Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 6-12, 2020

POLSKA GAZETA GAZETA: Our new section has

the second part of our interview with the new Polish ambassador SEE PAGE 25

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

SPORT

Angry parents, staff highlight SNA crisis

SOCCER:

PADRAIG CONLON

Jack Byrne aiming to hit the ground running for new season with Rovers to push his case with Ireland.

SEE P36

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SERVICES for local children with special education needs are in crisis and causing concern for many parents.

An acute shortage of Special Education teachers and SNAs in one local school has left staff over stretched and children’s learning impacted.

Both parents and staff at Firhouse Educate Together National School are so concerned they have come together to work on a joint campaign.

Niamh Neville, a parent of a boy in the school who has autism, told Dublin Gazette local parents are angry, upset and fearful proposed new changes will impact further.

“There is an acute shortage of special education teachers and SNAs in our school,” Niamh said.

“There are just three Special Ed teachers and seven SNAs for 77 children with additional needs. We have two Special Autism classes, the only ones in the local area.

“Firhouse Educate Together National School has become massively over sub-

scribed for additional needs children, the majority of whom have autism, and is now at crisis point.

“All children’s learning outcomes are being impacted, as the amazing staff who are doing their best, are just completely overstretched.

“There is also a health and safety issue bringing children to and from yard and classrooms, on stairs, evacuating classrooms, as the staff are not always available to support children during a meltdown.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Shock grips community as children laid to rest

A SHOCKED, grieving community gathered in the Church of the Holy Family in Rathcoole last Friday for the funerals of the three McGinley children.

Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) died in their home in Parsons Court, Newcastle on Friday, January 24.

Members of the Rathcoole boys football club formed a guard of honour at the church entrance as the hearse carrying all three small white coffins arrived.

SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

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PARENTS AND STAFF JOIN TO WORK ON JOINT CAMPAIGN

‘There isn’t even one SNA per mainstream classroom’ Firhouse educate together national school

FROM PAGE 1

“There isn’t even one SNA per mainstream classroom.

“Children in the special classes are not getting the full opportunity to integrate with their mainstream peers, to develop

social skills and progress, due to the resource issue.”

Niamh said the very concerned parents and school staff held a well attended public meeting recently with local General Election candidates in the school hall.

“Last Tuesday (28th)

night over 150 members of the local community turned up, with 11 local representatives attending,” she said.

“Myself, Collette Dunne (Princ ipal), Heather O’Doherty (Acting Deputy Principal & Special Education Co-ordinator)

and Francis Fullen (Chairperson, Board of Management), addressed the audience.

“At the meeting the campaign called for: “Special Education resources to be allocated based on the number of children with needs to take exceptional circumstances like FETNS into account.

“Other special class places to be made available in the D16 and D24 area to offer choice to families and alleviate the over subscription in any school with a special class in place “For the new Government to place Special Needs Education as a high priority topic on its agenda as the current system is failing our children.”

Niamh says The Department of Education and NCSE (National Council for Special Education) have responded “at a generic level” without taking into account the exceptional circumstances in Firhouse ETNS. “This is very concerning as the NCSE is proposing a Full Inclusion Model, where children of all abilities will be educated in one classroom, with special classes and special schools closing.

“We favour inclusion but firmly believe that inclusion can only work for all, if meaningful, proper resources and supports are put in place - and in the current system this is certainly not the case.

“We are part of a national campaign called Meet the Kids Behind the Cuts, who also addressed the crowd on Tuesday night.

“This campaign now has 200+ schools onboard, all campaigning for improved Special Education Resources across the country.

“Since the meeting we have had amazing responses across social media, local press, and support from many local representatives - but we won’t stop here.

“With 700+ signatures on our Petition we are building strength in numbers to take this campaign further.”

Dublin Gazette contacted the NCSE to ask them about Niamh Neville’s comments and how they plan to address the concerns of the parents from Firhouse Educate Together National School.

A spokesperson told us: “ Re ga rd i n g s p e c i a l class provision in Dublin 16 and 24 and the greater South Dublin area, the NCSE recognise the contribution made by schools with spec ial class provision.

“We can appreciate fully the concerns of schools and parents when seeking the best outcomes for children and will continue to work within DES policy and Building Unit to improve the range of provisions available. “ T h e NC SE c a n n o t oblige a school to open a special class, we are dependent on schools agreeing to open special classes, and we would agree that all schools should open special classes where required by the needs of children in their community.

“The work of the NCSE both in its operations and in its advice to the Minister always has as its aim the provision of the right inclusive model to meet the needs of students.”

FASTNews Gavin to get Enterprise Week underway

MAYOR Vicki Casserly and South Dublin County Council chief executive Daniel McLoughlin have launched the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin line up of events for ‘Local Enterprise Week 2020’.

It features Jim Gavin, Dublin’s most successful Gaelic Football manager, as a keynote speakers to start South Dublin Local Enterprise Week 2020 in Aras Chronain in Clondalkin, not far from where Jim was raised in South Dublin.

The announcement came from South Dublin Local Enterprise Office (LEO), as part of the release of a jampacked schedule of events between 2 and 6 March for Local Enterprise Week 2020.

The full programme, venues and ticket prices are available at www.localenterprise.ie/southdublin LEO South Dublin is strongly advising businesses to book their place in advance.

Call for crack down on scramblers FIANNA Fail Dublin South West TD John Lahart TD says it’s time to crack down on scrambler and quad bikes causing havoc in Dublin.

Deputy Lahart was speaking following another accident involving a scrambler bike at Drimnagh Luas stop, in which a woman was left hospitalised.

“It’s time to get tough on laws in relation to the use of scrambler and quad bikes in the city,” he said.

“Yet again, a woman was left injured this week when she was knocked down by a scrambler bike, it’s lucky that nobody was killed during this incident.

“I welcome news that Fianna Fail would introduce legislation to allow gardaí to compulsorily seize scrambler bikes and quads suspected of anti-social behaviour.

“We are seeing streets and parks that should be local amenities being transformed into no-go areas.”

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

LAUNCH: SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY HAS HUGE CONTRASTS OF POVERTY AND AFFLUENCE

Plan shines spotlight on several gaps in local services PADRAIG CONLON

A CHILDREN and Young People’s Plan has been launched for South Dublin County shining a spotlight on several glaring gaps in local services.

The three-year plan aimed at improving the lives of local children and young adults was recently launched in the Russell Centre in Tallaght by the South Dublin CYPSC (Children and Young People’s Services Committee).

According to the plan, South Dublin County has huge contrasts of poverty and affluence,

with 52,946 local people living in areas classified as being ‘disadvantaged’, ‘very disadvantaged’ or ‘extremely disadvantaged’.

The Services Committee will include members of Tusla, An Garda Siochana, the HSE, South Dublin County Council, Foroige, Jigsaw, Barnardos and several other local organisations.

Research Through their research for the plan South Dublin CYPSC carried out an audit of services available to children, young people and fami-

lies in the South Dublin County area.

Despite a high number of services and resources in the South Dublin County area, CYPSC consultation noted several gaps in service provision.

These gaps included, addiction services for under 18s, mental health services for young people, education and employment supports for lone parents, early school leavers and minority groups.

A much-improved response to the impact of homelessness on children and young people was also recommended.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Children and Young People Katherine Zappone said: “South Dublin CYPSC was one of the first CYPSCs to be established in 2007 and has been working tirelessly in this community working with local organisations and partners in delivering for children and young people.

“There are emerging issues that need to be addressed as identified in the plan and I have every confidence that South Dublin CRPSC will rise to this challenge, and I fully support all involved in their efforts in implementing the plan.”

Delighted pupils welcome FASTNews back 1995 to their school PADRAIG CONLON

PUPILS at a local school got a glimpse into what life was like 25 years ago when they opened a time capsule from 1995.

Loreto Primary School in Rathfarnham, in conjunction with the National Library of Ireland, hosted an opening ceremony of their capsule last Friday, attended by former and present Loreto pupils.

There was great excitement as the local school was the first to open its capsule as part of the culmination of the 20-20 Vision project, which will see pupils in schools nationwide open time capsules which were buried by their predecessors in 1996 over the coming weeks.

The 20-20 Vision project was jointly organised by the UK and Ireland as part of the European Nature Conservation Year 1995.

It encouraged students in schools across Ireland and the UK to think about their environment then, what happened over the previous 25 years, and how it might change over the following 25 years by 2020.

The time capsules give a fascinating insight into how students in 1995 imagined the year 2020, as shown by the contents of the capsule dug up at Loreto Primary School.

The capsule included each child’s vision for 2020;

Nadine cooks up a storm at Citywest Convention Centre

an audio tape of interviews with various people comparing the 1970s with 1995; and another looking ahead to 2020.

It also included newspaper cuttings from the 1970s and 1995; school projects on recycling, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and pollution; photographs of the school and of the participants; video footage of the school and its environs; information on endangered animals; messages to the children of 2020; and letters from people including Gay Byrne, Joe Duffy and Seamus Heaney about their vision for 2020.

Ceremony Speaking following the opening ceremony, Sr Maria Hyland, the school’s principal, said: “There was great excitement at the school this morning as the contents of the time capsule were revealed.

“The children were very curious to find out how their counterparts imagined the world in which they now live.

“We were also delighted to welcome back former pupils who took part in the project 25 years ago, and to hear about their memories and recollections of their involvement in the project.”

Students ‘buried’ their time capsules on Thursday, February 1, 1996, with

Kate Brennan and Elva Fogarty – former pupils of Loreto Primary School, who participated in the time capsule project in 1995/96 – help to show the recovered time capsule to current pupils. Picture: Julian Behal

“

The time capsules give a fascinating insight into how students in 1995 imagined the year 2020, as shown by the capsule’s contents

suggested safe-storage areas including local bank vaults; a local library; town or village halls or council offices; a local museum; for the capsule to be incorporated into a mural or sculpture; or buried in school grounds or a local park.

Following the ceremony, Dr Sandra Collins, director, National Library of Ireland said: “The National Library is Ireland’s memory-keeper, a kind of time capsule of Ireland’s story which is being added to every day, and where the information is always

available.

“We protect and care for more than 10 million items, and for more than 20 years this has included the schools’ time capsule registration forms.

“Our Learning team, which engages with schools around the coun-

try on a wide variety of activities every year, is working with schoolchildren and teachers to offer tips and advice on the process of documenting the contents of their capsules, and on how they can be kept safe and in good condition.”

CROKE Park Chef Nadine Blount has been named Aramark’s Chef of the Year Ireland at the annual competition, which took place at Food and Bev Live in the Citywest Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Nadine wowed the judging panel, which included President of the Panel of Chefs of Ireland Patrick Brady, with her main dish of ‘Thornhill duck breast, served with Pommes Anna, celeriac purée and elderberry jus’, followed by a ‘warm chocolate fondant, served with blood orange sorbet, chocolate tuiles and charred blood orange segments’.

The highly competitive competition saw second place awarded to Pranas Jablonskis, Head Chef from Oracle in Dublin.

While third place went to David Marshall, Chef De Partie with Allianz Partners also in Dublin.

Nadine will now go forward to represent Ireland in Aramark’s European Chef’s Cup, which will take place in Prague in April.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

FUNERAL: GRIEVING FATHER OF THREE YOUNG CHILDREN GIVES HEARTBREAKING EULOGY

Shock grips community as children laid to rest

A SHOCKED, grieving community gathered in the Church of the Holy Family in Rathcoole last Friday for the funerals of the three McGinley children.

Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) died in their home in Parsons Court, Newcastle on Friday, January 24.

Members of the Rathcoole boys football club formed a guard of honour at the church entrance as the hearse carrying all three small white coffins arrived.

The children’s father Andrew somehow summoned the strength to deliver a powerful eulogy.

“ We o f te n m i su s e words,” he told the packed congregation.

“When Ireland would lose a match, I used to say I was heartbroken.

“I now know what that really means. We, as a family, are heartbroken.”

Mr McGinley went on to pay tribute to his ‘creative, funny and unique’ children.

“It will only be with your help, support and friendship that we will be able to patch our hearts together in some way but we will still be forever heartbroken,” he said.

“Conor, Darragh and Carla. I love you, I love you, I love you.’

In his homily Fr. Kevin Doherty, Co Parish Priest

of Saggart-Newcastle, described the complete desolation felt throughout the local community.

“It is like a pall of darkness, a shroud of darkness, has come down upon us, and no one is left untouched,” he said.

“And so, the absence of these three beautiful children cries out to us.

“It cries out into the sheer darkness of bewilderment and loss that surrounds us.

“And, as it cries out, it brings with it, into our lives, the deepest of pain and heart-wrenching grief.”

Referring to The Gospel - John 1.5 – which he had just read and tells of how “The light shines in the

Andrew McGinley during the funeral of his children. Pictures: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

darkness, and the darkness could not overpower it,” Fr Doherty said that from the darkness, light can come.

“Life and love are always more than darkness and death,” he said.

“In holy words we say the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not overpower it. Is there any way that light could possibly be part of our journey today?

Is there any way at all that we can say ‘There is a glimpse of light?’ I think we can dare to say ‘Yes’,”

“

Life and love are always more than darkness and death

he said.

“This light is surely found in the community of Parsons Court and the community in Newcastle.

The outpouring of goodness and kindness and love among us is extraordinary.

“The coming together to cry, to hug, to laugh, to remember, to help is a light in the darkness.”

“Life and love eternal is given to us. The lives of

Man arrested as part of probe into ‘ghost brokers’

AS part of an ongoing investigation into so-called ‘ghost brokers’ in the car insurance industry, a 44-year-old man was arrested last Sunday and detained in Lucan Garda Station.

An Garda Siochana Special Investigations Unit attached to DMR Roads Policing Unit are carrying out a comprehensive investigation into fraud-related insurance ‘ghost brokering’ activities throughout the State.

As part of the ongoing ‘ghost brokers’ insurance investigation, gardai are liaising with the Insurance Federation of Ireland and

numerous insurance companies.

Any person with concerns about the credentials of their insurance policy, should contact their insurance company directly and verify if your motor vehicle insurance is valid.

If anyone has concerns about the bona fide of their Insurance Broker they should check with The Insurance Brokers Federation at www.centralbank.ie The 44-year-old man arrested last Sunday has since been released and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

TRAVEL, PAGE 22 & 23

We have some great ideas for a perfect Valentine’s break at home or away which are guaranteed to be a hit with your loved one



PADRAIG CONLON

these beautiful children are too precious not to share in this life and this love,” he said.

Teachers from Scoil Chrónáin, the school Co n o r a n d D a r r a g h attended, provided music on uilleann pipes, tin whistle, guitar and fiddle, and sang.

The children’s mother, Deirdre Morley, 43, has been charged with their murders.

Support volunteers sought THE Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is seeking male and female volunteers to train as telephone counsellors on the 24-hour national freephone helpline outside office hours.

DRCC volunteers also support those attending the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin 1.

Volunteers come from every walk of life, no previous experience or training in this field is required, as full training and ongoing mentoring is provided.

Applicants must be a minimum of 25 and reside in the Dublin area.

Ring 01-6614911 or email volunteerservices@ rcc.ie. Closing date is February 14. More information and application forms are at bit.ly/drccvol

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Participants in the 5k Walk set off from the start line

Waterstown Park plays host to 5km walk I

t was all go in Waterstown Park, for the annual Operation Transformation 5K Walk.

Families and friends joined Mayor of South Dublin, Vicki Casserly in completing the scenic walk.

Trained walking leaders were present on the day for a helping hand and the hot tea and coffee at the finish line was gladly accepted by everyone to heat the bones on a fresh morning in South Dublin.

Eithne Doyle and Bernie Simpson brave the elements in Waterstown Park

Gráinne Nï Mhuirï and Aoife Nï Dhuinnshléibhe.

Roisin and Barbara Flanagan.

Catriona Ryan, James Short, Lino Short and Sonny the dog walked the 5km on the forsty ground

Sarah Graham, Ann O’Donnell and Darren Graham

Aoife Hutchinson, Vicki Casserly and Claire Hayes

Kate Varley, Cllr Shane Moynihan, Theresa Moynihan and Diarmuid Moynihan

The group at the finish line

Eugene Hutchinson, Cllr Alan Hayes, Ruby Mae Hayes and Sam Hayes

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

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6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

SHOPFRONT GRANT SCHEME: TEMPLE HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON RECEIVES AWARD

Salon wins Best Designed Shopfront PADRAIG CONLON

A DEDICATION to great style at a local hair and beauty salon doesn’t just apply to its patrons.

All their hard work even extends to ensuring the appearance of their premises turns heads.

The Temple Hair and Beauty on Templeogue Rd are celebrating after they recently received €1,000 from South Dublin County Council under the Council’s Shopfront Grant Scheme.

They won the award of Best Designed Shopfront in addition to a grant received to part fund the installation of an improved shopfront design.

“We were thrilled to learn that we were chosen as the winner of the best shop-front design

2019,” Geraldine Corrigan, owner of the Temple Hair and Beauty told Dublin Gazette.

“As a result of our shopfront refurbishment we have found that more people are now noticing our business and as we are on a bus corridor our new awnings have also given us greater visibility to potential clients travelling past each day both by car and bus.

“We would encourage all business owners to get involved in this initiative as an improved streetscape encourages more footfall through all our doors.

“The new shopfront upgrade at The Temple Hair and Beauty, Templeogue really is striking and it encompasses everything the Shopfront Grant Scheme is setting out to achieve” said

Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Vicki Casserly.

“The Shopfront Grant Scheme provides an opportunity for local businesses and retailers to preserve and enhance our villages.

“The wonderful facade sets off what is already a lovely street scape in this picturesque village. Winning the Best Designed Shopfront award on top of receiving the grant towards the improvement works shows that it makes sense for local businesses to apply for the Shopfront Grant Scheme.

“How a shopfront looks matters to both the business owner and the local community.”

The annual Shopfront Grant Scheme provides grants for

The Temple Hair and Beauty Salon. Picture: Gordon Adamson

something as simple as painting to replacing an entire shopfront.

Grants are available for a maximum of 50% of overall costs, a prize of €1,000 is awarded for the Best Designed Shopfront under the scheme.

FASTNews A whole Lotto luck for three Dublin players THE National Lottery has revealed that last week’s €7,773,998 jackpot was won by two Dublin players.

Each player will receive €3,886,999, with the winning Lotto numbers being 01, 03, 20, 22, 39, 44, and the bonus number was 16.

The two winning tickets were sold at the Circle K Service Station in Kilmainham, Dublin 8 and Dunnes Stores in the Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13.

Excellence awards for Dublin firms VISITOR destinations in the capital were celebrating after 20 Awards of Excellence, including a prestigious Gold Award were presented to hotel and tourism operators in the county by CIE Tours International.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery won a Gold award in the Best Visit Category, with other visitor attractions winning Merit Awards including Dalkey Castle Heritage Centre, Cooks Academy, Malahide Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum and Glasnevin Museum.

Steady, teddy, go for a check!

BROOKE Sharkey was happy to meet RCSI student Cristy Liang and a furry injured friend at the RCSI Paediatrics Society’s annual Teddy Bear Hospital day recently.

Hundreds of children brought their sick or injured teddies to the annual event last weekend, where Cristy and the rest of her Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) peers did their best to check the teds over. As well as checking teddies and other beloved toys out, the RCSI crew were also doing their best to help children feel comfortable around doctors and hospitals, and learn how to stay healthy through diet and exercise. In addition, the day also helped to fundraise for St Michael’s House, which provides a comprehensive range of services and supports to adults and children with intellectual disabilities and their families in the greater Dublin area. Picture: Julien Behal

Under the 2019 Shopfront Grant Scheme, the works at The Temple Hair and Beauty included restoration of the timber shopfront, repainting, new signage and installation of a new awning.

Details of the scheme including Terms and Conditions and online form for 2020 are available at https://www.sdcc.ie/en/ services/business/enterprise/ business-support/shop-frontgrant/

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

d r a o b e h t f o g Kin hits Lord Lucan M

eryvn King the world number 21 packed out the Lord Lucan pub recently where he played an exhibition match. He played against various opposition on the night including winners from spot the dart and a live auction on the night. It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all who attended.

Top, Craig and Adam Bonass with Stephen Murphy and (above) Gerard Twohig, Danny Gibney, Christy McElland with Mervyn King and (left) Mervyn King with Declan Mooney and Joe Ennis at The Lord Lucan.

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Teaching a thing or two about rights T EACHERS all across the capital and the country chalked Tuesday up as a strike day this week, swapping their classrooms for picket lines as they strove to highlight unequal pay issues.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said that the day of action was to send a signal to all political parties and general election candidates that its members’ campaign would continue until pay discrimination is eliminated.

In addition to picketing outside their schools across Dublin, pickets were also placed on colleges of further education, institutes of technology and at TU Dublin.

Kieran Christie and Deirdre MacDonald, ASTI’s general secretary, and president, respectively (centre) led an ASTI picket outside the Department of Education in the city centre. Pictures: Tommy Clancy

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

SOME OF THE MAIN TALKING POINTS

Candidates on the big topics CONTINUING on from our focus over the past fortnight, DUBLIN GAZETTE reached out to the confirmed candidates who will be campaigning in General Election 2020.

We asked them all the same set of questions, to help inform you about where they stand on just some of the main issues of the day. Here is what the general election candidates had to say* – the following answers were from those who had responded by our print deadline this week.

QUESTION 1: HEALTH How would you address the chronic problems that are prevalent in the Health Service?

QUESTION 4: ENVIRONMENT What is your stance on Climate Change? How green/accessible is your campaign?

QUESTION 2: HOUSING How would you address the chronic problems in the housing sector?

QUESTION 5: TRANSPORT Do you think Public Transport in your area is sufficient? What changes might you make?

QUESTION 3: EDUCATION What ways would you address education issues in your area at a Government level?

QUESTION 6: YOUR MESSAGE Why do you think people should vote for you?

(*Some answers may have been edited to account for space, as necessary.)

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST

CHARLIE O’CONNOR, FIANNA FAIL

Q1 FIANNA Fail will

recruit 1,000 more consultants and 4,000 more nurses. We will expand homecare by a million hours every year and use an expanded National Treatment Purchase Fund to cut waiting times for inpatients and outpatients.

Q2 Fianna Fail policy will be to increase supply with at least 50,000 affordable homes and 50,000 social houses.

We will provide a 33% top up Special Savings Incentive Scheme for first time buyers. We will launch a new deal

for renters, increase rent supplement levels and roll out an Affordable Rent Scheme.

Q3 Fianna Fáil will reduce average class sizes to 20 by 2025 in primary schools and to 18 in disadvantaged (DEIS) schools.

Fianna Fáil will continue to expand the therapists in schools scheme.

Q4 Fianna Fail’s goal is a low carbon future with a just transition fund to protect those on low incomes, to tackle fuel poverty and to retrofit social housing.

Q5 Fianna Fail will strengthen public transport and undertake a feasibility study into constructing Metro South West as a potential key future project.

CLLR MICK DUFF, INDEPENDENT

Q1 MAKE it worthwhile for Consultants to work in the Public system and not to split their time between the Private and the Public Hospitals.

Provide a 24 hour Consultant service in all Emergency Depts to help expedite the discharge of patients and help free up Trolly spaces.

Identify capacity in all Hospitals and promote pathways between the Acute Hospitals and CHOs. Q2 Support realistic Rent Caps and the accelerated building of Social and Affordable Homes.

Q3 All Year round Capital Expenditure on Maintenance needs.

I n c re a s e d C a p i t a tion Grants for Primary Schools. SNAs to be provided on current needs and student figures and that the Support follows the Student from Primary to Second level schools.

Prov ide additional accommodation for Teachers within any future planned Student Accommodation.

Q4 I believe in the science behind Climate Change and everybody has a role to play, not just politicians.

All new builds should be A rated and include Solar Panels and avail of District Heating where possible.

Q5 Fully support the role out of Greenways, promoting the use of E Transport, including the safe usage of E Scooters.

Encourage the use of Public Transport by reducing the fares and increasing frequency.

Q6 I give, honest, serious and effective representation.

CLLR CARLY BAILEY, SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Q1 If we have a right to anything in this country, then the right to health must be top of that list.

Our co-leader Roisin Shortall chaired the allparty group that agreed the Slaintecare reforms to the health service.

Q2 There are over 700 local authority and Housing Agency owned sites, and we need to use this public land to build social and affordable housing.

Land hoarding adds to the problem, and the Social Democrats previously proposed a Bill in the Dail to stop this behaviour and encourage the development of vacant sites in urban areas.

Q3 It is the single greatest driver of opportunity, quality of life, social equality, and eco-

nomic growth.

In primary and postprimary schools, we want to eliminate hidden fees by funding books, transport, and classroom resources free education should mean free education.

Q 4 We a b s o l u te l y need to be greener, but we also need to be fairer to ensure that green measures don’t impoverish people.

Q5 Car dependency is huge issue across Dublin South West.

We can see it in the g r i d l o c k we e x p e r i ence on our roads every morning and evening.

We need to invest more in public transport to increase and improve frequency and capacity of our buses and Luas.

Q 6 Pe o p l e s h o u l d vote for me because we deserve better and I represent the change they want to see, someone who has lived in the real world and has been devastated by the policies of traditional politics and someone who has studied law and public policy for six years to ensure that my children and our community will never be let down again.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

POLITICS: GATHERING OF DISPARATE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS SHARED A COMMON FOCUS

Bringing genuine thoughts and solutions to the fore as The Real Debate examined Ireland, 2020 PADRAIG CONLON

WHILE the RTE Leaders Debate was being broadcast live on Tuesday night, an alternative debate was taking place online.

The Real Debate – a podcast/streaming event – was offering the electorate several different opinions and views from across the political spectrum.

With contributions from members of both the judiciary and the legislature, as well as from policy makers, campaigners and commentators, The Real Debate discussed topics such as housing, health, banking, vulture funds, radical political change, public accountability, collective solutions and many others.

The idea for this streaming event emerged from the growing frustration of large sections of the Irish electorate following RTE’s decision to initially only invite leaders of the two main parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who between them represent less than 50% of the electorate.

Even though RTE decided on Monday to invite Mary Lou McDonald, for Sinn Fein, to take part in the Leaders Debate, the organisers of The Real Debate decided to go ahead with their event and subsequently release it to the public following RTE’s offering on Tuesday night.

Set up as a collaboration between several organisations, including Right2Homes, HomeOptions, and ourselves, Dublin Gazette, as a media partner, The Real Debate set out to offer the other 52% of voters a debate.

One of the moderators on Tuesday, Donagh

Contributors on the night hold aloft The Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill 2018 – a bill to support homeowners, rather than vulture funds, that was just one of the topics discussed on the night, which also saw a wide range of issues highlighted and discussed

“

In this election, there’s a strong wave for social change; true reengagement with the disenfranchised. There’s a strong move of support away from the Centrist parties.

McKeown, told Dublin Gazette why he was so keen to be involved.

He said: “Whether you take the word of the numerous surveys and polls by ‘official’ groups, or take your own straw poll with folks on the street, you’ll soon see that both will lead with deep concerns, firstly about health, and the health service in Ireland.

“More than 50% [of people] in collective polling say that’s their number-

one concern, with housing coming second, and in that mix comes the plight of the homeless.

“Calls for increased affordable housing are being heard at every doorstep, from the inner cities to our most rural areas.

“Deep in the Irish psyche, there’s the desire to own one’s own home.

“Many people are also deeply concerned for the growing numbers of homeless people who now roam our streets.

“Once again, perhaps subconsciously, there’s a collective memory of famine and eviction that’s within, and the frustration of a lack of meaningful reform or action from politicians to change the system is rising.

“Combine this with the continuously circling wake of vulture funds preying on the threatened homeowners,” he said.

Donagh added: “There’s a growing belief in the electorate that they have

the power in this and future elections to bring about change.

“In this election, there’s a strong wave for social change; true re-engagement with the disenfranchised.

“There’s a strong move of support away from the Centrist parties, with an almost tsunami level of support moving to more socially democratic-leaning parties, with Sinn Fein rising, in polls at least, leading that movement for change.”

Another contributor on the night was property developer Paddy Kelly who shared his ideas on how to stimulate house building nationwide.

He said: “We need a better awareness of the cycli-

cal nature of the building and development industry.

“Annual housing completions went from an annual high of 94,000 to a low of 5,000 in the decade ending in 2008.

“In the decade ending in 2018, there was an average of 10,000 homes completed annually – with a low of 5,000 in some years – and the industry almost closed down.

“Uncertainty and delay needs to be taken out of the planning process.

Zoned Land needs to be provided.

“We need a policy for dealing with third-party objections – it’s estimated that approximately 40% of the cost of a new home is government tax.

“There should be policy change whereby the VAT at 13.5% is passed back by the government to firsttime buyers.

“In the UK, there are a number of support systems for first-time buyers which we should look at adopting.

“Create building capacity by advancing professional training for the various groups involved and advance knowledge in regard to building methods and materials,” he said.

You can find The Real D e b a te o n Yo u Tu b e (search using #therealdebate, with the video posted under user Sean O Cearrullain), as well as on Facebook or Twitter pages (using #RealDebateIreland).

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE: FRESH NEW LOOKS

SPRING for some fresh fashions as colour and flowery fabrics flow back into wardrobes. With the grand stretch in the evenings giving more time to show off your new outfits, embrace this season’s new trends and help celebrate these fresh new styles!

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

MUSIC P16

VALENTINE TRAVEL P24

PAGE 24

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

Filming her new show isn’t a tall order for Andrea

P R E SE N T E R A n d re a Hayes (above, right) met a lanky new friend as she filmed her new series, Fota: Into the Wild.

The new four-part show, airing on Virgin Media One, follows life in the iconic

Cork wildlife park, with Andrea meeting many of the park’s animals and the people who care for them.

With the first episode airing last Sunday, February 2, Dubs have already seen a little of how our

country cousins are helping to care for some of the world’s most vulnerable animals, with Andrea promising that there’s much more still to come.

Animal lovers and Dubs alike will relish the chance

to learn more about the animals and the park, with Andrea’s tall pal here just one of the many highlights of the show.

See the next episode of Fota: Into the Wild this Sunday at 9pm on VM One.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND QUIRKY THINGS

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

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

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.

FINGLAS girl Matilda Byrne was delighted to help The Oesophageal Cancer Fund launch the upcoming Lollipop Day. Taking place across the country on February 26 and 27, the fundraising and awareness campaign aims to increase public awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and to highlight how the cancer can be prevented or diagnosed early to improve cure rates. Picture: Jason Clarke

Dope with dope lands Islands disappear off in even bigger trouble South Sumatra coast A TENNESSEE courtroom lit up with laughter earlier this month after a defendant tried to smoke a marijuana cigarette – while he was being charged with marijuana possession.

Spencer Boston (20) was appearing in court in the town of Lebanon before Judge Haywood Barry for a simple possession charge – but now could be prosecuted further for his behaviour.

Seemingly engaged and coor-

dinating with the judge, the scene quickly changed when Boston removed a rolled cigarette from his pocket and began smoking it.

Security personnel quickly realised what was happening and apprehended Boston while he waved the joint around.

He was arrested immediately after the incident, and is currently serving 10 days in jail for contempt of court.

TWO islands in South Sumatra have vanished while four more are already on the brink of disappearing as a result of rising sea levels, according to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment.

Betet Island and Gundul Island have submerged and are currently sitting one metre and three metres below sea level, respectively.

“These islands were uninhabited. One of the islands, Betet, is a part of Berbak-Sembilang National Park,” said Hairul Sobri, executive director.

“Should there be no significant efforts to address the ever-rising oceans, four other islands in the area with elevations of less than four metres above sea level could follow suit and disappear sooner or later”, Sobri said, referring to specific islands at threat off the eastern coast of South Sumatra’s Banyuasin regency.

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 Callie, a beautiful two-year-old female Labrador cross that has bundles of energy and is full of fun.

She loves going out for walks, playing with her toys and will do anything for a tasty treat.

Callie can be a little conflicted with people, sometimes seeking cuddles and interaction, but at other times preferring space to do her own thing.

She is looking for patient and gentle adopters who are willing to get to know

her over a couple of meets and allow her to build trust at her own pace.

She is a very sweet and lively girl, and will make a lovely addition to the right family.

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

callie

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS Kids take on locust swarm

THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

TOP TWEETS

Finally an emoji for chastising my business associates when they come to me for favours on this, the day of my daughter’s wedding. @finryan87 In the pub....

Drunk Fella: Can I get you a drink?

Me: No thank you.

Drunk Fella: You’re lovely.

Me: I’m far too old for you.

Drunk Fella: No ... you’re not old.

Me: I was at your Christening and I’m friends with your Mam. Drunk Fella: Fair enough. @RealFionaO They call it Dublin because the rent always is. @bigmonsterlove Unpopular opinion - Mrs Brown’s Boys isn’t funny. Don’t @ me. @ManjitThandi78 Catherine Noone called in to my mam about two weeks ago. In the middle of the conversation she apparently slipped in that Varadkar was autistic. No one believed my mam when she told them, and this morning she has a face on like Mrs Doyle correctly guessing Todd Unctious’ name. @rohal_ As an Irish person, my only thought in Brexit is that I wish the Brits had discovered this zeal for getting out of places 800 years ago. @daithihartery

BILLIONS of locusts have swept through East Africa and are now invading Kenya in what is the worst locust infestation the country has seen in 70 years.

According to Al Jazeera, the swarm has migrated from Ethiopia and Somalia, and is now making its way through Kenya, since first beginning in December.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated one swarm

Horse call lands man in court A MAN riding a horse in Australia was brought before court, because he didn’t have a hands-free mobile device fitted to his trusty steed.

The man was caught using his phone on a rural road in New South Wales, while riding the horse at around 10kmph, when the police stopped him.

In New South Wales, a ‘vehicle’ includes an animal-drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden under NSW legislation, Road Rules 2014, Road Users and Vehicles.

The man pleaded guilty at Mudgee Local Court to using his mobile phone while in use of a vehicle, as he conceded the horse was in motion as he was making a phone call.

Bug-ly idea for Feb 14 TEXANS will have the chance for revenge on their exes this Valentine’s Day, thanks to a local zoo.

The El Paso Zoo have launched their ‘Quit Bugging Me’ campaign, where locals can name a cockroach after their ex and have it fed to one of the animals at the zoo.

This will be the second year of the scheme, with the zoo saying they had a “tremendous response” last year on their Facebook page.

Madagascar hissing cockroaches are frozen and a normal part of some animals’ diets.

alone in Kenya covered 930 square miles – almost the size of Moscow.

Based on that estimate, there could be up to 200 billion locusts invading the country’s skies and farmlands.

While these plucky kids (right) were doing their best to beat back the blighters in their area, authorities are warning that if the locust population is not contained, it could grow into a ‘plague’ and spread even wider throughout the African continent.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT

WELL WORTH A LISTEN

We’re in the midst of a spiritual crisis, warn London band HMLTD HMLTD’S early career has been a dramatic one.

A London act that sit somewhere between a boisterous protest and a broad, flamboyant cultural experiment, they’re difficult to pin down on anything from genre to outlook, exhibiting a kind of Glam-Punk, style-borrowing ethos.

Once, they were a major label investment project, making and then dumping an expensive album along the way, as NME hyped them as the next big thing.

With a new version of that debut album, entitled West of Eden, finally on the market, their experimental approach

 JAMES HENDICOTT

has brought them to a scatty but enthralling release, and a more natural (to them) anti-Capitalist stance.

Fro n t m a n He n r y Chisholm is a politically poignant figure, and he’s not in the least bit shy about the journey the band have been on so far, or how he views modern-day society. It’s not a pretty angle.

“People are isolated,” he explains. “We’re in the midst of a spiritual crisis, and I think things like

Brexit, Trump – these things are just responses to a larger crisis.

“At the start of the 20th Century, religion s t a r te d to c o l l a p s e, which is a good thing in some ways, but I don’t think it was fully replaced.

“Collective views have disappeared, and we’ve been left with this kind of alternative individuality.

“That’s part of why the Left are no longer viable.

We all see things as an individual, not from the view of a community.”

The album title, in a typically oblique way, is a reference to HMLTD’s inherent air of protest.

West of Eden is a reference to biblical banishment, a nod to Chisholm’s broader metaphor.

They’re not religious, so much as borrowing the imagery to make a point. In this case, it’s about the band’s own “spiritual quest” – one they hope to bring an audience along with.

“We live in a world that’s toxic, and full of exploitation,” Chisholm continues. He’s happy to talk about this stuff in depth – delivering the message, it seems, is the core purpose of the music.

“It sits oddly, releasing a record in a commercial

HMTLD

way,” he admits. “We don’t think we’re going to bring down a system, of course.

“That’s not realistic, it’s more about spreading a message. We have to work with what exists.”

“We wrote about 30 songs,” he says of the record. “The result is a record with a lot of different influences, it’s really, really varied.

“To us it still feels like an album, though we could have done a second album in the process.

“The original album [the one recorded with Sony, but never released] felt like a collection of

songs rather than a connected whole.

“This one is the story of a downward spiral.

It’s heavily influenced

by Nine Inch Nails, who are probably the most important band to us.

“It’s certainly been a rollercoaster, and a bit of a struggle,” he laughs.

“It’s been a strange thing to go through.

We had a lot of hype, but you come out of the other end of that, and then you’re considered to be ‘established’ and it doesn’t work in quite the same way. “You’re not quite flavour of the month anymore, and

GOINGOUTOUT OUT FEBRUARY 6 (THURSDAY)

Local Boy @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €7 Beak @ the Button Factory, €22 Eoin Martin @ Crowbar, FREE

FEBRUARY 7 (FRIDAY)

Fruitz @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

FEBRUARY 8 (SATURDAY)

Mae Muller @ The Academy, €16 Algiers @ Whelan’s, €15 Fin Furey @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

FEBRUARY 10 (MONDAY)

Tenacious D @ 3Arena, €50 (right) Bombay Bicycle Club @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT The Menzingers @ Whelan’s, €25

that’s okay, but then it’s time to go out and do something real, something that makes your point.”

That point? It’s clear in Chisholm’s mind that the whole thing is a protest statement. “We’re speaking out against cookie-cutter culture,” he says.

“Against brainlessness, taking things for granted, and regurgitation. It hits to the current situation. Not everyone’s going to like it. We’re fine with that.”

H M LT D p l a y T h e Soundhouse, Dublin, on February 18.

Tenacious D

FEBRUARY 11 (TUESDAY)

Bombay Bicycle Club @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Sean McConnell @ Whelan’s, €20

FEBRUARY 12 (WEDNESDAY)

Sigala @ The Olympia Theatre, €24 Cuig @ Whelan’s, €15

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT

Explore when Animals ruled Dublin GANGSTERS are never far away from the capital’s headlines, these days – but there’s nothing new on our Fair City’s streets, with gangsters a common issue for many a long year.

In fact, one gang – the Animals – were a particular problem back in the day, in the 1930s and into the 40s, with Ballyfermot author Dylan Henvey turning to their exploits for his new work, Animals.

Described as the untold story of Francis Lawless, founder and sole surviving member of the infamous Animal gang, the 60-minute rehearsed reading promises to bring some fascinating insights into Dublin in the good old, bad old days back into the light.

Dylan’s looking forward to presenting his new work to Dublin audiences, with some startling tales from Dublin’s largely forgotten criminal world for Animals to draw from.

He says: “The Animals were a real Dublin street gang who first appeared in news stories in the 1930s and continued to make headline into the 40s.

“They were the Irish ‘Peaky Blinders’ – they are legendary Dublin folklore.

“I felt it’s about time their legend was

told, and was brought to life.”

However, Animals is more than just the tale of gangsters, Dylan says, as it also nods at some of the changes and history in the city at the time.

He says: “It is set around the Printers’ Strike in Dublin in 1934. This is the start of a story which will take my protagonist, Francis Lawless, from innocent newsboy to founder of the legendary Animal gang, and head of the Dublin underground.”

That base of real-life struggle in the city influences Animal, with some famous Dublin and Irish figures also featuring in the tale, including Eoin O’Duffy, leader of the Blue Shirts; Frank Ryan, the famous Socialist and Republican, and even ‘Lugs’ Branigan, Dublin’s most legendary police officer.

Dylan says: “We have so much history in this city, but 90% of history goes undocumented or unnoticed and gets lost, especially Working Class history.

“The Working Class have a history; they had lives that mattered. They had adventures, they should be heard and remembered, not forgotten.”

See Animals at 4pm on Sunday, February 23 at the main space, Smock Alley.

Ballyfermot author Dylan Henvey: “The Working Class have a history; they had lives that mattered. They had adventures, they should be heard and remembered, not forgotten.”

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

WE SPEAK TO THREE OF THE FIVE DUBLIN-BASED PARTY LEADERS*

*Dublin Gazette contacted the main Dublin-based party leaders, with these being the parties who had responded by the time of going to print

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

Social Democrats are keen to be

a meaningful alternative to just the same old status quo in power CÓILÍN DUFFY

Green Party’s agenda fits nicely with priorities for Dublin voters who want a breath of fresh air GREEN PARTY leader Eamon Ryan believes that his party’s manifesto on Green issues and climate change policies fits well with the priorities of voters in Dublin.

Speaking exclusively to Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy, Ryan says that he doesn’t believe that it is harder to drive the Green agenda in the capital city.

“We’ll see on election day, because our slogan is if you want Green vote Green!,” he said.

“What we are presenting is our vision for the future.

I think it’s as relevant in the centre of Dublin, as it is anywhere in the country.”

He added, “It’s about the same basic. You make it easier to do the right thing in how we move around and how we manage our homes.

In how we deal with waste – in how we look after nature – including in our own city.

“Nature isn’t just something out in the far distant world – it’s Dublin Bay; it’s the Dublin hills; it’s every park. I think our vision is as relevant in Dublin as it is for the people in any part of the

“

I think it’s voting for a different way of doing things and the public service will have a bigger role country, and, indeed in any part of the World.

“This transition is so significant. It involves everyone and every place matters, including every community in Dublin.”

Waste charges are always a hot topic of debate, and across the capital private operators are constantly proposing an increase in charges.

Ryan says that it’s perhaps time to go back to the old model, where the local councils looked after waste collection themselves.

“I think the broad market model that everyone bought into for the last 20 or 30 years isn’t delivering,” he said.

“I think there is a widespread public consensus or political consensus that, such as in certain key areas like housing, waste and water we need public enterprise. You

need public services delivered by public companies.

“I think that’s one of the key things in this election.

The past 10 years have been the status quo, really, trying to just get back our economy, but now the next 10 years are what we are voting on here.

“I think voting Green is for a different way of doing things and the public service will have a bigger role.

“It’s not saying there isn’t a role for business; it’s not saying there isn’t a role for enterprise, but there are certain public services that are best delivered by public companies– housing being one, water obviously another, and I think waste is another.”

Looking at the broader picture of taking responsibility in combating climate change, Ryan says it’s important to continue to build

on the good relationships with other countries in this regard.

“The Paris Climate Agreement sets the broader picture. That’s every country having to contribute. Locally for us it’s as a member of the European Union that we collaboratively work together with our other European colleagues.

“We can’t do it on our own, but we can’t opt out either.

We have to play our part, because it’s better to be a leader rather than a laggered on this because this is where the new economy is going.

“This is something we can and will be good at.”

Housing is also a key issue in this election, and Ryan outlines what he believes is a potential solution.

“The key thing is supply and what type of supply. I think that should be costrental housing. It’s the type of housing that would most acutely address the crisis which is in the rental sector.

“I think it would change our whole concept and perception of public housing and that’s why I support it.”

SOCIAL DEMOCRATS coleader Róisín Shortall says it means a huge amount to her to get the chance to contest another general election, with the possibility of representing her constituents once again.

She has been at the head of the Social Democrats since June 2015, but her Dáil involvement stretches a lot further back, when she first assumed office in November 1992 as a Labour Party T.D. “Getting elected to the Dáil by your neighbours and people in your constituency is a huge honour,” Shortall told Dublin Gazette.

“It’s very humbling from that point of view. I always feel very grateful to people after an election, if I succeed in being re-elected.

“It’s very heart-warming in many ways, but it is also a huge challenge, because what people are doing is they are deciding that they want you to represent them.

“That is ultimately what a

“

The issues in Dublin North West are very similar to the issues around the country T.D. is – a public representative, and given the fact that I have been a T.D. since 1992 it is about track record, and I think I have done a lot of work over those years.

“It’s reassuring if I am re-elected, but I don’t take anything for granted, I can assure you.”

Speaking about some of the key issues for her constituents, Shortall sees this mirroring the national picture.

“The issues in Dublin North West are very similar to the issues around the country,” she said.

“Probably the top issue is health, and concern about the fact that it is so hard to access care in the public health system, and then a lot of people are afraid of not being able to do that, and that the service won’t be

there when they need it.

“Then they are forced into a situation where they are forced to buy very expensive private health insurance and it shouldn’t be like that, because other European countries have proper public health services that actually work and are available to people when they need them.

“There’s also an older demographic and access to healthcare is more important as people get on in years.

“The other issue is housing. Housing is so unaffordable now for people and it doesn’t have to be like that.

“The problem is that both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leave the responsibility for housing to the market, and the market, of course, won’t deliver affordable housing.”

Are more laws needed in

relation to housing?

“I wouldn’t say it is about laws, it’s about political beliefs,” Shortall counters.

“We in the Social Democrats very strongly believe that the government has a responsibility to ensure that there is enough housing available, but also that it is about it being affordable to people.

“That means affordable, whether you want to buy or you want to rent.

“The other area obviously is that there is sufficient social housing. Currently that is not happening at all.

“The outgoing government is very much dependant on the market, both in terms of the housing assistance payment, rather than building social housing.

“Overall, they are not doing anything to drive down the cost of housing to make it available.

“If you have a decent job, you should be able to afford a decent house, and that’s not the case at the moment.”

People Before Profit want to see the people put centre-stage right at the heart of decision-making CÓILÍN DUFFY RICHARD BOYD BARRETT is keen to stress the message which is contained in his party’s name, that it’s about people before profit.

The Solidarity-PBP Leader contests the Dun Laoghaire constituency once again this weekend, and says that people should be centre stage, when it comes to decisionmaking.

“I do think the problem that lies behind many of the crises that we face in Irish society at the moment is an economic system – the major political parties putting profit over the major needs of society,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“Whether it is in the area of housing; whether it is the two-tier of a semi-privatised healthcare system; whether it is the unbalanced distribution of wealth, where a small minority control most of the wealth and huge numbers of people are struggling.

“At many other levels you can see that profit is prioritised by the political estab-

“

Frankly, the school students have been as effective, if not more effective than the politicians in driving the climate agenda lishment over the needs of people.

“We want to move in the opposite direction.

“We think people have the right to affordable housing, to a decent healthcare system, to properly resourced education, or indeed other things like special needs and disability, public transport.

“I think that can only happen if we start meeting people’s needs – the services and the rights that they have, rather than the profits of corporations or vulture funds.”

Smaller parties such as PBP have made great strides in recent years against the more established forces.

When asked if he would prefer to be in or out of Government, Boyd-Barrett said that the key thing is staying true to your beliefs.

“It’s neither of those things,” he said.

“It’s about sticking to your convictions, whether you are in government, or in opposition; or indeed whether you are the school students out on the streets protesting.

“Frankly, the school students have been as effective, if not more effective than the politicians in driving the climate agenda.

“We saw it with the water movement, and we saw it with Repeal the 8th. It’s not just about being in government or being a minister.

“It’s about sticking to principles and convictions whether you are inside or outside the Dáil, or whether you are inside or outside government and driving an agenda for progressive change.”

Many national issues in this

election are also local ones, and Boyd-Barrett sees it no differently, with housing a key priority for his constituents.

“Housing and public housing are key issues,” he said.

“Rents that are affordable for people – the whole picture around housing is one of the biggest crises if not the biggest crisis.

“The shambolic state of the health service and the inequity in terms of accessing healthcare, whether you are public or private – that inequality has to go.

“The cost of living for people working very hard, but having absolutely nothing at the end of the month because of unfair taxes, charges and rising bills, has to be addressed.

“Then obviously climate change is in existential threat to all of us.

“The government’s record has been diabolical in taking the sort of radical measures that are necessary to deal with the climate emergency.”

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

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6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

DUBLIN MOTORS

The new Corolla Touring Sports TREK model impresses with some excellent driving dynamics, alongside a pleasingly rugged identity and confident design

Toyota’s TREK model boldly goes FACT BOX

DECLAN GLYNN

WITH the introduction of the new Corolla Touring Sports TREK model, Toyota has made their strikingly-handsome, and utterly-practical, estate car even more appealing.

By e l e v a t i n g t h e standard Corolla Touring Sports (T/S) ride height by 20mm, and adding some cladding to the bodywork, the new TREK takes on a rugged and durable identity.

Available in frontwheel-drive only, the TREK is best described as

1) Rugged, off-road styling 2) Petrol/electric hybrid 3) Powerful and practical 4) Impressively spacious 5) On sale now a car that sits somewhere between a regular estate car and a SUV, with the car being the result of a partnership between Toyota and cycle manufacturer, TREK. Externally, to set the TREK apart from the re g u l a r Co ro l l a T/S, design differences con-

sist of chunkier bumpers (complete with skid plates front and rear to lend an air of off-roading authenticity), while black 17” machined-face alloy wheels (5x doublespoke) also feature.

Additionally, the TREK comes with a chrome dual exhaust pipe fin-

isher, black wheel arch mouldings, black rocker panel with silver insert, rear privacy glass, new front fog lamps, LED headlamps, and a TREK badge on the boot door for total exclusivity.

Inside, the Corolla TREK has new twotone cloth upholstery, a redesigned dashboard with decorative wooden inlays, and TREK badges for its door-steps and boot lid.

Powering the new Corolla T/S TREK is a powerful new 2.0-litre petrol/electric powertrain, which produces

178bhp, and a healthy 190Nm of torque, for instant acceleration.

This new 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine, is capable of fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km on a combined driving cycle, while enabling the car to tow a braked trailer of up to 750kg in weight.

The new Corolla T/S T R E K h a s e xc e l l e n t space in the front for two adults, while passengers in the rear are provided with good head, elbow and legroom too.

Boot space, with the rear seat backs in place, is a generous 581 litres,

but this can be greatly increased by folding the standard 60:40 split rear seats when the need arises.

My review car performed admirably well on a variety of road surfaces, with very little wind noise from around the door mirrors.

At a steady motorway speed, the car’s engine tone is hardly noticeable at all, while excellent driving dynamics ensure that the car remains composed when faced with a twisty country road too.

The hugely impressive

new Toyota Corolla is the Continental Tyres Irish Medium Car of the Year for 2020 – a category which is fiercely competitive.

While the new Corolla Hybrid range is priced from just €26,390 (exdelivery), the Corolla T/S TREK is competitively priced at €35,990 (exdelivery).

With its rugged ‘go anywhere looks’ and remarkable practicality, the new Corolla T/S TREK is proving a very worthwhile new addition to the Toyota Corolla family.

Renault to give away 36 Clios to support charity RENAULT Ireland is partnering with Irish charity The Care Trust (TCT) to supply 36 all-new Renault Clios for its series of fundraising lottery draws in 2020.

Renault Ireland brand ambassador, broadcaster Ian Dempsey, was on hand to help launch the new partnership.

TCT is a non-profit organisation and a registered charity, raising much needed funds for the CRC, Rehab, and the Mater University Hospital since 1974.

In 2019, TCT provided €2.15 million to CRC, Rehab and the Mater Hospital from its fundraising efforts.

These funds help to ensure that thousands of children and adults

with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged, and those requiring medical care have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

TCT runs three draws every month, and an all-new Renault Clio must be won in every draw.

In the 30 years since the iconic supermini first went on sale, Clio has become Renault’s best-selling model worldwide, with 15 million Clios sold.

The fifth generation of Clio arrived with a totally refreshed exterior styling combined with revolutionary interior design, and sets new standards for quality, technology and practicality.

It’s also one of the safest cars in its class, as highlighted by its five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Co n o r D ixo n , Renault Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to partner with TCT, which does such fantastic work through its benefic iaries at the CRC, Rehab and the Mater Hospital.

Broadcaster Ian Dempsey helps to launch the initiative “We wish all 36 lucky winners safe and happy driv- TCT, said: “We are very grateful to ing in their Renault Clios.”

Renault Ireland for their tremenSenan Mullins, chief executive, dous support and goodwill and we

are looking forward to a great partnership which will offer our contributors 36 chances this year to win an all-new Renault Clio, along with cash prizes in every draw.

“TCT has been fundraising since 1974, thanks to our generous and loyal contributors from all across the country, who make a huge difference to the lives of children and adults in Ireland who depend on the fantastic services provided by CRC, Rehab and the Mater University Hospital.”

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

DUBLIN TRAVEL

Chinese citizens have adopted widespread use of masks in affected areas in a bid to stay safe

Governments and travel sectors scramble to cope with ‘Wuhan flu’ threat THERE’S no getting away from it: the coronavirus (dubbed ‘Wuhan Flu’ by some) looms large over global travel at the moment.

Here at home, travel and life is unaffected – for now – but this swiftly-developing global issue could yet prove to be very disruptive for Irish holidaymakers, or indeed for the country.

China still remains the epicentre for the Wuhan virus, tragically seeing soaring deaths and infection rates, while regional countries and governments, and others around the world, are all also mobilising in a bid to get ahead of the virus’s spread.

At the time of writing, the Department of Foreign Affairs has flagged China as ‘Avoid non-essential travel’; meanwhile, Hong Kong/Macau remain at ‘High degree of caution’, unmoved from the general level prompted by the ongoing protests from 2019.

If you are planning on visiting China, or for the Department’s up to date official advice on any particular country, see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/ travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries.

ITAA Statement The Department isn’t the only official Irish body that’s closely monitoring the Wuhan virus – the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) have also put out a statement on the coronavirus’s impact.

In a statement, the ITAA say: “The ITAA is recommending that customers avoid travelling to the Hubei province of China entirely, and reconsider travelling to the rest of China unless it is absolutely essential.

“The ITAA is also advising affected holidaymakers in the country to follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chinese local authorities and accommodation providers.

“As the situation remains fluid, containment measures could be increased at any time. Travellers should be aware of delays and checks when moving within China, entering or leaving, especially at airports.

“If you are affected, you should contact your tour operator or travel agent.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising travellers already in the country to take extra care, wash their hands regularly with alcohol-based soap, wear single-use masks and observe food safety as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“As this situation is developing rapidly, they have also advised following guidelines on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website, at www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronaviruschina.

Latest travel updates can be found on the Department’s TravelWise app, at www.dfa.ie/travelwise/

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, in stunning Connemara, could help you ‘pop the question’ in unforgettable style

Have a lovely break away on February 14 SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor IT’S THAT time of year again – but if you haven’t yet found a lovely place to take your other half to for a great Valentine’s Day break, don’t panic.

This week, we have a range of breaks at home or away which are guaranteed to be a hit with your loved one.

Dublin First up, and why not step over to The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin?

Not everyone has the time or the budget to head off down the coun-

try, or even further away, so a stay practically on your own doorstep could still be a brilliant idea.

And with a luxurious stay guaranteed, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is sure to offer a superb stay for a special night.

After all, apart from the hotel’s sheer luxury, guests will also be treated to an exclusively designed bouquet delivered to the hotel and placed in their room before arrival, courtesy of premium contemporary florists Adonis Flower Designers.

The hotel’s Valentine’s package also includes a three-course dinner for

two at the tasteful Chancery Grill, while a complimentary ‘Fancy That’ cocktail should also go down a treat.

Available from next Thursday, February 13 to Sunday. February 16, the hotel’s Valentine stay costs from €350 per couple, to include an overnight in a Premium King room, dinner for two in The Chancery Grill with a cocktail, an exclusive premium bouquet, and Super Breakfast in bed, with bubbles, and late check-out.

See www.radissonblu.com/royalhoteldublin, or call the hotel directly at 01 898 2900.

Galway If you’re looking to leave the city behind, whisk yourselves away to the west coast for a romantic break in the heart of Galway.

Nicknamed ‘the grand old dame of Galway’, the historic Hardiman Hotel has been a hit with guests since originally opening in 1852.

However, the hotel has moved with the times, and while honouring its past it also offers a very contemporary stay, with a special Heartfelt package likely to wow this Valentine’s period.

A one-night stay features open fires, a rooftop

hot tub, a rose and handmade-chocolates waiting in your room, and a candlelit dinner for two in the hotel’s Gaslight Brassserie.

And after that, all the craic of Galway is waiting, offering a great night out in the west’s fun-filled city.

The Heartfelt package is available from €199 per room, based on two sharing. See www.thehardiman.ie.

Connemara Staying over on ‘the other coast’, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Recess, Connemara has everything you could

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR A ROMANTIC BREAK

DUBLIN TRAVEL

The ferry company is positive about the route change, saying it will be attractive for trade and tourism alike

Brittany Ferries to move its Ireland/Spain ports

From free flowers to fine dining, The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin has a perfect Valentine package for you

You’ll be in hot tub heaven at the Hardiman Hotel, with all the fun that Galway has to offer on your doorstep

FERRY users, take note – Brittany Ferries is moving its Ireland/Spain sailings from Cork to Rosslare Eurosport from the end of the month, with the new Spanish arrival port from Rosslare to be Bilbao.

Taking effect from February 28, the change has been made following extensive consultation with freight customers, with the new route providing better, shorter access to European markets.

That particular ferry route has primarily been aimed at freight users, although holidaymakers have also been a core user base of the route.

All customers already booked on affected sailings from Cork will be given the option to transfer their booking to sailing between Rosslare and Bilbao/ Roscoff. An allowance will be given to cover additional transfers. Alternatively, a full refund will be provided to those who choose to cancel.

Celebrating the best of the Irish travel industry

Marry a romantic break with some superb golf with a stay at Carton House, just a short drive away from Dublin city

need for an unforgettable Valentine’s break.

The hotel is set in one of the calmest, yet most beautiful corners of the country, with everything from the building’s charms to woodland views and a rolling river by the gorgeous country estate sure to delight – especially if you’re (sssh) planning to ‘pop the question’.

If so, the hotel already has a plan in place to help, ready to whisk out everything from special picnic butler with a picnic basket to a bottle of chilled champagne to help, if required, as part of a special package.

However, if you’re ‘just’ looking for a holiday away, you’ll be more than charmed by the hotel and its superb setting.

With two nights’ bed and breakfast in one of Ballynahinch Castle’s lovely Riverside rooms with views over the river, a package including the picnic butler proposal and celebratory candlelit dinner costs from €380 per person.

For further information, see www.ballynahinchcastle.com, or telephone 095 31006.

Kildare If the west of Ireland is a little beyond the pale for you, Carton House

should be just the ticket.

Set just outside the city in Maynooth, the hotel has made quite a name for itself with its beautiful setting in 1,100 acres, and while the building itself has centuries of history, its 36-hole golfing experfience has also put it on the map.

Whether you love golf quite as much as your other half, Carton House will be a hit, potentially offering nature and sport lovers something a little different for this Valentine’s Day. The hotel is offering a two-night golfing break, arriving on February 14, and priced at €260 per

person sharing.

For further information, see www.cartonhouse. com.

Europe Finally, for those ready to spread their wings a little further, a whole host of European capitals are within easy reach – the tricky part can be finding an afforable place.

So, why not turn to the award-winning boutique accommodation provider Generator, which has particularly stylish and comfy places to stay in a wide range of EU capitals?

Whether it’s Venice, London, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, Barce-

lona, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome or Madrid in your sights – or even right here in Dublin – there’s a Generator to choose from.

Gone are the days of dorms full of rickety bunk beds and musky backpackers – the Generator experience offers a much more comfortable (not to mention affordable) way of taking in a foreign capital with ease.

Depending on location, prices vary – but your bank account will love that there are 20% off entire stays (two nights’ minium stay) when booking directly at staygenerator.com.

HUNDREDS of travel experts from across the country and all around the world gathered at the Mansion House for the annual Irish Travel Industry Awards recently.

The popular shin-dig was a chance to network, reflect on continuing and emerging trends in the industry and, of course, to celebrate some of the very best companies and individuals at work in the industry.

Heavyweights Atlantic Travel and Tour America were crowned ITAA Travel Agencies of the Year 2020.

Other big winners on the night included John Spollen, president of the ITAA, Atlas Travel congratulated Marie Grenham, and FCM, managing director, Grenham Travel who won on winning the ITAA Presidents’ Best ITAA Award for special contributions to Corporate the Irish travel industry Travel Agency; CaminoWays, who won Best ITAA Member Digital Marketing Campaign; and J Barter Travel, who won Best ITAA General Marketing Campaign.

Siobhan Byrne Learat, of Adams & Butler, won Best ITAA Travel Professional.

For the full list of awards, see http://irishtravelindustryawards.com/2020-winners/.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

HOME & STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

BeautyBITS

Founder of HUDA Beauty, Huda Kattan

Huda Beauty joins beauty at Boots SUPERSTAR beauty brand, Huda Beauty, has joined a legendary line up of beauty brands at Boots.ie, with a limited assortment of Huda’s Hero products to be available in selected Boots stores from early February.

This brings Huda Beauty to the high street, joining other cult brands like Milani, Lime Crime and Morphe in Boots evergrowing beauty line-up.

“We’re super excited to be launching Huda Beauty in Boots. Boots are an incredible retailer and we are so thankful to them for their support and belief in our brand and vision.

Our global expansion has been very quick and to now be partnering with Boots to bring Huda Beauty to the high street is both humbling and mind blowing! We’re so proud that we can truly spread the love across Ireland.” said Huda Kattan, Founder and CEO of Huda Beauty.

For more information on Huda Beauty and to check out the products on offer, visit Boots.ie

Zalando launch new capsule collection ONLINE retailer Zalando has teamed up with nine Nordic brands to develop an exclusive, sustainable womenswear collection, titled Small steps. Big impact. by Zalando.

Lena-Sophie Roeper, Head of Buying Premium and Sports, Zalando, says: “As a platform with more than 29 million active customers in 17 countries and more than 2,000 brands, we know that we can influence the demand for and the supply of sustainable fashion.

“That’s why we’re introducing our customers to sustainable fashion, working with partners who share our vision and ethics, and move the industry forward, every day. The collection is a huge step in the right direction.”

This collection follows the release of their Sustainability Strategy 2023, titled do.MORE, in October 2019.

Small steps. Big impact. by Zalando is available now on Zalando.ie

SPRING REFRESH READY to hit refresh and bring some spring into your wardrobe?

There’s a grand stretch in the evenings, meaning colour and flowy fabrics are back on the cards as we wave goodbye to Winter.

Spring is the perfect time to try out new trends and get a lit-

tle daring with your wardrobe.

Online Irish retailer iclothing. com is serving up wearable, bold prints, brighter colours and a retro feel with their newest collection, that’s sure to brighten up the days as we creep into slightly warmer, nicer weather.

Animal and retro prints are a must this season, as well as polka dots, teamed with a certain 90’s edge thanks to neon SHADES, PUFF SLEEVES AND faded denim all making a comeback.

These trends all had a moment on the catwalks for Spring 2020 this season, with iclothing.com translating these trends into affordable styles for those looking to get in on the hottest looks this season.

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

POLSKA GAZETA

This week we bring you Part Two in our exclusive CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN! interview with the new Polish Ambassador

Sochanska takes pride in role as the new ambassador for Poland  MARTYNA

MUSZCZYNSKA news@dublingazette.com

THERE’s no doubt that Her Excellency Anna Sochanska takes great pride in her new role as the Polish Ambassador in Ireland.

It’s a challenging role, but one which she has taken on with great gusto, and already is firmly bedded in, despite being just a few months in the position.

Anna has a keen interest in foreign affairs, something which has been high in her thoughts since her early twenties.

Moreover, Anna and her family grew up during a time of Communism in Poland. However, she is keen to accentuate the positives from it. “ We r e m e m b e r e d Poland’s rich history and what the country was like before the Second World War,” she told Dublin Gazette.

“Polish people never surrendered, although they lived through a very horrific period of the German, and thereafter the Soviet occupation.’’

“Both of those regimes wanted to crush Poland and its people, but they have failed to do so as Polish people are very resilient.’’

Furthermore, as Anna says ‘’those characteristics gave us power and motivation. It is true that Polish people love their country and are very proud of it and its

Martyna Muszczynska, Cóilín Duffy (Group Editor Dublin Gazette) and Polish Ambassador Anna Sochanska Martyna Muszczynska, Cóilín Duffy (redaktor grupy Dublin Gazette) i Polska Ambasador Anna Sochanska

Sochańska jest dumna z roli Ambasadora  MARTYNA

MUSZCZYNSKA news@dublingazette.com

BEZ jakichkolwiek wątpliwości można uznać, iż Pani Anna jest dumna ze swojej nowej roli Ambasadora RP w Irlandii.

Rola Ambasadora RP w Irlandii jest trudna. Aczkolwiek, Pani Anna podjęła się tej roli z wielkim rozmachem i jest już mocno zadomowiona, pomimo tego, że jest zaledwie kilka miesięcy na tej pozycji.

Od wczesnych lat dwudziestych Pani Anna interesowała się sprawami zagranicznymi.

Pani Ambasador i jej rodzina dorastali w czasach komunizmu w Polsce, jednak chce wyciagnąć z tego wydarzenia pozytywne wnioski. „Pamiętaliśmy o bogatej historii Polski i tym, jaki był ten kraj przed drugą wojną światową” – powiedziała Pani Anna Dubachievements.’’

“A t t h e m o m e n t Poland is flourishing in terms of employment,

lin Gazette. „Polacy nigdy się nie poddali, choć przeżyli bardzo przerażający okres okupacji niemieckiej, a następnie okupacji sowieckiej”. „Oba te reżimy chc iały zmiażdżyć Polskę i jej mieszkańców, ale nie dokonali tego, ponieważ Polacy są bardo silni”.

Ponadto, Pani Anna mówi, iż „te cechy” dały nam siłę i motywację. Prawdą jest, że Polacy kochają swój kraj i są z niego bardzo dumni oraz z jego osiągnięć.” „W chwili obecnej Polska kwitnie pod względem pracy, gospodarki i polityki społecznej, są to pozytywne aspekty, na których powinniśmy się skupić.”

Pani Ambasador wyraża zaniepokojenie na podstawie marnowania pełnego potencjału Polski i Irlandii, ponieważ oba kraje koncentrują się na wielu kwestiach wspólnego zainteresowania, niemniej jednak nie „zjednoczyły się” jeszcze na

e co n o my a n d so c i a l policies and those are the positive aspects we should focus on.’’

The Polish Ambassador expresses her concern about how the full potential of Poland and

podstawie dyskusji wielu tematów. „Czas zmienić stereotyp Polaków, którzy są zatrudnieni nie tylko jako piekarze lub hydraulicy, ponieważ wielu z nich pracuje dla wielkich firm, takich jak Facebook, Google itp.” – powiedziała pani Anna. „ I s t n i e j ą ró ż n e p ro f i l e Po l a kó w mieszkających i pracujących w Irlandii.”

Pani Anna chciałaby wysłać Irlandczyków do Polski, aby mogli doświadczyć pełnego piękna jej ojczyzny. „Polska jest krajem bogatym pod względem przyrodniczym, ponieważ składa się z wielu gór, mórz i jezior, dla Irlandczyków ważne byłoby, aby zobaczyli wszystko, co Polska ma do zaoferowania.”

Niemniej jednak, bariera językowa w Polsce już nie istnieje, co jest ważne, ponieważ jest łatwiej zarówno dla Irlandczyków, jak i Polaków w kwestii porozumienia się. ‘’

Ireland is being wasted, as both countries are focused on many issues of common interests, but

that perhaps they have yet to ‘come together’ on a lot of these topics.

“It is time to change

the stereotype of Polish people as they are not only employed as bakers or plumbers but work for enormous companies such as Facebook, Google etc,” she said.

“There are different profiles of Polish people living and working in Ireland.”

Anna would like to send Irish people to Poland in order for them to experience the full beauty of her native country.

“Poland is a rich country in terms of nature as it consists of many mountains, seas and lakes and it would be important for Irish people to see all that Poland has to offer.’’ Nevertheless, the language barrier in Poland no longer exists, which makes things easier for both Irish and Polish people alike.’’

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN POLSKA GAZETA? EACH week, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on news and views for the Polish community with Polska Gazeta.

Would you or your business like to get on board?

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new concept,

and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Martyna Muszczynska at her email below.

Polish Correspondant Martyna Muszcynska • sales@dublingazette.com

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020

DUBLIN SENIORS

Where there’s a will ... has yours been made clear?

MAKING a will is not something that any of us relish, but it’s also one of the most important things that you can do in your life. After all, a will gives certainty – certainty for you, and potentially for your loved ones, that your wishes are known, clear, recorded and all arranged.

With that certainty comes a likely peace of mind, but it can be hard to know where to start, how to go about making your will, who to turn to, and other such issues.

Here, we present some helpful insights to get you started. Note, however, that this is an initial and incomplete overview, and legal advice or assistance is strongly advisable.

REASONS FOR MAKING A WILL If you die without a will, the law on intestacy decides what happens to your property.

A will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your dependants and that your property is distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights of spouses/civil partners and children.

It is also advisable to complete and keep in a safe place an updated list of your assets, making it easier to identify and trace them after you die.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE HAVING MADE A WILL? If you have made a valid will, you will have died ‘testate’, and all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will, with your named executor(s), who may also be a beneficiary, ensuring this happens.

There are legal limits as to how much of your property goes to which person.

If you leave a will before you die, one or more of your named executors will usually have to get legal permission (a Grant of Representation) from the Probate Office, or the District Probate Registry for the area in which you lived at the time of death, deal with your estate – typically gathering all your money or possessions, paying your debts, then distributing the remainder as instructed.

If you did not name any executors in your will or if the executors are unable or unwilling to apply for a Grant of Representation, Letters of Administration (With Will) are issued.

When your estate is distributed, the legal rights of your spouse/civil partner and children, if any, will be fulfilled first after any debts are paid before any other gifts are considered.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF A VALID WILL It is possible to draw up a will yourself, or you can hire a solicitor to help you. For a will to be legally valid, there are several rules that apply, such as the will must be in writing, you must be of sound mind, you must sign or mark the will or acknowledge the signature or mark in the presence of two witnesses, you must be over 18, and several other such rules.

This week, ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan talks issues a call for action on housing and health for older people ahead of the upcoming Election

‘We are failing to plan for needs of our older people’ WITH every budget and general election campaign, promises to add a fiver to the pension come in thick and fast.

In recent weeks we have also seen a huge c o nve rs a t i o n s h i f t regarding the increases to the pension age as political parties scramble to come up with solutions to address a gap in a policy which has been there for more than six years.

But the current ‘pensions anomaly’ as it is being described is just o n e e xa m p l e o f t h e many ways we are failing to plan for the needs of older people.

We know there are more than 7,000 people on the waiting list for home supports, and the funding that is needed to meet the demand. We see the images of older people who are homeless eating their meals from windowsills.

We hear there are more people on hospital trolleys than ever before.

And importantly, we see the population projections which mean that these issues will impact more and more older people in the years to come. We see these problems, and we know many of the answers, but sufficient action is not being taken to address them.

The issues raised by the increasing eligibility age for the State Pension must be urgently addressed. But this is not the only issue impacting older people, and politicians would do well to remember it. We need

to have a full discussion about the needs of older people, most particularly in the areas of health, housing and finance.

The fact is we are not putting the measures in place which will appropriately support older people who are most vulnerable. In ALONE we see this every day in our work.

Waiting list In recent months we have worked with someone living in an extremely isolated area who has been on the waiting list for the home support service for seven years.

We have worked with older people with terminal diagnoses who are homeless or living in unstable accommodation.

We have worked with people who cut back on their heating and food so that they can afford transport to hospital appointments. These are the people who are not taken into account as Government policies are drafted and changes are made, the people who never felt any economic recovery.

Older people need more from their representatives than a commitment to add a fiver to the State Pension.

We need representatives who will deliver real change for the older people we work with, for those most in need of support.

We need the next Government to fund home supports and health services in line with

“

Older people need more from their representatives than a commitment to add a fiver to the State Pension

demand, to increase housing delivery targets and deliver housing for older people, to triple lock the State Pension to ensure older people have financial security, and to appoint a Minister of State exclusively for Older People and Demographic Change who can properly plan for the needs and opportunities of our ageing population.

We need the actions outlined in Sláintecare to be implemented without further delay, for fur-

ther supports for renters to be put in place, and for homelessness exit programmes to be delivered for older people experiencing homelessness.

Vulnerable If the next Government does not implement these actions, the most vulnerable older people in our society will continue to be left behind. A fiver on the pension here and there is not enough. We must demand more from our representatives.

No matter what age we are, we all have a responsibility ahead of the General Election to inform canvassers and candidates that we will consider the needs of older people a priority when we make decisions on Election Day, and to vote with the needs of older people in mind.

A vote for older people is not just a vote for older people today, but for all our future selves.

Seán Moynihan is ALONE’s CEO.

6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS BRUNEL CHIME CONFESSOR COPIED CORNFLAKES DICE EYED HASTY HOOP MARKS PERSONAL PITILESS

RAFTERS REGAINING ROYALTY SHELLFISH SLOWED SOCIALISE STEP TREASURED TWINE USAGES UTMOST

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

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6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL P35

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

OLYMPIC DREAM: TAEKWONDO: JACK Woolley isn’t set

to rest on his laurels, despite becoming the first Irish person in Taekwando to qualify for the Olympics.

The Jobstown man became Ireland’s newest Olympian just before Christmas, after placing in the top-six in the world to book a ticket for Tokyo this summer.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P32-33

PAGE 34-35

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | FIRST HALF OF JOB DONE AS ENERGIA PARK AWAITS

Club matters close to heart for Wesley trio CLUB XV INTERNATIONAL  sport@dublingazette.com

ENERGIA Park will host another Club Series International decider this Friday as Ireland Club XV and Scotland Club XV (5.45pm) go head to head for the Dalriada Cup. The Irish side are made up of the most exciting talent in the Energia All-Ireland League and nine players from four Dublin clubs are named in the match day squad.

The Irish won back the trophy in Donnybrook last year and the occasion on their home ground stoked a fire in Old Wesley trio Paul Derham, Conor Maguire and JJ O’Dea. “It was one of my goals to make the clubs team,” says Derham. “I don’t actually know what I’d be doing if I didn’t play rugby. It’s effortless out there. You don’t have to think about anything else. You can set goals, get more out of yourself and get better.”

An obvious goal for the squad is to

win both games in the series. Both Derham and Conor Maguire started in the away leg last Friday – a 39-17 win in Galashiels. They have been retained in the starting line-up while O’Dea is named as a reserve. It’s all about delivering a result in front of their own people this weekend.

“We’ve worked very hard as a team for the last year,” say Maguire. “For Old Wesley and our club coach Morgan Lennon especially, it would be a massive thing for us to represent Ireland at Energia Park.

“We want to play with the best of the best amateur rugby players in the country and to do it on our home pitch in front of club members, family and all the people that we respect.”

“It’s quite a special place to play,” says Paul Derham. “I’ve been to a lot of different clubs and you can just feel within the clubhouse that everyone gets behind each other.”

There are four Terenure College players in the squad including

Old Wesley’s Paul Derham on the attack last Friday night against Scotland.

Picture: Craig Watson/Inpho

Michael Melia in the back-row and Matthew Byrne on the wing.

Colm Hogan of Dublin University is on the other wing while Gearoid Lyons of Clontarf is among the replacements.

In the first tie last Friday, Ireland post a record score, producing five tries with Bryan Fitzgerald opening

the scoring just eight minutes in.

Derham broke the line before playing in Aran Hehir for try number two before the forwards took over for Conor Maguire’s try after 32 minutes.

Scotland fought back in the second half but late tries from Jamie Heuston and Matthew Byrne well clear.

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

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S DATE for WELL done thetoDiary-Senior the Junior A la Hurlers Buffet Breakfast Morning -Saturday 29th of February. Tickets can be purchased from any of the Senior Hurlers. A Full Irish will cost just €10 and children are €5.

Club membership for 2020 is now due.

Renewal emails were issued to all members.

The jackpot was not won. Winning numbers were 20, 11, 25, 10. Next lotto jackpot is €4,000.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN JUVENILE season stirred into action last weekend with U15 boys winning their opening league match against Clan Na Gael at Beechwood Park,U12s hosted St Pats Palmerstown for two games and U10 Girls welcomed Erin Go Brath.

Off field U14Girls Feile squad held a very successful fund raising Quiz in Westmanstown on Friday night-thanks to all who supported.

Adult men’s teams continue their pre season training every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30.PM. Opening league games for both Inters and

Juniors at Westmanstown on Sunday week February 16th.Ladies pre season training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30.PM at Westmanstown.

Club membership for all from Juvenile to Adult is now due and must be complied with before the end of February.Payments may be made online at-https://payments. gardawestmanstowngaels.com/ It is essential that all are paid up fully to comply with insurance requirements in the event of a serious playing or training injury.

GFC ST MARY’S ANNUAL Membership is now due. We would ask you to pay online. Please note, fees can be paid online in 3 equal monthly installments.

Alternatively you can pay in the Club Lounge on Thursday 6th Feb 7pm - 8.30pm.

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

Thank you.

Monthlydefeat Ceilitoon next Saturday 8th Feb. FOLLOWING MusicOby Annaly ceili band, all welcome.

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

Club Shop will be open this Wednesday and Thursday 7.30pm, contact 0861684766.

Dancing every Thursday at 8pm, again all welcome.

Lotto numbers drawn this week were 11-23-25-26. There was no winner so next week’s Jackpot remains capped at €8000 with a €3900 Roll-over.

There were two Match 3 winners , each wins €50. Congrats to Daniel Mahon, c/o Ciaran Howard. and Mary Ryan, Beechwood Lawns.

Next week’s Match 3 will be worth €100 win/share: http://member.clubforce.com/ localhome.asp?LL_ID=781 You can now follow the LocalLotto link on our Facebook page by using the Blue “Shop Now” button and website to play Lotto online.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

SOCCER: QUARTER-FINAL SPOT PROVES A BRIDGE TOO FAR FOR

Ashwood tumble out of Challenge Cup at Rialto UCFL CHALLENGE CUP Rialto FC Ashwood FC  JOHN MOONEY sport@dublingazette.com

2 1

A GOAL in the final two minutes from Paul Tumulty wasn’t enough for Ashwood FC to force extra time in this O’Neills sponsored UCFL Challenge Cup last 16 encounter on Dolphin Road as they put up a brave fight only to go down to a strong Rialto FC. This game was really won in a 10 minute spell either side of half time when the home side raced into a 2-0 lead.

On 37 minutes, Jack Rogers sent over a teasing corner from the left hand side, Ashwood keeper Aaron Clarke parried the ball into the path of Andy Hudson, who was taken down in the area. Up stepped Derek Kelly to smash home the opener from the penalty spot.

Two minutes after the

restart, it got even better for Rialto as Christopher Morgan burst down the left and centred for Anto Fermoyle; he steadied himself and delivered a beauty to the back of the net from the edge of the area.

It could well have been done and dusted minutes later as Rogers found himself with only the Ashwood net minder to beat but the ball took a slight bobble and he blasted over the bar.

It wasn’t a great day for Rogers as he saw a close range effort hit an upright in the opening half.

The wind played a major part in this encounter with the visitors playing with it at their backs in the opening half, one in which they had a fair share of possession, but they just couldn’t deliver a killer blow. That was really down to Rialto’s Brian Fennell who played a stormer between the sticks.

The game had a look

of when a goal eventually came it would open up good and proper, and when the visitors conceded those two goals in quick succession they knew they had to up their game in order to salvage something from it.

They began to get a grip on things and it was in the final 15 minutes that they piled the pressure on the home side.

A commanding performance at centre back

by Kelly and two brilliant

saves from Fennell to deny Nathen Killeen and Tumulty kept them at bay.

Fennell almost put the icing on the cake of a great performance when he dived to his right to save Killeen’s penalty in the dying seconds.

But the ball bounced up nicely for Tumboly to nod home, though it was too little too late for the visitors and Rialto booked their place in the quarter finals.

Rialto FC: Brian Fennell, Stephen Wossor, Christopher Meroan, Andy Hudson, Noel Moore, Robbie Canning, Lee Kylie, Cian Knowles, Anto Fermoyle, Jack Kelly, Aidan May, Tony May, John Cooney, Robert Lyne, Jack Rogers.

Ashwood FC: Aaron Clarke, Ken Ramsey, Ian Flemming, Stephen Bermingham, Paul Crowe, Andrew Flemming, Stephen Conway, Nathan Killeen, Paul Tumulty, David Archbold, Alan Caul, Jonathan Mullane, Ian Murphy, Ger Dunne.

Kinch clinches replay chance

Kilnamanagh’s Stephen Kinch celebrates his equalising goal

KILNAMANAGH AFC will bring Cockhill Celtic back to Dublin for an FAI Intermediate Cup replay after the Tallaght club earned a 1-1 draw in Donegal last weekend.

Cockhill made the early running with Kilnamanagh goalkeeper Karl Coleman drawn into a fine save from Malachy McDermott in the early stages. McDermott headed against the post soon after and they took the lead on the stroke of half-time when a Ronan Doherty free-kick was met by a perfect header from James Bradley for a 1-0 advantage.

That came in injury time in the first half

and things got worse for Kilnamanagh when Liam Harding was shown a second yellow card and received his marching orders.

But the Dubliners bounced back brilliantly and they got their equaliser in the 68th minute against the run of play when Stephen Kinch drove forward and rounded the home goalkeeper Gavin Cullen.

Cockhill threw everything forward in the closing 20 minutes but found clear openings hard to come by and Kilnamanagh ground out their second shot at reaching the next phase of the competition.

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

CLONDALKIN CLUB

Ashwood FC’s Ian Flemming and Rialto FC’s Anto Fermoyle get in a tangle; inset Ashwood’s squad

SOCCER: TERENURE MAN IMPRESSES WBA BOSS SLAVEN BILIC

Breaking into Baggies side O’Shea’s target IRELAND UNDER-21

Dara O’Shea in action for the Irish Under-21s against Armenia last November. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

HAPPY HARRIERS

Lucan duo win medals on international stage

LUCAN Harriers Annette Durkan and Carol Kearney represented their club on the international stage last weekend with a pair of fine performances.

Kearney won gold in women’s Over-55 category at 400m and silver at 200m with Durkan getting gold in the Over-40 60m and 200m distance, both athletes proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the track under the coaching tutelage of Gerry Martin.

DARA O’Shea capped off a week in which he signed a bumper three-and-a-half-year contract by starring for West Bromwich Albion in their shock 1-0 FA Cup win over Premier League West Ham. The Terenure man deputised as right-back – his fourth appearance of the season – as West Brom booked a place in the fifth round tie with Newcastle or Oxford United.

The 20-year-old O’Shea made his breakthrough on a season-long loan with Exeter City last year, playing 33 times, and impressed new West Brom boss Slaven Bilic enough for a promotion to the first team.

Their form – the Baggies have lost just twice all year and conceded a division-low 11 goals – have meant opportunities have been limited for the former St Kevin’s Boys man.

O’Shea, who has established himself as a regular in Stephen Kenny’s Ireland Under-21 side, has grasped the nettle since his league debut against Brentford before Christmas.

Bilic – himself a towering centre-half for Croatia and Everton in his playing days – is a public fan and has stated that he “loves” the defender.

He brought his love to the next level during the week when O’Shea penned a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season and more was to follow when he started the game at Upton Park.

“It was great to play against West Ham. Making any appearances here is great for me and that is my aim, to play as many times as possible,” said O’Shea.

“To play at such a big stadium like that against a great team was great for me, it’s a great learning curve. It made me hungry for more.

“Testing yourself at the highest level is what you want to do. Those players are great

players too. It was great for me to learn from these players to see what they do and how I can try to combat it.

“It was a great learning curve. It was an outstanding couple of days, my family were there as well to watch the game.”

O’Shea returned the love to his Croatian coach, adding: “I think Slaven is happy with me. I am just here to try and get in his eyeline, and try and impress him. That’s all I’m trying to do.

“I’ve learnt so much from Slaven already.

As soon as he came in I had my eyes on him

and was seeing what information he was going to give me.

“From him being a past player helps me greatly but as a manager, his knowledge is just huge.

“I’m not usually a right-back, but if the gaffer puts me right-back, I’m more than happy to play there.

“I want to become a regular here. That is my aim and it has been since I signed as a scholar. I want to get in the first-team and be a regular and that is not going to change now I have signed a new deal.”

Lions ban single use bottles at club

BASKETBALL

 sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN Lions Basketball Club is throwing assists both on and off court to the environment by “banning single use plastic bottles”.

The launch of this initiative took place last Sunday in Coláiste Bríde, Clondalkin with over 150 people attending.

This included Teresa Walsh, President of Basketball Ireland and Vicki Casserly, Mayor of South Dublin County Council and

club sponsors Abbey Seals.

The club also thanked Alison O’Reilly and Michelle Shortt from Xylem Water Solutions.

O’Reilly gave a very informative talk on single use plastic and explained how reusable water bottles are friendlier to the environment.

For example, 50 club members using reusable water bottles will eliminate up to 7,200 single use plastic bottles over the course of a year. Lions are thankful to Xylem Water Solutions, who sponsored the provision of the reusable

sport water bottles which will help to reduce Dublin Lions carbon footprint.

On the court, the club reached

the Dublin Under-17 cup final with a 63-51 win over Eanna in the semi-final.

Dublin Lions at last Sunday’s launch day

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 February 2020

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

MEMBERSHIP for the year 2020 is now due. We ask players, mentors and supporters sign-up for Membership with immediacy. Players must be registered with their club to be registered as players with the GAA and ensure they are indemnified. If required, Membership can be paid in instalments via our website.

Our Minor Football and Hurling teams have two tickets for the Ireland v Wales Six Nations home opener up for grabs. They are available from the club and from any of team mentors priced at €5.

The draw will take place Thursday 6th February. Both teams enjoyed very successful seasons in 2019 and the funds raised will support both in pushing for glory in 2020.

Coláiste Chilliain will host a fundraising Bingo Loco night in the club on Friday 7th February from 8pm, with music on the night. Admission €10.

Round Tower Lotto 27th January 2020. Jackpot: €10,000. Numbers drawn: 1,4,6,7, bonus ball 30.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. 3 x €100 winners: Leona Clarke, Teresa Kelly, C.J.S.K. Thanks to all who support our weekly Lotto.

Bingo every Tuesday night in the club with a €1,000 jackpot up for grabs.

First call at 8.30pm.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN OUR annual mentors and volunteers appreciation night will be held in the Palmerstown House this coming Friday, 7 February, from 9pm til late.

Operation Transformation is on Thursday evening from the Clubhouse at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

Well done to our U12 footballers who played Westmanstown at the weekend.

The Easter Camp will be on from 6 – 9 April. The Cúl Camps will be on 6 – 10 July, and 13 – 17 July. Further information will follow.

Membership for 2020 is now due, and should be paid as soon as possible. The easiest way is to pay on on-line at www. stpatricksgaa.ie New members are very welcome.

GAA National Draw tickets must be

returned to Eileen Maguire before Monday 10 February.

Training for all teams has now resumed, and matches will commence from next weekend. All teams are looking for new players – adult and juvenile. Fixture details and contact information available on our website.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 3, 13, 17 and 21. There was no jackpot winner.

We had four match 3 winners – Daithí Ó’Cinnéide, Chris Gaff, C Lynch and Noel Devitt who won €50 each.

The jackpot next week will be €9,600.

The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm. Tickets available online, and from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, and Manor Hair Studios.

THOMAS DAVIS CONGRATS to Davy Keogh who made his senior hurling league debut with Dublin over the weekend against Laois, chipping in with 1-2 from play.

Well done to the U15 footballers began div 1 season with a draw away to Lucan. Our division 6 team lost out to Naomh Fionnbarra. Best of luck for 2020 to all our juvenile teams who will begin their games over coming weeks.

Our Kids Academy takes place every Sat morning from 10-11am on the Astro pitch. New players welcome. Contact Club GPO Stephen Stewart for further details 0876795720. Check out our club website for all up to date juvenile training times and team contacts. www.thomasdavisgaa.ie Weekly passes for Operation Transformation are still available to purchase in the club shop Mon + Tues 7-8pm and Sat 10-12pm for €10. Johnny Jackson and Terry O’Reilly were our biggest overall weight losses of the week and Mary/John McGrath were our followers of the week, well done to all.

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

Sincere Condolences to Marie and Eamonn Hughes and all the extended family on the passing of Marie’s Brother Dessie Winders (Oldcourt). Also to the Brady Family (Bancroft Park) on the passing of Pat Brady a Life Member and former Team Mentor who passed away. Finally to the Prentice family on the passing of former juvenile player Ger Prentice (U16 2018).

Membership for 2020 is now due, please check the club website or Facebook for online payment options or search Thomas Davis on the Clubforce app.

Lotto Numbers 2,6,8 + 16. Not won, next Week’s jackpot is €2,500.

TAEKWONDO: TALLAGHT MAN CREATED HISTORY

Woolley ready  CÓILÍN DUFFY

cduffy@dublingazette.com

JACK Woolley isn’t set to rest on his laurels, despite becoming the first Irish person in Taekwando to qualify for the Olympics.

The Jobstown man became Ireland’s newest Olympian just before Christmas, after placing in the top-six in the world to book a ticket for Tokyo this summer.

However, he is keen to keep up his involvement in international competition and will travel to Sweden shortly for an event.

It’s stark contrast to just four years previously when, as a 17-year old, Woolley had history in his sights.

He agonisingly missed out on a place at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and this was the driver that fueled him to make sure he would secure Olympic qualfiication this time around.

“As a sportsperson, when you start off a sport everyone has a goal,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“If you play GAA you want to be on your county team – you’ve got certain goals. Since I was young, I wanted to go to the Olympics. I trained when I was younger and realised I was good enough and I had the potential to do well.

“I started off my sen-

ior career pretty strong; I tried to qualify for the last Olympics and got bronze at the qualifiers but I had to get gold or silver.

“It was heart-breaking but it kind of pushed me to work hard for four years, not to be in that position again to have to go to the qualification.

“The top six countries in the Olympic rankings qualify automatically and they don’t have to go their continentals. Luckily, I’ve got into the top-six this time. I’ve worked hard for four years and did everything I could points wise.

“I skipped some competitions because, mathematically, it might have worked better in my favour for other competitions. I’m top-six now.

“I’m proud but I’m more relieved than anything that I don’t have to go through that horrible heartbreak – not that it was going to be heartbreak, but I don’t want to be in that situation I was in four years ago. I’m pretty happy now.”

While qualification has been secured, Woolley knows that in order to keep him in contention for medal placings he has to keep up the momentum in training.

“We’ve got a good seven months to train hard and look at who our opponents could possibly be for the Olympics, and just focus on them, rather

SLOW START Glens fall at hands of UCD

GLENANNE got the second half of the men’s EY Hockey League season off to a slow start as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of UCD. The Tallaght club fell 2-0 behind to goals from Jazze Henry and Ewan Ramsay before Shannon Boucher pulled one back in the last 10 minutes after UCD were reduced to 10 men.

Picture: adrian boehm

Jack Woolley is enjoying the early stages of Olympic year with qualification already assured.

Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

than having to focus on a group of Europeans, and beat them,” he said.

“Things have changed a little bit in the past few weeks. We found out I qualified two weeks ago.

“I never get a holiday, I never get time off. In 2019, I went to 17 International competitions, which is a lot for any

international sports person sometimes going to two or three different continents.

“I have taken a little bit of a break for the last few weeks which was well needed. The camp was just to top things back up and make sure that I didn’t just completely fall off the bandwagon. It

6 February 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

AS FIRST IRISHMAN TO QUALIFY IN HIS SPORT

for 2020 vision

kind of keeps me a bit on track.”

The sport is a tough one, not just in terms of fights, but also in preparations, where making your weight is key.

It can be a physical struggle at times, with many teenagers in the sport suffering as a result, with anorexia a docu-

mented issue. Jack says he has a good team behind him who keep him right.

“It’s a very weight oriented sport. It’s very focussed on weight. The Olympic categories are 58, 68, 80 kg’s. There’s nothing in between; 10kg for a sportsperson is a massive jump. It’s incredibly large.

“Usually I would have to focus on it. I fight 58kg now which is a lot healthier for myself. I don’t have to cut too much weight.

“I’ll probably cut from 61. The fact I’m constantly fighting. I’m fighting in 17 competitions a year – it’s every two weeks, so I can’t take my foot off the pedal.

“I can go back up to 61 and then, in a week, get back down to 58. Whereas if I was to not train, or not having these constant competitions of always having to make weight, I think I would fall a bit off, and I wouldn’t be as strict on myself.

“Because of the competitions it keeps me focussed and keeps me on weight as much as possible. I have a team out in Sport Ireland who really focus on a lot of different things. S&C, psychology, nutrition etc. We work together as a team and keep everything as steady as possible.”

Woolley is in good company, with the rest of Ireland’s Olympic hopefuls at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin; where they have access to strength and conditioning coaches, top dieticians and other supports.

As Ireland’s first ever Grand Prix Taekwando athlete, Woolley certainly is flying the flag high for the sport and will no doubt do Ireland proud in Japan, where an Olympic medal is a realistic prospect.

And he may not be alone in Rio. Grace Park Road’s Conor Grassick is also in contention to make the Olympics in the sport, with the North Dublin 26-year old unlucky not to have qualified for games in London in 2012.

Hurlers beat Laois

Dublin manager Mattie Kenny

MATTIE Kenny lauded his Dublin hurlers for their work-rate and character following their Division 1 Group B victory over Laois in Parnell Park on Sunday.

The Dubs, who had lost to Kilkenny first time out, responded well to that defeat when overcoming the O’Moore County 4-18 to 2-17 at the Donnycarney venue.

“Look, we were disappointed with our performance levels the last day,” Kenny said.

“But the lads bounced back. We have to start building on that now. It’s a platform for us to work on.

“We were looking for a better one (display). And a higher work-rate. And in fairness to the guys, they delivered that in spades.

“We showed really good character out there, we worked really hard.

“We were better around the breaking ball and we showed more desire and deserved all they got out of the game.”

LADIES FOOTBALL Niamh Collins in action for Dublin in their win over Mayo. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Bohan makes case for defence as Dubs win A VICTORY acquired from hard work rather than flair sent TG4 All-Ireland champions Dublin home from the west with a deserved 0-12 to 0-7 Lidl National Football League Division 1 victory on Saturday night.

There wasn’t a lot between the sides in the opening half but the more powerful visitors pulled clear after the break and were clear and deserving winners.

The accuracy of Carla Rowe was the difference between the sides in the first half. The Clann Mhuire star kicked four points in the opening period, while Mayo were certainly more wayward at the other end.

The guests might have shook the net too, but goalkeeper Laura Brennan and defender Saoirse Lally rescued Mayo.

The home side were moving well in many sectors, but made little impact in attack thanks mainly to the performance of Dublin full-back Muireann Ní Scanaill.

Mayo had three points on the board by the interval courtesy of a brace from team captain Sinead Cafferky and a Natasha Gaughan free, but they found scores even harder to come by after the break, with Dublin protecting their 0-6 to 0-3 interval lead.

Gaughan added a free soon after the resumption but Dublin completely took over from then on. Their backs were ravenous, while Mayo found it hard to gain a foothold around the middle thanks to Lauren Magee and Jennifer Dunne.

Rowe was kicking points for fun throughout and finished with eight points, but the Dubs couldn’t find a way to create a goal chance thanks to the tenacity of Kathryn Sullivan, Noirin Moran, Saoirse Lally and Dayna Finn.

Kate Sullivan and Hannah O’Neill landed classy points for the leaders before Mayo found their rhythm in the run-in. Lisa Cafferky landed a smart point before Rachel Kearns kicked two late frees, but there was no denying the Metropolitans who were well worth their five-point victory.

“I’m very pleased with the win. It’s always a balancing act, trying to develop players while also doing the jersey proud and playing the game on its merits,” said Bohan.

“Our backs did very well – at the other end we created a few goal chances and didn’t take them, so we need to improve there. The effort from every one of our girls cannot be faulted.”

GazetteSPORT FEBRUARY 6-12, 2020

ALL OF YOUR WEST DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 31-35 33-39

WOOLLEY’S TOKYO VISION TAEKWONDO:

Tallaght man talks about landing his Olympic spot and what it takes to balance the scales for Tokyo 2020. SEE P34-35

UP IN SMOKE SOCCER:

Ashwood’s UCFL cup hopes go up in smoke at the hands of Rialto in lively encounter SEE P32

DARA’S BAGGIES BREAKTHROUGH SOCCER: Terenure’s Dara O’Shea continues to make his mark under the watchful eye of Croatian legend Slaven legend.

SEE P33

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Byrne hoping to catch fire quickly for Irish call  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

JACK Byrne admits he’ll need to hit the ground running this season to stand any chance of making Mick McCarthy’s squad for the Euro 2020 play-off in Slovakia next month.

The Shamrock Rovers playmaker has been a member of McCarthy’s last five Ireland squads, and made his bow with an assist in the 3-1 friendly win over Bulgaria in September.

A first start in the 3-1 win over New Zealand in November further whetted his appetite on the back of FAI Cup success with the Hoops and brought to an end a breakthrough year.

The 23-year-old is yet to make his competitive debut under McCarthy but Byrne is in the best shape of his career and determined to show he’s fit and ready if called upon in Bratislava. “ It ’s t h e b e s t I ’ve felt. It’s going to take a few games to find your sharpness and competitiveness, but I feel good,” Byrne said at the launch o f Rove rs ’ h e a d l i n e sponsorship deal with JD Sports.

“I look better than last year, probably lost a bit of weight from when I was starting pre-season last year. I’m happy, so hopefully we can hit the ground running.

“I wasn’t playing as regularly as I would have wanted to before I came back here. I was chas-

Jack Byrne and Stephen Bradley at this week’s announcement of JD Sports as new Shamrock Rovers sponsor. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“I’m going to have to hit the ground running

because I’ve given [players in England] a head start“ ing fitness. I feel good this year – I feel lean and I feel ready to hit the heights I did last year.

“I took a shorter break because I wanted to get back out on the grass in January fit – I didn’t want to be chasing it. I had a two-week break and then I came back and started working straight away.

“I know if I don’t start the season well then I’ve no chance of being in

[international] squads.

I’m going to have to hit the ground running because I’ve given [players in England] a head start.”

The Ballybough man was at a low ebb after deciding to terminate his contract with Kilmarnock last January and he returned to sign for Shamrock Rovers in a bid to reignite his passion for the game.

A spell with Dutch

side SC Cambuur, on loan from Manchester City, set Byrne out as one of the future stars of Irish football but stints with Wigan Athletic and Oldham were disappointing.

He came under the wing of Stephen Bradley on his return to England and his performances during the 2019 season earned him the PFAI player of the year award from his peers.

Sunday sees Rovers

travel to Oriel Park to take on champions Dundalk in the President’s Cup, but Byrne’s energy is focused on the league kick-off away to Bohemians the following Saturday.

“We made a statement last year [in the FAI Cup final against Dundalk].

The President’s Cup, it is what it is, but it’s still a pre-season game on paper.

“Of course, we want

to win, but is somebody going to play through the pain barrier against Dundalk if they’re struggling with a knock?

“Everybody knows how important the Bohs game is and how important it is to get the league off to a good start.

“It’s always going to be a big game, so I think they might have missed a trick putting that as the first game of the season, to be honest.”