Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette APRIL 4-10, 2019

CYCLESAFETY: The first in a three-part CYCLE

series examining cycling in the capital. Just how (un)safe is cycling in Dublin? SEE PAGE 17

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL JANUARY 4-10, AREA 2018

SPORT CAMOGIE:

Brilliant Ballyboden St Enda’s take the Division One crown at annual Feile carnival of camogie around the city SEE P30

Charity Run AILBHE Forde, Adrienne Byrne, Caoimhe O’Flaherty and Miriam Dignam pictured at Run for Rita in Tymon Park. This year’s event was another massive success with over 400 participants. Picture: Simon Peare

motoring

FIAT’S FACELIFTED 500X SHOULD BE A CROSSOVER HIT P22

‘Ghost station must open now’ STAFF REPORTER

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THERE have been renewed calls for the immediate opening of Kishogue Railway Station a decade on from its construction.

The “ghost station” near Lucan, which cost €6.25 million to build back in 2009, has never had passengers pass through it.

Its opening has been delayed many times down the years with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) both claiming that funding was needed to build an access road and car-park at the station.

Last month, in response to a Parliamentary Question from Dublin Mid West TD John Curran asking when the station will open, the NTA said: “Cur-

rently the NTA envisages the opening of Kishogue Railway station at the end of 2020 as development in Clonburris becomes occupied, although it is not yet clear whether housing development will advance at this rate.”

When contacted by Dublin Gazette, Deputy Curran said he had some concerns with the NTA response.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Mother blasts council ‘for putting son’s life at risk’ A LOCAL mother with a severely disabled child has accused the council of putting her son’s life at risk Gillian Sherratt lives with her partner, threeyear-old son Harvey and baby daughter.

Harvey has spina bifida and is paralysed below the chest, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), chiari malformation, x linked ichthyosis, multiple life threatening allergies, developmental delay and is non verbal. SEE PAGE4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

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01 60 10 240

CALLS FOR OPENING OF KISHOGUE RAILWAY STATION

‘It’s awful to see this station still closed’

Historical talk in Lucan Library

 PADRAIG CONLON

pconlon@dublingazette.com

“I have been campaigning for Kishogue station to be opened for the best part of a decade,” he said.

“I’ve raised this issue time and time again and whenever I’ve asked “when is the station opening?” the answer is always “in the next couple of years.”

“I have two concerns with the NTA’s latest answer that they “envisage” it being open at the end of next year as I think it should be opened immediately.

“Firstly, they say it depends on Clonburris being occupied but I think it should be opened way before the first house is even built as this would help prospective families moving to the new town plan.

“Secondly, we have a transport deficiency and major traffic congestion in the greater Dublin area right now. “ Pe o p l e c u r r e n t l y

FASTNews

LUCAN Local History hosts another of its enlightening historical talks this week.

In Lucan Library on Saturday (6th April) Joe Byrne will be sharing the fascinating history of Hills Woolen Mills in Lucan (pictured) from its inception in the 1860’s on the site of a former iron works right through to its closure in 1988.

You will hear how the Mill, where many generations of local families worked, managed to survive two World Wars and a few fires!

The talk takes place from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm and anyone looking to book a place can ask at the desk in the Library or call them on 01 6216422.

Kishogue Railway Station

commuting in the Lucan area are experiencing difficulties during rush hour getting on buses which are already full.”

L o ca l G re e n Pa r t y representative Vanessa Mulhall said the NTA’s decision to wait for Clonburris to be occupied is “madness”.

“I believe that the station should be opened, it’s the commuter line to Portlaoise coming from Dublin City centre serving Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin Fonthill, Adamstown,

Ha ze l h a tc h , S a l l i n s, New b r i d g e, K i l d a re, Monasterevin, Portarlington and Portlaoise,” she told Dublin Gazette.

“The train bypasses Kishogue station on this route and simply beeps as it passes!

“As I am a candidate in the upcoming Local elections for Lucan I have listed transport as one of my key priorities.

“Using Google Maps it takes approximately 38 mins to walk to Admstown Station and 28 mins to walk to

Clondalkin Station “I don’t really feel this is an option for people especially during the morning rush.

“They are only going to open it depending on Clonburris development?

“That is madness!

“Congestion is a serious issue, investment in infrastructure and sustainable transport is a must for old and new community developments.

“It’s awful to see this station still remains closed.”

Mental Health and Positive Aging seminar

A MENTAL Health and Positive Ageing seminar will discuss how mental health issues impact on older people.

The seminar, which takes place on Friday 5th April in Aras Chronain, Clondalkin Village, will look at the factors that influence us to have good mental health as we age.

On the day there will be workshops where you can have discussions with and learn from others on the subject of mental health plus leaflets and stands offering information on supports and services in the community that relate to mental health Guest Speaker is Dr Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator and founder of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

She is head of the Academic Dept of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College, Dublin and Director of the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing at St James’ Hospital.

Please RSVP siobhanrooney48@gmail.com, eithnerankin@yahoo.ie or david.lynch@sdcpartnership.ie 9.15am Registration. 1pm Finishes – Light Lunch Served.

€240k worth of cannabis seized A RAID on a local house led to the discovery of a stash of drugs and the arrest of a woman.

As part of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime groups operating in the Lucan area, a joint intelligence led operation was conducted on Tuesday by the Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau assisted

by Revenue Commissioners Customs Service and Ronanstown Garda Drugs Unit.

A search was carried out at a house in the Lucan area and during the search operation, a package which contained approximately 12Kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of €240,000 (subject to analysis) was seized by customs officers.

A 44-year-old woman was arrested by gardaí at the scene and brought to Lucan Garda Station where she was detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking) Act 1996.

Dublin stars calls for volunteers

DUBLIN football star Dean Rock is looking for volunteers for a cause close to his heart.

Aside from his role as chief marksman with the Boys in Blue, Dean works as fundraising manager for Stewarts Care in Palmerstown.

The local organisation which provides services for people with intellectual disabilities also relies on the skills of volunteers to complement and enhance the range of opportunities and experiences accessible to Service Users.

“We need volunteers who can share a little of their time, energy and enthusiasm while giving them an opportunity to explore career options, connect with their community and help create change,” Dean told Dublin Gazette.

“No particular qualifications are needed, you just need a willingness to make a reliable commitment.”

Volunteers Recruitment Night takes place on Thursday 11th April 2019 at 7pm in The Coach House, Mill Lane, Palmerstown.

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TALLAGHT

TALLAGHT: EMPOWERING CHARACTERS

Energy efficiency upgrade for local schools THREE Tallaght National Schools have been selected for special energy saving work as part of a €7m Government Pilot Project.

This is according to local Independent Minister Katherine Zappone who said St Kevin’s Boys, St Kevin’s Girls and St Dominic’s National Schools are among 17 which have been picked across the country.

Each will see works carried out which should see energy use cut by a third.

Work on the schools will start this summer and will include new windows and doors, insulation as well as smart technology for power and heating.

“It is a tribute to children, parents and teachers that three of our local schools have been selected for a ground-breaking pilot,” Minister Zappone said.

“The aim is to cut energy use and bills by a third.

“An ambitious goal but one which I am sure can be met.

“It is important once this work has been piloted that it is rolled out to other local schools across south and west Dublin.”

Free CPR training in Adamstown CPR is an important skill to have which can save a life. Considering getting some training?

The Irish Heart Foundation are offering free CPR training in Adamstown Youth and Community Centre on Saturday 27th April 2019.

The training lasts 1 hour and sessions take place at three different times:10am, 12pm 1.30pm (choose 1) Each session can hold 30 participants. Registration is required and is free In order to register please visit www.irishheart.ie

JOE HORAN

Tribute unveiled to public servant THE late Joe Horan, former South Dublin county manager who passed away in November 2016, left a rich legacy of service to the local community.

Last week a special tribute to his memory was unveiled (pictured below). Joe, who served as county manager from 2002 to 2012, is remembered for his work with children and young people with a special memorial bench at the Oberstown Campus, where he was the first Chair of the Board. Thanks to his vision local developments like Rua Red, Tallaght Stadium and the County Library as well as new leisure centres in Clondalkin and Tallaght came about. He was also a big supporter of local schools and placed great emphasis on the importance of helping them develop as technologically advanced institutions.

A public servant for 45 years, prior to coming to South Dublin he served as Manager of Meath County Council.

While serving in South Dublin he managed to grow the area’s local authority housing stock to one of the largest in the country.

Gavin Leonard with his two-year-old daughter Jade

Funding campaign for books that inspire young girls gets major backing PADRAIG CONLON

A LOCAL dad has made a “dream start” in his efforts to secure funding for his books.

Gavin Leonard, who is originally from Tallaght, launched a series of fairy-tale books last year titled “Not Just a Princess” aimed at promoting strong, empowering female role models.

The books, which were created after his blog became a viral success, were written to empower his two-year-old daughter Jade.

Gavin said he was inspired to write them after realising many people shared his frustration with the way women are represented in fairy tales.

He wanted to create a world of independent, capable princesses who are not afraid to follow their dreams, and who won’t wait around to be saved!

“At Not Just a Princess we want to break down the gender barriers that face our daughters, nieces and granddaughters in nearly every walk of life,” Gavin told Dublin Gazette.

“We want all girls to see themselves represented in the strong female role models that we have

created in our book series.”

In Gavin’s books each princess has a unique set of skills and, along with her animal sidekick, helps people to solve problems in the fictional land of ‘Wonderville’.

After an unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign in 2018 Gavin was even more determined to bring Not Just a Princess to the world and relaunched the campaign on Tuesday, March 26.

This current campaign to fund the books will run fo r a n o t h e r 3 3 days but much to Gavin’s delight the project was backed in less than a day.

“This is the dream start to the Kickstarter campaign, we are so overwhelmed with the way people have responded to this idea,” Gavin said.

“We’re also overwhelmed with the response to the Not Just a Princess ethos over the last 12 months.

“The fact that we have reached our goal already means that parents will be reading our stories, with such strong, capable female

“

role models, to their little girls and boys by the Summer; it is a dream come true.”

The project has been backed by over 170 people who have pledged funding of more than €6,800 – almost double the target.

There is still another three weeks of the campaign remaining and Gavin hopes to raise more than €20,000 to ensure that the

We want all girls to see themselves represented in the strong female role models that we have created in our book series

Not Just a Princess ethos is felt around the world.

“The fact that so many people from right across the globe are behind this project means so much to us and tells us that we are doing something right!” Gavin concluded.

Not Just a Princess is live on Kickstarter now.

To view rewards, back the project or buy the books visit Not Just a Princess Kickstarter.

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4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

KNOCKLYON: ‘OUR HOUSE IS UNSUITABLE FOR HARVEY’S EVERYDAY LIFE’

Mother blasts council ‘for putting her son’s life at risk’ PADRAIG CONLON

A LOCAL mother with a severely disabled child has accused South Dublin County Council of putting her son’s life at risk Gillian Sherratt lives with her partner, threeyear-old son Harvey (pictured) and baby daughter in Knocklyon.

Harvey has spina bifida and is paralysed below the chest, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), chiari malformation, x linked ichthyosis, multiple life threatening allergies, developmental delay and is non verbal.

He also has severe life threatening scoliosis.

“Around Harvey’s first birthday we found out his scoliosis was so severe that it had already started to cause his ribs to crush his lungs,” Gillian told Dublin Gazette.

“At just one year of age we were told that controlling his scoliosis is life and death for him.

“Ideally he needs to be in his wheelchair as much as possible so that the support from its moulded seat

can help slow the progression of his scoliosis, but unfortunately our house isn’t wheelchair accessible.

“Our house is unsuitable for Harvey’s everyday life.

“Due to it being inaccessible, Harvey has to crawl around the house - using only his arms.

“He cannot use his wheelchair in the house and spends much of the day on the floor because of this.”

The biggest issue for Harvey is his scoliosis is continuing to get worse, something which is out of his families control.

“We would love to not have to rely on the council but unfortunately despite my partner working, that is the situation we are in as both of our children require full time care, which I provide,” Gillian explained.

“In May 2018 we found out we were expecting another baby and I updated the council.

“Later in the pregnancy we found out our baby girl has a severe congenital heart defecthypoplastic right heart

syndrome.

“We were told that until she is born we wouldn’t be eligible for a 3 bed house, even if it meets Harvey’s needs. They showed us a small, two bedroom apartment which unfortunately was completely unsuitable as there wouldn’t have been enough space for Harvey’s equipment.

“Over a year ago, Harvey’s orthopaedic surgeon contacted the council to say that he needs to go in to long term halo gravity traction to stop the progression of his scoliosis.

“They were told this is a matter of life and death, but it cannot be done until we are in suitable housing as Harvey would need to stay in his wheelchair all day.

“There were wheelchair accessible houses built in our catchment area which I had been told I would be brought to view once finished and to see if they would be suitable.

“Months went by and I rang for an update, and suddenly was told we weren’t eligible as they are three bed.

“At this stage I was already more than 30 weeks pregnant.

“Back in January I rang to let them know our daughter was here, but those suitable houses are gone.”

Gillian has appealed for help from local representatives to help her find a suitable property.

“Recently I reached out to the Minister for Housing, but all I received was a generic response to say ‘your email has been forwarded to the relevant department’.

“We have been told ‘there just aren’t suitable houses to give’ and while I appreciate there is a housing crisis, our son cannot wait any longer.

“His life depends on it.

How much longer will they risk causing him permanent, irreparable damage?

“How much longer will they risk his life?”

When contacted by Dublin Gazette for a comment, the council said: “It is the policy of South Dublin County Council to not comment on individual cases.”

Power outages have Clondaklin locals running out of patience ANGRY residents in Clondalkin are running out of patience with the ESB following a number of recent power cuts Up to 6,000 local homes were left without electricity last month in what was the third incident since Christmas.

“Never before have I witnessed this many outages in such a short space of time,” Cllr Trevor Gilligan told Dublin Gazette.

“Main traffic lights were out, local supermarkets such as Lidl were closed, Circle K was closed.

“I have witnessed a lot of courtesy amongst drivers at traffic lights and this must be applauded.”

Following enquiries from concerned residents, Cllr Gilligan says he made a representation to ESB Networks to find out what is causing the power cuts.

In reply to him, ESB Networks said: “In February there were two cable faults – the initial fault led to a second fault.

“When a cable fault occurs customers can experience a number of related outages while our network technicians are ‘fault hunting’.

“The cable has to be switched in and out until the exact location of the fault is discovered and then repair works can be carried out.

“There was also an outage on the 11th of March which impacted a large number of customers.

“A medium voltage overhead line connection failed and unfortunately resulted in the loss of electricity supply to approximately 5,000 customers.

“This would be unusual except that on this instance one of our protection devices did not work as it

should have.

“Due to the traffic problems around the village, it took a while for our technicians to get all the sectionalising of the cable completed in order to restore power supply to as many customers as possible before they could start working on the actual repair.

“The local ESB networks team take pride in responding as quickly as possible to any fault situations.

“Clondalkin is a busy and growing community and as such, there is a need to review the loading arrangements on its feeding station.

“However this was not the cause of these power outages.

“There is a plan over the coming months to review continuity of supply across the area, if this identifies any specific issues in Clondalkin these will be addressed.”

4 April 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COURTS: CLAYTON BRENNAN ASSAULTED MAN IN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

FASTNews Race over to take in all the sights of a pretty great run THE 19th annual running of the Great Ireland Run 10k will take place on Sunday, April 14 in the Phoenix Park.

Set in the iconic surroundings of Europe’s largest urban park, runners can take part in a truly inspiring celebration of running, as you make your way through the spectacular natural surroundings of a park filled with rich history and natural beauty.

Participants will welcome the national 10K Championship Race, as well as a new improved route for 2019, an official AAI-measured route that’s chip-timed, while they’ll also get a race T-shirt, medal, and goodie bag.

For details of the run, which lasts from 10:45am to 1:45pm and costs €30, see www.greatrun.org/ great-ireland-run.

Teen who broke man’s teeth ‘to show his friends he was tough’ jailed for 18 months A TEENAGER who launched an unprovoked attack on a Mexican national that resulted in the victim losing half of both his front teeth has been jailed for 18 months.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Clayton Brennan (19) punched and kicked the man because he “wanted to show himself as a tough man in front of his friends”.

Brennan of Dunawley Grove, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Bachelors Walk, Dublin, on April 27, 2016.

Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin said this was a serious and “completely unprovoked attack”. She said Brennan kicked the victim after knocking him to the ground.

She noted that he has attended eduction while in custody and applied himself well. She suspended the last six months of a two year prison term on condition he refrain from any mind altering substance and obeys the instructions of the Probation Service.

Garda Eric Keogh told Garrett McCormack BL, prosecut-

ing, that Jose Mondragon was sitting on the Liffey boardwalk when Brennan sat beside him.

Mr Mondragon tried to leave but a number of youths surrounded him. Brennan hit Mr Mondragon in the temple causing him to fall to the ground and strike his mouth against a tree pot.

Brennan pushed him to the ground repeatedly as he tried to stand back up. Mr Mondragon escaped by jumping over a wall once Brennan stopped pushing him.

Speaking in court, Mr Mondragon said that he had come to Ireland to learn English. Half of his two front teeth were lost in the assault and the total price to repair them is €4,205.

As Mr Mondragon walked past the accused after giving his statement to the court, Brennan extended his hand to him and Mr Mondragon shook it.

Brennan, who was 16 years old at the time of the offence, has eight previous convictions.

These include an offence of assault causing serious harm at Dame Lane, Dublin, in May

of 2016 in which he “glassed an individual”.

He is currently serving a five year sentence with the final two years suspended for violent disorder, arson and criminal damage. These relate to an incident on August 29, 2016 in which a unit at Oberstown Children Detention Campus was set alight and had to be demolished.

Brennan is set to be released from custody on January 30, 2020 and will remain under supervision of The Probation Service for a further 18 months.

Kevin White BL, defending, said that his client had been the victim of significant bullying throughout his schooling, including incidents in which his shoes were stolen and he was pushed into a bonfire.

Mr White said his client showed guilt and remorse for committing this offence.

He extended an apology on Brennan’s behalf to Mr Mondragon and told the court Brennan had “wanted to show himself as a tough man in front of his friends”.

Cycle Against Suicide launches 2019 Challenge REGISTRATIONS are now open for Cycle Against Suicide’s annual cycle, which takes place from 27th of April to the 6th of May 2019. Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative to raise awareness of the help and support networks that are available to people across Ireland that are battling depression, self-harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.

Pictured at Connolly Station Cycle Against Suicide, volunteer Peter Dancer from Bray, Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager of Iarnrod Eireann and CAS volunteer John McQuaid, from Hollystown. Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennells

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lucan CBS team are All-Ireland Champions L

UCAN CBS’s under-17 soccer team were crowned All Ireland Champions last Thursday after defeating Rosses Community School from Donegal 1-0 in the Tom Ticher National Cup Final held in Ray McSharry Park in Sligo.

The victory was all the more remarkable considering that they

did it with 10 men for the majority of the match after their prolific striker Kyle Robinson was sent off after just three minutes for an off the ball retaliation. Lucan captain Adam Wells was presented with the prestigious Tom Ticher National Junior Cup to the delight of his teammates and supporters.

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8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

COURTS: JOHN CASH RECEIVED A THREE-AND-A-HALF YEAR SENTENCE

Man who previously killed French tourists jailed for driving at garda A MAN previously jailed for knocking down and killing two French tourists has been sentenced to three and half years in prison for driving at a garda while trying to escape arrest for burglary.

John Cash (37) was jailed for eight years in 2008 after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of friends Martine Talon (54) and Martine Liotard (53) on the Kylemore Road in Dublin on May 16, 2007.

The court heard during that sentence hearing,

before the late Judge Katherine Delahunt, that Cash drank 14 cans of cider, a bottle of whiskey and taken Prozac tablets before driving the car. He had been banned for driving for 20 years the previous year after he was convicted of dangerous driving.

Cash of North Circular Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at Aldi, Old Lucan Road, Palmerstown Lower and dangerous driving on December 3, 2017.

He has 30 additional pre-

vious convictions which were all dealt with in the District Court and he was disqualified from driving at the time.

Garda Barry O’Shea told Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, that he was alerted to the fact that a burglary was in progress at Aldi when he saw Cash outside the premises. Cash ran towards his own car when he spotted the patrol car.

Gda O’Shea approached him and drew his baton.

Cash revved the engine of his vehicle and the garda smashed the windscreen

with the baton. Cash then drove the car directly at Gda O’Shea causing him to jump out of the way to avoid getting injured.

He then drove into Gda O’Shea’s patrol car, moving the vehicle out of his way, to facilitate his getaway.

Judge Martin Nolan described it as a “callous act”. He said had Cash just burgled the premises and not driven at the garda he would have given “a substantially less sentence”.

“In his attempt to escape he put a garda in danger,” Judge Nolan said before he commented that Cash had behaved in this way “despite the fact that he had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of two people”.

He acknowledged that Cash co-

operated with the garda investigation, made admissions and was remorseful for his behaviour.

Judge Nolan accepted that Cash had a difficult mental history and addictions to both drugs and alcohol.

He disqualified Cash from driving for four years and sentenced him to three and half years in prison.

Gda O’Shea said a colleague later arrested Cash, following a brief chase, after the burglar lost control of his own vehicle while attempting to turn into nearby Palmerstown village.

Cash said in interview that he had little recollection of the burglary but accepted he was at the premises and that he had driven his car in that manner.

He said his role was to keep watch outside the premises and Gda O’Shea confirmed that CCTV footage from the store showed this was the case.

He said Cash and an accomplice, who has never been caught, used a car jack and a hammer to smash a window in the shop before the other man entered the premises.

David Staunton BL, defending said his client acknowledged that he was wrong and was very regretful.

He said he had been out of prison since 2014 and submitted to the judge that he was “not a person beyond reform”.

“He is acutely aware of his behaviour and wishes to amend his ways,” counsel submitted.

Event celebrates the achievements of women PADRAIG CONLON

A CELEBRATION of local women saw several groups from the Lucan area gather together.

The event in Finnstown Castle Hotel last Friday (29th), titled “Celebrating our community of Women,” was the brainchild of local councillor Liona O Toole.

Members from various local groups met up, gave presentations and shared their story about what each does.

“As a local representative and, as I lived in the area for many years now, I have people contacting me to ask me what groups are available in the area,” Liona told Dublin Gazette.

“While I was aware of the many groups in the area I knew many weren’t so this event, ‘Celebrating our community of women’ was to bring together some of these groups and let those know that they were unaware of the other groups.

“The presentations gave a great insight to the groups and the work they did, how often they meet, where they meet, which ones are free etc.

“I want to thank everyone who took part and who came to support it.

“I plan to make it a yearly event, introducing different groups each year.

“Hopefully members of the groups will take up something new.”

Among the groups who took part in Friday’s event were Lucan ICA, Clondalkin and Lucan Womens Network, Lucan and Regional President of Ahmadiyyah Muslim Association Ladies Section, Cindiui Dublin West, Forever living, Slimming World, Griffeen Junior Parkrun, Older Voices for Change and Sea of Change Choir.

Siobhan Rooney, Mairead Hilliard, Dr Rose Anne Kenny from Older Voices for Change with Cllr Liona O’Toole

Veronica Quadu, Coordinator Cuidiu Dublin West Branch, Liona O’Toole and Niamh MacGinty

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10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Students have a ball in Lucan

T

HE fourth annual Coláiste Phádraig Lucan Transition Year Ball (this year in aid of Zambia 2020) took place last week in Westmanstown and it was a resounding success. The male students enjoyed dressing up in their sharp and stylish formal wear even more than their female partners!

The students enjoyed a lovely two course meal followed by a wonderful night of singing, dancing (and countless selfies!). The students are to be commended on their impeccable behaviour throughout the Ball which impressed the staff immensely. The entire event was planned and organised by the students themselves so well done to them on their initiative, team work and professionalism.

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12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

DUBLIN

GET THE LITTLE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE LOOKING STYLISH P16

a pampering getaway in the sunny south east P20

MAGAZINE CROSSOVER FIAT 500X IS A TREAT WITH WIDE APPEAL P22

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

DUBLIN EXHIBITORS ADDED TO LINE-UP FOR HOUSE 2019

Pictured at Cafe en Seine at the launch of house 2019, Ireland’s premium interior design event, were interior designer Suzie McAdam, broadcaster Brendan O’Connor, architect Dermot Bannon, architect Hugh Wallace and interior architect Roisin Lafferty. All five are speaking at house, which takes place from May 24 to 26 at the RDS. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

4 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

OPINION: A CLEAR FOCUS IS NEEDED TO KEEP PACE WITH POPULATION CHANGES

Older citizens’ housing needs are in danger of being overlooked in the current crisis – but this must not happen

Our older citizens need their housing needs to be met too

“

I N OU R ex p e r i e n ce, there needs to be choice in housing to allow older people to age in place.

This choice should be open to all older people in Ireland, not just those who qualify for social housing or who can afford to avail of more costly private options.

This is why we are calling for a ‘spectrum of housing’ that not only takes into consideration the needs of older people from a health, community and social inclusion perspective, but also shows an awareness of the need for different price points.

ALONE values the importance of community-based supports to be in place on the ground to enable the older person to overcome challenges, as well as to access the benefits and resources that will enable them to remain living at home.

ALONE estimate that at any one time, some 20% of older people require some level of support intervention.

We welcome the commitment from the HSE to roll out ALONE’s services nationally over the coming years, including befriending, coordination of supports, housing and technology.

This will be the beginnings of a network of support across the country Now is the time to begin the process of building communities for

people to live in throughout their life cycle and to support older people to age in place, preparing for the demographic change and addressing gaps in housing options.

We believe that further planning needs to take place to ensure that this housing is located in areas of high demand, close to people’s current homes.

This will ensure that people are not displaced from their communities and forced to move away from their families and social networks.

National planning policy should make sites available for local authorities and approved housing bodies to provide more social housing with supports for older people, and for private developers to provide affordable housing.

This needs to become an integral part of creating age-friendly communities.

The cost of building smaller homes for older people is estimated at between €10- 20k cheaper than building three- and four-bed family homes.

This will also reduce the incidence of older people having to remain in acute hospital settings, due to a lack of housing options available, or long delays in housing adaptations, and will reduce the numbers of older people moving to costly nursing home provision due to a lack of alternative

supports.

It is estimated that the cost to the Fair Deal scheme will increase by an additional €729m annually by 2031, as a result of demographic changes.

The pressure on the private rented sector and HAP Scheme will also reduce.

We believe that the delivery of these ambitious targets will depend on an innovative and collaborative approach between all stakeholders, including the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government, the Department of Health, local authorities, the HSE and the approved housing body sector.

 SEAN MOYNIHAN

Chief executive, ALONE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

HOME & STYLE

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Kids can be the hardest to dress, but there’s tons of options on the high street and in Dublin’s shopping centres for formalwear.

From mini dresses to tiny suits, get the little people in your life looking stylish at big events this season.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite picks, available in stores now.

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4 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

THE FIRST IN A THREE-PART SERIES ON CYCLING SAFETY Got a bike?

Get – and then wear – a helmet too CYCLING helmets are invaluable and anyone can use or wear one when riding a bicycle. These helmets provide the necessary and much-needed protection and safety in case of a fall or crash while riding a bicycle.

A bicycle helmet can help save lives, which is why it is essential to wear them. They have one function – to help provide safety and protection from head injuries, and likewise to prevent a potentially fatal one.

They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles, and colours that all serve a single purpose, which is to save lives.

A bicycle helmet has proven time and time again to reduce or prevent serious head injuries and even death.

Statistics from a study in the USA show that most fatal injuries incurred among bicycle-related accidents was that the cyclists didn’t have or were not wearing a bicycle helmet.

Fatal bicycle falls or crashes always resulted with major injuries to the head, which a bicycle helmet generally protects.

Since the implementation of bicycle helmet laws, the number of bicycle related accidents and deaths considerably dropped by more than 50%.

Cycling is a great sports or hobby and many Dubliners are now using bicycles as the preferred mode of transport to negotiate the busy streets of the capital in order to get to work on time.

However, cyclists should know that there’s more to safety than wearing helmets, especially for children or young adults.

A new study in Norway shows that helmets reduce the risk of serious head trauma by 60%.

Turned around, that means you run nearly twice the risk of serious head injury in an accident if you are not wearing a helmet. Head injuries are the most common fatal injuries among cyclists in road accidents.

Moreover, helmets reduce the risk of serious brain damage and face injuries. The total number of killed or seriously injured cyclists drops by 34% when they have these protective shells around their skulls.

CAMPAIGN

OPINION: GOVERNMENT, NTA CONTINUE FAILING TO ADDRESS ISSUES MEANINGFULLY

Still a long way to go to meet our cyclists’ needs Donna Fox from Balbriggan was killed while cycling to work in Dublin in September, 2016. Her brother, Neil, is now a safe cycling advocate and tells us in his own words why we need to change our laws and focus...

D O N N A’ S death obviously has had a profound and life-changing effect on me, but in trying to highlight issues on cycling, especially in the city where she died, I find it’s a good way to channel shock and grief.

The huge success of cycling in Dublin has one very serious pitfall – the safety of those who have donned their helmets and embraced the bike in their thousands is not being properly addressed by Dublin City Council, the NTA and the Department of Transport.

It is shameful that as Dublin is about to host the biggest cycling conference in the world, Velo, in June, we are lagging so far behind in even upholding the barest minimum duty of care to those cycling in Dublin.

Big projects and recreational ones are being used to distract from the real-life dangers of a daily cyclist’s commute to and from work or college in the city.

What matters most is making Dublin functional as a city for cycling. It’s about providing safety for the child who wants merely to cycle down the street to visit his friend, or the girl who wants to cycle to school.

I am not in a position to say you must wear a helmet and hi-vis clothing to be safe cycling, since my sister Donna was killed in broad daylight doing both – while in a cycle lane.

Neither are mandatory, either.

That said, it’s my personal belief that tackling cycling safety does begin with ourselves as bikers.

In doing all we can to protect ourselves we are also giving a message to other road users that we are responsible, and this may well go some way in affording us the respect as cyclists unfortunately we don’t get from many quarters.

When Donna died, I was regularly asked “Was she wearing a helmet?”, not from trolls online but from well-meaning folk who somehow equate all cyclist fatalities and injuries with this one thing.

Most became much more open-minded once they learned my sister did in fact have her helmet on.

Collisions I’m not an expert on the helmet debate, but it’s my understanding that in low-impact collisions they can make a real difference especially.

My point is that we need a hell of a lot more than helmets.

There is no quick fix – if only there was. However, some easy steps can be taken while we await proper changes and infrastructure.

Simple things like ensuring potholes are fixed, debris is cleared from cycle paths, that painted lines (for all their shortcomings) are not fading but maintained.

And one biggie is the freeing up of the cycle lanes.

It’s become a joke how parking in cycle tracks

At a bare miniumum, you should have a cycling helmet, like these responsible cyclists have – but there are many options that can affect cyclist safety on the road, as Neil Fox discusses in his opinion piece here ...

Neil Fox (right) highlights many of the issues and dangers still faced by cyclists today, years after his beloved sister Donna (far right) was killed in an accident while cycling

“

Big projects and recreational ones are being used to distract from the reallife dangers of a cyclist’s commute to and from work or college in the city has become the norm.

This must be tackled immediately – it’s unacceptable.

Equals we may be in the general sense, but there’s one hell of a difference between a cyclist and a motorist, a bike and a car, lorry, bus or HGV, which seems to be lost on the powers that be who clump all together on the roads.

We must demand more than the painted lines – at the very minimum, we need kerbed cycle paths.

The announcement that €400,000 is to be allotted to improving safety at some junctions in the city is good news, but it’s still a drop in the ocean for the amount of investment needed to truly allocate for cycling safety.

It’s my sincere belief

that until we increase our funding to 10% of Ireland’s Land Transport Budget for cycling, and bring in the much-needed Minimum Passing Distance legislation, we are sweeping leaves on the deck of the Titanic.

All the other tweaks are great, but radical action is really needed nationally as well as here in Dublin.

That’s why the Government and the NTA must start listening to cyclists.

Let’s not become a city of ghost bikes and flowers on poles, but one of easy commutes and shared respect on our streets and roads.

We can do it. We can make Dublin a safe envi-

ronment for cycling. We must.

Injuries and deaths on our streets are preventable, so let us all be mindful of the part we play in this.

Donna was a very kind, optimistic sister with so much energy for life, and she was always making plans. It remains difficult to believe she is gone, to put it mildly.

I find the Irish Road Victims Association, in which I am now involved, to be a very helpful resource and would urge anyone bereaved on our roads to consider making contact for some support.

See www.irva.ie for further information and contact details.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

4 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

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

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

TOP TWEETS ...

Just stared at a guy in a coffee shop for a few minutes wondering where I knew him from. After repeatedly looking in his direction and catching his eye (from all the staring I was doing) I realized that it was Domhnall Gleeson.

Some paw-fect tips for puppies

IF YOU’RE a new pet owner, or trying to train your dog, you may need all the help you can get! Luckily, we have some great tips and advice to help you train your puppy, making living together much easier for you and him – and much more fun, too ...

@iamCiaraKing.

Tyra Banks isn’t as ecofriendly as her brother Bottle

Aloneness: Dogs are naturally social animals. To avoid separation or isolation anxiety in your pup, introduce them to ‘aloneness’ gradually. When at home, create a bed for them as a safe space. Slowly increase the distance and the length of time you leave them alone, until they are calm and relaxed.

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

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.

BITS & BOBS

@Ciara_Knight

Supermac’s is just McDonald’s for people who know how big an acre is

House-training: Puppies need to go to the toilet more often than adult dogs; from 0-2 months they go every 2-3 hours; for every additional month, add an hour; and from 6 months, add 6-8 hours.

Always take your puppy out for potty time after the following events: right after a meal; immediately after sleep, and after a playtime session. Always praise them for going to the toilet outside, and never punish them for a potty accident.

@alan_maguire

Chewing: Puppies love to chew but before you give them the freedom of the house, they must learn what is allowed and what is not. Have lots of chewable items to hand until you discover what they like. Endorse toy play and gently chastise if they chew items that are out of bounds.

You say 100 people can use this – I say...

Learning should be fun: The best way to train your puppy is to make the process fun and positive. Along with treats, incorporate happy tones and toys. Your pup’s eyes should light up with joy when you tell them it is training time.

Fast recall: Teaching your puppy to come when called is probably the single most important behaviour you can teach. A dog which has a solid recall can be given more freedom to run and play in areas where dogs are allowed off the lead.

The key is to a use a recall cue that always means ‘something good’, such as a chance to play or a highvalue activity.

Conversely, never use the cue to do something they don’t love, like giving them a pill, treating their ears or putting them in a dog carrier.

A positive approach is the ‘run-away, come’ technique. Call the dog and then run away fast, so the dog comes galloping and romping after you and gets to celebrate with treats and/or toys when they catch up.

The puppy learns that the ‘come’ is an irresistible

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THEY don’t do things by halves in Texas – except in this case, where a re-evaluation by the Grapevine fire marshal’s office of a balcony’s safe-user number of 100 people saw a slight adjustment...

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

This week’s dog of the week is Brody, a very sweet one-year-old male terrier cross.

He is looking for a patient family who will help him to grow in confidence.

Brody can find the world to be a scary place at times, but with some gentle reassurance he will learn in time that he has nothing to be afraid of.

He will need to live with another, more confident dog which will help to show him the ropes and settle into his loving home.

Brody would love to live in a nice, quiet area with an adult family who will have time to dedicate to his confidence-building training. He has a beautiful soul and will thrive in the right home.

If you have room in your heart and home for Brody 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.)

A huge red flag for me is when a date doesn’t find me funny, it demonstrates that there exists perhaps a cultural gap that is simply too far to bridge, I am the funniest person I have ever met, I regularly walk into traffic because I am overcome with laughter thinking about me @nthnashma

Social media really does ruin your mental health that’s why from today I’m going to be deleting the AIB online banking app. I have no time for negativity in my life any more! @justinbyrne85

Taytos are the best crisps in the universe THE END as you were LG x

brody

@liamgallagher

My 123 bus and another 123 bus just passed each other and the drivers didn’t do the wave omg are they enemies @infinityonhi

Wot, no Boyzone nod? The battle of the boybands’ legacies continues...

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

GOINGOUTOUT

PICK WEEK OF THE

APRIL 9 & 10 (TUESDAY + WEDNESDAY) Glen Hansard @ Vicar Street, €35 FRONTMAN of legendary rockers The Frames and star of the movie Once, Glen Hansard has an extensive back catalogue to explore as he returns home to headline Vicar Street.

APRIL 4 (THURSDAY)

James Morrison @ Olympia Theatre, €42 Ziggy Alberts @ Whelan’s, sold out Jacob @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5

APRIL 5 (FRIDAY)

Thanks Brother + Powpig @ Workman’s Club, €15 Two of Ireland’s fastest rising west-coast acts combine for a trip to Dublin as part of Musictown. A show sure to have the critics purring.

Swimming Tapes @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

APRIL 6 (SATURDAY)

The Scratch @ Whelan’s, €18 Pom Poko @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

APRIL 7 (SUNDAY)

Charity Show for Aware - The Blizzards, Ryan Sheridan @ Olympia Theatre, €28+ Easy Life @ Workman’s Club, €13 Owen Colgan @ The Sugar Club, sold out

APRIL 8 (MONDAY)

Dave @ Olympia Theatre, sold out Shy Mascot @ Workman’s Club, free

APRIL 9 (TUESDAY)

Dave @ Olympia Theatre, sold out Nerves @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5 Sean Bradford @ Workman’s Club, €10

APRIL 10 (WEDNESDAY)

Glen Hansard @ Vicar Street, €35 Set It Off @ Workman’s Club, sold out

James Morrison

Feeling the music ‘A ZERO commitment choir’ is the tagline that’s fuelled the rise of a quirk of the Irish music scene, the wonderfully boisterous ‘Sing Along Social’.

The concept is simple: several lively ‘craic mechanics’ put on a few of your favourite cheesy records, and you crowd together, a mass of euphoria with the most innocent of aims: to belt them out at the top of your lungs.

Aoife McElwain, who started this glorious, carefree cheese-fest, stumbled across the idea almost by accident.

“A few years ago, a friend and I discovered we were both obsessed

 JAMES HENDICOTT

with Alanis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’,” she recalls.

“We thought it would be a hilarious idea to get together and just sing it from start to finish.

Then we thought about who else might like that, so we could invite them along.

“It turns out we know too many people who liked the idea, so we booked a room on a local pub and then thought why not put it on Facebook, in

case anyone else wants to join us. The next thing we knew, over 1,000 people wanted to come.”

Things have barely let up since. Sing Along Social have two monthly events, at MVP in Dublin 8, and The Sugar Club, just off St Stephen’s Green.

There’s an ever-diversifying list of themed days, corporate events and hen parties, and McElwain also an Irish Times food writer and the author of a book on time management, ‘Slow At Work’ - has made this boisterous party her full time job, one that’s now close to fully booked for the remainder of 2019.

“I’ve always been a bit of a dork,” she laughs.

“I think my job at Sing Along Social is to be the first person to make a fool of myself. When I do that, and nothing bad happens, it helps get things going.

“I put on this pink boiler suit and I’m just not afraid of anything. I think Sing Along suits introverts and extroverts. It’s not like karaoke as everyone sings together. In a sense, we just push play and see what happens.”

Previous themes have included Beyonce v Lady Gaga, that Alanis Morissette album, and festival cheese-alongs at events from Electric Picnic to

THIS week in Carrigstown, Orla and Wayne are still searching for a surrogate, Darragh tries to fix a strained relationship, Jackie is held at knifepoint, and more...

A terrifying incident may unite Jackie and Hughie

Feeling guilty, Darragh tries to fix things between Erica and Doug. Doug and Erica make up and Dearbhla senses something is going on between them.

Orla is still frosty with Dolores and shocks Wayne when she tells him she has asked Sash to be the surrogate.

Knowing that they will need Dolores’ financial help if Sash agrees to the surrogacy, Orla warms towards Dolores, raising Pete’s suspicions.

Orla brings Junior along to meet up with

Jackie and Hughie

Sash, but when Sash is about to tell Orla her decision, Junior collapses.

Jackie minds Ellie when she takes ill, leaving Renee unsettled. Ellie worries that she could inherit Heather’s problems. Renee is put out by how well Jackie and Ellie are getting on.

Hughie accidentally allows a burglar into the Pod office. Jackie walks in on the burglar

Body and Soul. The next festival-sized outing, at Mother Pride in June, will see Sing Along Social return to some well cultivated roots amid the LGBTQ community.

“Our natural audience seems to be a lot of women and LGBTQ folks,” she explains.

Sing Along Social will appear at Mother Pride Block Party at Collins Barracks, Dublin alongside Mo, Daithi, Panti Bliss and Pillow Queens. You can learn about their regular shows via the Facebook page.

See the full-length article on our website at www.dublingazette.com

and fears for her life as she’s held at knife-point.

Pete, rushes to Jackie’s aid, but questions why she didn’t phone Hughie first.

The burglary has left Jackie traumatised and a gift from Pete adds to her anxiety. Jackie tries to talk to Pete about her feelings for him.

Hughie realises the depth of his feelings for Jackie.

Darragh’s idea for Erica’s birthday falls through, leading to Erica being disappointed when Darragh reveals low-key plans for her birthday.

Doug gets Erica a thoughtful present but gives it to Darragh to give to her instead, knowing that Darragh’s gift will let her down.

Watch Fair City on RTE One on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

4 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

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

ENTERTAINMENT

NETFLIX | DOCUMENTARIES, MOVIES AND TV SHOWS GALORE

Your round-up of the best that Netflix has to offer this April RACHEL D’ARCY

THE weather is hotting up, and so is the content coming to Netflix.

A new month brings a host of new content to the platform, with some big hitters taking centre stage.

One of the most exciting additions is ‘Unicorn Store’, a feature film starring and directed by Oscar winning Brie Lawson, and also featuring Samuel L Jackson and Joan Cusack.

The movie is about Kit (Lawson), a failed artist who moves back in with her parents and takes a job up as an office worker.

One day, she receives a mysterious letter from an unnamed salesman (Jackson) who invites her to “The Store”, a strange indeterminate place.

It’s already recieving rave reviews, earning a place on our ‘must watch’ list.

Another promising watch is ‘The

Fresh from starring in Captain Marvel, Samuel L Jackson and Brie Lawson star in Unicorn Store

Silence’, which seems to follow a similar thread to last year’s smash ‘Bird Box’.

Starring Stanley Tucci and ‘Sabrina’

actress Kiernan Shipka, ‘The Silence’ is about a world under attack from terrifying creatures who hunt their human prey by sound.

16-year old Ally Andrews (Shipka), who lost her hearing at 13, and her family seek refuge in a remote haven.

But they discover a sinister cult who are eager to exploit Ally’s heightened senses.

If you’re more of a binge watcher, April sees a varied addition to Netflix’s line up. There’s the intriguing ‘Bonding’, about a New York City student moonlighting as a dominatrix, and ‘Special’, about a gay man with cerebral palsy who is seeking the life he wants.

‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ also returns for a second season, which finds the young witch exploring her darker side.

A series to keep an eye out for, if you’re a wilderness enthusiast, is You Vs Wild starring Bear Grylls.

An interactive adventure series, the viewer will help Bear Grylls to make key decisions to help him survive, com-

plete missions and endure to survive some of the world’s harshest conditions.

For those that are documentary fans, you’re catered for this month as well with the launch of a number of new documentaries to the streaming giant.

‘Our Planet’ will deliver exhilarating visuals of rarely seen animals, with somber truths of humanity’s impact on the planet’s habitats, while ‘Street Food’ will look at some of the world’s most vibrant cities and the rich culture of street food .

There’s also a doc for music lovers this month, as ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads hits our screens, telling the story of influential blues guitarist Robert Johnson before his early death.

There’s something for everyone on Netflix this April, with even more promising content yet to be delivered over the coming months.

CINEMA | CLASSIC DISNEY ANIMATION GETS A REBOOT

A bit plodding in parts, but Dumbo also entertains ...

SHANE DILLON

ROLL up, roll up, one and all, for Disney’s latest live-action remake of an animated classic, with Dumbo (Cert PG, 112 mins), the tale of a baby elephant that can fly.

But will the latest wannabe hit from the Mouse House soar to the top of the circus tent, or is it something of a beastly film?

In fact, Dumbo lands somewhere in the middle, with the film wobbling along in parts but eventually finding its feet – just like Dumbo!

And that’s enough met-

aphors, with it being time to present a much more straight-laced review.

Straight-laced is also the approach that director Tim Burton takes here, with Burton toning down his usual excess to present a more restrained film.

Here, his remake is almost twice the length of the 1941 classic animation, requiring plenty of additional details, but without straying too far from the original tale.

Set in a pre-Depression America, a former circus star and dad to two kids Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns from war.

He’s lost an arm, and his wife has died, leaving him with two bright kids to raise alone at the struggling circus, whose boss, Max Medici (an enjoyably great Danny DeVito) gives him a lowly job caring for the elephants.

After something of a pregnant pause, enter Dumbo: the goofy-looking baby elephant with giant ears, mocked by everyone but embraced by Holt’s kids, who take to caring for the isolated animal after its mother is separated.

Cue an uplifting discovery in the most literal sense, when it’s discovered

that Dumbo can fly, courtesy of those outsized ears, with his amazing ability proving just the (circus) ticket to turn the roaming roadshow’s fortunes about.

Dumbo’s discovery soon reaches the ears of would-be elephant empresario Vandemere (Michael Keaton), who knows that Dumbo would be the perfect attraction for his razzle-dazzle, glitzy Dreamland complex, with the circus folded into its attractions.

As you’d probably guess, however, a truer name for the complex would be Nightmareland, with

Little Dumbo has a big role at (and as) the heart of the remake

a grim, cruel future for Dumbo soon revealed.

They may be strictly a small-time crew, but Max, Holt, the kids and the carnies have much bigger hearts than even an elephant‘s, with the gang determined to save Dumbo from an unhappy life.

And all the time, of course, Dumbo’s just looking to be reunited with his mother...

As I said, despite being about another fantastical

subject, director Burton generally keeps things much more down to earth than seen in several films.

There are a few directorial flourishes from him, but Dumbo plays out pretty much on the level.

Long-time Burton fans will enjoy seeing DeVito and Keaton reunited, after their terrific pairing in Batman Returns (1992), though here they reverse their hero/villain status, and Eva Green is reliably

great as a trapeze artist.

Perhaps Burton has played things too straight – Dumbo’s a generally sweet remake with some dashes of darkness, but some tart touches could have added a little more flavour to the tale.

On the whole, however, it’s a decent family film.

While it’s as plodding as an elephant in parts, Dumbo generally finds a way to entertain.

Verdict: 8/10

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

TRAVEL

HEAD DOWN THE COUNTRY FOR A BREAK

The sympathetically developed and run country house hotel honours the rich heritage and natural feel of its setting, while offering contemporary touches to ensure the best of both worlds

DOMESTIC BREAKS | HEAD TO CO WEXFORD FOR A PAMPERING GETAWAY AT DUNBRODY HOUSE

A superb country house retreat SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor THE Blue Book is regarded as the bible of Ireland’s best country house hotels – so the offer of an overnight stay at one of them was an opportunity not to be missed.

Nestled in the heart of the Hook Peninsula in Wexford is Dunbrody House, the luxurious country retreat run by Kevin and Catherine Dundon.

The old Georgian residence boasts a grand entrance, a cocktail bar and a dramatically opulent dining room, and with the addition of a cookery school and a spa has become something of a mecca for foodies and a hotspot for honeymooners.

The hotel opened in 1997 and was named Luxury Country House of the Year by the Luxury Travel Guide in 2016 – and it’s easy to see why.

There is no formal ‘reception’ desk, just an inviting foyer with a book

where guests can leave their comments, and a very warm welcome from Catherine and the team.

The rooms are everything you’d expect; wellappointed and spacious with high ceilings and intricate cornice work, beautifully decorated, yet with all mod cons including orthopaedic mattresses, coffee machine, iPod docking station, Damana Earth & Sun toiletries and full-size bath.

As you’d expect, dinner in the Harvest Room restaurant is a culinary experience to be savoured thanks to the food, the service and the ambience created by the large roaring fire.

Hannah and April were attentive without being intrusive and their knowledge of both the food and drinks menu was impressive to say the least. A delicious amuse bouche of bream with beetroot offered a hint of what was to come.

The wild mushroom soup with truffle oil was literally bursting with fla-

Chef Kevin Dundon adds a master’s touch in the kitchen

There’s food for the mind – and delicious fare alike – at Dunbrody House

vour, but it was upstaged by the roasted hake with tenderstem broccoli, celeriac and mussel cream, which was to die for.

Dessert was a difficult choice between beetroot cake with cream cheese ice cream and walnut tuille, and sweetcorn pavlova with honey madeleine and honey confit egg yolk.

If in doubt try both, I always say ...

After a relaxing night’s sleep and an excellent breakfast it was time for some pampering in the spa where Laura unleashed a glorious cocktail of oils to administer a facial combined with a back, neck and shoulder massage.

“We use Aromatherapy Essentials which is a fabu-

lous range,” she explained as the deliciously heady scent of bergamot filled the room.

“The nice thing about them is that they are not overpowering, and they are 100% natural.”

With 300 acres Dunbrody really does feel like another world – converted stables are home to the cookery school and it even

has its own gastro pub, The Local.

If you want to leave its cocooning warmth, which is unlikely, the lighthouse at Hook Peninsula is a must-see.

Catherine and Kevin have been at Dunbrody for more than 20 years and they always manage to make time to chat to their guests no matter how busy things get behind the scenes.

Before I left with batteries recharged, they walked me around the courtyard garden which has just been replanted after the damage wreaked by the snow and drought last

year.

“We knocked a wall which was blocking the light just to open things out a bit,” explained Catherine. “We’re using the salvaged bricks around the flower beds.”

Kevin added: “This is a gorgeous spot. It’s a lovely place to sit and have a drink of a summer’s evening, or even have your dinner out here.”

Go see for yourself: B&B prices start at €95 with a two-night getaway with B&B and one dinner priced at €395 per person.

For further information, see www.dunbrodyhouse.com.

4 March 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

FOOD & TRAVEL APRIL | THERE ARE PLENTY OF FOOD-BASED DAYS OUT FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES ACROSS OUR FAIR ISLAND

Feast your eyes on these fantastic food festivals APRIL is the gateway month to the Summer.

Days are getting longer, the sun is ever so slowly inching its away through the bleak, grey clouds and everybody’s favourite chocolate-based holiday is on its way.

In addition to being a month full of optimism and anticipation of (hopefully) warmer days - it also happens to be packed full of food festivals taking place all over the country.

From an All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off in Kinsale to the Rye River Rising Craft Beer Festival in Kildare, there are

plenty of food-based days out for people of all ages and from all corners of our fair island.

We have selected the best of these events to give you all the information needed for a wonderful, delicious day (or night) out right through the month of April.

April 7: All Ireland C h owd e r Co o k- O f f , Kinsale For the ninth year running, Kinsale will see an All-Ireland Chowder Cookoff winner crowned in April.

The annual competition returns to the Cork

food haven on Sunday 7 April.

On the day the plan is to have a representative from each of the 32 counties battle it out for the title of All-Ireland C h owd e r C h a m p i o n , with the public deciding the outcome.

Kick-off is 2pm with tickets €15.

In recent years you could have over 30 chowders to sample on the day, with the winner invited on to the Great Chowder Cook Off in the US. The €15 fee gives you a card for sample each chowder and a vote for your chosen winner.

Kinsale will see an All-Ireland Chowder Cookoff winner crowned in April

April 12-13: Gin Experience, Dublin Join the best gin producers from Ireland and across the globe to sample some of highest quality and flavourful gins around.

As part of a G&T, cocktail or with tasty food pairings, the choice is up to you as you enjoy one of Ireland’s most popular spirits.

More than 40 producers and over 130 gins will come together to fill Dub-

lin Castle with passion, expertise and a whole lot of fresh fruit and premium tonic.

Tickets start at €6 and begins Friday 12th (6pm9:30pm) and Saturday 13th April (1pm-4:30pm and 5:30pm–9:30pm) at The Printworks, Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2.

April 14: Irish Vegan Festival, Belfast The Irish Vegan Festival returns to The Europa Hotel, Belfast for a day of the best vegan food the

island has to offer.

Wander through the vendors and stalls for your favourite plantbased foods with all proceeds raised going towards the Farplace Animal Rescue, a charity focused on helping animals.

A p r i l 2 6 - 2 8 : We s t Waterford Food Festival, Dungarvan The West Waterford Festival of Food is the annual showcase of all that is on offer in Dun-

garvan and surrounding regions from local food producers, restaurateurs and hospitality providers.

Since 2008 the festival has grown to be one of the most successful, best loved and well attended in the country, where foodies, foragers, farmers and families can explore the region and learn its rich food heritage.

To find the full range of events on offer over the weekend, visit: https:// www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/

Dine in the dark in the heart of Dublin City HUNTING FOR IRELAND’S BEST MARGARITA

JOSE Cuervo is challenging bartenders all over Ireland to mix things up by creating a Cuervo Tradicional margarita with a twist.

The most impressive margaritas will be invited to a live final in Dublin on May 14 where finalists will compete to win the title of Ireland’s Best Margarita in front of a panel of expert judges.

By definition, a margarita is made by using tequila, sweetener and citrus but this competition is set to mix things up as bartenders are encouraged to use their imagination when creating their innovative cocktails.

Using Cuervo Tradicional Silver, the criteria for judging includes inventiveness and quality in both the recipe and presentation.

Entrants are encouraged to keep sustainability in mind as well as the latest cocktail trends. You can submit your entry at cuervomargarita.ie

LIDL IRELAND have announced it’s opening a new pop-up restaurant with a twist in the heart of Dublin City.

Located on Anne’s Lane near St Stephen’s Green, Rare by Lidl Dine in the Dark promises to submerge diners in complete darkness while they enjoy their meal.

The experience is designed to inhibit your sight while it enhances your taste buds.

The three-course menu has been created by Chef Gary O’Hanlon (pictured) and features all Lidl ingredients.

Tickets are priced at €15 per person and all proceeds from the event are being donated to Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland. Rare by Lidl opens its doors from 25-27 April in Venue 35, Anne s Lane, Dublin 2.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 April 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

LEGO helps to make a new McLaren Senna motor A UNIQUE full-scale LEGO McLaren Senna has been created in secret by shifts of specialist assemblers working around the clock.

Taking almost 5,000 hours to assemble, it comprises almost half a million separate components.

Unusually for a

The SUV market has become saturated in recent years – but the stylish Fiat 500X has enough great features, and some impressive specs – to stand out on its own merits

Crossover Fiat 500X is a treat with wide appeal DECLAN GLYNN

THE FIAT 500X is a crossover, not only in terms of vehicle segment, but also in terms of its potential customers.

FIAT has face-lifted the 500X for 2019 in the hope that customers will appreciate the outright value on offer, and “cross over” from rivals such as the Kia Stonic, Renault Captur, SEAT Arona, and Dacia Duster.

Revisions to the 500X include new LED headlights, LED daytimerunning-lights, LED rear light clusters, redesigned front & rear bumpers and a refreshed interior, along with advancements in driver assist technology.

Thankfully, however, the new car still retains the bold, stylish and unique character of its predecessor, and still possesses a strong road

presence.

Inside the new 500X, the dash itself has been slightly reshaped, and there are tweaked dials.

All 500Xs come with a 7” central touchscreen and – between the dials – a 3.5” colour TFT screen.

The front seats offer a high degree of comfort and adjustability, with wraparound bolstering and perfectly aligned arm rests in the centre console and door trims to aid relaxed cruising.

With an “H point” of 669mm (distance from the ground to the driver’s hip), the FIAT 500X offers excellent visibility, while also ensuring that passengers feel safely enclosed and connected with the vehicle.

Available in two trim levels – Urban Look, and Cross Look – the new 500X has a boot capacity of 350-litres with the rear seats in place, but

this figure increases dramatically once the rear seats are folded – thereby, making the car very practical indeed.

The Urban Look model is available with just one petrol engine, a 1.6-litre ‘eTORQ’ power-plant with 110bhp, and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

However, two petrol engines are available in the Cross Look model – a 1.0-litre ‘Firefly’ producing 120bhp, linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.3-litre ‘Firefly’ producing 150bhp, and only available with

a DCT (automatic) gearbox.

The car I drove was a FIAT 500X Cross Look, fitted with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and finished in stunning Blue Italia metallic paint.

Stylish on the outside, and comfortable on the inside, my test car came with a long list of standard equipment, such as automatic climate control, cruise control, electric windows, heightadjustable driver’s seat with armrest and longitudinal roof bars.

It also featured rear parking sensors, revers-

FACT BOX

1) Revised compact SUV 2) Two trim levels 3) Three petrol engines 4) Manual or automatic (DCT) 5) Priced from just €21,795

ing camera, remote central locking, split-folding rear seats with head restraints, 7” HD touchscreen radio with 3D navigation, Bluetooth with USB and DAB and six speakers.

It also included Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, Uconnect Infotainment Live, 17” alloy wheels, Lane Keep Assist, Road Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Speed Assist.

The refreshed interior in the new 500X provides refined elegance, and exclusive comfort for every road trip.

T h e n ew 1 . 0 - l i t re turbo-petrol engine in my test car produces 1 2 0 b h p a n d 1 9 0 Nm of torque, while being capable of returning fuel economy of up to 56mpg (extra-urban).

T h i s s we e t- revving engine is capable of completing the

0-100km/h sprint in 10.9-seconds, while a top speed of 187km/h is impressive.

T h e s t a n d a rd s i xspeed manual gearbox in my test car was very slick, and enhanced the overall driving pleasure, while the steering was well weighted and precise.

The fact that the new FIAT 500X shares its underpinnings with the JEEP Renegade (a close relative) will serve to enhance the desirability of FIAT’s terrific SUV. T h e rev i s e d F I AT 500X is priced from just €21,795 (excluding delivery), with my test car specification priced from €24,995.

Overall, the FIAT 500X is a well-rounded, highquality, rugged, and handsome SUV, which deserves to be on every compact SUV buyer’s wish list.

McLaren, the LEGO Senna is something of a heavyweight, tipping the scales at 1700kg – some 500kg more than the McLaren Senna that sold out as soon as it was announced in 2017.

Pieced together from one metric tonne’sworth of LEGO elements, you may not be able to drive off in it, but enthusiasts can climb aboard, sit behind the wheel, push the start button in the roof and even hear a simulation of the car roaring into life.

Fans of the famous brick, as well as fans of the McLaren Senna, will be able to see it soon at one of a programme of events across the world.

Audi SQ5 TDI price revealed AUDI Ireland has announced the pricing for the new Audi SQ5 TDI. The premium SUV has a powerful V6 engine under the bonnet.

An electric-powered compressor ensures that maximum torque is available to the sporty SUV with a mild hybrid system further enhancing efficiency.

Pricing starts from €89,820 on the road.

4 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

DUBLINGAZETTEPLANNING  WEST PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Sean Crowe is applying for planning permission for a domestic extension and alterations to existing twostorey semi-detached dwelling at 20 Fortfield Drive, Terenure, Dublin 6W.

I, William Walsh seek planning permission for the demolition of existing ground floor side extension, the construction of 1) a ground floor front extension, 2) ground floor and first floor side extension and rear extension, 3) a single storey rear extension and all associated site works at No 24 Culmore Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 ,D20 NH22.

We, Amanda & Paul Staunton intend to apply for Permission for development at this site: 41 Grange Downs, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 during its public opening hours of Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and may also be viewed on the Councils website: www.sdcc.ie.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to South Dublin County Council on payment of a fee of €20 within 5 weeks of receipt of the application

by South Dublin County Council and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Agents Address: Jutakuspace, 20 Fortfield Drive, Terenure, D6, Dublin

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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The development will consist of the construction of a single storey porch (3.2m.sq.) to front of dwelling.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

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PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mahesh Baj intend to apply for Retention Permission for development at this site: 1 Stratton Court, Adamstown, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

Date of erection of site notice: 04th April 2019 33820

The development consists of a single storey extension (28.90m.sq) to rear of dwelling and associated site works.

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This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

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The extension and alterations are comprised of: two storey extension to the rear; conversion to habitable use and extension to attic, including dormers to the rear; front and rear elevational changes; and all ancillary works.

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HURLING P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

WALSHE’S WONDERS SWIMMING: TEMPLEOGUE’S Ellen

Walshe emerged as one of the big stars of the Irish Open Swimming Championships as she posted four lifetime bests, landing her fourth national title into the bargain.

She set the tone on the opening day of the event when she secured the 50m butterfly crown for the first time with a strong personal best .



GAZETTE

SOCCER P28

PAGE 29

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | KEENAN’S CREW REACH THE TROPHY FINAL AGAIN

Templeogue hope for third time lucky  sport@dublingazette.com

TEMPLEOGUE will be hoping it’s third time’s the charm in the coming weeks as they reached their third consecutive Champions Trophy final following an 88-84 point win over Pyrobel Killester in Clontarf.

Mark Keenan’s charges have been in the final of this competition for the past two years, losing out to Garvey’s Tralee Warriors on both occasions, but they made no mistake about reaching the final once more this year.

They won the quarter-finals a day earlier with a 108-95 win over DCU Saints and followed up in great shape.

Dee Proby led the scoring for Templeogue in Sunday’s clash, finishing the game out with 26 points, while Jason Killeen and Neil Randolph chimed in for a combined 31 points in a game that finished in dramatic fashion.

Leading 36-42 at the half time break, Templeogue were still in con-

trol, 52-65, going into the last.

However, a late comeback from Killester, led by Luis Garcia Filiberto Hoyos, Royce Williams and Alex Herreros brought the game right back into the melting pot with just minutes on the clock. Templeogue weathered the storm though and held on to win by four in the end.

“We were up 13 points with less than three minutes on the clock and we almost let them steal it at the end,” admitted coach, Mark Keenan afterwards.

“But we came up with what we needed right at the death to keep that gap so we’re just delighted to get back to the Champions Trophy final - we’ve been there the past two years.

“We’re going to focus on the real positives from this game. We’ll talk about taking care of the lead. But really, we’ll be talking about all the good things we did well. Playing two games over the weekend, recovery is going to be important.”

Templeogue’s Lorcan Murphy on the attack. Picture: Martin Doherty

Templeogue will now meet Belfast Star in the final in two weeks’ time, Star heading into the big game following wins on the road with a 84-42 win over UCD Marian and 81-65 against Warriors.

Against Marian, Mike Davis topscored with 26 points to tee up a trip to the kingdom. Davis was to the fore once more for the Belfast side, finish-

ing the game out with 21 points, as Star led the action for the game, running into a 35-43 point lead at half time.

Good scoring from Conor Quinn and CJ Fulton kept their scoreboard ticking over in the face of pressure from Tralee’s Eoin Quigley and Keith Jumper and Star held on to win out in impressive style, 65-81 in the end.

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 4 April 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN LUCAN SARSFIELDS MIXED results for our adult teams last weekend with St Judes,ladies losing to WELLInters donelosing to theto Junior A la Ballinteer St John’s in a high scoring encounter and Juniors beating Ballyboughal at home to make it two wins out of three played in Division 8.Trainiing continues at the usual times for all teams.

Minor girls beat Lucan Sarsfields 5-12 to 1-2; next fixture on April 8 away to Kilmacud Crokes,U-15 girls host Whitehall Colmcilles on April 6 and adult ladies have Naomh Barrog at home on April 10.

U13 hurlers beat Thomas Davis in a high scoring game 5-15 to 3-6,U-11 footballers had 1 point win over old rivals St Vincents by 3-3 to 3-2 and U-10 boys travelled to Baldoyle to take on Na Dubh Gallwell done to all our juvenile players and coaches.

U-14 boys had busy weekend away from the playing field with a big fundraising effort at Westmanstown for their Feile Competition-thanks to all who supported.

Our Easter Camp takes place from April 23-26 from 10.00-14.30.All welcome boys and girls from 5 years and upwards-cost €50 per child.Booking and payment may be made online at https://payments. gardawestmanstowngaels.com.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS in the league and now sit top WELL what a weekend, the Dublin Camogie Féile was a huge success, both our teams made their finals and represented the club so well over the weekend.

Our ‘DB’ Feile team brought home the Cup, a super performance and great recognition also for player of the tournament Caoimhe Costello.

Well done to Pat Lambe, Alan Cherubini, Alan Lindsay, Csilla Kilduff, Jenny Costello and all the team and support staff.

Commiserations to our gallant ‘D1’ team who lost out in the final, well done to the D1 team and management Donal Colfer, John Cosgrove, Donie Gaire, FOLLOWING defeat to Alan Breen, NaomhRichie O Kavanagh, Jennifer Fox, Antonio Sejean and all the support staff.

Next Féile is Hurling on April 13 and the U14 hurlers warm up with two games over the weekend, the Minor Ladies footballers also had a great win away to Raheny, Minor hurlers sporting their new gear unfortunately lost out to St Vincents, our Inter and Jnr B footballers got their first wins unfortunately the Jnr A hurlers came up against a strong Olafs side.

Senior Camogie lost out to NaFianna; the Inter Camogie team also lost out by the smallest of margins to St Brigids. Senior footballers continued their winning streak and made it 3 from 3

of Division 1 as they break now for Championship, their first game is the 12th April at 7.30pm vs Skerries Harps in Garristown, but first up is the Senior Hurlers this Saturday the 6th April at 5.45pm in Parnell Park, big support needed and appreciated.

Lucan Sarsfields Easter Camps are fast approaching, details are below, register through the link now so as not to miss out. Monday 15th- Thursday 18th April from 10:30-2:30. €45 for the Easter camp (ages 5-11) School of Excellence for u13-u15 players which is €50. Link https://member. clubforce.com/memberships_cart_m.asp?LL_ ID=480&CLB=1 Lotto There was no winner of the lotto on the 27st March, Numbers were 1, 8, 14 and 17 .

Next week’s jackpot €3,400, the draw will be managed by Seamus Clandillon and is sponsored

by Clandillon Motors. Lucky Dips Winners: Shane Dobbs, Neil+Jacinta McKelvey, Joe Carberry, Will Garbutt, John McGivney. Play Online here, Or Tickets can be purchased at the Club, or in Kenny’s Vesey Arms.

Lucan Sarsfields Golf Society’s first outing of 2019 takes place in Kilcock Golf Club on Saturday 13th April.

Timesheet is now open.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

SOCCER: IRELAND CALL-UP PLAYS VIRTUOSO ROLE IN VICTORY Jack Byrne celebrates his first goal against UCD. Picture: George Kelly/Shamrock Rovers

Jack makes UCD feel the Byrne as Rovers catch fire LOI PREMIER DIVISION Shamrock Rovers UCD  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

3 1

A VIRTUOSO performance from Jack Byrne helped Shamrock Rovers to their seventh win of the season at home to UCD on Friday night.

The recent Ireland callup found the net 11 minutes from time as Rovers finished off a battling UCD side who had chances of their own to take the three points.

Byrne had given the Hoops the lead midway through the first half and Stephen Bradley’s side should have been home

and hosed by half time but were instead pegged back

by Yoyo Mahdy.

Rovers missed a hatful of chances during the opening period, with striker Aaron Greene particularly culpable as a hattrick of chances he should have put away went abegging.

Greene should have fired Rovers in front after 14 minutes when an outstanding slide-rule pass from Byrne played him in, but he fired tamely at keeper Conor Kearns.

They didn’t have to wait long to hit the front as Byrne bent a shot towards the corner that Kearns looked to have covered, but the ball slith-

ered through the keeper’s hands and into the net.

The error would have been all the more embarrassing for Kearns as he’s a boyhood Shamrock Rovers fan who has stood in the home end, and he compounded it with another shortly after.

Kearns redeemed himself and then some on the half-hour as Byrne dropped a shoulder and sent a shot sailing into the top corner, only for the keeper to pull off an outstanding fingertip save.

And UCD hit back six minutes from the break when Mahdy held the ball up in the centre and fed Neil Farrugia, who ghosted past Roberto

Lopes before teeing up the striker for an easy finish.

Rovers still should have taken a lead into half time as Sean Kavanagh’s ball across the six-yard box was begging to be tapped in by Greene, but he missed the ball.

Greene fluffed another chance 20 minutes from time as he was picked out at the back post by Coustrain, but he couldn’t get a decent contact on the ball.

By r n e e v e n t u a l l y showed him how it was done, showing a cool head to shoot low through a mass of bodies on the line after Finn’s cross had deflected off Josh Collins.

And McEneff added the third goal in injury time as

Kearns was caught upfield for a corner and the Derryman was played through

by Trevor Clarke before finishing into an empty net.

“We have to respect that UCD have got some ve r y go o d p l aye rs, ” Bradley told the Dublin Gazette.

“When you don’t put your chance away like we didn’t in the first half – I think we had four chances within the opening 20 minutes – you’re obviously going to let them in the game.

“That’s what we done, but I’m really happy with the way we kept playing our way and we got the goal in the end.”

Peas make it three in a row

Peamount United have started the WNL season in brilliant fashion

ELEANOR Ryan Doyle scored twice as Peamount United threw down the gauntlet to champions Wexford Youths with a rousing victory in a keenly contested Só Hotels Women’s National League clash at PRL Park, Greenogue.

It was Wexford’s first defeat of the campaign as Peas made it three victories from three to join their rivals level on points in second place in the table with a game in hand.

After a scoreless first half, the game burst into life on 58 minutes. Ryan Doyle, playing in behind the striker, collected a loose ball some 30 yards

out and picked her spot with a crisp right-foot drive past Sophie Lenehan to the corner of the net.

An unfortunate mistake from Lenehan then brought Peamount their second goal on 69 minutes. The Youths ‘keeper initially redeemed her error with a superb parry save from Barrett. But the ball broke kindly for Ryan Doyle who sidefooted to an unguarded net.

Wexford rallied admirably to get a goal back within two minutes via Kylie Murphy but the Peas held form to deny Wexford an equaliser.

4 April 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SWIMMING: TEMPLEOGUE SWIMMER PRODUCES STUNNING SERIES OF RESULTS

Walshe’s wonders at Irish Open IRISH OPEN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS  sport@dublingazette.com

TEMPLEOGUE’S Ellen Walshe emerged as one of the big stars of the Irish Open Swimming Championships as she posted four lifetime bests, landing her fourth national title into the bargain.

She set the tone on the opening day of the event when she secured the 50m butterfly crown for the first time with a strong personal best of 27.29 seconds.

A day later, she smashed her best time for the 400m individual medley by seven seconds to lad home the field.

Day three and a third gold was coming her way in one of her favourite events, the 200m butterfly as she won the national title for a fourth successive year, once again beating her best mark, lowering it to 2.14.42.

She completed a superb week of racing with another gold medal swim in the women’s 100m butterfly.

It concluded a fine weekend for the club over-

all who entered a 15-strong team overall. Medals were also won by Robyn Lynch, Sean McNicholl, Joe Kenny, Cara Osing and Ethan Brady along the way.

It was also a successful week for Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland and Niamh Coyne – now swimming under the high performance National Centre banner – at the gala.

Hyland, having broken the 200m Butterfly Irish Record on Friday, took his second National Title and second Irish Record in as many days in the 200m Individual Medley.

An outstanding swim from the National Centre Dublin swimmer saw him take over half a second off James Brown’s 2017 Record of 2:02.09.

Hyland clocked 2:01.52 for gold ahead of Bangor’s Jack McMillan (2:02.98) and National Centre Limerick’s Cillian Melly (2:03.84).

And, for good measure, he took the 100m title on Sunday evening for the eighth successive year in a time of 53.07 and his fourth trophy of the weekend.

Coyne took down the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke golds.

Templeogue Swim Club’s Ellen Walshe with one of her medals

Collinstown finally reopens PITCH REOPENING  sport@dublingazette.com

COLLINSTOWN Park Community School’s allweather pitches reopened this week following a prolonged closure due to safety issues with the fencing.

South Dublin Co. Sports Partnership and the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB), who are the owners of the site, have been able to fund the €34,000 to replace the fencing and once again be able to offer this facility to the public.

Speaking at the reopening Cllr Mark Ward, Mayor of South Dublin County

Council, expressed his delight that the pitches are now available for public use again.

“This is a great facility to have in North Clondalkin.

“The pitches got great use in the past and now that they have reopened, I’m sure they will once again prove to be just as popular.

“In fact, I think they will attract an even broader section of the population since with the increased funding support from the Sports Partnership.

“There is an increased emphasis on less active members of the local population like girls/adult

women, older aged and people with a disability.

“Already there are new events being offered in Collinstown like cricket, tag rugby, dance, yoga and more. On behalf of South Dublin Co Co, I would like to thank the ETB and South Dublin Co Sports Partnership for their funding support for the restoration and look forward to it being a hub of healthy activity in North Clondalkin.”

Trevor Clarke of Shamrock Rovers also spoke at the reopening: “It’s great to see the pitches reopened as this is where I grew up playing football, I have some great memories of

playing summer football tournaments and would love to see more kids having the same opportunity to take part in these tournaments”.

In attendance at the reopening were Mark Ward (Mayor of South Dublin Co Co), Thos McDermott and Ian Farrell (SDCSP), Martin McEntee and Lorcan Shelley (DDLETB), Collinstown FC’s Dean Carpenter and Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers) .

Collinstown Sports Centre, Neilstown Road, Clondalkin are now taking bookings for the use of the Astro Pitches. Contact Lorcan Shelley on: (01) 467 5755.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 4 April 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN DISAPPOINTMENT again for our Senior Footballers as they were beaten by Naomh Mearnóg in the league. But our Junior Footballers beat O’Dwyers to register their first league win. Our second Junior team lost to Skerries Harps. Our Minor A Hurlers beat Naomh Olaf but B team were beaten by Crumlin.

Well done to our Under 14 Camógs who competed in the Dublin Féile on Saturday and to all who hosted the games in Clondalkin.

Club disco this Friday for 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the club, with them on sale Monday 1st and Thursday 4th April 7pm to 8.30pm. Admission €5 and the disco will run 7.30pm to 9pm.

Our Easter Camp will take place Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April. Boys and girls aged from four to twelve years of age are welcome to participate in Gaelic Games fun in Monastery Road. It will run 10am to 2pm. Price is €50 or €45 if paid in advance. Contact Catherine at 086 8303207 or Shane at 086 1600042.

Pop into the club to play our US Masters predictor competition. Entry €10 and for those studying the form in advance you’ll be required to pick five golfers ahead of the tournament. Prize money will be determined on receipt of all entries.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN championship this Saturday evening at 6pm

WELL done to our camogie team, pictured, on their fine performance in Féile over the weekend. The girls were a mix of three teams, and played incredibly well. A credit to their parents, managers and club.

Our annual Féile Quiz will be held on Thursday 18 April at 9pm in the Palmerstown House. All support welcome.

Several matches in all age groups this weekend. More information and photographs on our Facebook page.

The senior footballers went down to Na Fianna in Glenaulin on Sunday morning. The junior footballers however had a fine win over St Olafs.

Our senior hurlers play Crumlin in the

in Pearse Park. Fixture details will be posted for all matches during the week.

On-line booking is still open for our Easter camps which will run from 15 - 18 April for football, and 23 - 26 April for Hurling and Camogie. Hurling skills for our younger players on every Friday from 6 to 7pm.

Congratulations to Colm Coyle who won the second Lotto jackpot of €1,400. The €10,000 jackpot is still there to be won. The numbers in the first draw were 3, 12, 15 and 25; and 3, 4, 10 and 28 in the second.

Two jackpots again next week of €10,000 and €1,000. The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House.

THOMAS DAVIS ALL Members should note that Membership Fees for 2019 are now over due and must be paid immediately . Fees should be paid to Noel Blanchfield or Philip Kavanagh on Tuesday or Thursday Nights between 8pm and 9.30pm.

Failure by Playing Members shall lead to non selection in Club Teams The Academy continues on the All Weather Pitch next week for children born 2013, 2014 and 2015 at the earlier time of 10.00 till 11.00.

Children born 2012 will be on the training pitch beside the hall at the same time 10.00 till 11.00 Thomas Davis Easter Camp will run from Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April, 10.00 till 2.00 daily. Participants must be attending school. Easter Camp will cost €40 on the day or €30 if you Pre register. The days for preregistration are Saturday Saturday 6th April and Saturday 13th April. 11.30 till 12.30 in the Clubhouse Congratulations to the Thomas Davis Minor Ladies Football Team on a fantastic victory over Kilmacud Crokes. Hard luck to the Camogie Feile team who lost their games in last Saturday’s Feile.But well done to the team who competed very well in what proved to be a tough group in Div 4.

WANDERERS LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 12-28-36 €25 goes to Alan Donovan, Lorcan Eimer Conall Molloy, Molly & Claw, Tony Caven . Jackpot next week is €7,300.

Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page. Our senior teams are back training, 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 has now returned 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.

CAMOGIE: LUCAN DENIED FEILE GLORY IN FINAL

Morris’ late double inspires late victory DIVISION 1 FEILE FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s won their westside story in Division 1 Feile camogie final at O’Toole Park, seeing off Lucan Sarsfields 2-1 to 0-1 on Sunday as Isobelle Morris struck two glorious goals late in the day.

The two sides emerged from Saturday’s group games in Rush as runners-up after initial losses in their opening games.

For Lucan, they fell 0-4 to 0-2 to Naomh Brid but fought back to beat Erin’s Isle by four points to one and duly swept through the to the final with a semi-final success against host Maur’s.

Maur’s had started the day with an impressive 1-6 to 1-2 win over Boden with the Firhouse Road club bouncing back with a 2-3 to 1-2 success against Na Fianna.

That put them through to the semis which they won to earn their final spot on a sunny Sunday.

The final was tight and tough with Lucan having the bulk of the possession in the first half and stellar performances from midfield

Ballyboden St Enda’s celebrate their Division One camogie Feile success.

Picture: ilivephotos.com

and defence for both teams.

Lucan looked dangerous on several occasions with a couple of heart stopping near miss scoring chances which they didn’t manage to convert.

The first half concluded with only one score on the board, from a free

HURLING SKILLS St Aidan’s open top class wall ST AIDAN’S SNS, Tallaght, in

conjunction with the Lauritzen foundation, opened their state of the art hurling wall on the school grounds.

St Aidan’s is striving to improve physical fitness and participation in Gaelic games amongst its pupils as well as building upon existing relationships within the community and local club St Marks.

GAA president John Horan was in attendance at the opening. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

by Lucan’s Aoibheann Stokes. The half time score was Lucan 0-1 BBSE 0-0.

The second half continued in the same vein with a lot of attacks from both teams that were quelled by the other’s defence.

BBSE eventually equalised well into the

second half with a point from play, a peach of a strike from Rachel Moloney.

It was then neck and neck until Boden scored a goal with less than five minutes left with Morris firing home and she repeated the trick with a second major moments later.

4 April 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S BEGIN DEFENCE OF DUBLIN CROWN

FOOTBALL

Sarsfields lead AFL1 with third win on the bounce

Ballyboden St Enda’s ahead of last year’s Leinster final. Picture: John Kirwan

Fortune favours a cautious SHC plan SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S last game ahead of the top tier of the Dublin hurling league taking a break was a comfortable win over Lucan Sarsfields.

The 2-15 to 0-10 win for Boden at Pairc Ui Mhurchu looks, on the face of it, like a solid indicator on how the first game of the Firhouse Road club’s Dublin Senior Championship defence might go, but boss Joe Fortune isn’t ready to read all that much into it.

“Last time we played Lucan in the Championship, they put us out,” Fortune says when the Dublin Gazette suggest they’re well placed for the contest.

“You can’t read too much into the league, as we have a few players to come back, and I think they have quite a few, too. We won’t be taking anything for granted.

“The quality of Dublin club hurling is exceptionally high at the moment, and there are quite a few teams who could win it. Lucan are one of them.”

In fact, Fortune seems wary of all of the holders’ group opponents in the early stages of the Championship, an insurance, perhaps, that his team take

every contest seriously.

He’s determined that his team are to take things one game at a time as they look to reach last year’s heights and says the schedule will be difficult with lots of championship action crammed into April “I’d probably prefer two back to back games rather than things mixed in with the football,” Fortune admits.

“Then you could get some time with the team, which is particularly important for dual clubs.

“There are so many quality players around. Both Whitehall and Setanta [the other two teams in the group] have come close to pulling off some big results over the last few years.

“Whitehall led Na Fianna after 50 minutes, and Setanta only lost to Lucan by a point. The championship can be decided in some ways in April, and it’s important we get things right.”

It’s been a short break for the Boden players, and heading back into critical games in April seems like a quick turnaround for the team.

They finished last year towards the middle of December with a league final after losing out to Ballyhale Shamrocks in a Leinster Final only a few days earlier.

“We spoke during the week about

the players being off with Dublin,” Fortune said of his team’s multiple challenges. “It actually doesn’t make such a big difference, as we probably wouldn’t normally see the players for a few days after a semi-final win or loss for the county lads.”

Players like Paul Ryan turning is cer-

tainly a boost but Fortune sees it as no guarantee of success this term.

“Last year was a great year for the club, but we only look at what’s coming up.

“You can’t really do more than that in setting a goal. The year’s just too spread out.”

Ballyboden St Enda’s manager Joe Fortune.

Picture: John Kirwan

LUCAN Sarsfields find themselves in a share of top of the AFL Division One table after three rounds following their latest success against Fingallians at 12th Lock on Sunday morning.

Lucan had gotten the better of Cuala and St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in their opening games of the year, and produced another dominant display on their home patch. Despite the best efforts of their Swords opponents, they eventually claimed an emphatic 2-17 to 1-12 triumph.

It leaves them top of the early season table on points difference on six points, level with Ballinteer St John’s and St Maur’s with Kilmacud Crokes and Ballyboden St Enda’s also unbeaten on five points.

Thomas Davis are still looking to open their 2019 league account. The Kiltipper men were extremely competitive on their trip to Skerries Harps, though the hosts ultimately prevailed by 2-13 to 1-15.

Ballyboden St Enda’s got back to winning ways when they saw off Na Fianna 2-9 to 1-10 after a draw with Kilmacud Crokes early in March.

Ger Vickery struck a dramatic 65thminute point to give Templeogue Synge Street a share of the spoils at the end of a gripping clash with St Brigid’s at Dolphin Park, 1-8 to 0-11.