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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE SDCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOVEMBER 23-30, 2017

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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE SDCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOVEMBER 23-30, 2017

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From filming big cats to big mammals, Colin Stafford Johnson is having a whale of a time SEE PAGE 17

Get your skates on – we have 16 FAMILY PASSES for Swords On Ice and Dundrum On Ice to give away!

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LOCALS RESPOND IN DROVES HIGHLIGHTING RANGE OF CONCERNS

Clonburris SDZ fears sees 400 submissions sent in  MARK O’BRIEN MORE than 400 submissions have been made to South Dublin County Council in relation to the proposed Clonburris Strategic Development Zone, with residents

highlighting a number of concerns over the planned development.

Local representatives have made submissions calling for social housing in the development to be increased to a 30% mix, while

Transport Minister Shane Ross has confirmed that there are currently no plans to extend the Dart or Luas to the area by the time the homes are built.

See full story on Page 8

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

COUNCIL | €2M INCREASE IN SPENDING ON HOUSING AND BUILDING

‘Draft Annual Budget didn’t go far enough to combat housing crisis’  MARK O’BRIEN

SOUTH Dublin County councillors have voted to pass the Draft Annual Budget for 2018 but some councillors say it does not do enough to combat the housing crisis.

The budget was passed by 32 votes to six, with two councillors absent.

It will see a €2 million increase in spending on housing and building while retaining all current services.

Speaking after the meeting, Mayor Paul Gogarty (IND) said: “We’ve succeeded in protecting services as much as we can and getting additional allocations in some instances.”

Cllr William Lavelle (FG)

said that he voted in favour of the budget despite not being happy with all parts of it.

“While I’m not totally happy with all parts of the budget I did vote for it and I’m happy that (on foot of separate recent vote) the Local Property Tax has not increased as some other councillors wanted,” he said following the budget meeting.

Crisis Cllr Madeleine Johansson (PBP) voted against the budget as she felt it did not do enough to deal with the housing crisis.

“There has been no will to discuss alternative options for constructing housing, and instead the council will be spending over €30 million on

subsidies to private landlords through the RAS and leasing schemes,” she said.

“While it is positive that an additional €2 million will be allocated to housing, this actually only represents an increase of 2.89% of the total spend on housing.

“This is not enough when we are facing the worst housing crisis in the history of the state.”

Cllr Johansson’s party colleague Cllr Emma Hendrick said that she voted against the budget for similar reasons.

She criticised the council’s decision to allocate an additional €230,000 for summer staff to carry out grass cutting and tree pruning, saying that

she felt that there were more important issues that the council should be dealing with.

“It is unfortunate that, in a left wing led council, the budget was ratified with the justification that frontline services such as tree pruning were kept intact with no regard to the real problems in South Dublin, which is the 8,000 on the housing waiting list and 199 families in homeless accommodation,” she said.

“It’s hard to care about overgrown trees when you don’t have a roof over your head.”

Following the budget meeting on Thursday, November 16, the council is now required to adopt the budget by Wednesday, November 29.

FASTNews

Jobs boost for home care firm A HOME CARE provider has announced it is expanding its work force by 50 people.

The company is holding a recruitment day next Tuesday, November 28 at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley for a variety of positions. For further information, email dublinwest@bluebirdcare.ie.

Meath-based Bluebird Care marked its tenth anniversary in 2017, with the company saying its planned further expansion marks an increasing demand for its services.

Working in a home setting and in a number of communities for persons of all ages with varying needs, Bluebird Care possesses the Q Mark for Quality, with a focus on highquality care tailored for the individual needs of its clients.

FASTNews

Lucan student crowned national champion for physics knowledge LUCAN Community College student Alex Hanley (pictured) has become a national champion after sensationally winning the gold medal for Physics in the IrEUSO national competition held in DCU on Saturday, November 11.

The Transition Year student had been selected to compete in the unique competition based on his outstanding Maths and Science Junior Certificate results.

Oisín O’Sullivan (5th Year) was also selected to take part in this prestigious competition based on his own top marks in his Junior Certificate.

As gold medal champion, Alex will now participate in training with the other 11 medal winners in physics, chemistry and biology to decide the team of six who will go on to represent Ireland in the 2018 International Science Olympiad.

The EUSO International Science Olympiad will be held between the April 28 and May 5 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Lucan Community College said: “We wish Alex every success as he now begins his training for what will hopefully be his Ireland debut in Slovenia next April.”

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COURTS | REVERSED INTO GARDA CAR

FASTNews

‘Menace’ is jailed over high-speed Clondalkin chase

Jobs boost for home care firm A HOME CARE provider has announced it is expanding its work force by 50 people.

The company is holding a recruitment day next Tuesday, November 28 at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley for a variety of positions.

For further information, email dublinwest@ bluebirdcare.ie.

Meath-based Bluebird Care marked its tenth anniversary in 2017, with the company saying its planned further expansion marks an increasing demand for its services.

Working in a home setting and in a number of communities for persons of all ages with varying needs, Bluebird Care possesses the Q Mark for Quality, with a focus on high-quality care tailored for clients.

Dealership helped to drive up gift donations to needy kids WITH an impressive ‘wall’ of gift-filled shoeboxes behind them, Michael Greaney, head of sales at Frank Keane Volkswagen, and Claire Burke, Team Hope Ireland had every reason to smile as they thought of all the children that the boxes would bring a smile to this Christmas. Frank Keane Volkswagen Deansgrange and Liffey Valley became the newest drop-off centres in west and south Dublin for Team Hope Ireland’s annual Christmas Shoebox Toy Appeal, with the motor specialists delighted to support the cause. Last year, Team Hope Ireland received more than 250,000 shoebox donations nationwide, bringing joy to countless children in less well-off countries.

A MAN described as a “menace to society” has been jailed for two and a half years after reversing at speed in a stolen car at a garda patrol vehicle during a high-speed chase in Clondalkin.

Sean Kerins (26) has 105 previous convictions, including 80 for road traffic offences, and was disqualified from driving at the time. Kerins – of Moylish Road, Ballynanty Beg, Limerick – was visiting friends in Dublin at the time of this offence.

Kerins pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal damage to an unmarked patrol car

and two counts of dangerous driving in Clondalkin on October 9, 2016.

The court heard gardai began pursuing the stolen Honda Civic driven by Kerins after spotting one of the front headlights was not working.

He failed to stop and took off along the Nangor Road at speeds in excess of 160 kilometres per hour.

Kerins drove through red lights at two junctions before turning into a cul de sac.

He was followed by two patrol cars and on reaching the end of the road, revved his engine and reversed at speed at one of the cars. His vehicle went

up on the bonnet of the patrol car before stopping.

Defence counsel, Carol Doherty BL, said Kerins had little in the way of parental support or encouragement while growing up. She said he began using drugs at 14 years old and used cars as a way to escape reality.

Ms Doherty submitted that he had immediately admitted his role and was genuinely apologetic.

Judge Martin Nolan said, however, that Kerins was a “menace to society” who had endangered the public.

He imposed a three-anda-half year sentence and suspended the last year on strict conditions.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

Inspection funding cuts ‘a serious matter of health and safety’  MARK O’BRIEN LOCAL authorities have had funding to carry out inspections on private rental accommodation cut by €700,000.

Information received by the Fianna Fail TD John Curran through Parliamentary Question this month revealed that funding to local authorities to conduct inspections fell from €2.4m in 2012 to €1.7m in 2016.

Deputy Curran said: “The figures reveal that over the past five years the level of funding provided to local authorities for inspection purposes has steadily fallen.

“The housing crisis has left countless people and families unable to afford the rising cost of rent, especially in Dublin and have therefore been left with no choice but to live in poor quality accommodation.

“It is clear from the Minister’s response that our local authorities do not have the sufficient resources

required to regulate the quality of units on the rental market or identify cases of extreme negligence by landlords.”

Deputy Curran said that he felt that the Government were contradicting themselves by saying they were taking housing standards seriously and aiming to accelerate inspections, yet repeatedly cutting funding.

“Local Authorities should be financed properly by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to adequately enforce laws and inspect units to safeguard against breaches of standards in the private rental sector,” he said.

“We can no longer leave it to the media to expose more and more cases of negligence in the housing market.

“Urgent effort is needed to increase funding to local authorities so that they can intensify inspections.

“This is a serious matter of citizen’s health and safety and cannot wait.”

PARTICIPATORY BUDGET | CITIZENS SET TO DECIDE

Clondalkin to have its say with €300k  MARK O’BRIEN CLONDALKIN has been chosen as the recipient of next year’s €300,000 Have Your Say participatory budget

by South Dublin County Council.

The winning area was chosen through the drawing of lots by Mayor Paul Gogarty at last week’s Annual Budget meeting of the council.

The scheme allows citizens in a local community to directly decide how to spend a portion of the public budget in their area.

Residents put forward ideas on how to improve their area and these ideas are then put to a public vote to determine which projects will be allocated funds from the €300,000 available.

The project was successfully piloted in Lucan and Palmerstown earlier this year.

Residents put forward their proposals at a number of workshops in several venues across the area.

These proposals were then put to a public vote, with eight projects securing funding.

The winning projects included the provision of Christmas lights in Lucan village, the restoration

Cllr Mark Ward (SF) welcomed the news

of King John’s Bridge in Griffeen Park and a feasibility study for the restoration of the Silver Bridge in Palmerstown.

Councillor Mark Ward (SF) welcomed the news that the scheme will be rolled out next year.

He said: “This scheme was rolled out in Lucan and Palmerstown last year and it saw the residents having a say on how €300,000 was spent in their area.

“It was a hugely successful pilot scheme. As a member of the steering group that delivered this pilot scheme I am really excited to see it

coming to Clondalkin.

“This is a genuine chance for the people of Clondalkin to shape their area in a democratic process.

“At the end of the process Clondalkin will see real tangible results and it will only benefit our area. I am hoping that groups and individuals of all ages and backgrounds embrace this process.”

Workshops, followed by the public vote are expected to take place next year.

Further information on the participatory budget can be found at www.sdcc.ie/haveyoursay.

Views sought on youth facilities SOUTH Dublin County Council are asking teenagers to give them their views on youth facilities in the county.

Councillor Emer Higgins (FG) has welcomed the survey and encouraged young people to engage in the survey.

“Who better to shape our youth service than our young people?” she said.

“The council is asking our young people to let us know where you go to hang out and what you would like to see from the council in the future.

“So have a look at the South Dublin Council Website and share your ideas, suggestions and views.”

The sur vey can be found at https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/ content/youth-facilitiessurvey

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

Out and About

On the ball with top training tips P

LAYERS from Lucan Sarsfields were delighted to go training with Dublin senior footballers Jack McCaffery, Paddy Andrews, Eric Lowndes and Colm Basquel at Parnell Park recently, with the seniors putting the club’s enthusiastic young players through their paces. The lads were only too happy to talk about playing for Dublin, as they took the chance to check out some of the up-and-coming talents from the determined youngsters, who were thrilled to get the training tips and insights.

The seniors gave plenty of training tips, as well as putting the youngsters through their paces. Pictures: Eoin Noonan

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE | RESIDENTS HIGHLIGHT THEIR WORRIES

Lack of social housing a concern at Clonburris  MARK O’BRIEN

OVER 400 submissions have been made to South Dublin County Council in relation to the proposed Clonburris Strategic Development Zone, with residents highlighting a number of concerns over the planned development.

The lack of social housing and public transport have been highlighted as areas of concern.

Local Labour Party representatives Joanna Tuffy and David Eaton have made a submission calling for the amount of social housing included in the project to be increased from the proposed 10% to 30%.

The submission states: “It is vital that the develop-

ment of this strategically located site that has such a high proportion of publicly owned land as well as public infrastructure and resources of national importance, in particular the Grand Canal, two train stations and railway line that is part of the Dublin Cork Railway line, be done in the public interest and common good.

“Therefore there should be 30 per cent social and affordable housing provided in Clonburris as a whole and this should be integrated throughout the development.

“A f f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g should be made available for purchase and rent for families on low to middle incomes in Clonburris, so that local families that may not be able

Labour’s Joanna Tuffy

to purchase at market prices can live there and that there be an integrated community with social mix reflective of the surrounding local communities and nationwide.”

Ms Tuffy said that she felt that South Dublin County Council should develop a housing cooperative with

the developers of Clonburris, similar to a scheme recently agreed by Dublin City Countil.

“It’s not helpful that the Government has yet to come out with a National Affordable Housing Scheme, but we think the Council can do it anyway using the SDZ and under legislation as well as the recent precedence on Dublin City Council lands at Poppintree.”

There have also been concerns raised about the lack of public transport running to the area.

Transport Minister Shane Ross, responded to a recent parliamentary question by local TD Gino Kenny, confirmed that the existing capital plan for public transport

2018 – 2021 does not include funding to complete electrification of the Dart to Hazelhatch or the development of a Luas line to Lucan.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson (PBP) told The Gazette that she felt public transport was the biggest issue facing the Clonburris development.

“It is quite concerning for a lot of the local councillors because it is the biggest issue and I think a lot of us fear that the area has been ignored when it comes to public transport.”

In reponse to the concerns raised, a SDCC spokesperson said: “All submissions are now being assessed and will be addressed and considered by the council in the Chief Executive’s report.”

Biggest Ever Black Friday Sale at EZ Living Furniture EZ Living Furniture are holding their Biggest Ever Black Friday Sale all this week, offering customers’ huge savings across all of their furniture and accessories ranges.

There are incredible deals on sofas all this week until Sunday, with three seaters such as the Orion from €549 and corner sofas such as Copenhagen corner chaise from €749. There is amazing value on all dining tables, chairs and a whole range of home essentials including the Canterbury oak bookcase for €149, Turin dark oak extension dining table and four chairs for only €899, and the Cashel oak nest of tables for only €99.

Get an amazing night’s sleep with mattresses and bed frames from just €249. With big discounts in store and online don’t miss The Biggest Ever Black Friday Sale in EZ Living Furniture, exclusive to Blanchardstown, Airside Retail Park and Fonthill stores.

And if that’s not enough they have exclusive offers throughout the week on www.ezlivingfurniture.ie.

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

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

It’s business as usual in Clondalkin Village CLONDALKIN has a bounty of independent and family owned businesses with many starting to feel an increase in revenue as the Irish economy is improving.

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

One local business that has also survived the testament of time is Becker Tansey & Co Solicitors, which has been providing legal services in Clondalkin for more than 30 years.

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

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

The local company specialises in sales, rentals, property management and valuation of all types of residential and commercial properties across all corners of Dublin City and further afield.

Cash In Rags, based at Watery lane, are now going into their sixth year in business.

Donna who runs the company, says that there are a lot of people these days interested in recycling their old clothes with them.

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

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

FORUM | MOVE ‘WOULD ACT AS A MEASURE TO PREVENT CRIME IN THE AREAS’ Get ready to Jive

Lucan, Adamstown to get own Local Policing Forum  MARK O’BRIEN S OU T H D u b l i n C o u n t y Council have confirmed that Lucan and Adamstown are to get their own Local Policing Forum (LPF).

The forum provides a mechanism for the community, gardai, local authority and other stakeholders to come together to improve communication, share appropriate information and identify issues of concern in relation to policing, anti-social behaviour and estate management.

Successful The forums have proved to be successful in other parts of the county, including Clondalkin.

Cllr Liona O’Toole (IND) has been attending the Clondalkin LPF and said that a forum dedicated to Lucan was a welcome development.

“I have been attending these LPF meetings for about a year now and raising issues in the area of Lucan and Adamstown, such as the fun fair incidents and other antisocial behaviour issues and although they were noted and recorded, we weren’t getting to action them,” she said.

“The gardai from Ronanstown garda station were very helpful and supportive, but I felt that the gardai and in particular the community section in Lucan gardaistation were missing out by not having a LPF where they could be

involved in.

“The Lucan and Adamstown area is growing rapidly in the area of the young teenagers and a LPF would benefit everyone.”

Cllr Liona O’Toole (IND)

Cllr Danny O’Brien (SF) also welcomed the news, saying that it would act as a measure to prevent crime, which has been on the rise in the area.

“Viewing the figures it is obvious that there is a significant rise in crime in our area,” he said.

“The numbers of burglaries, criminal damage incidents, theft from cars, shops and the sales/supply of drugs have all risen.”

Cllr O’Brien added that while the new LPF was welcome, the number of new garda recruits in the area was barely covering retirements and he felt that the lack of garda numbers in Lucan should be addressed.

“There is an obvious commitment and goodwill from Local Residents Associations, Neighbourhood Watch groups and local garda stations all working together to make our area and homes safer.

“However with the best will in the world these efforts fall short without the support of an appropriate police presence on the ground.

“Surely then, the answer is to call on Minister Charlie Flanagan to increase the number of new garda recruits and provision of extra resources to An Garda Siochana in the area.”

The first meeting of the Lucan LPF is expected to take place in early December.

in Firhouse

BRITAIN’S Got Talent semi-finalist, The Jive Aces, will be performing their new show on November 26 at 3pm at the Scientology Community Centre Auditorium, Firhouse Road (former Victory Centre), with Special Guest Victoria Bass.

They will be joined on stage with local dancers, singers and special guests, all in aid of local charities.

Having earned a reputation for being among the best entertainers around for over 20 years, the Jive Aces have truly established themselves as the top jive and swing band. They are considered one of the hardest working bands in the business. Renowned for their high-energy jump jive and spectacular stage show, the band’s repertoire stretches from the timeless tunes of the swing era to the glitz of the Rat Pack, with a dash of rhythm & blues and the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Out and About

Kerri Nicole and Kayla Rose Jackie and Nassim Reilly. Pictures: Simon Peare

Blanc

Senan, Lochlainn and Saorlaith Quinn

Michael Hyne, Jade Murray and Aba Hynes

Opening a brand-new Christmas experience Hannah McLoughlin and Shannon

Stephen Philip Hogarty, Farah Black and

Meagher

Nikki Hayes

L

OCAL families flocked to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre last week for a brand new Christmas experience. Santa’s Cove is an enchanted wonderland where children meet Santa and find out how good they’ve been this year, thanks to the amazing invention the ‘Naughty or Nice Machine’.

The event brings boys and girls on a magical journey full of excitement that lasts 70 minutes.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS CEREMONY | AWARD-WINNING ENERGY EFFICIENT ORGANISATIONS

FOUNDERS: Matt Majewski, Jacob Wedderburn-Day and Anthony Collias

Luggage storage firm arrives in Dublin A LONDON luggage storage start-up is about to take Dublin by storm.

CityStasher provides a network of city-centre locations (newsagents, hotels, independent retailers) where tourists and day-trippers can drop bags for short periods of time.

The offering is proving particularly popular with day trippers and those checking out of local Airbnb’s. The CityStasher network allows people to make the most of the day without the hassle of dragging around heavy bags or suitcases.

So far, two local businesses have signed-up to the CityStasher network. The ‘StashPoints’, as they are called, are the mailboxes etc shops on James Joyce Street and Upper Rathmines Road. Joining the network is a great opportunity for local business to earn additional revenue as well as drive footfall.

Customers book ahead via the CityStasher website, pay online, then simply drop the bags off. It costs €6 for 24 hours, and €5 for each additional day. visit www.citystasher.com

Dubs win big at Sustainable Energy Awards

Durkan Residential won the Design Award. Pictured are Julie O’Neill, chairperson SEAI,

THREE Dublin companies won big at the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards last week.

Durkan Residential Ltd, a Dublin-based private housing developer who has focused on developing cost effective methods for building energy efficient houses, won the Energy in Design Category.

They have built the largest certified Passive House development in Ireland.

M50 Concession Ltd, a public private partnership company that provides maintenance on the M50 motorway, won the Small Business Award.

It has installed power controllers which reduces the amount of energy used for lighting at set times of the night depending on traffic flows.

The project has delivered 43% energy saving equating to financial savings of just over €300,000 annually.

New to the Awards this year was a €10,000 bursary for the winner of the

Research category.

Exergyn, who are based in DCU, picked up this prize for its research on the development of a zero emissions engine that converts low grade heat into power.

The funding will go towards the next stages of research for the company as it tests the longevity of different materials for its engine.

This is the 14th year of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards and entrants to the eight categories demonstrated savings of over €27 million.

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) took away the top prize for Energy Team of the Year.

WIT impressed judges with its organisation wide approach to saving energy, with staff and students working together it has surpassed its 33% energy efficiency target and is saving an impressive €300,000 per year on energy bills.

For full details on all winning projects, visit www.seai.ie

Barry Durkan and Kevin Durkan of Durkan Residential and Jim Gannon (CEO SEAI).

Minister Bruton seeks Music industry worth more than €700m to economy to boost traineeships MINISTER for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton has called on employers and learners to avail of the opportunities available to them in the area of traineeships.

Launching a new FiveStep Guide at an event in the Teeling Distillery in Dublin last week, Minister Bruton said: “If we want to have the best education and training service in Europe by 2026, we need to provide a range of pathways for people to fulfil their career ambitions.

“I am very keen to grow the number of trainees enrolled, and the number of traineeship programmes available.

“We have seen the success our European counterparts

have had in making traineeships and apprenticeships key to economic growth.

“I want to replicate that success here in Ireland and have set a very ambitious programme of work to achieve just that.”

Previously aimed at unemployed people, traineeships are now open to a wider range of participants, of all ages and background.

Currently 1,500 employers, working with ETBs are offering traineeship opportunities across a range of industries, including business, retail, care, construction, engineering, fashion and beauty, finance, ICT, hospitality, sports and leisure and logistics.

Employers showcased at the event were applauded for their contribution and commitment to the delivery of traineeship provision in Ireland.

Mary-Liz Trant, Executive Director for Skills Development, SOLAS said: “It is clear from our guest speakers today that traineeship offers great opportunities to employers and trainees alike.

“Employers can access a pipeline of talent and learners, and participants get to develop cutting edge skills and knowledge onthe-job, making them more skilled, more employable and enhancing their career options.”

MUSIC contributes more than €700 million to the Irish economy, according to a new report published last week.

The Socio-Economic Value of Music to Ireland, commissioned by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and produced by Deloitte, sets out a number of recommendations to maximise the contribution of music in Ireland, including the development of a National Music Strategy.

The report is an update on a Deloitte/IMRO 2015 analysis of the annual contribution made by the music industry to Ireland’s economy.

The findings indicate a strong and growing music industry, which is contributing significantly to the economy and supporting more than 13,130 jobs.

Based on the latest figures available, the updated report has found that the total contri-

bution of the music industry, directly and indirectly, to the Irish economy is €703 million.

This includes music-related consumer expenditure and supply-chain impacts.

The report suggests there is opportunity for further growth in the sector through the development of a National Music Strategy, rooted in four key action areas.

These areas include coordination and collaboration through the establishment of a cross-Government music grouping to work with a cross sectoral Industr y Advisor y Panel to address barriers to growth in the sector, concentration on copyright to help ensure a fair return for music creators, creative skills development through advanced training and education services and compensation that is adequate to address income uncertainty associated with work in the creative and cultural industries.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE P17

CINEMA P22

DUBLINLIFE

As Rapunzel comes to the Gaiety we talk to one its stars

See P20

TRAVEL P26

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CITY CENTRE: CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN’ – AND THE CAPITAL’S GOT A GREAT PARTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Smithfield to play host to a tree-mendous festive party THE 2017 Smithfield Lights event is back and bigger than ever. This is the main family Christmas event in Dublin, and is a must for all families looking for an evening of fun, festive entertainment, with the Sunday, November 26 event sure to delight Dubs of all ages.

Families can enjoy a wide range of children’s festive entertainment, including face painting, workshops, a vintage carousel and an outdoor screening of the classic Christmas movie, The Snowman.

There will also be market stalls with a range of delicious foods, arts and crafts.

The main tree lighting event will take place at approximately 7.10pm, with VIP guest Santa Claus in attendance, as well as the Lord Mayor and other special guests.

The event will be presented by broadcaster Andrea Hayes and will feature music from the Stanhope Street Girls Choir, and Red Empire, while headliners The Riptide Movement will take

to the stage for a special performance at 7.20pm.

Speaking about the event, Ardmheara Micheal Mac Donncha said: “I invite Dubliners, visitors and all, to come and soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy the entertainment and the special guests.”

ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE? THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is urging young people to make sure they have registered to vote before the registration deadline of Saturday, November 25.

A RedC poll conducted for the NYCI earlier this year found that 22% of those aged 18 to 29 were not registered to vote.

Based on the most recent population data from the CSO, this means up to 24,683 young people in Dublin City risk missing out on their right to vote.

James Doorley, NYCI deputy director said: “We know from our work with young people that the vast majority want to

vote, but not all are aware they have to register.

“This is particularly an issue for the more than 61,000 young people who turned 18 and became eligible to vote over in the last 12 months.”

Local authorities are currently preparing the 2018/2019 electoral register. For those unsure whether they are registered or not, the NYCI advises that they check online at www.checktheregister.ie.

Anyone who turns 18 on or before February 15 2018 is eligible to register.

CELEBRATE LOST ONES AT PIETA HOUSE EVENT PIETA House is bringing its second annual Misneach event back to Dublin this year. The event is focussed on creating a space to honour and celebrate lost loved ones.

The Dublin Unitarian Church at St Stephen’s Green plays host to the 5pm event on Sunday, November 26, where singer Deirdre Ni Chinneide will be joined by the AVIVA choir in lending their vocal talents to the occasion.

Pieta House’s chief executive Brian Higgins stressed that the free, non-denominational event is for everyone. He said: “With Misneach, we wanted to create a space for those who have been bereaved by suicide to reflect on and celebrate the lives of those they have lost, but everyone is welcome.

“Misneach is also for those who have come through our services, or for anyone who has overcome or is going through their own struggles, as a celebration of their strength and courage.

“We would like to think that the event will also appeal to anyone who has supported a loved one through a dark time, or indeed anyone who has supported us in our work.”

For further information, email cat.obroin@ pieta.ie, or find Pieta House on Facebook or Twitter.

GET FIT, HAVE FUN AND HELP A GREAT CAUSE FITNESS and health fanatics will be in their element at an upcoming

A glittering Christmas tree, face-painting, live music, stalls, tasty treats and a party atmosphere – all this and more awaits at the 2017 Smithfield Lights party

event, which will focus on optimum nutrition for mental and physical wellness.

As another event in aid of Pieta House (see previous Diary entry), the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght plays host to the Saturday, November 25 gathering, which will see host Shane Rigney – chef, food writer,

blogger and caterer – and Food For Performance delivering an enlightened day full of fun, craic and laughter.

On the day, guests can watch live cooking demos and presentations on food performance and nutrition from guest speakers and health care experts.

On-site trainers will be providing one-on-one personal training sessions, as well as yoga and lessons on relaxation techniques.

Tickets priced €47.64 are available at eventbrite.ie, and cover the cost of lunch of the day – with a number of prizes to be won adding to the fun.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

FEATURE

PEOPLE | COLIN STAFFORD JOHNSON - ‘IRELAND’S DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’ – ON HIS PASSION

Wildlife shows are a roaring hit for Colin  EMMA NOLAN WITH a career that’s spanned more than 30 years across continents, climates, jungles and deserts, it’s no wonder that Colin Stafford Johnson is often called “Dublin’s David Attenborough”.

“Ultimately, we do the same sort of job – we both present wildlife shows,” Colin says of his comparison to the famous wildlife narrator, who was a big influence on him when he was starting out.

A multi-award winner, Colin is the foremost nature and wildlife cinematographer and presenter in Ireland today, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, as well as having just finished his Irish tour, Living The Wild Life.

Originally from Cabinteely, Colin said it was a night in Maynooth years ago that inspired him to start travelling – he was a student having a drink in a local pub when an Attenborough show came on the television ...

“It was showing The Pacific at the time, and I thought, ‘That place just looks extraordinary – I’m going to go and see it for myself,’ and that’s what I did.

“I got a job washing dishes and got the money t o g e t h e r and set off to

Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and Indonesia. So, he really inspired me to get moving.”

Speaking on his career, to date, Colin says: “The best part about it sometimes is, you find yourself in an incredible place.

I remember one day in the Amazon I was waiting to film in the [jungle] canopy at dawn, and we were waiting for these seed pods to explode, because when they do, parrots come to gobble them up.

“Scarlet macaws were landing in the trees all around me, and a troop of monkeys came through the tree I was in, and a snake came in the window and sat on my lap and then moved out the other side.

“I couldn’t quite believe that someone was paying me to be there!”

It’s those moments that make Colin appreciate the amazing experiences he’s had, despite the career itself being a tough one.

“It’s up and down. Jobs come and go, but if I had to look back, which I don’t like to do that much, I prefer to look forward, but I am very fortunate to have visited some of the most beautiful places in the world.

“I feel very lucky. It’s hard work; it takes up your life, but if animals and wild places do it for you, it’s one way of spending your life in those

places.”

Fresh off his Living The Wild Life tour, Colin says it was all great fun. He travelled around 15 venues nationwide, regaling audiences with tales from the bush, and stories about filming the wild, the weird and the wonderful.

“It’s really nice to get out and meet people and to chat about all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it all happen.”

Just last week, Colin’s BBC2 show, Wild Ireland, won the prestigious Grierson Award for Best Natural History documentary.

Part of Colin Stafford Johnson’s appeal in his shows is his evident delight and wonder, in sync with the viewers

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

OPINION | SOCIAL ACTIVIST SR STAN ON FOCUS IRELAND’S RESPONSE TO THE WORSENING NATIONAL HOUSING CRISIS, WITH CHILDREN PARTICULARLY SUFFERING FROM HOMELESSNESS

‘What kind of country are we creating as thousands go homeless?’

THERE has been a lot of talk about homelessness in the last two weeks, with the Taoiseach claiming the number of homeless men, women and children in Ireland is low by international standards.

The reality is sadly very different. Last Christmas, I wrote in The Gazette about the 2,400 children who were homeless.

This has now shot up by 25% to a record total of 3,124 children homeless. When we include adults, there are now a shocking total of 8,374 people homeless nationwide.

It is clear that the housing and homelessness crisis is getting worse, but we should not be wasting time and energy arguing about comparisons to other countries.

We, in Focus Ireland, put our energy into helping those impacted, and finding practical solutions. We need to end homelessness in Ireland, because it is morally and fundamentally wrong.

It breaks my heart to

know that across Dublin in 2017, more children have been born into homelessness than ever before.

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

This is truly awful, and it makes me think back to what Christmas is all

about and to the first Christmas in Bethlehem, when nobody would take in Mary and Joseph, and Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a stable and lay him in a manger.

I am sure this will strike a chord with everyone, no matter what their beliefs are; similarly, these children today have also been turned away and left as

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‘The crisis makes me think back to the first Christmas in Bethlehem, when nobody would take in Mary and Joseph, and Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a stable and lay him in a manger. Similarly, these children today have also been turned away and left as homeless.’

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homeless.

They are our children too, and we have a duty as a society to provide a safe home for them. This is what we are working to do.

Our family team in Dublin helps one family a day to secure a home, in partnership with the Dublin Regional Housing Executive and local authorities, and to escape the nightmare of homelessness.

However, at the same time, at least two more families are still losing their homes and becoming homeless every day.

More single people are also being forced into homelessness due to rising rents, evictions and a critical shortage of affordable housing.

How can we stand by while families and their children who are homeless are forced to live in one hotel room for months at a time?

There is nowhere safe for the children to play, do their homework, or for the family to even cook a meal.

This is causing terrible

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy

damage for these families, and also the many single people who are homeless, stuck in hostels or some even sleeping on the streets.

Focus Ireland continues to put forward realistic policy solutions to help prevent and end homelessness. We do this work through our 70 lifeline services in Dublin and around the country.

While the crisis is still deepening, the situation would be much worse without the lifeline services and housing we provide.

We are there when people need us. We have already supported 600 more people this year compared to the same period in 2016.

Meanwhile, we have also supported 290 fami-

lies and 556 children to secure a home and escape homelessness so far this year.

While the State supports some of our work, Focus Ireland also has to raise 40% (or €2 out of every €5) of what it costs to keep our services and housing running through donations and corporate support.

We work hard to support families and individuals every day – not just at Christmas – but

we depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so that our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.

I am asking people to please give what they can afford (see panel) to support our urgent Christmas appeal.  SR STAN

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, founder and life president of Focus Ireland

HELP FOCUS IRELAND TO SUPPORT FAMILIES Focus Ireland always stresses that every euro donated counts in the battle against homelessness, as 89 cent of every euro received goes directly to our services to support people who are homeless and those at risk.

Any donation will support our work challenging homelessness and changing lives as we help over 13,500 people each year who are homeless or at risk. We also provide over 800 homes nationwide.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie, or by telephoning 1850 204 205. Thank you.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FEATURE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

SOCIETY: ALONE, AN POST TEAM UP FOR A CHRISTMAS CARD CAMPAIGN TO HELP END LONELINESS

Just Do One Thing – you’ll be helping support older citizens

AN POST has given its stamp of approval to a new campaign that wants to help support lonely older people as Christmas looms.

The Do One Thing campaign, in association with ALONE – the charity that supports older people to age at home – asks everyone to send a personalised An Post card to an older person, helping to end the isolation that many seniours can experience at the special time of year.

TV presenter Baz Ashmawy was delighted to launch the campaign, and called on everyone to support the great initiative.

He said: “We are asking people to ‘Do One Thing’ this Christmas – send a lovely Christmas card to an older person!

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‘We are asking people to ‘Do One Thing’ this Christmas – send a lovely Christmas card to an older person!’

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“For just €5 you can go online, order a card and write a nice message to an older person linked in with ALONE. An Post will then print and post the card, and every card sent will raise money for ALONE, as well as making a huge difference to that older person’s Christmas.” €3.20 from every card sold will go directly to ALONE’s services, helping the organisation to continue providing friendship, support, social

events, and housing to older people, ensuring that older people aren’t left isolated and lonely.

Echoing Baz’s message, Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of Mails and Parcels at An Post, said: “A personal message is really powerful, particularly at Christmas.

“We are appealing to members of the public to order one of the An Post personalised Christmas cards and share a few kind words with an older person who may be isolated

TV presenter and Do One Thing campaign supporter Baz Ashmawy (centre) with ALONE service users Michael McCarthy and Sheila Collins. Picture: Jason Clarke

or lonely this Christmas.

“It is our hope that this campaign will make Christmas less lonely for many older people, and raise significant funds for ALONE.” ALONE’s chief executive, Sean Moynihan, said: “We are delighted to partner with An Post this year for Christmas. ALONE offers friendship, support, and housing, all aimed at ensuring no older person is left lonely or without

the care and support they need.

“It is our hope that the funds raised through this campaign can bring a little Christmas magic back into the lives of older people and that the money raised will be used to spread that magic throughout the year.”

As well as the individual support that anyone can give, companies can also support the campaign, with special packs of the

ALONE Christmas cards available to purchase.

By purchasing a pack of 100 or 500 Christmas cards online, companies can make a donation to ALONE while ordering their high-quality Christmas cards, which can be personalised with a logo or personal message inside.

To order your Christmas Cards and help ALONE, see www.alone.ie/Christmas; cards for older people linked in with ALONE

cost €5, with 64% of the cost donated to ALONE. Packs of company cards are priced at €250 for 100 personalised Christmas cards, including postage and a €120 donation to ALONE, and €1,250 for 500 personalised Christmas cards, including postage and a €650 donation to ALONE. Companies will receive their stock of cards within three working days, delivered by An Post.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT HAVING STARTED OUT way back in 1873, the Gaiety Panto is a Dublin Christmas institution, a classically playful comedy returning night after night with plenty of stories... ahem... behind them.

This year, the age-old performance on offer is a stage adaptation of Rapunzel, featuring the return of Ireland’s most famous pantomime dame for the 28th time, as well as Ciara Lyons in the hair-y title role, and former Love/ Hate man Johnny Ward fitting right in as Johnny B. Goode.

For all the throwaway, sporadic feel of panto, though, the Gaiety offering is a serious undertaking, at least internally. For the cast, Christmas starts the morning after Halloween, with rehearsals underway in earnest.

“There are three days off scheduled for the entire run,” Ward tells us, as he returns to the Gaiety following his earlier appearances in Cinderella (2012) and Peter Pan (2014).

“It’s hectic, but I remember it as a child and it means a lot, it’s a real Christmas tradition. You have to be aware of that when you’re performing in it. I met my girlfriend through my part in the panto in 2012, so it has great memories for me more recently, too.”

Ward is better known for his role as Pauley in Love/Hate, with his character dying by falling from a balcony. He also stars in Fair City as Ciaran Holloway, so despite his earlier experiences, the panto is far from his usual style.

“Panto is frowned upon by some, especially those actors who only do film and theatre,” he admits.

“But I think it’s important to do. There are some great people here. Joe Conlan [the dame] has been doing this forever and doesn’t do anything else as an actor. He specialises because he’s just really good at what he does. Panto isn’t like film and TV, and it’s his forte. He’s a real gentleman, but absolutely nuts with it.”

There are technical challenges that come with the role, however, in particular as it continues night after night.

“There’s a part of the script that I read and just thought ‘that’s impossible’, looking at the stage set up, but I had the same experience last time, and it came off, so I’m sure we’ll do it,” Ward explains.

“The whole thing is really physically demanding, because it plays every day, sometimes twice a day. You end the run exhausted. You wake up at half 8, have sound check at half 9 or 10 o’clock. Then there might be a kids show or schools show at 11.

“At 2pm I’ll get a couple of hours to just wander around town a bit, get some food, and then we do it all again. It’s a challenge, but it’s really rewarding. I love watching the kids react.”

The noise, in fact, is part of the experience.

“It’s an interactive thing, and that really adds to the experience. It’s full of young kids, ones

‘IT’S A CHALLENGE, BUT IT’S REALLY REWARDING’ Actor Johnny Ward talks to us as he gets set to take to the stage for the Gaiety Panto

MUSIC

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20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N EVE

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Smithfield Christmas Lights Event

The square will be turning the arrival of their Christmas lighting into a kind of mini festival on November 26, with food, music, movies and high-end hot chocolate promised to accompany the flicking of the switch on Sunday.

FROST - Fumbally Christmas Shop

The creative Dame Lane institution opens up for stocking fillers and special Christmas craft gifts, with the seasonal stalls unveiled QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE WI on November 23, and 3ARENA ON NOVEMBERLL PLAY THE 24 staying open until four days before Christmas. It’s shopping time!

Thanksgiving at Token

Smithfield’s video games-loving corner takes on the American tradition of thanksgiving, promising a beast of a three course meal, American style drinks, an no doubt plenty of gaming goodness along the way. November 23.

Games Expo Ireland

From the same people who brought Comicon to Ireland, the RDS’ Games Expo promises large scale gaming, both serious and casual, as well as the chance to meet the people behind some of the games. Nintendo are on board. November 25-26.

Ireland v Argentina

This year’s Autumn internationals at the Aviva started with a bang, with Ireland swatting aside South Africa.

Argentina close off the run of matches, and present a more athletic, inventive challenge. November 25.

Whiskey Live 2017 Ciara Lyons as “Rapunzel”, Joe Conlon as “Nanny Ninny Noonah”, Johnny Ward as “Johnny B Goode” and Nicholas Grennell as the King “Larry Lilly Loolah”, pictured on stage at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin as they help launch this years Gaiety pantomime Rapunzel. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

who shouldn’t really be watching things like Love/Hate, but they all seem to know me as Pauley. Once, I was standing on the balcony in a Peter Pan scene a little after that Love/Hate episode ran, and one of the kids yells out ‘don’t jump’. I still get approached by kids calling me Pauley.”

With the Tivoli panto having made its way onto TV on recent years, Ward also feels the in-person side of the Gaiety (which has never been televised) is something special, something to be protected.

“Personally I don’t want it on TV,” he explains.

“It’s not about the cameras, it’s about the

screaming and the interaction, about the tradition and the experience. You can’t capture that on television.”

Ward should know. There’s quite a step between the darkness of Pauley’s like and the lightness of a fairytale story like Rapunzel, but as we head towards December, that lightness just seems like a natural adjustment. It’s the spirit of Christmas represented in the business of the actor, a fun-filled slog that’s ultimately about handing their holidays over for the kids.

Expect a little bit of magic.

Rapunzel runs in the Gaiety Theatre from November 26 to January 7, with tickets from €19.50, available now.

One for the connoisseurs, The Printworks in Dublin Castle hosts a heady event for those who like their tipple a little fiery and traditional. There are two sessions, afternoon and evening, as well as masterclasses. November 25.

Sing Along Social

The most entertaining night out in Dublin returns with ‘girl bands v boy bands’ at MVP, Portobello. The concept is simple: they bring the music, you grab a beer and sing along at the top of your voice. November 26.

Queens of the Stone Age

A chance to get blown away by one of America’s most powerful rock bands, as Queens of the Stone Age bring you glorious guitar-driven angst and abrasive riffs. The 3Arena. November 24.

New album of the week

Paloma Faith - The Architect The enigmatic and soulful pop singer returns with what’s certain to be a powerful yet subtle record, exploring ‘politics from the perspective of the average man or woman’. Expect melodic beauty.

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DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

THE FLORIDA PROJECT: COMPLEX LIVES AND TERRIFIC PERFORMANCES ON SHOW

ReelReviews

Projects a wilder side of family life in the States THE Florida Project (Cert 15A, 111 mins) takes a look at all the wonder, innocence and irrepressible curiosity of childhood with an honesty rarely seen on screen.

Director Sean Baker tackles his chosen subject with the same blend of glee and gloom we saw in his previous effort, 2015’s excellent Tangerine, delivering what is easily one of this year’s best comedies – and most troubling, moving dramas.

Six-year-old Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince (one of the cast’s many newcomers), lives with her mother, Halley (Bria Vinai) in an extended-stay motel managed by Bobby (Willem Dafoe), located on a tourist-trap strip of road that leads to Disney World.

Moonee’s world is populated with unfortunate outcasts of society, the downtrodden and the violent.

Despite these surroundings, Moonee – along with friends Scooty and Jancey – turns the everyday into an adventure, exploring the weird, wild world that naturally

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

manifests on the fringes of commercial wonderlands like Disney.

Moonee raises hell with all the irresistible wonder of a precocious child, unaware of the increasingly dangerous lengths to which her young, rebellious mother must go to provide for her.

Dafoe turns in a careerbest performance here as the motel’s cautious, observant and compassionate hotel manager, falling into a heedful father-figure position and even finding himself having to provide from time to time.

Dafoe has never before enraptured us with a character so completely and utterly human – Bobby is a man fully aware of what he can do to help, yet resistant of becoming too involved in such a broken, sad story.

As with all of The Flor-

ida Project’s characters, there’s clearly a darkness to his past – one only barely hinted at, but everlurking underneath.

A brief conversation with his son, played by Caleb Landry Jones (in an uncharacteristically subdued performance), reveals a sadness essential to his character, but never directly commented on.

The rebellious Halley clearly comes from misfortune, though – again – the past is never commented on, just left to linger beneath a thin surface.

Halley shows concern for nothing other than the wellbeing of her daughter, but this is a concern that can only be stretched so far when faced with the reality of survival on the fringes of society.

Bria Vinai communicates a compassion for her daughter that is hidden behind abrasive, rough edges but is all the more endearing in its subtlety.

It’s Moonee, however, that guides us through this world of misfortune, turning what should be a

THE DEATH OF STALIN

It’s a killer dark comedy AS BRUTAL dictators go, ‘Uncle Joe’ Stalin didn’t give many people much to laugh about when he was alive – but The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 107 mins) turns the Soviet leader’s death into a deliciously dark comedy. A cast of terrific, well-known character actors plot and panic once brutal Stalin dies, with the Kremlin thrown into chaotic, murderous (and very funny) disarray.

ORIENT EXPRESS

Takes a stab at murder

Daniel Dafoe playing a good guy? It’s just one of the features of The Florida Project – but its younger actors steal the show in a terrific film that captures the spirit of untamed youth alongside some more adult concerns.

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‘Dafoe turns in a career-best performance here as the motel’s cautious, observant and compassionate hotel manager, falling into a heedful father-figure position and even finding himself having to provide from time to time’ ---------------------------------------------------------

very sad story into a joyous, celebratory experience.

Brooklynn Prince’s breakout performance has to be seen to be believed, bursting with all of the honesty, curiosity and compassion that is innate to a six-year-old, but rarely (if ever) communicated by one on

screen.

It’s Sean Beaker’s deft, controlled direction here that brings all the joy, anger and sadness together into a wonderfully coherent and naturally told story.

While Baker’s a p p r o a c h i s s l o w, methodical and subdued, each and every frame is

bursting with life, ready to explode with all the pastel colours, clear blues and deep greens of postcard Florida.

The Florida Project will pick you up just before it throws you down, always coupling joy with sorrow, yet ensuring the former filters through just that little bit more, so that we’re left in high spirits despite many traumatic turns.

This is empathetic filmmaking at its best, raising critical questions about modern America but keeping us entertained – a light in a time of darkness that serves us to illuminate the problems, just as much as it guides us through them.

Verdict: 10/10

TO USE its full title, Murder on the Orient Express (Cert 12A, 114 mins) sees a cast of top-tier talents gathered on the titular train. When a murder most foul is disovered, brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot must choo-choose who the killer on board is ... It’s a great cast, but there’s a bit too much of Poirot (Kenneth Branagh, abive) at their expense in this opulent whodunnit.

LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE Some bricks and misses

THE LEGO movie was indeed awesome, and the LEGO Batman movie was batty fun – but the LEGO Ninjago movie (Cert G, 101 mins) is ... well, not so much. A host of well-known voices gamely try their best, but there’s something muddled at the heart of the latest LEGO film. Ninjago certainly looks the part, but despite plenty of great animation, it never builds up to any greatness.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FEATURE YOU MAY have noticed large rather mysterious paw prints dotted around the streets of Dublin last week with the hashtag #PawsForThought.

Dogs Trust revealed it was behind the paw prints by putting their stamp under some of the oversized paw prints.

To remind people of their Christmas message that “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, the charity is urging people to “pause” and think about the lifelong commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a dog and then wait until after Christmas to consider taking on a new addition to the family.

The clever stunt was created using clean graffiti to represent the owners that wash their hands of the responsibility and commitment that comes with owning a dog.

The charity revealed that 756 people contacted Dogs Trust within the first three months after Christmas last year to relinquish their dogs, compared to 479 in the same period the previous year.

This equates to an alarming 58% increase in the number of owners looking to surrender their dogs. The charity recorded that the most common reason for someone wanting to give up their dog was that they didn’t have enough time anymore.

An example of this is Bella (right), who came to Dogs Trust as a young pup and the charity suspect that she was given to someone as a Christmas present.

Bella arrived with an eye infection, which she had been suffering with for a long time.

However tragically, in Bella’s case, her right eye was left untreated for so long that it had swollen completely shut and had to be removed.

If she had been brought to a vet at an earlier stage, this could have been prevented.

Luckily, she ended up in Dogs Trust, where she was nursed back to health, she was given lots of love and they found her, her forever home. But for some dogs there isn’t such a happy ending.

Unfortunately, with over 1,000 abandoned dogs per year coming through the charity’s doors, and thousands more the charity cannot possibly take in, people are still taking on the responsibility of dog ownership without enough consideration of what it really entails.

The charity is urging Dubliners to give the gift of life this Christmas by Sponsoring a Dog instead.

“You can save lives and give abandoned dogs the second chance that they deserve.”

To help spread their message this Christmas, Dogs Trust want people to #PawsForThought by posting their Paws or Pause Pose on social media, with pictures of them or their furry friends pausing for thought!

Speaking about the campaign, executive director, Dogs Trust, Suzie Carley said: “We hope that by spreading the message that ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas,’, we will encourage people to wait and consider adding a dog to their family in the New Year instead, when the festivities die down.”

Think before getting a pooch for Christmas HOLLY HAS HER HEART SET ON A LOVING FAMILY HOME OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Holly, a five-yearold female terrier cross who is still looking for a loving family.

This sweet lady enjoys human company and gets worried when there is nobody by her side.

On the other hand when Holly feels safe and comfortable she shows quite an independent spirit and is happy to do her own thing.

Holly would love a furry friend in the home to help her settle in, but ideally her companion would be gentle and calm.

Holly is deaf and partially blind; therefore she is looking for a sensible, understanding and patient family that is going to be able to give her all she needs. Holly will blossom living with someone who is home for most of the time, ideally someone home all day.

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, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE H&M Metallic midi shirt €50

River Island Velvet jumpsuit €95

Topshop Bonded velvet blazer €70 Arnotts Caroline Kilkenny Taylor sequin top €150

Zara Sequin dress €50

Zara Sparkle mini dress €59

SILLY SEASON STYLIN’

Mango Knot metallic skirt €36

Penneys Bag €8

Style Editor

’TIS the season of a million nights out – which means a million outfits to plan. As usual, it’s all about sparkles, metallic and velvets. And, you know what? Who cares?

Embrace the seasonal dalliance with sequins – there’s no getting away from them.

With the influx of Christmas decorations everywhere come November 1, they’re followed by the inevitable Christmas party wear in every single shop.

Infused with the usual styles this year are some of 2017’s biggest trends: statement sleeves, one shoulder, Eighties, suits ...

So, take inspiration from the year when planning outfits and don’t be afraid to get adventurous.

It is the silly season, after all ...

New Look Silver plisse jumpsuit €25

 EMMA NOLAN

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

Penneys One shoulder sequin top €15

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STYLE

PARIS DUBLIN

Penneys Tulle dress €17 boots €28 body suit €10

FROM

TO

SPEAKING of party wear, Dublin’s latest fashion fix, & Other Stories, has launched their celebration collection for the festive season.

Inspired by French singer/songwriter, artist, actress, model and all-around fashion muse Lou Doillion, the collection is a reflection of her wardrobe. The ultimate French It Girl, Lou is the daughter of another style icon – Jane Birkin – and the director, Jacques Doillon, and is a half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Of the Doillion-inspired collection, designer Georgine Le Toqueux said: “I wanted to create a collection that captures the iconic sense of style associated with French women.

“Influenced by the past but reinvented for the modern woman, this collection has a touch of elegance merged with rock’n’roll, and Lou helps to tell that story beautifully with her style and attitude.”

The collection will be available in the Grafton Street store and online from the end of this month.

Prices range from a €99 velvet blazer, a €89 pair of velvet trousers and a €69 shirt to a €125 dress, a €295 pair of leather trousers and a €79 sheer blouse.

Topshop

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DUBLINLIFE

Captivating Croatia

From tourists on the popular Game of Thrones trail around Dubrovnik to fine cuisine off the beaten track, the Adriatic Coast is home to your next unforgettable holiday getaway

 SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

THE Adriatic Coast has long been a draw for the more discerning traveller, and one glimpse of its sparkling turquoise waters will have you completely hooked.

On a 12-day trip to Dubrovnik last month, I made the mistake of asking our tour guide what time of year is best to visit – “All year round, of course” came the bemused reply.

Croats are fiercely patriotic, and while they come across as a bit stern at first, they have a wicked sense of humour and a quick wit, and they love the Irish

banter.

The summer months are in fact the busiest – but the sunny weather comes at a price, with swarms of tourists disembarking cruise ships daily to throng the city’s Old Town.

Shoulder season (April and October) is favoured by those in the know as temperatures still climb into the 20s and tourist attractions are open, but you can avoid the crowds and higher prices of peak season.

Whilst I was expecting breathtaking scenery along the coastline, it’s no exaggeration to say I was blown away by the endless vistas with a picture-post-

card view at every turn.

We stayed in Cavtat, a charming harbour resort just ten minutes’ drive from the airport, and 45 minutes from Dubrovnik by water taxi (less by bus).

The five-star Hotel Croatia was the perfect base for exploring. It’s tucked into the hillside with com-

manding sea views and sunsets you feel you can almost reach out and touch.

The only downside is the steps leading down to the resort, but they’re well worth negotiating and can shave 10 minutes off the journey.

Despite a luxurious sun deck on the fifth floor (complete with heated indoor pool, sauna, spa and gym), it’s hard to resist the urge to explore the coastline.

W e took four trips into

A PLACE FIT FOR A KING (OR MURDEROUS QUEEN) As one of TV’s most popular dynasties, the Lannisters (including scheming Cersei, played by Lena Headey, right) have played a big part in making Game of Thrones the global hit it is – and

needing just a little CG trickery

Dubrovnik is a big star within the show. The

(above) to help create the city

city’s Old Town district has played a key role

of ‘King’s Landing’, attracting

in the show all along, with several locations

thousands of fans to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik but could easily have doubled that. And while we packed a lot in, we’d gladly have done a lot more if time permitted.

The Old Town – better known to Game of Thrones (GoT) fans as King’s Landing – is all white limestone, cobbled streets and red terracotta roofs.

Being a GoT fan, I enrolled on a half-day guided tour taking in some of the series’ b e s t known filming locations, includ-

ing Flea Bottom, the Red Keep, Little Finger’s brothel, Black Water Bay and the steps used for Cersei’s Walk of Shame.

The GoT team playfully shout “Shame!” as they pass each other in the street – and our guide, Tea (who played Peasant Number 346 in one episode) gave us the inside track on the actors with Peter Dinklage her undisputed favourite.

Things to do in Dubrovnik are many and varied – and probably too lengthy to list here – but our highlights included walking the historic city walls (be prepared for a 60-step climb, but it’s worth it) and a panoramic tour to the fortress of Mount Srd, which can also be accessed via cable car.

The city takes on a different feel after dark with restaurant tables spilling out onto the cobbled streets. If you’re undertaking the climb for the cable car, stop off at Lady Pi Pi for lunch (and look out for the interesting statue outside).

Eating a traditional Peka dish (typically lamb or beef, slow-cooked under a hot iron bell for three hours) is also a must

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FOOD

GAZETTE

TRAVEL Easily accessible day trips can whisk you away to even more beautiful, striking destinations and sights – such as Mostar, in nearby Bosnia Herzegovina

Escape to the sparkling waters at laid-back Lokrum Island

Get ready for Twelve Treats as the Dylan reveals luxurious new menu

Croatia’s beaches are world-famous – and Cavtat’s have plenty to delight visitors

for all foodies – but be warned, you have to order it in advance.

As the richest city in Croatia, Dubrovnik is not cheap – but its prices are not a million miles away from what we pay here.

There is a heavy Venetian influence, which is good news for all coffee lovers. Expect to pay around €2.50 for an ice cream or a coffee, €7 for a glass of wine and €20 for a main course.

A 15-minute ferry trip to Lokrum Island is also worthwhile. Here you will find botanical gardens, an old monastery and an army of roaming peacocks, who show no hesitation in wandering right up to you and posing for a photo.

The fishing town of Mali Ston is less than an hour away and is famed for its oysters. Closer to home, the waters off Dubrovnik are speckled with more than 1,000 islands.

Daily cruises to the Elafiti group of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are popular – as is D’Vino’s Bar as a top destination for sampling Croatian wine, which offers three locally produced vintages on its taster menu.

If you find you’re running out of cash, you can dine on the cheap at Buffet Skola, where the prsut (similar to prosciutto) sandwich is a top cheap dish.

We took a full-day tour to Montenegro with our own private driver, Bozo Crvik (www.perfect-travel-croatia.com).

It was the perfect way to travel and Bozo (pronounced Borzh) tailored the day to our needs and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the surroundings.

We stopped off for countless photo opps before spending two hours in the Old Town of Kotor. Then it was on to Buddva – a beach resort popular with the likes of Madonna and Sting just a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Island, where parts of Casino Royale were filmed.

A day trip to Mostar in Bosnia Herzegovina was a real eye-opener. This one we did by coach, and once we’d crossed the border after a 30-minute delay, the change in the landscape was immediately apparent.

Mostar is the largest city in the Herzegovina

Dubrovnik’s architecture and streets seeped in history combine to create a breathtaking destination

region and suffered the worst damage during the war. After a tour through the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with an English-speaking guide, we got free time to shop and eat.

Unexpected bonuses were seeing a plucky s w i m m e r t a ke t h e 24-metre dive off the Stari Most Bridge and the Aladdin’s Cave of souvenir shops stuffed with handcrafted copper, silver, stained glass, jewellery, silk and tapestries.

All too soon it was time to depart. Our Aer Lingus flight home was populated with pilgrims returning from a visit to the shrine at Medjugorje. Two women shared their experience in the perfume aisle of the duty free.

“I cried all day Thursday,” said one. The other replied: “There was one day I started crying and I literally couldn’t stop.”

I was close to tears myself, but for an entirely different reason – having to say goodbye to the imposing mountains and majestic coastline of the Croatian Riviera. Well, maybe not goodbye, more like au revoir ...

GETTING THERE Aer Lingus fly direct to Dubrovnik and several tour companies provide package deals to Cavtat. Click & Go (www.clickandgo.com) will tailor your trip, while Croatia Tours (Croatia.ie) offer multidestination holidays allowing you to split your time between Croatia and neighbouring Montenegro.

THE Dylan Hotel has launched its new Twelve Treats of Christmas Afternoon Tea menu, with the luxurious menu – created by head chef Mark Bodie – running for a limited period, until January 7.

The menu includes a lavish array of carefully crafted sweet and savoury delicacies inspired by the Christmas season, such as slow-roasted Irish turkey breast sandwiches, accompanied by Ballymaloe cranberry relish for a Christmas twist, Irish smoked salmon on soda bread with creme fresh and pomegranate, and duck liver parfait on homemade brioche.

The menu also includes freshly-baked

raisin and cinnamon scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats such as the Dylan homemade Christmas pudding, served with confit ginger for a festive feel, and the Dylan’s Mini Mince Pie Lollipop, made with luxurious Cocoa Barry.

A selection of organic teas, infusion coffees and quality hot chocolate completes the Twelve Treats of Christmas, with the afternoon tea experience costing €45PP. Available seven days a week, reservations can be made through reservations@dylan.ie or by calling 01 660 3000.

Triggerfish Cookshop angles for customers looking for top quality

THE Triggerfish Cookshop has just opened its doors in Blackrock village, offering a space dedicated to cookware, kitchenware and tableware.

Owner Bob Toal says he didn’t want to call his new cookshop something bland, but he was inspired by the name of the tropical triggerfish he ate on a trip to Florida’s northwestern ‘Panhandle’ area.

His adventures in the culinary hotspots of Japan, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Lebanon and Peru

coloured his thinking for the cookshop, inspiring The Triggerfish Cookshop to focus on quality, function and design, says Bob. There will be a revolving range of products from around the culinary globe, to match each season.

Customers will also find kitchen staples including pots and pans,

bakeware, glassware, storage, cooks tools, gadgets, cook books and chef knives.

Many of the brands – including Mauviel’s copper cookware sets, Kai Shun’s Damascus steel knives from Japan, and Skagerak’s beautiful Danish wood-cutting boards – are not available anywhere else in Ireland.

The knife section, which is a real focal point of the store, will display sets of both German and Japanese knives.

For further information, see triggerfishcookshop.ie.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Arteon and A5 go Volkswagen has a new five-door sports coupe with the Arteon that’s now also the flagship in the range. MICHAEL MORONEY has driven both the Arteon and Audi’s A5 in recent weeks and here he compares both German offerings.

Volvo XC40 gets Grafton Street pop-up shop VOLVO Car Ireland has opened Ireland’s first high street car pop up shop at 32 Grafton Street.

The new shop, which is open for a limited time, provides visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s new XC40 compact SUV, in the Scandinavian inspired shop.

The XC40 is Volvo’s first ever entry in the small premium SUV segment.

Volvo’s new XC40 D4 Momentum Pro in fusion red is housed within the unit.

Customers will be able to browse the different

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI

Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI

Engine 2.0 litre 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 8.9 seconds 9.1 seconds Economy 22.7km/litre 22.2km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) (4.5/100km or 63mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 40 litres 66 litres CO2 emissions 113g/km 116g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) 5 star (2017) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €52,600 €49,325

paint and fabric choices on display and experience the car in ‘showroom mode’ which showcases the cars’ technology at its best.

Customers can test out the cars’ top of the range Karmon Hardin sounds system and interact with the Sensus Connect system all while enjoying some Swedish Fika in a relaxed environment.

Fika is considered a social institution in Sweden; it means having a break, most often a coffee and sweet treats, with one’s colleagues, friends or family.

It’s more than your usual coffee break – it’s a cultural institution.

Patricia Greene, Head of Communications at Volvo Car Ireland, said: “We’re very excited to bring Volvo to Grafton Street for the countdown to Christmas.

“As Ireland’s premium shopping street we feel Grafton Street is a great fit for the Volvo brand and allows us to give shoppers a truly unique experience and reach a new demographic of shoppers who may not have been overly familiar with the Volvo brand before.’

Finance focus on Alfa Romeo’s 181 offers

ALFA Romeo’s 181 offers, which are available until December 31, 2017, include Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance, with an APR rate of just 2.9%, as well as a low rate Hire Purchase (HP) finance rate from 0%.

The most recent addition to the Alfa Romeo, the new Stelvio SUV embodies everything a true Alfa Romeo should.

Featuring 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive architecture, best in class power-toweight ratios and new engine and driver technologies, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available with 2.9% APR PCP finance or from 0% APR HP finance.

Alfa Romeo’s super-mini and hot-hatch, the gor-

geous MiTo and Giulietta are offered with PCP finance rates of 2.9% APR or HP finance starting from 0% APR.

The arrival of Volkswagen’s new Arteon provides another attractive choice for those drivers who want to combine some luxury and sporty motoring with practical family transport.

It takes the position of being the flagship of the Volkswagen range, with a new style that’s more impressive than the Passat CC of the past.

Volkswagen claims that the Arteon combines the spaciousness of a saloon

with the driving dynamics and design of a sports car and some of that I have to agree with.

I’ve had the Arteon on the road in recent weeks and followed that drive with a run in Audi’s new A5 Sportback.

Both cars have similar target markets, and that encouraged me to compare these impressive cars in terms of driving style, space and the value on offer.

The Arteon is instantly recognisable as a large car. The overall length is longer than the Audi A5 and there is significantly a feeling of spaciousness.

The rear seat passengers get a great deal in the Arteon, with the type of legroom that is characteristic of the big Skoda Superb. The fact that the Arteon is overall a marginally longer car has allowed Volkswagen to deliver more rear legroom.

The boot space is also impressive and both cars offer electric boot opening, which is a noticeable help for a boot that stretches as long as they both do. The Arteon wins out on boot space coming in at 563 litres compared with 480 litres for the A5.

The rear end styling of the Arteon is clearly new and distinctive, while that of the Audi A5 shows the signs of an upgrade, that’s still a classic. They are

Michelin gets motorists to grip for winter driving AS winter temperatures start to plummet into single figures, tyre specialists Michelin is advising motorists to fit tyres designed specifically for winter conditions with compounds that remain flexible to improve grip and braking.

The French tyre company recently launched their CrossClimate+ fitments, which are tyres built to offer improved traction on snow-covered or wet and cold roads as well as year-round performance.

These new tyres are designed to counter the changeable weather that constantly

afflicts Irish roads. Michelin claims that the new range offers the benefits of a summer tyre for dry and wet braking, energy efficiency and total mileage, while also boasting the braking performance and traction of a winter tyre on cold and snow-covered roads, with little difference in performance as the tyre tread wears down.

Following a series of UK independent tests, Michelin’s CrossClimate+ range, currently available in 15 to 18-inch sizes, has recently been named as the ‘best all-season tyre’ by magazine Auto Express.

both very attractive cars from either end; front or back.

Both the Audi A5 Sportback and the Volkswagen Arteon that I drove were powered by similar Volkswagen Group 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. They both deliver 150bhp, while the Arteon comes with marginally more engine torque.

Maybe that’s needed as the Arteon is a heavier car. Audi has shaved 85kg from the weight of the A5 compared with the model of the past, while the Arteon is more of a heavyweight.

With similar engines you can expect some performance differences between both cars, but

23 November 2017 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Arona delivers top head-to-head SEAT Euro NCAP safety result SEAT’s new compact crossover car, the Arona has joined SEAT’s Leon and the Ibiza in achieving

tests, the new SEAT Arona has

five stars in the latest Euro NCAP

achieved excellent results, stand-

safety tests.

ing out for occupant and pedesArona driver assistance

NCAP’s demanding safety tests.

systems are also outstanding.

The efficiency of the Autonomous

NCAP prestigious and independ-

Emergency Braking (AEB) and

ent safety tests carries more

Front Assist stand out in particu-

merit each time, as they have

lar in this area.

recent months.

similar engines and performance data, and with only marginal differences in prices.

Adding any additional features might complicate a comparison, but the truth is that both cars have a lot to offer.

Making the choice between them will hardly be about performance or style, because in my view they both stand out in these features.

Your choice will be about the best deal on offer, so negotiate hard, with either the Audi A5 or the Volkswagen Arteon; you’ll be getting a stylish car that combines economy with a wow factor.

trian protection.

highest possible scores in Euro

become much more demanding in

tionality, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices.

The A5 comes with some new driver assistance systems, like Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.

The test car was the Audi A5 Sportback S-Line version and had some additional premium features, such as LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys running on Pirelli Centurauto P7 245/40 R18 tyres and the sports suspension.

These impressive sport coupe cars come with the latest safety features,

In each of the sections that make up the Euro NCAP safety

Achieving five stars in Euro

Both cars come packed with the latest safety and driver technology features.

On the Volkswagen side, all Arteon models come with 18” alloy wheels, ErgoComfort seats, 8” ‘Discover Media’ Sat Nav system, predictive cruise control, park distance control, app connect, rain sensing wipers, security and service subscription and 3-zone Climatronic A/C with controls in the rear.

From the Audi side, the A5 has Audi’s latest infotainment features. These include the Audi MMI navigation system with 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging func-

the most objective way.

three flagship models, Ateca,

The Arona has achieved the

they are very marginal.

The lighter Audi A5 is marginally faster and more economical, but I doubt that you’ll notice these differences in real driving conditions.

What’s interesting is that Volkswagen fits a 60% larger capacity fuel tank as standard, meaning that you can get significant range from Arteon if you are a long distance driver.

My test drive indicated a range of over 1,100km on a full tank and the extra range makes for more pleasant longer journeys. The smaller fuel tank of the Audi may be marginally more economical, but require more frequent fuel stops.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Through the use of its radar technology together with the

Euro NCAP puts vehicles that

latest versions of ABS and ESC, it

come onto the market through a

not only senses and acts when it

number of tests, more and more

detects other vehicles but also

rigorous each time.

pedestrians.

For example, in order to test

Taking all of this into account,

child safety protection in a reli-

it allows the car to brake in the

able way, crash test dummies are

safest and quickest way.

used to simulate for children aged between six and ten years old.

Front impact tests or side

The new SEAT Arona is another new member of the SEAT range that is part of the biggest prod-

impact tests against a Pole at 75

uct offensive ever carried out

degrees are also more severe.

by the Spanish brand in which

As well as these criteria, the

the Leon stands out with its new

range of dummies used in these

facelift, as well as the new Ibiza,

tests has increased and their

the Ateca and the soon-to-be-

biofidelity adapted in order to

seen large SUV, which will be

reflect real accident conditions in

launched in 2018.

Nissan upgrades flagship X-Trail NISSAN’S flagship crossover, the X-Trail and the brand’s best-selling model worldwide has been upgraded.

The changes include a new exterior design, enhanced cabin refinement, more practicality for owners and some additional and useful technology features.

The X-Trail will be available with ProPILOT which gives autonomous driving capability. Nissan is now also offering the SV Premium grade for the first time on the X-Trail.

It will be available with the option of a 2.0-litre diesel engine or 1.6-litre petrol engines for the first time in Ireland.

Entry prices will start from €32,150, that’s unchanged from earlier this year.

Nissan Ireland has launched the new X-Trail with a new 2.0-litre 177bhp turbo-diesel engine, which claims to have broadened the range to meet the needs

of consumers who require a higher-output engine. For the first time in Ireland the X-Trail is now also available in with a 1.6-litre 163bhp petrol engine.

The front parking sensors have been revised and they now sit completely flush to the bumper surface.

The rear bumper has been redesigned to give it a more robust look with new chrome detailing. The rear lamp signature has been upgraded to become full LED, while the parking sensors are improved, as at the front of the car.

The biggest change to the profile of the new X-Trail is the addition of a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors. On the inside

there is a new D-shaped steering wheel with a smaller central hub than before and the three spokes are slimmer for improved instrument visibility.

Other interior upgrades add to the higher-quality ambience and increased refinement of the new X-Trail. A new leather knee pad on both sides of the centre console has been added. The air vents now feature a new gloss black surface.

The new SEAT Arona

Nissan’s two for one 181 offer NISSAN Ireland has launched a new 181 consumer offer that enables customers to buy a new Nissan Micra, Pulsar, Juke or Qashqai now and they can exchange it for the equivalent model in 2019 free of charge.

Nissan claims that this unique offer provides customers with the opportunity to purchase two new cars for the price of one and therefore benefit from an extended four-year Nissan manufacturer’s warranty, four years RAC membership.

The deal also means that you get a 191 car at 181 prices and with lower maintenance costs it will be at least two years before customers are likely to have to pay for a service.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 23 November 2017

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 23 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport CAMPBELL RULED OUT OF QUALIFIERS: FORMER St Francis player Megan Campbell is likely to miss the rest of the Republic of Ireland women’s FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign after rupturing her ACL. The 24-year old suffered the injury in her right knee during Manchester City’s 2-1 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory over LSK Kvinner on Thursday night.

Campbell suffered the injury in the 54th minute of the game and is now likely to miss the rest of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ireland are set to face the Netherlands, the reigning European Champions, on Tuesday, November 28 with kick-off at 7pm (8pm local time) as they look to continue their unbeaten campaign.

BASKETBALL: ALSAA CLUB WIN CRUCIAL TABLE-TOPPING TUSSLE WITH UCD

Baker cooking up a storm with Swords Thunder win

SUPER LEAGUE ROUND-UP  sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH College Swords T hunder cause an upset against UCD Marian to close the gap at the top of the men’s basketball Super League, r unning out 93-86 point winners after a superb second half performance.

A blistering fourth quarter from the home team saw Isaac Westbrooks and Travis Black impress at both ends of the court to take the win.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Swords’ Dave Baker. “We knew coming into the game how good UCD are, but we felt that if we could keep it tight going into the fourth quarter that maybe we would start asking UCD some questions that they haven’t been asked this year – and that’s what we did.”

Black Amber Templeogue meanwhile secured a big win on the road against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, dishing up an 80-71 point victory over the hosts. A huge third quarter from Templeogue’s Mike Bonaparte paved their road

Swords Thunder coach Dave Baker

to glory and, coupled with a brilliant display from Lorcan Murphy, they just had too much for Tralee.

“It was a huge second half for us,” admitted Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan.

“We never really got going in the first half but we were still in the game.

“We keep showing a bit of character when we get down

– it’s great. Tralee is a hard place to come and get a win as everybody knows, so we’ll take it any day we get it. “ Elsewhere, Éanna overcame Pyrobel Killester in a thrilling Dublin derby – a superb second half comeback helping them to a two-point win, while a buzzer beating score from Emmet Donnelly saw DCU Saints pip UCC Demons to the

win, 80-78.

In the Women’s Super League, Cour tyard Liffey Celtics remain unbeaten at the top of the table, after a superb 66-60 win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in Cork on Sunday afternoon.

A dazzling display from Liffey’s Jazmen Boone sent them into the lead by the end of the second quarter, and they

kept their cool to close out the win.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said head coach Mark Byrne.

“I think this is the first time that Liffey Celtics have beaten Glanmire in Glanmire.

“You know you are always going to get a super tough game when you come down here.

“We weren’t at full strength and we didn’t play amazing, so I’m very happy we came out the right side.”

Elsewhere DCU Mercy showed no mercy as they ran out 101-37 point winners over Portlaoise Panthers.

Meanwhile, it took overtime to separate Maxol WIT Wildcats and Singleton S u p e r Va l u B r u n e l l o n Saturday evening as, despite trailing by 10 points at half time, a superb second half display saw Brunell level matters by full time (64-64) and pushed on to win 74-71 in the end.

“I was delighted to get the win in overtime, I thought we had left it behind us when we were 13 down in the fourth quarter,” said Brunell’s Francis O’Sullivan.

All roads lead of Odyssey for Sport Changes Life gig  DECLAN KING sport@dublingazette.com

Sport Change Life founder Gareth Maguire.

BA S K E T BA L L f a n s f r o m Dublin and beyond and will be heading to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast for the “Naismith Hall of Fame Basketball Classic” on December 1 and 2.

The dream of the classic is three years in the making for Sport Changes Life founder and organiser Gareth Maguire and comes to fruition in a few weeks’ time with four NCAA colleges arriving in the city.

The colleges for this year’s

first classic are Holy Cross, La Salle, Manhattan and Towson in a tournament that will be televised live by CBS Television to over 60 million in the States.

The action gets underway on Friday, December 1 at 4.30pm with Manhattan playing Holy Cross while Towson face La Salle in the second game at 7pm.

Speaking about the venture, Maguire explained the concept of the tournament and where the funds go.

“This has been three years of solid work to get things ready

but the icing on the cake was the recent announcement that CBS was on board.

“Because of the nature of our organisation Sport Changes Life, we wanted to get as much coverage as possible in America where our scholars come from. We bring scholars over each year to study, work in the organisation and play basketball throughout the country.

“When we started a number of years ago, it was a Northern based project but my wife Deirdre and I thought that we should move south as well and

we have scholars in Dublin, Carlow, Water ford, Cork, Limerick and Galway in an allIreland strategy.

“As well as studying for quality Masters Degrees, the scholars work in disadvantaged communities throughout the country” “Our philosophy is ver y simple, it doesn’t matter if the kids are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Jew or Athiest we want to help each and every one of them to improve their lives and to give them something to look forward to.”

23 November 2017 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Picture: Terence McCann Photography

Panthers on the prowl for new blood for 2018  JAMES HENDICOTT

SOUTH DUBLIN PANTHERS coach Steve McConnell is looking to add to his squad as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing minority sports, American football, goes through its off season.

The Panthers (formerly the Dublin Dragons) have been running since 2001, making them one of the oldest sides in Ireland, but the sport has grown to surprising local strength in recent years, with a total of around 20 different sides competing across three divisions.

McConnell is keen to invite potential players along to sessions, and those with an interest in the sport can be encouraged by the diverse types of athlete that can fit into the game.

“American Football really is the sport for everyone,” he tells us. “The bigger stronger guys, the smaller, faster guys and everyone in between.

Since the positions can be so specific there really is a fit for most people.

“Obviously, we’re looking for the best athletes we can find, guys with previous experience in rugby or GAA make the transition really well, as there are a lot of transferable skills.

“The Panthers are in the unique position of having a large enough squad to field two teams.

We have a development team which will play in the lower division in 2018. So while we’re looking for the best athletes we can, we also have an eye on the future for guys getting back to fitness or guys who might not have played an organised sport before. We can invest the time to develop those guys too which is a real positive for us,“ he explains.

As well as training twice a week, the Panthers also have classroom and online sessions to teach tactics. Between them, the club’s coaches have over 100 years of experience in the sport, but there’s also a heavy social element to the club.

While the Panther’s will keep sessions going right through the winter, the competitive season gets back underway in the New Year, making this the perfect time to experience a more casual offseason take on the sport and decide if it’s for you.

No experience required.

To get in touch with the South Dublin Panthers, visit their website at southdublinpanthers. com.

Boucher pouches over - time winner for Glens

Tallaght club lead the way in men’s EY Hockey Legaue with unbeaten run rolling into seventh week; Three Rock keep their winning streak going but Monkstown stunned by Dale  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

SHANNON Boucher smashed home a 68th minute goal to continue Glenanne’s brilliant start to the men’s EY Hockey League season, ensuring that Banbridge’s woes also carry on with just two wins from nine games this term.

Boucher’s mid-circle finish completed the Glens’ second comeback from 2-0 down this season to keep their lead at the top of the rankings.

Bann, meanwhile, suffered five green cards and two yellows in the last five minutes to finish the game with nine players.

Fraser Mills put Bann in front 10 minutes in when he snapped up a rebound created by Neil Gilmore’s shot. Zach McClelland and Bruce McCandless went close to second goals before Mark Barlow scored his first senior goal in the 29th minute with

another rebound for 2-0.

Boucher pulled one back before half-time from close range to put the game back in the mix and they started the second half with a couple of corners that Bann did well to charge down.

Gareth Lennox made a superb double save to keep out another to keep it at 2-1 going into the final quarter but a stroke a minute into the last stanza got Glenanne on terms, Shane O’Donoghue scoring.

Two more Glens corners were denied while Bann had a couple of great chances to go back in front, the biggest one from an Alexander Tinney break. Jamie Wright and Mills, though, both were shown yellow in the last four minutes with Boucher scoring the winner.

It keeps the Tallaght club at the top of the table by three points, ahead of 2016 champions Lisnagarvey.

Rathfarnham’s Three Rock Rovers remain in third place thanks to their 4-1 win over Cookstown.

Three Rock comfortably made it three wins in succession despite the absence of six first team regulars – Daragh Walsh, Ross Canning, Harry Morris, Richard Pautz, David Kane and James Walker.

Mitch Darling started the scoring in the 21st minute before Conor Empey added the second six minutes before halftime.

A Darling deflection made it three in the third quarter and Ben McCrea scored his first for Rovers since his return from UCD, getting on the end of a good counter-attacking move. Stu Smyth pulled one back from a corner with eight minutes to go for scant consolation for the Co Tyrone club.

Monkstown, however, were unable to keep the

good run going for Dublin clubs as they were stunned by Annadale who recorded their biggest win of the campaign to date, winning 2-0 at the Merrion Fleet Arena, bumping Dale up two places to seventh spot.

The Carryduff side showed their hunger for the battle with two early circle incursions leading to corners which David Fitzgerald repelled.

Aaron Bailey, in reply, made two brilliant runs that brought former Town keeper Nick Holman into play, saving at the feet of Shane Nolan.

Annadale went in front in the 18th minute when Peter Caruth – against his former club – made a superb run that ended up with Fitzgerald saving.

Monkstown goalkeeper Dave Fitzgerald makes a save, left; Stephen Cole, right, launches an overhead pass . Picture: Deryck Vincent

Caruth recovered the ball and slapped to the back post where former Kilkeel man David Tremlett was on hand to tap in.

They held that lead into the big break courtesy of a Holman save from a Guy Sarratt drag-flick.

The lead was extended to 2-0 13 minutes into the second half following a slightly fractious start to the second half in which David Cole got a green and then a yellow card, the latter leading to a corner which Rhiley Carr flicked into the bottom right corner.

From there, Dale frustrated Monkstown who piled forward, winning a couple of corners, one of which was saved off the line but could not break through.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 23 November 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

Terenure Table Tennis open for new members TERENURE Table Tennis club are welcoming new members as the club looks to expand their current setup, based at Terenure Sports Club at 54 Terenure Road North.

There is coaching for girls and boys from the age of five up to 18 with beginners and improvers all welcome with bats and balls provided.

Children can link up with the club at any stage while there are hourly classes divided according to age and standard.

The club meets every Mondays from 6-7.30pm and Wednesdays from 5-6.30pm. The cost is €5 for 60 minutes or €7 for 90 minutes while club membership is €50.

For more information, contact Tibor 085 107 9317, email tabletennis.ttt@gmail.com or go to Tibor’s Table Tennis on Facebook.

UCD’s Tice knocks Railway off the rails LENA Tice’s 40th minute penalty stroke ended Railway Union’s unbeaten start to the women’s EY Hockey League season, keeping UCD’s slender onepoint win at the top of the women’s EYHL table.

UCD were without the injured Sarah Robinson and Ellen Curran for the tie, meaning a bit of a reshuffle for Miles Warren but his side started well with a strong Deirdre Duke effort matched at the far end by the influential Michelle Carey.

Grace O’Flanagan was having a fine game and did bril-

liantly to keep out Katie Mullan and Tice. Emma Smyth’s ball across goal was touched just wide by Kate Lloyd.

Mullan, Duke and Bethany Barr were the key instigators for UCD while Carey, Smyth and Anna May Whelan gave as good as they got in midfield with Emer Lucey cleaning up the scraps at the back in a scoreless first half.

Five minutes into the second half came the key moment when Duke drew a foul in the circle with a corner initally awarded before a consultation led to an upgrade to a stroke.

Tice held her nerve to slot the goal and they held that narrow lead despit a Railway Union onslaught.

MUAY THAI: CHERRY ORCHARD TEENAGER MOVING UP THE GEARS

Hand outFoxes Oisin sport@dublingazette.com

LIAM Hand landed another fantastic win as the 15-year-old Dublin champion, based out of Hori’s Muay Thai Gym in Cherry Orchard, travelled to Derry to battle for the Muay Thai Junior Title.

The event was held in the White Lion Hotel and Spa, ending with victory over Oisin Fox. The teenager, who hails from Old County Glen in Crumlin, produced a focused and calm performance, knowing he would settle for nothing less than

the win.

It came following endless hours of training and discipline with coach Gabor Hortobagyi saying that he was confident the belt and title was coming back to Dublin.

“When I started the warm-up with Liam, I felt his punches and kicks were solid and confident,” he said afterwards.

“I had no doubt that we would be bringing the belt home to Dublin. It was a spectacular fight and all credit to Liam’s very strong opponent Oisin Fox from Newry Thai who put up a very

GLASGOW-BOUND McFarland swaps live as a Bull for Warriors MAX McFarland has swapped the Ulster Bank League for the Guinness PRO 14 after he was snapped up by Glasgow Warriors on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old was playing with Clontarf after spending last summer training with Munster, but will now line out for Glasgow after he signed a partnership contract with Scotland 7s. A DCU alumni, the speedy winger has represented Ireland at all age groups up to Under-20s.

Liam Hand with coach Gabor Hortobagyi

strong battle”.

These two warriors, fought hard in what was a thrilling four rounds of Muay Thai boxing at its best.

Hand is fast becoming a name to be reckoned with dedication and commitment beyond his young years. He is only 18 months involved in the sport but is taking the circuit by storm with a growing following.

Hand now travels to England for his first International fight this

weekend with a bout on November 26 and then it is on to the Netherlands on December 10.

There was disappointment on the night for Gergo Bodis, a professional Muay Thai and K1 Hori’s Champion, who – in what as classed the “fight of the night” – lost out to Eamon Deane by a unanimous decision.

Bodis is a strong and very talented fighter with many year’s experience.

Unfortunately, it did not go his way on the night.

“I have no doubt he will be back stronger than ever and we look forward to the next challenge,” said coach Hortobagyi.

He also thanked “all our supporters and sponsors – Pat Brown Butchers, Brian McElroy funeral Directors, Kevin Shanahan Progum Shields, Halfway Cabs, Joan Collins and Pat Dunne TDs, Heath Services Credit Union, Thai Healing Massage” for helping make their recent series of trips possible.

23 November 2017 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: SHERIFF OVERCOME WEXFORD VISITORS

GIRLSSoccer

The Sheriff YC Leinster Junior Cup team.

Rickard and Murphy double up North End LEINSTER JUNIOR CUP Sheriff YC North End United  sport@dublingazette.com

4 2

SHERIFF YC avoided an early exit from the Leinster Junior Cup after fighting back from two goals down to beat North End United 4-2 in the third round at Clontarf last weekend.

Keith Rickard and Paul Murphy bagged a brace apiece for the AUL Premier A side as they defied being reduced to ten men to ensure they wouldn’t make it two cup defeats in the space of a week after they were previously dumped out of the FAI Junior Cup by Usher Celtic.

Former Wexford FC star Shane Dempsey gave the visitors the lead, before an own goal shortly afterwards saw them 2-0 up after just 15 minutes.

Having found themselves in similar positions before, the home side kept their composure and managed to reduce the deficit just before the break thanks to Murphy’s effort.

Sheriff were then dealt a blow early in the second half when Darren Dunne was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

However, they drew level when Rickard continued his recent impressive form by steering a header into the back of the net.

The game drew to a close with the sides still level, meaning extra-time would be needed to separate them.Rickard found the net once again shortly after the restart before North End had a player of their own sent for an early bath.

That decision hurt North End and their cup run was ended once and for all when Murphy popped up to seal his side’s passage to the fourth round.

Joining Sheriff in the hat for the next round is Usher Celtic after they also fought back from two goals down to win out 5-2 over Howth Celtic.

Howth enjoyed a great start to the game and took a 2-0 lead before Usher had time to settle into the game.

Jay Ivory continued his recent form in front of goal, however, when he pulled one back for Usher from the penalty spot after he sent the keeper the wrong way and found the top corner.

Usher then drew level when some good play from the left saw the ball eventually fall nicely into the path of Steo Donnelly close to the byline. The Howth keeper left his goal in an attempt to narrow the angle but Donnelly

managed to squeeze the ball past him and into the far corner.

Wayne Walker then put Usher in front when the wing-back found himself in the box. He kept his composure, despite a blatant pull-back by an opponent, to slot the ball past the keeper.

Jordan Buckley hit a brace late on to add some gloss to the score line and ensure their fine recent form in cup competitions continued.

Leinster quartet denied interpro title FOUR local players represented Leinster as they lost out to Connacht in the final of the Under-15 Girls Interprovincial championship at the AUL Complex last weekend.

Abby Clarke from Muckross Park College in Donnybrook, Rugile Askainyte in Glasnevin’s St Mary’s Holy Faith Convent, Lucy Edwards from Maryfield College in Drumcondra, and Sophie Murray of Loreto College in St Stephen’s Green were present as Connacht ran out 2-0 winners to deny Leinster their sixth title in a row.

Connacht went into the game knowing a draw with suffice – while Dublin required a win - to see them lift the trophy, but they hit the ground running and took the lead after seven minutes.

Keeper Askainyte showed bravery to keep out the initial effort from Anna Fahey but there was nothing she could do to prevent Kate O’Dowd’s followup finding the net at the far post.

The westerners then went 2-0 up six minutes before the break when Abbie Callanan gave Akainyte no chance with a tidy finish. They could have been three down early into the second half was it not for Akainyte denying Fahey from a one-on-one situation.

Leinster fought hard in search of a route back into the game but, despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the second period, they struggled to trouble the Connacht defence and time eventually ran out for them.

The reigning champions had gotten their tournament off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Munster last Friday, with Rathcoole student Rachel McGrath grabbing the winner early in the second half.

The following day Leinster secured their second win with two late goals against Ulster. Dublin’s Maria Reynolds opened the scoring nine minutes from time before Della Doherty found the net with a magnificent strike from 30 yards six minutes later.

The four girls will now be hoping to be named in the international squad when the management team get together to construct a panel from the four provinces.

New international manager Richard Berkeley will select a squad of 30 players for the first phase of trials at Abbottstown this weekend.



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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 23 November 2017

SPORT

HURLING: SCOIL UI CHONAILL TOOK THE LEAD WITH JUST

AHL2Playoff

Cushen crushes AHL DIVISION 3 PLAYOFF Round Tower Scoil ui Chonaill  sport@dublingazette.com

Super Sars make instant return to AHL1 LUCAN Sarsfields senior hurlers are destined for Division 1 hurling for next year after a 3-13 to 0-11 win over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in their AHL Division 2 playoff final.

They secured a quick return to top flight league with a comprehensive win over Plunkett’s at the 12th Lock.

The weather and pitch were as good as you get for November and there was good support for both teams.

Lucan started the better and quickly became dominant with a series of good scores to lead 0-9 to 0-2 after 20 minutes. A goal quickly followed with a trademark finish from CJ Smith and Lucan looked well on their way. However, the scores dried up after that and Plunkett’s narrowed the gap to 1-10 to

0-5 at half time.

Plunkett’s started the second half much better and narrowed the gap to five points as Lucan had a succession of wides and failed to score for 15 minutes.

A point by Johnny McCaffrey stopped the rot and then a second goal kicked home by Smith effectively settled the issue. Lucan got a third goal soon after when a long range free from Matt McCaffrey went straight to the net. It was a tempestuous second half and both teams were fortunate to finish with 15 and while the performance dipped, Lucan - with Ronan Smith in midfield and Matt McCaffrey starring in midfield - will be delighted with their top tier return.

0-11 1-9

TO THE winners, the spoils. The losers, utter devastation. Barry Cushen fired home a last second free via a thicket of bodies to hand Scoil ui Chonaill promotion to AHL2 with the last puck of their playoff final in Cllondalkin last weekend.

It was the first time they had led, going ahead for just a couple of seconds before the final whistle blew; jubilation abounding.

For Towers, it was the second heart-breaking blow in their pursuit of senior status. With 10 wins from 11 league games, they only lost to Erin’s Isle with last puck

which cost them a league title on head to head. In the 130 minutes or so of both playoff games they were behind for only one second. Heartbreakingly, it was the one second that mattered most.

Their fate boiled down to the very last strike of a league season that officially commenced in March. Towers had to haul themselves back into the game following on from a resilient fightback by Scoil in the second period.

Having led by 0-7 to 0-3 at the break, Scoil struck five points during the opening 18 minutes of the second half. Conor Coady, Alan Cronin and Eoin Kennedy made their mark during this spell while Padraic Naughton restored parity with 12 minutes.

The solitary reply provided during that period came courtesy of an Alex Darbey free on the tenminute mark, after Luke Currivan had flicked a pass to substitute Paidi

Stapleton and he was pushed to the ground.

With the game entering the final 10 minutes, Towers regained some of the momentum they had enjoyed the first

Scoil ui Chonaill celebrate their promotion playoff win

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYMUN KICKHAMS

HEROES of the week are our U-8 footballers who played Friday night under lights against Ballyboughal and all the teams were superb and were displaying skills of boys much older.

Well done team and, especially, Preston Jewell who played most of the games even though he was unwell. Heroic stuff! Take a bow lads! You are our laoch na seachtaine!

Well done also to Gerry Seaver and his Ballyboughal team who beat Curragha and now progress to the Leinster intermediate final.

Well done also to Cuala who also won their Leinster semi=final.

Well done all, flying the flags for the Dublin clubs!

Next Saturday is a busy day in the club. In the nursery, there will be a very, very special guest and special visitors. All are invited to attend the nursery in their club or Dublin colours.

Later that evening, the club will host it’s “Best Dubs 15, made in the Mun” in the Cusack suite in Croke park.

Tickets are still available

but are selling fast. They can be purchased in Mace on Glasnevin Ave or from any member of the committee, team mentors or Colm Kelly, Cathal Roche, Fiona McVeigh, Melanie Dolan, Declan Small, Dermot Leahy or our merchandise team Linda Parnell and Janet Dorgan, or may be purchased online.

Details are available on our Facebook page, Twitter @BallymunGAA or website ballymunkickhams.com Be warned, we do expect this to sell out.

The bus leaves the Autobahn at 7.15 and the show will kick off at 8pm.

For those driving, there is parking outside the door of the Cusack suite in front of the Cusack stand.

If you can’t make the event, but would like to enter your opinion for the best 15 and be in with the chance to win €1,000, you may also do this online, again details for this are on our website page dedicated to the event.

Any queries, please contact any of the above named people.

We’re looking forward to this event with Pat Mannion MC, and special guests including past and present

Dublin players and managers, and our panelists Joe Brolly and Ciaran Whelan, it really does promise to be a fantastic and memorable sporting occasion. And when the talking is over, there will be music and dance to end the night! See you all there.

CLONTARF

FOIREANN na seachtaine are our Faoi21 peiladóirí who had a strong win at home on Saturday over Naomh Olaf in the B Championship, winning 1-22 to 1-3 with Nathan Doran getting the cúl for Cluain Tarbh.

Our Faoi16A buachaillí retrieved a share of the spoils after falling seven points behind away to Lucan Sarsfields. This was not enough to force a playoff for the league title but having joined Roinn1 this season they had a great league run.

The 16Bs did get a result in Leamhcán winning 2-19 to 0-7 with a fine spread of eight scorers across the team to finish a very credible fourth in their league. Ádh mór to our minor cailíní who face Fingallians in the minor A final later this week.

Well done to Patrick Smyth

who was part of the Áth Cliath team who took part in the Super 11s in Fenway Park over the weekend.

All mentors who have not completed their Garda vetting or those whose vetting has expired need to resolve immediately. Check clontarfgaa.com/vetting for further details No winner of the lotto.

Numbers drawn 6,8,16,27.

Lucky dip winners Kieran McMahon and Darren Joyce.

Póta Óir is now €5,700.

CRUMLIN

OUR Christmas fair takes place on Sunday, November 26 in Crumlin GAA from 12 noon to 5pm.

We are looking for donations of unwanted gifts, household items, jewellery, games etc We would appreciate if you could all donate to this fundraiser for our club.

Our annual club awards were held on Saturday night in the clubrooms for the ladies section. First thing to note was the excellent attendance with 40+ showing up from the three panels. Winners on the night were Niamh Fitzsimmons and Amy Morgan from the senior 3 camogie and

Jessica Higgins and Shannon Dunne from the senior 7 camogie. The ladies football titles were won by Tracey Sheehan and Annie Coffey.

Well done to the U-9 boys hurling team who took part in the Kevins tournament on Saturday. Delighted to say they all showed great determination and team spirit in their matches. A good end to their season.

Lotto was not won numbers; drawn were 3, 6, 17 and 18.

There were four match three winners and next week’s winning jackpot will be €1,650.

Joker Poker is played every Sunday in the club and next week’s jackpot is €1,150.

ERIN’S ISLE

THE year isn’t over yet! Our minor camogie team play their championship final on Sunday morning at 11am against Olaf’s in Parnells GAA club.

People may need some fresh air and what a better way to get it than supporting our girls?

Our annual mass takes place on Sunday, December 10.

In preparation, the Erin’s Isle Choir will meet on a number of dates to be determined.

We really want to make this

a special event as we come to the end of our Centenary Year. For more information, contact Ann Byrne on 087 6733735.

Please don’t forget to complete the online questionnaire/survey.

It should take less than 15 minutes to complete, this is the membership’s opportunity to help in the future decision making process.

Centenary Ball is on this Saturday in Croke Park.

The dress code on the night is formal/smart. The Sam Maguire and the Brendan Martin cup will be in the club on Sunday with some special guests.

We now have physical and electronic copies for the sponsorship brochure; anyone who either knows someone that may provide sponsorship or anyone who wants to get involved, please let me know.

If you have anything for club notes, please contact Paul Campbell at 087-7585019 or send to cambod11@hotmail. com before Sunday evening.

NA FIANNA

CONGRATS to our senior

23 November 2017 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

A SINGLE SECOND TO GO IN THEIR PROMOTION PLAYOFF

Towers dreams half. Stapleton and Eoin Walsh combined with the latter being fouled as he was about to strike.

Darbey edged them 0-9 to 0-8 clear. Scoil responded to equalise.

Towers attacked again and a late challenge on Luke Currivan saw Darbey edge them clear with five minutes remaining.

Darbey was then fouled after Jack Whelan

and Podge McGeever had combined in defence but his strike from a tight angle dropped short.

In a game of the narrowest of margins, Brian M c L a u g h l i n l o o ke d to have won it with a minute of normal time remaining. Stapleton did well to win in the inside forwards and Eric Finn flicked to McLaughlin and he drove over.

There was to be one last, and very real extra sting in the tail. Scoil won a free 30 metres out and Barry Cushen’s lowdriven strike evaded the Towers defenders on the line.

It completed his personal tally of 1-6, a defining total capping a season-defining moment.

Towers will feel they had established a platform the opening half to

drive on to achieve such status with a flurry of early points.

Scoil dug deep and brought themselves level with three successive points. Towers rallied again. Walsh was fouled on the 40 to enable Darbey point the placed ball.

T his time Eogha n Young was the provider and Finn again broke inside from the left.

His drive brought an outstanding save, with the keeper tipping it over.

Another Darbey free stretched the advantage to 0-7 to 0-3. The tenacity of Towers defending was evident with Scoil hitting three wides in a row before the break.

They rallied, though, fighting all the way to the finish to claim the win by the narrowest of margins.

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS

Na Fianna overcome Jude’s in IFC final NA FIANNA produced a strong second half to capture Dublin interme-

diate football championship final honours, defeating St Jude’s 2-13 to 1-11 in Friday night’s decider at Abbottstown.

However, the St Mobhi Road men had to recover from an early body blow when Tom Devlin goaled for the southsiders, following good work by Joey Donnelly, in the opening minute.

Points from Donnelly and a Darren Gallagher free sandwiched a Sean Caffrey point to give St Jude’s an early 1-2 to 0-1 advantage.

But, by the break, Na Fianna had begun to turn the game around with goals from, firstly, Ciaran Hoolihan and player of the match Caffrey five minutes before the interval to hold a 2-4 to 1-5 lead at the break.Caffrey tallied 1-4 all from play in a fine individual performance.

Jude’s rallied early in the second half but points from Hoolihan and Tom O’Connell kept Na Fianna out in front. That was the nature of the second half – any time Jude’s looked to be building up a ‘head of steam’ Na Fianna responded and with late points from Gareth Ryan and Cathal Doran they were destined for the winner’s enclosure.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD 2 footballers on last Friday night’s inter championship final win against St Jude’s in front of a good Na Fianna crowd in Abbottstown.

A fantastic game and huge credit due to the players and management team.

Hard luck to our minor B hurlers in the championship final against Castleknock on Sunday, a battling performance that slipped away from the lads in the last ten minutes and the end of an exciting campaign in which they didn’t concede a goal.

Hard luck also to our brave minor A camogie team against Faughs in the championship. U-21 hurling championship continues next Saturday at 2.30pm with the As playing Ballyboden in the final in O’Toole Park and the Bs away against Naomh Barróg in the semi-final.

Our Senior 2 footballers are back in action on Sunday at 11am when they contest the league final away against

Naomh Olaf. Good luck to all teams, support welcome, full fixture list on website.

Congrats to Jono Tracey, Shane Barrett and Donal Burke on making the Dublin senior hurling selection for last weekend’s AIG Fenway Hurling Classic in Boston.

Best of luck to Leah Caffrey next Saturday when the TG4 All Star team will be announced.

Congratulations to Sean Currie on his Friends Of Dublin Hurling Young Player of the Year award.

Award to be presented at 11th annual celebration night at The Red Cow Moran Hotel next Friday night.

Thanks to all who attended last Thursday night’s Na Fianna DCU Alumni event in the Club, hopefully the first of many to come.

Basic spoken Irish class for beginners continues in the club on Thursday from 7.308.30pm. Ciorcal comhrá sa bhear sa chlub gach oíche Déardaoin 8.309.30. Seisiún ceoil ina

dhiaidh sin, fáilte roimh chách.

25 Card session in Club every Friday night, all welcome.

Members’ subscriptions due since AGM, can be paid in the club office from Monday to Friday from 9.301pm or online at www. clgnafianna.ie.

O’TOOLE’S

WE ARE seeing seeking managers for our adult teams for the 2018 season. Applicants should contact John Thompson on 087 2958398 for further details.

Membership fees are now overdue.

You can pay online at otoolesgac.ie and follow the instructions. Adult players can renew their membership through John Thompson on 087 2958398.

A big thanks to the McLoughlin family for a great evening in aid of their chosen charity.

The evening commenced with a camogie match between Trinity Gaels

and a group of O’Toole’s ladies.

The next ladies five-aside on is December 1, so if you’re female, over the age of 15, enjoy the game, this is for you.

There’s a table quiz for our ladies section on December 29 to include a ‘Guess the Contents’ jar, €100 for the correct guess. Please support.

Friday night card bingo and Hi/lo jackpot.

Saturday ’Diablo’ and Sunday music bingo.

There was no winner of our club lotto. The numbers were 5, 14, 16 and 24. The jackpot is €4,300.

RAHENY

HARD luck to our senior footballers who lost by a point in their tournament final; great performances around.

Also, our U-21 footballers who both lost by a point in their championship competitions.

Thank you to all who support.

Raheny All Stars pub quiz last Thursday in the club lounge was

a massive with €1,181 raised.

We are holding our annual Christmas craft fair on Sunday from 11am-6pm; this is another fundraiser for the Raheny All Stars and also for our Lift Fund.

There is great variety in stalls this year, full gallery will be on our event page on Facebook.

Bubbles hurleys will be there too.

Our annual coaching conference (€20 which includes lunch) takes place on Saturday, December 2; if interested in attending, please email will.lillis.gpo.dublin@ gaa.ie.

This year’s Annual General Meeting of Raheny GAA Club will take place on Monday, December 4 in the club hall at 8pm. Only paid up full members are permitted to attend.

Please be informed that a summary of the club’s audited accounts can be viewed by appointment with a club officer in attendance It is important for the effective running of the

club that all positions are filled.

Mentors Night: On the evening of December 2, we will have our mentors night; tokens will be available for collection from 8pm-10pm.

Mentors need to text their mentors list to 086 2909022 with team name by the end of November.

Our adult players awards night takes place on Friday, December 8.

A date for your diary: March 16 is our 60th Anniversary Ball (black tie) in the Clontarf Castle; tickets €75 each. Full details will be following.

Our club Shop will be open on Saturday from 9.30am to 12pm as usual but also on Sunday from 11-6pm.

SCOIL UI CHONAILL

A SPECTACULAR end to a very successful year of Scoil hurling saw our AHL3 team snatch a win with a last minute goal in their playoff final against Round Tower, Clondalkin on Sunday morning.

This pivotal win sees Scoil elevated to senior hurling for the 2018 season. Congratulations to both players and management on this huge achievement.

Our juvenile section gets ready for their winter break as their season comes to a close.

The Scoil Uí Chonaill AGM is set to take place on Thursday, November 30 in the clubhouse. All players and members are encouraged to attend.

Anyone interested in availing of very attractive pitch side advertisement opportunities should contact Aidan Mulvey on 085 7213789.

Training for all ages and levels continues; adult hurling and football teams train in Scoil on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30pm.

Juvenile training takes place in Scoil at 10am on Saturday mornings.

For any news or enquiries, please contact scoil.pro.eoc@gmail. com.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39

CUSHEN’S BLOW: Scoil strike with the last puck of the AHL3 season to earn promotion ahead of Towers P38-39

NOVEMBER 23 -29, 2017

HAND’S MUAY THAI MAGIC: Crumlin teeanger lands Irish belt with sights on more P36

Irish international Joey Carbery met players from the Clontarf Bulls last weekend in his role as ambassador for the team

Bulls break new barriers Castle Avenue club fill final piece of the jigsaw puzzle with introduction of their new rugby team for players with intellectual additional needs  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONTARF Rugby have been shortlisted for “Club of the Year” at the CARA Centre National Inclusion Awards 2017, in recognition of the story of The Bulls.

The Castle Avenue club set up the new team, especially for local children aged six to 14, with intellectual additional needs.

Clontarf Rugby have been seen to “enhance participation opportunities in sport” according to CARA, the national organisation providing a collaborative platform in sport and physical activity for people with additional needs.

Many of the children involved have challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, visual or hearing impairments, or other learning needs.

Having seen their brothers and sisters play rugby, these boys and girls can now line out on a team of their own.

The Clontarf Bulls is being led by a group of rugby coaches and volunteers with a particular interest in promoting the abilities of these children and including them in club life.

The coaching group draws on active players, ex-players, teachers, SNAs, and academics in the fields of people with special needs.

Sunday mornings on the new all-weather pitch in Clontarf consist of drills, games and training that are pre-planned and aimed at being easy to follow and enjoyable for players and coaches. Each participant is provided with one-to-one coaching throughout the session.

Michael Dreelan is a parent of one of the players, Tom, who is aged 11: “Sunday morn-

ing is the highpoint of our weekend. First thing (and often ridiculously early) Tom bounces in, demanding his Clontarf gear.

“Then it’s all go until he hits the turf without a backward glance – rugby takes over. Such a pleasure to see him totally focus on playing, giving his all and really developing.

“Training is the most amazing fun – he crashes into tackle pads – chases his coach to poach the ball and charges for the line – he always looks to me once the ball is grounded. Those moments of joy are priceless.

“My beautiful boy is not always the chattiest with other kids – it’s hard for him – but at the Bulls he is with his ‘rugby friends’.

“When I see him in the huddle, shouting out that he is a boy ‘from Clontarf FC’, I know we are part of something very special and he has a

place to belong.

Terry Browne, the club’s chairman of rugby said; “Clontarf FC has, at the core of its rugby ethos, the provision of rugby to all in our community regardless of gender or ability.

“The introduction of the ‘Bulls’ to our player community is the final piece in this jigsaw and compliments perfectly the thriving Youth & Minis, Women’s and Men’s Rugby sections.

Clontarf, Leinster and Ireland International Joey Carbery has taken on the role of Ambassador for the Clontarf Bulls and Joey was at training on Sunday to meet and greet the players.

Parents interested in getting their child with intellectual needs involved with the Clontarf Bulls should contact the club office by phone on 01-8336214 or email crfc@indigo.ie for further information.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Arteon and A5 go Volkswagen has a new five-door sports coupe with the Arteon that’s now also the flagship in the range. MICHAEL MORONEY has driven both the Arteon and Audi’s A5 in recent weeks and here he compares both German offerings.

Volvo XC40 gets Grafton Street pop-up shop VOLVO Car Ireland has opened Ireland’s first high street car pop up shop at 32 Grafton Street.

The new shop, which is open for a limited time, provides visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s new XC40 compact SUV, in the Scandinavian inspired shop.

The XC40 is Volvo’s first ever entry in the small premium SUV segment.

Volvo’s new XC40 D4 Momentum Pro in fusion red is housed within the unit.

Customers will be able to browse the different

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI

Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI

Engine 2.0 litre 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 8.9 seconds 9.1 seconds Economy 22.7km/litre 22.2km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) (4.5/100km or 63mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 40 litres 66 litres CO2 emissions 113g/km 116g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) 5 star (2017) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €52,600 €49,325

paint and fabric choices on display and experience the car in ‘showroom mode’ which showcases the cars’ technology at its best.

Customers can test out the cars’ top of the range Karmon Hardin sounds system and interact with the Sensus Connect system all while enjoying some Swedish Fika in a relaxed environment.

Fika is considered a social institution in Sweden; it means having a break, most often a coffee and sweet treats, with one’s colleagues, friends or family.

It’s more than your usual coffee break – it’s a cultural institution.

Patricia Greene, Head of Communications at Volvo Car Ireland, said: “We’re very excited to bring Volvo to Grafton Street for the countdown to Christmas.

“As Ireland’s premium shopping street we feel Grafton Street is a great fit for the Volvo brand and allows us to give shoppers a truly unique experience and reach a new demographic of shoppers who may not have been overly familiar with the Volvo brand before.’

Finance focus on Alfa Romeo’s 181 offers

ALFA Romeo’s 181 offers, which are available until December 31, 2017, include Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance, with an APR rate of just 2.9%, as well as a low rate Hire Purchase (HP) finance rate from 0%.

The most recent addition to the Alfa Romeo, the new Stelvio SUV embodies everything a true Alfa Romeo should.

Featuring 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive architecture, best in class power-toweight ratios and new engine and driver technologies, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available with 2.9% APR PCP finance or from 0% APR HP finance.

Alfa Romeo’s super-mini and hot-hatch, the gor-

geous MiTo and Giulietta are offered with PCP finance rates of 2.9% APR or HP finance starting from 0% APR.

The arrival of Volkswagen’s new Arteon provides another attractive choice for those drivers who want to combine some luxury and sporty motoring with practical family transport.

It takes the position of being the flagship of the Volkswagen range, with a new style that’s more impressive than the Passat CC of the past.

Volkswagen claims that the Arteon combines the spaciousness of a saloon

with the driving dynamics and design of a sports car and some of that I have to agree with.

I’ve had the Arteon on the road in recent weeks and followed that drive with a run in Audi’s new A5 Sportback.

Both cars have similar target markets, and that encouraged me to compare these impressive cars in terms of driving style, space and the value on offer.

The Arteon is instantly recognisable as a large car. The overall length is longer than the Audi A5 and there is significantly a feeling of spaciousness.

The rear seat passengers get a great deal in the Arteon, with the type of legroom that is characteristic of the big Skoda Superb. The fact that the Arteon is overall a marginally longer car has allowed Volkswagen to deliver more rear legroom.

The boot space is also impressive and both cars offer electric boot opening, which is a noticeable help for a boot that stretches as long as they both do. The Arteon wins out on boot space coming in at 563 litres compared with 480 litres for the A5.

The rear end styling of the Arteon is clearly new and distinctive, while that of the Audi A5 shows the signs of an upgrade, that’s still a classic. They are

Michelin gets motorists to grip for winter driving AS winter temperatures start to plummet into single figures, tyre specialists Michelin is advising motorists to fit tyres designed specifically for winter conditions with compounds that remain flexible to improve grip and braking.

The French tyre company recently launched their CrossClimate+ fitments, which are tyres built to offer improved traction on snow-covered or wet and cold roads as well as year-round performance.

These new tyres are designed to counter the changeable weather that constantly

afflicts Irish roads. Michelin claims that the new range offers the benefits of a summer tyre for dry and wet braking, energy efficiency and total mileage, while also boasting the braking performance and traction of a winter tyre on cold and snow-covered roads, with little difference in performance as the tyre tread wears down.

Following a series of UK independent tests, Michelin’s CrossClimate+ range, currently available in 15 to 18-inch sizes, has recently been named as the ‘best all-season tyre’ by magazine Auto Express.

both very attractive cars from either end; front or back.

Both the Audi A5 Sportback and the Volkswagen Arteon that I drove were powered by similar Volkswagen Group 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. They both deliver 150bhp, while the Arteon comes with marginally more engine torque.

Maybe that’s needed as the Arteon is a heavier car. Audi has shaved 85kg from the weight of the A5 compared with the model of the past, while the Arteon is more of a heavyweight.

With similar engines you can expect some performance differences between both cars, but

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Arona delivers top head-to-head SEAT Euro NCAP safety result SEAT’s new compact crossover car, the Arona has joined SEAT’s Leon and the Ibiza in achieving

tests, the new SEAT Arona has

five stars in the latest Euro NCAP

achieved excellent results, stand-

safety tests.

ing out for occupant and pedesArona driver assistance

NCAP’s demanding safety tests.

systems are also outstanding.

The efficiency of the Autonomous

NCAP prestigious and independ-

Emergency Braking (AEB) and

ent safety tests carries more

Front Assist stand out in particu-

merit each time, as they have

lar in this area.

recent months.

similar engines and performance data, and with only marginal differences in prices.

Adding any additional features might complicate a comparison, but the truth is that both cars have a lot to offer.

Making the choice between them will hardly be about performance or style, because in my view they both stand out in these features.

Your choice will be about the best deal on offer, so negotiate hard, with either the Audi A5 or the Volkswagen Arteon; you’ll be getting a stylish car that combines economy with a wow factor.

trian protection.

highest possible scores in Euro

become much more demanding in

tionality, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices.

The A5 comes with some new driver assistance systems, like Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.

The test car was the Audi A5 Sportback S-Line version and had some additional premium features, such as LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys running on Pirelli Centurauto P7 245/40 R18 tyres and the sports suspension.

These impressive sport coupe cars come with the latest safety features,

In each of the sections that make up the Euro NCAP safety

Achieving five stars in Euro

Both cars come packed with the latest safety and driver technology features.

On the Volkswagen side, all Arteon models come with 18” alloy wheels, ErgoComfort seats, 8” ‘Discover Media’ Sat Nav system, predictive cruise control, park distance control, app connect, rain sensing wipers, security and service subscription and 3-zone Climatronic A/C with controls in the rear.

From the Audi side, the A5 has Audi’s latest infotainment features. These include the Audi MMI navigation system with 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging func-

the most objective way.

three flagship models, Ateca,

The Arona has achieved the

they are very marginal.

The lighter Audi A5 is marginally faster and more economical, but I doubt that you’ll notice these differences in real driving conditions.

What’s interesting is that Volkswagen fits a 60% larger capacity fuel tank as standard, meaning that you can get significant range from Arteon if you are a long distance driver.

My test drive indicated a range of over 1,100km on a full tank and the extra range makes for more pleasant longer journeys. The smaller fuel tank of the Audi may be marginally more economical, but require more frequent fuel stops.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Through the use of its radar technology together with the

Euro NCAP puts vehicles that

latest versions of ABS and ESC, it

come onto the market through a

not only senses and acts when it

number of tests, more and more

detects other vehicles but also

rigorous each time.

pedestrians.

For example, in order to test

Taking all of this into account,

child safety protection in a reli-

it allows the car to brake in the

able way, crash test dummies are

safest and quickest way.

used to simulate for children aged between six and ten years old.

Front impact tests or side

The new SEAT Arona is another new member of the SEAT range that is part of the biggest prod-

impact tests against a Pole at 75

uct offensive ever carried out

degrees are also more severe.

by the Spanish brand in which

As well as these criteria, the

the Leon stands out with its new

range of dummies used in these

facelift, as well as the new Ibiza,

tests has increased and their

the Ateca and the soon-to-be-

biofidelity adapted in order to

seen large SUV, which will be

reflect real accident conditions in

launched in 2018.

Nissan upgrades flagship X-Trail NISSAN’S flagship crossover, the X-Trail and the brand’s best-selling model worldwide has been upgraded.

The changes include a new exterior design, enhanced cabin refinement, more practicality for owners and some additional and useful technology features.

The X-Trail will be available with ProPILOT which gives autonomous driving capability. Nissan is now also offering the SV Premium grade for the first time on the X-Trail.

It will be available with the option of a 2.0-litre diesel engine or 1.6-litre petrol engines for the first time in Ireland.

Entry prices will start from €32,150, that’s unchanged from earlier this year.

Nissan Ireland has launched the new X-Trail with a new 2.0-litre 177bhp turbo-diesel engine, which claims to have broadened the range to meet the needs

of consumers who require a higher-output engine. For the first time in Ireland the X-Trail is now also available in with a 1.6-litre 163bhp petrol engine.

The front parking sensors have been revised and they now sit completely flush to the bumper surface.

The rear bumper has been redesigned to give it a more robust look with new chrome detailing. The rear lamp signature has been upgraded to become full LED, while the parking sensors are improved, as at the front of the car.

The biggest change to the profile of the new X-Trail is the addition of a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors. On the inside

there is a new D-shaped steering wheel with a smaller central hub than before and the three spokes are slimmer for improved instrument visibility.

Other interior upgrades add to the higher-quality ambience and increased refinement of the new X-Trail. A new leather knee pad on both sides of the centre console has been added. The air vents now feature a new gloss black surface.

The new SEAT Arona

Nissan’s two for one 181 offer NISSAN Ireland has launched a new 181 consumer offer that enables customers to buy a new Nissan Micra, Pulsar, Juke or Qashqai now and they can exchange it for the equivalent model in 2019 free of charge.

Nissan claims that this unique offer provides customers with the opportunity to purchase two new cars for the price of one and therefore benefit from an extended four-year Nissan manufacturer’s warranty, four years RAC membership.

The deal also means that you get a 191 car at 181 prices and with lower maintenance costs it will be at least two years before customers are likely to have to pay for a service.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport CAMPBELL RULED OUT OF QUALIFIERS: FORMER St Francis player Megan Campbell is likely to miss the rest of the Republic of Ireland women’s FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign after rupturing her ACL. The 24-year old suffered the injury in her right knee during Manchester City’s 2-1 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory over LSK Kvinner on Thursday night.

Campbell suffered the injury in the 54th minute of the game and is now likely to miss the rest of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ireland are set to face the Netherlands, the reigning European Champions, on Tuesday, November 28 with kick-off at 7pm (8pm local time) as they look to continue their unbeaten campaign.

BASKETBALL: ALSAA CLUB WIN CRUCIAL TABLE-TOPPING TUSSLE WITH UCD

Baker cooking up a storm with Swords Thunder win

SUPER LEAGUE ROUND-UP  sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH College Swords T hunder cause an upset against UCD Marian to close the gap at the top of the men’s basketball Super League, r unning out 93-86 point winners after a superb second half performance.

A blistering fourth quarter from the home team saw Isaac Westbrooks and Travis Black impress at both ends of the court to take the win.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Swords’ Dave Baker. “We knew coming into the game how good UCD are, but we felt that if we could keep it tight going into the fourth quarter that maybe we would start asking UCD some questions that they haven’t been asked this year – and that’s what we did.”

Black Amber Templeogue meanwhile secured a big win on the road against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, dishing up an 80-71 point victory over the hosts. A huge third quarter from Templeogue’s Mike Bonaparte paved their road

Swords Thunder coach Dave Baker

to glory and, coupled with a brilliant display from Lorcan Murphy, they just had too much for Tralee.

“It was a huge second half for us,” admitted Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan.

“We never really got going in the first half but we were still in the game.

“We keep showing a bit of character when we get down

– it’s great. Tralee is a hard place to come and get a win as everybody knows, so we’ll take it any day we get it. “ Elsewhere, Éanna overcame Pyrobel Killester in a thrilling Dublin derby – a superb second half comeback helping them to a two-point win, while a buzzer beating score from Emmet Donnelly saw DCU Saints pip UCC Demons to the

win, 80-78.

In the Women’s Super League, Cour tyard Liffey Celtics remain unbeaten at the top of the table, after a superb 66-60 win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in Cork on Sunday afternoon.

A dazzling display from Liffey’s Jazmen Boone sent them into the lead by the end of the second quarter, and they

kept their cool to close out the win.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said head coach Mark Byrne.

“I think this is the first time that Liffey Celtics have beaten Glanmire in Glanmire.

“You know you are always going to get a super tough game when you come down here.

“We weren’t at full strength and we didn’t play amazing, so I’m very happy we came out the right side.”

Elsewhere DCU Mercy showed no mercy as they ran out 101-37 point winners over Portlaoise Panthers.

Meanwhile, it took overtime to separate Maxol WIT Wildcats and Singleton S u p e r Va l u B r u n e l l o n Saturday evening as, despite trailing by 10 points at half time, a superb second half display saw Brunell level matters by full time (64-64) and pushed on to win 74-71 in the end.

“I was delighted to get the win in overtime, I thought we had left it behind us when we were 13 down in the fourth quarter,” said Brunell’s Francis O’Sullivan.

All roads lead of Odyssey for Sport Changes Life gig  DECLAN KING sport@dublingazette.com

Sport Change Life founder Gareth Maguire.

BA S K E T BA L L f a n s f r o m Dublin and beyond and will be heading to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast for the “Naismith Hall of Fame Basketball Classic” on December 1 and 2.

The dream of the classic is three years in the making for Sport Changes Life founder and organiser Gareth Maguire and comes to fruition in a few weeks’ time with four NCAA colleges arriving in the city.

The colleges for this year’s

first classic are Holy Cross, La Salle, Manhattan and Towson in a tournament that will be televised live by CBS Television to over 60 million in the States.

The action gets underway on Friday, December 1 at 4.30pm with Manhattan playing Holy Cross while Towson face La Salle in the second game at 7pm.

Speaking about the venture, Maguire explained the concept of the tournament and where the funds go.

“This has been three years of solid work to get things ready

but the icing on the cake was the recent announcement that CBS was on board.

“Because of the nature of our organisation Sport Changes Life, we wanted to get as much coverage as possible in America where our scholars come from. We bring scholars over each year to study, work in the organisation and play basketball throughout the country.

“When we started a number of years ago, it was a Northern based project but my wife Deirdre and I thought that we should move south as well and

we have scholars in Dublin, Carlow, Water ford, Cork, Limerick and Galway in an allIreland strategy.

“As well as studying for quality Masters Degrees, the scholars work in disadvantaged communities throughout the country” “Our philosophy is ver y simple, it doesn’t matter if the kids are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Jew or Athiest we want to help each and every one of them to improve their lives and to give them something to look forward to.”

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Picture: Terence McCann Photography

Panthers on the prowl for new blood for 2018  JAMES HENDICOTT

SOUTH DUBLIN PANTHERS coach Steve McConnell is looking to add to his squad as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing minority sports, American football, goes through its off season.

The Panthers (formerly the Dublin Dragons) have been running since 2001, making them one of the oldest sides in Ireland, but the sport has grown to surprising local strength in recent years, with a total of around 20 different sides competing across three divisions.

McConnell is keen to invite potential players along to sessions, and those with an interest in the sport can be encouraged by the diverse types of athlete that can fit into the game.

“American Football really is the sport for everyone,” he tells us. “The bigger stronger guys, the smaller, faster guys and everyone in between.

Since the positions can be so specific there really is a fit for most people.

“Obviously, we’re looking for the best athletes we can find, guys with previous experience in rugby or GAA make the transition really well, as there are a lot of transferable skills.

“The Panthers are in the unique position of having a large enough squad to field two teams.

We have a development team which will play in the lower division in 2018. So while we’re looking for the best athletes we can, we also have an eye on the future for guys getting back to fitness or guys who might not have played an organised sport before. We can invest the time to develop those guys too which is a real positive for us,“ he explains.

As well as training twice a week, the Panthers also have classroom and online sessions to teach tactics. Between them, the club’s coaches have over 100 years of experience in the sport, but there’s also a heavy social element to the club.

While the Panther’s will keep sessions going right through the winter, the competitive season gets back underway in the New Year, making this the perfect time to experience a more casual offseason take on the sport and decide if it’s for you.

No experience required.

To get in touch with the South Dublin Panthers, visit their website at southdublinpanthers. com.

Boucher pouches over - time winner for Glens

Tallaght club lead the way in men’s EY Hockey Legaue with unbeaten run rolling into seventh week; Three Rock keep their winning streak going but Monkstown stunned by Dale  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

SHANNON Boucher smashed home a 68th minute goal to continue Glenanne’s brilliant start to the men’s EY Hockey League season, ensuring that Banbridge’s woes also carry on with just two wins from nine games this term.

Boucher’s mid-circle finish completed the Glens’ second comeback from 2-0 down this season to keep their lead at the top of the rankings.

Bann, meanwhile, suffered five green cards and two yellows in the last five minutes to finish the game with nine players.

Fraser Mills put Bann in front 10 minutes in when he snapped up a rebound created by Neil Gilmore’s shot. Zach McClelland and Bruce McCandless went close to second goals before Mark Barlow scored his first senior goal in the 29th minute with

another rebound for 2-0.

Boucher pulled one back before half-time from close range to put the game back in the mix and they started the second half with a couple of corners that Bann did well to charge down.

Gareth Lennox made a superb double save to keep out another to keep it at 2-1 going into the final quarter but a stroke a minute into the last stanza got Glenanne on terms, Shane O’Donoghue scoring.

Two more Glens corners were denied while Bann had a couple of great chances to go back in front, the biggest one from an Alexander Tinney break. Jamie Wright and Mills, though, both were shown yellow in the last four minutes with Boucher scoring the winner.

It keeps the Tallaght club at the top of the table by three points, ahead of 2016 champions Lisnagarvey.

Rathfarnham’s Three Rock Rovers remain in third place thanks to their 4-1 win over Cookstown.

Three Rock comfortably made it three wins in succession despite the absence of six first team regulars – Daragh Walsh, Ross Canning, Harry Morris, Richard Pautz, David Kane and James Walker.

Mitch Darling started the scoring in the 21st minute before Conor Empey added the second six minutes before halftime.

A Darling deflection made it three in the third quarter and Ben McCrea scored his first for Rovers since his return from UCD, getting on the end of a good counter-attacking move. Stu Smyth pulled one back from a corner with eight minutes to go for scant consolation for the Co Tyrone club.

Monkstown, however, were unable to keep the

good run going for Dublin clubs as they were stunned by Annadale who recorded their biggest win of the campaign to date, winning 2-0 at the Merrion Fleet Arena, bumping Dale up two places to seventh spot.

The Carryduff side showed their hunger for the battle with two early circle incursions leading to corners which David Fitzgerald repelled.

Aaron Bailey, in reply, made two brilliant runs that brought former Town keeper Nick Holman into play, saving at the feet of Shane Nolan.

Annadale went in front in the 18th minute when Peter Caruth – against his former club – made a superb run that ended up with Fitzgerald saving.

Monkstown goalkeeper Dave Fitzgerald makes a save, left; Stephen Cole, right, launches an overhead pass . Picture: Deryck Vincent

Caruth recovered the ball and slapped to the back post where former Kilkeel man David Tremlett was on hand to tap in.

They held that lead into the big break courtesy of a Holman save from a Guy Sarratt drag-flick.

The lead was extended to 2-0 13 minutes into the second half following a slightly fractious start to the second half in which David Cole got a green and then a yellow card, the latter leading to a corner which Rhiley Carr flicked into the bottom right corner.

From there, Dale frustrated Monkstown who piled forward, winning a couple of corners, one of which was saved off the line but could not break through.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: GRIFFIN HITS HIS STRAPS AS FINGLAS BEATEN IN THRILLER

Collinstown win 11-goal cup classic sport@dublingazette.com

Tyrrell named in Ireland squad for Dubai sevens CLONDALKIN’S Hannah Tyrrell has been named in the Irish women’s sevens rugby team for the HSBC World Rugby series event in Dubai, running from Thursday, November 30 to Friday, December 1.

She is one of four players involved in the women’s World Cup last year alongside Ashleigh Baxter, Katie Fitzhenry and Louise Galvin. Ireland face Fiji, Canada and Spain in their opening group.

COLLINSTOWN FC came out on the right side of an 11 goal thriller last weekend to reach the fourth round of the Leinster Junior Cup following a 6-5 win over Finglas United at the SDFL Astro.

The reigning champions regularly held comfortable leads but Finglas kept fighting back to make their opponents work hard for their victory.

They soon took the lead when Eoin Hunter found the net and Dylan Clarke

doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. The home side’s explosive start was then complete when Graham Doyle finished to give them a 3-0 cushion.

Collinstown took their foot off the pedal and Finglas took advantage with two quick fire strikes just before half-time, 3-2 at the break.

After the break, they seemed to have regained their focus and restored their cushion through Mikey Griffin. Finglas replied once again only for Griffin grabbed his sec-

ond to make it five goals from his last four games but Finglas struck again to keep themselves in the tie at 5-4.

Substitute Ger Shortt thought he had secured Collinstown’s passage to the next round when he scored their sixth but Finglas refused to give the home fans a nerve-free ending to the game by leaving one between the sides again.

Finglas pushed for an equaliser right until the end and came within inches of getting it when they struck the post at the death. It wasn’t to be for them, however, and Collinstown could breathe a sigh of relief as their name went into the hat for the fourth round draw.

Neighbours Booth Road Celtic enjoyed a much more comfortable passage to the next round

as they made light work of Broadford Rovers with a 5-1 win.

Shane Merrigan was the man of the hour as he stepped off the bench to bag four of his side’s five goals. Booth took a 1-0 lead after Nathan Callaghan’s effort.

Broadford levelled early in the second half but Merrigan soon restored the lead and but the southsiders to the sword.

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

BOXING: JOBSTOWN MAN READY FOR SECOND BOUT

FASTSoccer

Local quartet in Leinster interpro squad

FOUR local players represented Leinster as they lost out to Connacht in the final of the Under-15 Girls Interprovincial championship at the AUL Complex last weekend.

Aoife O’Leary from St Mark’s Community School in Tallaght, Jessie Stapleton of Palmerstown Community School, and Rachel McGrath from Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole were present as Connacht ran out 2-0 winners to deny Leinster their sixth title in a row.

Xxxx Jobstown’s Dylan McDonagh at Celtic Clash 3

Firecracker McDonagh set to explode at Clash CELTIC CLASH 4  sport@dublingazette.com

JOBSTOWN bantamweight Dylan McDonagh will return to the ring on Saturday December 2 in Dublin looking to round off a roller-coaster year and set up a massive 2018.

T he Firecracker impressed on his professional debut back in September at the National Stadium, dominating against Georgi Andonov, and will return to the same venue for fight number two.

McDonagh features on the Celtic Clash 4 bill on the South Circular Road with former top amateur and RTE pundit Eric Donovan headlining in a defence of his BUI Celtic featherweight title against Juancho Gonzalez, while there is also Dublin grudge match between Jay Byrne and Crank Whitehouse for the BUI Celtic welterweight belt.

McDonagh had been due to debut in April, but saw that show cancelled just days beforehand.

He then faced a frustrating wait until September and, by the time he made it to the ring, the pressure

and tension had escalated. The Westside fighter recalls how “I felt like there was so much pressure so just to get that out of the way, what with the last show being cancelled.

“I was doing it for my Mam, she passed a couple of years ago and is an inspiration for everything.

She always told me not to give it up. She was always my main driving force to do. It was like a world title for me.

“There was so much pressure and I was always telling myself ‘it’s not about the performance, it’s just about getting the win.’

Now I’m going to enjoy myself and show what I’m made of.”

The 32-year-old is hoping for an improved performance on Celtic Clash 4 and describes how “camp is going great. It’s going a little bit better than the last time. I’m doing a lot of strength and conditioning, building up the power.

“My fitness is through the roof, I could go six or eight rounds no problem.

I know my fitness will always be there, I always train hard. It’s about slowing it down, picking the

shots, standing out and getting a good performance.

“I know, and I’ve been told a million times, I hit seriously hard for a bantamweight,” explained the Tallaght fighter. “Even in sparring, sparring boys through the years, I’ve been told.

“I’m in Ironhouse Gym in Clondalkin and they have me in serious shape, the difference from the last show to this show will be unbelievable.

“It’s about now sitting down on the shots and picking the right shots. I sometimes get drawn into a war, I like that. You have to try steal the show, you want people to start talk-

ing about you.”

While the lower weights are sparsely populated in Ireland, there is a growing scene for the small men.

Down the road in Bray, youngster Regan Buckley has been attracting lots of plaudits, while closer to home McDonagh has unfinished business with another Jobstown fighter in Carl McDonald.

Tickets for the show cost €30 (Balcony), €40 (Gallery), €60 (Ringside), €100 (VIP Premium), and €15 (Under-15s gallery – must be bought alongside an adult ticket) and are available to buy from McDonagh by calling 085 772 1209 or online at Ticketmaster.ie.

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017

SPORT

HURLING: CUSHEN’S LAST GASP GOAL BRINGS CLON CLUB

AHL2Playoff

Seconds out for AHL DIVISION 3 PLAYOFF Round Tower Scoil ui Chonaill  sport@dublingazette.com

Super Sars make instant return to AHL1 LUCAN Sarsfields senior hurlers are destined for Division 1 hurling for next year after a 3-13 to 0-11 win over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in their AHL Division 2 playoff final.

They secured a quick return to top flight league with a comprehensive win over Plunkett’s at the 12th Lock.

The weather and pitch were as good as you get for November and there was good support for both teams.

Lucan started the better and quickly became dominant with a series of good scores to lead 0-9 to 0-2 after 20 minutes. A goal quickly followed with a trademark finish from CJ Smith and Lucan looked well on their way. However, the scores dried up after that and Plunkett’s narrowed the gap to 1-10 to

0-5 at half time.

Plunkett’s started the second half much better and narrowed the gap to five points as Lucan had a succession of wides and failed to score for 15 minutes.

A point by Johnny McCaffrey stopped the rot and then a second goal kicked home by Smith effectively settled the issue. Lucan got a third goal soon after when a long range free from Matt McCaffrey went straight to the net. It was a tempestuous second half and both teams were fortunate to finish with 15 and while the performance dipped, Lucan - with Ronan Smith in midfield and Matt McCaffrey starring in midfield - will be delighted with their top tier return.

0-11 1-9

THE bitter disappointment for Round Tower was palpable in the wake of last Sunday’s AHL Division 3 league final for the Clondalkin club.

With 10 wins from 11 league games, they only lost to Erin’s Isle with last puck which cost them a league title on head to head. In the 130 minutes or so of both playoff games they were behind for only one second.

Heartbreakingly, it was the one second that mattered most.

Their fate boiled down to the very last strike of a league season that officially commenced in March. Towers had to haul themselves back into the game following on from a resilient fightback by Scoil in the second period.

Having led by 0-7 to 0-3 at the break, Scoil struck five points during the opening 18 minutes of the second half. The solitary reply provided during that period came courtesy of an Alex Darbey free on the ten-minute mark, after Luke Currivan had flicked a pass to substitute Paidi Stapleton and he was pushed to the ground.

With the game entering the final 10 minutes, Towers regained some of the momentum they had enjoyed the first half. Stapleton and Eoin Walsh combined with the latter being fouled as he was about to strike.

Darbey edged them 0-9 to 0-8 clear. Scoil responded to equalise.

Towers attacked again and a late challenge on Luke Currivan saw Darbey edge them clear with five minutes remaining.

Darbey was then fouled after Jack Whelan

and Podge McGeever had combined in defence but his strike from a tight angle dropped short.

In a game of the narrowest of margins, Brian M c L a u g h l i n l o o ke d to have won it with a minute of normal time

remaining. Stapleton did well to win in the inside forwards and Eric Finn flicked to McLaughlin and he drove over.

There was to be one last, and very real extra sting in the tail. Scoil won a free 30 metres out

The Round Tower AHL Division 3 side

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

FANCY lifting the Brendan Martin Cup and Sam Maguire? Pop down to the clubhouse next Sunday from 5.30pm where you will meet some of the Dublin ladies and men’s football team.

Well done to our minor A camogie team on their stunning championship semi-final victory over local rivals Kilmacud Crokes.

Well done and congrats to our U-15C footballers and

management team on winning the D shield, beating St Sylvester’s 3-11 to 3-6 in Bridgefield, Malahide.

Well done to our U-21 footballers who overcame Thomas Davis in the championship semi-final with a scoreline of 5-16 to 1-6.

The AGM of the juvenile boys section will take place in the club on Monday, December 4 at 8.45pm sharp. All welcome.

The Boden Theatre Group are busy rehearsing their new play “The Shaughraun” - a melodramatic masterpiece filled

with comedy, drama, action, romance, a loveable rogue and a villian or two!

The play is directed by Pat Egan and runs for four nights until Saturday, November 25 at 8pm in the club hall.

Make sure to book your tickets early by calling Ger: 0868516387 or Carol: 0864070015.

GARDA/ WESTMANSTOWN

ALL quiet on the playing fields for

our adult teams as the year draws to a close.

However we are already looking forward to next season and we welcome those who have joined for 2018 and, of course, membership is open to all both Garda and civilian for all our teams.

The next big event is the gala dinner and awards night on Friday, December 1 at Westmanstown Sports Centre. There are still some tickets available from Janet Mitten and her organising sub committee - don’t be disappointed, get yours now.

The U-9s kept the blue flag flying on Saturday with two teams taking part in The St Kevin’s November Cup giving some great displays.

Well done to all concerned players, coaches and parent.

Don’t forget the club shop when thinking of Christmas presents.

Lots of nice club gear for all to make a suitable stocking filler-open on Saturdays from 10-11.30am.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE senior hurlers rejoin Division One for next year following a

comprehensive win over Oliver Plunkett’s on Sunday. Superb performances from Chris Crummey, Ronan Smith and Matt McCaffrey helped propel Lucan to a 3-13 to 0-10 win. As this was the last adult competitive game of the season the senior pitch will remain closed.

Minor camogie had a 5-13 to 4-8 win over Ballinteer St John’s; results elsewhere may dictate their progress in the championship.

Live music continues in the bar

23 November 2017 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

CRASHING DOWN TO EARTH AS PROMOTION SLIPS AWAY

Towers AHL3 bid and Barry Cushen’s lowdriven strike evaded the Towers defenders on the line.

The feeling was time was still to play but the referee differed. The whistle sounded instantly, with Scoil players

and supporters delirious in realisation they had gained senior hurling status.

Towers will feel they had established a platform the opening half to drive on to achieve such status.

Three goal chances were denied through last-man blocks by the visiting defenders.

Finn was tormenting them. Darbey registered the first score after three minutes, seizing onto a long-drive inside from Whelan, with Gary Quinlivan resolute in defence.

Whelan angled a free to the left corner where Finn picked and broke inside at pace to then drive over. Towers were three to the good on the sixth minute but it could have been five.

Whelan again angled to Finn and he sped towards goal. His strike was deflected wide by the keeper and Darby pointed the 65.

Scoil dug deep and brought themselves level with three successive points. Towers rallied again. Walsh was fouled on the 40 to enable Darbey point the place ball.

Finn again tormented

and bore down on goal. It was a retreating defender who, on this occasion, deflected for a 65 with Darbey again doing the honours.

Towers full-back line was proving tenacious but disciplined in their tackling, and were well shielded by the halfbacks.

On the 22nd minute mark another goal chance was denied.

T his time Eoghan Young was the provider and Finn again broke inside from the left.

His drive brought an outstanding save, with the keeper tipping it over.

Another Darbey free stretched the advantage to 0-7 to 0-3. The tenacity of Towers defending was evident with Scoil hitting three wides in a row before the break.

A great tussle, played in the best spirit, disappointingly boiled down to the finest of margins.

UNDER-21 FOOTBALL

Ballyboden St Enda’s swept past Thomas Davis. Picture: Cliona Mellett

Boden sweep into A championship final BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Under21 footballers are into the final of the A championship following a 22-point hammering of local rivals Thomas Davis’ at Pairc Ui Mhurchu on Saturday, 5-16 to 1-6.

Two goals apiece for Barra McGarry and Warren Egan, along with a goal from Ross McGarry, saw Boden ease home at a canter in a game that never looked like a contest.

Boden worked like clockwork throughout, with slick passing and accuracy in the tackle coming to the fore and were, in truth, a mismatch for Davis.

They would not have to wait long before their first green flag

of the encounter after a surging run from James Holland presented Warren Egan with a gilt-edged opportunity that he didn’t pass up; rifling into the bottom corner.

Ross McGarry added another goal from a loose kick-out in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. McGarry looked to be shooting for a point, but his effort dipped under the crossbar and into the back of the net.

From there, Egan poked home a rebound for his second goal and they onslaught continued to build a 17-point lead at half-time, meaning next to no chance of a second half comeback for the Tallaght side.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

on Saturday night.

AGM 2017 will take place on Thursday, November 23 at 9pm in the club.

Annual Mass for Deceased members took place on Thursday last, thanks to all who attended.

25 Card Drive continues every Friday at 9pm. Caters for all levels, beginners welcome.

The Cupla Focal club is on Monday from 8pm to 9pm.

Bingo is on Wednesday at 8.30pm where the jackpot is growing and attracting a lot more players.

The club shop scheduled to open on Thursdays from 7.30-8.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm.

Lucan District Credit Union Academy is on Saturday from 9:30am for Girls and 10am for boys (5+).

Last week there was no winner of the €14,200 lotto where the numbers were 5, 21, 22 and 26.

This week’s €14,600 lotto draw will be managed by

Gerry McAndrew and is sponsored by Lucan Village Pharmacy. Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents, in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

BITTER disappointment for our senior hurlers who conceded a goal with the last play in their AHL3 final play-off against Scoil Ui Chonaill and lost by a point.

Hard luck lads.

Our U-21s defeated O’Tooles in the championship to move into the last eight and our U-16 footballers have a league final play-off next weeked against Fingallians, following their weekend win over Naomh Barrog.

Our minor hurlers were defeated in their shield semi-final against St Maurs.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Round

Tower AGM has been rescheduled to Sunday, December 3. It will take place at 4pm. The deadline for nominations and motions has now passed.

Only members who paid their membership on or before the GAA registration deadline of March 31 are entitled to vote, as per communication at AGM 2016 and by executive at beginning of year.

On Monday, December 18, we will host our annual Christmas draw. Any sponsors interested in contributing a prize can contact Frank Cosgrove, draw chairman, at 086 3786356.

Round Tower lotto (November 13) jackpot: €3,400. Numbers drawn were 8, 25, 26 and 29; bonus ball was 7.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: Mary Dardis, Helen Fitzgerald, Tommy Smith.

Play lotto online via our website and thank you to all who support.

Bingo every Tuesday night in the club from 8.30pm. This week’s jackpot is €1,000 for a full house if checked within 48 numbers. Otherwise €20 for a full house.

All in €2 to buy in, with game usually being €90 to €150. All welcome.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN

THERE was a great turn out for our annual general meeting on Wednesday night with plenty of success on and off the field to celebrate this year, including several notable championship wins at all levels.

The very best of luck to the new executive committee who will now look to take the club forward and build further on this success.

On Friday night, the Palmerstown Wildcats

Special Olympics Basketball Club, supported by St Patrick’s GAA Club, held a very successful fundraising quiz in the Palmerstown House.

The quiz was to help fund their athletes who have been selected to take part in the Ireland Special Olympics games next summer.

Thank you to everyone for their support, and best of luck to all the athletes involved.

There was little activity on the playing front this weekend as matters come to a close for the year.

Pride of place goes to our minor camogie team (amalgamated with Round Towers) who had a resounding win over Lucan Sarsfields on Sunday morning. Well done to all involved.

Their next match is against Cuala away – please check our website for details.

Our lotto numbers for

this week were 3, 20, 23 and 27. There was no winner. The jackpot for next week will be €6,000.

Draw takes place every Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm. Tickets available from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, Manor Hair Studios, Mullingar House, and Chapelizod Post Office.

THOMAS DAVIS

HARD luck to our minor hurlers who were beaten in the championship final

by Oliver Plunkett’s by two points.

Well done to all the players and management for getting to that stage of the championship.

Unfortunately that is two Minor Championship losses for the club in a week but focus now turns to our minor B team who play Castleknock this Sunday at 11am in the championship final at the clubhouse.

Hard luck to our U-21 footballers who were beaten by Ballyboden in the championship.

The U-16 footballers had a great league win and now wait on results for a possible second place playoff.

Well done to the minor camoige team on reaching the championship final.

The healthy club Christmas flower arrangement workshop is back again this year due to popular demand, starting December 5 at 8pm.

To book a place, please contact Eileen on 087 9836884, Deirdre on 085 1569092 or Jackie on 0872 311311.

Lotto numbers were 1,15,17,24 The jackpot was not won and is €1,750 this week.

The academy is on Saturday at 10am until 11 am for children born in the years 2010, 11, 12 and 13, all are welcome and please arrive early.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 November 2017