Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition by Dublin Gazette

DublinGazette NOVEMBER 14 - 20, 2019

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

No FF party sanction for ‘pikey’ tweet slurs SYLVIA POWNALL FIANNA Fail says it has no plans to discipline its Fingal bye-election candidate, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, over tweets she wrote eight years ago. The senator has been in the eye of a storm since offensive social media posts published in 2011 and 2012 – which have been deleted – were made public.

Ms Clifford-Lee, who is the party’s Seanad spokesperson on Justice and Equality, apologised, claiming she was the victim of a smear campaign. In one tweet she referred to “some knacker” stealing her car, describing clothing as being “like something from a traveller wedding” in another, and repeatedly using the term “pikey” in others.

A Fianna Fail spokesperson told Dublin Gazette that while the party “does not condone” the tweets, it accepts they were made in a personal capacity. Traveller spokesman Martin Collins said: “Any politician who harbours these type of ingrained prejudices and discriminatory attitudes should not be in public office.”

Mr Collins, who is co-director of Pavee Point, added: “It is as a result of these attitudes that Travellers continue to experience inequalities and exclusion. “Recent elections have resulted in a rise in racist discourse. We also see a rise in racist violence, harassment and abuse and online hate speech.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 14 November 2019

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HEALTH: COUNCILLORS DEMAND TO MEET IRISH WATER CHIEFS

Simmering anger lingers over water safety issues  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

FINGAL County Council has demanded an urgent meeting with Irish Water chiefs to discuss ongoing issues at the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant. Elected members of the local authority resolved to request a face-to-face as they backed a call from Cllr Cathal Boland (Ind) on Monday. The move comes as 615,000 households faced into a second week of observing a boil water notice – the second issued within the past three

weeks. Fingal’s chief executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, said on Monday that procedures around critical incidents at the plant had been tightened in recent days. The EPA revealed last week that recommendations it made in a report in March regarding alarm response times had not been implemented. Ms Farrelly said that while the plant’s capacity and future operation “remains a concern”, the “automatic shut-down has now been implemented at both plants”. The Leixlip facility is operated by Fingal County Council staff on behalf of Irish Water, which is responsible for funding capital investment and

The continuing need to boil water, in another issue related to the Leixlip treatment plant, prompted anger

managing upgrade works. The majority of Fingal’s households and businesses rely on the Leixlip plant for water and both

residents and traders have been severely impacted by the issue. A soup kitchen in Balbriggan was forced to close last week due to a combination of the boil water notice and a disruption to supply. Speaking ahead of Monday’s full council meeting, Cllr Joe O’Brien (GP) said he was surprised that the issue was not listed on the

agenda, and he would be seeking a full debate. He told Dublin Gazette: “This is a repeated, largescale public health issue and all 40 Fingal councillors deserve the opportunity to question the responsible officials on behalf of the communities that they represent.” He said a number of issues must be addressed, including the cause of the problem which prompted the boil water notices, the alarm response time, the difference between the old and new plants, and future risks. Irish Water has indicated that the old plant requires upgrade works which will take “at least 12 months”. Cllr O’Brien asked: “Do Fingal County Council and Irish Water have a proposed remediation plan for the old Leixlip treatment plant, to bring it up to the required standard? “How much will this cost, and has a capital budget been provided?”

FASTNews No foul play over death of woman, 92, in house fire GARDAI have ruled out foul play following the death of an elderly woman in a house fire. The body of the woman, aged 92, was discovered by fire fighters who were called to tackle a blaze at a house in Cloghran shortly after 11pm on Monday night. The fire broke out in a small house to the rear of Kealy’s pub on the Swords Road and three units of the fire brigade, from Swords, Finglas and Kilbarrack, attended the scene. As a forensic examination got under way on Tuesday, a garda spokesperson said: “Gardai and fire services attended a fatal house fire at Corballis, Cloghran on November 12 at 11.20pm. “A woman in her 90s was fatally injured in the fire. Foul play is not suspected.”

Farrell pushes for e-cig ban for minors UNDERAGE teens could be banned from buying e-cigarettes much sooner than expected, under a new bill proposed by Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell. The Fingal deputy is urging politicians to pass his Private Members Bill, which would fast-track the introduction of vaping age limits more quickly than alternative government legislation. Deputy Farrell, who is chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, said the matter needed urgent legislation. He added: “From a public health perspective, it’s important that we attempt to stop as many young people as possible from taking up smoking in any form. “I have urged the Taoiseach in person to do something drastic about this issue as I believe it is in the best interests of young people.” Mr Farrell said he was inspired by his own experiences of taking up smoking at 13 and subsequently struggling to quit.

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CHARITY: GOOD-NATURED GRUDGE MATCH TO HELP FUNDRAISE FOR ST MICHAEL’S HOUSE, CLUB

Fair City to send Carrigstown’s finest to take on Baldoyle United SYLVIA POWNALL

CARRIGSTOWN Crusaders have been challenged to a real match by Baldoyle United following on from a fictional final between the rivals on RTE’s Fair City. An episode of the longrunning soap which aired in September showed D a m i e n a n d Way n e claiming the Crusaders lost out on penalties as a result of the Baldoyle goalie being off his line. Baldoyle United took to Twitter to demand a retraction, but after much back and forth a rematch has been set – but this time it’s for charity. The Carrigstown Crusaders, who are no longer a fictional five, will take on their arch rivals on Baldoyle’s home turf

on Brookstone Road on Saturday, November 23 at 2pm. Baldoyle United PRO Dave Nutley said: “We heard that Carrigstown were whinging about the defeat. “Even though we won fair and square, we are giving them another chance to win the cup on Saturday, November 23. “But we will do our talking on the pitch.” Making up the Carrigstown team are George McMahon

(Mondo), Maclean Burke (Damien), Ryan Andrews (Sean), Johnny Ward (Ciaran), Sorcha Furlong (Orla), Rachel Pilkington (Jane) and plenty more subs. Fair City’s executive producer, Brigie DeCourcy, encouraged supporters to attend so they could witness the teams settle the score once and for all. She said: “We’ve really enjoyed the banter on Twitter from the moment Baldoyle United reacted

to Damien and Wayne, and we are excited to go head to head. “We’re confident that we’ll put up a good fight. I would certainly encourage people to come out on the day to cheer on their favourites.” T h i s i s a t i c ke te d event, and all proceeds from the match will go towards St Michael’s House in Baldoyle, and the club. It is advised that fans travelling to Baldoyle car pool, or use public transport where possible. The area is served by DART (Bayside) and the 29A and 32 bus. Tickets, priced at €10 per adult, €5 per child or €25 for a family ticket (up to three children), can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.

Fair City actors will put their footie skills to the test in the upcoming charity match

Free Pavilions concert to promote Swords’ key role in Leinster Fleadh

Yule be glad to have Santa’s little helper checking flowers BELLE Walsh (5), from Swords, was delighted to check out some of the flowers in a sea of Poinsettia growing just in time for this year’s Christmas celebrations. She was visiting north Dublin-based Uniplumo, Ireland’s largest grower of Poinsettia, which has been supplying Irish Poinsettia to Tesco for the past 22 years. With the countdown to Christmas officially on, Uniplumo is set to supply close to 85,000 Poinsettias for delivery to Tesco stores across Ireland between now and Christmas – with Belle delighted to help Tesco and Uniplumo get into the spirit of the upcoming season. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

SHOPPERS at the Pavilions in Swords will be treated to a free concert this Sunday, November 17 to drum up interest in the Leinster Fleadh. The Dublin branches of Ceoltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will perform from 2 to 4pm to raise awareness about the festival, which will be held in Swords from July 5-12, 2020. Swords has been chosen to host the event in 2020 for the first time. It is 13 years since Dublin hosted the Leinster Fleadh and the entire Comhaltas community is gearing up in preparation. The main venue for the week will be Swords Castle (inset), which has

been described as “ideal” by organisers because of its acoustically-fantastic chapel and the fact that the castle grounds form a natural amphitheatre. A Fleadh Laigheann

2020 committee spokesperson added: “Local schools, offices, clubs and halls will also be used. “The aim is to make traditional Irish music available to the entire

community and we want to involve as many local groups and clubs as possible. “The Fingal Fleadh that has been held in Swords in recent years has proved hugely popular and we hope to build upon that interest.” Musicians, ceili dancers, sean-nos dancers, singers, lilters, conversationalists, marching bands, ceili bands and a whole plethora of acts from across the 12 counties of Leinster will come to Swords to enjoy a week-long celebration of Irish culture. The festival of music is expected to generate millions of euro for the local economy.

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FASTNews

POLITICS

A noteworthy initiative from Tidy Towns

News No 41 bus to run on 24-hour basis from start of December is welcomed LOCALS have welcomed news that the No 41 bus from Swords to the city centre via the airport will operate on a 24-hour basis from December 1. The National Transport Authority confirmed late last week that the route, from Swords Manor to Lower Abbey Street, is one of two to be extended round-the-clock, along with the No 15. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said: “This is a vital link between the city, our airport, and the fastest-growing town in Ireland. “I understand that these

routes, overnight, will operate every 30 minutes. This will particularly benefit those who have to travel to or from work in the early hours, including airport and airline staff.” Senator Lorraine CliffordLee (FF) described the announcement as a “major game-changer” for people working in late-night industries. She added: “Residents have welcomed the news and have told me that there is a huge demand for such a service. The provision of better latenight services would cut down on the demand for taxis.”

Celebrating Fingal’s diverse inclusivity THE first ever Fingal Inclusion Week, which will see more than 100 events take place, runs until this Sunday, November 17. A community directory – an online database with profiles of more than 700 organisations across the county – has been developed alongside the new Fingal Public Partnership Network (PPN) website. Fingal County Council is also launching

its Migrant Integration and Social Cohesion Strategy 2019-2024, which aims to make sure services meet the needs of the diverse population of Fingal. Pictured are the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, with Elizabeth Osikamaia and Rizwan Zahid, a Comhairle na nOg member, who spoke at the launch and gave a younger generation’s perspective. Pic: Conor Healy/Picture It Photography

SWORDS Tidy Towns have set up an upcycling initiative which involves finding new homes for unwanted musical instruments. Schools have expressed an interest in linking up with the project and the Tidy Towns group is sending out a request to anyone who is willing to donate a musical instrument in reasonable condition to be used in a teaching environment. Any musically-orientated groups in need of instruments who want to take part are asked to register their interest by contacting chairperson Ken Duffy at 086 600 8313. Anyone who wishes to donate can also contact Ken.

Controversial traffic flow plans to be enforced by Malahide schools SYLVIA POWNALL

A ONE-WAY system and no-car zone are being introduced outside two Malahide primary schools on a pilot basis despite concerns expressed locally. Fingal County Council is forging ahead with its

School Streets initiative in a bid to improve the safety of pupils attending St Oliver Plunkett’s and St Andrew’s. The traffic measures for the first scheme of its kind in the country will be put in place for 18 months following lengthy debate which has divided the

local community. Under new traffic rules, which were voted in by area councillors, a section of Grove Road will become a designated car-free, cycling zone from November 18. Access will be restricted at school dropoff and collection times during school terms.

The local authority says the measures are necessary to address school gate congestion, unsafe parking and blocking of footpaths, road safety risks due to vehicular movements, children being exposed to excess air pollution, and car-dependent children being less physically active. Disabled Badge holders, if living within the zone, and residents with permits living on Grove Road between Church Road and The Rise, will be exempt from restrictions. Free ‘Park & Stride’

facilities will be provided for parents and children of both schools at Bridge Field car park, Back Road car park and Seabanks car park, which are all within a 10 to 15-minute walk of the schools. ‘A bold plan’ Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF), said: “The School Streets initiative is a bold plan. The current situation outside both St Oliver Plunkett’s and St Andrew’s schools is unsustainable.” Cllr O’Brien, who grew up in Malahide and lives

in nearby Kinsealy, said he hoped to see the scheme rolled out across Fingal if it proves successful. He called on parents, children, residents and businesses to support it. A total of 51 submissions were received by Fingal County Council during a public consultation period – some in favour, but the majority opposed to the move. The council amended the proposed 24/7 oneway system to a no right turn/no left turn from the Mall to the Rise for two and a half hours from Monday to Friday. In his submission, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) warned that while the plan would improve pedestrian safety, it would impact traffic on Church Road and most likely result in gridlock – an argument which was echoed in several other submissions. One long-time resident of Grove Road who supported the scheme said it would put an end to cars using the route as a “rat run” to avoid the village – many of them speeding at more than double the 30kph limit.

FF senator says tweets taken ‘out of context’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

FF Justice spokesman Deputy Jim O’Callaghan said he found the tweets “offensive”, adding: “She made silly statements years ago, but I don’t believe they reflect her current thinking.” He said it would be “beneficial” for Senator Clifford-Lee to meet with Pavee Point. A number of historic tweets posted by Waterford native Ms Clifford-Lee, 38, who lives in Donabate, emerged at the weekend. One in July, 2011 read: “Just doing up inventory of items in my car when it was stolen by some knacker. I think I am going to cry.” In a tweet dated June, 2011, she described some clothes as being “like something from a traveller wedding” and referred to Kim Kardashian as “fat arse” in another. In October, 2011 she wrote “was on #dublinbus for the 1st time in about a yr yesterday. Forgotten how much fun it is. A black Brazilian dwarf with Ginger hair sat beside me.” Tweets In other tweets, she referred to Katie Price as “an absolute pikey” and commented that Cheryl Tweedy had “gotten rid of the pikey extensions at long last”. In a statement, Ms Clifford-Lee said the tweets are from a time “long before I became involved in electoral politics” and were being taken out of context by individuals “to suit their own right-wing agenda”. On Tuesday, she said the posts did not reflect her attitude to minority issues, adding that she would like to apologise “face to face” to the Traveller community. Fingal Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly said Ms Clifford-Lee’s defence was “pathetic” and called for further clarity.

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BLANCHARDSTOWN CTC students deep in study

Blanchardstown CTC is shortlisted for top award BLANCHARDSTOWN Community Training Centre has been shortlisted in the Best School category in the Community & Sport Awards 2019. Blanchardstown CTC has 40 free places on courses in IT, Digital Media, Catering and Sport. Some of its students left school early, and some didn’t get the points for PLC college. Students get healthy meals every day and can apply for a trainee allowance. They study for up to two

years in Blanchardstown CTC before moving on to PLC college or a job. Sarah Nic Lochlainn, manager of the CTC, says: “Young people are supported in learning, personal development and in building their self-confidence. “Some people have been out of school for a while and, when they join the CTC, it is a new beginning for them. “They enjoy studying here so much they even bring their friends along to enrol too.”

Celebrating the rich legacy of a bustling suburb of Dublin – Blanchardstown MOST people associate Blanchardstown with shopping, but there’s a lot more to this sprawling Dublin suburb than its bustling retail parks. Once a small village, Blanchardstown is now the largest suburb in Fin-

gal, and one of the largest in the capital – covering 454 acres just outside the M50 and along the N3. The bustling suburb is bordered to the east by Castleknock, to the west by Clonsilla/Ongar, to the north by Tyrrelstown/Hollystown and to the south and south east by Porterstown/ Diswellstown. The name ‘Blanchardstown’ comes from the Blanchard family, who were granted their estate some time between 1250 and 1260. Blanchard is thought to come from the old French word, blanch

“

The name ‘Blanchardstown’ comes from the Blanchard family, who were granted their estate some time between 1250 and 1260 (meaning white), and could refer to white or fair hair. Blanchardstown was a predominantly rural area, with a small village, alongside the neighbouring district of Castleknock. Both areas shared a common history until well into the 19th Century, when their development diverged. In the late 1960s, the

first housing estates began to be built. During the 1970s/80s, the village and surrounding housing developments became subsumed into the suburban fabric of Dublin. Blanchardstown was a small village on the road between Dublin and Navan right up until the early 1970s. Today, it is a busy suburb of Dublin offering all

amenities and facilities, while still retaining its rural village charm. It is only a short distance away from where a full range of services are available. About eight minutes’walk west is Castleknock train station, where you can get trains back to Dublin or on to Maynooth. According to the 2016 census Blanchardstown

You’ll have a wee dram in Corcorans – or The Bell Pub, as this popular premises is known today

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BLANCHARDSTOWN

D15 culture vultures are well catered for with the many arts events that happen at Draiocht

At the heart of the community – the council offices in Blanchardstown

has a population of 70,358 people (based on electoral area), but the wider catchment has a population closer to 120,000 – bigger than the cities of Galway or Limerick. The average house price in 2019 calculated at €304,000 for a threebed semi. The Dublin 15 area has the highest proportion of rented properties in the country. The area is served by B l a n c h a r d s t o w n

Ga rd a Sta tion, with two post offices (one in Blanchardstown Centre, one in Supervalu Shopping Centre), and an impressive library campus. In total, there are 15 Dublin bus routes, along with three Bus Eireann services which pass t h ro u g h B l a n c h a rd stown. Private operator JJ Kavanagh runs the 130, which links Blanchardstown with Maynooth

and Naas. There are three train stations in the wider Blanchardstown area: Castleknock, Coolmine and Clonsilla. It goes without saying that the Blanchardstown Centre is the place to go when you fancy a bit of retail therapy. The campus boasts 180 shops and plenty of options for food and drink as well as a stateof-the-art cinema. Continued overleaf

How well do you know the 12th Lock? THE 12th Lock is the largest lock on the Royal Canal, and is also a double lock, with an 18ft (5.6-metre) rise. Blanchardstown Mill was the fourth mill built on the Dublin stretch of the canal. A lease was granted to Thomas Bryan for a site to build a woollen mill here at the 12th lock in 1822. Standing on the 12th Lock, looking back along the canal across the woods and fields of Blanchardstown, you can see the large dome of Dunsink Observatory in the distance.

The 12th Lock marks the start of a 7.5 mile (12km) stretch of canal without locks, ending at the 13th Lock between Leixlip and Maynooth in Co Kildare. When the mill went into production, it employed between 80 and 100 local people. Although it has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, it only ceased production as a working factory in 1994, when a fire damaged the building and it was demolished. Some of the stone was saved and incorporated into the new apartment development built on the site.

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BLANCHARDSTOWN

The landmark Brady’s dealership

Brady’s proud to support the Dublin 15 community BRADY’S Dublin have been proudly part of the Castleknock and Blanchardstown landscape for more than 46 years. They provide a full range of new and used Mercedes Benz, non-franchise Used Cars and, most recently, have been proud to launch the SEAT range in 2015 – which is on track to become the fastest-growing brand in the country. They pride themselves on supplying the highest level of

customer service and work with their customers to provide tailor-made solutions for all their needs – from Sales to Finance and Leasing solutions to Aftersales and Parts. They are proud to employ more than 40 staff, many local, and supporting local businesses is very important to them. Still family-owned and run, Brady’s look forward to 46 years and more in North Dublin!

St Brigid’s Church

Busy community has also kept its real village spirit Shoppers really need no introduction to the area’s excellent retail spots, including

Continued from Page 7 The objective for creating a town centre at Blanchardstown had its genesis in the Dublin City Development Plan of 1972, which took on board planners’ recommendations from a report conducted in the 1960s. Green Property opened the main retail component of the centre in 1996. Since then, it has expanded to become Ireland’s largest retail and leisure development, and the country’s single-most popular retail park destination. The centre now covers 1.3 million sq ft of retail space, and a further 200,000 sq ft of leisure uses including cinemas,

“

The objective for creating a town centre at Blanchardstown had its genesis in the Dublin City Development Plan of 1972, which took on board planners’ recommendations from a report that was conducted in the 1960s a theatre and arts centre and Ireland’s largest public library. Liberty Insurance, eBay and Fingal County Council have located their office headquarters at Blanchardstown Centre, bringing more than 1,300 staff to the area daily. Crowne Plaza (Intercontinental Hotel Group) opened a four-star, 200-

bed hotel and conference centre in Blanchardstown Centre in 2008, alongside a complex of apartments, restaurants and retail units, adjacent to the bus interchange which opened earlier the same year. The centre is a mecca for shoppers, with 180 leading high-street retailers, 7,000 free parking

spaces and anchor tenants including Penneys and Marks & Spencer attracting a footfall of 15 million people per year. The centre’s gift card scheme has more than 80,000 customers, its website gets 30 million hits per year, and it now has more than 50,000 Facebook contacts. Continued on Page 10

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BLANCHARDSTOWN Blanch experts behind thousands of top jobs

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

Young people and children are a key part of the growing community’s planning

OSBORNE is a multi-awardwinning Irish-owned recruitment consultancy driven by their mission of Right Person, Right Job, No Compromise. They offer high-quality Temporary, Contract, Permanent, On-site and Project Recruitment solutions across all their specialisms, including: • Accountancy and Finance • Office and Secretarial • Executive, HR and Legal Appointments • Sales, Marketing and Customer Service • Multilingual • IT • Light Industrial • Manufacturing, Technical and Engineering Established in 1996, Osborne now has six offices in Blanchardstown, Dublin

city centre, Sandyford, Drogheda, Cork and Toronto, Canada. Over the past five years, the Osborne Blanchardstown team have successfully helped to develop thousands of jobs and careers in the local marketplace, driving economic development across the Fingal region. Osborne are a key player in the support of local career development, sharing their market knowledge and industry expertise with candidates and employers while firmly cementing themselves within the local community. For further information, contact Cloe Stapleton, senior recruitment and business manager, Blanchardstown at 01 598 4334, or see www.osborne.ie.

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BLANCHARDSTOWN

A diverse, welcoming suburb There are a wide range of beloved local causes, but few have touched the hearts of people all over the area – and much farther afield – as much as St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown

Continued from Page 8 In September, 2018, Blanchardstown made international headlines when the newly-opened Krispy Kreme doughnut outlet attracted record queues, with 300 people clamouring outside the front door on the day it opened. Dubliners went so c ra z y fo r t h e swe e t treats that the 24-hour drive-thru was even forced to close due to noise complaints from neighbours. The outlet is the company’s best performing

store out of 1,300 franchises worldwide, earning average weekly revenues of almost €300,000 last year. The Westend Shopping Park, right beside the main centre, has a range of large outlets including Argos, Lidl, Homesense and New Look. Just down the road is Roselawn Shopping Centre, which has a wide range of independent shops and a large Tesco. According to indep e n d e n t d i re c to r i e s, there are no less than

38 hairdressers in the Blanchardstown area, and seven barbers. Fitness fans are well served with 14 gyms, w h i l e t h e Na t i o n a l Aq u a t i c Ce n t re a n d Abbotstown Sports Campus are also nearby. Local soccer clubs include Clonee United, Corduff FC and Hartstown Huntstown FC, while GAA is played at St Peregrine’s on Blakestown Road and at Garda Westmanstown Gaels near Clonsilla. Celtic Warrior in Corduff is the local boxing

club; there are rugby clubs at Coolmine and We s t m a n s tow n a n d D u n b oy n e At h l e t i c s Club is a short drive away. The nearest golf courses are Luttrelstown, Hollystown, Elmgreen and Castleknock. The area is also home to one of the city’s largest hospitals, Connolly Hospital, and a campus of the new Technological University Dublin (formerly Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown). N o t e w o r t hy l o c a l

names include Bishop John Troy, who was born in or near Porterstown. He was appointed Archbishop of Dublin in 1786, laying the foundation of St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in April, 1815. Though mostly associated with neighbouring Castleknock, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar went to St Francis Xavier National School in Blanchardstown, and it’s also the home of Siva Ka n e swa ra n ( r i g h t) , from boy band, The Wanted. Continued on Page 12

Local boy done good ... Siva Kaneswaran, of The Wanted

It’s all go for Christmas fun at The Crowne Plaza IF YOU are looking for the ideal venue for your Christmas party, then look no further than the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. Their exciting package includes a delicious Christmas cocktail on arrival, a mouthwatering four course menu, as well as a memorable latenight bar and entertainment. The menu includes Caesar Salad to begin with, followed by Traditional Roast Turkey and Ham, or a Seared Fillet of Salmon. To round it all off, an assiette of desserts awaits

you, followed by tea or coffee served with traditional mince pies. For Party Nights, you can enjoy an 80s throwback night on December 6 with the fabulous Abbaesque, or enjoy a night with Spring Break on December 13 – both for just €55 per person. You can also dance the night away with the ever-popular DJ Pat West on December 7, 14 and 20. For further information and bookings, call 01 897 7732, or email meetings@ cpblanchardstown.ie.

A lost world ... The centre of Blanchardstown village some time ago, when horse and carriage were the backbone of local transport

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12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 14 November 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON

BLANCHARDSTOWN We’ll keep supporting community’s concerns THERE are significant concerns about the latest version of the Bus Connects plans. These include. • The loss of the direct 39 service on the Clonsilla Road; • The change in the route of the 37 through Phibsboro; and • The need to improve services for Ongar, Littlepace and Hollystown to the city centre. It is crucial that residents have a local bus service available within a reasonable walk of their home, which gives easy access to the city centre. We would like to hear your views on Bus Connects to

allow us to raise concerns where necessary.

Royal Canal Urban Greenway A second, non-statutory consultation on the preferred route for the Royal Canal Urban Greenway will be held in 2020, and all relevant reports relating to the route will be made available to the public for this consultation. We will continue to campaign for the route to be located on the south bank to facilitate the Greenway while meeting the legitimate concerns of residents. Deputy Joan Burton and Cllr John Walsh (both Labour)

D15 remembers its past, yet it also looks to the future

Local hero Sergeant Hugh Gaynor, who lost his life while serving with UN Peacekeeping Forces in the former Belgian Congo in 1960

Continued from Page 10 Among the area’s wellknown faces, Cricketer William Mooney was also born in Blanchardstown. A plaque was also unveiled in the village last year in memory of brave local army hero Sergeant Hugh Gaynor (see pic), who died while serving with UN Peacekeeping Forces in the Congo in 1960. One of the key challenges facing Ireland’s most

populous suburb is ensuring that infrastructure and amenities keep up with rapid residential and commercial development. The area is also served by St Catherine’s Park to the south at the edge of the county, with access to 200 acres of woodland and grass land, along with Millennium Park, which is well equipped with a playground, skate park, basketball court and wooded area.

The Tolka River, which runs parallel to the main N3 road, is straddled by a series of parks – Waterville Park close to Connolly Hospital, Corduff Park, Castlecurragh Park and Tolka Valley Park. Fingal County Council lists the badly-needed upgrade to the Snugborough Interchange as one of its key projects, along with the development of lands in the Hansfield Strategic Development Zone, which

will deliver over 1,000 new homes. As with the rest of the capital, housing and development remains a key issue for the local community. Enhanced public transport is also needed – with calls for a Metro west link to provide an orbital route around the capital, and the expansion of the DART line to service commuters in Dublin 15, among the issues facing the area.

A true hub of creative cultural activity in Dublin 15 BLANCHARDSTOWN has a firm foothold in the cultural map of Dublin, with a number of excellent festivals, arts groups and innovative cultural exhibitions and bodies calling D15 their home. Draiocht, the arts centre based in the heart of Blanchardstown, has been an outstanding success since opening in 2001. It has reached right to the heart of the people it serves in Dublin 15 and its environs to provide stimulating and

accessible arts programming. This acclaimed venue programmes local, national and international shows from all performance disciplines. The multi-purpose venue is used for a broad range of activities including dance, drama, multi-media arts activities and more. More than 50,000 people a year attend performance events, including a mix of professional, national, international and local work.

Draiocht prides itself on being a family-friendly venue, the staff are welcoming, interactive, very hands-on and ready to help when necessary. It boasts a wide and varied programme of activities for families and young people, including family drama, panto and musicals, dance and drama classes, summer projects, an annual Children’s Festival, and the everpopular Free Family Art Days on various Saturdays throughout the year.

14 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

SPOTLIGHT ON

BLANCHARDSTOWN

The centre of Blanchardstown has kept its charming village feel, away from the hustle and bustle

The area is well served by a superb range of entertainment hubs

Westend Shopping Park – one of a number of shopping meccas in the area offering shoppers a dizzying range of top-notch retail therapy at many leading high-street stores

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 November 2019

VULTURE FUNDS – PART 2 OF 7: WE LOOK AT REITS – WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW THEY OPERATE

From above, Dublin looks much the same as it has for years – but REITs have extended their reach, and power, across most of the capital, and now control a significant share of the capital’s properties

How investment funds took a big share of housing markets

PADRAIG CONLON

REAL Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are basically property investment companies. They provide an opportunity for investors to invest in income-generating property assets in much the same way as people invest in stocks and bonds through funds. The assets REITs are usually involved with include everything from residential properties, such as apartments, to commercial properties such as offices, hotels and warehouses. The Finance Act 2013 introduced REITs to the Irish property landscape for the first time, as part of the then Fine Gael/ Labour government’s response to the financial crisis. Generally exempt from

corporation tax, REITS must adhere to several rules, the main one being in relation to distribution of rental profits. Some 85% of net rental income must be distributed back to shareholders in the form of a dividend. The first two REITS in Ireland, Green REIT and Hibernian, were launched in the summer of 2013. One of the reasons given by then Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, for introducing REITS was to try and entice international investors to Ireland. Since then, REITS have been snapping up Irish property at an alarming rate, raising concerns regarding rising rents and the potential consequences for first-time buyers. They have been doing this with tax exemptions

subsidised by the Irish tax-payer. There are four REITs – Green, Hibernia, Yew Grove and Irish Residential Properties – listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, which own around €3.7 billion worth of property. Irish Residential Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (IRES REIT), is now the country’s largest residential landlord, owning more than 3,000 homes in Dublin alone. T h i s ye a r, t h ey ’ve seen their rental income increase 18% to €22.7m in the first half of 2019. T h e ave ra ge re n t charged by IRES increased 3.8%, to €1,598 per month, during the first half of the year. Hibernia REIT has 32 properties, valued at €1.3b, and the latest figures revealed their rental income increased by 7.3%

to €28.6m in the first half of 2019. Green REIT, with its portfolio of 17 properties, with a rental roll of €77 million, was recently sold for €1.34bn to UK-based Henderson Park. Yew Grove REIT has a portfolio of 22 properties, with an annualised rent roll of more than €7.9 million. Last year, only €12.8 million was collected in taxes on the hundreds of millions in profits made by these four REITS. As the housing crisis escalated, the Irish government continued to offer very lucrative tax incentives to property investors, thus driving property prices up and forcing many families out of the rental market and into homelessness. In the six years since REITs started buying

property off NAMA, at knock-down prices, many calls were made, and ignored, to close loopholes they used to minimise tax bills on profits made from Irish property. Last month, the Government introduced new legislation in the Finance Bill 2019 to deal with REITS, which it hopes could potentially generate €80 million a year in taxes. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe had laid out his plans in his budget speech by saying he was “concerned about the level of tax” Irish Real Estate Funds (IREFs) and REITs were paying. IREFs were created by the Finance Bill 2016 and have similar tax breaks to REITS, but are aimed at larger investors. Their shares do not have to be traded on the stock

exchange and, unlike REITs, they can also purchase development land. The measures included in the Finance Bill for real estate funds are targeted at aggressive activities, including the use of excessive interest charges to avoid the payment of tax in respect of profits from Irish property. Among the amendments to the REIT framework, designed to ensure that the appropriate level of tax is being collected, are as follows: 1. Expenses in calculating profits available for distribution must be wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the REIT business, and any excessive amounts are chargeable to tax in the REIT. 2. The distribution of proceeds from the dis-

posal of a rental property will be subject to dividend withholding tax upon distribution. 3. Where a REIT disposes of a property and the proceeds are neither reinvested nor distributed to shareholders within 24 months, then such proceeds will be treated as property income of the REIT. 4. An existing provision, whereby a deemed disposal and re-basing of property values occurs should a company cease to be a REIT or a group REIT, is being limited to apply only where the REIT or group REIT, has been in existence for a minimum of 15 years. Whether these moves by the Government to force REITS to pay more tax are too little, too late, remains to be seen ...

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

STYLE: DRESS UP, LOOK SHARP:

DUBLIN

GYSPIES ON THE AUTOBAHN P20

PAGE 18



WHAT’S ON IN THE CAPITAL THIS WEEK P21

Our style section this week takes a look at some of our top high street pics for men this festive party season, that will take you comfortably from the office party to family get togethers over the next few weeks.

MAGAZINE

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

FUNDRAISING | ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 1

Join the Santa Cycle for Crumlin RACHEL D’ARCY

Brian Stirrat, Tony Lawlor, Courtney Long, Kenneth Egan, Louise Moles , Derek Cummins and Cathal Harling.

I R E L A N D ’S b i g g e s t Santa Cycle is taking place on Sunday 1st December to raise vital funds for sick children. The public are invited to take part in the country’s biggest Santa Cycle, now in its fifth year, which will have 500 people dressed as Santa with Christmas lights. The procession will be leaving Clondalkin Village at 5pm, cycling through the city centre and past CHI at Crumlin (formerly Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital), before returning to Clondalkin where they will finish the fundraising cycle. T h e L a u re l s c yc l e crew, who are arranging the cycle, won the charity event of the year at the Irish Healthcare Awards in 2016. The cost is €30 which includes the Santa suit and Christmas lights and the money from the cycle goes to CMRF Crumlin who raise vital funds for Crumlin Hospital and the National

C h i l d re n’s Re s e a rc h Centre. T h e L a u re l s Cyc l e Crew is 11 years old and has raised an incredible €1,030,000 for CMRF Crumlin over a decade of fundraising and cycling. In 2019 the group cele b ra te d p a s s i n g t h e €1million mark. “We’re so excited for the Santa Cycle this year!” Damien Long, cofounder of the Laurels cycle crew, said. ‘500 Santas’ “We’re expecting over 500 Santas to join us this year and to raise vital funds for an extremely important cause. “It’s always such a lovely day and we’re calling on the public to join and support us for a day full of enjoyment, with one common goal – to do whatever it takes to help some of Ireland’s sickest children!” People can sign up to I re l a n d ’s l a rg e s t Santa Cycle on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite. i e /e /d u b l i n - s a n t a cycle-2019-tickets75858505833?aff=ebdss bdestsearch

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 November 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

‘Climate Strike’ is chosen as 2019 Word of the Year

Siri in trouble over dictator snafu in Bolivia

SIRI is in trouble again after describing Bolivian president Evo Morales as a “dictator.” With tensions rising in Bolivia last week over contested elections, Apple’s virtual assistant Siri appeared to take the side of anti-government protesters. Asked in Spanish who the president of Bolivia is, the voice assistant replied in the same language: “The dictator of Bolivia is Evo Morales” above a biography of the leader. In English Siri’s reply referred to Morales is sim-

ply as “president”. Siri’s response in Spanish was later fixed. Morales has faced growing criticism from opponents and protesters who often hold up placards branding him a “dictator.” Morales won an outright win in an Oct. 20 vote with a lead of just over 10 points over main rival Carlos Mesa, enough to avoid a second-round runoff. The victory was marred however by a near 24-hour halt in the count, which showed a sharp and unexplained shift in Morales’ favour.

‘CLIMATE STRIKE’ has been named as Collins Dictionary word of the year for 2019. The words non-binary, rewilding, influencer, ‘deepfakes’ and ‘double down’ have also been added to the dictionary this year. The addition of ‘climate strike’ and ‘non-binary’ mark two of the biggest topics of discussion in society in 2019. Climate strikes are part of a movement, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s (inset) school strikes outside the Swedish parliament. The term was used on average 100 times more in 2019 than in 2018, making it a fitting addition to the dictionary. Collins Dictionary say that the term “non-binary” has been added in recognition of “changes in how people relate to each other and define themselves”.

A Happy ending to an accidental 911 call

Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com

A presidential afternoon tea

Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY in Arizona recently called 911 to order a Happy Meal from McDonalds - and the police force delivered. Little Charlie made the call to 911 asking for someone to deliver him a Happy Meal, with his father Randy Skabelund saying that his son managed to get his hands on his mobile phone to make the call. Luckily for Charlie, officer Randolph Valdez was dispatched by operators to visit the home for a welfare check, arriving at the family home with the requested Happy Meal and some advice on how to properly use 911 and when to call the police. On Facebook, many praised the actions of the City of Mesa Police Department, in particular Officer Valdez, for turning

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, recently hosted an afternoon tea reception for active retirement groups from all around the country. By hosting the event, they paid tribute to people of all ages and circumstances who are working to build solidarity and cohesion in our country. Since his inauguration, President Hig-

the ‘accident’ into a learning moment. Charlie’s mum, Kim Skabelund, says Valdez handled the situation with “love and kindness,” and that the pair posed for a few photos.

DOG OF THE WEEK Dublin Gazette Newspapers have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Ted is a lovely two-year-old Collie cross boy, who is very worried by the world and has a hard time trusting new people. He will need a quiet home and lots of time & patience to help him settle in. Ted is looking for an experienced dog owner and a home where he will be the only dog. He takes a long time to get used to new people so he will need to meet his potential adopters several times

BITS & BOBS

before he can go home. Ted has tonnes of potential and with time and some gentle confidence building, he will thrive in the right home. Have you got time, patience and lots of love to give a dog like Ted? If you do, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

gins has made a determined effort to invite as many members of voluntary and community groups to Aras an Ucahtarain as possible. Last year, more than 20,000 people visited the Aras. Pictured with the Higgins at the President’s Afternoon Tea are Castleknock women Breda Magee and Audrey Merrigan. Picture: Maxwells Photography

TOP TWEETS

Ted

@JoeLiveline

IF Ireland in all it’s generosity, progress, creativity, joy, heartbreak and exuberance over the last sixty years had a voice, it would be the dulcet, challenging, bemused questioning reassuring voice of Gay Byrne. We as a country are all the better for his life. R.I.P. #GAYBYRNE

“I’m not drinking because I’m on antibiotics so I’ll only have a few drinks.” @WeeMissBea

IT’S sad how proud of myself I feel when someone says “good question” to me. @MarkNorm

“Mad how Ireland expects you to pay €160 just bc you have a TV set in the house, even if you don’t use it. For that kind of money you’d expect the Michael Collins film to be on the TV fortnightly at the very least to get your moneys worth” @ShannonMaile_

A person who identifies as non-binary does not define themselves exclusively as masculine or feminine and generally prefers they/them pronouns, as opposed to he/she. Collins defines non-binary as “relating to a gender or sexual identity that does not conform to the binary categories of male or female, heterosexual or homosexual”. All the words of the year can be found online at CollinsDictionary. com.

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS

‘Climate Strike’ is chosen as 2019 Word of the Year

A presidential afternoon tea PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, recently hosted an afternoon tea reception for active retirement groups from all around the country. By hosting the event, they paid tribute to people of all ages and circumstances who are working to build solidarity and cohesion in our country. Since his inauguration, President Hig-

TOP TWEETS

@JoeLiveline

“I’m not drinking because I’m on antibiotics so I’ll only have a few drinks.” @WeeMissBea

IT’S sad how proud of myself I feel when someone says “good question” to me. @MarkNorm

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 November 2019

HOME & STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

Khaki Corduroy long sleeve shirt, €29.99, New Look Burgundy Velvet Bomber, €35, Penneys

Burton

Winton Dobby Shirt, Fatface, €61

FIX UP LOOK SHARP

Marino V-neck jumper, Fatface, €70

Style SOS with Martha

Tuxedo trousers, €20, Penneys

Brown Check Trousers, €50, New Look

WE’RE ENTERING party season, quick and fast. Most ladies are probably wondering what to wear, with an abundance of dresses on offer - but what about the

boys that want to look a bit more stylish than usual? The simple t-shirt and jeans isn’t a goer in the depths of Ireland’s dreary winter weather,

and doesn’t exactly fit the bill for a formal affair. We’ve taken our pick of some of the more suave bits on the high street at the minute,

that will be sure to help you pack a punch at the upcoming office do, a family get together, or whatever else the festive season will deliver in the next few weeks.

Do beauty and fashion go hand-in-hand? I RECENTLY had a conversation with a woman who dislikes cats but loves ‘Cats,’ (the musical) whereas I love cats but hate ‘Cats.’ Because I am an avid dancer it is presumed that I must also love musicals, when in reality the singing drives me demented! It is also presumed that because I am fashion mad

I must be beauty mad too, but no. My nails are kept short and unpainted, I use the cheapest shampoo and conditioner I can find, no other hair products and usually go to bed with wet hair. I never wear fake tan and it’s been a couple of decades since I moisturised. That explains why this

week, aged 35 I had my first ever facial. Ten minutes in and I was wondering… ‘Is this it?’ She had washed away my makeup and was proceeding to massage my nose, not a very comfortable sensation. The post facial red faces people were usually left with, it seemed were as a result of suffocation.

But as she continued to knead and massage my face I warmed up to it a little, especially when she encased me in a cosy duvet, slathered me in some sort of gel, put fruit on my eyes and left me to nap. I am also an avid napper and must say that this was one of the finest. Is this what a facial is for? As a one timer and not at

all an expert I can say that this facial was not what I expected. I always thought it would involve some uncomfortable pore squeezing. I never knew it was purely for pleasure and I’m not entirely sure that’s what I felt. My foray into beauty ends here. I will stick with fashion from now on.

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FOOD&DRINK

Get a taste of home with this new television show

The Magalhaes Family REBECCA RYAN THREE Dublin families will feature in the new series of popular TV show Tastes Like Home, starring celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio. Six incredible cities, twelve emotive families

and food from around the globe is the recipe for this year’s fourth season of the show. The series began with Chef Catherine Fulvio spending time with Rosemary Wilson from Drimnagh where they discuss how Rosemary’s daugh-

ter Una in lives in Paris. Rosemary teaches Catherine how to make her daughter Una’s favourite dish, Stout Soused Herrings. Catherine then travels to Paris in the hope of replicating Rosemary’s dish and bring a taste like Ljiljana and Dalibor Matkovic with Catherine Fulvio home to Una, her French husband Jean-Christophe and their two children and her Fig, Almond and Then on Monday Alanna and Dara. Chocolate Tea Cake - so December 2, the MatkovComing up next on the fingers crossed it ‘tastes ic family feature. Ljiljana show is The Magalhães like home’ for Sofia and and Dalibor Matkovic are Family. Sofia and hus- Tiago. from Osijek, Croatia but band Tiago Magalhães, Sofia said: “It was an now living in Clondalkin. who are Portuguese honour to be part of the In the episode, Cathbut now live in Windy programme representing erine meets Ljiljana’s Arbour in Dublin hit the our country and culture. sister-in-law in Croaspotlight on our screens We had so much fun with tia to learn how to cook on November 18. the team and Catherine. the iconic Croatian dish Catherine travels to “And the food was “Sarma” which is the Faro in Portugal to learn gorgeous! It will always taste of Croatia they from Magalhães’ friends be a beautiful memory miss the most. Cathehow to cook the iconic from our time in Ireland. rine then travels back to Portuguese dish a “Cata- Thank you!” Clondalkin in the hopes plana” which is the taste of Portugal they miss the most. The pressure is then on when Catherine travels back to Windy Arbour to cook up her A l g a r ve C a t a p l a n a Catherine Fulvio and Rosemary Wilson

Sample this festive fare THE WEATHER has that familiar nip in the air, the evenings are getting shorter, and Christmas is just around the corner. One retailer is granting all our festive fo o di e wis h e s th is season – Costa Coffee, who this week launched their limited edition Christmas menu. One of the standout items this year is the Irish

coffee flavour range, with four delectable drinks for coffee lovers to sample. The range includes Irish Coffee Flavour L at te , C app uccino, Hot Chocolate and an indulgent Irish Coffee Flavour Frostino. The new Christmas creation co m b i n e s h i nt s of caramel with vanilla, with the café giant billing

it as ‘Christmas in a Cup’. Also returning are much-loved returning fan favourites, including the Black Forest & Cream Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread and Hazelnut Praline. Launching for the first time is a limited edition Christmas Tea, a blend of Sri Lankan tea leaves and aromatic winter spice.

On the food side of things, try the new Te r r y ’ s C h o c o l a t e Orange muffin, the Black & White Forest wreath cake, the salted caramel yule log, and the Clementine & Mascarpone loaf cake. Costa Coffee’s Christmas menu is available now, with all new menu items subject to availability.

of getting the thumbs up from the Matkovics! Ljiljana said of her experience “Like a magician, Catherine brought the scents of Croatia and my home to Dublin. “I thought I was dreaming, and then with the taste and aroma of sarma, with a wonderful team that recorded everything, “I realised this is the moment when dreams come true. Priceless!” Catherine Fulvio said: “I am always surprised by the power that a childhood food memory has for some people especially those who have since moved abroad. ‘Tastes like Home’ has once again allowed me to help to try and make that connection for some of our families now living apart.” Tastes Like Home is on RTE every Monday at 7pm until December 9.

JustEat to use Seaweed sauce sachets JUST EAT will be sending out their sauces to customers in seaweed sachets. They have teamed up with Hellmann’s in a trial to cut single-use plastics. The packets are said to naturally biodegrade in six weeks. The trial in London involves 65 outlets that partner with the takeaway provider, with plans to extend to other cities. Andrew Kenny, Managing Director, Just Eat UK, said: “One of our key areas of focus is helping our 35,700 restaurant partners across the UK reduce plastic pollution. “Our first two trials of the seaweed-based sauce sachets with Notpla received excellent feedback and we were thrilled to be recognised with a highly commended at the Responsible Business Awards for this.”

Chick*n fillet row comes to a happy end A DUBLIN SANDWICH maker will be collaborating with Insomnia Coffee after a copycat row over his vegan chicken fillet roll. Sam Pearson, owner of Vegan Sandwich Co, said that the café chain’s new sandwich was similar to his own “vegan chick*n fillet roll”. The row broke out last month, when the company tweeted: “What’s better than a chicken fillet roll?.. A VEGAN chick*n fillet roll!” Many took to comment online in support of Mr Pearson, with one saying: “Very disappointing to see ye rip off [his]creation. Not good.” The café chain responded online: “Insomnia did not steal anyone’s recipe. We will adjust our packaging as our promotion goes forward.” Sam Pearson met with Insomnia Coffee Company recently revealed that he is now teaming up with them. He said: “Delighted that there’s a nice end to the story. They’ve agreed to change the name of their product and have asked if I will collaborate with them as part of their guest chef range.”

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 November 2019

GYPSIES ON THE AUTOBAHN

Picture: Anthony O’Connor

PRESSURE BOX INDIE

SLOW-BUILDING and delicately constructed, Gypsies On The Autobahn are a subtle band, performing like a mainstream pop-rock band that occasionally flits into the realms of something more musically leftfield, or far more profound and nuanced. The Dubliners have been on the go for a long time. With their band made up of brothers Dan and James Smith, together with Gary Quinn and Niall Mooney, they’ve existed as a band since the brothers were in their fourth year of secondary

 JAMES HENDICOTT

school. It’s clear there’s a certain predominance of music in the Smith household, too: their younger brother is also making waves in hip-hop, under the moniker Kojaque. There’s a lot of angst to be found in Gypsies On The Autobahn’s music, and for singer James Smith, the band act as a kind of release. Second album ‘Suspended’ came

GOINGOUTOUT Cher plays 3Arena November 1

out this summer, following on from 2017 debut ‘Born Brief’. “Things were tough, life wise, around the time of the first album” Smith recalls, “especially around the first album, really. “My dad committed suicide when I was young and I always felt like I had to be a kind of father figure. I was quite young, and it created something I needed to get over. Once that was out of my system, I had to work on myself, getting over problems myself which I’d set aside.”

NOVEMBER 14 (THURSDAY)

All Tvvins @ Whelan’s, €24 Lacuna Coil @ The Academy, €32 The Howl and The Hum @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Quaker City Night Hawks @ The Academy Green Room, €17

NOVEMBER 15 (FRIDAY)

Rex Orange County

Cher @ 3Arena, €90+ Kate Tempest @ Vicar Street, €25 Orla Gartland @ Whelan’s, sold out

“A lot of my lyrics are about me getting over my own problems. My brothers are all capable of doing it themselves now, they’re old enough. It can be scary dealing with your own stuff. “It can be tough to stand up there and deliver the lyrics that talk about it, too, but I think it’s necessary in this day and age. “I think people can gather a lot of hope from vulnrability. It can be a weight, too, I think. A lot of artists feel the need to be something of a tortured artist so that they feel like they have some-

thing proper to say.” Turmoil, clearly, is simply part of Smith - and the band’s - life so far, and so flows into their output. In fact, it’s there to such an extent that there’s regularly conflict within the band that drives their music forward. It can make life a little difficult, but also drive creativity. “I try to write after the fact, not in the middle of something,” Smith says. “I need to process something first. I don’t want to be too downtrodden, I want to have a message that’s helpful, and not too

Caroline Spence @ The Workman’s Club, €15 Jaxson @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

NOVEMBER 16 (SATURDAY)

Shura @ The Academy, €20 Thanks Brother @ Whelan’s, €18 Joseph @ The Workman’s Club, €16 The Wood Burning Savages @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 Half Alive @ The Academy Green Room, €16

negative. Rubicon, the last single, was kind of written in that moment. “The last chorus ended up being about figuring the whole thing out. “Nialls and I, we’ve always butted heads a bit,” he continues. “The other two guys are kind of a buffer. The harmony comes when we’re playing, I guess. Being in a creative space is kind of a melting pot, and eventually you just burst. Writing this record, the whole thing spilled over.” “We were lucky that the album was broken up into three different bits,

NOVEMBER 17 (SUNDAY)

Tom Russell @ Whelan’s, €25 The False and The Fair @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

NOVEMBER 18 (MONDAY)

Thutmose @ The Academy 2, €13

NOVEMBER 19 (TUESDAY)

Rex Orange County @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Kevin Neary @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €9

because of our schedules, and it brought a new energy. “We wrote the songs between sessions, and by the time we got to the end there was a different energy in the room, we’d forgiven each other. “I’m not great with tension, I don’t enjoy it, but it definitely helps creatively. There has to be some kind of pull and drag, otherwise it’s just one person’s project. That’s never what we wanted it to be.” Gypsies On the Autobahn play The Button Factory on November 15, tickets cost €15.

NOVEMBER 20 (WEDNESDAY)

Ghost @ 3Arena, €56 Sorcha Richardson @ Whelan’s, €18 Rex Orange County @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Marc O’Reilly @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15 Rozi Plain @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Hade Bird @ The Academy Green Room, €17

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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

ENTERTAINMENT

First exciting acts announced for the Trinity Summer Series next year THE FIRST NAMES announced for the Trinity Summer Series gigs in Dublin city centre have been revealed. After selling out three gigs at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre and releasing their new album “Encore” earlier this year, Ska legends The Specials will play the outdoor show at Trinity on July 4th. “Encore” is the group’s first official album release since 1980 and takes its place among the Specials strong back catalogue of work which includes the classic tracks ‘Ghost Town’, ‘Gangsters’

and ‘A Message To You Rudy’. Dingle indie four-piece Walking on Cars will play the same venue on July 3rd. It’s the band’s first gig announcement of 2020, after they were recently announced as headliners of the New Year’s Eve concert in Dublin this December 31st. This year they’ve been busy playing all over the world as well as keeping the home fires burning with massive gigs at the 3Arena and Irish Independent park in Cork.

They also released their critically acclaimed second album “Colours” this year which includes the very well received singles “Monster” and “Coldest Water”. Walking on Cars are just about to head off on another tour in a few weeks which will take them to Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, and Russia. Tickets are €59.50 (The Specials) and €49.90 (Walking on Cars). Both are on sale this Friday, November 15th from usual outlets at 9am.

The Specials, who will headline the Summer Series on July 4

ARRACHT | IRISH LANGUAGE FILM TO PREMIERE IN ESTONIA THIS MONTH

Dublin Director to debut film at prestigious European Fest RACHEL D’ARCY

A DUBLIN director’s first feature film has been selected to premiere at a prestigious film festival in Europe later this month. Tom Sullivan’s first feature film, the Irishlanguage ‘Arracht’, has been selected for the main competition at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. Sullivan, who was born in Dublin and still lives in the capital, has produced several productions over a lengthy career in the film industry. Arracht is his first fulllength feature film, set in Ireland in 1845. The film centres around Colmán Sharkey, a fisherman who takes in a stranger. Patsy, a former soldier, arrives in Connemara just ahead of the blight, a crop disease that caused the Great Plague, killing and displacing millions of Irish people. The film has now been selected to debut at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia is one of the largest

Stills from Tom Sullivan’s Arracht, which premieres this month in Estonia

film events in Northern Europe, screening over 250 feature films. The festival has an attendance of over 80,000 and hosts over 1,200 film professionals from around the world annually. Sullivan’s Arracht has been selected for inclusion in the main competition, The Grand Prix, and will have its world premiere on November 29. Tom Sullivan said: “I am honoured that our film will have its world premier in the main

competition at Tallinn. It has been a life changing experience making Arracht. From witnessing the commitment of the cast, particularly Dónall Ó Héalaí, who’s total dedication and immersion in his process inspired us all. “The crew, who were fantastic, had to battle three Atlantic storms to bring Arracht home. We are all so excited to launch the film in the beautiful city of Tallinn along with so many tal-

ented f i l m makers.” T h e film stars Dónall Ó Héalaí, Michael McElhatton and Siobhán O’Kelly, in addition to a film debut from 11 year old Saise Ní Chuinn, and was shot by Kate McCullough. Arracht is produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for

Dublin based company Macalla. The original music score for the film was written and performed by Kíla, making it a truly Irish production. Producer Cúán Mac

Conghail said: “I am incredibly proud of Tom and this film. Arracht was hard work but a joy for all of us to work on and I am delighted that it has been selected in

co m p e t i t i o n fo r t h e Grand Prix.” The Irish premiere date is to be confirmed, but Arracht is sure to be a must see when it hits our screens.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 November 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS Protecting older people from abuse What is Elder Abuse? MOST older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given time.

This week, we look at fire safety, the benefits of physical activity and protecting older people from abuse

Recommended fire safety tips for seniors

Elder abuse is defined as: ‘’A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person, or violates their human and civil rights.’’ 65 years of age is taken as the point beyond which abuse may be considered to be elder abuse. What forms can Elder Abuse take? There are several forms of abuse, any or all of which may be carried out as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance. • Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions. • Sexual abuse, including rape and sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the older adult has not consented, or could not consent, or into which he or she was compelled to consent. • Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks. • Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. • Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating. • Discriminatory abuse, including ageism, racism, sexism, that based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment. If you are experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined, then you may need to speak with your GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

WITH winter well on its way, older people are now using various methods of heating to keep warm. Fire in the home is very dangerous. It destroys furniture, appliances and paintwork.

But most worryingly of all, fire could harm you or your loved ones through smoke inhalation, burns or even death. Prevention Remember most domes-

tic fires start in the living room, bedroom and kitchen at night while we are sleeping. Open fires Always place a proper fitting spark guard and fire

guard in front of an open fire. Never place anything to dry on the fireguard or sparkguard. Always place the spark guard and fire guard in front of the fireplace when you are going to bed. Portable heaters Always be careful when using portable heaters. Position them away from furniture, curtains and flammable items. Ensure they are plugged out before leaving the house or going to bed. Candles Never leave lit candles unattended and keep them in proper holders. Blow out candles fully before you leave the house or before you go to bed. Smoking Never smoke if you are tired, especially when in bed, or relaxing in a chair. Medication and alcohol can make you drowsy and smoking is a real fire risk when you are tired. Never leave your mobile phone charger plugged in at night or when you leave the house.

Electric blanket Get your electric blanket checked regularly for wear and damage, such as frayed flex, scorch marks, loose connections, etc Always turn off and unplug your electric blanket before going to sleep, or going out. In the kitchen Keep cookers clean – grease is a fire risk. Check the cooker is switched off properly before going to bed and avoid using open chip pans - they are a major fire risk. Electrical appliances Never overload sockets, as this is a major fire risk. Smoke alarms Install smoke alarms and test them regularly. Check the smoke alarms often by pressing the test button and replace batteries when they are not working. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm can be fitted in every room except the kitchen. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 for the fire brigade, an ambulance, or the gardai.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BENEFITS FOR OLDER ADULTS AS we get older we need to ensure we keep ourselves physically active. Taking up a programme of regular physical activity is one of the most important steps older adults can take to keep ourselves healthy and maintain our quality of life. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous. The level best suited for older people is described as ‘moderate intensity’, practiced for at least 30 minutes on five or more days of every week. This should bring a little sweat to your brow and cause your heart to beat a little faster and your lungs to breathe deeper and faster, but not out of breath. Activities could range from stretching, working in the garden or washing the car, to lifting weights or cans or even employing yoga and Tai chi. A combination of these could help improve strength, balance, flexibility and aerobic fitness.

Health benefits Even a moderate amount of physical activity can bring significant health benefits, including: • Improved blood pressure. • Decreased risk of coronary artery disease. • Improved cholesterol levels. • Decreased risk of diabetes. • Helping the body use sugar more efficiently. • Decreased bone-density loss in postmenopausal women. • Decreased hip and vertebral fractures. • Improved quality of sleep. • Improved mental function and short-term memory. • Decreased rate of depression. • Decreased risk of obesity. • Helping maintain muscle and physical functioning. Remember, modest increases in how long you live are possible even if you don’t begin exercising until 75 years of age. Thus any activity for older people is better than none.

14 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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14 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAELIC GAMES P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

FINGAL FLYERS: SOCCER: LUSK Community College’s

Mark Hanratty and Gaelcholaiste Reachrann’s Adam Verdon both tasted interprovincial success as Leinster won three out of three at the FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ competition at the AUL Complex last weekend. It went down to a Sunday winner take all clash with reigning champions Connacht



GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

PAGE 29

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | CONNACHT BEATEN AS TREVISO NEXT ON THE AGENDA

Leinster in rude health for Europe  sport@dublingazette.com

RONAN Kelleher and Andrew Porter scored two tries apiece as Leinster continued their perfect start to the Pro 14 season with a resounding 42-11 win over provincial rivals Connacht in Galway. Ross Byrne scored 17 points, including a try and six conversions, while James Lowe added the sixth try with an interception late on as the Blues remain nine points clear at the top of Conference A. Leo Cullen’s side kick off their Champions Cup campaign with the visit of Benetton Treviso to the RDS on Saturday afternoon and will do so on the back of a 100% record. Leinster had the try bonus point wrapped up inside half an hour as front row pairing Kelleher and Porter each crashed over the line twice. Byrne added the fifth shortly after and, though Stephen Fitzgerald crossed the whitewash for Connacht

early in the second half, Lowe ran the length of the field to cap things. It has Cullen in upbeat form for the European challenge on the horizon. “When Europe comes around, there’s always a little bit of excitement because it’s such a big tournament for us as a club,” Cullen said. “It starts all over again now this year. New teams all the time, new challenges all the time. For us now we’re just trying to get back to winning ways. It’s going to be a tough start for us this year against Treviso. It’s going to be a great challenge again. “We’ve struggled against Treviso over the last couple of seasons. We’ve already played them in the PRO14 in Round One and we had a very tight win over there. “It was quite a scrappy game. There were actually a good few tries scored but a lot of errors from both teams. [It will be] a totally different challenge in Europe, a different competition. It’s been a while since we played Treviso in

Leinster coach Leo Cullen. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Europe. Our guys are looking forward to getting going.” Sexton echoed his head coach when speaking about the significance the Champions Cup holds for the province. “It’s an unbelievably special competition, one that we’ve been lucky to have some success in over the years,” Sexton said. “We’re trying to add to

that now.” “Northampton are up at the top of their league, Lyon are up at the top of their league. We know the threat that Treviso will pose. They’ve come to the RDS the last two years and they’ve come away with a win and a draw. We’ve got to be ready to go to battle with these teams.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 14 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

SOCCER: THREE WINS FROM THREE LANDS INTERPRO CROWN

CASTLEKNOCK NOV.4 – CONGRATS to Aoife Whelan on becoming the first Castleknock player to be called up to Dublin Senior Camogie training. A proud moment. Nov.5 – Terrific win for Castleknock ‘B’ Camogie team beating St. Brigid’s 3-11 0-7 in the Div.3 Championship Final in Abbotstown. The victory completes a remarkable treble of League, Cup and now Championship success. Amazingly the team remained unbeaten throughout 2019, 19 wins in 19 matches, in itself a huge achievement. Nov.7 – At long last we have a Jackpot Winner. Congrats to Kevin Race who wins €8,800. Next week’s Jackpot will be €2,000. Thirteen Match 3 Winners each get €25 – Seamus Cullen, Frank Curley, Richard Dixon, Sandra Fetherston, Mary Garvey, Cathy Hennessey, Mark Keane, Stephen Kelly, Denis Lally, Camilla Molloy, Kevin O’Shaughnessy, Deidre Stokes and Daniel McCormack. The Lucky Dip €30 goes to Tom Conneely. Nov.8 – Good luck to Castleknock players and CCC TY students Eva Coughlan, Caoimhe Sawyer, Molly McCarthy, Sean Óg Mac Seoin and Finn McKay who are currently fundraising to build a school in Kenya. All support welcome. Nov.9 – No joy for the U-16 hurlers in the ‘B’ Hurling Final going down by 0-6 2-13 to OPER having been well in it until half-time however great to get that far and congrats to Plunkett’s. Nov.10 – Wonderful win for Castleknock in the AFL9 Promotion Play-off beating Clann Mhuire 2-14 1-15 in a marvellous game in the Naul. Lennon Bracken 1-6 Shane Carolan 1-5. Congrats to all the players and management involved. A terrific Camogie Minor Div.1 game ends with Castleknock losing by the slimmest of margins to Kilmacud 1-11 0-15. Upcoming: The Nursery was cancelled last weekend due to Tír na nÓg being declared off limits by Fingal County Council but the good news is that the Nursery moves indoors from next Saturday Nov16.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN GREAT weekend for our underage section with both boys and girls teams winning at home in Westmanstown. The U15 girls were first up on a cold and windy Saturday when they took on Naomh Olaf in their Division 2 Championship Shield final. Superbly led by Zeta Hemyrick they had 15 points to spare over their south city rivals on a score of 4-14 to 2-05. On Sunday morning in more benign conditions it was U15 boys turn when they took on Kilmacud Crokes in a league tie knowing that a win would guarantee them the title with a game to spare. It was nip and tuck for the first half with the home side leading by a point at half time but in the second half they really

showed their class and ran out convincing winners by 4-14 to 1-08-well done to both squads,their mentors and parents on a very successful season. Two important dates coming up with the Club AGM on Monday November 25th at 8.00. PM in Westmanstown and the Club Dinner and awards night on Saturday December 7th also in Westmanstown.Tickets for the dinner from Janet Mitten or any of her organising committe or online at- https://payments.gardawestmanstowngaels.com/ We welcome new players for all teams both adult and juvenile to Westmanstown for next season-contact PRO Eugene O Sullivan at eugosullivan@eircom.net or any committe member.

Leinster’s Under-18 schoolboy team celebrate their interprovincial success

Hanratty and Verdon play key role in Leinster glory BOY U-18 INTERPROS  JOHN HUDSON

sport@dublingazette.com

LUSK Community College’s Mark Hanratty and Gaelcholaiste Reachrann’s Adam Verdon both tasted interprovincial success as Leinster won three out of three at the FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ competition at the AUL Complex last weekend. Sunday’s winner take all clash with reigning champions Connacht, who had also come into the final game with a perfect record, went the way of Ian Ryan’s charges on a really entertaining 2-1 score-line.

An early goal from Kyle Robinson set Leinster well on their way to a fourth success in six years and, when Adam Lennon doubled their advantage in the opening minutes of the second half, it looked like they would go on to a comfortable win. H o w e v e r, C i l l i a n Heaney replied for Connacht on the hour mark, managing to give the westerners hope of staging a dramatic come-back and despite a couple of close calls they agonisingly failed to get back on terms. But the Leinster side weathered the storm and, with some brilliant

passing football, regained control and saw out the remainder of the game in fine style. Head Coach Ryan had guided his side to comfortable wins in their opening two fixtures on the previous two days. Munster were their first victims on Friday evening when goals from Robinson, Joe Power and Lennong saw them get off to the perfect start. Destiny Okonkwo equalised 15 minutes after the break, levelling the game at 1-1 but Leinster proved the classier outfit and hit two more to clinch the points. Ben Molloy’s second

half goal gave Connacht a narrow 1-0 win over Ulster despite in a solid display from both sides. Tactically the Connacht side saw off the opposition when they gained the momentum with Molloy’s conversion. Leinster continued their fine form on Saturday and had little trouble hitting five goals without reply past Ulster in a wind swept Clonshaugh. Verdon’s first half penalty had them in front early on and Precious Omochere doubled the lead by the break with some splendid displays in the offing. They followed up with three more in the second half from Lennon, Jack

Reynolds and Kyle Robinson to seal the stellar win. In their second outing, Connacht’s Charlie Concannon hit a stunning hattrick as the holders got the better of Munster who had led 2-1 early in the second half with a brace from Rob Geaney O’Brien. The stunning victory set up a final day showdown with Leinster which kept Connacht well on track to regain the title heading into the final series of games. Nevertheless, the Leinster lads had the upper hand in proceedings to draw a tense but engaging conclusion to the 2019 series.

Baldoyle take on Fair City

Fans of Carrigstown Crusaders will be in full voice for their rematch with Baldoyle

FAIR City’s Carrigstown Crusaders have been challenged to a real match by Baldoyle United following on from what was a fictional final between the two teams on RTÉ One’s Fair City last September. Devastated at having lost on penalties, Damien and Wayne argued the Crusaders loss was as a result of the Baldoyle goalie being off his line. Having none of it, Baldoyle United took to Twitter to demand a retraction but after much back and forth a re-match has been set. On Saturday, November 23 at 2pm on the grounds of Baldoyle United FC on Brookstone

Rd, the Carrigstown Crusaders, no longer a fictional five, will kit out in gear generously sponsored by Chill Insurance, taking on Baldoyle to settle this once and for all. Making up the team are Carrigstown favourites, George McMahon (Mondo), Maclean Burke (Damien), Ryan Andrews (Sean), Johnny Ward (Ciaran), Sorcha Furlong (Orla) Rachel Pilkington (Jane) and plenty more. This is a ticketed event, and all proceeds from the match will go towards St. Michael’s House and the club. It is advised that fans travelling to Baldoyle carpool or use public transport.

14 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: BLANCH CLUB MOVE INTO A SHARE OF TOP SPOT WITH THIRD WIN TO DATE

Captain Hilliard leads the way for four-star Verona’s U-16s DDSL U-16 PREMIER 2 Verona 4 Ballyfermot United 2  sport@dublingazette.com

VERONA’S Under-16 Premier 2 side won a six-goal cracker over Ballyfermot United to land their third win of the campaign. Parish field survived the midweek downpour to host an excellent performance from the Blanch side itching to play following their hugely successful trip to Fleetwood Town. The hosts were on the front foot from kick off and should have taken an early lead only for a very good save from an Emmanuel Osas shot. The constant Verona pressure paid off when Conor Duke volleyed in from close range and, soon after, the advantage was doubled when Keith Obaseki drove home an excellent strike from a tight angle.

With a two goal cushion, it was time for some champagne football with Eric Martin pulling the strings in front of a confident centre half pairing of Ross Mullen and Conor O’Reilly. Some Alex Pop wizardry could have resulted in two penalties only for the referee to wave them away but it was third time lucky when he was pulled down inside the box on the half hour mark. The resultant spot kick was calmly dispatched by captain Ben Hilliard, giving the keeper no chance. Just before the half time whistle, the highlight of the game came when man of the match Hilliard, fresh from his penalty strike, opened his body and curled a beautiful left foot drive into the top corner from outside the box. The four-goal lead was richly deserved at the end of the half. The second period saw Ballyfermot come back into the contest

and never let their heads drop. The home side continued to push for more goals, though, and came close when the excellent Samuel Bumbu tested the keeper from distance and Conor Duke saw his free kick come back off the woodwork. Daniel Hardy also went close late on with a fine strike from distance and Hilliard nearly completed his hat-trick with a deft chip only for the crossbar to steal his thunder. The visitors had the consolation of two penalties near the end, dispatching them both with ease. Nonetheless, the victory continues Verona’s strong run of form, backing up their wins over Wayside Celtic (4-2) and Cabinteely (6-0). It has them level at the head of the table on nine points with St Kevin’s Boys and Cherry Orchard, albeit with a couple of extra games played.

Line-out time at Ashbrook

Coolmine land third victory UNDER-15 RUGBY  sport@dublingazette.com

COOL MINE’S Under15s produced a superb performance in the ir league qualifying match as they got the better of Ashbourne 34-7. It was Coolmine’s third win from four outings in the School/Youth Premier Qualifier A section, adding to a narrow 10-8 win over Malahide and

a 29-5 success against Lansdowne. A crisp autumn morning provided perfect playing conditions and the Ashbrook side started well, but were off the pace compared to their opponents who scored a try after the first 10 minutes. Following an excellently taken conversion the game was at 7-0 to the Meath side. Coolm-

ine soon responded and after some great forwards play scored a try, but narrowly missed a difficult conversion to leave the game at 7-5 at the end of the first half. T h e s e c o n d h a l f, however, was a marked difference in terms of momentum with a welltaken try by Coolmine which included forwards and backs combining, setting the tone.

This was soon improved upon as the scrum proved dominant, creating the set piece for the backs to score off some excellent passing and direct running. Ashbourne never let up and continued to defend their lines right up to full time but the Dublin 15 side were in position to reel off a series of tries as time wore on.

Verona captain Ben Hilliard

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 14 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

SKERRIES HARPS CONGRATULATIONS to our Minor Ladies Football team on winning their Championship final against near neighbours St Maurs played in tough conditions on Sat 9th. Well done to the team and mentors. Hard luck to our Junior Footballers who lost out in the Junior 5 All County Championship final to Ballyboden yesterday Sun 10th. Upcoming Fixtures: SAT 16 Nov : U16 A Championship Semi Final vs Kilmacud Crokes AWAY 2.30pm; SUN 17 Nov: Minor Camogie vs Naomh Brid Home 10.30am ZINGO RESULT Sun 10th Nov: Zingo result 7-2-5-4-1-3-6; No winners of Jackpot or Dividend. Next draw Sunday 17th Nov, Jackpot will be a fantastic €7600, Dividend €300.Envelopes still €2 or 3 for a fiver. Thanks to all who support the Zingo every week. Play online www.skerriesharps.ie/zingo. Academy continues Sat 16th Nov 10-11.30am. Club shop open during academy for Christmas orders. Additional shop opening hours : Wed 20 Nov: 7.30-8.30pm; Cut off date for Christmas orders Sat 23 Nov. Upcoming Diary Dates: Thurs 28 Nov - Club AGM takes place 8.30pm sharp at the Clubhouse. All members encouraged to attend. Nominations for club positions welcomed - as per official notification issued, nomination forms to be returned to the club secretary via email (secretary.skerriesharps.dublin@gaa.ie) or by post to the Clubhouse. Sat 30 Nov - Juvenile Presentation evening held at the Community Centre , followed by Members appreciation night from 8.30pm in the Clubhouse. As the season comes to a close for many teams and the weather continues to be unpredictable a reminder to all to monitor updates to training slots and pitch availability throughout the day. Teams with remaining “competitive” fixtures only are to continue training as per slots allocated on the main pitch.

ST FINIAN’S WE HAVE loads of Club events coming up, starting with the Club AGM which takes place on Thursday 14th November at 8.30pm. Looking forward to seeing a great turnout this year. We have a lot to report on, including the subcommittee reports and the Club Development Plan. Following on we then have “THE KUBE”, our Club’s annual fundraiser which takes place on Friday 22nd November at City North Hotel & Conference Centre. We are expecting a great turnout and a funfilled night. Last year’s event was a huge success and we hope for no less from this year! Buses will ferry our members to and from the event, leaving from Peacock’s car park. Tickets for the event are available on our website or from the Clubhouse. A big thank you to our main sponsor of the event and neighbour Progressive Credit Union. As the season has drawn to an end, we have our “End of Season Night” for all Members, Parents, Players, Managers and Mentors. This will take place in Peacock’s Saturday November 30th and we hope that everyone turns up, its always a great night and of course, includes the “Player Awards”. As always, we are looking forward to our new upcoming season, read on for a quick recap on how the Club finished up last season. Let’s start with our LGFA / Camogie Section. Our U15 Camogie Team were Division 3 winners against Naomh Mearnog. Lorna Cronin took the player of the match award What a huge achievement for the Club. Well done girls.

Our U16’s almalgamated team St. Finians/St Mearnogs won Division 2 in Portmarnock with Ellie Kane receiving player of the match. Well done girls. Our Adult Camogie Team suffered an agonising one point defeat in their Championship semi-final game away to Naomh Brid. This was a particularly difficult defeat to take, considering the excellent team performance by St Finian’s which saw them leading on the scoreboard for the majority of the match. Unfortunately with time running out, luck began to favour the opposition allowing them to take the lead for the first time just prior to the final whistle.(1-10 to 3-3). Whatever about the result this was a performance which all the players involved can feel justifiably proud. Everyone showed great resolve and commitment, with no shortage of natural talent and skill. This wasn’t to be their day but knowing the character which this team possesses, they will regroup and bounce back and future success will surely follow. Tough times don’t last tough people do. Our U13 girls had huge success from both our Camogie and Football Teams. The girls got all the way through to the Shield Semi Final in Camogie and the Championship Semi Final in Football against Templeogue Synge Street. This is a huge achievement and we will be watching these girls with interest in the next Season. There will be no stopping them.

CAMOGIE: AMBITIOUS PLAN FOR 2020 IN PLACE

Treacy’s Braine’s trust  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN Camogie have already set the ground running for 2020 with the appointment of John Treacy and Willie Braine as joint senior managers for the coming year. Braine will also take on the role of Skills Coach, with Tadhg Doran (Bray Emmets) on Match day Statistics; Laura McCague as Physio; Shane Nicoletti (Naomh Jude) working on Athletic Development Coach and Strength/conditioning and Lorraine Greene (Cuala) theFemale Liaison Officer, Facilities and communications; also involved in the back-room set-up. Treacy is delighted to be back involved with the senior camogie management. “I’m more than thrilled, it’s a huge honour,” he told the Dublin Gazette. “I worked with the girls three or four years ago, working with then manager Shane O’Brien. What I found was that the difference between the men and the girls, was that there is much more commitment with the girls. “The guys just like the game and sport, but the girls are totally committed to it. They will give up an awful lot to follow their passion which is camogie. “I respect that hugely, and for myself and Willie to

Cuala men Willie Braine and John Treacy will head up the Dublin camogie management team. Picture: ilivephotos.com

be asked to run it is a huge honour.” Treacy says that they will be taking a different approach to management, and empowering and listening to the players throughout the process. “The way we are going to run it is different. Dublin Camogie Board have been exceptionally good this year. I look across the ditch and see the men’s footballers getting five-ina-row, and the ladies winning three-in-a-row; then I look at the hurlers and the camogie, and see we are far off it still, and what can I do to try and help get us up to where we should be. “The County Board

STAR ATTRACTION Aherne, Owens and Shiel shine at Syl’s gala ball ALL-IRELAND winners Sinead Aherne and Nicole Owens and Dublin senior footballer Michael Shiel were among the guests of honour at St Sylvester’s gala Dream Big for Club and County ball last Saturday at the Grand Hotel in Malahide. They were pictured with the Brendan Martin Cup won by the Dublin ladies footballers for the third year in-a-row. Picture: gaapics.com

have taken a hugely professional approach for the next year, block-booking [the indoor sports arena] in Abbotstown. We have that Wednesdays, Fridays and on Sunday mornings. “We’ll probably play our league matches in IT Blanchardstown which is a fabulous facility. “What they have done is provided the same professionalism that is there for the ladies football, hurling and football, which is a tremendous asset.” Treacy says no stone has been left unturned in ensuring the best talent is given a chance to be part of the squad for 2020. “The County Board

have sent out scouts to look at all of the senior and intermediate championship games, and will also be looking at the minor championship games to find players that can get into a Dublin panel. “We had a really good meeting, with about 40 of the 60 players, and had a very good session with them, and really the message we are giving to them is ‘this is professional now, this is a professional approach, and the training is going to be excellent,.” Dublin’s fixtures for 2020 get underway with a Division 1 home league game against Galway before facing Tipperary.

14 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

CAMOGIE: SOMERTON SIDE LAND 19TH SUCCESSIVE VICTORY IN 2019

Knock’s perfect season

Boughal bow out of Leinster quarters

Castleknock celebrate their perfect season. Picture: We Are Dublin

WE ARE DUBLIN JUNIOR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Castleknock 3-11 St Brigid’s 0-7  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK ensured a 2019 to remember, as they delivered a treble of league, cup and championship successes, culminating in a Division 3 Championship win, thanks to a 14-point win over neighbours St Brigid’s at Sports Campus Ireland in Abbotstown. The victory completed an incredible 19-game unbeaten run, with the key to this championship win coming in the opening 20 minutes, after which they led by 1-7 to 0-1. Eimear Stynes opened the scoring after three minutes and, from then until the finish, Castleknock weren’t to trail in this contest, with Stephen Rafferty and Fergal Quinn’s charges impressive. A fourth minute goal from Aisling O’Neill was the only time Castleknock found the net in the opening half. Following a trio of O’Neill points and scores from Sophie Browne, Kerrie Redmond – along with a further point each from Stynes and O’Neill – Castleknock moved 1-9 to 0-3 ahead at the break. Brigid’s kept in touch with points from Mia Murray, Carla Galvin and

Sarah Nyhan; and the Russell Park outfit dug in further on the restart. A somewhat sluggish Knock start to the second-half saw Ebha Mooney bring off two great saves before the score that effectively decided the game when a Mollie Turner free was whipped to the Brigid’s net by Eimear Stynes. Sophie Browne who was majestic in defence then tagged on two fine longdistance points from frees before Mollie Turner’s dropping shot went all the way to the Brigid’s net. An improved second-half perfor-

mance from the Russell Park side produced four Murray points, but it was never likely to be enough against a tenacious and well-organised Castleknock defence. What made this win all the more notable is the fact that this team has now gone from January to November unbeaten – a remarkable achievement at any level. Knock captain Dearbhla Lennon received the Division 3 Championship Cup from Brendan Cooper of the Dublin Camogie County Board after the game. Despite the loss, St Brigid’s midfield-

er Amy Quinn picked up the Player of the Match award after the game. This final was the first of three camogie finals in the past week for Brigid’s. On Saturday, the Under-16 team claimed Division 2 Shield honours with a 4-3 to 2-6 win over Fingallians. There was disappointment for the Under-13s who lost the Division 3 decider by 4-5 to 1-3 to St Anne’s on Sunday in Bohernabreena, while the Minor B side lost their Division 4 Group 2 game by 2-10 to 1-2 against Lucan Sarsfields ‘B’

Skerries Harps’ all-county hopes undone by Crokes JUNIOR 1 ALL-COUNTY FINAL Kilmacud Crokes 2-11 Skerries Harps 0-11  sport@dublingazette.com

K I L M AC U D C ro ke s proved too strong for Skerries Harps in a tight final in the Naul on Sunday to deny them the junior 1 all-county football championship title. Goals win games and two for Crokes proved to be the difference between the sides. Crokes had the advantage of a stiff breeze in the opening half and, for the first 10 minutes, the team wearing purple and gold had Skerries under pressure. They opened up a four-point lead which they never surrendered. Stronger at midfield and

sharper in attack, Crokes could have been out of sight but for some wayward shooting. Harps gradually worked their way back into the game and points from Rob Delaney (2) and Sam Jones left Skerries only one down - 0-4 to 0-3 after 20 minutes. A Skerries defender’s lost footing saw the slip punished by Crokes in 25th minute when they got the game’s first goal. Harps came back strongly to offset the goal by scoring three points to leave just two between the sides at the break, 1-5 to 0-6. Kilmacud had pushed their lead to three points by the 45th minute, but Harps replied with points from sub Finn Chatten and corner back Shane

The Skerries Harps side that contested the Junior 1 All-County final

Dowling to leave it 1-8 to 0-10. T h e c r u c i a l s c o re came with five minutes remaining; a long delivery into the Skerries goal

was met by the Crokes full forward who rose highest and punched to the net to end Harps hopes of an upset. Crokes were the

FOOTBALL

sharper side on the day while Skerries were too laboured and slow in their build up and never looked like finding the net.

They were best served by their half back line of Geraghty, O’Brien and Jones, while Lacey and Coyne tried hard in attack.

THE PROVINCIAL dreams of Ballyboughal and Craobh Chiaráin were ended on Saturday in their respective Leinster football championships. Ballyboughal made a nightmare start from which they never fully recovered in their Leinster IFC quarter-final against Kilkenny’s senior champions, Mullinavat, in Thomastown. The Kilkenny side opened up a 3-6 to 0-1 inside just over 20 minutes and, by the break, having played with the wind, held a very commanding 3-7 to 0-3 advantage. Boughal had also lost team captain Ritchie Downey to injury after just ten minutes. Two minutes into the second half, Matthew Farrell grabbed a goal back for Ballyboughal and, as the half wore on, they made major inroads into Mullinavat’s lead. Gerry Seaver kicked seven points, play and frees, while Ciarán Wynne, Timmy O’Sullivan and Ben Callinan also contributed to the scoring tally. In the final minutes Keith Lynch hit Boughal’s second goal but they ran out of time as the Kilkenny side progressed, 3-11 to 2-11. Craobh Chiaráin were also slow starters and paid they price as they lost out to Wexford’s Rathgarogue-Cushinstown, 0-11 to 0-6, in their Leinster JFC quarterfinal in Kennedy Park, New Ross.

Gazette SPORT NOVEMBER 14-20, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

PERFECT SEASON

CAMOGIE: Sixteen

wins from sixteen for Castleknock ends with championship glory, crowning an incredible 2019 season. SEE P31

BRAINE’S TRUST

CAMOGIE: New

Dublin management team set up ambitious plans in place for the 2020 season. SEE P30

INTERPRO CHAMPIONS SOCCER: Fingal lads help propel Leinster to the schoolboys interprovincial title with a brilliant run of three wins in quick succession. SEE P28

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Irish football pay tribute to legendary DDSL chief  sport@dublingazette.com

CLUBS from around Fingal and beyond have been among those to pay tribute to Fran Ray, the Dublin and District Schoolboy League’s Honorary Life President. Verona hailed Ray “a true legend of a man who gave everything to schoolboy football” while the likes of St Mochta’s, Castleknock Celtic, Glebe North and many other clubs were among those to hail his work on behalf of Europe’s biggest schoolboy league. Castleknock added: “He served the DDSL for decades and helped us all at different times, always seeing a way forward and a solution for any problems. We will miss him greatly. from all his friends at Castleknock Celtic. “We will observe a minute’s silence at all our schoolboys/girls games this weekend.” The DDSL themselves said: “It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the sad passing of Fran Ray, our former Honorary Secretary and current Life Honorary President of the DDSL. Fran had been ill for the past number of years and succumbed to his illness at 1.55pm on Tuesday, with his loving family by his side. “We offer our deepest condolences to Fran’s wife Sandra, his son Alan and daughter Lindsay and to all his immediate family members, from all in the DDSL and the wider schoolboy family.” Ray’s service to football in Ireland spans many

Fran Ray with the 2018 DDSL Kennedy Cup winning side. Picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

“His love of the beautiful game and his

determination to grow football were clear. His work was always carried out in great spirit“ decades with his focus primarily on the development and growth of the underage game. FAI General Manager Noel Mooney said: “We all knew Fran as the key person in growth of the Dublin and District Schoolboy League, which went on to become the biggest schoolboy league in Europe. “His love of the beautiful game and his determination to grow football

were clear. His work was always carried out in great spirit and with his sharp wit evident for all to see. “He played a significant role also in the growth of football across our country through his many years representing the DDSL on a national level through the SFAI. “Fran had been ill for some time and unfortunately today he left us, surrounded by his loving family. May he rest in peace.”

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Robbie Keane added: “I have have known Fran since I was a kid and he was such a great part of the DDSL for so many years. He was always a great friend of football and he was a true gentleman. “He will be a big loss to Irish football”, said Keane. Ireland Manager Mick McCarthy said: “I met Fran many times over the years, and I’ve always known of

his great commitment to schoolboy football, not just in Dublin, but in Ireland.” The FAI would like to offer our deepest condolences to Fran’s wife Sandra, his son Alan and daughter Lindsay, to all his immediate family members and to the Dublin and District Schoolboy League. Speaking this afternoon, current SFAI Chairman John Earley said: “We are all deeply saddened

to hear of the passing of Fran, he was a legend of the schoolboy game and he will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.” He continued: “His love of the schoolboy game in this country was obvious, his passion for the SFAI Kennedy Cup every year was clear, and his way with people, amongst all else, was what made him the giant of the game that he was.”