Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 17-23, 2019

DUBLINMAGAZINE: There’s a Spring nip

in the air – but we’ve got a bright and sunny centre section to help entertain you! SEE PAGE 17

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Illegal dumping MILLIONS of local taxpayer euros are being spent cleaning up after illegal dumpers in South Dublin.

The problem is now so grave it poses a threat to the local communities’ quality of life according to Mayor Mark Ward.

SEE PAGE 4

SPORT

BASKETBALL:

Liffey Celtics power their way into National Cup final.

SEE P29

SOUTH DUBLIN’S

young scientists shine SEE MORE ON PAGES 5-6

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Traveller families win reprieve from eviction PADRAIG CONLON FIVE Traveller families threatened with eviction have won a reprieve to stop their removal from a site in Clondalkin.

This comes after local councillors called for a solution to the standoff between the families and South Dublin County Council.

The families, who have 28 children including two toddlers, have been living in caravans on an old school site in Balgaddy with no electricity or running water, for the last two months.

They were due to be evicted by South Dublin County Council on Friday 11th, but it was called off after the families refused to leave.

Having previously lived in the Dublin City Council and Clare County Council catchment areas, SDCC said it was not required to implement a Traveller Accommodation Programme as the families have not been resident in the County for at least three years.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Major rise in homeless family numbers NEWLY released figures show the number of families listed homeless in the local area has significantly increased.

According to data from South Dublin County Council obtained by Independent councillor Francis Timmons, 628 people were homeless in the county last month.

This was up on the figure from December 2017 when the council had 475 people registered as homeless.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

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TRAVELLER FAMILIES WERE DUE TO BE EVICTED BY COUNCIL

RATHCOOLE

Traveller families win a reprieve to stop removal

Call for council to commit to public library

The Traveller families say they have nowhere else to go.

On Monday, an emergency motion submitted to the full council meeting by local People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson asking council management to stop the removal of the families was passed.

The motion also called on the council to work with other local authorit i e s, a s we l l a s t h e Clondalkin Travellers Development Group to find a solution for the families was passed.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “I think it’s completely wrong to remove these families while they have nowhere

to go.

“The local authorities need to take responsibility and work together to provide suitable accommodation or sites.

“Suitable serviced sites need to be found and no family should be removed until they have somewhere to go.

“This is a symptom of a wider problem of a significant lack of Traveller spec ific accommodation across the country, including in South Dublin County.

“National legislation provides for transient sites to allow members of travelling community to continue their nomadic lifestyle, however none of these have been provided.”

The site in Balgaddy, Lucan where a group of traveller families are to be evicted by South Dublin County Council. Picture: Collins

Martin Collins, Director of Pavee Point, called

on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to help the families.

“Ongoing evictions by local authorities and other public landowners is causing Travellers unnecessary hardship and suffering,” he said.

“The Minister has a humanitarian responsibility here to intervene.

“Evictions get us nowhere and Travellers feel like they are being persecuted for simply trying to survive.

“It is not fair to punish individual Traveller families, who are just trying to survive, for the failures of the State and general society overall.”

In a response to questions from Dublin Gazette, South Dublin county Council said: “Commitments were made that if the Council did not enforce the removal notices before or during the Christmas period, Clondalkin Traveller Development Group, Irish Traveller Movement and the families concerned would vacate the site on January 11th, 2019.

“The Counc il and all parties concerned agreed to this approach and timeline.

“On Friday, January 11th, members of staff attended to oversee the vacation of the site in line with the outcome of this mediation process.

“However, the families declined to vacate the site unless an alternative site or housing was provided by the Council.

“Staff were present to observe whether families would voluntarily vacate the site whilst machinery present was to be used to secure the area if and when the families left, as per the original agreement.

“No other action was scheduled to take place on Friday.

“The families currently at the site, have not been resident in South Dublin County for this amount of time and do not therefore qualify for this assistance. “ H av i n g re g a rd to the notices served, the Council will now review its options in relation to the continued illegal encampment in this area. “ P ro p o s a l s fo r t h e development of social housing and associated community fac ilities have been presented to local Councillors for the site in question.”

LOCAL Fine Gael TD Frances Fitzgerald has called on South Dublin County Council to consider the development of a Public Library in Rathcoole.

Currently residents of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas are served by a South Dublin County Council Mobile Library, a service some residents can only avail of either once or twice a week, depending on the location.

“Each of the four village districts in Dublin Mid-West have been identified as some of the fastest-growing towns in Ireland, according to the latest Census figures,” Deputy Fitzgerald said.

“Yet these areas do not have important community facilities such as a Public Library.

“Whilst these villages have been served by a mobile community library in the past, many residents have no choice but to venture as far as Lucan, Clondalkin or Tallaght to avail of a library service.

“I believe that the time has come for the Council to seriously consider the need for a library in these areas.

“In 2015, South Dublin County Council stated that its Libraries Department would consider Rathcoole as a potential library location, subject to a planned investment programme for library infrastructure being put in place.

“Nearly four years have passed with very little movement or decisions on the issue.

“I believe the time has come for the Council to clearly commit to a public library for the area. I will continue to work on behalf of my constituents for this very important community need.”

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

COUNCIL: FIGURES REVEAL 628 PEOPLE WERE HOMELESS IN THE COUNTY LAST MONTH

Significant increase in families listed as homeless shown PADRAIG CONLON

NEWLY released figures show the number of families listed homeless in the local area has significantly increased.

According to data from South Dublin County Council obtained by Independent councillor Francis Timmons, 628 people were homeless in the county last month.

This was up on the figure from December 2017 when the council had 475 people registered as homeless.

Acknowledging the numbers are extremely

worrying, Cllr Timmons also questioned Minister Eoghan Murphy’s ability to solve the crisis.

“An increase of 32% more people registered as homeless in SDCC for December 2018 compared to December 2017 is very alarming and concerning,” Cllr Timmons told Dublin Gazette.

“It shows that the current housing policy is failing the most vulnerable in our society.

“It represents a 28% increase in January 2018 to December 2018 figures.

“Much more has to be done urgently. Government policy is failing and lacking real long

term solutions, if the Minister cannot do the job he should step aside and be replaced by someone who can.

“Words, talk and plans are not enough; action is what’s needed.

“Action speaks louder than any words, South Dublin County Council made provision of €3.4m in the 2018 budget for homeless services.’’

In reply to Cllr Timmons question, South Dublin County Council said: “The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) is provided by Dublin City Council as the lead statutory

authority in the response to homelessness in Dublin and adopts a shared service approach across the Dublin region on behalf of South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

“The costs of the provision of family hubs and other emergency accommodation is administered and paid for by DRHE. “The Council made provision of €3.4m in the 2018 budget for homeless services which includes a contribution towards the DRHE costs.”

‘TDs fell short’ in campaign to secure Dodsboro Post Office PADRAIG CONLON

A COU NC I L LO R h a s blamed local TDs for the looming closure of Dodsboro Post Office in Lucan.

The recent decision

by An Post to relocate to a new office in Super Valu Lucan has been described as “another blow to the community”

by Ind 4Change Cllr Ruth Nolan.

“Our TDs fell short in the campaign to secure the service in Dodsboro,” Cllr Nolan told Dublin Gazette.

“In my opinion they did nothing to secure it in Dodsboro because some of them were involved in the new legislation to close post offices around the country brought in by former Minister Denis Naughten.”

The closure of the Dodsboro Post Office is also a blow to many in the community who campaigned to keep it open.

Last September concerned local residents started a petition and protested in an attempt to keep the current Post Office open.

The “Save Dodsboro Post Office” campaign organised a very well supported demonstration with over 300 people gathering outside the post office to show their

support.

They also collected 2,300 signatures calling for the post office to stay open and sent them to An Post CEO David McRedmond.

Cllr Nolan said: “It has been confirmed the new post master is Luke Moriarty from Super Valu Palmerstown.

“Again unfortunately the new premises to open in Super Valu Lucan will not be ready for a few months and customers are expected to travel to Ballyowen in the meantime.

“This is going to be very inconvenient for the many elderly residents who will now have to travel to Ballyowen.

“The owner of the Spar in Dodsboro has done everything in his power to hold the post office there but the bigger fish have prevailed.”

Closure The closure is part of An Post’s Post Office Tra n s fo r m a t i o n P rogramme and €50m investment in the Post Office network which will see 161 post offices nationwide close.

Debbie Byrne, managing director of An Post said the company was “committed to ensuring the sustainability and viability of the Post Office network”.

“The An Post team has done painstaking work combining business and demographic data with extensive local knowledge to produce a network plan,” she said.

“We are committed to ensuring a vibrant network for all our customers through investment and the expansion of e-commerce, financial and government services to drive

usage and relevancy of the post office in today’s changing environment, she added.

“We fully acknowledge that this process will be difficult for some

customers and communities but the end result will be a strengthened, viable post office network serving the needs of our country for the future,’’ she concluded.

Minister has high praise for Kilnamanagh’s junior scientists Minister Zappone said: “Kilnamanagh Girls are national young THE junior scientists from St Kevins GNS, Kilnamanagh, repleaders when it comes to exploring the world of science. resented Tallaght with pride at last weeks BT young Scientist & “I am delighted to see St Kevin’s again take such a prominent Technology Exhibition 2019 in the RDS. role with a detailed and complex project on mathematics.

While taking part in the Primary Science Fair with their “I wish each of the students and their teacher Miss Forde teacher Ailbhe Forde, they bumped into local TD and Minister for Children Katherine Zappone (pictured) who was full of praise every success into the future.” for the young local students.

Picture: Iain White / Fennell Photography

FASTNews Book of condolence for Mayor of Gdansk MAYOR of South Dublin Mark Ward has opened a book of condolence for the Mayor of Gdansk Pawel Adomowicz in County Hall, Tallaght.

Mayor Ward, who met Pawel Adomowicz recently at an awards ceremony, said the late Polish man was keen to strengthen links between Gdansk and South Dublin.

Speaking following the opening of the book, which will remain open until January 21, Mayor Ward said: “I had the pleasure to meet Pawel Adamowicz in Vienna last year at the Innovation in Politics Awards.

“Pawel won the Human Rights category for his approach to immigration and integration.

“Research showed the attitudes towards immigration are higher in Gdansk than in any other Polish City. This is a testament to the man and his liberal approach.

“I spent some time with Pawel after the awards and his outgoing personality was plain to see.

“He was intelligent, funny and very proud to be the Mayor of Gdansk. He held this position for over 20 years.

“He was very interested in Ireland and how his fellow country men and women were getting on in Ireland.

“He was keen to strengthen links between Gdansk and South Dublin. His loss will be felt right across Europe and I want to send my sincere condolences to Pawel’s family and friends.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

FASTNews Shortlist revealed for Choice award

THE shortlist for this year’s Choice Music Prize was announced last week, with a number of Dublin acts making the cut.

Ten artists will battle it out for the Choice Music Prize title, with the winner announced at the RTE Choice Music Prize live event, held in Vicar Street on Thursday, March 7 and broadcast live on RTE 2FM. Tickets are on sale now from all Ticketmaster outlets and from http://www.ticketmaster.ie priced €28.

Greenway plan unveiled AMBITIOUS plans for the new Grand Canal Greenway have been unveiled by SDCC and Kildare County Council.

The new Greenway would run from the 12th Lock to the Offaly border. 4.6km of the proposed new route would be in South Dublin, running from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch, Newcastle.

The Grand Canal Way follows grass towpaths, gravel and sometimes tarmac canalside roads from Lucan Bridge near Adamstown in County Dublin to Shannon Harbour on Ireland’s longest river.

SOUTH DUBLIN: AVERAGE OF €1.4M PER YEAR SPENT CLEARING DUMPED WASTE

‘Illegal dumping is an epidemic within our communities’ PADRAIG CONLON

MILLIONS of local taxpayer euros are being spent cleaning up after illegal dumpers in South Dublin.

The problem is now so grave it poses a threat to the local communities’ quality of life according to Mayor Mark Ward.

Newly released figures reveal that South Dublin County Council spend an average €1.4 million per year clearing illegally dumped waste.

This equates to €6 million over the past three years, money that Mayor Ward feels could be put to better use in the area.

“Illegal dumping is an epidemic within our

communities,” he said.

“The dumping negatively impacts on all aspects of our lives.

“This behaviour is affecting our quality of live and is having a bearing on the mental health of people living in the areas affected.

“The figures that I rece ived today show an average of €1.4 million per year spent on removing illegal dumping across South Dublin County.

“This is almost €6 million over a 3 year period.

“This is money that could be spent on enhancing the community.

“Parts of our communities are never litter free.

Mayor Ward feels more needs to be done to get to the root of the problem.

“The current policy on waste management is just not working,” he said.

“Failed Government promises to deliver a bin waiver scheme is unacceptable.

“Privatising waste management has created a culture of illegal dumping.

“There are also a number of unregulated waste collection services operating across the County.

“I have seen reports of residents getting waste removed by one of these unscrupulous operators only to be fined months later when their waste

Millions of local taxpayer euros are being spent cleaning up after illegal dumpers in South Dublin

was dumped on the side of the road” In re s p o n s e to a n enquiry from Dublin Gazette regarding illegal dumping in the county, South Dublin County Council said: “The problem of illegal dumping is being tackled

by South Dublin County Council in a planned and systematic way.

“This involves the cleaning up of areas, but also putting preventative measures in place to avoid recurrence of illegal dumping.

“Under waste regul a t i o n s p e r m i t s a re required by operators for the collection of waste.

“The Council continues to appeal to householders in this county

not to employ the services of illegal operators and welcomes information such as household f lyers from Collectors without permit.

“Also, householders in South Dublin who use the services of such operators are targeted and if refuse or waste matter is dumped they can face substantial fines.”

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

STUDENTS RECOGNISED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SCIENTIFIC EFFORTS

Local students win at BT Young Scientist Exhibition THREE local students proudly brought home prizes from the BT Young Scientist Awards in the RDS last week.

Bobbi Beattie and Kate Bagnall, 2nd year students from Kings Hospital Palmerstown, and Niamh Doherty, a 4th year student from St Joseph’s College Lucan, were recognised for their outstanding scientific efforts.

Bobbi and Kate won two prizes, overall winner of their category Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Irish Special Research award.

The girls’ project was entitled ‘‘Using statistics to investigate changing use of language in primary students’ writing after 80 years’.

Their research, which was done in Kentstown National School in Kells, compared writings of primary school pupils

from 1937-1939 which is archived in The Schools’ Folklore Collection at UCD, to today’s students.

They are following in the footsteps of their brothers Richard Beattie and Dylan Bagnall who won their category, Biological & Ecological Science last year (2018) along with the Irish Special Research Award for their project ‘identifying bats from the roost using an inexpensive raspberry pi detector and PCR’.

Richard and Dylan went on to become overall winners of The Sentinus Big Bang Awards in Northern Ireland in June 2018 (NI’s equivalent to the BTYSE) which includes an all expenses trip to represent Ireland in the INTEL ISEF Competition in Arizona this May. The boys and girls have the same science teacher in Kings’

Hospital, Ciaran O’Connor.

Niamh Doherty also won two awards, 1st place Intermediate Individual in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences Category and the Irish Science Teachers’ Association Award, presented by Honorary President Gerald Fleming.

Niamh’s project was titled ‘Natural Geometry - An Extension of Alfred Mayer’s 1878 ‘floating magnets’ Experiment’ Niamh’s project re-examined a long forgotten experiment first published by American Professor Alfred Mayer in 1878.

His experiment, ‘floating magnets’ was at the time used as an analogy for certain molecular structures.

Niamh successfully extended Mayer’s findings and found a modern day analogy ‘Coulomb crystals’ which are the subject

Bobbi Beattie and Kate Bagnall

of recent scientific research because they occur in the cores of white dwarfs and the crusts of neutron stars.

The overall winner of the BT Young Scientist of the Year was 17-year-old Adam Kelly from

Skerries Community College.

Adam will now go on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, taking place in Bulgaria in September 2019.

See Gallery Page 6

LUCAN

Appeal for help after assault

AN investigation is still ongoing into a brutal assault in Lucan last week.

Gardai are appealing for the public’s help after a man was left with serious injuries following an assault on January 9.

The victim (31) was left with severe facial injuries after the incident at about 4.30pm in the Penny Hill area of Lucan.

It is understood one youth, out of a group of four teenagers, bumped into the man as he walked through the Castle Riada estate which led to a verbal altercation.

The four teens then attacked him, hit him in the face and then kicked him numerous times in the head.

Anyone with information should contact Lucan Garda Station on 01 6667300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Miriam O Callaghan with students Caileigh McCormack,Sienna Kavanagh and Evelyn Kirwan pictured at The RTE set. Picture: Brian McEvoy

And the winner is: Shay Walsh, Managing Director BT Ireland and Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD present BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year 2019 Award to Adam Kelly, Skerries Community College for his project ‘Optimising The Simulation Of General Quantum Circuits’ in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences Senior Individual Category. Adam wins a Perpetual Trophy, a cheque for €7,500 and will represent Ireland at the 31th European Union Contest for Young Scientists which will be held in Sofia in Bulgaria in September 2019. Pictures Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography 2019

Margie McCarthy, Interim Director of Science for Society Directorate presents the Science Foundation Ireland Award to Aine Measey, Pobailscoil Iosolde, Palmerstown

Ruth Murphy presents the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Category Intermediate Individual 1st place award to Niamh Doherty, St Joseph’s College, Lucan

It’s all gotten very scientific at the RDS

T

HOUSANDS of students descended on the RDS as the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2019 kicked off last week. The annual extravaganza brought together some of Ireland’s brightest young minds as they competed to take home the coveted title of the BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year 2019.

Ruth Murphy, Legal Director, BT presents the Social and Behavioural Category Junior Group 1st Place Award to Kate Bagnall and Bobbi Beattie from The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

EDUCATION: TALLAGHT-BASED FIRM GUIDES LOCAL STUDENTS THROUGH GROWING SECTOR

Turning to 3D printing to help grow an interest in our growing STEM-related job possibilities NINE young local people recently got the opportunity to visit a European 3D printing hub.

Henkel, a leading chemical and consumer goods firm based in Tallaght, opened its doors to students from Citywise Education to get hands-on experience of industrialscale 3D printing.

Citywise Education is an organisation based in Jobstown that provides young people with afterschool support through a wide range of activities.

Founded in 1991 to run educational, sporting and personal development programmes for students

in under-developed areas, Citywise has a very successful STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) programme.

Its latest initiative, STEMSquare, provides local children with a new area dedicated to STEM activities, including 3D printing.

With STEM-related skills core components of some of Ireland’s most important industries, Citywise recognises the importance of preparing the young people of Tallaght West for STEMrelated careers.

Christopher Smith, STEM manager at

The students learn more about industrial 3D Printing at Henkel, Tallaght

Citywise Education was delighted with the visit.

He told Dublin Gazette: “It really was a fantastic opportunity for the young

people to experience Henkel’s world-class 3D printing facilities in Tallaght.

“We have our own

3D printers in Citywise Education, so it was brilliant to let the young people compare our facilities with Henkel,

which operates on an industrial scale.

“We had the chance to show the young people that you can produce a lot more than chess pieces, keyrings and Christmas decorations, giving them an insight into the exciting careers in STEM that are available to them.

“We are lucky to have an organisation such as Henkel so nearby and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship.”

Dr David Birkett, senior scientist, AR Technology Development, Henkel also enjoyed the visit from the local students.

He said: “It was a lot

of fun having the young people of Citywise Education visiting us. “ We h av e h a d a relationship with Citywise for many years, with members of the Henkel team visiting them to give talks and do some glue experiments, but this was their first time coming to see us in several years.

“The visit not only gave the children an opportunity to experience the technologies that we work with daily, but also allowed us to discuss in more detail how we will continue to grow the relationship between Henkel and Citywise.”

Entrepreneurs wanted as €50k fund up for grabs PADRAIG CONLON

“IT COULD be you!” said Senior Enterprise Development Officer at LEO South Dublin, Amanda Mills as she launched Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 in South Dublin.

She added: “We’re looking for dynamic, innovative young business people to enter the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 competition in South Dublin.”

Hosted by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country, the competition is staged in conjunction with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, along with Enterprise Ireland and local authorities.

Now in its fifth year, this nationwide competition invites 18-35 year olds who have a business idea, a start-up or an already established business to enter.

Mills said: “Applicants are then invited to participate in an Enterprise Day hosted by their LEO. Shortlisted applicants take part in business bootcamps and compete in the county final.

“Here in South Dublin, we have an investment fund of €50,000 to

2018 South Dublin IBYE winners Jane Asple of Emma by Jane jewellery; John Maguire, of Sensation Audio; and Sarah Kiely of Sadies Kitchen

share between the winners of the Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up and Best Established Business categories.”

From there, county winners go on to compete at regional finals and, if successful, all the way to the National Finals.

However, it’s not all about the national finals stressed Mills, adding: “We know from past participants that the real value for them is in being part of the process.

“Taking part in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur challenges young business people to stop and really focus on where their business is now and where they can take it.

“The LEO is the first port of call for anyone in business, no matter what age they are.

“Hosting Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur each year allows us to connect with young entrepreneurs and explain to them the services and supports available to them to help accelerate their business growth.

“We are looking forward to rece iving applications from young entrepreneurs for the 2019 competition and to meeting them at Enterprise Day. “Apply now by visiting www.

IBYE.ie. The closing date is Friday, March 15, but why wait? Get your application in today,” she urged.

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

HEALTH: HSE WARNING TO BE VIGILANT OVER MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

Alarm at septicaemia deaths RACHEL D’ARCY

THE HSE has warned the public to be vigilant of meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia as three people have died from the disease in recent weeks.

Some 11 cases had been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre since the last week in December, with three patients diagnosed passing away.

The HSE have said that all three deaths were directly due to meningococcal disease.

This is compared to five cases reported at the same time last year, with 89 cases reported in total in 2018 – up 13 cases on the level reported in 2017.

Dr Suzanne Cotter, specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said: “Although meningococcal disease incidence

generally increases in the winter months, the recent increase is cause for concern.

“The HSE wishes to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this disease so that immediate medical attention can be sought if someone has symptoms that could be caused by this bug.

“If anyone has any concerns about meningitis, they should ring their GP in the first instance.”

She warned: “Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together and symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all.

“Early symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps, fever with cold hands and feet and a rash – but do not wait for the rash to appear.

“If someone is ill and

While many people know ‘the glass test’ for bacterial meningitis or septicaemia, they may be unfamiliar with its range of symptoms

getting worse, get medical help immediately.

“Parents of children should also check that they are up-to-date regarding their childhood meningococcal vaccinations.”

Early data on the strain types identified since late December indicates that different strains of the organism are circulating and causing disease.

All age groups have

been affected, ranging from infants to the elderly.

Of the three patients who died, two different strain types were identified.

None of the patients with meningococcal disease have been identified as having had contact or links with each other.

The spread of meningococcal from person to person is very unusual, especially outside of close household contact.

Meningitis is a serious illness involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of different germs, mainly bacterial and viruses.

Bacterial meningitis is less common but is usually more serious than viral meningitis and requires urgent treatment with antibiotics and may be accompanied by septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The bacteria live naturally in the nose and throat of normal healthy persons without causing illness, and the spread of the bacteria is caused by droplets from the nose and mouth.

Bacterial meningitis or septicaemia requires urgent antibiotic treatment.

Signs and symptoms may include a fever, sometimes accompanied by cold hands and feet, joint or muscle pain, rapid breathing, severe headaches, drowsiness, discomfort from bright light, neck stiffness, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, and a rash that does not fade under pressure.

The HSE advises that if anyone has any concerns or showing symptoms, they should contact their GP in the first instance but ensure that medical expertise is sought.

FASTNews

Aware reveals details of two new lectures

MENTAL health organisation Aware has announced the next two talks to take place as part of their Aware Lecture Series, with all welcome.

“Corporate Gibberish, or the Missing Therapist” (February 13), and “Nutrition and Mental Health” (March 13) are the next upcoming lectures in the series.

The Aware Lecture Series is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in Lecture Theatre, Swift Centre, St Patrick’s Hospital, James’ St, Dublin 8.

Corporate Gibberish will be delivered by Dr Declan Lyons, consultant psychiatrist at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, while Mental Health and Nutrition will be delivered by performance nutritionist Shane O’Rourke All lectures are open to the public and free of charge and can also be watched at aware. ie. For further information, see www.aware.ie.

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Charlotte Hughes and Jonothan Sultan

Ray Kennedy and Niamh Cooper

Michelle Newman and Nadine Reid

Liam Cunningham pictured at the launch of his DIGNITY Photographic Exhibition. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Liam Cunningham’s DIGNITY exhibit opens A

ctor Liam Cunningham unveiled his DIGNITY photo exhibit last week at the Powerscourt Townhouse.

The Game of Thrones star captured the emotional shots while travelling to Juba in South Sudan with World Vision in May. A host of well-known faces turned out to support the launch including Lorraine Keane, Mary Kennedy and Robbie Fox. Andrea Finnegan and Shiela Garry

Patrick Kavanagh and Sinead Moloney

Mary Kennedy, Liam Cunningham and Lorraine Keane

Carmel Breheney

Lawson Mpame and Itchey Drew

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

Key dates for your CAO applications

WITH time running out for students looking to apply for a college place or university course through the CAO application process, Dublin Gazette’s Education Supplement provides comprehensive information for people looking to enter third level education in 2019.

Some key dates for immediate CAO applications.

January 20th, 2019 (5.15 pm): Closing date for CAO early-bird online applications. A fee of €30 applies before this date and increases then to €45, until February 1st.

February 1st (5.15pm): Normal closing date for applications.

February 5th: Online facility to amend course choices becomes available for a late fee of €10 until March 1st.

Before 15th February: Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices Between 1st February and 21st February: Registration for Mature Nursing Test (PAS) 23rd February: HPAT Test - Undergraduate Entry to Medicine *Please note that these dates are subject to change. For more see cao.ie

Griffith College accepting applications for maths revision classes and scholarships GRIFFITH College prides itself on supporting each student from start to finish of their overall educational journey.

For Griffith, the starting point begins at second-level.

To guarantee your CAO experience runs as smooth as possible, the third-level independent institute will hold higher and ordinary maths revision classes in March.

These one-day intense prep classes will be delivered

by Director of Academic Programmes at Griffith College, Tomás Mac Eochagáin.

The maths revision course coincides with the acceptance of applications for the college’s annual scholarship.

This scholarship targets personal and professional development, as well as nurturing the students area of interest.

Leaving Certificate or FETAC students are welcomed to sub-

Study Journalism & Media Communications at Griffith College

mit applications for this fully funded scholarship.

To be eligible, the student is required to submit a personal statement that highlights the reasons they deserve the investment.

To choose a deserving candidate, Griffith looks at criteria such as; personality, passion, suitability and family financial situation.

Schools Liaison Officer Claire Aston observes that dreams are

made achievable for driven students.

“This scholarship opens up a pathway to students and allows them to pursue what they are passionate about,” she said.

Those interested in securing a seat for the maths revision class are advised to visit https://www.griffith.ie/offices/ schools/services/leaving-certrevision-registration.

If you think you or someone you know is deserving

of a Griffith College Scholarship, visit the website at www. griffith.ie/office/schools/scholarships.

Alternatively, contact the Schools Liaison Officer, Claire Aston at 01-415 0418.

Griffith College offers 170+ courses, from full-time to parttime and blended learning.

This includes courses in areas such as; business, law, journalism & media, design, computing and more.

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Programme for teens

Educators and politicians across the city welcomed the approval granted for Ireland’s first technological university, following legislation passed last year

AS the time comes for secondary school students to consider what’s next post leaving certificate there can be some uncertainty and confusion amongst teens as to what career path or choice might be best.

Brendan Franks from Peak Performance Coaching discusses his experience of choosing a college course, a career path, and how he ended up where he is now.

“At 17, I was unsure of the right path to take as so many are. Uncertainty can lead us to be influenced by others. Much of the feedback I was receiving was people telling me what to do instead of listening to what I wanted. Computer Applications ended up being my choice after being influenced by the opportunities that existed in software development and the salary.

“I completed the course and then spent 13 years stepping away from IT but still in high profile jobs. While I was successful and somewhat happy, I wasn’t close to being fulfilled. Redundancy and a supporting wife gave me the motivation to change career and become a self-employed Life and Career Coach.

The big mistake continuously being made by teenagers is looking at job opportunities, courses and others’ opinions without spending enough time exploring their own strengths, interests and preferences. My work now involves helping individuals define the right

career path for themselves by focusing internally from the outset.

The work I do has led me to develop a Specialised Student Career Coaching Programme to support teenagers in selecting their preferred career path. The goal of the programme is to position teenagers towards a career in which they find true meaning and are able to maximise their potential.”

Brendan provides complimentary talks to parents of Transition, 5th and 6th Year students on how they can support their teens in making career decisions.

To find out about an upcoming event, to partner with Peak Performance or to find out more about the Specialised Student Career Coaching Programme contact brendan@peakperformancecoaching.ie.

Here are some points for parents to consider when supporting their children: In conversations, are you telling or asking; Are you giving enough time and space for decisions to be made; How influential are you in the process; Is it appropriate; Is your ego playing a role in their decision; How much stress is this causing everyone involved; Is it time to take a different approach; Is outside help required; a Career Counsellor or Coach.

Could this be the support they need from you right now?

GAZETTE

LEARNINGCURVE Specialised Coaching

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

Opportunity for greater flexibility at DCFE

DUNDRUM College of Further Education is a leader in offering modular and credit-based components in their full-time QQI Level 5 and 6 Major Award courses. Their HUB structure allows you to study core and elective modules tailoring your award to your special interest area.

Dundrum College of Further Education offers greater flexibility, where you can adapt the curriculum to your personal preferences. Their modular HUB based design meets all National standards and makes it much easier for you to study the subjects of particular interest to you.

Flexibility in Learning: They are committed to delivering flexibility in their programmes, to fit the circumstances of learners who come to them.

The courses are offered in various flexible ways for example through full-time, morning, part-time, blended learning or a shorter learning week.

Some courses provide Blended Learning opportunities allowing for the integration of digital tools, techniques and content in tandem with face-toface teaching and learning in a physical classroom.

Blended learning offers many opportunities for flexibility, independence and the freedom to study anywhere you wish.

In a blended course, students may view lectures, access readings, ask questions, and complete assignments online from home through their virtual learning environments (VLE) Google Classroom.

This also frees up your face-to-face class time for discussions and activities or indeed independent learning. Some courses can also be taken in a part time delivery under the Back to Education Initiative.

Look for the Morning, Blended Learning and Part-Time symbols in their brochure or website for courses offering flexible delivery options.

Apply online: www.cfedundrum.com Information: info@cfedundrum. com. Telephone: 012985412

Enjoy excellence in Further Education FOR over 50 years, Sallynoggin College has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence in Further Education, with many students having achieved international recognition in Sports, Fashion, Art and Photography to mention just a few.

They offer a diverse range of courses outside the CAO points system, leading to higher education or employment. The friendly and supportive environment at SCFE provide students with a strong foundation when entering higher education institutes, universities and or employment. All col-

lege facilities are continually upgraded and include a fully equipped Gym & Fitness centre, Massage Suite and Hairdressing and Beauty salons.

All courses, either of one or two-year duration and run from September to May, are quality assured and certified by national and international awarding bodies including QQI at level 5 & 6, ITEC and other relevant awarding recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications.

This year, they introduced a Yoga Teacher Training course including Wellbeing and Holistic studies.

This new course also offers training in reflexology, massage and nutrition.

Pilates Teacher Training including Somatic Studies new for September 2019, includes movement therapy which complements and enhances Pilates teaching. Both courses are run during the mornings from Monday to Friday. Other recent course

Sallynoggin College introduced a Yoga Teacher Training course this year

developments include the introduction of Musical Theatre to the Dance course enabling students to acquire a broader range of skills in Dance, Performance and Musical Theatre.

Supports are available for students with learning difficulties through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) fund enabling students to avail of one to one supports and exam accommodations.

They provide Guidance

Counselling and offer advice and support to students when applying to Higher Education Universities and Institutes. Other services include fully equipped Fitness and Gym, IT Hub/Library, student IT Network, Reflective Space, Student Canteen and Free Car Parking.

All courses are recognised for the SUSI Grant and Higher Education Authority (HEA) fund for learners with learning difficulties. Social welfare

applicants may be entitled to the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), including Free Childcare and or the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).

SCFE welcomes applications from all including school leavers, mature students, graduates, international students and those who are recently unemployed.

Second chance opportunities are also offered to those without the Leaving Certificate who are looking to up-skill, progress to Higher Education or retrain for a new career.

All applicants will be called for an interview with the Course Coordinator and will be informed on the day of an offer of a place.

The college, located within walking distance from Dun Laoghaire, is well served by public transport and free secure parking is available to students.

Application is free, no CAO points are required.

Check them out at www.scfe.ie for a full list of courses or contact Sallynoggin College of Further Education, Pearse Street, Sallynoggin, at 012852997, email: reception@scfe.ie or Instagram, facebook and twitter.

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

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

FEATURES HERITAGE | CROSS-PARTY COMMEMORATIONS OF KEY DATE

President Higgins to lead celebrations to mark the very first Dail in 1919 PADRAIG CONLON

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

“NOW, therefore, we, the elected Representatives of the ancient Irish people in National Parliament assembled, do, in the name of the Irish nation, ratify the establishment of the Irish Republic and pledge ourselves and our people to make this declaration effective by every means at our command.”

The above Declaration of Irish Independence – the historic pronouncement of Ireland’s freedom from English rule – was made at the first meeting of Dail Eireann in the Mansion House on Tuesday, January 21, 1919.

Historic event N e x t We d n e s d a y marks the centenary of that historic event which took place in the Round Room, the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

In the general election of December 1918, members of the Sinn Fein party won 73 of the 105 Irish seats, but had pledged not to sit in Westminster.

I n s t e a d , t h ey p u t together a representative assembly in Dublin and invited all the elected members for Ireland.

Missing on the day were Eamon de Valera and Arthur Griffith, who were both in jail, and Michael Collins, who was on the run from British Forces, and together with Harry Boland was busy preparing plans for the successful escape of de Valera from Lincoln Gaol.

The Dail asserted the exclusive right of the

A commemoration poster to mark Dail Eireann’s first meeting, held at the Mansion House

elected representatives of the Irish people to legislate for the country, and elected Cathal Brugha as its Ceann Comhairle.

The proceedings that a f te r n o o n we re co n ducted for the only time in Dail history entirely in the Irish language, and began with a prayer from Fr Michael O’Flanagan.

The opening business involved the appointment of a speaker, Cathal Brugha, the appointment of clerks, and the calling of the roll.

Some 29 names were re co rd e d a s p re se n t ; most of the others were declared to be “imprisoned by the foreigner” (fe ghlas ag Gallaibh) as they were still in English jails.

government meetings were held.

Next Monday,January 21, a joint meeting of Dail and Seanad Eireann will take place, featuring former and current TDs and senators.

This very grainy shot shows the actual very first sitting of Dail Eireann, 1919. Picture: Dublin City Library & Archive

This was followed by the important business of the day being formulated: the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Address to the free nations of the world, and the Democratic Programme.

To mark this momen-

tous event in the history of the State, Dublin’s current Lord Mayor – Nial Ring – has opened the doors of the Mansion House to the public for three days (this Friday, January 18 to Sunday 20) so the public can view the rooms where early

Address Firstly, there will be an address from President Michael D Higgins, followed by a reflection from a descendant of a member of the first Dail, followed by a full joint sitting featuring the signing and presentation of a ‘Centenary Declaration’.

The joint sitting on January 21 will be broadcast live on Oireachtas TV from 3.30pm – 5.30pm.

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

TRAVEL: WE CHECK OUT SOME TOP ‘SLEB’ GETAWAYS... P18

WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME CINEMA DEVELOPMENTS P20

nissan’s new juke delights in our motoring review P24

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

PAIR ARE WHEELY HAPPY TO HELP A HOSPICE CYCLE

SPORTS journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage, and his daughter, Evelyn, were delighted to team up recently to help launch the 10th anniversary Cycle for Care in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF).

The pair of cycling enthusiasts are calling on everyone to support the June cycle, with the duo to lead the way across the stunning landscapes of the Costa Verde in Spain from June 23-29 in the hopes of raising €2 million.

The funds will be used to support the IHF’s Nurses for Night Care service, which provides care to people in their own homes at the end of life right around the country, and the Foundation’s Bereavement Support programme.

Picture: Robbie Reynolds

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

TRAVEL COMMERCIAL CONTENT

BUCKET LIST TRIPS | WHERE HAVE THE TRENDSETTERS GONE TO?

Follow the Slebs to some of Trust GoHop to find a great the coolest, hottest, most Summer deal exotic destinations abroad WITH the January booking season well under way, many families’ attention now turns to where they can source that greatvalue Summer holiday that will tick all the boxes.

Families face a much tighter window to suit the annual school holiday term from June to August, which tends to lead to a greater demand for the most sought-after destinations and accommodation.

Irish travel firm GoHop.ie report recent family booking trends showing a notable increase in demand for upmarket holidays to 4- and 5-star hotels offering all-inclusive options.

This makes it a lot easier for mum and dad to budget their overseas spend as many of the day-to-day extras such as food, drink and snacks tend to be included in the overall price.

Better standard properties also tend to provide a good range of child-friendly facilities and entertainment, which gives mum and dad a little time to enjoy their holiday, too!

GoHop.ie are reporting a healthy increase in 2019 Summer bookings with more than 40% of all holidays booked for 4- and 5-star properties, and more than 30% of all family bookings opting for an all-inclusive package.

Check out some of the amazing Summer 2019 all-inclusive family deals at https:// www.gohop.ie/g204/all-inclusivefamily-holidays.

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.

locations on the Motenegran coast, boasting lush grounds and stunning sea views, and was featured in the Bond movie Casino Royale.

Just a few miles up the coast is the resort of Budva itself – a favourite with Madonna and Rihanna – where accommodation can be more reasonably sourced with the views no less spectacular.

Majorca Admittedly, the former Miss World (below) was not exactly on a budget holiday as she toured the stunning Majorcan coast aboard a yacht for a friend’s hen weekend.

becoming an a-list holiday hotspot with supermodel Jourdan Dunn and actress Michelle Rodriguez spotted holidaying there.

Fa s t a n d Fu r i o u s a c t re s s Michelle rang in the New Year at the stunning island getaway in the southern Caribbean. She was spotted partying at the famous Port Louis Marina in the city of St George.

She visited a few of the most popular attractions, including t h e Co n co rd wa te r fa l l , a n d went snorkelling off the island’s west coast at the world’s first underwater sculpture park at Moliniere Bay, home to more than

lamented the fact that they had to cut their trip short due to work engagements.

The Sultanate of Oman is M i d d l e E a s te r n j ewe l w i t h breathtaking tourist attractions to rival the likes of Dubai or Qatar.

Its Al Bustan Palace Hotel was reopened after an extensive 18-month renovation and the Royal Opera House Muscat has also undergone a major revamp.

With increased f lights to Muscat International Airport, this opulent Arabian destination is easy to get to for holidaymakers looking for an alternative and interesting destination for 2019.

Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham

Rosanna Davison

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra

Vogue Williams

Montenegro This beautiful Balkan country is set to be a celebrity hotspot since the Beckhams (above) spent some time here.

We can expect to see many more famous faces jetting off to the Adriatic coast this year as an alternative to the usual luxury resorts.

M i n d yo u , t h e B e c k h a m s weren’t exactly slumming it – they stayed at St Stephen island, a small islet and five-star hotel resort near Budva.

The charming seaside hideaway resort is one of the most attractive

Rosanna lapped up the sunshine before taking a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, all the while admiring the stunning coastline.

Her long-haul destination of choice is Mauritius, but she seemed perfectly at home getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D closer to home – and the good news is that Majorca is accessible on pretty much any budget (yacht not included).

100 statues and beautiful reefs.

Ex p e c t to s e e eve n m o re enviable Instagram snaps as A-listers jet off to this off-thebeaten-track island in the West Indies.

St Bart’s New mum Vogue (33, above) is a presenter on RTE’s holiday show Getaways so she’s no stranger when it comes to exploring new shores and capturing their good side.

While on a holiday in the Caribbean resort with husband Spencer Matthews and son Theodore, she posted a series of enviable snaps on Instagram.

One showed her practising yoga on the volcanic island, a former French commune, while other images show the family on one or other of the 22 white

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor IT SEEMS five-star compounds are so passe when you’re an A-list celebrity who has everything that money could buy.

Luxury resorts were firmly off the menu for a whole host of celebs in 2018, with many opting to venture off the beaten track instead.

With this in mind, custom printed beach towel company We Are Promotional has predicted 2 0 1 9’s a l te r n a t ive h o l i d ay destinations that the rich and famous will be jetting off to in 2019.

Grenada Known as the spice isle, this little Caribbean country is fast

Oman With idyllic, unspoilt beaches and tropical climate, Oman is set to be the hottest celeb destination for 2019 with newlyweds Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas (above) spending time here in 2018.

During their stay the couple documented their every move from their beachside resort and

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

Majorca

Grenada

Jordan

Seoul

Oman

Thousands of Irish people are already very well acquainted with marvellous Majorca (top) – adventurous types may be drawn to truly stunning Jordan’s rich ochre sands (above)

Follow in travel fans’, adventurers’ and celebrities’ footsteps by taking in such diverse sights as sun-soaked Grenada (top), bustling Seoul (left) or Oman’s striking contrasts (above)

Karlie Kloss

Naomi Campbell

sandy beaches dotted along the coastline.

Keen divers can check out the spectacular coral reefs, while hikers will appreciate St Barts’ highest inland peak, Morne du Vitet, at 938ft.

fun and fact-packed trip.

Thicke revealed he was checking off a bucket list item with his eight-year-old son Julian as they took in the flea and street markets, historic sites and temples in the stunning city.

Not sure if they had time for the ‘Gangnam District Tour’ or the full day excursion to Nami Island, but they had a ball by all accounts.

Seoul H o l i d ay s a s e d u c a t i o n a l experiences are set to be big news in 2019.

A city packed full of history, fashion and fun hit the headlines when singer Robin Thicke jetted off to the South Korean city with his son, for a

Jordan P r i n c e s s B e a t r i c e, E l l i e Goulding, Karlie Kloss (above, far left) and Misha Nonoo

were all spotted on holiday here in 2018, making this an unexpected but popular holiday destination for 2019.

They were spotted on several nights out and travel companies have finally cottoned on to the fact that all-female travel is a thing, and are rushing to meet demand.

Jordan is among the most popular Eastern destinations where travellers can take a camel ride into the desert and learn about henna art directly from Bedouin women.

From exploring the impressive lost city of Petra to relaxing on the salty shores of the Dead Sea, Jordan makes for a fantastic alternative destination for 2019.

Croatia Naomi Campbell (left), along with French actress Farid Kheld and singer Maluma were all spotted cruising along the Adriatic coastline of Croatia.

Dubrovnik, hailed as the pearl of the Adriatic, is now jam-packed with tourists but the fishing ports in Rovinj and Cavtat share the same coastline.

T h e p re fe r re d m o d e o f transport is water taxi or ferry to visit the archipelago islands or the Istrian port town of Porec.

Fa m o u s f o r b o t h i t s breathtaking architecture and coastline, Croatia is becoming a haven for celebrities looking to venture off the beaten track.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

This year, not only do we not know what films are most likely to get an Oscar, but we don’t even know if anyone can – or will – present the Oscars, now barely a month away ...

Does anybody know anything about Cinema’s future now?

IN 1983, the late, great writer, screenwriter – and one helluva sharp cookie, William Goldman – first released his razor-sharp guide to Hollywood, Adventures in the Screen Trade.

It was hard not to think of the book’s most famous quote when regarding the recent Golden Globes - generally seen and helpful as an indication of how films may fare in the upcoming Oscars.

“Nobody knows anything ... Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what’s going to work.

Every time out it’s a guess and, if you’re lucky, an edu-

 SHANE DILLON

cated one.”

A prescient outlook, with year after year not dulling their impact and accuracy as films flop, awards jump past the more obvious choice – or, paradoxically, end up getting hoovered up by obvious choices, ignoring better films – and awards ceremonies leave critics scratching their heads.

Close to 36 years after that book and quite first appeared, it seems that

nobody knows anything is still pretty much the standard setting for Tinsel Town, which was borne out by the recent Golden Globes awards.

By now, we’ve all seen the somewhat randomfeeling results of the 76th Golden Globes, which I won’t delve into much here.

The Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody proved something of the dark horse of the night, romping home with the surprise wins of Best Film (Drama) and Best Actor for Rami Malik.

Sure, the slightly undercooked (and a tad whitewashed) film about Queen

and the awesome Freddie Mercury was a big hit, but did Rhapsody really deserve to beat the barnstorming A Star is Born remake, or the critically adored Roma?

Similar faint suspicions greeted Rami’s victory. Although he’s widely regarded as one of the nicest people in Hollywood, and already displays some serious acting chops, the talented actor’s top win was still a little surprising.

And, with all the fuss over Rhapsody’s successes, sharper eyes and ears will have noted one particular absence: the film’s original director, Bryan Singer, wasn’t invited to

the awards or referenced by anyone.

Singer was controversially removed from the film, and has since been battling allegations of abuse – on the glittering awards night the director was like the ghost of Hamlet’s father: never referred to or seen.

I could continue to dissect the Globe winners, but like I said, we’ve all seen the who’s-who winners by now, and with the upcoming Oscars little more than a month away in late February, it’s time to think of “Nobody knows anything” yet again.

At this stage, we certainly don’t even know

who, if anyone, will be presenting the Oscars, which are now facing into the possibility of having no host – a rarity, but a likelihood this year.

As recently covered here, funnyman Kevin Hart had been asked to host; however, a sudden focus on his several ugly, homophobic remarks saw him forced to step down.

Despite Hart’s recent apparent change of mind over apologising for his odious anti-gay comments – apparently now he’s considering his perfectly valid critics to be just trolls and jealous haters – he’s still out of the Oscars hosting gig.

Celebrating films shot with a phone SHANE DILLON

IN MY main piece, above, I touch on how ‘Nobody knows anything’ is still pretty much the underpinning rule of Cinema.

However, there’s one thing that we do all know: your humble phone in your pocket, or the tablet in your bag, is now capable of being an all-in-one movie studio.

Today, it’s perfectly possible for you to shoot, edit and share something very watchable with just such a device.

That would have been impossible just five years ago, but with the power of many modern phones and tablets – and some good lenses on such tech – it’s certainly possible to make a decent film which may be a little rough around the edges (or not, if you really know what you’re doing), but is still well worth watching.

With this in mind, the upcoming second annual Dublin Smartphone Film Festival is showcasing some of the best of such content, ready to screen a selection of short films, documentaries, animations and music

videos, along with an educational workshop.

There’ll be prizes for the best content, with more than 100 entries from 25+ countries, and awards categories including Best Fiction, Music video, Documentary, Animation, and Best 360/VR Film.

The Dublin Smartphone Film Festival will take place in the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, New Market, on January 26 from 7:30pm to late. Tickets are €15, and are on sale now through www.eventbrite.com. For further information, see www.dublinsmartphonefilmfestival.com.

So, nobody knows anything about who will be presenting the Oscars, how they’ll be presented if nobody can be found, or what the turmoil in a fragmenting industry means for the august awards ceremony, which still don’t quite fully account for the rise of streaming services.

To complete the storytelling loop I started on, once upon a time we all knew very much what to expect from our film awards ceremonies, and from our stars and industry figures.

But today, as 2019 gathers steam, it’s never been clearer that, truly, nobody knows anything ...

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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

ENTERTAINMENT

GOINGOUTOUT OF THE

PICK

WEEK JANUARY 22 (TUESDAY)

Azealia Banks @ The Academy, €26 Mercurially talented but notoriously difficult, Azealia Banks’s primary reputation in Ireland in recent years has been for not turning up. If she does this time, it’ll be well worth seeing.

Making a village with Max Zaska GUITARIST piece Max Zaska is a hard man to put in a nice, easy-to-grasp box.

A brilliant guitarist and adventurous songwriter, he eschews genre convention, preferring to flit between Funk and R&B, Pop and Soul.

The result if often bright, bubbly and bouncy. His approach to performing is similarly atypical.

Zaska’s forthcoming debut album hosts something of a who’swho of Ireland’s more i n te re s t i n g m u s i c a l fringes: BARQ, Come On Live Long, Little Green Cars, Super Silly, Loah and Wyvern Lingo all have members who have chipped in on vocals or instruments, taking roles that Max himself jokingly says he’s utterly unable to fill himself.

It’s hard to peg precisely what Zaska is, then, apart from a project led by a man who’s clearly not short on vision, or on friends (Hozier has also been a regular feature in his career).

 JAMES HENDICOTT

The inventive musician finds his finest moments is big, bold, diverse collaboration.

Of his debut, Zaska told the Gazette: “The album title, It Takes A Village, comes from the way this album was put together, with all the collaborations and with the FundIt [crowdfunding] campaign that’s supported it.

“I’ve been working on it since 2015, and the €14.5k people contributed to my FundIt has kept it going right up until now.

“I’ll just be pushing into my own finances for the first time with some of the promo stuff, so I’m so blessed.

“It’s been a lot of work. I almost died from exhaustion, but the support has kept me afloat.”

The result is brave and bold. Zaska’s new single is a swipe at Dublin’s

increasingly prominent housing crisis.

In the imagery around, It’s Ridiculous, you can see the songwriter perched outside the Central Bank in a cardboard box labeled ‘two-bedroom apartment’, grimacing and clutching another piece of cardboard with the song title penned on it in marker.

Vocalist Louise Gaffney, of Dublin act Come On Live Long, delivers a sunny vocal over a bouncing, funky guitar track and plenty of brass, and on the video, members of Wyvern Lingo pull out choreographed dance moves on Dublin’s streets.

While he’s dreaming big in his productions, though, Zaska takes more of a balanced approach to music’s part in his life as a whole.

“I’m not looking to take over the world,” he laughs.

“I’d like to play a few shows outside Ireland, and I really hope the album goes well, but I like to have time for my family, too, and to live a bit.

“This isn’t ‘everything’.

Really, I just want to be able to do this full-time.”

Things are crazy for the songwriter in the lead up to his album launch, however.

“I just sent emails at the moment, I don’t have time to write a lot of music,” he jokes of the preparation for the launch gig, which will feature an 11- or 12-piece backing band and at least another seven or eight guest-featured artists.

“This is a bit of a oneoff; for most of the shows I’ll probably just bring a band and a couple of vocalists,” he tells us.

“For this, we have a really good set planned. It’s like a massive puzzle piece, but it’s coming together.”

Zaska’s debut album, It Takes A Village, is out in early February, though you can receive the entire thing for free, day-by-day ahead of the launch, by signing up to his mailing list on zaskamusic.com

by January 21.

He’ll launch the album at the Button Factory on February 8, with tickets priced at €15.

JANUARY 17 (THURSDAY)

JANUARY 20 (SUNDAY)

Ones To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5 Most of the big bands to break out of Dublin in recent years have played this festival at one stage or another. A great early-year intro to the bright sparks looking to break out of the Irish music scene. An absolute bargain.

Rudimental @ Olympia Theatre, €38 Ones To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5 Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats @ The Academy Green Room, €20

JANUARY 18 (FRIDAY)

JANUARY 22 (TUESDAY)

Kid Karate @ The Workman’s Club, €9 The Como Mamas @ Sugar Club, €20 Twin Bandit @ The Grand Social, €13 Ones To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5

Years & Years @ Olympia Theatre, €30 Yorkston/Thorne/Khan @ The Workman’s Club, €17 LNT & SYNK @ Whelan’s, €10

JANUARY 19 (SATURDAY)

JANUARY 23 (WEDNESDAY)

Rudimental @ Olympia Theatre, €38 Kathryn Joseph @ The Workman’s Club, €15 F*cked Up @ The Grand Social, €22 Ones To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5

Marc Rebillet @ Tivoli Theatre, €18 RE @ The Workman’s Club, €22 The Beths @ The Grand Social, €13 Billow Wood @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

JANUARY 21 (MONDAY) Years & Years @ Olympia Theatre, €30 Walking On Cars @ Whelan’s, €23

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019 COURTESY OF

FITNESS & STYLE

TRAINER TIPS

At Iconic Health Clubs we make it easy for you THIS week we look at making a commitment to your health AND to yourself in 2019 IT’S SUPER TRICKY to stay fit. Anyone who is in super good shape, and is honest, will admit you need to doggedly stick to your routine rain or shine.

It’s easy to say but hard to maintain that commitment to yourself. Life is full of distractions. There will be evenings when you want to snuggle up with Netflix and mornings when a large bacon sandwich is way more appealing than dragging yourself to the gym. Or perhaps you have been up late with a crying baby and can’t face that treadmill.

What if we told you there IS an easy way around inevitable distraction. That we can make it fun too. Let us at Icon do the heavy lifting (well, not all of it) for you. Two steps. Book a class and don’t let yourself cancel. The basic truth is you will more likely do more exercise in a class than on a solo workout.

Psyc h o l o g i s t s have labelled this phenomenon the Kohler effect and it occurs when a person works harder as a member of a group than working alone.

If your toilet broke you would ensure you got a plumber to fix it that day. Treat your fitness like your broken loo and put it at the top of your agenda.

It’s all about priorities. We think you are worth it at Icon and that is why we have put so much effort into ensuring a really wide range of classes so you will find one that appeals.

There is unlimited access and we offer 40 types with up to 18 classes a day at your local gym. From cardio, martial arts, mindfulness to Brooklyn fitboxing.

Dublin we really do have something for you.

So this year, how about making sure you win that fitness battle and consider early morning workouts. On weekdays we are open for business at 6am with classes starting at 6.30. We are rooting for you this year. You can do it. Here are

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some tips to make it easy for you. If you don’t already have our mobile app, ask at reception for help logging on.

TIPS TO GET TO THAT GYM CLASS

1. Pack that bag. Include everything you need the night before. Down to the hairbrush and shampoo. It makes it so much easier to grab the bag and run out the door.

2. Set a generous alarm. Try to take the panic out of an early morning class and give yourself a few extra minutes to wake up. Even better, make yourself a coffee and bring along in a keep cup.

It will cheer you up and research shows caffeine just before exercise helps you perform better.

3. Read up about the class and try something new. We have information about all our classes on our website. If you have only previously tried one or two go for something new this week. The instructors will show you how it’s done if you show up a few minutes early. You may hate it and that’s ok you will like another class.

Don’t be scared of the new.

4. Show up for yourself. Treat it as a priority. The booking for our classes are designed to make it easy for you so if it appears you are not going to get out of work in time, you can cancel on the app 30 minutes before. However, get in the mindset that your exercise class is paramount and work your other commitments around it.

5. Try an early morning class. The best way to make sure you get to your exercise class? Go first thing so your day doesn’t intrude.

Best of luck guys and looking forward to seeing you all in classes in 2019. We have a great offering already but If you feel there is a class you would like to try let us know and we will do our very best.

Icon Health Club, 1-4 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.

Telephone: 01 405 3777 www.iconhealthclub.ie

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GOOD TO ALTHOUGH the holidays are behind us you can still keep that happy glow! During the colder months it’s hard to keep your skin all fresh and dewey. Harsh, cold winds and indoor heat can make your skin super dry and super lacklustre. But have no

fear, Catrice Cosmetics is all a-glow and inspired by the latest international designs for the Spring/Summer 2019 season.

Beautyaholics will adore these galactic nail lacquers, golden highlighters, glowing powders and holographic nail stickers.

Going veganuary

With the start of the new year, what better way to put your best self forward this Veganuary by changing your personal care regime with the Dr.Bronner’s range. Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients, Dr.Bronner’s has an array of vegan friendly products from soaps, skincare, lotions and hair rinses, ensuring the transition this January is vegan friendly without having to comprise your personal care routine. Vegan friendly products within the Dr Bronner’s range contain no beeswax, propolis, casein, glycerine to name a few non-vegan friendly ingredients.

Treat yourself to the comforting Dr Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Pump Soap with the relaxing scent of lavender. You can also sweeten up your skin the almond Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. This concentrated, mulit-purpose soap leaves you super clean with a slightly sweet scent on your skin. It also comes in eucalyptus, citrus DR BRONNER’S orange, tea tree, peppermint, lavender and rose.

4 in 1 Sugar Nourish those locks with Dr. Bronner’s Hair Rinse. This rinse Lavender Organic contains organic lemon juice which rinses and tightens hair shafts Pump Soap and for excellent manageability and organic coconut, olive and hemp Citrus Organic Hair oils which moisturise hair strands. The Dr.Bronner range is stocked Rinse health stores and selected pharmacies nationwide and can also be purchased online at www.lifesgreat.ie

17 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

PUZZLES

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS APERTURE ARGUABLE AXLE CARNAL EMPTINESS GALE IDIOTIC INSERTION IRONIC KNITTING MASSAGES

MAUVE MIGRATORY MORE NORWAY PANES PREGNANCY RESPECTS SEGMENT SINAI TIES TWELFTH

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

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17 January 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Renault Bank passes €1bn loan mark RENAULT Bank launched in Ireland amongst the worst economic crisis the country had seen, when access to motor finance was almost nonexistent.

The bank has now announced that it has lent more than €1 billion to Irish customers since 2011, coinciding

The new Juke should coin it in for Nissan DECLAN GLYNN

MAKING its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Nissan Juke sports a unique and innovative front-end design and swooping roofline.

The Nissan Juke was one of the originators of the sports-compact-crossover segment, featuring a relatively small footprint and a focus on driving fun rather than off-road ability, spawning a host of rivals.

The Nissan Juke underwent a mid-life upgrade in 2014, bringing with it revised styling, more efficient engines and enhanced technology.

Fo u r s p e c i f i ca t i o n levels are available in the Nissan Juke – the XE, SV, SV-Premium and the range-topping SVE. My test car was a Juke SV-Premium model fitted with a refined and punchy 1.2-litre (DIG-T) turbo petrol engine, mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox and capable of fuel consumption as low as 5.7-litres per 100km on an extra-urban driving cycle.

This superb engine

produces 115bhp and 190Nm of torque, providing swift acceleration and excellent towing capacity for a car of its size.

The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 10.8-seconds, while a top speed of 175km/h is possible – where permitted.

A Co2 emissions figure of 128g/km, leads to annual road tax of just €270.

Other engines available in the Nissan Juke include a 1.6-litre petrol (manual or automatic) and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel (manual only).

While equipment levels across the Nissan Juke range are impressive, the standard specification in my SV-Premium test car included six airbags, ABS & EBD & VDC, i-Key engine start/stop system, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on two outer seats, and a CD player with six speakers and iPod connectivity.

There’s also a drive computer, AUX & USB sockets, automatic aircond itioning, cruise c o n t ro l w i t h s p e e d

with Renault Group’s increase of sales, which is nearly double the market growth over the past five years.

As a key part of the Renault Group strategy, Renault Bank not only enabled customers to access car finance but also played a large part in providing working capital for its network of Renault dealers.

65,000 customers Some 65,000 private and business customers have chosen the bank to finance their Renault and Dacia new and used vehicles in the past seven years through its branch network, the 26 Renault and Dacia dealerships around the country.

Not only is the inexpensive Juke absolutely packed with features, but it’s also a fun-to-drive small crossover

limiter, Bluetooth & audio streaming, rear view camera – and many more featues. Phew!

The Nissan Juke sits you high relative to the road, but with the seat at its lowest setting you can create quite a racy, laidback driving position.

You can still see the bonnet, and the wingtop lights act as a good positioning guide.

The steering wheel adjusts for height, while the front and rear seats are very comfortable, with good support where needed Boot space is a

commendable 354-litres with the rear seats in place, but extends to 1,189-litres when the rear seat rests are folded flat.

The Juke’s elevated stance, but relatively compact overall length (4,135mm), creates a superb driving experience, w h i l e l e a d s to t h e

conclusion that this is a fun car to take out on motorways, or meandering back roads.

Overall, the Nissan Juke is a great choice for those looking for a fun-to-drive small crossover.

Ten exterior colours are available, along with a raft of personalisation options

FACT BOX

1) Distinctive compact crossover 2) Spacious and well-equipped 3) Petrol or diesel engines 4) Manual or automatic 5) Priced from just €19,995 (ex-works)

in order to make your Nissan Juke as individual as you are.

Pricing for the Nissan Juke starts at a very re a s o n a b l e € 1 9 , 9 9 5 (ex-works), while the SV-Premium specification car I drove is priced at just €22,545 (ex-works).

Nissan’s 3-Year or 100,000km warranty comes as standard, but can be extended to five years as an optional extra upon request.

With excellent 191 deals available now, there has never been a better time to check out what the Nissan Juke has to offer.

Alex Zhurkin, managing director of Renault Bank, says: “It was never in the plan to lend this amount in this short period of time.

“We opened our doors in 2011 when the market was extremely depressed. There was an economic crisis in Ireland and it could be argued that it was a bad time to launch a new bank.

“In hindsight, it worked in our favour as access to credit for Irish consumers was extremely difficult without even mentioning low interest rates. We provided both.”

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  WEST RECRUITMENT

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

LADIES FOOTBALL P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

BONUS BONANZA: RUGBY: GARRY Ringrose hailed Leinster’s focus as they took a huge step to topping their Heineken Champions Cup group last Saturday with a 29-13 win over Toulouse. The win puts Leinster top of the pool having trailed Toulouse prior to kick-off and the try-scoring bonus point means a home quarter-final beckons if they avoid defeat to Wasps



GAZETTE

BASKETBALL P29

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS HOCKEY | UCD WOMAN A FIRST IRISH PLAYER UP FOR WORLD GONG

Rising Star Tice shining worldwide  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD woman Lena Tice will find out this week if she is the first Irish woman to win an International Hockey Federation player of the year award as she is nominated in the Rising Star category.

It follows an incredible year in which she managed to win medals in four different jurisdictions.

It started with double success with UCD, landing the EY Hockey League regular season crown and the Irish Senior Cup before the summer’s groundbreaking World Cup silver medal in London.

Hot on those heels, she jetted off down under for a pre-arranged link-up with North Harbour Hawks – helped by contacts set up by Irish assistant coach Colin Stewart – with whom she won the New Zealand Hockey League.

Less planned was her time in Australia but she jumped at the chance of playing for the ACT Strikers and duly won the player of the tournament as

well as a bronze medal.

To cap it off, December brought the Rising Star nomination – alongside Ayeisha McFerran’s Goalkeeping of the Year nod – with the voting running for another couple of days.

Reacting to the news of her inclusion on the five-strong shortlist, Tice told the Dublin Gazette her “initial reaction was total shock”.

“It is of course a real honour but it is really just a reflection of this amazing team, the staff and most of all the teammates I have around me. It was far less of a shock to see Ayeisha be nominated for goalkeeper of the year.

No one deserves it more than her!”

She says the volume of success has been truly mind-boggling, particularly when she looks back on this time last year.

“I do set goals. But they are mostly performance related instead of outcome related. Obviously my goal was to get selected for the World Cup and for us as a team to compete at a high

A tearful Lena Tice salutes the crowd in London. Picture: Christopher Lee/Getty

level.

“However, I would be lying if I said a World Cup silver medal or medals in Australia and New Zealand were even considered! This year has been a real blessing. I’m incredibly thankful to have had the opportunities that I have and I’m well aware that the timing worked itself out incredibly well for me in order to allow me to go away and

play. It’s been amazing for all of us!”

For now, though, there is no time to rest on laurels with Olympic qualification now the target.

“We have a lot of talent and experience in or squad and, more importantly, we have an abundance of drive. So we have put the World Cup to bed and we are totally focused on June 2019 and the Hockey Series Finals.”

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 17 January 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

RUGBY: LEINSTER ON VERGE OF SECURING HOME QUARTER

LUCAN SARSFIELDS LUCAN SARSFIELDS A WONDERFUL event last week as we welcomed the Wanderers from Australia; WELL done to the Junior A la the club was full of excitement and energy even after the exploits on the field. A big thanks to Paddy Lyons and all his helpers, once again our volunteers showed off all that is good in the club.

And to the next event, we have our annual dinner dance on February 9; this very popular event is a ticket affair and tickets are limited so don’t miss out. Contact Kathleen, Mary or Josephine asap to secure a place. Tickets €30 includes wine reception and a four-course dinner and dancing after.

Other upcoming events: Hurling Table Quiz - Friday, February 8; Table Quiz for Elizabeth McNicholas - Friday, February 15; Adult Awards Night – February 16. Also watch out for the (new) calendar of events for the club house!

Lucan Sarsfields U-15B Division 6 league winners 2018 had their medal presentation in the clubhouse, it was wonderful night. The management would like thank all the players as they created the night due to their last minute goal against St Patrick’s Palmerstown. They would also like to thank on behalf of Brendan,Paddy,and Noel the Bar staff on the night, Paddy Ryan for lovely food and Brendan McInerney for sounds on the night and not to forget the parents who all turned out on the night. Congratulations to the five Lucan Sarsfields girls who made the Dublin camogie U-16s squad for 2019: Lauren Dawson (c), Pheobe Shannon, Millie Reid, Sinead Daly, Lilly Rooney and a particularly fine achievement to see Lauren captaining the side another great Lucan captain of a Dublin team. We wish the team, management and the whole squad all the best for the year ahead. Well done to Luara Quinn (Dub Snrs) and Lauren Finn (Jnrs) who took part in the Dub Stars games over the weekend.

Also well done to CJ Smith and Darren Gavin who lined out with Dublin against Meath on Saturday night in the O’Byrne Cup semi-final. The final is on next Friday v Westmeath in Parnell Park at 8pm and we wish them luck, we might see CJ take a penalty this time!

Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto on January 10; numbers were 4, 6, 14 and 20. Next weeks’ jackpot €9,400, draw will be managed by Edel Mooney and is sponsored by Feargal McCarthy, Painter and Decorator.

FOLLOWING defeat to Naomh O

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

GFC ST MARY’S ST MARY’S wishes to send its condolence, to the Family and Friends of Betty Keogh, Brittas on her recent sad passing. Ar Dheis dé go raibh a anam.

Membership is due from 1st January 2019. Registrar will be in club house, this Thursday between 7-8.30pm and Saturday morning.

National Club Draw tickets are now 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 Awards night: January 25.

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

Lotto draw (January 13): numbers drawn were 9-1125-26. There was no Jackpot winner so next week’s jackpot will be €6,800.

There was One Match 3 winner, Gary Curtis, c/o Jacobs Bar, Saggart. Next week’s Match 3 will be worth €100 win/share. You can now follow the LocalLotto link on our Facebook page by using the Blue “Shop Now” button and website to play Lotto online.

Ringrose hails Blues’ focus EURO CHAMPIONS CUP Leinster 29 Toulouse 13  sport@dublingazette.com

GARRY Ringrose hailed Leinster’s focus as they took a huge step to topping the ir He ineken Champions Cup group last Saturday with a 29-13 win over Toulouse.

The win puts Leinster top of the pool having trailed Toulouse by two points prior to kick-off a n d t h e t r y- s c o r i n g bonus point for the blues means if they avoid defeat against basement side Wasps on Sunday, they will close in on a home quarter-final.

“You can’t underes-

timate the work that it takes to get a bonus point against Toulouse,” Ringrose said afterwards.

“It certainly felt like it was on a knife-edge for the whole game really, with the quality of attack and players they have.”

The tie was in the balance at half-time at 10-6 with Jack Conan’s try the key divider in front of a capacity 18,943-strong crowd at the RDS. But a brilliant Dave Kearney finish to Ross Byrne’s perfectly weighted Crossfield kick saw Leinster cut loose in the second half with the wind in their favour.

Sean Cronin burrowed over for the next try in

the 59th minute before Adam Byrne secured the bonus.

Cheslin Kolbe got a consolation try with the last play but Leinster were well out of reach to take the full spoils.

“They can really break you from anywhere and even at times in the second half when we managed to pin them a little bit deeper, we couldn’t really allow a lapse in concentration at all,” Ringrose continued as the blues made light of several injuries.

“As they showed in the last play there, if you switch off for one second they can be that dangerous. It was really tough

in that regard, that you couldn’t afford to lapse at any stage.”

“It was a squad effort from the 23 that were lucky enough to go out and represent the whole group. There was still a huge amount of competition for places there and we were well aware of that.

“The wind probably played a little bit in how, tactically, we were going to approach the second half to the first.

“We had to run a bit more in the first half. It was trickier for the 9s and 10s to kick into that breeze. We took advantage of it once or twice in the second half.”

Clinching the bonus point with three secondhalf tries was important but Ringrose says that the first-half was played with the same intent.

“I don’t know if the mentality changed. We still had to play our brand of rugby and get the balance of attacking them and taking them on as well as pinning them back and trying to put them under pressure.”

For the Wasps tie, Luke McGrath will miss out due to a knee ligament injury while Johnny Sexton will also miss the trip to Coventry but Devin Toner, Seán O’Brien and Robbie Henshaw have returned to full training.

Kings Hos over first hurdle

KH’s senior edged past Gorey

King’s Hospital just about did enough to see off Gorey in rugby’s Bank of Ireland Vinnie Murray Cup first round at Energia Park, making it through to the second round with a dramatic 39-36 success.

It must be said that defence was secondary to attack in this 12-try shootout.

The north Wexford school was led admirably by Leinster Clubs’ Mark Boyle, the younger brother to Connacht’s Paul, the captain grabbing a brace to go beside a double from centre Sean Wafer.

It was King’s Hospital’s wider array of threats that eventually won the day as outside centre Mateas Gianetti struck for two of their seven tries.

The match winner arrived from number eight Steven Walsh in the last quarter to give Hos’ the two-score buffer they needed to make Gorey’s fifth from Boyle nothing more than a consolation in the last minute.

The Palmerstown school move on to meet Newpark Comprehensive in the second round of the Vinnie Murray Cup.

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

BASKETBALL: LEIXLIP CLUB CARRY BRILLIANT LEAGUE FORM INTO NATIONAL CUP SEMI

Liffey Celtics show no Mercy WOMEN’S NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINALS Courtyard Liffey Celtics DCU Mercy  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

71 51

COURTYARD Liffey Celtics carried their unbeaten league form into the National Cup on Saturday as they eased past defending champions DCU Mercy to set up a final against Brunell in two weeks.

Allie LeClaire top scored with an impressive tally of 25 points for the Leixlip side as they completed a convincing 71-51 victory over the Dublin side at the Mardyke Arena in University College Cork.

The Celtics will compete in their second National Cup final in three seasons, having been edged out by Glanmire at the last hurdle two years ago.

The first quarter saw both sides feel each other out with little given away by either side, but it was the Kildare side who were on top when the whistle blew, leading by 16-14.

They upped the ante in the second quarter, however, and displayed the form that has seen them unbeaten since losing last season’s league final, also to Glanmire.

American duo LeClaire and Briana Green scored 12 and 14 points respectively as the Celtics built up a 41-26 lead at the interval.

The reigning champions did at least edge the third quarter by three points, leaving it 63-41 going into the

final quarter.

DCU managed to edge a low-scoring final quarter but, by then, Liffey Celtics had already built up an unassailable lead and will once again face Cork opposition in the form of Brunell at the month’s end.

“We all went out and played really, really well,” power forward Aine O’Connor said afterwards.

“I know we were undefeated coming into today, but there’s a lot of pressure on the Cup and on this game so now we’re really looking forward to Brunell in the final.

“Last year we were very disappointed – we lost to DCU in the first round in a close game – so we’re really looking forward to it now.”

Coach Mark Byrne added: “I don’t think we would have dreamt of a 20-point win. We kept waiting for the backlash and the comeback.

“Since that cup final two years ago, the girls have really grown in composure and stature. They revel in the big games now, which is brilliant.

“We pride ourselves on our defence. To hold them to 51 is a super achievement. They have so many great players.

“A point guard drafted by the WNBA. We know Sarah Woods is great. Even the under-20 girls are really strong.

To be able to match all of that and come out on top was superb.”

The Celtics’ Under-20 side were edged out 74-66 by Portlaoise Panthers in their semi-final, while the Under18s advanced to a final against Waterford IT with a 68-59 win over Brunell.

Liffey Celtics’ Ailbhe O’Connor tries to get around DCU’s Sam Hyslip. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Dublin Lions Under-20 side. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Lions roar into U-20 national final NATIONAL ONE CUP SEMI  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN Lions are on the way to the Hula Hoops Under 20 Men’s National Cup final following a thrilling 62-68 point win over Portlaoise Panthers in an absorbing semi-final at the Mardyke.

Tiernan Howe was one of the stand out stars for Lions in a game that really had nothing in it until the closing 40 seconds.

Neck-in-neck throughout a fast-paced and very

physical game, the first quarter set the tone for the remainder as good scoring from Portlaoise’s James Gormley, James Phelan and Trevor Swayne, was matched score for score at the other end with Lions Tiernan Howe and Jack Maguire edging them into a two point lead at the end of the first. Momentum stayed with Lions in the second as they drove on with some big scores from Neill Kavanagh, Samuel Mohamed and Oisin Rice to open up a nine-point

lead going in at the half time break, 36-45.

The third and fourth quarters continued in the same vein, with neither side managing to get some breathing space on the score board and by the midway mark of the fourth, it was all square. Huge scores from Tiernan Howe down the stretch, coupled with a massive second half display from Samuel Mohamed saw them edge ahead by a basket. Big boards from Oisin Rice kept Lions’ noses in front and despite

the best efforts of Portlaoise, Lions sealed the win from the free throw line to book a spot in the Cup final against Neptune.

Speaking afterwards, a thrilled head coach, Rob White said: “I’m more relieved than anything.

We had a great first half, but we really slowed down in the second half, credit to Portlaoise.

The thing all week has been trying to keep calm, we’re all feeling the pressure and I thought we did a really good job.”

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 17 January 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN WISHING all our Round Tower Follows Operation Transformation 2019 participants the very best. You can register online via our website. The 5km walks will take place every Monday and Wednesday evening from the clubhouse from 7pm over a six week period. Specialist talks will be given to participants, with all welcome to join us. Registration is €20.

Membership is now open for the year 2019. We ask people register as soon as possible so as to reduce the significant burden of managing this process on club registrar and committee. Register online via our website.

We are compiling a “Club Honours List” of players who have won intercounty honours while playing for the club. Make us aware of any football, hurling, ladies football, camogie honours won by Towers men or women, boys or girls, while representing their county.

The names provided will be utilised within a compilation of club history that is far advanced. Email info@roundtower.ie or contact Tommy Keogh at tommykeogh@gmail.com or 087 2812626.

Round Tower Lotto: January 7, 2019. Jackpot: €6,600. Numbers drawn: 6, 11, 17 and 26; bonus ball 12. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: Sharon Jordan, Glory B, Martina Lyons. Thank you to all who support our club lotto. Play online for as little as €2 per week.

Wanderers Caroline Conway and Thomas Davis’s Jenny Meagher battle for possession in the Junior Dubs Stars match at St Clare’s; the Blue team won out 6-8 to 3-4. Picture: GAAPics.com

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN ST PATRICK’S GAA, in association with Operation Transformation, invites you to join in our weekly walks in Glenaulin Park, starting this Thursday, January 17. Meeting at the clubhouse for a 7pm start. This is a community event, open to everyone.

Membership for 2019 is now due. The easiest way is to pay on on-line at www. stpatricksgaa.ie New members always welcome and we encourage people to join and participate in club activities.

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

The U-12 boys had a great time in JumpZone on Saturday morning.

Training is now resuming. We are looking for new players for all teams including our adult senior teams in camogie, football and hurling.

Please contact Paul Murphy – 086 9676900; James Daly 086 3886590; or Denise Mullins – 086 1591268.

Our juvenile teams (boys and girls) and Gaelic4mothers are also looking for new players.

Please contact Gill Pickett on 087 2269059 or consult our website on www.stpatricksgaa.ie The U-8 girls are back training on Monday 14 January in the Ballyfermot Sports Complex hall from 6 to 7pm. Any girl born in 2011 or 2012 very welcome to join.

Our GPO is running a Coaching Workshop on Friday, January 18, at 7pm. All mentors and camp coaches welcome. Hurling skill sessions resume for younger players on Friday, January 25.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 1, 9, 28 and 30. There was no jackpot winner.

We had four Lucky Dip winners who each shared €50 – Mary Gillespie, William Christie, Damian Ward and Mylo.

The jackpot next week will be €8,400.

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.

FOOTBALL : PENALTIES NEEDED IN O’BYRNE CUP

Fresh-faced Dubs edge out Meath NEW IRELAND ASSURANE Dublin 1-12 Meath 1-12 Dublin win 3-1 on penalties  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AN UNFAMILIAR looking Dublin team drew a big crowd at Parnell Park on Saturday night, as the All Ireland holders entered the O’Byrne Cup at the late, semi-final stage.

Dublin have been using the O’Byrne Cup as a testing ground in recent years, with many of the current core group having got their first senior outings in the early-season tournament. With the key men from last year’s triumph fresh back from the team holiday, the likes of Ryan Basquel, Conor McHugh, Shane Boland and Darren Gavin started, with an eye on more regular appearances.

“It’s that Dublin v Meath rivalry to the end,” a smiling acting manager Paul Clarke said at the conclusion. “It goes right to the wire, they add on a few minutes, and then put in something unusual [with the new penalties], you know?”

Both sides came out to attack, perhaps playing

off their long-standing rivalry as they ran at each other from the off. Meath had slightly the better of the opening period with Graham Reilly’s neat finish past Andy Bunyan in the Dublin goal giving the men in green the lead.

Dublin’s large backing, though, felt vocally hard done by in the denying of what looked a clear cut penalty for a pull down Robert McDaid.

McDaid was to hit back through a fisted goal for the boys in blue before the break, turned home from a break down the left hand side. That sent the sides went in at 1-7 each and with the Dubs looking increasingly capable of pushing their unfamiliar looking squad into the final.

The second half was less free-flowing but as intense as these rivalries can be despite the early season feel.

Both sides added 0-5 in a particularly scrappy battle and, with penalties looming, Dublin’s late chance to snatch the game flew wide and the teams were set for a first ever battle from the spot.

The new hand pass rule came into play late in the game, with Meath twice

AUSSIE RULES Wanderers pay Sars a visit LUCAN Sarsfields played a

special international challenge match against Australian club Wanderers this week at the 12th Lock, featuring elements of ladies Gaelic football and AFL. The event was organised by Paddy Lyons and his team of volunteers with Australian ambassador to Ireland Richard Andrews also among those to welcome the two teams.

Picture: Simon Peare - full gallery in next week’s paper

Paul Clarke, pictured with Cormac Costello, is managing a new-look Dublin side in the O’Byrne Cup.

punished – once in a very strong attacking position – for tapping one too many of the short-rangers amongst their forward line. Both sides were on the receiving end of the new sin bins, too, with the Dubs twice down to 14 in the second period.

Ryan Basquel, a force for Ballyboden St Enda’s, impressed the most. He hit 0-4 before being withdrawn while Oisin Lynch

of Fingallians looked effective down the other side as he managed 0-2 in the game.

When it came to the penalties, some poor finishing from Meath and a save from Bunyan in the Dublin goal meant successful hits from Aaron Byrne, Oisin Lynch and Conor McHugh were the ones that sent Dublin through to the final to face Westmeath, 3-1.

17 January 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: HIGH-SCORING TUSSLE ENTERTAINS THE DCU CROWD

HURLING

Canning clincher defies Dublin fightback

The combined Dublin and Dub Star teams following their clash at DCU. Picture: GAAPics.com

Stars align for annual Dublin football festival NEW IRELAND ASSURANE DUB STARS Dublin Dub Stars  DAIRE WALSH sport@dublingazette.com

4-13 1-9

HANNAH O’Neill recorded a brace of second-half goals at the DCU Sportsgrounds on Sunday to help Dublin retain the New Ireland Assurance Senior Dub Stars Challenge trophy.

Already in a strong position courtesy of opening period majors by corner-forwards Siobhan Woods and Ciara McGuigan, O’Neill turned on the style after the break to make it a winning start to 2019 for the reigning All-Ireland champions.

The 2018 Dub Stars remained in contention for long stretches of the contest, with the Clontarf duo of Caoimhe O’Connor and Siobhan Killeen leading by example up front.

Between both sides, there were 15 players that featured in the Dublin match day squad for the All-Ireland victory at Croke Park. Despite lining out minus marauding wing-back Sinead Goldrick, the Stars were backboned by the likes of Olwen Carey, Niamh Collins, Lauren Magee and Niamh McEvoy.

Clann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe was one of the brightest sparks for Dublin during an unforgettable 2018 and she had Dublin up and running inside the opening 60 seconds with a fine point at the end of a prolonged move.

McGuigan was also on target for Bohan’s charges, before the Stars eventually opened their account through a McEvoy free. This was only a temporary respite for the club selection, however.

After she had an earlier effort cleared off the line, Woods was on hand to palm home for the opening goal of the game on eight minutes.

The Stars’ initial response to this hammer blow was impressive - McEvoy registered two points in quick succession to breathed fresh life into their challenge.

Yet, with Rowe exerting her considerable influence on the ’40’, Dublin re-established their superiority.

Following her close-range free, Rowe released the waiting McGuigan for a composed finish to the Stars net in the 21stminute.

Just when it was beginning to look decidedly ominous for the Stars, they received a much-desired lifeline. O’Connor picked up possession deep inside the Dublin ’45’ and was hauled down inside the square by retreating Dublin full-back Martha Byrne.

Once she got to her feet, the dynamic ‘Tarf forward converted the subsequent penalty – in spite of Ciara Trant’s best efforts.

There was little let-up in the Dublin charge and they quickly regained their composure through Kate Sullivan and McGuigan points. Nevertheless, there was some light at the end of the tunnel for Dub

Stars, with O’Connor reducing their deficit to four points (2-5 to 1-4) at the midway stage.

Having played against a strong breeze in the first half, Dublin were more prolific with the elements at their backs.

Rowe’s third point of the game was cancelled out by Lucan Sarsfields’ Laura Quinn, before Dublin gradually started to pull away into a commanding lead.

Owens became the latest player to add her name to the scoresheet with a wellmeasured point, while Woods’ 0-2 salvo gave them significant momentum.

Killeen – Clontarf’s key performer in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship triumph last month with a 5-4 final tally – chipped over a brace of points to keep the Stars in the reckoning.

This served as a reminder that the game was still up for grabs and they produced the goods in the closing minutes to place the outcome beyond doubt.

Supplementing Rowe’s settling free, O’Neill kicked a rebounded shot to an empty Stars net.

Sullivan and O’Connor also traded scores in advance of a sublime O’Neill strike into the top left-hand corner of Tarpey’s goal.

It was just a matter of Dublin closing out of the game from here, though Stars centre-fielder Emma Sherwood did clip a nice point for her side.

Emily Flanagan and McGuigan completed the scoring for Dublin on the stroke of full-time, leaving 13 points between the sides in the end.

Player of the match Siobhan McGrath tackles Emma Sherwood. Picture: GAAPics.com

A LATE sideline cut from Joe Canning was the difference between Dublin and Galway in the Walsh Cup final as the tribesmen prevailed 0-21 to 1-17.

While the narrow loss means Mattie Kenny’s new charges won’t get a pop at the pre-season title, the showing featured promising signs for the developing panel.

Canning came off the bench to score the winning point, halting Dublin’s big comeback as they almost recovered from an eight point deficit at Parnell Park.

The Dublin side was slightly unfamiliar, though there were starts for St Brigid’s ‘keeper Alan Nolan, Lucan Sarsfields Chris Crummey, St Patrick’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe and Ballyboden St Enda’s James Madden.

A slightly badtempered game saw a late red card for Hetherton, who finished with 0-8, all from set-pieces. Early in the contest, however, it was very much Galway in charge.

Cathal Mannion caused Dublin particular problems to hit 0-7 before half time.

Galway led by seven at the break, with Hetherton having done much of the home side’s damage with his free taking.

Kenny’s side fought back, though, and when Caolon Conway won a penalty which Sean smashed home, they were back on terms by the closing minutes before Canning’s late show.

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 17-23, 2019

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

CELTICS SHOW DCU NO MERCY BASKETBALL:

Leclaire puts in massive performance as Leixlip club advance to the women’s national cup final in serious style. SEE P29

SEA OF BLUE LADIES FOOTBALL: Annual Dub Stars festival brings together the best of 2018 senior and junior championship season. SEE P30-31

LIONS ROAR INTO FINAL BASKEBTALL: Clondalkin club looking forward to making their mark in Under20 grand final after semi success. SEE P29

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Madden’s Rangers land crucial Maynooth point  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

N E W TOW N Ra n ge rs head into their FAI Intermediate Cup last 16 tie with UCC in good form following a battling 2-2 draw against what manager Glenn Madden calls “the best team in the country”.

The Tallaght side were two goals down before half time against LSL Sunday Senior 1 leaders Maynooth University Town – who were looking for their fifth win on the bounce.

An own goal and an injury-time strike from s u b s t i t u t e A n t h o ny O’Rourke earned Newtown a point that Madden says was “what we deserved” for their performance over 90 minutes.

Cillian Duffy had put Maynooth in front midway through the first half as a good move saw the ball end up with Cillian Duffy on the left, and he turned his man and he smashed it into the corner.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0, as a slack pass out of the Newtown defence was picked off by striker Eoin McDermott and he took the ball to the edge of the box before chipping keeper Paddy Whelan.

Madden made adjustments at half time, with A n to D o l a n m ov i n g centrally and O’Rourke coming off the bench, and the changes had the desired effect as they had 15 attempts in the

Newtown Rangers celebrating their promotion to LSL Sunday Senior 1 in May last year

“For me, they’re probably the best in the

country at the minute and we made them look bang ordinary. second half.

They halved the deficit when a ball in from the right was turned into his own goal by full back Jake Corrigan.

And the comeback was complete in injury time as more play down the right hand side saw the ball moved back inside to O’Rourke, and he finished first time from the edge of the box to seal the draw.

“We were excellent,” Madden tells the Dublin

Gazette.

“Even in the first half when we went 2-0 down, we were excellent. We knew what we’d get out of them.

“For me, they’re probably the best in the country at the minute and we made them look bang ordinary. We knew what we had to do against them and the boys followed what we told them.

“We knew they had a lot of strengths but we

counteracted a lot of them, switched the team around slightly and got what we deserved and, if I’m honest I think we deserved a bit more.”

Attention now turns to Farrell Park on Sunday, where Newtown host another university side with a spot in the quarter-finals of the Intermediate Cup at stake.

Newtown played another Cork side, Ringmahon Rangers, in the

p rev i o u s ro u n d a n d eventually won out on a replay following a scoreless draw in Cork.

Home advantage was key on that occasion and Madden feels knowledged of the ir home pitch in Kiltipper could tip the balance – literally – in their favour.

“Our pitch isn’t the levellest – it’s a bit of a slant – so straight away that will be in our heads.

We know how to play our game on our pitch and it

takes other teams a little bit longer.

“They’re very similar to Ringmahon from the information we’ve got.

They are a typical college team that will want to play football. They’re young and they’re energetic.

“We know how we’re going to play and what way to counter them and, if we bring last Sunday’s performance through to Sunday, I know we’ll get a result.”