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January 5 - 11, 2017

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Dermot’s gearing up for a wheelie big adventure Teacher aims to be the oldest person to cycle round world & raise €50k for charity

 SYLVIA POWNALL

A RUSH teacher has some startling plans for when he retires later this year – an astonishing 40,000km charity bike ride around the world.

Dermot Higgins (55), a

teacher at Rush/Lusk Educate Together NS, plans to put his trip to good use, hoping to raise €50,000 for Trocaire with his cycle.

Dermot’s also hoping to be the oldest person to cycle around the world – and if successful, the Gogodermo

Cycle Around the World Project will also see him enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dermot’s wife and son will accompany him on his journey and he will set off from the school on June 30 – the very same day he retires.

Of the big trip, Dermot said: “Completing the round the world cycle will be my life’s ambition realised.

“Having the opportunity to promote global goals and to support Trocaire is the icing on the cake.”

Full Story on Page 15

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 5 January 2017

PORTMARNOCK | THUG USED BOTTLE AND FLED IN WAITING TAXI

Petrol station held up twice over Christmas  AENGUS O’HANLON

PORTMARNOCK’S petrol station was held up TWICE over Christmas week – and both times the raider made off with cash and cigarettes after threatening the same employee.

A masked man came into the Texaco garage on Strand Road around 7:45pm on Christmas Eve brandishing a 10-inch knife and demanding cash and cigarettes.

The robber came around the counter and held the knife to shop assistant Ronan Harvey’s side before making off with a small amount of cash and fags.

Just six nights later on December 30, the same thing happened around 7pm, only this time the robber – who Ronan suspects was the same man as before – failed to properly cover his face.

The thug used a broken bottle to threaten the 22-year-

The Texaco petrol station in Portmarnock village, where brave Ronan Harvey, below, was held up twice in one week over Christmas. Pictures: Aengus O’Hanlon

old UCD student from Portmarnock, and again made off with cash from the till and some packs of cigarettes.

However, the dozy raider left the broken bottle behind before making off towards Baldoyle in a waiting taxi.

This time Ronan immediately ran outside the shop and managed to get the taxi’s registration number before calling the gardai.

The brave Portmarnock lad said he had been so annoyed that he had “so little to give the guards” after the first robbery, he wanted to make sure

he had something to give the guards this time around”.

The innocent cab driver showed gardai where he had dropped off the man, believed to be an apartment complex in town. However, the suspect has not yet been caught.

Ronan said he was “fairly certain” the same man was involved in both robberies, adding that he recognised his “thick Dublin accent”.

Reliving his double ordeal, Ronan told The Gazette: “The first robbery happened shortly before we were due to close on Christmas Eve. A fella came in all covered up holding a big 10 inch knife.

“I think he might have been watching because he came in as soon as the other staff member who was on with me left to put the bins out.

“He had a scarf pulled up

to his eyes, and a cap on low over his forehead. He may as well have had a mask on.

“He was quick – even the guards were surprised – as it all took about 15 or 20 seconds and he was gone with all the money from the till and some loose boxes of cigarettes that were behind the counter.

“With the second robbery, the lad wasn’t wearing gloves, and he came in with a broken bottle. This time, the other staff member who was on with me had gone in to the toilet, so the robber might well have been watching.

“I’m convinced it was the same guy as before. I couldn’t see his face the first time but his voice was the same and his actions were the same as the first robber.”

While he admitted being very scared, especially the first time, Ronan said he had no fear going back to work – amazingly, he was back in on New Year’s Eve, the day after the second robbery.

He added: “It was a bit of a fluke that it happened to me twice. I was scared, especially the first time with that big knife, but going back in to work was no bother to me – the best way to get over something like this is to get on with life.”

A Garda spokesperson confirmed both robberies had taken place over Christmas, but could not say whether the same man was suspected to have committed both.

She added: “There was a robbery on the 24th of December in Portmarnock.

That occurred at about 7;45pm on the Strand Road.

“A lone male, blue jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms produced a knife and demanded cash. Cash and goods were taken.

“The second robbery took place on the 30th December at 7pm. A lone male again, stole cash and some goods and left in a taxi.

“The man left a bottle, which is believed to have been used in the robbery, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The spokesperson said there had been no arrests.

FASTNews

Summit not right for Howth day trippers TWO people had to be rescued after their car got stuck in a ditch near Howth Summit last week.

The driver and passenger came a cropper on a narrow track on December 29 and were forced to spend the night there until the Coast Guard was called to get them back to safety the next morning.

A spokesperson for Howth Coast Guard said: “Last night two persons unfamiliar with the area got their car stuck in ditch down a narrow track near Howth Summit.

“The Coast Guard were contacted by Gardai and a unit from the Coast Guard in Howth was tasked and recovered the car and the occupants back to the summit car park.

“The two occupants had stayed with the car through the night and were relieved with the assistance. Although Coast Guard units are equipped for this, it is not something we normally respond to.

“In this case considering the duration of time spent in the car it was deemed appropriate.”

The occupants were said to be unharmed by their ordeal – though the same cannot be said for the car.

12m people hit Lusk parents set Pavilions in 2016 for town march OVER 12 million people visited the Pavilions in 2016 in what was a record year of trading for the Swords shopping centre.

Pavilions boss Ian Hunter said December 23 was, as it usually is, the busiest shopping day of the year.

PARENTS of pupils at Lusk Community College are to march on the town to protest against ongoing delays to the planned second phase of the new school building. Organiser Michael Lenihan said a public meeting would follow the January 14 protest.

Fingal set to deliver 2,000 social houses COUNTY manager Paul Reid has vowed to deliver 2,000 social houses before the year is out, and says housing remains at the top of the agenda for Fingal in 2017.

Mr Reid said the council would go above and beyond the targets set out by Goverment for the provision of social housing and would also look to clear the way for 10,000 private dwellings to be built in Fingal.

The chief executive said in his New Year’s Message posted on YouTube: “For many people in Fingal, housing is a major issue and demand is currently outstripping supply.

In 2015, Fingal County Council was set a target byGovernment to deliver 1,376 social homes by the end of 2017.

“I am pleased to report that we have already delivered almost 900 units with another 653 committed to, including 74 currently under construction. Byeond that, our pipeline has us on target to deliver over 2,000 social housing units by the end of 2017. This will be well ahead of our targets.

“We are also assisting the private sector in delivering houses through the provisions of necessary infrastructure.

Currently there are 43 active building sites in Fingal. This will ultimately produce almost 10,000 housing units.

5 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

LITERARY GENIUS | DUBLIN TEEN’S FIRST NOVEL ALREADY GETTING RAVE REVIEWS ON AMAZON

Hana has the write idea A DUBLIN teenager has just had her first novel published on Amazon – where it’s already receiving rave reviews.

Hana Efendic, who was born in Dublin to Bosnian parents, is delighted with the positive response her book ‘Nia’ has received.

Hana (17), who lives in Newcastle with sister Kanita, 24, mum Harisa and dad Amir, is a first year business student at Trinity College but the book started as a fifth class assignment in primary school.

Hana, left, told The Gazette: “The idea came from a short story that I had written when a substitute teacher gave us a writing exercise to do.

“He read what I had written, highly praised it and told me to continue writing it even though my English at the time was very basic, seeing as I was only a ten-year-old.”

Hana carried on with her endeavours, adding 50 pages – then returned to it two years later as a secondary student at St Mac Dara’s Community College in Templeogue. She said: “Now, after many years what was once a simple story has progressed into what is today – a 10,000-word book called Nia.” The book tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who lives in Dublin and struggles to overcome the challenges of living with a

bi-polar mother and dealing with unsympathetic teachers.

The coming-of-age tale sees Nia deal with unexpected events, including meeting Kunko from Russia, learning a hidden secret about her father, and ending up in hospital.

Hana said: “Nia isn’t in any way autobiographical, but there are elements of the story that I have come across before and they can range from feelings to memories or simply close experiences.

“It’s a story that some people will definitely relate to because it deals with ongoing issues that any of us can or could have easily experienced whilst growing up.”

Hana’s parents are thrilled at the fact that there is a writer in the family and are looking forward to seeing her next published offering.

Hana, a member of Virginia House Writers in Tallaght, said: “I have written many short stories, poems and opinion pieces since writing my first book but I have recently started writing a second, so we’ll see how it goes.

“My plan is to just keep on going through this journey that we call ‘life’ and write as much as I can and feel obliged to by no one other than myself.”

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FASTNews

Call to clip car parking habits around estates CHEEKY motorists are parking their cars for weeks on end in Swords housing estates before jetting on holidays from Dublin Airport, it’s been claimed.

Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said the practice was getting out of hand and called on the council to put the brakes on stingy holidaymakers hell-bent on avoiding car parking fees.

At a Balbriggan/ Swords area meeting he asked the council “to investigate options with regard to remov-

ing cars that are longterm parked on roads and streets within our estates”.

Riot gear set for Oberstown

STAFF at Oberstown Youth Detention Centre in Lusk are to be provided with riot gear within the next month.

Personal protection equipment was sanctioned as part of a New Year peace deal between unions and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

The new equipment may include helmets, stab-vests, batons, CS gas grenades, reinforced visors and nonlethal Taser stun-guns.

INSIGHT | COUNTY’S MAYOR ON A BUSY SIX MONTHS

Wide range of works planned for Glebe Park A PLAYGROUND games area and adult exercise facilities are all planned for Glebe Park in Balrothery.

In addition, a new playing field and tennis court will be developed as well as an upgrade to the existing pitch.

Fingal County Council unveiled the proposals at a Balbriggan area meeting following discussions with community groups. The project will move to the public consultation process in coming weeks and is expected to get under way before the summer.

There’s so much to celebrate in Fingal COUNCILLOR Darragh Butler (FF) looks back on his first six months as Mayor of Fingal – and lists his goals for the remainder of his term in office.

2016 proved to be a busy year, with the General Election in February and with all of the incredible 1916-2016 centenary celebrations.

For me personally, it has been extremely busy since I was elected Mayor of Fingal on Friday, June 17 – and now, six months into my 12-month term, I have worn the chain at 175+ events/meetings already, with many more to come this year.

One of the highlights came after only four days when I ended up standing on the runway at Dublin Airport in front of Air Force 2, ready to welcome the US vice-president Joe Biden to Ireland. That was certainly an honour I will never forget.

Since then, highlights have included taking the Chieftain’s salute in front of over 1,000 pipe band members at the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championship in Malahide; launching the 1916 memorial in Lusk along with numerous Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society events; the launch of the beach wheel-

As Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler singled out the Swords Cultural Quarter brand as a 2016 highlight

chair scheme in Portmarnock; and various festivals, book launches and events all around Fingal.

I also got to open the new Castle Mills Link Road in Balbriggan and, more recently, the new crematorium at Dardistown Cemetery in Swords.

The ongoing progress being made with Swords Castle is fantastic, and I was extremely proud as Mayor of Fingal to launch the Swords Cultural Quarter (SCQ) brand in November.

The SCQ will be made up of the castle, the coun-

cil building and its atrium, which will be used more and more as a civic space for community and arts events, and the future civic centre with a library and arts space that is due to be built on the council car park at the corner of North Street and Seatown Road, alongside the castle.

We are making great progress in Swords and with our heritage properties all over Fingal.

I will continue to push for a heritage walking/ cycling trail all along the Ward River, from the Broadmeadow Estuary

and Swords Castle; via St Columba’s Church and Towers; St Colmcille’s Well; and all along the Ward RiverValley – linking Knocksedan to Swords; taking in Knocksedan Bridge; Rivermeade and St Margaret’s; and potentially branching off to take in Dunsogly Castle.

We are also getting close to achieving the pedestrian and cycling route over the train bridge at the Malahide estuary, linking Malahide and Donabate.

We also hope to open the former Balleally dump as a fantastic public park with incredible views over north County Dublin.

We have great potential here for tourism trails and cycle-ways all across north County Dublin including Rush, Lusk, Skerries and Balbriggan.

At the recent Chambers Ireland’s Excellence in Local Government Awards, I was incredibly proud to accept the Local Authority of the Year award on behalf of Fingal County Council – voted the best local authority out of the 31 local authorities around the country.

Fingal County Council also won an award for the excellent Swords Castle: Digging History archaeology project.

Swords Tidy Towns isn’t resting on its 2016 wins  SYLVIA POWNALL

SWORDS Tidy Towns has ambitious plans for 2017 – including giving the Pavilions roundabout a makeover and moving into its own dedicated premises.

The group also hopes to build on its success in the national Tidy Towns competition in 2016 when it crept ever closer to the coveted top prize, gaining another four points.

The dedicated volunteers deservedly won the Fingal County Coun-

cil residential best biodiversity award for its polytunnel project at Youthreach on North Street.

Spokesman Ken Duffy told The Gazette: “2016 was a fantastic and successful year. We were shortlisted for Ireland’s best-kept town award; we were among 15 finalists narrowly missing out on a prize.

“We got ever closer to the magical 300 points mark in the National Tidy Towns competition. And recently we were presented with the Fingal Managing Volunteers Award

Leve 1 Certificate – all in all, a very good year by any standard.”

The group is now turning its thoughts to making a 20ft container donated by Fingal County Council habitable, and organising a planting display on the roundabout outside the Pavilions Shopping Centre.

Ken said: “There’s no actual base for Swords Tidy Towns, and that can be tricky in terms of storing paperwork and so on; plus, we need a place to put up all our awards!”

5 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

GAZETTE

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2016

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

Grim statistics soar, the city JANUARY Bag of human remains retrieved from Grand Canal CLONDALKIN: A PLASTIC bag containing the human remains of Kenneth O’Brien was retrieved from the Grand Canal, Celbridge.

Mr O’Brien, aged 33, from Clondalkin, was reported missing on January 15 after he left his home telling family members he was going to work. The following day his torso was found in a suitcase by walkers at the Grand Canal near Celbridge.

DNA tests confirmed the remains were those of Mr O’Brien. The following month, father-of-five Paul Wells of Finglas was charged with the murder of Mr O’Brien. He has not yet been allocated a date for his next appearance, which will take place at the Criminal Courts of Justice building.

Begging in the city centre shoots up by a massive 410% CITY CENTRE: BEGGING in the city centre was up by a

massive 410% at the start of the year, according to the latest crime statistics.

They revealed that murder was down by 54% in the capital, theft and assaults causing harm up by 12%, and the total number of public order offences was up by 51%.

The report also revealed that for the year ending 2015, property crime in the Dublin City Council area was down by 4% on 2014 figures, violent property crime was up by 2% (27 incidents), while thefts from shops was also higher than the 2014 levels.

FEBRUARY Rugby pals tackle a life-saving transplant together FINGAL: FEBRUARY saw an enormous act of generosity when two former Swords Rugby Club players underwent a life-changing procedure in Beaumount Hospital as one player donated his kidney to save another’s life.

Derek Brennan gave his kidney to his team mate Robert “Mossy” Merrigan, after he had lost hope of receiving a donor kidney when his brother wasn’t a match for a

Former Swords Rugby Club players Robert “Mossy” Merrigan and Derek Brennan, who donated a kidney to save his friend’s life

swimming pool for Lucan will become a reality.

The funding of €3.8m will allow the council to proceed with the pool’s construction, located on a new sports and leisure campus at Griffeen, which is expected to be completed and available for the community to use by next year.

Last December, the pool was included in the council’s three-year capital rolling budget, given an estimated cost of €10m. The council have a commitment to fund the remainder of the Government €3.8m funding in its Capital Programme for 2016 – 18.

The 1916 Easter Rising celebrations were a massive success. Picture: Naoise Culhane

transplant.

The vice-captain of the team, Gary McCormick said: “It’s a close-knit club; when you join you become a brother and you would do anything for your family, like Derek did for Mossy.”

Liffey Valley shopping centre set to expand LUCAN: THE owners of Liffey Valley shopping centre submited a planning application for a major extension of the premises, which included an ice rink and up to 60 new stores.

The application, made by owners Hines Ireland, also sought permission for 1,800 additional car parking spaces and the development of a plaza underneath a glazed canopy.

The application, which was later granted permission, has the potential to create up to 450 construction jobs during the development and about 1,500 full-time and part-time jobs when completed.

According to Hines, the ice skating arena will be of an “Olympic standard” and will have the capacity for 2,500 spectators.

MARCH City celebrates the legacy of the 1916 Rising in style CITY CENTRE: THE 1916 Easter Rising commemorations were a massive success with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets of Dublin to watch the main Easter Sunday State Commemoration Ceremony.

As part of the commemoration ceremony and parade, a reading of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic was held outside the GPO on Sunday morning.

The parade then made its way from St Stephen’s Green to College Green, stopping off at Dublin Castle.

The parade saw 3,700 members of the Defence Forces, gardai and the emergency

services march along a 4.5km route and as part of the main ceremony.

President Michael D Higgins also laid a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance in a ceremony that saw the attendance of 700 relatives of 78 people who died during the Rising.

APRIL Long wait for a swimming pool comes to an end LUCAN: THIS month, after 30 years of waiting, Lucan was officially granted Government funding for a public swimming pool. In a Gazette exclusive, it was announced that South Dublin County Council’s application for a swimming pool was successful, and now after 30 years of campaigning, a

Grim homeless statistics revealed for Fingal families BLANCHARDSTOWN: GRIM homeless statistics in Fingal were revealed with 259 families in the area recorded as homeless, and 181 of these in emergency accommodation.

This had risen 27% from the January figures which showed that there were 204 families with 150 in emergency accommodation.

Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) said these figures were “shocking”.

“Unfortunately, I can only see that figure rising in the coming months as the Government’s housing strategy has been exposed as a fraud,” he said.

A spokesperson from Fingal County Council said the council is “in regular contact” with homeless families or families facing homelessness to provide them with the housing advice and support.

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GAZETTE

TOP STORIES: JANUARY TO JUNE

marks the 1916 Rising’s legacy from the community took part Ireland at the moment.”

MAY The Connolly For Kids cam- in a rally in solidarity with the JUNE group are still trying to family.

Children’s Hospital paign Protests over bin persuade the Government to reverse their decision. site decision is charge changes Kinahan-Hutch REGULAR protests branded ‘a sick joke’ Brutal assault on feud claims another LUCAN: took place around Dublin BLANCHARDSTOWN: THE to highlight the victim in the centre Mid-West decision to grant permission Afghan family as proposed exorbitant new CITY CENTRE: TENSIONS in bin charges that were due to for the new National Children’s the inner city were on a knife come into effect on July 1.

Hospital at the site of St James’s they cycled along Hospital in May was described as “a sick joke”.

The news came at the end of a year-long dispute with many families and campaign groups calling for the hospital to be built at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown instead.

They believe there were many advantages of developing the children’s hospital in Blanchardstown, such as the 145-acre site, easier access to those from outside Dublin, extensive parking possibilities and it being cheaper and faster to build in that location.

The founder of the Jack & Jill Foundation, Jonathan Irwin said: “To me, it’s a very sick joke. I’ve worked with children for 20 years and think I reflect how many families feel across

DUNDRUM: AN AFGHAN family were subjected to a vile racist attack, resulting in them wanting to leave Ireland amid fears of being killed by their attackers.

Two t e e n a g e r s a n d a 2 0 - y e a r- o l d m a n w e r e attacked with a metal bar at the start of May as they were cycling home from Marlay Park.

The attack took place near Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham after four men got out of a blue Peugeot and assaulted the group.

Abdul Ahmadzai (13) and his two uncles, Naqib (18) and Fazal (20), were all hospitalised following the attack.

Following the vicious assault, hundreds of people

edge following the latest gangland murder in the escalating Kinahan-Hutch feud.

Tensions rose after two gunmen ambushed 35-yearold Gareth Hutch, a nephew of Gerry “The Monk” Hutch.

He was shot dead as he got into his car outside a block of flats on North Cumberland Street, barely a minute’s walk from O’Connell Street.

29-year-old Thomas Fox was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun in connection with the murder and has since been remanded in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

He is one of two people before the courts charged in connection with the shooting.

Demonstrations took place outside Thornton’s recycling plant in Ballyfermot and another adjacent to Greyhound Recycling, Clondalkin to protest against the fixed annual charges on wheelie bins, from €50 to €156 in some cases.

The price hikes are part of an EU directive, which recommends companies charge 11c per kilo for black bins, 6c per kilo for brown bins, and 2c for recycling bins.

Some refuse companies were accused of charging significantly above its recommendations.

The plans to introduce the pay-by-weight charges in July were delayed and it is speculated that they have been abandoned altogether.

Following the Green River EURO brothers Peter and Tiernan Reilly reported the action on the ground as the Irish fans did themselves proud during Euro 2016. And below tournament star Robbie Brady gets a selfie with a fan after arriving back in Dublin Airport.

LauraLynn hospice founders honoured

NEW ARRIVALS: Dublin Zoo welcomed an elephant calf, a baby rhino, seven African painted dogs and a baby western lowland gorilla during 2016

DUN LAOGHAIRE: BRENDAN and Jane McKenna, the founders of the LauraLynn Foundation, were awarded the county’s Civic Honour by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The McKennas were honoured for their work fundraising and raising awareness for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

The LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation was founded in 2001 following the death of Jane and Brendan’s two daughters, Laura (4) and Lynn (13), within two years of each other.

Upon presenting the award, An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul, said: “It is a great privilege to award the county’s highest

honour – the Civic Honour – to Jane and Brendan for their tireless work in fundraising and raising awareness for families with children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions requiring respite care.”

Irish Water admits sewage spills unavoidable PORTMARNOCK: IRISH Water admitted that sewage spills into the sea at Portmarnock’s Blue Flag beach are unavoidable for the next five years.

The Velvet Strand faces a bathing ban every time the nearby pumping station strug-

gles to cope with rising levels as a result of heavy rainfall.

A spokesperson for the utility company said an €85m upgrade to the Fingal network was under way – but is not due for completion until 2021.

In a statement, the water company apologised for the series of failures that led to closures at Portmarnock, Balbriggan and Skerries, but it warned that particular “challenges” meant the Portmarnock problem needed a long-term solution.

Irish Water admitted that a spell of dry weather, followed by heavy rain, could result in high loads up to 50 times the norm washing through the system over a short period of time.

GAZETTE

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2016

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

TOP STORIES: JULY TO SEPTEMBER

The Dubs do the double while lost dog is home after 8 years JULY Concerts cause Deadly jellyfish seen ‘chaotic’ scenes DUNDRUM: A NUMBER of on beaches residents who live in the viciniFINGAL: GIANT jellyfish invaded Fingal’s coastline, posing a deadly risk to bathers’ safety.

The vicious Lions Mane species – up to 2m in diameter, with 150 venomous long tentacles – had washed up on Dublin beaches in Malahide, Sutton, Howth, Portmarnock and Rush.

They are capable of delivering a nasty sting for several days after they die – and in some cases this can cause anaphylactic shock.

Irish Water Safety (IWS) and marine experts had warned beachgoers to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their children. The invasion came as thousands of Dubliners prepared to make the most of July’s heatwave and flock to the coast over the month.

IWS chief John Leech said at the time: “They’re quite venomous. The best thing to do is just steer clear of them. If in doubt don’t go onto a beach with no lifeguard.”

vention of suicide and selfharm, set off from the original Pieta House in Lucan at the start of the month.

His tour took him to Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Tralee, Listowel, Limerick, Ennis, Galway, Tuam and Athlone.

Brian came up with the idea of the “Pieta Grand Tour” as Pieta House marked its 10th year, with the organisation opening its 10th centre, in Waterford.

ty of Marlay Park described the “chaotic” scenes caused by the crowds of people who attended the Longitude festival.

Local Marlay Wood resident Aifric O’Malley told The Gazette that she has to deal with “drunken youths using her front garden as a toilet” while the concerts are on.

“To be honest, there is very little trouble, but there are issues, especially the road closures which limit residents’ access in and out of their homes. We’re pretty much trapped in our houses while the concerts are on, and it can be a nightmare if you’re trying to get home from working.”

Ballymun mum’s tears as little girl (4) is pricked by discarded needle The one and only Simon Cowell with X-Factor fans in Dublin where auditions had returned for the

AUGUST Missing pet dog returns home after eight years away CLONDALKIN: A DOG that strayed from her home eight

first time since 2010. Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

years ago was reunited with her owners.

Jack Russell Terrier Jess was returned to her family who adopted her as a pup in 2005, thanks to her microchip details.

Her shocked owner, Fiona

McCrea, from Old Bawn in Tallaght, told of the family’s delight when they went to collect their miracle mutt at the pound. With their newer pet also called Jess, the family now refer to their pets as Jess Number One and Jess Number Two.

tial announcement earlier in 2016.

A third building on the same site will also follow at a later stage.

The facility, which has already been granted planning permission, will bring the overall size of the Facebook base in Clonee to 57,690 sq m.

Zuckerberg glad to be part of the SEPTEMBER Clonee community Pieta House’s CEO BLANCHARDSTOWN: FACEBOOK brought forward its hits the road to construction plans for a second building at its €200m mark a milestone

Dublin fans Luke, Lucy, Dave, Pierre and Jim Tracey celebrate back-to-back titles for the Dubs

data centre in Clonee, with Mark Zuckerberg saying he is very proud to become part of the local community.

The decision to fast-track the new building, which will create 200 jobs, was taken due to an increase in demand since Facebook made the ini-

LUCAN: THE chief executive of Lucan charity Pieta House completed a gruelling 10-day, 10,000km rickshaw road trip across Ireland in September to mark the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Brian Higgins, of Pieta House, the centre for the pre-

CITY CENTRE: THE ongoing issue of drug addiction and its impact on inner city communities was highlighted by one Ballymun family’s fears after their little girl was pricked by a discarded bloody needle.

The girl’s mother, Catherine Leonard, took to Facebook to express her shock and disgust, posting: “I’m devastated to say we spent the night in Temple Street getting blood tests to make sure our little girl will be ok after being pierced with a bloodied needle. It’s just disgusting and wrong that this could happen.”

The four-year-old’s plight saw a wave of sympathy across the community, with many people expressing their shock.

Of the family’s wait for results, Catherine said: “I always warn them of strangers and stuff like that but never did I think we would be going through this.

“I cried myself asleep last night thinking about the what ifs – it’s going to be a long week.”

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GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

From lost lives and missing cars to beds for Christmas OCTOBER National glory for army of volunteers in Tidy Districts win SHANKILL: EVERYTHING was coming up roses for Shankill, with it claiming top prize in the 2016 Tidy Districts Competition.

The tireless work by an army of volunteers was singled out for praise by An Cathaoirleach, Cormac Devlin, who said it was “heartening to see this level of volunteerism from so many people who take time out to add value to their local communities and environment”.

He added: “Shankill’s wellorganised and hardworking committee have demonstrated the benefits in having such an active Tidy Towns committee in an area.”

Massive boost for Swords as €20m set for Cultural Quarter SWORDS: THE north Dublin town got a major boost with the news that €20m was approved for a Cultural Quarter.

Agreed as part of a three-year capital project spending project, the fund provides for the restoration and redevelopment of Swords Castle, a transformation of the landscape around the junction of Main Street and North Street, a pedestrianised plaza, and a new civic centre to include a library, tourist information desk, exhibition space, theatre and performing venue.

The funding was hailed as a transformative gain for the town.

Councillors forego €38k in expenses to support Travellers

Castleknock’s Emily Dywer and Emily Carville looked spook-tastic as they helped launch Halloween HQ’s pop-up shops. Picture: Peter Houlihan

Cyclist’s death sees call for more action to help save lives CITY CENTRE: THE grief-stricken father of a young Balbriggan woman killed cycling home from work called for a range of measures to support cyclists in the city centre.

Donna Fox was killed after being struck by a truck near Amiens Street in early September, with her father, Peter, calling for wider roads, one-

way streets and dedicated bike lanes that run against traffic – all in a bid to help prevent any more avoidable deaths.

Cyclists protested outside Dail Eireann to highlight the lack of cycling infrastructure and investment in the city.

St Mochta’s kids delighted as new school is approved BLANCHARDSTOWN: THERE was good news for St Mochta’s

NS, which got the go-ahead to proceed to tender for a new school – just one month after students and teachers were told that development would not begin this year.

The news came one week after a large number of children from St Mochta’s marched to the Dail to highlight their need for a new school building.

The St Mochta’s Build Action group said: “We would like to thank the community as a whole for their tremendous efforts in getting us to this stage, and hope that you will

remain with us on the journey to getting the school built.”

NOVEMBER Rush Credit Union scandal grows as 15 cars missing RUSH: THE scandal enveloping Rush Credit Union grew when it emerged that 15 cars worth an estimated €220,000 – bought as draw prizes at Rush Credit Union – were missing.

Liquidators were called in to the troubled financial institution, with the cars just one of a number of issues highlighted by forensic accountants.

An affidavit sworn by the head of resolution at the Central Bank, Patrick Casey, listed a catalogue of shortcomings exposing Rush Credit Union as one of the most rotten financial institutions in the State.

CLONDALKIN: COUNCILLORS put their money where their mouth is and agreed to forego €38,000 in annual expenses for a pilot self-spend scheme for Travellers.

South Dublin County Council is the first in the country to adopt the participatory budgeting initiative, with a Traveller committee to decide how the money is spent.

The funding move was decided at the council’s €225m budget meeting. Of the funding, Cllr Mark Ward (SF) said: “It represents a step towards empowering Travellers and giving them a sense of ownership within their community.”

Council has lost 2,000 housing units in just over a decade CITY CENTRE: IT WAS reported that Dublin City Council has lost almost 2,000 housing units over the past 11 years.

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

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

The council’s housing stock shrank from 27,110 units in 2005 to 25,274 in 2016, even as demand for housing soared.

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 11

2016

GAZETTE

TOP STORIES: OCTOBER TO DECEMBER Hallowe’en horror as youths ‘lay siege’ to a Stepaside estate STEPASIDE: HALLOWE’EN horror was to the fore at a quiet estate, with Stepaside Park residents ‘under siege’ from a gang of more than a hundred youths.

One resident told The Gazette: “It was unbelievable – the only thing I could compare it to is a thug’s soccer riot on the streets.”

A resident said his eight-yearold son “never wants to it to be Halloween again”. Gardai made a number of arrests.

DECEMBER Shock as notorious criminal murdered in Lucan shooting LUCAN: LOCALS were horrified by the brutal gun murder of a

Westside Stage School students Grace Dalton, Eleanor Mahady, Isobel Clyne

Santa Claus had help from Tallaght twins Ann and Maria Connors to officially launch

Farrelly and Yasmin Wynne were ready to dazzle at the Lucan school’s

Dublin At Christmas - a travel and shopping initiative between DublinTown, Dublin

popular Christmas show. Picture: Trendphotography.ie

City Council and the city’s transport providers. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

man at Griffeen Valley Park.

Notorious criminal Mark ‘Guinea Pig’ Desmond (41) was shot six times at the quiet spot after being lured there.

The cold-blooded killing added to the city’s gruesome murder tally across 2016, with Lucanites speaking of their horror at such a brutal crime happening in their quiet area.

DLR parents forking out the most for childcare costs DUN LAOGHAIRE: CASHstrapped parents in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown had little reason to be cheerful, with a survey by Pobal revealing that

they pay the most for childcare in the whole country.

The national weekly average is €167.03 per child, but DLR parents are coughing up €213.94. Senator Victor Boyhan (Ind) told The Gazette that he had spoken with Minister for Children Zappone about the high costs of childcare in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

NAMA office becomes a homeless shelter CITY CENTRE: ONE of the biggest stories of the year occurred in mid-December when housing activists broke into NAMAcontrolled Apollo House, and turned it into a shelter for lots of homeless people.

The move sparked another national debate on the homelessness and housing emergency that gripped the city and country in 2016 like never before.

The High Court has ruled the building must be vacated

by January 11; however, the homelessness crisis looks set to keep blazing away this year ...

12 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

MOTORING P20

CINEMA P24

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

STYLE P18

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

There’s no excuse – make 2017 the year you start taking better care of your health, knowing that the more you walk and run, the better your

chance to fight, beat or avoid cancer

Use the New Year to beat cancer  IAN BEGLEY

AS PEOPLE begin their New Year’s resolutions, the Irish Cancer Society has urged the public to make simple lifestyle changes in 2017 to significantly lower their risk of cancer.

The Society has reminded people that more than 40% of cancers can be prevented by making a number of lifestyle changes, with that percentage of cancer risk attributed to five lifestyle factors—tobacco, diet, overweight/obesity, alcohol and low physical activity.

Kevin O’Hagan, Can-

cer Prevention Manager at the society, said: “The number-one thing people can do to improve their health and lower their risk of cancer is to quit smoking.

“Three in every ten cancers are caused by smoking, and we would urge all smokers to make quitting their number-one resolution in 2017.

“Quitting is really difficult, but with the right preparation, support and attitude it can be achieved.

“We would encourage anyone who wants to give up to call the National Smoking Quitline at Callsave 1850 201 203 for lots of advice on quitting and

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‘Up to 40% of certain cancers are attributable to being overweight or obese, and with most adults in Ireland now weighing more than they should, it is really important we do all we can to maintain a healthy weight’

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Kevin O’Hagan, Irish Cancer Society

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information on nicotine replacement therapies.

“We also run the We Can Quit programme in Cork and Dublin, which encourages women to join forces and support each other to quit,” he said.

Kevin added: “Another way people can reduce their risk is by getting physically active in 2017.

We would advise people to limit their time sitting and aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical

activity every day.

“You could challenge yourself to get active in 2017 in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Take on a trek, marathon, run or even an extreme challenge, and get fit while supporting people affected by cancer.

“Being active and having a healthy diet also contributes to maintaining a healthy weight, which after not smoking, is the most important thing you can do for cancer prevention.

“Up to 40% of certain cancers are attributable to being overweight or obese, and with most adults in Ireland now weighing

more than they should, it is really important we do all we can to maintain a healthy weight to lower the risk of cancer,” he said.

On the links between alcohol and cancer, Kevin said alcohol is directly linked to seven types of cancer.

He added: “About 900 cancers and 500 cancer deaths are attributed to alcohol every year, so I would urge people to be aware of how they drink and limit their intake as much as possible.

“The New Year is a great opportunity to change a habit and to radically change our approach to alcohol in this country.

“Finally, screening has to be emphasised as a lifestyle resolution in 2017.

Cancer screening is a way to find cancer before any symptoms appear in your body and, in Ireland, there are three free screening programmes for breast cancer, bowel cancer and cervical cancer.

“Anyone who is called for screening should take those few minutes out of their busy lives to do it – it could just save their life.”

To sign up for one of the Irish Cancer Society’s active challenges in 2017, or to get support in quitting smoking, see www. cancer.ie/getactive, or www.cancer.ie/smoking.

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 13

THE RDS will once again come to life with youthful scientific endeavours when thousands of young students descend for the 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which takes place from January 12 to 14.

Hosted by TG4’s Roisin Ni Thomain and broadcaster Aidan Power, the exhibition brings together the brightest young minds from across the island of Ireland in a showcase of ideas and innovations designed to tackle the issues facing the economy and society today.

More than 50,000 visitors, young and old, are expected to visit the exhibition, which will feature a showcase of 550 inspirational student projects, as well as a fantastic line-up of live shows including magician David Meade, Discover The Cosmos 3D, the incredibly popular World Of Robots, and Titan the Robot.

Tickets will be available at the door priced €6 for students, €12 for adults and €25 for a family pass, which includes two adults and two children.

For further information, see www.btyoungscientist. com.

ALADDIN’S FLYING HIGH AT THE HELIX THE wonderful Aladdin is set for a magical box office record run at Dublin’s The Helix Theatre until Sunday, January 22.

Renowned for staging superb traditional pantomimes, The Helix – which extended the show by popular demand last year – is set to have its best panto year yet with some shows already sold out and demand for tickets at an all-time high.

Starring singing sensation Tom Moran and packed full of stunning special effects (including a real flying carpet), the panto set in the magical city of Agrabah is destined to amaze, amuse and truly enchant audiences.

The hugely popular and wickedly funny Eoin Cannon plays panto villain Jafaah, with the lovely Danielle Williamson, winner of Irish Musical Societies’ (AIMS) best female vocalist award, brightening the stage as Princess

Jasmine. All that talent is combined in Aladdin at The Helix to create a truly magical piece of heartwarming family entertainment.

Tickets are priced from €19.50, with bookings available at www.thehelix.ie, or by calling 01 700 7000.

GET HOOKED ON FISHING IN DUBLIN MORE than 500 children and young people from the Greater Dublin Area have taken up fishing in 2016.

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative, which aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin area, has seen significant demand for its services during the year.

Young people from the areas of Darndale, Jobstown, Mulhuddart, Whitechurch, as well as inner city youth projects, took part in this year’s programme, which saw them take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and competitions, visit naval ships and enjoy family fishing days.

DIARY

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE RDS gets set to host some truly stellar science from young minds

Kate Madden and Matthew Farrell are inviting everyone to come along and see some out of this world scientific projects at this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition at the RDS. Picture: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

Environmental talks and lessons were also held with many national and secondary schools, summer project and youth services taking part in the programme during the summer months.

The Dublin Angling Initiative caters for anyone interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing.

Fishing presentations and tours provide an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas.

The Dublin Angling Initiative welcomes enquiries from all groups or individuals interested in its programmes and services.

For further informa-

tion on Dublin fishing, see www.fisheriesireland.ie.

YOU’LL PRACTICALLY LOVE THESE COMICS THE Comedy Central stars of Impractical Jokers are coming to Dublin on January 10 for a brand-new live show with a special blend of comedy, hi-jinks and never-seenbefore videos.

The acclaimed comedy troupe have announced this 3Arena show due to unprecendented demand following sold-out arena shows across Britain.

You can see the four New York jokers in the flesh as they coerce one another to do outrageous public pranks, following on from the name they made for themselves through their hidden camera TV show.

The friends are on a mission to push the comedy bar even higher as they embarrass each other to the max! Don’t miss this opportunity to see the pals take on Irish audiences. What’s the worst that could happen?

Tickets are on sale now priced €60.65, and can be purchased over at www.3arena.ie.

TRY AN ALTERNATIVE, FUN WEDDING FAIR WHEN your classmates were dreaming about their white weddings, were you busy thinking about all of the conventions you were going to break when your time rolled around? if so, a wedding festival for you exists – and it’s on its way to The Chocolate Factory, King’s Inn Street on January 22.

There’s nothing traditional about this wedding fair. instead of breaking it down into sections about such matters as meringuelike bridesmaid’s dresses, the organisers have based the core around vibes, styling, food and drink, and the experience.

With performances and demonstrations to enjoy throughout the day, you can start to envision what you want your own highlycurated day of festivities to look and feel like.

‘Bridezillas’ or ‘Groom Goblins’ will definitely get inspired at this offbeat fair, held in the very alternative, cavernous, and industrial surrounds of the Chocolate Factory.

Tickets are on sale at €5, and can be purchased by visiting www.thechocolatefactory.ie.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Chamber raised more than €33k for two charities DUBLIN Chamber of Commerce, the organisation which represents businesses in the Dublin region, has announced that it has raised over €33,000 for charity.

The proceeds, raised over the past 12 months, will be split between the Chamber’s two chosen charities for 2016 – the Peter McVerry Trust, set up to provide services to homeless people in Dublin, and Epilepsy Ireland, which supports and represents people with epilepsy.

The Chamber has undertaken a number of fundraising initiatives over the past year, culminating in a 700-person Christmas lunch in early December.

Other initiatives during 2016 have included a golf day, an auction and a special charity cycle, which saw a group of 30 Irish business people, led by former Dublin Chamber of Commerce President Greg Clarke, complete a five-day 600km cycle between Granada and Seville in southern Spain.

According to Mary Rose Burke, CEO of Dublin Chamber: “We are delighted to support two charities which are doing very valuable work in their particular areas. Homelessness is one of the biggest social issues in Ireland today. As a Chamber, and as a business community, it is important that we play our part in addressing the crisis.

“Charities such as the Peter McVerry Trust do fantastic work in providing services for those who find themselves homeless. This is the second year running that we have had the Peter McVerry Trust as one of our charity partners and we are very proud to support their efforts.”

Ms Burke added: “Similarly, Epilepsy Ireland provide a fantastic support for the 37,000 people in Ireland who suffer with epilepsy. We hope that the money we have raised will go some way to allowing them to continue the essential services they provide throughout the country.

“We intend to continue to support Irish charities in 2017 and assist more worthy charities in providing valuable services for people in need.”

Dramatic changes in the heart of the city THIS year saw a turnaround for the Liberties, which is undergoing a dramatic renewal and marked uplift.

In 2016, the Liberties has seen renovation of previously vacant buildings, the “greening” of Thomas Street and improved community facilities.

The Liberties has also welcomed new businesses, ideas and new investment, as mentioned in the Liberties Business Forum’s endof-year report.

Among the key achievements noted in the report were the continued development of The Dublin Discovery Trail; a bumper year for tourism in the area, with more tourist attractions due to open; and an area-wide improvement of shop-fronts.

Fur ther highlights include the commencement of work of the new National Children’s Hospital at St James’s Hospital and the construction of student housing at Newmarket and Thomas Street.

Speaking at the launch of the report, chairperson of the Liberties Business Forum, Catherine Heaney said: “The Liberties is one of Dublin’s most historic

Across all streets in the Liberties area, renewal is noticeable

and colourful districts, and is central to Dublin’s social and commercial life as one of the capital’s most visited areas. The area is host to dynamic businesses, highly respected education institutes, and the creative industry.

The Liberties Business Forum’s ambition is to bring these diverse sectors together and put our collective strength behind the area’s ongoing revival.

“This year has seen the Liberties Business Forum

expand its engagement with business owners, building owners and the wider public. We have released monthly e-newsletters and bulletins to local businesses and community members and had 40,000 visitors to the Liberties Dublin website.

“Combined with the physical renewal of the area, it communicates a hugely positive message to the wider city about The Liberties and encourages investment. We want to

see an increasing number of businesses locate in the Liberties and become part of this vibrant community.”

Also speaking at the launch of the report, Stephen Coyne, programme coordinator of The Liberties Business Area Improvement Initiative said: “There is a marked uplift in the area and some of the major projects, initiated over the past three years, are now bearing fruit. Across all streets

in the area, renewal is noticeable. This report points to some of the great successes for the area and the potential that can be unlocked here. It is a testament to the work of the Liberties Business Forum and the effective partnership between the public and private sectors in the area.

“We look forward to building on the successes to date next year and look forward to an exciting 2017.”

UrbanVolt see the light as they win ‘Sponsor for a Day’ competition

Sponsor for a Day Winner Kevin Maughan of UrbanVolt.

Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

BANK of Ireland has announced that Dublin-based business UrbanVolt, has won the Leinster “Sponsor for a Day” competition.

UrbanVolt will have their brand name on the Leinster rugby team’s jersey for their European Rugby Champions Cup game against Montpellier in RDS Arena which will be played on the weekend of January 13.

This is the fourth year of the competition, which was open

to businesses across Ireland.

The prize is worth €50,000 and includes; UrbanVolt’s logo on the front of the players’ jerseys; pitch signage, corporate hospitality for ten guests; match programme advert; photographs with the team, promotion for UrbanVolt from Bank of Ireland and Leinster Rugby.

UrbanVolt is a Dublin-based energy ser vices company which operates across the country. It retrofits commer-

cial premises with LED lighting at no upfront cost to the business, delivering an immediate reduction in energy cost and usage.

UrbanVolt is paid a proportion of the savings and its clients typically enjoy a 50% reduction in their total lighting energy costs after the fee is paid.

Commenting on the prize Kevin Maughan, CEO UrbanVolt said: “Having our logo on the Leinster Rugby jerseys is

an incredible opportunity for an emerging business like ours.

In our first year of business we have become the biggest lighting provider in Ireland. The exposure from this partnership with Bank of Ireland and Leinster Rugby will provide an immeasurable boost to UrbanVolt, both in Ireland and internationally.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience and we are looking forward to everything it brings.”

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 15

RIDING HIGH | WHO NEEDS BRADLEY WIGGINS WHEN WE’VE OUR OWN KNIGHT IN SHINING HEADGEAR

Aride Sir Higgins Dermot will head off on his fundraising adventure on the day he retires from teaching.

The map above shows his proposed route.

This Dublin teacher is aiming to become oldest person to cycle around world and it’s for charity

 SYLVIA POWNALL

A RUSH teacher is aiming to become the oldest person to cycle around the world.

Dermot Higgins, 55, will embark on the epic 40,000km charity bike ride in June 2017 and aims to complete the global circuit by April 2018.

Dermot, left, a teacher at Rush/Lusk Educate Together NS, will undertake the mammoth challenge in aid of Trocaire and hopes to raise E50,000 for its work in the developing world.

If successful the Gogodermo Cycle Around the World Project will also see him enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dermot said: “I’ve always wanted to take on a major project that involves endurance because, while I’m not an athlete, I have very good stamina.

“I’ve had this idea of going around the world since I was a child and I want to do it under my own steam, using pedal power.”

Dermot’s wife and son Fionn will accompany him on his journey and he will set off from Rusk/Lusk Educate Together school on June 30 – the day he retires.

Aside from donating there are several ways to support the project – by leaving words of encouragement on the website (www. gogodermo.com), sponsorship, or putting him in touch with relatives or friends who can assist along the route.

Dermot will cycle through Europe into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Then it’s on to Australia, New Zealand and the southern states of America, before crossing the Atlantic to Portugal and Spain and making his way back home.

Dermot said: “Completing the round the world cycle will be my life’s ambition realised. Having the opportunity to promote global goals and to support Trocaire is the icing on the cake.

“By Christmas next year, with a bit of luck and a good team behind me, I’ll be half way around the world.”

Trocaire’s executive director Eamonn Meehan said: “All at Trócaire wish Dermot every success in his world record attempt to cycle around the world.

“Community fundraising such as ‘gogodermo’ will support our vital programmes in over 20 countries throughout the developing world.”

16 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

Out and About

And they’re off !

Sonya Lennon and Bairbre Power

T

HE style was off the charts at the Cliff at Lyons Style Stakes at Leopardstown Christmas Festival last week. Fashionistas mingled with racegoers in a winning display of high fashion, sleek style and chic millinery. The judges - stylist and designer Sonya Lennon and Bairbre Power, fashion

Finalist - Geraldine Shalvey

Emma and Grainne McManamon

editor of the Irish Independent and Weekend Magazine, were kept busy throughout the morning as ladies from across Ireland flocked to Leopardstown in their finery to take part in the Cliff at Lyons Style Stakes, the most fashionable event on the day’s race card.

Yvonne McAvoy and Emma McAvoy

Gillian Gilbourne from Mill Street in Cork is congratulated by Adriaan Bartels - general manager at Cliff House Hotel Collection after winning The Cliff at Lyons Style Stakes

Mary Musgrave

Finalist - Faith Almond

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Rebecca Rose Quigley

Gillian Gilbourne with her husband Raymond, daughters Shiela and Margo and son Patrick

Danni McAvoy, Orla Corr, Shauna McAvoy, Yvonne McAvoy and Emma McAvoy. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Aine Bergin

Sarah McEvoy and Ali McFarland

Finalist - Louise Allen

Pamela Ryan

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STRETCH TO A NEW YOU WITH ALDI’S RANGE

 IAN BEGLEY

STAYING with Aldi, the chain has a whole range of exciting, affordable and stylish ways to help you

commit to a new amazing you for 2017!

From exercise bikes and kettle bells to resistance bands and yoga mats, its home gym Specialbuys are

just the thing to help you tone up and increase your fitness levels. Their range is currently on sale at 128 Aldi stores nationwide, while stocks last.

ALDI’S very affordable yet stylish work wear range offers a clear yet comfortable message for everyone: don’t let the cold weather stop you from doing a great job.

Any man or woman working outdoors can tough it out in confidence with Aldi’s complete range of warm, rugged workwear, on sale at Aldi stores nationwide from this Sunday, January 8, while stocks last.

For example, the Men’s Work Trousers (€10.99) provide durable cargo trousers with Velcro fastening knee pockets, ruler and mobile phone pocket,

hammer and pen loops, and are available in three styles/colours, from waist sizes 32”-40”; leg length 31” or 33”.

Also made from 100% cotton, the Ladies’ Work Trousers (€10.99) have an elasticated waistband, knee pockets, multi pockets for storage, including zipped side pocket and multipurpose D-ring function, and are available in black, sizes 10-18.

So for these and many other warm, practical yet stylish workwear for men and women, call to your nearest Aldi from this weekend.

Celine Dress €2,550

BEAT THE WINTER CHILL

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE Alexander Wang Blouse €590

David Koma Dress €1,205

Balenciaga Trench coat €1,985

Dries Van Noten Coat €1,995, Blouse €1,395

JW Anderson Dress €1,155

JW Anderson Dress €1,000

 IAN BEGLEY

BANISH the winter blues with the Brown Thomas and BT2 Winter Sale, which is bringing a little sunshine to fashionistas at its Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dundrum and Blanchardstown stores.

All stores are offering some sizzling reductions of up to 60% across womenswear, menswear,

childrenswear, accessories, footwear, lingerie and living departments.

Stephen Sealey, managing director, Brown Thomas Group said: “People wait for the Brown Thomas and BT2 winter sale because it’s a real sale, with deep reductions of up to 60%. We aim for a quick sale so we can start selling new season stock across our stores.”

Proenza Schouler Dress €1,380

Sizzling sales at BT stores

20 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

New cars ready

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now available at keen prices for early New Year orders

Alfa Romeo is back in style with Giulietta ALFA Romeo is back strongly on the Irish market with even keener prices for the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Italian styled hatch is now available from just €21,950, a reduction of €1,000 over the outgoing model.

Alfa Romeo is adding more value for early year buyers so that customers can upgrade from the already feature-packed Giulietta Super model to the even better equipped Giulietta Super Sport for just €171.

The Giulietta Super already boasts many of the most desirable features and technologies including rear park distance control, dual zone air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers and electric folding wing mirrors.

The new Giulietta Super Sport takes things up a notch by adding fabric and Alcantara seats, a flat bottomed sports steering wheel, aluminium sports pedals, dark interior headlining, carbon fibre interior inserts, side skirts and a sporty rear bumper, dark tinted privacy glass, and a selection of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Volkswagen Tiguan rated safest small off-roader THE new Volkswagen Tiguan has been awarded the title Best in Class in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results in the small off-roader section.

Last June, the Tiguan passed the demanding Euro NCAP crash test series and received the highest five star rating.

This week, MICHAEL MORONEY looks at some of the new car introductions that you can expect to see on our Dublin City and County roads for 2017.

WHILE the church bells will be ringing out with a New Year, the car companies are ringing in some new models for 2017.

The array of new cars on their way to Irish shores for 2017 will provide fresh choices for every driver, whether it’s a small city car, an electric model or something with off-road ambitions or even those fortunate enough to contemplate a luxury model, there’s going to be great new car choices for 2017.

Small car drivers will have lots of new models to see in 2017. There’s a new Nissan Micra on the way for the second quarter of 2017 and it’s sure to appeal. Ford has a new Ka and Fiesta gets a significant upgrade.

F o r d ’s n e w F i e s t a claims that this supermini car will be the world’s most technologically advanced small car. The new generation Fiesta is available in either three or five-door format. The car claims more driving refine-

ment with road noise reduced 7% and an 8% improvement in braking distance.

The new Fiesta will be the first Ford with pedestrian detection that can help prevent collisions at night. It will also be available with active park assist with a new braking system to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free Engine options for the new Fiesta include a 14 0 b h p E c o B o o s t compact three-cylinder engine and an improved 1.5-litre 120bhp diesel engine, which is Fiesta’s first high power diesel.

The CO2 emission levels on some models will be as low as 82 g/km and all engines meet Euro Stage 6 emission standards.

Nissan’s Micra reinvention has grown up in terms of size and specifications. Driver comfort gets more attention, with a lower driving position for what Nissan claims is a more secure driving feel. The seat adjustment

The results of four sub-areas were taken into account: proactive occupant protection system for children and adults, pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems.

The NCAP test standards were tightened again in 2016. This year, new child size dummies formed part of the testing equipment for the first time. The new Tiguan achieved an excellent result in occupant protection for adults and children.

Thanks to the standard ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat anchors in combination with safety belt tensioners on the second row of seats, children and adults are very well protected in the event of any frontal or side impact.

In terms of pedestrian protection, the structural details of the Tiguan in particular were assessed positively. These include the ‘active bonnet’ feature, which is designed to help reduce dangerous head injuries in the event of a collision.

The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery

has been improved and the new Micra will come with a fully adjustable steering wheel.

The new Micra will feel bigger because it sits

market as Skoda introduced the new Kodiaq, while Seat will be using the year to start a huge campaign for their first SUV, the new Atica. Toyota has the new C-HR in dealerships, combining new style with petrol and hybrid engine options in a very modern looking SUV. Ford

sel engine.

The Discover y will be available with two new four-cylinder diesel engines options with two output levels, either 180bhp or 240bhp. The larger power unit uses a twin turbo system. The V6 diesel is retained and that tops the range at 258bhp, margin-

has a new Kuga to offer and Dacia has given the Duster an upgrade.

At the bigger end of the SUV market, the iconic Land Rover Discovery gets a very significant upgrade for 2017.

This new model comes as a full-sized, threerow, seven-seat SUV with capability and versatility. It will be available for sale from spring 2017 with early indicative pricing in Ireland to start from over €60,000.

The design of the Discovery is a departure from the past with styling lines that are similar to those of the new Discovery Sport, except that it’s noticeably bigger. This new model is 480kg lighter than the older one that it replaces. This helps to reduce the CO2 rating to 189g/ km, from 207g/km in the past with the V6 die-

ally up in power, while torque stays the same at 600Nm. The Discovery importantly retains its 3500kg towing rating for the bigger power models, dropping to 3000kg for the entry level model.

Eager eyes will be watching for the arrival of Volkswagen’s new Golf and the Fiat Tipo are fresh for 2017. The Golf will be available with a new and more efficient 1.5 TSI Evo petrol engine with Active Cylinder Management to enhance fuel economy. This new Golf will be available with Vo l k s w a g e n ’s n e w l y developed 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) will gradually replace all 6-speed DSGs for the Golf.

Externally there are new front and rear bumper sections. New

Ford Fiesta

on a longer wheelbase. It will come with a 7-inch full colour central display to provide access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.

There are plenty of new models in the SUV

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 21

full LED rear lights are fitted and new LED headlights replace all Xenon headlights.

This new Golf is the first compact car to feature gesture control to allow the driver to use a swipe gesture to move the horizontally arranged menu items left or right. Volkswagen claims that the Golf comes with a high-end infotainment system with the largest touch screen display in its class.

Among the new MPV’s the arrival of the Renault Scenic and

Opel Insignia

20-inch wheels as standard across the range.

The Scenic will be available with Automatic Electronic Braking System with pedestrian detection, lane depar-

longer than the Skoda Superb.

The driver’s position in the new Insignia is three centimetres lower than in the outgoing model. The centre con-

Renault Grand

Grand Scenic will be a little special. The cars have already received a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating and claims to have the biggest storage capacity and boot space in its class.

Prices will start from €26,000 for the new Scenic and €28,400 for new Grand Scenic.

The cars will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, with emissions as low as 100 g/km.

T he five-seat Scenic and the seven-seat Grand Scenic come with what Renault claims is some unique segment technologies and 8.7-inch portrait touch screen infotainment and navigation system. Renault is fitting

ture warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high/low beam.

T he Renault OneTouch folding rear seat system controllable from the boot or dash via the R-Link system, claims to make it easier and quicker than ever to fold rear seats flat to transport larger items.

Opel has a new design Insignia on the way, which it claims will be the most high-tech car in its segment. Like so many new generation cars the new Insignia is 175kg lighter than the outgoing model. It also has an increased wheelbase while overhangs front and rear have been reduced to give the car a more compact feel even though it’s marginally

sole provides addition support and all controls can easily be reached.

BMW will be offering the new seventh generation of the 5 Series

range for 2017 with prices starting from €52,800 on the road. The new car is claimed to be more refined than ever before, as well as lighter, safer, and more fuel efficient.

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

The cars will be available with new driver assistance technologies as the German brand also takes a notable step towards fully autonomous driving.

T h e n e w BM W 5 Series will be availa ble with a line-up of engines, from the benchmark 520d to the

all new flagship 540i. xDrive all-wheel drive will be offered for the first time on the 5 Series for the 520d, 530d and 540i models.

A plug-in hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will also be launched in March in the form of the BMW 530e iPerformance model.

The BMW eDrive system and a four-cylinder petrol engine work in unison to achieve ultralow CO2 emissions of just 49g/km, while generating overall output of 252hp.

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

Moving up into the luxury zone and Mercedes-Benz in Ireland is planning the arrival of the new S-Class Cabriolet for the January-March period.

Mercedes Benz will be adding an E-Class Coupé early in 2017, followed in mid-year by an E-Class Cabriolet.

The new extra appeal is that the luxury German brand has reduced new car prices by 10% across all MercedesBenz cars.

Skoda gets ready for SUV battle in 2017 IN advance of the launch of the Skoda Kodiaq, which is due in Dublin Skoda dealer showrooms in March 2017, Skoda Ireland took a fleet of Kodiaq’s on the first test drives in the form of a road trip across Europe.

The trip took the SUV’s from Mallorca to Rosslare via the Pyrenees and offered an opportunity to discover how this new model, which Skoda expects will sell over 1,000 units in 2017, handles terrain from motorways to mountains.

The Kodiaq will be the first large 7-seat SUV offered by Skoda and will transfer the brands new design language into the SUV segment. The Kodiaq claims a spacious interior.

The Kodiaq stretches 4.70 meters in length and boasts the largest wheelbase in its class to ensure impressive rear and legroom.

It also claims the largest boot within its class with a volume of up to 2,065 litres.

The Kodiaq also offers over thirty clever features that offer practical and convenient assistance in everyday life.

These include split folding and length adjustable rear seats as standard, the optional third row of seats, a crafty door-edge protection system, electric child safety locks and Skoda umbrellas fitted to the front door pockets from the mid-spec Ambition model.

Irish pricing and specification has yet to be confirmed. Skoda anticipate that the new Kodiaq will come with 17” alloys and cruise control on the entry Active trim level, 18” alloys, front and rear parking sensors and 3-Zone Climatronic air-conditioning on the mid-spec Ambition trim level and 19” Alloy Wheels, LED headlights and leather upholstery on the Style trim level.

The new Skoda Kodiaq will arrive in Ireland in March 2017 BMW 5 Series

GAZETTE

to roll in 2017

MOTORING

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 5 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

Orders for Malaysian food rocketed by a whopping 3,000% last year, according to Just Eat statistics

West is no longer best as foodies tucked into Asian fare galore during 2016  IAN BEGLEY

VARIETY certainly is the spice of life, with new statistics showing a huge rise in orders for new cuisines in 2016 when compared with the previous year.

Online deliver y company Just Eat has revealed the nations’ food ordering habits for 2016, according to their website.

While 2016 saw us still dining in with favourite dishes from Chinese, Indian, American and Thai restaurants, Irish consumers continued to show off their appetite for new flavours with orders for Malaysian cuisine soaring by a staggering 3,000%, while demand for Korean cuisine rose by a massive 900%.

Orders for Nepalese food shot up by 300%, while requests for Vietnamese food grew in popularity by 67%.

As one of the biggest food trends on the horizon for 2017, Vietnamese food is also considered a healthy option worldwide, with an abundance of fresh herbs and spices that really add flavour.

The data from Just Eat revealed the growing demand amongst consumers for healthy takeaway options with

orders increasing by an overall 28% compared to last year.

As well as Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cuisines, healthy options also include gluten-free, low fat, paleo, low calorie vegetable and salad dishes, as well as meal plan options.

Convenience continued to be of prime importance in 2016, with customers opting to dine “al-desko” and having lunch delivered straight to their office with orders surging year on year by 44%.

Lunchtime Restaurants such as Chopped, Pog, Wagamamas, Mission Burritos and Zambrero are now available to order from at lunchtime, so customers can skip the queue and savour their lunch hour.

Hassle-free ordering continued to be a big hit last year, with 53% more customers choosing to tap the app when selecting their favourite takeaway, and it is anticipated that this figure will continue to grow in 2017.

It’s no surprise that Saturday was the most popular day for consumers to indulge in a takeaway, while between 7 to 8pm proved the peak period for placing orders.

On-demand delivery service Deliveroo has worked out how much exercise Santa Claus will have to do after eating so much on Christmas Eve

CALORIES: CALCULATING HOW MUCH CLAUS CONSUMED IN ONE NIGHT

Santa ate 430,000 biscuits in Ireland  IAN BEGLEY

ALMOST two -thirds (64%) of Irish people took part in the annual tradition of leaving food and drink out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, meaning that everyone’s favourite man in red consumed more than 430,000 biscuits, and 1.6 million units of alcohol in Ireland alone.

That’s according to research from on-demand delivery service Deliveroo, which showed that on Christmas Eve, S a n t a Claus consumed 5.7 million calories as he made his way to homes across Ireland.

Some one million households opted to leave

out some nibbles and drinks to sustain him on his long journey.

In fact, such is the generosity of spirit among the Irish that it would take Santa 6,333 hours of exercise, walking at 4mph, to burn off all the calories if he ate and drank all on offer at every home.

Research suggests that Santa’s reindeer ate 24,375 carrots each in Ireland alone

A more effective option would be cycling, which would ‘only’ take him 3,166 hours to burn off the calories, if he cycled between 10-12mph, and assuming he weighs 21 stone.

The majority of Irish households stick with tradition by leaving out biscuits and mince pies, but 7% of people go to the trouble of making Santa a bacon sarnie to help fuel his long journey.

Not every household

sticks with tradition.

Among the strangest items left out for Santa on Christmas Eve were a full Sunday dinner, cigars, a hot water bottle, indigestion tables, painkillers, protein balls and sushi.

Meanwhile, Santa’s reindeer enjoyed healthier offerings with the majority of homes (79%) leaving out healthy carrots, and almost one in ten (9%) saying their Santa offering has become healthier in recent years.

The research suggests that the county that was most generous with a tipple for the toymaker this Christmas was Dublin, with some 31% of families choosing to leave alcohol out for Santa.

J o e G r ove s , f r o m Deliveroo, said: “Leaving treats out for Santa is an

age-old tradition that is still going strong today.

“That said, using our research, we have worked out the calories and units of alcohol Santa consumed, and it may be beneficial for him to pass on a few treats next year, or take a bite or three less!”

Alongside Santa, an estimated 1.2 million carrots were left out for his reindeer as they crossed Ireland.

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen would have had carrots 24,375 each to digest as they made their way around Ireland, with Santa’s special magic going a long way – almost as long as their travels – to help him, and them, tuck into their tasty Christmas treats.

5 January 2017 GAZETTE 23

FASTTravel Try some ferry good holidays THE New Year has only just begun, but already Irish Ferries Holidays has unwrapped a suite of bargain deals and early booking offers for families who have one eye set on summer’s fun.

For example, this means that holidaymakers can enjoy a 7-night break, arriving on July 3 and staying in a twobedroom deluxe holiday home at the popular allaction Welsh holiday park of Hafan Y Mor for only €946 for a family of six, including return car ferry crossing.

With savings of up to €358 available on bookings made by March 6, a €50 deposit is all that is required to secure best prices, choice of park, dates and accommodation at a selection of popular UK resorts.

For further information, call 0818 300 400, or see www.irishferries. com/haven.

Pearse Cottage centre opened AN INNOVATIVE cultural centre has opened at Padraig Pearse’s cottage in Connemara.

Teach an Phiarsaigh (Pearse’s Cottage) , is set in the stunning landscape of Ros Muc, where Pearse, one of the Rising leaders, spent his summers from 1909 to 1915. It was said to have inspired his writing and informed his thinking.

GAZETTE

TRAVEL 2017: NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PLAN (AND BOOK) A GREAT GETAWAY

Get ready to find a dream family holiday later this year  IAN BEGLEY

WITH 2017 just getting started, and as we all start to get back into our humdrum routines for the year ahead, why not start planning and book your holiday for the summer?

Falcon and Thomson’s 2017 offering comes with a sure-fire shareability factor, allowing holidaymakers to experience an array of cultures, cuisines, activities and landscapes in the likes of Corfu and Bulgaria, with Jamaica and Mexico available for those who wish to venture further afield.

The following are just some of packages available for holidaymakers, or families, this year. For further information or to book a holiday, see www. falconholidays.ie.

Majorca Year after year, Majorca leads the way with a short flight time, an abundance of hotels and apartments, and resorts and beaches that are very child-friendly.

On the Island, Falcon and Thomson boasts its popular holiday village, two SplashWorld resorts, a kids club, as well as a wide range of self-catering and all-inclusive hotels

and apartments.

Majorca is a very reliable choice, one of those places you can book year after year, safe in the knowledge you are onto a winner, especially if you have young children.

It is also an Island in which each visit can bring a different experience from the last – no wonder it’s top of the list for Irish holidaymakers.

Travel from Dublin to Majorca from August, staying at the Holiday Village, from €2,679.

Corfu For those heading to Corfu in summer, lamb features heavily on menus and the classic moussaka must be indulged in, as should anything made with filo pastry, from the savoury spinach spanakopita to the ultimate indulgence: the honeydrenched baklava.

To truly eat like a local, holidaymakers should head to one of the familyrun tavernas in the peaceful seaside town of Alykes Potamos.

Try Bellisimo Taverna in Aghios Ioannis, where the owners have made a name for themselves doing simple favourites really well – think huge pizzas, fresh

seabass, delicious salads and excellent traditional moussaka.

Travel from Dublin to Corfu in May, staying at the Loulas Village for seven nights, from €433pp.

Jamaica Although legendary for its beaches and the luxuriously warm waters, jerk chicken and reggae music, Jamaica also is an adventure seeker’s paradise.

Jamaica offers an excursion programme that is second to none, so you will never be bored with more than 170 attractions on offer from bobsleighing, night swimming with marine life, zip lining on the Caribbean’s longest zip line, to horseback riding in the sea, swimming with dolphins, biking through the blue mountains and visiting Bob Marley’s house!

The true adventure seeker can also opt to climb the infamous 600ft Dunn’s River Falls.

Travel from Dublin to Jamaica in June, staying at the Holiday Inn Resort for 14 nights, for €1,479pp.

Croatia The Dubrovnik region in the south of Croatia

Drop the family a postcard – or take them all with you – when you go on one of several great individual or family holidays later this year, from Jamaica to Croatia

is enjoying a spell in the limelight at the moment – and for good reason.

Combining a sweep of Adriatic coastline and a scattering of islands near the medieval city of Dubrovnik, it offers a beach and city break in one.

Meanwhile, In the north of Croatia, the Istrian Riviera is surrounded by more than 250 kilometres of coastline.

In Rovinj, the coves are just the start of the story.

The town is set next to a seaside forest where you can climb cliffs and swim off the rocks.

Travel from Dublin to

Croatia in June, staying at the Senisimar Kalamota Island Resort for seven nights, for €1,139pp.

Mexico With its picture-perfect beaches, ancient sites and a great choice of resorts, it is clear to see why Mexico has made it to number one as the top choice for long haul travellers.

Along the Yucatan Peninsula, purpose-built resorts edge onto tropical beaches while jungle tours and watersport opportunities are easy to come by.

Holidaymakers can also engage in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim

with dolphins at Xel-Ha, the largest natural aquarium in the world.

The eco park on the Riviera Maya has created a series of natural underwater habitats and offers visitors the chance to swim with dolphins, stingrays and turtles.

On top of all that, holidaymakers can also explore Mayan ruins, taste Mexican food and wine, and watch cultural shows where dancers perform in brightly-coloured body paint.

Travel from Dublin to Mexico in June, staying at the Sensatori Resort for 14 nights, from €2,369pp.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

ROGUE ONE

Shines in its own right STAR Wars fans had a gloomy Christmas with the untimely passing of Carrie Fisher, whose Princess Leia left an indelible mark on cinema. As a canon prequel to the first Star Wars film, Rogue One’s (Cert 12A, 133 mins) characters can’t compete with Leia, Luke and Han, but it’s a compelling and entertaining addition to the evergreen franchise. The Force is strong in this one ...

A MONSTER CALLS

Packs a powerful punch CRITICS have been wowed around the world by A Monster Calls (Cert 12A, 108 mins). A boy is thrown into the complexities of life and death when his mother is struck with cancer, with a monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) giving power to the raw emotion the boy faces. While not a ‘typical Christmas movie’, the story is expertly told, making it a film to remember long after the credits roll.

COLLATERAL BEAUTY Damage, more like

LAST and definitely least, Collateral Beauty (Cert 12A, 97 mins) ranks as one of the very worst films of 2016.

Will Smith, who was once cool, is a grief-stricken ad exec visited by the human personifications of Love, Time and Death. But – surprise – they’re actually actors, who – double surprise – have their own issues to overcome, too!

It’s a very manipulative, mawkish and cynical film.

CINEMA

ASSASSIN’S CREED: SHIFTS FOCUS TO ALL THE BORING BITS FROM THE GAMES

Fassbender takes a stab at playing a brutal killer IN A bizarre turn for gaming/cinematic relations, acclaimed Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth) takes on the popular historical-stealth series, Assassin’s Creed (Cert 12A, 115 mins).

Given Kurzel’s respectable track record, many thought the director could finally be the one to destroy the old stereotype and actually deliver a decent videogame adaptation.

Unfortunately, despite some visual flair and a strong cast, Assassin’s Creed is an unbalanced, convoluted and ultimately lifeless action-adventure – a rigorous lesson in why a compelling story in a gaming context rarely (never) translates to the big screen.

We’re first introduced to Aguillar de Nerha (Michael Fassbender), an assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition.

After some mysterious oath-swearing, Assassin’s Creed jumps forward a few centuries, where we meet Callum Lynch – also played by Fassbender – a career criminal on

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Death Row. After his execution, Callum wakes up in a lab, seemingly saved from death by Dr Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard) – a scientist working on something called The Animus Project, which lets people relive the lives of their ancestors.

The machine allows Callum to inhabit the memories of Aguillar and will hopefully lead its owners, Abstergo Industries, to a mysterious artefact called The Apple of Eden.

Unfortunately, Abstergo is the modern-day incarnation of the villainous Te m p l a r Order and may not

have Callum’s best interests in mind, or those of the human race, for that matter.

T he tenuous links between past and present really muddy the narrative waters in Assassin’s Creed – a criticism often levelled at the original videogame series.

However, these faults are more forgivable in a videogame context; here they serve only to undermine the narrative flow and complicate an already overly convoluted plot.

The modern-day segments provide all of Callum’s background and motivation; yet they yield barely any action or solid tension.

Star Michael Fassbender (with Marion Cotillard, inset) plays two brutal characters, centuries apart

C o n s e q u e n t l y, we spend the film’s most exciting segments – those set in the past – having to root for a character we know next to nothing about.

Split between these two protagonists, it’s not until the film’s final act that we get anything resembling a compelling narrative drive.

Furthermore, it takes Assassin’s Creed a full hour to deliver the free-running rooftop action of the source m a t e rial. It’s

a shame – these intense, wonder fully choreo graphed scenes are the film’s stand-out segments.

Equipped with such a wonderful cast – which also includes Michael Kenneth Williams and Jeremy Irons – you’d think the acting might be Assassin’s Creed’s saving grace.

Unfortunately, the dialogue is so densely packed with vague musings and tiresome riddles that the cast is given little to work with.

The usually fantastic Fassbender has little more to do than stand around on rooftops, brooding.

Still, the scenes with him and Cotillard are charged

with enough of the actors’ raw talent to hold our attention.

Thankfully, much of Kurzel’s film is visually stunning, particularly the chaotic, period-set segments where most of the action takes place – it’s nearly worth a watch for these alone.

Otherwise, given the talent behind it, Assassin’s Creed is a huge disappointment, fraught with ill-conceived narrative abstractions, villainous overkill and a plot that suddenly just sort of ends.

The conclusion screams for a sequel – one I doubt we’ll ever get.

Verdict: 4/10

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 5 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

ROGUE ONE

Shines in its own right STAR Wars fans had a gloomy Christmas with the untimely passing of Carrie Fisher, whose Princess Leia left an indelible mark on cinema. As a canon prequel to the first Star Wars film, Rogue One’s (Cert 12A, 133 mins) characters can’t compete with Leia, Luke and Han, but it’s a compelling and entertaining addition to the evergreen franchise. The Force is strong in this one ...

A MONSTER CALLS

Packs a powerful punch CRITICS have been wowed around the world by A Monster Calls (Cert 12A, 108 mins). A boy is thrown into the complexities of life and death when his mother is struck with cancer, with a monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) giving power to the raw emotion the boy faces. While not a ‘typical Christmas movie’, the story is expertly told, making it a film to remember long after the credits roll.

COLLATERAL BEAUTY Damage, more like

LAST and definitely least, Collateral Beauty (Cert 12A, 97 mins) ranks as one of the very worst films of 2016.

Will Smith, who was once cool, is a grief-stricken ad exec visited by the human personifications of Love, Time and Death. But – surprise – they’re actually actors, who – double surprise – have their own issues to overcome, too!

It’s a very manipulative, mawkish and cynical film.

CINEMA

ASSASSIN’S CREED: SHIFTS FOCUS TO ALL THE BORING BITS FROM THE GAMES

Fassbender takes a stab at playing a brutal killer IN A bizarre turn for gaming/cinematic relations, acclaimed Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth) takes on the popular historical-stealth series, Assassin’s Creed (Cert 12A, 115 mins).

Given Kurzel’s respectable track record, many thought the director could finally be the one to destroy the old stereotype and actually deliver a decent videogame adaptation.

Unfortunately, despite some visual flair and a strong cast, Assassin’s Creed is an unbalanced, convoluted and ultimately lifeless action-adventure – a rigorous lesson in why a compelling story in a gaming context rarely (never) translates to the big screen.

We’re first introduced to Aguillar de Nerha (Michael Fassbender), an assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition.

After some mysterious oath-swearing, Assassin’s Creed jumps forward a few centuries, where we meet Callum Lynch – also played by Fassbender – a career criminal on

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Death Row. After his execution, Callum wakes up in a lab, seemingly saved from death by Dr Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard) – a scientist working on something called The Animus Project, which lets people relive the lives of their ancestors.

The machine allows Callum to inhabit the memories of Aguillar and will hopefully lead its owners, Abstergo Industries, to a mysterious artefact called The Apple of Eden.

Unfortunately, Abstergo is the modern-day incarnation of the villainous Te m p l a r Order and may not

have Callum’s best interests in mind, or those of the human race, for that matter.

T he tenuous links between past and present really muddy the narrative waters in Assassin’s Creed – a criticism often levelled at the original videogame series.

However, these faults are more forgivable in a videogame context; here they serve only to undermine the narrative flow and complicate an already overly convoluted plot.

The modern-day segments provide all of Callum’s background and motivation; yet they yield barely any action or solid tension.

Star Michael Fassbender (with Marion Cotillard, inset) plays two brutal characters, centuries apart

C o n s e q u e n t l y, we spend the film’s most exciting segments – those set in the past – having to root for a character we know next to nothing about.

Split between these two protagonists, it’s not until the film’s final act that we get anything resembling a compelling narrative drive.

Furthermore, it takes Assassin’s Creed a full hour to deliver the free-running rooftop action of the source m a t e rial. It’s

a shame – these intense, wonder fully choreo graphed scenes are the film’s stand-out segments.

Equipped with such a wonderful cast – which also includes Michael Kenneth Williams and Jeremy Irons – you’d think the acting might be Assassin’s Creed’s saving grace.

Unfortunately, the dialogue is so densely packed with vague musings and tiresome riddles that the cast is given little to work with.

The usually fantastic Fassbender has little more to do than stand around on rooftops, brooding.

Still, the scenes with him and Cotillard are charged

with enough of the actors’ raw talent to hold our attention.

Thankfully, much of Kurzel’s film is visually stunning, particularly the chaotic, period-set segments where most of the action takes place – it’s nearly worth a watch for these alone.

Otherwise, given the talent behind it, Assassin’s Creed is a huge disappointment, fraught with ill-conceived narrative abstractions, villainous overkill and a plot that suddenly just sort of ends.

The conclusion screams for a sequel – one I doubt we’ll ever get.

Verdict: 4/10

5 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING The long, long, long road to a late 2016 release ALTHOUGH it bounded onto shelves in late December, The Last Guardian has had anything but a straightforward history behind its long and troubled production cycle.

Loosely speaking, it’s the third in a trilogy of stylistically similar but standalone games by visionary games director Fumito Ueda, following the seminal PS2 titles Ico (2001) and Shadow of the Colossus (2006), both of which left critics and gamers singing their praises around the world for years to come.

However, TLG took close to a decade to appear, trapped deep in development hell as the years rolled by, key personnel left, its development was shifted from the PS3 to the PS4, and rumours swirled around its seemingly neverending delays, making TLG an infamous game, lost somewhere out there in the ether ...

Many gamers and critics eventually wrote it off as ‘vapourware’ – tech, or software, which is promised and extensively written about, but which never actually makes it to market or becomes a reality.

To the relief of many, TLG made it to market and has proved worth the long, long, long wait.

Set in a vast, decaying ruin that’s like Gormenghast reminagined by Lovecraft, the player must guide a young boy to freedom, helped by Trico: a huge cat-like beast

THE LAST GUARDIAN: TROUBLED TITLE TURNS OUT TO BE A MODERN MASTERPIECE

It’s close to purr-fect IMAGINE a cat, with feathers instead of fur, talons instead of paws, half broken wings, small bioluminous horns, and with a mouth that’s more avian than feline – oh, and that the cat’s the size of King Kong – and you have Trico, the startling creature at the heart of The Last Guardian (PS4, Cert 12, c. €40).

Trico and a child it befriends are the stars of a game that many thought would never see the light of day (see panel, left), but which has proved worthy of the wait for its release.

When The Boy finds himself somehow trapped in an inhumanly vast, decaying ruin, he is forced to team up with an initially hostile, dangerous beast he calls Trico, which is many times his size.

He gradually earns Trico’s

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

trust, coming to rely on him (or it) to help him traverse huge distances between the towering turrets and around the crumbling ruins, while Trico relies on him to open gates and otherwise help clear obstacles and paths, setting up a natural bond of dependency, trust and friendship between the very unlikely pair.

That’s largely the game in a nutshell – The Boy and Trico have to work together to get through the ruin, in search of their freedom – but with a number of dangers, puzzles and problems to mutually overcome along the way.

So far, so ... interesting, if not particularly amazing sounding.

However, what elevates TLG far beyond the ordinary – and in retrospect, this should have made by Top Ten list of games last year (sorry, Boy and Trico) – is that its many disparate parts come together brilliantly, creating a game that’s infuriating in parts, but far more memorable and emotive than many bigger, glossier games.

For starters, Trico is the most brilliantly realised game character I’ve ever seen, moving very much like a cat, but with a number of unique quirks and animalistic traits – and engaging characteristics – that made it unique to observe.

Like a real cat, you can’t directly control Trico. It may, or may not, follow your instructions and shouts to move around or

The dizzyingly enormous ruin is full of dangers for The Boy and the beast Trico to overcome – vertigo could be one of them for some gamers. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

react, making it maddening in parts and yet also a little more authentic, too.

While TLG’s controls could be a lot better – and its framerate and cam-

era also leave room for improvement – such flaws just can’t detract from the overall experience, and the unique vision at the heart of the game.

Technically, The Last Guardian is a 2016 title, but it feels like an early highlight for the 2017 gaming year. Here’s hoping others can keep up ...

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 5 January 2017

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 5 January 2017

SPORT2016

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

Dubliners dine out at top table of Irish sport January

AS 2016 began, transfer season hit full flow on the soccer front with two big returns. Jason Byrne went back to UCD AFC from Bohemians and immediately set his sights on breaking the League of Ireland goal scoring record.

Wayside Celtic gave their promotion chances a real boost with the resigning of Ray Whelehan, a hugely decorated Republic of Ireland international.

Colaiste Phadraig, Lucan’s basketball side were crowned the Subway All-Ireland Under16A boys cup champions after a tense 45-44 win over St Malachy’s College of Belfast.

Lusk resident Martyn Irvine announced his retirement this mont after a long and successful cycling career that saw him crowned a track world champion in 2013.

He would return from retirement later in the year.

February NAC’S Oliver Dingley made Irish diving history as he qualified for the

2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The country has not been represented in diving at the Games in 68 years with Dubliner Eddie Heron the last to compete at the 1948 Olympics in London.

The 23-year-old Dingley put in an impressive performance in the men’s 3m springboard event at the diving World Cup in Rio de Janeiro to finish in 15th place – with the top 18 securing places for their country at the Games.

Hermes claimed the first ever EY Hockey League title in devastating fashion with four games to go following a near flawless campaign.

They would later add the Champions Trophy to cap an epic season.

Corduff FC’s place among the schoolboy heavyweights in Dublin football was further solidified with the announcement that Yassine En Neyah officially signed for Nottingham Forest.

Lucan Sarsfields Under-21 hurlers finally got to contest their county championship final after three months wait, and it turns out it was worth it. Antho-

ny Nolan’s side faced Naomh Fionnbarra in the decider on Valentine’s Day 1-14 to 1-8.

Howth Yacht Club sailing duo Colin O’Sullivan and Doug Elmes were honoured for their performances in 2015 by being jointly named the Irish Sailing Association Youth Sailor of the Year.

Clondalkin rugby club’s Simon King following a Towns Cup semi-final loss to Wicklow. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sporsfile

St Aidan’s Brian Flanagan, top, and Adam O’Brien celebrate winning the

Pentathlete Natalya Coyle was among the

Senior Boys 6,500m cross country title

athletes to have her Olympic ticket rubber-

in Sligo. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

stamped. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Crumlin celebrate

March B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s emphatically won their first All-Ireland senior football club title with a stunning performance on St Patrick’s Day, overrunning Castlebar Mitchels in a pulsating opening, and eventually running out 2-14 to 0-7 winners.

After a four-month delay, World Sailing confirmed that Ireland’s Andrea Brewster and Saskia Tidey have qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the 49erFX skiff event.

Mo n k s t ow n s u m moned a dramatic late salvo to snatch men’s hockey’s Irish Senior Cup title from under Lisnagarvey’s nose as Jonny Bruton’s goal 90 seconds from time earned them a penalty shoot-out from a dramatic and contentious

Templeogue’s young Ballyboden St Enda’s were crowned All-Ireland club champions in March

final.

Chris Fields backed up a first round finish of Dan Konecke at BAMMA 24 in Dublin’s Three Arena event with a new venture, opening the latest Straight Blast Gym facility on Swords’ Main Street.

April LUCAN Sarsfields completed an amazingly successful Dublin Feile season, claiming six titles across four codes over a six week period.

An extremely talented crop of both male and female youngsters have contributed to winning

two football, two camogie, a hurling and ladies football title in just a matter of weeks. In a history-making period for the club, as well as the other four Feile titles, it was the club’s first ever success at division 1 ladies football and hurling level.

De La Salle College, Churchtown garnered success in both badminton and rugby on one special day, one that will live long in the memory for the school.

The day was kick-started with the junior rugby team winning the South Dublin Cup, defeating St Colmcille’s in the final.

The senior team continued the schools success, as they won the senior section of the same competition, beating St Benildus College in emphatic fashion in the final.

The day was complete when De La Salle’s badminton Under 19A team won the Dublin southside mixed doubles tournament along with Mount Anville.

John Mooney, one of Ireland’s most influential cricketers, has been honoured by the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor David O’Connor.

A native of Fingal, Mooney was given a

to National Cup glory.

reception in County Hall, Swords on April 11, which formally recognised Mooney’s achievements following his retirement from an impressive career with Ireland at international level.

May MULHUDDART Boxing Club’s Chloe Gabriel impressively claimed her second AllIreland title in a row at the National Boxing Stadium. The 13-yearold puncher, who first laced up the gloves in the Dublin 15 based club aged 10, put in a

5 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

“A pink ball specially designed for a ladies game with soft touch for a woman’s grip” - ‘Ladyball’ caused

Walkinstown’s Greg Callaghan following his Enduro win in Wicklow. Picture: Duncan Philpott

a major stir before Lidl confirmed it as a hoax, leading into their major deal as sponsors of ladies football in January.

“I don’t want to turn into Kim Kardashian!” retaining the FAI Intermediate Cup in the Aviva Stadium in May

- Damian Duff on what he does not want to be or do in his retirement Alexandra College celebrate winning the Leinster hockey senior cup. Picture: Adrian Boehm

fans cheer on their men Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Lucan Sarsfields dominated the Feile season! Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics.com

top class performance to claim the gold in the 46kg girls’ category.

D u n d r u m ’s S c o t t Evans secured his third Olympic Games trip following formal rubberstamping of his ticket this week to take part in the men’s badminton competition.

Following top class performances toward the back-end of 2014 and early in 2015, Evans told GazetteSport that he has long been in the frame for an Olympic berth but was delighted to have his place officially confirmed.

S i m i l a r l y, R a h e ny

Shamrock’s Mick Clohisey had his ticket to August’s OIympic Games confirmed to take part in the marathon as Athletics Ireland confirmed their line-up.

June NICOLAS Roche claimed both the national road race and national time trial champion as he produced a series of brilliant rides at the event hosted by Orwell Wheelers in Kilcullen.

First up, in the time trial, the Dundrum man was too strong for Eddie

Dunbar and Ryan Mullen at the end of the 40km course from Kilcullen to Athy and back.

Castleknock captured the prestigious national football Feile Peile Division 1 title with a win over Termon of Donegal in Austin Stack Park.

Swords woman Greta Streimikyte, a T13 athlete, made the podium on her championship debut when she secured bronze in the final of the T13 1,500m at the IPC Athletics European Championships.

St Joseph’s Under-14 premier side became the first DDSL team ever to

win the quadruple in a single season.

As well as the DDSL Under-14 Premier League title, their unbeaten run saw them defy all comers to add the Thunder Cup (DDSL League Cup), and the SFAI All-Ireland National Cup to their list of honours.

They also claimed allisland bragging rights by winning the DB Sports Champions Cup - which pits the best team from the south of Ireland against the best from the north.

K ilmacud’s Molly Lamb captained the Dublin side to their third

NAC’s Oliver Dingley ended Ireland’s wait for an

“I was always so insecure about being the girl with one arm. I used to hide my arm in sleeves to make it seem like I had two arms” - Paralympic swimming medalist Ellen Keane

Olympic qualifier in diving, dating back to 1948

Under-21 All-Ireland Championship in a row after they beat Galway in dramatic fashion at Naomh Mearnog GAA club in Portmarnock.

In the new, single-day format, Dublin swept to six wins out of six to reach the final. It led to a tense and tight decider that ultimately needed a rare shootout to separate the sides.

Bluebell United

secured the point they needed to take the LSL Sunday Senior title, twice coming from behind to maintain their slender advantage over nearest challengers Crumlin United as the top-of-the-table season-closer finished 2-2.

“It was always going to be the last game of the season,” manager Andy Noonan told GazetteSport seconds after soaking his squad in champagne.

“What do you mean? I am God!” - Paul McGrath jokes about his enduring nickname among Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland fans

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 5 January 2017

SPORT2016

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOK BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER

County kings backed up by silverware across board July JENNY Egan rewrote the history books as she became the first Irish athlete, male or female, to win medals at the ICF Senior Canoe Sprint World Cups and at the senior European Sprint Championships.

She added a beautiful gold to her medal haul as she was the champion in the K1 5000m at the ICF World Cup 3 in Motemor-o-Velho, Portugal.

Former King’s Hospital student Sara Treacy reached the final of the women’s 3,000m Steeplechase at the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam, finishing ninth after recording a time of 9.45.19 to round off an impressive championship.

Following a tricky year, St Pat’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe said he believes the county’s young hurling team are still learning their trade and will be a force to be reckoned with in a few years’ time.

The team’s season culminated in a narrow 1-26 to 1-23 defeat to Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn after Chris Crummey was sent off late in the first half.

Forrest Little GC’s Julie McCarthy claimed the Irish Close Champi-

onship title for the second time as she got the better of Lurgan’s Niamh McSherry in the final at Kilkenny Golf Club.

August ANNALISE Murphy put to bed the ghosts of Weymouth to win Ireland’s second medal of the Rio Olympics with the laser radial sailor from the National Yacht Club claiming a silver medal.

She narrowly missed out on a medal in 2012 but bounced back in brilliant fashion.

Scott Evans’ Olympic journey came to an end after defeat to Denmark’s world number four Viktor Axelsen, as he left it all on the court – including his shirt.

The Dundrum man made histor y at the Games by becoming the first Irishman to win a badminton match at the Olympics after his impressive victory over German 12th seed Marc Zwiebler, before overcoming a raucous hometown crowd to beat Brazilian Ygor Coelho de Oliveira.

On home tur f, St Joseph’s Boys produced several exciting performances against some top-level sides as they finished fourth in the

annual Hibernia Umbro Trophy.

The three-day tournament, which is hosted by Joeys, saw 10 Under-15 teams from both home and abroad take part in front of huge crowds in Sallynoggin.

Clondalkin’s Louis O’Loughlin gets a special congratulations from his grandmother. Picture: Cody Glenn

Conor McGregor shows off his two UFC Salmon Leap’s Jenny Egan broke new

belts in Madison Square Garden in

ground with a first Irish canoeing World

November following his win over Eddie

Cup gold medal

Alvarez. Picture: Nathan Kelly

The Dublin senior football

September FOXROCK Cabinteely won the New Ireland Assurance Dublin ladies football senior championship title for the second successive season, beating St Brigid’s in the decider once again.

They followed up with a second Leinster title and reached a maiden All-Ireland final but fell at the last hurdle.

St Maur’s edged out Castleknock to claim the Junior A championship final despite almost giving up an eight-point first half lead. They went on to land the All-Ireland title. Clanna Gael Fontenoy were intermediate winners and reached the Leinster final.

John Anderson’s superb century led Merrion to their second Irish Senior Cup title as they beat holders Waringstown by 56 runs at a sundrenched Castle Avenue.

Anderson – the competition’s leading run scorer – top scored with

St Maur’s Eadaoin McGuinness raises the Castle GC toast their AIG Junior Cup win. Picture: Pat Cashman

109 as Merrion posted 252 for 9 after being asked to bat first on a green-tinged pitch.

Ballyboden Wanderers’ Stephen Harrington said he was hugely proud of his charges in the wake of their junior B football championship final loss to Ballymun Kickhams.

They lost 1-6 to 3-9 in their gallant quest to win a first men’s junior championship since 1968.

The month closed out with the Dublin ladies senior footballers succumbing to All-Ireland final heartbreak at the hands of Cork in devastating fashion. Post-

match, the focus was on a disallowed point that looked to have clearly gone over the bar but was waved as a wide. Dublin went on to lose the game by a single point, much to the distaste of manager Gregory McGonigle.

October MICHAEL Fitzsimons put in a man of the match performance to help Dublin defeat Mayo by a point in their All-Ireland senior football championship final replay.

The Cuala man spoke after the game about his delight at winning his fourth All-Ireland medal in the aftermath. “I’m just

All-Ireland junior trophy

very happy to be representing that group and getting the chance to start,” he said.

Manager Jim Gavin made some big calls in changing up his team for the replay following an initial draw. In the wake of the win, the Round Tower’s man’s reaction was typically understated in the aftermath of the victory.

“They’re all tough.

Look back to last year and the game against Kerry, the previous year Kerry against Donegal, and 2013 for us against Mayo.

They’re all very tough and unique so to win one is a very, very hard thing to do.”

St Vincent’s maintained their Dublin senior camogie title, overcoming Lucan Sarsfields by 1-8 to 1-5 in a slow-burning finale that improved as it progressed.

November DUNDRUM South Dublin AC’s road from Santry to south Dublin was virtually paved with gold after the Dublin juvenile and senior cross country championships as they returned with an astonishing seven sets of team gold medals.

It was topped off by their senior ladies, led home by Fiona Clinton in fourth place, Maria

5 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR “It is a crisis now; it’s like Manchester United rather than a country.”

- Sonia O’Sullivan The field sets out at Scotsman’s Bay in Dun Laoghaire for the Ironman 70.3 in August. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

on European countries signing elite African athletes and hoovering up medals

“I kinda thought that my best was past me. To be able to come back when it actually mattered and get silver in a really difficult week of racing, I’m just so happy.”

team celebrate their back-to-back All-Ireland titles with their family and friends. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

- Annalise Murphy on her incredible Olympic exploits Cuala’s Oisin Gough and

Dublin’s Niamh McEvoy is consoled by Cork’s Annie

Annalise Murphy shows pre-Rio focus ahead of her silver medal success at the

David Treacy lift the

Walsh following the All-Ireland ladies football final.

Olympic Games. Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Leinster hurling trophy

Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Cuala, though, sparkled throughout.

NAC swim club produced a string of top performances at the Irish short course swimming championship in Lisburn with a series of medals coming back to Dublin 15.

Jessica Burke began the medal rush for the club on Friday evening in the 800m freestyle, taking a massive 7.43 seconds off her personal best in a fantastic time of 9.12.25.

Fergal O’Brien produced one of the best performances of his snooker career as he ran up five centuries in his 6-5 win over Barry Hawkins in the second round of the

UK Championship.

In so doing, he became the first man to produce five tons in an 11-frame match and he was suitably delighted with his performance at York Barbican.

Mick Clohisey led Raheny Shamrock to a maiden national club cross country title as his club side ended a 58-year wait for a men’s club success at the championships in Santry Demesne.

Cabinteely continued its ambitious plans for the club by appointing former Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin as its new director of football and first team manager on a three year contract.

McCambridge in fifth; Meghan Ryan in seventh with Harriet Robinson, Niamh Devlin and Sarah Fitzpatrick also shining.

Fingallians’ dream run in the Leinster intermediate club championship came to a dramatic end after they lost 1-11 to 1-13 after extra time to a strong Rosemount side at Lawless Park.

Nonetheless, the day will live long in the memory for the club as they hosted one of the biggest days in the club’s history.

Mick Byrne, chairman of Castleknock GAA’s adult section, has talked of his pride in the side that finally bowed out of what was by far

their greatest ever senior championship campaign with a loss to St Vincent’s in the Dublin county final on Saturday.

Castleknock – whose first win at senior championship level and first game in the county’s top league tier both came in 2016 – lost out 0-15 to 0-10 to the Marino men, but with the club just 18 years old and new to the county’s upper echelons, they’ve far surpassed expectations.

Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss, meanwhile, continued his return from knee surgery by playing in Old Wesley’s 35-25 bonus point success at home to Galwe-

gians, giving the large crowd a star appearance.

December CON O’Callaghan starred as Cuala won their first ever Leinster title, beating favourites O’Loughlin Gaels, from Kilkenny, in O’Moore Park on Sunday to end a 37-year drought for Dublin clubs in Leinster.

David Treacy was his usual reliable self from the frees – he scored 0-11, with 0-10 from placed balls – but it was O’Callaghan’s stint up front that stood out, as the dual-code man’s interplay with Colm Cronin proved O’Loughlin’s undoing.

The 63-year-old has also managed Athlone Town and Drogheda United, as well as holding director of football roles at Shamrock Rovers and UCD during his decorated career.

St Vincent’s took home their third Leinster title in four years - and recordequalling seventh overall – last Sunday in Portlaoise.

They didn’t have things all their own way as rural Offaly side Rhode put up a huge fight. Ultimately, though, with no fewer than eight members of the Vincent’s side on the scoresheet, a 1-16 to 0-12 win was roughly reflective of their dominance.

“We don’t play much of a kicking game and it’s hard to teach a drift defence as the Liberties does not have a lot of green space”

- Liberty Saints rugby club coach Peter Cunningham on the limitations that his side currently have to cope with as they train in a space the size of just two tennis courts

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

LOOKING BACK: It was a year of thrills and spills with Dubliners shining at both home and abroad P28-29

JANUARY 5-11, 2017

THE SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW: GazetteSport looks back on a truly memorable 2016 P30-31

St Maur’s Ciaran Reddin with the annual Dubs Stars trophy

Reddin shoots down Stars Dublin side out-score Mossie Quinn inspired Dub Stars in annual tussle between club championships stand-outs against county side contenders  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

SKERRIES Harps’ Stephen Smith and St Maur’s Ciaran Reddin were among the Fingal men to take the stage on New Year’s Day at Parnell Park as part of the annual Dub Stars battles.

Smith lined out at full-forward for the Stars while Reddin captained Dublin in the tie that pits the best players from the club championship against the county’s senior panellists.

The Stars lost out to Dublin – as they do far more often than not in these encounters – but put up a brave second half battle, with Vincent’s Mossy Quinn proving a dominant asset as he scored 3-4 against the run of play.

While most of the Vincent’s players on the Stars panel opted to stay at home ahead of their All Ireland club semi-final, Quinn showed his match sharpness in front of Jim Gavin.

Two of his goals – a sneaky quickly-taken free that caught out the Dublin keeper and a swift move in front of the defence to palm in from a hopeful cross – were a result of being quicker off the mark and quicker in thought than his opponents.

Quinn is seen as an unlikely returnee to the Dublin senior panel, however, and there were plenty of others who made a claim in the earlyseason encounter.

Conor McHugh’s 2-5 for Dublin was arguably as promising a performance as any on display

while Graham Hannigan, Paul Hudson and Tom Shiels also had an impact in the contest.

Reddin also put in a solid showing, captaining the Dublin side to victory as he looked to make his own mark. The Maur’s man scored 0-1 playing while wearing number 18 in Dublin’s convoluted squad number system, and made his impact from the heart of the field.

He lifted the trophy following the game, briefly expressing his hope that the title was the first of many for Dublin during the season. He may well be amongst those to get a further chance to impress the watching Jim Gavin in the forthcoming O’Byrne Cup games.

Dublin eventually won an entertaining but not particularly physical contest by the narrowest of

margins, 3-13 to 4-9.

In the hurling encounter, Cuala stars also withdrew ahead of the All Ireland club semi-final, giving players from their rivals Kilmacud Crokes a chance to shine, one which Oisin O’Rorke and Ross O’Carroll in particular took.

O’Rorke wasn’t his usual self in the early stages, but came to be the reliable playmaker and free taker that Crokes have come to lean on as the game progressed, while Crumlin’s Alex Quinn snatched a scrambled goal and made plenty of noise up top as he looked to impress.

In perfect winter conditions, the Stars once again ran Dublin close, taking a sizeable lead into the break, but were eventually overcome by the boys in blue, who won out by 1-19 to 1-14.