Clondalkin

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HAPPY SURPRISE FOR RESCUERS CARING FOR ROSY

Joy as rescued horse delivers healthy foal  SYLVIA POWNALL

A HORSE dumped on the side of the road and left to die in Clondalkin has made a full recovery – and has given birth to a healthy foal.

The animal – named Rosy by rescue volunteers – was one of two emaciated cobbs dragged from the back of a trailer despite being so weak that they could not stand.

The other horse had to be put to sleep and a harrowing video of the cruel incident showed the animals abandoned at a roundabout on the Fonthill Road on Continued on P2 June 12.

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

TRANSPORT | STONE-THROWING FORCES DIVERSIONS TO ROUTES

Anti-social behaviour threatens the future of local bus services  SYLVIA POWNALL

BUS services to Neilstown in Clondalkin and west Tallaght are under serious threat as a result of ongoing anti-social behaviour.

Last week Dublin Bus was forced to divert vehicles from their normal route due to stone throwing and other anti-social behaviour on the Neilstown road.

The 40 and 76 were re-routed from the Coldcut Road directly onto the Fonthill Road – leaving the Neilstown Road without any bus service on Friday, August 18.

This is the latest in a litany of disruptions to the service. Less than 24 hours later the 79 and

79a service to Cherry Orchard was curtailed for the same reason.

Meanwhile Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) has called for a coordinated community response to the now serious threat to the bus service in west Tallaght.

The monthly meeting of the Dublin Bus/Luas community forum held in Killinarden heard details of a series of incidents including stones and missiles thrown, windows broken, passengers assaulted and youths scutting on the back of buses.

Cllr O’Connor said: “It was made clear at the meeting that there is now a real threat of the bus services to our estates being

withdrawn leaving commuters having to walk to their homes from The Square.

“The No 27 bus service is being subjected to regular attacks.”

Cllr O’Connor said these crimes were being committed by young people from the local area and he called on their parents to do their bit and help protect the service for the community.

Separately, People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson has expressed concern over the awarding of several Dublin bus routes to UK company GoAhead.

The successful tender for 10 per cent of all routes, including the 76 from Tallaght to Chapel-

izod, was announced on August 10.

Cllr Johansson said: “This company has been voted the ‘worst rail company in Britain’ in 2015 while in the same year paying their chief executive a bonus of over £2 million.

“Many elderly people in Clondalkin rely on the 76 service to take them to Tallaght hospital and to travel to family in different parts of the county.

“While the company has stated that they will honour free travel passes it is concerning that a private company with such an appalling record of customer satisfaction in other countries will be operating routes like the 76.”

FASTNews

€200,000 approved for traffic-calming measures

FUNDING of €200,000 to provide speed ramps and traffic-calming measures in south Dublin have been welcomed by Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF).

He encouraged people to make submissions on or before the deadline of Friday, September 4. Cllr Gilligan added: “I get a lot of residents requesting trafficcalming measures, but when you look into it a lot of neighbours are against them.”

Proposed ramps in Clondalkin include two at Lindisfarne Vale, one at Lealand Avenue, two at St Patrick’s Road, three at Kilcronan Avenue, one at Deansrath Road, two at Kilmahuddrick Road, one at Woodford Road, one at Woodford Park and two at Grangeview Road.

South Dublin County Council also proposes to install a roundabout at the junction of Lindisfarne Grove and Lealand Road.

Schools welcome at open day for Jigsaw Clondalkin JIGSAW Clondalkin will hold its annual open day for schools on Friday, September 22 from 10am to 4pm at its premises on Moorefield Avenue in Neilstown. Drop by for some arts and crafts, games, music, mindfulness, activities, information and much more. For further details, call 01 538 0087, or to book send an email with the heading “Open Day Booking” to clondalkin@jigsaw.ie.

CLONDALKIN | ONCE EMACIATED COBB SURPRISES

‘Miracle birth’ joy at rescue Continued from Page 1

But the DSPCA revealed that unbeknown to staff the surviving horse was pregnant – and the once frail cobb last week gave birth to a foal, named Gracie.

Eyewitness Anna Dolan, who called gardai and vets to the scene, said: “The good news stories like this make it all worthwhile. We can’t save them all but every one counts.”

Anna, a volunteer with My Lovely Horse Rescue, added: “If we can make a difference to a few of these poor horses it makes it that bit easier for me to deal with it.

“If only the other poor horse had pulled through as well. I can

still see her; it was very upsetting.”

Delivering news of the miracle birth, t h e D S P C A Mum Rosy and her foal, Gracie revealed that at first Rosy was so thin they had no the way in which the two horses idea she was expecting. were dumped but said they were A spokesperson revealed: “Rosy grateful that Gracie “will never was gaining weight and looking see or feel pain like that”. much better when to everyone’s Gardai in Ronanstown are consurprise, she gave birth to a beau- tinuing to investigate the matter. tiful foal.

Meanwhile, South Dublin County “Some good news to come out Council is in the process of setof bad! We asked the children on ting up a working forum to deal our summer camp to name the with the issue of abandoned and foal and they have called her Gra- neglected horses in the area. cie.”

The matter is up for discussion The spokesperson condemned at its September meeting.

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

HISTORY MMA KING IN THE

WITH only a few days until MMA king Conor McGregor takes on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, Boylesports has created a fantastic poster to promote the Notorious knocking-out ‘Money Mayweather’, and put it above the iconic Karma Stone pub. The banner appeared on the corner of Kevin and Wexford Sts last weekend, with the caption: “They say he has no chance, but we like his odds.” Mayweather is the overwhelming favourite, but the Dubliner is believed to pose a substantial threat as punters rally behind Conor to wipe Floyd’s unbeaten record.

Meanwhile Huddersfield based tailor, Owen Scott Bespoke, have the market sewn up after they annouced they will be stocking UFC Champion Conor McGregor’s controversial suit with the phrase “F*** You” woven into the pinstripe. The Irish fighter wore the suit – which is made from cloth designed and manufactured in Huddersfield - when he confronted opponent Floyd Mayweather at the press conference before their much-anticipated fight (left).

WHERE TO SEE THE FIGHT

Vue cinema at the Liffey Valley will show the bout between The Notorious and ‘Mayweather on two of their screens. Tickets €20 for Adults and €17.50. Doors open from 11:45pm. Bluebell United are hosting a party for the fight. €50 admission entitles you to an open bar from 11pm onwards. Also Crumlin Boxing Club, where a young Conor stepped into a boxing club for the first time aged 12, is set to screen the mega-fight.

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Rehab Recycle actively repurpose electronic IT equipment, such as laptops and desktops which are received through the corporate donations scheme PromiseIT to Rehab Recycle, who supply schools and community groups with high-quality laptops and desktops.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

GREAT CAUSE | FUNDRAISER STARTED BY TWO SISTERS IN MEMORY OF LATE MUM

Call on women to donate bras for cancer research  SYLVIA POWNALL CORKAGH Park will be awash with ladies’ underwear this weekend – but it’s all for a good cause.

Clondalkin women are being asked to give up their bras, and some cash, to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

A chain of bras will line the trees at the park on Sunday, August 27, as the fundraiser started by two sisters in memory of their late mum enters its fourth year.

S i b li n gs Ly n Lee a nd Ann McDonnell started the initiative in 2014, and despite competing with All-Ireland semi-finals or replays it has managed to raise thousands each year.

Fine Gael Cllr Emer Higgins has been a supporter of the cause since the beginning and she’s calling on women to get behind the fun charity event this weekend.

She said: “Every woman I know has old bras taking up space in their drawers. Ann McDonnell and Lyn Lee need them to help make an impact.

“They are collecting bras and loose change to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer

research.

“This Sunday they’ll use their haul to decorate Corkagh Park with a Bra Chain made up of bras of all shapes, sizes and colours.

“Ann and Lyn are an absolute breath of fresh air and have put their creativity, vision, passion and goodwill to use to raise awareness and funds for a cause dear to so many people’s hearts.”

Sunday’s family-friendly event starts at 12 noon and all ladies taking part are asked to donate just €2 per bra.

The inaugural event in 2014 saw over 800 bras decorate the trees in the park, raising over €2,000 in the process, and the event has grown since then.

Speaking about it previously Ann said: “My mother died of breast cancer 45 years ago and my sister and I, a couple of years ago, decided to start fundraising.

“The bra chain idea came out of nowhere. We were trying to think of something different to do, so we got posters done and put the word out.”

The sisters’ mother died aged just 44, when Anne was five. A local pub collection will also take place this weekend for the same cause.

Fine Gael Cllr Emer Higgins (centre) with Lyn Lee and Ann McDonnell

Road victim Abbie welcomes improved street lighting plan A TEENAGER seriously injured in a road smash which claimed the life of her father has welcomed plans for improved street lighting.

Mum of one Abbie Finn (18) was walking with her dad Martin (60) on the dark Newcastle to Lucan road when they were hit by an SUV on January 17.

She broke her neck and underwent two surgeries on her spine after she was flung in the air and across the road in the impact after her dad pushed her aside and took the full impact.

Abbie said she welcomed plans to provide footpaths and street lighting along the road.

The local authority revealed a €20m upgrade on the Newcastle Road is being put out to tender at present and it is hoped that work on the project may start this year.

Abbie said: “At least if they do put the footpath and lights down it might prevent anything like that happening again.

“There are more and more people using that road now because more houses have been built and there is a real need for it to be upgraded.”

‘Going green’ to support Spinal Injuries Ireland SPINAL Injuries Ireland (SII) launched its third annual flag day called ‘Colour Me Friday’ last week with the help of RTE’s Kathryn Thomas, fitness ambassador Rob O’Byrne and the chief executive at SII, Fiona Bolger.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness and support for people living with spinal cord injuries throughout Ireland and SII is asking people to get involved to help raise much needed funds for the services the charity provides.

Colour Me Friday will take place on October 6, and on the day SII is asking everyone to wear the colour green and host a small fundraising event such as a coffee morning, fitness class, or collection in aid of SII. Picture: Aishling Conway

Delay in social housing delivery blasted SINN Fein TD Eoin O Broin has described the delay in social housing delivery in Clondalkin as “totally unacceptable”.

His comments follow revelations that seven months after councillors passed planning permission for a rapid build social housing development in St Cuthbert’s Park the tender documents haven’t even been published yet.

South Dublin County Council has confirmed to Deputy O Broin that the earliest date contractors will be on site is a full year after planning permission was granted.

Crisis The Sinn Fein housing spokesman said: “The housing and homeless crisis is getting worse.

“Every day new families are presenting to the council having been served with vacant possession notices to quit.

“In February, councillors passed planning permission for 61 rapid build family homes in St Cuthbert’s Park, Clondalkin. “ T h e d e ve l o p m e n t was modified following extensive consultation

by Sinn Fein with the local community.

“I have been informed that they (council) hope the agreed contractor will be on site during the first three months of 2018.

“This means that a full year will have passed from the point where planning permission was granted to when construction starts.

“This is totally unacceptable.”

Deputy O Broin said he had written to the D e p a r t m e n t ’s h e a d o f h o u s i n g d e l i ve r y and to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy demanding action to speed up the process.

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6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

Out and About

Suzan Doyle and Kate Mcgrath

Vikki Pratt with Maria, Aidan and Tracey Callistes

High drama at group’s summer performance Max Massey, Kate Massey and Kaya Massey. Left: Ana Spencer Pictures: Joao Perussi

B

AWNOGUE Community Centre was full to the brim for each performance of Clondalkin Drama Group’s newest production, Barry Snotter And The Panto Of Doom. After all the hard work and dedication put in to making this show happen, the cast were richly rewarded by the reaction with audience members describing it as a cracking show and a brilliant production. The group are now preparing for a production of the 1959 play, Sive, by John B. Keane.

Alex Spenser, Clare Spencer and Matthew Hall

Lily, Darragh, Saoirse, Finola and Fintan Murphy

Kids from the cast ready to get into stage

Getting ready for some magic performances

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

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EPIC TRIP | PLANS TO PAY FOR JOURNEY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Barry’s bidding to visit every country on earth SYLVIA POWNALL GLOBETROTTER Barry Denton has set himself a phenomenal task – to visit all the countries of the world and fund it through his social media updates.

The 31-year-old from Bawnogue is Clondalkin’s answer to Phileas Fogg, having visited 70 countries with the aim of ticking 100 off his list by the age of 35.

Barry, a former Moyle Park College student, also plans to build a school for blind children in Kabale, Uganda with a group of volunteers next year.

He is currently on a bus journey from Cairo to Cape Town and is keeping followers updated on his travel blog CanSeeItAll.com and a documentary he is filming.

Barry, who was bitten by the travel bug visiting Europe in his teens, told The Gazette: “I am currently in Malawi, the third poorest country in the world. While it may be one of the poorest places on the planet, they are rich in spirit and always greet you with a smile.”

Former call centre manager Barry, who is self-funding his trans-continental adventures, explained: “I come from a single-

Barry pictured in Egypt; (inset) feeding hyenas

parent family of eight kids so growing up wasn’t always easy.

“I want to show people on my blog that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to win the lotto. It is actually cheaper to travel the world each month than it is to live in Ireland.”

Embracing each country’s culture and cuisine has had its ups and downs and Barry suffered a dose of malaria in Uganda and was violently ill for three days in

Somalia.

He said: “I felt like coming home then but I persevered and pushed on. I was completely out of my comfort zone, so to get through those few days was the turning point of the trip.

“In terms of attractions the highlights have been the pyramids in Egypt, safari in Tanzania, a gorilla trek in Uganda and Victoria Falls in Zambia.

“My girlfriend Ana came with

me to Egypt actually. We were a bit apprehensive to go as two bombs went off a week before our departure.

“Thankfully Egypt was outstanding with super friendly locals. Then she went back to work in Italy; I went in to Sudan then started chipping away at the continent.”

He describes hitchhiking at 1am in the Sahara Desert in Sudan as “pretty strange”, adding: “I also fed wild hyena in Ethiopia which was pretty scary, having the strongest lock-jawed animal in the world centimetres away from your face isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

You can follow Barry’s adventures at www.facebook.com/CanSeeItAll/.

Local teens attend youth leadership conference

(Front) Sadhbh Coffey Duff, Niamh Padden, Bonnie McFeat, Nicole Frazer, Rebekah Spiller, Jack Kelly, Abbie Reardon, Ella Gavin, Jennifer Shiels and Lauren Ward with (back) Sean Mulligan, Shauna Pidgeon, Katherine Rodina, Akema Junior, Berangore Kengne, Megan Kelliher and (very back) Akeem Shopeju, Kazeem Balogun, Paul McNeill, Luke Davis, Chloe Taieb Roantree and Adam Keely

SOME 23 teens from South Dublin attended Foroige’s Leadership for Life International Youth Conference in Kildare last week.

The conference brought together 250 teenagers from India, the USA and Ireland to learn how to become leaders in their own lives.

During the week-long conference the teens learn crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, communication skills, critical thinking and team-work.

Sean Campbell, CEO of Foroige, said: “The Leadership for Life programme enhances the vision, passion and idealism of young people by teaching them key leadership skills and challenging them to use these skills practically.

“Through challenging young people to explore their own values, and express themselves in ways they may not be used to, they develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and empathy. These skills are crucial in all walks of life.”

FASTNews SDCC environment groups get a €35k funding boost A NUMBER of local environmental projects are to benefit from Government funding. The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund supports local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: “This year, more than €460,000 of funding is available, representing an increase of 15% from 2016. South Dublin County Council have now drawn down this allocation which they Bees: winners under the will match, bringing the total LA21 project funding, which includes for a bee awareness project funding this year to €908,000. Funding of €35,246 was announced for projects in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Brittas, Saggart and Newcastle.

“The fund supports small-scale non-profit environmental projects such as Bee Aware, Pedal Power Lab, Balgaddy Community Garden, Lucan Tidy Towns’ Protect The Griffeen River, and Clondalkin Tidy Towns’ Swift Awareness and Conservation.”

Older people urged to get fuel applications in on time DEPUTY John Curran (FF) is urging older people to ensure that they get their applications for the Winter Fuel Allowance in to the Department of Social Protection on time if they want to avail of new lump sum payments, with this year’s deadline set as September 15.

He said: “We need to remember that pensioners have fixed incomes and it can be very difficult to pull together €200 or €300 to pay for a delivery of oil. I am calling on people in Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown to ensure that if they want to receive the lump sum payments they ensure that they have their applications filled out and sent to the Department of Social Protection by the deadline so that their payments can be logged and paid on time.”

Students, renters urged to be wary of scammers GARDAI are advising students, and others, to be extra wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when many are returning to college.

They advise that such scams fall into three broad categories: the scammer claims to be out of the country and can’t show you the property but requests a deposit; the scammer is living at the property and shows a number of people around, gets a deposit from several people and then disappears with the money; or the transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.

Gardai say ideally people should only do business with established bon-fide rental agencies and should always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.

The Residential Tenancies Board rent index (see www.rtb.ie) is an authoritative guide as to the actual rents being charged by landlords adjacent to all ITs, universities, and other third-level colleges.

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

GAZETTE

10 GAZETTE 24 August 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Dublin districts competing for BOI award, funding

SEVERAL Dublin areas are in the running to win the title of Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town Winner 2017, with total funding of €110,000 to be distributed in a number of categories.

The Liberties, Ballymun, the docklands, Dun Laoghaire, Sandyford, Blackrock, Rush, Malahide, Tallaght and Rathcoole are competing in various categories, including regional runner-up, regional winner, city award, merit awards, national category winners and the overall national winner, which will win €23,000, a trophy and the top title.

Colin Kingston, Dublin provincial director, BOI said: “We recognise that SMEs, start-ups and community organisations are a significant driver of the overall prosperity of the city or county. Local business owners and community groups want to see their town doing well, and there is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to motivate people to put their best foot forward.

“We want to recognise and reward those places where small businesses and community groups are working together with their local council and State agencies to promote enterprise in their area.”

Some of the key criteria for consideration include partnerships and engaging with the diaspora, local enterprise initiatives and business groups, strategic planning to support enterprise development, the visual attractiveness of the town to help support economic growth, and any business awards or recognition that the town or area has achieved.

The overall €110,000 funding includes €15,000 for the overall national winner,€5,000 for a city award, 12 regional runner-up awards of €2,000 and three €5,000 awards for national category winners.

Judging panels are visiting each of the shortlisted 78 entries from now until mid-October, with the winners to be announced in November.

TECH | DUBLINERS’ UNIVERSITY SEARCH ENGINE FIRM EXPANDING INTO OZ

Walkinstown lads’ online startup goes walkabout  MARK O’BRIEN

UniBrowse co-founders Niall

A TEAM of Irish 25-yearolds are expanding their tech start-up to international markets to help young people worldwide choose the right third-level course.

UniBrowse was cofounded by Walkinstown natives Alan O’Beirne and Niall Cronin, along with college friends Kenneth Casey and Walter Holohan, as an online search engine that makes it easier for school students to find college courses. It launched in Ireland in December 2016.

Now, the company is expanding to Australia, with plans to launch in the UK and USA in the coming months.

Announcing the international expansion yesterday, O’Beirne said: “Australia is seeing an increase in college drop-out rates, which is resulting in thirdlevel completion rates being at an all-time low.

“From our research, the

Cronin and Alan O’Beirne

reason for students dropping out of college in Australia is the same as the reason here in Ireland: schoolleavers just aren’t getting the right information when it comes to choosing their college course and they end up in courses that really don’t suit them.

“UniBrowse was born out of our own personal experiences,” O’Beirne continued.

“Myself and my three cofounders all struggled with the decision-making pro-

cess around college courses when we were doing our Leaving Cert several years ago. More recently, I saw how my younger sister struggled to find useful information when she was finishing school last year.

College “When you’re finishing school, you feel like you’re being asked to make decisions that will impact on the rest of our life. This is daunting enough without the added complication of

trying to sift through hundreds of college courses, some with little to no information available.

“At UniBrowse, we make the college decisionmaking process much easier, so students feel really informed in advance about what’s involved in the course they’re interested in, and whether it will suit them.

“We provide a complete bank of undergraduate college courses, and students can search keywords for

the course for them. Once they’ve found a course they like the look of, they can click it to find even further information, such as the modules completed throughout the degree and whether an Erasmus overseas placement is an option as part of the course.”

In addition to international expansion, UniBrowse will launch the second phase of its site here in Ireland next month.

“We’re keeping the exact details under wraps for now, but Phase Two will be targeted at parents,” O’Beirn added. “The process of finding the right college course isn’t just a stressful time for students, but for their parents too.”

UniBrowse aims to scale up and fast, according to O’Beirne.

“After we launch in Australia, the UK and US are next on our list. Our vision is to reduce college dropout rates globally,” he said. n Further information is available at unibrowse.ie

Businesses urged to take a bite at a top Pakman waste award TIME is running out for businesses and organisations looking to highlight their environmentally-friendly waste management policies in this year’s annual Pakman awards, with the closing date of Thursday, August 31 rapidly approaching.

The awards celebrate excellence in waste management and recycling, with this year’s awards seeing a brand-new category, Innovation in Waste Management, with the winner of this inaugural award to be chosen by a panel led by businesswoman and Dragon’s Den’s Chanelle McCoy. She said: “I’ll be looking to

award those who have demonstrated going the extra mile when it comes to protecting the environment through positive waste management and recycling practices.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and to give their business or organisation the chance to be recognised for truly making a difference to recycling in Ireland.”

‘Awareness’ Repak chief executive Seamus Clancy said: “The growth and increased success of these awards year on year is a testament to how far we’ve come as a nation in our

strong recycling practices and our aim is to continue to spread awareness and secure positive results in this sector.

Categories range across a number of recycling and waste management sectors, including We’ll Take It Back Retailer Champion, Community Recycling Project of the Year, Waste Recycling Facility of the Year, Innovation in Waste Management, and Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative.

To enter, see www.pakman.ie, with the deadline for nominations set at midnight on August 31.

24 August 2017 GAZETTE 11

TALLAGHT P14

ASDFSDAF P27P18 STILLORGAN

LEARNINGCURVE Whether you’re a first-time student or want to boost your existing qualifications, there’s a lot to learn about college life – luckily, The Gazette has everything you need to know

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GAZETTE

BLACKROCK P12

Same old joy, tears as the Leaving Cert results rolled out using new grading

MOVING ON

It’s great to be starting college life – but first, best of luck to find a place ...

RENT RACE P20

TAKE a moment to think of the mammies and daddies (and other guardians) of Ireland, who were no doubt nervous wrecks as they waited for 2017’s 58,000 Leaving Certs to get their results last week.

Although for most, The Leaving is a once-off affair, a number of repeat students had a unique perspective on this year’s exams – 2017 saw an inaugural 14 score band grading system put in place, compared to the standard eight of previous years. As you’d expect from using a larger range of grades, there was an immediate impact across the Leaving, with a sharp drop in failure rates in some subjects, such as Higher Maths.

A small number of critics raised perenially popular claims of the State’s exams “dumbing down” – claims that the Department of Education rejected as optics, with the department, and a number of education specialists, discussing how the new grading system eases the pressure on students while simultaneously taking into better account how grades are reported to them under the new grading.

However, as with any new system, subtle shifts came into play with the marks. For example, the unlamented E grade is no longer an automatic fail, but still scoops up points for the student’s CAO total – a move to be welcomed, but countering that gain the new range of grades was thought to have prompted some students into trying a higher level in the hopes of scoring better, potentially resulting in a weaker outcome than if they had stayed at a lower level.

Subsequent years will show how the new system is playing out for everyone, but regardless of their results on the day, well done to all the ex-Leaving Certs (and to any who may repeat) on completing their exams!

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 24 August 2017

LEARNINGCURVE

Open day to showcase a brilliant Blackrock hub AS THE principal of Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI), located in Blackrock village, Deirdre Hanamy is passionate about the benefits of taking a further education course.

She points to the benefits of such courses, such as flexible entry requirements, qualifications to go directly into employment, or qualifications that provides alternative pathways to degree courses.

Deirdre says: “If you did not get the CAO points to go directly to third level, then you should consider coming to our next

Come along to Blackrock Further Education Institute’s upcoming open day next week

open day on Wednesday, August 30, to find out about our courses such as Applied Psychology, PreUniversity Law, Business Studies or Computer Science courses, which offer alternative pathways to degree courses.

“Students who just fin-

ished their courses last May are now taking up the places in Computer Science in UCD, Law in DIT, and Psychology in the IADT, Dun Laoghaire.

“Finally, students who choose to study at BFEI will also benefit from

small teaching groups and continuous assessment, as this is an integral element of most of our courses and excellent career guidance advice.”

BFEI offers a wide variety of courses at Level 5 and 6 in a great range of diverse areas, from Business and Accounting to Design, Health and IT skills, as well as many other sectors and skillsets.

Some courses such as Accounting Technician, Office IT Skills, Interior Design, Applied Psychology, Health and Wellbeing Therapies are timetabled for mornings only to cater for students who

have other commitments.

There is also an option to enrol on the new Accounting Technician Apprenticeship course and earn as you learn.

Of the open day on Wednesday, August 30 from noon to 6pm, Deirdre says: “I recommend coming along to find out more about the college and courses, meet our staff, and see our facilities including computer laboratories, design studios, and beauty salons and an ICT learning centre.”

Further details on the institute and all its many courses are available online at www.bfei.ie.

Half of parents haven’t saved for third-level costs HALF of Irish parents have no financial plans in place to help put their children through thirdlevel education.

That’s according to a new report by Aviva, with its Cost of Education research showing that 49% of parents are unprepared for the cost of further education.

The Aviva research found that on average, parents expect to pay out €5,122 a year to send a child to a thirdlevel college or university, while if the student has to study away from home, the expected cost is almost double, at €10,125.

The research found that a quarter (27%) are saving for their children’s primary and secondary education, but the next step remains a financially daunting challenge for many.

The research for the report, carried out by RED C for Aviva, found support for the idea of a student loan system with repayment to be contingent on the income earned by graduates.

Three out of four parents thought such a system was at least worth exploring as a funding option, although just one in four students thought it was a great idea.

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14 GAZETTE 24 August 2017

LEARNINGCURVE

ANNIVERSARY: INSTITUTE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH EVEN MORE CHOICES

ITT’s reason to help celebrate 25 years of top academic excellence IT TALLAGHT is celebrating its 25th year this upcoming academic year, and there are various activities and events planned throughout the year as part of the celebrations.

Since we opened our doors in 1992, multitudes of students have chosen IT Tallaght as their college of choice, and have subsequently gone on to have wonderful careers and enriched lives.

It has been a pleasure to have all the students here throughout the years, and we eagerly await the arrival of this year’s new first years in September.

Our first open evening of the year takes place on Monday, September 4 from 5:30-7:30pm. This event is aimed at those who are interested in enrolling in fulland part-time courses in IT Tallaght.

Staff members will be available to answer any and all queries on course information, fees, grants, careers and so on.

Along with our vast range of courses in engineering, science, computing, humanities and business, we have exiting new programmes in biomedical design, digital

marketing, international business, media and digital arts, computing/IT, social care and culinary nutrition.

We also have various free springboard courses in computing/IT/technology aimed at those who wish to up-skill in order to commence or enhance their careers.

Bus services

Our two private bus routes (Kildare town to IT Tallaght serving Newbridge, Naas and Rathcoole, and Maynooth to IT Tallaght serving Celbridge, Leixlip, Lucan, Griffeen, Ballyowen, and Ronanstown/Fonthill) allow students in our region ease of access to and from the college. These bus services reflect the growing popularity of the institute in the south-west Dublin areas and Kildare.

Please keep in contact with our website (www.it-tallaght.ie) throughout the year for more information on our 25th anniversary events.

For our other useful links, see www.it-tallaght.ie/busand-rail-routes, www.it-tallaght.ie/fulltimecourses, and www.it-tallaght.ie/parttimecourses.

The atrium at the college, where students and visitors often get a glimpse of ITT’s diverse academic and social life. Picture: Nenad Malik

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NETWORKING: INNOVATION TO THE FORE IN ITB’S LEARN+WORK PROGRAMME

A new initiative to grow ICT skills FOR many students, the CAO offers herald the start of an exciting new phase in their educational journey. But what do you do, if you don’t get the offer you wanted or have changed your mind about pursuing a traditional degree course?

The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown’s (ITB) Department of Informatics has opened its doors to recruit a new wave of students looking to access career opportunities in the ICT sector.

The Learn+Work Programme in Networking Technologies is a full-time course combining blocks of academic study with blocks of paid industry work placement.

This work experience gives learners the opportunity to apply their learning, be coached by industry experts and develop the work-ready skills to gain employment upon graduation.

Following completion, students are awarded a Higher Certificate in Sci-

ence in Computing and Networking Technologies.

The networking technologies course was designed in partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet to provide students with in-company placement, which accounts for approximately 50% of the course, accompanied by academic studies which provide the up-to-date technical and communication skills that are in high demand within the ICT sector.

This includes modules

“The businesses we partner with tell us that they see the course as a low-risk recruitment opportunity; using the placement period as a method of assessing prospective employees for future vacancies.

“Of course, this goes both ways, with students developing a very real impression of the IT industry, as well as a ‘taster’ of potential employers and workplaces.”

Mark Keyes, work placement coordinator, ITB on computer systems, server administration and networks as well as the knowledge required to achieve highly-valued industry-certified awards such as CompTIA, Linux, Cisco, Microsoft and VMware, which are also facilitated through ITB. Students like Emmet Quinn (23) from Raheny receive exposure to experienced and creative mindsets, whilst making valuable connections with innovative compa-

nies such as Fleet Connect, based in Blanchardstown Corporate Park, who provide wi-fi and technology solutions for public transport.

Emmet says the paid work experience was a real clincher in applying for the course, helping him to keep his independence and focus on his studies, which other courses might not have provided.

“The lack of fees allows me much more time to

focus on my studies and puts me at a great advantage in terms of having the time to work on assignments and certifications.

“The cer tifications themselves are also massively beneficial to my professional development, and for future job applications.”

Patrick Cotter, chief executive of Fleet Connect, where Emmet is currently undertaking his work experience, says: “A new recruit needs to possess excellent communication skills, be adept at solving problems, take ownership of their job and be able to react to situations swiftly and confidently.

“This is why we joined ITB’s Learn+Work programme. We believe it’s a

win-win situation because students get the opportunity to grow, learn and build a portfolio, while we get to avail of the best staff in the business.”

The programme prepares candidates for careers in networking, data centre and Cloudbased disciplines, with roles including desktop service and support, network operation centre engineer, information security engineer, systems administrator, Cisco network engineer, helpdesk engineer, field service engineer and pre-sales engineer.

Interested applicants can apply directly to www.itb.ie/learnandwork

by August 27 for an aptitude test and interview, or call ITB at 01 885 1530.

Help is at hand for the best ‘Repeat’ HERE at O’Connell Secondary School, we truly believe that once inspired and motivated effectively, all students have the ability to achieve their own personal goals.

Located in the heart of the city near Croke Park and in close proximity to Connolly, Clontarf and Drumcondra train, Luas and DART stations, our school at North Richmond Street offers a repeat year that’s a standalone programme run in a separate section of the school, and one which operates on a different timetable to the rest of the school.

A full and wide range of subjects and levels are available from very experienced teachers who have helped pupils to dramatically improve their grades and CAO points. Detailed notes in all the subject areas are provided by the teachers.

In addition, we provide constant supervision throughout the year, along with caring support structures with a dedicated year head and a safe

and secure environment for teaching and learning to take place.

Most of those students who have taken part in the programme have gone on to further their studies at third-level institutions in Dublin and elsewhere.

Compulsory supervised day and evening study takes place in a controlled and silent environment.

Seminars on study and exam skills take place at the beginning of the school year and students are encouraged to avail of the services of the school’s career guidance department.

Comprehensive career guidance is indeed a core part of the programme and the individual career needs of each student are carefully explored and discussed on a number of occasions during the year.

Monthly progress reports are compiled and sent out to parents throughout the year.

Facilities at the school have been upgraded in recent years and students can now avail of our spacious and bright classrooms that are all equipped with digital projectors. Our three science laboratories have just been completely renovated, and are equipped to the highest standards in the country.

Canteen facilities, serving hot and cold food, are available before lessons begin in the morning and at lunchtime. At all times we endeavour to maintain constant contact with parents/guardians and discuss any concerns that may arise.

For further information, see www. oconnellschool.ie, or email principal@oconnellschool.ie.

LEARNINGCURVE

Some top tips for everyone applying to get a new job

Now that your results are back, just don’t panic!

WE’VE all heard the old chestnut about “So-andso left school without their Leaving Cert, and just look how successful he/she has been”.

Well, there’s more than a grain of truth in that, with teachers and college lecturers all over the country sharing the same message to any students who’re disappointed by their exam results: “Don’t panic!”

Now, more than ever before, there are many pathways to education and training for students of any age and with any

interest with choices galore to help move forward with your studies and find the training or course that’s right for you.

A positive outlook is key if you didn’t get the results you’d hoped for, with plenty of options to avail of. If you’re a school leaver, one obvious course of action is to repeat the Leaving Cert.

While it may seem a bit daunting to go back, schools and teachers will be only too happy to try to help any returning students, with several specialist institutions also

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You may be disappointed with your results, but don’t be too disheartened, as you’ll still have many options

offering a range of services for ‘repeats’.

The CAO could yet come to the rescue with a subsequent offer, but if not, there are other options to consider, such as a College of Further Education (CoFE).

Of course, further education isn’t the only route

to take – apprenticeships are another excellent step to consider undertaking, offering their own challenges and rewards.

These are just some of the many options to consider, so don’t despair at your results, as you have many more choices than you may realise ...

WHETHER you’re looking to go straight into the workplace after finishing school, or if you’re looking to take the next step on your career, it’s vital that you prepare for the task ahead.

Although finding that dream (or ‘just’ your next) job could seem like a daunting task, recruitment experts offer a number of simple, clear objectives to help get that job you’re looking for. After all, that’s the ultimate aim of that great education you’ve been slaving away for!

Keep these next few points in mind, and you’ll be on your way ...

1. Pretty much ever ything and everyone is online now, so tailor your profile to meet current online standards and expectations.

These days, many employers and potential recruiters will look to check a candidate’s online profile, especially

if you’ve listed it for them.

2. If presenting a professional profile, such as on LinkedIn, ensure that it’s up to date and is also as accurate as possible.

3. Don’t be afraid to turn to your existing contacts, and maintain an amicable, courteous relationship with them. Ex-colleagues, lecturers, and even your favourite teachers could all help you on the way, or down the road, and the vast majority will be delighted to help.

4. Last but not least, make your application relevant to the role itself and the company. Your one-size-fitsall CV and cover letter could be great ... if you just want a ‘McJob’.

However, virtually every employer or recruiter looks for, and expects, tangible proof that you want that specific job in that company, so be clear without going overboard.

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Enjoy the benefits of 30+ years of Stillorgan CoFE STILLORGAN College of Further Education has been a specialist centre for Further Education/Post Leaving Cert courses since 1986.

During this time it has developed an enviable reputation for its delivery of Further Education programmes. The college offers a range of practical courses that develop the necessary skills for the workplace or to progress to further study in the Institutes of Technology or Universities.

The college is innovative in providing courses that meet the current needs of industry.

One of the new courses is a Level 5 course in Illustration & Design. This exciting course introduces students to the wideranging discipline of Illustration and helps them gain an improved understanding of the possibilities of image-making.

A second new course for 2017/2018 is a Level 6 course in Photography. This course builds on the long-established and successful Level 5 course in Photography.

Another recent addition to the list of courses is a Level 5 course in Animation.

This introductory course prepares students with little or no experience for a third level course in animation production.

With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills, the course covers all the fundamental areas required for a successful portfolio submission.

One of the longest established courses in the college is the Art Foundation course.

This course provides tuition in areas such as Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics and Combined Materials. Graduates of this course leave with a very extensive portfolio that can be used to progress to Degree courses in colleges such as the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and IADT Dun Laoghaire.

The college also offers Level 5 and Level 6 course in Multimedia and Web Development. A unique strength of the Multimedia courses taught in the college is the emphasis they place on incorporating Digital

Video into multimedia content. This is a skill that is rarely taught on other similar courses and offers graduates of this course a particular advantage when it comes to the jobs market.

Also on offer is a Travel and Tourism course with Airline Studies. This course prepares students for work in all areas of the travel industry.

Courses in Media Production, Journalism and Level 5 and 6 courses in Computer Skills for Business round off the extensive offering of courses in the college.

The staff of the college have extensive industry experience in their respective fields and are dedicated to ensuring that, whether aiming to move to Higher Education or entering the employment market, students leave the college with every skill necessary for the future.

If you would like more information about the courses available in the college, more details are available from the college website: www.stillorgancollege.ie.

A Level 5 course in Animation awaits at Stillorgan College of Further Education – just one of the diverse range of options available at the long-established specialist centre for further education/post-Leaving Certificate courses

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Top tips to help students entering the rent race WITH less availability and rental property prices in Ireland increasing, students are facing huge challenges in the race for rental accommodation.

OFTEC, the organisation that represents the domestic heating and cooking industry in Ireland, is concerned that many students will take the cheapest accommodation available without properly inspecting the property.

With this in mind, they have issued top tips to help students ensure their accommodation is safe before they sign the dotted line.

1. Check the electrics and appliances– With rented residential accommodation it is the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the electrical installation and appliances provided by the landlord are safe when the tenancy begins and are in proper working order

throughout the tenancy.

2. Look for damp – If your house smells musty or you see evidence of mould, find out how the landlord is planning to fix the problem in the long term as mould has several health risks.

3. Raise the alarm – It is the landlord’s duty to provide fire and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as fire extinguishers, but the tenants should always test alarms on a regular basis.

4. Furniture and fittings – Ask the landlord for a list of everything that is included and make note of any damage that is there before you move it.

5. Heating requirements - Does your house have oil or gas fired central heating? At the minute, households on heating oil have the cheapest fuel bills of all the main heating systems. The Health & Safety

Authority recommends that all boilers should be serviced annually and tenants looking at an oil-fired property should ask for evidence of recent servicing.

If you have concerns, ask for a CD/12 Landlord Oil Installation Check which is carried out by an OFTEC registered technician and will give you peace of mind. If the property has a gas boiler it must be checked by a 6. Note fire escapes – This is important particularly for apartment blocks but make sure they are secure from the outside to prevent unwanted visitors.

7. Secure your home – burglars target student areas because of lax security.

Ask your landlord to fit key operating locks on the windows and five lever deadlocks on external doors.

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Quality Education with no Barriers through The Open College IRELAND’S largest dedicated provider of QQI/FETAC Awards, The Open College offers more than 90 QQI Levels 5 and 6 component cer tificates and major award programmes in a variety of subjects, delivered over a flexible mix of distance learning, e-learning and part-time attendance learning.

Those looking to take their next steps in the world of Healthcare, Business and Finance, Management, Digital Media, Childcare, Law, Journalism, Special Needs, Montessori, Psychology and many more besides will be delighted by the choice on offer.

The QQI awards you can achieve through The Open College are fully recognised by employers both nationally and internationally, and year-round

enrolment provides more flexibility and choice to prospective students than you will find at any other private college.

Keenly aware of the challenge of balancing further education and wider life, The Open College ensures that your next step can be expertly tailored around your life – rather than the other way around.

For more information on courses and programme advice you can contact The Open College at The Learning Centre, Leopardstown Business Centre, Ballyogan Road, Dublin 18; telephone 01 206 1828, or 01 206 1829.

Advice lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm; you can also fax 01 206 1750, or email info@theopencollege.com.

DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

FUN-LOVING ROCCO WILL BE A GREAT COMPANION OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Rocco, a one-year-old Staffy Cross.

He is a fun-loving and affectionate dog, who loves his daily walks and really enjoys swimming!

Rocco will need basic training, but he’s a quick learner, gets on well with other dogs and loves meeting new people.

Rocco likes to be busy and would make a great hiking or jogging companion. He’s also into health food - his favourite training treats are broccoli, carrots and apples. This big softie is looking for an active family who will give him the fuss, cuddles and attention he deserves.

If you can be NAME’s #SpecialSomeone*, 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, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

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50 things to do at Electric Picnic

Ireland’s biggest festival is just around the corner

... get charged for our quick tick list of the weekend’s essentials, from a few musical tips, to all that other stuff Picture: Paulo Gonçalves

See pages 22 & 23

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N O S ’ T A H W

 JAMES HENDICOTT LET’S start by saying It’s not all about the lineup. The big announcements are just the backdrop to what really makes up Electric Picnic: an atmospheric weekend that’s always guaranteed to be one of the best parties on offer any given year.

2017 will be no different: here, we explore a few of those things you just have to do in a stroll around Stradbally’s temporary heart in early September....

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Stiff Little Fingers

Old school punks drop in on the Academy to loudly blast through a few hits, with support from Ruts DC. Not one for the faint hearted: expect a lot of angry, punchy, politically-tinged noise. August 25.

McGregor v Mayweather

The circus is over, and the Notorious is all set to swing at his aging but lethal opponent as he tries his hand at a totally different sport. Could the cocky Crumlin man upset the odds and put Money on the canvas? Find a screen. August 26.

Pictures: Allen Kiely, Christian Tierney, Ruth Medjber

CONOR MCGREGOR

Flying South

Another thoughtful Filmbase event focuses on the spoken word and mental health, with the collective looking to open doors and change views on different types of mental wellbeing issues as they bare their hearts. August 25, €5.

The Ukulele Hooley

Dun Laoghaire’s most unlikely music festival returns for another year, as the harbour town celebrates all that’s great about the ukulele. They’ll be open mics, workshops and jamming on August 27.

Niall Horan

That Irish one from One Direction will be greeted with breathtaking enthusiasm, no doubt, by his legion of largely young fans as he returns home to play The Olympia. He’s got his own material now, but we’re expecting a few nods to that band he used to be in along the way. August 29.

Monsters Wanted

Get scary with a workshop aiming to teach people about the art of being monstrous, but also offering jobs for those who fit the bill: a live horror experience taking place in October. So like a very weird, very fun mass job interview, basically. The RDS. August 26.

The Uncool Flea Market

A misnomer, we reckon. Phibsborough spills onto the banks of the Royal Canal for home made food, second hand trinkets and a little bit of live local music. The evening offering takes place on August 26.

New album of the week

Queens of the Stone Age - Villains. Powerful rockers return with another boisterous, riff-heavy effort complete with contributions from Mark Ronson as producer, and, bizarrely, a comic polygraph test making up one track. Guaranteed to be beautifully messy.

 Grab a hot tub The perfect Body and Soul Sunday morning hangover cure. Yeah, we hope they have good water filters, too.  Dance at the Salty Dog at 3am Because (a) they let you bring cans and (b) it’s a pirate ship in a forest, and that can’t be wrong.  Get yourself some political hip-hop Bernie bros Run The Jewels are just wonderful. And then there’s A Tribe Called Quest to get your teeth into.  Hit the Body and Soul fire late at night Flames flicker, the bars are closing and you’re listening to four stages at once, but it’s still the best banter on site.  Join the Duran Duran sing-along Her name is Rio, and she’s probably settled down and had a few kids by now...  Have an S Club Party 5ive are playing, too. Cos there ain’t no party like a 90s nostalgia party.  Go mad for Madness Because midafternoon bouncing ska pop could hardly be more fun.  Explore the Other Voices stage Sure to have a couple of top-class special guests over the course of the weekend, Other Voices’ trip out of Dingle is invariably excellent.  Ride the bumper cars at 2am We vocally condemn drink driving. We very much condone drunk bumper-car driving.  Check in on Olaf’s interviews Hot Press’ rogue interviewer is sure to drag someone from the main stage and interrogate them on something they’d planned to keep quiet.  Get a five minute massage They’ll only cost you a charity donation, and after a day standing in front of a stage...  Check out eco credentials at Global Green Or just learn to carve something out of driftwood, or weave a plant basket.

Perfect for the inevitable lineup lull.  Have your Father Ted moment Sure, we know the Divine Comedy are lovely in every way, but we still badly want THAT melody, please, Mr Hannon.  Check out some local stars We’d suggest Bitch Falcon, complete with their new line up, Elaine Mai, Saint Sister and Soule as a starting point.

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MUSIC

THE ULTIMATE ELECTRIC PICNIC ‘CHECKLIST’ Ireland’s biggest festival is just around the corner... here’s our quick tick list of the weekend’s essentials, from a few musical tips, to all that other stuff

 Wear a daft outfit Not a onesie, we all got over that in 2012. We’re thinking more a rhino borrowed from a Dublin marathon runner, or a Disney character. Hell, you pick!  Smuggle in a few shots Is it allowed? No. Have half the audience got a hip flask in at some point? Hell yes. (Sorry, EP!).  Catch the maddest live act at the festival We’re calling it: it’ll be the incredible glam-pop rising stars HMLTD. Don’t miss it.  Find yourself in a 4am gazebo gathering Because they’re mighty, plus anyone who takes up all that space in the campsite has to share, right?  Grab a lineup shirt Especially if it’s your first Picnic: it’ll be essential wear when you’re heading for your tenth in a few years.  Explore The Pretenders’ latest Because Chrissie Hynde and co don’t do much wrong.  Swim in the lake Yes, you can,

and yes, it is allowed. In fact it’s encouraged. Just go for the hangover cure, not the 3am skinny dip, right?

Right.  Watch something random for a few hours Sure, we all have our highlighters on the lineup at some point.

Set yourself free and see where the festival takes you.  Don’t fixate on backstage Trust us, it’s not all that exciting. In fact, the VIP area is positively lame. Though the drink queues are shorter, so if you’ve got the pass, abuse away.  Eat Pie Minister The biggest option, where they drench your pie with the minty peas and the heap of random toppings lobbed on the top.

Drool.  Drink before lunch Because where else do you get the chance?  Heckle a comedian Just a little.

At the right moment. Or at least hit up the comedy tent: the perfect half hour aside from music, music, music.  Bounce along to Ireland’s hip-

hop wave Jafaris is the best live act to come out of Ireland in years, and Katie Laffan is top notch, too.  Check out The Hazel Wood The chillout forested corner is returning for its second year, and it went down an absolute storm in 2016.  Go futuristic at Anachronica Future rave. If you’ve been to Glastonbury, it’s a lot like Arcadia on a far, far smaller scale. Which, let’s be honest, is still pretty cool.  Lose your friends On purpose, at least once. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and so do random encounters with festival goers.  Hit up the kids area You don’t need a child to play a few games of connect four or chuckle at a clown.

Just let the kids go first!  Ogle Foil, Arms and Hog See the breakthrough comedians run through their skits on Irish life on the comedy stage.  Soak up The Rubberbandits A bag for me, a bag for you... vaguely

political, vaguely hip-hop, entirely funny live. Dig in.  Embrace the rain However bad it gets, it’s not as bad as Massive Attack’s headline set a few years back. Trust us, it just isn’t.  Learn some cooking skills Not what you came for? Who cares, learning how to cook the perfect curry is what Sunday mornings were made for: embrace the Theatre of Food  Speak some Irish The Mindfield is going gaeltacht, why not stretch that linguistic muscle?  Check out Loah The astonishing ‘Artsoul’ artist from Maynooth is going to be a superstar. She’s on the Other Voices stage.  Talk mental health Pieta House are another showing up at Mindfield, and a weekend away seems the perfect chance to spend an hour taking a step back.  Get involved in THAT Elbow song Sure, we all remember last

time, and yes, it is the perfect festival tune. But leave after the third chorus, they’ll do about 15 of them.  Get soothed by Michael Kiwanuka Like Florence Welch’s proverbial ‘kiss with a fist’, Kiwanuka will sooth your soul while hammering you with his politics. Awesome.  Track down the jelly shots Someone’s making a fortune on these little babies. Do we care? Not after a couple of pints, we don’t.  Book Monday off work Stop lying to yourself, you’re not going to make it. No, not even if you go home after the headliner.  Detox And breath.

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Time to enjoy clean Toyota Ireland launches new road safety app Tesla electric power In the Fast Lane TOYOTA Ireland has launched it’s free ‘Face

It Down’ app for iPhone and Android which is

designed to save lives on Irish Roads. The app is launched in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Topaz. It will reward all

drivers for putting their phone face down when driving, allowing them to redeem the points for a complimentary hot drink at Topaz Re Store outlets

Irish drivers are in for a treat if they can stretch to owning a new Tesla electric car as MICHAEL MORONEY found during a chance meet with an Irish Tesla owner in recent weeks.

nationwide.

International research has shown that making a call while driving will make a driver four times more likely to crash while texting makes crashing a staggering twenty-three times more likely. As Ireland’s biggest car brand, Toyota Ireland felt a responsibility to solve this social issue by creating safer roads for everyone.

Use of mobile phones while driving is a big problem on Irish roads. Too many people still drive while on their phone to take a call, text, snap a selfie, update their social media channels or check an email. Even glancing at a phone when it lights up is a distraction.

Toyota Ireland has developed the app with the aim of changing driver behaviour and improving road safety for everyone. Users can download the Face It Down app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store for free.

Opel and Vauxhall join PSA in historic move THE sale of Opel with its brands Opel and Vauxhall

by General Motors to the French PSA Group was finalised at the start of August.

“It is a historic day,” said Opel Automobile GmbH CEO Michael Lohscheller.

“We are proud to join PSA and are now opening a new chapter in our history after 88 years with General Motors. We will continue our path of making technology ‘made in Germany’ available to everyone. The combination of our strengths will enable us to turn Opel and Vauxhall into a profitable and selffunded business. We have set ourselves the clear target of returning to profitability by 2020.”

PSA Chairman of the board Carlos Tavares said: “We will assist Opel and Vauxhall’s return to profitability and aim to set new industry benchmarks together. We will unleash the power of these iconic brands and the huge potential of its existing talents. Opel will remain German, Vauxhall will remain British. They are the perfect fit to our existing portfolio of French brands Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles.”

The market share of the enlarged Groupe PSA is now around 17% in Europe, making it the continent’s second largest carmaker with first or second place in main markets. A s already assured when the contract was signed in March, all employee codetermination rights will remain unchanged.

I CAME on a superb driving opportunity by sheer chance over the August Bank Holiday weekend, which put me behind the wheel of one of the most exciting cars to come on the Irish market.

Tesla is seeking to break the mould when it comes to car ownership, ever since the US company began production in 2008. The Model S is just one of a range of new generation electric cars that Tesla claims are both stylish, high performance, yet highly practical.

The Tesla aim is to produce true zero emissions cars and the Model S that I drove lived up to that dream along with a hugely impressive driving performance.

I accidentally met up with an Irish Tesla owner who generously brought me for a test drive. Then, with ultimate trust and confidence in me, or a sense of insanity, he let me loose behind the Tesla S. And yes, it was truly a superb but too-short lived motoring experience.

The Tesla Model S electric motor power is enormous, delivering the equivalent of 600bhp, and virtually in an instant.

The test car was a Dual Motor Model S denoted by the badge on the rear which read P85D, D meaning dual and P the symbol for the more powerful rear motor.

This all wheel drive power package gives supercar acceleration performance with outstanding smoothness and zero

The Tesla Model S tested was the P85D version, which means that it has an 85kW motor, dual drive to the front and rear with a high performance rear motor that gives super fast acceleration

power is quiet yet enormous to propel the car at a pace that would be the envy of many of the turboElectric Motor powered super cars.

This car was bought 120hp direct from Tesla in the UK 4.4 seconds while now the company 490km range/ has set up an Irish operafull charge tion at 92 Bracken Road, 0g/km Sandyford, Dublin 18. The A0 €120 Irish price list and options are available on the com5 star (2017) pany’s website.

4 years/ 80,000km This now two-year old €82,500 car is still performing to its mounted in front, to all ability and up to recently four wheels. Tesla claims was getting its annual serthat this sacrifices efficien- vice in the UK. cy in favour of all-weather Tesla fit brushless electric motors to their cars so traction.

Using electric motors there are no wearing parts the Model S motor is in the motors. The suspenlighter, smaller and more sion is the only possible efficient than its rear wheel wear area.

Wear to the disc brakes drive counterpart, and also combines improved is minimal. This is because range with much faster there is a form of graduated electric motor braking acceleration.

The only sound is road that minimises the effort noise, the noise of the tyres on the discs.

Tesla claims that softand some wind noise. The

Tesla Model S Electric

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price acceleration drag.

With two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, Model S claims to digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels.

The result is impressive traction control coupled with great road holding in all conditions.

Conventional all-wheel drive cars use complex mechanical linkages to distribute power from a single engine, usually

ware downloads minimise service time and are fed into the car while its charging at home or at a Tesla super charger.

This Tesla owner is very confident that in 10 years time the car will have all of the latest product downloads and given that its power is a non-wearing electric motor, it will still be as good as new.

This Tesla is a revolution in car ownership, running cost performance and ownership management.

The car is not cheap to buy at €82,500 entry price, while cheaper models are on the way.

Tesla claims that the car is a part of evolving technology and will be forever young because of upgrades, while you don’t need to be scared of the huge technology screen; if you can use an iPad or iPhone, that part won’t be a put off, but the price might.

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Nissan launches upgraded Qashqai

Poor tyre inflation now costs you more

NISSAN has upgraded its most popular car of recent times, the Qashqai with significant changes in four areas: exterior design, interior quality, driving performance and some new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. The new Qashqai comes in four grades: XE, SV, SV Premium and SVE, with a starting price of €26,070.

The most obvious but somewhat subtle exterior changes to the Qashqai see a new contemporary design featuring the iconic ‘V-motion’ grille along with new front bumper and front fog lamps. The Qashqai also features ‘boomerang’ Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the LED light motif which has been extended across the whole lamp at the rear.

On the inside the changes include a new D-shaped steering wheel. The seats have been redesigned with claims of a more durable upholstered finish or a choice of quality soft nappa leather, with 3D quilting.

Out on the road, Nissan claims that this new Qashqai delivers improved driving performance due to calmer vehicle body motion and better levels of impact shock. The new Active Return Control claims to allow the steering wheel returns to centre more naturally, bring-

risen over an 18-month period, in line with the cost

THE cost of driving on under-inflated tyres has

of fuel, according to tyre manufacturer Michelin.

Michelin claims that tyre pressures have a direct impact on a vehicle’s fuel economy, with underinflation increasing both fuel usage and carbon emissions, whilst also posing serious safety risks to motorists and other road users.

Data collected by Michelin over the last 10 years shows that, on average, at least 60% of motorists in the UK drive on under-inflated tyres, and half of those are at dangerously under-inflated levels (more than 8psi).

Tests carried out have shown that a tyre which is 20% under-inflated will typically return 20% less Nissan has launched a new Qashqai with some neat design changes and improved safety

mileage before needing to be replaced. This equates

features with a modest price increase

to loss of 8,000km (5,000 miles) on a tyre which offers a potential mileage of 40,000km.

ing claims of improved precision during driving. Nissan also claims significant improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance on the new Qashqai.

This Qashqai will be offered with new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intelligent park assist, while new rear cross traffic alert and still assist systems have been added while others have been upgraded

with new safety features. This new Qashqai will be available with ProPILOT, Nissan’s autonomous drive technology in 2018.

James McCarthy, CEO, Nissan Ireland, said: “With over 50,000 units sold in the last 10 years, the Qashqai has certainly proved its popularity with the Irish public. Now, with these premium enhancements to its design, quality, technology and driving dynamics, we are confident it’s success will grow further.”

As well as increasing fuel bills, Michelin says under-inflation makes a vehicle’s steering less precise, increases stopping distances and leads to a higher risk of aquaplaning.

It also reduces a tyre’s endurance capabilities, making it more prone to damage and possible rapid deflation.

Michelin advises motorists to check tyre pressures, including the spare, at least every month and before any long journeys.

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

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28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

SPORT

FastSport

Yappy birthday Shelbourne

GOLD-EN DAN: DUBLINER Dan Golden won gold at the 17th FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Budapest when he came home first in the 50m butterfly event in the 65-70 age category.

“Masters” is the term given to competitive swimming for anyone over 25 years old and Golden also set a new FINA World Masters Swimming Championship record when he finished in a time of 30.09 seconds to take his much deserved victory.

He is a member of the NAC Masters Swimming Club, which has become one of Ireland’s most successful masters swimming clubs since been founded in 1988, and he also competed at the tournament in the 100m butterfly and both the 50m and 100m freestyle -finishing an impressive fifth in both of the latter two.

The FINA World Championships take place every two years, with this year’s event running over a twoweek period in Budapest.

SHELBOURNE Park are celebrating 90 years in business - that’s 630 years if you’re a dog.

The home of Irish greyhound racing is situated in the docklands of Ringsend and first opened its doors as a dog track in 1927.

The historic stadium was also the home of Shelbourne FC from 1913 to 1949, and even hosted a race between a greyhound and former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in a Mazda MX5 - and yes the greygound won.

Celebrities and fans alike come together to celebrate 90 years of racing at Shelbourne Park

Dubliners denied three in a row by the Germans  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

Female MVP of the final Grainne McCarthy of Ireland Picture: Paddy Cummins

THE fourth outing of the Dublin Golden Cup in ultimate frisbee took place earlier this month in Westmanstown, with the German national team winning the tournament, defeating Dublin side Trilogy in the final.

The tournament was conceived of by a group of Dublinbased frisbee friends as a way to bring an array of multinational opposition to the city, and is played across two days - pool matches on Saturday, and final

ranking contests on Sunday.

Organiser Mark Earley told the Gazette of the finalists “Both teams stood out all weekend long but the Germans played a much stronger final game and won well in the end. The Irish team had won the tournament for the last two years running so were pretty disappointed. Each year the cream of UK Ultimate come over and this year a Scottish team Black Eagles looked exceptional and were unlucky not to make it to the final.”

The tournament featured 30 teams and more than 200 play-

ers, and for Earley the organisational aspects were his proudest moments.

“To be honest seeing Saturday morning go well was a great feeling,” he explained. “We put on breakfast for them, we organised lunch at the fields and brought merchandise to sell too. We needed lots of things to come through for us, including the weather, and it did, so just seeing it all in full swing was great. We’ve an annual ceili on the Saturday night where we teach the visiting teams a few Irish dances which was both hilarious and fun. And then on

Sunday, seeing everyone watching the final was nice too.”

Ultimate frisbee - a fast paced game with similarities to American football in the scoring, but a much more open and fluid gameplay - first came to Ireland in 1995, over thirty years after establishing in the US. Earley who regularly travels to participate himself - says the country “punches well above its weight” with about 500-600 active players. The sport is typically mixed and open to all, and Earley encourages anyone interested to get involved.

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Young basketballers end European’s with big win IRELAND Under-16 men’s basketball team have written their own piece of history at the FIBA European Championships by storming home to an 83-78 point win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 11-12th place classification game.

Four Dubliners were involved in the squad with Malahide’s Cian Daly, Templeogue’s Matthew Harper, Sanmi Fajana from the Ongar Chaser’s, and Liffey Celtic’s Tiernan Howe all taking part.

In what has already been a superb summer for Irish international basketball, the under-16 men continued the trend by securing a massive 11th place finish. Ireland not only finished their Europeans campaign in style, but did so over a team who – just five days previously – beat them in the group stages 71-97.

An even first quarter saw the teams trading baskets, with Fajana, David Lehane and Howe the stand out shooters - helping to send Ireland into a 21-18 point lead at the end of the first. A superb second quarter from Daly, which saw him get in some vital assists and steals, served to enhance an already strong defensive display from the boys in green. Fajana continued to clock the scores for the Irish, and they held a five-point lead at the break, 40-35.

The third quarter is where things got a little shaky for Ireland as Bosnia & Herzegovina hustled to close the gap and managed to take their first lead in the game. Ireland regrouped quickly though, with Paul Kelly leading the charge with a perfectly placed pace to Oisin Rice who hit the long three, and Ireland were back in control by the buzzer. It certainly wasn’t over though, and the final quarter was a battle of will and determination. Strong defence kept Ireland on top, and Nathan Moore showed his cool head from the free throw line to send Ireland home to a memorable and historic victory, 83-78.

“It was what we thought it would be, last game, last day, let’s find out what we have left in the tank,” said Head Coach Pat Price after the game. “We reminded the team in the third quarter, that we needed to want this more than Bosnia. A lot of the team made a couple of great plays and did a lot of defensive stops at critical times, so I’m very proud of them and proud that they could rally after such a tough game last night. They said they wanted to end this thing in the right way and they really did that.”

Canadian dream still flying high for teen star Dublin ice hockey ace looking to pick up sponsors in bid to keep alive his ambitious hopes of playing professionally by spending the next 12 months in the GreatWhite North  sport@dublingazette.com

BLANCHARDSTOWN teenager Mark Murphy is all set to take a brave gamble, in a bid to make an impact on the ice hockey world. It’s an unlikely move for a Dublin native: our city doesn’t have a permanent ice skating rink, and Murphy’s side the Flying Ducks only play on ice around ten times a year as they have to travel to Belfast to do so.

The plans, however, are not as pie-in-the-sky as they may sound. Murphy has already spent six weeks in Canada, where he played for a side in French-speaking Mon-

treal. Living with a host family and picking up the language as he went along, the 16-year-old turned out for Somang Hockey Club. He trained daily, and his improvement during those six weeks was so substantial that the club sought him out earlier this year to try and persuade him to return. Murphy decided to do so, for an entire year.

Murphy’s start in the game was somewhat coincidental. “There used to be a Castleknock ice hockey rink, six years ago, and my sister was figure skating in the morning.

They happened to be training, and my mum suggested I join in. I never

Mark Murphy posing in his Flying Ducks gear

looked back,” he recalls.

“You learn how to skate, which was kind of natural to me as I used to rollerblade, and then it came fairly naturally. I just love it. They kept the Castleknock rink open through the hottest summer we’ve had in years, in a warehouse in 2010 but the planning permission wasn’t renewed, and they’ve built houses there.

It was difficult to even get ice time.”

“There are teams around the country, but we usually play them on roller hockey rinks. It’s not the same sport, really.

We play with a puck with balls on it so it has less friction. I don’t really like

it in the same way.”

“There’s just about an Irish national team, as well as age groups,” he continues. “For the Canadians, playing us is a bit like playing children.

There’s just no comparison. My aim is probably to coach in the long term.”

There’s an air of modesty in this ambition, however: Murphy’s Canadian side Somang have players from within the team who will shortly take up professional contracts.

Murphy’s team, the Flying Ducks, have done a lot to progress the Irish situation for their players, however. Their connection with Canadian teams, for example - they visited for St Patrick’s Day last year - has enabled them to acquire shared equipment, which they then rent to players on an annual basis. That means the bar to entry - the cost of essential equipment - is only a fraction of what it would otherwise be.

The sport is huge over there. “There’s a stadium every 15 minute drive, and each would have two ice rinks at it,” Murphy said of his six-week Canadian experience. “It was like playing a different sport.

They’re all really good players, who know how to position themselves.

As soon as I came back, I went straight into our senior team, I felt like a totally different player.”

“The physical side was tough, but I loved it. You have to get used to be pushed around. You’re

allowed to hit with the shoulder, within certain rules, like how far you are from the boards. I can watch a bit of it here, but I have to do it at mad o’clock in the morning.”

The stumbling block for Murphy and his family is an obvious one: with a year in Canada costing tens of thousands of dollars. “We’re hoping we can find some sponsorship,” Murphy’s mum Debbie Hendy Murphy explains. “It’s such a good opportunity that we have to make sure Mark takes it. The difference with sponsorship might be whether Mark is in school, which is an extra cost. There’s no funding there at the moment for the sport at all in Ireland.

We’d certainly be interested in making an arrangement with any company interested in supporting Mark.”

As for ice hockey in Ireland? “It’s a great business opportunity,” Murphy explains. “If someone came in with some money and set up a rink, it would never look back. The demand is clearly there, and I don’t think it would take too long to hook up with the elite league in England.”

Should that happen, it will be too late for earlyadopters like Murphy.

Instead, he’ll be leaving behind the conventional school route - at least temporarily - in September, with big ambitions: to try and make things stick in Montreal.

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 August 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER:CLONDALKIN SIDE KICK OFF NEW CAMPAIGN WITH WIN

Capital men keep their Leinster title push alive DUBLIN men’s pitch and putt team maintained their Leinster title push earlier this month, as the All-Ireland holders put in a commanding performance at Lough Owel in Westmeath.

The men’s team - despite their All-Ireland success last year - have failed to reach a Leinster final in eight attempts, so adding the victory in Westmeath was an overdue feat. Having gone ahead of their hosts by three shots in the doubles outing, during which they used less than conventional pairings, the Dubs carried the single comfortably.

Chris Gallagher led the team off with a solid 47, which was matched by his doubles partner Gary Healy, a combination that got the team off to a flying start. Stephen Murray - struggling with a chest infection over the course of the weekend - found the going tough, but still managed to get around under par and add to an ever-growing lead.

Junior Smith was at his battling best after a front nine struggle that saw him two over par, though his experience shone through and he finished with another 53 to add a vital stroke onto the total.

The final two players, George McGreal and John Ross Crangle, turned on the style as their rounds wore on, and when both players birdied the notoriously tough 14th hole, the title looked destined to return to the capital.

George finished his round off with an unlucky putt on the final green but he rcan be more than satisfied with a superb best of the day, a 45 which also to his credit, included a penalty stroke that he called on himself.

The final player on the course was the inspirational captain John Ross Crangle, who polished off a fine team performance around the course the locals call “The Monster” with a 46. That ensured a first victory since 2009 in this competition for the gent’s team with six shots to spare over the men from Westmeath.

The side will now go on to defend their AllIreland title in Royston, where the women will also be defending a title that they won under similar circumstances to the men last year, by losing locally and winning nationally.

Collinstown players celebrate scoring last season

Collinstown get underway sport@dublingazette.com

COLLINSTOWN got their Leinster Senior League Major 1C Saturday campaign off to a winning start with a convincing 3-0 victory away to Knocklyon United at Kennedy Park.

A brace from Bryan Ellis and a third from Anto McCormack helped Anto Moriarty’s side to a comfortable win in their first outing of the new season.

Moriarty’s side topped the table in Major 1D last season during their first campaign in the Leinster Senior League, after making the switch from the

AUL. All three of Collinstown’s goals came in the second half with the aid of the wind at their backs, and the score could have been higher were it not for the heroics of the Knocklyon goalkeeper.

Ellis scored his first league goal for the club since signing over the summer, slotting home the rebound after he’d seen his effort from the penalty spot saved on the hour mark.

Knocklyon were then reduced to ten men before substitute Conor De Ferreira saw a spectacular effort brilliantly clawed out of the goal.

EUROPEAN BOXING Harrington takes silver after falling to Potkonen DUBLIN lightweight Kellie Harrington has won silver at the European Union Elite Boxing Championships in Italy.

Harrington, who trains out of St Mary’s BC in Tallaght lost out to Finland’s Mira Potkonen in the final.

She recorded a 4-1 win over Pole Kinga Szalachic in the last-16, before carding 5-0 victories in the subsequent two rounds - one over Denmark’s Ditteajaaja Frostholm in the quarter-finals and the other against Italian Irma Testa.

A second goal did eventually arrive through McCormack before Ellis added his second late on, this time putting his penalty in the back of the net on the first attempt.

“Knocklyon can always be tricky – you never know what you’re going to get when you get there because they have a multitude of senior sides,” Moriarty told GazetteSport.

“From early on, we were comfortable enough.

They weren’t doing much with the wind and we were against it. Second half, we dominated the game.

“It could have been

six or could have been eight. Our finishing was rusty but, to be fair, their keeper had a worldie. He saved a peno and a Premier League level shot – I don’t know how he got to it.

“The keeper was their man of the match.”

Moriarty – who is ably assisted by former League of Ireland legend Bobby Ryan – saw his side placed below their level entering the league and, like the senior side, strolled to the title.

This year Moriarty feels will be a much bigger test but, having gone toe to toe with Major sides in pre-season, he feels pro-

motion and a cup run are manageable targets again.

The likes of De Ferreira may step up to the senior team but they have enough coming through to continue their upward trajectory.

“We won Major 1D last year and think if not [only] the league then the double this year. We’ve strength in depth coming through.

“I think at the moment we’d be good enough to play 1A or 1B, but we’re in 1C. I have the belief and confidence in the players we’ve signed that year in year out that we’re good enough to be there,” Moriarty concluded.

24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

BASEBALL Hurricanes storm to top spot with big victory

EUROHockey

DEFENDING champions Hurricanes retained their Irish Baseball League title with an impressive 17-5 victory over local rivals Spartans in Corkagh Park.

Pitcher Jose Hernandez was on fire with seven strong innings to help his side to a 9-0 lead. The victory sees the holders receive a bye through to the championship final, to be played in Corkagh Park on September 24th.

CAMOGIE: CATS END FINAL DREAM FOR THE DUBS

Irish women finish fourth after group campaign

Two Dublin players comfort each other after their loss to Kilkenny . Picture: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Kilkenny prove too strong for Jackeens ALL-IRELAND SEMI FINAL Dublin 0-09 Kilkenny 2-11  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN’S 31 year wait to reach another All-Ireland senior camogie final continues after they lost 0-9 to 2-11 to Kilkenny at the Gaelic Grounds.

The final margin is harsh on Dublin, who were appearing in their first semi-final in 27 years, but they showed enough to confirm that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

Kilkenny got off to the perfect start when they

broke out of defence and worked the sliotar to Miriam Walsh, who was hauled down by Áine Woods for a penalty.

Denise Gaule stepped up to the plate and planted a shot to the right corner of the net with only two minutes elapsed.

The threatening Siobhán Kehoe then got Dublin off the mark. That was the start of a run of four points for the Metropolitans out of the next five scored.

A strong run by Anna Farrell created a goal chance for Walsh but she was dispossessed by Eve O’Brien, who was

magnificent throughout for the Sky Blues, as was Miriam Twomey.

Ann Dalton was particularly influential as Kilkenny began to get their running game in motion, and the Stripeywomen scored the last three points of the half to lead by 1-5 to 0-4 at half time.

Dublin were playing into the wind in the second half but they halved the deficit inside six minutes with a point from Kehoe.

K i l ke n ny a r e a n extremely experienced outfit however and while being put to the pin of

their collars by Dublin’s ferocious workrate, they had enough experience and scoring threat to put some breathing space between the teams with five of the next six points.

It was still a three-point game entering the final quarter when Maher replied to a Danielle Morrissey brace but points from Julieann Malone, Anna Farrell, Michelle Quilty and a wonderful effort by Meighan Farrell saw them pull clear.

Maher shot two more points to bring her tally to six but Clifford had the last say with her rocket of a finish.

THREE goals in the last 10 minutes saw Ireland’s women lose 5-1 to Germany at the European Championships in Amsterdam, leaving them in fourth place after the group stages.

For coach Graham Shaw, the challenge will be to draw the positive nuggets from the middle third of the tie rather than the phases either side of it as they now go into the relegation pool.

The German tie had been rendered meaningless from an Irish perspective by England’s earlier 2-0 win over Scotland, pouring cold water on any fanciful semi-final hopes.

For Germany, the tie was more important, needing a result to top the group and their more pressing need showed early on when Nike Lorenz fired home a set piece two minutes into the tie.

Franzisca Hauke doubled the advantage 23 minutes in following a sublime German move and there was a danger that Ireland would roll over, given the stakes.

On the flip side, it freed the shackles somewhat with Anna O’Flanagan and Katie Mullan swarmed around Noelle Rother to win a corner. Made in Munster, Limerick’s Roisin Upton dragged goalward and Cork’s Yvonne O’Byrne used the stick’s handle to loop the ball over Rother.

Moments later, Chloe Watkins danced through three tackles before stinging Rother’s padding. It provided visible sustenance to the team’s will than much of what has gone before in the tournament to date.

When Katie Mullan stole a loose clearance, Ireland had a glorious chance to level but Rother was off her line quickly to avert the danger.

“They are the phases we want to play all the time,” coach Shaw said afterwards. “But if you concede after 35 seconds, you go on the back foot and negativity comes into people’s minds. We need to find a way to get out of it. We have not allowed ourselves to get into games.”

Upton concurred, adding: “The result didn’t have any bearing; it was all about performance and patches today were some of our best stuff. Germany are a great side and capitalised on the mistakes but now we need to get that full 60 minutes.”

The upbeat mood evaporated in the final quarter as Germany added three in quick succession. Charlotte Stapenhorst pulled back to Pia-Sophie Oldhafer to flick in despite Zoe Wilson’s best efforts before Cecile Pieper wound up to smash into the top corner. Stapenhorst’s drag made it 5-1.

It means Shaw will have a job on to lift the team’s spirits ahead of the relegation pool which starts on Thursday against tournament low-ranks the Czech Republic at 11.30am (Irish time) and then Spain on Saturday.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SUPER START: Collinstown continue last season’s impressive form with opening day win in LSL P30

AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

GREAT WHITE NORTH: Young Dubliner dreams of hitting big time in Canada P29

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has a full squad to choose from for his side’s All-Ireland semi-final with Tyrone on Sunday

Dubs fully stocked Jim Gavin has plenty to choose from with competitive squad  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Towers man Jim Gavin has a fully-fit squad to choose from for the All-Ireland football championship semi-final against Tyrone this weekend.

It’s the first time all season the Clondalkin native has had a full deck to choose from as players return from injury and suspension at just the right time.

“We have a full squad to pick from,” Gavin said.

“Cormac Costello is back now as well, he’s worked really diligently at his return to play.

Everybody is fit.”

Gavin remained coy about Diarmuid Connolly’s chances of returning to the starting lineup ahead of the county’s biggest game of the season.

The forward missed most of the Leinster Championship after he was handed a 12-game ban for pushing an official during the quarterfinal with Carlow.

“We just have to wait and see as we get closer to the game. [Diarmuid] is doing his own thing.

He is on his own programme.”

Paul Flynn and Michael Darragh MacAauley made their returns to the team in the quarterfinal win over Monaghan but, likewise, neither is guaranteed a starting shirt.

“We don’t hand out jerseys. Both of them

earned the right to return to the field of play based on what we saw in front of our eyes in training. So they’ve been training really well over the last number of weeks.

“They got those jerseys on merit. [The] biggest strength of this team is their sense of collective and they understand that they’re the sum of their parts and Paul and Michael Darragh came in and did their bit for the team.

“It’s been a long road for both of them, as it has been for a number of players.”

Tyrone gave the Boys in Blue one of their toughest games of the year back in February when it took a stirring comeback to salvage a draw and keep the record-breaking unbeaten run on track.

And Gavin anticipates another close battle between two complete footballing sides.

“Defensive has always been their cornerstone. They have always been an exceptionally good counter-attacking team, but they have really added to it since that league game.

“If you look at their championship games it has been so, so impressive from them.

Players coming off the bench has really added to it as well.

“They are just a modern football team and they have been very impressive.

“We know how good they are defensively and they have a great defensive system. They have been putting up big scores and they’re a freescoring team. It’s going to be a massive test.”