Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette MARCH 12 - 18, 2020

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Council slammed for selling public site PADRAIG CONLON

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COOKED TO

Perfection

THE Marymount Care Centre in Lucan was one of the many places to benefit from chef Joyce Timmins’s kitchen revolution after she turned the perception of Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital’s food on its head three years ago. Since moving to the Lucan centre, Joyce was recently honoured when she won the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Food Award at the 2020 Food Awards. Picture: Peter Houlihan

A PLAN to build up to 500 new social, affordable and private homes in Tallaght has been met with a mixed reaction.

At the March county council meeting on Monday, a proposal by council management to build 500 homes in Killinarden through a joint venture project was approved by 28 votes to 8 votes.

The proposed mix for the site is for 300 affordable homes, with 100 private and with an extra 100 social homes provided.

The development will also include a new community centre and sports pavilion to meet the community and sporting needs of residents.

However, following the vote on Monday night, Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin blasted the councillors who voted in favour of selling public land to a private developer to deliver the homes.

He said: “It is deeply disappointing that a majority of councillors on South Dublin County Council (SDCC) last night voted to sell a key public site in Killinarden.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

No jail for man who grew cannabis A FATHER of four who set up a cannabis ‘grow house’ so he could produce his own cannabis oil for pain relief from his medical con-

dition has avoided a prison sentence. Peter Maguire (41), of Donomore Avenue, Tallaght, was diagnosed with Barrett’s disease – a

condition of chronic heartburn and reflux which can make the person more susceptible to oesophageal SEE PAGE 4 cancer.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

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PROJECT WAS APPROVED BY 28 VOTES TO 8 VOTES

Mixed reactions to plan to build up to 500 new homes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Deputy O Broin continued: “This is a huge opportunity lost to deliver 500 public homes to meet social, affordable costrental and affordable leasehold purchase needs.

“The deal is similar to the one on the O’Devaney Gardens site in Dublin city.

“Some 200 social homes, 200 discount market price homes and 100 open market homes will be delivered on the Killinarden site.

“The discount purchase homes are wrongly being described as ‘affordable homes’. The sale price will be set at a 15% discount on the open market price.

“However, the 15% discount will have to be paid back to the State at a future

point.

“This is not genuinely affordable housing.

“For example, according to the figures presented last night, the market value of a fourbed is €340,000; with the 15% discount, the price is €289,000.

“When the affordable purchaser eventually wants to sell the home or leave it to their children, they will have to find the 15% cost difference.

“A better use of this land should have been 33% social, 33% cost rental and 33% affordable purchase.

“Unfortunately, neither central government nor the majority of councillors on SDCC have any interest in putting the interests of working families ahead of

A proposal by council management to build 500 homes in Killinarden was approved, but the decision attracted criticism from some councillors

investors and developers,” said Deputy O Broin.

However, Cllr Ed O’Brien, leader of the Fianna Fail group on SDCC, criticised

the decision of Sinn Fein councillors to vote against the proposal.

He said: “This is another step in the right direction from SDCC, and one which will deliver vital homes for those across the county who most need them.

“This was the first major development brought before the council following the [2020 General] Election, where Sinn Fein made endless promises in relation to housing.

“This was an opportunity to build 500 houses, and it was voted against by some parties for purely philosophical reasons.

‘Desperate’ “The people who I engage with every day, who are desperately in need of homes, cannot afford to wait for those homes – they are not concerned by philosophical arguments put forward by parties like Sinn Fein and Solidarity/People Before Profit.

“Fianna Fail is committed to the delivery of homes. Our council is hugely constrained by the lack of government intervention in the housing system; however, that should not prevent local councillors from delivering homes being delivered by the council in spite of those constraints,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cllr Madeleine Johansson (PBP) took aim at Fine Gael.

She said: “It is welcome that the numbers on this site include more affordable and social homes than previous projects such as Kilcarbery, where 70% were private.

“However, this proposal is a continuation of the Fine Gael government’s Rebuilding Ireland plan, and once again involves the selling of public land to a private developer.

“Following the historic general election recently, it is possible that a new national housing policy will be developed.

“Instead of going ahead with a development which includes using public land for private housing, the council should develop this site directly for social and real affordable homes.

“As of January, there were 6,846 households on the housing list, according to the monthly statistics report, and 587 individuals and families registered as homeless.

“Housing is needed urgently – however, similar projects have taken up to two years to get to the stage of starting construction.

“Housing could be built quicker, and cheaper, if it was developed directly by the council,” she said.

FASTNews Restaurants warning over virus’s impact

THE Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) has warned of a huge financial loss to its members following the cancellation of St Patrick’s Day parades.

The RAI said while it fully supports the decision in the interest of public safety, the losses to restaurants and the hospitality sector will need to be taken into consideration.

Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the RAI, said: “We are demanding that the Government immediately implement emergency business supports to prevent closures and job losses.”

The RAI’s top four requests of the Government are an immediate reduction of the VAT rate to 9% for tourism and hospitality businesses for a minimum period of six months; that Irish banks defer loan repayments for at least six months; that Revenue introduces a moratorium on VAT payments; and that employer PRSI is halved to support employers.

New Cyc-Lok parking units SOUTH Dublin County Council are officially launching two new Cyc-Lok bicycle parking units and three bicycle maintenance stations to improve local cycle parking facilities.

The Cyc-Lok lockers are located at the Civic Theatre, Tallaght and Grange Road, Rathfarnham and are now open to the public, providing secure bicycle lockers for long- or short-term parking.

Completely enclosed, Cyc-Lok’s lockers protect bikes and belongings from third-party viewing.

The lockers are pay-asyou-go parking for your bike and prices start at just €1 for one hour, rising to €3 for 12 hours.

From March 13 to 18, SDCC is offering a reduced rate of €1 for 12hrs parking as an incentive to encourage more people to go Green with their transport choices.

All you need to do is use the following code, SDCCGREEN1, on the Cyc-Lok App, but this offer is on a first-come, first-served basis.

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

POLITICS: FOCUS ON CONSTITUENTS HAVING THEIR VOICES HEARD

Get involved in the Seanad elections – Cllr PADRAIG CONLON

A LOCAL representative has come up with a new way to approach the Seanad election this month.

Unlike Dail Eireann, the Seanad is not directly elected, but consists of a mixture of members chosen by various methods to fill its 60 seats.

Most people are excluded from electing members to the Seanad, and the only people eligible to vote are current TDs, councillors, outgoing Senators, graduates of certain universities, and the Taoiseach.

Now, one local representative has tried a new approach to increase participation in the election.

Cllr Alan Hayes (Ind)

says he wants his constituents to take part in a consultation exercise so all their voices can be heard.

He said: “Normally, the procedure followed by all the mainstream parties is for councillors to support the candidates recommended by their parties.

“These are usually people who tried and failed to get elected at the previous general election.

“Graduates of Trinity [College] or the National University of Ireland get to vote on special panels, but people who never got the chance to go to college, or who went to other colleges, such as Technological University Tallaght, are just excluded from the process.”

Cllr Hayes recently

organised a community meeting for constituents to identify the issues that matter in their communities.

That meeting was held on Thursday, March 5 in Palmerstown.

According to Cllr Hayes, the issues most important to the people of Palmerstown, Lucan and North Clondalkin are healthcare, school transport, law enforcement, education (including special education places, and support in mainstream education), biodiversity, greenway expansion and facilities for young people.

Cllr Hayes said: “The Seanad has an important role in our democracy.

“Senators can propose legislation and have an

CONTEST

Table quiz for adults in Lucan

Cllr Alan Hayes (Ind) wants the public to express their thoughts on Seanad elections

important role in holding the Dail to account.

“A few years ago, after the referendum to abolish the Seanad was defeated, all the major parties made a commitment to reform the Seanad and extend the right to vote to more people but, to be honest, the people I represent are tired of waiting for this to happen.

FASTNews Closure order received by Anu’s Kitchen A WELL-KNOWN Tallaght restaurant was one of four premises nationwide to receive closure orders from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

Anu’s Kitchen, Belgard Road in Tallaght was found to have “fresh rodent droppings” near the kitchen area

by FSAI inspectors.

It also had a “lack of pest proofing throughout the entire premises”, which posed a risk as food could be contaminated, an inspection report said.

FSAI inspectors said there was “evidence of fresh rodent (rat) droppings found in the food storage area directly off the kitchen”.

The inspection report said: “A grave and immediate danger exists due to the current rodent infestation in an area where food is handled.”

The restaurant at Unit 3, Glen Abbey Complex, Belgard Road was closed on February 1, but reopened on February 12.

“They have a right for their voices to be heard too, so I am encouraging all residents to contact their local councillors and TDs and ask them how they are casting their vote.

“If you don’t hear your concerns reflected in their choices, let them know about it.

“Afterall, they only have

a vote because [the public] elected them to that role.

“If you live or work in South Dublin but you were unable to make the meeting last week, you can contact me by email , at at AHayes@Cllrs.Sdublincoco.ie, if you want your voice to be heard in the upcoming Seanad elections.”

LUCAN Library is hosting a table quiz for adults.

Quizmaster and all-round mastermind Geraldine will keep your brain healthy by testing your general knowledge over a cuppa and some cake.

It all takes place in the library from 1.30pm 4.30pm next Thursday, March 19.

There’s room for up to 10 teams, with a maximum of four participants per team.

Come alone or with some friends and if you are short a player or two, don’t worry, as the library staff will team you up with others, and you may end up with the best brains in Lucan!

To put your name down contact the library at lucan@sdublincoco.ie, telephone 01 621 6422, or just call in.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

COURTS: TALLAGHT DAD’S ACTIONS WERE TO TREAT HIS OWN MEDICAL CONDITION

Man who grew cannabis for pain relief avoids jail

A FATHER of four who set up a cannabis ‘grow house’ so he could produce his own cannabis oil for pain relief from his medical condition has avoided a prison sentence.

Peter Maguire (41), of Donomore Avenue, Tallaght, was diagnosed with Barrett’s disease – a condition of chronic heartburn and reflux which can make the person more susceptible to oesophageal cancer.

Stephen Montgomery BL, defending, said Maguire, was a reformed heroin

addict and soon found himself reliant on painkillers.

He decided that he should instead treat the condition with cannabis oil, so as not to relapse into a drug addiction.

Maguire pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivation of cannabis at his home on October 2, 2017.

His 57 previous convictions include one for possession of drugs in 2002, while the majority of the remainder are for road traffic offences.

Garda Robert Whitty agreed with counsel that Maguire made full admissions when interviewed by gardai eight days after the cannabis grow house was discovered in the attic of his home.

He outlined how he had learned how to operate the grow house after looking it up online.

Gda Whitty accepted that Maguire provided gardai with a great deal of information in relation to the process of extracting the oil from

the matured plants.

He said he was satisfied that this was the reason Maguire was growing the plants.

Judge Melanie Greally said it was “very fair evidence” from Gda Whitty and noted the “very positive steps” Maguire had taken in the past to minimise his risk of re-offending.

She said it was “not in the interest of the community to return him to a custodial environment”, before she suspended a two-year jail term on strict conditions.

Gda Whitty told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that Maguire initially denied there were any drugs in the house when

The court heard that the cannabis ‘grow house’ was set up to help treat the accused’s medical condition –Barrett’s disease – with the use of cannabis oil

gardai raided it, but 16 cannabis plants were later discovered in the attic.

He confirmed that it had been set up as a grow house with all the necessary equipment. The plants were five weeks off maturity, and valued at €12,000 in total.

Maguire told gardai he had been growing the plants for the previous two months and said he had made “a stupid mistake”.

Mr Montgomery said his client had four children under the age of 18.

He said Maguire began abusing heroin at 15 years

old and was soon involved in criminality.

He has since turned his life around after getting help for his addiction in his local community.

Mr Montgomery said his client found that the cannabis oil gave him pain relief for his condition.

Junk Kouture regional win for teenagers

Sleepover raises €5,100 to help the Peter McVerry Trust LUCAN Lions Club, in association with Lucan’s Westside Performing Arts, recently held its annual sponsored sleepover to raise funds and awareness for the Peter McVerry Trust. The event was held in Lucan’s Church of Ireland parish centre, with Westside students camping there for the night.

The fundraising target was exceeded, and pictured with Westside students are Brian Curtin, for the Peter McVerry Trust, and Ray Barnes, for the Lucan Lions Club.

This sleepover event is now an annual occurrence and a total of €18,900 has been raised over the past five years for the Peter McVerry Trust.

Lucan Lions Club’s membership is around 16 local people, who give willingly of their time and talents to help others. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm in the Lucan Spa Hotel, and new members are always welcome. for further information, see www.lucanlionsclub.com.

LOCAL teenagers from Tallaght were successful at this year’s regional final of Junk Kouture, bagging themselves a place at the upcoming grand final on the 3Arena stage on Thursday, April 30.

The students from Old Bawn Community School won with their design, which was entitled Untold Leopard, and was designed by Szymon Rycek and Beverly Nkuiga.

The Eastern Regional Final took place on March 2 in The Helix, where judges Tracey Fahey from Limerick School of Art and Design, Jane Leavey of Griffith College, fashion designer Stephen McLaughlin and student judge Rebecca Mc Nally lent their expertise to proceedings on the night.

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

TALLAGHT: THE SQUARE SC SELLS A HUGE EUROMILLIONS PLUS DRAW WINNER

FASTNews St Patrick’s Day parades cancelled

ST PATRICK’S DAY parades across the area were cancelled this week due to increasing concerns over the impact of the Coronavirus.

The parades planned for Clondalkin, Tallaght, and Lucan will not now go ahead.

The Clondalkin parade committee released a statement on social media, saying: ‘’Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the risk to public health, the 2020 Clondalkin Patrick’s Day Parade has to be postponed until further notice.

“We will [offically] inform all participants and sponsors by email over the next 24 hours. We know a lot of people will be disappointed by this decision, but we must put public health first.’’

In a similar post on Facebook, the Tallaght parade committee announced: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the risk to public health, the 2020 St Patrick’s Day Tallaght Parade has to be cancelled.”

Couple ‘delighted’ with €5k win – then saw it was €500k PADRAIG CONLON

A COUPLE who bought a lottery ticket in The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght got the shock of their lives when they discovered they’d actually won 100 times more than they thought.

The married couple, from Dublin, have admitted they had been busy celebrating what they perceived was a €5,000 win in a recent EuroMillions draw (February 28), only to later discover that they had actually won €500,000 in the EuroMillions Plus draw.

The pair, who wish to remain private, checked t h e i r t i c ke t o n t h e National Lottery app, and while they knew they had won a substantial amount of money, they were unsure of exactly how much.

The husband said: “We scanned the ticket on the phone app and we got this message to tell us to contact the National Lottery to claim our prize.

“There was of course great excitement when we saw that message, but there was no mention of how much our prize was.

Numbers “We started comparing our numbers on our ticket to the actual results, and we forgot to check the EuroMillions Plus draw.

“We just assumed that we were one of the raffle winners and, I swear, we were absolutely thrilled with the five grand.

“Little did we know we had won [more than] 100 times that amount.”

The winning quickpick ticket was sold at

Dunnes Stores in The Square SC. The lucky husband was scrolling through his Facebook feed when he came across a story about his local Dunnes Stores selling a EuroMillions Plus top prize ticket worth €500,00.

He said: “My jaw absolutely dropped when I came across the story about Dunnes selling a big EuroMillions winner.

“I knew that we had bought our ticket there and it was just too much of a coincidence for it not to be us.

“A f t e r f r a n t i c a l l y checking our ticket once again, we finally realised we had won the half million euro prize. We’re still getting over the shock.”

The couple will take time out to go on a sun holiday before rushing into anything:

The Square SC in Tallaght helped make one couple’s Lotto dreams come true

The winning husband said: “The most important thing to us is to help our family.

“Of course, we’ll be paying off our own mort-

gage and whatever bills we have ourselves, but after all that, we will be putting a plan together to help all our families out in whatever way we

can.

“However, we won’t be making any decision before we pack our bags to go on a decent sun holiday.”

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Clondalkin Bake-off fun

C

LONDALKIN Fairtrade Town held its sixth annual Bake-Off competition in Aras Chronain in Clondalkin village last week, where participants were in with a chance to win prizes. Entries were judged by Virgin Media’s chef, Catherine Leydon. Local councillor Francis Timmons was also on hand to support the event, along with Mayor Vicki Casserly.

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

CLONDALKIN: HUB WILL BE A PLACE TO MEET, LEARN, EXPLORE AND DISCOVER

Library expects to open doors to public in June PADRAIG CONLON

THE much anticipated new North Clondalkin Library will be handed over to the council by the end of this month.

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) says there will be a three-month fitout of the building ahead of its official opening in June.

Work began on the new local library back in September, 2018 with Townlink Construction Ltd appointed as contractors.

The completed work includes the construction of a two-storey 1,299sq m library building located at

the junction of Liscarne, Oatfield and Harelawn.

Situated right in the heart of the North Clondalkin community, it is hoped the completed library will be a source of community development, and a significant resource for learning and exploration.

The modern library building will include adult, young adult, and children’s sections, as well as community meeting rooms.

Books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers and magazines will be available for borrowing, and the library will provide free access to the internet, free Wi-Fi,

and computer classes for all levels and age groups.

Support for setting up a business and online information on courses and employment opportunities will also be offered.

Among the facilities, the North Clondalkin library will feature a large library hall accommodating all age groups and library activities as well as an IT training room and a conference room which opens out into the library for community and public events.

A small meeting room for book-clubs and community groups will be included, alongside pro-

An artist’s impression of the North Clondalkin Library

tected gardens for library use.

A spokesperson for SDCC said the new library will be a very important resource for the local community.

They said: “The new library will be a place to meet, learn, explore and discover. It will provide

lifelong learning opportunities in areas such as reading, numeracy, creative writing, health matters, local history, and arts and crafts.

“Extensive programmes of events for children and families will include school class visits, parent and toddler groups, book

festival events, summer reading events and much more.

“We expect handover of the new North Clondalkin Library in the next three weeks, and following fitout of furniture and equipment, we anticipate opening the library in late June or early July.”

THE SQUARE

Funding boost for GAA clubs IN A huge boost for Tallaght’s GAA community, The Square Tallaght has created a sponsorship fund with an initial investment of €30,000.

The initiative, Club Together, will support five local Gaelic clubs for academy-aged children (4-8 years), allowing them to grow club participation and encourage even more young people to discover and enjoy playing GAA. The clubs benefitting from this year’s sponsorship are Thomas Davis, Croi Ro Naofa, St Mark’s GAA, St Anne’s GAA, St Kevin’s Killian’s GAA. Club Together is the first sponsorship model of its kind, and the funds will be used directly by the clubs for club gear, equipment, coaching camps and more, as well as on events and other aids for the clubs throughout the year.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

SHOP LOCAL | THE GAZETTE FOCUSES ON INDEPENDENT AND FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

It’s business as usual in Clondalkin Village WITH SPRING here, it is important to remember that you needn’t travel long distances for almost anything you could possibly need. In these times, it is important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy, with local spending sustaining local jobs. Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area.

By shopping locally, without any of the difficulties involved in travel across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry all of which play a far greater role in our life than one might imagine.

The Factory Outlet on Orchard Road specialises in the supply and fitting of tiles, bathrooms, kitchens and wardrobes.

One local business that has also survived the testament of time is Becker Tansey & Co Solicitors, which has been providing legal services in Clondalkin

for more than 30 years.

Mill Cabs, based in the Mill Shopping Centre, has been in operation for over 30 years and continues to serve the people of Clondalkin on a daily basis without any stop for rest.

Property Partners O’Brien Swaine, Clondalkin and Dundrum are part of Property Partners real estate group, which is an independently-owned auctioneering group with more than 25 offices nationwide.

The local company specialises in sales, rentals, property

“

management and valuation of all types of residential and commercial properties across all corners of Dublin City and further afield.

Cash In Rags, based at Watery lane, are now going into their sixth year in business. Donna who runs the company, says that there are a lot of people these days interested in recycling their old clothes with them.

She added: “People like the idea of clearing out their house of old clothes and bringing it in to us in exchange for money.”

In these times, it is important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy, with local spending sustaining local jobs

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

COUNTRY SET TO MARK TRAGEDY

A day to reflect on The Great Famine “

Schools around the country will be invited to hold a minute of silent reflection on Friday, May 22

Treasure hunters set to help sick kids TEMPLE Street Children’s Hospital ambassador and rugby legend Jamie Heaslip joined little Lily Quintana Morel (4), and Hazel Ahern, AIB, at CHI at Temple Street recently, where the trio were helping to launch this year’s

Techies4TempleStreet charity treasure trail. Techies 2020 takes place later this Summer on Friday, June 19, supported by lead sponsor AIB, and will see more than 1,600 team members of Ireland’s tech and business sectors compete in

a treasure trail across the city – to help support Temple Street and some of the country’s sickest children. To register your team, see techies4templestreet. ie or call Temple Street Foundation at 01 878 4344. Picture: Andres Poveda

THE Department for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced that the National Famine Commemoration will take place in Buncrana, Co Donegal on Sunday, May 24.

Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan, chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, declared the news last week.

This is the third time the state commemoration has taken place in Ulster, with the ceremony giving people the opportunity to honour those who died or were forced to travel abroad as a result of The Great Famine (1845 to 1849).

The commemoration will culminate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony

in the town.

Schools around the country will be invited to hold a minute of silent reflection on Friday, May 22 in memory of those who perished or suffered loss during the famine, while sporting organisations will be invited to observe a minute of silence at matches taking place over the weekend.

Minister Madigan said: “The National Famine Commemoration affords us an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of

those who perished and suffered during that desolate time.

“The choice of Donegal as host for the 2020 commemoration is particularly significant, given the impact of poverty and emigration on the people of the county throughout the 19th Century.

“With many people living in small, one-room houses and increasingly reliant on their potato crops, the famine swept through Donegal, causing disease, death, family fragmentation and emigration.

“The commemoration will reflect on this momentous event in Irish history and remember all those who suffered as a result of An Gorta Mor [The Great Hunger].”

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lyndsey Manning and Audrey Davies

Michelle Cormican and Linda Balfe

Caoimhe and Michelle O’Dwyer with Niamh O’Hara. Pictures: EMILY GALLAGHER

Linda Balfe, Caoimhe O’Dwyer, Carmel Ryan and Jack Tuite Susan Farmer and Irene Fahey

Ladies arriving back from their run

Jack Tuite and Linda Balfe

DJ Jamie Harrington

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

A great turn out to support Aspen Counselling

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

F

ITFOR45 fitness group in Lucan held a Runamuck fundraising event recently in aid of Aspen Counselling Lucan. More than 90 participants took part in the event at Lucan Sarsfields GAA club.

The Runamuck Challenge is a fun obstacle-type run event held over a mucky course, with many fun obstacles such as bale ‘jumps’, net scrambles, water slides, ditches, stream crossings, tyres, tunnels, bogs and more, and is designed to test particpants’ mental and physical strength.

Jennifer Foy, Elaine Kinsella, Amanda Houlihan and Terry and Debbie Martin

Lorraine Kinsella, Yvonne Gormley and Siobgan Smullen

Neville Murphy, Eddie Twamley and Alan McCarthy

Donna Mulligan, Susan Dempsey and Lizzie Moneyley

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

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12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE: A DEEPER SHADE OF BLUE:

TRAVEL

MAGAZINE

THE NEW AUDI 26 WOWS P22

DUBLIN

STAYCATION: Looking for a great family getaway? You’ll find a fabulous pool – and much more to delight – just down the road in Kilkenny, with a great Easter break hotel stay SEE P22

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CLASSIC Blue is the 2020 colour of the year, meaning we’re about to see it hit the High Street in a big way.

Already, hues of royal navy, crisp ocean-like blues and other beautiful blue shades have crept into the style book for many stores.

We’ve picked out some of our fave blues on offer ...

PAGE 21

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

Celebrate a little-known Irish innovator PADRAIG CONLON

A NEW play coming to Dublin next week aims to shed light on the life and legacy of a truly exceptional Irish woman.

Despite being a pioneering organic chemical compound scientist who proved the benzene ring is flat, Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) remains largely unknown by the Irish public.

The Lonsdale Project, written and directed by Sian Ni Mhuiri, is a new theatre show for young people from the ages of 11 years plus that aims to change all that.

The play connects science with real events and spotlights the fascinating story of Lonsdale, who was a prominent chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison.

This co-production with Riverbank Arts Centre and theatre

production company, Super Paua, will celebrate her life, her writings, and her adventures in areas such as x-ray diffraction, crystallography and passivism.

Following the play’s recent world premiere at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge (the town where Lonsdale was born in 1903), it transfers to Smock Alley Theatre to run from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 28.

Actors The play features three of Ireland’s top young rising actors – Clondalkin native, Hazel Clifford, who recently featured in The Gate Theatre’s hit adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s The Snapper; her fellow Dubliner, Graeme Coughlan, who appeared in The Collector; and Aoife Spratt, who has worked on RTE’s Republic of Telly, and recently in Dave Minogue’s feature film, Poster Boys.

Dublin Gazette caught up with Hazel ahead of next week’s opening night in Smock Alley.

She said: “I’m so excited to be involved with this play as I’ve never done anything like this before.

“I’ve never done children’s theatre so it’s going to be a wonderful new experience to be engaging with young children.

“I really hope they like this play – the story of Kathleen Lonsdale is so important; she was such a fantastic, amazing woman who was way ahead of her time.

“Like so many Irish people, I’d never heard about her before I did this play. She believed in the power we have to change the world – something which is really needed today.

“The story of her life is truly inspiring,” she said.

You can see a longer interview online at DublinGazette.com.

Actors Graeme Coughlan, Hazel Clifford and Aoife Spratt – all ready to help bring the little-known life and achievements of pioneering Irish scientist Kathleen Lonsdale to life

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

A WRY LOOK AT SOME OF THE

Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR KIDS C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Acting Interim Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

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FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the City Gazette, Fingal Gazette, South Gazette and West Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

WOMEN working on the new national children’s hospital project at the St James’s 12-acre site gathered last week to show solidarity with International Women’s Day 2020.

Pictured are staff from the National

Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Childrens Health Ireland, the design team and contractors working on the construction of the hospital.

Women are key members of a huge range of related fields at the ambitious build, including

LA police forced to ask thief to bring back a carjacked body POLICE in Los Angeles were forced to issue a tweet asking for a person who carjacked a hearse to return a coffin with a body inside, following the hearse’s theft from outside a Greek Orthodox church in Pasadena on February 27 while the attendant was inside the church.

The Sheriff’s office tweeted: “To the suspect(s) driving around in a black Lincoln Navigator stolen [in] Pasadena: Out of all the bad decisions you have made, at least make one good one and bring back the deceased person and casket inside the Navigator.”

A witness reported seeing the vehicle the next morning, with Los Angeles police pursuing the hearse on the freeway until it crashed a short time later.

The body and casket were found undisturbed in the back of the crashed car.

scaffolders, architects, health and safety officers, quantity surveyors and engineers, consultants, nurses, HR and financial professionals and administrators to name but a few sectors at the gradually rising new hospital. Picture: Jason Clarke

You can get your mayo by the SLICE, thanks to Japan CALLING all mayonnaise lovers – a Japanese company has unveiled the latest innovation in condiments, by selling mayonnaise slices.

That’s right – you can buy slices of mayonnaise, made for sandwiches, if you’re tired of using the traditional means of putting mayonnaise on bread.

Japan’s Bourbon Company began selling the product on March 2, with slices similar to an individually-wrapped piece of cheese.

The company instructs consumers to put the slice of mayo on bread and then warm both, meaning it shouldn’t be eaten straight from the plastic.

There are currently two flavours of the mayonnaise slices on offer – a tuna ,flavour and another with hints of ‘spicy fish’.

Both flavours come with four slices per package, and cost ¥200 (c. €1.67), though sadly they’re not available to buy in Ireland just yet!

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN GAZETTE has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Ivy, a sweet and affectionate five-yearold Husky cross girl who loves belly rubs from everyone she meets.

She can form strong attachments with people – so, ideally, she is looking for a home where there is someone always there to keep her company.

Ivy has a lovely, playful personality and had great fun with her toys.

She would benefit from positive

reward-based training to help her behave calmly around other dogs, and also with handling by vets.

If you have room in your heart and home for Ivy, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

ivy

12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

ODD THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK

Barking mad vote sees a dog end up as mayor A DOG in Colorado received a prestigious honour recently, when he was sworn in as the honourary mayor of his town.

Parker the Snow Dog, dressed in a patriotic tie and becoming glasses, was voted into the position of mayor of Georgetown unanimously on February 11.

The pooch and his pawl i c i e s p rove d p o p u l a r amongst humans, which included bringing “hugs, love, and cookies to the people of Georgetown”.

Parker’s inauguration ceremony took place at Georgetown Community Center, with Clear Creek County sharing some adorable pictures from the ceremony on Facebook.

The caption of the pictures read: “It was a packed house Tuesday night at the Georgetown Community Center for Parker’s inauguration ceremony.

BITS & BOBS

THIS WEEK’S TOP TWEETS Today I completed a chore I have been putting off for six months. It took 15 minutes. I will learn nothing from this. @ashleyn1cole

Liverpool have now lost to Atletico, Watford and Chelsea since the young fella in Donegal wrote to Jürgen Klopp.

“Local law enforcement, citizens of Georgetown and fans of Parker the Snow Dog attended the event. Police Judge Lynette Kelsey administered the Mayor oath to Parker.”

Parker – with more than 6,700 likes on his own Facebook page – now keeps his constituents up to date by sharing ‘MayorMonday’ content, thoroughly enjoying his new role.

The RTE archives report of the first McDonald’s opening in the Soviet Union looks like it could be the opening of @newschambers Phibsboro Shopping Centre.

Brutalist architecture knows Setting up an online- no bounds. only dating facility for @Aislingonline everyone who can’t leave the house while we’re Just found out my all in self-isolation and mum is actually Daniel Day calling it Quarantinder.

Lewis preparing for a role. @Ciaraioch

@fairycakes

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

ENTERTAINMENT

GOINGOUTOUT

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND MORE

Disney+ reveals a AN INSIGHTUL LIBRARIAN’S OUTLOOK massive content line-up for launch RACHEL D’ARCY

WITH just days to go before Disney+ launches in Ireland, the latest streaming service to hit the Irish market has revealed its full line-up of content.

Launching on March 24, there will be more than 500 movies, 350 television and cartoon series, and 26 exclusive Disney+ Originals available from some of Disney’s biggest brands, including Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars.

If you’re more of a Pixar fan, some of the biggest Pixar movies will be available, injecting a healthy hint of nostalgia into our streaming schedules.

Some of the top Pixar offerings include Inside Out, Cars, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up. Marvel fans can also rejoice as the biggest films in the franchise hit the platform, such as the cult favourite Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Iron Man trilogy, all

Lilo & Stitch

There will also be more than 600 episodes of The Simpsons, thanks to Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Some of Disney’s most beloved classics will also be available to stream for the first time, including animations such as Oliver & Company, Lilo & Stitch, Hercules, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

Iconic series from Disney will also be available, with a few of our top picks including Boy Meets World, Wizards of Waverly Place, Lizzie McGuire, and That’s So Raven.

three Captain America movies, and the X-Men series. There will also be dozens of Marvel series available to stream.

If you’ve seen or heard of Baby Yoda during the past few months, and wanted to find out where he originated from, now’s your chance – a host of Star Wars content will be available on Disney+, including The Mandalorian, starring none other than Baby Yoda himself. There will also be the entire Star Wars series of films, as well as television content and shorts from the Star Wars universe.

For further information on what else is coming to Disney+, and how to sign up, see preview.disneyplus.com/ ie.

Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian

‘A social justice fire is burning in me’, Laura muses  JAMES HENDICOTT

L I B R A R I A N by d ay, ambitious and imaginative songwriter by night, Laura Elizabeth Hughes is working on the idea of her twin passions meeting in the middle.

She’s always been into writing. Lyricism is key to her work, but she also jots ideas in the more conventional sense, and is working on bringing her music, and other music, into libraries, too.

Her passions make for a disparate fusion, but it’s one that’s working: the Dubliner’s YouTube channel is closing in on three million views, her music giving that sense of an ambient canvas against which her voice can paint a stark, emotive picture.

“Lyrics are something people will take different things from,” she tells us.

“People connect in different ways, and it’s very personal to me. The human condition can be very individual, but also universal, so I think I just have to put myself out there and hope it connects.

“It’s a singles and EPs game at the moment, but I’m focusing on getting back into the game. There might be an album one day, but 8, 10, 12 tracks is a lot to ask.”

There’s a philosophy to the way Hughes has risen in recent months, and it’s one, perhaps unwittingly, that might sound familiar to fans of the comedian Danny Wallace.

Wallace, feeling frustrated with life, decided to say yes to ... well, pretty much anything he was asked.

The resulting book led to a Hollywood movie,

and changed his life.

“I’ve been of the mind, since summer last year, to just say ‘Yes’ to things,” Hughes says, echoing Wallace’s thesis.

“It’s created some wonderful opportunities. I spend my days in Dublin libraries, telling stories to kids all day. Two years in libraries has opened my eyes.

“The kind of people who go to libraries, there can be a lot of outreach, and it opens your eyes to privilege and changes your worldview.

“I write a lot of unpublished stuff, and there’s

a real social justice fire burning in me at the moment.”

In fact, Hughes adds, she could easily release

an album if it were only down to having the music.

It’s a question of both sticking to the very highest quality stuff, and

keeping some of the tracks to herself.

“Sligo Tourism asked me to use a song on their adverts, which was a bit

CINEMA | PARASITE STARTLES

SINCE snagging the Best Picture Oscar at this year’s ceremony, the hype surrounding director Boon Joon Ho’s Koreanlanguage black comedy thriller, Parasite (Cert 16, 135m) has been second to none.

With films receiving as much buzz as Parasite has, it’s only natural for some scepticism to be present.

What if the film doesn’t

live up to the praise it’s garnered?

Thankfully, from the opening scene right until the credits, the storytelling in Parasite grips your attention, drawing you into the world of both the Park and Kim families.

Although it’s a subtitled film, the humorous moments and slightly more terrifying moments don’t fail to translate for a second, with the content of the movie – think of searching high and low

for a WiFi signal – applicable to all cultures in 2020.

It starts off somewhat slowly, painting a near idyllic tale of a destitute family – the Kim family – managing to secure jobs working for the prestigious Park household, albeit through a level of deceit (think: poisoning the housekeeper to secure a job for their mother, or forging university documents).

With the matriarch of the Park family seem-

ble-write’ a lot in my journal, and the subject matter informs my music.”

Speaking about her forthcoming headline

Are you part of the 37% of Irish people using podcasts?

Latches onto viewers with chilling effect RACHEL D’ARCY

of a no-brainer for me,” she says of a busy year.

“But a lot of my work is about writing and never makes it to music. I ‘ram-

show in The Sound House – part of a longer headline tour – Hughes admits there is a pressure.

“I’ve played there as a support slot before,” she says, “but that’s different – you can just play and there’s no real pressure.

“I do worry it’s just me and my guitar, playing quiet music, and that I might be swallowed up.

“There’s more pressure with headlining, but you do at least know that they’re there for you, which is nice, too.

“I’ve only just started doing [a] full bands show, and I do like the idea of having two ways of playing – one that’s just me, and one that’s a bit more.

“At the moment, it’s all about milestones and hitting those little moments.

I have my goals, but they’re not about those big ideas of success, they’re more about crossing little borders. I want to connect.”

Laura Elizabeth Hughes plays the Sound House, Eden Quay on April 9. Tickets, priced at €12.50, are on sale now.

GARY IBBOTSON

A poor family, the Kims, try to turn their lives around in Parasite – but matters soon start getting out of hand ...

ing somewhat absentminded, and her husband seemingly heartless as well, you find yourself rooting for the Kims, wanting them to succeed and climb out of the poverty that they’ve managed to find themselves in, even if it means betraying their employers.

Things take a sudden turn, however, just when

the Kims manage to get settled and the viewer finds a comfort with the story so far.

The aforementioned housekeeper makes her return to reveal a grisly secret, with the entire movie taking a deep, dark tumble into darkness from that point forward.

Nothing about the plot or its storytelling feels

forced, with everything progressing naturally with a dark humour and a degree of suspense looming in the background.

That suspense is what makes the ending of Parasite one of the best movie endings in the past few years.

You’re aware something is looming, but you could never expect the incred-

ibly grisly, yet somewhat comedic ending and the subsequent dreamlike telling of the final moments of the film.

In all, Parasite isn’t for the faint of heart, particularly in the latter half of the film, but it’s a definite must-see.

There’s a reason it won Best Picture at the recent Oscars, after all!

OVER the past decade or so, the popularity of podcasts has risen like a bottle of cola when it meets a Mentos, or Roy Keane’s rage when he sees a footballer with a fashionable haircut – it’s rocketed, quickly!

Last year, Spotify and Apple announced they hosted more than 500,000 different podcasts on their respective platforms – and it’s estimated there are currently more than 700,000 being made worldwide.

There are roughly 29 million different podcast episodes ready for your consumption.

The most popular podcast in the world, The Daily, by The New York Times, has amassed more than one billion streams since its launch in January 2017. Ireland is no stranger to the expansive world of the podcast, too.

Last June, it was reported that 37% of Irish people listen to podcasts – only third in the world behind Spain and South Korea – and, in 2016, the Dublin Podcast Festival was founded, running every year since.

So, here at Dublin Gazette, rather than overload you with a huge list of podcasts, we’ve just picked out a couple of great Irish

podcasts to listen to, in no particular order, which should be well worth a listen.

(Disclaimer: Not included on this list are the more well-known shows such as Second Captains, and The Blindboy podcast. They’re great podcasts, but we feel it’s important to give more obscure productions a spotlight) No Encore A music-focused podcast hosted by journalist Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick, No Encore is a fun, meandering show which sees the hosts discuss and analyse the latest music news, review new releases and interview some of Ireland’s most intriguing musical acts.

Stardust, by TheJournal.ie Produced by TheJournal.ie, Stardust is a six-part podcast detailing the Stardust nightclub tragedy nearly 40 years on.

Survivors, families of victims, journalists and first-responders are all heard from in this exceptional podcast, which informs the listener of the devastating fire, its background and aftermath, including up to the present day and the new inquest launched by the Attorney General.

THE WHO, MARCH 18, 3Arena; Price: €69+ THE Who has one of the greatest rock legacies in music history – they’re one of the all-time great live bands, have sold more than 100 million records, including nine US and 10 UK top ten albums, and 14 UK top ten singles in a career spanning six decades.

Now, 55 years after they made their first recordings, The Who is back with their first new album in 13 years, entitled WHO.

MARCH 12 (Thursday) Ludovico Einaudi @ The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, SOLD OUT The Regrettes @ The Academy Green Room, €16

MARCH 13 (Friday) The Rifles @ The Workman’s Club, €16 Ludovico Einaudi @ The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, SOLD OUT Elvana @ The Academy, €25 Lethal Dialect @ The Button Factory, €18 Alternating Current Festival @ The Sound House, €22+ Country to Country Festival @ 3Arena, €53+ MARCH 14 (Saturday) Annie Mac @ The Guinness Storehouse, SOLD OUT Alternating Current Festival @ The Sound House, €22+ Nada Surf @ The Button Factory, €25 Country to Country Festival @ 3Arena, €53+ Leo Sayer @ The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €45 Kormac @ Vicar Street, €30 The Stunning @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT MARCH 15 (Sunday) Alternating Current Festival @ The Sound House, €22+ Mount Alaska @ The Pepper Canister Church, €15 Country to Country Festival @ 3Arena, €53+ Lightning Seeds @ The Academy, €33 Andy Irvine + Paul Brady @ Vicar Street, €47 MARCH 16 (Monday) Colm Mac Con Iomaire @ Vicar Street, €28 Hip Hop Against Homelessness @ The Sugar Club, €15 Kila @ Merrion Square (early show), FREE YelaWolf @ The Academy, €27 Aslan @ The Olympia Theatre, €33 The Bonny Men @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Jamie Cullum @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €46+ MARCH 17 (Tuesday) Horslips @ The Olympia Theatre, €34 MARCH 18 (Wednesday) Andy Irvine + Paul Brady @ Vicar Street, €47 Grace Carter @ The Academy 2, €18

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

DUBLIN FOOD & TRAVEL

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

FOOD | PERFECT AS EASTER NEARS

You’ll spring for delicious lamb cutlets GARY IBBOTSON

SLIGHTLY longer days, slightly warmer rain and slightly brighter clouds can only mean one thing: Spring has arrived.

Although the weather might not have changed drastically from the dreary months of Winter, fresh produce certainly does.

Asparagus, rhubarb, scallions, new potatoes and strawberries are all freshest during the spring months and, with them, lamb is a fantastic accompaniment.

Beautifully tender and a sponge for flavour, lamb cutlets served with crusty bread and a light salad are a perfect dish for Easter and (hopefully) the brighter days ahead, with this recipe courtesy of Bord Bia sure to be a hit INGREDIENTS • 12 lamb cutlets, well trimmed • 2 tablesp olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon • 1 teasp ground paprika • 2 teasp chopped fresh oregano or thyme • 1 teasp clear honey • Sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper • Serve with peach, soft cheese and rocket leaves, dressed with a little olive oil and lemon juice PREPARATION • Place the olive oil in a shallow non-metallic dish and add the garlic, lemon rind and juice, paprika, herbs and honey. Season to taste, and stir until well combined.

• Add the lamb, turning to coat, then set aside for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours covered with clingfilm in the fridge, if time allows. The longer you marinade, the better the flavour.

• When you are ready to cook, light the barbecue or pre-heat a griddle pan until smoking hot.

• Shake off the excess marinade from the lamb, put the lamb on the barbecue on medium-hot coals or on to the griddle pan.

• Cook for 6-8 minutes until cooked through, turning once. Remove from the heat and leave to rest for a couple of minutes.

• Serve the lamb with the salad and crusty bread.

Even by the increasingly great standards of hotel pools, Hotel Kilkenny’s has a real wow factor – just part of the hotel’s attractions

TRAVEL | FAMILIES ARE LIKELY TO LOVE THIS STAYCATION

Kilkenny getaway will really make a splash SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor WITH some people reluctant to travel abroad at the moment (see below), many others will be looking for a great staycaction instead.

Easter is always a popular time to get away from the city, and the fresh air from down the country may sound even more appealing than usual to us city slickers round about now.

If that sounds like you, why not head off to Kilkenny, where a thoroughly

comfortable family Easter break beckons?

The pretty town has been a hit with holidaymakers for many a long year, with a range of hotels popping up to meet demand.

Among these, the fourstar Hotel Kilkenny is sure to appeal to a family on the go, with the hotel offering a two or threenight Easter activity break for a family of four, with two children under 12 staying for free.

The staycation package includes accommodation in a spacious deluxe bed-

room, a full Irish breakfast each morning, and a two-course dinner on one evening in the hotel’s Pure bar.

You can also enjoy full use of the health and fitness club and pool, and full free access to the kids clubs, family swimming facilities and play areas.

The Kids Club at Hotel Kilkenny offers a wide range of activities, which are guaranteed to keep any four to 12-year-old entertained, with a Lego building challenge, foozeball knockout, bowling tournament, disco/karaoke night, cookie decorating, a movie night, tabletop pool

tournament, quiz night, arts & crafts and board game nights – phew!

The kids club is open every day during school holidays from 9.30am until 12.30pm, and again from 5-10pm, giving the grownups plenty of time to relax at the hotel, go shopping or explore Kilkenny.

Sealing the deal, the package is from just €350 for the two-night break, and from €450 for the three-night stay.

For further information on this great Easter Family break package, see Hotelkilkenny.ie.

COVID-19 claims an airline victim: Flybe TOURISTS around the world are nervously following COVID-19’s progress as it strikes at airline and tourism bodies just as much as at our human ones.

Flybe – the largest independent regional airline in Europe – made headlines late last week with its sudden collapse, with the impact of the Coronavirus dealing a death blow to the

already troubled airline.

Wobbling on the edge of collapse over the past year, Flybe had been battling a range of financial difficulties before the rise of the Coronavirus.

However, with airlines everywhere facing a tsunami of cancellations and passenger claims for refunds, Flybe buckled under the pressure, tempo-

rarily stranding passengers and plunging thousands of people out of work.

However, where Flybe has gone, others will follow – even the mightiest airlines are now busy cancelling or curtailing flights, or seeking to make savings to offset the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having on their fortunes.

It’s not just airlines, of course – the hotel, tourism and travel sectors are also under growing attack by the economic fallout.

Unfortunately, 2020 looks set to see more airlines and travel groups collapse, directly because of the tiny virus and its huge impact ...

12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Bronwyn Toner, Alice McAleer, Yvonne McEvoy and Ramona Nicholas

Lauren Redmond and Vanessa McKay

Emelia Devlin and India Hill

Lorraine Keane with designer Deborah Veale and the models at the Irish Fashion Collective show at City Hall. Pictures:Brian McEvoy

High fashion takes over City Hall

A

WARD-WINNING designers Paul Costelloe and Don O’Neill headlined the fourth Irish Fashion Collective show, presented in association with Sherry Fitzgerald, which took place in City Hall recently.

Organised in aid of Saint Joseph’s Shankill, both Don and Paul – who previously featured individually – joined the cream of other leading Irish designers including

Don O’Neill and Pascal Guillermie

Deborah Veale, Louise Kennedy, Helen Cody, Lainey Keogh, Roisin Linnane, Melissa Curry and Sharon Hoey to showcase their Spring/Summer collections in the historic surroundings of City Hall.

All funds raised from the evening went to supporting Saint Joseph’s Shankill and its vision to lead the way in dementia care in Ireland.

Deborah Veale, Siobhan Grant and Mari O’Leary

Helen Cody and Rory Murphy

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

 YOUR DUBLIN

MAKE A BEELINE FOR THE DAY TO THESE AREAS

THERE AREN’T MANY CAPITAL CITIES WITH ACTUAL CASTLES IN THEIR SUBURBS – BUT MALAHIDE, DUBLIN CERTAINLY HAS ONE

DUBLIN MADE EASY A LOOK AT SOME OF THE CITY’S MOST POPULAR SUBURBS

WHETHER you’re a true-blue Dub, a blow-in culchie from down the country, or one of the many people from around the world who’ve made Dublin home, our fair city has a huge range of variety in its suburbs. However, many of us tend to just stay in the same old work-home, work-home cycle, and don’t explore the city much. So, this week, we present three suburbs that are well worth visiting.

RANELAGH

WITHIN walking distance of the city centre and full of great places to eat and drink, Ranelagh has undergone a massive change over the past 20 years.

In the pre-Celtic Tiger era, at the tail end of the 90s, Ranelagh was populated mainly by students and renters and along with its neighbour, Rathmines, it comprised the ‘flatland’ area of Dublin.

Since then, however, it’s changed quite a lot and is now one of the most expensive places to live in Dublin, and is now still a very trendy area to live in.

As well as all of its places to socialise in, Ranelagh has two great green areas, with Ranelagh Park and Belgrave Square.

SANDYMOUNT

A VILLAGE steeped in history, Sandymount is full of character and charm thanks to both its seaside location and wonderful old buildings.

James Joyce lived here, at Dromard Terrace, and he famously used Sandymount in his most well-known book, Ulysses.

At the opening of its third chapter we meet the main character Stephen Dedalus mid-thought strolling on Sandymount Strand.

You can follow in his footsteps on the promenade that still exists today while also admiring the striking Martello Tower, which was built in 1804.

MALAHIDE

WITH a medieval castle, marina and beach, the pretty coastal village of Malahide has a head start on most Dublin suburbs when it comes to amazing features.

Only a half an hour from the city centre, you’ll find every kind of shop imaginable, plus award-winning pubs and restaurants in this picturesque seaside village.

It can get very busy in the summer with tourists from all over the world, drawn to its charming streets and the sea.

The town also boasts some excellent toplevel golf courses, if that’s your thing.

Because its by the sea, there are also many great walking trails around the town and by the sea, too.

12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT WONDERFUL WEARABLES

DUBLIN STYLE & HEALTH

STYLE | CHECK OUT THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2020 Blue Neck Scarf TK Maxx €5.99

Joe Browns

New Look Blue Puff Sleeve Denim Smock Dress €29.99 M&S Padded Plunge Swimsuit €40

New Look Blue D-Ring Belt High Waist Tapered Jeans €39.99

New Look Navy Faux Croc Tote Bag €29.99 Littlewoods Ireland V by Very Colorblock Chunky Trainer €42

TK Maxx Blue High Heeled Shoe £199

Dorothy Perkins Lola Skye Blue Sweater €32

Classic Blue  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

PANTONE, the authority on all things colour, announced in late 2019 that their colour of the year for 2020 would be the fabulous Classic Blue.

In 2000, the Pantone Color Institute – commonly known as Pantone – created the Pantone Color of the Year as a trendsetting concept for branding, marketing and creativity

as a whole.

This year, Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone, said that classic blue has been selected for the “consistency and confidence” that the colour expresses in a time “that requires trust and faith”.

“Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation ... It encourages us to look beyond the obvious,” said Eiseman.

Fashion usually takes some inspiration from Pantone’s colour of the year for the Summer and Spring seasons, and this year is no exception.

There are hues of classic blue on offer across stores as we head into the next season, across garments, accessories, shoes and more.

Here are some of our top picks of the beautiful blue hues on offer across the board, inspired by the colour of the year.

BEAUTYBits Treat yourself with a five-star treatment THE WICKLOW Street Clinic is a five-star, awardwinning aesthetic clinic just off the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street.

Offering pure relaxation, the clinic is a proud Eminence Spa distributor, the organic brand direct from Hollywood that counts Jennifer Lawrence, Victoria Beckham and Madonna among its fans.

The brand plants a tree for every product sold - more than 14 million, to date - and uses solar and wind energy to create its products. They also use organic chemistry harnessed from plants to create alternatives to pharmaceutical skincare with the same results.

The clinic’s professional therapists are trained in CACI non-surgical facelifts, massage, Eminence organic facials, Q Fractional IPL laser facials, hair removal, microneedling, LED facials, the Plasma Pen facelift and are the only clinic in Ireland to have a Harley Street surgeon, Dr Roberto Viel, to carry out botox, profhilo and filler treatments.

The Wicklow Street Clinic won several awards last year and are nominated in the upcoming IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards.

For more details about the clinic, visit thewicklowstreetclinic.ie.

Catrice launch a PETA lipstick collaboration CHIC BUDGET brand Catrice have always been proudly cruelty-free - and now, they have the ultimate collection to prove it.

The ‘CATRICE loves PETA’ collection sees the brand partner with charity PETA to offer ten exclusive, limited-edition lipsticks, available throughout March from Penneys.

The charity lipstick is 100% vegan, containing absolutely no animal ingredients, including carmine (pigments derived from scale insects for red hues). In addition, 10% of the net proceeds of the lipstick sales benefit PETA’s animal welfare initiatives.

SKINCARE | SLEEP IS KEY FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Be sure to take care of your skin this World Sleep Day RACHEL D’ARCY

WORLD SLEEP DAY is on March 13, which aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of sleep.

We spend up to a third of our lives sleeping, but 35% of people do not feel they get enough of it, impacting both their physical and mental health. A lack of sleep can also be a major contributing factor in accelerating some of the premature signs of ageing.

World Sleep Day is organised by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society, with the intention to help lessen the burden

of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

World Sleep Day is held the Friday before Spring Vernal Equinox of each year Image Skincare have created a mask that aims to help maximise every minute of your beauty sleep: the Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque.

This product works while you slumber so you can wake up to glowing, hydrated and healthylooking skin, making it the perfect thing to sample this World Sleep Day, and beyond.

The Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque is priced at €62 and has a triple mineral complex that energises the skin for a revitalised look.

The gel-texture delivers water to the skin and locks in vital nutrients while you sleep.

Containing plant-passed retinol, the product is safe to use during pregnancy and provides the skin with optimum levels of hydration, and boosts collagen production while you sleep.

Use 3-4 times a week in place of your night cream for optimum results.

Image Skincare are a clinical skincare brand, powered by safe, proven ingredients.

Represented by a network of 20,000 skincare professionals in more than 70 countries worldwide, IMAGE skincare is available from imageskincare.ie.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 March 2020

DUBLIN TECH & MOTORS

TECH TIME

Battle looms for Twitter’s soul SHANE DILLON

TWITTER looks like it’s facing into a fight for its soul – or, less prosaically, a potential boardoom battle over its future operations – with the news that a major Republican donor has purchased a significant stake in Twitter, and reportedly wants to oust chief executive Jack Dorsey.

Dorsey is viewed by many people as advocating censorship, given Twitter’s ongoing process of removing various posts, or even shutting down accounts entirely.

Many American Republicans, in particular, have singled Dorsey out as an obstacle to ‘Conservative values’ – enter activist investor Paul Singer, founder of Elliott Management, which typically actively pushes for change in the companies that it invests in.

As such, Twitter shares spiked at 7.9% on the news of Singer’s investment of a currently unknown amount, and his interest to oust

MOTORS | THE ALL-NEW S6 COMPREHENSIVELY IMPRESSES

A superfast and super capable sporty Audi DECLAN GLYNN

Jack Dorsey

Dorsey, with neither Twitter or Elliott Management commenting – yet – on what an investment or future direction for Twitter could entail.

How could this impact on Irish users?

While there are different regulations and regulators operating between America and Europe, any fundamental change at the top of Twitter is almost certain to see a shift in policy here, too.

Views and users which currently fall foul of Twitter regulations could be seen in a more forgiving light, quietly ushering in some, ah, unconventional views.

2020 could be a very interesting year ahead for Irish Twitter users, depending on what happens at the top of the company ...

New show could ‘go viral’ in 2021 IN WHAT is the best – or arguably worst – bit of viral marketing this year, the acclaimed US channel HBO has just announced that it’s working on a TV adaptation of the bestselling PlayStation game and cultural juggernaut, The Last of Us. If living with Coronavirus fears wasn’t already distracting enough, HBO is betting that viewers will lap up its adaptation of the complex, violent, smash-hit game.

After all, with the real world increasingly in panic mode outside right now, what could be better than curling up with a TV show following a gruff, bitter widower trying to safely bring a teenage girl across an America that’s been utterly destroyed by a virus out-

A FRESH, FUN NEW FAMILY CAR

break that killed billions?

The dramatic series is a co-production with Sony’s new division, PlayStation Productions, given that Sony is sitting on a large range of game-related IPs that could work great on TV, similarly to Netflix’s recent big critical and viewer hit with The Witcher.

We’re unlikely to see TLOU before next year, at least – assuming that the Coronavirus doesn’t kill off the show before it begins.

THE new Audi S6 is a sporty all-rounder with a comprehensive range of cutting-edge technologies in the areas of infotainment and driver assistance systems, a powerful drive system, and a striking exterior.

Available in either Saloon or Avant (estate) body styles, the S6 also perfectly fulfils its brief as a fast, fun family car with space for the growing family.

The new Audi S6 features a new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo TDI (diesel) engine, which produces a hefty 349PS (344bhp), and a whopping 700Nm of torque for truly outstanding performance.

This mighty engine is assisted by a 48-volt mildhybrid system, for greater efficiency.

My review car was an Audi S6 Saloon Quattro Tiptronic TDI, which looked amazing in striking Floret Silver metallic paint.

A massive array of safety, infotainment, comfort, and convenience features are fitted as standard in the new S6, while also standard are five, self-explanatory, driving modes – Effi-

The new Audi S6 is blessed with beauty and power, making it a delight to drive

c i e n c y, equally QUICK FACTS Comfort, matched 1) A6-based super saloon Auto, by the 2) Mild hybrid technology Dynamc a r ’s 3) Outstanding specification i c, a n d standard 4) 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine Individ8-speed 5) On sale now ual. autoPush matic the starter button of the (tiptronic) transmission, S6, and the car roars into enabling the car to sprint life with a wonderful from 0-100km/h in just throaty growl, providing 5.0-seconds, on its way to a clear indication of just an electronically limited how powerful this car top speed of 250km/h, really is. while consuming as little Effortless performance as 7.8l/100km on a comfrom the V6 TDI engine is bined driving cycle.

D e ce n t e f f i c i e n c y, together with an annual road tax of just €570, ensures that the new Audi S6 is a car that can be used every day, without the need for deep pockets.

The S6 is a superb motorway cruiser, but also comes into its own on twisty back roads, too.

The car’s standard four-wheel-drive system ensures that the car feels planted to the road at all times, and provides great reassurance to the driver

when faced with a multitude of road surfaces, while also offering terrific grip as you power out of bends.

The super-fast, amazingly capable, and thoroughly enjoyable new Audi S6 is yet another fine example of Audi’s ‘Advancement Through Technology’ philosophy.

On-the-road pricing starts at €89,060 for the 4-door, 5-seat saloon, with the Avant model priced from €97,030.

Another general decline in registrations THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official new vehicle statistics, showing a further decline in new car registrations.

According to the data for February, such registrations were down 7.7% (with 13,915 vehicles) when compared to February, 2019 (15,069 vehicles).

Registrations in the year to date are also down 4.9% (at 45,096 vehicles) on the same period last year (47,439 vehicles).

Light Commercial Vehicles are down 6.9% (at 2,294 vehicles) compared to February last year (2,465 vehicles), and in the

year to date are down 0.8% (at 7,946 vehicles).

However, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGVs) registrations are up by 14.5% (at 300 vehicles) in comparison to February, 2019 (262 vehicles).

According to SIMI, in the year to date, HGVs are up 11.04% (at 684 vehicles).

Used car imports for February (at 6,196 vehicles) have seen a decrease of 30.1% on February, 2019 (8,859 vehicles).

In the year to date, imports are down 28.2% (at 12,818 vehicles) on 2019 (17,862 vehicles).

Also in February, 401 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 325 on the same month last year (+23.38%).

SIMI also revealed that, so far this year, 1,294 new electric cars were registered, in comparison to 1,124 in the same period last year – an increase of 15.12%.

Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue to increase their market share.

Finally, the five top-selling car brands so far this year are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda, and Nissan, while the top-selling car this February was the Volkswagen Tiguan.

12 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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GAELIC GAMES P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

INTO THE DARKNESS: SWIMMING: GER Carty reflects on his

biggest ever challenge, surviving jellyfish stings and avoiding cruise ships in the depths of night as well as dealing with his own demons.

He looks back on his 19-hour swim, the culmination of a life of taking on phyiscally-demanding swims across hairy sea conditions.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS PEXPO | TRINITY COMPREHENSIVE AMONG THE ANNUAL WINNERS

Dublin schools excel at DCU’s PE showcase  sport@dublingazette.com

SCHOOLS from the greater Dublin area figured strongly at the sixth annual PExpo hosted by DCU. Winning the best overall award in the junior category for second and third year students were Abhirami Santhoskumar, Ruby Roche and Michelle Dolores of Woodbrook College for a project on “Mixed or singlesex lessons. Do participation levels change?” The project was one of four submitted by Woodbrook students.

Other Dublin area schools taking category wins included St Joseph’s Rush, St MacDara’s Templeogue, Templeogue College, Dominican College Griffith Avenue, Coolmine Community College, Donabate Community College and Trinity Comprehensive Ballymun, where the PExpo first took place in 2015 before moving to DCU two years ago.

Putting in a magnificent entry of 11 projects across a wide range of subjects

was Mount Temple, Malahide Road.

Another school making eye-catching contributions was Donahies Community School with five entries from its second year students.

Other Dublin schools entering projects included Kishogue Community College Lucan, Santa Sabina Sutton, Luttrellstown Community College, St Mary’s Holy Faith Glasnevin, Loreto Balbriggan and Coolmine CS. Students attending the PExpo could judge the work of their peers.

Winning the junior peer prize for a project on “Confidence – does it affect your sporting ability?” were Caoimhe Molloy, Molly Nugent and Phoebe Lemon from Wellington Lane, Templeogue.

Senior winners were Kate Smyth and Karl Ormsby from Trinity Comprehensive School for their project on “Adaptive sport”.

PE is – at last – part of the Leaving Cert cycle, and winning the Leaving Cert PE award were Grace Healy and

Trinity Comprehensive’s seniors won the peer group award. Picture: Lindie Naughton

Riya Suunu of Dominican College Griffith Avenue for their “Investigation on the effects of psychological preparation of sport”. Trinity Comprehensive School took the award in the Senior Cycle PE Framework section.

In the Sports Psychology category, Aaron Hurley of Templeogue College was the winner for a project on “Psychological effects of an injury on an

athlete post-recovery”.

Winning a special prize from the Irish Heart Foundation for their work on fitness testing was a group from Coolmine Community School.

Students submitted projects in nine categories and were judged not only on content but also on presentation.

Next year’s PExpo will take place on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN GFC STSARSFIELDS MARY’S ANNUAL WELL done Membership to the Junior is now A la due. We would ask you to pay online. Please note, fees can be paid online in 3 equal monthly installments. Or in the club lounge Thursday evening 7-8pm.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Siobhan on 0851407465. Thank you.

A big thanks to ALL who attended and helped out on the ‘Clean Our Club Day’, last Saturday 7th March.

Great result for our Minor Lads in their first league game of the season, training continues every Thursday at 8pm Saggart.

Our St Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations in the club house are well in advance in their planning.

This years theme ‘ Music Legends’. If you wish your Business, club or Group to be part of the parade contact our Parade Co-Ordinator Sharon Redmond on 087-2304248 or email.....4districtstpatricksday parade@gmail.com Monthly Ceili next Saturday 14th March, music

by Brian Boru ceili band at 9pm, ALL welcome.

Weekly Bingo every Wednesday Night at 8.30pm in club Hall, again all welcome, especially new players.

Club Shop will be open this Wednesday and Thursday 7.30pm, contact 0861684766. Dancing every Thursday at 8pm, again all welcome.

Lotto numbers drawn this week were 8-14-1725. There was no winner so next week’s Jackpot remains capped at €8000 with a €4400 Roll-over.

ST MARK’S CONGRATULATIONS to our two new juvenile referees Cormac Ó Raghallaigh and Sinead Ní Raghallaigh on refereeing their first matches for the club.

Fair play to all teams who togged out over the weekend, there was some great performances across the board.

Easter Camp forms are available in the club and can be returned to staff in the club – it runs from FOLLOWING defeatApril to 6th to 9th. See Naomh O club Facebook for full details.

Under the official guidance of the HSE in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the GAA have stated that all clubs operate as normal but recommended that until further notice, post-match handshakes be suspended at juvenile games. Also, mentors will no longer be supplying water bottles as a result.

Membership for 2020 is now due and the deadline to register is nearing closer.

Please see pinned post on www.facebook.com/ StMarksGAA for full details.

Academy runs Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm on St Mark’s National

School Astro. For further information contact David O’Callaghan at 087 974 8309 or email: david.ocallaghan.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

The Club Shop Opening Times: Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7.15pm and Saturday from 10am to 12pm. Club gear now also available through O’Neills to purchase online, enter this link into your browser: https://bit. ly/2XKBruo.

There will be live sport and music on for our special St Patrick’s Day celebrations next Tuesday, March 17.

Music Bingo every Tuesday at 9.30pm and regular Bingo on Thursday night starts at 8.45pm.

Live music every Saturday in the club from 10pm.

Bookings subject to change.

March 14 – Mark Barry, March 21 – Eamon Toal, March 28 – Kevin Walker.

Live sport on all three screens in the club lounge all weekend, every weekend.

Set dancing classes every Monday from 8pm. Céili is on the third Saturday of every month.

‘Be slim for life with

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

SWIMMING: MARINO OPEN SWIMMER REFLECTS ON TOUGHEST

Channel conqueror Ger Carty’s battle with demons and the deep blue sea  PAUL KEANE

sport@dublingazette.com

A JELLYFISH sting? Ger Carty compares the painful sensation to a bee sting before correcting himself.

“I’d say it’s probably more like a bad nettle sting, that’s how I’d describe it.”

He should know because when he climbed out of the sea at Sangatte, in 2011, hauling himself up onto the unwelcoming, rocky coastline of northern France – almost 19 hours after leaving England – his body was covered in them.

“It was mainly on the legs and upper torso that the jellyfish got me,” he recalled, matter of factly.

Truth be told, after swimming for 18 hours and 52 minutes, through night and day, through shipping lanes, through body battering currents and in dangerously cold temperatures, the impressions left on his ravaged body by Compass jellyfish while crossing the English Channel were the least of his concerns.

“I was in a desperate state. My face and body had puffed up through stress, I looked about 70, my tongue was swollen, my eyes were swollen, my face was swollen, it was sheer stress,” recalled Carty who, on September 16, 2011, swam 68 miles in total, from one country to another.

“I was looking to do it in 10 and a half hours; I ended up just shy of 19 hours. As

the crow flies, it’s a 23-mile crossing but I ended up swimming around 100km, 68 miles.

“I spent nine hours in the dark. There was a boat accompanying me but it wasn’t like it was two or three feet away, I had to keep 100 or 200 metres away because of the swell and fumes.

“You’re on your own, looking ahead into a black abyss. You look down at times and you see giant shapes moving beneath you. I saw an awful lot of cruise ships; I could actually hear the music coming from some of them.

“They looked ginormous. I was in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and you do get scared that one of them mightn’t see you and might run over you.”

Young Gerard Carty began swimming when he was at Scoil Mhuire National School in Marino.

He tried athletics. “I was brutal”, he shrugged.

He tried Gaelic football.

“I hadn’t got the aptitude or the co-ordination for that,” he concluded. So he tried swimming.

“I’ve a relatively long torso and short legs,” he said. “Even though I’m six-foot, that’s the way my body is built and it’s a good composition for a swimmer. I started taking part in galas with the school, and it went from there really.”

Carty won the Dun Laoghaire Harbour swim

in 2004 and that same year set Irish records at 800m and 1,500m while swimming in Glasgow.

Four years later, aged 39, he set out with around 20 other hardened sea swimmers from Rathlin Island, off the coast of Antrim, and pointed his body towards Ballycastle 14kms away. Only five completed that race in August 2008 and Carty came first in just over three hours.

“That was the platform for me when I was told, ‘You’ve got to swim the English Channel’,” he recalled. If only they knew what they were asking.

His prep for the crossing, just over three years later in 2011, was flawless, even sleeping with just a thin sheet on his bed for a year beforehand to get his body used to prolonged periods of intense cold.

He satisfied all the criteria and competency tests laid on by the Channel Swimming Association

and paid the €3,500 for a manned boat to accompany him across.

Hurricane Katia meant a false start before he finally entered the water on September 16 under a full moon.

Around 4am, eight or nine hours in, he could sense his body clock ticking towards sleep. Then he tore a rotator cuff muscle in his left shoulder.

For a while, he swam using only his right arm.

The closer he got to France, the warmer the water and he was able to swim with both arms again.

“The cold took my mind off the pain,” he said. “It’s like an ultra-marathon, or someone running for hours and hours; it’s 90 or 95% mental. Everybody gets their demons, they start knocking on your door saying: ‘You’re too tired.

You can’t keep going’.

“Your mind is making every excuse to quit or give up. I tried to think of my

mind as a blackboard when those thoughts would enter. I’d pick up the duster and just wipe out the negative thoughts.”

Aside from ambition, obsession and sheer belligerence, what helped propel Carty through choppy waters and his demons was the real inspiration.

“I was swimming on behalf of my colleague, Paula Mulvaney, who was battling cancer at the time,” said Carty.

“Channel swimmers don’t normally do it for charity because 90% don’t make it across. Nobody wants to hear about you failing so that was keeping me going.”

Carty is a senior sports development officer/water safety development officer with Dublin City Council.

He still swims competitively and is a regular in the Leinster Open Sea races though initially after the channel swim, he fell out of love with swimming.

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

EVER CHALLENGE Ger Carty, who is one of Ireland’s toughest long distance swimmers. He is also one of the local heroes who is helping to promote Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Partnership’s work all across the city.

SOCCER: TALLAGHT CLUB SUFFERS PROMOTION HOPES SETBACK

Riverside endure rough day out at Strand United UCFL DIVISION 3 Strand United Riverside United  JOHN MOONEY sport@dublingazette.com

“I suffered from PTSD after it,” he admitted. “It was a very difficult crossing, the week after a bad storm, swimming through slop at times. I was way out of my comfort zone.

“I get the odd flashback even now; getting your feeds every 45 minutes, only stopping for 15 seconds to take them or you’ll be pushed away off course, trying to lie on your back and co-ordinate yourself to pee.”

Three kilometres from the shore, Carty remembers finally spotting France. Yet despite fresh adrenaline coursing through his veins, he couldn’t make that last surge forward.

“The boatman advised me not to go for it. The tide was against us and he reckoned it could pull me away and we’d miss our landing spot altogether so he took me parallel to the shore for what seemed like an hour.

I got very frustrated,” he

recalled.

So what was the feeling when it was all done, euphoria or relief?

“I was exhausted,” revealed Carty. “I remember looking at the rocks, wondering after 19 hours lying in the water if I could even stand up on them.

‘Would I fall and break my ankle on the rocks?’

“It took me a year really afterwards. I didn’t swim for a year, maybe 14 or 15 months.

“I was fed up of it, lost the gra for it. I know people who have failed the channel swim and given up swimming entirely.

“I didn’t want to be one of those people and I’m grateful to a friend of mine who told me: ‘Look, you have to get back in the water’.

“Even just for exercise and keeping healthy, and my boys were only young at the time, I knew I had to do it. It was the best decision I made to get back in.”

5 2

STRAND United threw themselves into the mix for a promotion place from the UCFL Division 3 section when they comfortably saw off Riverside United in Mount Temple School on Saturday morning.

Strand ticked all the boxes in front of goal and the win means they can close the gap on the sides above should they win games in hand.

That could prove easier said than done as they have five games in which to catch up.

Saturday morning saw them take control from the 20-minute mark, even though they were facing the wind, as Conor Kavanagh sent in a corner from the left hand side that Joe O’Rourke connected with, planting a firm header into the back of the net.

Five minutes later, it was 2-0 as Kavanagh sent in a cross from the right that Alex Root controlled before coolly slotting home.

Riverside did have their chances but failed to hit the target and, whenever they did, Strand keeper Anto McCoy was equal to it.

It was going to be a battle for the visitors after the break with the wind at Strand’s back and playing down a slight hill so it was no surprise when the home side added number three on 60 minutes. Kavanagh played the ball down the right channel; Root chased, gathered and slipped the ball across for Robert Michalak, who wasn’t going to miss from close range.

Three minutes later saw probably the goal of the game as Root chased a ball that looked to be going out of play. He stopped it just before it crossed the line and slipped a perfect pass to Chris Anderson who, in turn, picked out Michalak to make it 4-0.

With 15 minutes remaining, they ended their scoring as substitute Jack Barrett put the ball on

Riverside United’s UCFL Division 3 side, above; Riverside United’s Dean Mason takes on Strand’s Chris Anderson

a plate for Matt Barrett to finish.

It was proving to be a tough day at the office for a depleted Riverside but they battled on and in the final minutes, were rewarded with two goals of their own through Tiago Fairon and a penalty from Alan O’Brien.

Strand United: Anto McCoy, Graham Hughes, Joe Murphy, Joe O’Rourke, Brendan O’Brien, Cian Stafford,

Conor Kavanagh, Ronan Munnelly, Alex Root, Chris Anderson, Benny Callaghan, Gearoid McGinnealy, Karl Donoghue, James Bradley, Robert Michalak, Jack Barrett, Matt Barrett.

Riverside United: Oisin Woodlock, Dayril Musodi, Alan O’Brien, Adam O’Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Lee McCarthy, Tiago Fairon, Dean Mason, Daniel Brennan, Richie Finnegan, Mantas Doblys, Damien Kenny.

Templeogue through to DMBB final U-15 DMBB CUP SEMI-FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

TEMPLEOGUE won the latest battle in their ongoing rivalry with Dublin Lions which has been raging since Under-11 level, reaching the Under-15 Boys Dublin basketball cup final with a 61-43 success.

Templeogue had last week secured to the league with an unbeaten campaign with Lions in second with only two losses this season, both against Templeogue.

With both clubs having ladies teams involved in DLBB Cup Finals earlier in the weekend, it made for a full house in Presenta-

tion College Gym with both sets of supporters in full voice.

Templeogue made the early moves with Jack Finn and Dave Carberry helping them to 18 points in the first quarter, Lions settling late on to make it 18-13.

The second quarter was a much tighter affair with Jacob Fazande leading the scoring with seven for Templeogue, big man Joel McGrath using his height to rebound and Ralph Erin bringing fresh legs and running from the bench.

Daniel Olokun, Jake Mullins, Ethan Fennell and Adam Brennan were on the boards for Lions in a

quarter that ended 15-all, making a half time score of 33-28.

The third quarter was intense but Alex Puiu and Charles Faure had big defensive moments while Fazande popped up for a big corner three in direct reply from a three from Olokun.

Templeogue edged in front

48-39 in the fourth quarter; the game was still being played at lightning pace but the leaders started to control the tempo via Jack Finn and Fazande.

Their side would duly move 18 points clear, earning a ticket to meet Killster in next Sunday’s final.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 12 March 2020

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN THE Events Committee are delighted to announce that this November, back by public demand, St Pats will again be presenting Strictly Come Dancing. It promises to be another great night and a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for those participating.

The Committee would also like to highlight some additional dates to note for your diary – April 3rd Feile teams fundraiser Quiz; April 6th - 9th Easter Camps; June - club festival; and July 6th -17th Summer Camps.

Many of our teams were back in action at the weekend. The senior hurlers led the way with a fine win over Fingallians, while the minor footballers who were missing a few regulars put in a strong performance against O’Tooles.

Strong performances too from our U14 boys and girls, and a mention also for the U11 girls who travelled to Commercials for a camogie blitz.

The senior footballers are away to St Judes next Sunday in Tymon Park at 10.30 am. The juniors are away to St Finians Swords at 3pm, while the minor hurlers play Faughs at home at 11am. All fixtures will be on the website later in the week.

The Junior football team are recruiting players. If anyone is interested, please contact Pajo Hartnett on 087 6147950.

Membership for 2020 is now due, and must be paid by the end of this month.

The easiest way is to pay on on-line at www.stpatricksgaa.ie We would ask all members to renew their membership as soon as possible.

Two Lotto jackpots to play for this week - €10,000 and €1,200.

THOMAS DAVIS MEMBERSHIP for 2020 is now due, please check the club website or Facebook for online payment options or search Thomas Davis on the Clubforce app. The deadline for all club players is March 20th.

Congratulations to the Dublin U20 footballers on their Leinster final victory over Laois and in particular to the 5 Thomas Davis lads involved, Fionn Murray, Adam Waddick, Conor Guilfoyle, Ste O’Byrne Braiden and Ciaran Farrelly (management). Best of luck in the semi final against Tyrone on Paddys day in Croke park.

Well done the the minor footballers who had a good win over St Judes in MFL2 7-6 to 4-6. The junior hurlers also had a good win against Lucan in AHL7 0-14 to 1-10. While the senior hurlers were beaten by Ballyboden in AHL2 2-8 to 1-17.

In the juvenile boys section the U16 footballers had a good victory over Naomh Barrog in Div 2.

The U15 had a great win against Ballyboden in Div 1, U13A beat St Mary’s and the U13B beat St Peters while U14A lost to Naomh Mearnog and U14B lost to Croi Ro Naofa. In hurling the U12s beat St Vincent’s and the U12B lost to St Pats.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that The Square Tallaght are the new sponsors of our Club Academy section as part of their new “Club Together” community sponsorship initiative. To celebrate and officially launch this partnership, The Square will be holding a free Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 14th from 1pm to 4pm on the Level 1 Car Park.

We’d encourage as many club members as possible to attend on the day.

Our Kids Academy takes place every Sat morning from 10-11am on the Astro pitch. New players welcome. Contact Club GPO Stephen Stewart for further details 0876795720.

Check out our club website for all up to date juvenile training times and team contacts. www.thomasdavis.ie.

Our food Menu is now served in the upstairs lounge Thurs 4-9pm, Fri 4-9pm, Sat 12.30-9.00pm and Carvery downstairs 12-7pm on Sundays. Open to all the community to enjoy our delicious food. Coffee shop now open 9.30am - 12.30pm on Saturday and Sundays.

Lotto not won, winning numbers 1-10-1415, next weeks jackpot is €2,000.

WANDERERS LOTTO: We have a winner of our main jackpot, numbers drawn were 14-17-24.

Congratulations to John Durkan who has won the €10,000. Jackpot next week is €2,500. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page.

If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754. If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info.

Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested.

If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie. All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

SOCCER: TALLAGHT CLUB’S RUN KEEPS ROLLING

Rovers survive late scare in Sligo  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

SHAMROCK Rovers survived a late scare from Sligo Rovers to secure their fifth win in five to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier Division.

Late goals from Aaron McEneff and Aaron Greene saw Stephen Bradley’s side maintain their 100% record despite Niall Morahan netting injury time for the Bit o’ Red. Jack Byrne had put the Hoops in front early on but Ronan Coughlan levelled from the spot on the stroke of half time after Roberto Lopes was harshly deemed to have fouled David Cawley.

The Tallaght side had laboured in the second half before two goals in five second-half minutes put the result beyond doubt to keep Rovers three points clear of Dundalk at the top.

It was a deserved victory for the visitors as they dominated the game and were unfortunate to find themselves level at the break following a succession of chances.

They took the lead midway through the first half when captain Ronan Finn, playing as a right wing-

Shamrock Rovers captain Ronan Finn. Picture: George Kelly

back, fed Byrne in the box and the Ireland midfielder duly found the corner.

They were pegged back a minute before the break, however, Cawley spinning Lopes and referee Paul McLaughlin deciding the Cape Verde defender had clipped him.

Coughlan made no mistake from 12 yards as Liam Buckley’s side recorded just their first goal of the season after 300 minutes of football.

Rovers continued to have all of the play and possession in the second half but the tempo slowed on a sticky and soggy Showgrounds pitch.

CLUB TOGETHER The Square’s new GAA fund

THE SQUARE, Tallaght, has created a sponsorship fund with an initial investment of €30,000.

The initiative, Club Together, will support five local Gaelic clubs for academy-aged children (4-8 years), allowing them to grow club participation and encourage more young people to discover and enjoy playing GAA. The clubs benefitting from this year’s sponsorship are Thomas Davis, Croi Ro Naofa, St Marks, St Anne’s and St Kevin’s

They got the breakthrough they deserved when an incisive forward pass from centre-half Liam Scales was moved on by sub Dylan Watts to McEneff.

The Derry man had plenty still to do but he sorted his feet out and rifled a shot into the roof of Ed McGinty’s net.

Five minutes later, it was game over as Watts once again provided the telling pass, setting up Greene for another emphatic finish.

The striker celebrated by eating a chip thrown by a Sligo fan.

Morahan netted a consolation deep in injury

time with a classy flick from just inside the box, but Sligo ran out of time and Rovers stay top.

“I thought we deserved to win,” said Bradley.

“We should have been a couple of goals up in the first-half, with the chances we had. We scored, looked comfortable, then we gave away the penalty.

“That game is done and we got the three points — it was the same against Sligo, another three points if we won.

“We had to focus on the job, we knew Sligo would be fighting for their lives and they’d make it a scrap.”

12 March 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

XXX: SARS GRAY’S SIDE OVERCOME SLOW START TO SWEEP PAST LAOIS FOOTBALL:

Dublin cruise to Leinster U-20 championship LEINSTER UNDER-20 FC FINAL Dublin 0-20 Laois 0-8  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN secured back-to-back Leinster Under-20 football championship titles with a commanding ten-point provincial final victory over Laois at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow on Friday night.

The Dubs were slow starting but a string of seven points in-a-row as the opening half developed put Tom Gray’s side on the road to victory.

The O’Moore County opened well with points from Ronan Coffey and keeper Matthew Byron, who drove over a massive free from 50 metres.

Dublin needed to get going and wingback Lee Gannon provided the inspiration with a well struck point from 35 metres.

He followed up with a second point from play in the tenth minute to reduce the gap.

In between one of Dublin’s key players on the night, Kieran McKeon, had a goal effort saved by keeper Byron from close range.

A minute later, the Dubs were level when Ciarán Archer slotted over from play, the first of his seven points (including deadball), following good direct play from full-forward Luke Swan.

Byron edged Laois back in front before Dublin took control to reel off seven points without reply.

Dublin improved significantly in the middle third and The Laois defence found the dynamic Mark Lavin difficult to slow down.

Points flowed from Archer, Lavin, stylishly slicing over with the outside of his right boot, Seán Foran, Archer again, Lorcan O’Dell, and two Archer frees to move 0-10 to 0-4 clear.

When attack-minded corner-back Alan Murphy’s goal chance glanced off the Laois crossbar Dublin were in full flow and by the half-time break were 0-11 to 0-5 in front, with Archer closing out the scoring with his second successful ‘45’.

The O’Moore County enjoyed lots of second half possession but the Dublin defence gave nothing away cheaply as their work-rate, intensity and tackle count kept their opponents at arm’s length.

Laois missed a late penalty when Mark Barry pulled his effort wide of Josh O’Neill’s left hand post.

At a key moment, Rory Dwyer broke forward for a crucial early point in the second half after Laois had wrestled back the upper hand.

Sub Conor Kinsella made an immediate impact on his introduction when

Dublin minors make it two wins from two

Lucan Sarsfields duo Alan Murphy and Mark Flavin

scoring to make it 0-14 to 0-7 after 48 minutes.

Kieran McKeon kicked three brilliantly struck, clinical points inside the concluding ten minutes to ensure Dublin did not loosen their control of the game on the scoreboard.

“We came down here expecting a right battle,” said Dublin manager Tom Gray afterwards.

“I know the scoreline looks like we won

comfortably. It certainly didn’t feel like that during the course of the 60 minutes!

“When we reflect on this day, we will be very happy to have won the game but we’ll also recognise we’ll need to kick on to be a challenge in the semi-final.”

Dublin advance to face the Ulster champions Tyrone in their All-Ireland U20FC semi-final in Croke Park as part of a double-header with the other semifinal (Kerry v Galway) on St Patrick’s Day.

Lucan and Boden score first wins AHL DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP  sport@dublingazette.com

Ballyboden St Enda’s senior hurlers held a hugely popular fundraising breakfast last Sunday morning prior to their league tie against Kilmacud Crokes

CAMOGIE

LUCAN Sarsfields and Ballyboden St Enda’s enjoyed winning ways in AHL Division One last Sunday, recording their first wins of the campaign.

Boden bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Barrog with a 1-14 to 0-14 win over Kilmacud Crokes at Pairc Ui Murchu. With Eoghan O’Neill bagging a goal, the Firhouse Road club established a 1-10 to 0-4 interval buffer.

Inter-county stars of past and present dovetailed effectively for the home team with Conor Dooley, James Roche, Conal Keaney and Shane Durkin all stepping up to the mark. Crokes did their best to stem the tide and cut considerably into the Boden lead on the resumption.

However, they ultimately suffered a 1-14 to 0-14 reversal to their southside counterparts.

Nonetheless, after getting the better of Ballinteer St John’s at Silver Park a fortnight earlier, Crokes remain within touching distance of top spot.

They are joined on two points by Lucan Sarsfields, who began their campaign in fine style against Ballinteer.

Originally set to face St Brigid’s at 12th Lock on February 23, Lucan travelled to Ballinteer Community

School for their 2020 debut on Sunday morning.

Supplementing Ben Coffey’s six-point haul, Sean McClelland, former county star Peter Kelly and Ciaran Dowling rattled the John’s net to propel the visitors towards a 3-22 to 1-12 victory.

St Vincent’s triumphed on the exact same scoreline at Pairc Naomh Uinsionn against Whitehall Colmcille.

Like Lucan, Vincent’s remained idle on the opening weekend of the term and will now hope to bring momentum into their away encounter with Faughs on Sunday week (March 22).

Despite possessing the goalscoring touch at Russell Park, St Brigid’s lost out to Craobh Chiarain on a margin of 0-19 to 3-8. Cian Derwin and Paul Kelly amassed a combined tally of 0-11 for Chiarain’s, but the likes of Billy Ryan, James Finn and Keith Cooling also made valuable contributions for the Clonshaugh brigade.

Na Fianna were seeking to build on an opening day triumph against local rivals Whitehall Colmcille when they welcomed Faughs to St Mobhi Road. The Glasnevin hosts dominated the action from very early on and proceeded to register a convincing 4-29 to 0-10 victory.

Though it is still early days – and a number of teams have a game in hand – Na Fianna are currently at the summit of the table, marginally in front of Cuala on score difference.

A CRACKING late run of seven points saw Dublin’s minor camogie side get the best of Laois 1-10 to 2-2 in the Tesco All Ireland Minor A Camogie Championship last Saturday in Clonad.

In tough, windy conditions, Dublin lined out with Lucan Sarsfields’ Ellen Dunphy in midfield alongside Cumann Baire Caoimhin’s Maeadhbh Hicks with Naomh Jude’s Ciara Clohessy in the halfbacks.

Niamh Comerford got Dublin off to a great start with the first point before Laois hit the net with a low flying free.

Comerford scored another point from a free in the ninth minute and Emily Byrne followed on a minute later with a lovely point from play under pressure.

This was to be Dublin’s last score of the first half as Laois edged in front 1-2 to 0-3 at half-time.

The Dubs came out in the second half to play with the wind more favourable for them and they took advantage of it.

In the seventh minute Laois scored their second goal but that was to be their last score.

In the same minute, Byrne hit the back of the Laois net to cut the gap back to 2-2 to 1-3.

Dublin would go on to score the next seven points without reply via Róisín Ní Chathasaigh (0-3), Aisling Gannon (0-1) and Meadhbh Hicks (0-1) along with two frees by Comerford.

GazetteSPORT MARCH 12-18, 2020

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

LEINSTER LEADERS FOOTBALL:

Local stars play their part for the Dublin Under-20s who hit the afterburners to defeat Laois in provincial final. SEE P31

ROVERS ROLL ON SOCCER: Tallaght

club continue to set the pace in the League of Ireland Premier Division with away win. SEE P30

CROSSING THE CHANNEL SWIMMING:

Dubliner Ger Carty recounts his epic battle to swim across the English Channel, a 19-hour odyssey beset with drama.

SEE P28-29

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Expectant Peamount aiming high for WNL  DAVE DONNELLY

Peamount United are gunning for a WNL title retention in 2020. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

sport@dublingazette.com

EXPECTATIONS are skyhigh at Peamount United as the Women’s National League champions have made some eye-catching signings in the off season.

Ireland international Stephanie Roche and Tiegan Ruddy have made their return to Greenogue while Sadbh Doyle and Alannah McEvoy have arrived from Galway and Shelbourne respectively.

Sara McKevitt had also returned to the club after spending the first half of last season as the Peas look to build on a season when they clinched their first league title in seven years.

Narrowly missing out on the double, losing 3-2 to Wexford Youths in the final, has done little to dampen the buzz.

For manager James O’Callaghan, who saw Aine O’Gorman make her return from international retirement in last week’s 1-0 win over Greece, says his squad’s feet are planted firmly on the ground.

“Pre-season has gone well – the girls are working really hard,” O’Callaghan told Dublin Gazette.

“I suppose the only negative is the weather – we’ve had to call off one or two matches because of the weather.

“Apart from that, the girls are all highly-motivated and they’re working really hard.

“We’re just looking forward to our first league

“I know it’s amateur at the moment. I’d like to

think, down the road, it could even get up to semi-professional standard.“ match away to Cork, so all our focus is on that and winning our first game.

“Then it’s taking each game as it comes and hopefully we’re in the mix come the end of the season.”

While Roche and captain O’Gorman bring bags of experience to the set-up, the age profile of

the squad is still predominantly young.

Under-17 captain Della Doherty and Becky Watkins are dual-registered for the season while Ruddy, who will sit out the first half of the season as she rehabs a cruciate injury, is still only 19.

The influence of those more experienced players, as well as stalwarts

like defenders Louise Co r r i g a n a n d C h l o e Moloney, will be key in integrating the younger players.

“A lot of our players are young, in their late teens, as well and we’ve mixed it in with a lot of experience in the team now.

“You’d like to think there’s a lot of competition and there’ll be a lot

of players fighting to get their places in the team, and that’s only a good thing.”

Looking ahead to the new season, O’Callaghan insists the Peas are taking it one game at a time but, in spite of the calendar being cut from 21 to 16 games, the quality is better than ever.

“I think the Women’s

National League is a very good standard.

“It’s improving all the time. I know it’s amateur at the moment.

“I’d like to think, down the road, it could even get up to semi-professional standard.

“Players coming back into the league, the likes of Steph, can only help that process.”