Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JULY 18-24, 2019

MOTORING: You’re all ready for your great

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Heritage trail app SOUTH Dublin County Council has signed a contract to develop a heritage trail mobile app for Clondalkin Village.

The Self-Guided Walk Historical Trail of Clondalkin App is an amalgamation of five proposals, which included an app, information signage and audio tour of the Clondalkin Village Heritage SEE PAGE 4 Trail.

SPORT

FOOTBALL: Round

Tower’s brilliant minors record second successive promotion in the league, moving up to Division One. SEE P30

FOOTBALL

For all SEE GALLERY P6

food&drink

TUCK IN TO A LOOK AT ELECTRIC PICNIC DINING... SEE P21

Vital mental health services to remain

PADRAIG CONLON

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

VITAL mental health services will remain in Clondalkin following a HSE decision against relocating outside the local area.

In March, serious concerns were raised after the HSE proposed moving the Community Adult Mental Health Team to Glenabbey in Tallaght because

they deemed the unit in Clondalkin village not fit for purpose.

Local councillors passed a motion at that month’s meeting of Clondalkin Area Committee requesting the services remain in the area.

It was argued that even a temporary move would be very difficult for local service users, particularly those with dual diagnosis.

In May, Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin raised the matter in the Dail when he asked the Minister for Health Simon Harris if funding was available from the HSE for the refurbishment of the new premises for the Clondalkin adult mental health service.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

New stand for Tallaght Stadium

TALLAGHT Stadium is set for a €4.7m redevelopment to bring its capacity up to 10,000 and create a new VIP area.

Last year the stadium increased its capacity to 8,000 with the addition of the South Stand and now the council is asking architects to submit design proposals for a fourth stand to the north of the stadium plus a remodelled west stand with an additional floor to accommodate VIP facilities for up to 200 people.

SEE PAGE 9

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

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HSE CONFIRM IT WON’T BE MOVING SERVICE OUT OF LOCAL AREA

Vital mental health services will remain in Clondalkin  PADRAIG CONLON

pconlon@dublingazette.com

FROM PAGE 1

In response to Deputy Ó Broin, Karen Brady, Head of Mental Health, recently confirmed the HSE would not be moving the service out of the local area.

“The proposer of the project is currently in the process of concluding the purchase of the building and tendering the project,” she said.

“Once this is confirmed, the HSE will enter into the agreement for lease.

“The commencement of the works at Steeple House are dependent on the proposer closing out the purchase and tendering.

“Therefore, at this time, the HSE cannot confirm any commencement date or completion date for works.”

Eoin O Broin TD has welcomed the confirmation.

“I was delighted to receive confirmation from the HSE that the relocation of Clondalkin Adult Mental Health Services has been averted and the service is to remain in Clondalkin,” he said.

“Quite understandably, the possibility that the service might be lost to Tallaght was met with deep concern throughout the area, particularly for

clients of the service and their families.

“On foot of requests to the HSE to secure a new property, followed up by strong lobbying from service users, the wider community and local politicians, the HSE have now confirmed that a new premises has been identified and approved for funding.

“The service will move to Steeple House, Ninth Lock Road, once the redevelopment of the building has taken place.

“Currently, there is no commencement or completion dates for these works but I intend to keep a close eye on developments.

“Until then, these vital services will remain in

situ at Orchard Road, Clondalkin.”

While adult mental health services will remain in the area, there is growing concern and anger locally at the proposed closure of a mental health service for young people.

Last Wednesday (10th) a protest of over three hundred people marched through Clondalkin to show their concern and opposition to plans for Jigsaw to amalgamate its Clondalkin and Tallaght offices.

Local People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, who took part in the protest, said there has been a huge outcry from community groups, organisations and local people about the loss of a full, local service.

“I am very proud of my community in North Clondalkin and the stand they have taken in relation to the loss of vital youth mental health services from the area,” he said.

“I have raised this on several occasions in the Dáil, have written to Jigsaw and met with its representa-

Sinn Fein TD Eoin Ó Broin

tives in an effort to get them to change their mind about the move.

“In fact, I questioned the Taoiseach on the f loor of the Dail this week about, what many see as a potentially disastrous withdrawal of services by a Statefunded organisation.

“Research has shown, that people with mental health issues engage with

and access help and support much more effectively when the services are in their own locality.

“We have a huge youth population and very high numbers of young people who need access to mental health services.

“I stand with my community in appealing to Jigsaw to reverse the decision to move their operation to Tallaght.”

Extra €1m to support groups A NEW initiative will see an extra €1 million in funding being made available to community and voluntary groups working with older people.

It is envisaged that grants will range from €5,000 to €20,000. The closing date for receipt of applications for the Community & Voluntary Support Grant is August 15.

More information and application forms are available at https://www.hse. ie/eng/services/list/4/ olderpeople/supportgrant-for-older-persons/ community-voluntarysupport-grant-for-olderpersons.html.

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

EVENT: SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO GET WEEKEND OF FESTIVITIES UNDERWAY

Vikings set to be let loose at this year’s Lucan Festival THE Vikings are coming to Lucan to make merry and meet the locals for a weekend of festivities.

The visit from the Nordic invaders is all part of this years’ Lucan Festival which is set to take place from 6th to 8th September.

It will be the eleventh outing for the very popular local festival which has grown year on year since first launching in 2009.

It all kicks off on Friday night, 6th September with a spectacular Fireworks Display at 9pm which spectators can watch from Weirview.

Immediately after the fireworks the Vikings will arrive above the Weir in their wooden Longboat with torches blazing.

On Saturday they will take up abode in the grounds of Lucan House and will display their way of life and also show their prowess in weapons with a display of swords, axes and other assorted items.

As well as this they’ll stage a fight which will show how fearsome they were!

Their Longboat will be moored alongside the bank of the Liffey and you can see them on the Saturday by coming along to the gates of Lucan House with admission €5 for adults (children U12 free) from 1pm to 4.45pm.

Among other attractions that day will be music performed by Lucan Ceoltas and Ukulele Band, a

Bird Display and demonstration and information on the House and its former inhabitants.

Five paintings by Thomas Roberts of the Demesne from 1760 will be on display and there is approximately 28 acres of beautiful parkland to walk in.

All of the above on the Saturday is available thanks to the Italian Ambassador Mr Paolo Serpi and his wife Mrs Maria Gabriela Echeverri Serpi.

Local musicians, dancers, actors and comedians are all welcome to showcase their skills at the Lucan Festival 2019.

Just send them an email to: lucfestevents@ gmail.com

Locals enjoying some of the events at last year’s Lucan Festival

Success of Handcraft and Horticultural Show grows PADRAIG CONLON

THIS year’s Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show was a massive success with an amazing 400% increase in entries.

The show, which took place on June 29 in Newlands Home and Garden Centre, and June 30 in Aras Chronain, was the fifth year since the revival of the very popular community-based event that originally ran for 30 years.

Cllr Francis Timmons, CHHS Chair, told Dublin Gazette of his delight at the success of this years’ Show.

“We had an absolutely amazing two days with this year’s Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show,” he said.

“The show has seen an over 400% increase in entries since 2017, this year 72% of the show was children’s entries.

“The entries where the highest ever and the show continues to grow from strength to strength every year.

“The standard of entries continues to grow every year.

“We had 404 entrants entering 691 items that the public could view over the two days.

“It’s a great chance for local talent to be displayed and showcase what’s great about SDCC

and the incredible skills and talents were so evident in the show entries.

“This year we did 17 free children’s workshops and two adult workshops by the committee and SDCC Libraries, Newlands Home and Garden Centre and Aras Chronain.

“They proved to be a massive success and we will be running more workshops with over 700 free places for children, we got very positive feedback.’’

Cllr Timmons said the show would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the committee, volunteers and sponsors who by working together made this year’s show the biggest and best yet.

“We would like to thank SDCC, SDCC Dublin Outdoors, SDCC Heritage Dept, Tower Credit Union, Brian McElroy Funeral Directors, Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Aras Chronain, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, Broad Meadow Equestrian, Cllr Timmons, Cllr O’Connell, Guinan family, Bonner family and the Lyons family, School and Office World, our local media for all their coverage and Q102 for advertising our show on their events guide,” he said.

This year the show had several new cups

“

Noreen King, Cllr Timmons and Jean Brotlebank pictured at the event

We had an absolutely amazing two days with this year’s Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show

that where awarded with Clondalkin Tidy Towns sponsoring an over-all Children’s Cup winner and a Trophy for Fairtrade was sponsored

by Cllr Timmons who also sponsored the Baking category.

Among the other cups awarded SDCC Heritage

Department sponsored a Heritage Cup for crafts, Broad Meadow Equestrian sponsored Art, Cllr Guss O’Connell sponsored Community Craft, The Guinan Family sponsored the Homebrew Cup, The Bonner Family sponsored Photography and the Lyons Family sponsored

the overall show winner.

Newlands Home and Garden Centre sponsored three cups; the Phil Devitt Cup for Floral, produce was sponsored by Newlands in memory of Mike Devitt and Newlands sponsored the Preserves Cup. Cllr Timmons said he’s

already looking forward to next year.

“We are already planning the 2020 show which promises to be even bigger follow us on Facebook for updates on the show and workshops at Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show,” he said.

FASTNews Cluid to deliver 2,500 new social homes TETRARCH Capital has agreed to sell 84 units at Westpark Apartments on Garter Lane in Citywest to Cluid, an approved housing body.

Cluid will add the units to its portfolio of affordable social housing, consistent with its strategy of delivering 2,500 new social housing homes over the next 3 years.

Tetrarch acquired 80 aparthotel units in six blocks at Westpark in 2017.

All units were in a very poor state of repair, and many were uninhabitable at the time.

Tetrarch subsequently secured planning permission from South Dublin County Council to convert the six blocks from 80 aparthotel units to 84 residential units.

The first four blocks of 56 apartments have recently transferred to Cluid, with the final two blocks due for completion and transfer to Cluid before the end of the year.

The four completed blocks are currently in the process of being occupied.

Cluid is financing the project through a combination of loans from the Housing Finance Agency and financial support from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

All units are being delivered to Cluid on a turn key basis, following a c.€10m refurbishment process by project contractor McKelan Construction on behalf of Tetrarch Capital.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

NEW APP: FULLY INTERACTIVE, USER-FRIENDLY AND USER IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

FASTNews Heroin worth estimated €700,000 seized in West Dublin GARDAÍ in Tallaght seized heroin with an estimated street value of €700k and arrested one man as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in west Tallaght.

The discovery was made when members of the District detective unit searched a house during a planned operation in Tallaght on Sunday evening.

A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Tallaght Garda Station for questioning.

He appeared before a sitting of Tallaght District Court on Monday morning to face charges in connection with the case.

Council developing heritage trail app for Clondalkin SOUTH Dublin County Council has signed a contract to develop a heritage trail mobile app for Clondalkin Village.

The Self-Guided Walk Historical Trail of Clondalkin App is an amalgamation of five proposals, which included an app, information signage and audio tour of the Clondalkin Village Heritage Trail.

Following a tender and evaluation process, the council chose Mobanode Ltd to deliver the mobile heritage trail app for Clondalkin Village.

Mobanode will deliver a fully interactive, user-friendly and user immersive

heritage trail app available in multiple languages to highlight the wonderful history and heritage of Clondalkin Village, whilst increasing the footfall in the area from both national and international tourists.

The app will have a map of Clondalkin, and the heritage locations integrated within the app so no data will be used by any user which is essential for international visitors.

It will also draw more attention to The Round Tower Visitor Centre as it will be a focal point of the trail.

It is anticipated that the heritage trail app for Clondalkin Village will be available for download to mobile devices within the coming months.

The idea for the app came from the €300K – Have Your Say participatory budgeting initiative run in Clondakin, Rathcoole and Newcastle last year where members of the public were asked to suggest funding ideas and then vote on a short list of agreed projects.

Frank Nevin, director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development said: “The most efficient and beneficial

way of delivering the suggestions for Clondalkin was to introduce a downloadable app which will be compatible with all mobile devices and tablets” “As apps are a major part of most people’s lives, the objective is to create a fun, exciting and engaging app to not only showcase Clondalkin’s wonderful heritage but to also make it an engaging experience for users of all ages.

“The app will also integrate with Dublin’s Outdoors to highlight weekly events, tours and businesses in the area.”

New ‘Wonder Cabinet’ revealed at National Museum of Ireland

PICTURED is The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan with Blathnat Quinn and Charlie Walsh as the New ‘Wonder Cabinet’ is revealed at the National Museum of Ireland.

The Minister officially opened the new ‘Wonder Cabinet’ at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History in Dublin. Inspired by the ‘cabinets of curiosity’ which paved the way for the Victorian craze for museums, the new Wonder Cabinet was conceived by AP+E (architects) and is one of a kind in Ireland.

It was commissioned by the Museum’s Education and Outreach team as part of a reimagining of the Discovery Zone in the Museum of Natural History.

Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Sentencing of Ana’s killers adjourned PADRAIG CONLON

THE sentencing of two teenage boys for the murder of Ana Kriegel has been adjourned to October 29 as psychiatric reports on the two teenagers have not been completed.

On Monday the Central Criminal Court was told Ana’s parents have prepared a statement detailing the impact her death has had on their lives but they wanted it to be read out when the sentencing of the boys takes place.

The two 14-year-old boys, known as Boy A and Boy B, were convicted last month of the murder of the schoolgirl at Glenwood House in Laraghcon on the Clonee

Road in May 2018.

As they are both children they are not facing the mandatory life sentence for murder.

Boy A was also found guilty of violently sexually assaulting her.

Both boys were in court and sat with their parents.

The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, said probation reports had been prepared and were before the court although they had not yet been seen by the prosecution or the defence.

Brendan Grehan SC, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said psychiatric reports had been ordered by the court but no assessments have yet been carried out.

He said the court must consider

the provisions of the Children’s Act and in relation to Boy A, the provisions of the Sex Offenders’ Act. Mr Justice McDermott said it would be inappropriate to proceed with the sentencing hearing without the psychiatric reports the court had requested.

He also said reports will be drawn up by two teams of psychiatrists in relation to the boys and these would take some time to put together so it didn’t seem realistic these reports would be completed before the end of July.

Mr Justice McDermott adjourned the sentencing to October 29 and remanded the two boys back to Oberstown detention centre until then.

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6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Mark and Alex Sweeney

Alan Power

Charlie and Matthew. Pictures: Emily Gallagher Ella and Scott Sherlock with Mathew Bourke

Knocklyon United host Mixed Mini World Cup S

IXTEEN teams took part in the recent Knocklyon United Mixed Mini World Cup in Ballycullen Park. A mixture of mainstream and special needs children took part.

The brainchild of former DDSL Vice Chairman Mick Kennedy (now Director of Football at Knocklyon United), this event saw Knocklyon team up with Knocklions Special Olympics to create this wonderful inclusive Football For All event.

Clubs from Cabinteely FC, Down Syndrome Dublin, Dundrum Special Olympics, Hartstown Huntstown FC, Knocklyon United, Knocklions Special Olympics, Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic, Malahide United, Sacred Hearts, Spectrum Kids Fitness and Terenure Rangers all took part in the competition.

The format was based on a 7-a-Side Cup Competition in a 16-team tournament where the maximum number of players per team were 10 players. Saffron Smith becoming a butterfly

Belgium

USA

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Nadine Reid with Sam Faiers

Kenda Becker, Ceira Lambert and Ali Ryan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

New salon all set to be a cut above

F Jeff Byrne and Chris King

ASHIONISTAS were out in force for the recent opening of Irish Celebrity Hairdresser Ceira Lambert’s new city centre salon in McCauley’s Health & Beauty Pharmacy, Charlemont Street,Dublin.

A host of well-known and familiar faces came along for

the launch of Ceira’s new venture, keen to congratulate her and encourage her on her efforts to be a cut above in the highly competitive salon scene. Ceira was delighted to welcome her guests and well-wishers, who also enjoyed a drinks reception to help toast the salon.

Wine and Tapas bar well worth checking out

Kristina Cosgrave and Tiffany Cawley

Danielle Lloyd and Michael O’Neill

Martin Guilfoyle and Emily Jade Elliott

SINCE opening their doors just a few months ago with their modest 30-seater restaurant, the Wine & Tapas Bar at the Old Orchard is thriving and quickly becoming a firm favourite amongst the locals.

Due to demand the bustling restaurant will shortly double in capacity with the imminent launch of their newly renovated terrace.

Located on Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, The Wine & Tapas bar takes inspiration from a Spanish ‘tapas style’ restaurant. To compliment the expansion, their experienced Head Chef Darren Raethorne has created a brand-new Tapas Menu which includes a wide range of delicious mini sharing dishes using only the best in locally sourced produce.

The Wine & Tapas Bar offers guests an authentic Spanish dining experience with a vast variety of choices for everyone.

The new Wine & Tapas Bar at the Old Orchard is the newest addition to the Chawke Group.

Made up of 10 well established venues, the group prides itself on providing superior service and hospitality in a traditional atmosphere.

Ali Chawke, Owner and Director has been the driving force behind the newest venture. “We knew we wanted to do something different with the space available to us,” she said.

“So a few months back we opened the new Wine & Tapas Bar, providing guests with that intimate, dining experience.

“The response was better than we ever expected.”

The outdoor terrace and new tapas menu will launch tomorrow Friday the 19th of July and will offer guests the option to dine al fresco, and watch the world go by, whatever the weather!

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

Role of housing provisions to be examined by review group A PUBLIC consultation has been launched by the Department of Housing over a controversial ‘fast-track’ process introduced in 2016.

The Planning and Development and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 Act enabled a ‘fast-track planning’ process.

This process allowed applications for developments of 100 or more housing units, or student accommodation of 200 or more bed spaces, or shared accommodation developments of 200 or more bed spaces, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanala.

Applications by-passed the local authority under this plan.

The intended purpose of the Act was to speed up decision making for strategic housing proposals.

Its aim was to facilitate the delivery of an increased housing supply, in a time where housing in Ireland was deemed to be in short supply.

The provisions for the strategic

housing developments apply until the end of 2019; however, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy may extend the period until the end of 2021.

However, the Act dictates that the Minister review the effectiveness of the operation before October 30 of this year, which will appear before both houses of the Oireachtas.

A review group has now been established, but the Department of Housing have also launched a public consultation where the opportunity will be afforded for stakeholders to make submissions on strategic housing developments.

With the review already open, submissions can be made up until the close of business on July 25.

Submissions can be sent by email to shdreview@housing.gov.ie, or by post to SHD Review, Planning Policy Section, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Custom House, D01 W6X0.

ARTS: POLITICIAN TURNED WRITER ON HIS WORK

Alan’s new book is all set to shatter any confusion on politics GARY IBBOTSON

NOW retired from politics, Dublin Gazette caught up with the politician-turnedauthor Alan Shatter recently to get an insight into his career, and his new book, Frenzy and Betrayal: The Anatomy of a Political Assassination.

The book is a look back over his political career, highlighting the latter years of his political life.

He discusses when, as then Minister for Defence, he was under fire over complaints over the handling of the Sergeant Maurice McCabe issue relating to historic corruption in the Force, culminating in his resignation – and his subsequent vindication of any wrongdoing by the O’Higgins Commission in 2016.

What inspired you to write the book?

I thought, firstly, it would be interesting for people to see the inside of how politics works. There have been all of these unprecedented controversial issues – a tsunami of them in the first half of 2014.

There was a lot written and said at the time [about me] by others and I thought due to the nature of the issues and the importance of the issues – I thought it was important to give a truthful chronological account of what occurred.

I tried to do it in a way that was not only truthful but also interesting – one or two of the reviews have said that it’s a bit like reading a thriller.

Have you got much of a response – or feedback from people – so far?

The feedback from people who have read the book has been quite extraordi-

nary. It’s been positive.

I think the book is different from what a lot of people expected. I think a lot of political memoirs are really boring and even when you know the events, it can be difficult to see your way through them.

The book, as I say, was written in a way that is different to the tradition and people have found it a very interesting read.

I’ve been told people have been given insights, some of which are disturbing, about what happens in politics.

Because the events that took place had so much notoriety, I think it was important there was an accurate historical account.

How long did it take to write?

I started to write it in January 2015, but it was written on and off. A large chunk of the writing was done in 2015 but I couldn’t continue the book as I had to wait for events to work themselves out.

In the earlier chapters, to a degree, I was kind of anticipating where events would go and my anticipations ultimately proved

pretty accurate.

It covers 2014, all the way through, and doesn’t finish until February 2019.

So, it was a rolling project and in the middle of it all I stopped to write another book to get my head out of it.

For me, personally, it was a very difficult time, but ultimately, I was proven to having told the truth and acted competently on various issues.

Since the release of the book, have any former colleagues got in touch?

Have they reached out to you?

Some former colleagues who are in Fine Gael but are no longer members of the Oireachtas have been in contact and I received some nice congratulations.

Some former colleagues have expressed their astonishment at what occurred – the book has a lot of revelations that nobody knew of.

Do you have any future in politics, or has the whole experience soured

your taste for it?

I am no longer a member of Fine Gael – I was a member of Fine Gael for nearly 40 years.

There are fantastic people in Fine Gael, but I have no confidence in the moral compass of the leadership in Fine Gael. I quietly didn’t pay my membership fee in 2018, and that was that.

I’m constantly asked if I will run in the next election. Unfortunately, if I was to run again, I would have to run as Independent. It’s something I’m giving consideration to.

I enjoy writing and have far more free time to write.

But there is no definitive decision made yet and I will have to discuss it with my family.

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

EVENT: NUMBER OF RUNNERS UP 20% ON LAST YEAR’S RACE

FASTNews

Four South Dublin council parks awarded prestigious Green Flag award FOUR South Dublin County Council parks were awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award from An Taisce at a ceremony in Maynooth University on Wednesday. Tymon Park was also named as a Category Winner for Town Park.

Corkagh Park, Waterstown Park, Sean Walsh Park were all awarded Green Flags Awards whilst Tymon Park received a Green Flag Award and was also awarded the Overall Category for Town Park.

The Green Flag Award for Parks Scheme is an international standard for well managed public parks and green spaces.

Racing along the Grand Canal Walkway. Pictures: Ben Ryan

Up to 3,400 to take part in South Dublin 10K PADRAIG CONLON

THIS Sunday an expected 3,400 people will take part in the South Dublin 10k race which runs through Clondalkin.

The number of runners participating this year is up 20% on last year’s race which saw Clonliffe Harriers David Flynn and Leevale’s Lizzie Lee claim top honours.

The race starts at 10.35am in Grange Castle Business Park, and makes its way through Corkagh Park, Clondalkin village and the Grand Canal before returning to the business park.

Now in its’ second year, the South Dublin 10k is part of the KBC Dublin Marathon Race Series

2019 where runners, hoping to take part in the Dublin City Marathon in October, boost their training by participating in a number of organised race distances.

The other races in the series are the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Dublin Half Marathon, both of which take place in the Phoenix Park.

The event is supported in South Dublin County by Dublin’s Outdoors.

Frank Nevin, director of Economic, Enterprise, and Tourism Development at South Dublin County Council is looking forward to Sunday’s event.

“The race introduces Clondalkin and all that it can offer, in terms of business development

at Grange Castle, heritage and culture at the Round Tower Visitor Centre, and recreation and leisure in Corkagh Park, to over 3,000 people from around the country,” he said.

The Dublin Marathon Race Series began in 2002 and is organised and operated by the board who have been organising the Dublin City Marathon since 1980.

In order to facilitate the event road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Notice of Road Closures is available on the Council’s website at http://www.sdublincoco. ie/Media/Item/41492?p=1

New stand at Tallaght Stadium will increase capacity to 10,000 TALLAGHT Stadium is set for a €4.7m redevelopment to bring its capacity up to 10,000 and create a new VIP area.

Last year the stadium increased its capacity to 8,000 with the addition of the South Stand and now the council is asking architects to submit design proposals for a fourth stand to the north of the stadium plus a remodelled west stand with an additional floor to accommodate VIP facilities for up to 200 people.

In its request for tenders for the work, it includes costs of €2.9m for the North Stand, which will have

a capacity of 2,000, and €1.8m for the West stand. The council also wants to add retail units at street level to recoup the cost of their investment.

Following redevelopment, the stadium could accommodate over 20,000 people for music gigs and other events.

In the decade since opening in 2009, Tallaght Stadium has increased capacity, improved facilities and provided the home ground for all Shamrock Rovers’ games in the Airtricity League.

The stadium has hosted many big events, such as the Special

Olympics’ opening ceremony and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid debut, as well as many memorable games for Shamrock Rovers and the Ireland Women’s football team.

A counc il spokesperson explained how they plan to make the stadium bigger.

“We engaged Cooney Architects to look at options for developing the North Stand, to complete the Stadium,” they said.

“Cooney Architects presented an Options Report, on the proposed development of the North Stand, along with proposed changes to the existing Main Stand, to the

Corporate Policy Group and to the December 2018 Council Meeting.

“The Report looked at the future of the Stadium as continuing to host the sporting events, including Shamrock Rovers and FAI International games, as well as becoming an event venue.

“The venue to be promoted for use during the day, for corporate, business and training events as well as a potentially unique wedding venue.

“The venue would be for the local community, the whole county and for visitors from outside the county to use and visit.”

Quality Only awarded for exceeding tough environmental standards in green space management, the Green Flag Award for Parks is the mark of a quality park or green space and is recognised throughout the world.

The Awards are judged every year by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, and community involvement.

Robert Moss, the Green Flag Award for parks manager for the Republic of Ireland said: “In terms of urban renewal, and rural and community development, the Green Flag Award for Parks is a logical and sensible step towards supporting community engagement with green space improvement, and helps increase quality of life within our communities.”

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Main picture: Maxwell Photography

DUBLINERS PAY FOND TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ARTHUR RYAN THE late Penneys-Primark founder and chairman Arthur Ryan (83) was given a respectful and appreciative send-off by many current and former staff as his funeral procession passed through the

city centre last weekend.

A guard of honour was formed at key locations, with staff at Jervis Street, and the Penneys store at Mary Street – the first Penneys store to open, in 1969 –

joined by many citizens, with applause rippling through the onlookers as they paid a fond farewell to the quiet figure whose empire clothed generations of people in Dublin, Ireland and much

Pictures: Maxwell Photography

farther afield in many other countries.

Tributes were paid from many diverse corners of Irish society and business, with Mr Ryan’s singular vision, kindness and huge success lauded by all.

You’ll be over the moon with a diverse Dublin festival that celebrates science, arts and design KEITH BROWNE

The 50th anniversary of the moon landing is one of the influences for the diverse festival

THIS week sees the return of Dublin’s annual international festival of science, arts, technology and design – the Festival of Curiosity.

Now in its seventh year, the festival will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Taking place from July 18-21 in various venues around the city, the Festival of Curiosity looks like it’s going to be a thrilling experience for all ages.

Whether you want to check out a theatre premiere or go for a bat walk, there is something for everyone.

Celebrating the anniversary of the moon landing (inset), there will be two very special events.

Festival co-founder and chief executive Vince McCarthy said: “Both events will pay tribute to the great spirit of exploration that sent humanity to the moon.”

The first event, Moonshots of the 21st Century, is taking place on Friday

in the O’Reilly theatre and will be hosted by RTE’s Rick O’Shea.

This event takes inspiration from the moon landing and looks forward to see what will be the big moonshot ideas for the 21st Century.

Joined by an expert panel including a former NASA astronaut, Jurassic Park science advisor and two National Geographic explorers, this is a talk sure to leave you enlightened and inspired.

The second event is on in the Dunsink Observa-

tory and will allow stargazers of all ages to marvel at the beauty of our skies using telescopes.

This year sees the programme expanded and more venues added to meet the demand for more events.

It also sees the development of the Curious Nights evening programme which includes a late night cocktail-making session.

When asked what he was looking forward to most, McCarthy said: “I’m looking forward to the

premier of an innovative new Irish theatre show at Smock Alley Theatre, These Stupid Things.

“Part play, part human experiment, it is a blend of science, psychology and storytelling.

“This is what the festival is all about – new and innovative ideas connecting with our everyday lives. Definitely something you will not experience anywhere else!”

For tickets and a full programme, see www. festivalofcuriosity.ie.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Aoife, Cara Hogan, Maeve, Siomha, Aodhia Ni Mhairtin and Fionn O’Mairtin. Pictures: EMILY GALLAGHER

Round Tower Visitor Centre birthday celebrations

Enjoying getting her face painted

Sarah and Max

T

HE Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin marked its second birthday recently with a free family fun day.

Activities in the visitor centre and the monastic gardens included a magic show, giant board games, face painting, and balloon making, as well as free tours of the centre telling 1,000 years of local history.

The event coincided with the weekend long Clondalkin Village Festival.

The local addition to the Dublin Heritage visitor scene opened its door on Monday 3rd July, 2017.

Playing Connect 4

Showing off her fantastic face painting

Daragh Leehan, Caoimhe and Beihinn Dunphy

Throwing the dice

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Ahmadiyyah Muslim Association Ladies Section representatives Nudrut, Shamifa

Caroline Brady and her mother Patty

Zaheer, Regional President, Sajida Aleem, National President and Tayyaba Mashood, Vice President, with Cllr Vicki Casserly FG Mayor of South Dublin County Council. Pictures: Philomena Duke

Zanib and Faeza

Sundus and Sehsish

Cultural gathering Maria Murphy, Sajida Aleem, Nabeeha Malik and Aoife and Kate Moore, Marie McBride

E

SKER Educate Together National School in Lucan recently hosted a cultural gathering held by the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Association Ladies Section in aid of Lucan Disability Action Group and Barrettstown. The event featured henna designs, a beauty corner, hand crafts, traditional clothes and a bouncy castle which all added up to create a memorable day for the local community.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 July 2019

IS YOU’RE CAR READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY? P22

SOMETHING NEW TO FEAST ON AT THIS YEAR’S PICNIC... P21

EMMYS: RECOGNISING THE BEST ON ‘THE SMALL SCREEN’

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

PAGE 19

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

ALL EYES ON A NEW EXPERIENCE THE Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan officially opened the new ‘Wonder Cabinet’ at the National Museum of Ireland’s Natural History section in Merrion Square, Dublin.

The specimens in the cabinet all come under the theme of ‘Predator and Prey’.

They include a 30,000-year-old Spotted Hyena jaw from an Irish cave, a 10,500-year-old Giant Irish Deer antler, and a Loggerhead Turtle found on a beach in Galway. Pictured is Charlie Walsh Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

18 July 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

OBITUARY: THE BEARDED ‘BOY’ FROM THE LIBERTIES WHO MADE THE WHOLE COUNTRY LAUGH

Late comedy legend ‘leaves a legacy of love and laughter’

PADRAIG CONLON

DUBLIN said a sad final farewell to one of her best-loved sons this week as comedy legend Brendan Grace was laid to rest.

Born in The Liberties in 1951, Brendan grew up near The Coombe, the eldest child of Seamus – a very popu-

lar barman who worked in O’Reilly’s pub in Hawkins Street, and Chrissie.

At the tender age of 13 he left the CBS in James’ Street and began work as a messenger boy to help bring some extra money into his home.

Always good at singing, he made his first foray into showbusiness with the ballad group, The Gingermen.

It was through that musical group that he discovered his talent for making people laugh.

On one occasion the band were missing a couple of members and were due to go on stage.

In order to buy a little time, they sent Brendan out to talk to the crowd and he soon had the

entire room in stitches with his tales about growing up in The Liberties.

From that moment on, and for the next 50 years, he worked as a standup comedian, becoming the greatest Irish family entertainer of a generation.

His sense of timing and ability to read an audience was phenomenal and two of his most popular and enduring characters – Bottler, and the Drunk Father-of-The-Bride – were instant hits with audiences.

In 1989 came a wonderful break in his career when he got to entertain Frank Sinatra following the legendary singer’s concert in Lansdowne Road.

Ol’ Blue Eyes was so impressed with Brendan’s performance that he asked him to come on tour with him and eventually convinced the Dubliner to go to America so he could arrange shows for him.

This prompted a move to Florida but he never lost touch with his Liberties roots and was a frequent visitor home.

In 1996 came an unforgettable appearance in Father Ted where he played sinister priest Father Fintan Stack, which brought his comedy to a whole new generation of fans.

Other acting roles included Big Sean in the RTE comedy

Kilnaskully in 2007, and a role in the crime thriller movie The Gift in 2015.

Last year, his life was the subject of an RTE documentary which featured tributes from Michael Flatley, Paul McGrath and Brendan O’Carroll.

Brendan Grace is survived by his wife Eileen and his children Bradley, Melanie, Brendan and Amanda.

FOREVER BOTTLER ... TRIBUTES TO THE LATE BRENDAN GRACE So sad at the passing of a great comedy legend, husband and father Brendan Grace. He opened doors for so many of us and leaves a legacy of love and laughter that will echo through this land and we will all mourn his passing. Rest peacefully Bottler you’ve earned it.

Brendan O Carroll Brendan’s sense of humour was drawing from, and itself a profound contribution to, the deep wellspring of Irish wit. It was a privilege to know him, and a pleasure to meet Brendan as recently as the 5th of June last, when he accompanied The Forget Me Nots choir to a Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.

President Michael D Higgins

So sad to hear the news of the death of Brendan Grace. A genuine comedy legend in Ireland, when we were growing up he was the king of the entertainers. Sorry I never met him, but relieved I never had to follow him. RIP Brendan.

Dara O Briain I’m shocked this morning he was such a wonderful comic, I was a big fan of his. He’s a very kind man and he was very kind to me when I started out.

He was a wonderful family man, Eileen and himself were very much together.

It wasn’t just his comedy, but his voice too, he was an all-rounder.

He had a fantastic career and he will be sorely missed by everyone in Ireland.

June Rogers

SOCIETY: MOVE TO HELP CURB ONLINE BULLIES AND NEGATIVE IMPACT ON VICTIMS

Instagram rolls out an anti-bullying social media measure JULIANA REYES

I N S TA G R A M h a s announced a new antib u l l y i n g fe a t u re to decrease the amount of cyberbullying that takes place on the social media app.

This new feature will give users the option to rethink their harmful comments with Instagram’s artificial intelligence (AI) detecting the

hateful speech and giving the user the time to undo the post.

If a user posts a comment with harmful words such as “stupid” or “ugly”, the AI could detect it and bring up the option to undo the post while giving information on why they should undo it.

There will also be another feature for the person receiving the comment to restrict the bully

so that the harmful comment is not seen.

Also, the bully will not be notified if they are restricted or not, so this keeps the anti-bullying move – and post’s visibility – secret.

These new additions are for all users but geared more towards teenagers since they receive and also perform the most cyberbullying.

Teens are also less like-

ly to report or block their bully than any other age group, because they are worried about any confrontations or retaliation.

For those reasons, Instagram emphasised that the bully will not be notified if they are restricted, in a move that is all about safety and giving the victim the chance to take control.

This move comes after a massive increase of cyber-

“

Many people have taken to change laws to include cyberbullying as harassment

bullying, especially when it comes to teens and young adults.

The spike of cyberbullying has been attributed to the increased number of depression, anxiety and suicide cases in teens.

Cyberbullying has been seen as a main component in the issue, along with eating disorders and homelessness.

With soc ial media companies working on changing their policies,

many people have taken to change laws to include cyberbullying as harassment.

Changes like these are important to positively impact teens’ mental health and save lives.

Any move to crack down on online bullying is to be applauded, with the move by Instagram a positive step forward to help tackle an unfortunate modern problem.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 July 2019

18 July 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

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

How to add years to Your Pet’s Life

ANYONE who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a healthy and long life. Here are five tips that can help your pet do just that.

FEED A HIGH-QUALITY DIET Pets fed a high-quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes.

A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, help maintain their intestinal health, help increase their mental acuity, help keep joints and muscles healthy, and much more.

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

KEEP YOUR PET LEAN Pets that are overweight are at risk for a myriad of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease seen in pets currently and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog or cat’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, among other things.

TAKE YOUR PET TO VETERINARIAN REGULARLY All pets, including both dogs and cats, require regular veterinary care. However, veterinary care goes far beyond routine vaccinations, even though those are important.

A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues of which you are unaware. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment.

Early diagnosis is also likely to be less costly for you than waiting until your pet’s illness has become advanced and serious.

KEEP YOUR PET’S MOUTH CLEAN A common problem among dogs and cats is dental disease and oral health issues which can cause your pet pain, making it difficult for him or her to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease.

A kibble that is designed to shard correctly helps clean the teeth and keep gums healthy.

Additionally, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush their teeth regularly.

DON’T LET YOUR PET TO ROAM UNSUPERVISED Allowing your dog or cat to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favour. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including road accidents, predation, exposure to contagious diseases,poisons, and more.

Brought to you by Carl & Patricia Cautley Affordable Super Premium Pet Food Tel. 089 602 6096

www.hussed15.ie carl@hussed15.ie patricia@hussed15.ie

Bizarre orange bird turns out to be seagull covered in curry

Missing husband found in TikTok video

A WOMAN, whose husband had been missing for over three years recently rediscovered her estranged partner, after a relative spotted him on the video making app TikTok. The woman, who lives in India, had been looking for her husband and the father of their two children ever since he disappeared in 2016.

She had even filed a report with the local police station, but he remained missing.

However, earlier this year, a relative stumbled across a video on Tiktok where a man who looked similar to the woman’s missing husband, Suresh, was the star of the clip.

The relative showed this video to the woman, who confirmed it was her missing husband and police then tracked the man to a city about four and a half hours away.

It was discovered then that Suresh had fled his home after becoming angry with some ‘household issues’, moving to a new town and becoming a mechanic where he had found a new partner, who was also pictured in the Tiktok video.

TOP TWEETS

If I was dying of a rare illness and only a single square of Turkish Delight could save me... I would simply die.” @CiaraBelles

SOUTH DOCKS FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY PICTURED enjoying the official launch of the annual South Docks Festival were Betty Ashe of St Andrew’s Resource Centre South Docks Festival, Clown Johnie K and Bernie Walsh of Sunflower Recycling. The South Docks Festival is run by staff and volunteers at St Andrew’s Resource Centre in collaboration with local communities around Pearse Street, Westland Row and City Quay.

The Festival is a celebration of community and heritage, taking pride in the identity inherent in the South Dublin Docklands area. The festival runs until Friday 19th July with activities, fun and games for all. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

A burglar, a Christmas onesie, a cat named Spaghetti THERE was a particularly strange cat burglary in the US recently, involving a cupcake, a cup of coffee, a Christmas onesie and an actual cat named Spaghetti.

A man broke into a house in Nashville, Tennessee, and brought his cat Spaghetti with him to the scene of crime.

38-year-old Ryan Bishop was arrested after the homeowners returned home to find their house damaged alongside items on their lawn that didn’t belong to them.

The homeowners heard a noise from their crawl space, where they discovered Spaghetti the cat wearing a t-shirt, but also heard a larger individual hiding in the

BITS & BOBS

space too.

The owners called police and when officers were at the scene, a man emerged from the crawl space wearing the homeowner’s Christmas onesie, which he took out of their dryer.

Police say Bishop and Spaghetti broke into the home, ate a cupcake and made a cup of coffee before raiding the dryer for the festive garment.

Bishop was jailed on charges of firstdegree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree theft.

The homeowner said she did not want her Christmas onesie back.

AN orange bird discovered in the UK last week, that was thought to be a foreign, unique species, turned out to be something a little, er, spicier than that.

The Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital had a vibrant orange patient admitted into their care on July 1, after members of the public rescued the bird believing that it couldn’t fly.

Taking to Facebook, the hospital said that the case of the mysterious flying bird was one of the strangest casualties they had seen in a while.

“When they called to say they had picked up an orange bird, we had no idea what to expect – and would never have guessed at this!

“He had somehow gotten himself covered in curry or turmeric!

“It was all over his feathers, preventing him from flying properly.

“We have no idea how he got into this predicament but thankfully, apart from the vibrant colour and pungent smell, he was healthy.”

The seagull was named Vinny – after a Vindaloo curry – and will be released back into the wild soon, after a decent clean by the veterinary staff.

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 Alexis, a very special six-year-old Collie cross lady who is looking for a quiet and easy going home where she can grow in confidence. She has some issues with her hips so she can only go on shorter walks and will need to be careful when walking on slippery surfaces as she finds it hard to grip.

Alexis is a very gentle and sweet lady who really deserves to find a very special and loving home. She would ideally like a quiet home as she can be worried by new

people so an adult home, or home with older teenagers would be nice. Although she may have some problems with her hips and can be a little hard of hearing, this really doesn’t affect her sweet and gentle nature.

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

I can’t believe Enya is the most successful irish artist of all time... she really just put out two famous songs and [disappeared] to be a rich reclusive killiney [mam] .... a dream”

@katemaherr

Alexis

if you posted “ready for the weekend” on facebook back in 2012 you could usually rack up a good 32 likes. people were always ready for the weekend in 2012

@CaucasianJames

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 July 2019

GOINGOUTOUT

PICK WEEK OF THE

Head to Blessington for one of the country’s most eclectic festivals,

 JAMES HENDICOTT

JULY 19-21 (FRIDAY TO SUNDAY)

Knockanstockan @ Blessington; €Varies WHILE there are a number of interesting gigs, acts and bands playing around Dublin this week, we’re picking Knockanstockan as our choice for Gig of the Week (see main review, right).

After all, with such a diverse range of things to see, hear and do that offers something a little different to ‘the usual festival fun’, this quirky, creative festival deserves more recognition, and should easily earn the Gig of the Week title.

JULY 18 (THURSDAY)

Honeyfeet @ Whelan’s, €20 Elizabeth Moen @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Huun Huur Tu @ The Sugar Club, €20

JULY 19 (FRIDAY)

The Vercettis @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Macy Gray @ The Sugar Club, €35 Kevin Morby @ Whelan’s, €23

JULY 20 (SATURDAY)

Macy Gray @ The Sugar Club, €35 Transmission (Joy Division cover act) @ Whelan’s, €15 Daly @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

JULY 22 (MONDAY)

Binkbeats @ The Sugar Club, €23

JULY 23 (TUESDAY)

Action Bronson @ The Academy, €43 The Wailers @ Vicar Street, €34 Reggae legends The Wailers (with a slightly revised line up to the original, naturally) are a bunch of life’s good guys, and all but guarantee a cracking night out.

JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY)

Eve Belle @ Whelan’s, €10 Little Hours @ The Sugar Club, €18 Cathal Flaherty @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €14 Seo Linn @ Whelan’s, €13

THERE are a whole heap of festivals in Ireland these days, but few can make the claims to rugged authenticity and party antics that surround longstanding Blessington eve n t , p a r t y- l ov i n g Knockanstockan.

Jokingly called “The AGM of the craic” by its hard-working, fun-loving organisers, the festival focuses heavily on local acts.

It takes an artsy, colourful approach to layout, and has a general air of hippie wonderland to it. It’s one of the places to go if you’re looking for a glance at the less-hyped echelons of the Irish music in one weekend, and it’s all done for love.

“I’m sure you’re not making much money out of this?” I ask Graham Sharpe, long behind much of Knockanstockan’s musical direction, when we meet two weeks before the 2019 event.

“Much?” He laughs. “We don’t make any.”

But as one of very few Irish festivals without major financial backing, the money side has never been the point.

That’s unquestionably one of the reasons the festival – which has a real community feel – stands out.

“My favourite moment is the first band on stage,” Sharpe continues. “Once everything’s open and the first band is on stage, it’s

KNOCKANSTOCKAN

like time slows down.

“There’s something to deal with every 30 seconds, but I love that moment. It feels like when English Paper 2 is on the table, there’s no more time to studying, it’s just go.”

By then, of course, a lineup full of the more local stars of Irish music has been filled.

“The booking strategy is just book the best bands possible. There are some bands we’ll have had on a list since November or so the previous year, and we’ll probably get ten of them,” Sharpe says.

“We take advice from

WHAT’S next for the residents of our favourite Dublin suburb?

Our special preview will give you some of the highlights and low points that’ll hit Carrigstown this week ...

Is the end nigh for the Heather and Hughie saga?

HEATHER confesses that she doesn’t want Renee to go to Brazil this week, with Bob agreeing with her.

There’s a teary farewell as Heather gets ready to pack up her things and leave, but how will Hughie feel?

Eoghan and Christino try to make everything right this week, but Dean is still cold toward one half of the pair.

Eoghan knows he needs to make things better between the two, but whether his plan to heal the rift succeeds or not is yet to be seen.

Cristiano is excited for his plans for Brewzers this week, but Will tries to advise him to slow it down for fear he might be taking on too much.

When one of his plans falls through, Cristiano dreads telling Will

people we know, and try to see as many bands as we can. Submissions are a huge part of it, as we get about 1,000 submissions a year.

“There might be one or two bands we haven’t checked out live that play, but with the overwhelming majority, someone on the crew has vouched that they put on a serious show.

“It’s easier to get an overview of what’s going on in the country for the last three of four years, as we have a much larger crew, so we make it into a celebration of what’s going

on in the country. We call it the AGM of the craic.”

Elsewhere, the festival has a growing kids area, some themed events, performance arts and other extras.

“A lot of our original people have kids now,” Sharpe says. “We want them to come down and have a good time, too.

“We pride ourselves on it being a lovely crowd down there. The crowd is so into the music side of things, and there are so many musicians down there that it doesn’t feel like there’s a separation between crowd, acts and

crew. It’s just everyone at Knockanstockan.

“The first one was an eye opener for me. I’d never experienced anything like that, and I ended up involved afterwards.

“But it’s unbelievable, I wouldn’t change it for anything. The buzz, the feeling of fairness down there, the way bands feel about the festival. It’s great.”

Knockanstockan takes place at Blessington Lakes on July 19, 20 and 21.

Tickets are on sale now, at €155 for the weekend (some shorter-stay tickets are available).

– but will he be the one that saves the day in the end?

Mairead is gearing up for a long-anticipated date this week but is left disappointed when her suitor pulls out.

Dearbhla and Charlotte start planning a new event for The Station, but Carol is uncertain about their plans when she overhears their discussions.

Charlotte is stunned when someone new arrives to Carrigstown, on the run from a dangerous man, but agrees to let her stay in hiding.

Darragh is concerned at Erica’s reaction to seeing her ex, Philip.

Sharon tells Erica to talk to him about their past history. Erica reassures Darragh but is conflicted after meeting Philip.

Damien hides his financial woes from Mairead, but someone else ends up spilling the beans later on in the week.

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

It’s not sofa, so good for poor Hughie’s love life

18 July 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND ONLINE Sudden death of Fair City star Karl Shiels shocks fans

THE Fair City cast and crew, and the popular soap’s fans, were plunged into mourning this week with the sudden death of actor Karl Shiels (47).

Familiar to many as ‘Robbie Quinn’, his death comes just weeks after the the passing of Tom Jordan (‘Charlie Kelly’) also shocked people across the country.

Mr Shiels reportedly died in his sleep after nodding off on set during shoots, with the actor still to appear in the hit show in coming weeks with his completed work.

He had been at the heart of several key plots within the Dublin-based soap, with his life in ‘Carrigstown’ just one aspect of a diverse, multifaceted career. His television and film work included roles in Peaky Blinders, The Clinic, Intermission, Batman Begins, and Veronica Guerin.

Paying tribute to Mr Shiels, his agent, Lsa Richard, said: “Karl was a uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, light-hearted, funny, sharp-witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director of the Theatre Upstairs and of his own company, Semper Fi, before that.

Our hearts are broken but our thoughts are with his partner Laura and his family, his children and their mother Dearbhla.”

ENTERTAINMENT

2019 EMMYS | RECOGNISING THE BEST ON ‘THE SMALL SCREEN’

Celebrating excellence SHANE DILLON

GLANCING from the big to the small screen, this year’s Emmy award nominations have just been announced, celebrating the very best of television – and Game of Thrones’ terrible final season, too.

Ah, just kidding – the Emmys crowd clearly regard GoT as anything but terrible, at least on a technical level, with the now finished show landing a whopping 32 awards across the board.

That’s enough to have finally taken the mostnominations-

Game of Thrones scooped a huge haul of nominations

for-a-drama-series title from beloved NYPD Blue, which has held that claim since 1994.

GoT’s astounding haul of nominations is one of the last hurrahs for the show, because while the final series was by and large a disaster – in terms of betraying fans with a bungled plot and some

truly terrible writing – it paradoxically had some incredible-looking episodes and peerless design.

As such, even the worst series of the hit show has scooped a lot of nominations, from Kit Harrington for Best Leading Actor in a Drama Series (with his counterpart, Emilia Clarke, getting the Best Actress

nod) to a huge range of technical nominations.

However, while GoT made headlines for its nominations, it was far from the only show in town, as several rivals in this, ‘the golden age of television’, also got welldeserved recognition.

For example, it was no surprise to see the creeping dread of critical darling Chernobyl pick up several nominations, with the short but merciless series gripping critics and unnerving audiences with its singular recreation of the Soviet disaster.

The depth and detail in that show underscored that intellectually ‘heavy’ shows can still be a critical (and commercial) hit, providing some chilling food

for thought.

Still, it wasn’t all warring nations and collapsing empires and doom and gloom and death, oh my – the Emmys gave plenty of nods to lighter content, too, singling out plenty of comedies and easier entertainment to chillax with.

From The Good Place to Fleabag, the silly and the sublime also got some well-deserved nods for making audiences laugh and chatter about their quirky content.

It’ll be interesting to see how the nominations land at the glittering ceremony in LA on September 22. For now, the complete list of the 2019 Emmy nominations is well worth checking out over at www. emmys.com.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 July 2019

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BEAUTY NEWS

TOMMY TAKES OVER THE APOLLO ONE OF fashion’s most-loved and must-see shows has announced their 2019 location.

Tommy Hilfiger have again teamed up with actress Zendaya for a capsule collection that promises to pack as much of a punch as the debut release. The TOMMYNOW runway event will be set in the iconic Apollo Theatre on September 8, Tommy Hilfiger’s first show in New York since 2016.

“After traveling the world with TOMMYNOW and an unforgettable show in Paris with Zendaya, I’m excited to return to where our “See Now, Buy Now” journey started,” said Tommy Hilfiger.

“Zendaya’s desire to bring TOMMYNOW to Harlem felt like an amazing next step in expressing her vision for the future.

Her statement-making point of view in everything she does is what makes her such an inspiring collaborator – it is honour to continue to provide her with a platform in the fashion industry to share this.”

Get your head in the game at HOUSE  Rachel D’Arcy GREAT Lengths’ The Mane Event will take place in HOUSE Dublin, Leeson Street after the Dublin Horse Show on August 8 from 6.30-8.30pm for the perfect end to a fashionable day.

There will be a competition on the night, with some great prizes up for grabs.

Entrants to the competition will have the chance to win prizes in three categories for the best hat/headpiece, the best overall look and the best hairstyle.

Great Lengths MD Joscelin McCourt, said “I think the Great Lengths brand and ethos ties in perfectly with ladies day, and The Mane Event is a special evening to celebrate women, fashion and millinery! We’re so excited to be hosting this beautiful celebration again for 2019.”

Protect yourself from sun all year beauty review

Get the beachy look without the beach COMPANY: John Frieda PRODUCT: BleachBlonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray PURPOSE: Give hair a tousled “fresh from the beach” look TEXTURE:  FRAGRANCE:  PERFORMANCE:  PRICE: €

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor DO YOU love the tousled, sexy, beachy looking locks? I do! But do I live right on the beach? No, I do not! This is where John Frieda’s BleachBlonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray comes in really, reaslly handy. I even carry the mini 25ml bottle in my handbag.

This cool aqua bottle of salty goodness really does mimic hair that has come from the sea, all texured and fresh smelling. It is ideal for fine hair like mine because this spray gives the hair

bulk and texture. So beachy waves equals fuller hair and it doesn’t weigh it down. A win-win situation!

I spray it into my wet hair and let my hair dry naturally.This makes the most of the wave I naturally have. Then, as my hair dries, I keep scrunching my hair with my fingers adding just a touch of mist each time. And voila! Sexy, beachy locks without the sand!

ACCORDING to the National Cancer Registry Ireland, skin cancer deaths among men in Ireland have doubled over the past 30 years.

It is believed 530 cases of melanoma diagnosed in Irish men each year, resulting in 88 deaths annually, meaning daily sunscreen application is just as important for men as women.

95% of UV rays penetrate glass and cloud cover, all year round, so your skin can be affected even while sitting at your desk. P20 FACE provides trusted sun protection without compromise. Easily absorbed, it has a light consistency and helps protect against UVinduced skin damage.

P20 FACE (€24.50) is available nationwide in pharmacies, and also at The Loop.

18 July 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

FOOD

FOOD | AN ESCAPE FROM THE MUSIC FOR FOODIES AND FANS

Something new to feast on at this year’s Picnic

Mark Moriarty & Derry Clarke at the launch of The Banquet at Electric Picnic. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com TWO EXCITING food and drink experiences are set to make their way to Electric Picnic this year – a fundraising banquet and an exhilarating drinks experience.

Chefs Derry Clarke and Mark Moriarty announcing the return of the ‘Banquet at Electric Picnic’ last week, which will raise funds for Temple Street and Pieta House.

Guests to the Banquet will receive silver service and a tantalising food experience in the surrounds of Stradbally, with tickets available now

priced at €120.

This year, the five-star gourmet banquet will also cater for vegetarians.

The line-up for this year’s banquet will consist of a starter of Irish smoked salmon or smoked cauliflower cigars, baked Orzo with chili prawn and fennel; BBQ West Cork dry-aged rib eye beef or soy glazed BBQ portobello mushroom mains; followed by salted lemon tart, pine nuts, frozen sorrel with Tuscan olive oil for dessert.

Chef Derry Clarke said he is ‘thrilled’ that the banquet will be making a return to EP in 2019. “[The Banquet] was a

huge success last year, and I thoroughly enjoyed putting together the menu and meeting picnickers over the three days, we raised a lot of money for a charity that is very close to my heart – Pieta House.

“It’s a funtastic way to have a gourmet dining experience in a festival setting.”

Seats are limited, with four sittings over the weekend. There will be two on Saturday and Sunday at 1.00pm and 5.30pm with each sitting lasting approximately two hours.

Mark Moriarty said: “I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Derry for this

year’s Banquet; together we’re presenting a menu of food that is classically Irish based, simple and confident, presented in a new way.

I’m really looking forward to sharing the expe-

rience with guests, with live music setting the ambiance and knowing that they are supporting these great charities with Temple St and Pieta House. It’s such a special event during a festival.”

Tickets to the Fine Dining Picnic are priced at €120 and are available via www.giv2go.com/thebanquet2019.

Also returning to Stradbally this year is Casa Bacardi, comprised of a stage with a riotous line up of incredible dance acts across the weekend, as well as a Bacardi Bar. Headlining the Casa Bacardi stage this year will be Heidi, Detroit Swindle and Mark Knight.

Several Irish acts will also grace the stage, including DJ Tara Steward, Riff Shop and Boots & Kats.

This will be Casa Bacardi’s 16th year at Electric Picnic, making it a definite must see if you find yourself in Stradbally.

Throughout the weekend, Bacardi bartenders will be sharing their skills with festival goers showing them how to make delicious Bacardi rum cocktails with their new and exciting flavours, Raspberry and Ginger.

There will also be a dedicated Mojito Bar serving the timeless classic cocktail loved by leading mixologists worldwide.

Some of the line up at this year’s Casa Bacardi.

Margaret Jeffares, founder of Good Food Ireland

Good Food Experiences website launched GOOD Food Ireland has launched Good Food Ireland Experiences – an online service that allows customers to book food experiences and tours all across the country.

Mushroom foraging in Wicklow, goat’s cheese making in Cork and beekeeping tours in Galway are only a couple of the experiences on offer.

Founder of Good Food Ireland, Margaret Jeffares said: “With Good Food Ireland we seek out those places off the beaten path that people can discover and enjoy.

“We’re encouraging the people of Ireland to experience what is right there on their doorstep. We have worked tirelessly with the best food producers and chefs in Ireland to carefully develop, inspect and bring to market food experiences which are now available on one platform, easily searched and navigated by various criteria.

We realise that more and more Irish people care where their food comes from, not just for the local economic benefit, but because it tastes so much better.”

Place your votes for Ireland’s Greatest roast dinner THE search is underway to find Ireland’s greatest roast dinner.

Previously known as the Great Carvery of the Year, entry for the 2019 version is now open with pubs and hotels invited to submit their take on the classic dish until 29 September.

Visit the Unilever Food Solutions website and tell them why your roast dinner should be crowned the best and include a photo of the meal and a link or image of your menu.

A shortlist of venues will be announced the week commencing 30 September. All of the shortlisted venues will be mystery dined to decide which ones will take away the provincial titles and be crowned “Ireland’s Great Roast Pub 2019” and “Ireland’s Great Roast Hotel 2019”.

CRAFTBEERCORNER Special Effects – Non Alcoholic beer Brooklyn Brewery 0.45% ABV

 PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado I’M SURE there are plenty of us out there that have wondered if they can keep sipping one pint of beer over many hours because they are the designated driver – well fear no more. As I was in this position recently this great tasting beer came to my rescue. This beer tasted really good as it is a hoppy lager so it was light and refreshing, but had great taste unlike the old non-alcoholic beers of the past.

If I tried hard enough I thought I was drinking normal hoppy beer. This will most certainly be on my list next time driver duties are called for and at 0.45% you can afford to have a few which makes the dry session more bearable.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 July 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

You’re ready for your holiday – but have you checked the car is?

DECLAN GLYNN

AS THE school holidays really get into the ir swing, the thoughts of many families turn towards the precious annual holiday.

For families that are planning a holiday with the car, either at home or abroad this summer, G e r m a n t y re - m a ker, Continental Tyres, is advising that some simple car checks before heading off could save a lot of trouble.

Here are five simple vehicle safety checks that any driver can do to their car to help keep families safe during the annual migration ...

Give the car’s interior a clean The majority of motorists are not particularly careful about keeping their cars very clean – inside or out.

A recent Continental Tyres survey of 2,000 motorists showed that one in five claimed to tidy the inside of their car just once a year, generally when it is facing an NCT or garage visit.

However, when you are embarking on a long journey such as heading off on holiday, it is important to have the cabin area of the car clear of the usual clutter that can accumulate.

For example, an empty can, bottle or other piece of rubbish rolling under the brake pedal while driving could have very serious consequences.

Check the car’s tyres Studies show that the highest number of tyrerelated incidents occur during the summer months.

Families heading off on holiday in cars more heavily laden than usual are especially vulnerable.

A damaged tyre is more likely to fail when carrying a heavier load on a much longer trip than usual, such as with a heavily laden car with people and baggage.

This is exactly what happens when a family departs on holiday in their car, and that’s why it is crucially important to thoroughly check the tyres.

clearing the water, see about replacing them before you set off.

Being able to fit everything in the car should be just one of the things to get right

The next time you fill up the car with fuel, check the air pressures in your tyres and inspect the tread depth of all four tyres, not forgetting the spare wheel, if you have one.

If there are any bulges or cracks, take your car to a reputable tyre dealer to have them professionally checked.

Tyres are your only point of contact with the road, so it is very important to regularly check on their condition.

Check the car’s windscreen wipers On holiday, we are all hoping for good weather but sometimes it doesn’t always go according to plan, so be ready for some

of those sudden, heavy summer downpours.

So, make sure to check the condition of your car’s wiper blades.

Lift the front and rear windscreen wipers away from the glass and check that their rubber blade isn’t worn down or peeling away from its base.

If they are not totally

Check the car’s lights Driving with defective lights is both illegal and dangerous for you and for other road users.

So, take a couple of minutes to ask a family member or friend to walk around your car as you switch on the side lights, the headlights, operate the main beam and then check the indicators and brake lights.

Don’t forget the fog lamps and reversing lights.

If you are travelling to the continent, don’t forget to use headlamp converter stickers so that your headlights do not dazzle oncoming traffic.

Check the car’s service schedule Occasionally checking the level of oil in the engine is not enough to keep your car in good health.

It should be serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service

schedule, which can be found in the car’s handbook.

During its service, important items s u c h a s t h e t y r e s, b r a ke s, s u s p e n s i o n , engine, exhaust and transmission will all be inspected.

Simple items such as the filters will be changed – important when you are embarking on a long drive, perhaps (hopefully) in warm weather.

You don’t want to circulate dirty air in the car or – even worse – risk a breakdown because an old fuel filter is clogged with debris.

Drive carefully Finally, the number of road accidents actually increases during the summer months as many more people take to the roads for holidays and outdoor activities.

So above all, make sure to drive in a careful and courteous manner, paying particular attention to more vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

REVIEW: FROM INFOTAINMENT TECH TO RAW SPACE, THIS MODEL IS SURE TO IMPRESS

All-new Civic rolls out another winner for Honda DECLAN GLYNN

THE all-new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agility on the road, while also having the ability to turn heads with its striking design language.

The new Civic’s wider and longer platform results in class-leading interior space.

The entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, exceptional refinement and high-grade materials.

The seating position is lower to give the driver a greater feeling of connection with the car, and the new Civic builds on the model’s reputation for combining unrivalled passenger and luggage space, with practical usability.

Honda’s intuitive infotainment and

connectivity system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, bringing the new Civic right up-to-date in terms of infotainment technology.

The new Civic debuts an all-new 1.0litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine that has been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience, and a comprehensively revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine which delivers outstanding real-world efficiency and refinement.

The new Honda Civic Sedan is available in two lavishly equipped trim levels – Smart Plus and Premium – while all models come with Honda Sensing as standard.

Featuring Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Road

Departure Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition, this innovative suite of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies ensure the new Civic is among the very safest cars in its class.

My review car was a Honda Civic Sedan 1.6litre i-DTEC Smart Plus model, which attracts annual road tax of just €180.

Honda’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is optional in petrol engine guise, while Honda’s wonderfully smooth 9AT (9-speed Automatic Transmission) is available as an option with the diesel engine.

Usually a cost option, the 9AT gearbox is being offered by Honda as a no-cost option for a limited time only, and only while stocks last.

Pricing for the new Honda Civic Sedan starts at just €27,750.

18 July 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

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 COMPRISED COSY CUTHBERT DROPPING EROTIC FRIVOLOUS GENEVA GYPSUM LEGALITY LUMEN

PEAL PECULIAR PENNY SENDER SHORTAGES SKIRMISH SMILED TENTACLES THWARTS VANISHED

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

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

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LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

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18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FOOTBALL P30

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

JOINING FORCES: SOCCER: BANGOR Celtic and Green-

hills/Greenpark will join forces in the coming season to form a new superclub with three Leinster Senior Clubs competing at senior level. The well-established Greenhills Boys club will remain separate as a schoolboy club but the hope is that the merger will prove so successful that all ages will be brought under one umbrella in time.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS ULTIMATE FRISBEE | SUCCESS IN HUNGARY FOR DUBLIN CREW

Magnificent seven land gold at Euros  sport@dublingazette.com

SEVEN Dubliners propelled the Irish side to the 2019 European Ultimate Frisbee Championships gold following a remarkable set of performances in Hungary.

Jessica Chambers (Sandycove), Aine Gilheny (Clonskeagh), Fiona Mernagh (Clongriffin), Heather Barry (Sutton), Emily O’Brien (Templeogue), Estelle Murchan (Cabra) and Amy Moffet (Castleknock) formed part of the team coached by Clongriffin’s Ian Franch and managed by Raheny man Richard Buggy.

They swept their way to the title, eventually beating Switzerland 15-8 to get the gold. This is the first time an Irish national team has won gold at an international tournament.

After a gruelling week-long tournament in Gyor, Hungary, playing in temperatures of up to 37 degrees,

the 21-woman Irish squad finished top of the 15-nation tournament.

It was quite the performance as they entered the campaign seeded 11th and major outsiders for glory.

Comeback After coming second in their pool, having lost to the current 2015 champions, Finland, Ireland came back to beat the Finns in a rematch by one point in a nailbiting sudden death match in the quarter-finals where the Irish women demonstrated their skill, patience and athleticism.

They then moved on to beat the favourites, Russia, in the semifinals on the Friday, before an emphatic 15-8 win over secondseeded Switzerland.

This is the first time any Irish national team has won an international championship and builds on the strength and hard work of a small but passionate community.

Ireland’s Ultimate Frisbee team celebrate their victory over Switzerland.

Picture: Focus Ultimate

The first time an Ireland Women’s international team participated in the EUC was in France in 2003, and the first Ireland Women’s international match win was at the 2007 EUC against Belgium, in Southampton.

The closest Irish national teams have come to gold in the past was

silver wins by the Irish Mixed Team on beach in 2013, IrishMixed Team at EUC 2015 and Irish Men’s under20s in 2017.

The Irish Mixed Team won Spirit at the 2019 EUC and finished seventh, while the Irish men’s team finished eleventh in their 2019 EUC campaign.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: LSL GIANTS LINK UP TO SET UP PERMANENT HOME Members of Bangor Celtic and Greenhills/ Greenpark at the announcement of the clubs’ link-up

LUCAN SARSFIELDS FAUGHS BEST of WELL done lucktotothe Tommy Juniorand A laall helpers and, of course, the boys and girls taking part in the Cúl Camp this week. Lots of fun and games guaranteed.

Next oiche cheoil agus craic is on Thursday 1st August.

AHL4 play Bray Emmetts on Sat @ 6:30pm on the Main pitch and AHL 2 play Raheny also @ 6:30pm on Sat in Raheny.

Lotto Jackpot now stands at €10,400. This week’s numbers were 3, 8, 17 & 23. No Winner, Three ‘Match 3’ winners (share €200) – Anna Kearns, Trevor Donohue & Mick Holland. Next week’s jackpot will be €10,500.

Fun Table Quiz every Wed. night. No cover charge. All welcome. And on Saturday evening all are welcome to the members bar for a very special birthday celebration for our Quiz Master – Monica. Join us to celebrate a ‘significant’ Birthday in style!

LUCAN SARSFIELDS A SECOND coming for a few of the more established hurlers, they were dragged out of retirement for a good win in the last Junior D Championship group game.

A high scoring affair with the lads coming out on top which meant they topped their Group and secured a home Qtr Final.

Well done to PJ and his management team.

Unfortunately Senior hurlers lost by 2 to St Vincent’s on Wednesday last and Jnr A hurlers lost in Championship on Tuesday and now face a relegation match away to Commercials in September.

A big win for minor footballers 2-22 to 1-7 vs Skerries, that keeps them very much in defeat contention FOLLOWING to at the top of Naomh O the league. Inter Ladies lost out to a strong Parnells in the Cup, and the Jnr Ladies also suffered defeat.

Senior HURLERS have a massive game at home to BALINTEER on Sunday morning, again support cam make a difference.

Well done to Daire Newcombe, Harry Ladd, Mark Lavin who played for the Dublin U20 footballers in a fine win against on Wexford and we wish them luck as they prepare for a Leinster final vs Laois.

Disappointment for Dublin U16 Camogie who lost out to a strong Galway side, best of luck and hopefully they can turn it

around vs Wexford, Lauren Dawson © Phoebe Shannon Sinead Daly Millie Reid and Lilly Rooney all involved.

Great to hear Darren Gavin is getting back to full training with the Dublin Senior footballers as they prepare for the business end of the Championship.

Hard luck to Ali Emma and Orla who were part of the Dublin Senior Camogie team that lost at the weekend, also Chloe and Aoife who lost to Westmeath with the Dublin Inter team and Ellen with the Dublin Minors also losing.

We have an Comedy Night coming up in the Club House – Saturday 27th July , tickets €10 and can be purchases through the link and we will have a happy hour between 8 – 9pm where all pints will be €3. Come up and support YOUR club.

The County Board have enquired to clubs about potential the naming of trophies/cups.

They are looking for possible sponsor of the Trophies, if any members have suggestions or wish to sponsor they can contact the club Executive. Cost will be in the Region of €300.

Summer Bar, the Club House has now moved to the usual Summer Hours as our volunteers take a break, so the Club House will be Closed- Monday, Tuesday, Friday. Open- Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

Bangor and Greenhills join forces for new super club

LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

BANGOR Celtic and Greenhills/Greenpark will join forces in the coming season to form a new superclub with three Leinster Senior Clubs competing at senior level.

The well-established Greenhills Boys club will remain separate as a schoolboy club but the hope is that the merger will prove so successful that all ages will be brought under one umbrella in time.

The new club follows Killester Donnycarney, Bluebell Knockmitten and Firhouse Clover/Sacred Heart in finding greater strength in numbers in the over-saturated Dublin

football scene.

Bangor have been one of the top sides in Dublin football for some time but have had something of a nomadic existence with home grounds in Rathfarnham and the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin.

The move gives them a permanent home in Dublin 12 and the merger with Greenhills and Green Park, who themselves merged in 2010, will give a greater focus in a historically strong football area.

“This opportunity came along with Greenhills/ Green Park, and they have the same foresight and ambition that we have ourselves, so it fits like a hand in a glove,” said secretary Gerry Carney.

“We’d be hoping for a suc-

cessful integration and, down the road, we’d be hopeful for a better quality player coming through. It’s good for the community.

“We’re all in Dublin 12 and we’re staying in Dublin 12. Rather than other schoolboy clubs picking away from that area, they might stay now if they have something to aim towards.”

The senior section will field three sides next year – in Sunday Senior, in Saturday Senior and Sunday Premier 1 – and players have already begun to integrate in the various sides.

A small number of players from Greenhills will make the step up to the senior side, coached by John Scott, Ger Looney

and Anto Fitzpatrick.

The Senior Saturday side will be coached by John Scott while the manager of the Sunday Premier 1 side is yet to be confirmed, but players from both clubs will form a stronger selection in each.

“It’s a stronger force together.

“We would hope to attract better quality players now with the facilities that are available to us now, and hopefully challenge for senior honours again.

“Hopefully for the area, on a Sunday morning, the quality of football being played up there will attract other players.”

The club have already agreed on a new joint kit, which will be deliv-

ered before the end of the month while the players prepare for the new season, and excitement is brewing around the area.

Perhaps just as importantly, with the likes of Crumlin United, Cherry Orchard and Templeogue United operating within the vicinity, the merger allows the club to pool potential sponsors.

“Our sponsors have been very good to us over the years. Brian McElroy is the main sponsor, Permanent TSB and MG Hygiene have been excellent to us over the years.

“We get sponsorship from our local pub that we hold the lotto in and a number of other contributions that are always readily accepted.”

Trinity launch new GAA camp

Trinity GAA Development officer Conor Laverty

TRINITY Sport has launched a new GAA camp coached by nominated all Star player and Trinity GAA Development Officer, Conor Laverty. The camp will kick off from July 29 until August 2 at the Iveagh Grounds, Dublin 12.

Places on the Trinity GAA summer camps are available for boys and girls from the age of 6 up to the age of 13 and they will provide an actionpacked week of GAA activities as well as giving attendees the chance to meet their Dublin GAA heroes, make new friends and have lots of fun in the process.

The GAA camp has been tailored by the Trinity Sport GAA development team to encourage the next generation of upcoming GAA stars.

Laverty is looking forward to everyone joining: “Trinity Sport and the GAA development team have created a camp that will work on the GAA skills of each attendee as an individual and as part of a team in a fun and positive environment.”

The price is €65 per head. To register your interest in taking part, go to: https://www.tcd. ie/Sport/children/GAA-camp/

18 July 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: SHAMROCK ROVERS BOSS BULLISH OVER HIS SIDE’S EUROPA LEAGUE CHANCES

Bradley digests Brann challenge EUROPA LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

STEPHEN Bradley says the ‘favourites’ tag won’t affect his Shamrock Rovers side as they head into the home leg of their Europa League qualifier with Norwegian side SK Brann.

Roberto Lopes’ last-minute header earned the Hoops a 2-2 draw in Bergen last Thursday and means they lead the tie on away goals going into the return leg in Tallaght.

Rovers were impressive in Norway despite trailing on two occasions, Lopes’ pressure having forced an own goal late in the first half to tie the game up for the first time, before conceding a penalty.

It could have been even better for the Hoops as striker Aaron Greene and captain Ronan Finn both missed good chances in the second half before Lopes swooped late on.

A likely meeting with the formidable Cypriot side Appolon Limassol, who have reached the group stages four years from the last six, awaits the winner in round two.

“It doesn’t matter to us if people look at us as favourites now,” Bradley said at Wednesday’s pre-game press conference.

“What we have to understand is that we’re playing a very good side. It’s going to be a difficult game but I said before the first leg it’s a tie that we fully believe we can win and nothing changes that.

“We still have to go and win this game. There’s no other way of approaching it and they’ll obviously think the

same.

“You can’t sit in against a team like this. If you do that you’re asking for trouble and you’re going to get punished.”

Bradley saw enough of Brann in the first half to recognise their dangerman, Estonian international Taijo Teniste and Norway’s Veton Berisha having got on the scoresheet.

Teniste’s furious 25-yard strike had put the Norwegians in front against the run of play early on before Berisha won and scored a penalty moments after Rovers’ equaliser.

“You look at the team you’re playing against, their strengths and their weaknesses and we felt our system was the right way to play.

“We actually started well and then they scored a good goal. That knocked us a bit. We know our delivery is always good whether it’s Jack [Byrne], Dylan [Watts], Sean [Kavanagh] or Aaron McEneff.

“It’s about hitting our areas and getting into our areas early. We did that last week and got two goals from it.

“Attacking wise they have some dangerous players and I’m sure they’ll change their team again tomorrow night and the players they bring in will be just as strong.

“You have to respect that they’re a good side, they will create chances and we have to be ready for that but we’ll go to win the game like we did last week.

“If we get the crowd that we’re hoping for it’ll make for a really special atmosphere. It’s a massive game for us and hopefully we can get a big crowd to help us get over the line.”

Shamrock Rovers fans enjoying their trip to SK Brann last week

Juvenile athletes from Brothers Pearse who took part in the recent Junior Track and Field Championships

Brothers Pearse national glory ATHLETICS  sport@dublingazette.com

BROTHERS Pearse Athletics Club enjoyed a bumper few weeks on the national stage, producing some excellent results at the recent Irish Life Junior Track and Field Championships in Tullamore.

Siun Quinn climbed to the top step of the podium with gold in the Under-13 high jump while she also took sil-

ver in the long jump. Ella Curtin (Under-13 80m) secured bronze while Leila Halpin took home gold in the Under-12 long jump and silver in the 60m.

In team relays, both t h e b oys Un d e r- 1 2 s (Ciaran Fitzgerald, Gavin and Ciaran Hyland, Tom O’Brien and Don Kirwan) and girls Under-13 relay teams (Siun Quinn, Ella Curtin, Darcy Hutter, Rachel Byrne and Kate

Smith) won bronze.

Jennifer Hanrahan took home the gold in the Under-17 long jump and silver in the 100m.

Robert Byrne secured silver in the 400m while Nadi Kabongo earned silver in the in the Under-16 100m. Conor Hanrahan took silver in the Under19 hurdles while Darcy Hutter earned bronze in the Under-13 hurdles.

Me a nw h i l e i n t h e National 10 mile cham-

pionships in the Phoenix Park last Sunday, Sinead Tighe came first in the F45 category in a time of 1:10:46 while the ladies 0ver-50 team of Deirdre Farrell, Ingrid McGovern and Ailish Hudson took home the National silver team medal.

Further afield Brothers Pears athlete Ciara Bradley placed seventh in her age category in Ironman Vitoria-Gastiez (Spain) in a time of 12:11:27.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 18 July 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

3

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN CONGRATULATIONS to our Minor Footballers (pictured) who won the Division 2 league title last week. The Minor hurlers then followed it up a very good win over Clontarf in their league. Also on the playing pitches last week, our Inter Hurlers won their championship match against Clontarf, finishing top of their group. Our Junior Hurlers beat Erin Go Bragh in their championship clash. This week our adult footballers are in league action. Details re the fixtures are on our website.

Hundreds of euro in prizes are up for grabs in our British Open Predictor competition. Pick an entry card from our website or from the club, with entry €10. Four golfers from the field need to be picked. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 16th July.

Lotto 8th July. Jackpot: €9,200. Numbers drawn: 9,14,17,26 bonus ball 5.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. 3 x €100 winners: Linda Bond, Helen C, Peter Caffery. Thanks to all who support the Lotto.

Bingo every Tuesday night in the club with first call at 8.30pm, with a jackpot of €1,000 up for grabs. €20 for a full house. All welcome.

THOMAS DAVIS A BIG Thank You to all the children and their parents that participated in our Cúl Camps over the past couple of weeks. Over 300 took part.

And Well Done and Thank You to our coaches and supervisors.

Registration for our Club Camp beginning Monday 12th August will take place the week leading up to the Camp, details to follow.

Senior Hurling Team drew with Kilmacud Crokes in Senior B Championship during midweek. Junior Hurling Team were nar-

WANDERERS

rowly defeated by Na Fianna. Minor Hurling Team were defeated by Kilmacud Crokes in a League Match.

Under 15 Hurling Team beat Sylvester in league, under 14’s beat Lucan Sarsfields while under 13’s lost to Clontarf.

Under 14 Football Team also beat Lucan Sarsfields .

Minors Football Team were defeated by Kilmacud Crokes in midweek.

Well done to Olwen Ciara and Siobhan on the Dublin Ladies Football Teams win over Waterford at the weekend.

LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 9-17-35 €25 goes to Marion Mahon, Jimmy Conlon, Derek O Connor, Ray Geratty. Jackpot next week is €8,800. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page.

See our Facebook page for more information If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754.

If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info.

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

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

FOOTBALL: CLONDALKIN CLUB’S SECOND PROMOTION

Towers on the rise MFL DIVISION 2 Round Tower, Clondalkin 3-10 St Pat’s, Donabate 1-10  MICHAEL MCGLYNN sport@dublingazette.com

FROM three to two, to one, Round Tower’s minor footballers will play in the top tier next season after claiming Division 2 honours in front of a huge crowd of supporters in the Community Centre.

It marked the second season of promotion for the Clondalkin club and claiming top spot is testament to the excellent talent emerging from the juvenile ranks.

Joey Leech opened the scoring following a fine team move that started with keeper Oisin Douglas finding Conor Broderick.

Adam Byrne then fed Joe Murray whose injection of pace created the opening for Leech to cut inside and fire his second over.

A Jack Halpin win in midfield led to fellow midfielder Alex O’Neill kicking the games second score off his left.

St Pat’s registered their first on the eight minute mark but Halpin then released Leech and his strike for goal careered back off the crossbar.

Ciaran Courtney collected the rebound to point.

The deficit was reduced to one but a pivotal moment arrived on the 15 minute mark. Aaron Curtis delivered a crossfield pass to

Round Tower’s minor footballers

Murray and his dinked pass in behind the full backline was perfectly weighted.

Leech gathered and struck powerfully to the roof of the net. The lead up to the goal saw keeper Oisin Douglas handle with aplomb a high ball into the Towers box in wet conditions, a hallmark of his handling throughout the game.

The fourth Towers point arrived when Leech controlled brilliantly with his foot and then turned sharply to finish.

Pat’s narrowed the deficit to four but Murray’s dinked point again extended the lead. Adam Byrne timed a great interception and it led to O’Neill quickly taking a free to Courtney and he raised the arm of

HAPPY HARRIERS Trunk triumph in Phoenix Park KATHLEEN Trunk (1.18.40)

was Lucan Harriers first runner home at the Irish Runner 10-mile in Phoenix Park last Saturday morning.

She was followed by Danijela Klopotan (1.21.05), David Jones (1.24.01), Eileen O’Brien (fourth in her age category in (1.27.46), Sinead Farrell (1.44.07), Maria Donoghue (1.51.36), Kim Jones (1.52.10), Teresa Bowe (1.53.45), Hazel Timmons (1.54.08) Irene Namujere (2.20.46) and Josephine Dignam (2.20.44).

the umpire, 1-6 to 0-5 at half-time.

With the finish line in sight in the title chase, Towers showed signs of nerves in not converting early opportunities in the second half.

It took 10 minutes before they got their first score with O’Neill swapping passes with Courtney to a point.

Full back Shane Morrow showed safe hands when a dangers ball was fizzed across the Towers full back line.

As per first half, Towers struck a decisive blow on the 15 minute mark.

Douglas kicked superbly to release Halpin. He carried and Conor Morrow flicked to Curtis who finished low under the keeper.

O’Neill carried into the

40, slowed, turned and pointed to leave the lead at 2-8 v 0-8.

Jack Quinlan dispossessed twice in the space of two minutes and Matthew Kelly continued to anchor the 40, making timely interceptions. He received from Douglas and the move led to Lu Silawong and Conor Morrow combining in the forwards to create the opening for Curtis to point.

Wi t h s ix m i nu te s remaining the game was put to bed. Leech latched onto an astray kick-out and he quickly fed Courtney to strike into the top corner.

Pat’s struck a late penalty and followed it with two points without response, but the game was well beyond them.

18 Juy 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: JACKIES MAKE BIG STATEMENT IN ALL-IRELAND GROUP STAGES

McEvoy says more to come despite huge win over Waterford TG4 ALL-IRELAND SFC GROUP STAGES Dublin Waterford  sport@dublingazette.com

5-15 2-6

DUBLIN forward Niamh McEvoy sounded a warning to her teammates that they still have a lot of improving to do if they are to retain their TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship.

It followed an emphatic show of force against Waterford at the weekend in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

The Sky Blues ran out 18-point winners in this Group 2 tie on Saturday, with Monaghan due to play Waterford next Saturday in what is now a crunch fixture.

As champions for the last two seasons, all eyes are on Mick Bohan’s side this summer, and after recently defending their Leinster title, the got their round robin series off to a convincing win thanks to goals from Lyndsey Davey, Nicole Owens and McEvoy.

“Nothing we’ve done before in the past is going to be good enough to win an AllIreland. You always have to improve on the previous season,” said McEvoy, who scored 2-4 of her side’s total.

“We know we have to bring a bit more, but there was no talk of who was missing

today. It was everybody who was available, what they could bring to the table.

“We’re obviously happy with the win, but there’s definitely things we’re going to take away from today to build on.”

Despite the absence of team captain Sinead Aherne through injury, the attacking triumvirate of Nicole Owens, McEvoy and Lyndsey Davey ensured victory was never in doubt for the Leinster outfit.

Starting with 11 of the team that secured the Brendan Martin Cup at Cork’s expense last September, the three in-arow chasing Sky Blues signalled their intent during a fast-paced opening.

Following an early point for Davey, Owens released St Sylvester’s club-mate McEvoy for a clinical fifth-minute goal.

The centre-forward also raised a white flag at the end of a subsequent attack.

While Waterford full-forward Michelle Ryan was an also target, an ear-lier major for Davey left them five points behind, 2-2 to 0-3, at the end of the first-quarter. Their woes were further compounded when Owens raised another green flag for Mick Bohan’s charges.

Siobhan McGrath and Lauren Magee added points either side of this effort and a fourth Dublin goal inevitably arrived through McEvoy, when she got her second

Dubs gunning for first title at U-20  CÓILIN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

Niamh McEvoy takes on Waterford’s Rosie Landers. Picture: Piara O Midhaeach/ Sportsfile

after 19 minutes.

Points from Owens and Noelle Healy bolstered their tally and while half-back Roisin Tobin kicked an excellent point for Waterford, the champions led 4-6 to 0-4 at the break.

A pointed Delahunty free gave Ciaran Curran’s side further hope on the resumption, only for Owens and McEvoy to respond in similar style at the far end.

Waterford did get a goal when Sinead Goldrick was adjudged to have hauled down Eimear Fennell inside the square, Delahunty slotted the penalty beyond the reach of Ciara Trant.

Nevertheless, Dublin quickly reinforced their superiority courtesy of unanswered points from McEvoy, Davey and Owens and Davey added a late goal for good measure.

Tipp edge out sky blues camogie side SENIOR CAMOGIE Tipperary 1-11 Dublin 0-9  sport@dublingazette.com

FOOTBALL: Man of the match meets Maddison

SMILES all-round after Maddison Kavanagh (6) from Cabra presented Jack McCaffrey with his Man of the Match award at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Clontarf man was in exquisite form as Dublin tore clear of Cork late in the closing stages, en route to a 5-18 to 1-17 success.

Picture: jason farrell

TIPPERARY edged out Dublin by five points in a hard-fought encounter at The Ragg in the Liberty Insurance Senior Camogie Championship, Group 2.

In a game where every score was hard-earned, Niamh Treacy put Tipp in front after 30 seconds but then Dublin pushed 0-2 to 0-1 ahead after ten minutes of action.

It could have been much more, after Caoimhe Burke pulled down S i n é a d Wy l d e fo r a penalty, but the Dublin attacker – who was in superb form from frees throughout most of the game – pulled her effort wide of the post.

Tipperary edged in front and two monster

FOOTBALL

scores from Mary Ryan from midfield helped them to lead by 0-7 to 0-4 at half time.

They struck another point before the crucial score after 40 minutes set them on a winning path.

Grace O’Brien turned ove r a s h o r t D u b l i n puckout and the ball was worked to Eilish McDonald for the only goal of the game.

Late points from Laura Twomey and Gráinne Quinn kept Dublin it but Cáit Devane finished with 0-5 and McDonald with 1-2 for Tipp, while Caoimhe Burke made a superb late save to deny Wylde and preserve a 1-11 to 0-9 win for the Premier women.

The result leaves Dublin in fourth place in the group with their final game against Clare next Saturday at Parnell Park.

Naomh Uinsionn’s Deirdre Johnstone in action against Tipperary. Picture: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho

DUBLIN are aiming for a first Eirgrid Leinster Under-20 football title on Friday night when they face Laois at Bord na Mona O’Connor Park, Tullamore at 7.30pm (Live on TG4).

Dublin have claimed 14 Leinster U21 titles in the past, but contest the second ever final at U20’s level, after Kildare beat them in the inaugural decider last year, before going on to claim All-Ireland silverware.

Laois beat a fancied Kildare side in the first round this year, and their manager Billy O’Loughlin will be a familiar face in the capital, having been involved as DIT’s (Now TUD) Sigerson Cup team manager in recent years, himself a former student of the college.

Both sides come in with great momentum to the final, with Laois accounting for Kildare, Westmeath and Meath en route; while Dublin have recorded big wins over Longford and Wexford.

“Laois have come through three really tough games against Kildare in the first instance, and went through extra-time against Westmeath and they seem to have had a very good win over Meath,” Dublin manager Tom Gray said.

“They have certainly come into the Leinster Final fully tested, so we’ll have to be at our absolute best to be a challenge to them.”

GazetteSPORT JULY 18-24, 2019

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

BANG ON FOR GREEN ARMY

SOCCER: Bangor

Celtic and Greenhills/ Greenpark join forces to form new club and make an assault on LSL with a permanent base. SEE P28

ULTIMATE VICTORY

FRISBEE: Outsiders Ireland, packed with Dubliners, run up amazing European success in Hungary.

SEE P27

THREE TO ONE IN TWO YEARS FOOTBALL: Round

Tower’s minors make it back to back promotions with a super win over St Pat’s Donabate. SEE P31

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Thomas Davis club man set to line out for Ireland  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER Irish Underage Soccer star and Thomas Davis clubman James O’Connor is set to represent his country this Saturday, as part of the Ireland Gaelic Football Masters team which faces Australia in the KC Sports international rules match in Denn, Co Cavan at 3pm.

O’Connor is no stranger to international duty, and was goalkeeper on the famous Republic of Ireland soccer team, which included Robbie Keane, that won the European Under-18 Championships in 1998.

He’s one of two Dubs involved on Saturday, with Fingal Ravens clubman and current Round Towers Senior Football manager Damien Flanagan also part of the squad.

O’Connor said it’s great to be back in an Irish jersey, at this stage of his career, adding: “This is cracking. I wasn’t aware that they were having the International Rules Series this year, and then there was a gap in the Masters calendar in July and I asked about it.

“I’m delighted to be involved as play Aussie Rules too,” he told Dublin Gazette.

He got a call from former underage Dubl i n te a m - m a te G a r y O’Connell to join the Dublin Masters squad last year, though it actually came a year too soon, but he still tagged

James O’Connor in action for the Dublin Masters against Laois

“This is cracking. I wasn’t aware that they were having the International Rules Series this year“ along.

He will be the youngest to tog out this Saturday, as he only turns 40 later this year.

O’Connor is based in Cambridge at present for work, and has shown great commitment to both his club, Thomas Davis, and the Dublin Masters, regularly travelling over and back for training and games.

It also gives him time

to see his children Jack and Lily, with Jack in particular a fan of the Dublin Masters team, and getting to see his dad pull on the county jersey.

“I’ve been working abroad now for about eight years between different sites in Scandinavia and London, and in the North of Ireland, so I’m kind of used to it at this stage,” he said.

O’Connor also plays Aussie Rules for both Cambridge University and, in their off-season, the North London Lions so is uniquely placed for Saturday’s game, having current experience of playing both codes, especially when the quarters will rotate between the oval and round balls.

“When I heard that the managers were on to

us, wondering did anyone know where to get an Aussie Rules ball, I’ve brought a few across for training,” he said.

“The lads, to be fair to them, have taken to the ball quite well. I’ve seen some new players take off when the Irish come to town in the UK, and they haven’t taken to the ball as quickly as the Masters lads have – we’ll be ready for it.”

Saturday’s game forms part of Denn GFC’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, and the teams will compete for the Paddy Gaffney Cup, in honour of a Denn clubman who played for Ireland Masters in the past.

Meanwhile, the Dublin Masters footballers’ next game is against Kildare on Saturday, July 27 at Ballyboden St Enda’s at 3pm.