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Music school in shock as teacher prosecuted Malahide facility not informed man was facing courts for harassing teen

 SYLVIA POWNALL MALAHIDE School of Music (MSM) has expressed its “shock” at not being informed that one of its teachers was being prosecuted for harassing a teenage student.

Sean Creed, 39, of Seapark, Malahide, was last week convicted after admitting in 2015 that he sent threatening letters and texts to a female pupil at MSM over a 16-month period.

However, Creed remained

at the school as a selfemployed music teacher while the court case was ongoing, and was only removed on November 1 – the day it ended.

A spokesperson for the school told The Gazette they

were unaware of it until that date, adding: “We are shocked that, given the gravity of the allegations against Mr Creed, we were not informed that there was an investigation in progress.”

Continued on Page 6

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

FIGURES | FCC PAID OUT €7M OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS

Compensation claims cost council millions  SYLVIA POWNALL

COMPENSATION claims have cost Fingal County Council €7 million over the past five years, new figures show.

Payments paid to the public rose by one third in that time – and in all the four Dublin local authorities forked out €60 million from their coffers in compo.

More than half the m o n e y cl a i m e d w a s against Dublin City Council (at more than €34 million), while South Dublin County Council (SDCC) had the lowest compensation bill, at just under €4.8 million.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown council had the second-highest level of payment for personal injury and damage to

property, at €13 million.

The majority of payouts in Fingal related to trips and falls on footpaths, which cost the council more than €3 million over the five years from 2011 to 2015.

Claims against the council fluctuated over the five-year period, with 2013 seeing the largest pay outs, amounting to €1.67 million.

After a significant drop in 2014, when €826,300 was paid out, costs rose again last year, almost doubling to €1.6 million.

SDCC was the only one of the four local authorities in the capital which saw a reduction in claims costs last year, with the council paying €518,000, down from €1.5 million in 2014.

In Dublin city, the

Most of the council’s payouts related to trips and falls on footpaths, costing more than €3m fdrom 2011 to 2015

majority of claims related to injuries sustained on council property, mostly caused by trips and falls, with broken limbs, facial injuries, shoulder and back injuries among the

most common.

Its highest costs over the five years were in 2012 when it made payments of just over €1.8 million. The claims generally related to trips and

falls, road traffic incidents, as well as damage to property, the council said.

T he level of compensation paid by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council increased by almost 80% between 2011 and 2015, with payments rising from €2 million to €3.58 million.

The figures come as the debate over car crash pay outs continues with some claiming motor insurance settlements are too high and are driving up premium costs.

A recent survey by AIG Insurance found 78% of respondents believe whiplash awards of €15,000 are too much, with suggested alternatives averaging just €3,631.

FASTNews

Minister for Education Richard Bruton has also confirmed that additional school places will continue to be supplied

Two new secondary schools in the pipeline for Fingal for 2017/18 TWO new secondary schools are in the pipeline in Fingal – one catering for Portmarnock and Malahide and the other in Swords.

The Swords school will fall under the patronage of the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board.

Educate Together – which opened nine new primary schools nationwide this year – will take responsibility for the Malahide school.

The schools are due to come on stream in 2017 and 2018, and the news was welcomed by Senator Dr James Reilly.

He said: “Minister Bruton has confirmed that additional school places will also continue to be provided by extending existing provision, as included in the six-year programme of capital investment in schools 2016-2021.

“A good example is the recent announcement of an extension for the post-primary school in Lusk.

All in all, this is really good news for the future of education in Fingal.

“It is vital that we continue to provide the best of education facilities for our young people.

“Here in Fingal we have an extremely talented young population, as clearly demonstrated by recent achievements in the Young Scientist Exhibition, for example.

“These young people need to be encouraged in their achievements and they deserve the very best educational facilities we can provide,” he said.

Submissions sought on Stage 3 development plan

Frankie paws-uits crime IT WAS case closed – or rather, case open – for Frankie, the crime-busting canine at Dublin Airport, when he sniffed out something suspicious: a case full of 28,000 Kent-branded cigarettes with a retail value in excess of €15,000, representing a potential loss of more than €9,000 in taxes to the Government.

A 24-year-old Moldovan woman was arrested following the detector dog’s snooping, with the seizure of cigarettes made when officers stopped and searched two passengers who had arrived on a flight from Frankfurt.

Revenue officers are asking anyone who knows someone who is evading tax or involved in smuggling to report it by calling the Confidential Freephone number at 1800 295 295. In the meantime, Frankie – who doesn’t smoke – is fit as a fiddle and ready to continue looking out for illicit goods at the airport.

FINGAL County Council is inviting submissions on Stage 3 of its development plan 2017-2023.

Public submissions on proposed material alterations are invited on or before the deadline of December 2.

The proposed amendment of the draft Fingal Development Plan is currently on

display at the council offices, public libraries and online.

Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) is urging all interested parties to make sure they have their say. Submissions or observations received will be taken into consideration.

Email submissions can be sent to: devplanstage3@fingal.ie

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE | DUBLINER LIVIN’ THE DREAM WITH HIS MUSIC IDOLS Richie Malone onstage playing classic Quo hits at the 3Arena and (right) rockin’ out with the one and only Francis Rossi

Rockin’ all over with

 SYLVIA POWNALL GUITARIST Richie Malone is living out his childhood dream after being drafted in as his idol Rick Parfitt’s replacement on Status Quo’s farewell tour.

R ichie (30) from Firhouse is

still reeling after playing the 3Arena in Dublin with his heroes and is now gearing up for a month on the road with the veteran rockers. Former RAID frontman Richie is 16 gigs in now, but he said he’s still coming up for air after replacing Rick – who was forced to quit the tour for health reasons.

He told The Gazette: “It’s been crazy! They were the main reason I got into playing guitar in the first place, so to think I’m up on stage with them is just unbelievable.”

Richie says Rick inspired him to first pick up a guitar as a youngster, and over the years

he has built up a good friendship with the 68-yearold rocker.

R ichie s ays ner ves almost got the better of him when he took to the stage at the 3Arena – particularly as he had to open the show with ‘Caroline’, and had another big solo with ‘Whatever You Want’.

However, an endorsement from his idol gave him the confidence to keep going.

He’s hoping that despite its billing as The Last Night At The Electrics Tour, this

won’t be his last chance to play with Status Quo. “I never imagined it, it’s like a dream. This is supposed to be their big farewell, but I hope it’s not because it’s going so well.

Who knows what the future holds?”

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 November 2016

COMMUNITY | CLUB OVERCOMES MINDLESS HALLOWE’EN NIGHT VANDALISM

Rush GAA club volunteers brush off pitch damage  SYLVIA POWNALL

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RUSH Athletic GAA Club has thanked local volunteers and Fingal County Council for helping to salvage a pitch which was left unplayable thanks to vandalism.

The club’s main grounds were all but destroyed by a joyrider who ploughed deep tracks into it by driving around in circles on Hallowe’en night.

But thanks to a handful of local volunteers and early intervention from council caretaker Andrew Plant, the pitch was returned to an acceptable condition in time for the league match at the weekend.

Club chairman Adrian

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‘[The pitch damage] was like a punch in the guts. I was absolutely disgusted – it was heartbreaking to see it.’

Adrian Kelly, club chairman

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Kelly told The Gazette: “I got a phone call at 1.45 in the morning because one of our members actually saw this happening.

“The car was doing ‘donuts’ and figures of eight all over the pitch.

Some of the volunteers who turned to yard brushes to cleverly repair pitch damage caused by a joyrider

Luckily, teens who had been at the bonfire chased him off, or the damage could have been worse.”

The matter has been

reported to gardai, who confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Adrian said: “We’re four years working with Fingal

County Council looking after that pitch to get it to such a good standard.

“We even rested it for an entire season to improve it. A lot of voluntary work and time has gone into it, and to see that kind of mindless damage was sickening.

“It was like a punch in the guts. I was absolutely disgusted – it was heartbreaking to see it.”

The Rush Needs You Facebook page reported the pitch vandalism last week, and noted: “Our committee worked so hard for the last four years and in the space of ten minutes some mindless selfish moron has ruined it all.”

However, Adrian said: “The council advised us

what to do immediately to minimise the damage, so we got working on it straight away.

“We had seven or eight volunteers out with yard brushes. If it had been raining any way heavily, there’s no doubt the pitch would have been destroyed.”

Adrian also thanked neighbours Skerries Harps, who sent good wishes and offered the use of their pitches – just before Rush Athletic managed to beat them 2-1 in a home league game on Saturday.

Adrian quipped: “We’re unbeaten since the start of the season, and despite the setback we’re still unbeaten.”

FASTNews

€5,000 funding for St Michael’s Youth Project ST MICHAEL’S Youth Project on Goldenbridge has been awarded €5,000 as part of a national arts and youth scheme.

The Dublin 8 youth club was one of only 10 projects around the country to be awarded funds as part of the Artist and Youth Work Residency Scheme 2016.

This scheme supports youth organisations to run an arts project with young people in their local communities.

This grant will allow each of these groups to work with a professional artist and create pieces of art as diverse as a documentary, public art, a podcast or a play.

St Michael’s Youth Project will re-introduce high-quality arts practice after years of recession via a photography project and test new ways of working with young people through the arts with artist Aislinn Delaney.

Man slashed in the face in The Liberties area

Santa hears what little girls want – on the double TWINS Ann and Maria Connors had Santa Claus wrapped around their little fingers when they teamed up with him at the GPO to help launch the programme of festive events for Dublin At Christmas – a partnership

initiative between DublinTown, Dublin City Council and the city’s transport providers.

The adorable twins, and the almost as adorable famous toymaker, were spreading the message: “Go To Town”,

encouraging everyone across the city to come to the city centre and experience the magic of Christmas at the lighting ceremonies taking place from this Sunday, November 13 until Sunday, November 27 , at four of Dublin’s iconic

city centre locations.

For further information on the lighting locations and all the Christmas festivities in town, see the website at www.DublinatChristmas.ie.

Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

A MAN was brutally slashed in the face in The Liberties area last week.

The incident occurred at Swift’s Alley shortly after 10:30am on Thursday morning.

The victim, who was attacked by a cyclist, has been named as James McLoughlin.

The 43-year-old explumber’s attack was related to an unpaid debt.

He suffered serious injuries and was brought to St James’ Hospital for treatment.

No arrests have been made and gardai are appealing for witnesses.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

COURTS | MALAHIDE FACILITY SHOCKED BY ACTIONS OF FORMER MUSIC TEACHER

School moves swiftly to sever ties with pest Continued from Page 1

It has also emerged that gardai have NO authority to warn schools or sports clubs if an employee has been charged with a criminal offence while the case is still active.

Last week Creed escaped jail with a fourmonth suspended sentence but was ordered to stay away from the girl and her family for five

years.

In one vile and abusive letter to the girl, he wrote: “Don’t bother studying for your Leaving Cert. You won’t be around for it. It’s a waste of time. Welcome to your nightmare.”

At a previous court hearing, Judge Grainne O’Neill was told Creed had €15,000 in compensation to give to his victim.

However, when the

case was finalised last week at Blanchardstown District Court, Creed’s barrister said he could not raise a loan and that sum was not available.

However, he did have €6,000 in court with him to offer to his victim, but she refused to accept it.

Creed admitted his behaviour was “despicable” and apologised profusely to the former student – who started receiving letters and

texts in February 2014 after finishing lessons with him.

In a victim impact statement, the teenager said: “I felt very vulnerable and I was terrified to leave my house. He was saying he was coming to get me.

“He intimidated and frightened me. I am still afraid and panic if I see someone who looks like him.”

In a statement, MSM told The Gazette: “Malahide School of Music is a voluntary cooperative organisation that offers facilities for selfemployed music teachers.

“The organisation was not aware of the court case until November 1, 2016. Immediate action has been taken and Mr Creed is no longer associated with the organisa-

Sean Creed admitted his behaviour was ‘despicable’

tion.”

T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n added that the school was asking all former students of Mr Creed to contact them “to make sure they are fully informed about the school having stopped

our association with Mr Creed”.

A garda source said in cases where officers believe there is a risk to minors, they inform child and family agency Tulsa under Children’s First Legislation.

FASTNews

Garda appeal after a fatal stabbing in the city centre A MAN in his sixties was stabbed to death on Cork Street over the weekend. Gardai were called to the scene at Robinsons Court, Cork Street at about 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

The incident happened at a small apartment complex. The man was taken to St James Hospital shortly after he was found.

The man, who has been named locally as Tony Rogers, was pronounced dead a short time later. It is believed he was a resident of the apartment complex.

A case conference was held in Kevin Street Garda Station and gardai said they are following a line of inquiry. Gardai are appealing to witnesses who may have been in the Robinson’s Court area on Sunday afternoon to contact them at Kevin Street Garda Station at 01 666 9400, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Chopped opens new outlets at airport, Swords  MOLLY O’CONNELL

Heads up - here’s a new way to help support diabetes BARBARA Scott, country manager, Abbott Diabetes Care Business in Ireland, GAA football star Kevin Nolan (who has Type 1 Diabetes), Dr Anna Clarke, Diabetes Ireland and Dr Chris Thomas, director of Biosensor Technology, Abbott were on the ball when it came to launching a new medical technology to help those with diabetes. Abbott’s Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system eliminates the need for routine and constant finger pricking, measuring glucose levels through a small sensor on the back of the upper arm, and has been described as ‘a game changer’ for those living with the condition. The new system promises to be a pain-free way for tens of thousands of people to monitor their Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

CHOPPED, the healthy fast food outlet, has announced it is opening new restaurants across Dublin, including venues at Dublin Airport, The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords, and at O’Connell St and Talbot St. The new restaurants will create 115 jobs, thanks to the company’s partner, Aramark.

Chopped was founded by Andy Chen and Brian Lee in 2012, and have since promoted the message of healthy fast food on the go.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

GazetteGALLERY | FUN AT THE HALLOWEEN FAMILY RUN AT RIVERVALLEY PARK

A spooktastic day at Rivervalley Park

A

HORRIBLY entertaining group of runners made their way to the Rivervalley Park Run for a day out with a difference. Before organisers could say “Fang you very much”, the vampires, witches and monsters were on their way, with a number of other colourful characters adding to the upbeat energy of the day. The Halloween-flavoured run was just the latest way for people from across the area to share their community spirit and get fit with old and new friends, with new runners – and walkers, too – welcome to come along every Saturday morning to join the fitness fun at 9.30am.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

GazetteGALLERY | CHILLY WEATHER PROVIDES SPORTING FUN AT SKERRIES

Making waves

A

Pictures: Ray Watts

LTHOUGH the changing weather is unwelcome for most of us, for some people the drift towards Winter is welcome indeed – after all, “It’s an ill wind ...” that blows some people some good, as these churning waters by Skerries Strand show. Local photographer Ray Watts was at hand to capture some of the hardy souls braving the chill winds and grey water as the shifting seasons provided some perfect conditions to indulge their sporting passions. The Gazette is always delighted to show our readers’ shots, so if you have a picture or three that you’d like to share with us, and other readers, email them today to picturedesk@dublingazette.com.

10 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

INQUEST | CORONER’S COURT HEARS OF TRAGIC LAST MOMENTS OF DOOMED MEN

Brothers killed by toxic concentration of gas  SYLVIA POWNALL

A TOXIC gas tragedy that claimed the lives of two brothers working on a Portmarnock estate almost killed a fireman attempting to rescue them, an inquest has heard.

Alan and Stephen Harris were overcome by fumes in an underground sewer and died of hypoxia due to toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide.

The pair – cousins of ex-Ireland skipper Robbie Keane – were working on an underground drain at Drumnigh Wood when the accident happened last June.

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‘It was like someone pressed a switch, cutting off all my energy.

My arms and legs were like lead.

I was five seconds away from losing consciousness. I knew I had to get myself out, or I wasn’t coming out.’

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Fireman Ger Coughlan, on the choking gas he experienced as he tried in vain to rescue the Harris brothers in a sewage chamber

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Alan (45), of Hazelbury Park, Clonee in Dublin 15, died at Beaumont Hospital on June 10, 2015, while his brother, Stephen (32), of Monasterboice Road, Crumlin, died two days later.

Both died as a result of hypoxia, secondary to exposure to toxic concentrations of the deadly colourless gas hydrogen sulphide, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard.

T he brothers were

Alan Harris

working for Alan Harris’ family company, Harris Draintech, at the 145-house Portmarnock estate on the evening of Wednesday, June 10, when the accident happened.

Pumps engineer Gabriel Hoyle was a subcontractor working on the same job.

Shouting He told coroner Dr Brian Farrell that Stephen Harris climbed down the chamber and was heard shouting for help, crying: “Alan, I can’t breathe.”

Mr Hoyle said he appeared disorientated but managed to get out of the chamber.

When Mr Hoyle was leaving for lunch, the brothers planned to descend the 30ft pump chamber to clear out sewage. Before reaching

Stephen Harris

his car, he heard shouts for help.

He recalled: “Stephen was frantic. He was standing on the ladder shouting for Alan and then said, ‘Lads, help me, Alan’s after falling down’.

“His voice was deteriorating as if he was being overcome. He was saying: ‘Please help me, help me get Alan’.”

He told the Coroner’s Court he shouted to Stephen, telling him: “Get out now while you still can.”

Mr Hoyle added: “But he carried on down. The last thing I saw was him falling under the sewage at the bottom of the ladder.”

Fireman Ger Coughlan responded to the emergency call at 2.30pm.

Wearing a breathing apparatus, he climbed down the chamber into waist-height sewage.

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‘The court heard of toxic concentrations of the deadly colourless gas hydrogen sulphide’

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

Alan and Stephen Harris

He said there was water entering the chamber, and the level was rising. His mask was displaced as he tried to lift one of the injured and he took a gulp of air.

Lead He revealed: “It was like someone pressed a switch, cutting off all my energy. My arms and legs were like lead.

“I was five seconds away from losing consciousness. I knew I had to get myself out, or I wasn’t coming out.”

Dublin Fire Brigade updated its procedures and training following the incident.

In a statement read out by solicitor Bill Holohan after the inquest, the family thanked all emergency services, particularly Mr Coughlan.

The jury returned verdicts of misadventure.

FASTNews

‘Don’t overlook rural Fingal in national focus’ THE needs of rural Fingal are being neglected by the Government, a local TD has warned.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) says the north county is being forgotten, in terms of the Government’s focus on rural Ireland.

Deputy Farrell said: “Fingal is important to our national economy, particularly in the agrifood sector, with such a large proportion of Ireland’s fresh produce coming from the north county.

“It seems clear to me that when investment is made in Dublin, the needs of rural North County Dublin are forgotten, and I see no difference when the focus is placed upon rural Ireland.

“This is a complete disgrace. I am frustrated at this, as I am sure are many residents of our rural communities.”

Deputy Farrell submitted a parliamentary question requesting an outline of funding provided and an explanation “as to why it is too often forgotten”.

Road closure for Lusk works HANDS Lane in Lusk will be closed to traffic for the next two months for works on laying a footpath and new traffic lights.

The road will be closed from the entrance to Hands Lane Cottages to the first residential access north of that entrance.

The temporary closure starts this Thursday, November 10 at 10am, and the road is not due to reopen to traffic until Friday, January 6.

The alternative route to access Quickpenny Road from Minister’s Road (or vice versa) will be via Treen Hill.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 11

Park planned RUSH | SCANDAL-ROCKED CU JUST RUNNING TO FACILITATE LOAN REPAYMENTS for Swords AN URBAN forest on the outskirts of Swords to drive tourism and prevent further sprawl has been proposed.

Cllr Joe Newman (Ind) is backing the plan for lands at Knocksedan, backing onto Ridgewood and Brookdale, which was first touted at a council meeting.

Cllr Newman said: “This is an area that is under agricultural use at this point in time. I objected to the rezoning on the basis that all we are doing is continuing an urban sprawl in Swords.”

He said developing the lands off the Naul Road as a green lung would be an added draw which would help pull in tourists alongside other local attractions.

He said: “We have the local castle and we have the regional park, with the objective to grow this westwards towards Rivermeade.”

Credit union reopens – just to wind down  SYLVIA POWNALL

CRISIS-HIT Rush Credit Union reopened on Monday – but only to facilitate loan repayments.

A liquidator has now been appointed to wind up the institution amid allegations of cash going missing, rigged car raffles and suspected money laundering.

The credit union, which has almost 11,500 members with dividend savings worth €24 million, was placed into provisional liquidation on request of the Central Bank last week.

On its website, the lender said it would reopen as normal this week to allow for loan repayments and standing order arrangements for future loan repayments.

However, withdrawals will not be facilitated, and members’ shares will instead be repaid via the State’s deposit guar-

antee scheme, capped at €100,000. The Lusk sub-office will not reopen.

A staff statement on the website said: “The employees of Rush Credit Union are devastated and shocked at the events over the last few days and months.

“This has not been an easy time for us here as we worked to the best of our ability in the difficult circumstances we were faced with.

“We co-operated fully with all investigations ... on the basis that we were working in the members’ best interest. We have worked hard to ensure that members’ shares are protected.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support extended to us and our families.”

The High Court last week heard the lender had net liabilities of €2 million, as well as a €4.73 million hole in its reserves.

The court was also informed that

The 11,500 member Rush Credit Union has opened – but only to facilitate loan repayments, with a liquidator appointed to the facility. Picture: Google Maps

criminal prosecutions may be brought as a result of investigations into RCU, with gardai notified of suspected moneylaundering.

RCU members demanding their savings back were turned away last week as the crisis emerged.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said the decision by the Central Bank to liquidate the credit union is “shocking for members and a major cause of concern for staff”.

He added that reports of irregularities at the lender had “caused much concern for both residents and the local community”.

He added: “All members deserve to know exactly what happened.”

Speaking as the only ATM in the town was out of order, RCU member Anne McMenamin said: “It’s really bad for the town. We’ve no bank, no garda station and now no credit union.”

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS

Accolade for FUNDING | INVESTMENT HELP THOSE INVOLVED energy plan TO WITH BT SCHOOLS CONTEST  MOLLY O’CONNELL

SOUTH Dublin company Cosgrave Developments have won the Buildings award for its development of super energy-efficient homes at the 13th annual Sustainable Energy Awards.

Its highly-commended Cualanor project includes a wide range of energ y-efficient systems, minimising energy loss whilst also reducing the homeowner’s energy bills.

This year’s awards s h owe d c o l l e c t i ve savings in energy efficiency of €100 million from the shortlisted finalists in a wide range of fields.

New €36k partnership to support teachers  IAN BEGLEY

THE Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announced its new partnership with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, in

which they are investing up to €36,000 to provide teachers of this year’s finalists with expert-led project management training.

This is the first time that PMI training sessions will be provided for

Pictured are PMI Educational Foundation Liaison Officer, Jackie Glynn and the head of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), Mari Cahalane, and the young co-founders of FenuHealth (and previous BTYSTE prizewinners) Annie and Kate Madden

the schools shortlisted to take part in the prestigious competition.

This partnership meets a need for foundational project management skills, essential not only for success at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, but to enable young scientists and entrepreneurs to commercialise their ideas and to bring their innovations to reality.

The Ireland Chapter of PMI will provide the training on a voluntary

basis for up to 90 teachers prior to the BT exhibition at the RDS next January.

Teachers have already been invited to attend one of three training days across the country early this month.

Training programme Speaking about the new training programme, PMI educational foundation liaison officer Jackie Glynn said: “PMI’s eighth global project management survey found that projects with a high pri-

ority on project management were 71% more successful in reaching their goals and original intent.

“This highlights the importance of PMI in the workplace; therefore, we strongly believe that it should be a key aspect of our second-level education.

“In the same way that the Coder Dojo movement believes that everyone should know how to code, we believe that everyone should have skills in project manage-

ment, as no matter your profession you are either going to be part of a project team, or lead a project.

“Also, entrepreneurship and project management go hand-in-hand – a great idea cannot become a reality without clear project management.

“This partnership is helping to address this gap in training, and ensuring that our brightest students are better positioned to make their brilliant ideas a viable business,” she said.

Awards underscore the diversity of innovation fostered in Ireland DUBLIN’S rising reputation as an innovation hub was underscored by the impressive calibre of winners at The Irish Times Innovation Awards 2016, with Dublin scooping four of the night’s seven awards.

T h e aw a r d s , w h i c h we r e attended by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, were presented at a ceremony with over 220 guests at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

As an example of the winners, Mastercard Labs – the victors in Fintech – impressed with the rollout of its “pay-at-table” technology, which empowers customers

to get out of restaurants quickly and without the stress of waiting for a bill.

Although operational in a handful of Irish restaurants, it is being launched mainly in the UK, where the aim is to reach critical mass in a market with more chains. Some 600 restaurants are already actively using the technology.

All of the award winners received a €10,000 Irish Times media package and an iPad. Associate sponsors of the awards included Teagasc, Science Foundation Ireland, KPMG, AbbVie and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Anna Scally, partner, KPMG with Oran Cummins, head of research and development, Mastercard Labs - winner of the Fintech award

10 November 2016 GAZETTE 13

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FEATURE P14

DANCE: BALLET IRELAND DANCER TALKS TO THE GAZETTE AHEAD OF STARRING IN THE NUTCRACKER

Cian to help bring a true Christmas classic to life at the Gaiety Theatre  IAN BEGLEY

BALLET Ireland will soon be presenting The Nutcracker, one of the world’s most beloved ballets, with performances in the Gaiety Theatre from November 16 to 19.

T h i s C h r i s t m a s cl a s s i c appeals to audiences of all ages, with its fairytale magic, Tchaikovsky’s beloved and sumptuous score, beautiful costumes, and a tale of adventure combining to form one of the most delectable Christmas confections imaginable.

Based on stories by E T A Hoffmann and Alexander Dumas, the ballet starts at a marvellous Christmas Eve party, as mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer brings gifts for all the children.

When midnight strikes, very strange things start to happen.

The Christmas tree grows to incredible heights, and Clara’s magical Christmas gift – her Nutcracker – leads them into a truly fairy-tale world.

The role requires superb skill and strength from the dancer

With her heroic Nutcracker at her side, Clara defeats the Mouse King and his army of mice, and they journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets together ...

This Irish production is performed by an international cast of world-class dancers, including

Hayley Cunningham and Cian Hughes, both Dublin-born.

Cian told The Gazette that performing in The Nutcracker is a dream come true for him.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing in such a highly-respected ballet.

When I was younger, I appeared in The Nutcracker as one of the children, but this is going to be my first performance as a professional dancer.

“I started ballet really late, at the age of 16, and when I was 18 I moved to London and trained at the Central School of Ballet.”

Cian said an average day of ballet school is extremely intense, starting at 7.30am each morning.

“We would do weight classes for about two hours in the morning, followed by other training

and technique lessons until about 6pm.

“It’s also so important to keep a balanced diet, because at the end of our day our body is our product – it’s what we have to work with, and if we’re not at our best, we just won’t be able to do our job.

“I’ve only recently graduated, and am so thankful that I’ve been taken on by Ballet Ireland. It’s really my dream to be here, and I hope to keep at it for a very long time,” he said.

Ballet Ireland’s production of The Nutcracker will be on tour across Ireland in November and December, with additional Dublin performances in Draiocht, Blanchardstown on Friday, November 25 and The Helix, Glasnevin, on Thursday, December 8.

Tickets are priced €26 – €45, and can be purchased at www. Cian Hughes, one of the professional stars of Ballet Ireland’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker balletireland.ie.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

‘I decided that I was just going to be myself and just give everything 200 per cent’  IAN BEGLEY

REPRESENTING Ireland in this year’s instalment of BBC’s The Apprentice, is Dublin-based creative director, Dillon St Paul.

The “Silver Fox” contestant sat down with The Gazette to talk about his experience on the show, his career and what’s it’s like to go face-to-face with Alan Sugar in the boardroom.

“I feel like I’ve been coming across well on the show,” he says.

Originally from Limerick, Dillon currently lives in Blackrock and he has worked in the Dundrum area for the last few years.

“I’m naturally a self-critical person and that’s what drives me to work hard and do good work.

“But before it went on air, I started to think ‘Oh god, how am I going to come across on this now?’

“Luckily, during the process, I decided that I was just going to be myself – be a hard worker and give everything 200%.”

Dillon explained how staying true to himself on the show is very important especially when other contestants are packaging themselves as

“ruthless”.

“I would never be that way with people in real life. I’m just, not to sound cocky, but I’m a kind person in general, so I brought that into the process with me and I’m glad I did, because my true self is being represented.”

As for the other contestants, Dillon says that from watching the show himself, they have all been represented and edited fairly.

“That’s something that is commendable about the BBC.” However, Dillion explains that while ever y moment isn’t shown on screen, the producers will always let the audience know what is happening.

Having worked as an art director for Irish Tatler for a number of years, Dillon’s role has evolved somewhat.

“My role is slightly different at the

moment, I work on digital platforms as a design consultant and a digital editor.”

As for the future, the Apprentice candidate says he sees himself going into app development and is working

on a special project at the moment.

“It’s like an online magazine but it also has a social aspect so you can make friends with the people commenting on articles – so like a social media platform that incorporates editorial content as well.

“I’m not sure, I’m seeing how it will go.”

While his role has always been in the production end of things, Dillon is now hoping to move away from that side and get involved in the world of presenting and documentary making.

“The Apprentice is giving me a platform to explore these options,” he says.

Dillon says that since appearing on the show, he’s been getting an amazing reaction from his friends and family. He’s even been getting recognised

around Dublin.

“I was walking to work in Dundrum and a lovely lady stopped me and asked me for a selfie which has never happened before.

“It was lovely to meet someone who said that she watched me in the show, I was really bowled over by that.”

Dillon says that the hardest part about being on The Apprentice is keeping focused in such a high pressure environment.

“You literally don’t get a second.

“When they call in the morning, we’re literally out the door in 20 to 30 minutes, you just grab food, you’re constantly rushing.

“You’re giving it your all but at the same time, you’ve got millions of deadlines you have to meet – it’s a lot of pressure.”

As for the best part of the experience, Dillion says that the bonds and friendships he’s made have been the highlight so far.

“I’ve meet some amazingly talented people whom I’ve learned so much from.”

The Apprentice in on BBC1 at 9pm every Thursday.

10 November 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Help kick some funds over to two much-loved charities GOURMET Food Parlour (GFP), the restaurant and catering group, will team up with Kerry GAA legend Tomas O Se and a leading Dublin GAA senior player with a kickabout competition in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland, and Make a Wish Foundation, on Saturday, November 19.

GFP are calling all children and their friends to enter via the official Gourmet Food Parlour Facebook page, or via the entry form available at their locations across Swords, Dun Laoghaire and Malahide, and support the initiative.

Lorraine Heskin, managing director, GFP said: “Such was the success of a similar kick-about event we did for kids with our fantastic ambassador, Dublin GAA all-star Paul Flynn, we knew we wanted to do it again, but this time in a way that would additionally benefit causes we support.”

So, be sure to take a punt at supporting the kickabout, and helping two great charities in the process.

YOU MAY BE KEANE ABOUT THIS STYLE KEANE on Style, the exclusive fashion and beauty experience from style maven Lorraine Keane, returns this autumn with a stylish evening event at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa on Friday, November 11.

From 7pm, beauty lovers and dedicated followers of fashion can expect an evening of fashion, beauty demonstrations and skincare tutorials, all hand-chosen and curated by the former Xpose presenter.

She will be joined on the evening by a whole host of fashion and beauty experts, including leading skin expert Peggy Stringer who will be advising on anti-ageing, Ireland’s only shapewear designer Rita Mylett, who will be giving a masterclass on what to wear for your shape, hair demonstrations from celebrity stylist Tori Keane, and make-up tips and tricks from Becky Keane Tickets are priced at €75 and include a luxury goody bag, while drinks

and giveaways will add to the evening’s fun.

Tickets are available at eventbrite.ie, or from 087 448 2070.

FREE WELLBEING AND HEALTH EVENT DIABETES Ireland is urging people with Type 2 diabetes and their families to attend a free health and wellbeing exhibition in Chartered Accountants House, Pearse Street on Sunday, November 13.

Taking place from noon to 5pm, the event will offer free health checks, 20 exhibition companies and four workshops.

All of the latest medical technology will be on display, along with a broad range of healthy living stands and other diabetesrelated services, as well as a number of professionals to help answer questions.

Workshop topics will range from the latest developments in stem cell research, technology developments, alternative therapy usage in diabetes to becoming sugar smart.

For children, there will be a magic show plus balloons and face painting.

Dublin GAA footballer Paul Flynn with Darragh Gleeson, Jack Bermingham, Conrad Whelan, Eimear Gleeson, Sean McIonraic and Aoife Gleeson. Picture: Conor McCabe

16 GAZETTE 10 November 2016

10 November 2016 GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE DUBLIN’S HALLOWEEN HEROES Gillian Malone

Kai

The claw Julie Betts

Neicie Doyle

Baby Bosco

Linda Ui Bheachain Dermot Phelan

Rhys

Corrina Stone Jake

Leanne Doyle

Thanks to everyone for sharing your horribly good photographs!

Emily Charlesworth

WE HAD a terror-ific response to our Halloween

Blanch’s Westend Shopping Park, a hamper worth

photo competition, with lots (and lots) of our read-

€50 from the Body Shop, a €50 voucher for Marks

ers sharing scary pix of themselves, their kids,

and Spencer, a flash rucksack from Regatta, a

and their haunted homes and gardens.

George Foreman Grill and a €50 voucher for Dealz.

We’re delighted to show our final winners, and to

If your shot is one of our winners here, contact

share some of the many other spook-tastic photos

us today at competitions@dublingazette.com, or

you sent in! Our great prizes include a €50 gift

contact us on our Facebook page. And remember –

card for Gap, a €50 voucher for the Nike Outlet in

keep looking out for our great competitions!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Amelia, Tilda and Finn

Audrey Buttner

Styling head

Kye

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

LATVIA: BUDGET AIRFARES FROM IRELAND MAKE THIS A VERY AFFORDABLE WEEKEND BREAK

Riga, the ‘Paris of the North’, is truly a beautiful, historic city  CIAN GUCKIAN

RIGA, the “Paris of the North” and home of the very first Christmas tree is world renowned for its stunning architecture, multi-cultural heritage and its many museums.

It is a fantastic city to visit and with budget airfares from Ireland it makes it a very affordable weekend destination. You will be delighted at the ease in which you will be able to explore this compact, historic city.

The Latvian capital is awash with the best hotels, unbelievable restaurants, elegant spas and let’s not forget about the best shopping in the region. Here is why you have to visit this chic and cosmopolitan Baltic city.

Freedom Monument Latvia’s most important symbol of freedom, independence and sovereignty is not to be missed. Located close to Bastion Hill Park and the Old Town, the Freedom Monument honours the soldiers who lost their lives during the Latvian War of Independ-

House of the Blackheads

ence. It has been the scene of many official ceremonies since the country’s push for independence in 1990 right up to the present.

Central Market This colourful market which is located in the heart of the Latvian capital is one of the largest in Europe and occupies converted German zeppelin hangars which serve their original function as meat, fish and dairy markets.

When it was constructed in 1930, Riga’s Central Market was one of the most modern marketplaces in Europe. The Zeppelin hangars of Riga’s Central Market have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

House of the Blackheads Located in the Old Town, the House of the Blackheads is a major tourist attraction that draws thousands and thousands of visitors each year. It was built in 1334 and it can be found in Town Hall Square in the heart of Riga’s Old Town.

The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th Century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads – a Guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga.

Nativity Cathedral Enjoy a day exploring this neo-Byzantine church on Brivibas bulvaris. Built between 1876 and 1883, it’s the largest Orthodox Cathedral in the Baltics. During Soviet times, the cathedral had different uses as it was turned into a planetarium and a restaurant, at different times.

Visit the famous Art Nouveau District Riga is internationally famous for its beautiful art nouveau quarter that lies a bit away from the Old Town. Head to Alberta Street, raise your eyes upwards and discover Europe’s most beautiful art nouveau buildings.

Riga’s wealth of art nouveau buildings stands out as unparalleled anywhere in the world. Other Art Nouveau gems are situated on nearby streets

including Elizabetes, Dzirnavu and Antonijas.

Taste Riga Black Balsam When in Riga you have to try the famous Riga Balsam, a unique Latvian beverage. Black Balsam is used in traditional medicine, and it is considered to be a good cold remedy and it is used to treat digestive problems. Black Balsam has been made in Riga since the middle of the 18th Century.

Boat trip down the Daugava River If you are looking for better ways of exploring this charming Baltic city, a relaxing boat trip down the Daugava River is highly recommended. You will find cruise liners and boats of every size imaginable all lined up and docked at the river bank just across from Riga’s famous cobblestoned streets available for exciting river trips.

Get a different perspective of the Latvian capital’s majestic skyline as well as Riga’s iconic and stunning attractions.

You are sure to have a splendid time as it is such a great way of getting the best holiday snaps of Riga’s major landmarks.

Afterwards enjoy a topnotch meal at one of Riga’s stellar restaurants.

A trip to Riga Cathedral Take a tour of Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms), which is the largest house of worship in the Baltic’s.

Riga Cathedral measures 187x43 metres and the walls are two metres thick, and it also home to

Riga is renowned for its stunning architecture

one of the biggest organs in Europe (6,768 pipes).

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is a very interesting museum for all to visit. Located in the former US Embassy on Raina bulvaris, visitors will be able to experience what it was like to live in Latvia during the Nazi and the Soviet occupations of the country.

You will also be able to enjoy a guided tour of the museum and explore the intriguing exhibits.

gava it has been around for more than 700 years and through the centuries, it has witnessed some major changes to the Latvian landscape including severe destruction, rulers and numerous wars.

Today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia and a museum.

LIDO Recreation centre and restaurant One of Riga’s most popular attractions is the LIDO Recreation Centre and Restaurant on Krasta iela. Built with specially selected 100-year-old Latvian fir trees, it is a major

hit with visitors to the Latvian capital and locals alike and it is where many national festivals are celebrated.

The Centre’s main building is famous for being one of the largest log buildings in Europe as it can hold 1,000 guests.

LIDO offers a super menu choice consisting of local Latvian delicacies as well as worldwide dishes or why not savour a Latvian beer in the Beer Cellar?

The next time you are in Riga, take time out of your busy schedule to experience this magnificent Latvian attraction.

Riga Zoo A trip to Riga isn’t complete without visiting Riga Zoo. Established in 1912, it is the perfect day out for the entire family.

Located in Mezaparks on the Western bank of Kisezers Lake, just a short hop from the city centre it is home to around 4,000 animals and is visited by 300,000 visitors on an annual basis.

Riga Castle Riga Castle which was founded in 1330 is famous for its late classicism architecture.

Located on the right bank of the River Dau-

The striking, noble Freedom Monument

10 November 2016 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Go North for an epic tour  IAN BEGLEY

Travel Editor

IF you’re from Ireland and also a massive Game of Thrones fan there is no excuse for not travelling to the North of Ireland this summer and taking part in the official Game of Thrones tour.

T h a n k s t o H B O ’s adaptation of George RR Martin’s epic tale, Northern Ireland’s stunning mountains, forests, lakes and countryside are now familiar to millions of people around the world, having helped create the magical backdrop that much of the show’s action is filmed against.

Below is a list of destinations you can visit which have helped create some

of the most noteworthy and remarkable scenes from the show.

County Down From the home of Ned Stark to the formidable Haunted Forest, what better place to start your Game of Thrones adventure than in County Down with its ancient gothic forests and historic ruins.

The Haunted Forest Tollymore Forest Park holds the honour of being host to the first ever Game of Thrones scene aired in 2011 when some Night Watchmen deserters were killed by a White Walker in the snow.

Other famous scenes filmed in the forest

include Ramsey Snow’s chase and recapture of Theon Greyjoy as well as many forest scenes North of Winterfell.

The Riverlands Close by you’ll find the historic ruins of Inch Abbey, dating from 1193.

The abbey provided the backdrop to the Twins, two identical castles joined by a bridge which are the seat of House Frey.

It is here that Catelyn Stark crosses the bridge to agree a treaty with Walder Frey which resulted in an arranged marriage proposal between Robb Stark and one of his daughters.

Causeway Coastal Route Hailed as one of the

world’s most spectacular road journeys, this stretch of coastline plays host to some of the most dramatic scenery seen in Game of Thrones due to its rugged cliffs and sweeping valleys.

Iron Islands This quaint coastal nook was used in the show to depict Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands – home to the Greyjoys.

The intertwining beech trees of the Dark Hedges date back to the 18th century

Stormlands The headlands leading down to the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge are better known in the show as The Stormlands – Renly Baratheon’s camp. This is where we are first introduced to Brienne of Tarth.

King’s Road Although only in the show for a few seconds, the Dark Hedges has become one of the most recognisable Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.

This intertwining

beech tree lined avenue dating back to the 18th century features as King’s Road where Arya Stark makes her escape from K ing’s Landing with Gendry.

Dragonstone One of Northern Ire-

land’s most stunning beaches, Downhill Beach in Derry is the spot where Melissandre burned the seven old golds as a sacrifice to The Lord of the Light and prompted Stannis Baratheon to draw a sword from the flames at Dragonstone.

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Audi’s new Q2 is the latest in a line of SUVs from the German brand

Audi’s new compact Q2 SUV hits the showrooms AUDI’S new compact SUV, the Q2 will be a head turner as the car hits dealer showrooms. Entry prices start at €32,490 for the 1.6 litre TDI 110bhp SE version, which Audi expects to be the volume seller in the new range.

There will be two petrol models, 1.0 TFSI and 1.4 TFSI, in the range. The Q2 is available in two trim lines, customised to suit drivers’ preferences. The SE trim includes some of the most popular features from Audi, such as cruise control, smartphone interfacing and rear parking sensors. Despite its size the Q2 has impressive load space up to 1,050 litres with all seats folded.

The Q2 is equipped with the latest connectivity and infotainment technologies. Using the Audi smartphone interface, the driver can connect a suitable iOS or Android device to the dashboard USB port, allowing immediate access to the phone’s navigation features, contacts, music and selected third-party apps. The optional Audi phone box lets the driver charge their phone wirelessly and connect it to the car’s antenna for optimal reception.

Irish people want more Gardai on the roads to combat drink driving NEW research conducted by insurance provider AIG has revealed that the majority of Irish drivers do not believe there is enough of a Garda presence on our roads to tackle both drink driving and speeding. This comes at a time of industrial relations unrest within the Garda rank and file members.

The research reveals that some 66% of people do not believe there are enough Gardaí on the roads to tackle drink driving. This was slightly less of a concern amongst the male sample with 25% of males versus 16% of females of the view there is sufficient Garda presence to tackle drink driving. Meanwhile, only 23% feel that there is a sufficient Garda presence on the roads to combat speeding.

In addition, 71% of people surveyed stated that they rarely see passengers not wearing their seatbelt which may be deemed a positive result by An Garda Síochána and the wider road safety community. However 55% of drivers claim to regularly see someone driving while using a handheld device.

The new Car of the Year is in an E-Class of its own

The new Mercedes-Benz E220d has won the coveted Irish Car of the Year award for 2017, and after his recent test drive of the luxury German saloon, Gazette motoring columnist Michael Moroney says it’s more than justified IN THE past weeks, the new Mercedes Benz E-Class was awarded the coveted title of being Ireland’s Car of the Year 2017 and for very good reason.

This new E-Class has answered lots of questions when it comes to luxury and performance without a hefty increase in price.

In appearance terms this new E-Class has more modern styling. It is slightly longer than the older model and comes with ver y significant engine improvements to give better economy.

Mercedes Benz has billed this car as the one that’s on the pathway toward autonomous driving. There is a unique feature of the car that allows the driver to manoeuvre it remotely using a mobile phone app, without the driver being inside. The system is designed to appeal to all drivers who ever found themselves

hemmed in within a narrow parking space and were unable to gain entry to their car. Does that sound familiar?

T his new optional Mercedes Benz Drive Pilot system comes with automatic functions such as remote parking, road guidance, speed control, braking, acceleration, gear changing. It also has the ability to anticipate hazards ahead and to take corrective action.

Automation This level of technology pushes the E-Class into a new league when it comes to automated features and what’s more, these options are not outside the scope of affordability. Testing it for the first time can be little nerve racking; after practice you soon get used to the feature and attract lots of nearby attention.

The test car that I drove was the E-Class

220d model that’s powered by a new all-aluminium four-cylinder diesel engine. The engine is powerful at 190bhp and pushes 400Nm of torque, so it was no surprise that it came out on top in the larger car British Towcar Awards for 2016.

The E-Class comes with a smooth and impressive nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard.

T his modern design gearbox contributes to the E220d’s low 112g/ km CO2 rating and high 23km/litre (65mpg) fuel economy figure. This compares with the previous-generation E 220 CDI Saloon, which was launched in 2009, and produced 170bhp from its larger 2.1 litre engine. The new engine is 20% more economical and shaves €80 off the annual road tax rate due to lower CO2 emissions figure bringing down ownership costs

The new Mercedes-Benz E220d is an impressive car that packs better economy and a host of novel and useful technology features. Entry prices start at €52,850 before delivery charges.

Mercedes Benz E-Class 220d

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity

CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

significantly for what is a relatively big car.

On a test route that c ove r e d m o r e t h a n 600km, the test car delivered a return that was about 30% off the rated economy figure of 23.3km/litre (4.3/100km or 65mpg). That’s still a good return when it’s

2.0 litre 194hp 7.3 seconds 23.3km/litre (4.3/100km or 65mpg)

66 litres/12 litres AdBlue

112g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 month 5 Star 2016 2 years €52,850

taken into account the range of driving conditions that you encounter on an average week. My driving style would give a range of over 1,100km for the E220d and that too is impressive for such a large car.

The E220d is also lively; the new engine deliv-

10 November 2016 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Kia combines hybrid power in new SUV

The Mercedes-Benz E220d uses a new 2.0 litre twinturbo diesel engine that’s cast in aluminium for light weight and delivers impressive economy and low running costs

The boot on the Mercedes-Benz E220d is one of the

ers a car that faster than the previous model and much smoother to drive.

The layout of the dash is modern and very functional. It was easy to get acquainted with the controls and setting up my phone to the Bluetooth system was logical and easy.

E-Class buyers will also be looking at the Audi and BMW offerings; that puts the A6 and the BMW 520d into focus as key competitors. Relative to that competition the

car is a match in terms of economy, while it excels in terms of styling this is very much my personal view.

Interior The interior is spacious and comfortable, with good seat adjustment up front. The AMG test car version is a shade sportier than the previous model that I had driven during the launch of the car back in April and with that comes a harder suspension, which is not

always my preference.

The E-Class packs a large boot with a capacity of 540 litres, putting is ahead of the A6 and BMW. The spare wheel was the only absent feature even though the floor included a deep wheel well. I feel that in Ireland all cars should come with one, not matter what the price band level is, but especially at the higher level.

Mercedes-Benz claims that the entry level Avantgarde model

is equipped with over €7,000 worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version. Included is Parking Pilot parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satellite navigation, mirror pack, ambient lighting, stowage pack, ‘through loading’ feature, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a ‘connect me’ function.

Among the standard E-Class features include Active Brake Assist,

largest in its class, but unfortunately does not come with a spare wheel as standard

providing support during emergency braking, Attention Assist with adjustable sensitivity to alert the driver to inattentiveness or drowsiness and Crosswind Assist, which mitigates the effects of strong crosswinds.

The Mercedes Benz message for 2017 is that everyone can drive a Mercedes Benz. The entry price at €52,850

has to be looked at relative to the prices in the past. This car is €850 cheaper compared to the previous model, according to Irish importers Motor Distributors. With the package of features, it’s also very competitively priced relative to the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series competition. For the new E-Class the price might look high, while there’s a lot on offer.

GoCar launches GoElectric BMW i3 fleet

Michael Nugent, Director of Sales at BMW Group Ireland and Kevin Hennebry, Head of Marketing at BMW Group Ireland with Colm Brady Managing Director of GoCar.

Ireland’s leading car sharing company GoCar recently launched its new GoElectric range in partnership with BMW. The new range consists of a fleet of ten new BMW i3 REX 94 Ah electric vehicles which will be available to the public at ten locations across Dublin City.

GoCar believes that the demand for reduced and zero vehicle carbon emissions is growing amongst members of the public and certain Government departments. GoCar hopes that the addition of premi-

um electric vehicles to its regular vehicle range will boost the sharing economy culture in Ireland further and offer a convenient and sustainable transport option that is free from fuel, tax, NCT, and insurance costs.

Colm Brady MD of GoCar believes that the premium BMW i3 vehicles and are designed to make every driving experience an absolute pleasure. “The BMW i3 is ideal for city driving and we have no doubt our members and indeed the general public will

instantly fall in love with them,” says Colm.

GoElectric bases will be situated at the following locations across the city: Point Village 3 Arena; South Lotts Road; Mark Street; Merrion Square; Clifton House Fitzwilliam Lower; Greek Street; St Johns Road West; Ranelagh; Parnell Square; Earlsfort Terrace. Each of the 10 designated bases will be equipped with two electric charge points to facilitate efficient battery recharging for users.

KIA HAS a new compact SUV for the market, now its third SUV for Dublin drivers. The new Kia Niro comes with a hybrid petrol drive system to lower running costs.

This is Kia’s first hybrid on the Irish market and comes with the company’s 7 year warranty as part of the standard deal. Prices start from €30,595 before delivery charges.

The Niro’s hybrid drive combines a 1.6-litre GDI (petrol direct injection) engine with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32kW electric motor and six-speed doubleclutch transmission.

Kia claims that that the new car emits just 88g/km CO2 in the combined driving cycle. The rated fuel economy figure is just 3.8l/100km.

Two years free car insurance from Nissan NISSAN claims to be responding to Ireland’s high cost of motor insurance by providing two year’s free insurance to new car buyers. The Nissan offer, which is aimed at making the cost of running a car more affordable, is available to motorists ordering any new Nissan passenger car before the 31st December 2016.

Ireland. New car buyers interested in availing of the offer must be 26 years old, have a full driving licence, no more than three penalty points and a minimum of three years no claims bonus. Insurance does not extend to commercial use.

GAZETTE

22 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA ReelReviews

JACK REACHER 2

A back to basics sequel WHEREAS the first Jack Reacher film was an interesting addition to the action genre, the ironically named sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (Cert 12A, 118 mins) sees star Tom Cruise largely on autopilot. It’s an okay action film – but just okay, as despite strong support from Cobie Smulders, the film is simply nothing special. You might say the sequel was a Reach(er) too far ...

DON’T BREATHE Great teen films are a rarity, but The Edge of Seventeen has enough heart and charm (and excruciatingly awkward moments) to make it stand out from the crowd

THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN: GREAT CAST AND WIT MAKE THIS ONE A PLEASURE

An adorkable teen tale

THE Edge of Seventeen (Cer t 15a, 105 mins), the debut film from director Kelly Fremon Craig, is packed with sarcastic teenage wit, overwhelming angst and myriad moments of slump-down-in-your-seat high school awkwardness.

What’s more, it’s often very, very funny. In other words, this drama comedy is the most John Hughes teen movie since 1987’s Some Kind of Wonderful.

Hailee Steinfeld plays high school student Nadine – an awkward teen with a scathingly confident wit covering for acres of clumsy selfconsciousness.

Nadine’s opening line to teacher Mr Bruner

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

(Woody Harrelson) – “I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but I’m gonna kill myself” – should give you an idea of the astronomical levels of angst we’re dealing with here.

A f ter the death of her father, Nadine finds solace in best-and-only friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson).

Once again, however, her world comes crashing down when Krista starts dating Nadine’s older brother, Darian (Blake

Jenner) , an eternally popular all-star jock.

With the whole world, including her mother (Kyra Sedgwick), seemingly poised against her, Nadine strikes up an awkward friendship with her admirer, Erwin (Hayden Szeto).

If The Edge of Seventeen succeeds anywhere, it’s in showing us how far things have come since the American Pies and Road Trips films of the early 2000s.

The issues touched on here are very real problems that don’t just stop at the transition to adulthood – Kelly Fremon Craig does a wonderful job communicating this, even if The Edge of Seventeen clings unflinchingly tight to convention.

All our most beloved tropes come along for the ride: the oblivious but well meaning parent, the mentoring teacher, the self-obsessed crush, and the goofy, loveable friend who’s obviously a better target for Nadine’s affections.

Fortunately, The Edge of Seventeen suitably twists and shapes these conventions to fit a thoroughly contemporary narrative.

Sure, just like any John Hughes classic, the dialogue is rife with the kind of things no actual teenager would ever say.

It doesn’t matter – it’s hyper-angst, hyper-anxiety, hyper-puberty – and it’s all the more enjoyable for it.

There are two types

of people in this world, Nadine tells us: “People with confidence who excel at everything, and the people who hope those people die in a big explosion.”

Like any intelligently compelling teen drama, T he Edge of Seventeen has us sympathise unmovingly with those in the latter camp.

Astounded by every bit of good will that comes her way, Nadine commands our sympathy and devotion with self-deprecating charm.

Steinfeld carries the performance admirably – whenever the narrative borders on the sickeningly sweet, she’s there to undermine the melodrama with an acerbic voiceover.

The teenage angst here does get a little grating at times – there’s only so much bitter sarcasm one can take.

However, the performances are genuine and dow n-to -ear th (Harrelson stands out), the humour is original and refreshingly contemporary and, for all its reliance on convention, Nadine’s story avoids predictability.

The best teen movies build modern context around a well-worn formula; The Edge of Seventeen doesn’t break the mould, but hits us with enough genuine heart and cy nical humour to set it aside from the recent wave of high school melodrama.

Verdict: 8/10

House about a twist?

STILL feeling its way about at some cinemas, this tale of a blind man fighting back against some house invaders looking to steal his money provides some pretty tense moments.

Don’t Breathe (Cert 16, 88 mins) ratchets up the tension, with its teen thugs picking the wrong dude to mess with – but then the plot goes sideways, with a big twist making it a quirky, inventive tale.

GIRL WITH THE GIFTS Presents a decent film

IF YOU’RE looking to carry on that Halloween vibe – and stave off the Christmas overkill that’s lumbering over the horizon – The Girl With All The Gifts (Cert 15A, 111 mins) presents a quirky tale of horror. Glenn Close and an ever-shrinking group of survivors fight to survive in a near future world that’s been devastated by, in effect, a zombie plague. It brings an interesting tale to a dead-tired genre.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 23

Lemon and Poppy Seed Drizzle Loaf

 EMMA NOLAN

THIS week, we present some recipes from The Little Green Spoon (AKA Indy Power), from the new cookbook – The Little Green Spoon: Deliciously healthy homecooking to share and enjoy.

A Dalkey native, Indy’s website has long been a haven for those looking for tasty yet healthy recipes.

Her debut cook book features more than 100 healthy recipes that don’t compromise on taste.

To buy her book and read more recipes, see thelittlegreenspoon. com.

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK

Simply Zest the

Ingredients l 80 ml (2.5 fl oz/one-third cup) melted coconut oil, plus extra for greasing l 180 ml (6 fl oz/three-quarter cup) honey l 150 ml (5 fl oz/two-third cup) l Almond milk l Zest of 2 lemons l 2 tablespoons poppy seeds l 300 g (10.5 oz/2.5 cups) l Ground almonds l 2 teaspoons baking powder l Half teaspoon coarse salt l 2 egg whites For the drizzle l 1 x 400 ml (13 fl oz) tin coconut milk, refrigerated overnight l 2 tablespoons honey juice of 2 lemons To serve l Lemon peel

RESPECT a great way to fundraise RESPECT, the organisation responsible for fundraising for capital projects and groundbreaking research within The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services, has a new fundraising project: the “Everyday Celebrity Favourites” recipe book.

Liam Neeson, Cathy Kelly, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Kathryn Thomas and Devin Toner are just a few of the well-known names contributing tasty recipes to help fundraise for the services..

It’s available to purchase now for €10 via www.respect.ie, or by calling 01 685 6502.

Preparation l P r e h e a t t h e ove n t o 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. l In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, honey, almond milk, lemon zest and poppy seeds. Keep the lemons that you zested, you can use their juice for the drizzle.

Fig and Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge Ingredients l 85 g (3 oz/half cup) quinoa l 125 ml (4 fl oz/half cup) water l 250 ml (8.5 fl oz/1 cup) almond milk, unsweetened l 3 ripe figs l Half teaspoon vanilla essence l Half teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra to sprinkle l 1 tablespoon maple syrup/ honey Overview Quinoa porridge is perfect for when you want a filling and hearty breakfast but don’t want to skip out on the protein.

With summer well past, this is the best way to ease yourself into colder Autumn mornings and make the most of all the amazing fresh figs around at this time of year.

The combination of sticky figs and cosy cinnamon is hard to beat, so make this while you can – the fig season is lamenta-

l In a separate bowl, combine the ground almonds, baking powder and salt. l Gradually add the almond mixture to the wet ingredients in three stages, mixing well after each addition. l In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the egg

bly short.

If it’s the wrong time of year, sub in some mashed banana instead.

This recipe serves two.

Preparation l Add the quinoa, water and half of the nut milk to a mediumsized saucepan on a medium heat. l Pop the lid on and let it cook for about 13 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and it’s nice and fluffy. l Cut two of the figs in half and scoop the fruity flesh from the inside, then add it to a bowl. l Use a fork to mash it up, then stir it into the quinoa with the vanilla, cinnamon and remaining nut milk. Cut the last fig into slices. l Let the quinoa simmer for another few minutes until it has reached your desired consistency, then stir in the sweetener. l Pour the porridge into your bowls, top with the fig slices and sprinkle on a little more cinnamon before serving.

whites into the batter. l Grease a 1lb loaf tin with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden on top and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. l As soon as you put the loaf

in the oven, make the drizzle.

Scoop the coconut cream from the top of the tin of chilled coconut milk (keep the coconut water for something else). l Add it to a large bowl and mix in the honey and lemon juice. You should have a tart, runny mixture. Pop it in the

fridge to thicken just a little while the loaf cooks. l Take out the loaf and leave it to cool. When the loaf is completely cool, take the drizzle out of the fridge, give it a stir and then spoon it on to the loaf, letting it drip down the sides. l Top with strips of lemon

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE Vichy Corrective stick €TBA

Vichy Fluid corrective foundation €TBA

Catrice Iron strength nail hardener €3.50

Catrice Vitamin Lip Treatment €3.95

The Suzie Q €165

BattleElements the

 EMMA NOLAN

Style Editor

The Avas €170

The Suzie Q €165

WELL, the temperature has dropped, and the time of year where we constantly battle against chapped lips, dry skin and ‘hat hair’ is upon us.

Some products can really help you keep your skin in good condition while battling the elements – a good lip balm, for instance, is always crucial.

Shoe collection isn’t a sole project for Courtney Smith  EMMA NOLAN

Make Fore Up v fusion er Pro ligh t gold € 37

Catrice Prime & Fine primer €4.95

Georgio Armani Luminous silk foundation €45

STYLIST Courtney Smith (right) has collaborated with Buffalo Shoes for a limited edition collection.

The new capsule collection of boots landed in Buffalo Shoe Lab store, Exchequer Street and online yesterday, and is available in Arnotts from today, November 10.

Courtney’s debut as a shoe designer is definitely something new for the Dublin native. Joining forces with Buffalo Shoe Lab, the newly announced Courtney Smith X Shoe Lab collection channels her celebrated style into iconic boots that reflect her personal style.

Fusing Buffalo Shoe Lab’s reputation for killer shoes, the duo

collaborated on this collection, which Courtney describes as a natural progression from styling, as well as a return to her designing roots.

Of the collaboration, Smith said: “It has been a dream come true, working so symbiotically with head Shoe Lab designer Audrey Murray, and teaming her creative expertise with my vision.

“For me, this is such a natural partnership, as Buffalo has always been my go-to shoe store, both as a stylist and a girl obsessed with amazing footwear.”

For more on the collection, see www.weareshoelab.com, or visit Buffalo Shoe Lab stores on Exchequer Street and in Arnotts.

Prices start from €155.

There are some coloured lip treatments on the market, too, that nourish while you wear them.

With the wind and rain, sometimes your make-up has disappeared before you’ve even reached your destination – this is why a good base or primer is paramount. Investing in a good foundation and powder at this time is also necessary.

Here are just some of the products to see you through the next few months ...

Nivea Q10 Anti-wrinkle cream 50ml €11.99, Q10 Anti-wrinkle Night cream 50ml €11.99

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH

WEEBYTES

Miren Samper and actor Eddie Jackson at the launch of Dub Web Fest 2016

Spinning a web of tech and stories DUB Web Fest 2016 is gearing up for an eclectic schedule of web series and workshops at its second outing, which is taking place from Friday, November 18 to Sunday 20 at the Filmbase centre, Temple Bar. At the festival launch, filmmakers and members of the entertainment and tech media had an opportunity to network and enjoy a wine reception at the Bank of Ireland Startlab in Grand Canal Square, Docklands.

Actor Eddie Jackson (of Game of Thrones, and Vikings fame) was one of the special guests on the night, with the fusion between tech and entertainment one of the main talking points on the launch night.

While much of the game’s graphics betray its origins on older consoles, there have been many tweaks that make Skyrim look great on current consoles, with volumetric lighting being a particular highlight of the extra polish

CONTINUING the interesting trend of giving significant old games a HD lick of paint and then rereleasing them, gamers have more than enough to keep them busy with Bethesda’s recently released Skyrim (Legendary Edition, PS4/ XBO, Cert 18, €60).

First released in ye olden dayes (late 2011, to be exact), Skyrim was an exemplary adventure game set in a massive land facing civil war, while a bigger threat (hint: dragons) slowly began to threaten everybody,

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

whether men, elves, or its other sentient races.

Skyrim offered a truly massive world to explore, offering up more missions and side quests than you could shake a 16-sided dice at, with the player free to wander around at will in its well-crafted towns,

cities and wild landscapes.

Whether a newcomer to Skyrim or a seasoned traveller, this is the exact same critically-acclaimed game, with its additional content bolted on, offering nothing new to gamers, storywise.

However, with plenty of visual upgrades from the get-go, this Skyrim is sure to engross console gamers.

While it can’t compete with the likes of, say, The Witcher 3, it’s still no slouch in the graphics department, with the subtle and souped-up graphical effects alike helping

to create an even more atmospheric realm to explore at length.

Despite its rough edges, and gameplay aspects that could have been further refined and polished, the game is still a joy to explore. After all, it offers sackloads of content, a memorable world, cool graphics and one of gaming’s best soundtracks.

So, even if the only elves you want to see are the ones helping Santa Claus, Skyrim is definitely a highly-recommended end of year release.

Whether crossing some of Skyrim’s many snowbound

Screengrabs: Shane Dillon While roads criss-cross Skyrim, many of its best ruins, treasures, secrets and dangers lie off the beaten path

mountains, misty bogs or its pleasant Alpine-like tundra, there’s always something worth discovering, exploring or returning to

Video channel The festival directors, Erol Mustafov and Mikael Thierry, also announced news of their new video on demand channel, Twisted Mirror TV, which is a platform where users can view web series and short film in many genres, all in one place.

They are currently seeking funds via a crowdfunding campaign to develop the service further.

Tickets are now on sale for all events at Dub Web Fest 2016 and can be purchased at the website. For further information on the festival’s events and workshops, see dublinwebfest.com.

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

SPORT

FastSport AUL TRIO IMPRESS ELLAND BOSSES ON TRIAL HARDWICKE lads Cian O’Toole, Scott Firtsimons and Lee Fetherston are currently on trail at Elland Road.

The teen trio are hoping to trade the AUL for the Championship and have been afforded a week to impress the Leeds United coaches, juniorsoccerportal reports.

The trio began training with the Under 18s and Under 23s on Monday and by all accounts all three impressed on day one.

Winger Fetherston bagged a himself a couple of goals on the winning team in a trail match.

“It’s a week long trail so the lads have lots of time to impress,” Hardwicke manager and former Preston Northend favourite Micheal Keane explained.

“They wouldn’t be there if we didn’t see the talent.”

RUGBY: COLLEGE

Lansdowne down Trinity to go second

 DAVID DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

LANSDOWNE moved up to second in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A following their comprehensive 25-14 victory over Dublin University at College Park.

Trinity went into the game top of the table but, as a measure of how tight things are at the business end of the division, fell out of the play-off spots to fifth as a result of their failure to manage even a bonus point.

Tries from Eamonn Mills and John O’Donnell, and five penalties from Scott Deasy, put the game beyond Dublin University, who could manage only a Jack Kelly try and three Jack McDermott penalties in response.

Young Munster took advantage to take pole position with a 24-22 win at St Mary’s, with five tries from David Fanagan, Ryan O’Loughlin, Darren Moroney (2) and Terry Kennedy ensuring Mary’s at least managed two bonus points.

Clash In the weekend’s second all-Dublin clash, Old Belvedere edged out defending champions Clontarf to move into third.

Five penalties from Munster’s Steve Crosbie and a Simon Killeen try earned a valuable 20-13 away win for Belvo, while Conor Jennings and Rob McGrath crossed for Clontarf.

UCD moved above Tarf into seventh thanks to a 23-16 win over Garryow-

en at the Belfield Bowl.

Ireland under-20 captain James Ryan was the hero as his second half try secured a hard-fought win after Jamie Glynn and Tommy O’Brien had gone over before the break.

Bottom side Terenure College continue to struggle after taking a heavy beating at Cork Constitution.

Nure went in at half time with a narrow 14 -10 deficit, but 17 points in succession saw Con secure a bonus point and send the Dublin side away with nothing despite Stephen Caffrey’s late consolation.

Old Wesley remain third in Division 1B thanks to a thrilling bonus point win away to Ballymena. Mark Row-

Lansdowne’s Foster Horan is tackled by Trinity’s Sam Pim . Picture: Inpho

ley, Iain McGann, Conor Maguire and Alan Jeffares dotted down as the Donnybrook club withstood a spirited comeback from the Ulster side to win 27-25.

Margin Blackrock College moved to third in Division 2A as the result of a 29-21 bonus point win over Highfield at Stradbrook Park.

Dave Scott-Lennon,

Davy Rowan and Dave Fortune touched down in the first half to set Rock on their way to their bonus-point win.

Wa n d e r e r s m ove d to third in Division 2B thanks to a six-try 41-7 victor y over secondplaced Dungannon on the Aviva Stadium back pitch in what was the largest winning margin of the weekend.

Bective Rangers

slipped to fifth in spite of a comfortable 29-3 win over City of Derry in Donnybrook Stadium, while north Dublin side Skerries jumped above Old Crescent into seventh on points difference despite losing 12-6 away to Thomond.

In Division 2C, a hardfought 19-17 win away to Midleton saw Seapoint move up to seventh position.

Neptune topple Templeogue but both go through  sport@dublingazette.com

Darren Dowling of Neptune on the charge

THE Men and Women’s Under 18 Hula Hoops National Cup tournament pool stages took place last weekend and there was big excitement across all the courts as the teams vied for their spots in the final eight.

One of the big talking points of the weekend however, was the clash between BFG Neptune and Tolka Rovers that took place in Neptune Stadium in Cork on Saturday as the local team overcame Tolka 100-48 in style, with dunks from Liam Chandler (two) and

Cian Heaphy, while 16-year-old James Hannigan netted a fantastic full-court shot – all of which were captured on video, which you can view on The Gazette’s Facebook page.

Buzzer That wasn’t the only game the talented Cork side dominated however, as they powered on to beat Drogheda Bullets 96-30 to book their spot in the semi-final on Sunday morning against Moycullen which they also won, 87-61.

A thrilling final against Templeogue was up next, but there was no stopping Neptune who ran

out Pool 1 winners, 100-85. Both Neptune and Templeogue now go through to the final eight.

There were also talking points in Pool 3 meanwhile, as 17-year-old Dara Devine from Tralee Imperials scored a superb three-pointer just before the buzzer in his side’s semi-final with Maree (view the video here) to send them into the final against Killorglin CYMS, who went on to beat the Kerry side 78-31.

Elsewhere, UCD Marian were winners in Pool 2, beating Belfast Star 55-49, while KUBS BC had the better of Dublin Lions in Pool

4, winning 61-53. Both the winners and the runners-up from each pool go through to the quarter-finals of the Hula Hoops National Cup. Meanwhile in the Women’s Under 18 Hula Hoops National Cup, DCU Mercy won out Pool 1 after overcoming WIT Wildcats 71-43. Portlaoise Panthers had the better of Liffey Celtics in Pool 2 (54-48), while Glanmire overcame Maree 77-62 in Pool 3. All finalists progress to the next round of the Hula Hoops National Cup, while Fr Mathews and Singleton SuperValu Brunell also qualify as the seventh and eighth teams.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Ireland’s ladies aiming for the knock-on effect

Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament director Garrett Tubridy tells Gazette Sport he expects next year’s event, to be held in Ireland, will lead to more women participating in sport TOURNAMENT director Garrett Tubridy has outlined lofty aims for the coming months, explaining how he hopes the Women’s Rugby World Cup – set to be hosted in Ireland in the summer of 2017 – will have a knock on effect in participation across women’s sport.

“We feel a responsibility beyond rugby to make sure this competition is a success,” Tubridy told GazetteSport.

“We want people in other sports to see what we do and think if Ireland can host a Women’s Rugby World Cup to that level, we want our federations to do the same for our sport.

“We’ve opened up connections to other sports.

We’re very conscious of taking advantage of this moment, and giving the

chance for other sports to capitalise on it.

“The men have never hosted a Rugby World Cup in Ireland. That’s what we have. All the Ireland games will be on TV, and it’ll introduce the sport to a whole new generation.

“Programs are being put in place to take advantage of the increased interest we’re hoping to see; to have a knock on effect. It’s all about participation.”

Speaking of growing profile of the game, Tubridy explained: “It was obviously big having women’s Rugby Sevens in the Olympics. People are starting to see that women’s rugby is about athleticism, about commitment, and at a really high level.

“We’re convinced that the more people come to games, the more will come

back. We’re also setting up games in Dublin and up in Northern Ireland for visitors to actually play in.

“We’ve had people getting in touch saying they want to play games while they’re here. The tag line is going to be ‘Bring It’.

Bring the flags, bring the passion, bring the support.

But bring the boots, too.”

There will be no single games at the tournament – every ticket will take in a series of matches, with as many as six games taking place across a single day during the group stages.

Three groups of four will see the group winners and the best secondplaced side qualify for the semifinals, but all twelve teams will continue in the tournament as they play for position. Even the finals in Belfast will see

three games back-to-back.

“We’ll be having a number of games on one campus at one time, either in UCD or at Queen University and Kingspan Breffni in Belfast, so people can make a day of it, and we can create an atmosphere, which has worked well for women’s rugby in the past,” Tubridy said.

“The pool draw [which

schedule. There’ll be three match days in UCD with six matches each day across two pitches, then we move to Belfast for the semis and final.”

There’ll be a host of volunteer positions and ambassadorial positions on offer alongside the games, which can be applied for via IrishRugby. ie, with Tubridy keen to

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

‘The tag line is ‘Bring It’. Bring the flags, bring the passion, bring the support. But bring the boots too’ - Garrett Tubridy

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

takes place as The Gazette goes to print] is a real big milestone in preparation for the tournament. After that we’ll go to broadcasters and do the fixture

Ireland’s Alison Miller scores against New Zealand, who they beat 17-14 in the 2014 Women’s RWC. Picture: Inpho

tap into the same local enthusiasm and friendly welcome he felt made the London Olympics special.

“We think that for people who couldn’t make it to to Chicago over the weekend, for example, they’ll come out to this.

That’s how we’re setting it up. For the team it’s huge to be playing a World Cup on home soil.

“We’ll make it affordable for families. A success for us is increasing the profile of women’s rugby.

It’s also about making the most memorable Women’s World Cup ever.”

Ireland play the current world top three, England, Canada and New Zealand in UCD this month. Tickets for the Women’s World Cup Final and Semifinals, which both take place in Belfast in August, are on sale now. Group stages (set to take place at UCD) go on sale in early January.

FASTSport

Racing legend Jackie Stewart gives cup to Niall

Firhouse flyer Murray has the winning Formula DUBLINER Niall Murray made history this week by completing a clean sweep of the biggest four prizes in Formula Ford 1600 racing by adding the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone to his superb collection.

The 21 year-old from Firhouse finished second in his qualifying heat, less than one tenth of a second behind Northern Ireland winner Wayne Boyd.

Murray turned the tables on his rival in the semi-final though, beating the Fermanagh man by one fifth of a second in another very close finish.

However, in the final, he really showed his class. Rain made the circuit slippery, and the Irishman was out on his own.

After the split second margins in the earlier races, Murray romped away to take victory by more than eight seconds from Britain’s Oliver Askew, with Josh Fisher another nine seconds behind in third place.

Boyd could only manage seventh position, with Rob Barrable, Stephen Daly and Jordan Dempsey the next best Irish finishers. Earlier, 16 year old Dempsey, from Mullingar, won his heat and finished fifth in his semi-final.

Murray’s season already saw him crowned as the British Formula Ford champion, and the winner of both the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch and the Martin Donnelly Trophy race at Kirkistown, leaving him at the shootout stage of the “Mazda Road to Indy” programme which carries a $200,000 prize of a drive in the 2017 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda.

Murray dominated Silverstone at the weekend

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 10 November 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

CROKER JOY FOR GIRLS OF HOWTH N.S.

Ireland U-21 boss King names 15 uncapped players for Spain friendlies IRELAND Under 21 manager Noel King has unveiled his squad to take on Czech Republic and Slovakia in two friendly games in Spain.

Ireland will take part in a five-day training camp in La Manga, Spain as part of their preparation for the 2019 UEFA Under 21 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Included in the squad are 15 uncapped players, one of whom is Walsall midfielder Liam Kinsella, son of former international Mark (below).

“This camp is an opportunity to get to know the players, their characters, and if they are best suited to our style and playing international football, which is very important,” said King. “The more time we get with the players the quicker we get to know our strongest team.

So we will use this time to make assessments over these players and hope that we rise to the challenge of the games.”

King has also brought in four SSE Airtricity League players in Shamrock Rovers’ Sean Heaney, Derry City’s Ronan Curtis, St Patrick’s Athletic’s Jamie McGrath, and Dundalk’s Ciaran O’Connor.

“We have always had a strong representation of SSE Airtricity League players in the Under 21 squad with Kevin O’Connor and Sean Maguire, who both helped Cork City win the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup last weekend, in our most recent squad,” said King.

“There has been a steady flow of League players in our squads, which shows that the League is producing players and that they are there on merit. It is when they come into the squad whether they can step up to international football. That is why we include them.”

Republic of Ireland Under 21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Liam Bossin (Anderlecht), Kieran O’Hara (Man Utd).

Defenders: Noe Baba (Birmingham), Danny Kane (Huddersfield Town), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City), Sean Heaney (Shamrock Rovers), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Corey Whelan (Liverpool), Shaun Donnellan (West Bromwich Albion), Dylan Barnett (Brighton & Hove).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Bradford City), Jack Byrne (Blackburn Rovers), Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Dylan Watts (Leicester City), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Jamie McGrath (St Patrick’s Athletic), Harry Charsley (Everton) Forwards: Tyrone Duffus (Everton), Olamide Shodipo (QPR), Ciaran O’Connor (Dundalk), Jake Mulraney (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)

FORMER Dublin footballer and Allianz Ireland representative Ciaran Whelan presents the cup to Howth PS joint captains Kate Skillington, age 8, and Cait Phelan, age 10, during the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Finals at Croke Park in Dublin.

Photo by Sam Barnes/ Sportsfile

SOCCER: AYRFIELD FIRST TO LOSE TO FOUR-MIDABLE RANGERS

Rivervalley make history sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers made their own bit of history on Friday night when they recorded their first Leinster Senior League Premier A victory, beating Ayrfield United 4-2 at the AUL Complex.

And boss Stef Doran says they’re capable of putting together a run of victories after the squad that coasted through Premier B last season was decimated by injuries.

Last season’s Premier B champions have endured a tough start to life in the top flight, managing just one point from their opening six fixtures.

But the Swords side let loose on high-flying Ayrfield, scoring four times through Paul Gibney,

John Cosgrove, Thomas Cooney and John O’Donoghue to double their goal tally for the season.

Ayrfield twice fought back to within a goal, thanks to Ciaran Ryan and Alan Ray, but the Coolock side’s resistance was broken late on.

Gibney opened the scoring early on as he latched onto Philly McCabe’s cross, and Cosgrove doubled the advantage soon after from Gibney’s pass.

Ryan halved the deficit as he scored directly from a free kick just before half time.

The two-goal cushion was restored by Cooney’s emphatic strike 20 minutes into the second half, only for Ayrfield to again peg them back through the league’s top scorer Roy’s ninth of the season.

As Ayrfield pushed for an equaliser, O’Donoghue raced onto a through ball and finished calmly to ensure all three points went back to Swords.

“It’s a relief to have a squad back,” Doran told GazetteSport.

“We’ve been desecrated with injuries.”

“It’s a tough division. You’re not going to go into the best league in the AUL and have it all your own way. We had to correct a few things and it’ll stand to us now that we’ve picked up our first win.

“That’s three wins on the bounce now, albeit the first one was a friendly and the second was an FAI Junior Cup game [a 5-0 win over Rock Celtic].

“We weren’t playing badly. We were just making little errors that

you could get away with in Premier B. No disrespect to Premier B, but you’re making mistakes and you’re getting punished for them because you’re playing a better standard of player “We’re now five points off [fourth-placed Ayrfield] with the same games played – can we catch them now?

“It’s no undoable, not with the squad of players we have. We’ll kick on hopefully from that.

“A few Christmas signings now from December 1st and we’ll be looking to push on. We’ve got two or three or players we’ll be looking to bring in.”

Next up is Enniskerry YC in the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup, a competition in which Doran will hope to surpass last season’s quarter final.

MAGIC MOMENT IN PARK AS THOUSANDS RUN FOR CHARITY ROCKING everything from moustaches to superhero outfits, over 1,000 people (and a few dogs!) headed to Dublin on Saturday 5th November to take part in the annual MoRun. Raising money for various causes, in particular the Movember Foundation, runners of all ages and abilities participated in 5km or 10km MoRuns, all whilst having fun and raising awareness for men’s health.

The winner of the men’s 10km event was Brian O’Kelly, whilst the winner of the woman’s 10km event was Yvonne Macauley. Connor Mccauley took the MoChampion medal for the men’s 5km race, whilst the winner of the woman’s 5k event was Ellie Hartnett, with all finishers were given a curved moustache medal for their efforts.

10 November 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

EVERYONE’S A WINNER!

PLAYERS from St Fintan’s National School in Sutton and St Mary’s Boys National School in Booterstown, celebrate wth the cup following their game during the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Finals at Croke Park

in Dublin during the week. Primary school teams from across the city met at Croker on Tuesday and Wednesaday for the festival of football.

Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

FOOTBALL: SWORDS FINEST TO FACE ROSEMOUNT IN SF

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now play Rosemount from Westmeath

from 086 3814422. Bain triail as.

in the Semi Final. This will take place at

2017 Club Calendar: We have launched

home this Saturday (12th November) @

our First Ever Fingallians Calendar. It

2pm. To facilitate the big day in the club,

is a 14 month calendar November 2016

we are looking for stewards – please

to December 2017 with all significant

contact tonygordon68@yahoo.ie if you

Fins dates included. Limited Availabil-

are available to help out.

ity. Great Christmas Present and is now

Club Shop: This Tuesday & Thursday

available for the bar & club shop @ €10

evening from 7 – 8.30pm the shop will

each.

open.

Senior Champions: Congratulations

Nursery Staff Training Foundation

to St Vincents on winning the football

Course: Football and Hurling course for

championship on Saturday afternoon v

all Nursery staff, will take place on the

Castleknock and maybe we will meet in

11th and 18th of November (7pm - 9.30pm)

2017. Good luck on your Leinster journey.

on both nights in the club.

Social Dance Classes: Every Monday

AGM: The date is the 17th November in

from 8 – 11pm beginner classes for Jive,

the main hall at 9pm. Nomination papers

Quickstep, Foxtrot, Waltz & Line Danc-

have been sent by email and are also

ing takes place. The cost is €10 per night.

available from the club office. Prior to

Please contact Patricia on 085 7307173

the AGM on the Thursday 10th November

for further detail. Please note RTE will be

the accounts will be available for view-

filming over the next 4 weeks for a Spring

ing, from 8pm in the club bar.

Dance Series.

Academy: The Christmas Party will take

Lotto: Numbers - 2, 10, 21, 33 & 35. We had

place this year on Saturday morning,

one winner - Declan McCullen who won

10th of December in the club hall.

€2,276. This Tuesday evening the Jackpot

Chat in Irish: The club’s Irish conversa-

will be €2,206.

NAOMH MEARNOGS

Fingallians win like Flynn to march on

Congratulations to our senior 6

physical health. His role will be to help

camogie team on their great win over

those in need to access the most appro-

Setanta in the championship. This is

priate services or support. He will also

is a fantastic group of very dedicated

be helping to raise awareness of the

players and are well deserving of their

various health and wellbeing topics and

victory. The team is managed by Tom

initiatives that are being rolled out by

O’Sullivan, Colm Delaney, Lisa Kiernan,

the GAA and other agencies.

LEINSTER IFC SF Fingallians 2-15 St Joseph’s 3-06  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

FINGALLIANS are in to the semi final of the Leinster Intermediate Football Championship after the Swords club fronted by Dublin’s Paul Flynn won away at St Joseph’s of Louth.

It was a battling performance from the side who’ll make what many view as an overdue return to the Leinster senior tier next year, with Fingallians forced to come from behind with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.

Their hosts had led 2-5 to 0-9 with a quarter of the match remaining, before they recovered with a stunning late burst to win out comfortably by 2-15 to 3-6.

Defences were on top on balance in Dromiskin, just south of Dundalk, for much of the first half, as both teams struggled to find much space in the opposing backline and headed for the break at 0-5 a piece.

At that point, neither side had led by more than a point, and there was little hint of the five-goal second half that would follow.

St Joseph’s stormed out of the gate in the second period, however, netting almost straight from kick off via Conal O’Hanlon – and while Fingallians generally had the better of the opening period – the Louthmen responded with four points to go back in front.

Their second came with Fingallians 0-9 to 1-5 in front, once against pushing Joseph’s ahead by two points with just over 15 minutes remaining. But Fingallians response was emphatic.

The key moment came four minutes later as Fingallians responded with two goals of their own, the first of which seemed to turn the tide.

A penalty scored by Oisin Lynch saw the Swords club in front with 13 minutes remaining. By the time Shane Howard’s well-taken goal from open play arrived, a period of Fingallians dominance saw them comfortable at 2-14 to 2-5 in front.

When Joseph’s hit their third goal – an O’Hanlon penalty – in injury time it was already clear they weren’t going to catch the visitors after a second half that could scarcely have contrasted more with the first.

Fingallians go on to face Rosemount at home next Saturday in the Leinster semi-final, after the Westmeath club defeated Offaly’s Cappincur by 2-10 to 0-8 in their quarter final. The other semi sees Round Towers take on St Colmcilles.

Joan O’Connor and Carol O’Sullivan Well done to our senior footballers who

If you are experiencing difficulty with

had an impressive win over St. Mary’s

your mental health or physical health

to guarantee a home semi final in the

and are unsure where to go for appro-

playoffs.

priate support, please do not hesitate

Our junior hurlers are still in contention

to contact Johnny on 087 783 8177 or at

for promotion despite losing the final

johnnyjowens@gmail.com. All questions

league game to Cuala by 4 points. We

or queries are welcome and he would be

will have to go the slightly more “scenic

only too happy to help in any way that

route” now.

he can.

Our AGM takes place on Thursday the 24th of November at 8pm in the club-

If anyone in the club is interested in

house. Nominations and motions must

becoming involved and assisting Johnny

be submitted to the club secretary by

in this role, please drop him a line.

the 4th of November.

Johnny Owens has recently taken up

Johnny is a qualified social worker and

the role as Health & Wellbeing Officer

he is working in the field of youth mental

for our club. Johnny’s main role is to

health. He also plays for the adult hurl-

assist club members who may be expe-

ing team in the club.

riencing difficulties with their mental or

ST FINIANS Club Lotto - The club lotto jackpot was

Martin Long. Next week’s jackpot will be

€2,200 and the numbers drawn were:

€2,300.

2, 7, 12 and 21. There was no winner. The

The club bingo takes place this and every

Lucky Dip Winners of €25 were Matt

Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm.

McDonnell, Rita Gilligan, Betty Pentony,

This week’s jackpot is €1250!

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SOCCER: Ireland U21 boss Noel King names FIFTEEN new caps for upcoming friendlies in Spain P30

NOVEMBER 10-16, 2016

XXXX: THE BIG FEATURE: Garrett Tubridy onXxxx whyP29 the 2017 Women’s RWC is so important to Irish sport See P29

Fingallians go up a gear

Fresh from their victory over St Joseph’s in Louth, vice skipper Danny Campion says the Swords men are learning to become more physical

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FINGALLIANS vice-captain Danny Campion has spoken of the change in styles in moving into the Leinster intermediate championship, after his side defeated St Joseph’s of Louth away in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

“It was quite a physical experience,” Campion said of the 2-15 to 3-6 victory, in which Fingallians found themselves behind with 15 minutes remaining.

“They played the game a little differently to what we’re used to. There was a lot of hand passing at the back, trying to isolate their forwards against our backs, and then long balls into the

forwards. We’d be well used to a bit of a physical game, but that’s not quite how teams play in Dublin.

“We felt there were a couple of questionable decisions that might have mattered more in a close game,” Campion argued.

“We’d have issues with both their penalties, but it was played in a good spirit. We were really pleased with the support who came up from Fingallians, there were busloads of them. We had a meal and some beer with Joseph’s afterwards and they were great hosts.”

The sides had gone in at 0-5 a piece at half time, with Campion explaining that they felt they’d left a few points out on the park, but were confident they’d go on to a better second half.

“It was quite an even game in the first period,” he explained. “We had a couple of goal chances and a few points we should have put over in the first half. They really came at us in the first fifteen minutes, which seemed to be a real strategy.

Dubious “Once we weathered that, we felt we could cope and we felt in control in the second half, despite a couple of decisions we felt were a little dubious.”

“The second half was a goal fest. It’s great to be involved in such big games at this stage of the season. Sometimes motivation can be an issue

by November, but it definitely isn’t this year.

Every game is the most important game.

“Next year it’ll be all about the league – but right now this is big.”

Campion thanked the coaching team for their role in getting Fingallians’ back to the senior county level for next season, and having the side competing into November, as they prepare to return to Swords for the county semifinal on Saturday.

They’ll face Westmeath side Rosemount for a place in the Leinster intermediate final, and the first of just three steps remaining on the road to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day. “This is new for us, but we’re here to compete, and when we won Dublin we knew we were in with a chance to go further,” Campion explained. “We’d love to have to take things easy over Christmas.”

Match Report - See Inside