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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Council commits to fix Balgaddy homes PADRAIG CONLON

THERE may be light at the end of the tunnel for Balgaddy residents after South Dublin County Council gave a commitment to address serious long

standing problems.

At the recent meeting of the Clondalkin Area Committee plans were outlined to transfer tenants whose homes are subject to exceptional maintenance issues to alternative

accommodation.

The homes will then be thoroughly assessed and necessary remedial action will be taken to return these homes to appropriate standard.

The area will also be prioritised

for planned housing maintenance programmes in 2019 and general maintenance response issues cited by residents will be reviewed and addressed.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

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BALGADDY: NECESSARY REMEDIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN TO HOUSES

Joy as council commits to help residents FROM PAGE 1

For over a decade some of Balgaddy’s residents have lived in horrendous conditions.

When Gama Construction finished the development in 2007 the estate won architectural awards and was labelled the future of social housing.

Almost immediately however residents started complaining of damp, structural cracks inside and outside the houses, faulty heating systems and leaks from badly constructed roofs.

Since then numerous

campaigns to sort these issues have run aground and Cllr Francis Timmons (IND) now hopes SDCC honour the commitments made at the area meeting.

“Some residents in Balgaddy are facing into another Christmas of unacceptable living conditions,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“These include structural issues and overcrowded living conditions, and continuing anti-social behaviour which is making life miserable for many families living there.’

“A t Octobers

Clondalkin Area Meeting elected members voted to defer the Proposed Pre-Part 8 Proposal for Social Housing Development at Balgaddy until the November area meeting.

“I proposed an urgent meeting be held to look at the Balgaddy area.

“This meeting has been held and I have received written commitments from SDCC in regards to Balgaddy made at the meeting’’ Cllr Timmons said Balgaddy’s issues must be addressed prior to building more housing.

Balgaddy residents have suffered serious long standing problems

“It would be utterly irresponsible and a slap in the face for residents living in the area if these issues are not dealt with prior to bringing an additional 78 families into the area,” he said.

“I have never voted against housing in SDCC but the issues in this case are too much to be ignored.

“I certainly do not want to delay housing so

I am calling on SDCC to address the issues for all residents already living there and for all future residents.”

Cllr Ruth Nolan (IND 4CH) said she is “over the moon” to hear residents effected by structural issues will be provided with alternative accommodation while remedial work is carried out.

“I’m delighted that my suggestion from a few

years ago to relocate the residents has been taken on board,” she said.

“Over the years the council have been just patching the houses up with the residents still in them.

“The residents of Balgaddy more than deserve to be rehoused, enough is enough.

“Hopefully now there is light at the end of the tunnel for them.”

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

GIFTED FAIR: LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER LOOKS FORWARD TO SHOWCASING WORK

Elaine’s elated to show work at Fair PADRAIG CONLON

AN AWARD winning local photographer is looking forward to showcasing her images this week at Ireland’s premier fair.

Elaine Butler, who is a member of Palmerstown Camera Club, spoke with Dublin Gazette ahead of her appearance at Gifted - the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair.

With over 500 designers, makers and artisan food producers displaying original gifts, the traditional opening to the festive season in Dublin is expected to attract up to 50,000 people over five days at the RDS, from Wednesday to Sunday, December 5 to 9.

“I only took up photography 6 years ago when I joined Palmerstown Camera Club along with my Mum and sister,” Elaine said.

“I initially started off with photography as a hobby but started enjoying it so much that it turned into a passion very quickly!

“You can take a photo in any weather, doesn’t matter what it’s like, if you have a bit of an eye for it you can capture anything, it’s like a dream.”

Elaine has received national and international

awards for her work, including the Photographic Society of America, Irish Photographic Federation, Expressions Fine Art Portrait International Competition, Envisionography International Fine Art Photography Competition, among others.

She has also been published in US and UK Fine Art Photography Publications.

“My work includes a number of genres: landscapes/seascapes; nature, architecture, and more recently conceptual photography and fine art portraits,” she said.

“At the Gifted Fair, I will have a range of my images for sale, and I will also be launching my new range of contemporary archival-quality acrylic prints so I’m really looking forward to it, it’s a really special fair.”

Elaine, who manages homeless service provision across the city for her day job, is thankful for the support of Palmerstown Camera Club for helping in the development of her photographic interests and style.

“The club is extremely friendly and we all support and help each other develop our skills.”

Please visit http://www.elainebutlerphotography.com for more on Elaine’s photography.

Elaine (inset) has received national and international awards for her work

SHOWCASE

Whelan’s calling for new talents

ICONIC music venue Whelan’s has announced that it is now accepting submissions for its One to Watch showcase, offering a chance to make a mark at the popular music venue.

Running from January 16-20, the Ones to Watch festival will comprise more than 60 new and highly-rated Irish acts, aimed at showcasing the best of what Ireland has to offer.

Submissions for the festival opened on Tuesday, with acts being urged to apply early for the chance to play one of the five stages at the event. Single tickets are priced at €5, with a festival pass available for €10.

For bands interested in signing up to take part in the festival, more information and a sign-up sheet is available from @WhelansLive on Twitter, or on WhelansLive. com.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

FASTNews

TALLAGHT: RESIDENTS INCREASINGLY ANXIOUS

Minister Katherine Zappone (right) at the presentation

Brookfield School honoured with Yellow Flag award ST Aidan’s Senior National School from Tallaght were recently presented with a Yellow Flag for their work on diversity, equality and inclusion.

The Brookfield School joined 13-other schools awarded flags at a national ceremony in Liberty Hall.

Dublin South West Independent Minister Katherine Zappone was on hand to make the presentation.

The awarding of the flag follows intense work by students, parents and staff at St Aidans.

The Yellow Flag programme for pupils, teachers, parents and the

wider community was pioneered by the Irish Traveller Movement, with the aim of creating cross-cultural understanding and equal representation in Ireland’s schools, which are made up of over 200 different cultures.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Katherine Zappone commended the Traveller community and praised the work of the schools’ staff and students, who shared their experiences participating in language exchanges and school-sponsored intercultural days.

Scramblers continue to be a scourge in the community

‘Act quickly to tackle menace of scramblers’ PADRAIG CONLON

THE Minister for Justice must take immediate action to deal with the menace of scramblers in Tallaght, a councillor has said.

At the latest meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee Fianna Fail Councillor Charlie O’Connor introduced a motion calling on Minister Charlie Flanagan to act quickly.

O’Connor said local people are getting increasingly anxious as the scrambler scourge in the community gets steadily worse.

“The accounts given by locals living in Kingswood regarding the illegal use of scramblers in their community are harrowing,” he said.

“They are petrified to walk home, locked in their own homes for fear of the danger if they leave at

certain hours and children can’t even play on the public green space in the estate.

“Information obtained

by Fianna Fáil this month indicates that a policing operation has been put in place to specifically target this type of criminality, which the Minister has said resulted in a number of such vehicles being seized in the DMR South region.

“If that is the case then it’s made little or no impact on reducing the level of chaos being faced by Kingswood residents.

“The taskforce, established to examine ways of dealing with the problem, need to up the ante because attending meetings won’t make much of a difference to the people most affected.”

Scramblers are banned in public parks by local byelaws, but this doesn’t seem to be a deterrent.

SDCC have spent over €100,000 to construct fencing in a few locations in Tallaght aiming to stop scramblers and quads accessing parks and open spaces.

Cllr O Connor added: “According to the Road Safety Authority, more than 40% of those injured or killed by the misuse of scramblers were aged 18 or younger.

“My major worry would be that more scrambler bikes will be purchased as gifts for young people that are not permitted to use them in public areas or that won’t be properly supervised.

“I can only plead with parents and young people to steer clear of scramblers and quad bikes this Christmas.”

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lindie Naughton, Peter Sherrard CEO Olympic Federation Ireland, medal winner Jenny Egan and Una May, Sport Ireland

Surprise party in Lucan for medal winner Jenny Egan

S

ALMON Leap Canoe Club had a surprise party in Lucan Golf Club last week to celebrate Jenny Egan’s World Championships 5000m bronze medal win in Portugal last August. This was the first time for Ireland to win a medal at a World Sprint Championships.

Jenny Egan with Alana Clinton, Carmen, Elena and John Stack. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Jenny Egan and Liam Gorman

Barry Watkins, Simon Vanlonlahuyzea and Jason Briody

Matt Burke, Aidan Durkan, Luke Logan and Eamon Quigley

Una Smith, Pauline Flanagan, Claire Donnellan, Barbara Thomas and Suzanne Bray

Ryan O’Connor, Ronan Fohey, Odhran Henson, Cormac Slattery and Nathan Devine

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

PEOPLE: ‘I THINK FOR NON NATIONALS EDUCATION IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO INTEGRATE’

Firhouse woman elected to AONTAS board PADRAIG CONLON

JOY-TENDAI Kangere, originally from Zimbabwe and now living in Firhouse, was recently elected as a learner representative to the board of AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation.

Ms Kangere returned to learning to study a Bachelor of Civil Law degree in UCD Sutherland School of Law while balancing family life with two young children.

During her time in UCD, she advocated for people under-represented at third level

to access and participate fully in third level education. After receiving the prestigious Denham Scholarship, Joy is now training as a Barrister at King’s Inn. Speaking to Dublin Gazette Joy said her experience of returning to study as an adult means she understands the challenges involved.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to advocate and be a voice for adults returning to education,” she said.

“I have the chance to change things like policy through sharing people’s stories.

Liffey Valley Specsavers take part in ‘incredibly inspiring’ trip LIFFEY Valley Specsavers store director Lisa Walsh described the recent trip to Kolkata as “incredibly inspiring” after the team managed to treat over 1,000 people in disadvantaged areas of the city.

The team also helped to raise €75,000 for the Hope Foundation which supports the development of underprivileged sections of society in India.

The group of optometrists was made up of staff from Specsavers stores in Liffey Valley, Clondalkin, Stillorgan, Athlone, Longford, Tullamore and Limerick.

They were joined by Specsavers ambassador Darren Kennedy during the

week-long trip. Lisa first got involved with the charity in 2017 when the team raised €11,000.

She explained that the 2018 target was to raise €35,000 – which is enough money to run the clinic in Kolkata for a whole year.

Lisa said: “It is thanks to the kindness and dedication of Specsavers staff and customers, who donated large numbers of frames, that we could do this work.

“There was a huge response from customers who were donating frames right up until the start of November so as we could see as many people as possible during the trip.”

Tallaght wins Town Award THERE was celebration in Tallaght this week after the town was named Regional Award winner in the Large Town Category of the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards 2018.

The Awards recognise and reward towns and urban villages, where businesses and the community have come together, to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.

This year 83 towns and urban villages from almost every county were represented on the night and 35 received awards.

Building on a very impressive performance in 2017, South Dublin County Council Local Enterprise Office (LEO) entered Tallaght into the Large Town Category of the Bank of Ireland National

Enterprise Town Awards 2018.

The Enterprise Town initiative works with local businesses to plan and deliver a range of activities that will support and generate business in the area.

The initiative also involves the wider community and the schools to ensure everyone can get involved and be part of the positive experience that is an Enterprise Town.

A committee representing a broad range of enterprises was formed to prepare a presentation and tour for the independent judges to assess Tallaght under a range of criteria including; Range of business activity, Attractiveness of town, Partnership and reaching out, Town Leadership, Overall community support in town and inclusion and diversity.

“I think the biggest barriers to adult education are issues with finances, childcare and accommodation.

“These are the ones that constantly come up. Another important issue in returning to education is the need for a good network of support. Because I am originally from Zimbabwe I didn’t have any family here in Ireland who could help me with childcare.

“I had help from some good friends and other mothers from my children’s school but sometimes I had no choice but to

take my children to lectures with me, for example when the school was on mid term break.

“I think for non nationals education is one of the best ways to integrate into a country.

“Education has given me the chance to learn important insights about life in Ireland.

“Anyone thinking of getting back into education should contact any of the institutions or AONTAS and they will help you.”

Joy-Tendai Kangere

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

FASTNews

Lucan Gospel Choir to perform in St Patrick’s Church LUCAN Gospel Choir will host a night of song in St Patricks Church Lucan on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30.

The core point of the choir’s ethos is fundraising for worthy causes and all proceeds from this night will go towards Gar Foy’s recovery.

Gar had a serious accident in Australia and as a direct result, he was placed in an induced coma while medical staff work hard to stabalise him.

This is a very traumatic time for Martina and her family and as a dear friend and long standing member of Lucan Gospel Choir, her friends will host this special evening to raise funds for her son Gar who has a long and expensive road to recovery.

Tickets are €5, children under 12 have free admission. Tickets are available from choir members or by messaging the choir Facebook page.

There will also be a raffle on the night with some fantastic prizes.

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH POLICIES RECOMMENDED Historical field trip in Palmerstown LOCAL history group “Society for Old Lucan” have a field trip this Saturday 8th December.

The trip will be a guided tour of medieval Stacgory church & graveyard in Mill Lane, Palmerstown, with “The Pink Ladies +1”.

Join them between 11-11.45 for an informal cuppa and chat for SOL members in the historical Coach House Café and gift shop, Palmerstown prior to the guided historical walk.

At 12pm the group meets with Alan Hayes and the Pink Ladies to be guided down historical Mill Lane, (the original Palmerstown village, with evidence of settlement back to prehistoric times, up to its industrial past of mustard, linen and oil mills) to visit the restored medieval Stacgory Church and graveyard.

This will be a great chance to hear first-hand how the “Pink Ladies +1” group worked to bring their church and graveyard from being totally overgrown and neglected, to its current state of restoration.

This is a free event with all welcome from 11.00 – 13.00, Saturday, 8th December.

Two-thirds of people living in Tallaght report mental health issues PADRAIG CONLON

TWO-THIRDS of people living in Tallaght are reporting mental health issues according to a new study.

The report entitled Physical and Mental Health in Post-Recession Ireland: A Community Study from Tallaght, Dublin was commissioned by the Meath Foundation and presented at the annual Meath Research Symposium at Tallaght University Hospital last week.

Researchers surveyed more than 350 homes across Tallaght and found carer burden to be the single largest factor impacting on wellbeing in the area. Despite improved employment levels generally, 66% of people 66% of people in deprived areas experienced stress over the last 12 months in deprived areas experienced stress over the last 12 months compared to Tallaght Hospital Consultant Psychia- to improve mental health trist Prof Brendan Kelly, who was one of here and this is taking its just over 55% in less deprived areas.

It also found that people with less stress the report authors, said despite several toll on those in greatest were more likely to own private health years of economic recovery, its benefits need,” he said.

“It impacts two thirds insurance, be better educated and were have yet to be felt in deprived areas of Talof the population living in less likely to be living with a person with laght.

“The economic recovery has done little the deprived communities a chronic illness or disability. of Tallaght where people have less education, don’t own health insurance and are more likely to be living with the burden of a person with a chronic illness or disability.

“There is a clear case for strengthening community and hospital mental health services and for other social care interventions to address the very real challenges these most vulnerable communities endure in their everyday lives.”

The report also found increased levels of public satisfaction with the services at Tallaght University Hospital, but lack of mental health services is leading to increasing levels of stress and psychological ill health particularly in deprived areas.

In conclusion, the report authors found “a compelling need for universal access to high quality mental health services in primary care (GP) and secondary care (hospital and specialist clinics) in all communities”.

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

COMMUNITY ENDEAVOUR AWARDS : MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY

Recognising the valuable work of local organisations MAYOR of South Dublin County Mark Ward presented 14 Community Endeavour Awards at a ceremony on Saturday 1st December at the Red Cow Moran’s Hotel.

T h e Aw a rd s a i m to acknowledge, promote and recognise the work of community and voluntary organisations within the adminis-

FASTNews Happy Pear hosting a Christmas Carol Karaoke night THE Happy Pear Clondalkin are hosting a Christmas Carol Karaoke night in aid of a great local group.

It takes place on Saturday 15th December and promises to be filled with festive fun!

The lads are promising plenty of Christmas cheer, with karaoke, featuring all the best-loved seasonal tunes, a Christmas jumper competition, fun quizzes, Kris Kindle, and more.

There will be delicious Christmas tasters going around, and the cafe bar will be open and serving wine, coffee, and mince pies on the night too.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get together as one big community, so why not dig out your Christmas jumper and get your friends together for a night to remember!

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Clondalkin Men’s Shed.

Your ticket price is set by you and will go directly to the Men’s Shed.

So you can donate whatever you want!

And if you want to really have the craic you can submit a donation of €2 with a song slip and nominate someone there to sing a song!

An entry fee of a €5 Donation to the Clondalkin Men’s Shed will be available on the door for anyone who decides to join in on the fun last minute.

trative area of South Dublin County Council.

173 entries were received from a wide variety of groups operating in the local community and an independent judging panel assessed each entry.

There is an immense richness and variety of voluntary organisations working in South Dublin and this initia-

tive aims to recognise the efforts of those who carry out this valuable work.

All community organisations whose activities have made a difference in their community and had a beneficial effect on residents were eligible to enter.

A m o n g t h e w i n n e rs announced on the night were:

Tommy Keogh who won Volunteer of the Year; Jim Gavin & The Dublin Senior Gaelic Football Team who won a Special Recognition Award and Lucan Festival Committee who won the Overall Community Endeavour Award 2018.

The full list of winners can be found on the SDCC website.

Paul Mc Alerney and SDCC Mayor Cllr Mark Ward present the Overall Community Endeavour award to Lucan Village (Joe Reid, Joe Byrne, Anne Stallings, Dara MacCrath Caitriona McClean and Paul Madden) at the SDCC 2018 Community Endeavour Awards in the Red Cow Moran’s Hotel

HOUSING: STATE-BACKED FINANCE SCHEME MAY SUPPORT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION

Help could be near for distressed mortgages CLOSE TO 5,400 distressed mortgage holders in Dublin are being offered a solution thanks to an innovative state-backed finance scheme.

New figures from the Central Bank’s Long-Term Mortgage Arrears in Ireland Report state that 5,398 households in Dublin have been in mortgage arrears for more than two years, while more than 4,300 of those have been in arrears for at least five years.

Despite the scale of the repayment problem by mortgage holders, figures from the Department of Housing show that only 111 households in the capital availed of the Government’s Mortgage To Rent scheme.

A Governmentapproved mortgage to rent provider – Home For Life (HFL) – is spearheading a drive to enable mortgage holders in unsustainable debt to stay in their current homes debt-free as long-term tenants of their local authority.

HFL say that there is a strong possibility it can come up with a solution in many of the cases of serious mortgage arrears.

The company works with homeowners, lenders and the local authority to keep unsustainable mortgage holders in their current homes, avoiding upheaval for families.

Picture: William Power

Housing and homelessnes advocate Fr Peter McVerry (centre), who attended the inaugural Home For Life (HFL) advisory board meeting last week, with Paul Cunningham, chief executive, and Charles O’Reilly Hyland, chairman, both of HFL

“

The company works ... to keep unsustainable mortgage holders in their current homes Under the scheme, a property is sold to HFL and then leased back to the state through the local authority which, in turn, sublets the house

or apartment back to the homeowner.

The homeowner pays an affordable incomebased rent to their local authority.

As part of the scheme in Dublin, the local authorities would then undertake to provide for the ongoing long-term housing needs of the applicant and other eligible residents of the property for as long as their housing need exists.

HFL Life chief executive Paul Cunningham said: “I was surprised to find that of the 5,398 cases in

Dublin, just over 100 had found a solution through mortgage to rent.

“This may be due to the fact that councillors, community leaders and advisors were unaware up to now that the Government’s Mortgage to Rent scheme was a real, deliverable solution for homeowners whose mortgages are unsustainable and are at most acute risk of losing

their homes.”

According to Cunningham, the biggest challenge in the old Mortgage To Rent scheme was until recently the delays in getting individual cases over the line – a delay of up to 18 months.

“However, we have now reduced the timeline in dealing with all documentation and agencies so that a case can be completed normally within four to six months,” he said.

HFL works with all banks and funds and can facilitate properties irrespective of location or condition.

At the inaugural HFL advisory board meeting last week, Fr Peter McVerry said he was “all in favour” of any initiative that keeps people in their homes.

Fr McVerry said: “I fully support projects that help to resolve the incredible amount of mortgage arrears and stop people becoming homeless.”

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Housing and Urban Development Damien English described the emergence of HFL into the market as “a significant step towards a scaling of Mortgage to Rent to meet the needs of more borrowers in mortgage distress.”

For further information, see www.homeforlife.ie.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

LUCAN: WESTSIDE PERFORMING ARTS PUPILS LEARN TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Top UK choreographer’s advice is given a whirl

Murray Grant with students from Phoenix Performing Arts College, (left), and WestSide Performing Arts

RACHEL D’ARCY

A GROUP of talented young dancers from Dublin were recently given the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from an international chorographer.

Choreographer and performer Murray Grant visited Dublin recently to host two exclusive masterclasses for students from Phoenix Performing Arts College in East Wall, and WestSide Performing Arts in Lucan, in early November.

The classes gave the young, upcoming dancers a look into what would be expected from professional performers by guiding them through a fun and engaging class.

The stage hopefuls took part in an exclusive masterclass with Grant, who has previously performed in professional musical theatre, opera, and cabaret productions in Los Angeles, New York, Sydney and Vienna.

Grant co-founded The MGA Academy in 2005 to provide a platform for young stage talent to train in Scotland at an equivalent level to London colleges.

Last year, the academy became the first full-time professional training academy in Scotland to be awarded accreditation by CDMT, the UK’s quality assurance and membership body for the professional dance, drama and musical theatre industries.

Murray, who was glowing in his praise for the young students he met in Dublin, said: “I had a great time working with the students in Dublin as they were all focused and keen to learn.

“

“It was great to be able to travel to Dublin to share my passion for the industry and hopefully inspire some future stars of the stage from the area.”

Elizabeth Ennis, creative director of WestSide Performing Arts, said: “Murray sharing his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the industry is an invaluable experience for our students.

“His professionalism, caring attitude and high-energy in the studio not only brings out the best of e a c h d a n c e r, but encourages them to push out of their comfort zone and improve the ir technical and performance ability.

“The opportunity to work with Murray has been one of the highlights of the terms for our students.”

Recent graduates of The MGA Academy include Northern Irish star Rhiannon Chesterman, who featured in Mrs Henderson Presents and Grease, as well as Disney film star Thomas Doherty, who starred in Descendents 2, and Rebecca Stenhouse, who played Sandy in Grease aboard Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts is currently accepting applications from budding young dancers for auditions in Ireland next February, for a place at the prestigious academy in Scotland.

Auditions for places on full-time degree courses will take place in Dublin on Sunday, February 17 next.

Anyone looking to pursue a future in dance – or at the academy – can apply online at www.themgaacademy.com/ apply.

The opportunity to work with Murray has been one of the highlights of the terms for our students

COLLEGE

Lucan students celebrate Human Rights Day LU C A N C o m m u n i t y College students will celebrate World Human Rights Day on December the 10th.

It will be a special event as this is the 70th anniversary of the UN creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created in 1948.

T h i s i n te r n a t i o n a l document, signed by over 190 nations, states the 30 basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled.

Awareness The Lucan Community College Amnesty group, working with different subject departments in the school, are organising a number of competitions and events to raise awareness about human rights issues.

In Religious Education classes, senior students will participate in the Global Amnesty “Write for Rights” campaign where students will write postcards in support of the campaigns for justice for Geraldine Chacón (Persecuted for Youth Work, Venezuela), Vitalina Koval (LGBTI+ activist attacked by the far right, Ukraine), The Sengwer Indigenous People (Indigenous people forced from their ancestral home, Kenya).

“The Great Lucan Community College Human Rights Bake Off” competition and cake sale will take place on the day and will be open to students, teachers and parents with all funds raised going to Amnesty.

Students will also be participating in art and photography competitions and in English lessons, 1st and 2nd year students will take part in poetry competitions on the theme of human rights.

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

OPINION: ‘A NEW MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE POWER IS RISING ACROSS THE COUNTRY’

‘The Government is failing to meet the needs for homes’

‘‘

IN THIS Opinion piece, south Dublin TD Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) lambasts the Government as the national housing crisis grows ever worse, and highlights the rise of groups and movements demanding action

THE Government are failing disastrously to meet the most basic need of hundreds of thousands of people in this country: the need for a secure affordable home.

There are more than ten thousand people including 3,200 children in emergency accommodation; there are more than 100,000 households on housing waiting lists; tens of thousands in mortgage distress and hundreds of thousands of young and working people paying extortionate rents with little hope of ever owning

their own home.

The average house price in Dun Laoghaire is over half a million and the average rent is now €2,000, who can afford that?

Here in Dun Laoghaire we have more than 300 families in emergency accommodation, more than 3000 households waiting 10 – 15 years or more for a council house and among the highest rents and property prices in the country.

Low and middle income people are being systematically driven out of the area where they were born and brought up because

they simply cannot afford to live here anymore.

This crisis is not an accident, but results directly from government decisions to stop building council housing for more than a decade and the equally disastrous decision to allow NAMA to sell off more than €40 billion worth of property assets and building land to international property speculators and corporate landlords.

For example; the developers who built Cualanor and Honey Park, who were bailed out by NAMA have sold more than 700 apartments in the last year or two to big property investors rather than these homes being transferred to the Local Authority to

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett at a housing demonstration outside Dail Eireann

provide public and affordable housing.

Cherrywood, which is zoned to provide up to 8000 homes was sold off

by NAMA to big property investors who have still built absolutely nothing

and when they do build will certainly be selling or renting at prices that almost nobody can afford.

Meanwhile, large publicly held lands zoned for building such as Shanganagh Castle, Old Conna and other sites remain unused because of the government failure or refusal to return to large scale public housing construction.

Unless there is a radical change in policy, the housing crisis is to get worse and a whole generation of young people will face a totally insecure future in terms of the basic need for housing. The damage this will do to the mental health and well-being of children is incalculable.

We must act urgently.

We must demand: a mas-

sive programme of public and affordable housing directly provided by the state; NAMA must be instructed to stop selling public land and be used to deliver only public and affordable housing.

We need an emergency freeze on all evictions that lead to homelessness and the introduction of rent controls to bring rents to affordable levels.

Unused or vacant land or property needs to be taken over by local authorities for housing use. We need to insert the right to secure affordable housing in the constitution.

These are the kinds of demands that were raised on recent protests by the National Housing and Homeless Coalition, the

Raise the Roof Campaign, and the Take Back the City Movement.

This new movement of People Power is rising across the country demanding housing as a basic human right.

Here in Dun Laoghaire, if we want to save our community from being destroyed and driven out, we need to be part of building this new ‘people power’ housing movement.

Protests and demonstrations, both local and national, are planned for the New Year and everyone who is affected in one way or another by the housing crisis needs to get involved in this movement.

‘‘

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Tony Fagan and Martin Moran

Derek, Maria, Isabelle, Alex, Johnathon and Amelia Lawlor. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

Tallaght Unwrapped turning on the Christmas Tree lights

Les and Teresa Carroll and Chloe and Jake Coogan

Patrick, Michael and Luke Morris with Carla Fazio

Conor Devlin Sinnott, Sharon Devlin, Teresa Gvozdovic and Ruth Clancy

Mayor Mark Ward

Sally Anne Murphy, Sarah Devlin Sinnott, Mark Hynes and Leah Delaney

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

The Midas Touch Team 2018 with RTE’s Mary Kennedy. Pictures: Meabh Fitzpatick Photography

25 year celebrations have the Midas Touch C

ELEBRATING 25 Years in business, Pauline Maher and Anne Quinn from Midas Touch launched a €25,000 Treatment Giveaway with help from RTE’s Mary Kennedy last week.

Twenty-five lucky finalists will be selected at random between now and February 28th 2019 with every finalist guaranteed at least €750 worth of free treatments.

Two lucky finalists will win €1,750 worth of treatments and one will walk away with €5,000 worth of free treatments. Every purchase and treatment at Midas Touch guarantees entry to the draw.

The first finalist drawn last Saturday by Mary Kennedy was Shiela Stynes and the second was Sandra Fahy both from Clondalkin. The third finalist will be drawn on Christmas Eve with the fourth drawn at the start of the New Year.

Anne Hickey, Fiona Sammon and Triona Farrell

Orlagh Sherlock and Tina Carroll

Anne Quinn, winner Sheila Stynes, Mary Kennedy and Pauline Maher

Delighted to be showing off their own personalised gift packs.

Paula O’Byrne and Yvonne

Emma Leonard, Elaine and Bríd O’Brien

Winner Sandra Fahy

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

MUSIC: FLOGGING MOLLY FLY THE FLAG... P24

RECHARGE WITH A SHORT BREAK BEFORE XMAS P26

New Volvo XC40 Irish Car of the Year 2019 P28

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

RUGBY LEGEND ON THE BALL FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Brian O’Driscoll, Ambassador for Temple Street Children’s Hospital is pictured with Temple Street patients Sophia Mulvany (8) and Luke Staunton (7) to announce that this year, Christmas FM will be raising awareness and funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

The radio station’s goal is to raise over €200,000 which will go towards giving the gift of life to over 1,000 critically ill babies and children in Temple Street. Funds raised will be used to purchase new state-of-the-art incubators and ventilators, helping to ensure that sick children have access to the very best paediatric equipment when they need it most.

Picture: Andres Poveda

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Miriam Ahern

Georgina Byrne

Roz Flanagan

Lisa Cummins, Caroline Geraghty and Kim Wright. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

CARI Christmas Lunch at Shelbourne Hotel Aisling Holly and Kailen Holly

Jayne Given

Rita Condren, Susan McLavery and Kay Hutton

Aisling Kilduff and Marion Cunningham

Hanna Cunningham and Madeline Riley

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

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

Smithfield Winter Solstice Celebration

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

EVERYONE is invited to take part in a magical parade which honours the Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year which is celebrated worldwide across a range of cultures.

Taking place on December 21st and kicking off at DIT Grangegorman, there’s a number of activities to suit all ages.

You can meet with The Sun Queen and Snow Princesses, place your withies in the flame, join us in the colourful drum led parade to Smithfield Square and be there as we raise our fire to the world in a roaring, climactic moment. Bring warm, colourful clothes to wear for the parade.

There will be an indoor Festival from 4-5.30pm at DIT Grangegorman Campus where the gathering begins. All are welcome to come and enjoy a spectacular Céilí featuring traditional Irish dancing and music, storytelling performances, poetry readings, face painting and craft making to work on masks, banners and wreaths for the parade.

There will then be an outdoor festival and parade from 5.30-7pm from the campus to Smithfield Square, which culminates in the Winter Solstice Fire Ceremony. All activities are free..

‘THE BALALLY PLAYERS CHRISTMAS’ THE Balally Players have announced their Christmas show at Marlay Park House.

‘Christmas at Marlay’ started by the group back in 2005 and is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with the whole family.

This delightful evening includes a heart-warming collection of music, song, recitation, monologue and comedy – and will be staged in the ideal setting of the Oval Room at Marlay Park House, Grange

Road, Rathfarnham.

There will also be tea, coffee, mulled wine and flavoursome mince pies at the interval.

The show is performed on Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 December 2018 at 8pm each evening in Marlay Park House.

Tickets €15/€12 may be purchased through the dlr Mill Theatre website www. milltheatre.ie or the Box Office on 01-296 9340.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

Hugh must see this

DOG OF THE WEEK

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Andi is a very special three-year-old female Staffordshire Cross looking for an experienced family to call her own.

She arrived to Dogs Trust heavily pregnant and gave birth shortly after arriving. Andi was a wonderful mum to her pups and showered them with lots of love until they all found loving homes, and it is now Andi’s turn to find her own. Andi is looking for someone who will continue her training but our experienced team will be there to support her new family with this. She would love a quiet home, with no other pets so that she can lap up all the love for herself.

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

GAIETY PANTO OPENS THE Gaiety Panto has officially opened and will run until January.

Get ready to have a brrrrrr...iliant time following the icy encounters of The Snow Queen and she tries to freeze the fun out of Christmas.

The Gaiety Theatre Pa n to m i m e e x t r av a ganza, which has been running each year since 1873, this year brings you a tale of friendship and love, that as always conquers evil.

Full of song and dance and the odd slippery surprise, “The Snow Queen”, with chilling treachery, kidnaps one half of a beloved couple and casts a sub-zero spell to bring us on an adventure through storm and blizzard...

But, only true love can melt a frozen heart...!

The stunning cast includes West End star Louise Bowden as the “Snow Queen”, Nicholas Grennell as “Jack

Frost” and once again Joe Conlan as the ever-as-fabulous Panto Dame.

The Gaiety really outdid themselves this year, with plenty of laughs for the whole family from the hilarious cast.

Due to popular demand, the show has been extended until January 20.

Tickets from €19.50 (including booking fee and restoration levy) can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets and the Gaiety Theatre Box Offices.

A must see this Christmas!

CALLING fans of the Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and more – one of it’s stars is coming to the 3Arena next May! Hollywood heartthrob Hugh Jackman has announced his first ever world tour, ‘The Man, The Music, The Show, which will take in a stop at the Docklands venue on May 30th 2019.

Jackman will perform hit

songs from drama Les Miserables, family favourite The Greatest Showman and more tracks from Broadway and film, all accompanied by a live orchestra.

Tickets for Hugh’s 3Arena debut will go on sale tomorrow, Friday December 7th, at 9am – but be quick, as it’s sure to be a popular one!

DIARY

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

BEST GIFTS FROM HASBRO THIS

CHRISTMAS REBECCA RYAN AND RACHEL D’ARCY

T

he Christmas season officially started for many Dublin families with The Late Late Toy Show on Friday.

We have a fantastic giveaway this week of five top thrilling toys and games for Christmas 2018 from Hasbro which includes, Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Nerf Assembler Gear Iron Man, Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby Doll, Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus Blaster, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic Collection Singing Rainbow Dash Figure And Speech Breaker Game.

We delved into some of the top toys and games that has hit the shelves this Christmas from Hasbro to bring you the best of what they have on offer, including what are expected to be some of the top toys for kids - and even adults! - this holiday season.

All of the toys listed on this page are available from toy retailers across Dublin.

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE INFINUS BLASTER

PRICE €59.99 AGE: 8+

LOAD and fire fast with the Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus blaster! The Infinus blaster features motorised Quick-Load Technology; as kids feed darts into the blaster, the darts are automatically loaded into the 30-dart removable drum.

With motorised, rapid-fire blasting, kids can quickly unleash a barrage of darts on their targets. Hold down the acceleration button to power up the blaster, then pull the trigger to fire. The INFINUS blaster includes 30 Elite darts.

PRICE €21.99

PRICE €59.99 AGE: 3+

AGE: 5+

MARVEL AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR NERF ASSEMBLER GEAR

HEROES Unite! Gear-up like the Avengers with this new modular role play system powered by Nerf.

The movie-inspired products come with connector pieces and NERF darts, so kids can build and blast like their favourite hero such as Iron Man, Captain America, Star-Lord, Hulk or Iron Spider, with each character sold separately. Kids can also create lots of combinations using assembler gear from other heroes.

Includes either a gauntlet, blaster or shield, two connectors, and three NERF darts.

BABY ALIVE POTTY DANCE BABY DOLL

LITTLE ones will enjoy playing mummy or daddy with the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll.

After baby drinks from her water bottle, she does a potty dance to let mummy or daddy know she’s gotta go! Once she starts dancing, place BABY ALIVE POTTY DANCE BABY doll on the potty so she can tinkle!

When she’s all done, pretend to wash her hands with the included soap bottle and add a sticker onto her reward chart for a job well done!

Kids can also brush and style baby’s hair with the included comb. Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll says over 50 phrases and sounds and is bilingual – she speaks in English and Spanish! With a switch on her back, kids can choose whether theBaby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll is in “Mummy” or “Daddy” play mode. Doll comes with removable outfit, big girl underwear, potty, pretend soap bottle, water bottle, comb, reward chart and sticker sheet. Available in three hair colors and hair types, each sold separately.

Win some of Hasbro’s top toys for this Christmas!

PRICE €24.99

PRICE €19.49

AGE: 14+

SPEECH BREAKER

CAN you overcome the voicejamming challenge? You’re reporting live from the scene!

Put on the game headset, talk into the game microphone, and get your teammates to guess who/what/where without saying any of the words on the cards. What’s the catch? The microphone jams your speech with a built-in delay. As you talk, you’ll hear your delayed voice through the game headset, making it harder to speak clearly.

MONOPOLY GAMER: MARIO KART Edition

AGE: 8+

The Monopoly Gamer: Mario Kart Edition game provides fans of all ages with exciting new ways to engage with the iconic Nintendo brand.

Players pass iconic Mario Kart themed properties such as Rainbow Road and Bowser’s Castle, while simultaneously encountering familiar challenges like dodging Banana Peels, tossing Shells and scooping up Super Star spaces to win the game.

To introduce another layer of competition and strategy, landing on or passing “Go” triggers a Mario Kart race where players compete for the coveted Grand Prix card. In addition, each character token will have its own unique Power-Up ability activated by landing on a Super Star board space.

THE LOVELY people at Hasbro have given us some of their most popular toys for Christmas to give away to one lucky reader.

PRICE €22.99 AGE: 3+

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC COLLECTION SINGING RAINBOW DASH THE Singing Rainbow Dash pony figure shines like a superstar as she sings her awesome songs! Press her Cutie Mark or slide her shades over her eyes to start her singing. She sings 5 songs and says awesome phrases from the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC series and MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE. Kids can grab her microphone and sing a duet with Rainbow Dash, too! If kids want to sing solo, they can sing into the microphone and hear their tunes through the pony figure doubling as a speaker. It’s time to be awesome with Rainbow Dash!

One winner will take home a Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus Blaster, a My Little Pony Singing Rainbow Dash, the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby Doll, a Speech Breaker, a Play Doh Buzz ‘n’ Cut and an Avengers Infinity War Nerf Assembler Gear.

To be in with a chance of winning this phenomenal prize, answer the following question: What two languages does the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll speak?

1. Russian and English 2. English and Spanish 3. Spanish and French Email the answer to the question, along with your name and contact details, to competitions@dublingazette.com, making sure to include ‘Hasbro Competition’ in the subject line.

The closing date for this competition is 5pm on Thursday, December 13. Full terms and conditions for our competitions are available on our website, at DublinGazette.com.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

FEATURES

‘Domestic violence campaigner soaring in brand new radio show’ F

ollowing the success of her RTE documentary helping victims of domestic abuse, Dublin motherof-two Emma Murphy has landed a job as a radio presenter.

REBECCA RYAN

Emma became widely known three years ago when she sat at the bottom of her stairs with a black eye pouring her heart on a video out about an abusive relationship she was in. The video that encouraged other women to leave their abusive partners went viral and Emma went on to become a domestic abuse campaigner.

Last May, Emma travelled around Ireland speaking to other victims of domestic violence in a very touching RTE documentary.

The 29-year-old originally from Ballymun, now living in Finglas, is the new presenter on Dublin City FM’s Good Morning Dublin every Monday with Louise Tighe from 10 to 11am.

She told Dublin Gazette she is really enjoying presenting.

“I’m delighted. Myself and the other presenter Louise Tighe, we really gel well together. We’re very similar and we have a bit of craic in the morn-

ing. Louise has been doing it 11 years, so I know I’m going to learn a lot from her. We have a good buzz.”

Emma is very passionate about people and their stories and is excited to be interviewing people who make a difference in society.

“I would like to interview people who are influential and making a difference in Ireland. I want to interview people who’s making a difference in society in a positive way,” said Emma.

The domestic abuse campaigner is still doing a lot for the cause. Last month she spoke in Tallaght IT with Dublin GAA footballer Philly McMahon for Mental Health Week, then travelled down to Limerick where she was invited to speak at the world premiere of a domestic violence movie.

She also recently participated in a homeless sleepout with Saoirse Women’s Refuge.

Emma is certainly making waves on the air and hopes to use her career to highlight important

issues in Ireland.

“TV and radio have always been a passion of mine. My uncle was [the late] Tony Dixon and he used to always say to me as a kid ‘you’ll be on the radio’ and I used just laugh and think it was a pipe dream.

“Then when my story came out, I was always the one be ing interviewed. When I filmed my [RTE] documentary I was looking at it criticising myself, and I realise my strength was listening to people and listening to their stories.

“That’s what I want to do.

I want to talk about the real-life issues that we’re facing everyday whether its abuse, sexual violence, mental health or eating disorders.

“The only way of ever making any changes is continuing to have the conversation, and if I’m working on the radio or on the TV, what better platform is that.”

Emma will be turning 30 this month and the future is certainly looking bright for her.

“It’s nice to come to 30 and be seeing my life going in a positive direction.”

You can catch Emma on Good Morning Dublin on Dublin City FM 103.2 from 10 to 11am.

“

The only way of ever making any changes is continuing to have the conversation, and if I’m working on the radio or on the TV, what better platform is that

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

GOINGOUTOUT

IMMIGRANT SONG FLOGGING MOLLY FLY THE FLAG...

PICKWEEK OF THE

DECEMBER 7 AND 8 (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY)

Andre Rieu @ 3Arena, €56+ Andre Rieu is back in Ireland with a brand new show! Together with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and many soloist Andre Rieu will give you what you’ve come to expect from his performances: the maestro conducting his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and playing his world-famous Stradivarius violin to create a colourful concert full of surprises.

DECEMBER 6 (THURSDAY) The Coronas @ The Olympia, sold out The Blizzards @ Whelan’s, sold out Little Green Cars @ Vicar Street, €25 Kojaque @ The Academy, sold out Short Shorts @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10

DECEMBER 7 (FRIDAY) Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers @ The Olympia, €34 The Blizzards @ Whelan’s, sold out Midland @ Vicar Street, €25 Corner Boy @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10 Bobby & The Blunts @ Whelan’s Upstairs, late, free Gregory Alan Isakov @ The Academy, €20

DECEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) The Stunning @ The Olympia, €29 The Proclaimers @ Vicar Street, sold out The Frank and Walters @ Whelan’s, €23 Silverbacks @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10 Jacob Banks @ The Academy, €23

DECEMBER 9 (SUNDAY) Travis @ The Olympia, sold out Enda Reilly @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 10 (MONDAY) Travis @ The Olympia, €45 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, sold out

DECEMBER 11 (TUESDAY) Snow Patrol @ 3Arena, €70 Lily Allen @ The Olympia, sold out The Ruby Sessions @ T Doyle’s, €7

DECEMBER 12 (WEDNESDAY) Ocean Colour Scene @ The Olympia, sold out Damien Dempsey @ Vicar Street, €33 Aine Cahill @ Whelan’s, €22 Kyle @ The Academy, €23

“

THIS IS my natural home,” Dave King of Flogging Molly tells us as he sits in his Wexford living room telling us tales of international Irish punk over the phone.

“I wish you could see where I’m sitting. It’s beautifully, so quiet, so soulfully Irish.”

King’s tale is a familiar one to our shores. He left his native Dublin as a late teenager, in search of something bigger, and a chance of success.

He was drawn to LA, and found himself a regular in a bar called Molly Malones.

There, he performed, met his wife Bridget, and eventually encountered the rest of his future bandmates.

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, King - at the time a rock vocalist with a band called Fastway - became the frontman of cult Celtic punk band Flogging Molly.

Flogging Molly’s music is a distinct fusion of Irish trad and embittered punk,

 JAMES HENDICOTT

as well as of the political and personal.

One of the band’s biggest hits ‘What’s Left of the Flag’, for example, superficially seems to be about raising the tattered relic of a country high and proud, but is actually a tribute to King’s late father.

Latest album ‘Life Is Good’ - at first glance a deeply sarcastic reference to the bitterness within is actually a tribute to his mother.

After what King describes as “a hard life,” she turned to him on her deathbed and asked him to live his to his full, as she had. He’d always seen her as struggling, but she felt differently.

“I lived in LA for 16 years and it’ll always be the band’s home,” King explains.

“Things are different today. I’ve been back in

Wexford for 13 or 14 years with Bridget, though we live some of the year in Detroit, too.

“We spend a lot of our lives on the road. You have to, that’s our bread and butter as a band.

“We’re just back from South America, and we were in the same airport three times in 30 hours.

“It gets a bit mad after a while, but we still have loads of ideas. I was on my phone yesterday, looking at notes from last year.

“When I’m touring, I write them down and then shut them off. I just add sayings to my phone and leave it at that.”

Much of Flogging Molly’s music obliquely references the politics of the time, and Trump, Brexit and the treatment of immigrants in particular has cut close to the bone.

“I think we see the world from an interesting perspective, spending so much time on the road,” King says.

“These days things are really lacking a sense of humour. I remember

when Bush was in charge, we made a video with Jello Biafra and Will Farrell for when we came on stage making fun of him, and everyone used to laugh at it, whatever side they were on. We couldn’t do that now.”

“The world is scary and divided. It’s the same with Trump, with Brexit... we’re dividing the place.

Our music is in good fun.

I mean, we’re dead serious about what we do, but it’s also about having a good time, and when we travel we see how great things could be. It’s such a shame.”

“We’ve had to put the brakes on a bit this year.”

King admits, after a quarter of a century of touring together.

“We could tour 24/7.

We need to tackle things a little differently now, but keeping everyone paid is a constant challenge.

“Albums were never the be all and end all, they’re just a part of the jigsaw puzzle. We’ve been lucky, but we still feel there’s so much room for growth.”

Flogging Molly play The Academy, Dublin on December 17.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

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

ENTERTAINMENT

STEPHEN HILLENBURG | CREATOR OF SPONGEBOB PASSES AWAY

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming highlights on the way

Strictly judge blasts pay rise demand by dancers A STRICTLY Come Dancing judge has slammed the professional dancers on the show for reportedly seeking a pay hike.

Judge of the ballroom dancing show, Craig Revel Horwood, slammed news that the professional dancers on the show are to join a union to campaign to get more pay.

“Go and do Cats [the musical] for 200 quid a week and see how you feel,” he told a UK newspaper when asked about the dancer’s apparant demands.

“This show puts them in the limelight,” Craig said.

Currently, the dancers reportedly earn £50,000 for a series of the popular BBC show.

“If they are doing what they normally do, which is competitive dance up in Blackpool, there would be 500 people interested. There are 12 million people interested in this show. They have all got Twitter accounts and they are all making money on the side doing something else. I think, ‘Isn’t that enough?’”

Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One.

Former marine biologist Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of Spongebob Squarepants, passed away last week

‘Loss of one of the greatest childhood icons of 2000s’ RACHEL D’ARCY

A G E N E R AT I O N i s m o u r n i n g fo l l ow i n g the death of Spongebob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg last week. He was 57.

Hillenburg, who was a marine biologist prior to creating the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon, passed away after a decade long battle with ALS. In a statement, Nickelodeon said: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. “He was a beloved friend and long-time crea-

tive partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family.

Steve imbued Spongebob Squarepants with a unique sense of humour and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere.

His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship, and the limitless power of imagination.”

Hillenburg began working in animation in 1987, and began working as a director and writer on

Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life from 1993 to 1996.

Following his time working on ‘Modern Life’, he began to work full time on writing, producing and directing Spongebob Squarepants.

First airing in 1999, in the 19 years since it first aired, Spongebob has run nearly 250 episodes to date and become a firm favourite of children and adults alike.

Fans of Spongebob and Hillenburg alike - took to social media following news of his passing.

“Hillenburg’s creations inspired me to pursue art,

and still inspire me every day. I know Spongebob is a huge part of people’s lives, and a huge tribute to comedy, imagination and heartfelt animation,” wrote one Twitter user.

Another tribute posted said: “I remember the days when I watched Sponge-

bob when I came home from school. I grew up with Spongebob, and still watch the show to this day.

The fact that Stephen Hillenburg passed away is really sad - we just lost one of the greatest childhood icons of the early-to-mid 2000s.”

THE ORIGINAL book that inspired hit series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is to get a sequel next year.

Author Margaret Atwood announced that ‘The Testaments’ will be released in September 2019, picking up 15 years after the origi-

nal book left off.

The television adaption of the original book has been hugely successful, attracting viewers from around the globe.

The Handmaid’s Tale revolves around a totalitarian society in what was once part of the United States, which treats women

as property of a state riddeled with a plummeting birth rate.

The few remaining fertile women are forced into ‘sexual servitude’ in an attempt to repopulate their world, with the show focusing on one of the women, Offred, as she tries to find her daughter.

LAST Friday’s Toy Show is officially Ireland’s most watched TV show in 2018, drawing in over 1.5 million viewers. The theme of this year’s toy extravaganza revolved around hit musical The Greatest Showman, with host Ryan Tubridy dressed as the ringleader of a circus-themed set.

Over 1.3 million people watched the show live on RTÉ One on Friday night, a 74% share of the audience at the time - and an 89% share amongst children.

On Saturday, 141,700 individuals watched a recording of the show, with a further 51,900 tuning in on Sunday. On top of this, another 113,000 watched the repeat viewing of the Toy Show on Saturday.

On the RTÉ player there were also record numbers, with streams increasing by 33% last year as 116,000 people watched online. Over 100,000 people also watched on catch-up, in over 100 countries outside of Ireland in places like Haiti, Mongolia and Myanmar.

Ariana Grande features in limited docuseries ches for Spongebob One of Hillenburg’s original sket

Original ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ book to get sequel in 2019 RACHEL D’ARCY

Toy Show is the most watched show of the year

In a press release, 79 year old Canadian Atwood said: “Dear Readers, everything you’ve ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book [The Testaments].

Well, almost everything!

The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living

in.”

The new novel - pegged for release on September 10th next year - will not be connected to the television adaption of the original 1985 book, as the TV series has now gone beyond Atwood’s original novel in order to continue Offred’s story.

POPSTAR Ariana Grande is the subject of a new four-part docuseries on Youtube, taking fans behind the scenes of her Dangerous Woman tour and the making of her latest album.

‘Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries’ debuted on Youtube’s Premium service last Thursday.

There are never before seen highlights from her Dangerous Woman tour, moments from the One Love Manchester benefit concert, and the making of her newest album ‘Sweetener’.

A premium subscription to Youtube costs €11.99 a month, after a month’s free trial.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

TRAVEL

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

Get relaxed and ready for Christmas at The Ice House Hotel in Mayo

NEW TRAVEL TREND | COSY UP AND CHILL OUT IN STYLE WITH A PRE-CHRISTMAS BREAK

Recharge with a short break before the Christmas rush SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor SINCE the Christmas countdown starts in October these days there’s a new travel trend emerging for stressed-out shoppers who want to recharge their batteries before the festivities begin.

The Nights Before Christmas is now a thing apparently – along with ‘Twixmas - and hotels around Ireland are getting in on the act with preChristmas breaks giving you the chance to cosy up and chill out in style.

The Ice House Hotel in Mayo is offering mid-week breaks from December 1-22 for €140 per room per night.

Price includes a festive cocktail on arrival, a festive threecourse dinner, overnight accommodation in a river view room and breakfast.

The deal also includes access

to the chill spa where you can take some time before you check out to experience the outdoor hot-tub, barrel sauna, relaxing chairs and outdoor seaweed baths, leaving you relaxed and ready for Christmas.

See www.icehousehotel.ie for more information.

If you fancy spending the weekend with Santa Claus you can begin the family festivities early at the Hillgrove Hotel & Spa in Monaghan.

The Secret Escape overnight package is available on Saturday, December 8 and 15 and includes bed and breakfast in a family room from €250 per family.

There’s plenty to see and do from the leisure centre to the games area and kids club activities with Sunday lunch and a visit to Santa’s grotto included.

The deal is based on two children under 12 and includes hot chocolate and cookies with Mrs Claus as well as a gift from the

big man himself. See www.hillgrove.com.

Shopaholics take note: the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Cork is offering relaxing shopping breaks from just €75 per person sharing.

Luxurious Begin by toasting your retail triumphs in the nearby Mahon Point shopping centre and the city centre with a luxurious afternoon tea with bubbly.

Then relax in your room with a movie or enjoy complimentary access to The Spa thermal suite and fitness club where you can rest your weary limbs in the hydrotherapy pool.

There’s also another chance for some Christmas shopping as guests receive a 20 per cent discount on all ELEMIS & Max Benjamin products available at The Spa. The package is available until December 22 and includes a

buffet breakfast.

See www.radissonblu.com/ hotel-cork for more details.

Slightly closer to home you can get your fashion fix with five-star treatment at The Savoy, Limerick which is just a five-minute walk from Brown Thomas where guests can spend their €30 gift card.

From €290 a night you can enjoy an overnight stay in an executive guest room, Prosecco afternoon tea, late breakfast and access to the thermal suite.

Late checkout is available until 2pm and full details are at www.savoylimerick.com.

On your doorstep is the shop and stay package at the Radisson in Dublin which is available for €200 per room per night.

Enjoy a signature cocktail on arrival, choose from a seasonal menu for dinner and a super breakfast the next morning.

See www.radissonblu.com/ royalhotel-dublin.

The library at The Savoy Hotel, Limerick

The Locke Lounge at The Savoy Hotel, Limerick

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

HOME & STYLE

COURTESY OF

TRAINER TIPS

Food swaps to help keep the holidays healthy THIS week we look at healthy alternatives for some of your favourite Christmas treats ‘TIS THE Christmas season and temptation is everywhere. The trainers at Iconic Health Clubs have put together some tips if you want to trim some festive calories without compromising on the taste.

Even on Christmas Day, when turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and ham are in abundance, make sure vegetables take up one third of the space on your dinner plate. If you’re in charge of cooking, steam the veg where possible or use only a small amount of water. Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots can all be served unbuttered. Use the veg water for gravy and any leftover vegetables in a delicious soup to help fill you up and keep down the calorie count in the days after Christmas.

MONSOON women and girls dasha sequin reindeer jumper and (right) blue star sequin jumpers. Womens €81 Girls €39

M��� �n� ��!

CHRISTMASTIME is a special time with your little ones and Monsoon can help mum’s and kids share some holiday style. Their matching knits for kids and ladies with sparkly designs are sure to be a hit. Designed exclusively in London, these sequined beauties will keep you both warm,cosy and fabulous! So snap one up for you and your Mini-Me! Available in store and online at www.monsoon.co.uk

BETTY AND BIDDY Betsy earrings BETTY AND BIDDY Crescent and Disc necklace

OHHHHH… SPARKLY!

Betty and Biddy are only too aware that Christmastime can put a strain on any fashionista’s budget but have no fear! Betty and Biddy’s delicate necklaces are priced at €16 and all statement earrings are priced at €15.

Enjoy delicate choker necklaces adorned with crescent moons, classic gold drop-necklaces with crosses and discs or go all out and opt for Beyoncéstyle tassel earrings too!

BETTY AND BIDDY Bright Shop the entire range at www.bettyandbiddy.com Bronze tassel earrings

SCRAMBLED EGGS: made with single cream and smoked salmon (465 calories, 27.8g fat) SWAP FOR: Scrambled eggs (made with skimmed milk) and smoked salmon (376 calories; 21g fat) Saving: 89 calories, 6.8g fat

protein and a low fat meat. Most of the fat that is present in a cooked turkey will be found in the skin. So don’t eat the skin.

3-4tbsp TRADITIONAL GRAVY MADE WITH FAT AND JUICES FROM THE TURKEY: (80 calories, 2g fat) SWAP FOR: 3-4tbsp of gravy made with granules (15 calories, 0.6g fat) Saving: 65 calories, 1.4g fat MINCE PIE WITH DOUBLE CREAM: (368 calories, 25g fat) SWAP FOR: A filo pastry mince pie with 1tsp of low fat Greek yoghurt (105 calories, 1.9g of fat) Saving: 263 calories, 23.1g fat 30g CHUNK OF STILTON: (123 calories, 10.5g fat) SWAP FOR: A 30g chunk of camembert (87 calories, 6.8g fat) Saving: 36 calories

MEDIUM-SIZED GLASS MULLED WINE: (245 calories, 0g fat) SWAP FOR: A glass of champagne (114 calories, 0g fat) Saving: 131 calories 4 SLICES ROASTED, SELF-BASTED TURKEY: (250 calories, 10g fat) SWAP FOR: 4 slices of roasted, freerange or organic turkey (149 calories, 4g fat). Serve it without the skin as most of the fat nestles just beneath.

Saving: 101 calories, 6g fat.

4 ROAST POTATOES: (381 calories, 12g fat) SWAP FOR: 4 boiled potatoes with knob of butter (250 calories; 2g fat) Saving: 131 calories, 10g fat The bird: Turkey is a great source of

And remember, never go really hungry to a Christmas party gathering.

You can be hungry, but when blood sugar is much too low from lack of protein, you’ll find yourself making a bee-line for the pastry table. Nibble on some protein before you leave the house to avoid over-eating at the pastry table. Try a few spoonsful of egg salad (or half of a hard-boiled egg), or a small scoop of tuna or chicken salad, a slice of turkey, wedge of cheese, or a handful of almonds.

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

Telephone: 01 405 3777 www.iconhealthclub.ie

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Opel Celebrates 120 Years with ‘Special Edition’ models OPEL will celebrate 120 years of car manufacturing in 2019 and thus 120 years of German engineering and innovative technologies, which the carmaker makes available to a broad range of customers – true to the

New Volvo XC40 Irish Car of the Year 2019.

Swedish automobile manufacturer, Volvo Cars, is going to need a bigger glass cabinet to hold all the awards it has won for its new XC40 premium compact SUV. Having been initially awarded the highly coveted title of ‘European Car of the Year 2018’, it was recently crowned overall ‘Irish Car of the Year 2019’ as well as being the winner in its own category too.

DECLAN GLYNN

THE new Volvo XC40 is a strong contender in the market for premium, compact SUV’s and is pitched against such talented rivals as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-PACE and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The new XC40 successfully blends comfort and cruising refinement, allowing all occupants to enjoy the trendy, minimalist cabin and the wonderful infotainment system.

Based on looks alone, the new XC40 is noticeably more youthful than its larger siblings – the XC60 and XC90.

The new XC40 was designed by British car designer Ian Kettle, who said that the inspiration for the car’s styling came from small robots that he saw in science-fiction movies.

The end result is lots of simple, clean, resolved lines - and an appearance that manages to look chunky and cute at the same time.

It’s helped by a further evolution of Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight motif at the front end.

C u r re n t l y, e n g i n e options in the new XC40 include a T3 petrol engine (front wheel drive) with 156bhp, a T4 petrol engine (all-wheel drive) with 190bhp, a D3 diesel (front wheel drive) with 150bhp and a D4 diesel (all-wheel drive) with 190bhp.

Manual and Automatic gearboxes are available depending on the model chosen, as is the option of 2WD or 4WD drivetrains.

There are four trim levels available in the new XC40 – an entry-level model just referred to as ‘XC40’, Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.

Standard equipment across the entire range includes alloy wheels, LED headlights with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime driving lights, a 12.3-inch Active TFT Crystal drivers information display, Rear Park Assist, cruise control with speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, Hill Decent Control, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated front seats, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, alarm system, multiple airbags, road-sign information system, Driver

Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid and many other safety, security and comfort features.

My test car was a new Volvo XC40 T3 ‘Inscription’ FWD model finished in Denim Blue metallic paint and mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox.

The, range-topping, Inscription specification is based on the impressively equipped ‘Momentum’ model but also benefits from the addition of a power operated tailgate, leather upholstery, power drivers seat with memory function, chrome window trim on lower section, keyless entry, Park Assist front & rear, auto-folding exterior mirrors, ‘Inscription’ logo in headrest upholstery, interior illumination package with second-row courtesy lighting, ‘Driftwood’ trim inlays, dual integrated exhaust pipes, front LED fog-lights, 18” 6-spoke matt-black diamond-cut alloy wheels, and ‘Inscription’ tread plates, while a whole host of optional features and combination packages are available for ultimate personalisation.

Opel motto ‘The Future is Everyone’s’.

To celebrate this special anniversary, Opel is launching the ‘120 Years’ special editions. Passenger car models such as the current Corsa, the bestselling Astra, the Crossland X, the Mokka X and the Grandland X right up to the Insignia flagship will be available in the ‘120 Years’ trim, featuring a wide range state-ofthe-art technologies, design and comfort features as standard.

Order books for the Corsa, Astra and Insignia ‘120 Years’ edition models are open now, while the Crossland X, Mokka X and Grandland X order books will open in December.

“Opel has been democratising mobility for 120 years. In our cars, we make trendsetting technologies

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in my test car produces an impressive 156bhp and 265Nm of torque for swift acceleration and confidence inspiring overtaking ability.

As little as 9.4-seconds is all that is required to catapult this 1.5-tonne SUV from 0 to 100km/h and on to a top speed of 200km/h.

A towing capacity (with a brake-equipped trailer) of between 1600kg and 2100kg is possible across the XC40 range – depending on the engine and transmission chosen.

Under the new WLTPI fuel consumption test system, the 1.5-litre petrol engine in my test car consumes as little as 7.1l/100km on a combined driving cycle (or 4.8l/100km on the NEDC test system).

Interior comfort in the new XC40 is fantastic, with the seats offering just the right amount of comfort, support and adjustability.

Head, leg and elbowroom in the cabin of the XC40 should be to everyone’s liking, thanks to the cars upright stance and broad aspect.

Prices for the new Volvo XC40 range start at €36,450 (excluding delivery & related charges) for the T3 FWD model I drove, with the D3 (turbo-diesel) FWD model priced from €39,230.

Funky on the outside, beautifully luxurious on the inside, comfortable and relaxing to drive, the new Volvo XC40 is a deserving winner of all the accolades it has received so far. I can sense more awards in the offing.

FACT BOX

1) European Car of the Year 2018 2) Irish Car of the Year 2019 3) 4 Impressive Specification Levels 4) Outstanding Safety Features 5) Priced From €36,450 (excluding delivery)

and features affordable for all groups of buyers. That is what we stand for! And that is why we are offering the special edition ‘120 Years’ trim level for so many of our models to mark the start of our anniversary,” said Xavier Duchemin, managing director sales, aftersales and marketing.

The special edition trim sits directly above the SC trim in most models and, depending on the model, includes assistance systems such as Park Assist or Cruise Control as standard.

Features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel and velour floor mats increase the level of comfort. The ‘120 Years’ models become true eye catchers with stylish alloy wheels, chrome elements, door sills with Opel lettering and of course the ‘120 Years’ badge. And all this is available at attractive prices. For example, the special edition Corsa is already available from €16,650, while the 120 Years anniversary Astra starts at €23,895.

Looking at the Astra in greater detail - the compact Opel bestseller already shines with assistance systems such as Hill Start Assist, Air Conditioning and Cruise Control as standard in its entry-level version.

Fog lamps and Rear Park Assist are added as standard on the ‘120 Years’ variant.

Heated front seats and the heated steering wheel along with the sight package including rain sensor, automatic headlamps with tunnel detection and automatic dimming rear-view mirror ensure comfortable temperatures and an increased level of safety on cold and wet days.

The ‘120 Years’ Opel Crossland X comes with the same standard features as the Astra. Furthermore, the SUV, which was successfully launched last year, features a heated ThermaTec windscreen for a clear view on frosty days.

Prices for the ‘120 Years’ Crossland X start at €23,095.

Visit www.opel.ie for further information.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

PUZZLES

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

SOCCER P36

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

BODEN DENIED HURLING: BALLYBODEN ST. ENDA’S were denied of a first ever AIB Leinster Senior Hurling Club title in Carlow on Sunday after coming up against a determined Ballyhale Shamrocks side, as the Kilkenny outfit continued their dominance of the provincial championship with a 16-point win over Joe Fortune’s charges at Netwatch Cullen Park.



GAZETTE

WINDSURFING P34

PAGE 38

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CRICKET | SANDYMOUNT MAN EXCITED ABOUT 2018 TEST SERIES

Balbirnie’s major Afgan step forward  sport@dublingazette.com

SANDYMOUNT man Andrew Balbirnie says Ireland’s first-ever overseas test match against Afghanistan in March 2019 in “a major step forward” for the sport in Ireland.

The test match, the first of two that the Ireland men’s team will play in 2019, is part of a nine-match series against Afghanistan that will include one test, five one-day internationals and three T20 internationals.

The fixtures will all be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun in India.

Former Pembroke batsman Balbirnie, 27, who has 86 caps for Ireland, said: “The Afghanistan series is a major step forward for Irish cricket as the tour is our first major tour as a full member.

“It will no doubt be a test for the entire squad – taking on Afghani-

stan in subcontinent conditions will require a level of adjustment by both our batting and bowling units.

As we saw here at home in the summer, Afghanistan is a quality side with some world-class players, and will be a great challenge in their ‘home’ conditions.

“We are fortunate that Graham Ford [Head Coach] has scheduled a batting camp in December which will provide a number of our batsmen with some exposure to those conditions – it will be particularly beneficial for some of the younger guys like Harry Tector and James McCollum who won’t have experienced Indian pitches.”

The level and regularity of topquality international cricket this year will be exciting for Irish cricket fans.

The year will start with this Afghanistan series and will involve a busy home schedule of matches involving multiple Full Member

Andrew Balbirnie takes on an extra level of responsibility for the new year in the wake of a number of high profile retirements.

nations - starting with an ODI against England at Malahide in May. There’s also the Lord’s Test against England in July and the year will end with the T20 World Cup qualifier tournament in October.

“With the retirements this year

of Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien and John Anderson, we know that this is a year that will require the entire squad to step up, and it will also present some of the younger guys with opportunities to stake their claim for national selection.

“It’s an exc iting time to be involved in Irish cricket.”

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

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

HARD luck to our senior hurlers in the Leinster club hurling final. Thank you to all the team, management and supporters over the last few months.

Congratulations to Sinead Burke on her first all star. Great achievement.

Quality Christmas trees on sale at Boden Clubhouse over the next two weekends.

Congrats to our minor camogie girls who overcame 3-12 to 2-6 against Ballinteer St Johns in the minor semi-final There was no winner of this week’s lotto. Next week’s lotto is €3,500. The numbers drawn were 25, 1, 21 and 17.

Have you bought your Boden 50th anniversary calendar? They are available in the clubhouse and only €5.

Boden News Time - Yes, it’s back! If you have a report or any photos, please email bodengaa2018@gmail.com or sineadryanmedia@gmail. com. Deadline is the December 14.

Player of the Match Katie Murray and Captain Sarah Murphy after Clontarf’s Ladies IFC win..

Picture: GAApics. com

Ballyboden in Leinster final action against Ballyhale Shamrocks. Picture: John Kirwan

GFC ST MARY’S BIG thank you to all members who attended the club’s AGM last Thursday, November 29.

Executive Committee Officers 2019: Chairman: Pat Farrelly; Vice Chair: Conor Lehane; Secretary: Stephen Murphy; Treasurer: Sharon Redmond; Registrar: Sioban Moran Club Membership will be due from 1st January 2019, rates for 2019, Adult Playing Member €140; 3rd level student/ Unemployed Player €75; Non-Playing or Associate Member €75; Juvenile €60; Senior Citizen €20; Family Membership €180.

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

Pitch is closed until further notice due to repairs works commenced.

Monthly Whist takes place this Thursday 830pm, in the club lounge. New players are welcome to join.

Monthly Ceile takes place on Saturday from 8.30pm with the Bartla O’Flaharta ceile Band.

New Dancers are always welcome.

Lotto numbers drawn this week were 4-9-2426. There was no winner so next week’s Jackpot will be €6200.

There was one Match 3 winner, Charlie O’Gara, 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.

WINDSURFING: 50-KNOT BARRIER SMASHED BY DUBLINER

Van Gelderen feels the need for speed

Loughshinny man pushes the limits in the Namibian outback to become the firsh Irish man to break the 50-knot barrier by wind power alone with more to come from this particular thrill-seeker

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH CHAMPION windsurfer Oisin Van Gelderen has smashed his own national speed record, briefly topping 50 knots as he raced in a gale force wind in Namibia late last month.

Dubliner Van Gelderen - who hails from Loughs h i n ny i n t h e n o r t h county - is a 27 time Irish national champion across various windsurfing disciplines, but has long had his eye on the elusive 50 knot mark.

A unique Namibian course, which opens specifically for the purpose of speed racing in the town of Luderitz annually, offered the perfect opportunity.

Sticking to the task at the World Speed Sailing Championships for three weeks, Van Gelderen’s best run saw him tackle 90 kmph winds, setting a national record for average speed over 500 metres of 47.97 knots (88.85kph), and peaking at a speed of 50.8knots (94kph).

T h e s p e e d c o n te s t takes place in a specially dug sand channel on the Luderitz coast, where competitors can take advantage of a rare combination of flat water and extremely high winds to push the boundaries of speed. Van Gelderen describes the monthlong contest as “all about PBs.” “It’s in the middle of nowhere, a town about the size of Dun Laoghaire seven hours from the next town,” Van Gelderen explains.

“We’re definitely thrill seekers. I “I was already the Irish record holder, I went 42 guess you could call us adrenaline knots in France a few junkies,” he laughs. years ago, but I’d been saving for three years to do this.

“It cost about €10,000 to come out here for three weeks and go for the record. It was really a personal challenge, but there are very few events when you can do this. I was very happy to get in this year.” “ T h e w i n d a l w ays comes from the same direction here and there’s “Windsurfing feels a bit like rida very flat course dug out ing go karts as you’re so close to the of the sand.

“You get the smallest board and biggest sail you can. I’m quite light for a speed windsurfer, most are 100kg plus and I’m 82kg, so I carry 16kgs on lead weights to help me hold the sail!

“We all go down this channel that’s about 4.5 or 5 metres wide, down the flatter side at 90 or 95 kmph. It’s a risk. People do hit the sand banks at high speed.

“One guy broke four ribs hitting the side and another left a big imprint in the sand. It takes years of practise to be able to cope with these kind of conditions.

“In Ireland, we chase s to r m s o n t h e we s t coast,” Van Gelderen adds.

“People think we’re crazy but it’s very considered and we know what we’re doing. We can do big wave sailing all over the west coast.

“There are some places, like a sandbank off Dungarvan, where you can get conditions for high speeds but you have to be lucky.

“

We all go down this channel that’s about 4.5 or 5 metres wide, down the flatter side at 90 or 95 kmph.

It is a risk.

”

ground. Because you’re holding the sail up, you feel every aspect, and you have to constantly adjust to keep control.

“When you’re planing across the water, it just feels really fast.

“The next thing will be foils. I’ve only tried it in low wind so far.

“It’s very difficult to control, but really efficient. You can go 25 knots in 7 or 8 knot wind.

“It’s not really safe yet, but it’s going to revolutionise windsurfing.”

“I hope to go out to Namibia again.

I was helped a lot by ProClima, my sponsor, and I don’t know if I can ask for that kind of money a second time.

“But I spent the last few days working on my acceleration at the start, so maybe there’s more to come.”

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

SOCCER: CAPITAL’S HOSTING HANDS IRELAND EASIER DRAW

FAST SOCCER Defence Forces call up strong LSL contingent

New Republic of Ireland coaching ticket Robbie Keane and Mick McCarthy. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Destination Dublin a saving grace for Mick  DAVE DONNELLY

MICK McCarthy admits his heart was in his mouth when the Republic of Ireland were drawn alongside the Netherlands and Germany at Dublin’s Convention Centre T h e re we re ga s p s around the docksides building as it appeared Ireland were to suffer the ‘group of death’ in qualification for Euro 2020 which, for the first time, will see games staged in the capital.

And it was Dublin’s status as a host city – one of 11 across Europe in a one-off event to celebrate the competition’s 60th anniversary – that saved McCarthy’s side the roughest possible draw.

As both Amsterdam and Munich are set to host games, UEFA’s rule that no

more than two host cities can contest the same group meant Ireland were moved to the more modest Group D. Instead, Northern Ireland were drawn into what both McCarthy and Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill described as the ‘group of death.’

T h e Re p u b l i c w i l l i n s t e a d f a c e U E FA Nations League semifinalists Switzerland, Denmark, Georgia and Gibraltar with the top two going straight into the finals.

The Boys in Green will kick things off in McCarthy’s first game in charge away to Gibraltar, either in the statelet or their regular base of Faro in Portugal, before Georgia visit the Aviva Stadium.

“Everybody who was still in that pot were think-

ing they were going to be in that group and you heard the reaction to it,” a relieved McCarthy said after the draw.

“It’s like the old cliché ‘Group of Death’ everybody thought.

“I laughed because I was fully expecting to be in that group, being sod’s law, you think you will get it.

“And then because it’s in Dublin, somebody will be thinking there was some skulduggery going on somewhere.

“I don’t know why, it was like someone with their magic fingers on the laptop shifted us to, I guess, a collective sigh of relief.

“But it is a bit of a premature sign of relief when you have got Switzerland and Denmark in the group.”

There’s a degree of familiarity between two of the sides in the group and Ireland, and the manager will have a tough job to get the time ready without any friendly games in the lead-in.

Ireland have faced Denmark four times in just over a year, with a 5-1 defeat in Dublin ending Martin O’Neill’s World Cup dreams and a scoreless draw last month proving to be his last as coach.

Georgia have now been drawn in Ireland’s group for the last three qualifying campaigns and, somewhat ominously, have improved each time and got their first ever drawn in Tbilisi last time out.

“I haven’t [played against them] but the lads will have played against them so maybe it will be a good thing. It’s a different

competition.

“If you’re playing in a league, every year you play the same teams. You go back and play them every year. So do you get familiar with them? I don’t think you have to change things.

“If anybody’s taking us for granted or will treat us with a bit of contempt, as I’ve just been asked about Denmark, I don’t think for one minute anyone will.”

Danish assistant manager Jon Dahl Tomasson admitted his side were pleased with their draw and to be coming back to Dublin once more.

He said: “I enjoy coming back. It’s a lovely place.

“I always look at possibilities. I’m always positive and I believe in our strength in ourselves regardless of which team we are playing.”

A LARGE number of Dublin club players have been named in the Irish Defence Forces’ 19-man squad for this week’s qualifiers for the 2019 CISM World Military Games.

St Francis’s Ken Deegan and Lucan Unitd’s Darren Kelly will vye for the goalkeeping duties while the defensive line-up includes Ballymun United’s Chris Doolan, St Francis’s David Long and St Patrick’s CY’s Dean Tilley.

In midfield, Shamrock Rovers Ricky Fox and Chris Kenny (pictured) are involved along with Sacred Heart’s Glenn Fulham and St Mochta’s Sean Poutch. Up front, Cherry Orchard’s Adrian Rafferty leads the line.

Six European teams are battling it out for three spots to qualify for next year’s competition in China. Ireland will face France and Lithuania, knowing their spot is guaranteed if they win the three-team group. Secondplace could also be enough for the side to progress.

Kenny has represented the team before at international level, and he says the pride of representing his country on the field is the highlight of his footballing career.

“My job as a soldier is to represent my country on a daily basis. One of my first loves is football. To get to represent your country doing that, no matter what the level is an unbelievable achievement. I’m just happy to get the opportunity to do so again.”

The squad travelled to Harskamp in the Netherlands on Sunday, before their opening match against Lithuania.

Niall Corbet and Daniel Mandroiu

BOHS SIGN NEW QUARTET BOHEMIANS have confirmed to announce the signings of goalkeeper Niall Corbet, defenders James Finnerty and Michael Barker, and midfielder Daniel Mandroiu.

As well as the new arrivals, defender Paddy Kirk and striker Ryan Swan have both re-signed for 2019.

Corbet, 24, joins after a season with Waterford having previously been with UCD where he was PFAI First Division Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017.

Manager Keith Long said: “Niall is a good age for a goalkeeper with his prime still very much ahead of him but with good experience in the

league already.

“Obviously there is a big void to fill with Shane Supple retiring but Niall and James Talbot are two excellent keepers who I believe will push one another.”

Finnerty, 19, comes to Dalymount from Rochdale having spent three years with Aston Villa.

Barker rejoins Bohemians after five years away with UCD, Bray Wanderers and, most recently, St Patrick’s Athletic. A local from Ballymun, Mandroiu, 20, comes to Dalymount from Brighton’s Under-23s having played with St Kevin’s Boys in his youth career.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

SOCCER: CRUMLIN STRENGTHEN PLACE IN SUNDAY SENIOR

LUCAN SARSFIELDS LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to Minor A Camogie who beat Castleknock in theto Shield semi-final.

WELL done the Junior A la Hard luck to our Minor footballers who lost out in the Championship Final to Castleknock, also commiserations to our Minor B Camogie team who lost the Championship semi-final.

We are delighted to confirm Barry Whelan as our new Senior Football manager. Barry has previously worked with our Inter team and played Senior football with the club for over 15 years representing Dublin at minor level, and is owner of Endeavour Gym. He was formally ratified by the Executive on Friday following endorsement by the selection committee of Mick Bowler, Ben Murphy, Mick Kilduff, Paul Casey, Aidan Glover and Fergal Gavin.

The Christmas Draw tickets are out–All households/registered families should have received one book (10 tickets) to sell, if everyone makes a big effort just to sell one book this will be a HUGE success. It is a vital fundraiser for the club to ensure we can keep supporting our 140+ teams’ activities. There will be an opportunity to sell tickets in SuperValu in the coming period. We do ask Mentors to remind parents and members, players and supporters to return tickets ASAP. Lotto There was no winner of the lotto on the 29th November; Numbers were 14, 15, 22 and 27. Next weeks’ jackpot €7,000, draw will be managed by Gerry McAndrew and is sponsored by Diamond and Gem Jewellers. Play Online here, Or Tickets can be purchased at the Club, or in Kenny’s Vesey Arms.

Also this week we have the Turkey draw.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN A CHAMPIONSHIP final awaits our Under 21 footballers following their win over St Margaret’s Saturday afternoon. The fixture is scheduled for next weekend and details will be published online when finalised.

Congratulations to Marie Crotty who was inducted into the Ladies Gaelic Football Association Hall of Fame Saturday nightto at their FOLLOWING defeat All Star Awards ceremony.

Naomh O Congratulations also to our very own Tommy Keogh and Jim Gavin who were honoured at the South Dublin County Council Community Endeavour Awards. Tommy was named volunteer of the year and Jim received the Special Recognition Award.

Club Members and supporters are urged to support our Christmas Draw 2018.

This draw is an essential fundraiser that will support us in fielding 35 juvenile teams across all codes representing the club in 2019.

We ask all Club Members to sell at least one book of tickets to support the draw that will take place Monday

17th December. Anyone seeking tickets can contact Frank at 086 3786356 or Billy at 087 2766825.

On Sunday 16th December Dublin will play Meath in a fundraiser for Seán Cox, who was seriously injured in Liverpool last April. Seán formerly played for Towers and also served on our Club Executive. Throw-in at Pairc Tailtean is 1.30pm, with tickets available at gaa. tickets.ie. During the month of December our Lotto will feature three extra prizes of €50.

Our Lotto is a vital fundraiser to support us in the day-to-day running of the club. We urge all Members and supporters to please support it. You can sign up and play the Lotto online via our website for as little as €2 per week.

Round Tower Lotto 26th November 2018. Jackpot €6,200. Numbers drawn 6,16,17,25, bonus ball 26.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. 3 x €100 winners: Eamon McCabe, Catherine White, Ann & Maria.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

Crumlin’s LSL Sunday Senior team

Brady’s stroke of luck bolsters Crumlin lead LSL SUNDAY SENIOR

Crumlin United Bluebell United  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

1 0

CRUMLIN United put further distance into their lead at the head of the LSL Sunday Senior, stretching their advantage to 10-points following a breath-taking start to the season, They got one over their perennial rivals and reigning champions Bluebell by the narrowest of margins last Sunday.

Andy Noonan’s physical Bluebell side are always going to be a threat and their trip to Armagh Road had the potential to be the season’s turning point. The

tight, scrappy contest felt like a table-topping clash, too.

In a bitty first half, Bell had slightly the better of the opening 15 minutes, their energetic pressing game forcing Crumlin into some rushed clearances. Though the home side had little more to deal with than a couple of slow-paced shots, they had trouble holding the ball in the early stages, and came under substantial pressure.

Much of the game was being played around the middle, with the majority of attacking balls being cut out in the channels, though Gary Seery on the Bluebell right looked a consistent threat as he ran at the Bluebell back-

line.

The game continued in a similar bent: two evenly matched sides with strong defences and lacking a little attacking bite.

As Crumlin got to grips with Bluebell’s high press, few clear chances on goal presented themselves.

The only solid chance fell to the visitors, a well worked move down the right hand side that ended with Crumlin’s ‘keeper forced into a save with his feet from ten years out.

The second half continued in a similar vein, though Crumlin were now asserting more of the modest pressure. There was also a growing snark to the game, particularly around Bluebell’s two large centre backs, both of

whom were getting stuck into some meaty challenges, and causing chaos as they stormed forward for set pieces.

Alan McGreal had a strong claim for a penalty denied when he turned and shot on the edge of the box for Crumlin, with the winger’s attacking intent down the left hand side becoming an increasingly key part of the game.

It was from that win that the home side did go ahead on 75 minutes, when left back Garrett Brady broke down the wing and crossed from out wide. It evaded everyone and fell in the corner of the Bluebell net to put the league leaders ahead.

McGreal had a strong chance to make it two

shortly afterwards but spun the ball wide under pressure from two Bluebell defenders.

From then on, the pressure came almost entirely from Bluebell as they launched a series of late set pieces and high balls into the Crumlin box.

The goal wasn’t forthcoming and, aside from a couple of pressured scrambles free of the six yard box, it never looked particularly likely.

Crumlin’s win is vital and cements their position at the summit of the Sunday Senior division where nearest challengers Killester Donnycarney and Bluebell United will have to hope for a collapse if they are to close that gap at the top.

Murtagh hat-trick fires Rangers through

FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP Newtown Rangers Ringmahon Rangers  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

3 0

LEE Murtagh scored a hat-trick as Newtown Rangers breezed into the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup with a 3-0 win over Cork’s Ringmahon Rangers on Sunday afternoon.

The former Shelbourne striker put the Tallaght side two goals to the good before

half time and completed his trinity late on to earn a spot in the qualifying draw for the FAI Senior Cup. Dano Purdy scored an injury-time equaliser in Douglas a week earlier to earn a replay, and the LSL Sunday Senior 1 side put in a dominant performance in the replay at O’Farrell Park.

Murtagh opened the scoring midway through the first half as he cut in from the right and drove a shot into the corner before heading home a Purdy cross on the half hour.

The former Ireland junior international slid in to turn home a cross from former Firhouse Clover striker Carl Wynne to seal the win with ten minutes remaining.

“It was a great result,” Newtown manager Glenn Madden told the Dublin Gazette.

“It’s the first time we’ve played really well for 90 minutes. One to 11, and even the lads who came on, they were excellent.

“No faults and, of course, Lee with the three, it’s great for him to get amongst the goals as a striker.”

6 December 2018 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

R2

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

n Jim Gavin, Dubli r Football Manage a rn Lo and ty Robinson, Coun & ion ot om Pr Tourism SDCC

Jim Gavin, Dublin Football Manager and Mayor Mark Ward, South Dublin County Council

Jim Gavin, Dublin Football Manager, Mayor Mark Ward, South Dublin County Council Shane Young, Killary Gaelforce Michael McAdam, Head of LEO & Tourism

A fresh start to 2019?

On the 4th of December Gaelforce Dublin launched its third year hosting an action packed adventure race within South Dublin THIS EVENT Showcases some amazing landscapes right on our door step - where urban meets rural. Gaelforce Dublin has established itself as the kick-off adventure race for the 2019 season, which is showcased by the fact that it was awarded the Best Sporting Event Award from the Event Industry Awards in 2018. Hard to believe that such amazing adventures like this can take place in a city, but this is no urban myth!

Nikki Darling, who took on the challenge in 2018 summed it up nicely: “What an event! Very tough and very rough, but the encouragement and support and fun along the way was tremendous!"

Gaelforce Dublin is the first race in the newly launched Gaelforce Adventure Racing Series Pass, which grants you entry to four unique Adventure Races all over Ireland. Besides Gaelforce Dublin, this pass will include entries to Gaelforce West, Gaelforce Conne-

mara and Gaelforce North.

In 2019 Gaelforce Events are saying goodbye to plastic bottles and are estimated that this action alone will

save 6000 single use plastic bottles. They are encouraging people to bring their own refillable water bottles and will provide water stations to fill up bottles. Killary Gaelforce is determined to make their events more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Killary Gaelforce have recently partnered up with Jigsaw for their 2019 events. Jigsaw is an amazing

charity supporting young people's mental health services. The charity operates a service in Tallaght and Gaelforce are delighted to support jigsaw in promoting the charity and raising vital funds.

Trail running on Kippure Mountain, cycling the highways and byways and a kayak on Bohernabreena reservoir with some of Ireland’s most dramatic backdrops en route.

There are 2 distances to choose from - 29km or 49km, making this a perfect race for first timers as well as seasoned adventure racers.

If you are craving adventure then this is the event for you, so bring your bike and let's go!

Full details of the event, are available here https://gaelforceevents. com/en/gaelforce-dublin Gaelforce Dublin is supported by South Dublin County Council, Dublin’s Outdoors and South Dublin Chamber.

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 6 December 2018

ROUND

CLUB NOTES ST. PATRICK’S PALMERSTOWN

3

PRIDE of place this weekend goes to our senior footballers with a brilliant two point win over Fingal Ravens in their relegation play-off on Sunday morning. It was a great game which saw many fine performances as Pats staged a thrilling come-back in the second half.

On behalf of everyone in the club, well done to the players and managers.

Well done also and thank you to the fantastic support on the side-lines. The huge crowd made for a great atmosphere in Glenaulin and an occasion to remember.

Hard luck to the minor camogie team who fought hard and never gave up in their match. Their next game is away to Thomas Davis on Sunday. All support welcome.

Attention now turns to our big event of the year - Lip Sync in Westmanstown next Friday. Tickets for the event are available from Gill Pickett at 087 2269059. Buses will be leaving from the Palmerstown House, and can be booked from Gill.

Well done to the U7 girls who hosted a very successful sponsored walk to help raise funds for Lip Sync.

We had a well-attended Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening.

Officers elected for next year are Paul Murphy, Chairman; James Daly, Vice Chairman; John Maguire, Treasurer; and Gerry McDonagh, Secretary. The Chairman thanked everyone for their hard work during the year, a lot has been achieved, and working together we will continue to build the club in the year ahead.

The numbers in the Lotto draw were 8, 9, 20 and 21. There was no jackpot winner. We had one match 3 winner – John Bates who won €200.

The jackpot next week will be €7,200. The draw takes place on Sunday night in the Palmerstown House at 10pm. Tickets available online at www. locallotto.ie; Anchor and from SuperValu, Palmerstown House, Manor Hair Studios, Mullingar House, and Chapelizod Post Office. Many thanks to all our ticket sellers and supporters

THOMAS DAVIS HARD luck to the U21 footballers who lost out in Sunday’s U21 A final. Trailing 1-2 to 0-6 at half time after a well contested first half, two second half goals would prove to be crucial for Ballymun as they pulled away in the final eight minutes to win 2-14 to 1-7.

Well done to Ballymun Kickhams G.A.C. It’s always a bitter pill to swallow losing a championship final but this group can be very proud of their efforts over the last 5 weeks and with all players bar 2 eligible for U21 again next year the future looks bright on Kiltipper Road. Thanks to the management team of Shane, Peter, Danny and Adam for taking out the team this year.

Well done to Siobhain McGrath on winning her third all star on Saturday night.

Hard luck to Olwen Carey. Two All-Stars in our eyes after a great year for both players.

Two fantastic role models on and off the

pitch.

Our Adult awards night takes place this Friday at 8pm, thanks to Peadar Browns who have kindly sponsored the 1st prize in the FREE raffle for everyone in attendance on the night. *Raffle tickets will be given out by barstaff on the night. All club members, friends and family are welcome.

Thomas Davis GAA Club will host both Dublin & Cork U16A Camogie teams this Sunday December 9th for two pre season challenge games at 11.30am and 12.45pm respectively.

As part of Government ,Gaa Lgfa and The Camogie Association legislation all mentors involved in training persons under 18 must have Garda Vetting . No Exceptions will be allowed . Please contact Deirdre Halpin 085-1569092 for further details .

Vetting can also be done online.

ST. ANNE’S ST. ANNE’S Under 8’s footballers played their final game of the year on Saturday against Thomas Davis all the children showed great skills in tough conditions and were a credit to their clubs well done to all the coaches involved.

Well done to the Under 9’s who had their end of year outing on Saturday. We hope you all had a great time!! Well done to the coaches and enjoy the break!!

There was no winner of this weeks Lotto. Numbers were 8, 18 & 26. The Jackpot next week is 2000 Euro.

5 x 100 Euro winners - Stephen Doyle C/O Leo Clayton; Mack on Tour C/O Pat Anderson; Darragh & Daniel Bergin C/O Niall Bergin; Doreen Caswell C/O Pat Moran; Bernie Fay C/O Pat Ridgeway. The lucky number was 29 with four winners.

Juvenile presentations this Sunday 9th of December from 1.30pm. A very special visitor is coming to say hello at 2pm always a great day of fun and excitement for the children.

Players night 2018 is the 15th of December and it is nearly upon us. This year the entertainment is being handed over to you along with DJ Deco each adult team is to come up with a playlist and guest DJ to do a set. The best set and DJ will be voted on and we will have a winner so which team will win ? We will meet at 9pm and presentations start at 10pm sharp with or without you and that’s not a hint for a song!!!!!!

HURLING : HEART BREAK FOR BALLYBODEN

Strong Shamrocks deny Ballyboden in Leinster Final AIB LEINSTER SHC FINAL Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-21 Ballyboden St. Enda’s 0-11  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

B A L LY B O D E N S T ENDA’S came through an epic double-extra time semi-final to reach their Le inster Senior Club Hurling Championship final against Kilkenny’s most successful club side on Sunday, but on arrival found themselves overmatched.

The south Dubliners had stayed within reasonable touching distance of Henry Shefflin’s Ballyhale Shamrocks throughout the first half, but the arrival of harsh weather at Netwatch Dr Cullen Park in Carlow seemed to result in their downfall.

Adrian Mullen had lashed Ballyhale’s first goal after just eight minutes, but what followed was a period in which the men in blue and white outscored their illustrious opponents, and began to look a genuine threat.

‘Boden had hit 0-7 to Ballyhale’s 0-3 and tied the contest before TJ Reid and brother Eoin had a dominant pre-half time period that saw them go in leading 1-9 to 0-8.

At that point, while Ballyhale were certainly favourites, ‘Boden’s Colm Basquel was proving a nice foil to Paul Ryan’s frees, and they remained a real threat in the contest.

Sadly, the second half proved to be a bit of a bloodbath for the Dublin champions, who struggled in the deteriorating conditions, and notched only three second half

points, whilst conceding more than they did in the first half.

Basquel threatened, but never quite recaptured his fierce semifinal antics, and by the time Mullen hit his second goal of the game, ‘Boden’s Championship run already looked little more than dead in the water.

There are tough lessons to be learnt in Leinster, particularly against the likes of Ballyhale. In the long term, perhaps ‘Boden’s harsh experience in this final will stand to them as they look to add their name to Cuala’s recent double and 1979 winners Crumlin as the only ever Dublin winners of the Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship.

“I won’t look for excuses,” manager Joe Fortune said after the game.

“They were by far the better team on the day.

Especially in the second half. They came out on top.

“We have had a serious journey this year. There’s a lot of people who wrote that team off over the last couple of years.

“Look, they’ve given everything! Everything I’ve asked them to do.

Just on the day itself, Ballyhale were that bit better.

“That wind changed.

When we came back out in the second half, I couldn’t believe it. There was a gale blowing there and look, small little things like that can drive the other team on.

“But I’m not going to look for excuses today.

I don’t do that with any team that I’ve looked after. It’s always the better team on the day that

Ballyboden were curbed by a strong Ballyhale Shamrocks side in the second half of Sunday’s AIB Leinster Senior Club Hurling Final in Carlow

will win it.

“From an outsiders perspective, it might have looked like a poor showing at times.

“We kept at it and just came up against a team on the day that everything seemed to go for them. They kept going until the very end.

“I just want to make clear again that I can’t commend them enough for what they’ve done this year for me.

“Winning a county title is hard enough to do and just coming back in and getting a good run in Leinster – those lads will be devastated now.”

BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS: Dean Mason; Brian Butler, Joey Holden, Darren Mullen; Evan Shefflin (0-01), Michael Fennelly (0-01), Richie Reid; Conor Wals h, Ronan Corcoran; Adrian Mullen (2-1), TJ Reid (0-9, 0-8f), Brian Cody; Eoin Reid (0-3), Colin

Fennelly (0-2) , Eoin Cody (0-3). Subs: Gavin Butler for Walsh (39), Mark Aylward (0-1) for Brian Cody (45), Joey Cuddihy for Eoin Reid (54), Paddy Mullen for Corcoran (57), Kevin Mullen for Butler (57).

BALLYBODEN ST. ENDA’S: Gary Maguire; David O’Connor, Luke Corcoran, James Madden; Simon Lambert, David Curtin, Dean Curran; Shane Durkin (0-1), Stephen O’Connor; Conal Keaney, Conor Dooley, Niall McMorrow (0-1); Aidan Mellett, Colm Basquel (0-2), Paul Ryan (0-5, 4f). Subs: Niall Ryan (0-2) for Dooley (30+2), Paul Doherty for Mellett (38), Finn McGarry for Curran (47), Conor McCormack for David O’Connor (49) , Malachy Travers for Stephen O’Connor (56).

REFEREE: Patrick Murphy (Carlow).

PREVIEWS DECEMBER 8 & 9

AT CINEMAS DECEMBER 12