Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 24-30, 2019

LOVE

MARRIAGE: See our lovely Wedding

Supplement – where we have a great hotel break worth €500 to give away! SEE PAGES 12-15

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Rap star on mental health UK rapper Professor Green came to Tallaght to raise awareness of a very important topic at a special event.

The popular musician and mental health advocate was visiting the area to meet and speak with local mental health and community leaders.

SEE PAGE 3

SPORT

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Dublin Lions ready to roar on the national stage at the Under-20 Cup final SEE P32

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NEW ENGLAND IS THE MAINE PLACE TO BE THIS SEASON ... P20

Heartbroken man accuses HSE of lies PADRAIG CONLON

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

A RETIRED Clondalkin man barred from visiting his wife in hospital has accused the HSE of telling “outright lies”.

Patrick Fitzgerald is currently restricted to spending just one hour a day with his much-loved wife Anne who is a long term resident in Cherry Orchard Hospital.

“I’m fighting to try and see my wife, spend precious time with her” an emotional Fitzgerald told Dublin Gazette.

“But these people who run the hospital, they don’t care. They are stopping me from caring for her, it’s appalling, it’s evil.

“I just want to improve her quality of life.”

Anne has been hospitalised since sus-

taining a life changing brain injury after slipping on ice outside their Clondalkin home while putting the bins out in January 2009.

Following spells in Beaumont and Peamount hospitals a room became available in the Sycamore Unit in Cherry Orchard in 2015.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

‘Failings’ in Tusla services revealed

A REPORT by The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has discovered “significant failings” in Tusla services in Dublin South Central.

The area includes the south inner city, Rialto, Inchicore, Ringsend, Rathmines, Rathfarnham, Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Rowlagh, Palmerstown and Lucan.

Between January and September last year, the area received an average of 220 child protection and welfare referrals a month.

SEE PAGE 7

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

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RESTRICTED TO SPENDING ONE HOUR A DAY WITH WIFE

Clondalkin man accuses HSE of telling ‘outright lies’

FROM PAGE 1

Patrick was spending up to eight hours a day visiting Anne when he expressed concerns with the HSE over the standard of care she was receiving.

When Anne was left waiting for a scheduled physiotherapy session that never took place, he asked the staff why.

H i s q u e s t i o n we n t unanswered and when he followed up with other complaints, he says his relationships with some staff members started to deteriorate.

Staff complained about aggressive and abusive behaviour, allegations Patrick totally rejects.

Following a review by the hospital, Patrick’s hours were cut to three

hours a day.

When former trade union negotiator Patrick started a picket outside the hospital in protest at this, his hours were cut to just one hour a day, Monday to Thursday.

Patrick and Anne’s story even featured in an October episode of RTÉ Investigates: Troublemakers, about people challenging the HSE. A mediation process with the HSE was entered into but quickly descended into what Patrick calls a “sham.”

“The HSE only entered into mediation so they could use that as an answer when the media enquired about Anne’s case,” Fitzgerald says.

“They keep saying “mediation is ongoing”nothing could be further

The hospital has greatly cut Patrick’s time visiting his wife

from the truth, it’s one big lie.

“Mediation was stopped in it’s tracks on 3rd October and has been dead in the water since.

“They are just using this as a cover story, there is not likely to ever be more mediation.

“The HSE need to be challenged on this, they are lying through their teeth.

“They will kick you down the road, that is what they’ve done to us. I am currently only allowed visit Anne for one hour a day. This process could go on until I die.

“Even if they lift my time I’m still going to be in the business of exposing these

people.”

In response to the allegations made by Patrick, a HSE spokesperson told Dublin Gazette: “The HSE believes the independent mediation process is the fairest and most equitable method to resolve this difficult situation.

“The HSE has contacted Mr Fitzgerald to see if he wishes to continue with this process.”

COUNCIL

Teenagers just want to hang out says survey

LOCAL teenagers just wa n t s o m ew h e re to hang out with the ir f r i e n d s, ra t h e r t h a n access to more sporting facilities.

This is according to a council report that surveyed 500 young adults, with 90% saying they wanted space to sit and chat, rather than more sports facilities.

The council now plans to allocate €500,000 to set up teen spaces in Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathfarnham and Tallaght.

“The survey results are clear: that providing more organised activities for teenagers is not what they want,” the report states.

“Research into the provision of existing facilities for teenagers within the county corroborates the findings of the survey. “ T h e re a re a m p l e opportunities for teenagers to engage in sport across the county and various other teen offerings are not over-subscribed.

“Hanging out is seen as a desirable activity in itself and is not a result of having nothing to do.”

However, unlike young children or older adults, teenagers have no obvious right to spaces of their own.

They usually have nowhere else to go except outdoor public places including parks and playgrounds.

The survey shows that teenagers feel excluded from many public places.

They report being unwelcome, feeling unsafe and being deterred by antisocial activity.

T h e re p o r t re co m mends the creation of a series of hangout/meeting places for teenagers with such facilities as swings, climbing and zip lines as well as spaces with free wi-fi, shelter, a place to play music, toilets and water fonts.

24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

RAISING AWARENESS: UK STAR SPEAKS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Professor Green talks mental health in Tallaght PADRAIG CONLON

UK rapper Professor Green came to Tallaght to raise awareness of a very important topic at a special event.

The popular musician and mental health advocate was visiting the area to meet and speak with local mental health and community leaders, as well as young people from the area who are advocating for better approaches and attitudes to mental health.

The event, which was part of the First Fortnight European Mental Health Art and Culture Festival, was held at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday, January 19.

As well as Green there were speeches from Mary McLoughlin of HOPE Suicide Prevention Drop In Centre in Tallaght, Jeff O’Toole of Jobstown Safetalk Programme and Old Bawn native JP Swaine, co-founder of First Fortnight with

performances from local singer / songwriter Justin Casey and poet Stephan James Smith who is from Kingswood.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Cathal King told the audience the event was organised to bring local groups together to connect and learn from each other’s experiences with a view to improving the positive mental health of the entire community through leadership.

Stephen Paul Manderson, better known by his stage name Professor Green, spoke openly and honestly about his own mental health experiences and advocacy journey.

He explained how the 2015 BBC documentary Professor Green: Suicide and Me was released to an overwhelmingly positive response, something he genuinely didn’t expect to happen.

In the documentary, he undertakes an emotional journey to uncover why his dad, Peter, took

Rapper discusses mental health issues with young people.

his own life.

Only a few months before the suicide, he was due to reconcile with his estranged father six years after they’d last spoken.

But a phone call between them became heated, and the last thing he said to his father was: “If I ever see you again, I’ll knock you out.”

His advice to anyone struggling with mental health issues?

“Sleep well, eat healthy, exercise, spend less time on your phone and do something you enjoy”.

He encouraged anyone suffering in silence to reach out and find someone to talk to and how a creative outlet can also help.

CITYWEST/SAGGART

Group step up bid to deliver school A GROUP of local parents are determined to bring a new educational institution to south west Dublin.

Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, working with the Post Primary Parents Action Committee in Citywest, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle recently launched their campaign for a new Community College from DDLETB. Having recently concluded their campaign for new primary schools in other parts of Dublin, DDLETB are now stepping up their work in Citywest and Saggart to deliver a new post-primary school in 2020.

David McGuinness, project officer with DDLETB, said: “The Department of Education and Skills need to conclude their work on the school patronage process elsewhere before starting up the process in Citywest and Saggart. We expect this to happen closer to April/ May. “We shared our ‘expressions of interest’ page in Citywest and Saggart and we were taken aback by the level of support that we received for a publicly-owned and managed secondary school.

“Parents and Guardians who wish to support our campaign can do so through this link http://www. ddletb.ie/post-primary-patronage/,” added McGuinness.

“In addition, parents in Citywest and Saggart are encouraging everyone to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages so that they can get a real sense of DDLETB’s excellent community colleges throughout Dublin.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

CLAIMS: SCHEME TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF CRIME ‘NOT WORKING AND CAUSING STRESS’

TD hits out at criminal injuries compensation scheme PADRAIG CONLON pconlon@dublingazette.com

A LOCAL TD says a scheme to assist victims of crime is not working and causing immense stress.

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West believes the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is failing to fulfil its intended role in assisting those that have suffered personal injuries which were criminally inflicted.

Deputy John Curran received information through a Parliamentary Ques-

tion this week that reveals only 18 claims were settled in compensation last year.

This is the lowest number of resolved cases ever recorded since the scheme began, which provides compensation to cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills and missed wages to victims of crime.

Deputy Curran says there are concerns at the length applicants must wait to have their cases processed.

“The lengthy delays in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which

is intended to assist victims of crime in this country, are causing immense stress for injured and very vulnerable victims and their families,” he said.

“The Tribunal’s limited resources and economic constraints are slowing down the process of claims and subsequently victims obtaining their due compensation in a prompt manner and in accordance with constitutional justice.

“It’s most frustrating that the Minister is unable to determine precisely how many victims are still waiting for

a pay-out in compensation in order to get back to living their lives.

“Some of these people will have suffered life-altering injury as a result of criminality.

“The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is very clearly not operating as it had been intended it would and is certainly not assisting any meaningful number of vulnerable victims.

“The number of unsettled claims is going to continue to rise without intervention by the Minister; he needs to get to it.”

Fianna Fáil TD John Curran

‘Local community aren’t shunning dangerous cult’ PADRAIG CONLON

A FORMER Scientologist is concerned about the level of interaction between the local community and the Firhouse Scientology Centre.

John McGhee, who was a Scientologist from 2005 to 2011, was speaking following a recent protest march from the Dail to Firhouse.

“The local community aren’t shunning this dangerous cult,” McGhee told Dublin Gazette.

“Despite all the warnings people are still bringing their children to events in the centre.

“Everything from the “Winter Wonderland” to the coffee mornings and Friday night bingo sessions are very well attended and I can’t understand it.

“Scientology has absolute contempt for the local community in Firhouse and any “good deeds” they do, like shovelling snow off people’s driveways like they did back in March, are only done for photo opportunities.

“They have absolute contempt for anyone who isn’t a Scientologist.

“All they want is to get their tentacles into the local area and build up their property portfolio.

“This is not a benevolent organisation, Scientology claims to be a religion but there’s nothing spiritual about it.

“I saw people hand over every penny they had, even

remortgage their home in order to stay in good standing with the “church”.

John McGhee was one of the organisers of three protest marches against Scientology on Wednesday, 15th January.

Demonstrations The all-day demonstrations at Scientology’s three locations in Ireland, Firhouse, Merrion Square and Ballivor had one aim.

“We want to let them know, to reiterate to them that they’re not welcome in Ireland,” McGhee said.

“Please don’t be silent or passive on this matter.

“The local community really need to watch out for Scientology front groups like “Youth for Human Rights” who have given talks in local schools, even in Catholic ones, who have unknowingly accepted their offers to come and speak.

“Another front group, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, have even picketed outside psychiatrist offices because Scientology opposes psychiatry!

“I’m so thankful to everyone who came from abroad to support the Irish plight brought to bear by the scientology vermin.”

Dublin Gazette contacted The Scientology Centre in Firhouse and put John McGhee’s accusations to them, but no reply was forthcoming from them by the time of going to press.

FASTNews Call for vaccine to be free for children PEOPLE Before Profit representative for Lucan Kellie Sweeney says the HSE must offer the meningitis B vaccine for free for children born before 2016.

Sweeney, who is a qualified nurse, is set to run in the local elections in May for PBP. “Dr John Cuddihy, the HSE’s director of health has stated that the uptake of vaccinations ‘could be a little better’,” Sweeney told Dublin Gazette.

“If the HSE is including this vaccine in the current child vaccination programme, that confirms its importance in the immunisation programme. There is no reason why it should not be made available to people who want their children immunised.”

Heritage Walk around Lucan

The Scientology protest in Firhouse

“

Scientology has absolute contempt for the local community in Firhouse and any “good deeds” they do like shovelling snow off people’s driveways, are only done for photo opportunities

This Saturday, January 26, Lucan Library’s Local History section are organising a Heritage Walk around Lucan conducted by Darren from The Society of Old Lucan.

It starts at 10am and the meeting point will be King John’s bridge on the River Griffeen at Esker.

Walk time will be approx.

90 minutes from St Finian’s onto Gandon Lodge then onto Moat Lodge up the hill and ending at Lucan Library where refreshments will be served as well as an introduction to our Local Studies area.

All are welcome, just drop in or contact the Library at 01 6216422 to book a place.

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6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Irish & Aussie sports girls clash in Lucan

Some of the action on the pitch

L

Linda, Lucy and Aoife O’Connor with Nora Kiss-Kallo. Pictures: simonpearephotography

UCAN Sarsfields GAA Club welcomed a visit by Australian Wanderers Girls AFL Team last week for the LGFA International Challenge. it was a brilliant experience for the girls team and one they will surely never forget.

Lucan Sarsfields Under 11’s Girls Football Team

Lucan Sarsfields Under 12’s Girls Football Team

Michael Bowler and Australian Ambassador Richard Andrews

24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

NO SYSTEM IN PLACE TO REVIEW WAITING LISTS

‘Significant failings’ in Tusla services shown PADRAIG CONLON

A REPORT by The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has discovered “significant failings” in Tusla services in Dublin South Central.

The area includes the south inner city, Rialto, Inchicore, Ringsend, Rathmines, Rathfarnham, Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Rowlagh, Palmerstown and Lucan.

Between January and September last year, the area received an average of 220 child protection and welfare referrals a month.

HIQA conducted an inspection of the child protection and welfare service throughout Dublin South Central last September which aimed to assess compliance with national standards.

Of the six standards assessed, five were identified as major noncompliances and one standard was

found to be substantially compliant with “significant failings” at the screening and preliminary enquiry stage of the management of referrals.

Inspectors were concerned that five initial assessments were completed without children having been seen.

At the time of the inspection, there were 77 cases on a waiting list for an initial assessment and 184 cases were awaiting further assessment.

Inspectors found there was no formal system in place to review waiting lists and no plan to address the backlog.

Children who were allocated a social worker received a varied service.

Some children experienced a good quality service where their needs were adequately assessed and the necessary interventions including immediate action were completed.

“While, other children received a delayed service and, when their needs were assessed, the quality of initial and further assessments were poor,” the report stated.

Following the inspection, HIQA met with Tusla’s chief operations officer and the service director for Dublin Mid-Leinster Region to discuss the preliminary findings from the inspection and the risks in the area’s foster care service.

A requirement for a full service plan to address continued and escalating risks across Dublin South Central Service Area was notified to Tusla during this meeting.

The report concludes that “Tusla has informed HIQA of a number of arrangements which are being established and or reviewed by Tusla to enhance its capacity and capability to deliver a safe and effective foster care and child protection service in Dublin South Central service area”.

FASTNews

End of an era as Lillie’s closes down

Christmas FM raises over €400k CHRISTMAS FM, the hugely popular radio station, announced that it has raised €404,551 for their 2018 chosen charity, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

The funds raised will purchase new state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment such as incubators and ventilators – giving the gift of life to over 1,000 critically ill babies and children in Temple Street.

Pictured at the cheque presentation is Emma Barrett, from Temple Street Foundation, Paul Shepherd, Co Founder of Christmas FM and Michael O’Keeffe, CEO of Broadcast Authority of Ireland.

The 2018 fundraising figure brings to almost €2 million, the total amount of funds the radio station has raised for charities since its inception in 2008.

Picture: Andres Poveda

DUBLINERS are in mourning after the closure of one of the city’s most prestigious hot-spots.

Lillie’s Bordello on Grafton Street shut its doors for the final time last Saturday, after announcing the closure of the club before Christmas.

The venue had been popular with international celebrities and Irish VIPs alike but is now set to be transformed into a new experience in the coming months.

On Facebook, Lillie’s said: “Thank you again to anyone and everyone who crossed the threshold of Lillie’s over the years.

“Our doors have now been closed for good; it really is the end of an era.”

Tributes to great nights out in the venue were posted on social media, as yet another club closes in Dublin.

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10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

The start of the walk Cara and Katie

Warming up. Pictures: Oisin McEvoy

The Williams Family

Thos McDermott (event organiser)

Having fun at the Corkagh parkrun A

NOTHER fabulous park run was held in Corkagh Park last week. Park Runs take place over a 5km course weekly, are free to enter and are open to all ages and abilities, providing a fun and safe environment to enjoy exercise. To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie.

Gwen Minto, Margaret Kearney and Bernie McGlinchey

24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

LOVE MARRIAGE

GROOMS can often be overlooked when it comes to the big wedding day, with many people (and more than a few grooms) assuming that they can just slip on a dark suit, and job done!

Thankfully, this kind of that’ll-do mindset has hit the road, and there’s a lot of choice out there to make sure that Himself scrubs up very well for the wedding or civil ceremony, with Remus Uomo are leading the way in presenting a delicate, light yet immaculately tailored touch for grooms to look their best.

With subtle pastel shades always in fashion, we’ve rounded up some Remus Uomo suits for grooms, and their Best Men, to look their very best on the important day ...

See your nearest Remus Uomo store for a wide variety of wedding suits; also see www.remusuomo.com

Dapper’ll do nicely ...

Choose a groom with a view and get married by the sunny Mediterranean As lovely as it is to get married at home – why not get married by the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean? Sunset Beach Club may have the perfect package for your dream wedding in the sun

IF YOU are dreaming of a romantic celebration on the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean, Sunset Beach Club may well be the venue for you.

Their complete wedding packages include every little detail, and will be overseen by your personal planner, to leave you free to enjoy every minute of your special day.

Wedding packages start from €6,400 for 40

guests (2020 prices), and include all your wedding day needs, from bridal hair and make-up, the ceremony itself (church wedding or seafront blessing), flowers, photography, and welcome cocktail reception, to a 4-course banquet with free-flowing wine, beer, soft drinks, wedding cake, DJ and everything in between.

Furthermore, Sunset Beach Club offers the

bride and groom a complimentary two-night pre-wedding stay in the Winter before the wedding, and complimentary accommodation in the honeymoon suite on the wedding night (conditions apply).

Accommodation discounts will also be available to guests of eligible weddings, who can choose from Sunset Beach Club’s ample selection of rooms, from fam-

ily apartments to luxury suites, all with their own balcony and kitchenette.

Sunset Beach Club is only 20 minutes from Malaga Airport, where you can get direct flights from Ireland, the UK and most European cities.

For further information, see www.sunsetbeachclub.com, or contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, at weddings@sunsetbeachclub.com.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

Things to remember A premier venue GETTING married is a big decision and is one of the most significant events in someone’s life.

Aside from the excitement involved in planning your big day, there are rules and procedures you must follow in order to marry in Ireland.

There are also rules and procedures if you are ordinarily resident here and choose to marry abroad.

Here, we start at the beginning and guide you through the various things you need to know.

Aside from the rules about how and where you can marry, marriage will immediately affect

lots of areas of your life.

You may not be aware, but your legal status, your inheritance rights, and pensions are just

some things that will change. Many other areas of life will also change.

Today, couples of the same sex or opposite sexes can marry in Ireland.

The minimum age for

getting married in Ireland is 18 years of age.

If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland and

you wish to get married abroad, you must be aged at least 18.

Since November 2007, anyone marrying in Ireland (irrespective of whether they are an Irish citizen or a foreign national) must give three months’ notification before they marry.

You must make this notification in person to any Registrar.

The requirement to give a three-month notice does not apply to civil partners whose civil partnership was registered in Ireland.

If civil partners choose to marry, their civil partnership is automatically dissolved.

Check your list, check it twice WE’VE shared the following countdown checklist in previous wedding supplements and guides – and it’s proven to be one of our most popular little guides, ever!

So, we’re happy to dish out this great advice yet again, in the hopes that we help to make the coming days, weeks, months – but hopefully not years – until your big day that little bit less daunting or stressful.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your special day, so tick off what you have to do as your wedding approaches. And the very best of luck!

12 MONTHS TO GO Set a budget Research, visit and book venue and ceremony locations Book photographer Book videographer Book band Start researching wedding suppliers like florist, makeup artist etc Send save the dates 8-10 MONTHS TO GO Book ceremony music Order wedding dress Think about accommodation for guests Look into honeymoon options 4-8MONTHS TO GO Research and book trials with hair and makeup artists Send notification of intention to marry to the registrar (*this is a legal requirement - you need to give at least three months’ notice) Order bridesmaid dresses Buy wedding shoes and accessories Book DJ Book florist Check passport date and renew if necessary

3 MONTHS TO GO Buy weddings rings Organise wedding favours Get Best Man and Groomsmen’s suits fitted Start collecting addresses of friends and family for the invites and buy stamps Decide on music, ceremony, first dance, reception entrance etc 2 MONTHS TO GO Work on ceremony booklets Send wedding invitations Buy gifts for partner, bridal party, parents 4 WEEKS TO GO Have your final wedding dress fitting Confirm menu and any dietary requirements with the venue Chase any guests who have not yet RSVP’d Finalise guest list 2 WEEKS TO GO Collect wedding dress Organise table plan Write speeches/vows 1 WEEK TO GO Visit venue and go over everything Give reception venue/caterer final guest numbers Attend wedding rehearsal with celebrant

Assign bridesmaid/groomsman as contact person on the day Pack overnight bag Organise envelopes with payments for suppliers – allocate groomsmen to look after on the day 2-3 DAYS TO GO Get nails done Make any last minute changes to table/seating plans Collect groom’s/groomsmen’s suits Confirm time the wedding car will pick you up 1 DAY TO GO Drop off wedding decor, place cards, table names, favours, props, etc. to venue for set up Give list of suppliers/contact numbers to bridesmaid/groomsman/ other contact Have the rings/wedding suppliers payment envelopes ready for the Best Man for the wedding morning DAY OF WEDDING It’s here! Enjoy every single minute of your special day!

For more see weddingsonline.com or join the Facebook conversation on HIGM (Help! I’m getting married) for a great community of people to help with your planning.

just a skip away from the capital THE 4-star Westgrove Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club in Clane village, Co Kildare is one of Kildare’s premier wedding venues.

They offer a superb setting, luxurious accommodation, award-winning cuisine and a personalised and professional service.

Join them on Sunday, February 17 for their wedding fair. You will meet with their dedicated wedding team, who will be delighted to help you with advice and inspiration on every step of the way to your big day.

They will be delighted to go through all of their wedding packages with you on the day, including their amazing all-inclusive package, while you sample delicious canapes and sparkling prosecco.

On the day of the wedding fair, their Alexandra Ballroom will be fully decorated as it would be

for your big day, including their fairylight backdrops, floral arrangements and spectacular table centrepieces.

The O’Connell Suite will be beautifully set for a civil ceremony. The bridal suite will also be on display for viewings, as will all reception rooms including the rooftop terrace bar and private residents’ bar.

For the wedding fair, they invite their most recommended suppliers, who are trusted experts when it comes to all things wed-

dings and who will be happy to discuss any suggestions when it comes to planning your wedding at the 4-star Westgrove Hotel and Spa. The team are always happy to talk about and welcome individual wedding ideas, and their wedding showcases give you the perfect opportunity to discuss that with them.

For further information, see www.westgrovehotel.com, email Niamh at weddings@westgrovehotel.com, or call 045 989 904/045 989 900.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

LOVE MARRIAGE

 DRESSES - REFRESHING A CLASSIC 

Laze Bardot bridal maxi dress €638

Monsoon’s refreshing bridal style FOR anyone going down the traditional wedding route, is there anything more important than the wedding dress?

For a dress that’s only worn and seen once, the wedding dress remains the single most important and memorable item of clothing that most women look back at – and brides-to-be have a lot to look forward to as they look to find the dress.

We’ve turned to Monsoon for a fresh take on a timeless classic, with the high street giant presenting some contemporary wedding styles with a classic twist.

(Left) Devon sequin top €106, Tyra trousers €94;

Suit from €72

(Centre) Jourdan wide left jumpsuit €132, Martha metallic leather pouch €39 (Right) Eugenie embellished bridal corset €169, Jane satin bridal maxi skirt €119

(Left) Satin bow midi dress €169; (right) Satin bow midi dress €169, Doutzen sequin cover-up €94

The Hillgrove will wow with ease in Monaghan MARVEL at every detail of how your wedding day could look at The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa Wedding Showcase, taking place on Sunday, January 27, from 2-5pm.

Voted Ulster’s numberone wedding venue in 2016 and Monaghan’s Best Wedding Venue in 2018, The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa are inviting couples to view their elegant ballrooms and reception spaces, as well as enjoy an exclusive first look at the hotel’s beautiful new wedding garden and stylish honeymoon suite.

The new wedding garden offers couples a dedicated and private space for their wedding photography with a beautiful patio area for post wedding BBQs, and a bespoke built gazebo suitable for outdoor ceremonies and endless photo opportunities.

Another new addition to

The Hillgrove will make an enchanting impression on any couple and their guests

The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa is the recent refurbishment of the venue’s honeymoon suite, which has been totally transformed.

In keeping with the overall style of the hotel, the suite now offers a relaxing space for couples, with delicate watercolourinspired wallpaper adorning the room and a tranquil colour palette throughout.

After enjoying a tour

of the venue and all the exclusive new spaces, it’s then time to focus on the details of your wedding day, with a glass of chilled bubbly and selec-

tion of delicious canapes to savour alongside some great live music.

Find out all about the hotel’s special Your Wedding Your Way package, which caters for 120 guests for just €5,500 and includes lots of memorable touches.

A specially selected edit of the finest wedding suppliers in the region will also be in attendance including Claire Does Cakes, Catherine McAviney Photography, JP Flowers and A n ge l B l o s soms, as well as Sinead O’Brien Wedding Soprano and Blogger.

For further information, telephone 047 81288, email info@hillgrovehotel.com, or alternatively see also www.hillgrovehotel. com.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

 PRECIOUS GEMS 

BEFORE you even think about the big day and its list as long as your arm to sort out, there’s one small thing with great importance to sort out – the engagement ring.

We’ve turned to master jewellers Weir & Sons for some engagement rings to consider. While some of these prices could be a little top-dollar for most of us, there’s no doubt these little lovelies – not actual size – will certainly help to bling out the best in your wedding ensemble ...

18k white gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring €2,220

Platinum and oval-cut diamond-set engagement ring €4,320

18k white gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring €3,380

Marry modern stylings with a charming family-owned hotel RENOWNED for their award-winning wed dings, the 4-star Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar – just 40 minutes from Lucan – presents a spectacular fusion of 17th Century heritage with ultimate modern styling.

L e t t h e m b e yo u r “something old, something new”.

Awa rd e d M i d l a n d s Wedding Venue of the Year in 2018 at the Irish Wedding Awards, the hotel hope to retain their title as they prepare for awards season this month.

As a family-owned hotel, they pride themselves in offering a very personalised service, from the initial booking stage all the way through to your dream day.

Sumptuous food, combined with top-class service, are the main ingredients of any good wedding and the Annebrook House Hotel delivers both

these elements seamlessly.

The ir friendly and approachable service will ensure your wedding day is everything you want it to be and more.

Ciara and the wedding team at the Annebrook constantly strive to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couple’s day is as memorable and as individual as they are.

They are excited to

Platinum ring with three pear-shaped diamonds €9,460

Three-carat platinum solitaire diamond ring €67,500

Platinum sapphire and diamond cluster ring €34,950

You’ll find pleasing contemporary touches with some traditional stylings at Annebrook House

announce the launch of their newly refurbished ballroom, coming in Spring.

Come along to their

next Wedding Open Days on Sunday, February 3 (1-5pm) and Wednesday, February 20 (5-8pm) to view this wonderful

venue for yourself.

For further information, see www.annebrook.ie, or email Ciara on events@ annebrook.ie.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

DUBLIN

DISCOVER OLD AMERICA’S CHARMS IN NEW ENGLAND...

P20

The Once bring Newfoundland influences to Dublin P23

MAGAZINE GETTING FIT WITH KAZ P22

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

DUBLIN CHILDREN ADVISED TO GRAB A BOOK IN 2019

THIS spring children in Dublin are urged to keep their eyes peeled for mysterious aliens as Bumpfizzle – the Best on Planet Earth by Patricia Forde, is the chosen book for the 2019 Citywide Reading Campaign for Children.

The Campaign launched last week in the newly refurbished Kevin Street Library, where some enthusiastic young readers of the book got to meet with the author. The 2019 Campaign runs from January to March and details of the many events associated with it can be found at www.dublincityofliterature.ie. Pictured with author Patricia Forde are Nancy Jane Hanlon (7) from Tallaght, Lilwena Le Sommer Rennison (8) from Swords and Matthew Treacy (8) from Sutton. Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennell Photography

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

FEATURES

SLICES OF CONTEMPORARY IRISH LIFE

LIVE MUSIC | IRELAND’S LARGEST FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND BEYOND

Irish singer songwriter Cathy Davey

World class talent at TradFest Lindisfarne come to TradFest

PADRAIG CONLON

TEMPLE Bar will be alive with the sound of bodhrans and fiddles this weekend for one of the country’s unmissable music events.

TradFest, Ireland’s largest festival of trad, folk, and world music, started yesterday (Wednesday 23rd) and

Have a go at playing traditional music

promises five days of world class talent in the city.

Since starting out in 2006 as a small niche traditional music festival it has grown immensely in size and musical range.

Tradfest offers music lovers unique opportunities to experience live music in some of Dublin’s most historic places, from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to City Hall, making it one of the city’s most unmiss-

able events.

As will as the gigs, guests will have the opportunity to take a songwriting workshop with Eleanor McEvoy, explore Sean-Nos singing in a workshop with Oonagh McArdle, catch the premieres of two new documentaries about Irish musicians - Slan leis an gCeol and Starboard Home.

The festival will also include an evening in celebration of Ronnie Drew, The Dubliners and others performed in story and song by Phelim Drew.

Tradfest should get Dublin city

centre hopping and help banish those dreaded winter blues!

Speaking ahead of this year’s festival, Martin Harte of The Temple Bar Company who run TradFest said: “The 2019 lineup is one of our most iconic yet, with a strong international lineup featuring the likes of multi Grammy Award-winner Kathy Mattea, evergreen folk superstars Steeleye Span and Iberian piper Carlos Nunez, whilst celebrating the cream of established Irish talent including Eleanor McEvoy, Andy Irvine, Arty

McGlynn, all the while supporting emerging artists through our headline programme and our showcasing events.

“As usual, the festival strives to ensure that there is a strong female presence across the program.

“We are also delighted to expand and increase the hugely popular front row sessions with more concerts, more days and more fun than ever before”.

Tradfest runs until Sunday, January 27.

DUBLINERS BEING SOUGHT FOR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

“BE Brave, Be Bold” is the theme to this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 which is on the hunt for Dubliners.

Operating in more than 60 countries worldwide, the programme is recognised as the most prestigious business accolade for entrepreneurs.

Now in its 22nd year, the nominations are officially open to all sectors and businesses of all sizes across the island of Ireland and are invited to submit their nominations until February 15.

Dublin’s entrepreneurs are encouraged to put themselves forward to follow in the footsteps of well-known Dublin business people, fashion designer Louise Kennedy and Freshly Chopped’s Brian Lee, who were finalists in

2018 and 2016 respectively.

Kevin McLoughlin, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland said: “This year we are committed to supporting and encouraging our island’s entrepreneurs to be brave and to be bold, whether that means taking a first step with a brilliant idea or taking a calculated risk to drive growth in their business.

“They will be able to take inspiration from and tap into the vast knowledge of Ireland’s most fearless entrepreneurs who have gone through this programme in the past.

“I am really proud that we now have an Alumni network of 500 entrepreneurs who have benefited from the programme and remain connected to it.”

The awards programme is divided into three categories, Emerging, Industry and International, with eight finalists chosen per category.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprising former winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.

Last year saw a strong mix of male and female finalists across nine different sectors who collectively employed more than 2,700 people and generated revenues in excess €150m.

Daniel Mackey and Peter Coppinger of Cork-based SaaS company Teamwork emerged as the overall winners at the 2018 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards and will go on to represent Ireland

at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.

Belfast-based Hospitality group Beannchor took top prize in the Industry category, while biotechnology company Carrick Therapeutics won top prize in the Emerging category.

The finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period which includes a week-long CEO Retreat to Hong Kong, and they will also gain exclusive access to a prestigious community of over 500 peers known as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni.

The 24 finalists for 2019 will be announced on April 23.

For further information visit www.eoy.ie.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

TRAVEL C O M MCEOR M CM I AELR CC O I ANLT CE O N TN T E N T

Find your dream honeymoon trip with GoHop.ie MOST newlyweds want to start married life together with an unforgettable honeymoon.

But every couple is different, and that’s why Irish travel firm GoHop.ie have a team of honeymoon specialists to ensure every newlywed’s holiday dreams really do come true on their first trip away as husband and wife.

Your honeymoon will most likely be one of the most memorable and most expensive holidays of your life.

That’s why many couples tend to struggle when it comes to deciding on what type of holiday itinerary they want, and which honeymoon destination is the right one for them.

The GoHop.ie honeymoon specialists know exactly what’s involved in planning a couple’s perfect honeymoon.

A qualified member of this travel team meets with the couple, listens to their specific requirements, then matches those wishes to a selection of destinations and itineraries that offers a choice of options that will fulfill their dream honeymoon expectations down to the very last detail.

The GoHop.ie honeymoon specialist team have listed a wonderful selection of thought-provoking honeymoon package ideas to whet your appetite on their website at https://www.gohop.ie/interests/ honeymoons/destinations.

GoHop.ie can tailor-make worldwide honeymoon packages to accommodate both relaxation and actionpacked adventure, elaborate all-inclusive holidays including complimentary enhancements such as room upgrades, candlelit dinners and spa treatments.

As a multi award-winning company and multiple winner of Weddings Online’s Honeymoon Supplier of the Year, both experts and newlyweds agree that GoHop.ie is one of the market leaders when it comes to planning your ultimate honeymoon.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland. Irish-owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers, offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

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

Prestigious Harvard University – set in leafy Cambridge, Massachusetts, just beyond Boston city is just one of the area’s many jewels of note in a welcoming region that celebrates New England’s past while looking to the future, too

Discover old America’s SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor NEW England – the birthplace of America – is filled with rich history, cultural attractions, fascinating cities, scenic villages, and outdoor adventures at every turn.

From the white sandy beaches and lighthouses of Cape Cod to the expansive lakes, panoramic mountain views and dockside restaurants dishing up delicious seafood chowder and lobster, it doesn’t get more inviting than this.

If you fancy discovering a wealth of diverse travel experiences with easy access from major airports in Boston, Providence and New York then read on ...

Travelvalue.ie is offering a mouth-watering five nights in Boston and Salem this February from €759 per person.

Maine is a remarkable destination at any time of the year, with lighthouses and sleepy coastal towns dotting its ragged coastline and islands, while her forests are always a sight to behold

An integral part of the American Revolution, Boston is a history buff’s dream with landmarks including the infamous Boston Tea Party and the site of the first act of defiance against British rule, The Liberty Tree.

Between excursions, relax at the four-star Godfrey Hotel which is perfectly placed in the heart

of downtown Boston.

Spend your last two nights exploring another historical coastal city, Salem.

Hear all the evidence that was presented at the Witch Trials in 1692 and ponder how 19 people were convicted and executed under accusations of black magic.

The town which

inspired Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is no stranger to horror; the headquarters of The Satanic Temple also reside in the Massachusetts municipality.

Price includes return flights from Dublin to Providence Airport with two checked-in bags, three nights in Godfrey Hotel Boston, two nights

in Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (http://itaa. ie/2018/11/26/bostonsalem/).

If it’s a fun family holiday you’re after, then CruiseWorld.ie is offering six nights in Salem this May from €1,299 per person.

This package represents great value as it includes passes to the Witch Dungeon Museum, an arena of terror where haunting tales that make up the history of Spooky Salem are played out.

Paying a visit to the New England Pirate Museum and the Witch History Museum will provide more wild stories for all your clan as well as lively activities for the kids.

The Salem Waterfront Hotel will be your home for the week, where a heated indoor pool and a fitness room will help you to wind down after an

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

(Top) Maine’s Sebasco Resort offers plenty for all the family in its deceptively quiet bayside setting, which is home to a dizzying range of activities; (above) those seeking an urban buzz should check out the Godfrey Hotel, set right in downtown Boston

charms in New England action-packed day.

Described as “cool and casual fare with flair”, the on-site restaurant, The Regatta Pub, specialises in delicious seafood caught locally.

Price includes return flights from Dublin to Boston Providence with No r we g i a n A i r, t wo check-in bags, six-day car hire, six nights at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, passes to The New England Pirate Museum, The Witch History Museum,

and two first-class tickets aboard the Privateer IV. For more information on this offer from CruiseWorld.ie, visit: http:// itaa.ie/2018/11/26/ salem-pirates-witchesand-whales-packagestay-6-nights-at-thesalem-waterfront-hotelsuites/ Another great family deal is the self-drive tour of mountain tops and lobster pots from American Sky holidays which is offering eight nights from

Football deals for fans are kicking off LIVERPOOL fans who want to see their club in action at Anfield and do it in style should consider the hospitality packages on offer from Keith Prowse.

The deal includes one night’s hotel accommodation and seated match tickets with access to hospitality facilities both before and after the game.

Fans can choose from last minute availability for four home games – v Leicester City on January 30

€2,369 per person, including flights.

Begin with an exploration of Boston, then drive into the stunning White Mountains for scenic hikes and home-cooked meals.

Travel to Maine’s beautifully rugged coast to spend three nights at the Sabasco Resort, paddling the calm waters of the bay, biking, golfing and enjoying the harbourside saltwater pool, while the kids have fun in the sum-

mer day camp.

You will get to sample some of Boston’s finest cuisine, take a worldfamous DUCK tour or join a whale watching excursion to view humpbacks, finbacks and other giant whales.

Another highlight is a stay at a wilderness lodge in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, hiking, splashing in waterfall pools and feeding your appetite with tasty homecooked meals.

(from €485pps); v Bournemouth on February 9 (from €568pps); v Watford on February 27 (from €564pps); and v Burnley on March 9 (from €812pps).

For further information and bookings, call 01 878 3500 or see www.keithprowseattractions.com.

Cruise specialists pull into Ireland TAILOR-MADE cruise holiday specialist Planet Cruise has expanded into Ireland.

Coastal Maine’s Sebasco Resort, located right at the water’s edge, is the ideal spot for the kids to have fun at summer day camp while the parents indulge in relaxation and a hive of activities on land and at sea.

If retail therapy is required, visit historic Portsmouth for exceptional tax-free shopping and waterfront dining.

For further information on these offers, check out www.americansky.ie.

The launch incorporates departures from Dublin and other Irish airports while pricing will be in euro.

Chief operating officer Otto Rosenberger said: “We are delighted to be able to give our customers in Ireland the choice of more than 6,000 cruises from all major cruise lines.

“Irish customers booking with Planet Cruise will experience our price guarantee, low deposit and exceptional customer service.”

Planet Cruises’ call centre will be open seven days a week until 11pm, with a price promise to customers that they will not find a cheaper cruise elsewhere.

Even if you’re not at all a fan of all things witch-related, historic Salem, Massachusetts casts a spell over visitors, as one of America’s oldest towns that’s full of character

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

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

High on Harmonies GOINGOUTOUT

The Once bring Newfoundland influences to Dublin

 JAMES HENDICOTT

WITH Dublin Tradfest heading into town in the coming week, the chance to explore folk scenes from outside our own borders is one that looms large.

Newfoundland is an unlikely hotbed, and one of their hottest properties, The Once, are one of the acts from outside our own shores that will be dropping into Dublin.

Those Newfoundland origins are at the forefront of the band’s very existence, too.

“Most of the people that came before us are

immigrants that came from France or Ireland to Newfoundland,” Geraldine Hollett, one of the band’s vocal trio, explains.

“They brought the music with them. In the 90s there was a ‘Celtic Revival’ and that music is definitely influenced by the Irish. We even sound like you in certain communities. When we hit Wexford, we can find people that look like us.”

The ir connections, especially on their most re c e n t a l b u m , Ti m e Enough, come not just from the music, but from a haunting, minimalist approach to lyrics.

“It’s a conscious choice, especially for this album,” Hollett says of the toneddown approach.

PICKWEEK OF THE

JANUARY 24 (THURSDAY) Boyzone @ 3Arena, €69+ THE lads need no introduction – the critic-proof quartet will no doubt pack ’em in with some beloved choons that pretty much all of us can sing along to.

Picture: Chris LeDrew

“We wanted to make an intimate album. We wanted the meaning of the words to get into your

head to haunt and then to comfort.”

“Mostly they were written for anyone who has experienced love, loss, anxiety, low self-worth and apathy. So, everyone.

“It was difficult, yes.

Stripping things bare leaves us so exposed. We aren’t that comfortable running around naked these days! But we know how important it is to be real.

“You do really question if it’s good enough.

You have to trust that if it comes from a real and honest place, it will reach those it was intended for and not be hurt by the ones it wasn’t.

“The older we get the deeper we delve and the more comfortable we get with it,” she continues.

“We fear it less and we welcome it more. We are also aware of what is going on past our own minds and we are able to think of the big picture and how others might perhaps feel the same in their own little worlds.

We depend on it.”

The long-standing vocal mix between the trio has become a real signature, though, one that stands tall on Time Enough, and helps their songs to soar.

“It’s the crux of what

we do,” Hollett says of the band’s complex and uplifting harmonies.

“Everything can change musically, but our signature three-part harmony has to stay.”

“We don’t think about harmonies while we write. When we come to the table with our new songs, we do everything in our power to maintain it and we will change the song as much as needed to make it work.

“We manage to keep everything we want to resonate intact. We like to think we hold back sometimes to intensify the harmony at the proper moments, so we don’t bore the pants off our audience. We love choosing our moments.

“Heading outside our Canadian borders, where we know we make sense as a band – and trying our new material in Ireland, England and Europe where we have only visited a handful of times – is pretty exciting and nervewracking.

“It’s important as artists to jump straight out of our comfort zones and into the arms of something unknown. It keeps us on our toes,” she said.

The Once play the Pepper Canister Church, Dublin, on January 25.

JANUARY 24 (THURSDAY) Death Cab For Cutie @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Heart-hitting cult indie band bring their morose but memorable sense of impending doom in to the Olympia for a big, dingy singalong.

David Kitt @ Inni-K @ The Workman’s Club, €20 John Paul White @ Whelan’s, €19 Stefan Murphy @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 Lil’ Mosey @ The Academy, €25

JANUARY 25 (FRIDAY) Ben Howard @ 3Arena, €47 Stockton’s Wing @ The Workman’s Club, €7 The Innocent Bystander @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €14

JANUARY 26 (SATURDAY) The Spitfires @ The Workman’s Club, €20 Oscar Blue @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Grainne Cotter @ The Vintage Room, €10

JANUARY 27 (SUNDAY) Bastille @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Jarrod Dickenson @ Whelan’s, €12 Marie Keane @ The Sugar Club, €10

JANUARY 29 (TUESDAY) Hayley Kiyoko @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT

JANUARY 30 (WEDNESDAY) The Dead South @ The Button Factory, €20 Hayley Kiyoko @ Olympia Theatre, €24 Ozzy Osbourne + Judas Priest @ 3Arena, €72+ Gigs-wise, it’s still relatively quiet as the year gets under way – but sure to be one of the biggest Metal shows in 2019, the loud, tattooed character that is Ozzy (right) returns to the big stage at the 3Arena.

While Boyzone (top) might be a safer choice for some music fans, good ol’ Ozzy should liven things up for everyone else.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

PUZZLES

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MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

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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

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24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

CAMOGIE P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SIX OF THE BEST: SOCCER: COLLINSTOWN continue to

live up to their title of ‘cup specialists’ as a second-half blitz saw them bowl over Lucan United to book a spot in the FAI Intermediate Cup quarter-finals on Friday night. Despite playing a league below promotion-chasing Lucan, and falling behind, the LSL Sunday Senior 1B side hit their visitors for six to put their name in the hat.



GAZETTE

RUGBY P29

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS AWARDS | DUBLINERS ON THE SHORTLIST FOR ANNUAL GONGS

Outsider hail extraordinary achievements  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLINERS Dermot Higgins, Don Hannon and Neil Hoey are all on the long list of 51 nominees for Outsider magazine’s annual People of the Year Awards.

These awards celebrate ordinary but extraordinary people that have achieved amazing feats on the Irish outdoor and adventure scene in 2018.

The 56-year-old Higgins set off from his hometown of Skerries to pedal around the planet. That’s right, he became the oldest man on record to cycle the whole way around the world – a whopping 30,000k over nine months.

Beamount’s Hannon, 45, ran the Ireland Way from Cork to the Causeway Coast this year. That’s more than 1,000km over 14 mountain ranges in 15 days.

His aim? To encourage people to become organ donors. This follows

from his experience of donating half of his own liver to his sister in 2016.

Hoey, who is 18, lost his leg to cancer when he was a child but recently completed the challenging and very mucky obstacle course Hell & Back.

Not only did he become the first amputee to complete the 7km long course, which includes everything from large walls to be climbed over to nets that must be scrambled under.

He also won the Hang Tough Challenge. This is where participants attempt to hang for as long as possible from a set of monkey bars.

Hoey obliterated the record, hanging for more than eight minutes; he completed the event to raise money for his Irish amputee football team.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of achievements. For the list, go to www.outsider.ie/outsiderawards/.

Indeed, the list includes six-yearold Joshua Davison who became the youngest person ever to climb

Don Hannon.

Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

Neil Hoey at the finish line of Hell & Back

north Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal (4,167m).

Nine-year-old Molly Marshall from Cork competed her first triathlon in 2018 despite the challenges she faces with cerebral palsy.

Hillwalker Dillon Lynch, 11, has probably spent more time in the mountains in 2018 than many adults

do in their whole lives.

Raising funds for Barretstown as he hiked, he has climbed more than 30,000m and aims to have climbed to the 25 highest points and peaks in Ireland by the end of the year.

The awards are supported by joint title sponsors Just Eat, Active Iron and Columbia Sportswear.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: SHORTT AND BROGAN POWER AMAZING SECOND HALF The Collinstown side that knocked out Lucan United in the FAI Intermediate Cup

FAUGHS LUCAN SARSFIELDS 133rd AGM takes place in the clubhouse on Sunday, February 10, at 11am.

WELL done to the Junior A la All members are invited to come along to hear reports on the club’s progress through the year.

Motions and any nominations received for Officer Board and Executive Committee have been published on www.faughs.ie. Only fully paid up members will have right to speak on motions/ proposals or have voting rights.

Annual membership is now due and can be paid online at www.faughs.ie.

A special “Thank You” to all who made Saturday’s Presentation Night such an outstanding success. Well done to all who received awards and best of luck for coming year.

Next oiche cheoil agus craic in the Members’ Bar on Thursday, February 7. If you play an instrument, sing a song, tell a yarn or just enjoy the craic do come along and enjoy the night.

Fun table quiz every Wednesday night, No cover charge.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS WE WERE delighted to receive the news that we had been allocated the maximum grant possible following the announcement of the Sports Capital Grants by Ministers Shane Ross and Minister Brendan Griffin. We particularly want to thanks Shane Moynihan our former secretary and Mike Wisdom, who prepared a comprehensive application to secure this vital funding to enhance our playing/training areas.

Our third Annual Dinner Dance is on February 9, this very popular event is a ticket affair and tickets are limited so don’t miss out contact Kathleen Roche 087 9639439, Mary Flannery 087 7469143 or Josephine Donohue 087defeat 9447262 FOLLOWING to asap to secure a place.

Naomh O Tickets €30; includes wine reception and a four-course dinner, and Dancing after with Music provided by FULL MOON. Other Up and Coming Events: Féile Table Quiz – Friday, February 1; Hurling Table Quiz - Friday, February 8; Table Quiz for Elizabeth McNicholas - Friday, February 15; Adult Awards Night, February 16; Leopardstown Leaps – March 3. Also watch out for the (new) calendar of events for the clubhouse!

Membership is open now for 2019 and can be paid over six month installments through the link.

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 1 – December 31. It is compulsory that playing members and mentors are registered before resuming training or participating in games. If an injury claim is notified to Willis Towers Watson 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 the register now. In addition, all club managers are requested to return current squad lists to games secretary to enable us to cross- check.

Please indicate where there are new players who have joined squads this year.

Hard luck to CJ Smith and Darren Gavin who were part of the Dublin squad that unfortunately lost the O’Byrne Cup final.

Well done to some of our stars who lined out in the Fitzgibbon: Chris Crummy and Ciaran Dowling who won with DCU, Paul Crummy with UCD who drew, & Seanie McClelland TUDublin (formally DIT) .

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

Collins’ hit Lucan for six

FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP Collinstown FC Lucan United  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

6 1

COLLINSTOWN continue to live up to their title of ‘cup specialists’ as a second-half blitz saw them bowl over Lucan United to book a spot in the FAI Intermediate Cup quarter-finals on Friday night.

D e s p i te p l ay i n g a league below promotionchasing Lucan, and falling behind to an early Marco Chindea penalty, the LSL Sunday Senior 1B side hit their visitors for six to put their name in the hat.

A brace apiece from Ger Shortt and substitute Gareth ‘Horse’ Brogan, and one each for Aaron Behan and Darren Clarke, saw Collinstown side coast to victory at the SDFL Complex.

Five of those goals came in the second half as Lucan found the speed and precision of Collinstown’s attackers too much to bear.

It had all started so well for the away side – though the game took place in Lucan – as they were awarded a penalty after eight minutes, and the Romanian striker made no mistake.

Collinstown didn’t panic and they made the

breakthrough on the half hour as Ian McNeill found Aaron Behan running the left channel and his cross was f licked home by Shortt at the near post.

So it remained at the break, but Collinstown emerged from the break a different side and it took just five second-half minutes for Shortt to bag his second.

Behan got his name on the scoresheet shortly afterwards as Collinstown sprung the offside trap and Paul McMahon crossed from the right for the striker to tap home.

A bad fall saw Danny McGuinness break his wrist and he was replaced

by Brogan, and the sub-

stitute wasn’t long in leaving his imprint on the game.

Shortt turned provider for the first as he chipped the ball inside for Brogan to tap home, and the striker headed home at the back post from a free kick to make it 5-1.

Collinstown weren’t finished and, when Brogan himself was forced off with a knock, his replacement Clarke made sure as he finished a dazzling run by rounding the keeper and slotting home.

“Second half we came out and it was like a different team,” Collinstown manager Kevin Carroll told the Dublin

Gazette.

“We just blew them away with our pace up top. Ger Shortt was electric for the entire game – just unbelievable.

“We’ve always been known as cup specialists because we’ve gone on good runs and it’s always against the better teams we play well.

“This is our first year in the Intermediate Cup and we’re in the quarterfinals. We’d never have expected that from coming into the league a couple of seasons ago.

“As I say to our players all the time, the bigger the team, on a decent surface, on our day we’ll match anyone.”

FLYEfit to open new gym in Liffey Valley

FITNESS enthusiasts in Liffey Valley have no excuse for not getting 2019 off to the perfect start thanks to the opening of a new FLYEfit gym.

The well-known chain of low-cost super gyms has spent a total of €4 million developing the two new gyms as it continues to expand throughout Dublin.

The first new gym at Pearse Street in Sallynoggin opened on Saturday, January 12, while the second gym at Fonthill Road in Liffey Valley opens this Saturday, January 26.

“We cater for everyone with an affordable and flexible membership model and our decision to open in Sallynoggin and Liffey Valley is down to the many requests we have received to expand to new locations outside of the city centre,” said a FLYEfit spokesperson.

“We are attracting new members because we provide premium facilities, equipment and over 60 free classes per week at an affordable price,” he continued.

Each new gym has been fitted out with a Spin Studio, Cardio and Strength Equipment,

an Astro Area, a Free Weights and Functional Zone, two Boxing Zones, Olympic Lifting Platforms, ladies and gents changing areas, showers and lockers.

Members pay a €25 joining fee and can then choose to pay €29 per month or €259 annually to access any one FLYEfit gym, or €32 per month or €299 annually to access all FLYEfit gyms. There is no contract and members can cancel or even pause their membership online if they are taking a break from the gym.

Full details are available at www.flyefit.ie

24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: RANGERS

BY ASDF SOFTDASF LATE DAS CONCESSION IN FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP ASDF SDAFASDF: NAFRUSTRATED A SFSDAF SDAF

Newtown lament Mad’ finish FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP Newtown Rangers UCC  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

2 3

NEWTOWN Rangers manager Glenn Madden admitted his side ‘never really got going’ as they bowed out of the FAI Intermediate Cup with a 3-2 home defeat to UCC on Sunday.

The Students were full value for their win in Baltic conditions at Farrell Park, having led twice before Matthew McKevitt popped up with a last-minute winner.

Newtown twice hauled themselves back into the game thanks to Alan Greenalgh and Brian Malee after McKevitt’s opener and a secondhalf strike from Rob Slevin.

Nevertheless, the tie appeared to be headed to a replay in Cork when McKevitt lined up a shot from range that shouldn’t have beaten Paddy Whelan but squirmed under the keeper’s body.

It was no less than the former

Waterford underage striker deserved for an outstanding all-round performance as UCC’s front three terrorised Newtown’s back three.

McKevitt started and finished the move that led to the opener shortly before the break, flicking a long ball to Owen Collins before collecting the return ball and finishing smartly in the corner.

Newtown got a fortunate equaliser soon afterwards, however, as Greenalgh’s left-wing cross beat netminder David Coffey, hit the post and rebounded into the net off the keeper’s head.

UCC regained the lead within three minutes of the resumption as a free kick was flicked into the path of centre-half Slevin, and he nodded the ball into the net.

Once again, Newtown hit back within minutes and won a penalty when Lee Murtagh’s shot was handled by Slevin, and defender Malee came up from the back to send Coffey the wrong way.

UCC continued to create the bet-

ter chances in the closing stages and got their reward as the clock ticked towards 90 when Whelan misjudged McKevitt’s effort from distance.

“We were nowhere near the levels we should have been at,” a disappointed Madden told the Dublin Gazette. “Maybe three or four lads turned up and some of the big-game players didn’t.

“Maybe they caught us off the hop a little bit. I still think we should have been able to deal with it. We were simply off it at the back, where it’s been one of our stronger areas the past few weeks.”

Focus now turns to the league where, despite sitting fourth from bottom, Madden feels they have a good chance of promotion to the top tier with the likes of Carl Wynne fit again.

“The league would be our main focus and hopefully we can push to our aim, which is promotion. We probably won’t win it – Maynooth are a bit ahead – but promotion is what we’re looking at.”

Clondalkin’s Stephen Bracken spots a gap against Balbriggan. Picture: Sharon Flanagan

Newtown Rangers skipper Darren O’Grady with referee Owen Murphy and UCC skipper Rob Slevin

Clon cruise in Towns Cup TOWNS CUP FIRST RD  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONDALKIN Rugby Club cruised into the second round of the Provincial Towns Cup with a comprehensive 69-12 win over Division 2B highflyers Balbriggan last Sunday at Gordon Park.

It was built on the back of a flying start with number eight Simon King and winger Niall Nolan propelling them to a 12-0 lead very early on.

Balbriggan replied with a try of their own but Clon were in rampant form and managed to be completely out of sight by half-time, running in four more tries.

King and Thomas A n ke rs c ro s s e d t h e whitewash with Chris Jebb converting both times to build an imposing 26-5 lead with barely 25 minutes on the clock.

The north county side did rumble over for a second try but a Jebb five-

pointer in the corner and an effort from skipper Mikey Russell extended the lead out to 38-12 at half-time.

The second half saw a slight slowing of the deluge but Clondalkin did manage five more tries. King completed his hat trick under the posts while Russell’s second advanced the score to the half-century mark.

Nolan profited from Russell’s inside pass to break through for anoth-

er to compound the Balbriggan misery.

It sets up a tough home date with Kilkenny in the second round, facing an opposition in mid-table in Leinster League Division 1A, two divisions above Clondalkin.

Clon, though, are in good shape to close that divisional gap as they sit top of Division 2A with three games to go, all against sides in the bottom half of their current division.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 24 January 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN THE Tommy Curran Memorial Cup will be played this coming Saturday, January 26, in Monastery Road at 3.30pm. All hurlers are welcome to tog out and then join us for a social evening in the club from 9pm.

The Adult Camogie section have returned in preparation for the 2019 season. We’re looking to build on last year’s excellent progress which included a championship final. We’re urging camógs to return to the pitch. Training on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. Contact Brian at 087 9852846.

Our Games Promotions Officer Shane Treanor will deliver two workshops in the coming weeks. A hurling workshop will will place Friday, January 25 from 7.30pm to 8.45pm at Monastery Road.

The session will entail drills, games and training concepts for Under 8 to Under 12 hurlers with Barry Mullane, GAA Development Officer. On Friday 1st February a code of ethics workshop will take place 7pm to 10pm with the venue TBC. The course is a must for people working with children. Cost will be €5. To register or for further information contact Shane at 086 1600042.

Our minor footballers, pictured, are running a fundraiser with two tickets for Ireland’s Six Nations game against England up for grabs. Tickets are €5 and the draw will take place Wednesday, January 30. Tickets are available from mentors, players or behind the bar.

Our Oifigeach Gaelige wishes to alert Members and supporters to a pop-up Gaeil-GAA that will be hosted Friday, February 1 at 8pm in An Poitín Stil. All welcome to attend.

Round Tower follows Operation Transformation continues every Monday and Wednesday evenings. You can still register for the six week programme for €20 via our website. The 5km walks are 7pm from our clubhouse.

Membership is now open for the year 2019.

We ask people register as soon as possible so as to reduce the burden of managing this process.

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN OPERATION Transformation continues next Thursday evening in Glenaulin Park at 7pm, starting at the clubhouse. We had a big turnout last week and everyone is welcome. Our thanks to SuperValu Palmerstown for their generous support.

Membership for 2019 is now due. The easiest way is to register on-line at www. stpatricksgaa.ie. We also encourage new members to join.

GAA National Draw tickets are on sale and available from all mentors.

We are looking for new players for all teams including our adult teams in camogie, football and hurling. Our juvenile teams (boys and girls) and Gaelic4mothers are also looking for new players. Contact details for all team mentors are our website on www.stpatricksgaa.ie The U-8 girls are back training on

Monday evenings in the Ballyfermot Sports Complex hall from 6 to 7pm. All girls born in 2011 and 2012 very welcome.

Our GPO ran a very successful Coaching Workshop on Friday last. Good to see so many mentors and coaches involved.

Hurling skill sessions resume for younger players this Friday, January 25.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 6, 11, 13 and 14. There was no jackpot winner. We had one Match 3 winner – Mary Dowling.

The jackpot next week will be €8,600.

The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm.

Tickets are available online at https:// www.locallotto.ie/play_newa.asp?ll_ id=1483#Anchor and from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, and Manor Hair Studios.

ST MARY’S GFC THE CLUB would like to congratulate Louis Fitzgerald on celebrating 50 years in business and thank him for his generous contribution to the club.

Since his arrival in the parish, he has been a great supporter of the club. We wish him, Helen and Family every success in the future.

Membership is now due since 1st January 2019. Please visit our website or Facebook page for payment details. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact our Registrar Siobhan 085 1407465.

National Club Draw tickets are still available at €10 each, every penny of every ticket sold stays in the club. There are some fabulous prizes including a new Renault Clio. Contact Brendan Murray or JoAnne Reilly.

Adult Player of the Year Awards night, January 25.

Pitch is closed until further notice due to repair works which have commenced.

Preparation and planning are already taking place for the St Patricks Day Parade. Theme ‘Fun & Laughter’. Interested parties, clubs, businesses etc.

More info as the event draws closer.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: DUBLINERS ABOUND IN IRISH TEAM

Abu Dhabi calling for local heroes  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

A STRONG West Dublin contingent of 13 will form part of Dublin’s 26-strong contribution to the Irish Special Olympics team to compete at the game in Abu Dhabi in March.

T h ey i n c l u d e f ive members of the basketball panel and three of the seven-a-side football squad, as well as ten-pin bowling, athletics, golf, equestrian and gymnastics.

Tallaght trio Thomas Coyle (23), Geoffrey Curley(30) and Sean Winder (27) are joined in the basketball squad

by Palmerstown’s Oisin Gilmartin (22) and Clondalkin’s Jamie Ennis (21).

Fo o t b a l l e rs D a n i e l Byrne from Lucan (19), Patrick Furlong (19) from Ballyfermot and Omer Teko (25) from Walkinstown will take part in the seven-a-side event.

Michael Hardiman (29) from Tallaght will compete in ten-pin bowling and will be joined by fellow Tallaght native Sally Duffy (42) in the equestrian events.

Templegoue is repre-

The entire Dublin contingent that will travel to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics in March. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

sented in golf by John Keating (26) and in gymnastics by Eimear Gannon (22), while Knocklyon athlete Alan Power competes in his first Olympics at the age of 50.

Special Olympics Ireland has called on individual and business assistance needs to raise a total of €445,000 to cover the cost of sending Team Ireland (€5,000 per athlete).

Head of the Irish delegation, Emma McMenamin, said: “These athletes are extremely

LEARN FROM THE BEST Horses for Courses “HORSES for Courses”, the

popular adult education evening course on horseracing, returns from Monday, February 11 at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan for a six-week term.

The course teaches everything about horseracing including Breeders, Trainers, Owners, Jockeys, Racegoers, Betting, Race Course Management, Role of Horse Racing Ireland, Role of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, Racing Media, Sponsorship, Promotion with Johnny Murtagh and John Oxx among the presenters. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ horses-for-course-adult-education-course-on-horseracingtickets-52939694050.

focused and determined and like any athlete facing into a major competition, they are putting 100% into their training.

“It was great to see how excited the athletes are to be part of this huge event.

To represent Team Ireland and compete on the World Stage in Abu Dhabi is a big honour and one these Special Olympics athletes are not taking lightly.”

President Michael D Higgins sent a message of support for the team, stating: “Being chosen to represent your country on

the international stage is a great honour indeed.

“It is a tribute, not only to your great talent as athletes, but also to your dedication, hard work and perseverance; qualities which make you inspirational role models and admirable ambassadors for Ireland. I have no doubt that Ireland’s great reputation at the World Summer Games will be further enhanced

by Team Ireland’s performance in Abu Dhabi, and that you will make us very proud indeed.”

24 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

CAMOGIE: HOLY FAITH WIN FIRST EVER TROPHY IN JUST THEIR SECOND SEASON

FOOTBALL

Thomas Davis’s Emma Whelan, Rachel Newell and Ciara McGuigan with Siun O Se.

Boden, Davis and Anne’s in for Paidi O’Se trip The Holy Faith Rathcoole side that won the Dublin camogie Senior C shield; inset: cocaptains Sophie Strumble and Lauren Healy with the trophy

Party time for Holy Faith and Our Lady’s SCHOOLS SENIOR C SHIELD Holy Faith, Rathcoole Gaelcolaiste Reachrann  sport@dublingazette.com

4-1 1-9

HOLY FAITH, Rathcoole took home the laurels from a dramatic Dublin schools Senior C Shield final last Friday ahead of Gaelcolaiste Reachrann by just a single point.

Indeed, such was the close-run nature of the tie at St Peregrine’s, both sides believed they had the requisite total to their name but it was only the referee’s total of 4-1 to 1-9 that counted in the end.

In what was a high quality, physical encounter from start to finish, Brianne Flood got them off to a great start as they built a six-point first half lead while Eva Kenny was to weigh in with two goals and Bronagh O’Mahoney finished off their goals tally.

It ultimately proved enough to see them over the line by the narrowest of margins and complete a famous year.

In so doing, the Rathcoole won their first ever piece of silverware having revived their interest in camogie in the past two years.

The squad lent heavily on the connections with Commercials with the core of the side hailing from their successful

Under-16 side from 2018. Three of the team, meanwhile, have played at adult level for the club’s first team – co-captains Lauren Healy and Sophie Strumble along with Chloe Daly – to give that extra level of know-how.

As such, the side features a wide spread of players with a couple of the team still only in second year. And there are plans in place already to try and expand on their current involvement in the sport with interest gathering for an Under-14 side to cement the game further in the school.

Their championship run had come to an end at the hands of Holy Faith Clontarf but they bounced back to beat St Joseph’s Rush in their shield semi-final by nine goals, earning this final shot.

SCHOOLS SENIOR A SHIELD Our Lady’s Terenure Castleknock CC  sport@dublingazette.com

5-5 3-10

GOAL-hungry Our Lady’s Terenure beat Castleknock Community College 5-5 to 3-10 in the Division A Shield final on Friday in Blakestown with Emma Ryan proving the match winner in the final reckoning with a brilliant display of nerve under pressure.

Castleknock started very well and were leading by five points going into the last few minutes of the first half but Blaithnaid Slater scored a goal for Our Lady’s just before the break to get them right back into the contest.

It left the half-time score at 1-2 to 1-4 in Knock’s favour and the Terenure outfit upped their tempo in the second half to take control with scores from Holly Finnegan, Amber Finnegan and Emma Ryan and great goalkeeping from Ally Ramsden.

Castleknock were, all the while, scor-

ing points of their own and the match was nip and tuck right until the end.

Ultimately, captain Holly Finnegan scored a goal to put Our Lady’s three points up but Castleknock scored a goal themselves almost immediately to level it.

It left all the pressure on Ryan to score a last minute free for Our Lady’s to win by a point.

Rachel Seery moved forward from full back in the last ten minutes to play a key role in the endgame while Holly Finnegan was another driving force.

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s, Thomas Davis and St Anne’s will all take part in the 30th anniversary of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidi Ó Sé 2019, with 44 adult men’s and ladies club teams descending on the rugged Dingle Peninsula from February 15 to 17.

Boden and Davis will compete in the eight team senior ladies’ Comórtas against Cavan’s Mullahoran and Templeport St Aidan’s, Kildare’s Newbridge Sarsfields, 2018 Leitrim senior champions St Joseph’s as well as Mayo’s Burrishoole and Louisburgh.

St Anne’s of Tallaght compete in the intermediate men’s competition which has the biggest mix of county representation including Kerry, Offaly, Cork, Armagh, Tipperary and Galway sides involved.

Ballyboden Ladies B team are also travelling to West Kerry to compete in the Junior competition and are up against a distinctly overseas group with Tralee club John Mitchell’s, Dingle Ladies, Glen Rovers GAA, Watford, London clubs Kingdom Gaels, Tír Chonaill Gaels and Round Towers as well as Clonaslee St. Manmans, of Laois.

GazetteSPORT R1

JANUARY 24-30, 2019

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

Lions ready to roar on the Arena’s big stage  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN LIONS will bring what coach Rob White is calling their “best group ever” into the men’s basketball Under-20 National Cup final in Tallaght on Saturday afternoon (2pm).

The Clondalkin club will be wary, though, of a powerful Neptune side who blitzed by the challenge of Templeogue in the semifinal earlier this month.

The Lions, like Neptune, are missing two or three players, with their strength having seen the squad trimmed by Ameri-

can scholarships. Aiden Harris Igiehon, who was inundated with American college offers, is their stand out graduate, taking up a scholarship with University of Louisville.

“This is the best group we’ve ever had,” White told the Dublin Gazette of his current under-20 crop, made up of mostly under-18s players. “Aiden was the stand out, and unfortunately he’ll probably never play for us again.

“Though actually, I don’t really think it is unfortunate, really,” he continues. “We’d love him here, of course, but if he

The Dublin Lions Under-20 side prior to their semi-final win over Portlaoise.

Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

came back, that wouldn’t be a good sign for him.

“He’s got a very good chance of making the NBA. He’s certainly going to make a lot of money as

a pro basketball player, as are a couple of others, playing in either America or Europe.

“We’ll be playing without some of our best play-

ers from this age group but that’s a sign of their success.”

Neptune are in a similar scenario, a sign of the strength of Ireland’s

developing status, with the Under-20 tournament a particularly odd offering, set against a backdrop of no league competition at that age level.

“There used to be an Under-20 league,” White said, “though it only had five or six teams. I don’t think there’s really a demand for it.

“Our different Lions teams train together anyway so this isn’t that unusual for them, even if they aren’t playing as quite the same team they might compete as in the Northern National League.”

The team is experienced at this level, then,

though White nods to the strength of their opponents, and views his team as underdogs.

The club’s broader aim, however, is very much Irish top-tier basketball, something that is almost tantalisingly within reach, only four or five years after the club came together in its current guise.

“We’re second in the Northern tier of the National League right now,” White explains.

“We might struggle later in the season as this is an inexperienced team but the long term aim of the club is definitely Super League status.