Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 23-29, 2020

LOVE&MARRIAGE: Tying the knot soon?

LOVE

We have some lovely content to go through first in our special wedding supplement P15-18

SPORT BASKETBALL:

Eanna cannot wait for National Cup final after meteoric rise to the top of the domestic game.

SEE P32

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Local TD accuses RTE of bias against party PADRAIG CONLON LOCAL Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward has accused RTE of “playing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail’s game.”

The Dublin Mid-West TD’s comments came as he blasted the state broadcaster’s decision to exclude Sinn Féin from the leaders debate in the final week of the general election.

As the latest opinion poll revealed this week that Sinn Fein are performing strong-

ly, Deputy Ward said that “excluding alternative voices does a disservice to the public interest.”

The new Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI study shows Fianna Fail is now in front with 25%, no change in comparison to their showing in the last poll in October.

Fine Gael have dropped six points, from 29% to 23%, with Sinn Fein showing the biggest gain up seven points in the new poll, from 14% to 21%.

“This general election has been framed

by some as a two-horse race between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, two parties that have been in a confidence and supply arrangement since 2016,” Ward said.

“Regrettably, this includes the national broadcaster RTÉ, who have chosen to exclude Sinn Féin from its leaders debate in the final week of the election; despite the fact that Sinn Féin has led opposition to their government arrangement over the past four years.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

FF leader slammed for housing launch no-show Micheal Martin’s no-show at his own party’s housing launch demonstrates he is “too embarrassed” to sell Fianna Fail’s record on housing to voters.

This is according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West, Colm Brophy, who says Martin’s absence from Tuesday’s event is another example of him dodging scrutiny on the issue of housing.

SEE PAGE 7

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

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RTE EXCLUDES SINN FÉIN FROM LEADERS’ DEBATE

‘Excluding alternative voices a disservice’

FASTNews

FROM PAGE 1

RTE will hold two live debates during the campaign with the first taking place on Monday, January 27 on Claire Byrne Live when seven representatives from the main parties will take part.

The debate between L e o Va r a d k a r a n d Micheal Martin is set to take place on Tuesday, February 4.

Opposition Ward said he asked Sinn Fein’s director of elections Pearse Doherty to write to RTE outlining Sinn Fein’s opposition to this decision.

“This decision, quite frankly, is wrong, politics is about people and it is

Free dose of MMR vaccine on offer

Local Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward has accused RTE of “playing Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s game.”

about policies,” Ward said “It is about opinions and it is about views, it is not about personality

contests.

“Yet, this is what RTE are proposing to host by facilitating a debate between two parties

with no real discernible policy differences and no alternative vision for the country.

“The national broadcaster has a responsibility to make sure that all voices are heard. “ E xc l u d i n g o t h e r views does a disservice to the public interest and prevents the public from hearing real issues being debated.

“That is Fine Gael and Fianna Fail’s game plan, they want this election to be about them.

“But it’s not. It is about the Irish people and our future.

“RTE should not be playing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail’s game.

“That is a failure of their duty as a public service broadcaster.”

A spokesperson for RTE told Dublin Gazette: “In approaching election coverage the RTÉ election steering group has regard to objective and impartial criteria, such as the results of the last comparable election (in this instance, the general election 2016) and the results of intervening elections, such as the 2019 local and European elections.

“Other factors are also considered in RTE coverage of the campaign.”

THE HSE this week urged anyone aged between 11 and 30 years of age who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or who are unsure of their vaccine status, to avail of the offer of a free dose of the MMR vaccine due to a significant rise in cases of mumps.

Children aged 11-18 and adults aged up to 30 have been particularly affected by the mumps outbreak so it is vital that parents and young adults are aware that the MMR vaccine is the only way to stop the spread of mumps, according to public health specialist at the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dr Suzanne Cotter.

“Secondary schools and third level institutions have seen the highest incidences of mumps.

“During 2019 the number of mumps cases continued to rise and we saw 2,762 cases compared with 573 cases the previous year.

“To date in 2020, 253 cases have already been notified to the HSE.”

Liffey Sound to host election forum AHEAD of the upcoming General Election, Liffey Sound will be hosting a town hall election forum next Tuesday, January 28 in Adamstown Youth and Community Centre at 7.30pm.

All the Dublin Mid-West candidates will be invited to this event.

If you have any questions that you would like our presenters to ask on the night, please email stationmanager@liffeysoundfm.ie.

More details soon. www.liffeysoundfm.ie or catch up on Facebook

What the Vikings did for us LUCAN Local History presents another fascinating trip back in time.

“What the Vikings did for us....”

Patrick and Niamh from

Dublinia will be doing a talk on the history of the Vikings in Ireland and the profound effect they had on early Irish society.

This very interesting talk will take place at Lucan Library on February 19 from 6-8pm.

To book a place you can contact the Library or book it on http://lucanlibrarydublin. eventbrite.com.

Learn about The Camino THE Camino Society will hold an information day at St James Church, James St, Dublin 8 on February 15 from noon to 2pm for people who may be thinking of walking The Camino.

The society is a voluntary organisation, founded in 1992 by returned pilgrims to ‘give something back’ to the Camino and to future pilgrims.

It issues the Pilgrim Passport and offers an opportunity to all those interested in The Camino to meet and share practical information and experiences, especially with those intending to travel by foot or by bicycle.

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

GENEROUS OFFER: €50,000 BURSARY FOR OLD BAWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL PUPILS

Tallaght school set to benefit from generous bursary RACHEL D’ARCY

A TALLAGHT school is set to benefit from a generous offer made by a local business.

This is after PM Group, an international project management company, this week announced a bursary for Old Bawn Community School pupils.

The school, which is located near the company’s Dublin office in Tallaght, will receive a €50,000 bursary which will be open to sixth year and transition year (TY) pupils over a four-year period.

PM Group manages construction and engineering projects for the global pharmaceutical, technology and manufacturing industries.

The company has operations in this country, Britain, Europe, the US and Asia.

The bursary will support students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and encourage them to pursue third level education.

The collaboration will include the provision of laptops for a selected group of leaving certificate students who move forward to STEM related courses in third level education.

Mentoring will also be provided for each student pursuing STEM related courses.

As part of the collaboration, PM Group will also provide spaces on its TY Programme and internships for students look-

ing to pursue engineering courses at third level.

Welcoming the bursary announcement, Ursula McCabe, principal of Old Bawn Community School said: “We are very pleased to partner with PM Group in supporting our sixth year and TY students as they pursue third level education. “ I ’m p a r t i c u l a r l y delighted that PM Group has committed to providing mentoring and internship opportunities for our students over the next four years.

“This will be critically important for them as they transition from the school environment to third level education.

“This will help our students greatly and promote the STEM subjects in our school.”

A right royal visitor for The Lord Lucan pub DARTS player Mervyn King is pictured with Gerard Twohig at The Lord Lucan recently.

Mervyn is currently ranked 21 in the world and he put on a great show for his fans playing 18 legs. Picture: www.simonpearephotography.com

Speaking at the announcement of the bursary, Eileen Lee, operations manager, PM Group in Dublin, said: “We are delighted to partner with Old Bawn Community School, which is located in the heart of our local community in Tallaght.

“Technology and innovation are key drivers for our business and we are

passionate about supporting and mentoring young talent, particularly in the STEM disciplines.

“As we extend our CR (Corporate Responsibility) Programme, it is fitting that we focus on our local community and, in particular, supporting the efforts of local students to pursue third level education.”

The bursary will support interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Picture: Chris Bellew

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS: ABANDONED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Decision to relocate Lucan school in Tallaght reversed PADRIAG CONLON

CONTROVERSIAL plans to relocate a Lucan college to a different building in Tallaght 10km away have been abandoned by the

Department of Education.

Many local parents were left angry last week after being told that from this coming September students from Griffeen Community College, currently

based in Kishogue Community College in Lucan, would have to be bussed to Kingswood Community College in Tallaght.

140-pupil Griffeen Community College is already

in its third year of occupying several classrooms on the floor of Kishogue CC and due to both schools growing increasing their student intake the move out of Kishogue was deemed necessary.

Now the Department of Education have decided to scrap those plans and take a different approach.

Instead of having to move to Tallaght for the next two years, the local students will remain at the Kishogue site instead.

The decision has been greeted by local Fine Gael Councillor Emer Higgins.

“After a hugely stressful week for the parents, children and staff of Griffeen Community College I’m

delighted to announce that a solution has been found,” she said.

“Instead of bussing these children to Kingswood, which in my view was never appropriate or practical, children will continue to be accommodated on the grounds of Kishogue Community College.

“Prefabs will be installed on their site to cater for five mainstream classrooms and classes will be timetabled so that both schools will share access to specialist classrooms such as science labs.

“Griffeen Community College students will not be bussed outside of our community.

“These children will,

Kingswood Community College

rightly, be able to go to school locally until their new building is provided in 2022.

“Well done to the parents, especially Mary, Trish and Andy, the fabulous principal Rachel and Bord of Management chaired by Liona O’Toole, the Department and ETB who I worked with to resolve this issue,” Cllr.

Emer Higgins said.

A spokesperson for Education Minister Joe McHugh said the department would “re-evaluate options to accommodate the school in September and remained open for discussions with DDLETB, local school management and principals”.

CLONDALKIN

Clamping at Luas Red Cow Park and Ride blasted THE clamping of thousands of cars at a local Luas stop has left angry commuters demanding an investigation.

Fianna Fail Dublin MidWest TD, John Curran has called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to carry out an investigation into the ticket machines and payment system at Luas Red Cow Park and Ride facility.

Curran was speaking after he received figures from the TII in relation to the number of drivers clamped at the facility in the space of one year.

“From January 1 to November 3 2019, 2,927 drivers were clamped at the facility. 1,218 drivers appealed and 525 of these drivers were successful in their appeal,” Curran said.

“I had received many calls to my constituency office in Clondalkin in relation to the difficulties people were having with the ticket machines and to find their cars clamped at the end of their working day causing a huge cost and inconvenience.

“People have complained that the machines appear to not be allowing them to input their correct car registration numbers but is accepting full payment. On return to their cars however a clamp has been applied with the cost of €80 for clamp removal.

“These machines are not fit for purpose”, said Curran.

In response to a request from Dublin Gazette, a Luas spokesperson said: “When inputting vehicle registration numbers, Luas advises customers to always check the machine screen before proceeding to payment. If a ticket machine is found to be faulty, it is serviced within hours of the report being made. A customer who finds fault with a machine should not continue to input incorrect digits and proceed to payment stage.”

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Majella Moloney-Ahern and Tom Crean

Off to a great start at the Corkagh parkrun which saw 279 parkrunners take part

Andre and Ciara Du Toit

Graham Jones and Colm Bourke

Paula and Sarah Curran

June Lally, John Kelly and Stevoux Carberry

Corkagh parkrun a hit with locals

Stephen, Bobby and Harry Reddington

Mary Rogers, Eimear Ring, Tracey Healy and Carol Cryan. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

LUCAN

HOUSING RECORD ‘EMBARRASSING’

FF leader slammed for launch no-show PADRAIG CONLON

MICHEAL Martin’s no-show at his own party’s housing launch demonstrates he is “too embarrassed” to sell Fianna Fail’s record on housing to voters.

This is according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West, Colm Brophy, who says Martin’s absence from Tuesday’s event is another example of him dodging scrutiny on the issue of housing.

“Micheal Martin is pitching himself as a future Taoiseach,” Brophy said following Martin’s no show.

“But when it comes to actually facing real scrutiny over the issue of housing, he opts to flock down the country to engage in photo opportunities and soundbites.”

While his party colleagues Darragh O’Brien, Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick and Pat Casey were facing the press at a housing briefing, Michael Martin was facing questions from students in Mean Scoil Mhuire, Convent of Mercy in Longford.

“Deputy Martin was asked to elaborate on his party’s housing proposals on radio on Sunday,” Brophy said on Tuesday.

“He dodged any scrutiny then, insisting

that all would be revealed at the party’s housing launch today. Well surprise, surprise, Deputy Martin nowhere to be seen at that launch. For a politician who wants to be in Government Buildings, he really is showing himself to be devoid of any substance whatsoever.”

Deputy Brophy, who recently compiled a report on Fianna Fail’s housing record, said Deputy Martin has “previous form when it comes to dodging any real scrutiny on housing”.

“Only recently, Micheal Martin’s party put forward a proposal in relation to the Central Bank’s mortgage lending rules and another proposal on reducing VAT for first time buyers. Both turned out to be illegal.”

“But it’s not surprising that Deputy Martin has ran away from his housing launch today.

“Many of his own front bench , such as Timmy Dooley, Niall Collins and Sean Haughey, have been in hiding since day one of this campaign.

“We already knew that Fianna Fail had no policies and no plan – but now we know that their own party leader is lacking equally when it comes to substance.”

Charity concert

Starting the new year on the right foot in Palmerstown KATE Varley, Cllr Shane Moynihan, Theresa Moynihan and Diarmuid Moynihan pictured at the Operation Transformation 5k Walk Waterstown Park, Palmerstown last week.

With the first episode airing on RTE One recently, a nationwide walk commenced on Saturday, January 18, in a programme that has seen over 100,000 people take part since its inception.

Picture: www.simonpearephotography.com

LUCAN Gospel Choir are holding a fundraising concert in aid of Stewarts Care at the end of the month.

The highly anticipated concert will take place on January 31 from 7.30pm – 10pm in St Philomena’s Church in Palmerstown.

Lucan Gospel Choir is composed of soulful singers performing a range of music, with a blend of powerful voices and delicate harmonies.

A Lucan Gospel Choir appearance is not to missed! Stewarts Care promotes meaningful and fulfilling lives for people with intellectual disabilities.

This promises to be a great night for a very good local cause.

Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from St Philomena’s Parish Office or contact 01 626 4444.

You can also purchase online from Eventbrite.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

CANDIDATES ADDRESS SOME OF

Before you cast your vote, consider where the candidates stand DUBLIN GAZETTE reached out to the confirmed candidates who will be campaigning in General Election 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A

CIARAN AHERN, LABOUR, PIC A

Q1 THE health service is at breaking point. Investm e n t i n co m m u n i t y health services will deal with the trolley crisis and waiting times.

Increase funding in Primary Care Centres, ke e p i n g p a t i e n t s a t home, not in hospitals.

This ensures hospitals are for emergency and acute care only.

Q2 The State will lead the way and build 80,000 social and affordable homes over the next five years.

C

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

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

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST

B

I will also fight for a new deal for the rental sector, protecting tenants and recognising challenges for singleproperty landlords.

Q3 Serving on the b o a rd o f a n a t i o n a l school, I understand the challenges in education.

In my view, an education in Ireland should be genuinely free so that education is fair and open to all.

Also, students deserve better than schools with temporary buildings or delayed new schools.

Q4 Urgent action is needed with increased grants for affordable home energy retrofitting, an end to fuel poverty, and priority investment in public transport and

segregated cycle lanes across our city.

My campaign encourages canvassing by bicycle, and all my videos are subtitled for accessibility.

Q5 It is not sufficient, not nearly. Large-scale investment in our bus network is required with reduced fares to encourage people to leave the car at home.

Dublin also needs a comprehensive network of segregated cycle lanes, for safer commutes to school and work.

Q6 My commitment to the people of Dublin South West is that I will never stop working to achieve a kinder, fairer, more sustainable future for everyone.

E

CLLR DEIRDRE O’DONOVAN, FIANNA FAIL, PIC B

Q1 THE health system is completely broken and needs to be overhauled, starting with making it a patient-driven system, instead of a ‘client-driven’ system.

Q2 There’s enough public land to build 114,000 social and affordable houses.

Fianna Fail is the only party to deliver them.

The SHD planning system is being abused by vulture fund developers at the expensive of homeless families.

Q3 The education system needs to do more to support children with special needs, and give better conditions to our

F

SNAs and school secretaries.

Q4 My campaign car is a fully electric Hyundai Kona, and I am using fully biodegradable stickers.

I am also using bus shelter adverts instead of having loads of posters.

Q5 Absolutely not, and that’s why I have kick-started the transport campaign to extend the Luas from Kingswood along the M50 to Ballycullen.

This is the most deliverable and sustainable transport solution for our area.

Q 6 I d e s e r ve vo ters’ number-one vote because I always get the job done.

G

DEPUTY KATHERINE ZAPPONE, INDEPENDENT, PIC C

Q1 I WILL be advocating for more primary care centres, increases for the mental health budget, and investment to progress Slaintecare reforms.

We u rg e n t l y n e e d multi-disciplinary teams in our community. Vacancies need to be filled as a matter of urgency.

Q 2 We n e e d m o re social and affordable housing. We need to protect tenants and help first-time buyers.

The most vulnerable families need a Housing First solution, which I am advocating for.

Homelessness doesn’t

D

Vying for your precious vote ... See the corresponding responses from these candidates running for General Election 2020, who are all listed in alphabetical order in their respective constituencies, just below ...

belong in an Ireland of Equals.

Q3 I am passionate about education and am actively advocating for equality in access to all levels of education, including the further education sector, and early years education.

I believe we need to continue to build on the progress made over this term on childcare provision.

I will be fighting for [an education funding] €150m increase annually, going forward, targeting quality early years provision and affordability, and increased pay for the early years educators.

Q4 I believe young people need to be at the

SEE MORE CANDIDATES’ ANSWERS IN

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

THE COUNTRY’S MAIN TALKING POINTS centre of all our decision making on climate change, as it is they who will be impacted most.

I have set up a special fund to support young people’s climate advocacy.

I am passionate about UN Sustainable Development Goals, and will b e wo r k i n g towa rd s making sure that Ireland becomes carbon-neutral by 2050.

Q5 I support a MetroLink to Dublin South West [plan] that will provide citizens access to affordable, clean and safe transport.

Q6 I stand for equality, integrity and fairness.

I have been an advoca te fo r p ro g re s s ive social change my whole adult life, and I am grateful to have voters’ support to continue the good fight.

DUBLIN MID WEST

DEPUTY JOHN CURRAN, FIANNA FAIL, PIC D

Q1 EXPAND primary xare as a priority, support older people at home, prioritise mental health, and legislate for Slaintecare.

Increase funding for the national treatment purchase fund, negotiate new GP and consultant contracts.

Q2 Ease rents, help m a ke h o u s i n g m o re affordable, support and incentivise first-time buyers.

B u i l d m o re s o c i a l housing with a new national housing delivery agency to oversee housing delivery.

Q3 School building projects – prioritise the delivery of major school building projects that have been stuck without any progress for years.

Many school buildings in Dublin Mid-West are not fit for purpose.

I would prioritise the

need for a new primary school in Rathcoole as a matter of urgency.

Q4 There are many issues related to climate change that I have strongly campaigned for in the Dail, and will continue to do so.

Support a just transition by supporting home owners to retrofit their homes and strategically plan for the retrofitting of our school buildings.

Q5 There are currently no plans to proceed with Metro West, Lucan Luas is not included in the 2016 – 2021 Capital Plan and will not begin the planning process before 2027.

Kishogue Train Station remains closed.

As for the bus service, it has reached capacity in Lucan and serious improvements are required for the growing populations of Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle and new developments such as Clonburris.

Cycling must be prioritised so that it is a real, safe and efficient alternative for commuters.

Q6 I believe that I have the experience and commitment to represent voters and our community effectively.

My p r i o r i t y i s t o improve the quality of life for the people of Dublin Mid-West, and I sincerely ask them for their number-one vote on election day.

l eve l a p p ro p r i a te to income, but also the cost of the building.

It works in other European countries, and keeps tenants safe from spiralling rents, cuckoo and vulture funds and supply pressures.

Q3 SNAs, teachers and school secretaries need a living wage, as the system couldn’t function without them.

We need to take a broad view of education and invest in a system that produces active citizens, not just drones for big companies.

Q4 The next ten years are critical if we are to address the climate and biodiversity crisis which threatens our safe future on this planet.

Every single element of the Green Manifesto and my own platform is formed with these challenges in mind. We need to make sure the transition to a climate-proof country is fair and just.

Q5 One look at rush hour or schooltime traffic would tell you public transport is inadequate in Dublin.

We need to change our policy of building more roads and invest twice as much in public transport.

Q6 We don’t have long left to make sure Ireland can cope in the face of a

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

global climate emergency; a strong Green voice in Dail Eireann helps us, and a Green voice for Dublin Mid West ensures that this part of the country won’t get left behind.

DEPUTY GINO KENNY, PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT, PIC F

Q1 SLAINTECARE was a very good starting point in addressing the health inequalities that exist Thousands of public hospital beds were taken out of our hospital system over the past decade. They need to be replaced as a matter of urgency.

Ending the two-tier health system is a priority for PBP. Q2 Stop the selling off of public land to private developers. Implement rent control and an immediate rent freeze.

More public and affordable homes.

Q3 Better planning in educational needs.

Replace and refurbishment of school buildings that are not fit for purpose. More SNAs, not less.

Q4 Climate change is the civil rights matter of our times. A complete decarbonising of our environment. Free public transport and better

CLLR PETER KAVANAGH GREEN PARTY, PIC E

Q1 THIS is less a question of resources than it is one of management, or mismanagement.

We have the resources to pay nurses and newly-qualified doctors a decent wage and properly staff our hospitals to address the current delays and shortages.

Q2 The Green Party favours a cost-rental approach to public housing on public land.

Capping rents at a

NEXT WEEK’S PAPER...

WHAT are your thoughts on General Election 2020?

What are the most important topics for you? What would you like the next government and Taoiseach to focus on? We’d love to know!

Email news@dublingazette.com with your views (using the subject line ‘General Election 2020 thoughts’), and we’ll reprint the best of our reader responses before the election itself.

cycling infrastructure.

Q5 Dublin Mid-West needs a light railway system that serves the city centre and other public hubs in the constituency.

Open Kishoge train station. Better connectivity with LUAS. Better frequency of peak time bus services, particularly in Lucan.

Q6 I have a proven record as a public representative in challenging injustice no matter where it is.

CLLR FRANCIS TIMMONS, INDEPENDENT, PIC G

Q1 I ADVOCATE for greater investment in Home Help Hours.

People want to stay at home longer and are

happier at home, with my background in social care, I have the awareness and experience to be an advocate and lobby for a better health service for all.

Q2 I propose that a referendum is held that every child has a right to a home free from abuse and neglect.

I wo u l d su p p o r t a rent cap and large-scale housing throughout Ireland to revitalise rural towns and spread housing.

Q 3 We n e e d t o increase ASD school places and ensure our SNAs are paid and treated fairly.

We need an accessible grant aid for college fees that is means tested

so the less well off can attend college.

Q4 My campaign is poster-free. I advocate that we can’t tax our way out of climate change – it’s about education and changing behaviours and incentives to recycle, and a ban for all oneuse plastics.

Q5 We need alternatives like a Luas/metro.

Our main streets are clogged at peak times we need to look at sustainable connecting transport that is reasonably priced and reliable.

Q6 I am the Independent community activist candidate with a proven track record of making significant changes in the key issues facing our community.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

STYLE P14

DUBLIN

COSY ON UP TO OUR LOOK INSIDE AT SOME OF THE COMFIEST SLEEPWEAR OUT THERE

MUSIC: SINGER JOHN CRAIGIE BRINGS A DASH OF HUMOUR TO HIS WORK: P20

MOTORING: FORD MONDEO HYBRID P19

MAGAZINE

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

CELEBRATION TIME | CHINESE NEW YEAR

Plenty of Highlights as Chinese New Year 2020 celebrations commence PADRAIG CONLON

DUBLIN CHINESE New Year Festival returns this week welcoming the Year of the Rat. The very popular annual Festival in the city marks the lunar new year with an exciting two-week programme of events set to run until February 10th.

Established in 2008, the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival celebrates, promotes and deepens the understanding of the Sino/Irish relationship.

With Chinese New Year’s Day falling on Saturday (25th) the festival plans to deliver a high profile cultural and celebratory programme to mark this significant date in the Chinese Calendar.

Here is a selection of some of the great events coming up this week: SPRING FESTIVAL FAIR - Saturday Dublin’s historic Fruit and Vegetable Market will reopen for two days on Sat 25 and Sun 26 to host the flagship event of the 2020 Dublin Chinese New Year Festival – the Spring Festival Fair.

EPIC THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM TOURS - Saturday Discover stories of the pioneering Irish emigrants who have shaped the world with this specially curated Chinese New Year tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

DUMPLINGS: WRAPPING UP A LONG HISTORY - Saturday Find out all about Chinese dumplings, the different types, what they symbolise, where they

originated from and how they are made. If you love dumplings, you wont want to miss this!

HILL STREET FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION -Saturday Hill Street will transform into a Chinese Wonderland, hosting a wide range of entertainment, as well as traditional Chinese workshops and performances. This action-packed celebration will feature live music, dance, drama, tai chi, origami, and shadow puppetry workshops.

ASIA MARKET FOOD TOURS - Sunday Enjoy an exclusive tour of Dublin’s destination for Asian food and ingredients, Asia Market at the heart of the city’s creative quarter on Drury Street.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE DRESS BANQUET Tuesday A unique experience to attend a traditional Chinese banquet inspired by the Song Dynasty, part of China’s golden age. At the banquet, you’re invited to savour dishes from this expansive era, with a contemporary twist.

XĪNNIÁN CHINESE COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSWednesday Opium will be hosting a cocktail masterclass designed to bring blessings and good fortune…in cocktail form!

This special masterclass will focus on the creation of a selection of cocktails based on Chinese ingredients, culture and mythology.

To find out more on all events and to purchase tickets: www.dublinchinesenewyear.com

Local Chinese children Dora Liu and Amia Zheng pictured at the launch of the Chinese New Year Community Celebrations, hosted by Hill Street Family Resource Centre in partnership with North East Inner City initiative taking place on Saturday 23rd January on Hill Street, Dublin 1

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

QUIRKY MATTERS

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS

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

STAFF and management at Centra in Blackrock cheered as a cork was popped to celebrate the store having sold the winning ticket for the recent EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle top prize of €1 million. Lydene Kavanagh, Jim O’Connor (sales manager, National Lottery), Des Kenny, Joanne McKeever, Jim Kenny (owner, Centra store), Blaise Kenny (manager), Jenny Jones and Michael Molloy (National Lottery) cheered as champers

DIY bomb trip ends in arrest

A FLORIDA woman was arrested earlier this month after a Walmart security guard noticed she was constructing a bomb inside the Tampa store.

The security guard spotted a woman and child walking around the shop suspiciously for an hour, opening unpaid items that included denatured alcohol, nails, and a mason jar.

When the security guard approached the woman, he realised she was attempting to light a wick to her DIY bomb.

Emily Stallard (37), was

apprehended by security personnel before she detonated the device, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office notified.

Stallard was charged with firebombing, attempted arson of a structure, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child abuse, and battery on a law enforcement officer, with the child taken into protective custody.

Regime punishes loyal mum

A MOTHER in North Korea is under investigation for saving her two children

from their burning home instead of portraits of former leader Kim Jong IL and his late father, Kim IL Sung.

According to Latin Times, the Ministry of State Security has begun an investigation into the incident, that occurred in the Onsong County of the secluded state on December 30.

North Korean law dictates that all citizens display portraits of the two deceased rulers of the country in their homes.

Because of the investigation, it is understood that the mother is unable to properly care for her injured children, who suffered burns from the fire.

According to People

magazine, the mother has been pleading with neighbours for money so she can buy the necessary antibiotics to treat her children.

However, she has been refused, with locals fearing being charged with a political crime if they oblige.

Man calls for a duel with his ex

A KANSAS man has asked a judge to let him engage in a samurai sword duel with his ex-wife and her attorney.

David Ostrom (40), of Paola, Kansas, and his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom

(38), of Harlan, Iowa, have been locked in a bitter dispute over parental custody, visitation rights and property tax payments during their divorce settlement.

According to David Ostrom, their judge has the power to let the sides “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally”.

He added that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States”, and asked the judge to schedule the duel for 12 weeks’ time, so he could locate Japanese samurai swords.

The judge is understood to be deliberating the case at the time of going to print.

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

This week’s dog of the week is Chisum, a sweet ten-year-old German Shepherd that is looking for homecomforts, a nice garden and access to good walks. He is shy to start with, but once he knows you, he literally showers you with love!

Chisum enjoys playing with his toys.

He is looking for a home where he will be the only pet as he can be worried around other dogs.

He could live with children of 16 years or over, as long as they give him

space when he needs it.

Chisum will need a home with his own secure garden where he can relax and potter, just like a dog of his vintage likes to do.

If you have room in your heart and home for Chisum then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

chisum

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

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

HOME & STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

BeautyBITS

Doutzen announced as new face of ONLY ONLY have announced Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes as the new face of their new SS20 Campaign.

ONLY is celebrating 25 years in fashion and is kicking the year off with a very special campaign, with Kroes following in the footsteps of models such as Helena Christensen and Naomi Campbell.

Finn Poulsen, Director of ONLY, said: “Doutzen Kroes is a super strong character, a true It girl and we are very proud to have landed such a top profile as our new campaign model.”

Marc Jacobs launch special spring scents MARC JACOBS will be releasing limited editions of their iconic Daisy fragrances for the Spring season, called Daisy Daze.

The limited edition fragrances are a ‘fresh and fruity’ twist on the classics.The beloved caps - covered in plastic daisy shapes - will be adorned with golden accents as well as opaque and translucent pearls.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs gets spiced up with inviting bursts of mandarin with a sweet mirabelle sparkle, giving a crisp scent.

The Daisy Eau So Fresh fragrance will be injected with luscious white peach and orchard blossoms for a sense of comforting freshness, while Daisy Dream will be infused with a delicate and warm finish courtesy of silky wisteria and juicy loganberries.

Daisy Love will be elevated with bright osmanthus wrapped in the softness of amber.

The Daisy Daze collection will be priced from €71 to €81, and will be available in Arnotts, Brown Thomas and selected pharmacies from January 29.

CALM & COSY

Penneys ‘Calm’ collection of soft, soothing sleepware is comfy, and stylish while also conscious, as it uses sustainable fabrics.

THERE IS never a wrong time for curling up in a fresh new pair of pyjamas, with Penneys the go-to for all our soft, soothing sleepware needs.

Now, the major pyjama player introduce their ‘Calm’ collection, a range of neutral coloured, deliciously soft pyjamas designed to suit everyone while keeping things comfy.

The range includes longsleeved thermal style tops, sweatshirt style hoodies, tank tops, pyjamas and more in stone, grey and cream neutral tones. Best of all, the collection is made from sustainable fabrics, meaning you can be comfy, chic and conscious. The collection is available in all Penneys stores now.

Out with the old, in with the new – interior trends for 2020 Now that 2020 is well underway, and your new year’s resolutions are slowly coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what’s really important – your interior!

Some of 2019’s biggest interior trends included velvet, geometric patterns, minimalism, and pastel colour blocks. But you know what they say, out with the old, in with the new! Here are EZ Living Furniture’s 2020 interior trend predictions.

1. Mixed Metals!

By the end of 2019 brass and copper became very popular. People started introducing subtle metallic features in the form of taps, shelf mirrors, and legs of tables. But now that it’s 2020, the metal trend has really started to take off.

2. More is More!

Although 2019 was all about minimalism, 2020 has already proven to want more for its occupants. Maximalism is already taking off this January with people investing in bolds, bright colours, and abstract prints.

3. Black is Back!

Black is back. Whites and woods may have been 2019 focused but now that it’s 2020, black is back and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Matte blacks will create a chic and sophisticated look to your interior this year.

4. FLOWER POWER! Block wallpaper was trending in 2019 but now that it’s 2020, it’s all about floral wallpaper adding a bit of punch. Shades of greens, botanical designs, and even geometric patterns are all in. What’s becoming

even more on trend is the placement of your wallpaper with wallpaper added to the bathroom, and ceiling becoming more popular than ever before.

5. 50 SHADES OF PINK! 2019 featured lots of greys, blues and yellows but from what we can see already, pink is giving us a wink. Subtle pink shades such a pastel pink, blush pink, and baby pink are sure to create calming moods in your homes this year!

Here’s to a new decade of interior design.

What are you predicting?

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

LOVE MARRIAGE

INSIDE… Make your wedding extra special P17

Tips for the Best Man P18

Before you turn over…

WHETHER it’s your own wedding or civil ceremony, or if you’re a mum or dad or other part of the wedding party, there’s a lot to think about, plan and organise to help ensure that you – or they – will have a moment to treasure.

Thankfully, we have put together a

Bridal party P18

little bit of information that, we hope, will help to make the big day a little easier to arrange.

From ideas to make your wedding extra special to some of the very best wedding venues across Dublin or down the country, you’ll find it here.

Take the time to browse what we’ve put together, and you’re bound to see something, someone or somewhere in here to help make your big day perfect.

So relax, read, and above all, all the best for your (or their) big day!

See inside

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

LOVE MARRIAGE

Annebrook enchants with ease on the day

Annebrook House Hotel effortlessly marries a historic setting with the latest in modern styling

SITUATED in the heart of Mullingar, the award-winning 4-star Annebrook House Hotel presents wedding couples with a spectacular fusion of 17th Century heritage and the ultimate in modern styling.

This makes Annebrook House Hotel perfect for being both “something old, something new” for happy couples looking for the perfect wedding venue.

Whether it’s to be a grand affair or an intimate reception, the style of couple’s wedding is entirely up to them, with the hotel catering for 30-280 guests.

As a family-owned hotel, Annebrook House Hotel prides itself in offering a very personalised service, from the initial booking stage all the way through to the dream day.

Sumptuous food, combined with topclass service, are the main ingredients of any good wedding and Annebrook House Hotel delivers both these elements seamlessly.

Its friendly and approachable service will ensure any wedding day is everything a couple could want it to be and more.

The wedding team at Annebrook House Hotel constantly strives to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couple’s day is as memorable and as individual as they are.

For further information, see www. annebrook.ie, or email the dedicated weddings manager at events@annebrook.ie.

Feel your best on you’re wedding day

A NEW clinic dedicated to pampering the skin has launched in Dublin 2 perfect for a treat ahead of your big day!

Akrona Aesthetics, located at 18B-19B Fitzwilliam Street Upper, has a host of non-invasive treatments that fuse Irish skincare with Korean technology.

As well as skincare, the clinic also offers massages and body scrubs for an all over treatment as you get ready for your wedding day.

Treatments on offer at the new salon include mesotherapy with LED light, heated lava stone massage, Ayurvedic herbal body scrub with Marma Therapy and Megawhite Teeth Whitening. The treatments are non-invasive, but the methods on offer are cutting edge for combating wrinkles, acne and many other facial aesthetic treatments all underneath the banner of holistic remedies.

Akrona aims to provide a natural alternative to the likes of botox and fillers, to help produce a more vibrant, youthful appearance. The masterminds behind the salon have 25 years of experience in health and beauty.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm. For information on Akrona Aesthetics, visit Akrona.ie.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

10 Ideas to make your wedding extra special 1. SEATING During the ceremony, why not change the seating style and have the chairs set in a circular pattern around you, it can not only make you more visible to all the guests but make everyone feel more included.

2. INVITATIONS Invites don’t have to be formal or fancy, show your personality by making them funny or relatable to your guests.

3 . BOUQUET Attaching something to your flowers as you walk down the aisle can be a lovely way to keep something close that holds sentimental value – such as a picture or piece of jewellery.

4. ANNIVERSARY On the day, get your guests to write you a note for your first anniversary and pop them into a pinata. One year later, it’ll be waiting for you to burst open and reminisce.

5. TABLES Give each table a song name or lyric and when that song plays everyone at that table has to get up and dance.

6. COASTERS Practical bespoke printed coasters are a fun way of making sure drinks are not cleared from the tables while your guests are enjoying themselves on the dance floor – they can also take them home as gifts.

7. PHOTOS As it gets dark, give your guests sparklers and go outside to create a wonderful photo opportunity.

8. CRECHE If there are many young children coming to the wedding, why not hire a babysitter to keep them entertained and relaxed in an assigned room with games, blankets and pillows.

9. BOUNCY CASTLES – Bouncy castles are not just for kids. If you have the space, rent a castle – guests will love a bounce during the day and will also create a great photo opportunity.

10. TAKEAWAY If you’re guests are too full for cake or dessert, give them a slice or two to take home with them in a Styrofoam box or doggy-bag.

Perfect for the day of your dreams THE 4-star Westgrove Hotel in the picturesque village of Clane is one of Kildare’s premier wedding venues.

The Westgrove Hotel has two main wedding suites; both of which have a private bar, dance floor and are adorned with natural day light.

In addition to the suite for the main celebration, there are also many other areas in the hotel which form an integral part of the day such as the grand staircase which proves popular for photographs.

On arrival, guests enjoy exclusive use of the Roof Terrace Bar which links to the Wedding Garden while enjoying the sounds of the resident pianist as your sip champagne and mingle with family and friends.

The Wedding Garden is the perfect backdrop for photographs, outdoor ceremonies and next day BBQ’s.

They offer two fantastic wedding packages, priced at 10k or 12k respectively or they can offer a bespoke package depending on your needs. Why not visit the Wedding Fair on Sunday February 2 from 2-5pm, register your interest by emailing bmurray@westgrovehotel.com

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

LOVE MARRIAGE

Top tips for the Best Man on the big day IF you’ve gotten the call to do the honours as Best Man your biggest duty on the day is to deliver a speech.

This can be both a terrifying and exciting experience, depending on how you prepare. Here we have the top tips to ensure your speech is memorable for all the right reasons!

Prepare: Don’t stand up and try and wing it. A bit of preparation goes a long way.

Speech goals: You want your speech is to celebrate the couple and make them look good.

Stay sober: Nobody wants to listen to a drunk falling around talking gibberish. Give the drink a rest until after your speech.

Say thanks: Thank everyone who made the day possible.

Tell an interesting story: You don’t need to deliver the Gettysberg address, just make sure everyone will not be bored to death!

Avoid controversial topics: Now isn’t the time to share your belief in the flat

earth theory and 9/11 conspiracies.

Keep it short: Yes, please, please, please don’t break this rule!

Don’t forget the toasts: The bride, the groom, her parents, his parents, bridesmaids, you know the drill!

Just be yourself: Use your natural voice and just let it flow!

Here comes the bridal party!

THE bride is obviously the most important lady on the day - her dress has to be perfect, as well as her accessories, hair... everything, really!

However, her bridal party is just as important. Monsoon have just released an affordable, stylish new line of flower girl dresses, page boy suits, bridesmaids dress-

es and the all important wedding dress too. The theme of the collection is modern romance, with wedding jumpsuits, flattering cuts and luxe fabrics all part of the mix.

For more information and to see more of the pieces on offer, as well as pricing for the new collection, please visit Monsoon.co.uk.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

DUBLIN MOTORS

New Ford Mondeo Hybrid: The image of refinement

DECLAN GLYNN

AS BEFITS a car that pioneers technology, the new Ford Mondeo is available as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

By combining the benefits of both electric and petrol power, the Mondeo Hybrid provides outstanding efficiency and refinement, along with rewarding performance and driving range.

The revisions to the Mondeo include a new front bumper, a different grille for each trim level, and a metallic strip through the car’s revised tail-lights.

The new Ford Mondeo HEV is available in either 4-door Saloon, or 5-door Wagon (estate) bodystyles, with petrol power provided by a 2.0-litre engine, which is linked to an electronically-con-

trolled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Wi t h a c o m b i n e d power output of 187bhp, and 173Nm of torque, the Mondeo Hybrid is capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in 9.2 seconds.

There are three trim levels in the Mondeo Hybrid – Titanium, ST-Line, and range-topping Vignale, while the Mondeo diesel is also available in entrylevel Zetec specification.

My review car was a Mondeo Titanium Estate Hybrid, which was finished in ever-popular Moondust Silver metallic paintwork.

Standard Titanium features include 16” alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors, SYNC 3 with an 8” touchscreen, parking sensors front & rear, keyless entry, cruise control with speed limiting device, traffic sign recog-

nition, and lane keeping aid, along with many more comfort, convenience and safety features.

Once on the move, the Mondeo Hybrid swaps between the electric motors and petrol engine seemlessly, while the CVT (automatic) transmission is well matched to the powertrain.

When in Hybrid mode, the Mondeo is very quiet inside, proving that the

Mondeo’s engineering progress is driven by hybrid technology.

The Mondeo Hybrid is a very capable car to drive through bends, as it possesses great dynamic ability – something Ford cars have been renowned for over the past two decades now.

With the rear seat backs in place, the conventional Mondeo Estate has a 525litre boot, but the electric

technology in the Mondeo Hybrid cuts this figure to 403 litres – which is still an acceptable load area for this type of car.

However, this figure can be dramatically increased by folding the rear seats flat when the need arises.

The new Ford Mondeo Hybrid range is priced from €34,830 for the 4-door ‘saloon’, while the 5-door ‘wagon’ is priced from €35,997.

Brussels helps showcase the cars of the future DECLAN GLYNN

THE Brussels Motor Show 2020 has just come to an end, and what a terrific show it was.

The 98th edition of the Brussels Motor Show was bigger and better than ever before, with a huge display of cars, motorcycles and new mobility options on show.

Unlike other international car shows, every car make on the European market was represented at the show, which attracted more than 560,000 visitors last year.

This year, visitors were treated to a long list of new car debuts, with the show having been officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium on January 9.

Cars that made their world debut at the show included the Audi A5 Sportback g-tron, Nissan Juke, Mercedes-

New Nissan Juke

Benz GLA, Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG, Opel Insignia, Renault Captur E-tech, Renault Clio E-tech, and the Renault Espace.

European debuts included the Audi e-tron Sportback, BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, BMW M2 CS, BMW M8 Gran Coupe, Mazda 2, Mazda MX-30, Mini John Cooper Works GP, and the Mitsubishi Space Star.

Car manufacturers love to show off their concept and prototype cars to the huge crowds that motor shows traditionally attract, and the Brussels Motor Show certainly had its fair share of cars of the future on display.

Citroen took the opportunity to showcase their Ami One Concept, and the C5 Aircross PHEV, while other cars included the Cupra Tavascan, DS

Mazda MX-30

Automobiles Formula e, Opel Corsa E-Rally, Opel Elektro GT, Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered, Renault Clio HEV – E TECH, SEAT EL-Born, Volkswagen ID Buggy, and the Volkswagen ID Buzz.

With Brussels just a relatively short distance from Dublin (approximately a 90-minute flight time), and attrac-

VW ID Buggy

tive accommodation prices to be had, the Brussels Motor Show is a mustvisit event for motoring enthusiasts.

I am looking forward to the 2021 show already!

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

GOINGOUTOUT

JANUARY 23 (THURSDAY)

Tommy Emmanuel @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT The Felice Brothers @ Whelan’s, €23 Seth Lakeman @ The Button Factory, €25 Costello + Lethal Dialect @ The Workman’s Club, €11

JANUARY 24 (FRIDAY)

Schoolboy Q @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Big Sleep @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Waterparks @ The Academy, €25 Boxing Banjo @ The Button Factory, €20

JANUARY 25 (SATURDAY)

Xylouris White @ Whelan’s, €18 The Young Uns @ The Button Factory, €20 The Teskey Brothers @ The Academy, €18 Deno @ The Academy 2, SOLD OUT Cult Called Man @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10+

JANUARY 26 (SUNDAY)

Afro Celt Sound @ The Olympia Theatre, €32 The High Kings @ Vicar Street, €34 Tim Baker @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5

JANUARY 27 (MONDAY)

James Yorkston @ The Workman’s Club, €18

JANUARY 28 (TUESDAY)

Mabel @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Robyn Hitchcock @ Whelan’s, €15 Young MA @ The Academy, €20

JANUARY 29 (WEDNESDAY)

Sam Lewis @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 KSI @ The Academy Green Room, SOLD OUT

“

I love listening to old vinyl and I feel like my recording approaches are similar to the styles of the days when analog was the standard

John Craigie: Storytelling through songs and tales with a pinch of quick wit JOHN Craigie’s road to the world of Folk-style, quirky solo guitarist has been an unusual one.

Starting out as more of a spoken word artist, the LA-born, Portland-based troubadour releases conventional albums, but has made his live show into a kind of blend of winding tales and audience interaction blurred with Bluegrass-style, mellow guitar pop.

His offbeat side really comes out in those winding spoken fusions, with tracks aimed at particular audience members such as, Let’s Talk This Over When We’re Sober, for the couples, or jokey spoken-word release, Pants In England, about struggling with language differences in Europe, and then finding England no easier.

On the live record, Opening For Steinbeck, Carigie jokes that his ideal audience is a room full of people who’ve just been dumped.

He says: “I was actually a storyteller before I was a songwriter. As I began performing, it did take a little bit of time to figure out how to blend the two together.

“But it was a natural path of discovery and I am still learning and enjoying it today. I’m still figuring out the answer to the touring stuff.

“I find that senses of humour are slightly different. Some of my banter makes sense to the audience, and some doesn’t.

“Other than that, it hasn’t been that different. I need to check my American accent sometimes and, if the audience doesn’t speak English,

 JAMES HENDICOTT

then I have to shift my set up a bit as well.”

Latest album, Scarecrow, is – much like Craigie live – a collection of oddities blended from his back catalogue. There’s no particular theme; more a collection of scraps left from previous records.

“It is comprised of songs that didn’t make it onto my album, No Rain, No Rose, and songs that didn’t fit the vibe of my upcoming album.

“So I guess if there is a theme, it’s sort of that [those songs] are all a bit homeless. Alone, like a scarecrow out in the field.

“I decided I wanted to record something that was all analog, using tape machines, and then cutting it straight to vinyl.

“Luckily, I live in Portland, which is full of audiophiles, and had some studios that had all the vintage gear I needed for the project.

“I love listening to old vinyl and I feel like my recording approaches are similar to the styles of the days when analog was the standard.

“At heart, I would say I am an analog-type person, but it can be very expensive and complex.”

Of Portland, he says: “It’s a great community here.

Very collaborative and inclusive.

“There’s so much talent and everyone seems very excited to share and work together. I never feel like I can’t find a good musician when I need one.”

Picture: Bradley Cox

As for the tours, it’s very much about making that local connection, and finding out what makes sense in the context of different audiences.

“My show is a mix between storytelling and songs,” Craigie explains.

“I love to connect with

the audience, and always play to the room. I’m looking forward to figuring out the stories and songs that they connect with best.

“Touring is a huge part of my life and it’s important for me to be extra conscious during that time.

“I’m trying to limit my

waste and the plastic I use, and trying to educate my audience on such things as well.”

What’s certain is that Craigie will talk as much as he’ll sing, and his humour will shine.

It’s a Folk vibe, but heavy on the comedy asides.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

BIG HONOUR FOR FORMER DUBLIN MANAGER

DUBLIN FREEDOM

FREEDOM OF THE CITY | 500 GATHER AT MANSION HOUSE

Top City honour for modest Jim Gavin CÓILÍN DUFFY GROUP EDITOR

Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe; Jim Gavin and his wife Jenifer and their children, Jude (11) and Yasmin (13)

Life of politics not for Freeman Jim CÓILÍN DUFFY

JIM GAVIN says he doesn’t envisage a career in politics – for now at least!

The newly crowned Freeman of Dublin was speaking to Dublin Gazette at the Mansion House – the venue where almost 101 years to the day the first Dáil sat in 1919.

“I don’t see that (I would be interested in a career in politics) at the moment,” Gavin told Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy.

“I’ve pure admiration for politicians - in football you are busy with it, but for political people there’s more responsibility. I was manager of a football team, whereas they are managing people’s lives and I just have pure admiration for the commitment that politicians give.

Putting their hand up to represent their communities is a big commitment, and ye I’m happy back managing the Under 12’s!”

Gavin was honoured with the prestigious accolade at an event attend by Dublin Senior Football team members that included Brian Fenton, Ciaran Kilkenny and Paddy Andrews; and other luminaries from across the sporting world including former Irish Rugby team Head Coach Joe Schmidt, and ex Irish Underage soccer boss Brian Kerr.

As always Jim was keen to deflect the plaudits away from himself, again singling out the Dublin players involved in what subsequently placed them as the most successful mens Gaelic Football team ever, winning five-All-Ireland titles in-a-row, for special mention.

“It’s just a super honour to get it, and to be nominated first and foremost by the Lord Mayor, and then for it to be endorsed by Dublin City Council. As a Dub, and a proud Dub I’m just so humbled. When you look at the list of names that have gone before me, one can’t see themselves in that league. The way I see it, I am here to represent the team that I had the good fortune to manage, and the great players that played for Dublin during my tenure and that’s why I’m here. It’s not because of what I have done, but because of what they have done on the field of play. To represent them tonight, and indeed to represent Óglaigh na hÉireann that I served with for 20 years, and the Aviation Authority that I am heavily involved in, it’s just a proud moment for myself, for Dublin GAA, and for my family.

JIM GAVIN became the first receipient of the Freedom of the City of Dublin in four years, as many of his family, friends, GAA and work colleagues, and key figures from across the sporting spectrum were among the 500 gathered in the Mansion House on Saturday night .

The Clondalkin native followed a long line of luminarees to become the latest Freeman or Freewoman of the City including Isaac Butt, Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa, John F Kennedy, A. Chester Beatty, U2, Gay Byrne, Kevin Heffernan, Fr. Peter McVerry and Brian O’Driscoll.

Gavin became the first recipient of the honour since the February 28 2014, when John Giles and Brother Kevin Crowley were feted.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe presented the award to Jim, as the Council bestowed the honour on him for his contribution to public life and

(Main) Master Bowyer Jack Pinson with Dublin Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe and former Dublin SF Manager Jim Gavin. (Inset) Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy interviews Jim.

service to his county and country both on and off the field.

Gavin is best known as the outgoing Dublin Senior Football Manager, bringing a historic never before achieved ‘five-in-a-row’ of All-Ireland Senior Mens

Football titles, culminating in last September’s AllIreland Final replay win over Kerry.

However, he has also served his country for over 20 years as a military pilot for Óglaigh na hÉireann, holding the Senior rank of

Commandant.

He was also a former Chief Flying Instructor, a Captain and chief pilot in the Ministerial Air Transport Squadron and served as Chief of Military Aviation with the United Nations in the Central Afri-

can Republic and Chad.

Among the privileges/ duties of a Freeman/ woman is the right to pasture sheep on common ground within the city boundaries, which U2 exercised in 2000 on St. Stephen’s Green.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT JIM

Jim Gavin poses for a photo with his Dad Jim Snr.

He’s often not given enough credit for how good a footballer he was. By his size he couldn’t contest a high ball out the field, but he was so strong on the ground; he had great fitness, and he used it in a way that worked.

Charlie Redmond (Ex Dublin Footballer)

Much of the skills that we see of Jim on a daily basis - his fondness of analysis; his commitment to continuous improvement and continuous learning; are skills that Jim has translated successfully onto the football pitch.

There’s not many people who can translate that managerial and skill into the sports arena.

Peter Kearney C.E.O. Irish Aviation Authority Jim always had the knack of knowing when to put the arm around you and

when to give you the little kick and try and spur you on. It’s a credit to him that he was able to manage the group, and manage all the personalities. He was always calm, controlled, factual, objective, but off the pitch also Jim is such a lovely man.

Brian Fenton (Dublin Footballer) I first met Jim at the Ryder Cup with his Dad. I could see he was doing a really good job, and I wanted to know a couple of secrets!

Joe Schmidt (Ex Irish Rugby Coach)

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMEN Our new, monthly insight into Dublin’s most successful women

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

No ‘stunt’ just a well executed piece of technology Creating digital infrastructures for towns and cities around Ireland WENDY STUNT is hyper about technology, and with justification, as the Director of Booniverse - a company which is creating digital infrastructures for towns and cities around Ireland in the form of apps, including one for our beloved capital city, the “Dublin App”, which was just launched in November.

The App is far from a ‘stunt’ but rather a well executed piece of technology by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, that allows effectively for locals and tourists alike to discover what is happening in Dublin.

Local attractions, great spots to eat and stay and a log of events and activities; are just some of the areas covered by the free to download app, which is available for both Android and Apple phones.

This App is described as a hyper-local app - one allowing people to ‘plugin’ to all that is happening in the city. Interactive mapping is a key feature of the app, as well as useful information and

a onetouch system to contact every business on the app.

Stunt, who won the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Irish Women’s Awards last year; is mindful of all that our island has to offer in terms of outdoor activities, and with 26% of all visitors to

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

our green shores coming to walk and hike, a key component of the app is the numerous interactive hikes and trails, and selfguided tours, which are available alongside business listings.

The App is also a transactional platform, where businesses can sell tickets, promote special offers and sell their goods and services.

The App is also av a i l a b l e fo r other towns and cities, including Galway, Cork, Tralee, Killarney, Midleton, Youghal, Cobh, Fermoy and Carrigaline.

2020 looks set to be an exciting one ahead for Stunt and Booniverse, with a number of other Irish towns and cities; along with some in the UK and Spain set to come on board.

Go DigiCard Managing Director and Dublin App creator Wendy Stunt

The App is also a transactional platform, where businesses can sell tickets, promote special offers and sell their goods and services.

ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMAN? EACH month, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on the promotion of Dublin Business Women.

We will be highlighting the vast talent that is Dublin Business Women. We will be talking to YOU about YOUR journey, where you are

in your business and about your plans. We’ll focus on what have been your obstacles, how you overcame them, and why you went into business and where you see yourself going.

Employees who are working for companies will also be promoted.

We want to hear YOUR story.

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new DBW concept, and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Liz Ferris at her email below.

Commercial Director: Liz Ferris • lferris@dublingazette.com • 01 601 0240

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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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.

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

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23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

SOCCER P28

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SEASONS GREETINGS: GAELIC GAMES: THE new league sea-

son gets under way this weekend for the Dublin men’s and women’s footballers.

Paul Mannion looks forward to Saturday night’s opening night at Croke Park against Kerry and Dessie Farrell’s first league game in charge. Mick Bohan, meanwhile, has made a string of changes to his squad for the spring campaign ahead.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

PAGE 30-31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CRICKET | MORE STILL TO COME FROM SANDYMOUNT VETERAN

O’Brien tops the order in West Indies  sport@dublingazette.com

SANDYMOUNT’S Kevin O’Brien relished his role at the top of the order as he helped Ireland take down T20 world champions the West Indies in Basseterre in the first meeting of the series this week.

O’Brien was elevated to open the innings with Paul Stirling in T20s last year and the partnership seemed to click immediately.

Their partnership yielded a record 93 runs in the first six overs, a record high team score during the first powerplay in T20I cricket.

They went on to strike a 154-run partnership in 12.3 overs. This was a record T20I partnership for Ireland for any wicket, and put the visitors in a commanding position, eventually winning by four runs.

Reflecting on the partnership, O’Brien said: “We are both aggressive batsmen, so it comes quite naturally to us to play that way.

“I think when you play the best in the world, our approach is that you won’t beat them if you don’t stand face-to-face with them and throw some punches.

“So, the best way for us to beat teams is to play that way and take the game to the opposition.”

“It also helps to get you up for the challenge when there is such a passionate crowd, like in the Caribbean.

“The atmosphere the local fans create – they have a love of cricket and they like to watch cricket played the right way!

“They want to see players entertain them on the field, they want fours, sixes, wickets, catches. The party atmosphere in the stadiums is something that is not experienced anywhere else in the world.”

O’Brien’s score of 48 from 32 balls was his highest score on tour and he duly added a quickfire 36 off 18 balls in game three which ended in a loss and, ultimately, a shared series.

Railway Union’s Kevin O’Brien was in free-scoring form for Ireland in the T20 series in the West Indies. Picture: Oliver McVeigh

The most-capped Irish cricketer in history, with over 370 appearances for the national side, said it was another nice moment in a marquee career but he still has plans for more.

“I still enjoy my cricket and have ambitions for myself and for the team.

It’s a big year for us with the T20 World Cup in Australia being a big carrot to

work towards. “ I know I need to continue to improve my cricket and consistently put in match-winning contributions with the bat. While cricket is my job, I know it won’t last forever, so I want to continue to play as long as I’m fit, and as long as I’m adding to the national side.”

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 23 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: HIGH QUALITY FARE AT ANNUAL MOLLY O’TOOLE CUP Shamrock Rovers and Lucan United line up for the annual Molly O’Toole Cup tie

LUCAN SARSFIELDS CONGRATULATIONS WELL done to the Junior to Alan A laMurphy and Mark Lavin, both on the Dublin U20 Football panel who overcame Laois on Saturday 2-10 to 1-10 in the John Kerins Football Development League. Mark was on the scoreboard for the Dubs in the drawn game against Kildare a week earlier.

Our Minor Hurlers took a ‘Trip-to-Tipp’ on Saturday 19th and played against Thurles Sarsfields Minors.

Wanted: We are looking for someone to take on the role of insurance claims administrator.

Full handover and support will be given. Anyone interested to contact Club Secretary, Jo Mahon, by email secretary.lucansarsfields.dublin@gaa.ie Adult Hurling: Having considered the numbers of adult hurling players in the club and the numbers coming through from minor level, we have decided to enter an additional adult hurling team this year.

We will now have 4 teams competing in the Dublin adult hurling leagues and championships. If there are any former players, or any hurlers in the area that have not played with Lucan Sarsfields previously, who might like to come back to the game and get involved with this fourth team, we would be delighted to hear from you. Open to all ages from 18 upwards, and to “social” hurlers as well as more committed players.

Also, if anyone might be interested in getting involved with the running of the team, please let us know. All enquiries to Directors of Hurling Vincent O’Connor (087 2075835) or Paul Stapleton (087 2058572).

Adult football and hurling re-grading for championship games only is open until 31st January, after which applications will not be accepted.

Please complete the correct official form available from team management, sign it and ensure it is also signed by the club secretary before submission.

Our deepest condolences to John and Colette Condon and family on the loss of Johns sister, Mary.

John lost his sister Noreen earlier this month. May she rest in peace.

January Special Offer: Wear your GAA jersey on the Croke Park Stadium Tour this January and get your tour ticket half price! Adults, children, seniors, students and families can avail of this fantastic offer whendefeat they proudly sport their GAA club, FOLLOWING to countyOor Kellogg’s Cúl Camp jerseys.

Naomh

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

ST MARY’S CONGRATULATIONS to our new Chairman, elected at the conclusion of our AGM last week, Colman Andrews. Other positions will be filled once the new Executive Committee starts meeting.

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

Club Shop will be open this Wednesday, contact 0861684766.

Dancing every Thursday at 8pm, again all welcome.

Lotto Numbers Drawn

19th January 2020 were, 11-12-15-24.

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

There was one Match #3 winner.

Congrats to Siobhan Moran, Rathcoole 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.

Doyle lauds Lucan as they test Hoops stars MOLLY O’TOOLE CUP  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN United boss John Doyle lauded the performance of his side after they fell to a 3-1 defeat to League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers in the fourth annual Molly O’Toole Memorial Cup. The west Dublin sides play each January in a benefit game dedicated to former Lucan player Molly, who tragically died following a short illness in January 2015.

There were a host of present and former internationals on show as Jack Byrne, Graham Burke, Roberto Lopes, Alan Mannus and Daniel Lafferty lined out for the Hoops.

Former Rovers striker

Dave Mooney, who had a long career in England with Reading and Leyton Orient, missed out for Lucan due to injury but the Leinster Senior League side accounted well for themselves.

Lucan took the lead early on thanks to a counter-attacking goal finished by ex-Bohemians striker Marco Chindea, but Rovers bit back with goals from Dean Williams, Burke and Gary O’Neill.

O’Neill, who scored the winning penalty as Rovers lifted the FAI Cup over Dundalk in November, sealed the win early in the second half before the game finished early due to adverse weather.

And Doyle, whose club will enter a team into the 2020 Under-17 Women’s

National League in partnership with Rovers, was delighted by his team’s performance.

“We knew they’d have a lot of the ball and we spoke about that,” Doyle told Dublin Gazette.

“Normally we’d have a lot of the ball in our matches so it was different than what’s normal for us. But we had a good shape about us.

“They went through their transitions, bopping the ball around, but we had a good shape. We got a goal on the break and we had plenty of attacks in the match.

“The conditions took over in the end because the pitch was getting stickier. But they were at full-strength. I’m not sure they could have put a bet-

ter team out unless they had a 12th man.”

Lucan sit second in Sunday Senior 1, the second tier of the Leinster Senior League, and are well in the hunt for promotion to the top level.

25-year-old Chindea is among the more experienced players in a young team featuring promising talents like Bobby Mazono, Tayem Dinamunenge and Harmony Mercer.

Dylan Connolly and Shane Stokes have signed from the League of Ireland Under-19s while Tommy Illunga, who scored in Maynooth’s FAI Intermediate Cup win over Firhouse Clover, has also arrived.

They’ll all be needed in the run-in as Lucan face fierce competition from Kilnamanagh, Home Farm

and Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover for the three promotion spots.

“There’s an issue at the moment in the League of Ireland that the jump up from the Under-19s to the first team is probably too big, and the Leinster Senior League is getting the benefit of that.

“You’re not quite ready for League of Ireland, and I have one or two who, with the experience of the Leinster Senior League, might progress back to the League of Ireland at some stage.

“Right now it’s looking like four teams are fighting it out, unless one of us drops off dramatically. It’s going to be a tough run-in.

Like last year it might be about the games against the teams around us.”

Walshe breaks minute mark

Templeogue’s Ellen Walshe

TEMPLEOGUE’S Ellen Walshe became the first Irish woman to break the one-minute barrier in the 100m Butterfly last weekend when the 18-year-old smashed the Irish record of 1:00.21 in 59.54 for gold at the Flanders Swim Cup in Belgium.

Walshe took almost a second off her own best time of 1:00.44 from the 2019 Irish Open Swimming Championships to knock Shauna

O’Brien’s 2015 record from the books.

It’s a promising start to the year for the Templeogue swimmer after taking 200m Butterfly gold in 2:14.15 at the same event.

Walshe was part of a team of nine Irish swimmers at the Flanders Swim Cup where Shane Ryan, Darragh Greene, Conor Ferguson, Danielle Hill and Niamh Coyne have all made the podium.

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: FORMER LUCAN UNITED MAN EARNS HUGE PRAISE FROM FIRST TEAM MANAGER

Conor’s Master-ful debut for QPR earns man of match title DREAM DEBUT  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER Lucan United starlet Conor Masterson put in a manof-the-match performance on his league debut as Queens Park Rangers upset title-chasing Leeds United in the English Championship.

The Republic of Ireland Under21 international joined Rangers on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer but has had to bide his time for a chance at first-team action.

He made his bow in the FA Cup win over Swansea City earlier this month and was an early replacement for Dominic Ball in a 3-1 league defeat to Brentford.

The 21-year-old did enough to impress manager Mark Warbur-

ton, who had earlier hinted the youngster would go out on loan in January, and earn a starting spot at home to Leeds.

Masterson put in a mature performance that belied his inexperience and was rewarded with the man of the match award after Nakhi Wells’ first-half goal earned Rangers a 1-0 victory.

The Airlie Heights graduate has become a mainstay in the Irish Under-21 squad since Stephen Kenny’s ascension to the role last November.

Masterson has forged a formidable central defensive partnership with Terenure’s Dara O’Shea, conceded just three goals in their seven games to date.

He found the net as Ireland came from behind to beat Sweden 3-1 in Tallaght Stadium, and the Boys in

Green currently sit top of Group 1, three points clear of Italy.

“He did well against Swansea and did well in the second half at Brentford,” said Warburton.

“He deserved to start. A lot of thought went into that. You saw Conor’s response. He was excellent.

“The most pleasing thing for me was that he thoroughly enjoyed it. He loved it. He loved playing, he loved the competition and the challenge. All credit to him.

“He was asked to plug a gap, did really well and you need to take the chance when it comes along. He’s a young player and the challenge he was presented with, we had to give a lot of thought to it.

“Is it the right challenge and one he can rise to, or is it one that the young player crumbles under?”

Conor Masterson - above in Republic of Ireland kit ahead of the Under-21 European qualifier against Sweden; below left for Lucan United’s Under-14s in 2013

NEW RECRUITS Terenure Over-35s look to add to squad CALLING all local veteran footballers who still have the fire burning strong inside them.

If you’re keen to keep playing at a competitive level, Terenure FC’s Over35s could be the team for you. They begin their season in Amateur Football League Division 3 in early March and are looking to recruit some new faces to their squad. Home games are on Saturday afternoons at 2pm at the VEC in Terenure. Training is in Greenhills Astro 8.30 Wednesday night. If you are interested, please contact Mark on 087 8225623.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 23 January 2020

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN TICKETS are available from Eileen Maguire 087 7814852 for the Palmerstown House 40th Birthday Casino night on Friday 24th January. Further information from Eileen and on our Facebook page.

Operation Transformation is on again this Thursday evening 23 January from the Clubhouse at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

Membership for 2020 is now due. The easiest way is to pay on on-line at www.stpatricksgaa.ie New members are very welcome.

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

Training for all teams is now resuming. All teams are looking for new players – adult and juvenile. Contact information available on our website.

The numbers in the Lotto draw this week were 5, 19, 25 and 28. There was no jackpot winner. We had three match 3 winners – John Maguire, Charlie Gillespie and Damo Ryan who won €70 each.

The jackpot next week will be €9,200. The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm. Tickets available online, and from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, and Manor Hair Studios.

THOMAS DAVIS WELL done to all of the winners in our Christmas double up draw which took place last Friday night, 1st Martin Silviatek, 2nd Rachel Kearney, 3rd Peter Ennis, 4th Leila McCabe, the full list of winners is available on our Facebook page or at the club bar. Many thanks to everyone who supported and assisted with this draw.

Our Kids Academy will resume this Saturday 25th January 2020. New players welcome. Contact Club GPO Stephen Stewart for further details 0876795720.

Operation Transformation 2020 is now well underway, well done to all our leaders and followers after a great first week. Weekly passes are still available to purchase in the club shop 7-8pm for €10.

Terry O’Reilly was our biggest overall

weight loss of the week and Gemma McGrath was our follower of the week, well done to both. Many thanks to Daly’s Supervalue for sponsoring the follower of the week prize.

Well done to Adam Waddick (pictured) on his selection for the Dublin U20 Hurling team for this year. Hopefully a good year ahead for Adam after captaining Dublin minors in 2019. Also well done to Kevin Mularkey who was named on the dublin minor football panel for 2020. Best of luck to both squads and management for the year ahead.

Best of luck to Scoil Maelruins teacher Larry Broderick (Round Towers GAA) on his retirement after 37 years.

Lotto Numbers 3, 7, 15 ,20. Not won. Next Week’s jackpot €2,000.

WANDERERS LOTTO No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 1-21-36. €25 goes to Terry&Clare, Imelda Cormack, Sinead O’Connor, Craig Fetherston .

Jackpot next week is €10,000. As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €1,700. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page.

Sam Maguire will visit the clubhouse in Frank Kelly Park next Saturday the 25th of Jan. If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754. If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info.

Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested. If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@

LADIES FOOTBALL : CHANGES APLENTY FOR DUBS

Carey ruled out of league campaign  CÓILÍN DUFFY

cduffy@dublingazette.com

OLWEN CAREY will not play any part for Dublin in the Lidl Ladies National Football League, which begins this Sunday, as the Jackies welcome All-Ireland Intermediate Champions Tipperary to Ballyboden St Enda’s at 2pm.

Dublin manager Mick Bohan confirmed to Dublin Gazette at the launch of the competition at Lidl Ireland HQ in Tallaght earlier this week, the Thomas Davis player will be missing for the springtime competition due to her studies.

It’s one of over 12 changes to the squad which won the senior AllIreland for the third year in-a-row last September.

Foxrock-Cabinteely’s Sinead Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy of St Sylvester’s are also both absent until after the league due to Aussie Rules commitments.

Injuries have ruled out former Irish Soccer International, and Clontarf player Siobhan Killeen, and Syl’s Nicole Owens.

However, there is more good news than bad, with the return of no fewer than five players to the

Olwen Carey, left, with Thomas Davis club mate Siobhan McGrath at last November’s All-Star awards. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

squad.

Na Fianna’s Leah Caffrey, Sarah McCaffrey of Clontarf, Naomh Barróg’s Laura McGinley, Rebecca McDonnell of Clanna Gael Fontenoy and Dee Murphy of St Brigid’s are all back involved.

There’s also two callup’s to the squad, with Niamh Sweeney of Ballinteer St John’s, and St Maurs player Shauna McGuinness getting a taste of life as an inter-

CROSS COUNTRY Lucan man in Irish Celtic team LUCAN Harriers’ Dara Dono-

ghue represented Ireland at the Under-16 Celtic Cross Country Games in Stirling Scotland last Saturday.

It was the first time a Lucan Harrier has represented Ireland at a cross country international since his coach Niamh Fitzgerald ran in the world cross country in 2003. He finished the 6km course in a time of 21:37, 30th place out of 79 and was the first of the Irish team home.

Picture: keith mcclure photography

county player for the very first time, having not been involved in Dublin squads at any level in the past.

A number of other players are being given an extended break to ease themselves back into action for the new season.

“Ne ither Niamh or S h a u n a h ave b e e n involved in Development squads.

“But it just shows you the football they have

been playing with their clubs,” Bohan told Dublin Gazette.

“They have been pointed out to us, and they are in with us at the moment and they have been doing very well. That’s obviously a really healthy situation - that even the message to a 24 or 25 year old is that you don’t have to have come through the system. That if you perform for the club an opportunity awaits.”

23 January 2020 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: KILMACUD MAN WAS ALWAYS SURE CLUXTON WOULD CONTINUE

Paul Mannion at the launch of EirSport’s coverage of the 2020 Allianz Leagues. Picture: Brendan Moran

Mannion excited by Dessie era ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

PAUL Mannion is confident Dessie Farrell will make a significant impact coaching an accomplished collection of Dublin footballers.

The group returned to training in earnest last week and while the Kilmacud Crokes man has only had a few direct sessions with the new Dublin manager, he has been impressed by the early phases.

“We met him before heading off on holiday to set goals for the year and expectations - what he expected from us and what we can expect from them,” Mannion said at the launch of Eir Sports Allianz Leagues coverage.

“It was a little introduction to his management philosophy and so forth.

It wasn’t new to all of us given the amount of players that have worked with him before.

“I think he is quite similar to Jim [Gavin] in many ways, he is not coming in to try to tear up the playbook or anything like that.

“He has no notions about himself, he is looking forward to working with us, observing how things have been done, and from there to add things to improve us.

“Every manager is different.I think Dessie even managing from his days with the GPA he is very focused on ensuring that players as people are very well rounded and settled in their lives and happy in their lives outside of the thing.

“I think that has always been important to every team I’ve played on, but

Dessie is particularly passionate about that.

The Dubs get going on Saturday evening at 7.15pm in Croke Park before travelling to Mayo a week later for game two.

And Mannion is raring to go and see how things will work out after five barnstorming years of All-Ireland success.

“It will be new in ways, but, as I said, he knows so many players, he was a brilliant player himself, he has had success and knows what it takes to win an All-Ireland as a player and a manager and I’m sure he’ll learn a lot as the year goes on.

“We’re going to be completely open with him about how we’ve done things, welcome him into the environment and culture and all the things we’ve devel-

oped. I’m looking forward to seeing what he adds of his own. It’s going to be an interesting year.”

Stephen Cluxton will miss most of the league but will return when back from injury and Mannion says that while the goalkeeper’s potential retirement was discussed in the media, he always felt the Parnell’s man would continue on.

“He never said he wasn’t so I just assumed that he was,” Mannion laughs.

“There were no signs that he was ever going to drop off.

“As a man, he is completely driven, hungry for winning more and above all people he cared the least about this five craic.”

“He just wants to go on to play as long as he can and be with us for as long as he can.”

ONE GOOD CLUB: Rowe an ambassador

DUBLIN football star Carla Rowe was on hand to launch Lidl Ireland’s One Good Club initiative, a five-step youth mental health awareness programme for local clubs, developed in partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Each step provides participating clubs with a suite of suggested activities, simple enough to complete without a significant time or resource commitment. Activities include connecting with the community by hosting a coffee morning, organising fun ‘get active’ sessions aimed at younger members of the community not involved in sport or introducing meditation and mindfulness as part of the ‘cool down’ after training.

Rowe (pictured, centre, with young fans), a three-time All-Ireland winner, is one of four One Good Club ambassadors along with Galway’s Nicola Ward, Waterford’s Caoimhe McGrath and Donegal’s Emer Gallagher. The programme forms part of Lidl’s €2.1 million investment in the fifth year of partnership with the LGFA. Picture: james crombie/inpho

FOOTBALL

Archer shoots perfect arrow for win in Laois DUBLIN’S Under-20 footballers concluded their John Kerins football development league on a winning note when defeating Laois 2-10 to 1-10 in the Laois Centre of Excellence, Portlaoise on Saturday afternoon.

A late Ciarán Archer goal gave the Dubs victory following a loss to Meath and draw with Kildare in the earlier rounds of the competition.

The blues can now focus fully on their upcoming Leinster U20FC first round clash against Wicklow on Saturday, February 8.

Dublin trailed for long passages of Saturday’s game but goals from the Maurs sharp-shooter Archer at the close of both halves saw them to a dramatic victory.

A Jack Lacey goal had the hosts 1-3 to 0-1 to the good inside ten minutes and Laois kept in front until added time in the opening half when Archer converted from the penalty spot to edge Dublin ahead for the first time since the second minute before the O’Moore County equalised before the interval to make it 1-5 each.

Laois regained the lead on the restart and maintained it throughout the second half, despite being reduced to 14 players following a sending off, until the final minute when Archer struck for his second goal to seal victory for Tom Gray’s side.

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 23-29, 2020

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

JIM’S FREEDOM OF THE CITY FOOTBALL:

Former Dublin boss gets the city’s top honour for his incredible services to the county with five titles in a row SEE P21

BLUE SPRING GAELIC GAMES:

Dublin men and women all set for leagues campaign.

SEE P30 & 31

MASTER-FUL QPR DEBUT SOCCER: Lucan

United graduate makes perfect statement of intent on his full league debut in the championship SEE P13

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Eanna’s McGovern on cloud nine for big final  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

DBS ÉANNA coach Darren McGovern admits he’s had to pinch himself a few times as the newlypromoted Super League team continue to confound their doubters.

The Ballyroan side were the pacesetters in the early weeks of the season and, though they’ve dropped to fifth since, they’re still well in contention for a play-off spot.

Fr i d ay n i g h t s e e s Éanna take on Griffith College Templeogue in a local derby at the National Basketball Arena for the Pat Duffy National Cup. And McGovern says it’s been a rollercoaster of a year that the Monaghan man is still trying to get his head around.

“Emotionally, we’re on cloud nine,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“From where we were a couple of years ago, only winning a couple of games in the Super League, and we were wondering where things would go from there, to be here 18 months later is a good feeling for the club.

“A lot of people have worked hard behind the scenes. Myself and the players get a lot of credit for that, but a lot of good work has been done with the underage system to act as a feeder.

“We want to ensure we’re not just a flash in the pan and it can continue for many years.”

DBS Eanna’s Joshua Wilson during the semi-final win over Tralee Warriors. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“We want to ensure we’re not just a flash in the pan and it can continue for many years“ McGovern moved to Dublin nine years ago and played with Swords Thunder before setting up permanent residency with DBS Éanna.

He took over the management reins last year and wasn’t prepared for quite how well it would go, but he stresses that their achievements have all been richly deserved.

“I moved to Dublin about nine years ago. I

played with Swordsat the time, because I know Jay Baker and Conor Gallagher.

“My girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife, is from Templeogue and was living in Tallaght. The journeys over and back weren’t the best, so I joined Éanna a couple of years later, played some National L e a g u e a n d s t a r te d coaching.

“I wasn’t interested in coaching last season, but it kind of fell on my lap and I had a few words with the wife, like it’s going to be a huge commitment if I do this.

“I’m not one to do things to just get over the line, I want a plan going forward. We’re definitely ahead of ourselves.

“I thought maybe two seasons in the National League, get used to win-

ning and then go up to the Super League and have a plan to be able to win games. We have a squad capable of winning games.”

He concludes: “We’ve beaten Tralee, we’ve beaten Killester, so we’ve beaten big teams with huge histories. It’s good to see our club beside them and how high we are in the league.

“We played Belfast

Star away in our first cup game and they’re flying as well, a good team with a brilliant manager.

“Our next game was the semi-final against Tralee Warriors with endless amount of resources and a full house.

“We’re pinching ourselves we’re doing so well but if you look at our squad, and the way we play, we’re there on merit.”