Gazette FINGAL
December 1 - 7, 2016
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VINTAGE STYLES DELIGHT P18
Motoring: Volkswagen’s Tiguan SUV will leave you feeling content P20
KEEPIN’ IT CROSS COUNTRY All the action from the National Cross Country Championships in Abbotstown
CINEMA Hanks wings it with this biopic 24
Desperate hunt for missing dolly SYLVIA POWNALL
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
A SWORDS mum has issued a plea for the safe return of her daughter’s most prized possession – a rag doll bought for her by her late grandmother.
The four-year-old decided to donate some of her old toys to the St Vincent de Paul charity outlet at the Castle Shopping Centre – but accidentally left her dolly behind. The treasured toy (right) has since been sold, and the shop
has sent out a plea on Facebook which has already been shared more than 1,700 times. The child’s mother revealed: “This was bought by her late nana on her last holiday and now my little girl is distraught. “I will pay whatever to get it
back, due to the sentimental value. If anyone could help I would really appreciate it. Would be lovely to have her Angel nana to leave under the Christmas tree.” Continued on Page 4
SEE GAZETTE SPORT
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TRANSPORT | COMMUNITIES VOICE CONCERNS OVER ISSUE OF NIGHT FLIGHTS
Almost 150 submissions over runway conditions SYLVIA POWNALL DUBLIN Airport Authority (daa) has received just under 150 submissions about the proposed new runway ahead of the deadline this Friday, December 2. The daa wants two planning conditions which would restrict night-time flight movements lifted, but has met with stiff opposition from neighbouring communities. A spokesperson for the daa said on Tuesday that the feedback would be published and would include an Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
Siobhan O’Donnell, daa press officer, told The Gazette: “The EIS will include a suite of mitigation measures to address North Runway environment impacts relating to the change of permitted operations.” Objectors to the runway project – or more specifically, any change of use which would increase night-time air traffic – are concerned about the preferred noise routes as outlined by the daa. Sinn Fein last week announced it would seek a “social clause” for Swords in relation to the new runway. The daa pointed out
that 15,700 people are employed on the airport campus, with another 96,000 jobs facilitated by the airport – 25,000 of them in Fingal. O’Donnell added: “Dublin Airport plans to hold a specific ‘Meet the Contractor’ event next year to allow local suppliers to showcase their businesses to the main contractor for the runway project.” Meanwhile, a petition started on change.org by opposition umbrella group FORUM (Fingal Organised Residents United Forum) has attracted 588 signatures. The “Stop night time
The Dublin Airport Authority says a suite of mitigation measures will address any North Runway environment impacts
noise at Dublin Airport – Say No to changing 2007 planning conditions” petition will be presented to the Irish Aviation Authority and Minister for Transport Shane Ross. Spokesperson Dave Kelly said: “We really need to make people aware of what’s going on. People in Malahide and Swords are not aware of the 15-degree divergence, which is going
to bring some departing aircraft over them. “Large areas surrounding Dublin Airport which haven’t been a flight path before will be now, and no authority has issued a definitive map, so people are in the dark for the most part.” He warned that this also meant Fingal County Council could be giving permission to houses
which would wind up under new flight paths – and this needs to be considered when drawing up the new County Development Plan. Feedback and submissions should be given via an online survey which can be found on www. dublinairport.com/northrunway, by the close of business tomorrow, Friday.
FASTNews
Networking lunch for Fingal businesswomen FINGAL Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has announced details for the annual Fingal Enterprising Women’s Network (FEWN) Christmas lunch, which takes place on Tuesday, December 6 in Roganstown Hotel and Country Club. The last FEWN event of the year is designed to allow the entrepreneurs to mingle and connect with many new people from a variety of business backgrounds in an open networking environment, giving them an opportunity to build relationships and learn from each other. The special guest speaker for the Christmas lunch is Niamh Barry, founder of The Irish Fairy Door Company. There is a nominal booking fee of €10, which includes Christmas lunch and a glass of mulled wine for Fingal businesswomen. Places are strictly limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked at www. localenterprise.ie/ fingal.
Put your talent to the TV test
Percy French night provides another roaring hit for Lions
MALAHIDE Lions Club hosted a terrific Percy French evening on Saturday, November 19 in the Grand Hotel. The large attendance enjoyed the high-quality music, song, fun and laughter provided by the talented Troubadours, who have been on the road for four years and have raised more than €50,000 for various charities, to date. All proceeds from the event go to St Francis Hospice in Raheny. Malahide Lions members Alphie O’Dowd, Stephan McDonagh, Mary Gleeson, Mary McNamara, Noel Mitchell and Richard Killen were among the many people enjoying the entertainment (inset).
BUDDING Fingal entertainers take note – Britain’s Got Talent auditions are coming to Dublin this Friday, December 2, with a team visiting the Ilac Centre in the city centre in search of local talents. Open auditions are being held from 12pm4pm. Fingal talents could follow in the footsteps of previous Irish acts who have done well on the show, including the Presentation Senior Choir from Kilkenny and husband and wife singing duo, Ian and Anne Marshall from Belfast.
SWEET Carolina DUBLINERS | STUNNING 20-YEAR-OLD STUDENT SET FOR TOP MODEL CAREER
1 DECEMBER 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 3
AISLING KENNEDY A GORGEOUS 20-year-old Dubliner has been selected from 4,500 applicants for the final of the prestigious international Top Model competition. Tallaght I.T. student Carolina Aznar has told how she recently found out that she was one of 50 girls selected for the Irish finals later this month. The pocket-sized stunner from Shankill said that she had tried out modelling before, but had been told she was too small to make it on the catwalk. She told The Gazette: “I tried modelling before but I found it hard because of my height. I was told I was too small because I’m 5”3. Height “They’re happy with my height in this competition though so I’m delighted. I’ll to give it my best shot.” For the next part of the competition, Carolina will take part in two separate catwalk events at the Temple Bar Arts Studio on December 10. If Carolina is a winner on the day, the prizes include professional photography shoots for the cover of Irish Fashion and Glamour Magazine – and she’ll represent Ireland in the Worldwide Grand Final in London which will include opportunities at London Fashion Week. Best of luck Carolina – not that you’ll need it!
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GazetteGALLERY
| BAGGING OPENING DAY BARGAINS AT NEW SUPERMARKET
Malahide woman Lisa Durack-Gains and her daughter, Sofia
David Cullen from Donabate
Aldi makes quite a splash in Seatown
Margaret Jonathan and Aldi Swords store manager Patric Polak; (left) Aldi staff members Wayne Cox and Balazs Szekely with Michelle and Hannah McSweeney. Pictures: Conor McCabe
A
LDI opened a new store in Seatown, Swords last week, creating 25 new jobs. It is the German chain’s 19th store in Dublin and brings the total number of outlets nationwide to 128 since it opened its first outlet in November, 1999. Manager Patrik Polak said: “Each Aldi store we have opened so far has been a fantastic success and we are really looking forward to serving the local community.” Aldi has established solid roots in local communities and suppliers from Dublin, include Martin Flynn Nurseries, Robert Roberts and Traditional Cheese Company. Aldi now partners with more than 175 Irish producers.
SEARCH | LITTLE GIRL’S FAVOURITE TOY ACCIDENTALLY GIVEN AWAY
Call for lost doll goes viral as Swords mum seeks late nan’s gift Continued from Page 1
A volunteer at the Swords shop told The Gazette: “We have heard nothing so far. It has been shared online by so many people so we are still hopeful. “It’s so sad for her. I hope that whoever bought it realises on time so they can get it back to her for Christmas.” The Facebook post
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‘Dozens of people reacted, with one woman offering to donate a brand-new rag doll she had just bought as a Christmas present’
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reads: “We got a call from a mum whose little girl accidentally donated her dolly that her late Nan bought her. “She wanted to donate
some of her toys to the ‘poor children’ but, accidentally, her favourite doll was in the bag. “If you bought or know someone who bought it
we would really appreciate it if you could reconnect this little girl with her doll.” Dozens of people reacted, with one woman offering to donate a brand-new rag doll she had just bought as a Christmas present. Anyone who can help should contact the shop at 01 840 0752, or visit the St Vincent de Paul Facebook page.
The distinctive dolly in question
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SWORDSGazetteGALLERY |
MALAHIDE MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Ali Grimes and Sophie Doyle Duet
Emily Collins. Pictures: STEPHEN FLEMING
Grainne Jordan McDermott
Sean Woods
Amazing auditions
M
ALAHIDE locals were out in force to show off their talents as Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society held auditions for the return of Malahide’s Got Talent. Singers, dancers, musicians and many
more wowed the judges in their bid to reach the final in the Grand Hotel Malahide on January 29. The competition is now in its 6th year and all proceeds raised will go towards staging the group’s next musical.
Director of Malahide Credit Union and event sponsor Michael Dowling with Calam and Rhys Byrne
Audition judges Stewart Bourke, Therese Farrell and Martin Brennan
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HOLD AUDITIONS FOR THE RETURN OF MALAHIDE’S GOT TALENT AT THE GRAND HOTEL
Brian, Ciara and Virginia Nitz from Malahide
Roslyn asdfsdf
Amy Coughlan
Paula and Eva Komorek
Liliana Rosca Pinheiro
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COURTS | AMERICAN TOURISTS SET UPON; GARDAI ATTACKED BY DRUNK YOUTH
Three years for teen who took part in park robbery SYLVIA POWNALL
A DRUNKEN teenager who attacked and injured two gardai after robbing a group of American tourists in a Swords park has been given three years’ detention. CCTV footage later showed Dylan Thomas (19), of Palmer Avenue, Rush, was one of a large group of youths who took part in the robbery. US tourists Ryan Dil-
lon, his partner and her 82-year-old grandmother were walking in the town park after dinner when they were robbed of a camera bag. Dillon was punched and kicked by the group of youths when he attempted to retrieve their belongings. Later, Thomas punched and kicked an investigating officer who directed him to move out of the area. He later lashed out
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‘Judge Melanie Greally said the tourists had been “beset by a pack of youths” during the robbery and their memories of Ireland had been blighted by the incident’ ---------------------------------------------------------
at another garda who attempted to remove his hoodie to search him at the station. Thomas pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal
Court to assaulting Garda Stephen Harte causing him harm, and assaulting Garda Keith Delaney on May 2, 2015. He further pleaded guilty to robber y at Swords Town Park on the same date. Judge Melanie Greally said the tourists had been “beset by a pack of youths” during the robbery and their memories of Ireland had been blighted by the incident. She said Thomas had a
capacity for some considerable violence, particularly when he had consumed alcohol, but noted he now appeared to be applying himself to more positive pursuits. Judge Greally imposed four years’ detention and suspended the final year on strict conditions including that Thomas co-operates with the probation service in addressing his drug, alcohol and anger control issues, and attend psychiatric and educational services as directed. Defence counsel told the court that gardai had responded to a call about the robbery of the tourists in the park but the group of youths had scattered by the time they arrived. T homas, who was
heavily intoxicated, was still there and assaulted a garda who attempted to question him. Thomas told gardai he did not remember much of what happened, but after seeing CCTV footage of the incident agreed he had been involved in punching and dragging Ryan Dillon. At an earlier court sitting, a psychologist’s report highlighted a number of concerns. Thomas, who had been expelled from school for fighting, had difficulty with “alcohol, possibly cannabis and most likely authority”. Counsel said Thomas had started school in the prison and wanted to become a fitness instructor.
FASTNews
View on Castro ‘lacked balance’ FINGAL TD Darragh O’Brien has rowed in on the row over President Michael D Higgins’ statement on the death of Fidel Castro, saying it lacked balance. The Fianna Fail Foreign Affairs spokesman described Castro, who died at the weekend at the age of 90, as a “political giant”. But, he said, the President’s message lacked balance and failed to address the fact that Castro had ruled over a state where no opposition was permitted. He added: “The President’s statement was not as balanced as it could have been. There were no elections in Cuba – a one-party State. In this instance, like in others, he should be called out.” Human rights groups also distanced themselves from President Higgins’ remarks, and accused him of “airbrushing” over Castro’s tyrannical dictatorship.
A charitable tee-time at the Golf Links Inn SPURRED on by the early spirit of Christmas and the yearround interest in supporting Pieta House, almost €300 was raised when locals gathered at the Golf Links Inn in Portmanock for a fundraising tea and coffee morning in aid of the charity. Staff Darragh Quinn, Stacey Hamilton, Sean O’Dwyer and Laura Clarke (right) were happy to help everyone share a cuppa and a chat. Everyone was happy to run into their friends and neighbours at the well-attended event, with all keen to help engage in the national conversation on mental health, and to support the nationwide charity in providing a range of invaluable suicide support and self-harm services. Main picture: Alison O’Hanlon
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AWARDS | MALAHIDE, HOWTH SPECIALISTS REEL IN NATIONAL SEAFOOD GONGS AT CEREMONY
Right plaice, right time for two top Fingal fish experts SYLVIA POWNALL TWO Fingal fish specialists have netted national seafood gongs at the first awards ceremony of its kind in Ireland. Oceanpath of Howth won the Innovation in Seafood Processing award, while Eimantas Zvirblis of Donnybrook Fair in Malahide won the Young Fishmonger Of The Year title. Eimantas, who is from Lithuania, is a self-confessed fish aficionado and has worked at Don-
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“I took a long time to say my first words, but when I saw my father catch a fish one day, all I could say was: ‘Fish, fish’!”
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Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide
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nybrook Fair’s flagship Malahide store since it opened last Christmas. Eimantas first realised he had a skill with seafood while working for the Dublin Smoked Fish Company in 2010. He has also worked at
Nicky’s Plaice in Howth, but has found his calling sharing fish recipes with his customers in Malahide. Eimantas told The Gazette: “When I was a kid, my father used to bring me boat fishing
every weekend. I took a long time to say my first words, but when I saw him catch a fish one day, all I could say was: ‘Fish, fish’! “I love my job, and I love playing with colour, so when people walk through the door and see my display all they can say is ‘Wow’. “If I was to do anything else, I spend a lot of my free time cooking fish and coming up with different recipes, so I would probably see myself being a chef in a seafood restaurant,” said Eimantas.
Eimantas Zvirblis (Young Fishmonger Of The Year), Donnybrook Fair, Malahide and Ken Ecock, director, Oceanpath (Innovation in Seafood Processing). Picture: Paul Sherwood
The judging process for the awards was rigorous, with BIM inspectors paying multiple visits to test for the standard of display, presentation, quality of fish, fishmonger’s knowledge and skill in preparation.
Oceanpath was founded by the Ecock family in Howth in 1991. In 1995, they partnered with Superquinn, investing more than €3 million in a state-of-the-art seafood processing plant and introducing a new trace-
ability system on-pack. The family-run firm, which employs 93 staff, became the first seafood processor in Ireland certified to the BRC (British Retail Consortium) food standard, and has maintained this ever since.
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GazetteGALLERY
| BRINGING A CLASSIC TV SHOW TO SINGING, DANCING LIFE
They’re all ready to be FAME-ous stars T
HE hard work of students of LGMK Productions, including several from Swords and Malahide, is about to pay off with their superb staging of FAME The Musical, at Liberty Hall this December 2 and 3. This new stage version of the film and classic TV series follows some students at New York’s School of the Performing Arts through their four-year course. To
be staged in the heart of Dublin city, the exciting musical will be staged for three performances only – at 7.30pm on December 2, and 2pm and 7.30pm on December 3. Tickets are priced €18 for the evening performance, and €15 for the matinee. So, come along and catch these talented Dubliners bring the best of New York arts, music and dance to life this weekend.
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FINGAL | MENTAL HEALTH STATISTIC
HEALTH
Just six specialists for 450,000 people
Beaches rapped for breaches
TWO Fingal beaches are among six singled out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for repeated breaches of EU water safety regulations. Loughshinny beach and Rush south – subjected to repeated bathing bans over the summer – are cited in the latest report from the EPA. The watchdog said sewage overf low and waste water discharges contributed to poor quality at both beaches, as well as Merrion Strand, Youghal Strand, Duncannon in Wexford and Ballyloughane Beach in Galway. Work is now under way on the €9 million Rush sewerage treatment plant upgrade, with Senator James Reilly turning the sod on the plant earlier this month.
SYLVIA POWNALL
Lusk card to spread real cheer
MEMBERS of Lusk Tidy Towns Association gathered at Murray’s Top Shop recently to launch a Christmas card (inset). The card was greatly admired by all, with William O’Connor, Lusk Tidy Towns; the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler (FF); Pat Kelly, Lusk Tidy Towns; Cllr Ken Farrell (FF); Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) and Cllr Brian Dennehy (FF) among those happy to take a close look at a large printout of the card’s design. They encouraged everyone to send the new card to friends and family, helping to spread Lusk’s community spirit all across Dublin and far afield.
CHILDREN in north Dublin are being forced through the adult mental health system because of a lack of resources, it emerged last week. In 2015, a total of 95 children were admitted to adult units because the support network for adolescents and pre-teens is drastically underfunded. The mental health clinic for Fingal has just six specialists serving a population of 450,000 people – or one per 75,000 – it was revealed. Lack of adequate investment or a “joinedup strategy” were highlighted at an information night in the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords. Senator Keith Swanick (FF) called on the Gov-
ernment to review mental health funding as a matter of urgency and said young people deserved better. He identified a number of persistent failures within the system – including the fact that services are operating at just 75% of the recommended staffing levels. Senator Swanick said: “A lack of funding is adversely affecting the most vulnerable in our community. There are currently only 25 child beds nationally, usually with a three-month waiting list. “This leaves doctors with no choice but to send children through the adult system.” He called for crossdepartmental funding which would result in children receiving a full
psychological assessment as well as an educational assessment. Deputy Darragh O’Brien echoed the calls, adding: “There is an excellent mental health clinic in Swords town centre, with an outreach point in Balbriggan. “But five or six people are expected to cover a constituency of 450,000 residents. This is totally unacceptable. “Reports also suggest that staff on maternity and sick leave are not being replaced. This is adding a knock-on effect on the families of those in need of services, in despair.” Fianna Fail is now demanding a clear mental health strategy to be laid out, and adequately funded, by the Government.
GAZETTE
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DUBLINBUSINESS
Scholarships awarded to Dublin students TWELVE Dublin students have been awarded a JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship toward their third-level education. The awards ceremony took place on November 19 at the University of Limerick where Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, presented the awards. Special guest at this year’s awards ceremony was Rugby Legend, Paul O’Connell. This is the ninth year of the Scholarships, which are sponsored by JP McManus. A total of 125 students from both North and South of Ireland were
presented with a third level scholarship certificate. The scheme is set to provide financial assistance to many high achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate in 2016. JP McManus has contributed €32 million to fund the provision of these scholarships each year and it is estimated that over 1,300 students from the 32 counties will benefit from the scheme over its duration. The awards are administered by the Department of Education & Skills and Department of Education in Northern Ireland.
FAIRCHAIN | NATIONAL CRAFTS AND DESIGN FAIR AT THE RDS
Radically good coffee with a radical impact IAN BEGLEY
TWO self-confessed social upstarts whose ambition to change the world led to the foundation of the first Fairchain coffee company in Ireland were showcased at the National Crafts and Design Fair at the RDS this week. Dubliners Shane Reilly from Glasnevin and Killian Stokes from Sandymount both had many years of travel experience through poverty-ravaged coffee growing communi-
ties in Africa and South America, when they met at the UCD Innovation Academy. While researching how their ideals could challenge global inequality, they came across the innovative social enterprise Moyee Coffee. “Less than 15% of coffee value goes to coffeegrowing countries and 99% of coffee is exported from the country of origin and roasted and packaged in the west,” said Shane. “ We c a m e a c r o s s Dutch entrepreneur Guido Van Staveren who set up a coffee social enterprise in Ethiopia with a staff of 48 to both source and roast coffee at point of origin. “We became partners and have started the Fairchain revolution in Ireland with Moyee Coffee Ireland, which is a premium high-end coffee. “Fairchain supports five times as many jobs as Fair Trade and as the chain is unbroken at source, it is radically good coffee with radical
Dubliners Shane Reilly from Glasnevin and Killian Stokes from Sandymount
impact.” Organiser Patrick O’Sullivan said:“This annual fair is vital to the industry as a whole and it is estimated that it generates enough business to keep most of the exhibitors busy for at least four months of the year. “Everything from arti-
san foods to fashion and jewellery are on display and because the goods are handmade, they have the added distinction of being unique. “ We ’ r e a l s o v e r y proud of the fact that the Fair has grown and has added annually to the local economy, with
footfall consistently growing by 10% per annum over the past five years. With so much diversity under one roof, and prices star ting from as little as €5, the Fair offers Ireland’s largest Christmas gift shopping experience.
Safe skincare that works for sensitive skin ONE in five children and one in 12 adults in Ireland will develop eczema at some stage in their lives, according to the Irish Skin Foundation. Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy and inflamed. Known irritants include animal hair, pollen and common preservatives found in skincare products such as MI, sulfates and perfumes, as they strip the skin of its natural oils. Elave skincare is all about creating safe skincare that works for sensitive skin.
The range is produced by thirdgeneration family business Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, the first manufacturing chemist in Ireland to prepare traditional apothecary for sensitive skin conditions. “We know through research that harsh chemicals and known irritants are found in the most common skincare products including shampoos, bath products and cleansers,” said Joanna Gardiner, CEO Elave Skincare. “This is very frustrating as there have been serious breakthroughs in skincare treatments over the past 30 years.
“At Elave, we have been committed to removing all unnecessary chemicals from our ranges, as we believe it’s time to treat skin right,” she added. Using only purified water, all Elave formulations are safety tested to the highest standards. Elave Sensitive Intensive Cream is a medical device that will alleviate symptoms and reduce flare up of eczema and dermatitis-prone skin. To purchase Elave skincare products visit your local pharmacy or online at www.elaveskincare. com
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DIARY DUBLINLIFE Get set for a wondeful knight as the King of Waltz returns THE King of Waltz, Andre Rieu, returns to Dublin with his Johann Strauss Orchestra for a fantastic show with a jam-packed programme filled with film and opera music, romantic melodies, joyful waltzes, folk songs and lots more. As one of the world’s most successful violinists, the Dutch maestro invites you to come along for an evening of singing and dancing for all ages on December 8. Tickets are priced from €49 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ie.
SUPPORT CHILDLINE THIS CHRISTMAS
The stars of The Helix panto Aladdin arrived to put a smile on the face of young patients, including Darcy Molloy, in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital yesterday. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
LAST Christmas day, Childline received 1,176 calls from children in distress. Children scared, neglected, sad, or lonely. Every year, the incredible Childline volunteers give up their Christmas. This year, the ISPCC has a number of different ways you can support and donate. They will have holly pins on sale across the country, while Christmas baubles are the perfect way to donate to the ISPCC in lieu of gifts. The online shop will also have Christmas cards and Santa letters available.
Visit www.ispcc.ie for more information.
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO MIND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health Ireland’s annual Secondary School Art and Photography Competition have extended its deadline to December 16. The theme for this year is ‘Mind Your Mental Health’ and students are being encouraged with their teachers and classmates, to explore what minding their mental health means to them and then getting creative about it. The winning entries in Art and Photography receive a €250 All4One voucher with provincial winners receiving €50 All4One vouchers in both categories. And All winning entries will feature in our MHI Calendar which we produce each year.
PANTO PUBLIC’S SUPPORT SOUGHT BY HOSPITAL DUBLIN’S panto public have the chance to create magic of their own for the children of Temple Street Hospital by raising €10,000 through a special charity performance of The Helix pantomime Aladdin. Magic was in the air when the stars of Aladdin arrived to put a
smile on the face of young patients, families and staff in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital this week. And pantogoers are being given the chance to help raise funds for sick children at Temple Street by buying tickets at a special price of €20 per seat to the charity performance on Thursday, December 1. Tickets for the special charity show are priced at a special price of €20 per seat. Booking details from www.thehelix.ie.
CHARITY ALONE LAUNCH CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, has launched their Christmas campaign highlighting the isolation and loneliness of older people around Christmas time. ALONE say that there are a number of ways that the public can help an older person this Christmas some of these are; calling by an older person’s house to say hello, ensuring they have enough food, medication and heat, bringing them out for a drive or to a social event and giving them a hand with their shopping. For more information about ALONE call (01) 679 1032 or visit www.alone.ie.
Pictured is retired RTE newsreader Anne Doyle with Brendan Crean and Eithne McGrane at the launch of the ALONE Christmas Campaign. Picture Jason Clark.. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
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DUBLINLIFE
FEATURE
For the BIG kid in us all
Jay McGuiness leads an all-star cast IAN BEGLEY
BIG The Musical is making its European debut at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this December. Irish audiences will be the first to have the opportunity to witness this spectacular musical before it opens in London’s West End next year. Opening on December 7 until January 7 the show will certainly bring to life the magic of one of the best-loved movies of all time, Big. Based on the classic 80s film starring Tom Hanks, this heart-warming and hilarious Broadway show transports theatre-goers back in time to their own childhoods with all the wonder, innocence and charm that it entails. A simply spectacular production, Big The Musical tells the story of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who’s keen to grow up. One evening at the local carnival, the ever-mysterious Zoltar machine grants Josh his greatest wish - to be big. Trapped in an adult’s body and alone in New York, he innocently tries to find his way around a grown-up world where it’s very much all work and no play. Surrounded by people obsessed with the trappings of the sophisticated adult life, endearing Josh just can’t help being himself. So charming is this youngster in the grown-up’s shoes, he even manages to
teach the real adults a thing or two. Leading an all-star cast, Jay McGuiness (singer with group The Wanted and Strictly Come Dancing champion) will be joined by West End stars Denise Van Outen as Mrs Baskin, Diana Vickers as Susan Lawrence and Gary Wilmot as George MacMillan, with The Hoosiers star Irwin Sparkes as Paul. Featuring incredible songs by David Shire and Richard Maltby and with electrifying direction and choreography from Morgan Young, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre’s audience are in for a big dose of brilliance. Weidman’s adaptation illuminates the contradictions and evokes the mythology of being a child, daring to transport us to the realm of an impossible love between a boy who looks like a man and a woman who doesn’t know he is just a boy. By the time he works up the nerve to tell her he is all of 13. The musical was first staged in 1996, with music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr, and book by John Wiedman. It was nominated for five Tonys, and although the original Broadway production lost money, a substantially revised version had a successful and well reviewed US national tour. Tickets are priced from €15 - €65 and can be purchased by visiting www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.
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DUBLINLIFE EMMA NOLAN
Keep cosy during the winter months FEELING the chill? This season, Regatta Great Outdoors have new and improved technical pieces with soft-touch insulation to keep us warm during the winter months. Head to toe warmth is taken care of with new base layer sets and three levels of insulation - premium duck down, Alpaca and Down Touch Warmloft. Sporty hybrid stretch jackets, classic country quilted styles and stylish parkas are all available in store. Available online and at the Pavilions Centre in Swords.
Regatta Great Outdoors Barley Arktik Hat €25
Regatta Great Outdoors Lumexia Parka €175
Regatta Great Outdoors Bayleaf Sternway Jacket €170
Tobias Body Wamer - Womens Regatta Great Outdoors €30
Regatta Great Outdoors Coconut Patrina Jacket €125
Regatta Great Outdoors Navy Sleet €20
A STYLE revolution is sweeping the country and it’s all about vital statics!! Vintage fashions may be old, but they’re the new style kid on the block. And while we all can’t emulate Marilyn Monroe with her incredible figure – a 35 inch bust, tiny 22 inch waist and minuscule 35 inch hips, we can all rock retro in our own way. Indeed the average Irish woman, a bootiful size 16, is 25lbs heavier than her 1950s sister and wouldn’t have a hope of fitting into one of Ms Monroe’s gorgeous frocks. Marilyn may not have been the average dame – her waist measured four inches less than most of her 1960s screen sisters – but we can all steal a tip or two from her on how to rock a frock. First is go fitted. No matter your size, aim to nip and tuck your clothing, not your figure! Having a decent dressmaker is a lot less costly than a good plastic surgeon. Most women with a fuller figure think hiding it under loose fitting clothing is the best option.. But Joanne Galvin, who coowns ‘Aria’ Vintage and Interiors Boutique in Celbridge and also runs ‘Vintage Goddess’ in Dublin’s Blackrock Market, says: “This is a definite no, no. “Take a tip from Marilyn. Pick your best asset and show it off, whether it’s your bust, waist, legs, shoulders – even your ankles! “Marilyn had a great bust and all the designers she favoured made dresses to showcase that. “And while she was lucky to have a tiny waist, there are lots of ways to trick the eye of the beholder into thinking you have one too! A high-waisted skirt or trousers will define the waist, as will a colour-contrasting belt or a beautiful 1950s fit-and-flare dress.” Joanne, 49, who has been collecting vintage fashions for 30 years, says: “If you want beautifully cut clothing then go vintage. “It is perfect for us women with a bit of a belly. The skirts and dresses of the 1950s and
Quality never goes
out of style 60s tend to have a higher waist band, which hits the smallest part of the torso, giving you an hour glass shape. It is the most flattering silhouette and copied by most modern designers. “But fit is everything. Buy a bigger size if necessary and get a good dressmaker to take it in. If you wear too small a size it will ride up your torso and pucker across the bust and upper arms. “Squeezing yourself into a smaller dress will only make you look larger.” “And don’t be afraid of colour and prints. Floral prints for example can look very flattering on a fuller figure. And vertical stripes are
every woman’s friend. They make the body look leaner and taller.” Joanne, below, adds: “I just adore vintage clothing. It is so unique on so many levels. “For a start if you wear vintage to a wedding, a ball or the races, you will never meet anyone else wearing the same outfit. “The high quality of the fabric – silks, velvets, satins and brocades and the attention to detail – pinked seams, hand sewn hems and beautiful tucking – is why these clothes still live on in our wardrobes 70 years later. “I particularly love collecting clothing by Marilyn’s favourite designers, who include Ceil Chap-
man, William Travilla and Adele Simpson. I have some beautiful dresses by these designers both in Aria in Celbridge and Vintage Goddess in Blackrock. “Lots of Irish women are learning that vintage fashion is unique and elegant. My customers include writers like Cathy Kelly, TV stars like Lorraine Keane, as well as actresses and musicians. “Both I love dressing ordinary women like me. You feel like a silver screen movie star when you put on a beautifully cut wiggle dress or evening gown. “And because authentic vintage clothing tends to be on the small side, I also stock an amazing range of mid-century jewellery, handbags, shoes and hats. Everyone can find something to love.”
1 December 2016 GAZETTE 19
GAZETTE
STYLE
Get some help to battle all of your dry skin woes DRY skin is common at this time of year – from chapped lips to itchy hands and dry cheeks. Eucerin’s Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm is the all-in-one wonder product for the winter season. Available in pharmacies for €10, the balm will help you fight back against winter’s sustained cold temperatures and answer all of your dry skin woes. Loved by The Kardashian and model Emily Ratajkowski, the skin balm is formulated with only seven ingredients, free of fragrances, colourants and preservatives, and clinical studies proved that it is gentle enough to be used on irritated skin as well as on babies.
1960s rare Balenciaga hat at Aria
Chanel vintage silk and chiffon dress at Aria
1950s gold and black, brocade dress
ARIA Vintage and Interiors Boutique, Roseville House, Main Street, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Christmas Shopping Event with Bubbles and Special Offers:Friday December 9th from 4pm to 8.30pm. Opening hours: Tue to Sat, 11am to 6pm. Facebook: Aria Celbridge
Vintage William Travilla gown
Vintage Goddess, Blackrock Market, Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Christmas Shopping Event: Thursday December 8th, 4pm to 8.30pm. Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am to 5.30pm. Facebook: Vintage Goddess Ireland Website: www.vintagegoddess.ie Phone: 0831376672
Rare Yves St Laurent 1950s shoes at Aria
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 1 December 2016
DUBLINLIFE
Brexit fuels Merc decision to cut 10% off new car prices MERCEDES-BENZ in Ireland is reducing new car prices by 10% across all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars with immediate effect. The reduction, which will apply for a limited period, will be implemented evenly across all models and all model segments, free of any terms and conditions. Mercedes-Benz claims that the intention behind the price reduction is twofold. One is to maintain market impetus as the industry faces into a new sales year. The second is to give support to their dealer organisation in its efforts to combat the effects on new car sales here following the movement in currency values from the recent Brexit result. Mercedes-Benz claims that its passenger car sales in Ireland have increased by 44% compared to last year. Stressing that the initiative is being taken to counteract what may turn out to be a short-term situation, MercedesBenz in Ireland said that ‘this new pricing arrangement will extend for a limited period only and in that regard motorists who may wish to avail of it are advised to contact their authorised dealer and make appropriate arrangements as
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Tiguan ya good thing
The new Volkswagen Tiguan comes with new styling, improved space and comfort with small improvements in fuel economy. Entry prices for the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel version start from €33,765.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is one of the more popular mid-range SUVs and now the German brand has sharpened the Tiguan lines to give it a more stylish and comfortable drive. The extra bonus is better economy as good as Michael Moroney found during his recent test drive. VOLKSWAGEN’S new Tiguan is all about style with sharper lines to the design to give the midrange SUV a more modern look. For Volkswagen the design change is obvious and it does enhance the Tiguan look significantly in what is a very competitive sector of the Irish car market. In the upgrade process Volkswagen has sneaked a little bit of extra length into the SUV. Other less obvious changes include the fact that the wheelbase has been stretched a little and this gives that new Tiguan a good level of driving comfort without compromising the turning ability. After even a short drive you will appreciate the solid driving feel for which Volkswagen is renowned and I quickly felt good driving this latest Tiguan. The inside is noticeably more modern with new generation digital instruments that are clear to
view and easy to use. I liked the tactile feel to the steering wheel which was very comfortable to use, not too big either with full controls included. The seat position was good but it took a little time to get to my comfort zone. There is good rear legroom and the high positions for all seats are appreciated with good headroom. The Tiguan is available as an entry model with the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine while I had the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel version on the road. This engine has undergone some improvements in emissions (are we surprised after a year of investigations) while the engine power and torque remain virtually the same. The Tiguan is a good match for the competition in terms of fuel economy but I was a little surprised that there is only a small improvement over the previous one. The emphasis has been on emissions
and that’s now a marginally lower figure giving lower road tax costs. This new Tiguan matches the economy performance of the similar engine size Toyota RAV4, which is cheaper to buy and own. Volkswagen has put a smaller fuel tank into the new Tiguan, dropping its capacity by 6 litres to 58 litres. The official economy figure is rated at 21km/ litre (4.7l/100km or 60mpg) and I found that across a range of driving conditions I was about 15% off that figure. Overall, that’s still a good result in practical driving, and it’s also useful to remember that the Tiguan that I drove was a two-wheeldrive version. I found the diesel powered Tiguan to be economical. The good engine torque rated at 340Nm, allowed for steady driving using all six gears available making it was possible to drive under the 2000rpm
figure on the engine for most of the time. That’s the magic spot when it comes to fuel economy and I found that a 1,000km range was well possible on this smaller fuel tank with sensible driving. The Tiguan comes with an electric handbrake as standard along with auto hold hill start assist for hill starts. The useful Park Assist system is standard on the more expensive Highline versions. The towing ability of the new Tiguan is rated at two tonnes for the base model. If you intend pulling caravans or boats then you need to add the 4Motion 4x4 system and the DSG automatic gearbox to the deal to get it up to 2.5 tonnes. By way of comparison, most SUV’s in this segment of the market have a 2 tonne towing figure. One of the benefits of the new longer wheelbase is more boot space. This new Tiguan has a noticea-
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TD
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 9.3 seconds Economy 21km/litre (4.7l/100km or 60mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 58 litre CO2 emissions 125g/km Road Tax Band B1 €270 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 Star 2016 Warranty 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €33,765
bly bigger boot, bigger than all of the competition, while it is still a five seat vehicle. And the bonus that I found was that there is a spare wheel included, even if it’s a space saver version. This new Tiguan has good safety credentials following a recent five star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. This SUV comes with plenty of safety kit included and includes
the Iso-Fix kit in the rear. The rear seat adjustment is flexible and easy to fold. This is when the size of the boot or load area comes into its own. There is a large screen for radio and infotainment controls that was easy to set up and use. Connecting my phone with Bluetooth was quick and easy. The test Tiguan did not come with sat-nav included but it is possible to use your
1 December 2016 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
MOTORING Stay trouble-free Honda scoops two awards for winter driving WINTER driving presents new challenges in terms of car comfort and more importantly car safety. THERE are some simple and useful tips for
good road holding (the legal minimum is
The improved 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine in the
drivers to ensure trouble-free journeys
1.6mm). A deeper tyre thread depth will
Volkswagen Tiguan is marginally more economical and
this winter, if the cold and dark weather
disperse much more water from the road
delivers lower CO2 emission levels.
has caught you by surprise.
and will minimise your risk of skidding and
Prevention is always better than cure, so take some time to carry out some basic winter maintenance so that you don’t get stranded over the weeks ahead.
losing control. • Get the battery and charging system checked to ensure best performance. A large number of winter calls to breakdown services are due to flat bat-
Giving some attention now to batter-
teries. Cold weather puts a lot of strain
ies, tyres, antifreeze, wipers, lights and
on tired batteries, so if is showing signs
other vehicle essentials is the best way of
of weakness consider changing it now to
ensuring reliability in the months to come.
avoid a breakdown.
Here are five simple steps for reduc-
• Ensure your car’s cooling system has
ing the chance of a car breakdown this
the correct levels of anti-freeze; this is
winter:
vital to prevent the water in your engine’s
• Make sure all the lights on your car, inside and out, are working properly. Clean them regularly to ensure they are free of dirt, so that you can see, and others can see you. • Check tyre tread depth and pressure weekly through the winter. Good tyres will ensure the safety systems on your car
cooling system from freezing. Get your local dealer or a qualified mechanic to ensure this is done correctly. • Do you need new windscreen wipers at front and rear? Check for efficient working and use cold weather washer fluid. Do not use the windscreen wipers to
are as effective as possible. You should
clear ice, as this will very quickly lead to
have a minimum tread depth of 3mm for
damage.
HONDA is confirmed as a big hit with female drivers after scooping two category wins at the Women’s World Car of the Year awards. The awards, now in their seventh year, are the only global car honours voted for exclusively by female automotive journalists. The Honda Civic was crowned the winner of the ‘family car category’ while Jazz also took away an accolade on the night, after last year’s overall win. The Japanese brand was the only manufacturer to take multiple category titles. The voting process for Women’s Car of the Year awards is rigorous. Each member of the global judging panel submits their personal nominations. This year’s awards saw 294 cars nominated by 17 judges from 14 different countries. The nominated cars are then reduced to a shortlist of 32 cars in six different categories. The judging panel is comprised of distinguished female automotive journalists, who vote by secret ballot. Judges then vote by awarding points under five criteria - engineering, appearance, comfort, storage and value for money. On the announcements of the awards, Jennifer Moran from Universal Honda Ireland said, “Winning two categories at the Women’s World Car of the Year awards demonstrates again how Honda’s exciting range of cars continues to match the expectations of female drivers and customers around the world. What is particularly encouraging is the endorsement this gives to Civic ahead of the launch of the all new Civic hatchback here in Ireland early in 2017.”
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s boot space at 615 litres before the seats are folded is the best in the segment and the boot opens high for good headroom.
phone to connect with Google maps rather than opt for the more expensive factory sat nav system. I looked at the Tiguan running costs and found that relative to the likes of the Toyota RAV4, it was marginally more expensive to buy and to own, due to higher depreciation resulting from higher entry prices. The diesel entry price starts at €33,765. That’s more expensive than the RAV4 and also the new competition from Volkswagen’s own stable in the shape of the Seat Ateca that’s just now appearing on Dublin roads. Skoda will soon have a similar offer with their new Kodiaq, so this will test Volkswagen with the higher price for the Tiguan. The new Tiguan is an SUV that you come away from feeling content, not
just with the driving performance, but also with the improved driving feel and modern good looks. That solid Volkswagen feel is evident in almost every aspect of the new Tiguan, but don’t expect to be surprised with a big lift in fuel economy, remember emissions has been the issue at Volkswagen for the past year and the new Tiguan delivers lower figures. The Tiguan will battle it out in what is a price sensitive market. There are good Volkswagen offers including their own bank, that will entice you towards the Tiguan, so check out the best ownership deal, rather than strictly the buying price and that might include a competitive Volkswagen PCP deal if you’re a low mileage driver.
Nissan to offer bigger engine for X-Trail
NISSAN will be launching a new larger-capacity diesel engine for its flagship X-Trail crossover in 2017. This new 2.0 litre diesel engine has an output of 177bhp, with 380Nm of torque to give enhanced pulling power throughout the rev range. It is a significant step up in power from the existing 1.6-litre 130bhp diesel. Nissan will also offer a new Nissan’s Xtronic automatic gearbox, linked to a four-wheel drive transmission. This adds to the options of a six-speed manual and two-wheel drive for the seven-seat SUV. Nissan claims that the new 2.0 litre diesel engine will be more refined and give a more comfortable driving experience. The engine meets Euro 6 emissions standards, and three versions will be including a six-speed manual in 4WD and 2WD and 4WD versions with the CVT automatic gearbox. Other than the new engine option the design of the Nissan X-Trail remains unchanged. The second row splits and folds 60/40 for additional luggage space, reclines for passenger comfort and slides forward for access to the optional third row. The third row of seats splits 50/50 and folds completely flat to create extra load space. Nissan’s optional All-Mode 4x4-i system provides the four-wheel-drive. When fitted, drivers can select from full-time 2WD for maximum efficiency; Auto Mode, which constantly monitors conditions and adjusts the balance of torque between the front and rear wheels for the best traction; and 4WD Lock Mode for the most challenging conditions.
GAZETTE
22 FINGAL GAZETTE 1 December 2016
DUBLINLIFE ALISON O’HANLON
The 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct of Segovia is a sight to behold
A beautiful side street in Leon leads to the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria
A statue of the famous artist faces Gaudi’s Palace in in the medieval town of Leon
WHEN thinking of Spain most of us automatically picture the beaches and seaside resorts of the Mediterranean. But thanks to some wonderful advice from the Spanish tourism office on Westmoreland St, I was lucky enough to be introduced to the spellbinding beauty of the Castilla y Leon region – the hidden Spain. With daily flights available year round from Dublin to Madrid it is always the perfect time to experience the true essence of Spain. While bus and train travel options are available from the capital I’d recommend hiring a car from the airport to truly discover the treasures of this magical, unspoiled region. My first stop, just an hour north of Madrid, was the UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia, an ancient walled city where I stayed at the Hotel San Antonio El Real, a short walk to the city’s landmark, a magnificent Roman Aqueduct dating back to the first century. Segovia is a romantic city, perched on a rocky hilltop. The historic walled town boasts stunning views and magnificent monuments. The majority of Segovia’s plethora of attractions are found in the old town, where you can spend hours exploring the winding streets, artisan boutiques and cafes and restaurants. The aqueduct, which rises in all its splendour to a height of 29 meters, has more than 160 arches impressively held together with no mortar, and makes is an imposing site as you enter the old town. Fairytale Around the next corner is the spectacular late gothic Cathedral de Segovia which stands at the highest point of the old town. The cathedral’s 18 chapels are filled with art works, sculptures and decorative alters. The cathedral is on the Plaza Mayor, a hub of activity crammed with cafes and surrounded by a maze of winding streets which eventually lead to the Alcazar, a fairytale castle said to be the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty Visitors can tour all the rooms of the Alcazar which are exquisitely decorated in period style with tapestries, arms and armour. The throne room is particularly impressive with its gilded ceiling, as is the hall of arched windows. A must for any visitor to Segovia is dinner at Meson de Candido where the region’s and house speciality is roasted suckling pig. The Suckling pig is presented to the restaurant in a ritual dating back centuries, Candido himself reads a royal decree before theatrically quartering the pig with a plate, which he then shatters on the floor. It was an impressive performance and an experience not to be missed. The restaurant was filled with tourists and locals alike, enjoying the feast. My next port of call was Burgos, a city with a long tradition of hospitality that has been welcoming pilgrims and travellers since the Middle Ages. Today, it’s a popular stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago trail, and you’ll find both brass and ceramic shells embedded into the
EXPLORING THE MAGNIFICENT, ANCIENT TOWNS OF BEAUTIFUL CASTILLA Y LEON Leon Burgos
Segovia MADRID
The beautiful Castilla y Leon region of Spain
footpath leading the way. Staying at the Hotel Meson del Cid in the heart of the old town was a perfect spot from which to explore. Pilgrims passed by our front door daily and directly opposite stood the famous gothic Cathedral of Burgos. Also a UNESCO world heritage site, the cathedral contains the tomb of the legendary El Cid, the region’s most famous and fearless warrior. With parts of it dating to the first half of the 13th century it is one of the foremost examples of gothic art in Europe. The diversity of gastronomic delights on offer in Burgos will be sure to keep everyone content. The speciality of Burgos is suckling Lamb so tender it falls off the bone – and as with all towns in the region Burgos has its own take on the Castilla y Leon speciality of Morcilla, a dish very similar to black pudding but
The Alcazar in Segovia is like something from a fairytale
1 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 23
The view of the old, walled city of Segovia from the Alcazar
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
The Hidden Spain
made with rice and quite spicy. Not being a big a big fan of black pudding, I was surprised to quite like it! Overlooking the city of Burgos the site of the old castle offers a place to enjoy sweeping views of the city and to relax in the adjoining park. Worth a visit is the Cartuja de Miraflores, a 15th century monastery that can be found on the outskirts of town where the air is filled with the scent of rose oil – just one of the many items the monks produce. Burgos exudes life, compelling you to explore. Along with the historical monuments you will not be disappointed by the many fine local boutiques and high-street shops on offer.
Next up on our adventure of the hidden Spain is Leon. In the middle of this now sprawling city, the entrance to the old town can be found within the remaining ancient Roman walls. The old town is a step back in time with winding streets dotted by small shops, cafes and tapas bars. Pilgrims Leon also played a key role in the route of the Camino de Santiago and again I noticed many brass shells leading the pilgrims’ way. The city’s two jewels are at either end of the old town: the Cathedral and the Basilica of San Isidoro. The gothic Cathedral Santa Maria de Leon is
Above, the gothic cathedral of Segovia, while
also referred to as the House of light due to its 1,800 metres of original stained glass windows from the 13th to 15th century. The Basilica of San Isidoro contains what is said to be the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of the Spanish Romanesque style – a series of frescoes from the 12th century which decorate the underground crypt of the Royal Panthenon. The museum housed in its cloisters, filled with medieval art and artefacts is steeped in history and is said to be home to the Holy Grail, yes, the real one … you can make up your own mind! A visit to Leon would not be complete without seeing the stunning Hostel de San Marcos, one of the most historic hotels on the old continent.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Leon
below, a pair if festive statues in Burgos
Some local treats
The Cathedral of Burgos is a wonderful example of Spanish gothic flair
Marcos pours us a glass
It was commissioned in the 16th century as a military base by King Ferdinand, and has taken on many roles since but now operates as the city’s Parador, offering travellers the opportunity to stay in an exceptional historic building. On the outskirts of town the modern and colourful Museum of contemporary Art, MUSAC can be found. It is considered to be one of Spains most dynamic art spaces and is definitely worth a stroll around. As we headed south from Leon and back to Madrid for our flight home we stopped at the Bodegas Grupo Yllera Estate in the Rueda region, which is famous for its outstanding wines. History With six generations of winemakers in the Yllera family we were taken on a tour of their winery and then treated to a wine-tasting with Marcos Yllera and his father. While walking through the labyrinth of underground tunnels and corridors we were treated to a rich history of winemaking and a few legends of Greek mythology mixed in with it – namely that of the minotaur. And finally, what better way to top off a visit to this exceptional estate but with an impressive lunch in their renowned restaurant. The hosts could not have been more entertaining and a stop at their cellar door is a must before heading back on the road to Madrid and home to Dublin just in time for a wet Christmas. And as we move into what they call the magical time of the year, a thought struck me – if you haven’t been to Castilla y Leon yet, you have never experienced magic. I can’t wait to go back.
GAZETTE
24 FINGAL GAZETTE 1 December 2016
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
SULLY: PLANE’S REAL-LIFE LANDING IN A NEW YORK RIVER GIVES HANKS A SOLID BIOPIC ROLE
Makes a bit of a splash CLINT Eastwood’s Sully (Cert 12A, 95 mins) is a sincere and thoughtfully crafted tribute to that most American of heroes – the everyday working Joe. This biopic, led with another impossibly endearing performance from Tom Hanks, is admittedly by the book
MARTIN MACNAMARA
and rarely surprising. Still, clocking in at just over an hour and a half,
Sully is a thankfully succinct and often affecting testament to Eastwood’s recent favourite subject – the human spirit. However, based on the events surrounding the miraculous crashlanding of US Airways Flight 1549 on New York’s Hudson River, Sully fails to wholeheart-
edly elevate itself above the realm of the skilful reconstruction. There’s plenty of emotion here, and a healthy dose of suspicion to liven up the post-crash investigation. Unfortunately, there’s never any real question about who the hero is and, consequently, Eastwood for-
sakes genuine narrative tension. Hanks plays Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. On January 15, 2009, while leaving LaGuardia Airport, Sully’s Airbus A320 struck a flock of geese and both engines were immediately disabled. Despite air traffic control advising him that a safe landing at one of the nearby airports was possible, the film shows how Sully trusted his career-honed instincts and, along with co-pilot Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart), decided to land the plane in the Hudson river, fearing a crash due to lack of altitude. Sully was right to trust his gut and was hailed as a hero by the press and public alike. Despite this, the pilot has to face a rigorous investigation, which stated that one of the engines may still have been running. This is the focus of Eastwood’s film, not the crash itself. While the events that followed the landing are undeniably dramatic,
they’re not all that interesting to watch. Cleverly, Eastwood holds our attention by peppering the events of the crash throughout the film, instead of presenting the ordeal as a continuous narrative. T he main event is drip-fed to us in a number of flashbacks – some of which trick us with a nightmarish dose of PTSD. Sully is haunted by the event and often envisions himself flying the plane into a New York skyscraper. These segments carry t h e f i l m ’s d r a m a t i c weight, anchoring the often-perfunctory investigation narrative. For all the administrative cynicism that follows the events, it’s hard not to be touched by the myriad acts of everyday heroism in the wake of the crash. As with most of Eastwood’s directorial output since 2008’s Gran Torino, the drama in Sully is buried under several rubbery slices of American cheese.
While there was something notably offputting about that same a p p r o a c h i n 2 014 ’s American Sniper, here it is both affecting and infectious. Although this story about uncomplicated heroes may be a muchneeded dose of optimism in the morally divided wasteland of contemporary America, Sully’s unambiguous emotional focus makes for a somewhat less than compelling narrative. Still, for all its deliberate melodrama, Sully has the power to move and inspire. Fighting his case, Sully often decries the removal of the “human factor” from the simulations used to assess the disaster. Eastwood makes sure that the human factor – the human spirit – is the focus of his story. Accordingly, for all its formula-driven drama, Sully treats us to a little bit more faith in humanity.
Verdict: 7/10
As captain and co-pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Tom Hanks and Aaron Eckhart deliver typically likeable everyman roles, in a film which explores the aftermath
1 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 25
Nespresso opens pop up boutique at Arnotts EMMA NOLAN
A NEW Nespresso Pop Up boutique in Arnotts has just opened in time for the festive season. The Pop Up forms part of the brand’s v i s i o n t o p r ov i d e increased access to its high-quality coffee for Ireland’s Nespresso customers. The new boutique will complement the wide range of Nespresso machines and bespoke accessories available at Arnotts and will give coffee connoisseurs the
opportunity to experience the Nespresso Grands Crus in a relaxing and engaging setting. Francisco Nogueira, Nespresso UK & Ireland managing director, said: “We’re excited to be hosting this new boutique in Arnotts. We have seen fantastic growth across Ireland and we receive almost daily requests for more boutiques to open. “The new boutique will help customers get their favourite Grands Crus in time for the festive season.”
GAZETTE
FOOD BATES SEAFOOD CHOWDER RECIPE Ingredients 2 small onions, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 50g butter 1 tbsp flour 500ml fish stock Splash of pastis 250ml cream 2 bay leaves 200g salmon, skinned & cut into bite-sized pieces 200g sea bass, skinned & cut into bite-sized pieces 20 mussels, scrawled & de-bearded Salt & pepper 4 king prawns, to serve 2 tbsp chives, chopped Instructions
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over low to medium heat & fry the onions, celery & bay leaves until vegetables are soft but not brown. Add the flour & cook for a minute. Stir in the pot fish stock, add a splash of pastis & simmer for two minutes. Stir in the salmon & sea bass & cook until the fish is opaque. Add mussels & prawns during the last 2 minutes of the fish’s cooking time. Stir through the cream & season well with salt & pepper. To serve, ladle the chowder into warmed serving bowls, add lemon juice, sprinkle juice over the chives & serve with plenty of crusty bread.
26 FINGAL GAZETTE 1 December 2016
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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 1 December 2016
SPORT
FastSport MONKSTOWN GO TOP OF MEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE: MONKSTOWN took advantage of Banbridge and Cork C of I’s postponement to move up two places into top spot in the men’s EY Hockey League thanks to a 3-1 win over UCD. Top two prior to the weekend, Bann and C of I were due to meet on Saturday but, with the threat of frost in Co Down, the decision was taken on Friday evening to err on the side of caution and avoid the potential for a lengthy wasted journey. As such, Town took their chance to move top as they came from a goal behind to beat UCD. Jazze Henry’s classy opening goal was quickly countered by a Lee Cole drag-flick before Davy Carson added a double before half-time to complete the scoring. At the bottom, Sandymount’s Railway Union and Glenanne both picked up crucial wins. For the former, they saw off bottom side Instonians, cutting the Belfast side five points adrift in a 4-3 defeat.
CROSS COUNTRY: MULTIPLE IRISH CALL-UPS FOR EUROPEAN SQUAD FOR DUBLINERS
Raheny and DSDAC star at nationals
sport@dublingazette.com
SHONA Heaslip surprised even herself while Mark Christie rolled back the years as they took the senior Irish Life Health national cross country titles at an atmospheric Abbotstown last weekend. It came on a super day for Dundrum South Dublin AC as they won a series
of titles across the team and youth disciplines, earning a series of international call-ups. T he pur pose-build Sport Ireland national cross country course provided the perfect spectacle in ideal racing conditions. While it may have been cold for spectators, it was anything but on the course from Under-12 level right
up to the seniors. Heaslip’s shock victory in the senior women’s 8,000m came in a time of 28.13 with Kerry O’Flaherty pipping prerace favourite Ciara Mageean, from UCD, at the finish by one second in 28.23 for second place. “Driving up, I was hoping to be the first Under-23 athlete,” said the delighted
Sophie Murphy takes a picture of her medal with her mother Mary Rutledge. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Raheny celebrate their senior men’s title. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Heaslip afterwards. She had shown little form coming into the race but the last month she managed to change things around focusing solely on her running. “I felt good in the race but I had to check myself running alongside the other girls who I had watched on television in the summer,” referring to Rio Olympians O’Flaherty and Mageean. As a result, Bethanie Murray (DSD) won the Under-23 race with Amy O’Donoghue second and Elizabeth Carr third. Mark Christie rolled back the years to win the senior men’s 10,000m title in 30.41 ahead of Raheny Shamrocks’ Mick Clohisey second in 30.53 and Mark Hanrahan third in 30:57. Clohisey was aiming for
four straight wins but had the consolation of guiding Raheny Shamrock to the club’s first senior men’s team title in their history. They had finished second eight times in the last 11 years, making the victory all the sweeter. Dundrum South Dublin were equally dominant winning the senior women’s team race. DSD’s Sophie Murphy was a strong winner of the junior women’s 4,000m in 14:18 ahead of Blackrock’s Amy Rose Farrell and Rathfarnham WSAF’s Carla Sweeney. Athletes that caught the eye in the underage races were Sarah Healy (Blackrock) and Louis O’Loughlin (Donore Harriers) who had too much for their counterparts in the U-16 girls and U-16 boys.
The performances from local athletes means there will be a strong contingent in the Irish team for the European Cross Country Championships in Chia, Italy on December 11. Clohisey and his club mate Kevin Dooney will be in the senior men’s selection of six athletes for the marquee event. Rathfarnham’s Mitchell Byrne forms part of the two-man U-23 contingent while Bethanie Murray is joined in the U-23 women’s crew by Emerald’s Amy O’Dononghue. The junior girls selection features DSD’s Sophie Murphy and Jodie McCann, Blackrock’s Amy Rose Farrell, WSAF’s Carla Sweeney along with Emma O’Brien, from Inbhear Dee/Sli Cualann, and Aisling Joyce from Claremorris AC.
Ronan six-year reign finishes with “perfect end” sport@dublingazette.com
Sue Ronan receives a guard of honour following her final game as manager. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
SUE Ronan signed off on her sixyear tenure as Republic of Ireland Women’s national team head coach with an impressive 2-1 win over the Basque Country. Player of the match Leanne Kiernan, who scored a hat-trick for Shelbourne Ladies in the women’s senior cup final at the Aviva Stadium, scored her first international goal to win the game for the Girls in Green. Ireland were impressive throughout and it was Shankill native Stephanie Roche who
opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Kiernan was fouled just outside the box after a mazy run and Roche picked out the top corner with a sublime free-kick to put the hosts ahead. Basque Country found a response before the break with an excellent strike. Yulema Corres found space on the edge of the area and fired home past Arsenal stopper Emma Byrne to level the tie. Ireland came out stronger in the second-half and Kiernan got the goal she deserved in the 52nd minute. UCD Waves forward Aine
O’Gorman chipped the ball over the Basque defence and Kiernan used her pace to race clear and coolly slot home to give the Irish the win. Sue Ronan was delighted with the performance and admitted the occasion was an emotional sendoff after six years in charge of the WNT, receiving a guard of honour from her players. Ronan said: “It was the perfect end with the perfect performance. There was a lot of things going on before the game but the players were focused and delivered a great performance.
“It was a great goal from Stephanie Roche but maybe we didn’t refocus well enough to let them back in the game. The second-half was immense though. “Leanne Kiernan was fantastic and she took her goal really well, and there were a lot of great performances across the pitch. “It’s been a great six years. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it to a finals but I couldn’t have any more from the players over the period. “It was a lovely end, I’ve been humbled by the tributes from clubs, supporters and former players from across the country.”
1 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
Warrior John shows skills at Takeover 8
World famous coach John Kavanagh joins Dun Laoghaire gym in honouring teenager with Down syndrome for training ethic; coach Cian Cowley talks to GazetteSport about his star pupil KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
WHILE not for everyone, Cian Cowley’s ‘Warriors Thai Boxing Gym’ are showing that there is a place for inclusivity as Sallynoggin native John Mooney took centre stage in their Takeover 8 event last weekend. Warriors trainer Cowley is an established Muay Thai fighter turned MMA hopeful. As such, he is fully aware of the reputation combat sports holds in some quarters, but he also knows that if anybody walked into his gym, there needs to be a welcoming family atmosphere for all to experience. At the heart of this atmosphere is Mooney. He has Down syndrome but has quickly become one of the gym’s most active members and does not let anything hold him
back from getting involved in the sport he loves. “You talk to anybody who trains here and they will tell you it’s different than any other gym,” Cowley told Gazette Sport. “Serious work gets done but, at the same time, there is such a good family atmosphere. There is always such a good buzz in the gym and John is training every day.” It is has led to the introduction of a new club belt with Mooney showcasing his skills in a safe and structured way at a number of the gym’s Takeover events. The belt was presented to him by John Kavanagh, Conor McGregor’s world renowned coach. “Other people on the outside probably look at it and think maybe it’s a bit of a hindrance having somebody with a disability, as if it’s going to slow
John Mooney, centre, with Cian Cowley and John Kavanagh
us down,” Cowley added. “But John comes into the class and does what he’s told. When other lads see that, it gives them a drive and it shows you the atmosphere we have.” His participation in the gym opens up a new perception of the sport, providing a sporting outlet for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Cowley continues: “I have gotten a lot more respect off people. [Some] people look down on us because we fight and class us as scumbags. I don’t see it like that and seeing the way we are with John down here makes other people look on us differently. “When we had him on the show, a lot of people there didn’t know how it was going to go. But I knew it was going to be cool because it felt like a normal day for me, with
him being in the gym every day.” The fact that somebody like Kavanagh has taken such notice of a Muay Thai gym shows the impact that Cowley, his gym, and Mooney can make on the combat sport in Ireland. “[John Kavanagh] is always asking me about John so when I told him he was fighting, he came
company but they know all about the little gym in a seaside town on the other side of the world. This is largely down to the waves Cowley has been making since he made the decision to switch his focus from Muay Thai to MMA. “They have had an eye on me for a while so they signed me up as a sponsored athlete. But
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‘Other lads see John down here and it gives them a drive, showing the atmosphere we have’ -Cian Cowley -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
down. Conor [McGregor] was supposed to come as well because he’s also aware who he is but he couldn’t make it that night. It brings everyone together and lets them know that we are all the same.” The gym itself is starting to put itself on the map thanks to Cowley and their new sponsorship with a world renowned company. Fightlab may be a Thai
one thing led to another and they liked what I was doing with the gym so they offered to come onboard. “The gym is not a profit organisation so it was always hard for me to get new gear. Now, they have come in and completely revamping the whole thing for me. It is like the equivalent of a sprinter being sponsored by Nike so I can’t thank them enough for what they have done.”
Cowley’s gym received a big boost from Fightlab
FASTSport
Orchard progress in FAI inter and Noel Ryan Cups CHERRY Orchard’s Sunday side put three past Malahide United for the second time this season as the LSL Sunday senior title-challengers put a bad run of league form behind them to progress in the FAI Intermediate Cup. Newly promoted Orchard had taken just one point from the last three league games as their form dipped in the Sunday senior following a spectacular start to the season, with holders Bluebell United and Mochta’s drawing alongside them at the summit of Leinster football’s highest tier. The side on display in the cup had more in common with the team that came from two down to defeat Malahide in Ballyfermot on the first day of the season, however, with Ryan Coombes taking charge of proceedings with a first half hat-trick to swat aside struggling United at Elmdale. Orchard secured their place in the last-16 draw largely thanks to what’s become their main strength this season, impressive wing play, though Coombes spectacular third strike showed the more nuanced quality this fast-rising side have to offer. The ex-St Patrick’s Athletic man scored two tap ins to give the home side control, the first with his head and the second his foot, both from those trade-mark crosses. Having put away the easy ones, Coombes then showed he can do it the hard way, too, taking on what felt like half of the Malahide defence with some direct running as he reached his personal milestone and effectively put the game to bed before half time. Malahide did pull a goal back in a less inspiring second half, but Orchard continue their progress towards the Aviva in relative comfort, despite facing top-division opposition. The club also progressed in the Noel Ryan Cup over the weekend, with a hard-fought win over Terenure College. It was Jack O’Connor who did the business in a tightly-contested battle, scoring a penalty and sliding home a swift move in a 2-0 win. Terenure felt hard done by, having had a goal disallowed and also taken issue with what they felt was a soft penalty, but couldn’t make their way back into the game.
GAZETTE
30 FINGAL GAZETTE 1 December 2016
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: CORK SIDE BLOWN AWAY IN THIRD ROUND OF INTERMEDIATE CUP
Thunder switch off SSE GRIFFITH Swords Thunder continued their strong start to the men’s basketball Super League season with a seventh win from eight outings, swatting away SSE Airtricity Moycullen 102-79. Most of the damage was done in the first half as they built a 54-35 lead and they scarcely looked back, maintaining a healthy advantage to the end. Jose Maria Gil Narbon top-scored with 29 points in the comprehensive win with Conroy Baltimore dropping 19 while Alex Calvo chipped in with 16 points, out-doing the efforts of Phillip Lawrence-Ricks, Paul Freeman and Dylan Cunningham. Next on the agenda is a home date on Sunday at ALSAA against Irish TV Tralee Warriors with action getting under way at 3pm. Table-toppers Templeogue continued their impressive run at the top of the League, winning against Radisson Blu UL Eagles, while Irish TV Tralee Warriors proved yet again that a trip to the Kingdom is not an easy task as they overcame UCD Marian in a titanic battle (79-74). Elsewhere, Commercial.ie Eanna and UCC Demons had to decide their clash in overtime after finishing 77-77 at full time with Demons having to dig deep to run out eventual winners. “It was a hard-fought win,” said head coach, Tim O’Halloran. “That’s two games out of the last three that have gone to overtime – it’s not easy. “We started off sluggish and, if I’m honest, it took us until we were 10 down in the fourth to wake up. “But fair play to the lads, they fought back and showed a lot of heart to get the win.”
Fingal bow out of Hockey Trophy FINGAL hockey club bowed out at the first round stage of the Irish Hockey Trophy at the hands of Weston on penalty strokes. They looked like
they might have grabbed a reprieve in normal time when Shane Dempsey scored his second of the game in a 2-2 draw, cancelling out an Eoin Ryan double. But the Lucan club prevailed 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out to reach round two.
Portmarnock are making another big impression in the FAI intermediate cup following last year’s run to the semi-finals
Burgess the Ports star man FAI INTER CUP Portmarnock 4 Riverstown FC 2 sport@dublingazette.com
PORTMARNOCK AFC won the battle of the counties as they came out on top 4-2 over Cork side Riverstown FC in the third round of the FAI intermediate cup at Paddy’s Hill. It booked their place in the first round of the FAI senior cup in the process. Chris Burgess was undoubtedly the star of the show as he bagged a hat-trick in an incredible opening ten minutes. Last season’s semi-
finalists went ahead within two minutes when Philly Rusk got the better of his marker and squared the ball to Burgess to fire home. The move was inspired by a Mark Cassidy break away down the line. Three minutes later and Porto’s advantage was doubled when Ross Moran’s long ball split the defence and fell into the path of the onrushing Burgess to narrowly beat the keeper. Burgess’ hat-trick was complete with the clock still only at eight minutes, this time he had the crossbar to thank.
CHRISTMAS RUN Leinster stars launch Aware annual event LEINSTER stars Adam Byrne, Isa Nacewa and Peter Dooley, back row, along with Tom Daly, Dominic Ryan and Noel Reid, front row were on hand in Leinster Rugby HQ to launch the Aware Christmas Run which takes place on Saturday, December 10 in the Phoenix Park. Registration for the event is at aware.ie and Aware hope to raise €60,000 to help them provide support, education and information services around depression and bipolar disorder. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Gareth W helan met a free kick with a fine header but his effort cannoned back of the bar. Burgess showed he was on full alert by reaching the rebound first and bundling home. Riverstown were struggling to cope with the home side and conceded again when Dave Reddin got on the end of a free kick and volleyed the ball in off the post from all of 20 yards. Things looked bleak for the visitors but they managed to give themselves a glimmer of hope 10 minutes from the break when Luke Hack-
ett netted from close range. With the whistle seconds from reaching the lips of the referee, Tiernan Hourihan reduced the deficit further to leave Porto kicking themselves going into the break. As expected, the second half saw Riverstown throw everything at their opponents in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the game but Porto were comfortably able to absorb the pressure and book their place in the fourth round of the cup. Portmarnock had come into the game on
the back of a disappointing home loss to Dunboyne but were unbeaten in the nine league games prior. They currently sit top of their league but with only five points separating first and seventh in what is proving a very competitive league, they will have to keep up this good run of form if they are to finish on top. They can also look forward to the draw for the senior cup, the oldest football competition in Ireland, in the hope that a plum Airtricity League draw may come their way.
1 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
SYL’S SUPERSTAR
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Aherne honoured for stunning year in blue
FINGALLIANS
ST SYLVESTER’S Sinead Aherne was hon-
oured as the joint-Dublin ladies football senior players’ player of the year at the annual DLGFA awards evening last weekend. She shared the award with Niamh Collins following their run to the All-Ireland final. Aherne is pictured with minor player of the year Hannah O’Neill.
AFL3 Playoff Final: Our footballers
Christmas break. It will resume in the
matched towards the final with a win
new year on January 7 at 10am.
against Naomh Fionnabarra on Saturday afternoon.
Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics
LADIES FOOTBALL: UNDER-16S ADD TO LIST OF HONOURS
They will now play Naomh Olaf. The
party on Saturday, December 10 from
game is fixed, away this Friday at 7.30pm
10am to 12 noon. The U-8 to U-11 boys
in Stepaside, exit 15 on the M50.
and girls (football and camogie) will have
The rescheduled date for this year’s
their party from 1-3pm, also in the club
AGM, is Thursday, December 1 at 9pm in
hall. Santa will be dropping by and there
the main hall.
will be plenty of fun, games and a disco.
Club Calendar 2016: Check out this
Best of luck to our Irish dancers and
superb publication of the highest qual-
traditional musicians who represent
ity. The calendars are available in the
Dublin in the Leinster Scor na nOg semi-
club shop and bar at €10 each.
final at Clara, Co Offaly this Saturday.
The club shop will open next Tuesday,
Chat in Irish: The club’s Irish conver-
December 6 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
sation group meet each Wednesday at
The shop will close on December 10 – all
9pm in the club bar. Open to all, free of
orders must be collected by then – and
charge and suitable for all levels. Fur-
it will re-open when the academy starts
ther info from 086 3814422. Bain triail as.
back in January.
full paid playing members. The winter
thanks to Gary Beresford of Der-
hours are Monday to Friday 6-9pm and
mot O`Malley & Company Chartered
Saturday and Sunday 2-6pm.
Accountants for continued support of
Winter Bar Hours: Monday to Wednes-
hurling within the club. The company
day, 6-11pm; Thursday 6-11.30pm; Friday
recently supplied the adult section
6pm-12am; Saturday 3pm-12.30am; and
with sliotars which should do them for
Sunday 1-11pm.
the foreseeable future. Their on-going
Blood Bank: The mobile service will
financial support, over a number of
visit the club on Wednesday, December
years, is key to the progression of the
21 and Thursday, December 22. were 1, 11, 20, 21 and 36. We had two win-
December 3 will be the final nursery for
ners: Laura Wilde and Monica McGee
four to seven-year-old kids before the
each receiving €1,169.
Five-star Fins keep the gold-rush rolling UNDER-16 DIV 2 FINAL
December 4 at 2pm. All support welcome
Fingallians 5-11 Scoil ui Chonaill 5-7 sport@dublingazette.com
FINGALLIANS Under16 girls capped a brilliant year for the club, winning the Division 2 Dublin championship final last week when they overcame a strong Scoil Ui Chonaill side in Ringsend. Having lost the championship final in 2015, this Fingallians side started their comeback last November and the hard work resulted in a final played in Clanna Gael Fontenoy on a chilly
what has been a great year of cup wins for the ladies footballers. Fingallians ladies have had a great year in 2016, fielding teams from Under-9 up to senior adult football. The Under13 girls won their cup while both the Under-16s and minor teams both won their respective Division 2 championship finals while the senior ladies won the Division 1 league. On the men’s side, meanwhile, the club are hopeful of adding yet more success to what has been a strong season. The footballers won back sen-
ior status after a number of years wait thanks to their Dublin intermediate championship victory in October. And they will be keen to follow that up with league promotion when they meet Naomh Olaf on Friday evening at 7.15pm in Stepaside. They meet in the AFL3 playoff final following Fins 1-15 to 1-10 win over Naomh Fionnbarra on Saturday afternoon to earn their place in the decider. Olaf’s won their previous meeting 1-7 to 0-8 in their league encounter earlier this season.
Club lotto: The numbers last week
Nursery Update: This Saturday,
ST FINIAN’S
Tuesday evening under lights against Scoil Ui Chonaill. The game got off to a great start for Fins with a pair of fantastic opening goals to build a 2-1 to 0-1 after five minutes. The Swords side had a good lead at half time but knew that Scoil would come out fired up in the second half and that’s exactly what they did. A huge effort by the whole team in the final seconds saw Fingallians save a penalty to record a 5-11 to Scoil’s 5-7. Team captain Niamh McKittrick lifted the cup and the spirits of a club in
Gym Hours: The gym is available to all
Thank you from the hurlers: many
club.
Fingallians Under-16 ladies footballers celebrate their championship win. Picture: Kyran O’Brien/KOBpix
Juvenile Christmas Parties: Our nursery section (U-4 to 7s) will hold their
THE AFL4 playoff final versus St Marks
The club appreciation night for men-
will be played in McGee Park on Satur-
tors and players will be held in Peacocks
day, December 3 at 2pm. The club will be
on Saturday, December 3 with food and
providing a bus to and from the game
music on what is always a great social
from the clubhouse.
night for the club.
Further details on this will be posted
The nursery and academy Christ-
on the club Facebook page and circu-
mas party will take place on Saturday,
lated by email etc. The AHL9 playoff final
December 10 where Santa will also in
away to Round Towers is on Sunday,
attendance.
at both matches. Reminder that St Finian’s GAA club
The club lotto jackpot was €2,500 and the numbers drawn were 16, 17, 18 and 24. There was no winner.
have just launched a new Christmas
Lucky dip winners of €25 were Chris-
jumper campaign as part of their fun-
tine Davis, Martin Long, Aidan Long, Eilis
draising project to assist with develop-
Ni Dalaigh. Next week’s jackpot will be
ment of a new all-weather pitch. This
€2,600.
Christmas jumper has been specially
The club bingo takes place this and
designed for the project and is only
every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at
available for purchase online.
8.30pm. This week’s jackpot is €1,400.
We would appreciate your support
The clubhouse coffee shop is now open
and encourage all members and friends
every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, all are
of St Finian’s to share this unique GAA
welcome for a cuppa and chat.
themed Christmas jumper to all their online friends.
St Finian’s GAA Club extends sincere sympathies to our adult hurling and
Don’t forget to tune into the 7 O’Clock
U-12 camogie selector Tommy McMana-
Show on TV3 on Friday, December 2
mon on the death of his mother Bridget
where presenter Martin King whose kids
who passed away and to Tommy’s grand
used to play with the club will be wear-
daughter Claire who also plays football
ing one of the jumpers, so they’re all the
and Camogie for the club. Ar dheis De go
rage.
raibh a hanam.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
PORTS BREW UP A STORM: Paddy’s Hill club make big statement once again in FAI intemediate cup P30
DECEMBER 1-7, 2016
WARRIOR JOHN’S SPECIAL BELT:
Southside gym honours star club member at Takeover 8 event P29
St Maur’s Eadaoin McGuinness is hoping to bring the All-Ireland junior trophy back to Rush on a permanent basis on Saturday. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile
Maur’s final freedom
Rush club have the shackles off now that their Dublin county final hoodoo is over and are ready to throw everything at Kinsale in All-Ireland battle
JAMES HENDICOTT
sport@dublingazette.com
EADAOIN McGuinness says her St Maur’s side are playing a new-found sense of freedom as Rush side St Maur’s overcame Latton O’Rahilly of Monaghan in a replay after a dramatic period of extra time on Saturday. Maur’s and Latton needed two games and two periods of extra time to finally separate them with the Fingal side taking control with a powerful late performance to snatch an All-Ireland junior final place by a margin of 1-15 to 2-8. For Maur’s, though, the shackles came off when they finally won promotion from junior football, winning the final against Castleknock
back in September, having suffered three defeats at the same stage in recent years. “This is massive for the club,” McGuinness told GazetteSport. “The women’s section is relatively new so to get this recognition so early on is a big thing. “We’ve never won anything in any section at Leinster level within the club, so to win Leinster would be a huge thing. Then we’ll be looking to be competitive in intermediate next year. “Latton are extremely well organised, young, a really good side. Their style is a lot like ourselves. We felt that we didn’t really turn up on the day with the first game. But we showed what we have by never giving up. We held our heads.” McGuinness also emphasised that despite
the strength of Dublin star Olivia Leonard in the forward line – “she’s fantastic, a huge presence” – she feels the side don’t have weak links. “We have every confidence in each other, we trust each other to do what we have to do,” she explained. “We’ve seen in recent years that the sides that have gone up to intermediate have done really well. We lost to Skerries and St Sylvester’s in the Dublin junior final in recent years, and both have been really competitive at intermediate level. “It seems like the teams that go up can hold their own. St Sylvester’s went on to be a senior club. We’d hope to use going up to achieve more, at least to be competitive at intermediate level.”
St Maur’s junior journey has included the unusual experience of heading out to Scotland to face Glasgow Gaels, who they dispatched 4-14 to 1-7. “They had decent footballers but probably haven’t had the competition we’ve had over the season. It was a great experience playing abroad. That doesn’t happen often in ladies’ football. We feel like the shackles have come off since we finally got past the Dublin final, and we’re really just playing the way we want to now,” McGuinness concluded. St Maur’s will play Cork club Kinsale in the All-Ireland junior final at Dr Cullen Park in Carlow next Saturday, December 3, with the game set to throw in at 1pm.