Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 14-20, 2019

DUBLINMAGAZINE: You-know-what is

here – and we have some luvverly content inside to help keep you entertained SEE PAGE 13

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

MetroLink A SOLUTION to South West Dublin’s ever worsening traffic congestion could finally be on the way. This is after the council voted to support a Green Party submission proposing the separation of the MetroLink from the Luas Green Line at Charlemont to serve new stations in Rathfarnham, Knocklyon, Terenure and SEE PAGE 8 Rathmines.

SPORT SOCCER: Shamrock

Rovers’ Boyd buzzing for the new League of Ireland season as they look forward to a big year ahead.

SEE P32

dubliners

OUR NEW SECTION ON EVERYONE WHO CALLS DUBLIN HOME

COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE

P

ICTURED are Stewart’s Special School committee members Helen Evers, Allison Looney, May Carney, Rita Fitzgerald, Shauna Keogh, Anna Lombard, Jen Green and Sharon Murphy enjoying the recent school quiz fundraiser in Palmerstown. Picture: Simon Peare. See Galley Page 11

Monastery homeless hub row rumbles on PADRAIG CONLON

P12 Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

A COUNCILLOR has responded to criticism after he delayed the opening of a local homeless hub.

Last month Fine Gael councillor Brian Lawlor lodged a query with An Bord Pleanala (ABP) questioning the suitability of the former Carmelite monastery in

Firhouse for use as sheltered accommodation.

Respond Housing Association, who are leasing the building, has been using it since December for accommodating families on the housing list.

The councillor’s referral means the building can’t be used until ABP deliver their judgement on May 13.

Sinn Fein councillor Robert Russell has accused Cllr Lawlor of “nimbyism” and questioned the motivations behind his appeal.

“This is in my view just another cynical attempt by local councillors to oppose a facility being placed in their area,” Cllr Russell told Dublin Gazette.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Impact on bird of prey halts project

A RARELY seen bird of prey is obstructing a controversial development at the Hellfire Club.

South Dublin County Council wants to build a visitor centre at the iconic site which would include a panoramic cafe, exhibition space, a ramblers lounge, toilets, changing facilities, a shop and education centre.

Their application to An Bord Pleanála (APB) was met with furious opposition from many local residents, conservationists and politicians during the oral hearing in November.

SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

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FROM PAGE 1

Homeless hub objection slammed as ‘nimbyism’

“ I n D e c e m b e r, i n response to the current housing crisis, a number of families entered accommodation which has been provided at the old Carmalite monastery in Firhouse giving them a much needed roof over their heads.

“But shamefully if Fine Gael councillors get their way it potentially would see these families evicted and thrown back into further distress and uncertainty.

“Despite council management confirming that the approved housing body (Respond) who will manage this site possess the necessary experience to provide this type of accommodation and are happy it is in keeping

with its previous use.

“It hasn’t stopped Fine Gael led by Cllr Brian Lawlor attempting to take it away from families in need going as far as to appeal it to An Bord Pleanála, in what is a thinly veiled attempt to disguise the nimbyism held by a number of councillors, which has been plainly evidenced in South Dublin

by Fine Gael and other right wing councillors over the last number of years.”

In response, Cllr Brian Lawlor said he firmly believes the building “is not suitable” and he will be “proven right.”

“The left are spinning this to try and make it look like I’m stopping

homeless families from being housed,” he said.

“Robert Russell is just jumping on the bandwagon, that’s what the left do.

“He might be happy to put kids into that building but I’m not.

“The reason I lodged the query is because it is my belief that the building is not ok to house families.

“I’ve been in it, it is not suitable, it consists of single room dorms, there’s no changing facilities for children and no play facility.

“Respond should have applied for planning permission to bring the facility up to the standard that families deserve. “ T h ey we re a f r a i d

Sinn Fein Councillor Robert Russell

they wouldn’t get planning and went about it the wrong way and fast tracked it.

“I know I’ll be proven right on this, I don’t believe a homeless hos-

tel is permitted under the land’s zoning.

“Only a couple of constituents have objected to the monastery being converted to homeless accommodation.”

FASTNews Call made for posters not to be erected

COUNCILLOR Trevor Gilligan has called on all candidates in forthcoming European and Local Elections to refrain from erecting posters in specific towns and villages throughout South Dublin.

“There is currently a poster ban in Clondalkin Village which was initially proposed by Clondalkin Tidy Towns a number of years ago,” he said.

“I and others have supported this ban.

“I think it has worked well and feel it should be extended to other areas in the county. Election posters and more specifically, cable ties, are the bane of people’s lives.

“Whilst the council cannot enforce any bans on posters - I think candidates and politicians should do what is right and refrain from erecting posters in towns and villages particularly where there is an active Tidy Towns Group.

“I’m not requesting a complete ban. There are plenty of areas where posters can still be erected throughout the county.

“With social media, emails and the internet, I don’t think it would do any harm to have a reduction in print materials.”

Training at Lucan library AS part of the Work Matters at the Lucan Library initiative, on Wednesday, February 20 (starting 6.30pm), there will be a series of one on one sessions on their online resources available on their web page.

These will assist you in your quest to start a business, engage in further education or return to work.

The training will help you to access E-Books, E-Audio, E-Magazines, Newspapers, Vision-Net, Language Learning and Online Courses all free with your Library Card!

You can book a place at Lucan Library by dropping in or by ringing 01 6216422.

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

SEAN COX: RAISING FUNDS FOR CLONDALKIN MAN’S ONGOING MEDICAL CARE

Fundraiser attracts 1,000 in Liverpool PADRAIG CONLON

A WELL-ATTENDED fundraiser for Sean Cox organised by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher raised much needed funds for the Clondalkin man’s ongoing medical care.

Up to a thousand supporters came out on Saturday (9th) night to the event in Liverpool organised by Carragher’s 23 Foundation to support the 53-year old father of three.

Sean, who is originally from Clondalkin but now living in Meath, suffered a serious brain injury when he was assaulted by a

group of Roma fans in an unprovoked attack outside Anfield before a Champions League semi-final last April.

Many of Sean’s friends and family, which included 20 members of St Peter’s GAA club in Dunboyne, made the trip across the Irish Sea to show their appreciation for all the efforts made by everyone in Liverpool.

Prior to receiving his life changing injuries, Sean was the chairman of St Peter’s and the members presented Carragher with a club jersey.

Sean continues to

receive treatment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire and will require lifelong care.

All the funds raised on Saturday night will go towards his medical bills.

Then on Monday (11th) came details of another important fundraiser, as it was announced that former Ireland and Liverpool players will take part in a match at the Aviva on April 12th in aid of the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Trust.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will manage a team of Ireland

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher receiving the jersey from members of St Peter’s GAA club. Picture Support Sean Cox Facebook page

legends with Kenny Dalglish managing the Liverpool legends.

Robbie Keane, John Aldridge, Jason McAteer and Phil Babb, will appear for both sides in the game having proudly played for both during their illustrious careers.

Other players to feature

will be Kevin Kilbane, Kenny Cunningham, Lee Carsley, Ian Harte, Stephen Hunt, and Kevin Doyle for Ireland with Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Jerzy Dudek, Vladimir Smicer and Djibril Cisse set to feature for Liverpool.

Other players will be confirmed in the coming

weeks.

Next month’s game will kick off at 7.45pm on Friday, April 12 with ticket prices starting at €20 for adults, €10 for U-16’s and family tickets (two adults and two children) €70.

Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster today (February 14) at 10am.

FIRHOUSE

Top class show at Scientology Centre ON Sunday, February 3, over 900 kids and parents packed out the auditorium at the Scientology Community Centre in Firhouse to enjoy a magic show with TV star and top-class entertainer Joe Daly.

“We want to give an opportunity to kids and parents of any social background to go out, have fun, get inspired and learn new things,” said Diana Stahl, director of public affairs at the Scientology Community Centre.

“This is why we do these family fun days free of charge and welcome people from across South Dublin to our centre.”

Since opening in 2017 the Centre has held over 170 community events and welcomed over 50,000 guests.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

HELLFIRE CLUB: COUNCIL WANTS VISITOR CENTRE AT TOURIST SPOT

Impact on bird of prey puts project on hold PADRAIG CONLON

A RARELY seen bird of prey is obstructing a controversial development at the Hellfire Club.

South Dublin County Council wants to build a visitor centre at the iconic site which would include a panoramic cafe, exhibition space, a ramblers lounge, toilets, changing facilities, a shop and education centre.

Their application to An Bord Pleanála (APB) was met with furious opposition from many local residents, conservationists and politicians during the oral hearing in November.

Now all plans to build have been put back for at least another year after APB wrote to the council informing them that their bird survey was inadequate because data on the Merlin, a species of falcon, was limited to the summer

months of 2018.

The council have until February 2020 to submit information covering all seasons.

The Merlin, which is Ireland’s smallest raptor, nests on the ground on moorland, mountain and blanket bog.

It is a rare breeding bird in this country and is mostly found in the west with small numbers to be found across the midlands and the Wicklow Mountains.

The Irish Raptor Study Group, which carries out surveys, monitoring and research on birds of prey and owls (raptors) in the Republic of Ireland say however the Merlin is being used as a pawn to stop the visitor centre being built.

In a statement released on their Facebook page they said: ““A very depressing example of how An Bord Pleanala and our

planning system is broken.

“A huge wind farm can be built on one of the most important breeding or roosting sites for Hen Harrier in the State and the Bord have no problem approving it however, a new visitor centre and car park in a conifer plantation is refused for its “potential effects” on Merlin.

“The double standards here (and lack thereof) is something that should concern our TDs, Developers, Consultants and public alike.

“In the case of the Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre, local dogwalkers don’t want to share their space with more visitors.

“Classic NIMBYism.

Unfortunately, and without foundation, the Merlin has been used as a focus for objection and it has stuck.

“The unnecessary negative stigma this attaches to Birds of Prey does not

Plans to build have been put back because of the Merlin

serve eNGOs & conservation based objections to planning at all well.”

The decision by ABP has been welcomed though by Dublin Mid West People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, who made a submission to the oral hearing last November.

“From the beginning opposition to the proposed Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre has been resolute,” he said.

“Local campaigners and People Before Profit have raised concerns regarding the impact of such a large scale project on the fragile environment of Massys Wood.

“We have also questioned the suitability of locating an information centre on this scale in this specific area.

“We are delighted that ABP obviously share those concerns.”

FASTNews Hard-hitting safety message for students A GROUP of local young people received a hardhitting message about road safety they won’t forget.

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow, in partnership with South Dublin County Council, last week presented to 650 Transition Year students from local secondary schools.

The Roadshow, which is aimed primarily at Transition Year students, is based on an award-winning format and depicts graphically how a night out can end in tragedy.

Using a backdrop of contemporary music, video clips and television advertisements; the story was told by Garda David Barron, Paramedic Tony Kelly and Fire Officer Trevor Hunt.

The show culminated in a presentation by a local father Leo Lieghio who lost his daughter Marsia, twelve years ago in a hit and run in Clondalkin.

Marsia was sixteen years old at the time and was knocked down at a set of pedestrian lights.

Leo told the students about the raw grief he and his family have had to suffer since that terrible day.

In 2018, 149 people lost their lives on our roads and 1,000 were left seriously injured.

Almost two thirds of fatalities have been drivers or passengers, and one fifth of these were not wearing seat belts at time of the accidents.

Dowds to run in Clondalkin ROBERT Dowds has been selected by the Labour Party to run for the upcoming local elections in the Clondalkin Local Election Ward.

He comes to this contest with much experience, having served as a councillor, mayor and TD in the past.

Dowds paid tribute to the retiring Labour councillor, Breeda Bonner, who he said has played a positive and dynamic role as a councillor since 2011.

“Breeda was instrumental in setting up the Tidy Towns organisation in Clondalkin Village and elsewhere,” he said.

“As well as getting the heritage centre at the Round Tower completed to focus on two of her many achievements. It is a matter of real regret that she’s hanging up her boots.”

Men’s Shed meeting THE next Lucan Men’s Shed general meeting takes place in the Seminar Room, Lucan Public Library, Supervalu Shopping Centre, on February 18 at 6.30pm.

It is intended for members and prospective members, any man in the Lucan area who might wish to join a Shed, where he can belong, be respected and valued, where he can use and pass on his knowledge, experience and skills in a comfortable environment.

Lucan Men’s Shed is located in the grounds of the Irish Wheelchair Association, on the Newcastle Road, second gateway on the right, over the railway bridge.

All are welcome to go along, between 10am and 1pm, Monday to Friday, to visit the Shed and see what is happening.

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Joye Atkinson and Olver Collins both from Colaiste na Life Lucan Students Philip Murray and Alex O’Halloran from Colaiste de hIde, Tymon North, with Garda Dave Barron, Leo Lieghio who lost his daughter Marsia in an accident and Willie Sparkes from AXA Insurance. Pictures: Colm Mahady

Taylor McCloskey and Holly Butler, from Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan with

Jason Ogbogo a Abby McDonald Kiely

Leo Lieghio and Garda Dave Barron

from Old Bawn Community School

Roadsafe Roadshow

Willie Sparkes, AXA Insurance, Cllr Mark Ward Mayor South Dublin County Council, students Clayton Cuffe, Shannon Bailie and Bradley Norman, from St Kevin’s Community College

T

HE AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in partnership with South Dublin County Council delivered a hard-hitting road safety message to 650 Transition Year students from South Dublin.

The Roadshow depicts graphically how a night out, can end in tragedy. Using a backdrop of contemporary music, video clips and

television advertisements; the story was told by Garda David Barron, paramedic Tony Kelly and fire officer Trevor Hunt.

The show culminated in a presentation by a local father Leo Lieghio who lost his daughter Marsia, twelve years ago in a hit and run in Clondalkin.

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

NATIONAL AWARDS: BRINGING RECOGNITION TO NOVEL, PROGRESSIVE PROJECTS COUNCIL

Focusing on climate change

Council does the double at LAMA awards PADRAIG CONLON

SOUTH Dublin County Council was the proud recipient of two gongs at this year’s All Ireland Community and Council Awards.

These national awards, presented by Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) and IPB Insurance, highlight and celebrate community and councils working together, bringing national recognition to novel and progressive projects and developments that may otherwise go unacknowledged.

The ceremony took place on February 9 at

Croke Park with RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey at the helm as the evening’s MC. The council was named the Best Connected Council (Communications and Digital Marketing) for the mydoorstep.ie web portal and won the Best Community Health Initiative for the MedEx Health Programme.

MyDoorStep is a walkin service centre at its headquarters at County Hall, Tallaght, which is replicated online at www. mydoorstep.ie.

This digital information platform provides buyers with all of the detail needed to make the

most informed decision possible when purchasing a home.

MyDoorStep combines information on current and planned housing developments in any location in South Dublin County with detail on childcare, education, health, recreation, retail and sporting facilities across the county.

The MedEx Health Programme is a community based chronic illness rehabilitation programme that offers structured and supervised exercise classes to enable people with a diverse range of illnesses to exercise in a safe

Pictured are Cllr Tom McHugh, Cllr Deirdre O’Donovan, Cllr Gus O’Connell, Cllr Emer Higgins, Cllr Vicky Casserly and Cllr Mags Murray

environment in order to maintain or gain fitness during or after treatment.

The aim of the programme is to transform the lives of people with chronic illness through physical activity based rehabilitation.

Commenting on the wins, Mayor Mark Ward, said: “I am delighted at the news that South Dub-

lin County Council were recognised at this year’s LAMA Awards with wins in two categories.

“These awards highlight just some of the forward thinking initiatives being developed by the Council to address major issues in our society today.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved with these projects.”

Nominees for South

Dublin County were: • Best Business Working with the Community - Sherry Fitzgerald Group • Best Community Health Initiative - MEDEX programme • Best Community Sports Team/Club - Kick Ass Adventures • Best Connected Council (Communication & Digital Marketing) - mydoorstep.ie

A PUBLIC consultation has opened up on Dublin’s climate change action plans. Members of the public are invited to make submissions on the plans until March 25.

As part of the consultation process events will take place this month, giving the public a chance to learn how climate change and greenhouse gas emissions continue to affect Dublin and how each Council plans to deal with these issues.

The local event will take place on Tuesday (19th) (South Dublin County Council) from 6-9pm, County Hall, Tallaght To register for the free event, or to find out how to make a submission, see www.eventbrite.ie/o/ codema-dublins-energyagency-8218489520, or alternatively www.dublinclimatechange.ie.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Test your hearing for FREE with new Audio Pad Technology at Specsavers Ask in-store about Audio Pad and have your hearing checked in minutes AUDIO PAD is a newly developed technology from Specsavers that allows customers to check their hearing by simply listening to cues on an iPad in-store and answering questions based on what they hear through the earphones.

This quick and easy approach is revolutionising quick hearing checks and putting customers at ease according to staff locally.

Danielle Lyons, Audiologist with Specsavers, explained that Audio Pad allows customers to carry out the hearing test at their own pace on the iPad. Customers can also use the Audio Pad to keep a check on their hearing over time, with the results offering an insight into the best treatments and recommendations for the future.

Danielle said: “This technology really is fantastic for customers, it is a great way to check their hearing on a regular basis. It only takes a couple of minutes and we can advise customers based on their Audio Pad results.”

Audio Pad is part of the Hearcare Department in both Clondalkin and Liffey Valley Specsavers

branches and is available seven days a week in each store. Customers listen to the test through specially designed earphones and answer questions on the screen before going through the results with a qualified audiologist. Staff then go through the collated results and email details explaining the audiogram directly to the customer with information about indicated hearing levels, results and recommendations.

Danielle said: “The feedback from customers has been great so far, they love being able to come in and do the test for free and find out about their hearing levels and keep up-to-date with hearing checks.

We have also seen lots of people who are concerned about their hearing and Audio Pad is a great way to monitor that for them.”  For more information, or to have your hearing checked for free, visit Specsavers Liffey Valley or Specsavers Clondalkin and ask instore about Audio Pad.

Audiologist Danielle Lyons using the Audio Pad technology with staff at Specsavers Liffey Valley

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

SOUTH WEST DUBLIN: STRONG SUPPORT FOR PROPOSAL

MetroLink move welcomed PADRAIG CONLON

A SOLUTION to South West Dublin’s ever worsening traffic congestion could finally be on the way.

This is after the council voted on Monday to support a Green Party submission proposing the separation of the MetroLink from the Luas Green Line at Charlemont to serve new stations in Rathfarnham, Knocklyon, Terenure and Rathmines.

The current proposed route involves upgrading the Green line to metro standard from the Charlemont stop, north of Ranelagh to Sandyford.

The motion passed with the unanimous support of

the council who will now issue a letter to the Minister for Transport Shane Ross outlining the proposal.

Speaking following the vote, Green Party councillor Francis Noel Duffy said: “I’m delighted that South Dublin County Council has supported the proposal to extend the Metrolink to serve South-West Dublin and help alleviate decadeslong gridlock.

“This transport corridor in South West Dublin is one of the worst public transport blackspots in our city with no other easy solutions in sight.

“Taking this option would also remove the need to fully segregate the

The Green Party wants MetroLink extended

Luas Green Line, where there is real concern about restrictions to local access around existing stations.

“If Dublin and Ireland see’s itself standing alongside its international coun-

terparts, a modern accessible city rail infrastructure is needed.

“We believe our proposal offers that.”

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said construction of the northside route of the MetroLink must not be delayed by any “issues” with the southside section.

He made the comments in his chief executive’s report to the council on Monday.

“We’ve been waiting quite a long time for the deployment of MetroLink and any issues that have emerged would give us grave concern that the full deployment of MetroLink as committed by the year 2027 wouldn’t happen,” he said.

“We’re urgently calling, if there are any emerging issues in terms of the southern aspect of the line that we would immediately progress the design and implementation of the northern aspect of the line.

“If needs be, the project should be divided into two phases, north and south, with preference given to the northern phase to ensure it is completed on schedule in 2027,” he said.

FASTNews

Paddy’s Day festivities are revealed THE St Patrick’s Festival was launched in Dublin this week and it involves over 40 events across five days.

This year’s festival will take place from the 14th to 18th of March, with the theme being ‘Storytelling’.

About 3,000 people are expected to take part in the main parade, with half a million spectators lining the streets of the capital to watch.

“We’ve everything from visual arts, spoken word, and a three day festival village at Merrion Square,” says festival director Susan Kirby.

“We’ve a really diverse audience range so we’re involving working with Bealtaine Festival this year.

We’ll be welcoming all those hundreds of thousands of overseas visitors.”

‘Animal welfare relies on increasing education’

IMPROVING animal welfare in South Dublin relies heavily on increasing education and awareness.

This is according to Fianna Fail councillor, Charlie O’Connor who raised the matter of horses being neglected and mistreated with the local authority’s chief executive earlier this week.

“Keeping horses on open, green public space is still proving to be an issue despite great work being done by a number of local equine centres such as Ballyown and charities such as My Lovely Horse Rescue,” he said.

“Over 70% of the number of horses that were seized by the Local Authority in 2018 had to be euthanised at a sizable cost to the taxpayer.

“We need to teach children from a very young age that being cruel towards any animal is unacceptable and that there is punishment for that kind of poor behaviour.

“Horses should not be needlessly let suffer neglect and should be kept in a safe environment even from the general public’s perspective in terms of safety,” he concluded.

Lord Mayor hailed for helping nab suspect

THE Lord Mayor of Dublin has been hailed a hero after tackling a burglary suspect in a city centre robbery on Tuesday afternoon.

Lord Mayor Nial Ring was travelling in a car off Peter Street in the city when he saw a man running down the street chasing another, shouting “Stop, thief”, and asked his driver to pull over.

He managed to corner the fleeing man with the help of two others before Gardai arrived, with a Garda spokesperson subsequently confirming that a suspect had been detained and arrested by gardai on mobile patrol.

Speaking to RTE’s Drivetime, Mayor Ring said: “[The Mayoral chains] were in the car and if the guards hadn’t arrived within about 20 seconds, I was ready to chain him to the railings with them, but there was no need to do that!

“I’m not at the stage where I’m going to be wearing my underpants outside my trousers yet!”

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local company specialises in

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

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

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

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Siobhan Mahon and Sandra Oakes

Susan Ennis, Eilish and Tracy O’Connell. Pictures: Simon Peare

Karen Ronan, Sinead Griffin and Helen Evers

Lisa Brody and Ciaran O’Connell

Great night out for school Mark Byrne and Chris King

Anthony Boyle and Chris Weir

S

TEWART’S Special School held a table quiz last week in the Palmerstown House to help raise much needed funds to go towards a new school playground. The event was a fantastic night full of great craic and prizes.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

DUBLINERS: THE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO CALL THIS CITY THEIR HOME

Meeting Francesca

A journey from Rome to Letterkenny turns into a love affair with Ireland

“WHEN I was 16, I went on a trip to Letterkenny to learn English and be immersed in the Irish culture.

It was an experience I will never forget.

I was coming from Rome, where I lived in the city centre, and I landed in Letterkenny where I discovered an entirely new way of living.

The families I met had more children than your average Italian family, and what surprised me the most was the independence of the children and teenagers I met.

They had jobs, they

looked after older family members and younger siblings, and unlike myself and my friends back in Italy they were trusted to be responsible for themselves and for others from a very young age.

During that trip I made some great friends and I saw incredible dramatic landscapes, and I decided that I would try to go back to Ireland as much as possible to relive the experience.

At the age of 22, after several trips around Ireland, I decided to study in Ireland and try to see what real life would be like here.

“I moved to Dublin to finish my studies in linguistics in Trinity College, and my parents tell me that I moved to when they Dublin to finish my saw me at studies in linguistics in Trinity the airport College, and my parents tell Italy, but to be honest after t h a t d ay me that when they saw me 15 years I don’t they knew at the airport that day they have a life in that this knew that this would be a Italy any more, would be a one way ticket and many of my one way ticket. old friends have moved Of course I visit to different countries too, so Italy sometimes, but now Ireland is my home now and more that I have a family here importantly it is the home of my my trips are becoming children. less and less frequent, and I now work as a lecturer in LinguisI am almost in a limbo. tics in Trinity College, and in 2017 People often ask me I founded an organisation called where I come from, and Mother Tongues to support families my immediate answer is

like mine that are dealing with bilingualism in the home.

My work with Mother Tongues has allowed me to meet families who have moved here from many different countries, and talking to them has given me a great insight into how people feel about starting a family in a new country, and their struggles when trying to pass on their language to their children.

This has a great impact on the children’s self confidence as it strengthens their sense of identity.

Since my first trip to Donegal 20

years ago, Ireland has become a much more multicultural place, and I hope that my children will understand how important it is to learn about and learn from people who are different from us.

Every culture is fascinating and brings us an understanding of what it is like to be human.”  What’s your story? Do you have an interesting connection to Dublin and why you call it home?

Please email your story to news@ dublingazette.com

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

DUBLIN

Few surprises at the steady, if dull, Baftas P19

MAGAZINE

NISSAN LEAF IS WELL PLACED FOR A REVOLUTION... P23

ALTERNATIVE CITY BREAK DESTINATIONS P20-21

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

ISPCC AND PENNEYS CAMPAIGN MAKES CENTS FOR CHILDLINE

BROADCASTER Anna Geary teamed up with ISPCC Childline and Penneys to celebrate the launch of ‘Penneys Makes Cents’ – a partnership which makes it easy for shoppers to support children and young people across Ireland. Penneys Makes Cents takes place in Penneys stores nationwide from February 17th to 23rd. Pictured with Anna are Mia Duffner, age 7 and Ben Cullen, age 7, both from Dublin. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

FOOD&DRINK

MORSELS OF NEWS IN THE CAPITAL

Annalise’s not yolking about her love of chicken Olympic sailor leading Bord Bia campaign about versatile meat REBECCA RYAN

DUBLIN’S Olympic Sailor Annalise Murphy joined rugby player Donnacha Ryan to launch a new campaign aimed at encouraging the nation to spread their wings and try something new with chicken recipes.

Irish people seem to love their chicken, with 95% of Irish households p u rc h a s i n g c h i c ke n regularly, according to a Kantar survey in September.

However, while chicken may be a staple in our fridges, one can be guilty of relying on the same tried and tested recipes.

Annalise trained at B a l l y m a l o e Co o ke r y School and said s h e has a

keen interest in all things food-related and is always experimenting with new recipes and flavours.

Dublin Gazette caught up with the Rathfarnham athlete who said she is “really excited” to be part of Bord Bia’s Make It Your Way campaign.

Of the chicken-highlighting campaign, she said: “It’s a really good fit for me because, well, first of all, I love cooking!

“Secondly, chicken is a massive part of my diet.

Being an athlete, chicken is one of the most ideal ways get in a high-protein meal.

“It’s low in fat and fills you up pretty easily, and best of all, you can do so many different things with it.”

Annalise is passionate about promoting healthy eating and finds she rare-

ly gets sick.

She said: “I’m a big advocate of healthy eating, mainly because I have always eaten pretty healthily – I have to, because I’m an athlete. “ D u e to h av i n g a healthy diet, I never really get sick.

“I feel really good the whole time and I’m convinced it’s down to having a healthy diet.

“That’s something that I think is very important.

That, and some sort of exercise, are two things that you can really do to live a longer, better life.

“A lot of people just think that healthy food is boring food. But healthy food can be really interesting and tasty, it’s just about finding new recipes.”

S h e r eve a l e d h e r favourite way of cooking chicken is a thai chicken curry because it’s “really easy” to make.

Bucking the trend

at the Lord Edward

OVERLOOKING Christchurch Cathedral, there is hardly a better located pub in Dublin.

Close to everything but outside the panic and messiness of the Temple Bar, the Lord Edward has bucked the trend of certain city centre establishments towards New York and London style uppity bars. Given the proximity to some of Dublin’s most visited attractions, on any given day you could hear any language but local and regulars are ever present. Known by a previous generation for one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the capital, the ground floor bar is largely unchanged from when it became the Lord Edward at the start of the 20th century, with a semicircle counter looking out over wooden panels and seating (Upstairs is a lounge which feels so distinctly separate, and steeped in its own tradition, that it will be rated separately). The pint is worthy of the history and style of the pub and explains some of the place’s popularity. With only two taps, there is consistency in cream and flavour and the volume lasts ‘til the last drop leaving a taste of more. @guinnessadvisor

Annalise feels like chicken tonight, like chicken tonight – and many nights, with the Olympic rower singing the praises and versatility of the highly adaptable white meat

She also likes roast chicken because you can just “lash it in the oven!”

The Olympic silver medallist filled us in on how her preparation for Olympics 2020 in Toyko is going.

“Preparation for the

Olympics is going well. I have changed into a twoperson boat, which is really fun, because I’m a member of a team, rather than just myself.

“I’m now sailing with my friend, Katie. It’s really challenging, training

every day and trying to get better every day.

“We have to qualify in December for the Olympics, but our first big competition together is the European Championships and that’s in May. “This will be our first

test to see how all our hard training over the winter has paid off and we’re excited for what’s to come!”  For recipe inspirations, check out bordbia.ie/ qualitychicken.

CRAFTBEERCORNER McGargles - Daragh’s Session IPA Brewed by Rye River Brewing Company Celbridge, Co Kildare  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado THIS easy-drinking session IPA offering from McGargles is very smooth and enjoyable.

The hops gives you that combination of pine and citrus without being too overbearing and with a subtle bitterness. Being a session IPA, it does not have the full strength body that other IPAs can have, which makes it a perfect starter beer for newbie craft beer fans. It allows you to enjoy the flavour that this smooth, hoppy drink offers but with an alcohol volume of just 3.8%. This strength enables to you enjoy this refreshing pint over and over again.

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

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

Harvey Norman CEO, Blaine Callard, presenting the first cheque to Fr Peter McVerry in 2018

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Harvey Norman wants to help bring a happy home to those in need HARVEY NORMAN are partnering with Peter McVerry Trust to raise a further €170,000 for the charity this February.

Harvey Norman hope to surpass the amount raised last year - €183,693 - to donate even more to Peter McVerry Trust with the Making Homes campaign.

If you pop into a Harvey Norman shop this February, you will see lots of fundraising activities in store.

Pat Doyle, CEO, Peter McVerry Trust said: “The support of Harvey Norman enables us to communicate the importance of a home and the happiness a home can bring to those in need.

“In 2018 the Making Homes appeal helped Peter McVerry Trust move over 20 people out of homelessness. Peter McVerry Trust wishes Harvey Norman every success for Making Homes and extends a sincere thank you to all those who are able to support.”

You can help raise money for the Peter McVerry Trust by buying a product from the Harvey Norman “Making Homes” Collection, with €5 of the proceeds to the Peter McVerry Trust, donating at harveynorman.ie/makinghomes, adding a €1 donation at the Harvey Norman Checkout online or by donating in store.

Johnny

SHE BLINDED

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Johnny is a bouncy, four-year-old Collie cross that loves all sorts of activities. Walking, running, chasing, jumping, playing, and solving brain games – he is always on the go, and Johnny is just full of love and fun.

He would love an active and fun-loving family which can match his energy and love of life. He will need some training to manage his excitability, but he is super clever, so this should take no time at all.

If you are looking for a dog that is great fun and full of love, Johnny will be your paw-fect match!

If you have room in your heart and home for Johnny then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

DOG OF THE WEEK

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

D ME WITH SCIENCE Earn £2,000 to make someone’s entire decisions for a month

FANCY getting paid to make someone’s life decisions?

Similar to the Netflix show, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a woman has posted a job opening to make all her decisions for an entire month.

After having a “rubbish year”, including getting mugged and losing money she lent to a friend, the unnamed woman from Bristol decided to spend £2,000 of inheritance money she got last year on this quirky venture.

The successful candidate will help her make decisions on such things as who she should go on Tinder dates with and how she should spend her savings.

The advert on Bark.com said: “Hiya, bit of a weird one I know but basically, I feel like I need someone to make my decisions for me.

“I’ve had a really rubbish year and would love for someone to take control of my life think of it a bit like a real-life Bandersnatch.”

Actor, Paul Rudd

THERE’S BEEN a call for secondary students to put their skills to the test and enter this year’s SciFest@College competition.

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. launched the 12th edition of the competition last week.

SciFest is the largest and most inclusive second-level STEM fair initiative in Ireland. Since launching in 2008, more than 60,000 students have participated in the competition.

SciFest aims to give students of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to develop research, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills. The closing date for SciFest@College 2019 is Friday, March 8, 2019.

Don’t Foo around with Rudd

EVERYONE loves a good gig and a decent dance, but nobody had as much fun as actor Paul Rudd when he saw Foo Fighters recently.

The ‘Ant Man’ actor went to see the US rock band last week at a pre-Super Bowl celebration, and a video of him rocking out to their cover of ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ by the Ramones went viral on Twitter.

The six second video of Rudd’s excited headbanging has racked up over 2.3 million views, 108,276 likes and 21,252 retweets.

Many commented on just how wholesome Rudd’s adoration for Foo Fighters is, with one Tweeter saying: “Can we wrap him in bubble wrap? He’s one of the last remaining good things we have left.”

It’s gas how every Irish duo gets expressed in terms of Jedward [on Twitter], like how The Happy Pear are Hummus Jedward.

My daughter brought home the most dreaded thing from school today. Not lice, not a note from the principal... a recorder. @armsnfarms

@dvvidmurray

I feel so boujee because my leap card balance hasn’t gone below €30 in like two weeks. @saiberbully_

Overhead on the Luas ‘come to think of it, there are no black people in Michael Collins. @overheardindublin

I would like a Netflix category called “simple enough to follow while also on your phone. @StefPreissner

Why is Adam Levine wearing my curtains? @dpbrelsford

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

GOINGOUTOUT

DJ Kormac ups his game in the search for beat perfection

PICK WEEK OF THE

FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY) Ennio Morricone @ @ 3Arena, €91+ A pricey night out, sure, but the Italian movie soundtrack maestro playing his last ever show outside of Italy is a real special rarity.

One to push the boat out for.

FEBRUARY 14 (THURSDAY)

Post Malone @ 3Arena, €56 Toy @ The Workman’s Club, €15 Cub Sport @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15 Luluc @ The Grand Social, €15

FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY)

Micah P. Hinson @ Whelan’s, €20 Kevin Krauter @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Oslo IX @ Workman’s Club, free

FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY)

Professor Brian Cox @ 3Arena, €42+ Bodega @ Whelan’s, €18 Just Mustard @ Workman’s Club, €10 Makings @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Whiskey Shivers @ The Grand Social, €13

FEBRUARY 17 (SUNDAY)

The Johnny Cash Roadshow @ The Olympia Theatre, €29 Smokie @ Vicar Street, €39 Ouzo Bazooka @ The Grand Social, €10 AJ Croce @ Whelan’s, €20 Electric Eel Shock @ Workman’s Club, €12

FEBRUARY 18 (MONDAY)

Jungle @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Microdisney @ Vicar Street, €47

FEBRUARY 19 (TUESDAY)

Razorlight @ The Olympia Theatre, €35 Hippo Campus @ The Academy, sold out Gorilla Troubadour @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5 Kneecap @ Workman’s Club, €10

DJ KORMAC has fingers in a whole lot of pies. He’s a man who takes his work extremely seriously: a perfectionist, playing off the roles of dozens of different contributors, and drawing aspects of music from all over his life, including the sounds he hears around him.

“I went to this massive jumble sale, I guess you’d call it, in France, and that’s where I found my best sound,” said the Dubliner on his developing love of ‘field recordings’.

“I go around with my Zoom recorder and take in lots of different things that I’ve started drawing into my music.

“In France, I found one of those really old telephones that makes a noise when you hang it up. That was a really useful one.

“I think I always sound like me, even if it is quite eclectic,” the varied DJ explains of his mixed offerings.

In recent years, he’s branched out, working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra as well as a host

 JAMES HENDICOTT

of contemporary Irish singers as a more conventional DJ, and even with novelist Irvine Welsh.

“It all has this uptempo element, especially for the melodies,” he says. “I grew up on stuff like Sonic Youth, and the more I listen to things, the more it sounds to me like there are

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming the latest news

E4 acquires popular US Minnie Driver comedy ADDING TO their growing line up as US shows, E4 have recently announced that they’re adding US sitcom ‘Speechless’ to their roster.

The British channel, a younger off-shoot of Channel 4, has acquired all three seasons of the comedy, which is expected to

be on air soon.

‘Speechless’ stars British actress Minnie Driver as a devoted mom to her husband and kids, including her eldest son who lives with cerebral palsy.

The show originally debuted on American TV in 2016 on the ABC channel.

FEBRUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY)

Eddi Reader @ Vicar Street, €31 Former vocalist with Fairground Attraction, this distinctively vocalled Scottish legend with jazz, pop and folk influences is a breathtaking watch.

Mide Houlihan @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Kneecap @ Workman’s Club, sold out

The cast of ‘Speechless’, coming to E4 soon

influences in there from things like guitar progressions. I don’t know if anyone else can hear it, but it’s had a lasting effect for me.

“In some ways this is a quiet time of year, as things go crazy in the summer with the tours, but in others it’s been really intense with work.

“I’ve been heading for the studio at half six in the morning and working through the day. It’ll all play into what I do over the summer.

“My new show is a mix

of a solo AV [audiovisual] show and playing a second part with some guests,” Kormac told us.

“I’ve been working with AV for a long time. I’m developing a multiscreen idea that’s quite exciting; it will allow me to do different things; to do stuff musically that might not work without the screens.”

Kormac’s track with Saint Sister and Jafaris, Causing Trouble, has been nominated for song of the year at the RTE Choice

Music Prize – something the DJ sees as a great acknowledgement of his progress.

“It’s nice to feel like you’re on the right track, and that people appreciate what you’re doing” DJ Kormac performs his new show at the Button Factory, Dublin along with special guests on Saturday, February 23. Tickets cost €20.

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

Oscar winning producer signs Netflix deal NETFLIX HAS announced that it has entered into a multi-year deal with Oscar winning producer Darla Anderson.

Anderson will develop and produce new animated and live action projects, both feature films and series..

Vice President of Kids and Family at Netflix, Melissa Cobb, said: “Darla is one

of the most successful and accomplished producers in the entire film industry and her creative instincts for championing and shepherding films that transcend borders is truly unmatched.

Together with Darla we will seek to bring more unique and diverse voices to our global audience on Netflix.”

Darla Anderson

The Simpsons might just outlive us all THE SIMPSONS has been renewed for another two series, it was announced last week.

The famous family has been picked up for a 31st and 32nd season at FOX. Over 700 episodes of the much loved animation will have aired by the end of

the 32nd season.

The Simpsons is longest-running primetime scripted show in television history.

According to CNN, at the end of the 32nd season, it will take 10 days without stopping to watch every episode.

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Brothers hoping the Price is right for big plans

Some of the Baftas winners at the awards ceremony widely regarded as a forerunner for the upcoming Oscars

CINEMA | EXPECTED VICTORIES ROMPED HOME

Few surprises at the steady, if dull, Baftas REBECCA RYAN

AFTER a busy and successful 2018, Sean and Conor Price are about to bring brandnew music to their fans in 2019.

The Blessington brothers have been working hard over the past year and just released their first single of 2019, Storm.

The brothers say Storm is a youthful pop song about a girl who is exciting, but you know she is bad news, just like a ‘storm’.

Dublin Gazette caught up with Sean (19) and Conor (16) who told us more about the new single and how their music is taking a different direction.

“Storm is a pop song with catchy hooks and cool bass lines. Written by ourselves [Sean and Conor] with Conor O’Donohoe from Irish band, Wild Youth.

“It’s a fun, cool, mature pop song starting off a new direction for us in 2019.”

The brothers have been working with producers and writers in Dublin, London and Stockholm on their new music and are excited to show their fans.

“We have been doing a lot of writing, recording and gigging over the past year.

“We have worked with top-class producers and writers and have a great catalogue of new songs ready to release this year. We are really looking forward to the year ahead.

“On the X-Factor we were two inexperienced buskers riding the wave and enjoying ourselves.

“Now, in 2019, after a lot of learning

over the past year or so, we have developed a cool pop sound that we really feel represents us.

“Now we are making music we really love and enjoying ourselves.”

Sean and Conor revealed they will be releasing an EP this year, “hopefully this Summer”, and they will also be hitting Dublin in June to play The Olympia.

“We can’t wait to play in The Olympia!

It is one of Ireland’s most renowned venues and we have seen many of our favourite artists play there.

“We are so fortunate to have great audiences at our shows, but nothing beats a Dublin audience!

“There is just a buzz and energy that they bring. We have experienced this playing at the 3 Arena, Vicar Street and the Helix.”

So, what’s next on the agenda for the popular brothers?

“Next for us is lots of new exciting music [and] our 2019 tour, which is under way. We also plan to bring the tour to the UK later in the year.

“We are pretty excited about the music we have written and recorded for 2019 and there may be a few more exciting announcements to come during the year.”

Sean and Conor Price will play The Olympia Theatre, Dublin on Saturday, June 29. Full details of tour dates and tickets are available at www.seanandconorpricemusic.com.

IT WASN’T exactly a huge surprise at the Baftas that the favourite – The Favourite – went on to scoop a whopping seven awards in a variety of fields.

The quirky film continued steamrolling its success through one awards ceremony after another, with the Oscars dead ahead in its sights later this month, on Sunday, February 24.

 SHANE DILLON

The awards haul was yet another victory for Irish production company (and member of Screen Producers Ireland) Element Pictures, which has made a name for itself in recent years with slightly oddball but entertaining films that audiences and critics have lapped up.

Olivia Colman (inset) grabbed a well-deserved Best Actress award for her turn, with her significant chops in comic roles all but forgotten after her striking turn as the somewhat horrid yet ultimately sympathetic h e a r t of The Favourite.

Aw a y from The Favourite’s expected successes, however, the Baftas had a few sur-

prises in store, with some outright upsets in both the winners – and behind the scenes.

Away from The Favourite’s victory laps, there were few surprises in Baftas 2019, which largely played things safe and, to a degree, kept things pretty sterile.

Those watching at home, or reading up on it afterwards, learned from the short acceptance speeches that so-and-so was “very talented”, or that such-and-such film’s crew worked “very hard”, and so on. Great.

No maverick off-thecuff diatribes, no controversial comments, nothing of any particular import from anyone, while seasoned old ham Joanna Lumley kept things rolling along without a glitch – or mukch of a spark – as the evening’s MC. A few films stood out in the largely predictable roll-call of wins. While The Favourite largely swept the boards, the stirring Roma was in close pursuit, with the critically acclaimed film proving a particular hit on Netflix.

As a period piece with

a very different flavor to The Favourite, its very personal tale of turmoil in 1970s Mexico leaves it trotting along as a dark horse to look out for at the upcoming Oscars, where it’s a particularly strong contender in a number of categories.

Bohemian Rhapsody added Bafta glory on the night to its awards haul, to nobody’s great surprise, with the film continuing to be an awards magnet despite its flaws.

It was also interesting to note that Black Panther (released a year ago) also had Bafta victory on the night, underscoring its place as one of the most critically and commercially successful films of recent decades.

Ultimately, despite the particular safeness of the wins, it’s hard to argue against the winners of the 2019 Baftas, with some great films and individuals singled out for particular glory.

At least it was a steady ship to follow -–the upcoming host-less, potentially chaotic Oscars seems set to be a much wobblier affair ...

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

TRAVEL

Get some excellent value before the season starts THE month of May is a great time to getaway and enjoy a bit of guaranteed sun before the Irish summer starts in earnest.

Many of the well-known European beach resorts offer some excellent value before the season starts in earnest so it’s an ideal opportunity to grab a quick bargain and top up your tan for summer ‘19.

With the week that’s in it, why not surprise your partner with a GoHop.ie holiday voucher and plan a romantic sunshine getaway together? Check out the GoHop.ie holiday voucher page at https://www.gohop. ie/travel-voucher/holidays A selection of some great value GoHop.ie May getaways include: The Algarve – 08 May – 3* Rio Apartments – Vilamoura – from €169 pp Costa del Sol – 08 May – 4* Grangefield Oasis Club – Mijas – from €225 pp Tenerife – 19 May – 4* HC Hotel Magec – Puerto de la Cruz – from €249 pp Majorca – 01 May – 4* Playa Ferrera – Cala Ferrera – from €265 pp Lanzarote – 05 May – 3* Tabaiba Center – Costa Teguise – from €299 pp All the above prices are subject to availability and include return flights from Dublin, taxes and 7 nights self-catering accommodation. Baggage and transfers not included.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland.

Irish owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers’ offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts over 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.8.

Consumers can sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter to ensure they are kept up to date with unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop.ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie; or on Instagram follow #GoHop.ie.

Alternative city break destinations for 2019

Discover the next big destination before the masses

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor IT’S that time of year when most people start to think about their next city break.

M ay b e so m ew h e re you can disappear to for a weekend getaway that isn’t inundated with tourists?

Or perhaps you want to discover the next ‘goto destination’ before your friends? Here’s a list of alternatives you probably haven’t thought of but really should...

Been to Krakow?

Try Wroclaw

If you want an Eastern European city that isn’t swarmed with thousands of visitors then you won’t find better.

Fewer tourists mean more snaps of this stun-

n i n g m e d i ev a l c i t y which was named the European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Rynek, the main market square, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Wroclaw also homes an exceptional f lower garden which hosts open-air concerts and events and is the ideal space for relaxing on a summer’s day.

The Old Town is one of the city’s top tourist attractions but don’t forget a visit to Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island).

And watch out for the Dwarves of Wroclaw - small, bronze, ornamental gnomes dotted cleverly around the city.

Not forgetting the Wrocław Multimedia Fountain; a light show which has to be seen to

Discover the buzzing Grand Bazaar, a shopping experience which is unique to Istanbul.

part of UNESCO World Heritage. Since the fall Been to Prague? of communism, most Try Riga buildings have been renRiga is ideal for your ovated giving the city a next Eastern European strong blended theme adventure. It’s the larg- where modernity meets est of the Baltic region medieval. and has been referred to St Peter’s Church in as the ‘Little Paris of the the Old Town is the place North’, due to to go to get panoramic views of the city where your view is be dabbled with red rooftops and The biggest landmark cobbled streets.

Fu n f a c t : Ju s t in Seville is the Alcazar outside St Peter’s of Seville, one of the Church lies a oldest palaces still in use charming statue with stacked aniand a UNESCO World mals (a donkey, dog, Heritage Site cat and rooster) called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” from the Brothits magnificent build- ers Grimm fairy tale. ings and little-cobbled People say that ruballeyways. bing the noses of each Riga’s stunning Art animal on the statue will Nouveau infrastructure bring you good luck! has won itself a place as be believed.

Been to Budapest?

Try Istanbul

Is ta n b u l h a s b e e n described as a city where Europe meets Asia.

The c ity is spread across both continents and separated by the Bosphorus River – you will see the contrasts of both continents every corner you turn.

With endless possibilities of what to see and do, Istanbul will soon become your favourite city break destination.

Discover the buzzing Grand Bazaar, a shopping experience which is unique to Istanbul.

This place will hit you with a unique sensory overload.

Somewhere you’ll find treasure troves of gold and silver jewellery, aromatic spices and chic fabrics in a bustling set-

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

Rynek, the main market square in Wroclaw

Top: Hamburg’s International Maritime Museum.

Above: Arab baths located in the oldest part of Seville.

ting.

A visit to the Haggia Sophia has to be on your list. It has been considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the eighth ‘Wonder of the World’.

It’s located near the Sultan Ahmed Mosque aka The Blue Mosque because it’s adorned with beautiful blue tiles throughout the building.

The Beatles really strengthened their reputation and made a name for themselves back in the 60s.

Pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants surrounded by neon lights, striking graffiti and eclectic music adorn the streets and it is definitely worth a stop off on your trip.

Fun fact: There are more canals in Hamburg than in Amsterdam and Venice combined!

Been to Berlin?

Try Hamburg Been to BarceloHamburg has one of na? Try Seville the biggest and busiest ports in Europe. They also have a Maritime Museum, a very famous fish market, and harbour cruises for visitors to enjoy making it a seafaring city.

St Pauli’s district is known for its football club and its insane night life but it also has a strong historical background.

It was known as the sailor’s area and where

Seville is most commonly known as the birthplace of tapas and flamenco dancing.

It was voted the top destination to visit in 2018 and it has a great mix of something for everyone, with amazing monuments and palaces to explore, a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities and a plethora of tasty cuisine to devour.

The biggest landmark

in Seville is the Alcazar of Seville, one of the oldest palaces still in use and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You may recognise it from productions such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

If you need another reason to go to Seville it has to be their festivals.

The Semana Santa de Sevilla takes place

before Easter and celebrates Holy Week.

Another major festival in Seville is the Feriade Abril which takes place in April after Easter.

Celebrations There are fairs which are adorned with lights, tents and people in traditional Andalusian costumes with activities such as bullfights and a

St Peter’s Church, Riga

large firework displays to mark the end of the week and its celebrations.

Click and Go offers g re a t d e a l s o n c i t y breaks to all of the above destinations and many more, with a three-night stay in four or five-star accommodation from as little as €249pp.

Visit www.clickandgo. com for details.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

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14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Learning to drive is pricey but worth it LEARNING to drive in Ireland can be costly – gone are the old days of getting a provisional licence and off you go.

Now to drive a car in Ireland, there are all kinds of unavoidable costs before you can hit the road.

Let’s start with the Driver’s Permit, as just one example of costs.

When you are applying for the permit, you will be required to verify your identity with documentation to prove your name, address and PPS number, as well as confirmation of your country of birth/ residency entitlement.

A Driver Theory Test must be completed and passed. The test consists of 40 multiplechoice computer-based questions, which 35 or more must be correct and a time limit of 45 minutes is allocated.

The cost of this test is €45 for a car, and an applicant must be aged 17 years or over before this test can be taken.

All questions are out of the Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers book, which costs about €20.

Once the Driver Theory Test is passed you are eligible to apply for a Learner’s Permit ...

That’s only a little of the process you have to take, with costs all along the way. Once you factor in the minimum driving lessons that you absolutely must take, the cost of learning to drive is expensive, with a minimum cost of around €600 to include lessons and a ten-year licence.

However, having a full driving licence is priceless, and worth all the hassle and expense.

MOTORS

The Nissan LEAF is well placed for a revolution DECLAN GLYNN

RECENTLY released sales figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) for the month of January indicate a massive increase in the number of fully electric cars sold throughout Ireland – with 811 sold that month alone.

When compared to January 2018’s 104 sales, it’s easy to see that an electric car revolution is taking hold.

Nissan is one of the leading car manufacturers capitalising on this upward trend, with their all-new LEAF attracting 296 customers in January 2019, as opposed to 54 customers in the same period last year – representing a gigantic 448% increase.

Part of its appeal, of course, comes from its charging – two charging sockets are located under a neatly designed flap in the nose of the car, while a three-pin plug cable and a standard charging cable are stored neatly in the boot.

Charging will take 21 hours from empty to 100% off a household plug, 7.5 hours with a home 7kw charger, or you can get an 80% charge in 40 minutes from a 50kw fast charger.

New technology fastcharge units are due to be rolled out in the next 12 months which will, potentially, allow the car to receive an 80% charge from empty in as little as 10 minutes.

The all-new Nissan LEAF is available in

three trim levels – SV, SV Premium and SVE, with the standard equipment levels be ing hugely impressive.

Even the entry-level SV model comes equipped with features such as 16” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather multifunction steering wheel, a heat pump, intelligent cruise control, Nissan Connect infotainment system and many, many more features, while the other models get a dizzying range of features, too.

On test this week was a new Nissan LEAF 40kwh SV Premium model, in a black, executive finish feel.

In terms of acceleration, Nissan’s new 40kwh battery pack and inverter will propel the car from 0-100km/h is a lively 7.9 seconds.

Press the accelerator pedal and you will be rewarded with an instant and seamless rush of torque – which is 26% higher than that of the first generation LEAF. Standard across the new Nissan LEAF range is stunning new technology which Nissan calls the ePedal, selected by a toggle-switch by the gear selector, and allowing you to drive the car with one

pedal alone.

Enough braking effort is applied when you lift off the accelerator to slow the car to a complete stop, while the brake lights illuminate at the back of the car in the normal fashion The use of the ePedal is entirely optional and a brake pedal is located in the usual place for drivers who prefer to brake for themselves.

Nissan’s engineers have endowed the car with excellent driving dynamics.

Build quality throughout is excellent and the materials used feel durable and familyfriendly, while a 435-litre boot will cater for the needs of most families too.

The new Nissan LEAF is priced from €28,690 (inclusive of a €5,000 Government/SEAI grant for private buyers).

N i s s a n ’s t h r e e year/100,000km warranty comes as standard. Switch to a 100% electric car and you get to say goodbye to petrol, or diesel, and hello to tax credits, incentives and reduced routine maintenance costs.

And for the new Nissan LEAF price, you get a really roomy family car, too.

FACT BOX

1) Annual road tax just €120 2) Zero emissions 3) Cutting-edge technology 4) Extremely low running costs 5) Priced from €28,690

Apart from its impressive charging ability, the new LEAF – in all models – has a huge amount of features, coupled with great build quality and a roomy, comfy feeling

Going the credit union route could drive your next motoring purchase

MANY of the major financial institutions specialise in providing loans for new and used cars, with all the major banks competing with each other to attract new customers.

They all have competitive interest rates and attractive payment packages to make sure you get the best package available and one that suits your financial requirements.

However, a loan avenue worth exploring is through your local credit union.

Their car loan applications are straightforward, where applying is easy and decisions are fast.

You can also get a flexible payment term to suit your financial situation.

Loans are available with flexible terms for up to five years.

Unlike a Hire Purchase agreement or Personal Contract Plan, with a credit union car loan, you own the car from the outset.

There are no hidden fees or charges and definitely no balloon payments or mileage restrictions.

If you want to own the car you’re driving and want the freedom to decide when to sell it, a credit union loan may just be for you.

Another advantage of using your local credit union to finance your new car is that you can pay off your personal loan early, make additional lump sum repayments or increase your regular repayments, without a penalty.

Other lenders (not all) may charge you extra for paying them back faster and no matter what your loan is for, your credit union will ensure everything is clear, transparent and straightforward.

You can pay off your personal loan early, make additional lump sum repayments or increase your regular repayments, without a penalty.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

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14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

HOCKEY P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

TIPPING SUCCESS: SOCCER: NEW Dundalk captain and

Knocklyon man Brian Gartland has tipped fellow Dubliner Stephen Kenny to be a success as Republic of Ireland under21 manager.

Kenny, from Millbrook Lawns, got his rein in charge of the under-21s off to a winning start last week as a domestic-based selection saw off the Irish amateurs 1-0 in Whitehall.



GAZETTE

FOOTBALL P31

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS SOCCER | SEAN COX FUNDRAISER

McAteer back in red and green  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

15 YEARS on from his final game there as an international, Jason McAteer’s next step on the turf of the Aviva Stadium will take on a whole other sort of significance.

The 52-times capped midfielder lined out for his country for the last time as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil, having already decided to call it a day at international level.

He’s pulled on the green jersey since – notably in the recent Soccer Sixes competition where he was involved in an altercation for former Liverpool team mate Michael Owen.

The former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers winger is thrilled every time he gets to lace up his boots, but there’s particular honour in being selected on this occasion.

Last April, Irish Liverpool fan Sean Cox travelled to Anfield for the Champions League semi-final between the Reds and AS Roma.

The 53-year-old, who grew up in Clondalkin, sustained serious head injuries after being attacked and will require lifelong care and rehabilitation treatment.

His family need to raise €2 million to cover his care for the next five years and have already raised half that amount through initiatives in Liverpool and at home.

April 12 will see a Liverpool legends team line out against their Irish counterparts for what Sean’s wife Martina and his family hope will cover the rest.

“I’d hope I was going to be involved having played for both [Liverpool and Ireland],” McAteer said at the launch at the Aviva Stadium.

“I would’ve been disappointed if I wasn’t asked. Obviously we know the story first hand from the day it happened. But with Sean being Irish, I’ve been following it closely.

“I came over as a club ambassador for the Napoli game where we met up with Martina and the family and got a behind-the-scenes take on exactly what had happened.

“It’s something that she should never have had to be involved in. Noone should go to a football match and sadly end up in this situation.”

McAteer represented his country more than 50 times over a ten-year period and was played for Ireland at two World Cup finals – in 1994 under

Stephen Felle, Sean’s Cox’s son Jack and wife Martina along with Jason McAteer at the launch of the Liverpool Legends v Republic of Ireland fundraising match. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Jack Charlton and 2002 under Mick McCarthy.

McCarthy will take charge of the Ireland XI on April 12, but his main focus will be on the senior international team and qualification for Euro 2020, something McAteer feels is achievable.

“He did a fantastic job transitioning the first time around after Jack.

He had an ageing squad and had to

bring some fresh faces through – Gary Breen, Damien Duff, Robbie Keane.

“He brought them through and he bedded them really well. We got the success out of it by going to Japan in 2002… was it that long ago? Bloody hell. 16 years ago. He did a phenomenal job.

“Players will run that extra couple of miles for Mick and put their bodies on the line.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: GARTLAND LIFTS FIRST TROPHY OF NEW SEASON

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN LUCAN SARSFIELDS OSKARS night with Garda Rugby Club is scheduled for Friday, 3 and is anAopportunity for everyWELL doneMay to the Junior la one to contribute both in front of and behind the camera-give back to your club and have fun while you’re at it. Contact Alan Lynch at lynchalan03@ hotmail .com.

The ladies section hold a Quiz Night in Westmanstown on Friday March 1st at 8.00.PM-table of four is €40 and all are welcome.

Training continues on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s for a Intermediates and Juniors at 7.30.PM in Westmanstown under Jack Sheedy; new league season kicks off next Sunday, February 17 with Inters away at St Finians Newcastle at 10.30am and Juniors at home to Ranelagh Gaels at 12pm.

Ladies pre season training continues with gym session at Insanity Fitzone on Monday nights at from 8.30-9.30pm and pitch sessions on Wednesday at 7.30pm and Saturday at 8.00.AM in Westmanstown-new players both Garda and civilian always welcome.

All juvenile teams now now back training for the new season and our Nursery is open to all the children of the locality on Saturday morning on the All Weather Pitch at 10am. U-15 girls won their second friendly of the season against Lucan Sarsfields by 4-14 to 2-2 and U-13 boys lost to Templeogue.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS A GREAT night at our annual dinner dance on Saturday, February 9, a full house enjoyed dinner and dacing.

Congratulations to Mary Reynolds who received the Gradam an Uachtaráin from our new Uachtarán Kathleen Roche.

Next up is Leopardstown Leaps race day; Sunday, March 3; a great day out, Prosecco reception in the club, bus to race course, 4 course meal with wine. Tipster and hopefully back with plenty of winnings, Contact Jim 086 238 7585 or Joe 086 815 4636defeat to arrange FOLLOWING to a seat (€100) Naomh O and or table.

Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto on February 7; numbers were 9, 18, 19 and 24. Next weeks’ jackpot €11,000, draw will be managed by Shay Hurson and is sponsored by Dual Printing Ltd. Lucky Dips Winners: Alan McCarthy, Paul Heneghan, Michael McAndrew, Patrick Healy and Paul McGann. Play online or tickets can be purchased at the club, or in Kenny’s Vesey Arms.

Upcoming events: Table Quiz for Elizabeth McNicholas - Friday, February 15; Adult Awards Night – February 16; Leopardstown Leaps – March 3.

The Golf Society 2019

AGM will be held in the clubhouse on Monday, March 4 at 9pm. All are very welcome. Gerry Mescall is the Society Captain for 2019 and we wish him well and ask you to support Gerry and your Society during 2019.

Golf Society Outings for 2019: Saturday, April 13 – Kilcock Golf Club; Saturday, May 18 – Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort; Friday, June 21 – Lucan Golf Club – annual Classic; Friday, July 19 – Luttrellstown Golf & Country Club; Saturday, August 17 – St Margaret’s Golf & Country Club; Saturday, September 7 – Gerry Mescall Captain’s Day Millicent Golf Club. Captain for 2019 is Gerry Mescall.

New members are always very welcome.

Will you be the LAST MAN STANDING – we are running a Competition , as a fundraiser for our senior hurlers. Pick a premier league team each week, competition starts on the mid-week games of February 26; €500 for the winner, Entry by 6pm Sunday, February 24 for entry and full details email lucanlastmanstand@gmail.com or contact Mick Roche 087 242 8419 or Mike Hanley 086 0144040 €10 entry.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

Stephen Kenny and Brian Gartland with the League of Ireland Premier Division and FAI Cup trophies.

Picture: Ben McShane/ Sportsfile

Knocklyon’s Gartland tips Kenny for big Irish success LEAGUE OF IRELAND  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

NEW Dundalk captain Brian Gartland has tipped fellow Dubliner Stephen Kenny to be a success as Republic of Ireland under-21 manager.

Kenny, from Millbrook Lawns, got his rein in charge of the under-21s off to a winning start last week as a domesticbased selection saw off the Irish amateurs 1-0 in Whitehall.

Tougher challenges lie ahead as the 47-year-old leads the under-21s in the qualifying campaign for the 2020 European

Championships before taking over the senior job next summer.

Gartland assumed the captain’s armband in the off-season following the appointment of Kenny’s successor, Killinarden’s Vinny Perth, as Lilywhites boss.

And the Knocklyon native has backed Kenny to transfer the magic that brought four league titles and two FAI Cups in six years to the international set-up.

“He never let you get comfortable and he always kept you on your toes,” Gartland said at the launch of the League of Ireland season, which begins on Friday.

“He always had different methods of motivation, whether you knew of them or not. That’s instilled in a lot of players in the dressing room now and it won’t go away.

“It’s brilliant to see because he’s done such a phenomenal job over the six years with us.

Even before, up in Derry, the amount of cups he won and the job he done rebuilding the club.

“He’s been great for Irish football and it’s great to see somebody in the League of Ireland be recognised to that category, with the international job.

“It’s also great for us as a club, and as a team, and

as players, to see we were part of it and he’s ended up going there from it. It’s nice for everyone.”

Gartland got his captaincy off to the perfect start as the Lilywhites saw off Cork City 2-1 in the President’s Cup in Dundalk, lifting the trophy for the first time in three years.

And with St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers having strengthened significantly over the off-season, Gartland is adamant his side will take nothing for granted.

“We have this confidence, but there’s also a humbleness and a drive to succeed. There’s no player bigger than the

team.

“You need a bit of an ego to have your confidence, but there’s no massive egos. People don’t get ahead of themselves and, if they do, they’re brought back in line.

“With that sort of recipe, it is a foundation for success. You don’t get comfortable or complacent. When your ego gets too big, you get complacent.

“You’ve won a game before you’re out on the pitch. That’s never the case with us. For every game, you apply yourself, whether it’s Cork, Finn Harps, you apply yourself the same.”

Clon bow out of Towns Cup

Clondalkin rugby club are looking to land the Leinster 2A title Picture: Sharon Flanagan

CLONDALKIN bowed out of rugby’s Provincial Towns Cup at the hands of high-flying Leinster League Division 1A side Kilkenny, scoring six tries in front of their home crowd.

An early penalty had them in touch at 5-3 after 20 minutes but from there, the hosts pulled away, scoring tries through Lyndon Brannigan, Podge Mahon and Andy Nyenhuis to build a 24-3 lead.

A converted try pulled it back to 24-10 but a fifth try just before half-time killed off any hopes of a comeback as they eventually fell

39-10.

Clon are back on the road to the south east on Sunday for their Leinster League Division 2A date with bottom side New Ross. They currently head the table on points difference and so a win in Wexford is an imperative, preferably with a bonus point.

Their final match of the season is down for decision on March 3 at home against another struggling opponent with seventh place Railway Union the visitors, meaning the title is in Clon’s own hands.

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

HOCKEY: TALLAGHT CLUB REMAIN UNBEATEN IN EYHL AND FOURTH IN LEINSTER

Glenanne bolster position in both men and women’s table EY HOCKEY LEAGUE  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

GLENANNE continued the ir unbeaten run into a ninth men’s EY Hockey League game with a strong second half performance earning a 4-3 win over Monkstown at the ALD Merrion Fleet Arena.

They led twice in a busy first quarter with David Cole knocking in a corner rebound in the fourth minute, a goal that was almost instantly countered by a penalty stroke from David Keogh.

Guy Sarratt’s drag-flick restored the Town lead in the 10th minute but Cedric Jakobi continued his fine form with a replica equaliser, 2-2 by the 13 minute mark.

It remained that way until halftime with Nick Dee taking one off the line on the half-time whistle from a Shannon Boucher drag. The

Glens, though, started the second half brightly and went in front when Jonny McCormack countered down the right and crossed to Boucher who swivelled around a defender to fire a shot into the backboard.

Iain Walker made a couple of key saves to keep that narrow lead as did his counterpart David Fitzgerald, keeping it at 3-2 until 10 minutes to go when the crucial goal arrived.

Richie Shaw found Boucher whose pass across goal was deflected into the net by Brad Venter.

Town got one back with seven minutes left from a Gareth Watkins stroke but they could not forge an equaliser.

The win saw the Tallaght club end the weekend in second place, two points back from leaders Banbridge but with a game extra played.

On the women’s side, the Glens’ Leinster Division One side strengthened their hold on fourth place with

a 1-0 win over Genesis, jumping five points clear of North Kildare. Kate O’Connor got the only goal.

The first quarter was dominated

by Glenanne’s defence moving it around and seizing up the opposition to Genesis’ frustration.

The Stillorgan club had the pick of the chances, though, when they robbed possession and drew the best from Roisin O’Brien.

This put the much needed spring in Glenanne’s step and got the ball rolling. Immediately after, the link play between the girls in green was more fluid as the ball moved from right back to right wing in a matter of seconds resulting in a well-deserved short corner.

Focused and composed, O’Connors direct strike got what proved to be the only goal. Much of the second half was spent protecting the lead and trying to cause trouble in the oppositions 25.

Glenanne player coach joe Brennan. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Celtics make it a perfect dozen WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

COURTYARD Liffey Celtics won their twelfth successive women’s basketball Super League game on Saturday, surviving a first-half scare to eventually defeat Singleton Supervalu Brunell 69-57, in a rematch of the Hula Hoops National Cup final.

Needing a stellar fourth quarter in their previous game to win against

Killester, Celtics trailed Brunell 36-32 at halftime.

Brunell were obviously disappointed with their cup final loss and cut swathes through Celtics in the first and second quarters. By the end of the third quarter Celtics had reversed the scoreboard.

Holding Brunell to e ight points, Celtics scored 18 points to lead 50-44. When Celtics

began to move through their gears in the third and fourth quarters, then they easily broke away from the defeated Cup finalists.

In turning a four-point half-time deficit into a 12-point victory, Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ Sorcha Tiernan remarked afterwards that their team is now a target: “We’re definitely getting the best game off everyone.

“I think the last two

games, we just haven’t started great and they’ve both come at us in the first-half, and it’s taken us until half-time or the end of the third quarter to really get going.

“We need to definitely improve on that,” Tiernan said, “but I think we are going to get our best game from everyone.

Being unbeaten really puts a target on our backs but we’ve just got to take it one game at a time.”

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 14 February 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN AN EXCEPTIONAL event is being hosted Thursday 21st February to support the Sean Cox Fund. Round Tower footballers will take on the Irish Prison Service in the Eugene Garrigan Memorial Tournament. Funds raised from the match will support Clondalkin native Sean Cox’s rehabilitation after he experienced very serious injuries in an unprovoked assault in Liverpool last April. People can also contribute via the donation boxes that will feature in the community in the lead-up to the event. The match will throw-in at Monastery Road at 8pm.

Congratulations to Gemma and Philip Carr who have been named Grand Marshals for the 2019 Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade. Gemma and Philip have been fantastic club servants for very many years and we congratulate you both and wish you great enjoyment in fulfilling the roles.

We plan on hosting a very special fundraiser this year – A Night at the Oskars – in conjunction with Kevin Rowe Events. We want people to put themselves forward and be stars for the night. Volunteers will receive training in acting and then on our Oskar night they will feature on the big screen on stage. Anyone interested in participating can also contact Billy O’Connor at 087 2766825.

Club Disco will take place this Friday, 7.30pm to 9pm. Children from 4th, 5th and 6th classes welcome to join in the fun. Admission €5 and full shop available.

Round Tower Lotto, February 4, 2019. Jackpot: €7,000. Numbers drawn: 7,8 12,30 bonus ball 13. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: Tony & Aido, Mark Matanes, Derek Murray. Thanks to all who support our weekly Lotto. Bingo every Tuesday night in the club with first call at 8.30pm. This week’s jackpot €1,000 for a full house if checked within 48 numbers. Otherwise €20 for a full house. All welcome.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN WELL done to our U-16 footballers who started their season with a brilliant win away to O’Dwyer’s on Saturday. Well done also to our U-13 and U-15 teams with respective wins over St Patrick’s Donabate, and Lucan Sarsfields.

Hard luck to our U-12s who went down narrowly to Kilmacud Crokes. It was a great team performance which saw the boys battle hard against a strong wind to come right back into the match in the second half. Man of the match performances from everyone.

The senior football league starts next Sunday with a home game against Naomh Olaf at 10.30am. All support welcome.

Fixture details for all matches will be posted on the website and Facebook page during the week.

Operation Transformation continues on

Thursday evening in Glenaulin Park at 7pm.

All are welcome.

Membership for 2019 must now be paid.

All members and players must be insured in order to play or train. The easiest way is to register on-line at www.stpatricksgaa.ie.

Hurling skills for our younger players is on every Friday from 6 to 7pm on the Astro.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 4, 5, 9 and 17.

There was no jackpot winner. We had five match 3 winners – Mary Gillespie, Mick O’Leary, Ann Henvey, Catherine Middleton and Liam Kavanagh who each won €40.

The jackpot next week will be €9,200. The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm.

Lotto tickets are available online and from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, and Manor Hair Studios.

ST MARY’S, GFC MEMBERSHIP is now due. Payment can be made online via our website/ Facebook page, or in the Club Lounge on Tuesday evening between 8-9pm.

Pitch is still closed until further notice, repair works are now complete.

Preparation and planning are already taking place for the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Theme ‘Fun & Laughter’. Interested parties, clubs, businesses etc. contact Sharon Redmond 087 230 4248. More info as the event draws closer.

Closing Date for Parade entries is March 7.

Lotto draw (February 10), numbers drawn were: 3, 4, 13, 17. No jackpot winner so next week’s jackpot will be €7,200.

Four people shared three numbers drawn, Congratulations to: Eddie Comerford, c/o Ceilí; Ann Peterson, c/o Ceilí; Mary Lawless, Pairc Mhuire; Fergal Mulligan, Rathcoole. ...€25 each, well done to all.

Next week’s Match 3 will be worth €100 win/share. You can now follow the LocalLotto link on our Facebook page by using the Blue “Shop Now” button and website to play Lotto online.

LADIES FOOTBALL: JACKIES BOUNCE BACK WELL

Davis’s duo aid big win for Jackies over Tipperary LIDL NFL DIVISION 1 Dublin 6-9 Tipperary 2-8  NIGEL MCCARTHY sport@dublingazette.com

T H OM A S D av i s d u o Olwen Carey and Siobhan McGrath, along with Ballyboden St Enda’s Rachel Ruddy, all started as Dublin got the defence of their Lidl National Football League Division 1 title back on track with a comprehensive win over Tipperary in Ardfinnan.

Goals were the order of the day for the Sky Blues as they raised six green flags – three in each half – with two each for Siobhan Killeen and Lyndsey Davey in an emphatic Dublin performance.

Tipperary played their part in an entertaining game but Dublin’s superior movement and firepower were the telling factors by the full-time whistle.

A quick-fire start saw the Dubs’ race into a 2-1 to 0-0 lead inside the opening four minutes. Killeen found the bottom corner in the opening minute,

before Davey scored their second three minutes later.

In the sixth minute, Tipperary landed their opening score – a point from Caoimhe Condon – but Dublin stretched their lead out to nine points when Nicole Owens found the net shortly after.

Points from Owens, Carla Rowe and Killeen, were responded to by Aishling Moloney for Tipp, and six minutes from the break Roisin Daly intercepted a Dublin kick-out and goaled with a cool finish to cut Dublin’s half-time lead to 3-4 to 1-3.

The TG4 All-Ireland champions started the second half as they had the first with a palmed goal from Davey after a good run and pass down the right from second-half substitute Kate Sullivan.

Points from Elaine Fitzpatrick and Moloney reduced the deficit, but a goal from Killeen put 12 points between the sides as Dublin continued to hold the upper hand.

Midway through the

FAI INTER CUP Collinstown call out for supporters bus

COLLINSTOWN are on the road

down to Cork on Sunday, February 24 for the quarter-final of the FAI Intermediate Cup when they will play Rockmount AFC. The club is organising a supporters bus with space for 52 people for the big day for €20 via their Facebook page, setting out on the morning of the match at 10.30am.

Oonagh Whyte on the attack for Dublin. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

second-half a speculative long pass from Rowe bounced over the head of the onrushing Tipp goalkeeper Lauren Fitzpatrick and ended up in the empty net, although Tipp got back into the game and a goal from Aishling Moloney from a free with

11 minutes to go lifted the home side.

But a couple of missed shots at goal halted their momentum and two points from the impressive Davey and one from Oonagh Whyte sealed a comprehensive win for Mick Bohan’s charges.

14 February 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: TOUGH RUN PERFECT PREPARATION FOR SFC

Rainbow’s Boden ready for action AFL1 PREVIEW  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S face a daunting early season in AFL1 having drawn three of the other big guns in their opening three fixtures.

Boden travel to Ballymun Kickhams for their opening game on Sunday morning before facing Na Fianna and reigning championship holders Kilmacud Crokes over the coming few weeks.

The team returned to training later than usual this year, too, which may present a further challenge.

They faced St Vincent’s in a delayed league final very late into 2018 and so the players were

given additional time off to recover and returned to training in the middle of January.

The club, however, see the three challenging early fixtures as the perfect championship warm up.

“Obviously the championship is the main thing,” Boden manager and former Kildare lynchpin Anthony Rainbow told the Dublin Gazette.

“We had a similar start last year with some tough fixtures. Ballymun are one of the best football teams in Dublin, no questions, and it’s a tough draw to be traveling up there first. They’re really hard to beat up in Ballymun.”

Ballyboden are a settled side, however, and should be able to get up to speed quickly. “We’re playing with pretty much the

same panel as last year, aside from a couple of injuries in the pre-season, and things are going well,” Rainbow said. “We couldn’t ask for three better games to start.

“The thing about big games is they bring confidence and give you a real challenge early on.

“We’ve earmarked these first three for preparation for the championship, which is the ultimate goal. We’ll be working on our strategy, how we approach the games, and learning from playing some really top class opposition.

“We’ve only been back a few weeks but things are going really well, and we’re looking forward to getting out on the pitch.”

Like many of the major club sides in the AFL1, Ballyboden can

Darren O’Reilly in action in Ballyboden St End’a AFL1 final against St Vincent’s.

Picture: John Kirwan

expect to be missing a few players as the season goes on, with plenty of their senior panel, including Michael Darragh MacAuley and Colm Basquel, expected to spend much of the season away with the county team.

They have an in-depth crew, however, and so should be wellplaced to cope with the absences.

The sizeable Firhouse Road club overcame the loss of key players last season in making a strange late-season final, in which they were beaten 0-18 to 3-4 by perennial powerhouse St Vincent’s.

They previously won the AFL1 title in 2016, and also won the Dublin Senior Championship in 2015 and the following All Ireland senior club title in 2016.

FOOTBALL Towers host Cox fundraiser ROUND Tower, Clondalkin will host a fundraising Gaelic football match on Thursday, February 21 in aid of The Sean Cox Fund.

The Eugene Garrigan Memorial Tournament will be played between Round Tower footballers and the Irish Prison Service at 8pm at Monastery Road with funds raised going to the Fund. Sean, a Clondalkin native, was seriously injured in an unprovoked assault while attending a soccer match in Liverpool.

He was a former Round Tower player and executive member.

He is undergoing an intensive programme of rehabilitation and will continue to require ongoing and intensive long-term care. The club will also place collection boxes around Clondalkin village to enable people contribute to the fundraising drive.

Ed O’Malley, Round Tower GAA Club Chairman, said of the event: “He still retains a very close connection with the Clondalkin community, with family still living here.

“We hold great appreciation for the excellent contribution he made to our club on and off the playing pitches.

“We are very grateful to the family of our late friend Eugene Garrigan who are fully supportive of his second memorial tournament raising funds to support Sean’s rehabilitation.

“The match presents opportunity for us as a club and the wider Clondalkin community to show our solidarity with and support for Sean and the Cox family.”

GazetteSPORT FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

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

Boyd buzzing to hit lofty targets with Rovers  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

SEAN Boyd says Shamrock Rovers aren’t setting themselves any concrete targets for the coming League of Ireland season.

The Hoops kick off their 2019 campaign on Friday night with a trip to the RSC to face Waterford, the side they pipped to third place last season.

The off-season has seen former Manchester City underage star Jack Byrne and Derry City midfielder Aaron McEneff arrive at Whitestown Way. There’s been a lot of continuity elsewhere, however, with the majority of last

season’s squad retained, though Gavin Bazunu and Aaron Bolger have departed for Man City and Cardiff City.

And the 20-year-old striker says Stephen Bradley’s side are content to take things one game at a time as expectation once again mounts at Tallaght Stadium.

“Everyone’s enjoyed it and everyone’s ready to go,” Boyd tells the Dublin Gazette.

“Obviously it was longer than a lot of clubs. We were in the gym from the first of December and then we went onto the pitch when it came to January.

“Since then, we’ve been

Sean Boyd at Tuesday’s League of Ireland launch. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

at it and ready to go and preparing for Waterford.

We’re just looking at the first game of the season and taking it game by game.”

Since making his break-

through under Pat Fenlon in 2016, Boyd has seen his first-team involvement frustrated by injury, with a particular troublesome shoulder injury requiring surgery.

With no new strikers signed in the window – and Gary Shaw gone to crosstown rivals St Patrick’s Athletic – a fit Boyd has a real chance to establish himself as a regular.

It was Bradley who brought Boyd to Tallaght from Malahide United as a 16-year-old and coached him through the under-19s before taking over the senior team.

With Dan Carr and Aaron Greene the only other senior strikers in the squad, Boyd has set his sights on staying fit and playing as many games as possible in 2019.

“Greener signed halfway through last year and had a little injury, so he’s a new striker if you look at it like that. Dan Carr is still there.

“I’m just focused on myself and seeing if I can stay as fit as possible and

get myself going, and hopefully I can play as much as possible.

“I’ve set myself a target in my own head about actual goals, but I’d just like to play as much games as I actually could without putting a number.

“I know if I’m playing I can make things happen, so hopefully I get fit and stay fit,” said Boyd, who scored his only goal of the 2018 season against Waterford.

Rovers, meanwhile, recently announced a community initiative to bring 30 residents from the Towers Direct Provision Centre in Clondalkin to all home games.