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27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

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Lidl works cause a lot of anger in Portmarnock Retail giant to hold a public meeting to address locals’ ire over construction

 SYLVIA POWNALL LIDL is to host a public meeting for Portmarnock residents as anger mounts over the construction of its controversial new store in the centre of the seaside village.

The move follows a fresh wave of outrage over a photograph posted on social media of an elderly woman walking in the middle of the road alongside a right of way at St Bridget’s Avenue, which is now blocked off.

The Facebook post reads: “Way to go Lidl and Fingal County Council. Forcing the elderly residents of St Anne’s Portmarnock to walk in the middle of the road. #lidlchristmasmoments”.

The development was

granted planning permission despite local opposition and concerns over access, traffic congestion and its environmental impact – and against the advice of An Bord Pleanala’s own inspector.

Continued on Page 4

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AIRPORT | CAMPAIGNERS KEEPING ‘VERY CLOSE EYE’ ON PROGRESS

FASTNews

 SYLVIA POWNALL

Wiktoria’s Face wins a spot in Texaco calendar

Runway works see local concerns soar RESIDENTS living near Dublin Airport say they will be keeping a “close eye” on developments as the airport authority starts work on the first phase of construction for North Runway.

Several infrastructural works are now under way, including the Naul Road diversion, realignment of the Forest Little Road, the demolition of several derelict sites and a new water main.

The works, according to the Dublin Airport

Authority (daa) website, also seek the “dismantling, removal, relocation and reconstruction of the Forrest Tavern Monument”.

River Valley resident Liam Cullen, who is involved with FORUM (Fingal Organised Residents United Movement), said campaigners opposed to increased night flights would monitor the project’s progress very closely.

He told The Gazette: “We’re going to keep a very close eye on it. Our campaign for the retention of planning conditions 3 and 5 [limiting night flights] is

The daa wants planning conditions restricting night flights lifted – something many locals fiercely oppose

our top, top priority.”

FORUM erected a number of 8ft x 4ft banners in Swords, St Margaret’s, Boroimhe, Portmarnock and Malahide over the Christmas period with the message: No

Overnight Flights.

The group plans to up the ante in 2017 to keep the pressure on planners and the Government not to lift the restrictions on the number of air movements allowed on the proposed new runway between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

Cullen said: “You’re going to see these banners all over the place, and we’re hoping it will highlight the level of opposition to this.”

The initial phase of runway works, carried out by

Roadbridge, is expected to take about eight months and includes building a new 2.5km stretch of road linking Huntstown to the St Margaret’s Bypass.

The project will call for temporary lane closures, diversions and one-way traffic systems during the construction period, though the existing road will not be permanently closed until the new road has fully opened.

T he €320 million runway, which secured planning permission in 2007 but was temporarily shelved during the economic downturn, is expected to open in 2020.

The daa wants the planning conditions restricting night flights lifted – prompting local residents to unite in opposition amid fears that the number of overnight movements will more than double.

A FINGAL teenager has scooped second prize in her category in the long-running Texaco Children’s Art Calendar competition.

Wiktoria Anna Witkowska (16), from Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan, came second in the senior competition with her striking piece, The Face (above). In addition to winning €1,000 for her work, The Face will also feature in the 2017 calendar, for the month of December.

Another Fingal student – Nicole Halpin (13), from Malahide Community School – was also chosen as a calendar winner.

Her great artwork, entitled Love Is... (inset) can be seen in the month of February, with Nicole also claiming €200 for the third-place win in her category.

Malahide apartment complex sells for €40m A DEVELOPMENT of 105 apartments in Malahide is being sold in one lot with a price tag in excess of €40 million.

The units at The Casino were developed by Gannon Homes in 2005. Ten of the 115 apartments were sold to private buyers at the time, but the other 105 have remained vacant.

The units work out at around €381,000 each.

Two of the privately bought ones changed hands recently for €457,000 and €545,000.

Details of cyclist’s death revealed at formal inquest

Flynn-gle bells fun at Christmas FM

MUM-OF-FIVE Deirdre Flynn is one of 100 volunteers who are devoting their time this Christmas on charity radio station Christmas FM. Rush-based Deirdre – whose children are aged 17, 11, 9, 7 and 5 – has no prior experience in radio but is enjoying her new role as presenter on Global Christmas FM from 8-11am weekdays.

The station is now in its 9th year and broadcasts live at 102.5FM, and via Virgin Media Channel 900, as well as online at www.christmasfm.com.

This year, Christmas FM will be raising awareness and funds for homeless charity Focus Ireland.

A 30-YEAR-OLD cyclist died of multiple traumatic injuries following a road traffic collision in Dublin city, her inquest heard last week.

Donna Fox (right), from Belgee, Naul, who grew up in Balbriggan, died on September 6 following a collision with a truck at Sherriff St. An inquest into her death opened at Dublin Coroner’s Court, and heard the incident took place at the corner of Seville Place and Sheriff Street Upper. Dr Linda Mulligan carried out an autopsy and the cause of death was given as multiple traumatic injuries.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest for further mention until June 15 next.

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BREAKING MUSE | THE INSPIRATION FOR STEVE EARLE’S SMASH HIT ‘GALWAY GIRL’ IS A DUB!

Her hair was black and her county is BLUE  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE woman who inspired the song, The Galway Girl, is in fact from Howth in Co Dublin, a new book reveals.

Trad musician Joyce Redmond has been identified as the muse behind the Steve Earle song, which was covered

by Mundy.

A talented singer and bodhran player, the brunette Dubliner was a regular at folk sessions around Galway city.

She was in Quay Street when US songwriter Earle approached her and asked if she could help with a phone call he was trying to make.

A few days later, she met him again by accident on Dominick Street – and he asked if

she knew where he could find some traditional Irish music.

She took him along to a few sessions and he was impressed enough to pen his top-selling hit. The revelation is just one of many in On Raglan Road: Great Irish Love Songs and The Women Who Inspired Them, written by Galwaybased poet, Gerry Hanberry.

The comprehensive book is inspired by a biography on Leonard Cohen, where Hanberry read that Marianne and Suzanne – the women in two iconic Cohen songs – were real, as opposed to muses.

He said: “It was easy enough to research the dead writers featured in the book but the contemporary people had to be honest with me. A few

Steve Earle’s classic song, The Galway Girl, was actually inspired by a Dubliner – Joyce Redmond

were reluctant to talk about past loves and situations that inspired their songs, but most were forthcoming.”

He says that the story of The Galway Girl is one of the selling points of his book, which goes as far back as the

17th century.

Steve Earle didn’t actually meet Joyce Redmond on a stroll on the Old Long Walk in Galway as the song suggests – in fact, they met in a coffee shop nearby.

“Steve had a relation-

ship with Joyce for a few months,” says Hanberry.

“They’re in contact, and whenever he comes to Ireland to perform, her name is on the guest list.”

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PORTMARNOCK | RETAIL GIANT SAYS VILLAGERS WILL BENEFIT FROM NEW BUILD

Community to gain from our footpath works - Lidl Continued from Page 1

Earlier this month, Cllr Brian McDonagh (Lab) called for an immediate halt to work at the old Tin Church site after a digger damaged an electricity cable, causing a two-hour power outage.

He said: “As a result, residents’ confidence in Lidl and the contractor’s ability to guarantee safety during this development has been completely

undermined.”

Addressing the Facebook post, a spokesperson for Lidl told The Gazette: “We reject any suggestions that our actions have caused undue hardship to local residents.

“We would like to point out that there are two footpaths on St Bridget’s Avenue; however, one of these has been temporarily included within the site to facilitate improve-

Hoardings in place as preparatory works begin by St Bridget’s Avenue; (above right) the footpath that’s been lost

ment works.

“This means Lidl will be upgrading the exist-

ing footpath and widening it to two metres. This was permitted by Fingal County Council as part of our agreed hoarding licence.”

The spokesperson said contractors aimed to have the footpath, along with a new boundary wall, reopened prior to the opening of the new store in spring/summer 2017.

T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n added: “Lidl plans to arrange a local commu-

nity information evening on Thurs-day, January 5, between 3pm and 9pm in White Sands Hotel, Portmarnock, where representatives of our company, McCallion Construction – our main contractor – and our full design team, will be on hand to answer any queries.”

Fingal County Council said it was satisfied that Lidl was meeting the conditions of its planning per-mission, adding: “For safety reasons, the foot-

path adjacent to the site is included in the hoarded area.

“There is an alternative footpath on the other side of the estate road.

Access along Strand Road is maintained. The situation is being monitored on a regular basis.”

Meanwhile, an online petition on change.org to preserve the right of way to the rear of the Tin Church site has been signed by more than 300 people.

FASTNews

Annual GOAL walk still set for Christmas day ORGANISERS of the annual GOAL mile walk in Malahide have admitted that they considered pulling the event this year following the controversy surrounding the charity.

But the Christmas Day walk is set to go ahead, following discussions with the charity bosses.

Chief organiser Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) admitted having doubts after it emerged that the Department of Foreign Affairs had withheld millions of euro in funding from GOAL amid allegations of fraud in Syria.

But he said plans are going well and there is a positive vibe around Malahide ahead of the festive event.

The walk starts at the rear car park of the castle at 11am on Sunday, December 25.

Donations can be made on the day, or at www. goal.ie.

Fingal to host half marathon

Society thanked for helping to highlight Fingal’s 1916 role

THE Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler, made a special presentation on behalf of Fingal County Council to Noel McAllister, chairman of Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society, to mark their contribution to the Easter 1916 Centenary celebrations. Flanked by Cllr David O’Connor (Ind) and society member Cathal Boland, Cllr Butler spoke warmly of the society’s hard work to highlighting the key role that the county played in The Rising, with several historically important incidents occuring across the county. The presentation was a fine way to help close off the year of 1916 commemorations in the county, with the society, and the council, having held several successful events this year.

FINGAL has been successful in its bid to host the 2017 Dublin Half Marathon, which will start and finish at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate.

The route will take up to 10,000 runners around the peninsula on Sunday, September 24 next and is expected to boost the area’s tourism profile.

The event is the biggest half marathon run in Ireland and is being moved from the Phoenix Park because the number of participants had to be capped at 8,000 people.

The route will be finalised in coming weeks and entries are already being taken for the run at www. sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie.

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Out&About

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler officially opens the Swords Christmas Markets

PRETTY IN PINK: Super cute Penny Robinson (2) is full of holiday cheer. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

SWORDS | FINGAL MAYOR KICKS OFF FESTIVITIES

SAY CHEESE! Gavin Gleeson (6) with his brothers Dominic Vqitulionis (6)

Harry (3) and Cillian (10)

In the market for some Christmas fun

The gang from Tadka House

Liam Fennessy (9) and Oran Rogers (9) waitg for Santa Lana, Tatyana, Dasha, Daniel and Sofia Stoyanova

Claire Murphy and April (4 mths) with Lisa Lyons

with Elf Paul and Elf Ger

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Becky Johnston (8) and her brother Paul (4)

Michaela O’Connor (10) and Matthew Whitton (8) and Cathy Whitton

Leah O’Reilly (6) enjoys a snack

Marcus and his daughter Jorgia (10)

Annieszka, Aleksandra and Anna from Tree Art Design

Paul Barker with his daughter Caitlin (7)

her sister Laura (5)

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HEALTH | FIRST RESPONDERS READY TO GIVE HIGHLY-VISIBLE HELP IF NEEDED

Life-saving group set to get viz-y in Swords

 SYLVIA POWNALL

SWORDS Community First Responders (CFR) are preparing to go live on January 20, helping emergency services to save lives.

The group will provide fast first service responding to 999 calls in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service in cases of cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and choking within the Swords area.

Earlier this month, up to 70 runners took part in a Santa fun run and raised hundreds of euro for the new group, with help from Pop-Up Races, and medals sponsored by Dublin Tunnel Commercials.

Goody bags were supplied by Fyffes Ireland, Keoghs Crisps and management at Eurospar Holywell. A few weeks earlier, Fyffes also spon-

€160k funding for businesses FINGAL Local Enterprise Office (LEO) approved funding for 26 small businesses and start-ups earlier this month.

As a result, some new positions have been created straight away, and the financial support is expected to help generate upwards of 50 new jobs over the next 12 months.

Announcing the investment of almost €160,000 in small businesses, Fingal LEO stated that 2016 has seen significant growth in employment in the small business sector.

The 26 local businesses were approved for business priming grants, business expansion grants, business innovation grants, export voucher and E-commerce grants.

Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler said: “ am delighted that Fingal LEO is proactively and successfully encouraging and incentivising entrepreneurship.”

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‘The group will provide fast first service responding to 999 calls in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service in cases of cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and choking within the Swords area.’

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sored the group to the tune of €200 to buy highviz tops.

CFR spokesperson Zita Corkery said: “This is fantastic. We are a voluntary group and are seeking donations from businesses in Swords, and Fyffes have been very generous to us.

“The high-viz uniforms will be used as we go to our emergency responses.”

Swords CFR, which is a voluntary organisation, was set up in December 2015. All of its members

are trained in emergency care and are professional persons working in the Dublin area, who live in Swords.

T he volunteers of Swords CFR would like to thank their sponsors: MFCU (Members First Credit Union), ASL Aviation Ireland, Holywell Community Centre and Applewood Community Centre, and they are kindly assisted by Fyffes Ireland, Eurospar Holywell, Mongey Communications and Fingal County Council.

FASTNews

Hamper help for the needy

They came running to help ... Fingal Mayor Darragh Butler (FF) with Linda Newman and Francesca McMahon – some of the participants in a recent Santa Fun Run to support Swords Community First Responders

Santa hats to the ready, a hardy group of runners of all ages ran about the groups of Malahide Castle to help support the new community support group for Swords

WELL done to 35 Localise students from Holy Family Senior NS in River Valley Swords who collected and put together 100 food and gift hampers for those in need in the area at Christmas.

The hampers were handed over to the St Finian’s conference of St Vincent de Paul.

The Localise students, with the help of their fellow students, also designed and created more than 400 Christmas cards in a “Thinking of you this Christmas” campaign.

These were handdelivered to two local hospices, Tara Winthrop and AnovaCare, as well as the local homeless shelter in Swords and to local senior citizens.

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GazetteGALLERY

| MEAGHERS PHARMACY AND TV3 STARS PARTY IN STYLE

Here come the girls ... Xpose’s Karen Koster, Glenda Melanie Morris

Gilson and Cassie Stokes

Ellen Leonard

Sharon Griffin

Oonagh O’Hagan, Debbie O’Donnell and Bairbre Power. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

An excellent Xpose bash at the Dylan

A

NUMBER of familiar glittering stars came along to the Xpose and Meaghers Pharmacy festive beauty banquet at the Dylan Hotel, where the TV3 stars were happy to bring some Xpose-sure to a number of Irish businesses and products. Fashionistas came from near and far for the event, with treats from Meaghers Pharmacy, The Intercontinental, Lily O’Briens and the Amy Huberman collection from Newbridge Silverwear adding to the festive feeling at the stylish hotel.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 13

DON’SDUBLIN

Trio had all the write stuff to make Dublin a literary landmark

DUBLIN is famous for many things, and over its thousand-year history its most famous contribution has been to the written word, with its three native-born Nobel Laureates for Literature giving it a unique place in history.

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was born in Sandymount and is considered one of the foremost writers of the 20th century.

He studied in London and spent summer holidays with his maternal grandparents in Sligo – a place that he often wrote about.

With Lady Augusta Gregory, he established the Abbey Theatre, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 that cited his “inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation”.

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was born in No 33, Synge Street, and went to London where he worked as a theatre critic.

He is best known as a playwright, with Pygmalion being his most famous piece. In 1938 a film version of Pygmalion was produced in Hollywood, where it won an Oscar for Best Screenplay.

He was the first person to have won both a Nobel Prize for Literature (1925) and an Oscar.

Samuel Beckett (1913-1989) was born in Foxrock and studied in Trinity College.

A keen sportsman, he is the only Nobel Laureate to have played first class cricket, having featured in two matches against Northamptonshire.

During World War Two, he fought with the French Resistance and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and described his efforts, rather humbly, as “boy scout stuff”.

He met James Joyce in Paris in the 1930s and had begun writing before the war began.

In 1949, his bleak absurdist play, Waiting for Godot, was well-received in Paris. When the play was first performed in London in 1955, it was voted “the most significant English language play of the 20th century”.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969 “for his writing, which – in new forms for the novel and drama – in the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation”.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett – Ireland’s literary giants

Your next GAZETTE

YOUR favourite local paper is taking a Christmas break – but don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! In the meantime, enjoy this special double edition, and your next great Gazette will be out on Thursday, January 5. We’ll see you then, and we wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Three new partners for McEvoy are announced  EMMA NOLAN

Little Learners - Best Service Business 2016

Best Wholesale Manufacturing Business 2016 Creation Station

Coaching and mentoring wins for Dublin businesses TWO Dublin business owners have won awards at the ActionCOACH Business Excellence Awards 2016 last week.

Rathcoole based Business man, Eamonn Elders of Creation Station, picked up an award for Best Wholesale/Manufacturing Business and Nessa McNamara from Little Learners Pre-School and After-School in Drumcondra Best Service Business 2016 for the 2nd year in a row.

Pictured with Eamonn and Nessa is Paul Fagan, MD ActionCOACH Business Coaching and local Business Coach Rory Smyth from ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Both Nessa and Eamonn picked up these award in recognition of the strong performance and growth of their businesses in 2016 in each of their respective industries.

ActionCOACH Business Coaching is the largest business coaching, mentoring and training organisation in the country.

MCEVOY Partners has announced the appointment of three new partners to its corporate and property divisions.

Susan Noone and Edel Conway have been appointed to the corporate group and John Burke has been announced new partner within the property division.

T he three newly appointed partners have combined experience of over 50 years.

Susan has over 13 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, specialising in corporate law. Susan’s focus is primarily on corporate reorganisations, mergers and acquisitions, general commercial contracts and corporate governance. She also advises in employment matters covering an extensive range of areas.

Edel has over 15 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, specialising in corporate finance, with particular experience in public takeovers and mergers, flotations and secondary share issues, demergers and joint ventures. Edel is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

John has over 25 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, dealing with the full range of commercial property matters, including large scale acquisitions, acting for both landlords and tenants on commercial leases, property aspects of mergers, acquisitions and business re-structuring and all types of property investment.

John has significant experience in acquiring assets from bank-appointed receivers and from vendors and landlords whose borrowings have transferred to NAMA, as well as acting for receivers in disposals of assets.

Speaking about the recent appointments, June Hynes, Partner of McEvoy Partners commented:“We are pleased to appoint Susan, Edel and John as Partners in our corporate and property groups respectively.

Each of these individuals has a wealth of experience and expertise in their areas and will bring a fresh energy as well as the highest standard of service to all clients, big and small.

We look forward to making more announcements in the near future as our firm continues to expand.”

Newly appointed partners Susan Noone, John Burke and Edel Conway and back (L-R ) founding partner Orlaith O’Brien and June Hynes

Listoke Gin set to conquer New York THE team at Listoke Distillery have spent six months developing and refining Listoke 1777 gin. It’s taste comes from a unique combination of inspiring botanicals growing in the Edwardian walled gardens at Listoke estate. They’ve settled upon a recipe that we hope both gin aficionados and newcomers to the wonderful world of gin will enjoy.

There have always been beguiling barn owls in the stable building at Listoke, which is now the distillery and it is in homage to these owls that we have wrapped one around our bottle of Listoke 1777 gin. Our recommended serve - is a glass full of ice, a fresh twist of orange, and premium tonic and a toast to life.

We have a long history of distilling and brewing within our family going back to 1777 with the Steins in Scotland when the first “white whiskey” was sent to London to make gin.

Already available in many bars and restaurants around the north East and Dublin, Listoke 1777 is destined for the shores of New York early next year.

Listoke distillery boasts the only gin school in Ireland. They have 12 “stations” each with their individual copper pot still for theirparticipants to design, develop and distil their own bottle of gin – in one afternoon ready to bring home!

Commonly-made interview mistakes and top tips to combat them INTERVIEWS are a stressful environment and can cause even the most prepared of candidates to stumble.

Whether it’s an unpredicted question popping up or suffering a mind blank, interviews can catch the best of us out!

Osborne CEO and owner, Shona McManus, explains ‘The majority of candidates find interviews very daunting and as a result I see a number of easily prevented mistakes reoccurring’.

Here’s Osborne’s five commonly made interview mistakes to avoid

1. Being unprepared!

Preparation is key. Confidently knowing the company, the role and your CV inside out is essential. The lack of preparation can plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the interviewer, as the candidate may come across as uninterested in the position.

2. Not anticipating the biggest weakness question! ‘What is your biggest weakness?’

This is a mainstay of the modern job interview. Be ready for it! When interviewees are asked about their weaknesses, they often make the mistake of focusing on the negative as

opposed to talking about something that can be turned into a positive.

The interviewee should identify one aspect of the job spec that they need to improve on and offer a solution on how this can be developed, as well as giving examples of previous similar situations and the new skills they learned as a result.

3. Not knowing the job spec.

It is vital to read the job spec in detail, specifically looking at the professional competencies. Interviewees should take time to research the interviewer and their role within

the company. This can often offer an insight into the direction the interview will take.

4. Not having examples to refer to In preparing for an interview, it is worthwhile devising suitable responses to example-led questions that might be asked to demonstrate suitability and the experience required, as outlined in the job spec. Use the STAR technique (situation, task, action and result) when answering “tell me about a time when you…”. The interviewer will be looking to gauge a number of

attributes, including communication ability, attitude and ability to build relationships.

5. Asking about salary If a candidate asks about what they will be paid at an interview, the interviewer’s thought process will be that they are only interested in money and not the job or the company. It’s a black mark straight away.

If the interviewer does bring up the subject of pay, be realistic. Interviewees should understand their worth in the market and not outprice themselves.

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MOTORING P20

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

FOOD P22

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GAZETTE

GIFTS P18

AMAZING ANNIE WILL CHARM YOU

OUR Dog of the Week is Annie, a two-yearold Belgian Shepherd Malinois who has brains as well as beauty and is very clever.

Annie particularly loves clicker training and scent games. She is looking for a home with adopters who can manage her superhigh energy levels and dedicate plenty of time to keeping her busy and entertained.

She would prefer to be the only pet in an adult only-home. If you are into agility, tracking or even doggie dancing, this super smart dog could be your dream pet!

If you can be Annie’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust are asking members of the public to support their Christmas Campaign, #StopKeepingMum; for full info see www. stopkeepingmum.com.

The production has played to sold-out houses all over the world , from London to Paris and Berlin, from Sydney to Tokyo.

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE: JOEY MCKNEELY’S AWARD-WINNING SHOW

American classic comes to town  IAN BEGLEY

PROVOCATIVE finger snapping of street gangs, Puerto Rican girls’ whirling skirts on New York City’s flat roofs, derelict West Side back yards – just a few notes of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Joey McKneely’s award-winning show, comes to Bord Gais Energy Theatre from January 18 to 21 as part of a global tour.

The production has played to soldout houses all over the world, from London to Paris and Berlin, from Sydney to Tokyo. It was nominated for London’s renowned theatre prize, the Laurence Olivier Award, and awarded two Theatregoers’ Choice Awards in 2009.

With ground breaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book

by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics

by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre for ever.

The show is packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty, this production of West Side Story has been described as “one of the towering achievements of musical theatre of the last century”.

Now Joey McKneely’s vibrant stage production of the classic dance musical returns to Ireland after international sellout success.

The idea of creating a modernization of the tragic conflicts in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was first conceived by the enterprising dancer, choreographer

and up-and-coming director Jerome Robbins, when he was asked by his friend the actor Montgomery Clift for help in interpreting the role of “Romeo” in a fresh way.

The concept thus engendered, in which he had transformed the original family feud into a teenage gang war in a slum district of New York, took a firm hold upon Robbins. His dream was to collaborate in a team made up of some of the greatest talents in the music and theatre world, to create a new and individual work for the stage which would be as vanguard as it was commercial.

In December, 1958, the curtain was raised on the first European premiere of West Side Story at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End of London. The audience raved, the critics were carried away.

The work was performed 10,39 times. In London, the masterpiece was given the tribute it deserved, and here it was immediately realized that “the musical” would never again be the same as it had been before.

In the legendary film version of West Side Story, too, Jerome Robbins found the perfect setting for his matchless choreography. Awarded ten Oscars in 1961, this movie is among those that have received the most awards in the entire history of Hollywood. Since then, this unique musical has been interpreted and staged innumerable times – and no production has ever been able to equal the original Broadway classic.

Tickets are priced from €20 - €65. For more information, visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 17

BUS Eireann has announced its timetables for Christmas and New Year, confirming enhanced services nationwide over the festive season.

Bus Eireann will operate extra Nightrider late night services from Dublin to Balbriggan, Drogheda, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan, Naas, Newbridge, Sallins and Clane over the Christmas period.

The company will also be operating a 24hr service on our Route 109A: Kells – Navan – Ratoath – Ashbourne – Dublin Airport – City Centre route.

In the Cork area, Bus Eireann will provide late night services at weekends in the run-up to Christmas from Cork city to Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Midleton and Bandon.

The services will operate from Cork city centre on Friday 16 and Saturday 17, Thursday 22 and Friday, December 23.

City services in Cork, Galway and Limerick will operate a Sunday timetable on December 26 and a limited service will operate in Waterford city.

All details can be found at www.buseireann.ie.

BORD GAIS SEEK THEATRE TALENT WITH Christmas just around the corner and school show season in full swing, Bord Gais Energy is encouraging schools and students in Dublin, who have put on a play, concert or musical during the festive season, to enter the Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards.

This is the fourth year of the highly successful Awards which are open to primary and secondary school students around Ireland.

Shortlisted schools will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on May 17, 2017. Some schools will even get the chance to perform on Ireland’s largest theatre stage, making it a memorable experience they won’t forget. Winning schools will share a prize fund, and receive a commemorative trophy, picture and plaque for their school.

The deadline for entries in all production catego-

DIARY

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE Getting around for the holidays just got SO much easier ries is January 27 and the deadline for entries in the written categories is February 10. Visit bgesta.ie for more information.

GREEN UP YOUR CHRISTMASSEASON THE Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Office has put together a handy guide to greening your Christmas to help reduce or reuse your waste at Christmas time.

Between food and wrapping paper, household waste increases by about one-third over the festive period.

“Cutting down on waste at Christmas doesn’t have to mean cutting down on enjoyment but a Greener Christmas probably will reduce your costs and possibly make for a less stressful holiday,” said Hugh Coughlan, the Regional Waste Office coordinator, “Having a Green Christmas means you can be both naughty and nice!”

Some tips include: Ensure waste is put in the correct bins – green bin for wrapping paper, paper plates etc; brown bin for any unavoidable

Robyn (2) and Jude (5) pictured with their mum, Sarah McGovern, at the launch of Bus Eireann’s Christmas and New Year timetables. Picture: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

food waste (including those unwanted Brussels sprouts!)

Instead of Christmas cards, a growing trend is to send e-cards or post a festive greeting on social media then make use of the extra cash by donating to a charity of your choice For more tips on having a Green Christmas, see www.emwr.ie

WIN A PRIZE FOR POSTCARD ARTWORK THE Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is calling for artists to participate in its 2017 arts initiative entitled Incognito.

Artists are being asked to create a postcard-sized piece of art, or two, by the February 1 deadline, to raise funds for the children’s charity.

The plan is that 1,500 postcard-sized works of art will be exhibited at the Solomon Gallery in Dublin in April 2016, for sale for €50 each (following a public viewing online).

The artists’ names, some very well-known, will remain incognito until the card is purchased and the artist’s signature is revealed on the back of the card.

It is hoped that this visual arts initiative will raise €75,000 for Jack & Jill, which will be used to fund home nursing-care for children with severe development delay as a result of brain damage, children who may never paint a picture themselves, but precious children who do better at home, where they are well cared for by

their parents with critical support from Jack & Jill nurses.

Details are available now on www.incognito. ie and www.jackandjill.ie.

REACHING OUT TO THE ELDERLY URGED ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, is asking members of the public to reach out to the older members of their community this Christmas and offer support to those who may be lonely or isolated.

The charity say that there are a number of ways that the public can help an older person this Christmas. These include; calling by an older persons house to say hello, ensuring they have enough food, medi-

cation and heat, bringing them out for a drive or to a social event and giving them a hand with their shopping.

As part of this year’s Christmas Campaign, ALONE is also urging older people not to be afraid to ask for the care and support they deserve and are entitled to.

This Christmas Day, ALONE’s volunteers will bring hot Christmas dinners to over 100 older people living on their own.

For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in their community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032. To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmastime visit www.alone.ie

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18 GAZETTE DEC 27 2016 - JAN 4 2017

ADUBLINCHRISTMAS

Giveaway winners Congratulations to the winners of our 12 Days Of Christmas giveaway. The response was amazing and don’t forgot to keep an eye out for loads more great giveaways in the New Year!

WIN

THE DUBLIN Christmas tradition that is FUNDERLAND kicked off at the RDS earlier this month and as these photos show, kids and adults alike had a blast at the Grand Opening.

If you haven’t been yet, fear not, because we have TEN pairs of FREE passes for Funderland to give away to our readers.

All you have to do is like and Share our Funderland post on our Facebook page. And hurry, folks – the competition closes on Jan 3...

from Blanchardstown.

WINNER: Jacqueline Emmett ing her prize.

Pictured is her son Sean receiv

Get to the ice rink in Dundrum

WINNER: Mary Phelan.

Pictured is her son Sean receiving her prize.

ed is WINNER: Mags O’Brien. Pictur son nd gra her daughter Leona and Paul accepting the prize.

DUNDRUM on Ice is proving a big hit with young and old and what’s not to love!

Get down to the Town Centre and with the famhave some ily, or if you’re winter fun based on the

Northside, visit Swords on Ice at the Pavilions.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 19

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20 GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Who will pay for driverless car crashes?

AS we move toward the arrival of drive r l e s s c a r, i t h a s become necessar y that cars of the future will need to collect data so that insurers can determine who or what was in control of the vehicle at the time, the driver or the car, according to a new UK report from Thatchem Research, which is the UK’s only insurer funded automotive research centre.

Thatchem claims that one of the key challenges for the future of automated driving will be determining where liability rests in the event of an accident with an automated car. A crucial part of making sure claims are settled fairly will be to understand who was in control of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

British insurers are working on efforts to have a standard set of data agreed at an international level which would be easily accessible in the event of an accident involving a highly automated vehicle.

This would include an indication of whether the vehicle was operating autonomously or not, and what technology was in use.

Thatchem believes that this data would be used to establish liability for anything that had gone wrong, inform emergency ser vices’ investigations, ensure insurance claims could be processed promptly a n d h e l p ve h i cl e manufacturers improve their products.

A Korean cracker The new Kia Niro is Kia’s first hybrid car for the Irish market.

Prices start at €29,095 for the entry model on 16in alloy wheels.

Hybrid cars have been seamlessly slipping into the national car fleet with numbers almost doubling in the last year.

Enter the new Kia Niro with a smart new look and hints of a crossover coupled with a thrifty hybrid drive system.

Michael Moroney gives the low-down on the Korean brand’s first hybrid KIA’S first hybrid, the new Niro gives a hint towards a crossover design even if it’s not intended for anything other than tarmac driving.

This compact estate type car sits proud with a little more roof height than you would expect, while still meeting Kia’s target of being aerodynamic to given good fuel efficiency.

The Niro gives Kia a new model segment in terms of its size being smaller than the new Sportage while having a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback. These features alone give it identity of its own. Then add Kia’s first hybrid drive system and the Niro becomes a little more special.

I’ve had the Niro out and about with some lengthy country driving in addition to a city commute. The feeling is one of a spacious smaller car with a good level of economy from its petrol/hybrid engine.

Kia uses its existing Kappa 1.6-litre petrol engine as the main power source for the Niro and this is a smooth performer.

This engine uses a new exhaust heat recovery system, which speeds engine warm-up by routing coolant to a heat exchanger in the exhaust system, saving fuel. The hybrid drive system then extends the range of the car without having to pull in to tank up.

When I got into the Niro the car’s range was rated for 783km and I almost achieved that.

The Kia quoted economy figure at 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg) is impressive in itself. It’s nearly achievable, while being about 20% off target, which is a better real world economy figure than some of the competing diesel cars.

Out on the road the Niro four driving modes.

When starting out from a stop, the hybrid system is

in the launch mode and relies entirely on power from the electric motor.

This helps reduce fuel use in stop and-go traffic.

As you begin to accelerate mildly the system also uses power exclusively from the electric motor. I found that there was adequate power for the size of the car.

When you press the pedal harder, you enter acceleration mode and here the power of the petrol engine and the electric motor are combined to get you to a more stable cruising speed.

At this steady cruising speed the system goes into power-assist mode. I found that this was close to 80-km/hr and this is where the petrol engine became the main source of power.

Like all hybrid system there is a regenerative mode where power is sent from the specially designed brakes that convert this deceleration

power into electric power to store it in the battery for the starting off mode.

From the driving seat you quickly start to develop new and possibly more environmentally conscious driving habits.

That’s no bad thing and while there is no range anxiety as you would have with a full electric car, you become more aware of how you could drive more economically.

You will notice some of the mode changes as the system is not just as refined as some of the competition, while in economy terms it is very effective. You’ll also notice the power difference when you change from the power to the eco mode on the dash button.

Eco makes sense in a Niro, good sense that is.

On the inside the control are similar to other models in the Kia range with a large centre touch screen that offers a number of functions as well

Kia Niro Hybrid

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity

CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty

as doubles as a screen for the reversing camera. The standard leather seats are firm and long enough to give good support and good adjustment meant that I was quickly comfortable. Storage spaces are a little tight and could be bigger for what is designed to be an economical family commuter car.

The boot is adequate for a car of its size and thankfully Kia are fitting a

1.6 litre 141hp 11.1 seconds 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg)

45 litres 88g/km A2 €180 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2009) 7 years (150,000km) Entry Price €29,095

space saver spare wheel in the floor of the boot. Seat folding is easier and gives the boot significantly more load space, while rear legroom is reasonable for a car of this size.

Kia uses a foot operated parking brake in place of handbrake. I found this a little unusual because it seems retro in a car that’s packed with lots of technology. In practice it’s effective and Kia claims

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 21

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MOTORING

BMW boost technology in new 5 Series

The Niro boot is reasonably spacious for a hybrid car, giving a load capacity of 425 litres that extends to 1,425 litres when the rear seats are lowered

that its design means a lighter mechanism that adds to the overall low weight of the Niro, even though its battery pack on its own weighs 33kg.

Kia has loaded on the safety features in the new Niro and they claim that using new high strength steel on 53% of the Niro’s body structure gives more security at lower weight.

Kia is using aluminium for the bonnet, boot door assembly, front bumper back beam and several chassis elements, including front knuckles, front lower arms and brake callipers, all to lower the Niro’s weight.

The Niro comes with seven airbags as it has airbags for driver and front passenger, driver knee, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. ISOFIX child-seat points are fitted as standard to the second row of seats. Kia expects that the Niro will come through the Euro NCAP crash tests with high marks.

That’s because they are fitting the Kia Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system as standard along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering.

Kia is offering a selec-

tion of its DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as options for the Niro. These options include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control (SCC), which automatically adjusts the Niro’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

Other safety options include Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) to detect the position of the car in relation to lane markings and to correct the steering line, as well as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns against other cars driving behind the Niro in car parks while reversing.

The entr y price is €29,095 rising by €700 to the higher specification ADAS model with the full safety package. This Niro is both economical and going to be competitive in terms of running costs with many equivalent diesel cars. Add the Kia 7 year warranty deal with a packed specification and all of a sudden the Niro Hybrid takes on a new perspective and one that’s worth looking at.

THE new BMW 5 Series is the seventh series of the range that has proved popular among Irish drivers. The new version claims to use the latest technology from within BMW to create a car that’s more refined than ever before, significantly lighter, safer, and more fuel efficient.

Prices start from €52,800 on the road.

Engines for the 5 Series come from a new generation of TwinPower Turbo engines and BMW claims that they provide performance gains while also showing advances in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW has shaved 100kg off the weight of the new 5 Series The cars will be available range for 2017 and boosted power while delivering a with new driver assistance further improvement in fuel economy technologies as the German brand also takes a notable step towards fully autonomous driving. of the 190hp four-cylinder diesel unit, which The new BMW 5 Series will launch with a helps the car to achieve a fuel consumption line-up of engines, from the benchmark 520d to of 72.4mpg, meaning joint best-in-class CO2 the all new flagship 540i. xDrive all-wheel drive emissions of 102g/km. will be offered for the first time on a 5 Series in A plug-in hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series the Irish market and is available from launch Saloon will also be launched in March in the on the 520d, 530d and 540i. form of the BMW 530e iPerformance model.

Shortly after the new 5 Series Saloon is The BMW eDrive system and a four-cylinder launched, BMW will add a further two engines petrol engine work in unison to achieve ultrato the line-up. Under the bonnet of the BMW low CO2 emissions of just 49g/km, while 520d SE EfficientDynamics model lies what generating overall output of 252hp. Fuel conBMW claims is the most efficient incarnation

sumption is claimed to be 2.1l/100km and the electric system on its own has a of up to 46 kilometres.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has a host of drier supports system including Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard and as options; Active Cruise Control (ACC), Speed Limit Info, Driving Assistant Plus safety package includes the Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Departure Warning system, Lane Change Warning along with Driving Assist Plus (an evasion aid up to 155kph).

NISSAN has re-invented the Micra, one of Ireland’s favourite city cars. The new fifth generation Micra looks different than before and is claimed to have grown up in terms of size and specifications.

Nissan will be offering its Intelligent mobility system in the new small car and that brings with it intelligent emergency braking and lane departure prevention.

This new Micra has a very different design style as Nissan tried to get away from the predictable driver profile of the Micra. The design includes the distinctive V-motion grille, rear door handles hidden in the C-pillars and an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler. Driver comfort gets more attention, with a lower driving position for what Nissan claims is a more secure driving feel. The seat adjustment has been improved and the new Micra will come with a fully adjustable steering wheel. The new Micra will feel bigger because it sits on a longer wheelbase and with

Nissan re-invents the Micra for 2017

extra internal space Nissan claims that the interior space will be among the best in class.

One exclusive feature of the Micra will be the new six-speaker Bose personal sound system, developed through close collaboration with Nissan. The novel sound system is optimised for the driver as some speakers are built into the driver seat headrest for a remarkably immersive listening experience.

The Micra will be available with a choice of a 0.9litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp.

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DUBLINLIFE

RECIPETOTRY Siucra Fondant Salted Caramel Chews

M&S 3 Bird Roast Sausage Roll

Enjoy some ‘me’ time this weekend, preparing Siucra’s Fondant Salted Caramel Chews. These soft and chewy sweets are ideal as a homemade Christmas gift for your nearest and dearest, packaged in little gift boxes or simply some brown parchment tied with Christmas string. Using Siucra’s Roll Out Icing in this recipe allows you to create delicious fondant in a matter of minutes. Makes 24.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD 1. Line a large Swiss roll tin with parchment paper so that it hangs over the sides of the tin. Coat well with cooking spray.

2. Combine the Siúcra Caster Sugar, cream of tartar and water in a saucepan over a low heat. Whisk constantly for 5-8 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns to a clear syrup. If sugar crystals appear above the surface of the syrup, wipe down the sides of the saucepan with a damp pastry brush.

3. Raise the temperature to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking until bubbles form. As soon as bubbles appear, stop stirring and leave the mixture to cook for 10-15 minutes until it turns a deep caramel colour. Keep an eye on the mixture to make sure it doesn’t burn; if it looks darker in some spots than in others, give the pan a gentle swirl to redistribute the caramel.

4. When the mixture is a rich caramel colour and a candy thermometer reaches 175˚C, remove it immediately from the heat and carefully add the cream and butter. The mixture should foam slightly.

5. When the mixture settles, stir with a silicone spatula until smooth. Return the saucepan to the heat for one minute to soften slightly.

6. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and leave to set at room temperature for at least two hours, or overnight if possible.

7. Knead the Siucra Roll Out Icing with the Siucra Icing Sugar and vanilla until soft. Roll out on a worktop dusted with icing sugar until thin.

8. Carefully lift the parchment and caramel out of the dish and place on the worktop.

9. Use a knife to trim the rollout icing so that it is the same size as the caramel slab. Lift the roll out icing and place on top of the caramels. Using the parchment paper as a guide, carefully begin rolling one side of the caramels over the icing, as with a Swiss roll.

Wrap the log in cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours.

10. Unwrap the log and slice into swirls.

TREATYOURSELF with M&S gourmet goodies

A chilled starter is easy to serve and frees up time in the kitchen.

Try these delicate new Scottish Smoked Salmon Souffles, €7.50 for two (200g), with triangles of brown toast to scoop out every bit. Make the toast special by spreading it with herby butter made in advance - beat chopped fresh dill into softened unsalted butter, roll up in greaseproof paper and chill.

Sugar and spice at Aldi

ALDI GINGERBREAD ICE CREAM €2.49

FOR THE FONDANT FILLING: • 1 x 454g pack of Siucra Roll Out Icing • 4 tbsp Siúcra Icing Sugar, plus extra for dusting • 1 tsp vanilla paste or vanilla extract

These creamy chocolate mousses with a chocolate truffle centre are dusted with edible gold lustre and shaped into wintery pine cones. Simply serve with a jug of cream for drizzling. (€19 for 6)

ALDI MINCE PIE ICE CREAM €2.49

FOR THE CARAMEL: • 400g Siucra Caster Sugar • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar • 250ml water • 80ml double cream, at room temperature • 45g unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp flaked sea salt

ALDI 12 MONTH MATURED CHRISTMAS PUDDING €4.99

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FOOD Celebrity & Friends cookbook to raise much needed funds for RESPECT CELEBRITY & FRIENDS a charity cook book in aid of RESPECT launched today, containing a superb collection of starters, main courses and desserts. From An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s Black Pudding Salad to Neil Jordan’s Scallops, ‘Celebrity & Friends’ has a host of varied recipes to suit all taste buds.

The cookbook will raise much needed funds for RESPECT, the organisation responsible for fundraising for capital projects and ground-breaking research within The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services. The book was edited by well-known food writer, Myles McWeeney, Food and Wine Editor for Social and Personal Magazine, designed by Aidan O’Connor and Jenni Hedderman and printed by Paul Bolger, PB Print.

Recipes are from a cross section of familiar Irish faces, from Irish TV and sports stars to personali-

ties from the silver screen and literature – including; Liam Neeson, Cathy Kelly, Kathryn Thomas and Devin Toner, to name but a few. The charity recipe book will make the perfect stocking filler this Christmas while helping raise much needed funds for the charity.

The recipe book, is available to purchase now for just €10 via RESPECT’s website, www.respect.ie or from the RESPECT Offices by calling 01 685 6502.

All funds raised from sales of the recipe book will go directly towards RESPECT’s Building Projects and Research. All the team at RESPECT work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of all their service users. The service is ultimately about helping people improve their quality of life and reach their full potential.

For more information, log onto www.respect.ie

Sr Zoe Killeen, Director of RESPECT, with Biddy McLaughlin, Writer and Chef, Joan Burton TD, Aonghus McAnally, Broadcaster and Entertainer and Naomi Gillespie, head chef at Donnybrook Fair. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Iceland chorizo and chicken cups

Iceland Luxury Salmon and Prawn Terrines

Time for a little get-together  EMMA NOLAN Iceland Salmon and Champagne Crown

THE Irish have a bit of a siege mentality when it comes to food shopping for Christmas.

This harks back to the days when all shops would be closed for a few days over festive period. And even though some shops are open on Christmas Day for any brussel sprout related emergencies, I’m sure most of us would prefer to avoid going near any supermarkets when we want to have our feet up watching black and white movies with a box of Roses within arm’s reach.

That being said, this time of year can see a lot of impromptu gettogethers and gatherings so it’s a good idea to have some festive treats

on standby for entertaining.

That’s where Iceland comes in – their frozen party food options are perfect for popping in the oven at a moment’s notice.

Top picks include the Kanikama Luxury Sushi Platter (€12 for 800g), the Chicken Skewers with Sesame Seeds (€3.50 for 16 pack), the Mediterranean inspired Chicken and Chorizo Cups (€3.50 for €3.50) and Chinese Duck Trees (€3.50 for 12 Pack).

Sweet treats like the Twelve Mini Melt in the Middle Puddings (12 pack for €4.50) are also great and ready after a quick bing in the microwave.

So take a trip to Iceland in locations all over Dublin to have some tasty festive bits in the freezer ready to go for those unexpected guests.

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24 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL

Go wild in Alaska Whales at play in Juneau, Alaska

 IAN BEGLEY

RELAX on the stunning Norwegian Sun cruise liner as you sail by the beautiful mountains and glaciers of Alaska on a 12-night holiday, including a seven-night, full-board cruise.

With a four-night stay before the cruise in Vancouver, you can explore this cosmopolitan city with a half-day guided tour and plenty of free time to spend at your leisure.

You will also take a ferry to Victoria, which is located on Vancouver Island, and enjoy an overnight stay in the city.

Here you can explore Victoria’s architecture, nature, gastronomy and heritage.

On board your cruise,

t h e N o r we g i a n S u n offers hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much, much more.

Optional excursions at ports of call are also available to book in advance (for an extra charge) or on board the ship.

Sailing past waterfalls, thick forests and glacier tongues, you will experience the beauty of nature along some of the 24,000km-long Inside Passage, see the amazing wildlife of Juneau which is accessible only by water and air, and learn about the historical gold mining town of Skagway.

Wherever you stand as you cruise through G l a c i e r B ay, y o u ’r e guaranteed a front row view as bald eagles soar past, humpback whales

emerge above the water, mountain goats scale the steep slopes and brown bears go about their business on the shore.

You can also hear the sound of breaking ice before glaciers plunge thunderously into the sea.

An extra departure date has been added for this holiday due to demand.

Prices start from €2,789pp for 12 nights including return flights from Dublin to Vancouver (return via Heathrow), seven nights’ full board cruise, transfers and taxes and charges, with flights departing September 7, 2017 and September 14, 2017.

To book, visit www. traveldepartment.ie or call 01-6371600.

AUGUST 2017 marks 40 years since the death of Elvis Presley and what better way to pay tribute to the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ than visiting his iconic home in Memphis during ‘Elvis Week’, between August 11 to 19, 2017.

Since his death, Graceland has become like a place of worship for Elvis fans and the 14-acre estate will be hosting a week of events celebrating his life and legacy, including panel discussions, tribute artists, concerts and a candlelight vigil at the gates of Graceland. American Sky offer a number of holidays which feature an opportunity to visit Graceland, including the 12-night Southern Explorer trip.

This costs from €2,329 per person based on two sharing, departing on August 11 and includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation throughout on roomonly basis, transfers and the services of a tour guide.

Graceland has become like a place of worship for Elvis fans

50th anniversary of the Summer of Love

DUST-OFF your flower headbands and tie-dye t-shirts because San Francisco is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Summer Of Love with a year of events and festivals in 2017. In 1967, nearly 100,000 free-spirited adventurers gathered in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood The Norwegian Sun offers hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much, much more

Celebrating the life and legacy of The King

to join what would become one of the most significant cultural revolutions in modern history.

Throughout 2017, the city will be hosting a number of events to pay tribute to the anniversary, such as the Haight-Ashbury Street Festival, Folsom Street Fair, Tulipmania on Pier 39 and a number of crea-

tive exhibitions. American Sky can offer a three-night stay at the three star plus Triton Hotel from €819 per person, departing in 2017. This is based on two sharing on roomonly basis and includes return flights from Dublin.

For more information and to book, visit www.americansky.ie.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

ROGUE ONE

Stars sparkle in prequel JUST how did the Rebels get the plans to the Death Star? That’s a question that’s kept Star Wars fans wondering for decades – now, Rogue One (Cert 12A, 95 mins) reveals the daring tale. This prequel film to the classic film will be a hit with fanboys and casual fans of the franchise alike, as the interesting side mission does the series proud. A stellar cast and decent plot make it roguishly charming.

Liam Neeson provides an enigmatic figure at the heart of the film, which despite dragging a little in parts still reaffirms director Martin Scorcese’s singular talents

SILENCE: MARTIN SCORCESE’S LATEST WILL BE WHOLLY ENGAGING FOR SOME

MOANA

Surfing on great reviews DISNEY makes quite a splash with Moana (Cert PG, 113 mins), with its plucky Polynesian princess (oh, and demigod sidekick) ignoring the usual tropes for the genre. Likeable vocal work take a back seat to some stellar graphics and animation, and while Moana and friends don’t sail completely clear of some familiar themes, it’s a fresh, vibrant and welcome film for all the family.

FANTASTIC BEASTS As the title says ...

WHILE MANY are calling it ‘the new Harry Potter film’, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (Cert 12A, 133 mins), set earlier in the same universe as the worldconquering wizardry series, is a decent addition to the franchise. Stepping across the pond to America, its new characters and setting will reinvigorate fans, while bringing in new ones to see our ordinary world and its magical undertones.

Quietly sing its praises A PASSION project in the works for 25 years, Silence evokes much of the thematic feeling of Scorsese’s other religious epic, The Last Temptation of Christ – and not just for its ecclesiastical subject.

Silence (Cert 12A, 161 mins), based on the 1966 novel of the same name

by Shusaku Endo, is very much preoccupied with themes of conviction and temptation and clocks in at about the same run time as the director’s controversial 1988 film, at an often arduous 161 minutes.

Still, Silence is a rewarding experience – a beautifully crafted and boldly acted story that incorporates its simple title into an integrated visual and aural aesthetic.

Silence is the dominant motif here and pertains to many aspects of the film

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

– God’s silent response to the suffering of martyrs, the silent prayers of those persecuted for their faith, the silence of priests forced to denounce their beliefs. Heavy subjects indeed; Silence is not a film for everybody.

Set in 17th Century Japan, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver play two Por tuguese Jesuit priests, Sebastiao Rodrigues and Francisco Garrpe, who have travelled to the foreign land hoping to locate their mentor, Father Ferreira (Liam Neeson).

It is rumoured that Ferreira has denounced his

faith after facing persecution and torture.

Upon arriving in Japan, the two priests discover communities of “Hidden Christians,” forced to disguise their religion to avoid severe punishment, or death.

Rodrigues and Garrpe become near-Christ like figures to the suffering Christians, but have their own piety tested in the process.

Scorsese and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto bring an almost chiaroscuro aesthetic to Silence – the coastal environments of Japan are heavily clouded with a dense, obscuring mist that adds a distinct sense of confusion to the “high danger” of the land and gives the film a deeply sensuous and visually satisfying sensation.

Scorsese approaches the lush greens, dark

ocean blues and “black soil” of Japan with a painterly quality that evokes Akira Kurosawa.

The film is photographed with a cold, rigid symmetry and balanced, theatrical set-up; the great Japanese director’s influence is impossible to miss here.

Kim Allen Kluge’s brilliant score often gives way to enormous passages of profound silence – the sounds of insects, wind moving through grass, heavy breathing.

Accordingly, the environment commands an overwhelming, dominating presence; throughout, there is a sense of predetermined tragedy and danger.

For all of its sumptuous visuals, Silence is often punishingly slow – particularly so once Rodrigues is set on a path of trial and temptation.

However, these lengthy passages correspond brilliantly with the film’s central themes of silence and doubt and, accordingly, there is a distinct feeling of purpose throughout.

Still, Silence can occasionally be a bit of a slog.

Silence’s more grievous elements are offset with occasional moments of quiet, sombre humour – par ticularly from Yosuku Kubozuka.

Unortunately, the film’s

later acts are let down by some often-cartoonish villainy in the form of the Japanese “Inquisitor” (Issey Ogata) – a charming performance, but one that jars awkwardly at times with the film’s predominant atmosphere.

Overall, the acting here is focused and intense – although, Driver, the better performer, is regrettably underused.

Silence will not suit all audiences, it offers no simple answers to the questions it poses and requires a certain amount of discipline. Regardless, this a truly fulfilling cinematic experience – Scorsese’s best work in a decade.

Verdict: 9/10

Co-star Adam Driver adds to his quietly impressive range of work with his role here as a Jesuit priest. Driver’s natural charisma fleshes out a reticent character in a strange land.

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

SPORT

FastSport PARALYMPIC EXPO COMES TO SPORTS CAMPUS: PARALYMPICS Ireland, in partnership with Mondelez International, will host the Irish Paralympic Sport Expo on Saturday, January 14 2017 at the new National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus.

This free of charge day-long event will showcase a wide range of Paralympic sports in a bid to attract new people and potential talent into the sports, with the vast majority of Ireland’s 2016 Paralympic team set to be in attendance also.

2016 Paralympians cyclist Peter Ryan, and discus thrower Niamh McCarthy who won silver in Rio, were on hand at the National Indoor Arena to mark the announcement.

Both athletes attended a similar event held

by Paralympics Ireland post London 2012 and essentially their careers in their respective Para sports began from there.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register and doors will open at 10.30am with the event running until 4.30pm.

CYCLING: GARDA CLUB MEMBER WAS FIRST TO MEDAL ON WORLD STAGE IN 100 YEARS

Caroline to retire after epic career

 sport@dublingazette.com

GARDA cycling club’s Caroline Ryan has announced her retirement from the sport following a glittering career, representing Ireland on the international stage since 2008.

Among her highlights,

she became Ireland’s first cyclist to win a world track medal in over a century in 2012 in Melbourne, taking bronze in the points race.

She also came third at the track cycling World Cup in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 2013. The multiple-national cham-

pion won a silver medal as a pilot for Catherine Walsh at the 2009 Paracycling Track World Championships, being the first bike to win a medal for Ireland at Paracycling world level.

Ref lecting on her career, the 37-year-old – who was formerly

Caroline Ryan has retired following a glittering career on the track

an international rower before switching to cycling – said it was the right time to step away from the international scene.

“Stepping back from a sport I love that has given me so much was always going to be a tough decision to make,” she said. “Cycling, and indeed rowing before it, became such a big part of my life and I consider myself lucky to have had a successful international sporting career in both.

“It will be hard to step away from competitive cycling and that buzz and adrenaline kick it gives you, and I will miss that, but I know that now is the right time and I leave with no regrets.

“I committed fully to sport and gave it everything while I was com-

peting. I am very proud of what I achieved and I feel that I was part of a great team that has helped forge a path for Irish track cyclists who are now continuing to compete and medal on the world stage.”

She moved into cycling from rowing as part of the talent transfer programme which opened up a new realm for her.

She also credited her coach Brian Nugent, Cycling Ireland, the Irish Institute of Sport and SINI to help her achieve the highest levels.

“It is not just the racing and results themselves but the people you get the opportunity to meet and work and compete alongside on the journey, which makes the experience of being an athlete so special.

“I couldn’t have achieved all that I have without their help. My Dad has always been a major inspiration and driving force behind my career as an elite athlete and I would like to say a special thanks to him for that.”

And Ryan adds that she will continue to play a role in the sport into the future.

“I feel that my involvement with the sport of cycling has not ended and that in the future I will be able to contribute to its advancement and success in some way.

“For now, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends. The next chapter in my life is just beginning and I’m excited about what that has to bring.”

VHI and parkrun Ireland link up in five-year deal  sport@dublingazette.com

parkrun Ireland hosts around 5,000 runners every week

VHI and parkr un Ireland announced details of a new fiveyear partnership this week that will see former become the presenting partner for the initiative.

Parkrun Ireland supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday morning at more than 55 venues all over Ireland, with around 5,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week.

The events are organised by more than 600 volunteers every weekend across the country.

Almost 80,000 registered participants have run more than 2.5 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012.

Originally launched in the UK in 2004, parkrun is the single biggest participation running event globally with nearly three million registered participants and an average of 165,000 weekly participants.

The agreement will see Vhi become the first presenting partner for parkrun Ireland, with the aim of enabling the communitybased running events to further

develop and grow.

The new partnership will also support the continued growth of new parkrun events around the country and the development of junior parkrun, which are 2k runs for four to 14-year-olds.

There are currently four junior parkrun events in Ireland and it is hoped that 2017 will see junior parkrun spread to every corner of Ireland to enhance family centred physical activity and encourage participation amongst young children.

Speaking at the partnership announcement, Declan Moran,

Director Marketing and Business Development, Vhi said, “Both organisations have strong similarities that will lead to an excellent working relationship.

“We are both committed to helping our members live longer, healthier, more positive lives and this partnership will enable us to do just that. There is no other movement like parkrun in Ireland and Vhi is very proud to be supporting this wonderful initiative encouraging people of all levels and abilities to take part in a free 5k run in a fun and positive environment.”

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Naglis powering toward Florida’s 2017 World Cup

FASTSport

Balrothery teenager is looking to play his part in memorable trip to the US with Ireland; he tells GazetteSport about how he got into Powerchair football and the fundraising required  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FOR Balrothery-based Naglis Montvilas, powerchair football has been life-changing. Born in Lithuania, the 15-yearold moved to Ireland as a toddler. Powerchair football came into his life six years ago and, initially, he wasn’t enthusiastic, but was quickly won around by his experiences playing the game.

At the turn of 2016 into 2017, he is looking forward to a big New Year with a World Cup on the horizon in Florida next July.

Powerchair football is a version of soccer that sees people who use motorised wheelchairs in their day-to-day life compete on an indoor pitch.

Ireland already has an eight-team league and a full-length season underway, promoted by the FAI. In a fast, actionpacked sport the national squad currently rank third in the world.

“It’s a little bit about exercise, but also about meeting people and just a way to do something,” Montvilas, who trains in Greystones, explained to GazetteSport.

“I learnt about it through Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, who organise the events including trips to football matches.

“When I first watched the sport, I didn’t really like it but when I started to play I changed my opinion; it’s exciting. That was six years ago. It’s been great for meeting people; a lot of the people who

play have the same traits and the same problems as I do, so it’s really useful to talk about that as well as just playing the sport.”

Looking at the progression of the sport, the 15-year-old has recently upgraded his wheelchair to a “strike force chair” which is lower to the ground and doesn’t easily tip over in a collision – an all-important part of the game.

“I love the new chair, it’s everything I wanted and it has really improved my play. I plan to travel in it to Florida, as it means only one chair needs to travel, which will make things easier. I’m quite comfortable in it.”

It’s hard to predict the winner of the sport’s third world cup, with Montvilas suggesting “the USA

Naglis Montvilas is looking forward to the 2017 World Cup. Picture: john Owens Photography

or Spain” might be the favourites, but seeing it as really hard to call as the teams rarely meet. “There are a lot of other sides to the tournament as well as the football, though,” he explains. “We’ll stay for a week, and meeting all the other players is a really big part of it.”

The trip to Florida represents Montvilas’ first

World Cup will feature sides from as far afield as Argentina, Japan and Denmark travelling for the 10-team tournament.

The Irish team are fundraising through PledgeSports, a company that works to help athletes get together the funds necessary to achieve a variety of sporting goals, recently including Dublin

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

‘It’s been great for meeting people who have the same traits and the same problems as I do’ - Naglis Montvilas

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

international tournament, but will mark the third Powerchair World Cup. Team USA have taken home both of the previous two titles, but Ireland are seen as serious competitors this time around.

The game is the first competitive sport ever designed specifically for sportspeople in powered wheelchairs, allowing access to sport for a lot of people who may not otherwise be able to take part.

With the big trip in the pipeline, the Irish team have begun a major fundraising campaign aimed at raising some of the money required.

With the added expenses of travel to another continent together with the equipment necessary to play the game, international fixtures are rare, and the four-a-side teams play mostly locally. The

Skeleton athlete Brendan Doyle and his campaign to make the 2018 South Korean Winter Olympics.

The Powerchair Ireland football team estimate their total necessary funds to reach the Florida contest at €50,000, which includes the costs of accommodation, transport of chairs, travel for carers and coaches as well as players, medical and insurance costs.

Their PledgeSports fundraising targets a total of €10,000, while the team would also be interested in hearing from businesses who might consider sponsorship.

The fundraising page can be found here: www. pledgesports.org/projects/powering-teamireland-to-florida, and will remain live until early January.

Learn more about the sport at www.aipf.ie.

Finn a marquee addition to new Rovers recruits SHAMROCK Rovers made a series of eyecatching signings in the run-up to Christmas with Ronan Finn following hot on the heels of the addition of a couple of goalkeepers for the 2017 season.

Finn, pictured above with the SWAI player of the month award for April, was confirmed on December 20, switching from Dundalk after a stellar spell with the club that culminated in their run to the Europa League group stages and the retention of the League of Ireland premier division crown.

The Dubliner started in 11 of their 12 games in the Champions League and Europa League this season. His campaign concluded with a man-ofthe-match display in the FAI Cup final defeat to Cork City.

Earlier in the week, Rovers announced the signing of two new goalkeepers - Tomer Chencinski and Kevin Horgan.

Chencinski was born in Israel but grew up in Canada, earning one cap for the Canadian national team in March 2013. He played in a 2-0 defeat to Belarus in a friendly game held in Qatar.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper began his senior career with MLS side Toronto FC in 2007 without making an appearance. He had spells with two American sides, Newark Ironbound and Express Harrisburg City Islanders, either side of a short stint with Moldovan outfit Nistru Otaci.

He has also played in Finland, Sweden and Israel.

Speaking about their signings, Rovers’ Head Coach Stephen Bradley said that: “We’re delighted to sign Tomer Chencinski, we’ve been working hard on this one for the past few weeks now, and he’s a player that we’ve been really keen to get.

“He has played in a lot of good leagues and he has a lot of experience which is something we’re delighted about. He’s an international goalkeeper and a very good goalkeeper all round. He’s very comfortable on the ball at his feet, which is good. He’s a really great addition and he’ll bring a calm influence to the back four.”

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

GOLF: MARIA CAPS INCREDIBLE 2016 WITH THIRD PLACE AT INDIAN EVENT

Leinster women claim inteprovincial victory SUTTONIANS duo Lauren Retig and Nicole Carroll were both part of the Leinster women’s rugby squad as they won their interprovincial championship in Donnybrook last Saturday.

Three teams went into the weekend with a chance of claiming the title, so tight was the situation at the top of the table but, with a 21-12 success, the blues took down the title.

They got off to a great start when Hannah Tyrrell’s kick for the corner lead to a line-out off which Katie Fitzhenry’s mazy run made room for centre Jenny Murphy to touch down for a try.

Murphy duly converted herself.

Having been held up during an earlier attack, Murphy’s midfield partner Michelle Claffey made sure she got the ball down for Leinster’s second try in the 32nd minute, with Ailsa Hughes’ quick distribution from a scrum proving crucial. Murphy converted to leave it 14-0 at the break.

Seven minutes into second half, they were back within striking distance when strong-running centre Niamh Kavanagh broke through and linked with Edel Murphy who sent her back-three colleague Deirbhile Nic A Bhaird over for a timely try.

Suddenly, the defending champions were exerting more control and Jenny Murphy’s red card for an off-the-ball incident left Leinster down to 14 players for the last 30 minutes.

However, Adam Griggs’ side really stood up to the task. Teenage winger Eimear Corri did really well on two occasions to keep out Eimear Considine and the equally dangerous Nic A Bhaird, while Ireland loosehead Lindsay Peat grew in influence with her ball-carrying.

At the end of one of Peat’s powerful surges, her international colleague and Munster replacement Zoe Grattage was sin-binned by referee Dan Carson.

It was Leinster’s turn to attack and they did so in clinical fashion, speedy half-backs Hughes and Tyrrell stretching their legs to bring their province back into the Munster 22.

After a 71st minute penalty was kicked to touch, Caoimhe Molloy crashed over from the ensuing lineout maul for what turned out to be the clinching score.

Tyrrell tagged on the extras for a 21-7 advantage and while Munster got a consolation try, the blues were the ones left to lift the trophy.

Skerries golfer Maria Dunne

Dunne’s big deal in Delhi sport@dublingazette.com

SKERRIES women Maria Dunne closed out a remarkable 2016 with a third place finish at the USHA 100th All India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship in Delhi last week.

She got the better of Tsai Wei Chia of Chinese Taipei 3&2 in the third place play-off over 18 holes.

“It was a close match all the way until I holed a great putt on the 13th to go one up, then birdied the 14th to go two up,” Maria said afterwards from Delhi Golf Club.

“The 15th was halved

in pars and on the 16th I hit my approach to six feet and my opponent had tree trouble from her second shot so she gave me the hole and match without having to putt.

“All done here ready for home now & a nice break over Christmas after an amazing year.”

The tournament was played over 36 holes stroke play, 18 holes qualifying each day, and the top 32 players will qualify for the open match play event.

The Skerries woman initially carded rounds of 79 and 70 over the par 72 Delhi Golf Course on days one and two of the

JUNIOR PARK RUN Rush celebrates one year anniversary in style THE RUSH junior park run celebrated its one year anniversary with over 100 kids taking part in the 2km race around Kenure Park.

The group was joined by some of the St Maur’s ladies football team who won the All-Ireland junior club championship recently.

Pictured at the event are Daragh Butler, Adam Butler, Brian Dennehy (Rush) and members of the St. Maurs Rush GAA AllIreland winning GAA team.

competition.

On day two, her two under par round of 70 included three birdies over the last six holes. She qualified for the next stage in fourth position on a score of 149.

It put her into the last 32 of the competition where she duly beat Siripatsorn Patchana in the first round of match play.

Dunne saw off the Thai player 2&1 and went on to face Malaysian player Geraldine Wong in the last 16.

She was defeated on the same scoreline while India’s Sifat Alag was also beaten to put Dunne through to the semi-final.

There, she fell to Nur Durriyah Damian on the 18th hole to the top qualifier but the Dubliner bounced back to win her third place playoff to cap a fine week in an exceptional year.

It marks the end of her 2016 campaign despite being offered an invite to the Vagliano Trophy at the Belfry. She turned it down as she returns to her day job but she can be proud of a year in which she helped GB and Ireland win back the Curtis Cup, something she cites as a highlight as they beat USA in Dun Laoghaire GC. Dunne was one of two

picks to join Elaine Farquharson-Black’s Curtis Cup side.

She has been an Irish ladies international for six consecutive years and has been the leader and inspiration for many up and coming girls and hopeful international players.

She has been, and is a familiar face and regular point scorer at the Home International Matches and European Team Championships over the past number of years and is an invaluable asset to the Irish side. She has stepped up her game since her return to golf after injury in 2011 and has never looked back.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

DUB STARS

Fingal quartet named for annual challenge

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS

NAOMH Mearnog’s Catriona Power and

Miriam Twomey, pictured, along with Skerries Harps’ Niamh Kirby O’Sullivan and Aoife Halpin have all been named in the camogie Dub Stars panel.

The will form part of the team who take on the Dublin senior camogie team in the annual Dub Stars game which takes place in Parnell’s GAA Club in Coolock on December 27.

HURLING: TRIO OF GOALS LAYS BASE FOR DERBY DELIGHT

DAR gcairde agus ar mbaill, i mbaile no i

Gargan, second Kieran Rafferty, third

gcein, go raibh míle maith agaibh as bhur

Jennifer Hickey, fourth Breda Ward, fifth

dtacaiocht i rith an bhliain. Guionn muid

Dorothy Coffey, sixth Christy O’Sullivan,

Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise

seventh Laura Wilde, eighth Meadbh

oraibh uile.

McManus, ninth Paula Carter, tenth

Ladies Dub Star Awards: Congratula-

Yvonne Hughes, 11th Dinny O’Brien, 12th

tions to the club duo on their selection,

Darrama (c/o Oisin), 13th Donna Gallagh-

Emer Ni Eafa in goals and Niamh Ward at

er, 14th Maria Mahon, 15th Josie Collins,

wing forward. The Dub Stars will take on

16th Ronan c/o Oisin, 17th Emmet Breen,

a Dublin on January 8 at 1.30pm in DCU

18th Dolores Campion, 19th Declan Rick-

(St Clare’s).

ard, 20th John Harvey, 21st Jim Russell,

Dublin Minor Girls: The club are

Irish Group: Our Wednesday night

initial minor training panel for 2017. Good

Irish group will take a sos Nollaig/Christ-

luck to Aine Hickey, Aoife Foley, Ciara

mas break and return at 9pm on Janu-

Thorburn, Laura Dempsey, Dearbhla

ary 11. Further info from Liam on 086

Snow and Shannon Murtagh.

3814422.

U-16 Girls: Congrats to Hannah How-

Sport Prediction Quiz Result: Con-

ard and Emma McCormack on their

gratulations to this year’s winner, Mark

selection to the squad for the coming

Butler, who will receive a cheque for

season.

€750. In second place was Richard Gavin

Club Athletic News: Congratulations

and third Eabha Markey. The full result

to Irish international Sarah Murray

sheet is on the notice board in the bar.

on receipt of her senior award and Ava

Watch out for the 2017 entry forms which

Keogh on winning the juvenile of the year

will be available in the New Year.

award.

First half Rush sees Maur’s land C title UNDER-21 CHC FINAL St Maur’s St Sylvester’s  sport@dublingazette.com

4-8 1-12

ST MAUR’S closed out a memorable season for the Rush club in superb s t y l e a s t h e i r f o u rstar performance was enough to see off Fingal rivals St Sylvester’s and land the Under-21 C championship title.

The goals were the key at Alfie Byrne Park in Clontarf as they built a h e a l t hy t e n - p o i n t lead by half-time and while the Malahide men fought back, it was not

enough to over-turn the scoreline.

Indeed, the damage was primarily done before the inter val.

Danny Butterly set them on their way with Cathal Niall and Tom O’Neill also weighing in with goals.

Glenn Weldon, Alan Byrne and Jack Burke chipped in with points as they built an imposing 3-7 to 0-6 lead by the big break.

Sylvester ’s showed a huge amount of fight in the second half to reduce the gap back to five points by the end of

the tie but the gap was always too big to reel fully in, especially with goalkeeper Jack Higgins and Kevin Reade, at full-back, showing strong form to limit any danger.

Semi-finals The Rush side only muster 1-1 in the second half but their first half efforts on a cold day by the coast took the laurels.

Maur’s had made it through to the final of the competition with a dramatic 3-18 to 1-16 victory over Ballyboden

St Enda’s in the semifinal with the tie going all the way to extra time at Sancta Maria.

For Syl’s, they had a good win over Kevin’s Hurling Club, running out 3-10 to 1-8 victors in a tie also played at the Alfie Byrne Road.

Eoin McCar thy took the headline for three superb goals but is was a good all-round display.

Defensively, the Malahide side had to withstand a serious fightback from Kevins and kept the goals out when it really mattered to get through to the final.

Christmas Bar Hours: 23rd - 6pm

Club Calendars: The remaining cal-

to midnight; Christmas eve – 3-11pm;

endars are available at the club bar and

St Stephens day - 5pm to midnight;

also at Jones Garden Centre at €10 each.

December 27 and 28 – 6-11pm, December

Xmas draw winners (thank you to Cit-

29 – 6-11.30pm; December 30 - 6pm to

yjet for their sponsorship): Congratula-

midnight; New Year’s Eve 3pm-12.30am,

tions to all our winners (prizes in the bar

New Year’s day – 3-11pm and January 2

for collection) – first U-8s: c/o Eamon

– 6-11pm.

ST FINIAN’S St Maur’s celebrate their Under-21C hurling final win over St Sylvester’s. Picture: GAApics.com

22nd Kevin Blake and 23rd Sandra Kelly.

delighted to have seven players on the

THE club bingo will resume on Friday,

January 14. It is compulsory for all juve-

December 30 immediately after the

nile coaches to complete this course.

Christmas break upstairs in Peacocks at

Contact Childrens’s Officer Sharon Cal-

8.30pm. Imagine what you could do with

linan for further details.

the jackpot of €1,500 to clear the Christmas bills and for the sales.

It is also mandatory for all those working with juveniles to be Garda vet-

The club lotto jackpot was €1,600 and

ted which can be done online (e-vetting)

the numbers drawn were 9, 15, 18 and 19.

on the GAA website, which is about one

There was no winner. Lucky dip winners

week turnaround time from the date of

of €25 were Helen Martin, Eilis Ni Dalaigh,

application.

Audrey Buchanan, Joe O’Neill.

AIB will donate €50 to St Finian’s GAA

Please support the National Club

Club for all new home insurance custom-

Draw, €10 per ticket. Tickets are avail-

ers. When you get your policy number,

able from team mentors or any mem-

click on the link on the club Facebook

ber of the executive committee and all

page to fill in the online form and choose

funds raised will be retained by the club.

St Finian’s Swords in the Club drop-down

Details of prizes are on www.gaa.ie/

box.

nationalclubdraw.

The nursery and academy, sponsored

Please note that River Valley and

by Sky Handling Partner, will resume

Ridgewood pitches will be closed until

on Saturday, January 14 at 10am and

Sunday, January 15, 2017. The first match

11.30am respectively after the Christ-

of 2017 will be played on Saturday, Janu-

mas break. Some well-earned Satur-

ary 21. Nevinstown pitch is also unavail-

day morning lie-ins for the coaches and

able for the month of December until

helpers.

January 1, 2017.

Thanks to Ciaran Crosbie, all of the

The club will be running a foundation

mentors, parents and helpers who gave

level coaching course on Saturday, Jan-

up their time to assist in the annual bag-

uary 7, 2017. Contact GPO James Devlin

packing fundraiser in SuperValu Boro-

for further details.

imhe over the weekend. Thanks also to

The club will also be running a child protection safety course on Saturday,

Donal O’Ciobhan in SuperValu and Boroimhe Shopping Centre Management.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

MAUR SUCCESS: Under-21 hurlers add to the recent gold-Rush in the north county with win over Syl’s P31

DEC 27, 2016 - JAN 4, 2017

HISTORY-MAKER RYAN RETIRES: Caroline ended a century’s wait for Irish track medal P29

Thumbs for Griffith Swords Thunder following a fine run in the first half of the basketball season

Thunder keep on rolling

Swords boss sees enough in Templeogue tie to be confident his side will be right in the mix for the Super League as well as the National Cup in 2017

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH Swords Thunder’s excellent run of form came to an abrupt end last weekend with a disappointing 78-71 loss to men’s basketball’s super league leaders Templeogue at the Oblates.

Thunder went into the game on the back of three wins in the space of a week, including a Hula Hoops national cup quarter-final win over Templeogue, but a last minute injury crisis proved too much as they attempted to draw level in the Super League with their title rivals.

Despite the setback, Thunder manager Dave Baker was still in buoyant mood about his

team’s chances when he spoke to GazetteSport about an excellent run of results.

“It was a tough loss because we were going pretty well in the league,” he said. “I had three players tell me they’d been sick, literally as we approached the game so that wasn’t great preparation.

“I’m not taking away from Templeogue; they came out and gave everything, but we controlled the game for three quarters of it.

“I think fatigue and the three starters who were sick didn’t help us towards the end but, fair dues, Templeogue executed well and we just have to re-evaluate things and bounce back.”

Thunder now find themselves six points off the top but with Templogue set to travel to the

ALSAA for the last game of the season, Baker believes that all is still to play for.

“Templeogue, on its league form, is the top team in the country but we feel that on our day, like we showed the week before in the cup, that we can beat anybody. Unfortunately you can’t win every game.

“If you look at the amount of games [Templeogue] won by single digits, I think they may get pipped by somebody in the second half of the season.

“They were winning the league last year and rocking with four games to go, but lost three or four in a row and ended up coming third. That has to sit in the back of their heads as well.”

Templeogue exiting the cup will give the four

remaining teams a big boost and Thunder look like they have been handed a plush semi-final draw against Moycullen in early January but Baker won’t be resting on his laurels.

“I think it is still anyone’s cup but we are focused on it after last year’s disappointment and we would love nothing more than to go back and win the cup.”

There have been many high and some low points for Thunder so far this season but nothing is won at Christmas and Baker is looking forward to the second half.

“I think it has been a very successful first half of the season. There is a lot there for us to improve on and I still think, come the end of the season, we will be there or thereabouts.”