Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JAN 30-FEB 5, 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020: This week

we bring you a full list of the candidates across the Dublin area SEE PAGES 17-20

SPORT BASKETBALL:

Templeogue win epic derby with Eanna in the men’s national cup final in Tallaght last Saturday.

SEE P36

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

‘There are no words, only devastation’

Heartbroken dad describes grief PADRAIG CONLON

“Every breath is a struggle” The anguished words of grief stricken father Andrew McGinley spoke of his utter devastation at the loss of his three little children.

Last Friday night Conor (9), Darragh (7) and their little Carla McGinley (3) had been found dead in their home at Parson’s Court,

Newcastle.

Andrew McGinley was the first person to discover the aftermath of the tragic incident when he returned home that night.

Along with a statement issued on Tuesday morning, McGinley also released a family photograph which included his wife, Deirdre Morley, who has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of their three children.

Deirdre Morley has been undergoing

treatment in Tallaght hospital for a suspected overdose after she was found wandering in a disoriented state shortly before the shocking discovery of the three children’s lifeless bodies in the family home. Confirming the arrest on Tuesday night, a Garda spokesperson said: “A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder, in relation to the discovery of the bodies of three children at a property in Parson’s Court, Newcastle, County Dublin on 24/1/2020.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

POLSKA GAZETA

Check out the first of our new section for the Polish Community as we speak to the New Polish Ambassador SEE PAGE 26

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

PICK UP YOUR DublinGazette WEST EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY! at the following locations: • Aylesbury Clinic – Old Bawn • B&Q – Liffey • B&Q – Tallaght • Ballyfermot Leisure Centre • Centra – Foxborough • Centra – Griffeen • Centra – Lynch ‘s • Citywest Shopping Centre – (Underground car park) • Clarion Hotel • Courtyard Hotel – Leixlip • Credit Union – Clondalkin Main St • Dunnes Stores – The Square Tallaght • Eurasia Supermarket Fonthill • Eurospar – Ballyowen • Freynes Chemist – Clondalkin • Gala – Rossefayre • Leisureplex – Tallaght • Lucan Library • Marks & Spencer – Liffey Valley • Maxol • Neilstown Newsagents • Round Towers GAA Club • Spar – Finnstown • SuperValu – Celbridge • SuperValu – Palmerstown • SuperValu Firhouse • SuperValu Leixlip • Tesco – Celbridge • Tesco - Clondalkin • Tesco – Liffey Valley • The Food Centre • The Mill Centre • Topaz • Maxol • Westmanstown

For further information

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

MOTHER ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF MURDER

‘Every breath a struggle’ for devastated father

Andrew (right) pictured with children Conor, Darragh, and Carla, and mother Deirdre Morley

FROM PAGE 1

“The woman arrested was found at the scene and has been receiving medical attention at Tallaght University Hospital following the incident.

“She is currently detained at Clondalkin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.”

In his statement released earlier on Tuesday through An Garda Siochana, Andrew McGinley had spoken of his devastation as he urged parents to make the most of every moment with their children.

“There are no words. There is only devastation, grief and anguish. Every breath is a struggle. Conor, Darragh and Carla are adored. They all had beautiful, bright futures ahead of them with family, friends and a community who love them. To all parents, cuddle your children whenever you get a chance, tell them how much you love them as often as you can, spend every spare minute with them reading, playing and enjoying their wonderfulness.

“The future has now become our enemy but we will battle it every day to keep the memory of Conor, Darragh and Carla alive.”

The results of toxicology tests on Conor, Darragh and Carla, are expected later this week. Due to the inconclusive findings from the post mortem, gardai are hoping the results will explain how the three young children died.

A Garda spokesperson issued the following request: “An Garda Siochana reinforces our request on behalf of the family that media give the family privacy at this time and report on this incident sensitively.”

Heartbroken residents in Newcastle have set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the McGinley family.

It has been started by a member of Newcastle Community, along with the ReNewcastle Community Group.

The group say they are in touch with the family, who are aware of the campaign and are “very thankful”.

By Wednesday morning €17,000 has been raised.

If any of our readers would like to contribute to the fund they can go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mcginleyfamily-newcastle

FASTNews Stakeholders unite to campaign for investment in sector FOR the first time the representative bodies for the public higher education system have come together under a single cause.

The IUA, THEA and the USI, representative bodies for universities, institutes of technology and students, have come together to make the case for investment in higher education by the next Government.

In the lead up to the election, Maynooth University is campaigning for investment in third level education.

Funding to third level institutions is now 40% less than it was a decade ago.

Maynooth University say every year Ireland is losing ground against international competitors and the crisis in funding is compromising the quality of the higher education system and the student experience.

Maynooth University will host a town-hall on the future of Irish higher education and research funding on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 12:30pm to which staff and students will be invited to attend.

Lucan Community Games seek volunteers LUCAN Community Games are currently recruiting Volunteers.

If you would like to provide opportunities for children and young people, aged 6 – 16 years to develop healthy lives in a safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, please get in contact: Facebook: Lucangames Twitter: @GamesLucan Email: Lucangames@ gmail.com

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

SCHOOLS: CLONBURRIS PUPILS HONOURED FOR HIGHLIGHTING THE ISSUE OF FOOD WASTE

Helpful hummingbird ethos helps kids jointly scoop a GOAL prize PADRAIG CONLON

THIRD-CLASS pupils from Our Lady Queen of the Apostles National School in Clonburris have been honoured by humanitarian aid agency, GOAL. The Clondalkin pupils earned a much-deserved prize for demonstrating their contribution and commitment to helping achieve Global Goals.

The children were named as joint winners in the GOAL Changemakers competition for highlighting the issue of food waste and encouraging food suppliers to their school to use biodegradable packaging.

The competition invited primary school pupils all across Ireland to share their actions for

global change.

Inspired by Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai’s story of a hummingbird to “do the best that I can”, the children decided to focus on Sustainable Development Goal 12 for their Changemakers entry: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Shocked by the amount of food packaging and food waste discarded daily in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles NS, they lobbied their school food suppliers to provide reusable utensils and to change to biodegradable packaging.

The pupils also urged their school to buy quality Irish products, and to continue their support of Fairtrade.

The children have

vowed to continue their campaign for biodegradable packaging on their lunches and to encourage the use of quality Irish food so that their actions will impact on people in the Global South.

The pupils also composed two songs; one about their desire to not use plastic at school, and a second one in which they sang about changes we can all make to be more conscious of our consumption habits and potential damage to the environment.

Their third class teacher, Paula Frances Galvin, said: “The children have been motivated on this topic for a long time, and it is fantastic that their efforts have been recognised by a global

organisation like GOAL. “The children strive to live up to Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, Be the change you want in the world, and their commitment is admirable to all ages.”

The judging panel, comprising Newstalk presenter Jonathon McCrea, children’s author Sarah Webb, activist and founder of Flossie and the Beach Cleaners, Flossie Donnelly, and GOAL deputychief executive Mary Van Lieshout, say they were blown away by the quality of the entries.

Speaking following the announcement of the prize winners, Mary Van Lieshout said the judges were “in awe of how children are making a difference at home and in their

Teacher Paula Frances Galvin helps to give the third class pupils of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles National School, Clonburris a well deserved cheer

schools every day”.

The local pupils were overjoyed to come out on top, saying in a joint state-

ment: “We are so grateful that GOAL liked our project.

“We worked so hard, but

enjoyed it so much! We were like the hummingbird from the story and we did the best that we could.”

Recyling charge rise rubbished by Kenny PADRAIG CONLON

Flames of remembrance to honour Holocaust’s victims PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins was in reflective mood at the annual sombre Holocaust memorial day gathering at the Mansion House last weekend, ahead of travelling to Auschwitz-Bireknau to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the camp.

He was joined by Suzi Diamond – one of Ireland’s final two Holocaust survivors – and Eibhlin Byrne, a former Lord Mayor

of Dublin, and chair of the Holocaust Education Trust Ireland.

The trio lit candles to remember and honour the millions of victims of the Holocaust, with President Higgins speaking of the dangers of “misused nationalism and populism”, as well as the ugly rise of antimigrant sentiment and other divisions that have also begun to rise in Ireland, of late. Picture: Tommy Clancy

A LOCAL waste service provider has been criticised for increasing its recycling charges for a second time.

The revelation that Thorntons Recycling are set to increase its Green Bin charges by 50 cent to €1.75 per lift has been blasted by Dublin MidWest People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny.

This latest price hike from the Parkwest-based waste management company comes after a recent increase last September, of 25 cent.

Up until 2018, the recycling bin was free, before charges were originally introduced that year.

Deputy Kenny told Dublin Gazette: “We need people to recycle more and use their Green

Deputy Gino Kenny: “Increasing charges for recycling will ultimately lead to less recycling and more burning of recyclable materials”

Bin rather than sending more waste to landfill.

“Increasing charges for recycling will ultimately lead to less recycling and more burning of recyclable materials.

“This is the result of the privatisation of waste management – something we campaigned vigorously against.

“Private companies will always be looking to make profits rather than

regarding waste management as a vital public service.”

Deputy Kenny said it may now be time for councils to rethink how bin services are operated, not just locally but nationally.

He said: “I have contacted Thorntons to query this increase, and am still waiting for a detailed reply in relation to the increases.

“The bin services need

to be re-nationalised and brought back to the county councils.

“Only by doing that can we seriously increase recycling, reduce illegal dumping and give workers in the sector decent pay and conditions.”

Dublin Gazette contacted Thornton’s regarding their recycling charges, but had not received a response by the time of going to print.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

TALLAGHT: MOVE TO GET ELECTED MEMBERS OF COUNCIL TO DO MORE OVER HOUSING CRISIS

Campaigners sleep outside to protest rent hike for tenants PADRAIG CONLON pconlon@dublingazette.com

ON a freezing cold night last weekend, a group of local homeless campaigners slept outside the council offices in Tallaght.

They were protesting recent rent hikes for council tenants and OAPS as well as highlighting the scourge of

homelessness in the local community.

Dublin South West Housing Action, a community-based housing group, and co-hosts and fe l l ow c a m p a i g n e rs, Protest Against Homelessness Less Talk More Action, began their 12 hour sleep out at 8 pm on Friday night.

With latest figures revealing over 10,000 on

the housing list in the SDCC area, both groups said they were protesting to put pressure on e l e c te d m e m b e rs o f the council to do more regarding the housing crisis.

Chris Harvey from Protest Against Homelessness in Ireland, Less Talk More Action Group told Dublin Gazette m o re c o m p a s s i o n i s

called for.

“The crisis is getting worse, nothing seems to be improving so we really feel we need to step up and create awareness for this, to try and create a movement, to get people to unite and try and make a difference,” he said.

Frustrated “I’m frustrated because if you imagine homelessness happening to your family member; a sister, brother, parent, if you found out they were on the streets you would react right away wouldn’t you?

“So why is it the case when it’s not an immediate care of yours that you can’t have a heart towards another human being?

Paul Murphy, RISE Dublin South West TD was also present on Friday night to lend his support to the campaigners.

“I think something important to highlight is that there are people get-

A group of local homeless campaigners slept outside the council offices in Tallaght

ting rich off this crisis,” he said.

“They are the big landlords, the developers. “ T h e i r p ro f i t s a re through the roof and in my opinion they are the people who Fianna Fail and Fine Gael represent, so we need to get them out.

“We need to build a big protest movement like the water charges to demand the building of houses, and we need

tests like tonight’s are so important.”

Lisa Maher from Dublin South West Housing Action said the normalisation of the crisis is “shocking.”

“I’m here because the homeless crisis has gone out of control and there’s people living in big tenement houses called hubs.

“It’s truly very shocking what is going on and how it seems to be accepted as “normal.”

home, spiralling rents that people cant afford is all now accepted as “normal” and that is completely wrong.

“How has this happened in our country?

What’s going to happen to our grandchildren?

“It’s the fault of the government and the rotten system we’re living under.

Dublin Gazette contacted SDCC to get their thoughts on the sleep

rent controls, it’s quite simple.

“We need to make this a social issue, that’s another reason why pro-

“It’s not only people sleeping on the streets that’s become “normal”, people living in hubs, people trying to rent a

out.

In response to our query they said: “South Dublin County Council has no comment.”

“

I think something important to highlight is that there are people getting rich off this crisis. They are the big landlords, the developers.

Gardai appeal for witnesses after teen dies in horror car crash on N7 A 17-YEAR-OLD boy tragically died last weekend following a collision on the Naas Road in Clondalkin.

The crash involving a blue Peugeot car and a white Mercedes van took place at 12.30am on Saturday morning on the N7 near junction 2 at the Kingswood junction.

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) said the teenager had been driving on the wrong side of the road at the time of the collision.

The car travelled along the Belgard Road before driving onto the N7 and colliding with the van shortly after.

The 17-year-old male was the driver and sole occupant of the car and he was pronounced dead at the

scene a short time later.

The car had come to the attention of gardai in the Tallaght area soon after midnight before the crash took place.

The occupants of the van, two men aged 45 and 36 and a nine-year-old boy, were taken by ambulance to Tallaght Hospital. Their injuries were not lifethreatening.

GSOC is appealing for witnesses in relation to the incident.

Anyone who may have seen the blue car between Tallaght and the scene of the collision or witnessed the incident is asked to ring the GSOC witness appeal line 1890 600 800.

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lisa McGowan celebrates 100K followers. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Bernadine Grogan and Lisa McGowan

Lisa goes live with Launch Party

L

ISA Mc Gowan, AKA Lisa’s Lust List, launched her very own website on Friday, January 25 in the The Hyatt Centric in The Liberties. Surrounded by followers, her loyal brands, family and friends, Lisa threw a party to remember. Lisa also reached 100k followers on Instagram on the same night so a double celebration was had by all.

Eliska McAndrew, Katie Geoghegan, Lisa McGowan, Mandy Maher, Dearbhla Silke and Lucy Slevin

Brenda McCaffery and Clare O’Kane

Katherine Taylor and Linda Simpson

Eliska McAndrew and Katie Geoghegan

Judy Ryan and Annette Kelly

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

CRIME: NO-ONE HAS EVER BEEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE KILLING

New appeal for information on murder PADRAIG CONLON

TEN years ago the body of a young man from Tallaght was found in a shallow grave in the Dublin mountains.

No b o d y h a s b e e n charged over the murder and those responsible have never had to answer for their crime.

A decade on, Crimestoppers this week launched a renewed appeal for information about the murder of Kenneth Fetherston, whose body was discovered in 2010.

On September 22, 2009 Kenneth, aged 27, left his

apartment in Tallaght at 08:30am in a red Honda Civic. He travelled to Luke Lawlor’s filling station, Balrothery, Tallaght (now Circle K garage) and “HiSpec Repairs” at Landy’s Industrial estate (which has since closed).

Kenneth was last seen at this garage at 9:30am.

His red Honda Civic (registration 93 D 44862) was discovered four days later in a lay-by on the N11, between Arklow and Gorey.

Gardai believe the car was abandoned there between 11pm on Tuesday September 22 and 10am on Wednesday,

September 23.

Kenneth’s remains were discovered on January 31, 2010 by two members of the public walking in the Dublin mountains.

Crimestoppers and the gardai are appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information relating to this murder.

Calls to Crimestoppers are completely anonymous and callers do not need to leave their name or address.

Anybody with information can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.

Speaking on Tuesday, Superintendent Ian Lack-

DRUGS

‘Examine use of cannabis’

Kenneth Fetherston

ey, Tallaght Garda Station said: “On the tenth anniversary of Kenneth’s murder, we are appealing for anyone who has even the smallest piece of information to come forward.

“Although time has passed, any information that may seem insignificant to you may help with this investigation.

“If a member of the

public prefers to give the information without identifying themselves, they can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.”

Crimestoppers Chairman John Murphy also commented on the appeal: “Members of the public can call Crimestoppers with potentially valuable information about any

crime without leaving their name or personal details.

“The ability to give information anonymously can be an important incentive and could help solve a case and secure a conviction.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this case to get in contact.”

A DUBLIN Mid-West candidate in the upcoming general election is calling for the issue of cannabis use to be examined.

Caitriona McClean, Fianna Fail, says she believes a thorough examination is called for when it comes to regulation of the drug.

“I am calling for cannabis use to be examined by the Citizens Assembly,” she said.

“It’s an extremely complex issue, it is not about pushing for a outcome, it’s about the need for a thorough examination and discussion, which I believe could be well facilitated by the Citizens Assembly.

“It’s Fianna Fail’s position that we should look at introducing delayed criminalisation for personal use so that services are directed towards proper treatment and intervention.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2019

CAMPAIGN: CONSULTANT GROUP PUT FORWARD SEVERAL POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO ADOPT

Appeal to Minister for Health to ‘put patients first’ in crisis KEAVY O’SULLIVAN

IN RECENT talks with Minister for Health Simon Harris, the Irish Hospital Consultant Association (IHCA) has appealed for him to “put politics aside and patients first”.

They presented a number of workable solutions to address the overwhelming public hospital capacity deficits which are causing unacceptable waiting lists and trolley crisis.

The IHCA represents more than 95% of Ireland’s hospital consul-

tants, and urged the Minister to take decisive action to immediately end consultant pay discrimination, saying “it would be a game-changer in attracting consultants to work in public hospitals, and ensuring patients can access hospital care when they need it”.

According to consultants, there are more than 500 unfilled permanent hospital consultant posts across Ireland’s public hospitals.

These vacancies are recognised as the root cause of the long waiting times now experienced by patients,

and the trolley crisis in public hospitals.

The IHCA identified the 2012 decision of the then Minister for Health Dr James Reilly (FG) regarding consultant pay as a contributing factor to today’s crisis, saying: “Patients have endured the adverse and severe impact of the government’s 2012 decision, which has driven hospital consultants away from our public hospitals to practise abroad and in private hospitals.”

The IHCA representatives have also called on Minister Harris and the

government to open up further public hospital beds and bring forward the delivery of additional beds from 2030 to 2025, which were promised under both the HSE Capacity Review 2018 and the National Development Plan.

They are also calling on it to introduce and resource a maximum waiting time of four hours for patients presenting at emergency departments to be admitted, discharged, or transferred.

They also want to introduce and resource a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks following a GP referral for

consultant outpatient appointments and inpatient/day-care public hospital treatments.

Speaking about the face-to-face talks more generally, Dr O’Hanlon said “Frontline hospital consultants appealed to Minister Harris to put politics aside and patients first, by committing to effective targets to deliver timely care to patients which at least match those in the [British] NHS. “The delivery of effective targets will require the implementation of practical workable solutions that the IHCA has recommended for years.”

‘The next government can end the spiral of misery for families’ PADRAIG CONLON

INCREASING eligibility for a scheme for people at risk of losing their homes could end the “spiral of misery” for thousands of Dublin families.

That is according to housing and homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry, who is calling for the Government’s mortgage to rent scheme to be made mandatory for banks when dealing with families in unsustainable debt.

According to the latest figures, more than 5,400 family home loans are in arrears for two years or more across Dublin, while more than 240 mortgage to rent cases have either been completed or are being actively progressed.

The scheme allows mortgage holders at risk of losing their homes to switch to paying a fair income-based affordable rent to their local authority while remaining in their current dwellings.

Fr McVerry also called on the incoming government to increase the scheme’s eligibility criteria so that a meaningful attempt can be made to solve many of the 27,000 cases where homeowners have been in arrears for at least two years.

At present, there are 1,200 active cases in the

Fr Peter McVerry (right) with Paul Cunningham, chief executive, Home for Life – one of the groups advocating for a change in governmental policy over mortgage to rent schemes, in a bid to help tackle the housing crisis

mortgage to rent process nationwide.

Fr McVerry said: “What this housing crisis needs right now is radical thinking. Solutions won’t happen overnight, but if the will is there, then it can happen pretty quickly.

“If the next government was serious about tackling this huge mortgage debt legacy from the past decade, it should make it illegal over the next three years to evict people without an offer of mortgage to rent.

“However, the next government has to sit down and change the thresholds which limit the mortgage to rent scheme.

“I am on record as saying that many more families should be included in this scheme, because it is the only way for many of them to resolve their current circumstances.

“The stress and misery people are enduring must be relieved, and there must be an immediate review of extending the mortgage to rent boundaries.

“It saddens me to think that every week, there are thousands of home-dwellers living in needless fear of a knock on the door or a visit from the postman.

“I would encourage them to engage with their local MABs [Money Advice and Budgeting Service] people, or their lender, so that their cases can be dealt with.

“If they do that, then they should be able to stay in their home if they pay a rent, like all local authority tenants.”

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

HIGH COURT CHALLENGE BID

TRANSPORT

Farmer fights Intel on expansion plan PADRAIG CONLON

LOCAL farmer Thomas Reid is going to war with US tech giant Intel again in another planning dispute.

This time, he is attempting to stop the IT giant from expanding its Leixlip plant through a High Court challenge to An Bord Pleanala’s (ABP) decision last November to greenlight the €3.6bn expansion.

ABP gave the go-ahead for the project after finding that the plan would constitute a reasonable and orderly expansion of the existing manufacturing use at the location.

T h e p ro p o s a l wa s opposed by Reid last June, who appealed the Kildare County Council decision.

The planning permis-

sion was granted three years after Intel secured planning permission for the first phase of the ‘FAB’ facility, valued at $4bn.

Overall, the two planning permissions represent a $8bn (€7.26bn) investment, that would employ 6,000 construction workers at its peak, and 1,600 full-time jobs on completion.

The construction work is expected to take four years, including two years of breaking and removing some 647,000 square metres of rock.

Previously, Reid unsuccessfully objected to the first phase of the expansion plans in 2017.

However, he was successful in 2015 in his fight with the IDA when the Supreme Court found that the IDA – in making

a Compulsory Purchase Order for his 72-acre farm beside the Intel campus – had been in excess of its powers.

A spokesperson for Intel told Dublin Gazette: “The planning process is a matter for An Bord Pleanala and it would be inappropriate for us to comment on it any further.”

Under the expansion plans, the size of the facility will increase by 30 acres.

Re id claims ABP’s approval decision was “rushed”, in error in law, and should be quashed.

Last Friday, January 17, Mr Justice Charles Meenan gave permission for Reid’s lawyers to bring an application next month for judicial review against ABP, with Intel as a notice party.

Councillor welcomes Luas plan

Bee-sy girls happy to launch a new BUMBLEance vehicle SISTERS Zara and Kate Hanlon were happy to help Tony Heffernan, Founder and Chief Executive of BUMBLEance, and Eilish Hardiman, Chief Executive, CHI at the launch of the latest BUMBLEance children’s ambulance service. Launched at the CHI’s new paediatric Urgent Care Centre at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, the new BUMBLEance carries an image of Zara and Kate’s late brother, Jack, who was born with a life-limiting illness, Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 11, and used a BUMBLEance when he was almost four months old to go from Temple Street Hospital to his home. This new bespoke service will provide daily interhospital transfers between the new Urgent Care Centre and the children’s hospitals at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

CLLR Deirdre O’Donovan (FF) says she welcomes news that her motion to extend the Luas line from Kingswood to Ballycullen has been passed by the LAC of South Dublin County Council.

She said: “This is just the first step to having the plan included in a future Programme for Government.

“The proposal was initially suggested in 2004, and obviously given the incredible amount of development and lack of any adequate public transport in the area, it is more vital than ever that this plan becomes a reality.

“This is the most effective and innovative solution, in terms of making a real difference, and to deal with the chronic traffic congestion in our community,” said Cllr O’Donovan.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

CANDIDATES ADDRESS MAIN TALKING POINTS

What candidates say about the big topics CONTINUING on from last week’s initial focus, DUBLIN GAZETTE reached out to the confirmed candidates who will be campaigning in General Election 2020.

We asked them all the same set of questions, to help inform you about where they stand on just some of the main issues of the day.

Here is what the general election candidates had to say* – the following answers were from those who had responded by our print deadline this week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dublin south west

SEAN CROWE, Sinn Féin

Q1 I will support Sinn Fein’s efforts to tackle the trolley and health crisis head on by ending the recruitment embargo, hiring more nurses and midwives, opening more beds and providing more home help hours to relieve pressure on our hospitals.

I will also advocate for children and adults with profound and special needs to ensure they get the right care and support.

Q2 I will support Sinn

Féin’s policies to deliver the largest public housing building programme in the history of the State and to take emergency action to address the rental crisis by reducing rents by up to €1,500 a year through a tax credit and introducing a rent freeze.

Q3 Dublin South West currently has some of the longest waiting times in the State for people to access speech and language supports.

I will support policies to end the current recruitment embargo and hire staff to end the unacceptable waiting lists.

I will also work to reduce back to school costs and to eradicate third level fees.

Q4 I care deeply about our local environment and climate change.

I regularly volunteer with the Litter Mugs group in Tallaght cleaning our streams, rivers, and parks from rubbish and waste.

I will support Sinn Féin’s radical proposals to

implement a green new deal which will see a just transition away from fossil fuels dependency and to a focus on renewable energy.

Q 5 I wa n t to s e e improved public transport links for Dublin South West and support increased investment in public transport.

I support extending the proposed metro to my constituency and improving our cycling infrastructure.

I also want to see the creation of a transport police unit in An Garda Síochána to deal with crime and harassment on public transport.

Q6 I stand up for ordinary people and will support policies to end the housing and health crisis, put money back in people’s pockets, and create a fairer, united Ireland.

Dublin miD west

tive work locally.

Q5 Definitely not. We need more busses on our routes and Kishogue Train Station opened as priority.

I believe that investments in public transport are good for both commuters and our local

environment.

Q6 I am a passionate champion for our local community and I want to deliver at a national level for Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart and Brittas.

I believe I can achieve

real results to improve our local area when it comes to affordable housing, schools and public transport.

I am asking people to allow me to continue the work I have started locally at a national level.

Votes waiting to be counted ... There’s always a lot at stake in any general election, with 2020 being particularly important for the country’s future. Consider the candidates carefully, and ensure that your voice is represented by your precious vote ...

Cllr EMER HIGGINS, FINE GAEL

Q1 Our health service is not fit for purpose. Successive Governments have been unable to make significant progress in changing that.

As every main party has signed up to the Sláintecare programme we’ve now managed to take the politics out of our health service.

Q2 There are too many challenges facing people when it comes to housing at the moment and getting houses built is the only way out of the current situation.

2020 will see the highest number of social homes added to the stock in a single year this century.

Q3 It’s really important that we continue to encourage young people into college and that means making it affordable and attainable.

Many of our local schools are in need of serious investment especially in Rathcoole and Lucan.

Q4 I believe we need to take action on climate change.

South Dublin County Council is leading the way doing really innova-

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

FASTNews Call for 50% increase in capitation grants FIRST time Labour candidate for Dublin South West Ciarán Ahern has said Tallaght’s DEIS schools should receive at least a 50% increase in their capitation grants.

He has also called for a guarantee that class size should be no greater than 18 pupils in DEIS secondary schools and 15 pupils in DEIS primary schools.

“Children and teachers in DEIS schools need more support,” Ahern said.

“The Labour Party is fully behind the INTO #TimeForDEIS campaign which seeks to lower the pupilteacher ratio in DEIS schools.

“The Labour Party is also committed to providing more resource teachers and counsellors to help address the profound impact of homelessness in the classroom.”

Dodder Action to mark anniversary

IT is exactly one year since Tallaght’s ‘Bottle Swamp’ was first observed by Dodder Action volunteers.

The emptying of domestic waste continues unabated to the present day.

Household rubbish is emptied into Whitestown Stream, making its way through Seán Walsh Park, joining the Dodder River at the Bolbrook confluence, eventually reaching the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay. Dodder Action will be marking the anniversary of the first sighting of the ‘Bottle Swamp’.

On the 8th of February, a clean-up will take place on the Whitestown Stream.

Meet-up outside Croi Ro Naofa GAA Club, Killinarden Way, at 10.00 a.m, all equipment will be provided.

Group launches campaign for faster climate action

PICTURED at Sandymount Strand at the launch of One Future, a new campaign group calling for faster and fairer climate action, was Peter O’Brien, a supporter of the campaign.

The Union of Students in Ireland, Concern Worldwide and National Women’s Council of Ireland are among the civil society organisations joining forces to highlight climate action as a central priority for voters in the upcoming

election.

The campaign is encouraging people to challenge election candidates on the doorstep about their climate action plans and hopes to make #ClimateVote2020 a central issue of the general election.

Further information on One Future can be found at www.onefuture.ie.

Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Lucan Local History presents new talk

ANOTHER interesting up and coming talk in Lucan Library to look forward to when local historian Joe Byrne returns.

Joe will be discussing the history of Lucan Spas and Hotels in the period 1720-2020 through all its evolutions, demises and current form.

This talk is on at Lucan Library on February 22nd at 2pm and you can book a place by contacting the Library or at http://lucanlibrarydublin.eventbrite. com.

Free recycling of election MOTORING... PAGE 24 posters offered by firm

A RECYCLING company have announced it will accept all election posters for recycling free of charge following the General Election on February 8.

Panda say that they recycled 42 tonnes of election posters, equal to 168,000 individual posters, in a similar scheme earlier this year.

The posters will be shredded in Ireland with the material then used to make products

such as paint tubs.

Cable ties will also be accepted at the waste collection sites and will be recycled to manufacture fruit and vegetable trays.

Speaking about the announcement, Des Crinion, managing director, Panda Recycling Division said: “Following the success of last year’s initiative, we are delighted to be able to offer this service around the

country and play our part in alleviating the issue of election waste.

“I would urge all political parties, candidates and local county councils to make use of the service we’re providing.”

The company have said that they hope this service will encourage candidates and parties to quickly remove and dispose of their posters following voting day next week.

Panda say there is no deadline for dropping the posters into their recycling centres, but ‘ideally’ they hope that posters will arrive in the days following the election as it is more efficient to recycle posters at the same time, in large batches.

Panda operates 21 recycling centres nationwide.

For further information on how to recycle election posters contact poster@panda.ie

Turn heads with this Mazda beauty

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

OPINION: UPCOMING EVENT PROMISES TO DO A BETTER JOB AT ADDRESSING STARK REALITY

Tune in to ‘The Real Debate’ for a meaningful national debate PADRAIG CONLON

FOLLOWING the decision

by RTE to only include the leaders of two political parties on its TV Leaders Debate, an alternative debate is set to take place in Dublin.

The Real Debate – a podcast/streaming event – will be available while the proposed Leaders Debate between Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin is being broadcast next Tuesday night, February 4, and will feature a variety of opinions and views from across the political spectrum, including from journalists and podcasters.

It’s been set up as a collaboration between several organisations, including Right2Homes, HomeOptions, with Dublin Gazette as a media partner.

The Real Debate is offering “the other 52% of voters” a debate and will create opportunities for other voices and opinions to be shared.

Moderator on the evening will be Donagh McKeown, who has many years’ experience as a radio presenter and producer with the BBC and various radio stations in Ireland, including Shannonside/Northern Sound, Downtown Radio, Mid 106, Townland Radio, and presently Belfast 89.

Talking to Dublin Gazette ahead of next week’s debate, he said: “We are keen to engage with potential participants for the podcast, so do please reach out to the Facebook page, The Real Debate, for a chance to participate.

“Follow our pre-event debate on the Facebook page, and/or develop your own local debate and feel free to share as we build our audience.”

‘Waltzing on borrowed time’ That’s the clarion call

from the founders of Homeoptions, taken from the title of a song by legendary Dublin folk singer/ songwriter Pete St John.

Homeoptions spent 5-years trying to introduce legislation into Dáil Éireann, aiming to protect families in their homes, whilst at the same time also attempting to remove Vulture Funds from the Irish economy by offering the banks ethically-funded alternatives.

These efforts were rejected out of hand by the bailed-out banks, with AIB rejecting a fully-funded €800m bid for its latest Portfolio of Distressed

“

of sitting Fianna Fail and Fine Gael TDs, with the exception of John McGuinness, Marc MacSharry, Eamon O Cuiv and Independents such as Mattie McGrath and Michael Fitzmaurice, sat on the fence while tens of thousands of families are getting thrown to the wolves.”

Reilly said the “frustrating” journey began for Right2Homes in 2013 following the government’s introduction of The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill.

This legislation had been designed to help protect families caught up with distressed fam-

[The voters should] understand just how powerless most of these same TDs actually are when faced with the need to tackle housing, homelessness, wanton profiteering, vested interests and internal party politics

Family Home Loans (NPLs).

Similar bids were also dismissed by PTSB and Ulster Bank.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette ahead of The Real Debate, Homeoptions founder Brian Reilly said: “I think voters have an absolute right to know the depths of hypocrisy they are dealing with when heading to the polls on February 8. “[They should also] understand just how powerless most of these same TDs actually are when faced with the need to tackle housing, homelessness, wanton profiteering, vested interests and internal party politics.

“Most of the current crop

ily home mortgages, but quickly becoming known as the “Eviction Bill”.

Right2Homes had been established to help challenge the legitimacy of that Act, given its retrospective impact on distressed family home mortgages.

Meetings were arranged with numerous TDs from all parties, and also some Independents, resulting in the idea of a “People’s Bill” which was then drafted for Right2Homes by the Master of the High Court, Edmund Honohan.

Reilly says that after having encouraged the production of such a “People’s Bill”, the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, under the direction of

As an alternative to The Leaders Debate on RTE, The Real Debate – bringing together many disparate opinions and views – promises to offer a meaningful alternative view on the state of the nation, and our future. Housing will be an obvious area of concern – but what else will The Real Debate focus on?

Tune in and see ...

Micheal Martin and his non-elected advisers, failed miserably to support the Bill, instead leaving it up to Kilkenny TD John McGuinness to introduce the resulting Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill 2018 as a Private Members Bill, which he did in 2018 (see illustration, above right). “ T h e hy p o c r i sy involved here, especially

by Micheal Martin, can only be described as breathtaking,” said Reilly, on his first face-to-face meeting with the Fianna Fail leader.

He said: “We had already spent an enormous amount of time producing the actual Bill itself, encouraged initially

by an internal FF working group led by Darragh O’Brien, incorporating changes along the way as suggested by various groups, including Fianna Fail, the Bills Office, the Ceann Comhairle’s Office and the Department of Finance.

“Micheal Martin’s opening remarks at that first formal meeting were: ‘I won’t be bounced into supporting this Bill’ – an alarming statement, given that we were at that time almost eight years into a mounting housing and homelessness crisis.

“Nothing has changed to this day; the crisis is demonstrably worse, and the man is simply not capable of radical change

– it’s clearly not in his DNA. “A number of leading FF deputies have since confirmed to us that, should Micheal Martin and his small cohort of non-elected advisors, somehow manage to win out on February 8, nothing of any significance will have changed when we all wake up to the reality on February 9.

“The country will be left facing yet another five years of blind adherence to existing Fine Gael policies supporting banks, profiteering and vulture funds.

“The time for radical change is now, so why can’t voters insist their politicians grow up and envisage the collec-

tive possibilities for real change?” asked Reilly.

He made the point that with 45 of the 159 seats up for grabs in the capital, voters in the 11 constituencies of Dublin could possibly decide the makeup of the 33rd Dail.

Reailly said: “A Coalition of the Willing is what’s now required, with more than 77% of the electorate currently not supporting Fine Gael, according to several published polls, mostly on foot of the worsening disasters in housing, health and overspending on state projects.

“It’s definitely time for real change.”

For further information, see The Real Debate Facebook page.

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE: ADORABLY ACCESSIBLE

DUBLIN

LIMITED EDITION MAZDA MX-5 PAGE 21 OFFERS MAXIMUM STYLE P24



WELCOME TO OUR VERY FIRST POLSKA GAZETA PAGE! P26

DUNNES Stores have launched a great new range of cool clothes for children – the Additional Needs line, that offers lots of stylish threads, which are perfect for children with wheelchairs, PEG tubes or other accessibility needs

MAGAZINE

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

EDUCATION | CELEBRATING A MUSIC COLLEGE’S LEGACY IN THE LIBERTIES

Pitching in to help support open day PADRAIG CONLON

A noteworthy group ... These talented musicians were delighted to help promote the opening day at BIMM Institute Dublin. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

A DUBLIN college that helps musicians break into the music world held a very successful open day last weekend.

Situated in the heart of Dublin 8, BIMM Institute Dublin (British and Irish Modern Music), has earned the reputation of being Ireland’s most connected music college.

With two campuses located on Francis Street and The Coombe, BIMM opened their doors last Saturday, January 25, to showcase what students can expect when studying at the college.

Guests had the opportunity to meet graduates who are currently shaping the music industry and successfully working as producers, session players, music therapists, lecturers, events managers, agents and promoters, to name but a few career paths.

BIMM offers students a launch pad into the world of contemporary music through its undergraduate and post-graduate courses, including BA (Hons) Commercial Modern Music, and its newly launched MA in

Popular Music Practice, which will commence in September.

Students also have access to master classes with many high-profile industry guests.

Some former guests include The Edge, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Hozier, John Grant, Danny O’Donoghue (The Script), Imelda May, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Neil Hannon.

Some of Ireland’s most successful artists have walked through BIMM’s doors since it opened more than nine years ago, including Andrew Byrne (Hozier) and Imelda May. Since 2015, more than 600 students have graduated from the BA CMM, with more than 86% currently working in the music and creative arts industries.

Re c e n t su c c e s s f u l graduates include Ciara O’Connor, who is currently touring around the US with international artist Dua Lipa as her backing vocalist and dancer, and Aimee Mallon, who is one half of Dublin-based electronic indie-house duo, Le Boom.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND QUIRKY

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

Over 23,000 people apply to be Great Blasket caretakers C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Cóilín Duffy cduffy@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240

OVER 23,000 people have applied for two jobs on the uninhabited Great Blasket Island.

Although no one lives permanently on the island, the tourist season of April to October has meant two people are needed to run the three guest cottages and coffee shop on Blasket.

There is no electricity, Wi-Fi or hot water on the island but apparently that has not deterred thousands of people – some as far afield as Australia and the US – to apply for positions.

Blasket Island lies two kilometres off the Kerry coast, is only six kilometres long and was famously the home of writer

Dating disaster goes viral A DUBLIN girl went viral last week after her tweet about her weirdest date ever amassed nearly 350,000 likes.

Holly Shortall, 30, from Dublin said when she was younger, she brought her date a condolence card and present after she learnt his pet bat died.

THE reimagined and refurbished Irish Wars 1919 – 1923 opened at the National Museum of Ireland recently, as part of the Museum’s Decade of Centenaries Commemorations.

The exhibition features 50 newly displayed artefacts, including an IRA intelligence file digitised and will be accessible for the first time.

Pictured are Brenda Malone, Curator, Irish Wars 1919–1923; Gerard Fitzpatrick, Donor of the IRA intelligence file and Dr Audrey Whitty, Head of Collections and Learning, National Museum of Ireland. Pictures: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY

However, communication wires must have been crossed between Holly and her date as she wrote: “When I was a wee emo this guy asked me out - I didn’t hear from him on the day till he texted me saying sorry and that his bat had died. So, I got him a condolence card and a present and took it to the date, like,” I’m so

sorry about your pet bat,” and he was like, “no I meant my phone battery”.

Holly added: “In my defence, this was when we all had Nokia 3210s and a dead battery was unheard of.”

Holly’s tweet spread all over Twitter and Reddit gaining over 30,000 retweets in the process.

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

Bonnie is a very sweet and friendly six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She is instantly friendly with everyone and just loves company. She is an active girl; loves to play with her toys; and enjoys a fun game of fetch.

Bonnie is a very sweet girl who will make an amazing addition to any family once she is given time to settle in.

As Bonnie loves company so much, she is looking for a family who will be home for most of the day, so she doesn’t get lonely.

She can live with children over the age of 12, especially if they can help with her ongoing training. Bonnie can be picky with her doggy pals, so if her future family have a dog already, they will need to do a meet at the Rehoming Centre beforehand.

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

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.

Peig Seyers. Owner of the houses, Billy O’Connor, grandson of the late Peter Callery, a Dingle solicitor whose company once owned most of the Blasket, said the level of interest has taken him by surprise.

O’Connor and his wife, Alice Hayes say they are still trawling through their email inbox and will get back to the successful candidates in due course.

“A huge, huge thank you to everyone who took time to apply and share or like the post, we can’t explain how much your interest means to us,” said Hayes.

The posting says the job is suitable for a couple or two friends who are happy to move together.

bonnie

DOG OF THE WEEK

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

I saw this on my walk into college. Dublin- never change. @mary guilbeaux

bruh this pic just gave me lack toes in toddler ants

New exhibits go on show Police answer mystery Heroic farm dog Patsy saves starlings found dead THE mystery of hundreds of starlings being found dead on a road in Anglesey, Wales is understood to have been solved by the police who say they were avoiding a predator.

More than 200 starlings were spread over a road near Llyn Llyweran, in the north-west of Wales in December.

Originally thought to be a mystery, North Wales Police’s rural crime team now saw they cracked the case after the Animal and Plant Health Agency examined the birds.

The post-mortem results show the birds suffered severe internal trauma from impact.

Rob Taylor, from the force’s rural crime team, said: “Please bear in mind that the full toxicology has not been received, so a final theory cannot be confirmed, but we are quite sure of the reasons and cause of deaths to the birds.

“The trauma supports the case that the birds died from impact with the road.

“It’s highly likely the murmuration took avoiding action whilst airborne, from possibly a bird of prey, with the rear of the group not pulling up in time and striking the ground.

“We still await toxicology, but from speaking to many people, looking at the injuries and previous worldwide cases, it appears by taking avoiding flight action the murmuration has flown towards the ground and pulled up, but some have not made it.”

When My Chemical Romance announce a Dublin gig @ iresimpsonsfans

sheep from Australian bushfires THE Australian bushfires have devasted large parts of the country and killed more than one billion animals since September 2019.

Volunteers from around the coun-

try and as far away as USA and Canada have fought courageously to fight the blazes and rescue the country’s animal’s, many of which are endan-

gered.

Among these brave volunteers is Patsy – a six year-old border collie.

According to CNET, Patsy lives with her owner Stephen Hill in Corryong, Victoria and helped save Hill’s entire flock of sheep from the encroaching blaze in early January.

Patsy herded all 900 sheep to the safest paddock on the farm, as Hill fought the fires threatening his land.

“I’d have been stuffed without Patsy,” said Hill. “She’s earned front-seat privileges for the rest of her life.”

The fearless Patsy managed to save nearly every animal with only a handful of sheds and animals lost.

Tales of Patsy’s feat has g a r n e re d a d m i re r s f ro m around the world, with her new Instagram account – Patsy the Corryong Wonder Dog – attracting thousands of followers.

News just in: Ireland is 40 years old @poilination

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

FOOD&DRINK

Seeds are sown for children’s initiative

Gary Ibbotson

INNOCENT and Grow It Yourself (GIY) and teamed up once again to launch this year’s ‘Big Grow’ initiative – encouraging young people to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables.

Now in its ninth year, the campaign has been developed closely with teachers and educational specialists to give aspiring junior gardeners the information and tools to create their own little vegetable patch in their garden, classroom or even windowsill.

Michael Kelly, GIY founder, said: “Studies show that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and show higher levels of knowledge about nutrition.

“The children not only learn the science of growing, they also experience the joy of growing and eating their own food.

“GIY calls this ‘Food Empathy’, which is a deeper connection with food, and is proven to lead to a healthier life longterm.

“We are delighted to work

with innocent on this once again and we hope these life lessons stay with our growers into adulthood,” he says.

Food writer Lilly Higgins, who has joined this year’s campaign said she “is so excited to be involved in the innocent Big Grow”.

Higgins says: “This campaign is doing something very important - building a lifelong love of healthy food with children.

“If we can instil a love of homegrown produce with kids at an early age, we are giving them a valuable skill for life.”

The Big Grow is open for primary schools across the country with 60,000 children getting the opportunity to avail of a free grow kit.

This year, for the first time, the school judged to have cultivated the most impressive grows will receive €1,000 towards their school garden adding an extra incentive for the nation’s little growers to get involved and grow crazy.

The kits include three packs of seeds and children will get the chance to grow peas, cress and baby carrots.

Jessica Chinamasa and Hannah Bryce-Smith, little growers from St Brigid’s Garden Club in Stillorgan joining the growvolution with the innocent Big Grow. Picture: Mark Stedman

Thirty-two growing cups will also be included - one for each student to sow their own little ‘crop’.

Compost disc that expands in their cup when water is

added, a teacher’s resource booklet which includes lots of fun and educational activities, a classroom wallchart so that teachers can celebrate the weekly growing highs and suc-

cesses and some Star Grower Badges, will also be in the growing kits.

To apply for a grow kit, please visit www.innocentbiggrow.com.

Sink your teeth into Rugby inspired recipes YOGHURT brand Glenisk will host an exclusive one-day pop-up restaurant in Tang on Dawson Street on Monday, February 3.

Following Ireland’s opening encounter of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations on February 1, the restaurant will be serving up a host of limitededition rugby-inspired recipes from 7:30 am.

As part of its ‘Eat Like Them’ campaign, Glenisk have developed a menu of 15 scrum-ptious (aye?) highprotein dishes.

The menu will feature both breakfast and lunch options as well as a selection of all-day protein snacks, developed by Glenisk in collaboration with the IRFU Performance Nutrition team.

Example of dishes will include Protein Pancakes, slow-cooked Marinated Irish Beef and Vegetarian Falafel.

Dishes will range in price from €2.50 up to €9, with all proceeds from the day donated to Peter McVerry Trust. There will also be chances to win great rugby prizes on the day including tickets to see Ireland v Wales on February 8.

Saba To Go Rathmines named best takeaway

SABA to Go, Rathmines was crowned Ireland’s favourite takeaway last week at the Just Eat National Takeaway Awards.

Overall, 10 establishments in Dublin walked away with awards with Camile Thai, Phibsboro winning Best Takeaway Sustainability Award, while San Sab in Drumcondra won the best Spice Bag category.

Hosted in Dublin’s Number Twenty-Two and presented by presenter and foodie Cassie Stokes, The National Takeaway Awards were developed by Just

Eat to celebrate the nation’s favourite local takeaways.

Over 17,000 people nationwide voted on 25 categories with best vegan takeaway and best sustainable takeaway new additions to the list.

Unsurprisingly, the humble spice bag was voted Ireland’s favourite dish for the second year running, beating out the burrito, chicken korma, fish and chips and pepperoni pizza.

The full list of winners:

Best takeaway Ireland Saba to Go, Rathmines Best takeaway Dublin Saba to Go, Rathmines, D6 Best takeaway Connacht Xian Street Food, Galway Best takeaway Munster Camile Thai, Limerick Ireland’s favourite dish Spice bag Best Chinese Bamboo Court, Letterkenny Best Indian Bombay Pantry, Rathfarnham, D14 Best Thai Saba to Go, Rathmines Best Mexican Boojum, Kevin Street, D2

Best Japanese Wagamama, South King Street, D2 Best Middle Eastern Zaytoon, Camden Street, D2 Best breakfast McDonald’s, Swords Best chipper Macari 101, NaasBest pizza Base Wood Fired Pizza, Terenure, Dublin 6 Best salad Chopped, Fairview, D3 Best spice bag San Sab, Drumcondra, D9 Best sustainability Camile Thai, Phibsborough, D7 Best vegan Camile Thai, Greystones, Wicklow Best vegetarian Camile Thai, Limerick

Amanda Roche-Kelly, MD Just Eat Ireland, pictured with the winners of Best Takeaway Ireland, Saba To Go; Alan Cadden and Paul Cadden, and Head Chef Noraset Pradubwate .

Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

DUBLIN GAZETTE’S ELECTION FOCUS

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

THE CANDIDATES We bring you a full list of the candidates across Dublin THE CANDIDATES are confirmed - it’s all systems go on the campaign trail, and here at Dublin Gazette we continue with our comprehensive coverage of Election 2020. 151 candidates are running across 11 constituences in the capital.

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, The Labour Party, Sinn Féin, Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, Solidarity - People Before Profit, United People (UP), Aontú, Irish Freedom Party, Renua Ireland, The National Party, The Workers Party, Independents 4 Change, Social Democrats, Independents and Non Party candidates are all part of the mix.

THE CONSITUENCIES ARE BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS: Dublin Fingal (16) Dublin West (12) Dublin North West (10) Dublin Bay North (18) Dublin Central (15) Dublin Bay South (15) Dublin South Central (13) Dublin Mid-West (12) Dublin South West (16) Dublin Rathdown (11) Dun Laoghaire (13)

ALL MAPPED OUT

COMMENT: We need a strong voter turn-out

Make sure you use your vote and have your say IT’S TEN days out from the 2020 General Election, and politicans and their campaign teams across the capital and indeed the country are ramping up their efforts to gain your all important vote.

That’s the thing your vote is IMPORTANT - not just to the politicians, but to you, and indeed the greater populace in how we can shape the future of this country.

Irish freedom was hard earned; so too was the right to allow women to vote. All of this just happened around a century ago - but since then we have shaped a strong democracy - and for all it’s faults Ireland isn’t a bad country to live in - certainly by World standards.

Granted there are plenty of things that certainly need to be tackled - the homeless and housing crisis to just single out a particular issue.

How do we address this?

We put pressure on the election candidates to do something about it - we vote for people who can make a difference. We read their manifestos and those of their parties (if they have one), and we shape our opinions and thoughts to select what we think are the right candidates.

But if you’ve listened to what the politicans

CÓILÍN DUFFY GROUP EDITOR DUBLIN GAZETTE

canvassing have to say, or read their leaflets and manifestos, but then don’t vote - what’s the point!

Only by voting can you really have a say.

You’ll say what difference does one vote make - but you’ll be surprised how it can.

While countries such as the United Kingdom also call themselves a democracy - they are to a point - but not as much as we are here in Ireland.

The UK system uses the ‘first past the post’ type of format, which means you only vote for one candidate for who you want to get into parliament.

In fact it’s only one representative in the House of Commons per consistuency too.

Here we operate the ‘proportional representation system’.

We vote for our candidates in order of preference. Even if you have 11 candidates and you mark it 1 through to 11, it could actually make a difference for No. 11! Vote wisely!!

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

ALL 151 CANDIDATES IN 11 DUBLIN CONSTITUENCIES AIMING TO BE A T.D. ON FEB 8

THE CANDIDATES ALL MAPPED OUT DUBLIN FINGAL

DUBLIN BAY NORTH

DUBLIN BAY SOUTH

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST



GLENN BRADY INDEPENDENT



RICHARD BRUTON FINE GAEL



CHRIS ANDREWS SINN FÉIN



CIARÁN AHERN THE LABOUR PARTY



LORRAINE CLIFFORD-LEE FIANNA FÁIL



MICHAEL BURKE NON PARTY



NORMA BURKE NON PARTY



CARLY BAILEY SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



ALAN FARRELL FINE GAEL



CONOR CREAVEN NON PARTY



PETER DOOLEY NON PARTY



COLM BROPHY FINE GAEL



TERRY KELLEHER SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



BRIAN GARRIGAN NON PARTY



SARAH DURCAN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



ANNE MARIE CONDREN RENUA IRELAND



DEAN MULLIGAN INDEPENDENTS 4 CHANGE



BEN GILROY IRISH FREEDOM PARTY



MANNIX FLYNN NON PARTY



SEÁN CROWE SINN FÉIN



PAUL MULVILLE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



SEAN HAUGHEY FIANNA FÁIL



JACQUI GILBOURNE RENUA IRELAND



MICK DUFF NON PARTY



TONY MURPHY NON PARTY



DAVID HEALY GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



KEVIN HUMPHREYS THE LABOUR PARTY



FRANCIS NOEL DUFFY GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



DARRAGH O’BRIEN FIANNA FÁIL



DEIRDRE HENEY FIANNA FÁIL



JOHN DOMINIC KEIGHER NON PARTY



PHILIP DWYER THE NATIONAL PARTY - AN PÁIRTÍ NÁISIÚNTA



JOE O’BRIEN GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



JOHN LYONS NON PARTY



ANNETTE MOONEY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



SANDRA FAY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



GEMMA O’DOHERTY NON PARTY



LINDA MCEVOY NON PARTY



EOGHAN MURPHY FINE GAEL



JOHN LAHART FIANNA FÁIL



LOUISE O’REILLY SINN FÉIN



DENISE MITCHELL SINN FÉIN



JIM O’CALLAGHAN FIANNA FÁIL



PAUL MURPHY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



JAMES REILLY FINE GAEL



BERNARD MULVANY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



KATE O’CONNELL FINE GAEL



CHARLIE O’CONNOR FIANNA FÁIL



ALISTAIR SMITH UNITED PEOPLE (UP)



CATHERINE NOONE FINE GAEL



SEAN O’LEARY NON PARTY



DEIRDRE O’DONOVAN FIANNA FÁIL



DUNCAN SMITH THE LABOUR PARTY



MICHAEL O’BRIEN SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



EAMONN RYAN GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



COLM O’ KEEFFE NON PARTY



SANDRA SWEETMAN NON PARTY



CIAN O’CALLAGHAN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



BEN SCALLAN IRISH FREEDOM PARTY



ELLEN O’MALLEY DUNLOP FINE GAEL



OGHENETANO JOHN UWHUMIAKPOR



PROINSIAS O’CONARAIN AONTÚ



KATHERINE ZAPPONE NON PARTY

SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



SEAN O’LEARY NON PARTY



AODHAN O’RIORDAIN THE LABOUR PARTY

DUBLIN WEST          

JOAN BURTON THE LABOUR PARTY PETER CASEY NON PARTY JACK CHAMBERS FIANNA FÁIL RUTH COPPINGER SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT EMER CURRIE FINE GAEL PAUL DONNELLY SINN FÉIN EDWARD MacMANUS AONTÚ RODERIC O’GORMAN GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS SEAN O’LEARY INDEPENDENT STEPHEN O’LOUGHLIN NON PARTY

DUBLIN CENTRAL 

GILLIAN BRIEN SOLIDARITY -

PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT       

CHRISTY BURKE NON PARTY PATRICK CLOHESSY NON PARTY JOE COSTELLO THE LABOUR PARTY PASCHAL DONOHOE FINE GAEL DEIRDRE DUFFY FINE GAEL MARY FITZPATRICK FIANNA FÁIL GARY GANNON SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



AENGUS Ó MAOLÁIN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



RITA HARROLD SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



LEO VARADKAR FINE GAEL



NEASA HOURIGAN GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



MARY LOU MCDONALD SINN FÉIN



SARAH LOUISE MULLIGAN NON PARTY



SEAN O’LEARY NON PARTY EILIS RYAN THE WORKERS PARTY

DUBLIN NORTHWEST 

CAROLINE CONROY GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS





IAN CROFT NON PARTY



IAN NOEL SMYTH AONTÚ



DESSIE ELLIS SINN FÉIN



DOLORES WEBSTER NON PARTY



NIALL FITZGERALD NON PARTY



PAUL MCAULIFFE FIANNA FÁIL



ANDREW MONTAGUE THE LABOUR PARTY



CONOR REDDY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



STEPHEN REDMOND THE NATIONAL PARTY



NOEL ROCK FINE GAEL



ROISIN SHORTALL SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

DUBLIN SOUTH CENTRAL CATHERINE ARDAGH FIANNA FÁIL



CATHERINE BYRNE FINE GAEL





JOAN COLLINS INDEPENDENTS 4 CHANGE





PATRICK COSTELLO GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS



TARA DEACY SOCIAL DEMOCRATS



ROBERT FOLEY NON PARTY



SERINA IRVINE THE NATIONAL PARTY



ALAN KERRIGAN NON PARTY



REBECCA MOYNIHAN THE LABOUR PARTY



RICHARD MURRAY NON PARTY



SEAN O’LEARY NON PARTY



AENGUS O’SNODAIGH SINN FÉIN



BRID SMITH SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT

DUBLIN MID-WEST      

DublinGazette

NEXT WEEK: THE PARTY LEADERS GIVE US THEIR THOUGHTS

DUBLIN RATHDOWN



     

SHAY BRENNAN FIANNA FÁIL DEIRDRE CONROY FIANNA FÁIL  LIAM COUGHLAN AONTÚ  JOSEPHA MADIGAN FINE GAEL  CATHERINE MARTIN GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS  LETTIE MCCARTHY THE LABOUR PARTY  SORCHA NIC CORMAIC SINN FÉIN  PATRICK NOONAN NON PARTY  EOGHAN Ó CEANNABHÁIN SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT  NEALE RICHMOND FINE GAEL  SHANE ROSS NON PARTY

DUN LAOGHAIRE 

RICHARD BOYD BARRETT SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT

VICKI CASSERLY FINE GAEL



JENNIFER CARROLL MACNEILL FINE GAEL

JOHN CURRAN FIANNA FÁIL



CORMAC DEVLIN FIANNA FÁIL

DAVID GARDINER THE WORKERS PARTY



MARY HANAFIN FIANNA FÁIL

PAUL NICHOLAS GOGARTY INDEPENDENT



MARY MITCHELL O’CONNOR FINE GAEL

EMER HIGGINS FINE GAEL



SHANE O’BRIEN SINN FÉIN

PETER KAVANAGH GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS



JULIET O’CONNELL THE LABOUR PARTY

GINO KENNY SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT



CON ÓG Ó LAOGHAIRE IRISH FREEDOM PARTY (I.F.P.)

CAITRÍONA MC CLEAN FIANNA FÁIL



DAVE QUINN SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

EOIN Ó BROIN SINN FÉIN



OSSIAN SMYTH GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS

FRANCIS TIMMONS INDEPENDENT



MAIRÉAD TÓIBÍN AONTÚ

JOANNA TUFFY THE LABOUR PARTY



BARRY WARD FINE GAEL

MARK WARD SINN FÉIN



JOHN WATERS NON PARTY

DUBLIN GAZETTE NO. 1 FOR ELECTIONS COVERAGE ACROSS THE CAPITAL

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

LEADERS HAVE THEIR SAY IN GALWAY

(left to right) Fine Gael leader, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Solidarity People Before Profit politician Richard Boyd Barrett, Social Democrats joint leader Roisin Shortall, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Irish Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, during the seven way RTE leaders debate at the NUIG campus in Galway on Monday night .

Picture: Niall Carson PA Wire/PA Images

Glenageary’s BoydBarrett a big winner in RTÉ Leaders Debate CÓILÍN DUFFY GROUP EDITOR AT RTÉ LEADERS DEBATE, NUI GALWAY cduffy@dublingazette.com

SOLIDARITY - PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT’S Richard Boyd Barrett certainly came out a real winner, following the RTÉ Election 2020 Leaders Debate at NUI Galway on Monday night.

Hosted as the ‘Claire Byrne Live Leaders Debate’, the almost two-hour long debate tackled the issues of Crime, Housing and Taxation along with the areas of climate change and the Environment.

The left-leaning polititcians in the debate certainly were the big winners in particular Boyd-Barrett who got his points across strongly, in a well-delivered fashion, with the substance of his comments factually accurate, and certainly

going down well with the public.

Social media was awash with praise for Boyd-Barrett; Eamon Ryan of the Green Party, and Social Democrats leader Roisín Shortall, while there were also kudos for much of what Sinn Féin’s Mary-Lou McDonald had to say.

Indeed most of the Dublin based politicians came out of the debate strongly, and while there was much pressure on Fine Gael leader An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar - he certainly came out with the quote of the night saying ‘there’s a fair few nutters in all parties including my own!’.

There was certainly a huge challenge for debate host Claire Byrne to ‘get it right’ and allow for a flowing debate, while also ensuring all of those involved got a fair crack at the whip in order to achieve balance and fairness required

under Broadcasting and media Law. The Laois native certainly achieved

“

The left leaning politicans in the debate were certainly the big winners this with aplomb, and has to be praised for the way she handly the debate fairly, and not being afraid to challenge the leaders on certain points they had made.

It was hugely evident that she had done her homework.

While this was a debate on national issues - of course all national issues are local! However, it wasn’t surprising that on some of the topics addressed - examples specifically relating to Dublin constituencies came to the fore.

In the area of housing, Leo Varadkar made reference to allowing for more cost-rental schemes across the country, and cited the recent schemes at Enniskerry Rd. and Emmet Rd. in Dublin as a model that Fine Gael intend to roll-out across the country should they get back into power.

On the issue of crime Labour leader Brendan Howlin talked about how communities who are under siege are frightened, and reference the good work being done by Gardaí throughout the country, and in particular in North Inner City Dublin, where he said that it was found

to be the case that it wasn’t just about simply having Garda Checkpoints in order to be effective.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald talked how Fitzgibbon St. Garda Station is still close, while her local station in Cabra is only open part-time hours. ‘You have to ensure that the Gardaí have the basic stuff (also),” she said.

The next debate will take place on Virgin Media One at 9.30pm tonight (Thursday January 30).

Once again the seven main party leaders will come under the microscope, with VMTV’s Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates asking the questions.

There had been calls from the smaller parties including Aontú’s Peadar Tobin to include them in the RTÉ debate last Monday, but an application for a court injunction was dropped at the 11th hour.

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

Adorably accessible

(L-R) Dunnes Stores: Easy dressing check shirt, €12 - €14 Wheelchair accessible jacket, €20-€22 Easy Dressing long sleeve top, €8-10 Easy Dressing star print top, €8 - €10 Easy Dressing button joggers, €12 - €14

 Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

DUNNES STORES have launched a line of new kids clothing, designed for children with additional needs.

The Additional Needs clothing range features a line of fashions and underwear designed to be more accessible for children in wheelchairs, with tubes, or with other extra needs not provided for in regular clothing.

super Sporty style  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor THE TOMMY SPORT collection for Spring 2020 has dropped, and it’s enough to make you want to run right to the gym!

The new collection is inspired by the pioneering spirit of modern America, celebrating the brand’s 35th anniversary by fusing classic heritage pieces with a twist.

Essentials including sports bras, leggings and T-shirts are reimagined through colour-blocking, mesh detailing and defined ergonomic cut lines.

These new details

HOME & STYLE

ensure that you’ll look fashion forward whether you’re slaying it on the treadmill or pumping iron.

Innovative elements bring a technical edge to signature styles, with the garments usingantibacterial Polygiene, HerMin Weave Tech breathable and waterrepellent organic cotton, as well as moisture wicking and cooling TH Cool miDori.

The silhouettes of each garment are designed forenhanced freedom of movement, while sports bras offer added high-support.

There’s also a great

offering for the guys in the new collection, too!

Pops of bright orange and lemonlime contrast with the brand’s iconic red, white and navy colour palette, with exciting graphics spicing things up just a little!

We’ve rounded up some of our top picks from the new collection that we can’t wait to rock as we work on our ‘new year, new me’ mantra at the gym - or while we’re lounging at home on another Netflix binge!

For more on TommySport, and to see the rest of the collection, check out

Items in the new range include leggings and joggers, jackets, shirts, tops and dresses that feature velcro or an alternative soft-close fastening and opening for PEG tubes.

The care labels in the garments are also concealed to avoid irritation, with the fabrics soft to the touch as well. The collection also features a range of undergarments, including vests and bodysuits, that are also designed to be accessible with their openings.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

Delight in digital

Get in touch with YOUR local paper on our newly improved website www.dublingazette.com, Facebook and Twitter

DublinGazette Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered

For all digital enquiries contact JPMontgomery@dublingazette.com

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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

ENTERTAINMENT Picture: Anthony O’Connor

GEORGE MURPHY GEORGE MURPHY found fame at an early age, and it was almost unintended. The Dubliner was more into acting at the age of 17, but he applied to RTE reality singing show ‘You’re A Star’, progressed through numerous weeks, and went on to get a number one album.

Now in his 30s, he has a far more organic approach to music.

“It always served as a platform,” he recalls of his early days in television, which helped establish his distinctive vocal and mellow, folk-tinged sound.

“I was always grateful

 JAMES HENDICOTT

for it, but reality TV is not something I’d advise musicians to get involved in.

“Like-minded people making something together in a garage or a bedroom is much better.

I know that sounds hypocritical, considering the background I come from, but honestly there’s a bit of me that wishes I’d never done it.”

In truth, music was almost thrust upon Mur-

phy, though through his own actions, with the stage his first love and very much his focus at the time. Musically, he was a vocalist, and couldn’t read music, let alone play guitar.

That came later, as did his new band, a passion project based around local pubs in north Dublin the accompanies him as The Rising Sons.

“It was great getting a number one album,” Murphy recalls. “ That said, I didn’t feel like I earned it. It was given to me on a plate. I feel what I’m doing now so much more natural and

GOINGOUTOUT

so much stronger, and I think it might surprise people who have certain expectations of me. Any success I get now, I’ll feel like I deserve it.”

That confidence and attitude is emphasised

by Murphy’s approach to shows: talking of playing to audiences with certain expectations, he sees a chance to win them over to his developing style.

“The ups and downs are really quite full on,” he says.

“It can be a funny world, music, you can be on top of the pile, and the next day you’re yesterday’s news.”

Mu r p hy re g ro u p e d post-reality TV by heading to New York, where he worked as a barman and learnt to play guitar, grifting for gigs in a city where he was a real unknown.

The experience formed him into a far more complete musician. On returning home, his work with The Rising Sons inspires him, and is centred on practicality and passion.

“We play in the evenings in pubs in Santry and Lorcan,” Murphy says of the band, who do the pub gigs for fun, but play far more substantial

JANUARY 30 (THURSDAY)

Krept x Konan @ The Academy, €29

Sturgill Simpson @ Vicar Street February 1

JANUARY 31 (FRIDAY)

SWITCHING TO HIS OWN GROOVE

shows as part of a tour between times.

“It’s a neighbourhood vibe,” he adds, clearly passionate about the shows. “I love these guys.

They all have full time jobs so I want them to be able to walk home, but I also want to be able to give this a real go with them.

“They’re a good band in their own right, and they’re getting shows without me, too, now.

Touring is a bit more difficult, and I’ve been advised several times to just get session musicians to go on tour.

“But it’s not what I

Elkae @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 808 State @ The Button Factory, €17+ Carvin Jones @ The Workman’s Club, €25

Jonas Brothers @ 3Arena, sold out Beth Hart @ Vicar Street, sold out Hail The Ghost @ Whelan’s, €15 Terri Hooley @ The Sugar Club, €15 Odd Morris @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), sold out

Lil Mosey @ The Olympia Theatre, €25 Kane Brown @ The Academy, €28 Milky Chance @ Vicar Street, sold out

FEBRUARY 1 (SATURDAY)

FEBRUARY 4 (TUESDAY)

Sturgill Simpson @ Vicar Street, €30

FEBRUARY 2 (SUNDAY)

The Local Honeys @ Whelan’s (Up-

want, really. It’s about more than just being technically good, it’s about community. I can play as just myself, and I don’t want to play with anyone else. This is my natural vibe.”

Finding that feel has been critical to Murphy, who finally seems like he’s found his place in the musical world, a far, far cry from where he started out. It’s been a long but vital road.

George Murphy plays Dublin Racing Festival on February 2. Other dates on his ongoing tour can be found on GeorgeMurphyMusic.com

stairs), €15 Kim Petras @ The Academy 2, €23

FEBRUARY 5 (WEDNESDAY)

Black Pumas @ The Academy, €25 The Slow Readers Club @ The Button Factory, €19 Villiers & The Villains @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15 Sun Shakers @ Whelan’s, €10 Alina Bzhezhinska Quartet @ The Sugar Club, €10 Jamie Freed @ The Workman’s Club, €5

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

DUBLIN MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Turn heads with this Mazda beauty limited edition anniversary edition mx-5 wows

With only 10 of the 30th anniversary edition MX-5 available for Ireland, you’ll need luck to spot one of these stunning cars on our roads

DECLAN GLYNN

IN ORDER to celebrate the birth of the iconic Mazda MX-5, Mazda unveiled a 30th anniversary edition MX-5 at the 2019 Chicago Motor Show, three decades after its debut at the very same motor show in 1989.

With global production limited to 3,000 models, only 10 units will be available in Ireland.

The 30th anniversary edition features the new 184PS (181bhp) version of Mazda’s acclaimed 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, and is available only in the roadster (convertible) body-type.

Launched as both a tribute to loyal MX-5 fans, and as a mark of the high hopes the firm has for the future of its sports car, this Mazda MX-5 is exclusively offered in the newly developed Racing Orange body paint – a strikingly vivid colour that marks out this special motor.

In addition to Racing Orange, the new MX-5 features forged aluminium Rays wheels, developed exclusively for it in co-operation with Rays

Toyota readies new RAV4 hybrid model THE new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid is due to be launched in Ireland in the second half of 2020.

With the experience of developing two generations of its Prius plug-in hybrid model, Toyota is well-equipped to produce an effective new powertrain for the RAV4.

It has the potential to deliver acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds, outperforming any of its conventionally powered rivals.

Moreover, it is also on course to deliver bestin-class CO2 emissions

and fuel economy, with data indicating a CO2 output of less than 29g/ km – levels unmatched by any current D-segment plug-in hybrid AWD SUV. Equipment specifications reflect the RAV4 plug-in hybrid’s flagship status.

Features and options will include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, a 230 V power outlet in the cabin, a bi-tone exterior paint finish, power tailgate, nine-inch display audio system and the latest Toyota multimedia package.

Some top tips to help improve efficiencies

“

This engine is one of the greatest four-cylinder motors you can buy.

Silky-smooth, it starts up with a fruity growl.

Wheel Co Ltd, and a 30th anniversary badge displaying the model’s serial number Other unique features include orange brake calipers with Nissin brakes on the rear, and Brembo brakes on the front wheels.

My review car proved itself to be a real headt u r n e r, b o t h w h e n parked-up and when on the move, while performance from the engine

was never an issue.

Producing 181bhp and 205Nm of torque, the car can go from 0-100kmph in just 6.5 seconds, and can achieve a top speed of 205kmph.

This engine is one of the greatest four-cylinder motors you can buy.

Silky-smooth, it starts up with a fruity growl, and is likeable in everyday use, but really comes alive when the accelerator pedal is pushed

towards the floor.

The engine revs all the way around the rev counter to 7,500rpm, and is responsible for making a superb car even better than ever before.

Claimed fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km on a combined driving cycle is achievable, while an annual road tax disc will cost €570.

The MX-5 is lighter than most cars on the road, and this is reflected

in the precision of the steering, the light clutch, and the enjoyable shortthrow gearbox.

While the stunning new Mazda MX-5 range is priced from €28,195 (ex-delivery), this limited edition roadster is available for €40,995 (exdelivery).

The Mazda MX-5 30th anniversary edition is the perfect way to celebrate three decades of this iconic sports car.

EVEN the most experienced driver out there can lapse into a little laziness in their driving or maintenance habits.

However, there are plenty of things that we can all do to improve our efficiencies, and take better care of our vehicles – which, ultimately, also takes better care of us on the roads.

Here are some top tips for greater efficiency for any driver to remember...

Tip 1: Driving in the wrong gear – To drive more efficiently, change up into a higher gear as soon as conditions allow, as correct use of gears can shave up to 15% off your fuel bill.

Tip 2: Don’t ignore warning lights – It is worthwhile to remember that warning lights are there to alert you that something is wrong and needs attention.

If you choose to ignore a warning light, you could have to face expensive repairs later.

Tip 3: Sudden braking – Constant sudden braking will wear out your discs and brake pads, and increase the likelihood of brake failure.

Tip 4: Skimping on car maintenance – Looking after the routine maintenance of your car is an easy way to prolong its driving life, and it will pay huge dividends in the long run.

Tip 5: Tyre pressure check – It is important to check tyre pressures regularly, as correctly inflated tyres can improve fuel consumption by up to 2%.

Tip 6: Watch your speed – This may come as a surprise, but driving just 8 kmph over the speed limit can affect fuel consumption by as much as 23%. The most fuel-efficient speed is 75-80 kmph.

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY

It’s almost time for the ‘Firefall’ to flow in America IT’S that time of year again, for any lucky visitors heading to Yosemite National Park in America – time for ‘the Firefall’.

The annual event lasts for just two weeks in February, drawing even more visitors than usual to the stunning national park.

Already home to a dizzying range of picture-perfect sights that draw families, lovers of the great outdoors and photographers to the park in huge numbers each year, the Firefall has become an early-year attraction in its own right.

What appears to be a river of fire tumbling down a sheer cliff face is both a natural phenomenon and an optical illusion, that varies from year to year.

As the setting sun hits Horsetail Falls at just the right side angle, the colour of the fading sunlight, and the volume and speed of the tumbling waters, combine to create a unique visual spectacle – the Firefall.

With this year’s event expected to flow from February 13-29, Irish visitors to California should definitely put this on their bucket list, heading over to the state’s Sierra Nevada mountains for the stunning park, and for the Firefall itself.

With a range of direct flights from Dublin to California now possible, this is definitely something to take in.

Dublin proves a big hit with holidaymakers, list shows DUBLIN has just added another prestigious string to its bow, with the revelation that our fair city is firmly in the top ten list of European cities to travel to.

That’s according to research by Loveholidays.com, which collated thousands of awards for a wide range of cities over the past several years.

Examining awards in areas including travel, hospitality and entertainment, to name but a few, Dublin shot into the top ten list.

As you’d expect, some usual suspects – the likes of London and Paris – are ahead of Dublin in the ranking, but Dubliners can hold their head high with the knowledge that we’re a very popular travel destination.

For the full list, and information, see https://www. loveholidays.com/holidays/campaigns/mostaward-winning-travel-destinations/ award-winning-travel-destinations/.

DUBLIN TRAVEL

Bill to thwart boozy tourists welcomed THE Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) have released a statement regarding a recent decision by Spain’s Balearic Islands to clamp down on excessive alcohol consumption by holidaymakers in the area.

The move by local authorities seeks to curb some of the worst behaviour at San Antonio on the island of Ibiza, and El Arenal and Magaluf on Mallorca.

Welcoming the clampdown, the ITAA said: “We view the introduction of

these new laws as a positive move for the Balearic Islands.

“While everyone likes to kick back and have a good time on holiday, it is important to do so safely and responsibly to ensure that nobody gets hurt.

“It is important to sort this out now, for the improvement of these areas and the people who live there “It is good that the Balearic regional authorities and local tourist organisations are making efforts to resolve these issues, to ensure that other holidaymakers and residents of the islands can feel safe in their surroundings while still having fun.”

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 January 2020

POLSKA GAZETA

the first of our new section for Polish readers CHALLENGE YOURIn BRAIN...JUST FORnew FUN! we speak to the country’s Ambassador

Anna, the new Polish Lidl special offers on Polish native heads Polish food this week our new section Ambassador, tells us all about her love of Ireland and its people FOOD

 MARTYNA MUSZCZYNSKA

news@dublingazette.com

NEW POLISH Ambassador Her Excellency Anna Sochanska describes her initial experience and thoughts of Ireland as fantastic.

According to Anna, Irish people and society are very open and approachable, which as a result makes her feel at home. Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Anna says she has big plans for her role. ’On one hand it is an easy task as 150,000 Polish people work in Ireland and are well integrated within the Irish society,’ she said. ‘However, both countries lack strong political relations.’ Therefore, the Ambassador’s aim is to establish political dialogue between Polish and Irish Ministers/PrimeMinisters/Presidents. The Polish Ambassador expresses her concern about how the full potential of

Poland and Ireland is being wasted as both countries are focused on many issues of common interest.

From Anna’s perspective, taking action towards improving relations between the two countries is her main role.

Furthermore, Anna finds her role challenging because ‘’we live in a very difficult world with so many problems. We need to deal with issues related to international and social security as well as climate change’’. The major aspect which contributes to the challenges that the Polish Ambassador has to overcome is having a massive diaspora of 150,000 Polish people in Ireland.

Her main goal is to represent Poland in proper manner. She is very active in defending the interests of Polish people.

An example of that would be the introduction of the Polish language as one of the languages in curriculum in Irish schools as a

chance for children to study Polish and to pass Leaving Certificate.

Clearly, the Ambassador shows interest in cultivating the Polish language and culture.

The publication and exhibition of Paul Strzelecki, a Polish hero who helped to save 200,000 Irish children during the Great Famine was opened by President Higgins.

With this in mind, workshops for children in Irish schools are sponsored by the Polish community.

In those schools, the information about Paul Strzelecki was demonstrated for Irish children to see how Poland and Ireland are linked through history.

Therefore, the contribution and activities made by Polish people create a significant connection between Irish and Polish people.

In general, the Polish Ambassador wants to connect people, whether it is on historical basis or otherwise.

SUPERMARKET chain LIDL has a raft of special offers this week - with a particular focus on Polish produce.

Among the items on offer are Smoked Whole Mackeral (€4.99/kg); Pickled Gherkins (€1.49); Sesame Bars (59c each or 3 for €1 Multi-buy) and Smoked Pork Sausage (€1.99 each).

The promotion begins today (Thursday, January 30).

MEET MARTYNA

DUBLIN GAZETTE welcomes on board Martyna Muszczynska, who will take charge of our new page for the Polish Community – Polska Gazeta.

Martyna was born in Poland and moved to Ireland when she was 10, living in Letterkenny for eight years before moving to Maynooth where she attended NUI Maynothand graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree after studying English and history.

Her hobbies include reading, writing short stories, swimming, listening to music.

She said: “I am really looking forward to bringing news to the 150,000-strong Polish community in Ireland through Dublin Gazette.”

Polish Ambassador Her Excellency Anna Sochanska (left) is interviewed by Dublin Gazette Polish correspondent Martyna Muszczynska. Picture: Cóilín Duffy

Irlandia to wspaniale miejsce.

Nowy Polski Ambassador

NOWA POLSKA Ambasador Anna Sochańska opisuje swoje pierwsze doświadczenia i myśli na temat Irlandii jako fantastyczne.

Według Pani Anny, Irlandczycy oraz ich społeczeństwo są bardzo otwartymi i dostępnymi ludźmi, dzięki czemu czuje się tu jak w domu. Rozmawiając z Dublin Gazette, Pani Anna opowiada o swoich wielkich planach dotyczących swojej roli. „Z jednej strony jest to łatwe zadanie, ponieważ 150, 000 Polaków pracuje w Irlandii i jest dobrze zintegrowanych ze społeczeństwem irlandzkim”, powiedziała Pani Anna. „Jednak oba kraje nie mają silnych stosunków politycznych.’’ Otóż celem Pani Ambasador jest

nawiązanie dialogu politycznego między polskim i irlandzkimi premierem oraz prezydentem. Pani Ambasador wyraża zaniepokojenie na podstawie marnowania pełnego potencjału Polski i Irlandii, ponieważ oba kraje koncentrują się na wielu kwestiach wspólnego zainteresowania.

Z punktu widzenia Pani Anny jej główną rolą i wyzwaniem jest podejmowanie działań w celu poprawy stosunków między dwoma krajami.

Ponadto, Pani Ambasador uważa swoją rolę za wymagającą, ponieważ „żyjemy w bardzo trudnym świecie z wieloma problemami związanymi z bezpieczeństwem międzynarodowym i społecznym, a także ze zmianami klimatu, z

którymi musimy sobie poradzić ”.

Głównym aspektem, który przyczynia się do sprostania wyzwaniom, przed którymi stoi polski ambasador, jest ogromna diaspora 150,000 Polaków w Irlandii.

Fundamentalnym celem pani Anny jest właściwe reprezentowanie Polski. Pani Ambasador bardzo aktywnie broni interesów Polaków. Przykładem tego jest wprowadzenie języka polskiego do szkół irlandzkich, ponieważ język polski w programie nauczania w szkołach irlandzkich jest szansą dla dzieci na naukę języka polskiego i zdaniem matury. Wyraźnie widać, iż Pani Ambasador interesuje się kształceniem języka polskiego oraz kultury polskiej.

Prezydent Higgins otworzył

publikację i wystawę Pawła Strzeleckiego, polskiego bohatera, który pomógł uratować 200, 000 irlandzkich dzieci podczas Wielkiego Głodu.

Mając to na uwadze, warsztaty dla dzieci w szkołach irlandzkich są sponsorowane przez polską społeczność. W tych szkołach informacje o Pawle Strzeleckim zostały pokazane irlandzkim dzieciom, aby zobaczyły powiązanie historyczne pomiędzy Polską i Irlandią.

W związku z tym, wkład i działania Polaków tworzą znaczący związek między Irlandczykami, jak i również Polakami.

Kolejnym celem Pani Ambasador jest łączenie ludzi na gruncie historycznym oraz kulturalnym.

30 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS BAKER BETROTHAL BROWNIE BUNDLED CAGE CIRCLES CLIPPING COMPREHEND DENOTES DYKES

EMACIATED EUPHRATES FORFEITED LEANED MODELLED RAKING REMITTANCE SPOTTER TACKLES TRUE ZONAL

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  WEST GARDENING

DECKING

THE

FUTURE

IS LOCAL

THE

FUTURE DVD TRANSFERS

IS

FREE

INSURANCE CLAIMS

PLUMBING

GATES & FENCING

GOT A STORY TO TELL? CALL OUR NEWS TEAM 60 10 240 FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WEST  DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS ROOFING

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT

COULD BE

HERE

OR A COMPETITOR’S

AD UP TO YOU!

LOCALMATTERS ADVERTISE WITH THE DUBLIN GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

#1

G E T YO U R

TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

60 10 240

N I L B U D

E T T E Z GA  TH E FU TU RE

IS LO CA L, TH E FU

 TU RE IS FR EE !

FOR LOCAL

NEWS & SPORT

IN DUBLIN

FOLLOW US TODAY ON PER! L PA LOCA L NEWS! R U O Y LOCA YOUR

CALL

01 60

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

0 10 24

www.dublingazette.com

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

BASKETBALL P33

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

VEGAS BABY! SOCCER: UNDER-17 National League

champions Peamount United will travel to the United States to compete in the prestigious Mayor’s Cup in Las Vegas against some of the States’ top underage sides. More than 400 coaches and recruiters from America’s top colleges are scheduled to be in attendance as Ireland’s sole representatives in the competition.



GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES P34-35

PAGE 32

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BOXING | BALLYFERMOT MAN ALL SET FOR HUGE MIAMI DATE

Cool hand Luke’s world title contest  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYFERMOT’S Luke Keeler faces world champion Demetrius Andrade on Thursday (January 30) with the WBO middleweight belt on the line, capping a remarkable turnaround.

The bout takes place in Miami and will be Keeler’s biggest contest by some distance after an initially meandering career gained focus.

And last summer’s big win over highly-rated American Luis Arias in Belfast has brought him to the attention of the Sky Sports cameras.

“I suppose I’m a completely different fighter to what I was before I fully committed to the sport and joined up with my trainer Peter Taylor,” he said of the key change in his regime.

“The Luke Keeler who struggled in an Irish title fight in June 2017 would get stopped by the Luke Keeler I am now, so that tells its own story.

“I fell back in love with the sport thanks to Pete and I owe him a lot for

this turnaround in my career.”

It was at a point when he was considering stepping away from the sport to get a construction company off the ground. He tag-teamed the two professions but felt he needed to give boxing a greater focus if he was to get anything from the sport.

“I was struggling with a shoulder injury which I needed surgery to repair, I was in the process of moving to a new house with my two young twin boys and, as a result, I was under a lot of pressure with work. I was thinking about setting up my own company in the building industry, which was booming in Dublin.

“I realised I’d have regrets if I didn’t fully focus on boxing and give it my all. The choice was to either retire from boxing and focus on working and home life or take a huge leap of faith and commit to boxing properly for the first time in my life.

“I was lucky enough to sign with MTK Global and be guaranteed regu-

Luke Keeler faces Demetrius Andrade with the WBO world title belt on the line in Miami. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

lar fights with a clear plan ahead. It would’ve been hard to give up a wellpaid job without that.”

After four strong wins between 2018 and 2019, he now has a dream shot at an even bigger prize.

“My motivation was always to win a world title. I have dreamed of that since I first started boxing at the age

of eight. Now, getting to this level of the game, becoming financially free is another motivation because using these pay-days and investing them wisely can secure my family’s future.

“I know winning this fight brings life-changing money and I look forward to being able to provide for my family and those closest to me.”

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

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

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS LUCAN SARSFIELDS WE are off to Leopardstown on Sunday 1 March for the Annual Event, Starting with a chamWELL doneRaceday to the Junior A la pagne reception in the Club before boarding the bus to Leopardstown for an great afternoon of racing, including a four course meal in the 1888 Suite, and the services of a professional tipster. There will be an exclusive raffle with some fantastic prizes.

For more information and to book your place, please contact Jim on 0862387585.

Mixed fortunes for our county players last weekend, Well done to Chris Crummy, scoring for Dublin in their defeat by Kilkenny in their opening fixture of the Allianz Hurling league. While in Croke Park, Dublin and Kerry played out a thrilling draw in the football. Lucan represented by Emmet O’Conghaile.

Membership is open now for 2020 and can be paid in six monthly instalments via the website or ClubForce App (available from the google play or apple app store). On the website, click on Teams, and then select any of the options, there is a link at the top of each page to the membership portal.

Important notice for male players, the County Board have informed us that insurance cover for training and matches is strictly limited to fully paid up club members.

“The GAA membership year runs from January 1st – December 31st. It is compulsory that playing members and mentors are registered before resuming training or participating in games. If an injury claim is notified to DWF Claims and the claimant is not in the membership system at the date of his claim or is registered after the injury date, the claim will be declined. Claims for unregistered members will be declined as the GAA Injury Benefit Fund is in place to benefit registered members only.” Therefore all players who have returned to training need to ensure to register now.

Our Condolences to the Doyle family on the passing of Richard, father of Richie, (senior hurling management team). May he rest in peace Wanted: We are looking for someone to take on the role of insurance claims administrator. Full handover and support will be given. Anyone interested to contact Club Secretary, Jo Mahon.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN ST MARY’S SAGGART THE FOLLOWING CLUB sends defeat its condoto lence Naomh toOElaine & Brendan Keegan and extended family, on the sad passing of their father Brendan, May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

All team training is scheduled to commence shortly, keep an eye out for your mentor/coach messages.

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

Club Shop will be open this Wednesday, contact 0861684766.

Dancing every Thursday at 8pm, again all welcome.

Monthly Whist this coming Thursday 30th Jan, at 8.30 pm Lotto Numbers Drawn

19th January 2020 were, 3-10-17-26.

There was no winner so next week’s Jackpot remains capped at €8000, with a €3600 Roll-Over.

There were four Match #3 winners, Congrats to John Fitzgerald, Belfry Citywest..

Mary Lawless, Phairc Mhuire Saggart. Paula Brady, c/o Paddy O’Hara Rathcoole.

Pat Tansay, c/o Ciaran Howard Rathcoole.

Next week’s Match 3 will be worth €100 win/share.

Next jackpot of €8000 is on 02/02/2020. .

You can now follow the LocalLotto link on our Facebook page by using the Blue “Shop Now” button and website to play Lotto online.

SOCCER: NATIONAL UNDER-17 CHAMPS’ UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

Peamount’s American dream trip to Las Vegas MAYOR’S CUP  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

U N D E R- 1 7 Na t i o n a l League champions Peamount United will travel to the United States to compete in the prestigious Mayor’s Cup in Las Vegas against some of the States’ top underage sides.

More than 400 coaches and recruiters from America’s top colleges are scheduled to be in attendance as Ireland’s sole representatives in the competition.

The Peas captured their first Under-17s National League title last year with victory away to Galway in the final, repeating the senior side’s feat in the Women’s National League in 2019.

The Newcastle club are reaping the dividends of years of hard work at age grade level as a host of former schoolgirl players were involved in James O’Callaghan’s side’s senior success.

Successful graduates from Peamount’s ranks include senior Irish inter-

nationals Roma McLaughlin and Heather Payne, who are both now playing at college level stateside.

McLaughlin was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ at Central Connecticut University in 2018 while Payne recently moved to Florida State following a spell in pro football in England with Bristol City.

And a Peas side featuring the likes of Under17 internationals Della Doherty and Emma Ring will hope to catch the eyes of scouts as they look to forge their way at adult level.

“It’s a massive opportunity for them,” says David Berber, whose Soccer Tour agency DB Sports helped arrange the heavily-subsidised trip for the girls.

“A couple of parents are travelling over and coaches, obviously, and hopefully they do well, hopefully win it or go far in it.

“They’re the best team in Ireland. Women’s soccer is very strong in America and there are a number of international sides in the competition, but they’re the only League of Ireland

Peamount United in action against Shamrock Rovers; full team below.

Pictures: Kenneth Clancy

side in it.

“They played an American team we brought over, the Florida Celtics, who are a very good side and they beat them. They have a couple of internationals so I see no reason why they couldn’t do well.”

Berber points to the experience of former Drogheda United midfielder Aaron Molloy, son of League of Ireland legend Trevor, as an example of the potential of playing college soccer.

“If you’re looking for a story, Aaron Molloy played in the League of Ireland here with Droghe-

da, got an opportunity to go on a scholarship to America.

“He went from a small college to a large Division One college, and he’s been drafted to Portland Timbers in the MLS in the last draft.

“The scholarships, for me, I wish more Irish kids would take them up as the opportunities over there are endless.”

Peas manager Brian Kaye added: “Everyone is delighted and buzzing with excitement to be travelling to compete against the best teams that America and the rest of the world has to offer.

“They’ll all be under the watchful eyes of college scouts from across the 50 states. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all the coaches and players to have a super experience both on and off the field.

“As with most of this group, it’ll be their last year involved in Under17s WNL, it will be a brilliant experience for the girls. “[It will help with] team bonding especially as [we’ve] a good few new faces onboard.

“We can use it as a vital part of pre-season before we start our new season in April.”

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

SOCCER: DERBY DRAMA AS LOCAL RIVALS INSEPARABLE AT ST CATHERINE’S PARK Arthur Griffith Park’s Paddy Maher skips away from Beech Park FC’s Luke Farrell

Beech Park FC’s Johnno Manley shields the ball from Arthur Griffith Park’s Troy Donoghue

Byrne earns Beech point UCFL PREMIER DIVISION Beech Park Arthur Griffith Park  JOHN MOONEY sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

A DRAW was a fair enough result when Beech Park entertained Arthur Griffith Park in the UCFL Premier Division in St Catherine’s Park on Saturday afternoon.

It’s always tough when two local sides meet and these two went at it hammer and nail, but there was nothing sinister about the challenges as they aimed for the bragging rights a local derby brings.

The visitors might look back on this game and wonder what happened as they had a fair share of possession but just couldn’t turn it into goals.

Saying that, Beech could have bagged the points in the final ten minutes when three decent chances went a begging.

As it turned out we only had two goals to show from a really good game and to be hon-

est a draw was not the result either wanted.

After sustaining a period of pressure from the visitors the home side took the lead in their first real attack.

And it wasn’t even an attack at that, as Fergal Douglas pounced when keeper Jamie Behan tried to play a short ball out to Matt Tuite.

Douglas was on the spot to nip in and lob the ball home; in fairness to Behan he held his hand up after the game and admitted to his mistake in the 17th minute.

The visitors responded with a series of attacks that won them free kicks in dangerous areas but all came to no avail.

However, whatever coach Donal Walsh said at the interval really shook them up and they came out fighting in the second period.

They almost took the lead inside two minutes of the restart as Troy Donoghue played in Sean McGaragle, but keeper Eoin Casey divided bravely at his feet to deny him.

But, on 57 minutes, they did get back in the game, and it was a cracker as the visiting

defence cleared a throw-in that Donoghue picked up and spread the ball to McGaragle.

He played in Ross Byrne and when Byrne got a sight of goal, he smashed home a beauty.

The game continued to flow but unfortunately there were no more goals, but if anyone had lost this, it would have been a travesty.

Beech Park FC: Eoin Casey, James Doolan, Cathal Casey, Owen Hughes, Niall Byrne, Andrew Kirwan, Luke Farrell, Fergal Douglas, Johnno Manley, Robin Schillen, Karl Duncan, Jack Monaghan, Matthew O’Donovan, James O’Connor, Edward Fagan, Rowan Carey.

Arthur Griffith Park FC: Jamie Behan, Gareth Hamilton, Anthony Molloy, Matt Tuite, Paddy Maher, Stephen Lawless, Troy Donoghue, Ross Byrne, Sean McGaragle, John Markey, Summer Mayanja, Paul O’Kearney, Patrick Gratton, Aaron Cribbon, Jonathan Spollen, Donal Walshe.

Match Officials: Karl Nolan, Tommy Docherty, Bill Gannon.

Byrne and Mullins fire up Colmcille’s SCHOOLS BASKETBALL  sport@dublingazette.com

ST COLMCILLE’S CS, Knocklyon were crowned All Ireland Under19 B Girls Schools Cup champions at the National Basketball Arena, winning 59-40 over St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon.

Colmcille’s were led by two standout performances from MVP Hannah Byrne, who finished with 26 points, and fellow guard, Emma Mullins who had a big 23 points.

They built a solid lead in the first half which St Patrick’s struggled to whittle down, going 36-23 clear and the Tyrone side never got back within single figures.

An extremely close first quarter saw nothing separating the sides.

Byrne and Mullins dominated the scoring for St Colmcille’s, with the latter knocking down a big three pointer and a nice jump shot early on.

At the other end, Bronagh Barker and Abigail Rafferty led the charge while a nice score from Laura Canning helped draw the sides level.

A free throw from Mullins followed by a big three-pointer from the talented St Colmcille’s player, though, edged them into a 17-13 lead just before the buzzer.

They carried that momentum into the second quarter as Byrne scooped 11 points and, despite good scoring from Rafferty, Canning and Ellen McKiernan at the other end, it was St Colmcille’s who were 13 points ahead at the

The Arthur Griffith Park team before Saturday’s game

big break.

In quarter three, a big defensive display from the Dublin school saw them make St Patrick’s work hard for every score, while Mullins, Abby Steacy and Byrne added some big scores, advancing the

lead to 19.

Despite keeping up with the Dublin school throughout the final period, and matching them 9-9 on scoring, the damage had already been done, and Colmcille’s ran out 59-40 point winners.

St Colmcille’s CS celebrate. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Beech Park team pose for a photo before the game

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 30 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

RUGBY: LAKELANDS CLUB FALL BY SINGLE POINT

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

Our Minor Football and Hurling teams have two tickets for the Ireland v Wales Six Nations home opener up for grabs. They are available from the club and from any of team mentors priced at €5. The draw will take place Thursday 6th February. Both teams enjoyed very successful seasons in 2019 and the funds raised will support both in pushing for glory in 2020.

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

Round Tower Lotto 20th January 2020. Jackpot: €10,000. Numbers drawn: 7,8,19,29 bonus ball 3. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. 3 x €100 winners: Paul Cotter, Alan Milton, S Courtney. Thanks to all who support our weekly Lotto.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN OPERATION Transformation is on again this Thursday evening 30 January from the Clubhouse at 7.30 pm. Thanks to the Waterstown Warriors and the Palmerstown House for their support.

John Glennon will lead the walk around Glenaulin Park, with the aim for people to come out and enjoy the exercise at whatever level you are comfortable with.

All are welcome.

Thank you for supporting the Palmerstown House 40th Birthday Casino night on Friday. The club will share in the proceeds.

Well done to our U14 footballers (pictured) who travelled to Celbridge on Saturday. Some fine performances all round.

The Easter Camp this year will be held from 6th to 9th April. Further information will follow.

Membership for 2020 is now due, and

THOMAS DAVIS

should be paid as soon as possible. The easiest way is to pay on on-line at www. stpatricksgaa.ie New members are very welcome.

GAA National Draw tickets are still on sale and available from team mentors. All tickets must be returned to Eileen Maguire before Monday 10 February.

Training for all teams is now resuming. All teams are looking for new players – adult and juvenile.

Contact information available on our website.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 6, 10, 20 and 26. There was no jackpot winner. We had five match 3 winners –Anne Moore, Catherine Eaton, Dessie O’Brien, Padraic O’Brien and Mike Monaghan who won €40 each.

The jackpot next week will be €9,400.

OUR Kids Academy takes place every Sat morning from 10-11am on the Astro pitch. New players welcome. Contact Club GPO Stephen Stewart for further details 0876795720. Check out our club website for all up to date juvenile training times and team contacts. www.thomasdavisgaa.ie Weekly passes for Operation Transformation are still available to purchase in the club shop Mon 7-8pm and Sat 10-11am for €10. Alan Riordain was our biggest overall weight loss of the week and Mick Redmond was our follower of the week, well done to both. Many thanks to Daly’s Supervalue for sponsoring the follower of the week prize and Peadar Browns who sponsored the mini break in Kilkenny raffle won by Niamh Maguire.

Our food Menu is now served in the upstairs lounge Thurs 4-9pm, Fri 4-9pm, Sat 12.30-9.30pm and Carvery downstairs 12-7pm on Sundays.

Open to all the community to enjoy our excellent selection of delicious fresh food.

Well done to Firhouse community college on winning the U16 camogie shield final. Congrats to Kerri Owens who played for Leinster last weekend in the schools inter provincial tournament.

A great night was had last Sunday as the Baltinglass senior football All Ireland winners from 1989 stopped in after Croke Park for food and a drink with our 3 in a row Dublin winning team from the early 90s.

Sincere Condolences to Brigid Foran and the Foran family on the unfortunate passing of Brigids sisters Noreen Condon and Mary Egan over the last two weeks and also to the Hayes family on the passing of Deans Grandfather Robert (Bobby) Hayes.

Lotto Numbers 3,15,16 + 21. Not won, next Week’s jackpot is €2,250.

Terenure suffer late twist in tail AIL DIVISION 1A Terenure College 16 Lansdowne 17  sport@dublingazette.com

L E I N ST E R Ac a d e my hooker Dan Sheehan contributed another important try as Lansdowne struck late to overcome Terenure College by a point at Lakelands Park.

Tim Foley converted Sheehan’s injury-time score to make it five successive wins for Mark McHugh’s men, with Terenure, despite an 11-point haul from out-half James Thornton, falling to their fifth defeat in six rounds.

Eager to bounce back from a 13-6 loss at Dublin University a fortnight ago, Terenure showed plenty of early intent with Sam Coghlan Murray and Caolan Dooley both prominent in possession.

Lansdowne were struggling to break out of their own half.

‘Nure f lanker Niall O’Sullivan surged into the 22 in the 11th minute, helping to set up a penalty which Thornton sent over to break the deadlock. He doubled the lead with a 35-metre place-kick close to the half-hour mark.

Full-back Foley finally got Lansdowne up and

Lansdowne edged out Terenure by a single point. Picture: Philip Duke

running with a routine three-pointer, but he missed his second shot at the posts after Terenure hooker Robbie Smyth had been sin-binned.

Lansdowne’s numerical advantage eventually took hold when Leinstercapped lock Oisin Dowling spotted a gap and crossed on the stroke of half-time.

Foley supplied the extras to give the visitors a 10-6 buffer at the break.

Terenure turned the screw on the resumption, and although a long-range penalty attempt from Thornton fell short in the

TOP SCORER McCabe shows family’s talent LAURYN McCabe of St Kevin’s

GNS, Kilnamanagh, sister of Katie McCabe, Republic of Ireland and Arsenal footballer, was the top scorer with 4-2, in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals.

She is pictured with Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael John Horan, and Robert McEvoy, Head of Market Management, Allianz, during the Allianz Division 1 match between Dublin and Kerry.

Picture: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE

44th minute, impressive full-back Adam La Grue’s lung-busting run gave them front-foot ball and plenty of momentum.

Sean Skehan’s charges worked the ball through the middle for a number of phases before moving it wide for replacement Paddy Thornton to dot down in clinical fashion.

James Thornton followed up with a superb conversion, making it 13-10.

‘Nure controlled possession with Lansdowne guilty of a number of uncharacteristic handling errors. The hosts knocked

on close to the Lansdowne line, entering the final quarter, but a subsequent scrum penalty allowed Thornton to extend the lead to six points.

Crucially, Lansdowne were able to force the issue past the 80-minute mark, camping inside the ‘Nure 22 with a series of mauls bringing them into scoring range. Terenure held out until the 21-year-old Sheehan applied the finishing touches under a slew of bodies. Foley comfortably converted to seal a late smash-and-grab victory.

30 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LADIES FOOTBALL: STORMING SECOND HALF COMEBACK YIELDS JUST A SINGLE POINT

Moloney denies Dublin deep into injury time in opening tie LIDL LADIES NFL DIVISION ONE R1 Dublin Tipperary  CÓILÍN DUFFY cduffy@dublingazette.com

0-10 1-7

A 65TH minute equaliser by Aishling Moloney denied Dublin of a win in their opening round Lidl Ladies Football League Division 1 clash with Tipperary last Sunday at Ballyboden St Enda’s.

In truth, Dublin were lucky to get a point as Tipperary looked likely winners for large periods, until Dublin made a strong fight back in the second half.

But, once in a winning position in injury time, they were pegged back and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

“I thought we had the winning of it,” Dublin manager Mick Bohan told Dublin Gazette afterwards.

“Obviously, the first half was very disappointing from our end.

The approach, the work-rate, the stuff we’ve come accustomed to.

They turned that around, in fairness.

“The second half approach was completely different from the group. Then a little bit of composure. We had the game won and we ran into traffic twice to turn the ball over. That’s the type of thing, we’d expect those decisions to be made better.

“It’s a learning curve, but it cost us the three points [for the win].

Anyway, that’s the way it is.”

The visitors led by 1-4 to 0-2 at half-time, with top-scorer Moloney (1-6) grabbing the game’s only goal, after latching on to the end of a long delivery.

Things improved for Dublin on the restart as the strength of their bench came to the fore with Clontarf’s Caoimhe O’Connor and Raheny’s Siobhan Woods introduced.

Dublin fired three of the first

four points of the second half inside nine minutes of the restart, with Carla Rowe (2) and Leah Caffrey accounting for their scores.

Dublin were wasteful though, with a total of 11 chances dropping short over the hour. Goal chances were few and far between with Rowe forcing Tipperary keeper Lauren Fitzpatrick to make a 40th minute save.

Tipp were reduced to 14 players at this stage after losing their captain Samantha Lambert to a sin-bin, and Dublin worked their way back scoring three of the four points during this period.

Dublin had a sin-bin of their own, after Lauren Magee was sent to the line in the 57th minute, but scores from St Sylvesters player Kate Sullivan and FoxrockCabinteely’s Niamh Collins put Dublin in the lead heading into injury time, before Moloney’s latelate score.

Rebecca McDonnell on the charge in her return to the Dublin side after injury, getting away from Ellen Moore. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Orla McGuigan, John Walsh, Nicole and Caitlin Staunton of the Thomas Davis Club with Pádraig Óg Ó Sé at the launch of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidi Ó Sé 2020

Davis and Boden off to Dingle LIDL PÁIDÍ Ó SÉ FESTIVAL  sport@dublingazette.com

THOMAS Davis senior ladies as well as Ballyboden St Enda’s senior and junior ladies will represent Dublin in the 31st edition of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidi Ó Sé 2020.

The event was officially launched at Ballyboden and will sees 36 adult men’s and ladies club teams descending on the rugged Dingle

Peninsula from February 21 to 23.

2019 Comórtas finalists Thomas Davis and 2018 champions Ballyboden Ladies, who are managed by Cork’s 10time All-Ireland senior football medal winner Valerie Mulcahy, are competing in the Ladies Senior Cup with Longford’s Clonguish GAA, Kildare’s Sarsfields Ladies, Drumlane Sons of O’Connell of Cavan and Caltra Cuans

of Galway.

In the Junior Ladies cup, Ballyboden Ladies, 2019 Comórtas champions are up against three Kerry sides in Ballymacelligott, Annascaul, Finuge/St. Senan’s and Dingle LGFA as well as Mayo’s Breaffy.

Comórtas Chairman Pádraig Óg. Ó Sé said: “We are thrilled to continue with a strong representation of Dublin clubs and are indebted to Bal-

lyboden for hosting our official launch.

“We are pleased that the tournament continues to be one of the most talked about GAA events in the calendar and we wish all clubs a safe and enjoyable experience.

“The support of local host clubs is crucial in maintaining such a high number of teams and we thank them for their cooperation and making fields available to us.”

GazetteSPORT JAN 30 - FEB 5, 2020

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

PARK LIFE ENDS ALL SQUARE SOCCER:

Arthur Griffith Park and Beech Park share the spoils in high octane UCFL showdown in St Catherine’s. SEE P33

TIPPING POINT LADIES FOOTBALL: Mick Bohan’s side made big second half comeback but miss out on all the spoils to last minute Tipp score. SEE P35

COOL HAND LUKE’S SHOT BOXING:

Ballyfermot’s Luke Keeler is looking forward to the biggest night of his pro boxing career in Miami.

SEE P31

Find us on

PICK US UP

EVERY THURSDAY!

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Keenan hails unbelievable Templeogue final metal  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

MARK Keenan hailed an “unbelievable” performance as Griffith College Templeogue were crowned the Hula Hoops Pat Duffy National Cup champions for the third time in five years.

T h ey s aw o f f t h e challenge of their nearest of neighbours, DBS Éanna to win out by 10 points, 78-68, at a sold out National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Saturday night.

Lorcan Murphy was the key man for Mark Keenan’s side, finishing the game out with 33 points in a superb MVP performance.

Templeogue had heroes all over the floor when it was needed though as with just over a minute to go on the clock in the fourth quarter, the combination of Éanna’s Josh Wilson, Neil Lynch and Daniel Heaney brought the game back to just two points and the sold out crowd were on the edge of their seats.

Up stepped experience though and Templeogue delivered with Neil Randolph draining a huge three pointer before Jason Killeen hit a massive two from deep to build the cushion once more and, from there, they drove home to victory in style.

“It’s unbelievable!” said head coach Mark Keenan afterwards. “It was tense but it was sweet.

“They really came back at us hard and we looked a bit comfortable at a stage,

Griffith College Templeogue celebrate their success. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“I’m just thrilled for the lads. It’s brilliant for the lads and the club.“ but they really put it up to us. The guys showed a lot of metal in the last two minutes, when it got back to two points.

“Lorcan was unreal, Jason Killeen made big shots, Darren Townes made his free throw and I’m just thrilled for the lads. It’s brilliant for the lads and the club.

“Fair play to both teams but our experience probably stood to us in the end.”

The first half was truly

the Lorcan Murphy show, as he went in at half time with a whopping 28 points to his name.

Templeogue led the way from early in the first, with Darren Townes, Jason Killeen and Murphy all bagging early scores, building a 24-19 lead at quarter time.

They held Eanna scoreless for a eight minutes without adding to their total before a late rally meant Templeogue had a 44-31 lead at half-time.

The gap was out to 18 at one stage in the third quarter before the Ballyroan club stormed back into contention.

Wilson was to the fore as they tried to claw their way back in to the game, and he followed up with two super drives, before Stefan Zecevic knocked down a massive three pointer to have the Éanna crowd on their feet. It got them within nine points at three quarter time.

Scores were at a premi-

um in the early stages of the fourth quarter, before Zecevic and Marko Tomic hit two nice scores for Éanna.

Free throws at the other end kept Templeogue’s account ticking over and with just over three minutes to play, they looked comfortable leading 58-69. Éanna were not done yet though, and a big Lynch score, followed by a great Wilson basket and bonus score edged them

closer.

A huge score from Heaney, followed by a free throw suddenly had the game on a knife edge with just over a minute to play, Éanna now trailing by just two points, 67-69.

Randolph and Killeen stepped up to the challenge in style though, with Neil landing a huge three moments later before Killeen followed up with a deep two and from there, they pushed on to win by 10 in the end.