Dublin Gazette: West Edition

DublinGazette DECEMBER 5-11, 2019

IN THE VULTURES’ SIGHTS...

me is EXCLUSIVE: Don’t despair if your ho week, being circled by a vulture fund – this 2-13 we have some great advice to help P1

West Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Santa Claus is coming to town

Gillian and Mick Harvey with Chloe (2) and Sophie (5) from Templeogue at the five-star Palmerstown House Estate for the launch of Santa’s House Express. Santa’s House express is open until December 23rd with fun for all the family.

SPORT GAA: End of an era as

Jim Gavin walks away from the Dublin Senior Footballers.

SEE P31 & 32

travel

THIS STAYCATION IS SURE TO WOW BY NEXT SUMMER P18 Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Newley elected Ward takes aim at Murphy in chamber Housing Minister under pressure

PADRAIG CONLON

IT MIGHT not have been as shocking as Jim Gavin’s retirement, but Mark Ward’s victory in the Dublin Mid-West by - election was unexpected.

The new Sinn Fein TD, an avid Dubs fan, produced a victory his fellow Clondalkin

man would have been proud of.

Most of the pre-election talk was of a potential battle for Frances Fitzgerald’s old seat between her party colleague, Councillor Emer Higgins and Independent Councillor, Paul Gogarty.

But when the first ballot boxes were opened, a different story started emerging

and it looked like the government were going to take a kicking in Dublin Mid-West.

Cllr Ward led from the start and following nine counts, was deemed elected with 24% of the first preference votes, Cllr Higgins was second with 19%, third was Cllr Gogarty with 13% and Fianna Fail’s Shane Moynihan was fourth with 11%.

TURN TO PAGE 2

Respite closure to have effect

THE head of a local organisation for people with disabilities has blasted a decision to close a holiday and respite centre in the west of Ireland.

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) has said it must shut the Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort in Roscommon citing a lack of funding.

SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

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SINN FEIN TD ASKS MINISTER MURPHY TO RESIGN HIS POSITION

Sinn Fein take by-election by storm and waste no time FROM PAGE 1

The local electorate’s interest in the by - election was minimal and this was shown in the record low turnout of 26%.

Only 19,447 votes were cast but Sinn Fein managed to poll very strongly in working class areas following a well fought campaign.

Mark Ward, who joins party colleague Eoin O Broin as the second Sinn Fein TD for Dublin MidWest, said his victory was an indicator of local people’s feelings towards the government.

“We got the message on the doors, we knocked on all the houses in Dublin

“

Minister your housing policies have failed, your term as Housing Minister must come to an end

Mid-West and the message we got is that people in Dublin Mid-West are sick to the back teeth of austerity politics,” he said.

“They’re sick of waiting lists in hospitals, waiting for housing and people being put to the pin of their collars with high rents.”

The new local TD didn’t have to wait too long for his first major act in the

Dail, when he entered Leinster House on Tuesday.

Deputy Ward used his maiden speech to urge TDs to support a motion of no confidence in Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy taking place later on Tuesday night.

“Homeless figures are up again, the normalisation of this crisis is not normal” Deputy Ward said.

Newley elected Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward address the Dail chambers on Tuesday

“And this housing crisis is not normal…it’s not normal having 4,000 children spending Christmas in a hub, in a B&B, in a hotel, in temporary accommodation.

“Minister, your housing policies have failed, your

term as Housing Minister must come to an end,” Deputy Ward said.

“To the two new Fianna Fáil TDs who joined me here today, I have a message for you, you did not get elected to sit on your hands.”

The Housing Minister,

Eoghan Murphy went on to just about survive the

motion of no confidence

with TDs voting by 56 votes to 53 against the motion, with 35 absten-

tions.

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

GOODBYE: PIPER AND POSTMAN PAYS HOMAGE AT GRAVESIDE

Tallaght man honoured to play at funeral of RTE icon PADRAIG CONLON pconlon@dublingazette.com

A RENOWNED uilleann piper from Tallaght has spoken of his pride at performing at Gay Byrne’s funeral.

Piper and postman Eamonn Walsh from St Maelruan’s Park, a world champion and master musician, answered the call to provide the music at the legendary broadcaster’s funeral last month.

Eamonn, who is a member of “Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann”, played as the cortege arrived at the gates of St Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton and again at the graveside.

Among the pieces of music Eamonn played was “The Parting Glass” and “You Raise Me Up” as the cortege arrived at the gates of the cemetery.

After the coffin was lowered into the grave, Eamonn played “Gabriel’s Oboe” composed by Ennio Morricone from the Film “The Mission”.

“I received a round of applause after the lament,” Eamonn told Dublin Gazette.

“Gay Byrne’s wife Kathleen Watkins and members of the

Piper Eamonn Walsh

Byrne family thanked me and said they were deeply moved by the beautiful haunting sound of the Uilleann Pipes.

“I do a lot of funerals, I think the haunting sound of the pipes help people to cry, they’re much nicer than Bag Pipes.”

FASTNews

Campaign growing to save the convent SAVE Clondalkin Convent Campaign continue their campaign with a candlelight vigil in the grounds of The Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Killian in Clondalkin village this Saturday 7th December at 7:15 pm.

On 19th November, An Bord Pleanala granted permission to the Presentation Order and Bartra to build a 155 bedroomed commercial nursing home and a 14 bedroomed retirement home for the nuns beside and attached to the iconic 19th century convent.

Bartra will own the new buildings, all the land and the convent itself. The convent interior, reputedly unchanged since 1857, will be converted to accommodate 140 permanent staff.

Many local people feel dismayed and angry.

The land for the commercial nursing home has been a playing ground for local schoolchildren for many years. Save Clondalkin Convent campaigners say they have carried out extensive research and will continue to “raise respectful doubts about the ownership of the convent and the land.”

Eamonn, who has been playing the uilleann pipes for almost 40 years, recalls how his passion for the instrument was ignited.

“I was at a Planxty concert in 1980 and when Liam Og O’Flynn started playing the

uilleann pipes I was totally spell bound.

“After the concert I met him and asked how I could get started, he put me on the right road.

“He gave me the name of Matt Kiernan, a pipemaker in Cabra who made me a beginners set.

“I went for classes at the Uilleann Piping Society and in 1986, just a few years after taking up the instrument I became All-Ireland champion.”

Since then, Eamonn has performed at various official functions in Àras an Uachtaráin,the Mansion House, Dept of Foreign Affairs, as well as various embassies and civic receptions in Ireland and overseas.

He also appeared on the Late Late Show numerous times back when Gay Byrne was the presenter.

“It was a huge honour to perform at his funeral,” Eamonn said.

“I grew up listening to Gay Byrne on the radio and watching him on the Late Late Show on an old black and white TV. “He was an icon who had a massive influence on Irish life, the like of which we’ll never see again.”

ROUND TOWER

Clondalkin visitor centre wins award THE much-visited Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin won big at a recent awards ceremony.

The Centre was awarded the Chambers Irel a n d Excellence in Local Government Award in the Supporting Tourism category at an event in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry on Thursday 28th November.

The Round Tower has become a key tourist destination in the region since first opening its door on 3rd July 2017.

The hugely successful visitor centre features an interpretative centre, exhibition space, café, gardens, and terrace dining and is nestled in the heart of Clondalkin Village, within minutes of the Grand Canal Greenway, Corkagh Regional Park and nearby Irish Cultural Centre, Áras Chrónáin.

It is also home to the Happy Pear in Dublin.

Suitable for all ages, the interactive multimedia exhi-

bition tells the story of over 1,000 years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage.

The exhibition delves into Clondalkin’s medieval origins from the foundation of St Crónán Mo-Chua’s monastery to revealing intriguing clues to the town’s Viking past.

“The Round Tower, Clondalkin has stood witness to over 1,000 years of social and cultural development of the village, from monastic to modern, Viking to Victorian”, said Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council.

“We are delighted it has been honoured by Chambers Ireland with this award.”

The Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards ceremony, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, is held to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work being carried out by Local Authorities all over Ireland.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

IWA: LUCAN DISABILITY GROUP CALL ON MINISTER TO INTERVENE

Closure of respite house will have direct impact PADRAIG CONLON pconlon@dublingazette.com

THE HEAD of a local organisation for people with disabilities has blasted a decision to close a holiday and respite centre in the west of Ireland.

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) has said it must shut the Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort in Roscommon citing a lack of funding as the reason for the closure.

Caroline Brady, General Manager of Lucan Disability Group, told Dublin Gazette the IWA’s plans have left many local service users deeply upset and angry.

“The decision to close Cuisle directly affects our members and their carers,

and is causing concern and distress among many of our service users,” she said.

“It restricts their right to access suitable accommodation of their choice.

“This decision, which seems to be a backward step, will put an untold burden on our members and reduce their ability to live independent lives.

“It will adversely affect carers and families who rely on this facility to provide much needed respite.

“Cuisle provides a unique service for the whole of Ireland.

“It welcomes everyone whether they have a disability or not.”

Lucan Disability, who cater for over a thousand members not only

FASTNews

Lucan man wins TUD scholarship

Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort in Roscommon is set to close

in Lucan but across the Greater Dublin Area, is also calling on Minister Finian McGrath to intervene and reverse the IWA decision.

“We strongly believe however that the decision to close Cuisle is deeply flawed and will only result in achieving the exact opposite of this vision,“

Caroline said.

“We want this decision to be at least halted by 12 months or ideally reversed completely.

“The IWA and Minister McGrath state that they are planning to provide a wider range of choice to people with disabilities by partnering with accessible hotels.

“While this is to be welcomed, this new model is not currently in place and will only commence in March 2020.

“It is incredible to close Cuisle now before this new model is even started, not alone tested to evaluate its effectiveness in addressing the needs and rights of people with disabilities.”

The IWA board and management answered questions from TDs and sena-

tors at the Joint Committee on Health on Thursday 21st November.

They said the building, which they don’t own, needs significant repair works, full electrical installation and fire safety upgrades with an estimated cost of up to €1.15m.

“We are aware that there is asbestos in the building and there is a high risk that if this is disturbed during construction, that the cost of necessary remedial works could escalate significantly,” IWA CEO Rosemary Keogh told the Joint Committee.

“The Irish Wheelchair Association does not have the funds to pay for these essential upgrades, which are vital to keeping the leased building open for respite.”

Lucan resident John Rousseau was one of five students at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) awarded an inaugural Jones Engineering Group scholarship this week.

The scholarships were presented by Jim Curley, CEO, Jones Engineering Group to three Engineering students and two students from the University’s Conservatoire of Music and Drama.

Presenting the scholarship, Jim Curley said: “At Jones Engineering, we firmly believe in ‘STEAM’, the integration of science, engineering and the arts to generate new ideas and deliver innovative solutions.

“We are delighted to present this inaugural scholarship to John and we wish him every success in his future career.”

John is the son of Fabrice Rousseau and Sarah Parlance and attended Adamstown Community College.

He is a final year student at TU Dublin where he studies Music.

John is a percussionist and was a youth member of the DIT concert band.

Goal Mile set for Tallaght

Kenny not happy with school cuts

THE 16TH annual Goal Mile takes place this year at the Tallaght Athletic Club on the Greenhills Road, on Christmas morning, between at 9.30am and 12 noon.

All proceeds will go to GOAL and their fight against poverty around the world.

The Goal Mile has always been very well supported by the local community in past years, last year’s event raised almost €9000.

For first time participants there is no need to register as you can make a donation in the buckets at the finish line.

Everyone who completes the Goal Mile will have their time registered on a certificate at the end, with tea and coffee provided in the clubhouse afterwards.

Anyone looking for a sponsorship card or more information about the event can call to the Tallaght AC clubhouse or contact John on 087 6934309.

THE Government recently announced cuts of over a third to the budget that funds small and medium scale building works that improve and upgrade existing school buildings.

Commenting on the cuts, local People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny spoke of his concern.

“Scoil Áine Naofa in Lucan is one such school that is adversely affected.

“I have recently been in contact with school staff who have reported the urgent need for the roof to be replaced.

“The Lucan school is awaiting a fully comprehensive extension and refurbishment programme since 2003 but in the interim, remedial, work on the roof is urgently needed.

“It is completely unacceptable for students and teachers to work in substandard buildings.

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

SPOTLIGHT ON

TALLAGHT

A bustling, caring community ASHLEY CALLERY

THE bustling suburb of Tallaght is the largest in Dublin and county town of South Dublin.

Up until the 1960s, Tallaght was just a small village with a low population. Today, Tallaght has grown rapidly to a bustling urban centre.

After it was designated as a ‘new town’ in 1967, it brought residential development with neighbourhood centres.

Suburban development began in the 1970s and a town centre area has been developing since the late 1980s.

According to the 2016 Census, the population was recorded at 76,119 people, up from 69,454 over the preceding five

“

Tallaght’s ancient name, Taimhleacht (A plaque burial place) relates to its first settlers years, an incredible increase in less than 50 years. There have been calls in recent years for Tallaght to be declared a city.

The village core of the district is located north of, and near to, the River Dodder, and parts of the broader area within South Dublin are close to the borders of Dublin City, Kildare, Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown and County Wicklow.

After major improvements and investments in the area, Tallaght’s amenities came about in the

1990s, which included the Square Shopping Centre and the establishment of institutions, including the Institute of Technology Tallaght – now part of TU Dublin, and Tallaght Hospital.

Tallaght is now an extremely well-connected area, with the Luas at its heart and the M50 and N7 on its doorstep.

Tallaght’s history Tallaght’s ancient name, Taimhleacht (A plaque burial place) relates to its first settlers, who were a

From the Luas to a plethora of modern offices and apartment buildings, Tallaght is looking to a bright future

colony from Greece.

According to legend, a Greek man called Parthalon was expelled from Greece and he and his family came to Ireland.

Parthalon was one of the early invaders of Ireland; he and his family arrived at the Kerry coast, and later made their way along the Dublin bay.

Tallaght first enters history in the third quarter of the eighth century with the foundation of its monastery by Saint Maelruan.

Maelruan was the out-

standing figure of the 8thcentury reform movement in Celtic monasticism, and Tallaght was its most important centre.

Continued on Page 6

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON

TALLAGHT

Brilliant biscuits, deep rebellion: Tallaght has Continued from Page 5 The 17th and 18th centuries brought many changes to Tallaght. Many mills were built along the river Dodder, and this brought new prosperity, which saw the building of many houses in the area.

In 1888, the first tram system opened (the Dublin and Blessington Steam Tramway), and it passed through Tallaght village, providing a new means of transporting goods, and bringing day-trippers from the city.

From its sleepy roots, Tallaght has grown to be a vital part of modern Dublin city, with some excellent facilities for locals and people from all across the city to avail of

Historic sites Despite its bustling modern feeling, Tallaght is also home to several historic

buildings and sites. Here are just a few key local landmarks, sights and sites ...

St Mary’s Priory Founded in 1855 by the Dominican Order, St Mary’s Priory became a centre for Christian learning.

T h e D o m i n i ca n s, whose history in Ireland goes back to the mid-13th Century, founded the Priory of St Mary on the site of the medieval Castle of Tallaght.

The Dominican Order, returning from Lisbon, purchased the lands and buildings in 1855. They lived in Tallaght House

“

As many as 10,000 armed Fenians came out in rebellion and 7,000 of them assembled at Tallaght and the tower house, saying mass in a converted farm building attached to the tower house.

In 1864, they opened the present priory building, adding extensions in 1901 and 1957.

St Maelruain’s Church St Maelruain’s Church of Ireland now occupies the site of the original monastery.

The present-day church

was built in 1829, and replaced an earlier one to which the still existing tower belonged.

The tower is four stories high and has a spiral staircase.

D e s i g n e d by Jo h n Semple, who was responsible for several churches about Dublin, the similarities between his other designs and St Maelruain’s church are clearly visible.

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

SPOTLIGHT ON

TALLAGHT

faith and armed really seen it all The Battle of Tallaght The Battle of Tallaght was a famous rebellion led by the Irish Republican Brotherhood against British rule in Ireland in March, 1867.

The Dublin Fenians headed to Tallaght Hill above Jobstown to draw the military out of Dublin City.

The Fenian rising of 1867 was the last of the rebellions against British rule – large numbers of men moved across the city towards Tallaght.

T h ey d i d n’t k n ow it, but the police were watching them.

As many as 10,000 armed Fenians came out

in rebellion and 7,000 assembled at Tallaght.

Jacob’s Biscuit Factory The cream cracker was i nve n te d by Jo s e p h Haughton at his home in Dublin and the first crackers were baked commercially by William Jacob in a small factory.

Jacobs has been in Irish homes for more than 150 years since the founders, William and Robert Jacob from Waterford, fulfilled the wishes of biscuit lovers everywhere.

The Dublin factory was a huge success and, by 1858, the brothers decided to close their Waterford bakery to focus solely on

Lorraine Kirwan, winner of the monthly Bingo Superlink, collecting her €8,100 winnings with club manager Justin Shone in Tallaght

Try your luck at Dublin’s – and Ireland’s – best Bingo JACK POTT’S BINGO has the biggest payouts and prizes in Ireland.

It gives away the highest jackpots weekly across its venues in Tallaght, Cabra, Crumlin and Whitehall.

Best of all, it’s open seven days every single week for afternoon and evening Bingo.

It’s an Irish-owned company that provides hours of fun, socialisation, and entertainment, where a warm welcome is standard, and a friendly atmosphere awaits customers.

Jack Pott’s Bingo

offers paper and electronic bingo, so there really is something to suit everybody.

Drop into your local club In Tallaght to meet the friendly team of staff, located just across the road from the home of Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Free parking is available for players at the Maldon Hotel car park, and membership is free. Sign up in the club or online at www. jackpotts.ie and your membership card will be waiting for you on arrival.

the factory in the capital.

In the 1970s, operations moved from the city centre to Tallaght. Today, Jacob’s is an iconic brand for several types of biscuits and cream crackers.

They are now sold in Ireland and beyond.

Continued on Page 8

Technological University: a high-quality learning hub

THE Tallaght campus of the Technological University will continue to be an important centre for high-quality education, research and training in the local region, where inclusive and open learning experience pathways to graduation – from certificate and apprenticeship to PhD level – is available to a diverse range of students.

Their campus will continue to expand its full- and part-time academic programmes and

research activity, as well as community and enterprise supports as a priority in the South Dublin County Region, as part of Technological University Dublin.

Two new projects – a multi-disciplinary building, and a Sports Science, Health and Recreation centre – are in progress.

Also included will be an outdoor sporting facility on the 41-acre campus, with planned completion dates in 2021-22.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON

TALLAGHT

Get your skates on for this fantastic family fun on ice SOUTH Dublin on Ice is back for the third year at Tallaght Stadium.

Why not join in some festive family fun? The rink is open from now until January 26 next.

South Dublin On Ice at Tallaght Stadium is a truly family affair which has attracted thousands of skaters, as the fully accessible ice rink is suitable for all ages.

There is no minimum age limits for kids; however, skaters under five years of age would need

to be assisted by a family member.

And, to help the little ones get on the ice, skate aids (and kids double blade skates, and polar bear ice chairs) are available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

All sessions on the ice rink last 45 minutes and skaters are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start.

For further information, see southdublinonice.com to book your tickets.

Tallaght today is a bustling area with the council, local groups, volunteers and organisations all striving to create a great community for everyone

Busy area that stays focused on citizens Continued from Page 7

Amenities As Tallaght has grown in recent decades, so too have its facilities and amenities, with locals enjoying a wide range of shopping, leisure and enterprise options. Here are just some of them...

The Square The Square Shopping Centre has revitalised Tallaght and its surroundings and has proven to be a magnet for visitors to the area.

It boasts 144 stores, 32 eateries and a 12-screen cinema.

It is easily accessible by bus, car, taxi and the Luas Red Line.

With The Square Town Centre acting as the retail and leisure hub for a wide catchment area, it is very much at the centre of Tallaght life, pro-

viding all the town centre functions alongside civic, social and cultural events.

Tallaght Stadium The modern stadium is a multi-purpose venue, equipped to cater for up to 8,000 patrons in an excellent arena which has served the local area well since its opening in 2009.

The stadium is owned and operated by South Dublin County Council and is best known for being home to Ireland’s most successful football club, Shamrock Rovers.

Located close to the foothills of the Dublin Mo u n ta i n s, Ta l l a g h t Stadium is also the home grounds of the Football Association of Ireland’s women’s national team.

A multipurpose venue, the stadium has played host to a variety of other

sports including rugby, American football, hurling and Gaelic football.

Ta l l a g h t S t a d i u m was recently set for a €4.7m redevelopment that will accommodate 20,000 people and also allow Tallaght Stadium to become a live music venue too.

The Civic Theatre The Civic, opened in March, 1999, is South Dublin’s leading venue for theatre, music, dance, opera, comedy, school and local events.

Sandra Doyle, the Box Office manager, has worked in the Civic for 20 years and says: “Since it opened, it has brought lots of excitement, and has brought memorable experiences and names into the theatre – even Gaybo himself was there for the opening night of the theatre.

“It has allowed people to flourish in the arts, and build a name for themselves in Ireland and abroad.”

TU Dublin – Tallaght Campus Institute of Technology, Tallaght college opened in 1992 as a European Demonstration College for technological education.

In that time, the Institute has expanded from an initial cohort of 700 to a current complement, full- and part-time, of almost 4,000 undergraduates and more than 60 postgraduates.

It was renamed after its recent merger, which see Tallaght operating as part of a multi-campus university with campuses also in Grangegorman and Blanchardstown.

Continued on Page 10

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON

TALLAGHT

Home to some of the best people who shaped Dublin Continued from Page 8

Tallaght Stadium is going from strength to strength SOUTH Dublin County Council has immediate plans to extend the seating capacity of the council-owned Tallaght Stadium to 10,000, with the building of the North Stand.

The council also plans to develop the West Stand to incorporate a high-quality corporate area.

Alongside these p l a n s, t h e c o u n c i l intends to promote Tallaght Stadium as an events venue to include music, festivals and all aspects of community events.

With stadium seating and temporary onfield seating, the venue will accommodate up to 20,000 people.

In advance of the

building of the North Stand, South Dublin County Counc il has c o n t ra c te d Co re to provide an analysis of advertising and branding opportunities for Tallaght Stadium.

The opening of the new South Stand in March was followed with a new Tallaght Stadium attendance record being set in April for the Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians clash.

Ta l l a g h t S ta d i u m played host to the UEFA European U17 Championship in May and saw packed stands in October for both the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team, and Stephen Kenny’s U-21’s side.

Notable People Whether lost a little to the fog of time, or very much well-known across the city, country and even farther afield today, many leading citizens have hailed from Tallaght.

Here are some of Tallaght’s famous and prominent sons and daughters, from both modern times and yesteryear ...

Robbie Keane From Fettercairn, Keane holds the Irish goal-scoring record, having scored more than 50 goals for Ireland (as of December 20, 2011).

He was also the youngest player to have scored an international goal for Ireland; against Malta in October, 1998, aged 18.

After playing for several UK soccer clubs, he signed with LA Galaxy.

His Major League Soccer record was impressive with 92 goals, 51 assists,

26 game-winning goals, 18 game-winning assists, 21 multi-goal games and four hat-tricks.

Keane is now the Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland assistant manager.

Katharine Tynan As the author of 18 books of poetry, five plays and 12 collections of short stories, Katharine Tynan’s poems were also featured in Irish Monthly, Hibernia and Dublin University Review from 1880 to 1885.

She was a close friend of WB Yeats, and lived in White Hall – one of the few surviving historic houses in the Tallaght area, that was bought in 1994 by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Mark O’Rowe Playwright and screenwriter Mark O’Rowe was born in 1970 and grew up in Tallaght.

His play, Howie the Rookie, was the first staged play at the Civic theatre by O’Rowe, whose career has made him one of contemporary Irish drama’s most important and influential voices.

William Howard Russell Born in Tallaght at Lilyvale, Jobstown in 1820, William Howard Russell joined The Times in London as a reporter in 1843.

Its editor, John Thadeus Delane, sent Russell to cover the Crimean War, which was fought by Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against Russia.

Russell developed a reputation as Britain’s finest military reporter with accounts of the Indian Mutiny (1858), the American Civil War (1861-65), The Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the FrancoPrussian War. He was considered as being one of the first modern war correspondents.

While Tallaght moves confidently forward as a modern suburb, it also keeps a strong sense of its past, with these shots by Pete Smyth capturing some bygone Tallaght sights.

You can see more of Pete’s great photos, shot with his acclaimed style, at his LOCAL exhibition, currently running at the Gallery of Photography, Temple Bar, until January 12.

“

From Fettercairn, Robbie Keane holds the Irish goal-scoring record, having scored more than 50 goals for Ireland (as of December 20, 2011) Snapshots of Tallaght’s recent past For those new to the area, or locals looking back on the changes in Tallaght, local photographer Pete Smyth (some of whose shots are shown above) has an exhibition that captures Tallaght’s many changes in recent years.

Now showing at the

prestigious Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar in the city centre, Smyth’s shots capture life in Tallaght, warts and all, as the suburb came into its own in the 1970s and onwards.

From capturing the oddities of life, the characters of the area, and the ordinary, decent people

of the area, as well as the conditions that the Traveller community had to endure, his exhibition – LOCAL – is a must-see.

The strong sense of community that Tallaght has always had shines through in Pete’s work, which offer a wonderful window into life in the busy suburb.

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Continued from Page 9 Eaton Square Built in 1920 to accommodate ‘English soldiers’ who had served in the First World War, Eaton Square features an Edwardian pillar letterbox, on the corner of Eaton Square and Terenure Park.

It disp

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE EXPOSE ON VULTURES FUNDS: PART 5 OF 7

Dealing with vulture funds This week we give you advice on all you need to know when dealing with Vulture Funds.

In researching this piece, Padraig Conlon spoke with several legal and property experts, among them Edmund Honohan, Master of the High Court.

Here is what we’ve learned…

DUE PROCESS All you ever need to know ...

Three important reminders: 1. Have you done an Affidavit?

2. Have you done an Affidavit?

3. Where is your Affidavit?

It’s a fast track process.

You will not be allowed to give sworn evidence in person unless you’ve filed an Affidavit.

If you don’t file an Affidavit, it could be game over.

The County Registrar can order an Eviction.

But if an Affidavit is filed, the case must be transferred as a “defended” case, to a Judge.

You can appeal the Registrar’s Order (10 days).

Ask the Registrar for a Witness Summons returnable for the Hearing before the Judge; naming the MABS official you have dealt with up until now.

You will probably get a letter from the solicitor telling you not to attend Court, and isn’t that strange?

Following the crash, they changed the Rules of Court so that you wouldn’t be allowed to give evidence from the

(Ironically, you do not need a new Affidavit to do so!)

TENANTS witness box.

Nice one! Happily, some judges choose to ignore those changes.

But don’t expect the judge to do your work.

That’s not their job.

Even if it’s obvious that you need an Adjournment, for instance to read a new Affidavit just handed to you, you must ask, and he will not prompt you.

He, or she, may not even give you the reasons you’ve lost the case though failure to do so means he/she’s in breach of your entitlement under the European Convention on Human Rights.

You have only 10 days to appeal the Judge’s Order to the High Court.

This affects you too.

So, if your Landlord mortgaged the house as a “buy-to-let” investment, he may be in arrears.

Even if you’ve paid the rent, you may get a letter from a “Receiver” giving a deadline to leave.

Do you have any rights?

Think of it this way: the Bank or Vulture Fund is your new Landlord.

They must follow the Law and deal with you under the supervision of the PRT. And guess what: 70% of these “Notices to Quit” have been found to be in breach of the rules.

So, if you get a “Notice to Quit” don’t just hand back the keys - talk to THRESHOLD.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

What to do - Where to go - Who to talk to Some tenants may not be confident that in Ireland a Landlord cannot just throw you out and change the locks.

It’s true, they can’t, and there are plenty of NGO’s who will be happy to help you.

Only time will tell if you must vacate. In the meantime, sit tight.

EVICTION Could it be your turn?

The small print says: “if you fail to make your payments when due your home is at risk.”

That was true then, and it’s true now.

Whoever owns your loan, owns your home.

That’s the law. If you can pay off the loan, you get back your home.

But, you’re in arrears and you’re still there: how come?

It’s simple: nobody wanted to evict you.

The banks didn’t, the building societies didn’t, the Government didn’t, and even (sometimes) the Judges don’t.

Until now the lenders (“mortgagees”) followed guidelines (a “code of conduct”) set by the Central Bank and many agreed a “restructure” of payments.

Sometimes the borrowers (“mortgagors”) agreed a voluntary surrender of the house, or just walked away.

The Government rewrote the Insolvency Laws, and a few borrowers have done “arrangements”.

Even when the lenders objected the Court has the final say as to whether you get to keep the house, and on what terms.

(You will need a Personal Insolvency Practitioner for this.)

Another option suitable for some was the Government’s Mortgage-to-Rent scheme, but it hasn’t worked, as planned.

WARNING

A Vulture Fund has bought your Loan.

There’s the new problem, the Vulture Fund now actually wants to evict you.

It owns your house and wants you out so it can be sold on to someone else, at a handsome profit.

Best offer they’ll make to you is: “Give us the keys and we’ll write off your debt.”

If you can do that, fine, but you may be refused public housing afterwards.

If you are in need of further advice please contact MABS, the State’s money advice service, who will help guide you through dealing with problem debt. MABS is free, confidential and independent and can

be reached MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) For a call back from the helpline, email: helpline@mabs.ie

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN

STYLE P20

NEW HONDA CIVIC PACKS IN A VERY IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF FEATURES P21

MAGAZINE

MUSIC P19

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

Water spectacle!

DUBLIN Port’s Harbour Master, Captain Michael McKenna, and his daughter, Bella, were delighted to help welcome DPC Tolka – Dublin Port Company’s new pilot boat – as she arrived at the port recently. The state-of-the-art vessel (in orange, top left) will be able to reach larger vessels in all kinds of weather conditions at Dublin Bay, helping to guide them safely in. With the DPC Tolka’s importance to both the port and the capital alike, she was given a superb welcome by a flotilla of vessels as she made her confident way across the bay to the port.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

ROSCOMMON: LIVE – OR STAY – LIKE A KING OR QUEEN IN AN IDYLLIC COUNTRY RETREAT

Cloontykilla Castle set to offer the ultimate dream staycation in 2020 PADRAIG CONLON

THE popularity of shows like Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey make many of us dream of being king or queen of a castle.

Roscommon native Sean Simon also had a head full of those dreams – and he’s working on making that dream a reality for guests at Cloontykilla Castle, Roscommon, from the middle of next year.

A successful acting career in musicals and theatre productions in London’s West End, as well as appearances in several major movies, gave Sean the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream in the place where he grew up.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, he said: “When I was a child, I told my parents that one day I’d have the money to buy the two castles, known as Cloontykilla Castle and McDermott’s Castle, in Lough Key Forest Park.”

Originally from nearby Boyle, he had played among the ruins of Cloon-

tykilla Castle, known locally as Rockingham Castle, when he was a small child.

Built in 1839, the castle was designed by famous architect John Nash, who also designed Buckingham Palace, and was built

by Lord Stafford King Harman.

The Stafford King Harmans left Ireland in 1957 after a fire destroyed the living quarters in Rockingham Castle.

Sean bought the two castles from the Irish Forestry Board in 1997 with the dream of restoring the once great buildings to their former glory.

So began two decades of hard graft, which have pushed Sean to the very limits.

He said: “It has been a very interesting and challenging project as both castles had been abandoned and neglected and were in ruins.

“I’m currently turning Cloontykilla Castle into a magnificent five-star luxury retreat that will be a completely authentic

There has been lots of interest in the ambitious project, driven by Sean Simon (seen above, right, with Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Channel 4’s Grand Designs on its initial focus on the project some years ago). Such was the enormous interest in that episode, Grand Designs is returning for a follow-up episode next Summer. Screengrabs: YouTube

experience.

“If you’ve ever wanted to have your own castle for a week, then it will be the place for you!

“When I open in the Summer [2020], guests will be able to rent the castle and experience what life was like in the 13th Century, but with 21st Century luxury touches such as underfloor heating, and so on.

“It will be a fantastic venue for small private weddings, and parties, set among the most beautiful countryside, that is abundant with wildlife.

“There’ll also be horse riding available, and wonderful country walks, as

well as a private harbour with access to the Shannon.

“It’s a great concept. It’s not a hotel, there’s no bar, and no restaurant – it’s a private castle you can rent out.

“If you need anything

from a chef to a driver, we can organise all that, no problem at all. There’ll be a phone number for guests to call if need be.”

His work on Cloontykilla Castle has even featured on the hit Channel 4 show, Grand Designs, in 2012.

Sean proudly said: “That show had the highest-grossing viewership in the history of the programme, and the production team are coming back for a return show next Summer.

“It’s a massive deal – that episode is available on US Netflix, and was watched by 107 million people, coast to coast, in the USA! “I can’t wait for people to come and experience Cloontykilla Castle. It is going to be something they have never, ever experienced before.

“This historical experience is not something currently available anywhere else in Ireland, and will leave guests with unforgettable memories.”

Cloontykilla Castle is due to open next Summer.

For further information, see https://cloontykillacastle.com/.

Architectural render showing how the magnificent project should look upon its completion: Picture: NYD

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY Celebrating the best of the best in the travel sector THE Irish travel industry’s prestigious ‘Oscars’ took place recently, with the 28th annual Irish Travel Trade News (ITTN) awards celebrating the best movers, shakers, airlines and agencies and much more at work in the Irish travel industry. Pictured are Ciara Foley, Austin Carroll, Paula Cross, Michael Coffey, of Platinum Travel (with Neil Steedman, ITTN, secondright) – members of Platinum Travel, which scooped the 2019 ITTN Travel Agency of the Year award at the black tie event at the Clayton Hotel. Picture: Paul Sherwood

You could stay at a Generator hostel in Barcelona (above), London, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome – or even right here in Dublin, in Smithfield – with a 20% discount

Hostels generate a cool 20% discount SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor ‘BLACK Friday’ has been and gone, with the American-influenced shopping day casting a spell over travel, too, with many agencies and operators offering a range of Black Friday deals recently.

However, not to be outdone, all kinds of postBlack Friday travel deals are also available at the moment, and for those

looking for something that could be a bargain break – especially for anyone coming up from down the country – Generator hostels are currently offering 20% off stays, both here and internationally.

With Generator Smithfield already proving particularly popular for ‘staycationers’ on a budget – as well as for people jetting off to the Generators scattered across many of Europe’s capital cities – it’s

hard to argue with a cool 20% discount, especially as pre-Christmas shopping trips loom.

The sale promotion is live with bookable dates up to March 28 next, and applied automatically at check-out; reservations must be made at least three days prior to arrival date, for a minimum stay of two nights, and is subject to availability.

For further information, see staygenerator.com.

American Holidays celebrates a move over to new setting at Exchequer Street AMERICAN Holidays recently officially celebrated the formal opening of its new offices in Exchequer Street, following its move earlier this year from its long-established offices just off Grafton Street.

Now located at No 16, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, the new American Holidays offices builds on the expertise built up by the company’s travel experts from many years of presenting some of the best deals and destinations for Irish visitors to America.

Bladhana Richardson, head of marketing with American Holidays, said, “With this new store, we really wanted to create a unique experience for our customers.

“Every member of our team, throughout the entire business, has

collectively visited every part of the United States – so, it’s safe to say that there isn’t anyone on our team who can’t provide you with a tailormade getaway to America.”

With the major office move behind them, the American Holidays team are busy at work focusing on the dream trips available in its recently launched 2020 brochure.

For further information on the office and the 2020 deals, just see www. americanholidays.com.

TRAVEL

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

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

COOL AND QUIRKY THINGS

BITS & BOBS

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

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

RTE presenter Blathnaid Tracy and RTE 2FM presenter Tracy Clifford joined Craig Fitzgerald and Matthew Murtagh, of Irish band (and previous nominees) The Academic, to help launch the RTE Choice Music Prize 2019. The RTE Choice Music Prize Live Event will take place on Thursday, March 5 next in Vicar Street, where it will continue to champion Irish music. Picture: Maxwell Photography

Unlucky crook targets Viking treasure leads two Bikers gather to elderly bodybuilder’s men straight to ... prison smash a record A HARLEY Davidson enthusiast home – big mistake! TWO Englocal corogathered 3,497 motorcyclists in A HOME invader in Rochester, New York got more than he bargained for when he tried to burgle an 82-year-old bodybuilder’s house..

According to a local news station, Willie Murphy was enjoying a quiet night in when a man showed up at her front porch.

The man told Murphy that he was injured and asked her to ring an ambulance. Murphy picked up the phone to ring 999 but smartly didn’t let the man into her house.

While on the phone, Murphy heard a loud smash and returned to her sitting room to see the man trying to break in.

Unlike many 82-year-old women, Murphy is well able to handle herself in a physical altercation and proceeded to beat the man with a wooden table, forcing the robber out of her home with bruises and a broken ego.

lish metal detectorists are facing jail time after uncovering Viking t re a su re – believed to be more than 1,000 years old – but tried to keep their find (inset) for themselves.

Under British law, any treasure found by detectorists that is believed to be more than 300 years old must be reported to a

ner to be processed and valued.

However, George P o w e l l a n d L ayton Davies aroused suspicion with the valuations on the “old treasure” that they found, with Herefordshire police soon detecting the detectorists’ true haul.

Powell and Davies were sentenced to 10 years and eight years respectively.

Texas last week to break the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Harley motorcycles.

Adam Sandoval said he started trying to break the record in 2010 and ended up with three failed attempts before Saturday’s event, which involved the help of Paris HarleyDavidson in Paris, Texas.

Sandoval said he wanted to bring the record back to the United States after learning the previous record was set in Greece.

A Guinness adjudicator was present at the Cox Field airport tarmac, the location of the gathering, to count the bikes participating in the parade.

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

This week’s dog of the week is MaxMali, a very intelligent and handsome seven-year-old Belgian Shepherd.

He loves cuddles and pets as well as a game of fetch! He is looking for a quiet home with no other pets so he can lap up all the attention for himself.

Max-Mali would love his future family to be quite active so they can bring him on adventurous walks to sniff out new places.

He also loves keeping himself busy with brain games and putting his clever

brain to use by doing basic training and learning new tricks. Max-Mali will make an amazing companion and will be a very loyal friend to his future human best friend.

If you have room in your heart and home for Max-Mali 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.)

max-mali

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WELL WORTH A LISTEN

ENTERTAINMENT

A slow act of musical poetry JAMES HENDICOTT

PERHAPS the strangest thing about David Keenan’s wild developmental story – still unfolding slowly after years of slow-building to the heights of an Olympia Theatre headline slow – is how long it’s taken the Dundalk man to release an album.

Keenan (right) is an intense character; his words flowing with the considered, poetic bent of someone who’s spent a lot of time thinking about what the world means, and his own place in it.

Talking to him about his music is a strange experience, uncomfortably intimate at times, having a top-class songwriter look you in the eye and talk off the cuff in a way that isn’t

all that dissimilar to the way he delivers his lyrics.

The album, A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery, is now just around the corner, being due just after Christmas, and is very much a long-term project.

“It’s a consequence of living,” Keenan says of his record. “It’s a kind of bookmarking of a certain period.

“There are songs on the record from four years ago, and others I wrote this year.

“They’re a by-product of my own individuality, so in a way they’ve been developing since I was a child.

“A collection of things have aligned. I’ve been releasing EPs for a couple of years, with the intention of getting a body of songs that tell a story.

“There’s a lineage between each song, but they have to have their

own personality, too. It’s the story of my evolution, moving to Dublin, finding a stride, the emotional journeys.

“It’s also been about getting the right band, and recordings that I was happy with. That was a

lot about getting people I trusted into the band.

“I did it live, and that was important to me. Life isn’t click-tracked.”

The product is a brave, coherent album that’s a certain early contender for 2020 Album of the Year

consideration.

It’s been a long time coming, but Keenan is a good bet for 2020’s great Irish breakthrough.

David Keenan plays The Olympia Theatre on January 13, with tickets priced at €25.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

HOME & STYLE

Keep your home looking cool this christmas WHILE DECORATING your Christmas tree each year is a major tradition, the way we are decorating it today has become anything but!

People are saying goodbye to their flimsy tinsel, and multicoloured lights and instead, giving a big warm welcome to bold and often themed décor.

People are creatures of habit and don’t like change but guess what – your interior does!

It’s okay to be afraid of change, but sometimes change might be exactly what your interior both needs and deserves!

Lucky for you, EZ Living Furniture are giving us their top tips to make the most out of our themed Christmas decorations.

Ready for some themed tips? Let’s get started!

1. Start the season off right!

In order to make the most of your theme, it is important to invest in a tree that’s durable and will withstand the festive season (and the surprisingly heavy baubles!).

Whether you invest in a green tree or a frosted white one, your tree will set the tone for your theme!

2. Theme your Tree!

Before you start decorating, pick one central theme that everything can be tied to. Themes

don’t have to come from a colour, they can also have many different sources such as shapes, patterns, symbols, and even moods. Pick a theme and stick to it!

3. Light it Up! Start with the lights first.

Whether you decide on warm yellow hues, multicoloured lights, or sparkling whites. Weave your lights from the top of the tree right down to the bottom and work your way back up. Make sure to test the lights before you start on your baubles as lights will be the most intricate part to redo.

4. Balance your Baubles!

In order to create the most aesthetic look, EZ Living Furniture are suggesting you invest in 3 different sized baubles.

This will add flair to your tree!

5. Theme it with a Topper!

In order to really perfect your theme, your tree topper should be the perfect finishing touch!

Invest in a show stopper that you will be proud of!

After all, it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation!

For more information simply log onto ezlivingfurniture.ie , or call into any of EZ Living Furniture’s Christmas departments Nationwide!

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

(L-R) A Nu meet-up in London, humble beginnings in Trinity College, and founder Aisling Byrne

Become a Nu you with this innovative new app  Rachel D’Arcy IRELAND’S FIRST clothes sharing app launched in Dublin this month, taking a step in the sustainable direction.

Fo l l ow i n g a n e x te n s ive amount of testing during the Summer, the app – Nu – brings the model of clothes sharing to Ireland for the first time.

Billed as a social network for women looking for an unlimited revolving wardrobe, the app was created by Dubliners Aisling Byrne and Ali Kelly.

Speaking about the app, Aisling Byrne, said: “Creating a sharing economy for clothing means that pieces that might have gathered dust at the back of Dubliner’s wardrobes get to see the light of day.

“As Irish women ourselves,

we’re guilty of keeping our ‘good’ clothes for special occasions and then never wearing them. We want to take the stress out of finding nice outfits for special occasions and to encourage our members to get the most out of their wardrobes.”

Back in 2014, Aisling and Ali went to India on the Suas volunteer programme and saw first-hand the reality of the fastfashion industry. When they returned to Dublin, they struggled to find affordable alternatives to fast-fashion brands.

Both feeling isolated in their efforts to make more conscious fashion choices, they decided they needed to make a change.

What began as an idea became a reality from late 2017.

Building a Squarespace website for women at Trinity College, the site allowed students to share ball

BeautyBITS

Penneys launch their own shopping Monopoly game with Hasbro What does a thimble, a dog and a brown shopping bag all have in common? They’re all included in the Penneys MONOPOLY game, released just in time for Christmas!

Penneys MONOPOLY sees players take a shopping trip, as they buy and build Penneys stores. Fill your baskets with amazing fashion at amazing prices, and race through the changing rooms.

The game is available for €22 from Penneys stores across Dublin.

gowns ahead of Trinity ball.

Roaming the Trinity lecture theatres, Aisling asked for photos of outfits that students would be willing to share for the upcoming ball. Up they went on the Squarespace – with students coordinating swaps over WhatsApp. With 350 sign-ups and 60 swaps in three weeks, Nu had proved that the model could work.

The web platform launched in September 2017 and people outside of Trinity could now upload and share their clothes online with the growing Nu Community. Nu recruited brand ambassadors and began to build student communities across the UK and Ireland.

Aisling said: “We want to offer Irish women an alternative to fast-fashion. Nu encourages friendship, sharing and actually wearing our clothes with a goal to extend the life-cycle of our

favourite pieces. Looking good doesn’t have to cost the earth.”

The app aims to create communities of women across the country who can share their much-loved, but little-worn, items of clothing. Women of all ages and sizes can use the app to share clothing for upcoming events such as weddings, Christmas parties and work events as well as day-to-day and streetstyle fashion.

To track the environmental impact of the Nu app, Aisling worked with the London Waste and Recycling Board to develop a detailed impact calculator allowing members to track their carbon, waste and water offset each time they borrow and lend pieces on the platform.

Find out more about Nu: https://www.thenuwardrobe. com/ or follow Nu on Instagram.

Ireland’s First Cannabidiol Massage Treatments launched in Dublin spa The Buff Day Spa in Dublin will became Ireland’s first spa to offer cannabidiol massage treatments this week.

The CBD oil is mixed with massage oil, allowing it to absorb quicker as part of the therapeutic massage process. Minor aches and injuries respond well to the new technique, as does chronic pain like arthritis, according to Heidi Grimwood of CBD Spa. CBD Spa works in conjunction with CBD Ireland Online, more information can be found on https://www. cbdspa.ie/.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

MOTORS

REVIEW: NEW VERSION IS A PROUD ADDITION TO A 40-YEAR HERITAGE OF QUALITY CARS

Honda Civic Sedan 1.0-Litre VTEC impresses with ease DECLAN GLYNN

BUILDING on its 40-year heritage, the all-new Honda Civic Four-Door Sedan stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for all people, a car for the world”.

The new car is a marriage of distinctive design, sporty styling and versatile practicality – with a renewed focus on rewarding driving dynamics.

The all-new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agility on the road, while also having the ability to turn heads with its striking design language.

A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell complements the car’s lower centre of gravity, while a sophisticated new suspension system contributes to an engaging and fun driving experience.

The new Honda Civic Four-Door Sedan stays true to its roots, but the revamped model also packs in innovative features alongside its power and comfort

FACT BOX

1) 126bhp 2) 0-100km/h in 10.6-seconds 3) Dynamic performance 4) Low fuel consumption 5) Annual road tax just €190 The new Civic debuts an all-new 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine that has been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience,

and a comprehensively revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which delivers outstanding real-world efficiency and refinement.

The new Honda Civic Sedan is available in two

lavishly equipped trim levels – Smart Plus and Premium, while all models come with Honda Sensing as standard.

Featuring a collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, intelligent speed limiter, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, this innovative suite of advanced safety and driver assis-

Advice to maximise your EV’s battery life DECLAN GLYNN

FOR the growing number of Electric Vehicle (EV) owners in Ireland, the good news is that there are a raft of techniques, and technology, to increase how long your battery lasts.

This guide should help you to achieve more distance per charge from your battery.

Intelligent braking Electric cars come with ‘regenerative braking’ technology. This is where the electric motor is used to slow a car down, and in the process, this recharges its battery a little.

However, EVs also come with traditional braking systems which use normal brake pads pressing against brake discs to slow you down – which wastes energy as heat, due to the friction involved.

Most electric cars use regenerative braking as much as possible, but will also use the traditional brakes under heavy braking.

To recapture as much energy as possible, you should avoid pressing too often, and too hard, on the brake pedal – unless you have to avoid an unexpected obstacle, of course.

Stop stopping This doesn’t mean flying across every T-junction and ignoring red lights.

It means trying to avoid coming to a complete standstill as much as possible, because getting an electric motor turning from rest puts strain on the batteries.

In reality, this means keeping the car moving if you’re approaching a roundabout and can see no one is coming, or keeping moving when joining another road – provided you can see no other cars are there – rather than stopping on a slope and having to do a hill start.

Drive in someone else’s slipstream When driving along, your car is faced by a wall of air which,

depending on speed, can put up quite the fight to be moved out of the way, limiting your range in the process.

However, when driving on motorways, if you can stay relatively close to the vehicle in front (preferably a larger one), albeit far enough back that you can have enough space to slow down if that vehicle slams on the brakes, you can let the vehicle in front do all the work of pushing stationary air out of the way.

This leaves you with ‘clean’ air, which is much easier to drive through, therefore helping to boost your range as your car faces less wind resistance.

Windows up Aerodynamics are a large influencer in how efficient a car is at turning energy into distance travelled. A good general rule to boost your range is to drop the windows down at low speeds to cool the cabin down, and use air-conditioning briefly at higher speeds.

tance technologies ensure the new Civic is among the very safest cars in its class.

My review car was a Honda Civic Sedan 1.0litre Turbo (petrol) Smart Plus model which looked amazing in stylish Lunar Silver metallic paint.

Key equipment in this model includes a leather multi-function steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels,

climate control automatic air-conditioning, auto wipers, electrically retractable door mirrors, driver seat lumbar support and front and rear parking sensors.

Other features included Honda CONNECT with GARMIN Navigation, two USB/HDMI inlets, front fog lights, alarm system, Bluetooth, and Low Speed Following (CVT/9AT

transmissions only).

Honda’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is optional in petrol engine guise, while Honda’s wonderfully smooth 9AT (9-speed automatic transmission) is available as an option with the diesel engine.

Pricing for the most sophisticated Civic sports sedan ever starts at just €27,750

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at housing aid, the grants for physical activity and the dangers of falls and fractures

Housing Aid for Older People Scheme

Sports grants to promote physical activity in older people The Go for Life National Grant Scheme is celebrating a momentous allocation of funding for sporting activities in older age-groups.

The grants scheme, a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland, will distribute over €300,000 across 1,084 groups.

This allocation brings the total grant fund allocated to date to over €6 million.

The National Grant Scheme provides an accessible and enjoyable means for older people in communities nationwide to reap the health rewards from doing physical activity.

Brendan Griffin, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, said: “I am delighted to see that almost €300,000 has been allocated by Sport Ireland to the Go for Life grants to over one thousand groups this year. This means that 33,000 older people will take part in sport and physical activity as a direct result of this grant scheme.

“Over the last eighteen years, the National Grant Scheme funding has supported and empowered thousands of groups of older people to get more active more often and the record number of applications this year shows the continued importance of the scheme for groups throughout the country. Go for Life is doing a wonderful job of providing opportunities for older people to enjoy all the benefits that participation can bring.”

Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity, said: “Today’s grant funding is helping us create an Ireland, where all older people are more active and more connected and the allocation of grants ensured clubs and groups from all walks of life could benefit from the scheme.”

Of the successful funding allocations, 243 grants were awarded to Active Retirement Associations, 278 grants were awarded to Irish Countrywomen’s Associations and 21 applications were made

by Local Sports Partnerships.

Other funding allocations included: 33 Men’s Sheds’ groups; 2 Women’s Shed’s groups (for the first time); 11 Arthritis Ireland initiatives; 16 Irish Wheelchair Association groups; and activities for 22 Family Resource Centres.

The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s ‘Go for Life’ programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE.

THE HOUSING Aid for Older People Scheme is used to improve the condition of an older person’s home.

In general, it is aimed at people 66 years of age and older, who are living in poor housing conditions. However, in cases of genuine hardship the local authority may assist people under age 66.

If you have a disability and your home needs to be adapted to make it more accessible, the Ho u s i n g Ad a p ta t i o n Grant for People with a

Disability or the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme may be more suitable for you.

VAT refunds are available on aids and appliances used by people with disabilities. This refund scheme also applies to the cost of installation work.

Rules Local authorities have been instructed that only essential repairs should be undertaken to make the property habitable for the applicant.

Local authorities vary as regards what type of work they will grant aid

under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme. You should check with your own local authority to see which types of work its scheme will cover.

The type of work that is grant aided can include some or all of the following: n Structural repairs or improvements n Dry-lining n Repair or replacement of windows and doors n The provision of water, sanitary services and heating

n

ing

Cleaning and paint-

n Radon remediation n Re-wiring

n Any other repair or improvement work considered necessary.

Many older people may be eligible for the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme. However, priority will be given to people on the basis of financial need.

Means Test Your total household income is assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and at what level of

assistance.

When applying for the grant, you must provide evidence of ownership of the property and evidence that the Local Property Tax on it has been paid.

How to apply Download an application form from your local authority’s website or ask for one to be posted to you. Contact the Housing Section of your local authority for information about the eligibility rules in your area, which may differ from those in other local authority areas.

NATIONAL FALLS AND BONE HEALTH PROJECT FALLS ARE a challenge for older people and a significant and costly cause of injury. The original AFFINITY project commenced in 2013, to deliver the vision described in the National Strategy for Prevention of Falls and Fractures in Ireland’s Ageing Population.

The senior stakeholders agreed in the latter half of 2016 that the project needed to be re-focused in light of changes in HSE structures, and the need to significantly scale up implementation of falls and fracture prevention.

AFFINITY 2018-2023 has been set up to bring renewed focus, coordination and clear direction to the spectrum of falls and fracture prevention service

improvement initiatives currently underway in the community, and within acute services across the country.

Aim Reducing harm from falls requires not just a single discipline or service, but rather a whole community and a range of services including health services.

The aim of the AFFINITY

National Falls and Bone Health Project (2018-2023) is to coordinate the development of a comprehensive falls and fracture prevention system.

Such a system involves all parties focusing on a common agenda of reducing falls and fractures and their impacts, by bringing together and integrating primary prevention, secondary prevention and rehabilitation

as well as measuring outcomes collectively.

The intent is to increase awareness of the preventable nature of falls and to enable older people, communities and health and social care providers to reduce the risk and rate of falling where possible, to reduce the severity of injuries and to promote the best possible outcomes for people who have suffered a fall-related injury.

Further information on AFFINITY 2018 - 2023 is available from: Eileen Moriarty, HSE Lead on Affinity National Falls and Bone Health Project Telephone: 021 4923194 Mobile: 086 7871707 Email: Eileen.Moriarty@hse.ie

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

SOCCER P28

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

PICTURE THIS: FOOTBALL: GAZETTE SPORT looks

back and salutes Jim Gavin’s remarkable reign as Dublin senior football manager from the early days through to a sixth All-Ireland senior title in seven attempts in the spring.

Not only an incredible success on the field, the Round Tower, Clondalkin man’s tenure will be defined by doing so with quiet dignity.



GAZETTE

FOOTBALL P30

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | LEINSTER MAKE IT SEVENS PRO14 WINS IN A ROW

Cullen hails Byrne as Warriors tamed by changed fifteen  sport@dublingazette.com

CIAN Kelleher and Ross Byrne combined to do all of Leinster’s scoring as they quashed Glasgow Warriors’ lightning-quick start to record a 23-10 result in their first Guinness PRO14 win at Scotstoun Stadium in seven years.

It made it seven wins from seven for the province in the Pro 14, building an eight-point gap at the head of Conference A over Ulster.

Byrne converted Kelleher’s 30th and 34th minute tries and fired over three penalties, including a vital second half brace of kicks, as Leo Cullen’s youthful side – showing a full 15 personnel changes from their Lyon trip – recovered impressively from some early setbacks.

Glasgow full-back Ruaridh Jackson scored two tries of his own, the first while Leinster’s Hugo Keenan was in the sin-bin. Yet, the Warriors lost their grip on a 10-3 lead as Kelleher’s snappily-finished efforts moved the

visitors seven points clear.

Coach Leo Cullen picked out Byrne for special praise for his performance in the overhauled Leinster side.

“Ross Byrne was a bit unlucky in playing in that [World Cup warm-up] match against England at Twickenham,” Cullen said. “It was a tough day for him but he’s come back and he’s been outstanding for us. I can’t speak highly enough about him. He’s one that will push on.

“We’ve got a very competitive group of players. We picked guys who were highly motivated to come over here and do a job for the team. And they were excellent today. It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means but they each showed a lot of character.

They dug in well for each other.”

Plenty more changes are in the pipeline for the next fixture as the Heineken Champions Cup returns against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

For that tie, there have been a number of injury updates. Fergus McFad-

Leinster rugby coach Leo Cullen. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

den (elbow) was a replacement in the win over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday and trained as normal after coming through with no issues.

Josh Murphy (head) and Peter Dooley (knee) were withdrawn in the same game.

Murphy will now follow the graduated return to play protocols under the supervision of team medics while prop

Dooley will be further.

Joe Tomane has recovered from his hamstring injury and has returned to full training ahead of the back-to-back games against Northampton Saints.

Rory O’Loughlin (shoulder) will again increase his training load and will be further assessed while Seán Cronin remains unavailable for selection as he also increases his training

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: TALLAGHT STADIUM HOSTS OVER 60,000 IN 2019

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S CONGRATULATIONS WELL done to the Junior to everyone A la involved in the 50th Gala Gathering Celebrations on Friday in Citywest Hotel, great night had by all.

Congratulations to our Communications team on all their work on the website which led to Ballyboden winning Club Website of the Year at the Leinster GAA Awards in Carlow on Saturday night. Come out and support our Footballers as they face Eire Óg of Carlow this weekend, December 8th at 2pm in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise for the Leinster Football Final.

Christmas trees are officially on sale down in the Club car park every Saturday 10am- 5pm and every Sunday 11am-5pm.

The Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party is now on Saturday 14th of December.

There was no winner of this week’s Ballyboden St Enda’s Lotto - This week’s jackpot is €14,500.

The numbers drawn were 14, 16, 21, 25

LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE Under-21 hurling final was our final adult hurling game of 2019, and it was a great finish to the year as Lucan captured a rare and coveted ‘A’ championship success in hurling, the first in five years and just the fourth in all (3 U21 & 1 minor).

Well done to the entire panel of players and management. Success at U21 level is very special but it does not just happen over the short few weeks of the Championship, it is the culmination of many years of player development from nursery through the juvenile and minor ranks.

So well done also to the many coaches, mentors and parents who worked with and supported this group of players along that journey.

Congratulations FOLLOWING defeatto tothe U15 Hurlers, Naomh O who added the League Title to their recent Championship win in a great week for Lucan Sarsfields, when they overcame Ballyboden St Endas on Sunday. It was a great game of hurling played on the No. 1 Pitch at the club and full credit to the team, mentors and all involved with the lads.

Also well done to the Minor A Camogie team who progress to the county final following their win over Na Fianna. The final against Kilmacud Crokes takes place on Sunday 8 December, venue and time to be confirmed, all support welcomed.

Congratulations to Ali Twomey, Camogie Player of

the Year 2019 as awarded by the Friends Of Dublin Hurling – at their 13th Annual Celebration in the Red Cow Hotel on Friday evening last.

Also at the FODH Celebration Night, Divine Mercy Senior National School was awarded the Primary School of the Year accolade, congratulations to all the staff and pupils on this fantastic achievement.

Many Thanks to Colette Drum who has stepped down after seven years as Camogie Referee Coordinator, and Welcome on board to Miriam Egan who has taken the reins.

Our deepest sympathies to the Costello family on the recent loss of Vincent, Father of John Costello (mentor U12 boys & CCC1 rep), father in law of Jenny (mentor U13 & U11 girls) grandfather of Caoimhe (U13 camogie & ladies football) Killian (U12 hurling & football) and Aoife (U10 camogie & ladies football) May He Rest In Peace.

The Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Saturday 14th December. There will be over 30 Stalls with wonderful gift ideas for Christmas as well as Live Music and Craft Activities for all ages. There will be a hot food stall serving burgers, chips, mulled wine and mince pies.

The Bumbalance and Fire Engine will be there to be explored! Entry is Free and the 12th Lock Café will be open for festive refreshments.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN

Fans packed out Tallaght Stadium for the visits of Bohemians this season. Picture: Andrew O’Connell

Rovers bring in the crowds LEAGUE OF IRELAND  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

SHAMROCK Rovers are now the biggest club in the League of Ireland according to the attendance figures for the 2019 season.

The Tallaght side have overtaken Cork City as the best-supported team in the country, registering an average attendance of 3,445 – the only club to break the 3,000 mark.

That represents an increase of 588 on 2018 – or a percentage uplift of almost 23% year-on-year – and a total attendance of 62,005 across 18 league games.

The six best-attended games in the division all came at the newly 8,000-capacity Tallaght Stadium, including a

league record attendance of 7,021 for the 1-0 victory over rivals Bohemians in August.

Indeed, Rovers feature in 14 of the top 20 bestattended games according to the leading League of Ireland website Extratime. ie, which collated the figures.

The two visits of Bohemians to Tallaght top the list of attendances, with the April game seeing 6,414 file through the turnstiles, while the two meetings with champions Dundalk are next.

It correlates with the vastly-improved fortunes of the Hoops, who ended a 32-year drought to lift the FAI Cup at Dundalk’s expense in the Aviva Stadium last month.

“With an FAI Cup in the bag and a second-place

Premier Division finish, they can include the title of best supported club too,” said author Gareth Penrose.

“Rovers have been making steady progress over the last four seasons. This season they recorded an average attendance of 3,445, the only club to break the 3,000 mark.

“The 62,005 people that came into Tallaght Stadium represent 13.27% of the total league attendance.”

Stephen Bradley’s side recorded their best league finish in seven years in 2019 as they finished second behind the Lilywhites and led the table at the halfway point.

It’s been universally good news for the Hoops as they recently secured a seven-figure investment

from Irish entrepreneur Dermot Desmond to further their aim of becoming the island’s top side.

Rovers came within a whisker of a Europa League third round qualifier as they were edged out by Apollon Limassol in July, having beaten Norway’s SK Brann in the previous round.

Defender Roberto Lopes and midfielder Jack Byrne earned senior international debuts for Sierra Leone and Ireland respectively, bringing to six the number of full internationals in Bradley’s squad.

Rovers last week confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland under21 defender Liam Scales, their first major signing of the off-season.

Scales is the third member of UCD’s First Division-

winning side of 2018 to arrive in Tallaght following his fellow under-21 international Neil Farrugia and midfielder Gary O’Neill in the summer.

Both O’Neill and Farrugia played a key role in Rovers’ Cup success in November, with O’Neill calmly slotting home the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

Defender Lee Grace has signed a three-year contract with the club after Hull City opted not to take up an option on the Tipperary man following a trial last month.

Midfielder Greg Bolger has signed a new contract while Bradley is expected to unveil a new striker in the coming weeks following the departure of Dan Carr for Apollon Limassol in the summer.

Lucan’s national cross champ

Lucan’s Dara Donoghue, left, battles with Willowfield Harriers’ Joel Chambers

LUCAN Harriers were out in force on Sunday at the National Cross Country Championships in Abbottstown, with athletes competing in all races from Under-12 up to Under-18 level in challenging conditions.

Chief among them was Dara Donoghue who – following his Dublin championship victory – dictated his Under-16 boys race from the start.

He was chomping at the bit to make a move but held off until a kilometreto go and pulled away on the hill on the back of the course.

He built a lead of about 25 metres and, despite

pressure, maintained that to the finish to win his first National title. He will represent Ireland at the Celtic Cross Country in Stirling on January 11.

Harriers’ Under-14 girls only just missed out on a team medal by a mere 12 points after Saoirse Fitzgerald put in a fantastic run to finish second, just being outkicked in the last 100 metres.

Liam Fitzgerald was the club’s lone representative in the Under-14 boys race but found himself in a breakaway group of 13 and did well for a ninth place overall.

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: BLUEBELL KNOCK WAYSIDE OUT OF THE METROPOLITAN CUP IN KILTERNAN

Noonan hails big clean sheet LSL METROPOLITAN CUP Wayside Celtic Bluebell United  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

0 1

ANDY NOONAN toasted a priceless clean sheet as his Bluebell United side edged past Wayside Celtic at Jackson Park to reach the third round of the Metropolitan Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Veteran Sean Byrne scored the only goal as a new-look Bluebell side saw off the challenge of Peter Lennon’s similarly youthful, newlypromoted Wayside outfit.

It’s just the second clean sheet the Bell have kept all season as they’ve rather uncharacteristically shipped 18 goals in eight league games, including three against Liffey Wanderers last week.

Noonan’s title-winning sides of 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2017/18 were built on a miserly defence and the ruthlessness to take the chances they’d inevitably create.

This season, a squad Noonan

describes as the youngest he’s managed at the club, have taken time to get that balance in their game but a shut-out in Kilternan is a step in the right direction.

“We’ve been scoring a lot of goals lately but we just haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet,” the Tallaght native tells the Dublin Gazette.

“The focus was a clean sheet and we’d have taken a 1-0 all day long.

The last game was 6-3, and the grey hair is going to start creeping in if we keep getting games like that.”

Byrne showed a calm head to score the only goal of the game with an assist from striker Jordan Payne, who has already courted attention from league sides in England.

Payne showed strength and composure to find space between the lines and thread a ball through for Byrne breaking from midfield, who neatly sidestepped the goalkeeper and slotted home.

Bluebell were wasteful elsewhere, however, and Noonan admits his side were lucky to come away with the win after Wayside were denied what

he considers a clear penalty.

“The way the chances fell, if we’d had three or four on the board, I don’t think Wayside would have complained based on the chances we created.

“But they deserved to get something out of the game because, I’ll hold my hands up, they had what I thought was a stonewall penalty denied to them.

“There’s been one or two of those that have gone against us this season so it evens things up. We got the rub of the green at the end, but Wayside should have kicked a stinker.”

With the Saturday side topping their league unbeaten, and the Sunday side also undefeated, the future is bright, although Noonan admits he’s in somewhat uncharted territory.

“We’re a very, very young side.

We’ve had a complete rebuild over the last number of years. The average age is about 20.

“They’re probably the youngest Bluebell side I’ve ever managed, but there’s a lot of quality and a of talent in amongst it. It’s an exciting time.”

Booth Road Celtic’s senior team

Cleary-cut success for Booth LANIGAN CUP Booth Road Celtic 2 Seaford Rock United 2 Booth Road win 5-3 on pens  sport@dublingazette.com

BOOTH ROAD advanced to the last 16 of the Lanigan Cup thanks to a hardfought penalties victory under the Greenogue lights against Seaford Rock United.

They had led within minutes following some super combination play through midfield that freed Lee Keenan. His

shot crashed off the crossbar and, although the Seaford keeper initially denied Shane Merrigan’s rebound with a stunning fingertip save back onto the bar, Merrigan made no mistake the second time around to nod home.

It remained that way into half-time but the second half was a different story with Seaford pinning Booth Road back and deservedly got an equaliser. Gary Cleary kept the Clondalkin club

in the contest with a great penalty save but they did fall 2-1 behind with a couple of minutes remaining.

Cleary, though, was to play a big role in the leveller. Operating as a makeshift left back deep in the Seaford half, Cleary seemed to clear out the Seaford striker as he desperately tried to prevent a breakaway.

As Seaford appealed, Booth Road played on and, seconds later, a foul was instead given against

the visitor’s defender in the box. Up stepped Philip Sheppard to convert the penalty to force extra time.

D u r i n g t h a t t i m e, James Kelly saw the line for a second yellow card.

No further goals, though, meant the sides had to be separated by penalties for the second time in 2019 in cup competition.

Cleary managed another save to give Merrigan the chance to slam in the winner for a 5-3 success and a ticket to the last 16.

Bluebell United manager Andy Noonan was delighted with his side’s defence against Wayside Celtic

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  WEST 5 December 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN THANK you Jim Gavin for fulfilling the role of Dublin Footballer manager with such great distinction. Jim has carried himself with great dignity in fulfilling his duties and has undertaken huge personal sacrifices to support, promote and better Gaelic Football in Dublin.

He has represented our club with tremendous distinction at club, county and national level. Thank you also to Frank Roebuck, who has been an integral part of Jim’s backroom team. We are delighted to honour Jim with a special reception in the clubhouse this coming Sunday 8th December. This is an event strictly for Club Members. Further detail is on our website.

Congratulations to our Under 15 Footballers (pictured) who claimed Division 6 league honors last week. On Saturday night from 7pm, our Minor Footballers will have their presentation for their 2019 league win. The night will feature food and live music and all welcome.

Thanks to all who are supporting our green recycling initiative with South Dublin County Council and Repak. Our target over the next week is to reach the 100 bag mark. We urge Members and Supporters to continue bringing your cans and plastic bottles to the collection point at Monastery Road (back dressing room).

For our Lotto draws in December there will be three lucky dip prizes each week for vouchers of €50 for McLoughlin’s butchers in the Mill Shopping Centre.

Round Tower Lotto 25th November 2019. Jackpot: €10,000. Numbers drawn: 3,4,5,14 bonus ball 22. No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. 3 x €100 winners: Angela Barry, Bernadette Byrne, MAD.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN A SHORT club notes this weekend. No matches at the weekend but lots happening with Christmas parties and various team outings under way.

Congratulations to Chris Mooney who refereed the Leinster intermediate club championship final at the weekend.

Tickets for our National Club Draw are still on sale. A further bonus draw will be held at Christmas. The draw will be held in the Palmerstown House on Monday night, 23 December.

Lotto numbers this week were 6, 14, 27 and 29. We had two match 3 winners – Fergal Maher and Mr Fahey who won €100 each.

The jackpot next week will be €8,000 with the draw in the Palmerstown House on Sunday night at 10pm. As this is an important fundraiser for the club, we would ask all club members to support the Lotto and indeed to spread the word to family and friends over the Christmas period. It would also make an ideal Christmas present.

Lotto tickets are available online.

FOOTBALL: RAINBOW HAILS HUGE SQUAD EFFORT

Ballyboden ‘all-in’ for Leinster final LEINSTER SFC FINAL  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s are just 60 minutes away from claiming only their second ever AIB Leinster club senior men’s football title when they take on Éire Óg, Carlow this Sunday at MW Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise at 2pm (Live TG4).

Former Kildare player Anthony Rainbow is in his second year in charge of the side. He says there’s been a lot of progress by the squad, since losing the Dublin semi-final to eventual Leinster finalists Kilmacud Crokes last year “Last year was a huge learning curve for the players and management,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“Not only was it a learning curve, but I think we developed a lot of the younger players that were coming through from Minor and Under-21 last year. They learned so much and got so much experience from that. “ Yo u ’ v e g o t t h e older guys like Declan O’Mahony, who has been phenomenal this year.

Declan is 36 or 37 years

Ballyboden St Enda’s Darren O’Reilly at the AIB Leinster club finals press event in Portlaoise. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

of age, and he’s playing like a 26 year-old. He’s playing incredible stuff “Conal Keaney is the same. He was probably a bit unlucky that he picked up a hamstring injury against Na Fianna which put him back a couple of weeks.

“If you look at what Conal has done when he has come off the bench; Michael Daragh Macauley has done a lot off the bench as well, and what he offers in terms of experience. He shares that experience with the

FRIENDS FIRST Twomey tops in FODH awards LUCAN Sarsfields Ali Twomey

was presented with the Friends of Dublin Hurling (FODH) senior camogie player of the year following her performances throughout 2019.

She is pictured with FODH’s Michael O’Grady at their awards night at the Red Cow Moran Hotel. Divine Mercy SNS, Balgaddy was named the primary school of the year on the night, too.

Picture: ilivephotos.com

players as well.

“It’s a huge collective.

You talk about the starting 15 that have done well, but you look at the six or seven other guys, or even eight or nine guys that we have used in the Championship overall.

“Then you look at the 34-35 guys that we have used in the league.

“It’s a huge collective, and it’s ‘all-in’ with the players.”

The former Carlow manager knows it’s not going to be an easy task

this weekend.

“We’ve analysed Éire Óg as a team. I don’t want to give away too much in terms of our game-plan, and in terms of what way we think they are going to set-up.

“What we need to bring to the table is what we can bring.

“We stick to a process, and our game-plan and if we bring a huge intensity to the game and organisation to the game, and stick to the game-plan I don’t think we will be too far off.”

5 December 2019 WEST  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: JIM GAVIN CALLS TIME ON HISTORIC REIGN AS DUBLIN SENIOR MANAGER

Meeting with fans at his homecoming in Clondalkin in 2013

Dublin manager Jim Gavin celebrates the 2017 success with his children Jude and Jasmine. Pictures: James Crombie/ Inpho

The Dream-maker S

Dublin Gazette Sports Editor Stephen Findlater conducts the first one-on-one interview with Jim Gavin following his appointment in November 2012.

Gavin celebrates with Brian Fenton after the 2019 final. Picture: Oisin Keniry/Inpho

ELF sacrifice, commitment, respect, perserverance, hard work. These are the things I have always believed in.”

Jim Gavin’s words to the Dublin Gazette just two weeks into his tenure as Dublin senior football manager would be the underlying principles that guided his incredible reign, culminating in their five in-a-row success earlier this year.

In total, he would bring six All-Irelands, five national leagues and seven Leinster titles to the capital. More than the trophies, the Round Tower, Clondalkin man did so with a quiet dignity, deflecting the spotlight to the players that so delighted the Hill, always showing respect and integrity toward the opposition.

2018 final celebrations.

Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

He was also a man who gave prominence to the essence of Dublin as a city, something for the marquee team to reflect in the way they played, to pay tribute to Molly Malone and the rare auld times. Stories abound of taking the squad to the top of the Guinness Storehouse to survey their city; or, at the start of the 2019 campaign, when the players were brought to the Clonturk Road scene in Drumcondra of Dublin’s very first All-Ireland win in 1892.

IT gave the team an inherent sense of place, a sense of purpose, a commitment to be part of greatness of what it means to be a Dub.

Hill 16 salutes their heroes in 2013

Gavin applauds the support after the 2013 final

GazetteSPORT DECEMBER 5-11, 2019

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

Towers lead tributes to Jim Gavin  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Jim Gavin, after he called time on his involvement as Dublin senior football manager on Saturday, following a meeting with Dublin GAA CEO John Costello.

In a statement on the shock move, Dublin GAA Chairman Sean Shanley paid tribute to the “fivein-a-row” All-Ireland winning manager.

“Dublin GAA will be forever grateful to Jim Gavin for his dedication, commitment and contribution as a player and, since 2003, leading the next generation of players at Under-21 and Senior level,” Shanley said. “I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he

has made over this period.”

The statistics are staggering. In 107 competitive games across the All-Ireland and Leinster Championships, and the Allianz Football League, 86 wins were produced, resulting in 18 titles out of a possible 21.

In addition to the five-in-a-row, under Gavin’s tenure, Dublin also claimed Sam Maguire in 2013.

They went unbeaten under his stewardship in Leinster, picking up seven provincial titles in-a-row – along with five Allianz Football League Division 1 titles including a four-in-a-row between 2013 and 2016; and a further success in 2018.

Gaelic Players Association CEO and former Dublin player Paul Flynn, who retired from intercounty football last May, was

among those to pay tribute.

“He has not only driven the standards for Dublin GAA, but also intercounty teams all over the country,” he said.

These were sentiments echoed

by Barry Cahill.

“He was so meticulous about his preparations and how he went about his business.

“He left no stone unturned in how he approached things, and he was very meticulous in how he went about it.

Jim’s home club Round Towers Clondalkin will host a special “members only” event to pay tribute to him this Saturday.

The club toasted Jim and fellow club member Frank Roebuck, who has also been involved with Dublin under Gavin.

“What has been achieved by Jim is unprecedented. This is testament to the huge responsibility he has undertaken to meticulously prepare the team for each of the challenges it has faced and to ensure players receive the best preparation and support.

“For the past decade, Jim has been keenly involved in preparing Dublin teams.

“We are forever grateful to Jim for the role he’s fulfilled in promoting our club and the Clondalkin community with great honour.

“We also take this opportunity to pay tribute to our very own Frank Roebuck, who has been an integral part of Jim’s backroom team and has undertaken huge personal sacrifices to support Jim and the team.”

Jim Gavin steps away leaving a remarkable legacy of five All-Ireland titles in a row.

Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho