give the new Opel Grandland X a powerful and elegant stance on the open-road.

With good all-round visibility, along with cuttingedge technology and plenty of space and comfort for up to five passengers – this is Opel at its best.

The new Grandland X side views echo the attractive combination of rugged SUV appeal and elegant lines.

Muscular, sculpted wheel arches and protective cladding on the lower body give the Grandland X real beauty and genuine off-road appeal.

In contrast, clear lines and the refined blade on the lower doors identify the new Grandland X as a member of the Opel family.

Optional two-tone finish with the roof in contrasting black adds an extra touch of personalisation.

Its smooth flow into the rest of the body is emphasised by the ‘breakthrough’ C pillar, which also creates a dynamic bond to the rear.

The rear view of the Grandland X possesses real SUV character thanks to a wide stance, silver

under-ride protection (with integrated tailpipes on the left and right), protective cladding and slim LED tail-lights.

Excellent Interior Ergonomics The cabin of the new Grandland X is equally as impressive as the exterior thanks to clever use of space and excellent ergonomics.

The instrument panel and centre stack with touchscreen are clearly laid out and horizontally aligned to the driver.

The centre stack has three horizontal rows of controls for fast and intuitive access to infotainment, climate control and chassis functions.

The interior surfaces have a high-quality look and feel, providing the occupants with a feeling of supreme comfort in all seats.

They benefit from the SUV-typical elevated seating position that facilitates access and ensures good visibility.

The optional panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior with light and provides excellent skyward visibility.

Typical first-class Opel comfort is ensured by the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified ergonomic seats as well as a heated steering wheel and seat heating front and rear, which is standard on Elite and Ultimate models.

Specification Levels, Engines & Transmissions Four trim levels are available in the new Grandland X – SC, SRi, Elite and Ultimate, while engine options consist of a 1.2-litre turbo-charged petrol with 130PS, a 1.6litre turbo-diesel with 130PS and a 2.0-litre tur-

announced the launch of the all-new Audi Q3.

A second-generation model, the new Audi Q3 is a family SUV, which boasts unparalleled style, versatility and space for enhanced comfort.

The SUV earned the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. The new Audi Q3 starts at an on-theroad price of €39,600 and is available to order now.

The new Audi Q3 is built with safety in mind. The family SUV comes with a number of active safety systems as standard and received five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense

bo-diesel with 177PS. Transmission options consist of a slick six-speed manual or a smooth eightspeed automatic.

Test Car ON test this week was a Grandland X Ultimate 2.0litre turbo-diesel, eightspeed automatic, finished in stunning Quartz Grey metallic paint.

With 400Nm of torque available from this fourcylinder engine, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 9.5-seconds while leading to a top speed of 211km/h (where permitted).

Opel claim fuel consumption as low as 4.6l/100km is possible on an extra-urban driving cycle.

Standard specification across the entire Opel Grandland X range is impressive, with the range-topping ‘Ultimate’ model equipped with Navi 5.0 IntelliLink sat-

ellite navigation with fully integrated European satellite navigation, an 8-inch colour touchscreen, Smartphone projection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone portal, ‘Denon’ Premium Sound System, 19” alloy wheels.

Also electric wing mirrors with puddle lights, auto wipers, auto lights with high beam assist, front fog lights, power tailgate, black roof and door mirrors, rear privacy glass, chrome side window trim, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone electronic climate control, 60/40 split folding

rear seats, flex floor, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, traffic sign recognition camera.

As well as LED daytime running lights, Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack, emergency braking system, hill start assist, ESP with traction control, side blind spot alert, parking sensors front and rear, leather seat trim, internal front seat cooling fans, heated front & outer rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

All trim levels come with Opel’s excellent OnStar concierge package, which can help you get to your destination, or call the emergency ser-

FACT BOX

1) Stunning, Family-Sized SUV 2) Four Specification Levels 3) Petrol or Diesel Engines 4) Manual or Automatic 5) Priced From €28,395 (ex-works)

vices in the event of an accident.

On The Road DRIVING the new Opel Grandland X is a real pleasure, with the car providing a soft and composed ride quality, while the precise steering is well weighted and confidence inspiring.

Uneven road surfaces are tackled with ease, and the car exudes an overall feeling of solidity – in true German fashion.

Pricing EX-WORKS prices for the new Opel Grandland X start at just €28,395, while the range-topping ‘Ultimate’ model is priced from €41,595.

I was extremely impressed by the new Opel Grandland X, and I think you will be too. Now is the time to recapture the magic of driving with the Opel Grandland X. It offers a true ‘German SUV feeling for everyone’.

front, for example, provide the driver with a visual, audible and haptic warning when critical situations involving pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles are detected.

Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes, as well as Audi active lane assist which helps ensure the SUV remains safely in its lane. If required, the car can even deploy automatic emergency braking.

The new Audi Q3 is available in both petrol and diesel units - in combination with either front-wheel or Quattro (4WD) drive. Progressive steering comes as standard.

Visit your local Audi dealer today for further information on the all-new Audi Q3 or visit www.audi.ie

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

REVIEW OF 2018: LOOKING BACK: THE year gone by was a spectacular one across the board with world level medals across a range of sports - from hockey to pentathlon to para swimming and para athletics and beyond.

The men’s and women’s county footballers also shone, making for a sparkling 12 months to be involved in Dublin sport.



GAZETTE

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

PAGE 28-31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CURLING | OLYMPIC SPORT AIM TO EXPAND FURTHER IN IRELAND

Sliding stones exhibition set for Tallaght  sport@dublingazette.com

THE IRISH curling association are using their January trip to Tallaght Stadium to demonstrate their sport as a dual opportunity, hoping to extol the possibilities of a first Irish curling rink to potential business investors as well as promote the sport itself.

There is no permanent ice rink in the Republic, though quite a few pop up over the winter season.

Those temporary spots give the surprisingly wide array of ice hockey teams – who usually play in Belfast – the chance to compete on home ‘turf’.

Curling requires a smaller area of ice, however, and the Irish association, largely based in Scotland, see an opportunity to learn from the successful Scottish model.

Across the water, the sport is far bigger, and there are a number of privately owned rinks.

They do not cost a vast amount to set up, and are often run as part small private entreprises, even in locations like barns.

With the world governing body working hard on expansion, advice and financial support are both possibilities for early adopters in Ireland.

“It doesn’t need to be a big deal,” Irish curler David Whyte, a senior European medalist, told the Dublin Gazette.

“Some of the smaller rinks really wouldn’t be expensive to set up.

We’d love to talk with anyone who’d be interested in doing something in Ireland, as it’s a huge opportunity for someone, we think, and for the sport.”

The World Curling Federation are currently working hard on expanding the sport – which involves sliding rocks down a rink at a target – into a greater international market.

As part of the process, they’ll be

James Russell in action for Ireland at the 2018 World Mixed Curling Championships. Picture: Jeffrey Au/WCF

holding events for both children (through schools) and interested parties on the temporary ice skating rink at Tallaght Stadium on January 16 and 17, including demonstrations by guest Olympians.

“People get quite excited when they see the pros, and see what’s possible,” Whyte says of the game,

which is popular in Canada in particular, and traditionally gets a huge boost on the back of Winter Olympic coverage.

“It has elements of chess and golf. It’s for people who like a combination of a team sport with some exercise, a physical challenge and some strategy.”

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

SPORT2018

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

West-side stories lead to national victories January “THIS is all I wanted and everything I dreamed of,” said an overcome Black Amber Templeogue star, Lawrence “Puff” Summers said as his side were crowned Hula Hoops National Cup champions with a 68-62 point win over UCD Marian at the National Basketball Arena.

“I lost a final with Kilkenny here four years ago,” he continued, “and I have a photo of my daughter crying because Daddy lost.

I can’t wait to go home and put this medal around her.”

2011 All-Ireland football winner Paul Casey was confirmed as linking up with Mick Bohan’s Dublin ladies coaching team for the forthcoming season.

F o r C a r a d h O’Donovan, 2018 really is a new sporting start.

The former world champion kickboxer has given up her first spor ting love, and will be chasing a new dream: qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she hopes to medal in karate.

The sporting change is driven, in part, by the presence of karate and

not kickboxing at the Olympics, but also by O’Donovan’s desire to recalibrate.

She says she’s “losing interest” in kickboxing, and has “taken things as far as I can go” after numerous world level medals.

February ST MARK’S man Dotsy O’Callaghan said he will miss the “phenomenal buzz” of the county scene following his decision to retire from intercounty hurling.

Originally part of the Dublin footballers from 2003, winning two Leinster titles, he then linked up with the hurlers and went on to win the 2013 Leinster championship.

“I’d have known last year that this was coming, I suppose mentally I was prepared for it. I was always quite obsessive about it when I was in the bubble so it’s given me a chance to step back.”

March DUBLINERS abounded in the heroic Irish rugby team that swept to just a third grand slam victory on St Patrick’s Day as they

raided Twickenham to add the silverware to the Six Nations title that was already in the bank.

St Mary’s College graduate Johnny Sexton provided the tournament’s iconic moment in game one when he landed the crucial drop goal deep into injury time to secure victory over France.

Liffey Celtics’ basketball side have taken their first ever women’s Super League title, defeating Carlow IT to add top-spot in the regular season to their play-off victory – which followed a second place league finish – last time around.

The comfortable 71-48 victory over Carlow was particularly sweet as the opposition were one of those two sides to have previously defeated the Celtics in the league this season.

Boss Mark Byrne, who came on-board at the start of last season, has praised his team’s ability to learn and commitment to the cause as being at the heart of his side’s success.

“The commitment to improving was there from the moment I came through the door in preseason before we got started in 2017,” Byrne told the

My ball! Westmanstown Gaels’ Aoife Connolly holds off her opponent en route to Feile Division 4 glory for the club. Picture: GAAPics.com

St Mary’s RFC’s Niamh Fitzgerald celebrates with Sami Tuc following the Womens Division 1 League Final win over

St Colmcilles Knocklyon on a high

Railway Union. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

after schools cup victory.

Tallaght woman Katie

Lucan man John Joyce to seven professional Ballyboden St Enda’s celebrate Division 1 Feile success. Picture: GAApics.com

Picture: Ricardo Guglielminotti

Dublin Gazette.

Peamount United’s Lucy McCartan picked up the prestigious Under-19 player of the year award at the FAI Awards.

ond in 1:57.44 and won his sixth consecutive 200m Butterfly title.

The delighted 23-yearold commented: “Usually, I’m quite excited by something like this but today I’m just so relieved, I’m always really nervous. I said to my coach if I could get down to 1.57 low for this season it would be a success, we’re there now so I’ll keep pushing on.”

April LUCAN Sarsfields enjoyed yet more Feile glory in Parnell Park as they landed the Dublin A hurling crown with an excellent 2-8 to 1-3 win over Kilmacud Crokes.

It was their second hurling Feile victory in the last three years, coming off the back of an excellent week-

end of action around the county.

Sars’ Peter Kelly has announced his retirement from the Dublin hurling panel at the age of just 29, citing the longevity of his club career with Sarsfields as his primary reason.

Kelly was a part of Anthony Daly’s 2013 Leinster title winning Dublin side, one of three Dublin players to make All Star that year as a result.

Glenanne produced an immaculate comeback from 2-0 down to beat Lisnagarvey at Comber Road to get the win they needed against their nearest rivals,

claiming the EY Hockey League and a spot in Europe into the bargain.

It was part of a sublime weekend which saw their second team land the Irish Junior Cup a day later.

Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland was one of the stars of the Irish Open swimming championships at the National Aquatic Centre with double gold, winning the 100m and 200m butterfly golds.

Hyland was the star of the show when he cracked the 1.58 mark in the 200m Butterfly Final. Hyland broke his own record of 1:58.08 by over half a sec-

May BLUEBELL United had more than one reason to celebrate on one Sunday afternoon in May as

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

Liffey Celtics celebrate their maiden national basketball league success.

Shamrock Rovers’ Graham Burke. Picture: Martin Doherty

extended his winning run

the christening of a club member’s baby was interrupted by news they had sealed the LSL Sunday Senior title.

Andy Noonan’s side were handsome 3-0 winners away to Portmarnock– a result that meant they could only be caught on goal difference – and returned to the club.

It was amid the celebrations word filtered through that, against all predictions, Newbridge Town had gone out on their shields with a 0-0 draw against Crumlin United.

With Killester United’s challenge having fallen

Glenanne celebrate winning the EY Hockey League. Picture: Adrian Boehm

away following their 2-0 defeat to Firhouse Clover, that meant the Bell got their name on the trophy for the third time in four years.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” a jubilant Noonan told the Dublin Gazette. “I knew Newbridge were struggling for bodies but they gave a heroic performance to keep coming at 0-0. It was a perfect day for us.”

Kingswood Castle celebrated their second league success in three seasons when they lifted the AUL Division 3 Saturday title.

Having only been founded four years ago,

The Castle joined the AUL in the 2015-16 season and won Division 3A at the first time of asking.

The Tallaght side now add the Division 3 crown to their list of honours and can look forward to Division 2 football next season.

Newtow n Rangers sealed promotion from LSL Sunday Senior 1A thanks to a 2-1 win over an impressive Skerries Town side at Farrell Park.

David Costigan and Aaron O’Brien got the goals for the Tallaght club as they got more than just the point they needed to ensure a top three finish.

June SHAMROCK Rovers formally opened their new grass pitches at Roadstone on Monday afternoon, completing phase one of the development of their ambitious academy.

The planned facility will cater for up to 500 children and young people training at elite, grassroots and football for all level on a weekly basis.

Thomas Davis held their nerve to see off Na Fianna and progress to their first ever Dublin senior ladies football semifinal following an injurytime point.

- Aidan Harris Igheion on his decision to accept a scholarship from Louisville.

“It was definitely a nicer feeling being on the pitch compared to watching it last year [from the stands].”

- Thomas Davis’ Sinead McGrath on All-Ireland glory

McCabe captained the Republic of Ireland team against the Netherlands. Picture: Martin Doherty

wins.

“This is a decision that will potentially change my life and my family’s life forever. ”

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 3 January 2019

SPORT2018

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER

County stars paint Croker blue on the double again July TALLAGHT AC’s Rhasidat Adeleke stormed to gold in the 200m at the European Athletics Under-18 Championships in Gyor, Hungary as part of a glorious weekend of action for the Irish team.

Adeleke blitzed the bend and gave her rivals a clean pair of heels as she won the gold in 23.52 - a new personal best that sparked a tearful and jubilant celebration.

Speaking after the final Adeleke said: “I’m lost for words. I wasn’t expecting it. I knew I was in form and that I could go fast but not that fast! I can’t believe it.

“You work all year; there are doubts, there are things that bring you down and so coming out with the gold is just crazy!”

Mark Conlon has completed his epic quest to break the Irish record for consecutive daily marathons, finishing his 33rd marathon in 33 days.

As well as breaking the record, the Bawnogue man’s main aim was to raise awareness of Dublin’s homeless crisis and money for the Peter McVerry Trust.

Westmanstown Gaels stormed to the Division 4 national Feile shield final with a series of heroic

performances in Louth and Meath.

It followed their Division 5 success in Dublin in April, representing the county in a group alongside St Patrick’s Stamullen, St Brigids Longford and St Fechin’s of Termonfeckin.

August IT WAS the month the Irish women’s team burst into the public imagination with 10 Dubliners helping the side land a World Cup silver medal.

Salmon Leap’s Jenny Egan became the first Irish athlete to win an International Canoe Federation (ICF) Senior Canoe Sprint World Championship medal on Sunday as she took bronze in the K1 5,000m event.

“I am delighted to win a bronze medal and to make history becoming the first Irish athlete to win a Senior Canoe Sprint World Championship medal, it is a dream come true,” she said after the race.

Lucan Harriers put in a range of strong performances at the Irish Life Health National Masters Championships in Tullamore.

There were gold

medals for Carol Kearney in Over-50 200m and Hilary McGee in the Over-40 weight for distance – the first time this event was part of the National Masters Championships.

Silver medals went to Breda Smyth in the Over-45 1,500m, Kearney in the Over-50 400m, McGee in Over40 Shot Putt and both relay teams.

A dramatic second half comeback, led by the inspirational Caroline Conway, secured the New Ireland Assurance Junior F Ladies Football title for Wanderers in St Margaret’s.

The Lusk outfit dominated the first 30 minutes en route to an eight point interval lead and the destination of the Junior F trophy looked to be heading to Fingal.

But Wanderers weren’t ready to say bon voyage to the title and produced three second half goals to send their supporters into raptures.

September DOUBLE delight for Dublin as both the men and women’s senior footballers both claimed AllIreland glory.

Ecstatic Jackies’ boss Mick Bohan said it

Tallaght man Stephen Kenny led Dundalk to a double. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Lucan Sarsfields Emer Keenan captained the Dublin Junior Premier

Peamount United’s Amber Barrett

camogie side to All-Ireland victory.

shows her dejection in the FAI Cup

Picture: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

final. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dublin’s ladies footballers

Tallaght AC’s Rhasidat Adeleke with her Nicci Daly with fellow hockey World Cup silver medalists following

200m gold medal from the European U-18

her motor-racing track debut with the Formula Female team

championships. Picture: Piaras O’Midheach

was extra special to beat Cork, their nemesis in recent years: “We couldn’t make it out to be more than a game with this group beforehand but I think everyone knew it was,” Bohan said. “That wasn’t shying away from it. If we had built it up in the camp, it could have become an immovable beast, and we didn’t want that.

“We’ve been building for this for eighteen months. When we came in, we felt Cork were the standard bearers and we felt, for us to take the crown, we would have had to take them out. That’s with massive respect, they brought the

game to that level, and we’ve set a standard by it.”

For the men’s side, it was a fourth successive victory.

WITH low water levels causing carnage, British pair Nicky Cresser and Tom Lusty were the winners of the K2 class at the 59th Liffey Descent canoe marathon.

Ireland had two wins – Jenny Egan and John Simmons were first in the mixed K2 race while their Salmon Leap club mate Barry Watkins took his first win in men’s K1.

Megan Smyth-Lynch earned Peamount United their first silverware in five years as they

came from behind to beat Wexford Youths in a faced-paced WNL League Cup final at Ferrycarrig Park.

Defender Lauren Dwyer fired the hosts in front midway through the first-half but Peamount turned things around after the interval as goals from Aine O’Gorman and SmythLynch saw them deservedly claim the silverware.

Shane Plow man hailed the determination of his squad to come back from the heartbreak of losing last year’s Liberty Insurance AllIreland Premier Junior Final and make amends

in style.

“It’s absolutely fabulous” said the Thomas Davis man of the ninepoint victory. “To come here last year and walk away so hurt, we thought we had enough (to win), came up against a very good Westmeath team.

We really did promise ourselves we’d dust ourselves off and do whatever we had to do to get back here.”

October ST JUDE’S claimed their first senior championship title in any code on the 40th Anniversary of the Club, as they dug deep to deliver the We Are Dublin

3 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR “If you can’t get into the CIE Ranch and Dublin Bus game with a leap card then there’s something wrong.” - CIE

Round Tower Clondalkin’s Jim Gavin managed Dublin to yet another football All-Ireland. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Ranch manager Keith Cronin on the FAI Cup’s ‘El Trafico’ match

“The atmosphere in Portugal was electric; every time I race by the grandstand, I heard the crowd chanting ‘Ireland’.

So many of my fellow athlete friends and Portuguese friends were cheering for me.”

celebrate their All-Ireland senior success in Croke Park. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

- Salmon Leap’s

Ballyboden St Enda’s Simon South Dublin Panthers in action against the Louth Mavericks at

Lambert lifts the Dublin SHC

Aaron Thorpe negotiates the tough conditions at this

Westmanstown in July. Picture: Martin Doherty

trophy. Picture: John Kirwan

year’s Liffey Descent. Picture: Lindie Naughton

Senior Camogie Championship after an extratime win over Na Fianna, before an attendance of over 1,000 spectators at a sunny Blakestown.

Donie Fox’s charges conceded the first point in extra-time but went on to score four points unanswered on the way to a historic success.

Clondalkin man Aidan Harris Igiehon made headlines across the USA as he announced his commitment to the University of Louisville for next year.

The Dublin Lions star, who is known Stateside as The Irish Hulk, announced the news on a live stream from his high school, Lawrence Wood-

mere Academy, where his mother was also linked in via Skype from Dublin.

The news sees Harris Igiehon become the first Irish basketball player to play in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and will play home games with the Louisville Cardinals in the famous KFC Yum Center which has a capacity of over 22,000. The 6’ 10 player will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2020.

Faughs created history as they attained senior camogie status for the first time in their modern history with a well-deserved eight-point win over a gallant Kilmacud Crokes in Abbotstown.

Tallaght’s Niamh Coyne

took silver in the women’s 100m breaststroke with a time of 1:08.90, marking one of the highlights of the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

November TALLAGHT native Stephen Kenny has been appointed Republic of Ireland Under-21 national team manager and will take over the senior job following the conclusion of Euro 2020.

The 47-year-old has stepped down from his position at Dundalk – where he won eight trophies, including four league titles, in six years – to concentrate on his new

role.

Dublin hurling champions Ballyboden St Enda’s booked their berth on the Leinster Club SHC semi-final after an emotional provincial quarter-final encounter with Westmeath champions Clonkill in Parnell Park.

It was a match played against the backdrop of great sadness following the death of three yearold Annabel Loughlin last weekend, daughter of Clonkill clubman and former Westmeath hurler Enda Loughlin, who was buried on the morning of the game.

A minute’s silence was observed before the game and after 80-minutes of

action Ballyboden St Enda’s formed a guard of honour for Clonkill as they exited the Donnycarney pitch.

Boden went on to the Leinster final where Ballyhale prevailed.

St Mary’s Boxing Club’s Kellie Harrington finally reached the top step of the podium to get the reward her prodigious talent deserves as she stepped up from her 2016 world silver medal to win gold at the World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

December DUBLIN senior footballer Colm Basquel

bagged a key first-half goal as Ballyboden St Enda’s retained their Adult Hurling League Division One title with a win over 14-man Na Fianna at O’Toole Park.

It completed an impressive double for Joe Fortune’s men in 2018, following their success over southside rivals Kilmacud Crokes in October’s county final replay in Parnell Park.

Basquel’s 18th-minute finish offered ‘Boden significant breathing space throughout, and Paul Ryan’s five-point haul off the bench was a crucial factor in keeping their Glasnevin counterparts at bay.

Jenny Egan’s small but vocal support as she made Irish canoeing history

“What a weekend, what a month, what a story! From World Cup silver to racing a car in my dad’s honour!

It has been the highest of highs.”

- Nicci Daly on

Hockey World Cup silver followed two weeks later by her motorracing debut.

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 3-9, 2019

ALL OF YOUR WEST DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 33-39

Perth take on mantle from Stephen Kenny  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

BEST OF 2018: We look back on a truly remarkable year for Dublin sport with medals galore on the world stage across a range of sports to go with All-Ireland success in front of some of the biggest crowds in Ireland.

SEE P28-31

CURLING SET FOR DEMO DAY CURLING: Winter

Olympic sport keen to expand in Ireland with Tallaght hosting an introduction day.

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KILLINARDEN’S Vinny Perth has been confirmed as the successor to Stephen Kenny as head coach of League of Ireland champions Dundalk.

The 42-year-old succeeds Kenny as head honcho at Oriel Park after his fellow Tallaght man left to take over Ireland Under-21s with a view to becoming senior coach in 2020.

The former defender was brought in as assista n t m a n a ge r w h e n Kenny took over the Lilywhites in 2012 and the pair guided the club to an unprecedented four titles in six seasons.

It’s no small act to follow, then, for Perth, who will be assisted by the former Dundalk boss John Gill as he has yet to obtain the full UEFA Pro License required to manage at this level.

Former Derry City midfielder Ruaidhri Harkin has also been as Perth’s assistant head coach, while onetime Shamrock Rovers caretaker boss Gill will assume firstteam coaching duties.

“I am excited by the challenges ahead, namely defending our League of Ireland and FAI Cup trophies, and embarking on another European campaign,” Perth said.

“I’d like to thank the chairman, and the rest of the board, for showing faith in myself, Ruaidhri and John, as well as for their great support on

Killinarden’s Vinny Perth, left, takes on the Dundalk head role from long-time mentor Stephen Kenny. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“I am excited by the challenges ahead, namely

defending our League of Ireland and FAI Cup trophies, and embarking on another European campaign“ and off the pitch.

“I feel strongly that continuity is the key to taking Dundalk Football Club forward, a view that the board also share.”

Perth and Gill have worked together previously, when the pair were involved in the management set-up at Leinster Senior League side Malahide United before Perth took up the role with Dundalk.

“I look forward to working with all the

staff at the club, and I particularly wish to welcome John Gill back in his new role.

“As first-team coach, John is someone who will bring vital experience, hard work and dedication to the club. “ J o h n a n d I h ave shared football ideas and philosophies for many years and I am excited to work with him. John brings a huge level of experience to the management team.”

Perth has served a long apprenticeship in coaching since hanging up his playing boots back in 2007 to take up a role as Aaron Callaghan’s assistant at Longford Town.

He managed Longford until the end of 2008 following Callaghan’s resignation before spending two seasons as manager of Malahide before receiving the call from Kenny.

It was Kenny who had

originally taken him to Longford back in 1998, where Perth was a key part of the side that won the only two FAI Cups in the club’s history and took them into Europe.

He also spent time with Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk during a decorated playing career that had begun in Dublin with his local schoolboy side Cherry Orchard.

“I would like to stress to a l l su p p o r te rs o f

Dundalk Football Club, that all the planning and preparation is well underway as we embark on our pre-season schedule.

“After a gruelling but highly successful campaign in 2018, everyone at the club is motivated and ready to get going again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of our supporters in February for our first league game against Sligo.”