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Council has lost 2,000 homes in past 11 years Drop in authority’s housing stock is adding to homeless crisis – SF councillor

 EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN City Council has lost almost 2,000 housing units over the last 11 years.

The sale of councilowned houses to tenants and the regeneration of

certain areas are the two primary reasons for the decrease in the housing stock.

According to DCC, 30,000 houses have been sold to tenants since 1996 under the National Tenant

Purchase Scheme.

This has resulted in the council’s housing stock shrinking from 27,110 units in 2005 to 25,274 in 2016.

Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF) has described these figures as “shocking” and called on

the Government to act.

He said: “It’s the people that need houses that lose out in the end. We’re losing stock, and we’re deep into a housing crisis.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

COUNCIL | AUTHORITY’S STOCK DECREASE ADDS TO SCALE OF CRISIS

FASTNews

 EMMA NOLAN

Dublin is named the most giving county in Ireland

Housing fall matches homeless family rise DUBLIN City Council has lost almost 2,000 housing units over the last 11 years – and with more than 1,000 families across Dublin are homeless, a city councillor has called on the Government to act.

Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), the head of Dublin City Council’s housing committee, has accused Minister for Housing Simon Coveney of “spinning yarns” when it comes to the housing crisis.

He said: “Minister Coveney [should] start championing social housing at the Cabinet table and demand adequate funding for a robust building programme for this city.”

The number of housing units has decreased despite plans to re-generate areas throughout Dublin – areas such as St Theresa’s, St Michael’s Estate, O’Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street.

Other city centre regeneration projects include Charlemont Street flats, Dolphin View House and Mountainview Court.

Despite these efforts, the council’s housing stock shrank from 27,110 units

in 2005 to 25,274 in 2016.

Cllr Dolan has said that these “shocking” figures are a “direct result of the lack of social housing”.

He added: “Dublin City faces an unprecedented and deepening homeless crisis. For the first time, more than 1,000 families are now homeless in Dublin – yet we are losing the very housing stock that are needed to accommodate these families.”

The sale of councilowned houses to tenants and the regeneration of certain areas are the two primary reasons for the decrease in the housing stock, according to Cllr Doolan.

“When areas are regenerated, units are always lost. Developments are shrunk to a fraction of their previous size.”

He cited St Michael’s House in Inchicore as an example whereby before its regeneration it consisted of a “whole field that was filled with flats”.

“They were levelled, and 50/60 new units are built, and there’s a big, open grass pitch there. It’s the people that need houses that lose out in the end.

We’re losing stock, and we’re deep into a crisis.”

Students show that they sure can hack it

THE AIB DataHack returned last week as thirdlevel students from around the country competed in sustainability-themed challenges.

More than 200 eager applicants signed up to participate in the fun 12-hour event where they compete in either a Datathon or Hackathon for fantastic prizes.

The DataHack offers students the opportunity to showcase their technical skills, test new research ideas and meet potential collaborators in a friendly and fun environment. Pictured are winners of the Datathon, Shane O’Neill and Aidan Devlin from DIT, Kevin Street.

Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

Dublin City Council’s decrease in housing units over the past decade is now mirrored by the rise in homeless families in dire need for homes

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‘For the first time, more than 1,000 families are now homeless in Dublin – yet we are losing the very housing stock that are needed to accommodate these families’

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Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF)

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The Sinn Fein councillor confirmed that the council has more than 20 sites waiting to be developed for housing, but said that funding from the

Government has been “pitiful and slow in coming”.

He said: “Minister Coveney continues to huff and puff about a miser-

able €280,000 increase in funding.

“The Minister has allocated €2.28b for housing between 2014 to 2016.

Compared to the €2b allocated during the Troika years of 2011 and 2013, it clearly shows the crisis in social housing is not a priority for this Government.

“Dublin City Council has the land and the plans for social housing. We urgently need the funding to turn the tide in this crisis,” said Cllr Doolan.

DUBLIN has been named the most giving county in Ireland, according to the charity, Trocaire. It has revealed that Dubliners spent more than €183,645 on their charity Christmas gifts last year – nearly three times more than any other county.

The Trocaire Gifts campaign, which has been running for 17 years, raises over €1m annually for its work to eradicate poverty in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Eamonn Meehan, executive director, Trocaire, said that the donations from Dublin have meant that “the world’s poorest families are able to earn an income, refugees fleeing conflict are receiving support, and people suffering the impacts of drought have access to clean water”.

“I would like to say a huge thank-you to people across Dublin for continuing to add our ethical gifts to their Christmas shopping list,” he added.

This year’s Christmas gifts range in price from €5 to €250, with 11 gifts to choose from.

They include olive trees for Palestinian farmers (€5), chicks for families in Ethiopia (€7), school lunches for children in Somalia (€30), goats in Kenya (€50) and support for women’s small businesses around the world (€250).

The gifts can be bought online at trocaire.org/ gifts, by calling 1850 408 408, or at Trocaire Dublin Centre, 12 Cathedral Street, Dublin 1, as well as at Veritas stores and selected Easons stores.

Tune in as 8Radio.com is returning for five weeks 8RADIO.COM is returning to Dublin for five weeks this winter. The online, independentlyowned, multi-genre music radio station, has announced another run of weekend FM broadcasts in Dublin on 94.3FM from November 19 to December 18.

The station is the brainchild of Simon Maher, a lecturer in media and broadcasting at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, and one of the founders and the public face of Phantom FM from its pirate roots in 1998 until its takeover in 2011.

Simon said his aim is to “put the excitement and human engagement back into music radio”.

“It’s not based on focus groups or market research – it’s based on choosing really good songs and having passionate presenters play them! 8Radio.com has found a niche among music lovers and those who may not currently consume much, if any, traditional FM radio.”

By broadcasting on FM, 8Radio.com believes there is an opportunity to strengthen its audience and drive traffic towards its online presence.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

The Junior Eurovision song contest in Malta is gearing up to match the excitement of its big brother – and Dublin teenager Zena Donnelly (right) can’t wait to sing out for Ireland with her Irish language song: Brice Ar Bhrice (Brick By Brick)

Zena hopes her ‘Bricks’ will shine at the Eurovision  SYLVIA POWNALL DUBLIN teenagerZena Donnelly is hoping nerves don’t get the better of her as she prepares to take to the stage in Malta this Saturday to represent Ireland in Junior Eurovision.

The 14-yearold from Blackrock flew out to the contest at the weekend and is hoping her song, Brice Ar Bhrice, which was written in Irish, will wow the judging panel.

Zena – a student at Scoil Lorcain in Monkstown – first made headlines in 2010 when she was plucked from the audience to sing with soul legend W hitney Heuston during one of her last concerts in Dublin.

She was only seven at the time,

but her homemade banner (which read, “I love you Whitney, can I sing with you?”) prompted the pop diva to invite her up on stage.

She belted out The Greatest Love of All with her idol – and the footage went viral on YouTube.

Now, Zena is hoping her experience will stand her in good stead as she represents Ireland in Junior Eurovision, having beaten a field of 32 other acts to qualify for the finals.

She said: “My song is Brice Ar Bhrice, or ‘Brick

By Brick’ in English, and I can’t wait to get up on stage and sing it live in Malta.”

Zena already has an impressive CV under her belt. She won RTE’s talent contest, Show Off

or Get Off, and played the lead role in Annie The Musical at the National Concert Hall.

She also performed as a special guest at the Childline concert in the 3Arena alongside Olly Murs, Boyzone and McBusted.

More recently, she was cast in the lead role of Sarah in the TV series, Spooky Stakeout.

But her biggest breakthrough, to date, came with her casting in the movie A Christmas Star starring Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan and Kylie Minogue.

However, singing and songwriting is Zena’s first love, and she’s hoping to do her country proud on Saturday night.

“It’s brilliant, a fantastic experience,” she said.

Zena, who designed her own quirky costume for the final, added that getting to represent Ireland was made all the sweeter since she narrowly lost out to Ireland’s first ever Junior Eurovision finalist, Aimee Banks, in 2015.

There aren’t many people who can claim to have sung with the late, great Whitney Houston – but Dublin teen Zena Donnelly did, in 2010

4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

Cash van robbery

TWO men have been arrested in connection with the daylight-robbery of a cash-in-transit van outside a busy shopping centre in Donaghmede, north Dublin, last week.

At the time of going to press, the pair were being detained at Coolock and Swords Garda stations under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 as amended.

Picture: Andres Poveda

Ryan’s Eamon for the high notes

Picture Brian McEvoy

It was all going on over at RTE last week as The Late Late Show launched a brand new doublealbum including 21 unique performances from the show, to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul.

Pictured at the launch is Christy Dignam and Billy McGuinness of

Aslan, Dave McPhillips and Danny O’Reilly of The Coronas, John Sheahan of The Dubliners, Ryan Tubridy, Mary Black and Finbar Fury. Meanwhile Jennifer Zamperelli, Edwin Sammon and Bernard O’Shea were launching the new series of Bridget and Eamon.

BOOKS | FOCUS ON YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Researcher has the write stuff to inspire children  EMMA NOLAN

A RESEARCHER from Raheny is hoping to inspire the next generation of Dublin scientists.

UCD Professor Gary McGuire has written a new series of children’s books that he hopes will encourage more young people to consider a career in science and technology.

The professor is one of a number of high-profile scientists from across Ireland who have come together to produce a series of five fun books that encourage children to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Professor McGuire (above), who is the head of the school of mathematics and statistics at UCD, contributed to the fourth book in the

series, Computers and Data, which is out this Saturday, November 19, as part of Science Week.

In the weekly series, free with the Irish Independent, readers are brought on an interactive journey from Space to Food and Health, Energy and Resources, Computers and Data and Connected Future.

“The Science Apprentice book series is a great resource for teachers

interested in inquirybased approaches to STEM teaching and learning,” he said.

“Coming out for Science Week, the Computers and Data book will help children understand the technology behind some of their favourite computer games and devices, as well as some big ideas in maths, like cryptography and artificial intelligence.”

Throughout the books, Irish exper ts such as Prof McGuire are on hand to explain concepts and answer questions as we uncover some of the big ideas that are changing our lives.

The Science Apprentice books are free to collect with the Irish Independent in Tesco stores every Saturday until November 26.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

CRIME | COURTS HEAR A LITANY OF SHOCKING ACTS ACROSS THE CITY

Elderly man has flashbacks after violent hammer robbery of €5k A HAMMER attack on an elderly man has left the victim suffering flashbacks, a court has heard.

Warren Brennan (25), of Pearse House, Pearse Street, targeted his victim after the man had withdrawn €5,000 cash from a bank to give to his family.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet and waving a claw hammer, Brennan went up to the 71-yearold man and started shouting “give me the money”.

W hen the victim refused and called him a “scumbag” Brennan hit him repeatedly with the hammer around the head and body.

The victim was knocked to the ground and Brennan punched him in the face. The victim managed to pull Brennan’s helmet off and tried to gouge into his eyes.

Brennan then bit down on the victim’s thumb, breaking the skin before running off with the cash. The victim told gardai that he thought the attacker was going to bite his thumb off.

He was released from hospital later with no serious problems. In a victim impact report, he said that every time he sees a hammer or motorcycle helmet, it flashes

back memories of the attack. He said he thinks this will continue for the rest of his life.

Brennan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Alderwood Park, Tallaght on October 27, 2015.

He has 54 previous convictions, including convictions for possession of firearms, theft, burglary and assault.

In 2011, he was jailed for three years for carrying out an attempted robbery, during which he held a gun to a shop assistant’s head.

Guilty Brennan was on bail at the time of this robbery on a charge of aggravated burglary at a bookmakers at Lombard Street on December 20, 2014. He has since pleaded guilty to this offence and to resisting a police officer on the same occasion.

Judge Catherine Murphy said she needed time to consider various reports before the court.

She remanded Brennan on continuing bail until January 16 next for sentence.

The judge described the robbery as “particularly nasty”. She said the elderly victim “is never going to be the same man again”.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Ex-casino worker’s luck runs out as he is jailed for robbery

A MAN who robbed the casino he used to work in after threatening his former colleagues with a pellet gun has been sentenced to four years in jail, with the final 18 months suspended.

William Beresford (45), of Kippure Park, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at the Station Sports Club, Amiens Street on August 20, 2015.

Beresford handed himself in to gardai four days after the robbery. He said he was embarrassed, and sorry for what he had done, but he needed the money for drugs.

Judge Melanie Greally previously said it was very hard to get away from the fact that Beresford had used a pellet gun to threaten people he knew who had been good to him in the past.

Sentencing Beresford, Judge Greally said he had made “remarkable strides in conquering his addic-

tion” and was now drugfree.

“However, it was a very serious offence indeed, involving the use of what, to all intents and purposes of those present, seemed to be a firearm,” she said.

She handed down a four-year sentence but suspended the final 18 months on a number of conditions, including that Beresford engage with probation services for a period of two years

Complaining Garda Niall Kennedy previously told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that a staff member from the casino was outside smoking when Beresford approached him and started complaining about the owners, saying he had been let go for no reason.

While talking to Beresford, the man was told that another colleague was about to cash up, so he headed to the office to help her. He was en route

Station Sports Club, which was robbed in 2015 by a former worker. Picture: Facebook

to alert his employer to the fact that Beresford was hanging around when he spotted the accused in the casino.

The man told Beresford he wasn’t allowed onto the premises, but Beresford took a gun out of a bag, pointed it at him and grabbed him.

He told him he was robbing him and ordered him to go to the cash office.

The female staff member

was in the office at the time, and Beresford gestured at the man to open the safe before he filled his bag with cash.

During the course of the raid, Beresford noticed that a smaller safe was empty and commented that it was a bad night to do the robbery. He shook his former colleague’s hand and said he knew he was going to jail, but he just didn’t care.

The man later told gardai that Beresford was calm throughout the raid, apart from when he spoke of the owner and when he showed him the gun. The €4,400 which was taken was never recovered.

Gda Kennedy agreed with Rebecca Smith BL, defending, that it was an unusual case as Beresford made no effort to disguise himself and it was obvious he was going to get caught.

CRUMLIN | VICTIM ATTACKED IN CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Innocent man’s teeth broken in assault after racial abuse

A ZIMBABWEAN man punched a teacher in the face and smashed his teeth because he falsely believed the victim was racially abusing him, a court has heard.

Ruzmond Muwaniri (27), of John McCormack Avenue, Crumlin, told gardai he believed Aidan Green was part of a group of people calling him a “black monkey” and threatening to stab him.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that some men were abusing Muwaniri and his friends from a van, but that Mr Green had nothing to do with them, and was nowhere near them.

Judge Melanie Greally said she needed time to consider a psychiatric report on Muwaniri, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. She adjourned the case until

next month, when he will also be sentenced for a separate assault.

Muwaniri pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr Green at Sundrive Road, Crumlin on March 9, 2015. Prosecuting counsel, Gerardine Small BL, said Mr Green was on his lunch break when he saw Muwaniri and two other men crossing the road. As Mr Green passed them, Muwaniri

punched him in the mouth without warning.

The victim went to the garda station across the road, and Muwaniri was arrested a short time later. Mr Green’s top front teeth were broken and he needed re-constructive work.

Muwaniri admitted the assault and claimed he thought the victim was racially abusing him.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

Mixed-use build THE LIBERTIES | A PROUD DAY FOR CHADWICK’S for Meath Street

Iconic arch restored back to former glory

 EMMA NOLAN

A NEW development has just been approved for Meath Street.

When built, the mixed development (right) will consist of apartments, a shop and office suites. It will be called the Tram Yard Exchange and it is located on a vacant patch at Carman’s Hall – the street that connects Meath Street with Francis Street.

Developers, Salamisso Developments, say the c. 14,000sq ft mixed-use development aims to form part of a new quarter that will help revitalise the area. Designed

by Horan Rainsford Architects, the ground floor will contain a cafe unit and two retail units,

along with secure bicycle parking spaces and ancillary service spaces for the development.

T he upper f loors will accommodate two independent buildings, with one side containing offices on the first to third floors, accessed using their own lobby/ stairs/lift/etc, and the other side containing six apartments, again from the first to third floors, with a roof terrace above.

There is a small residential building containing two flats to be demolished for the project, and work is scheduled to commence in January.

THE iconic Chadwick’s arch at Thomas Street has been restored as part of a major restoration project.

The arch leading into Chadwick’s Builder’s Centre has been meticulously repaired and refurbished by the company themselves as the first part of an ongoing programme to renovate the street frontage of the well-known business.

The restoration was done by ACOL Ltd, the company responsible for the recent restoration of the Shelbourne The beautifully restored Chadwick’s arch Hotel facade.

Built in 1861, the of years, but it now stands out as arch had been visibly falling into a landmark on the street. a state of disrepair for a number The design of the impressive

structure, which was once the entrance to Kelly’s Timber Yard, is ancient Greek in origin and features Doric-style columns (just like the ones on the Parthenon in Athens).

Embellishments Other ornamental embellishments include Greek Ionicstyle scrolls, and hidden lettering from the 19th century that was restored reads: City Saw Mills, and Timber and Slate Stores.

T he restoration work to the arch was funded by Chadwick’s and supported by the council’s Shop-

front Improvement Scheme for The Liberties and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

The project is one of a number of refurbishment projects currently taking place on one of Dublin’s oldest commercial streets.

Meanwhile, the refurbishments at numbers 10-13 Cornmarket at the start of Thomas Street have begun.

Two office developments are to go into the large granite building previously been used for local HSE services. When completed, it will accommodate support offices of the Health Promotion Unit.

The ground floor will also be converted into a retail unit and public information office, due to its close proximity to many of the city’s tourist attractions.

8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

DUBLINGazetteGALLERY |

THERE’S A SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE AS THOUSANDS

Dylan Behan, Christina, Paurice and Erin Leonard with Aron Behan

Bernadette and Teresa Lea

A day to remember Emma Caraher, Michael Wade and Ethan Berling. Pictures: STEPHEN FLEMING

Michael Conryn

Niamh Lunny and Mike Gorman

I

T was another wonderful day in the Phoenix Park last weekend as the fifth annual Remembrance Run was held. This unique event – which welcomes walkers, joggers and runners – is held in memory of friends or family who have passed away or people close to us who may currently be struggling with illness or other life challenges. All participants received a commemorative candle and goody bag.

Ray Murray and John O’Connell

Jennifer Holmes, Sarah O’Connor, Margo Duffy, Mary Reilly and Deirdre Harmon

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9

ARRIVE AT THE PHOENIX PARK TO TAKE PART IN THE FIFTH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE RUN

Danielle O’Connor, Breda Cummins, Ann and Mandy Dempsey with Elaine Cummins

Karen Barody, Tanya Murphy, Karina O’Brien and Niamh Tierney

Jimmy McCue

Paddy Tuite, Jackie Dunphy and Eddie Glennon

Niamh McFadden, Niamh Foley, Veronica McFadden and Lisa Costello

Roslyn and Daniella Murphy

10 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

OPINION | POSITIVES COULD YET EMERGE FROM THE SHOCK RESULT IN AMERICA

Trump’s win could mark the roots of a better way NUI lecturer in Government

FIRST Brexit, and now President Trump. In years to come, 2016 will be remembered as a watershed moment in the history of democracy.

Political pundits shocked and alarmed by Trump’s victory have suggested that it spells the beginning of the end of Western democracy.

I believe, instead, that it marks the opening of a new chapter, characterised by both enormous risk and possibility.

Although democracy is by no means a product or exclusive property of Western civilisation, the term itself was coined in ancient Greece to signify a form of popular power.

It combined the Greek words ‘demos’ – meaning either the whole citizen body living within a particular city-state, or the ‘lower orders’ – with ‘kratos’, meaning ‘power’ or ‘rule’.

Today, we tend to think of democracy as a system of government in which the people elect representatives to rule on their behalf.

However, this conception of democracy is a relatively recent one.

Democracy originally

Picture: Emmet Curtin

 DR LAURENCE DAVIS

meant – and was – government and society as one, with the citizen body governing itself directly by means of active participation in the political process.

More than that, it referred to a way of life.

This was the message of Pericles’ famous funeral oration in ancient Athens, and it was the way in which ordinary Americans used the term in the early American republic to refer to an egalitarian way of life – one in which the people didn’t have to bow and scrape before their so-called ‘betters’.

Even as late as the 1780s and 1790s, democracy never meant competitive political parties, and rarely referred to representative institutions, which were widely regarded as elitist, rather than democratic devices.

Rather, it was more likely to suggest direct popular decision-making in an as yet unspecified institutional form, and a way of life with vast impli-

cations for society more generally.

Contemporary democracy is a far cry from this participatory ideal. While it is true that hard-fought popular struggles have overcome centuries-old exclusions from citizenship based on propertyownership, gender, and ethnic and racial affiliation, this dominant triumphalist narrative of democracy obscures the ever-growing gap between the ideals of popular sovereignty, and the reality of contemporary demo-

of the democratic principle to the government of the state is tenable, in the context of modern techno-industrial capitalist societies in which so much power lies outside the domain or control of elected governments.

Responding to some of these developments, political scientists across the ideological spectrum now frequently lament what they refer to as a ‘crisis of democracy’.

What they mean by this is widespread public disenchantment with the

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“The Trump campaign successfully tapped into disaffection, and portrayed its candidate as the ‘anti-political’ solution to the failings of liberal democracy”

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cratic societies.

Perhaps most notably, it obscures the hollowing out of democracy by the market-driven concentration of power in the hands of interconnected economic and political elites, carried to extreme lengths in recent years under the banners of neoliberalism and austerity.

And this, in turn, raises the deeper question of whether the confinement

politics of representative democracy, reflected in declining voter turnout, membership of political parties, trust in politicians, and interest in mainstream electoral politics.

To focus on one illustrative example, current research indicates that politicians are amongst the least trusted groups in society, and that large numbers of people are

While much of the world has been horrified by Donald J Trump winning the presidency across the pond, Dr Davis writes that the end of ‘business as usual’ in politics could yet see a new type of democracy emerge from the ashes of the bitterly contested race

deeply mistrustful of both political parties and government itself.

The Trump campaign successfully tapped into this disaffection, and portrayed its candidate as the ‘anti-political’ solution to the failings of liberal democracy.

As exit polls have confirmed, Trump’s supporters believed him, and they turned out in record numbers to make their views known.

In response, liberal critics have already begun decrying the ‘stupidity’ of the American electorate.

Some even have questioned the principle of ‘one person, one vote’.

Like the elite democratic framers of the American Constitution, who drafted its elaborate system of checks and balances precisely in order to avoid what John Adams once referred to as ‘the horrors of democracy’, contemporary liberal democrats are once again

blaming the people for the horrors of democracy, and have failed to engage in any but the most condescending of ways with the deep populist anger which propelled Trump to the presidency.

By way of an alternative response to Trump’s victory and the politics of fear and division it is likely to unleash, I suggest the following.

The most effective antidote to the demagoguery Trump represents is not less democracy, but more.

This was precisely the message of the Bernie Sanders campaign, which spoke to millions of Americans who wanted to see a progressive alternative to politics as usual.

For many of those who supported Sanders in the Democratic primary election campaign, democratic politics is about much more than simply elections.

It also entails people getting organised and

mobilised in grassroots social movements to contest power and forge participatory alternatives to elite democracy outside as well as inside the framework of elections.

In stark contrast to Trump’s elitist claim that he, and he alone, could fix America’s problem, the Sanders campaign maintained that only popular power, in the form of a democratic revolution, could transform American politics and society and make its institutions once again responsive to the people.

Voters opted instead for the ‘safe’ choice of Hillary Clinton. Perhaps now it is time to for all those in the United States and elsewhere who care about the future of democracy to consider less safe options, including the possibility of a ‘post-representative’, progressive and participatory democratic alternative to elite-led liberal democracy.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 11

Russian ballet troupe get set to swan about in style

Grafton St lights up for Christmas

ON THE back of a hugely successful premiere tour earlier this year, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet makes its debut in Dublin this month.

The company will showcase a spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, with stunning baroque designs along with the timeless classic, Swan Lake.

The Nutcracker is a delightfully festive tale, and the perfect introduction to ballet. This enchanting ballet tells the story of Clara’s magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, including a visit to the delicious Land of Sweets and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy, and is a real treat for the whole family.

Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet will perform The Nutcracker and Swan Lake at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Monday, November 21 to Saturday, November 26, with tickets priced from €15.

For further information, see www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Swan Lake – a particular high point of the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet’s repertoire

THE annual turning on of the Christmas lights ceremony on Grafton Street had to be cut short because of the size of the crowd.

Around 15,000 people turned up to watch the event. Organisers released a statement saying the event was ended in the interests of the safety and comfort of those present.

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 17 November 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS | 18 SYSTEMS REPLACED IN COMMS AGREEMENT

Oil firm rings up a €185k phone tech solution deal  EMMA NOLAN Malahide native James Doyle is hoisted aloft after being named as president of Ogra Fianna Fail

Doyle’s delight at top Ogra Fianna Fail position CHEERED on by more than 500 delegates and supporters, Malahide man James Doyle was elected to the position of president of Ogra Fianna Fail at the party’s National Youth Conference in Limerick.

27-year-old Doyle is a qualified financial advisor, and first got involved in politics aged 12 when he was a delegate to Comhairle na nOg, eventually becoming national chairperson in 2007.

Doyle said: “It’s a great honour to be elected

president of Ogra by my peers. I received a strong mandate, winning 63% of the vote.

“My job is to grow and develop our organisation and ensure that the voice of young people is heard within Fianna Fail and the country generally.”

Over the course of the weekend, delegates debated issues such as the needs of rural Ireland resulting from the fallout from Brexit, and the need for an increased focus on science and technology in schools.

Penneys joins Celebrations One4All list for standards PENNEYS has become the latest retail brand to sign up for the national One4All gift card system.

Michael Dawson, group chief executive at One4all, said: “We are really excited to extend our portfolio of retail partners and welcome the Irish institution that is Penneys to the One4all scheme, meaning that One4all customers are able use their cards in its stores nationwide.”

T he One4all Gif t Card is the marketleading, multi-retailer gift card, and is currently accepted in store and online at more than 8,000 stores nationwide.

SOME 12 Dublin firms are celebrating after achieving certification to key international business standards.

Aalto Bio Reagents Ltd, Balfour Beatty Rail Ireland, Central Bank of Ireland, Collen Construction, Decawave, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, New Century Engineering, Label Tech, McNally Handy and Partners, Owens and Minor Global Services, and Syncreon were among 30 organisations recognised for their achievement.

The special ceremony was held at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) offices on November 4.

TOP Oil has struck a €185,000 deal with ShoreTel and Phone Pulse.

ShoreTel was one of a number of solutions considered by Top Oil, and was chosen based on feedback from the company’s IT and business users.

Savings have been made largely through the removal of 18 separate phone systems that were previously in place. Each incurred separate landline charges, and offered no call visibility.

Another benefit of using ShoreTel’s unified communications solution is increased sales conversions.

ShoreTel has shown that approximately 30% of calls received are direct sales calls from customers.

The system allows these calls to be prioritised and answered by a member of the sales team while routing less time-sensitive internal calls to other staff.

The leading fuel supplier is also benefiting from the addition of callback, call recording, instant messag-

Seamus McGovern, group ICT manager, Top Oil; Barry Dillon, regional sales director, Ireland, Middle East and Nordic regions, ShoreTel; Imogen Gold, contact centre manager, Top Oil and David Lang, sales director, Phone Pulse.

ing, conference call and email capabilities, which now all run under the ShoreTel platform, ensuring ease of use.

Feeback Productivity has increased, and Top Oil has received positive feedback from customers since the

solution was introduced.

Seamus McGovern, group ICT manager, Top Oil said: “When we looked at a number of options for our needs, the clear winner was ShoreTel. It’s simply the best unified communications solution in the market.

“The €40,000 annual

cost savings have obviously been hugely beneficial for our business and ensured a very high return on investment.

“Phone Pulse has made the transition to ShoreTel seamless, implementing the solution in just a few weeks and providing onsite training to staff.

Swords firm claims technology win at eir Elevation Awards 2016 A BUSINESS located in Swords’ Airside Business Park has won the Best Technology award at the eir Elevation Awards 2016.

The company, eShopWorld, describes its role as “empowering online retailers to succeed globally by delivering a seamless and glocalised shopping experience”.

Eavann Murphy, chief commercial officer, eir Business, said: “The eir Elevation

Awards are the perfect vehicle to highlight and acknowledge innovation and give new businesses in Ireland the platform to grow and develop further.

“As a member of the judging panel, I was delighted to see such incredible vision, innovation and genuine desire to achieve success on a national and international scale.”

The award winners, which span seven categories, were announced at a lunch in the

Marker Hotel, Friday earlier this month.

With a spotlight on innovation, international scalability, differentiation and strategic investment to the Irish economy, the eir Elevation Awards celebrate the success of Ireland’s fastest growing companies.

Pictured are Shay Lunch, Future State, presentning Michael Nolan of eShopWorld with the award.

“Now, we can route calls easily across our 30 locations and 250 staff.

The feedback from customers and staff alike has been very positive. We’re a customer-focused organisation, and our reputation is very important. With ShoreTel, no customer is left behind,” he said.

17 November 2016 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 17 November 2016

GAZETTE

DIARY DUBLINLIFE Look out for artists’ talents CHILDREN across Dublin are being called on to let their imaginations run wild and create a modern masterpiece for Sightsavers’ Junior Painter Awards

by Friday, November 25.

T his year’s theme, Framing The Future, is sure to inspire some imaginative entries from primary school pupils.

Entrants have the chance to win cash prizes for their schools, sponsored by The Irish Times, and memberships and toolboxes full of arts and crafts materials from ReCreate Ireland.

Some 15 regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a special awards day

Judge, Laureate na nOg and children’s book illustrator PJ Lynch with Aya Parker, Rachel Murphy and Emmy award-winning costume designer, Joan Bergin. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

next Spring. where three overall national winners will be announced.

Every child that enters will receive a certificate of

participation in recognition of their artistic efforts.

See the entry forms, at www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter.

CHRISTMAS FUN AT MERRION SQUARE MERRION Square will throw open its gates and doors for a series of sea-

sonal events this November and December.

The annual lighting up of the square takes place on Tuesday, November

22. The public will then be welcomed the next day for Christmas On Merrion Square – an open day with events for all ages in the buildings around the square.

December 12 sees the surrounds of St Stephen’s Church play host to Carols By Candlelight – a free traditional service and carols sung by Classicus Youth Choir.

From free horse and carriage rides to Christmas carols, creative Irishmade gifts and wonderful seasonal artisan food, the day offers something for all ages and tastes.

All events are free with some ticketed. For further information, see www. merrionsquare.ie.

GO TO TOWN FOR ALL THE SEASON’S SIGHTS A NEW website is to be launched to keep track of all the Christmas events happening in Dublin this festive season.

DublinatChristmas. ie is a one-stop-shop for information on all the festivities taking place across Dublin city centre, including information on shopping, socialising, family-friendly events, special offers and much more.

T he same message from the city, and the site, is Go To Town to see the city come alive with the festive spirit, and experience the magic and tradition of Dublin at Christmas time.

17 November 2016 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 17 November 2016

COMMENT | THE TANAISTE SAYS WE CAN ALL DO MORE TO END THE PLAGUE OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

CHARITY | DUBLIN BIOPHARM STAFF TAKE TIME OUT TO GIVE BACK

 FRANCES FITZGERALD

DOMESTIC violence remains a serious issue in our society. Too many people have had their futures robbed from them. Society needs to get the message that such violence is criminal and unacceptable.

That is why, this week I launched the National Awareness Raising Campaign on Domestic and Sexual Violence.

My Department and NGOs working in the sector have developed an advertising campaign to increase the awareness of domestic and sexual violence, to bring about a change in behaviours and attitudes and to activate bystanders with the aim of decreasing and preventing this violence.

The campaign will recognise that women and men are victims of such crimes. It will encourage family members, friends and bystanders to take action to combat domestic and sexual violence.

We want women and men to feel that they can reach out and ask for help. We want the message to reach into households across this country – domestic and sexual violence must stop.

Through this campaign, we are taking on a very significant challenge but if we unite to bring this violence out in the open, to make this an issue people talk about and to help people understand and recognise the violence, we can achieve so much.

There is a lot at stake – people’s safety, their lives, that of their family, their children. It is incumbent on us to do our all to effect change, to strive to change the behaviours in our society that perpetuate the violence that happens in homes throughout Ireland. Our homes should be our sanctuary but sadly for a lot of women, men and children their home is a dangerous and fearful environment.

Therefore we must speak out against domestic and sexual violence and leave perpetrators in no doubt that this violence will not be tolerated in our country.

Of course, in order to ensure that those who do step forward are supported, we need to strengthen the legislation on domestic violence. I will publish the Domestic Violence Bill soon. It contains key improvements. It will be easier to get barring, safety and protection orders. It will provide for securing an emergency barring order and it will be possible for a victim to give evidence by video-link.

The intention for this campaign is to send a clear and unequivocal message to perpetrators that this violence is totally unacceptable and that it must stop. As relatives, friends, neighbours, bystanders and witnesses, we have an important role in helping to prevent domestic and sexual violence. Our intervention, if it is safe and legal to do so, will significantly impact those affected by this intolerable violence by offering hope and support.

The most difficult aspect of tackling domestic and sexual violence is its hidden nature. It happens in sitting rooms, kitchens, bedrooms; clubs, pubs and nights out. It hides in the private moments of relationships, things that outsiders cannot see. This campaign is aimed at getting into those hidden spaces through ads on TV, local radio, in posters on our streets, ensuring our national message is delivered at a local level: domestic and sexual violence is not acceptable.

Todd Manning (centre) with his AbbVie colleagues for the biopharmaceutical giant’s annual community support programme, Week of Possibilities

When big businesses shows bigger heart  EMMA NOLAN

BIG-hearted employees from a pharmaceutical company in West Dublin have rolled up their sleeves to help build a creche for homeless children.

Some 60 volunteers from AbbVie in Citywest took time out from their busy schedules recently to help Sophia Housing, a non-profit organisation that provides emergency, transitional and long-term accommodation to homeless people.

The accommodation centre is based in Donabate in north Dublin, where Sophia operates a ‘Nurture Centre’ providing creche and after school facilities for children

living within the complex. The AbbVie volunteers put in a massive effort to upgrade the centre, an outdoor play area and an adjacent garden allotment.

Mary Gilton of Sophia House in Donabate told The Gazette: “The children, adults and staff will have a wonderful, enhanced, exciting and out-of-this-world nurturing centre and surrounding garden areas to happily work and play in thanks to all at AbbVie. “The company’s Week of Possibilities initiative has been a fantastic experience for all involved.”

AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company which employs around 600 people

in Ireland, joined forces with Volunteer Ireland in 2015 to launch ‘Week of Possibilities’, an initiative that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of marginalised people through a commitment to building strong communities, sustainable health care systems and effective educational programmes.

This year, 400 of AbbVie’s Irish employees – two thirds of its workforce – volunteered more than 1,700 hours during Week of Possibilities.

Across the company, a remarkable 313 colleagues from commercial and manufacturing sites contributed to the initiative.

“Week of Possibilities is a great example of how non-profit organisations and the private sector can work together to make a positive difference.” said Todd Manning, general manager AbbVie, who is based in the company’s commercial office in Dublin’s Citywest.

“This wonderful initiative helps to give children from underserved populations a better chance at achieving their dreams and ultimately improving their own communities. We believe our volunteer work during Week of Possibilities can make a real difference – on the children of today and on the communities of tomorrow.”

Todd (above), Basil (above right) and some of the AbbVie gang muck in to help upgrade the childcare facilities at Sophia House in Donabate

17 November 2016 GAZETTE 17

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18 GAZETTE 17 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE er Riv o Rud nd Isla lph

Next Faux fur gilet €28

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Dublin training Academy wins prestigious beauty award  EMMA NOLAN

TEMPERATURES have dropped and a new Winter coat and cosy essentials are top of the shopping list for boys and girls.

Whether it’s for the school run or special occasions, we’ve complied some cosy kids favourites from the high street. From fur gilets

us

Style Editor

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to double-breasted pea coats, the outerwear offering for kids right now are giving the grown-up styles a run for their money, and best of all, they’re also stylish and practical.

 EMMA NOLAN

on Fox

Monso top €20

Trends “In recent years, treatments and techniques in salons have advanced so much and customers expect the latest trend in their local salon.

“We at Waverley are constantly responding to these demands so that all our students graduate with the highest standards and techniques possible.”

There are 25 tutors at the academy, specialising in hair, beauty and make-up.

The academy is now taking admissions for courses. For further information, see www. academy.ie or call 01 408 9769.

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A DUBLIN beauty school has just won the Training Academy of the Year award at this year’s Irish Hair and Beauty Awards.

The Waverly Academy in Inchicore has been in business for 22 years and has recently added new courses to its programme.

Director Veronica O’Kelly said: “There’s never been a more exciting time to have a career in the hair, beauty and make-up industry.

Monsoon Jeans €34

17 November 2016 GAZETTE 19

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20 GAZETTE 17 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Dealer Principal Tom Staunton and Anne Staunton with Steve Tormey, chief executive at Toyota Ireland at the signing of the new dealer agreement

State-of-the-art Toyota dealership opens at Liffey Valley TOYOTA Liffey Valley, Dublin’s newest Toyota dealership opened last week under the management of Tom Staunton adding another important car brand to the line-up of dealerships at the extensive shopping centre off the N4. Tom has over 30 years experience both within the motor industry and with Toyota.

Toyota Liffey Valley will create 40 new jobs within sales, after-sales and administrative roles. It has an 11-car showroom and heralds a new concept by integrating the sales and service business by wrapping the service workshop around the showroom.

The dealership covers 3,000 sq m over two floors.

The new showroom features Toyota’s new Retail Concept offering customers an immersive experience, encompassing a combination of physical, human and digital touch points which will guide the customer through the showroom. The service workshop area comprises a 14-bay workshop featuring pre-NCT and inspection bays along with dedicated express servicing bays.

Ford launches new Kuga with a 7 year warranty FORD claims that the new 2017 Kuga SUV is a more technologically

V40 model adds a new measure to Volvo safety appeal

Volvo has added even more safety value to its entry level V40 model to add to the appeal of a car that’s compact in nature and edges closer to the prestige end of the market. MICHAEL MORONEY took it for a test drive and explains its appeal.

VOLVO’S latest version of the V40 was launched during the summer months with modest styling changes and some extra specification options to make the Swedish brand’s entry model even more desirable. The car continues to look attractive, with a sporty hint so that as it drives by, you would almost think that it’s going faster than it actually is.

On the inside the car is stylish and modern, with an understated layout that gives hints to the Swedish IKEA-like minimalist approach that’s obvious across the entire Volvo range. That’s part

of the attraction of the car and that is a comfortable fit with the Volvo brand which for generations has stood for safe driving and comfort.

The V40 is a blend between a hatchback and an estate car. The result is a compact and modern looking car from the outside that’s comfortable on the inside while not being too big. This is a car that’s relaxed on city and rural roads with its compact nature and freeflowing design lines.

The test car that I drove recently was the D2 Momentum Edition, powered by a thrifty 2.0litre, turbo-diesel engine.

The engine is smooth and

powerful enough with a high level of torque at 280Nm, to give a reasonably impressive acceleration figure of 10.5 seconds in a 0 to 100km/ hr race. It’s no rocket but more importantly, the relatively high engine torque means a smooth acceleration that’s effortless even if it’s not Formula 1 fast.

There’s a lot of competition in this segment of the market, and for Volvo the brand image is as important as the car’s performance. The economy figures that I achieved were disappointingly below the quoted figure of 31km/ litre (3.2l/100km or

advanced, refined and affordable sports utility vehicle (SUV) than ever.

The new Kuga, with a fresh front grille design, arrives in Ireland this month with prices starting at €33,345, a price increase of over €1,200.

The entry model comes with a new 120bhp Ford 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that’s claimed to deliver a fuel economy figure of 22.7km/litre (64.2 mpg) and with a low 115g/km CO2 rating. This engine is claimed to be 5% more fuel efficient than the previous 2.0litre turbo-diesel engine that was the entry model in the range.

There will be three diesel engine options in terms of power 120bhp, 150bhp and 180bhp with the latter two powered by a 2.0 -litre turbo-diesel engine. A new petrol engine option is restricted to a 1.5-litre 150bhp EcoBoost engine which is turbo-charged and more efficient than petrol engines of the past.

The dash on the Volvo V40 is modern and understated with clear lines in an IKEA sort of way, that’s functional and practical

Volvo V40

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 2.0 litre Engine power 120hp 0 – 100km/hr 10.5 seconds Top speed 190km/hr Economy 31km/litre (3.2l/100km or 73mpg)

Fuel Tank Capacity 62 litres CO2 emissions 89g/km Road Tax Band €180 Main Service 20,000km/12 mon Euro NCAP Rating 5 star 2012 Boot Space 335 litres Warranty 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €28,045

Volvo fit a capless fuel filler unit to the Volvo V40 with a narrow throat to ensure that filling mishaps are prevented

73mpg) and that was with a significant amount of city driving.

The engine start-stop system, a very useful fuel saving device appeared a bit harsh relative to some others, so I ended up using less often than I should. Start-stop systems are not everyone’s favour feature, but they do need to be very seamless for drivers to get comfortable with them.

The 62-litre capacity fuel tank, with its capless opening device, gave me a range of over 700km, which is a shade low for cars in this segment of the market. That’s because most cars of this size are fitted with smaller and marginally more fuel

efficient 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines that also make these other cars marginally lighter.

Weight is important when it comes to fuel economy in modern cars.

That’s part of the reason some car companies such as Volvo don’t provide a spare wheel in the boot as standard. But the lack of the spare wheel, which costs €80 extra on the options list, has not been enough to keep the Volvo V40 fuel economy in trim.

Among the obvious less prestigious competition are the popular Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra and Toyota Auris. Volvo tends to pitch the V40 against the

17 November 2016 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Toyota launches annual Dream Car Art Contest

The new Volvo V40 comes with a range of optional safety features that has the potential to make it one of the safest midrange cars on the road. Prices start from €28,045 before delivery charges.

The doors open wide, but rear legroom is modest, while the hatchback

The boot is reasonable in size and the optional Tempa spare

boot opens wide for easy loading

wheel costs an additional €80

Audi A3 Sportback but to me they are very different cars.

On paper at least, the V40 is no faster than any of them in terms of acceleration, and marginally better, in theory at least, in terms of fuel economy.

That’s why its CO2 rating is so good at 89g/km bringing it right down to Road Tax band A2, which costs just €180 per year in road tax.

One of the things that that impressed me about the Volvo V40 was the quick user guide in the glove box. This was a clearly laid out guide that shows you how all of the cars functions can be set and how to get the best from the car.

---------------------------

‘As it’s a Volvo, you expect there to be loads of typical Volvo safety features in the deal’ ---------------------------

It’s an example that many others should follow as it allowed me to set the car for my best comfort and performance. I like to get the Bluetooth into action straight away and following the guide was a dream. Even setting the kilometre readings to zero can be a technology challenge in some cars and without this simple guide, I could have spent

hours on the job.

The Volvo V40 is more compact in terms of space from the rear legroom to the boot. The test car boot felt small and it included the optional spare wheel. For the driver, I found there to be adequate headroom as I drive from a high seating position.

The driving position is a bit low for my style, for others it provides a sporty feel along with a very attractive to use steering wheel.

The digital dials were very clear to use and visibility from behind the wheel was good on all sides. The Volvo sat-nav system fits well into the clear dash area and was

easy to use and set up.

As it’s a Volvo, you expect there to be loads of typical Volvo safety features in the deal. For the V40 there are some new ones including City Safety system, an automatic braking system first shown on the Volvo XC60 to avoid noise-totail urban accidents. For the new V40 is has been improved and now works at speeds up to 50 km/h, instead of 30 km/h in the past.

The V40 also comes with a new Pedestrian Airbag system that inflates from under the rear edge of the bonnet when the car detects that it has hit a pedestrian. Volvo research has

shown that the raised bonnet better cushions the unfortunate pedestrian. It also protects the pedestrian’s head from the “hard points” at the base of the windscreen and the lower A-pillars.

Entry prices which start at €28,045 are marginally above those of the volume sellers such as the Focus, Golf, Auris, Astra while being keener than the Audi A3 price band. The Volvo brand and design style is different and attractive. Be prepared to be tempted to lift the specification grades and see how the pricing changes and then it’s time for the calculator for what is a very impressive and safe car to own.

TOYOTA Ireland is delighted to announce that budding Irish artists under the age of 16 can now enter their submissions for the annual Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The contest encourages children to imagine what their dream car would be and then to share their vision by drawing or painting it.

The national competition will see nine Irish finalists awarded a range of prizes at the official awards ceremony in Dublin in March 2017, and their winning entries will then compete against other international finalists for a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Japan.

A panel of three judges, Oliver Whelan, lecturer in Fine Art and Painting at NCAD, RTE star Blathnaid Treacy and a representative from Toyota Ireland have the tough job of selecting three finalists in each age category (under eight years, eight to 11 years and 12 to 15 years) as the national winners.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Corbett, Toyota Ireland marketing manager said: “Toyota is passionate about unlocking the potential of youth in Ireland and the Dream Car Art Contest provides a perfect platform for young Irish artists to showcase their talents with the opportunity to compete on a global stage.

Each year, we are delighted by the exceptional level of artistic talent from children in Ireland, and we can’t wait to start viewing the masterpieces that are produced for this year’s contest.”

How to Enter

Young artists are being asked to draw or paint their vision of a ‘Dream Car’ using standard art materials (digital submissions will not be accepted). All entries must be in colour and include a car and a background or setting on an A3 size paper.

All submissions can be entered by dropping art work into an Authorised Toyota Dealership or sending it to Toyota Ireland, Killeen Road, Dublin 12 and clearly mark it ‘Toyota Dream Car Art Contest’.

The submission must be accompanied by an entry form which can be downloaded from www.toyota. ie/Dream-car-art . The contest will be open until February 24, 2017.

The nine Irish winners’ works will go on to compete against international winners for Gold, Silver and Bronze in a global competition with a grand prize of a once-in-a lifetime trip to Japan.

Full contest details and rules for the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest can be found at www.toyota.ie/ Dream-car-art .

RTE star Blathnaid Treacy gets help from Baxter Brown to launch the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2017 as Ariel Haughton and Sarah McFarland look on. Picture Jason Clarke

22 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

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DUBLINLIFE fast

TRAVEL

TRAVEL NEWS

A weekend break in Leitrim beckons those looking to yoga to help detox and destress

Try a weekend break to focus on wellness A WEEKEND retreat of yoga and meditation before Christmas might sound like a bother, but according to yoga teacher Niamh Heverin, taking some well-deserved ‘metime’ is both very necessary and beneficial.

She suggests some of the reasons to pursue yoga for better health and well-being, including ...

Time for self-reflection Without the distractions of everyday life, the relaxing atmosphere of a retreat allows you to quiet your mind and gain perspective for the new year.

A weekend of clean eating We often end our year feeling bloated, unfit and yearning for a fresh start.

At a wellness retreat, your meals are carefully planned and made with healthy whole foods that fuel your body and mind.

Just a few days of eating right can reset your habits, helping after you leave your retreat.

Digital detox Countless hours on social media can distract us from fully experienc-

ing what’s really around us.

Abstaining, however briefly, can help us centre and balance ourselves.

It’ll also help build connections with the people around us.

Slowing things down for a weekend gives us a chance to experience ourselves differently, with people leaving recharged and rejuvenated on Sunday afternoon.

Retreats are for everyone Retreats are a good way to start or re-start a personal practice, or to deepen an existing one.

A wellness retreat will allow you to get away and spend some time taking care of yourself.

Niamh Heverin is a Ko Phangan-based yoga, pilates and meditation teacher who runs daily classes and offers holistic therapies.

She is hosting her retreat, A Winter Weekend of Wellness, in the award-winning Eco Retreat centre, Ard Nahoo, Co Leitrim.

For further information, see NiamhHeverin. com, or the NiamhHeverinWellness page on Facebook.

Delphi Resort, in Galway, has a special pre-Christmas yoga package to help face Christmas and beyond in your best shape

GALWAY: PRE-CHRISTMAS BREAK TO READY FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

West is best to relax

 IAN BEGLEY

IF YOU want an opportunity to reflect, unwind and relax before the festivities of Christmas and New Years’ celebrations, then why not head to Galway and take advantage of Delphi Resort’s pre-Christmas yoga package?

Hosted by Kenneth R y a n , f r o m F r i d ay, December 16 – 18, the Christmas Presence yoga retreat includes daily yoga, where he will guide participants through the steps of gentle stretching, supportive meditation and relaxation tech-

niques.

This yoga retreat includes a relaxing twonight stay at the 4-star resort, with a breakfast smoothie or juice each morning (full breakfast also available), a light lunch each day, and a three-course evening meal in the 814 restaurant each night, with delicious seasonal options – ’tis the season, after all!

With a refreshed body and mind, guests are invited to join executive head chef Stefan Matz on Saturday afternoon in The Chef’s Table, where he will be hosting a Christmas cooking dem-

---------------------------------------------------------

‘The yoga retreat gives you the opportunity to step out of the pre-holiday rush and ease your way into the celebration of a healthy Christmas’

---------------------------------------------------------

onstration offering ideas and insight to take home with you to produce your own delicious Christmas menu.

After a rejuvenating morning with Kenneth, and invaluable tips from Stefan, retreat to the Delphi Spa and enjoy a spa treatment worth up to €50pp, or an organic

seaweed bath, followed by two hours access to the Thermal Suite – truly relax with the use of the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and relaxation area.

The yoga retreat gives you the opportunity to step out of the pre-holiday rush and ease your way into the celebration

of a healthy Christmas.

Explore the spectacular outdoors, clearing your mind and enjoying the fresh air, or simply stay warm and cosy by the fireside with a good book on your down time.

This inclusive retreat package is available with prices from €349PPS (single supplement also available).

Book early to avoid disappointment, as retreats sell out quickly. For further information or to make a booking, email bookings@delphiresort. com , call 095 42208, or visit www.delphiresort. com.

Hotel and spa scoop prestigious national awards  IAN BEGLEY

THE Europe Hotel and Resort in Killarney (ESPA) has been named Best Overall Hotel at the 2016 National Hospitality awards.

In addition to this, the ESPA won Hotel Spa of the Year at

the awards, which took place in London last week.

Located on the shores of Lough Lein, and framed by the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, it is set in one of Ireland’s most spectacular locations.

Its luxurious spa are spread over two levels and cover a total

of 4,500sq m. Every aspect has been designed to provide a holistic and restorative experience, emphasising magnificent views.

Michael Brennan, general manager of Killarney Hotels, said: “We are thrilled that the hotel has been named Best Overall Hotel in Ireland.

“There are many fantastic hotels in Ireland, so we’re delighted to have won this award.

“It is a testament to the amazing team that we have working at The Europe, whose dedication to our customers is second to none.”

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

The George Foreman Evolve Grilll

What’s cookin’ in grills?

Here’s a new Foreman THE latest innovation from George Foreman is the new Evolve Grill that can cook up to five portions at once. Unique to the grill is an intense 260°c Super Sear function that aims to deliver restaurant-quality steak. George Foreman Grills are available nationwide from independent Irish electrical retailers. The Evolve Grill retails for €199.99.

Whiskey provides an interesting extra flavour to these pork belly and melon-based treats

Make it Muldoon for whiskey liqueur dishes

It’s a celebration of fine fare at An Italian Feast Overview A LEADING Italian chef is coming to Dublin this month to a fivecourse ‘feasting’ menu that pays homage to Italy and the ingredients unique to the country.

Francesco Mazzei, in collaboration with The House of Peroni, will present An Italian Feast.

Taking place in Charlotte Quay on Wednesday, November 23, from 7pm, Francesco will serve a five-course menu, which will see Francesco sharing his passion for Southern Italian cuisine.

The menu includes an array of antipasti dishes, including Speck all’Anatra (home-cured duck speck with wild berries), Battuta di Tuna (a tuna dish, akin to a

tartare) and Insalata di Carciofini (artichoke and pea shoot salad).

Dessert is a fragrant Crema al Bergamotto (bergamot cream) served with bitter chocolate sorbet and a selection of handmade Pasticcini (fine Italian pastries).

Speaking on the menu, he said: “The plethora of ingredients unique to Italy are my source of inspiration to create menus drawn from Southern Italian feasts. I am really looking forward to sharing a Southern Italian culinary journey with our guests.”

The meal costs €65 per person and tickets are available from thehouseofperoni.com.

MULDOON Irish Whiskey Liqueur is a toffee and hazelnut-flavoured whiskey. Here are a selection of recipes by award-winning chef Jenny Flynn, of the Faithlegg House and Country Club Hotel in Waterford. Muldoon Irish Whiskey Liqueur can be bought at the Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson Street, for €30.

Muldoon Pork Belly Makes 6 portions.

Ingredients l 1.3kg centre piece of pork belly (so it will cook evenly) l 15g fennel seeds l 5g sea salt l 100ml olive oil l Carrots l Celery l Onions l Garlic cloves with skin on l Fresh thyme l 150ml Muldoon whiskey

Preparation l Turn oven to its highest temperature. Using a knife, score the skin down to the meat (try not to cut the meat), make the cuts very close together (go across the skin). l Put the fennel seeds and the sea salt in a pestle and mortar and grind till the seeds are smashed and mixed well with the salt. l Rub the pork belly with Muldoon whiskey and half the seasoning mix.

Cover and allow to marinate overnight. l The next day, pat the

skin side dry – this will help with the crackling. l Sprinkle over half of the fennel and salt mixture and rub in, pour over the oil and then the seed and salt mixture. l Now really rub this into the skin so that everything gets in between the skin and down onto the meat. l Wash the carrots and celery well, cut them into large 2-inch pieces, wash the thyme, and put these into the base of your roasting dish with the whole garlic bulbs; peel and cut the onions into large wedges. l Put the seasoned pork belly on top of the vegetables and then put into your very hot oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin of the belly starts to bubble and is golden brown. l Turn the oven tem-

perature dow n to 170°C/325°F/gas 3, then roast for 1.5 hours. l Carefully open the oven door and add into the tray the Muldoon whiskey, then continue cooking for one hour. l Remove the meat carefully from the oven and test to see if it pulls apart easily. If not, put back in the oven until the meat is ready, then remove from the oven. l Take the meat from the tray and place onto a wooden board and allow to rest. l Remove the crackling from the top of the belly and break up into pieces; set aside then pull the pork belly apart and enjoy with more vegetables and your choice of potatoes.

Muldoon Melon Makes approximately 6

portions; make sure you choose ripe melons.

Ingredients l Quarter watermelon l Quarter Galia melon l Quarter Honeydew melon l 2 shots of Muldoon whiskey l 6 limequats (a cross between a lime and a kumquat) Preparation l Peel melons and deseed them cut them to size required. l Cut up some limequats, pour over the Muldoon, and cook until fruit has softened. Allow to cool. l Bring the melons up to room temperature.

Put the limequats in the middle and put melon on top. l Add an extra splash of Muldoon to excite the taste buds.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA ReelReviews

DOCTOR STRANGE Curiously interesting

MARVEL turns out another superhero film, though this one has a lesser-known character at its heart.

Doctor Strange (Cert 12A, 115 mins) sees Benedict Cumberbatch don a cape and strange, mystical powers as he, and Tilda Swinton, create an odball yet visually striking film. The high-calibre cast compete with some stunning visuals to create a memorable, if eyeball-searing film.

Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani create likeable characters, taking the everyday core of life to craft something that rises above the film’s simple premise

PATERSON: JARMUSCH JAMS WITH THE MUNDANE, YET CREATES A WONDROUS FILM

Much ado about nothing HAVING released just two films in the past decade, Jim Jarmusch is by no means the world’s most prolific director.

What a welcome surprise it is then to be treated to two Jarmusch projects in 2016. The indie favourite’s “Iggy Pop and the Stooges” documentary, Gimme Danger, proved to be an unfortunately flat affair, telling the legendary punk band’s story with about as much raw power as a tribute album.

The Adam Driver-led Paterson, however, is a poetic, unique and quietly moving experience – the most wonderfully ‘Jarmusch’ film the director has made in years.

Driver plays Paterson – a bus driver living in the town of Paterson,

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

New Jersey; just one of the mundane, idle coincidences on which the film’s pensive narrative thrives.

Every day, Paterson wakes up before his artist girlfriend, Laura (Golshifteh Farahani), walks to work, drives his bus around the city, and then walks home.

Throughout, Paterson listens, observes and breathes in the world around him, composing wonderfully minimalist poetry in a notebook he takes everywhere.

Every evening after

work, Paterson eats dinner with Laura, walks their dog Marvin, and then chats with the regulars over a few drinks at a local bar.

Perhaps more so than anything Jarmusch has ever produced, Paterson is a film where nothing really happens.

The low-key narrative takes place over the course of a week, with each day driven by a cycle of familiarity, interrupted only by randomly observed coincidences.

Quietly, Paterson relishes in the repetitive everyday experience. The most prosaic instances are granted romantic weight when in the presence of the bus-driving poet, such as an innocuous box of matches, a conversation on the bus, the recurrent

appearance of sets of twins.

As the repetition becomes more rigid and obvious, patterns begin to emerge elsewhere – most conspicuously, in the offbeat black and white art Laura gradually covers the inside of their entire house with.

Jarmusch successfully communicates the wonder of the incidental everyday to the audience – just as filmmaker and protagonist alike relish in repetition and mundane coincidence, we too gradually begin to delight in the poetics of the everyday.

When the narrative starts to sporadically break with that repetition, then, the results are often affecting and quietly devastating.

There’s little room for improvisation here, Paterson is prepared and performed to Jarmusch’s rigorous, formulated, pensive style.

The film’s more poetic segments are built around a gorgeous combination of word, image and music.

T houghtfully composed shots of small-town America are overlain with the scrawled words of Paterson’s poetry as he writes it aloud.

Underneath it all is the harmonious, droning soundtrack from Squrl – Jarmusch’s musical side project. The cumulative effect is often wondrously hypnotic.

Despite telling a story essentially about nothing, Paterson’s dreamy structure and lackadaisical narrative never drags or

slows to a crawl.

Driver yet again proves how incredibly likeable he can be as the film’s privately romantic protagonist – sober and softly spoken, he’s a friend to all, and is often looked to for sage wisdom from a supporting cast packed with welcome, familiar faces.

Iranian actress Farahani is wonderful as Paterson’s hyperactively passionate girlfriend, who urges him to share his poems with the world.

Paterson is a wonderful film, and its protagonist a unique, quietly inspirational individual.

While you shouldn’t expect a conventionally emotional payoff, the experience of viewing Paterson is a reward in itself.

Verdict: 10/10

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Teen spirit impresses

AT LAST – a film about teens that isn’t utterly, utterly excrutiating for nonteens to sit through, as The Edge of Seventeen (Cert 15A, 105 mins) delivers a funny, sassy yet thoughtful tale that will resonate with teens and grown-ups alike.

While not exactly based around earth-shattering complexities, its high school tales, and winning performances, make it a guilty pleasure to take in.

INFERNO

Last and least ...

WHATEVER sparks of interest audiences may have once had in Dan Brown’s overblown books may well finally go out after this turgid thriller. Inferno (Cert 12A, 121 mins) sees Tom Hanks return as the globe-trotting professor who’s the key to saving the world – literally, this time, thanks to a deadly plague.

Hanks does his best, but it’s a thankless task for this rather terrible three-quel.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH

WEEBYTES

The second Dub Web Fest promises an interesting programme line-up

Marrying tech and the arts  SHANE DILLON

EA Dice’s Frostbite game engine has never looked better, creating horrible warzones that you’d never want to see in real life. From glistening mud to desert dust clouds and showers of sparks, the game’s a real looker on all formats.

BATTLEFIELD 1: 1914-16 CONFLICT IS A GAMING BLAST

The Great War as a fun multiplayer WHILE all wars are hellish, World War One was a particularly savage conflict, and with the recent respectful ref lections across Europe on The Somme’s legacy, and other such theatres of war, some might see the release of WW1-set Battlefield 1 (c. €60; PC, PS, XBO; Cert 18) about a month ago as either a case of perfect or unfortunate timing, depending on outlook.

EA Dice’s latest installment in the long-running

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Battlefield series delves into the brutal global conflict that claimed so many lives in the war – including almost 50,000 Irishmen.

In doing so, it has created a very compelling war game by going back

to basics, stripping away much of the bloat that had crept into the series.

Shipping with an easily mopped up offline (and slightly unengaging) brief single player campaign that hops around various key WW1 hotspots, the real meat of B1 is its online multiplayer gaming.

Drawing inspiration from several real battles at a number of global locales, B1 sees players joining either side in lengthy toand-fro multi-part battles

across large, open maps, in a variety of terrain.

Alongside lots of player classes and weapon unlocks to earn and use in battle, the game’s terrific sound and great visuals provide more than enough to keep even diehard Battlefield veterans happy.

There’s plenty more you could say about B1 – but ultimately, this is not only one of the best such war games out there, but an interesting journey into a terrible period of history.

With multiplayer battles spanning the war’s reach, players could be fighting in the air, on foot, in armoured vehicles – or even on horseback. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

I RECENTLY wrote about Web Fest 2016, which is gearing up for an eclectic schedule of web series and workshops at its second outing.

Well, it’s upon us this weekend, and is taking place from Friday, November 18 to Sunday 20 at the Filmbase centre in Temple Bar.

Diverse The festival promises an interesting range of events, with everything from acting workshops (including Eddie Jackson, of Game of Thrones, and Vikings fame, and Fair City actress Aoibheann McCaul) to previews of new films and web series, and more.

From music to internet-specific media, it promises to be an interesting exploration of many intersections between media and technology, offering much more than ‘just’ web-related content, making it, as the organisers say, a must for any film, TV or digital fans.

Tickets are now on sale for all events at Dub Web Fest 2016 and can be purchased at the website.

For further information on all of the festival’s events and workshops, see dublinwebfest.com.

26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

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28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

SPORT McGonigle steps down from Dubs

FastSport

LADIES FOOTBALL: SECOND ALL-IRELAND PROVED TANTALISINGLY OUT OF REACH

SHELS BACK ON TOP OF WNL:

SHELBOURNE Ladies moved two points clear at the top of Continental Tyres Women’s National as the season entered the final strait.

Shels put five goals past Kilkenny United on their final home game of the season with Gloria Douglas and Sarah Rowe opening the scoring for Shels. Noelle Murray made it 3-0 just after the 20 minute mark with Leanne Kiernan landing her 12th league goal of the season to give Shels a 4-0 half time lead.

Kate Mooney landed Shels fifth on 67 minutes just six minutes after being introduced for Gloria Douglas. Shels now top the WNL with 23 points.

Elsewhere, the Dublin derby between Peamount United and UCD Waves ended in a scoreless draw in Greenogue, leaving the latter second. The game was the first scoreless draw of the season and, in fact, just the seventh scoreless draw in the seven year history of the Women’s National League.

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

BOSS Greg McGonigle and the Dublin Ladies’ football team have parted ways following Dublin’s All-Ireland final defeat to Cork in September.

McGonigle had been a loud voice for the side after their controversial defeat two months ago, hitting out at the ladies’ football association over

their failure to utilize Hawkeye for the game.

A seemingly legitimate point from Carla Rowe during the game was waved wide, and Dublin went on to lose by a single point.

In three years in charge, McGonigle led Dublin to three consecutive AllIreland finals with Dublin losing out to Cork on each occasion. The Rebelettes have now won 10 of the

last 11 at national level, but McGonigle maintained his primary aim was to repeat the county’s single win to date, which came in 2010.

McGonigle said of his decision: “I have really enjoyed my three years with Dublin but now feel the time is right for a new voice to help this group of players achieve their ultimate goal of winning an All-Ireland title.

Greg McGonigle has stepped down as Dublin ladies football boss. Picture: GAApics.com

“The time is also right for me personally to take a much needed break from management having been involved at senior level for the past six years [including time at Monaghan] and to reflect, recharge and refocus.”

He continued: “to the group of players, I struggle to find the words to sum up the desire, appreciation and love you have for your county. Genuinely it has been a huge honour to have coached you all and to have gotten to know you as people, most definitely class acts on and off the field.

“We shared many great days together and have

loads of memories from great journeys starting in 2014. I am disappointed that we could not win the much coveted senior AllIreland but you are closer than ever before and always remember a grain of rice can tip the scale.

“I strongly believe the amount of big games that this team have played over the past three years will stand to them while developing and strengthening them both mentally and physically in order to finally deliver an All-Ireland title, which I expect them to do in 2017.”

The Dublin Ladies Association hailed the manager for his impact

on the side: “Gregory brought a level of professionalism, enthusiasm and structure to Dublin that will prove quite difficult to surpass. “Gregory’s dedication to the players was insurmountable and he was instrumental in ensuring players had quality training facilities, medical care and top level coaching personnel available to them throughout his term in charge.

“Dublin LGFA would like to thank Gregory for all he has achieved with Dublin to acknowledge his dedication to the county and to wish him all the very best for the future.”

Evans fires Hermes-Monkstown to sixth victory  sport@dublingazette.com

Hermes-Monkstown’s Anna O’Flanagan and Nikki Evans celebrate their last minute winner. Picture: Adrian Boehm

NIKKI Evans’s last minute winner saw Hermes-Monkstown maintain their perfect start to the women’s EY Hockey League campaign following a huge tussle with Cork Harlequins whose 100% run came to an end as a result.

Liz McInerney gave the hosts an early lead from the first of many corners on the day, scrambling home from close range to get the vital touch. Rebecca Barry equalised before the end of the first quarter, though, when she

got on the end of a brilliant cross.

Quins then moved ahead following a great run by Yvonne O’Byrne, creating space in the circle and hammering home.

Their momentum was slowed, however, when Barry was shown a yellow card for dissent as temperatures rose with both sides contesting many decisions.

Hermes-Monkstown got back on terms in the second half from their fifth corner with Chloe Watkins slapping home from the top of the circle. Quins, though, bossed the period either side of the three-quarter break and

forced a couple of top saves from Liz Murphy.

Amber Barnwell had to scoop another chance off the line while O’Byrne deflected one corner inches wide. Two corner shots were blocked from a clever defensive running pattern – foregoing a number one runner to hang back and eliminate switch options – with Anna O’Flanagan and Sarah Greene cleaning up the chances.

Hermes-Monkstown withstood that spell and duly forged the crucial chance in the closing seconds, working the ball to Evans at the top with her back to

goal from where she unleashed a low reverse that the impressive Emma Buckley could not get enough of a boot on with the ball pinging in off her toe and off the post and in.

Elsewhere, Loreto grabbed their third win of the campaign with a 3-1 win over Pembroke to move into sixth place as Pembroke remain in search of their opening points of the campaign.

Niamh Small finished well for 1-0 before Freya McDermott then swept home a corner to double the half-time advantage with Sarah Evans completing the win.

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Crumlin prodigy Hand follows McGregor’s lead Fourteen-year-old Liam keeping up the Old County Glen tradition as he lands Irish national Muay Thai title just five months since taking up the sport with Ryoshu Fight-Team  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

HAILING from the same estate as Conor McGregor, Crumlin’s Liam Hand showed that he could be one to watch for the future as he returned from Derry as the new Muay Thai junior champion.

There, he recorded a hard fought victory over local and defending champion Sean McGettigan to continue his rapid rise in the combat sport that combines striking and various clinching techniques.

Turning 15 at the end of the month and from Old County Glen, Hand has been making a name for himself in the Muay Thai world of late and took his reputation a step further with another impressive victory.

He competes for the Ryoshin Fight-Team in Cherr y Orchard and only took up the sport five months ago but has already made remarkable progress.

His coach Gabor Hortobagyi spoke after the fight about how confident he was Hand could do in the Sport.

“I started the warm-up with Liam and I felt his punches and kicks were solid and confident,” he said. “I had no doubt that we would be bringing the belt home to Dublin.

“It was a spectacular fight and all credit to Liam’s very strong opponent Sean who put up a very strong battle.”

If Hand’s win in Derry wasn’t impressive enough already, add in the fact that he also fought and won in

Santry the next day.

One of his biggest supporters is his mother Molly and she spoke to GazetteSport about how her son first became involved in Muay Thai and what the future may hold for him.

“He is so sports orientated. He was, up until recently, playing GAA but left that and took up Muay Thai off his own back.

He’s only five months into it, which is unreal considering what he has achieved so far.

“His coach Gabor is so dedicated and saw potential in him straight away so took him out on his own.

Seemingly, they’ve never seen it in a young fella that’s so new to it.”

Any successful MMA fighter knows hard work and dedication are vital if you want to succeed,

Liam Hand and coach Gabor Hortobagyi celebrate their success in Derry

something that Molly sees in Liam on a daily basis. Indeed, Liam’s daily schedule is something that belies his age and would have most adults running for cover.

“He gets home about 3.40pm and does his homework straight away before Gabor picks him up at around five. He is on a

study then straight to bed.

On top of all that, he could be up again at six o’clock to go for a run.

“We only got home from Derry at four o’clock in the morning and he was up in Santry at 9am a few hours later.”

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand but its popularity has started to

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘Seemingly, they’ve never seen potential like it in a young fella that’s so new to it’ - Molly Hand

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

strict diet so I have to go by what he [Gabor] tells me he has to eat; everything is discipline.

“He doesn’t get home until about 9pm so he does about half an hour

spread far and wide across the planet.

It is known as “the art of eight limbs” because of its combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.

Liam is ambidextrous, a fact that may explain why he has taken to the sport with such ease and why big things could lie ahead for him. With the UFC now likely to be the dream destination for any young MMA fighters, mothers across the country could be concerned about their sons getting involved in combat sports due to the physical nature of it.

But Molly is backing her son in his chosen pursuit: “I’ve always said I would rather him be in music or ballet but no matter what Liam wants to do I will support him 110% all the way,” she added.

Liam will next compete in the Cage Legacy event in Drogheda on November 26.

FASTSport

Nure stung by Cookies comeback in UBL 1A TERENURE College narrowly missed out on a result against high-flying Young Munster on a 31-23 scoreline at Lakelands Park in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A. Terenure gave a strong account of themselves, belying their current position of tenth in the table.

Flanker Niall Lalor’s first-minute try set them on their way to a 13-7 interval lead.

Munsters recovered well, though, showing the poise of table toppers as winger David Gleeson was freed up for a 19th minute run to the line.

However, two well-struck penalties from Nure full-back Jake Swaine after 22 and 38 minutes had the hosts in front at the break.

The Cookies’ powerful pack was to the fore as the Limerick men responded with two tries in the space of six minutes, centre Jack Harrington and hooker and captain Ger Slattery both crossing the whitewash for a 21-13 turnaround.

Winger Marc Hiney’s 65th-minute converted effort made it a one-point game and although Swaine took his impressive place-kicking tally to 13 points, ‘Nure agonisingly fell short of even a losing bonus point.

Either side of Swaine’s 74th-minute penalty, Munsters scrum half Rob Guerin seized the initiative to run in his fourth try of the campaign, converted by Swaine’s opposite number David O’Mahony who also added a late penalty to complete his crucial 11-point haul.

Elsewhere, Lansdowne continued their winning run with a storming 45-10 triumph over UCD on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch on Friday night.

Mike Ruddock’s men tightened their grip on second spot, running in six converted tries through backs Alan Bennie (2) and Foster Horan and forwards Paul Boyle, Max Deegan and Philip Donnellan.

Scrum half Bennie sniped over in their very first attack and after a UCD yellow card and scrum pressure from the hosts before half-time, number 8 Boyle touched down off the back of an advancing set piece, five metres out, for a 17-3 interval lead.

Lansdowne’s powerful pack remained on top in the second half, with tactically astute 13-point out-half Scott Deasy keeping them stationed in the right areas of the pitch.

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 November 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: DALYMOUNT SIDE SEE OFF ST PAT’S IN MARK FARREN CUP FINAL

Glasnevin Masters get one over Dublin All-Stars GLASNEVIN Ladies won the 2016 Galway Masters basketball title last week, getting the best of the Dublin All Stars in the final of the Over-40s tournament held in the NUIG Kingfisher stadium.

These sides have met on a number of previous occasions in other Masters finals with the Dublin All Stars taking the honours.

This was a closely contested exciting final with both teams fielding experienced local and exnational players. Glasnevin fielded seven players over the age of 50 as well as three guests from Mayo including the excellent Siobhan Kilkenny.

Dublin All Stars, meanwhile, consisted of a motley crew including ex Tolka Rovers star Kathy Reid Steeples and ex-Waterford Wildcat Catriona White. But it was a true Glasnevin player, Orlaith Boylan, who proved the ultimate difference between the teams, potting crucial three-pointers to break the deadlock and win the MVP award for the tournament.

Off the court, Galway Masters hosted a charity Gala Dinner for over 300 players, officials and friends from Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy and USA in aid of Voices for Down Syndrome Galway and The Galway Hospice.

Both finalist teams were in the thick of the fun into the small hours of Sunday morning in true Masters Spirit.

O’Brien named on Young Driver of Year shortlist TEMPLEOGUE’S Andy O’Brien, 22, is on the three-person shortlist for the Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year ward, alongside Mullingar’s Jordan Dempsey and Ratoath’s Cian Carey.

O’Brien was crowned the 2016 Tool Dynamics Supercar champion

on the back of seven wins and four additional podiums out of 14 races to get on the shortlist for the historic Sexton Trophy.

The winner will also receive a €50,000 support package to help develop their motor racing career.

All three finalists will be included in the Team Ireland development programme run by Motorsport Ireland to nurture and support young drivers.

James McClean presents the SSE Airtricity League Mark Farren Memorial Cup to Bohemians

Dunne deal for Bohs U-17s SSE UNDER-17 CUP FINAL

Bohemians 2 0 St Patrick’s Athletic  sport@dublingazette.com

BOHEMIANS claimed the SSE Airtricity League Under-17 Mark Farren Memorial Cup with an impressive 2-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

The trophy was presented to Bohemians

by Republic of Ireland international James McClean, who was a former teammate of Derry City legend Mark Farren, who sadly passed away in February after a battle with cancer.

The FAI made the decision to name the Under-17 Cup after the late Farren earlier this year and this was the first final to be played in his name.

It was a final Bohemians dominated from start to finish as they restricted the SSE Airtricity Under-17 League champions to very few chances.

It took just five minutes for Bohs to go ahead as powerful forward Robbie Dunne was able to fend off the Pat’s defence to finish from just outside the area.

He could have doubled his tally in the 20th

REMEMBRANCE RUN Phoenix Park dedicated 5k to family members THE Shortall family from Kilmacanogue were among the many runners to enjoy the annual Remembrance Run 2016 in the Phoenix Park last Sunday.

From left, Aideen Shortall, Poppybella Shortall, age 3, and Richard Shortall, took part in the 5k event which sees participants dedicate their entry in the event to family or close friends who have passed or others close to us who may be currently struggling with illness or other life challenges.

Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

minute as his effort, almost destined for the top corner, was deflected wide of the right-hand post.

Bohs continued to create and had the best move of the game just before the break as a neat passing move saw f lying defender Eoin Doyle cross for Domo Peppard who volleyed over.

The Dalymount side continued to create chances just after the break as Aaron Lynch took advantage of some poor defending to race through but he was denied by a fine save from Pat’s keeper Paul

Martin in the 54th minute.

Martin continued to be busy throughout the second-half and was once again at his best to deny Lynch after Pats lost the ball high up the pitch 25 minutes from time.

Bohs sealed the Mark Farren Memorial Cup with 18 minutes remaining. Another fine move f r o m B o h s s aw t h e impressive Lynch beat his defender on the left to cross for Steven Nolan to tap home from close range after he made a fine run across the near post.

T he defeat should

not distract from what has been a great season for St Patrick’s Athletic Under-17s who previously won the SSE Airtricity League title with a win over UCD last week.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Martin, Byrne, O’Farrell, Nolan, Cleary, Hogan (McMullen 46 (Hughes 75)), Martin, Heeney (Kelly 60), Burke, Lee, Rock (Grouse 46).

Bohemians: McCarthy (GK), Byrne, Doyle, Curley, Hanley (Hart 78), Morley, Aghinita (Lotefa 60), Peppard, Dunne (Maguire 90), Lynch (Townley 78), Nolan.

Referee: Stephen Parnell

17 November 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

STAR OF THE FUTURE

FASTGAA

Clontarf’s Caoimhe the Leinster one to watch CLONTARF’S Caoimhe O’Connor was named ladies football’s Leinster Young Player of the Year following her outstanding performances for Dublin this season at Under-16 level, helping win their seventh consecutive Leinster crown.

She was presented the award by Marie Hickey, President of the LGFA, in the company of Alan Esslemont, Ard Stiurthoir of TG4, in Citywest. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

CAMOGIE: FINAL PUCK CRUCIAL FOR THOMASTOWN

Marino men eventually prevail over Palatine

St Vincent’s and Thomastown battle for possession. Picture: Martina McGilloway/ilivephotos.com

Devastating deja vu for Vincent’s ladies AIB LEINSTER FINAL

St Vincent’s 0-8 Thomastown 1-7  sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S were left devastated as Thomastown produced a huge comeback to claim the AIB Senior Club final, nicking the win in the 63rd minute.

Indeed, the Kilkenny side were in deep trouble when they trailed by 0-8 to 0-3 at the 40th minute mark.

But they inched their way back within a point before intercounty star Shelly Farrell proved the

hero when she aimed her shot for the levelling point.

Vincent’s keeper Nicole Burnett did superbly to stop the point but her batted clearance fell to Catherine Walsh and she turned onto her stronger side to hammer to the net.

The puck-out followed but there wouldn’t be time for a response from St Vincent’s and, for the second year in a row, they had to live with the heartbreak of losing a Leinster final at the death.

When they sit down to analyse the match, they

will realise that the game slipped from them not in the 63rd minute but in the final 24 minutes when they failed to add to their 0-8 tally.

Thomastown were met with fierce resistence and passion from the Dublin champions who hit four unaswered points before half-time to lead by 0-6 to 0-3 at the break.

They stretched that lead to 5 thanks to two more placed balls from the excellent Alison Maguire who ended the tie with seven points to her name.

But they will also dis-

cover that only one other Vincent’s player contributed to the scoring – an outstanding point from Aine Fanning – whereas five different players all scored from play for Thomastown.

It brought to a close another fine year for the Marino club who claimed the Dublin title ahead of young contenders Lucan Sarsfields for the second successive season.

That set them up for this Leinster final shot but the title proved agonisingly out of reach once again.

ST VINCENT’s made heavy work of Carlow champions Palatine to progress to the Leinster club semi-finals, struggling for two thirds of the match against the underdogs.

They lost star man Diarmuid Connolly early in the game to a black card at Netwatch Kilcullen Park on Sunday afternoon and it stymied any major momentum.

The Marino side had made their presence felt from the very start on the road as the buzzing figure of Enda Varley in the forward line made a nuisance of himself. He scored a point himself and fed into moves that saw Shane Carthy and Cormac Diamond put Vincent’s four up after just four minutes.

That early pace was not to be a pattern, however, as Palatine slowly edged back into a first half that lacked quality.

Connolly was sent from the pitch midway through the half with a slightly rattled looking Vincent’s following his loss with a series of wides, clocking eight in the first half.

Palatine’s Shane O’Neill, in particular, helped them come into the game and the Carlow side took their limited opportunities to ensure a narrow halftime margin of just 0-5 to 0-3 in Vincent’s favour.

The second half was eventually to be fairly comfortable for the Dublin champions, though, as they found their shooting boots, with Tomas Quinn and Cormac Diamond in particular finding their mark.

Vincent’s were beginning to dominate both physically and in the way they moved possession around the park, and in the absence of Connolly, Diamond in particular looked a threat, knocking over 0-5 from play.

With Palatine still within a goal with 20 minutes to go, however, Vincent’s might be slightly concerned about the time it took them to really put away the outsiders. Once Quinn found form and Palatine began to tire, Vincent’s pulled away from 0-7 to 0-5 on 40 minutes to run out as comfortable 0-16 to 0-8 winners, with four late Vincent’s subs showing the Marino side’s strength in depth.

Vincent’s will go on to play Longford champions St Columba’s in the Leinster semi-final, with the game scheduled for November 27 at 2pm in Pearse Park, Longford.

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STEPPING DOWN: Dubs boss Greg McGonigle resigns from ladies role after series of All-Ireland finals P28

NOVEMBER 17-23, 2016

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Conor McGregor shows off his two title belts following his victory over Eddy Alvarez. Picture: Nathan Kelly

Fairytale of New York Dubliner Conor McGregor breaks yet more new ground as he becomes first UFC fighter to hold two concurrent world title belts after MSG win

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

CONOR McGregor pulled off another media frenzy last weekend in New York, announcing he was to become a father for the first time.

It came shortly after the Crumlin man made UFC history by becoming the first fighter in the company’s history to hold titles in two different divisions at the same time.

It was to be a night for firsts as the UFC made its maiden New York appearance at the iconic Madison Square Garden.

McGregor stopped lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in the second round and subsequently hung the American’s lost belt from

the opposite shoulder to the one that already adorned the featherweight title he took from Jose Aldo in December of last year.

Referee John McCarthy stopped the fight after Alvarez was knocked to the canvas for the fourth time by McGregor with just under two minutes of the second round remaining.

Despite both men supposedly coming in at identical height and weight, the Dubliner held a five-inch reach advantage over his opponent and seemed like a much more imposing figure dominating the fight from the off.

McGregor took no time unleashing his famous left-hand, landing it twice to leave Alvarez shook and afraid to get too close McGregor again. Alvarez prides himself on his wrestling game but the

fear he now held seemed to prevent him from trying to take his opponent to the floor.

The third time Alvarez hit the canvas saw McGregor pounce on his opponent to try and finish him off with a ground and pound but the tough Philly man managed to survive the first round.

The second round saw Alvarez try to impose his game on McGregor but after a couple of failed takedowns the Irishman, now standing with his hands behind his back to lure in his opponent, unleashed a devastating three-punch combo.

Alvarez fell to the floor and McGregor pounced once more but the referee had seen enough and called an end to the bout, sending the thousands of Irish in New York into a frenzy

of celebration.

In true McGregor fashion, he used his post fight platform to announce his girlfriend Dee was pregnant, insist he deserved a stake in the UFC, and goad his rivals even further by refusing to apologise for his antics.

“It has never been done before. Everything I have dreamed is a reality.

“I have spent a lot time of time slating everyone in the company. I have ridiculed the entire roster and I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, I want to take this opportunity to apologise...to absolutely nobody,” said McGregor.

With McGregor virtually having the run of the UFC, it remains to be seen who the SBG fighter will take on next.