Little HARTSTOWN HUNSTOWN ASHTOWN Village CLONEE & ONGAR 15’s COMPREHENSIVE NEWS HUB ISSUE 02 FOR ALL LOCAL & BUSINESS MATTERS FEB/MAR 2017

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET 2017 LOCAL TD’S CALL FOR INCREASED COMMUNITY POLICING DAVE GALLIGAN EVENTFUL YEAR FOR SACRED HEART OF JESUS NS D15 GAS CONTACT DAVE AT: 20 PRE-FABRICATED HOMES FOR WELLVIEW GREEN 083 813 3400 ST. MOCHTA: THE LAST DISCIPLE OF ST. PATRICK [email protected] OUTRAGE: HISTORIC TREES FELLED ON CLONSILLA ROAD WIN!!! B&B AT THE SHERATON HOTEL TO ENTER LIKE, SHARE & TAG 01. LIKE our Facebook Page: @littlevillagemagazine 02. SHARE the competition 03. TAG the person you want to bring with you! SEE OUR FULL ADVERT ON PAGE 35 [email protected] WWW.REBAHAIRANDBEAUTY.IE

VLittleillage ’s COMPREHENSIVE NEWS HUB FOR ALL LOCAL & BUSINESS MATTERS SERVING: BLANCHARDSTOWN, CASTLEKNOCK, CLONSILLA, HARTSTOWN, HUNSTOWN, ASHTOWN, CLONEE & ONGAR EDITORIAL Keith Bellew

reetings Dublin 15. My name concerns and opinions known, about is Keith Bellew and I am the things that are happening in Dublin 15. Contributing Editor of this Along with this I also hope to provide new publication. them with information about what is G We here at Little Village going on in the area which they may not feel that there is a void in exclusively be aware of; from decisions affecting local news which needs to be filled. We them within local politics to services aim to fill this void with local news of available to them through the various interest to, and concerning local people. community centres and organisations We hope to achieve this through a around. balanced mix of light and hard news. I invite all local schools, clubs Having been born and raised in community organisations, sports teams Huntstown I am acutely aware of many and residents to contact me with any of the issues affecting local people, and undertakings or achievements they the interests and stake they have in their would like to promote, or any issues communities. It is my aim to provide a they would like to raise. platform and a voice for people within Regards, the community can make their feelings, Keith

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February / March 2017 Little Village 03 BUDGET FOR 2017

The €216m County Council budget for 2017 is now in eff ect having been voted in late last year, in a less contentious fashion than it has in years.

he Council’s planned expenditure of A sum of €115.5m will be levied from Commercial €215,953,800 next year will fund its day- Rates, which means the annual rate on valuation (ARV) to-day operations as well as contributing for 2017 will be unchanged at 0.144. This is the lowest to the advancement of Fingal’s Capital valuation rate among the four local authorities in the T Programme which will cost €324.4m over a DublIn region. Fingal currently has the highest level of three year period (2017-2019). rate collection compliance in the country at 96 per cent. This follows a reduction of 15% in Local Property Tax Councillors also voted to alter the rate of refund made (LPT) agreed by councillors in September. Charges will on vacant property in 2017 as the vacancy refund rate remain at the same level as in 2016. The decision leaves is being reduced from 100 per cent to 75 per cent. the Council with discretionary LPT income of €1.9m and Owners of vacant properties at the making of the rate reduces the income from the tax by €5.7m. While there will therefore be required to pay 100 per cent of the will be a reduction in funds for essential services as a commercial rates and will receive a 75 per cent refund result, many fi nancially straitened families in Dublin 15 subject to certain conditions. Councillors have reduced will fi nd this a welcome relief. the rate of refund in an eff ort to further reduce the According to Council Offi cials; The 2017 Budget number of vacant properties in the County. provides for a signifi cant and continued level of Within the Budget, a total of €55m has been earmarked investment in the social, economic and cultural fabric for Housing and Building. As part of the national Social of Fingal as it sets out to deliver on a number of core Housing Strategy 2020, Fingal is required to provide objectives including continued investment in housing 1,376 social housing units during the period 2015 to which, at €55m, represents over a quarter of the budget 2017 through construction, acquisition, the rental With a population of 296,214, the 2017 Budget accommodation scheme and the social housing current represents a spend of €729.05 per head, and for every expenditure programme. The Action Plan for Housing €1 spent by the Council, an additional €1.70 is spent and Homeless published by Government in July 2016 downstream in the economy which amounts to a total sets a national target to deliver 47,000 units of social contribution to economic output of over €0.5b. Also, housing by 2021 which represents a 35 per cent for every position directly employed within the council, increase on the target set under the 2020 Strategy. an additional three jobs are supported as a result. This Offi cials say Fingal is already on course to exceed means that the total employment contribution from its targets by delivering over 2,000 social housing units Budget 2017 is over 4,000 jobs. under the Social Housing Strategy 2020 and, while the As in previous years, the 2017 budget stresses much capital investment in the provision of social housing importance on encouraging commerce in the county. is contained in the Council’s Capital Programme, the To this end, one of the key factors of this budget is that revenue budget also plays a part in the delivery and the level of commercial rates has been frozen for the support of social housing under the pillars of the plan. sixth successive year. It is hoped that the rates freeze Other key areas of spending include: €41.75m will assist the competitiveness of local businesses in the budgeted for Environment and €40.33m for Recreation face of a number of economic uncertainties including and Amenity. Road Transport and Safety will receive the fall-out from the Brexit referendum. €23.72m and Water Services €21.15m while €19.3m has

04 Little Village February / March 2017 detailed consideration of all spending requirements and having regard to the objectives we have set in our Five- Year Corporate Plan,” he said. Sinn Fein councillors voted in favour of the budget for the first time in the current council cycle which began in May 2014. Speaking to Little Village, Sinn Fein leader on Fingal County Council, Cllr Paul Donnelly explained the been set aside for Development Management. reasons for this. €5.4m has also been allocated to the operational “Over the past three years, Sinn Féin have engaged in works programme as follows: the budgetary process in a very proactive and positive €2,537,000 for Restoration Improvement Schemes; way. We identified that the council was limited due to €900,000 for Restoration Maintenance Schemes; the nature of the funding structure. The Local Property €750,000 for footpaths and drainage € 750,000 for Tax was a very controversial and unfair method of traffic; € 100,000 for public lighting; € 400,000 for parks, funding local government and in reality, is a method €450k for burial ground development, €100k to build of extracting more money from the people and limiting up a fund for emergency coastal protection; €150k to direct central government funding,” he said, adding build up a fund for bridge maintenance works; €500k that his party made it very clear that they would only for a programme to replace older public lights with support the budget if it was fair and addressed a more energy efficient kinds and €1.4m in continued number of issues including the reduction in the LPT by transfers to capital to assist with the development and the maximum 15%. improvement of Historic Tourism Assets. He said Sinn Fein strongly supports the vacant Also €616k in funding has been allocated to specifically building rates reduction over a two year period as promote Fingal County as a tourism destination, along it ensures that there is a penalty for those owners of with €1m for the delivery of events such as St. Patrick’s commercial properties that were lying empty. Day, Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, Flavours of Fingal “We have engaged through the Corporate Policy group and Swords Summerfest as well as community and and the council statutory budget process to see what voluntary events throughout the County. it could deliver for the people. The Sinn Féin council Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, group decided that we would support the 2016 and welcomed the successful passing of the budget, 2017 budget because it also included extra funding to particularly in terms of the overwhelming support of tackle the housing crisis. We of course would like to see councillors who voted 30 in favour and just four against. more and we are confident that the council executive “Fingal has strengthened its relationships with key are working hard to alleviate the housing emergency Government Departments, officials, state agencies and in Fingal. We have made it clear that our support is wider stakeholders to support focus on growing the conditional and our support in the past two years is no economy and building diverse communities that we are indication that we will support every budget during our all proud of. The budget has been prepared following five year term on Fingal County Council,” he said.

February / March 2017 Little Village 05 €30M AVAILABLE TO SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE €30m is available to develop sports and handball alleys; building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets; building or refurbishment of sports infrastructure around the country halls and gyms; and non-personal equipment including lawn including west Dublin, and local sports mowers and defi brillators. The grant also covers other capital projects that are clearly clubs are encouraged to prepare now sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or for the application process and register improve performance. In the past, the application process has been lengthy online. Words by Keith Bellew and clubs have missed out on funding due to inadequate applications. In order to combat this, Sports Minister, Patrick his funding has been made available by the O’Donovan has simplifi ed the process. The application form Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport as has been signifi cantly shortened, and the Department of Sport part of its annual Sports Capital Programme. The has published a guide on the programme. There will also be a programme allows clubs to apply for funding grants series of regional workshops to help applicants. to fi nance the development of new or existing Local Social Protection Minister, Leo Vardakar has said the facilities. More than 30 local clubs have received funding of programme represents excellent value for money and urged T€2.2 million in sports capital grants since its re-establishment local clubs to avail of it. in 2012, including St Mochta’s FC which used the grant to help “I want to see local clubs and organisations benefi t as much build its clubhouse. as possible from this funding and so I encourage all involved The Programme funds: natural grass sports pitches, tracks to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in and courts (including pitch drainage); fl oodlighting; artifi cial advance,” he said. sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas; Local groups can apply for funding until February 24 at security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts; walls www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. BEECH PARK TAKING IN CHARGE Fingal Count y Council has run into a snag that has slowed the process of taking the Beeches Estate in Carpenterstown in charge. esidents had requested that the council take their estate in charge, meaning that the council undertakes the maintenance and upkeep of the area, but the council cannot do this until the estate R is in a fi t condition to be taken in charge. To this end the council surveyed the area to ascertain what remedial works were necessary to bring it up to code. A number of necessary works have been identifi ed and the Direct Labour Section has been engaged to carry these out. Unfortunately there are also several defects in the foul drainage system which must be repaired by specialist subcontractors. The council is currently procuring these subcontractors and once the work is completed Beech Park will proceed to be taken in charge.

06 Little Village February / March 2017 LOCAL SCHOOL MAKES HISTORY By Keith Bellew

Local School St Vincent’s Castleknock The student’s themselves have also been vocal about the honour. One such student is Ciarán O’Flynn, who said: “I’m involved in the College made history recently as the fi rst rugby, the chess club, the Maths Club and the Senior Debating ever school in Dublin 15 to make it into the Society. The more involved you get in this school, the happier you top 10 of the Sunday Times League Table get. We always say that we go to the best school in the country – and now, it’s offi cial!” for the best schools in the country. They For more information on St Vincent’s visit: are judged on the percentage of students www.castleknockcollege.ie. getting into the top universities in Ireland, North and South. t Vincent’s Castleknock College was judged the 10th best school in the country with 81.4% going to Irish Universities. Castleknock College was also judged the best school in North Dublin and the 3rd best boys’ S school in the whole country. Over seven hundred secondary schools were ranked in the survey. The Headmaster, Mr Oliver Murphy, attributes the success to his teachers. “The cohort of dedicated, enthusiastic, innovative, hard- working teachers at Castleknock College is second to none. They bring intensity, interest, and fun into the classrooms of the College. More than that, there are debating competitions in Irish, English, French, and Spanish; there’s a Maths Club, a Chess Club, two Book Clubs – and a lot more,” he said. All involved with the school have expressed their pride with parent Stephen McNally saying, “I was thrilled to see Castleknock College reaching the top ten. I have a son and a nephew at Castleknock College. One is very sporty and the other is more interested in academics. But they both love the school. There is something for everyone here.” Another proud parent is Helen Spillane whose three sons have attended the school, two of whom are still there while another has graduated. All three sons are avid sportsmen and Helen praised the school for providing students with excellent opportunities. “Rugby is the biggest sport – but it’s by no means the only one. There is tennis, athletics, cricket, table tennis, cross-county, basketball and golf. Now, there’s even an equestrian team – and they’re the champions of Leinster! What I love about the school is the opportunities it offers to every different child – and that includes opportunities to work with our sister Vincentian school in Ambo, Ethiopia. The school’s Vincentian ethos is not just a catch-phrase. It’s something lived out in the corridors of the college every day. That’s why Castleknock College is up at the top of the league tables,” she said.

February / March 2017 Little Village 07

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February / March 2017 Little Village 11 COMMUNITY POLICING By Keith Bellew

Local TD’s have called for increased the presence of the valuable service provided by community gardaí resources for community policing in will slip below the radar”. Deputy Chambers echoed these sentiments saying that the West Dublin following the release of importance of community policing to crime prevention cannot be figures by Justice Minister, Frances understated, as it is crucial to building trust between citizens and the gardai. Fitzgerald which show that the number “The figures are deeply concerning but not surprising and are of Community gardai has been more reflected by increases in some categories of crime in the Dublin than halved in recent years. West area. A visible garda presence is one of the most important deterrents for criminal activity. A properly resourced and staffed community police service is crucial in this regard,” he said. He stressed that a visible garda presence makes the difference he Deputies Jack Chambers (FF) and Joan Burton in people feeling safe and secure or scared and vulnerable in their (Lab) have expressed concern over the number of homes. gardai currently stationed in Blanchardstown, given “Minister Fitzgerald needs to prioritise and promote community the size of the area, with a particular emphasis on the policing in 2017,” he said. T community policing division. However Minister Fitzgerald pointed out that the responsibility According to recent figures there are 312 gardai stationed in for the distribution of resources lies with the Garda Commissioner, Blanchardstown Garda station, 28 of whom are community not the Minister. gardai. Gardai numbers fell dramatically as a result of the closure “I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that in regard to the of Templemore Garda Training College in 2011, in the wake of deployment of garda personnel, a distribution model is used which the financial crisis. The college was re-opened in September 2014 takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime and recruiting re-commenced, but the fallout in numbers is still trends and the policing needs of each individual garda division. It being felt. is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel Blanchardstown is part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region within his/her division,” she said. (DMR) West Region along with Lucan and , and She went on to say that all gardai have a role to play in terms of Deputy Burton said she is particularly concerned due to “a spate community policing, and new strategies currently being developed of crime in the area and in particular the recent violent death in by An Garda Siochana place a strong emphasis on the issue. Lucan.” One such strategy is the Modernisation and Renewal Programme “Given the enormous growth in population in these areas, it is 2016-2021, in which there is emphasis on further developing and clear that they are under-represented in regards to having sufficient supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so community gardai. This is a serious concern for local residents. that gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public I am particularly concerned about the implications of criminal confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. activity for young people. Many successful visits by community Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local gardaí to schools and youth groups are key to developing a trusting Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and relationship between gardaí and young people,” she said. made up of gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively She went on to say that both the Minister and Garda work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan need to review community the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District gardaí allocations and funding towards community gardaí “or else comprising local gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.

12 Little Village February / March 2017 HUNTSTOWN NS HAS EVENTFUL 2016

2016 was a very eventful year for Sacred Heart of Jesus NS in Huntstown with a number of very successful events and initiatives and new principal Kieran Lyons taking the reins. By Keith Bellew

r Lyons has praised long standing teachers Mr Wash, Write, Wear and Wow. Harty and Ms O’Connor who had been leading the “We included things to write with like pencils, pens, crayons and school following the departure of Mr O’Diomasaigh. paper. We included hats, scarves, gloves and new underwear. Welcoming Mr Lyons, representatives of the ‘Wow’ was our favourite thing to do. We put in toys, lollipops, school said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr sweets, jigsaws, balls, dolls, cars etc. We also put €4 in every Lyons back to Huntstown as our new Principal. Having taught box to help pay for delivery. We then wrapped the shoeboxes Min the school for nineteen years, Mr Lyons has returned with a in Christmas paper. Our school made more than 70 shoeboxes. wealth of experience and knowledge. The staff, students and Our teachers, Ms. O’ Connor and Mr. Harty were very proud of wider school community extends a warm welcome to Mr Lyons. our generosity. A man came to collect all our shoeboxes. It took Together we look forward to a new chapter in the life of the two classes to bring them all to his car! Thanks to Ms. Fagan and school.” Ms. Murray to organising the Shoebox Appeal in our school,” said Mr Lyons expressed his gratitude to the school community for the proud students. welcoming him back into the fold. Other incredible achievements of 2016 were those of Mr. “I wish to thank the school community and the community of Herity’s Fourth class of 2015-2016 at the National FÍS Film Huntstown for the tremendous warm welcome and messages of Festival where they scooped an award for Best Acting and were support I have received on my return to Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa shortlisted in the “Best Editing” and “Best Newcomer” categories. Íosa. It is with a sense of pride and privilege that I begin my role These accolades were awarded at a ceremony at the Helix as principal of this great school and I look forward to what will DCU for the student play Just a Wish Away”, which had been hopefully be a long and successful tenure,” he said. shortlisted as a fi nalist from almost 150 entries. The school paid He went on to praise both students and faculty for a number tribute to teachers: Mr. Doyle, Ms. O’Connor, Mr. Stapleton, and of successful initiatives, some of which included the Team Hope Mr. Herity along with his talented thespians. Shoebox Appeal spearheaded by 4th class students. This Meanwhile the Yellow Flag project is moving on apace with a initiative saw all 4th class students researching the needs of their lot of hard work put in over 2016 and much more planned in the contemporaries in the developing world, educating the rest of coming months as the students work towards their Biodiversity the school on the issue through posters and presentations, and fl ag. In working towards this fl ag, which is the fi fth in the series, appealing to the student body to contribute what they could to fi ll students have been examining and identifying the trees and plants hampers with simple but essential items. on the school grounds along with ‘leaf identifi cation surveys’. It is According to students Shane Hughes and Caoimhe McLoughlin hoped that these surveys will assist students to become better these hampers were stocked with items based on the Four W’s – informed about their local environment.

February / March 2017 Little Village 13 LOCAL MAN CHARGED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT By Keith Bellew We have recently completed some security local man in his 20s was formally charged upgrades for some of your neighbours. with sexual assault at a hearing at Blanchardstown District Court recently. We supply and fit all types of locks to windows 22-year-old Edward Boaca of Deerhaven and doors in residential and commercial A Avenue made no reply to the charge which relates to the alleged assault of an 18-year-old woman properties. in the Littlepace area on December 18. He is due to re- appear before the court on February 17. Lacey Locksmiths have No Call Out Fee with The alleged incident occurred at around 4am on 24/7 Rapid Response. We cover all of Dublin December 18 on Littlepace Road when a young woman and are Garda vetted. was accosted by a man after she alighted from a Nitelink bus following a night out. According to gardai the young woman was threatened, assaulted and had her phone taken before managing to Call us for a fend off her attacker, flag down a passing taxi and alert Complimentary gardai. Boaca was arrested by gardai on Blanchardstown Main Street a number of weeks later. Security Survey Judge John Coughlan granted bail on a bond of €100 on Today! a number of conditions recommended by Garda Graham Dillon. Boaca must remain at home and adhere to a curfew between 11pm and 7am except when travelling to work and refrain from contact with the injured party. Additionally he was required to surrender his passport, provide gardai with a contact number and make himself available to investigating gardai 24 hours a day. BENEDICT’S SCHOOL SAFETY number of measures are currently being implemented by the Management Company for Ongar Village to tackle traffic safety issues for children at Benedict’s A Primary School. The issues stem from the busy traffic around pick-up and drop off times, coupled with deliveries being made to local businesses and a lack of adequate parking. According to parents; this has created an unsafe environment for schoolchildren. There have been a number of serious accidents between children and cars, as well as children and delivery trucks. The management company has requested business’s to maximise their deliveries outside of school drop off and collection times and has opened an additional car park with 60 parking spaces

14 Little Village February / March 2017 10 YEARS CHANGING PEOPLES’ LIVES AND GETTING STRONGER!

EducoGym has been in existence for over 10 years and has helped over 40,000 people in Ireland. EducoGym Castleknock alone has helped around 3, 000 clients reach their fitness goals.

ccording to EducoGym Castleknock owner John O’Doherty: EducoGym’s success stems from the simple fact that clients get results: whether they want to shrink, reduce, get cut, A become more mobile, get fitter, sleep better, reduce their blood pressure, breathe easier, look better and become more motivated to stay in shape. In short they are rejuvenated and look and feel younger. EducoGym’s approach is based on scientific facts. Staff know that ensuring you burn fat and gain muscle is the key to successful weight loss. This will increase your metabolic rate, and because fat cells are much bigger than muscle cells, this will cause you to shrink. Despite the fact that there are more gym’s in the world than ever before, obesity is at an all time high. John explains that the reason for this is that people are taking the wrong approach. “The fact is no one wants to be overweight or obese and yet the numbers are growing rapidly. So the answer lies in the knowledge that what most are doing leads to failure. What people normally do is start to reduce their caloric intake by far more likely to keep going and get the results they so eating a lot less food leading to starvation diets. They might desperately want. also decide to go out and start running. The result of this is “In the end this is the real difference with EducoGym. to lose some weight, but they will have lost muscle and fat. All clients are given the training and motivational support The effect of this muscle loss is to slow down your metabolic to achieve their goals. Also the education clients receive rate (the rate at which you will burn the calories you have regarding diet, exercise and how they think about the consumed). So after all the agony the person goes back to outcome they want will stand to them. What you learn about eating what they understand to be a ‘normal diet’ they are diet and exercise will change your outlook on these areas physiologically bound to put that weight back on...hence yo- and impact on those around you,” says John. yo dieting,” he said. The trainers are trained to give the clients the best John says that ladies can relax in the knowledge that experience while helping the client train well and eat well, EducoGym’s task is to shrink, reduce and cut their size to motivating them to get closer every day to their goals. a healthy range that will make them look and feel much “We are just delighted to see the client make a start. We younger. For men the task is to reduce the stomach and know once they come in and start, the EducoGym team and chest fat while replacing this with youthful muscle. It may be process will take care of the rest. It’s one step at a time. Start surprising to learn that this can be done at any age. You’re by making a call to us. We’ll be delighted to help you improve never too old to rejuvenate. your health and shape and I know we will help you succeed. Research shows that nearly 80% drop out of gym We understand the science of weight loss and we know you membership programs after just four months and that those can only start from where you are, but trust me; we’ll help who get the support in relation to training and nutrition are you change your shape and change your life,” says John.

February / March 2017 Little Village 15 By Keith Bellew

While it is now a luxurious hotel and resort at which holiday makers can escape the stress of everyday life and recharge in tranquil surroundings, Luttrellstown Castle served as the medieval seat of the Anglo-Norman Luttrell family. It is not known exactly how old the castle is.

he Luttrell’s were a decorated family of took place in the 1910s and 1950s under the ownership of Norman nobles who fought alongside William the Guinness family. During that time areas of the interior, the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in was re-modelled in the Baroque and Georgian styles. This 1066, at which he took control of Britain. They was followed by a substantial restoration programme T were rewarded for their loyalty with extensive which was carried out in 1981. This included the interior of estates in Leicestershire and Yorkshire. While the castle the castle being furnished with a collection of eighteenth- evidently predates the Anglo-Norman invasion in the late century Irish and English furniture. 1100s, it is believed that Sir Henry Luttrell seized the castle The castle itself is only part of the estates overall appeal. in 1436 and it was kept by the family until around 1811. Its extensive Demesne allows visitors to step back in time The family was influential on both sides of the Irish Sea and traverse the ancient woodland located therein, an throughout its existence apart from a brief period during activity at which one could spend many hours. the reign of Oliver Cromwell. The reason their influence There is a walled garden featuring a unique rose display waned during this period is the Luttrell’s decision to close to the castle along with an apple orchard and an remain steadfast in their catholic faith following the arboretum with more than 300 strains of exotic trees and reformation. Cromwell was a virulent sectarian and all plants. Near this is a 20-acre lake on which visitors can who did not adhere to his austere puritanical beliefs lost fish and sail and an enchanting waterfall. There are many favour. Aside from this brief interlude, the family was one attractions for history buffs as well including A Blind Arch of the most prominent in the Pale and remained so for which spans the carriage driveway and dates back to the centuries until its extinction early in the 19th Century. 1780s. This is complemented by a classical Doric Temple Following the expiration of the Luttrell line, a wealthy of the same era and the ruins of a gothic folly. Dublin businessman named Luke White purchased the Given its breath taking surroundings, it is no surprise estate for £180,000. that the castle has hosted many noteworthy guests The architectural history of the castle is a veritable over the years. Queen Victoria visited in 1849 and 1900. patchwork of various styles which were incorporated Other distinguished visitors include the Grand Duke into the original structure through the numerous epochs of Luxembourg, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of through which it has passed. Its present appearance was Monaco, and Queen Magrethe II of Denmark and Ronald shaped during the late 18th century with the romantic style Reagan. Celebrity guests have included Fred Astaire, of the day incorporated into it along with a smattering of Douglas Fairbanks, Paul Newman and Kelly Clarkson and both Tudor and Gothic revival styles. her band. Luttrellstown Castle was also the venue for the Under the ownership of a member of the famous high profile wedding of Victoria and David Beckham on Guinness family, The final phase of the castles development July 4 1999.

16 Little Village February / March 2017 St. Mochta’s House, Louth ST. MOCHTA: THE LAST SURVIVING DISCIPLE OF St. Mochta’s Church, Porterstown. ST. PATRICK By Keith Bellew The Mochta’s area of Clonsilla is one of the oldest villages on the Blanchardstown side of Dublin 15. It is named after St Mochta, a disciple of St Patrick who is associated with the area.

e was, like Patrick, a native of Britain. One story has him restoring to life, the daughter of His name is British, and Adomnán’s Life the druid Hoam. The young woman then became a of Columba describes him as “a certain nun who made vestments and altar-cloths. British stranger, a holy man and a disciple Both monastery and village were burned and H of the holy bishop Patrick”. Adomnán plundered frequently by the Danes in the period 829- presents Mochta as having prophesied the birth of 968. A round tower, built for protection, was blown Colm Cille. down in 981. An oratory, built in the late 12th century, According to one account, Mochta was brought to bears the name St. Mochta’s House and may have Ireland as a child, along with his parents, by a druid housed his relics. named Hoam. The druid settled in County Louth, where The Annals of Ulster report his death twice, in 535 Mochta was brought up as a member of the family. and 537, which points to him being considerably He went to Rome to continue his studies, and there younger than Patrick, whose death the Annals date the Pope consecrated him bishop and sent him back to 493. Scholars believe that he, the last of Patrick’s to Ireland with twelve companions. The first church disciples then alive, died at the age of 90. The entry he founded was at Kilmore. Departing from Kilmore, for 535 dates his death to the 13th of the Calends of he left all his possessions to the monks, taking only September, i.e. 20 August, and quotes the opening of “the fountain at the door”. He followed the stream, a letter written by him: “Mauchteus, a sinner, priest, (or according to the Vita, the stream followed him) to disciple of St Patrick, sends greetings in the Lord.” Louth. This became the river Fane. However neither the rest of this letter nor any other He is said to have founded a monastery in Louth. compositions of his have survived. Louth was originally the site of a shrine to the Celtic The local national school derives its name from the god Lugh. Mochta’s monastery gained a nationwide saintly foreigner, and itself has a rich history spanning reputation. Mochta was an accomplished scholar, over 150 years, the original structure of the school especially learned in Sacred Scripture. He wrote a rule being built in 1853 and officially opened in January for monks, but no trace of it has survived. He began 1854. The initial school was a very tall edifice which was a series of annals at Louth, which was continued by extremely distinctive and unusual. This building still his successors, and became known as the Book of the stands on the banks of the , although it is Monks. In his old age, Patrick came and spent some now abandoned. It was replaced by a three classroom time with Mochta. After Patrick’s death, Mochta took building fronting the Clonsilla Road in 1963, known as charge of Armagh for a brief period before turning it the ‘White School’, which in turn was replaced by the over to Benignus. much larger present structure in 1986.

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It is anticipated that the housing to councillors and o cials. I found it surprising that a vision for housing was not clear. Both private buyers and council applicants hold little hope of project which will see the moving on with their lives,” he said. construction of 20 pre-fabricated, He went on to say that Welview represents the last council-owned bank of land for residential use, and the fact that it has taken so long to develop or modular homes at Wellview this sight represents a very fundamental problem in this country when it Green will be completed by the comes to the delivery of housing. third quarter of this year.

he project was agreed in December 2015 as part of an undertaking to provide 500 mo0dular homes in 2016, up to A LUXURIOUS 100 of which were to be in Fingal. However, the project has OASIS FOR CLIENTS taken longer than expected. WHO LIKE TO BE According to council o cials this project was tendered, in PAMPERED conjunction with the O ce of Government Procurement, as the subject Tof a tender to establish a nation-wide, multi-operator framework for the FOR AN APPOINTMENT design and construction of rapid-delivery houses. ƒ e intention being that the „ rst-placed on the framework would be awarded the contract for the CALL TODAY: Wellview project. 01 640 5275 “ƒ e tender process is now complete and the framework will be established in early January 2017. A design build contract for the Wellview OPENING TIMES project will then be o‰ ered to the successful tenderer. It is anticipated that Monday: Closed construction will be completed during Q3 2017,” they said. Tuesday: 10am - 6pm Wednesday: 10am - 6pm ƒ e initial announcement was met with a mixed reaction and heated Thursday: 10am - 8pm debate among councillors with some welcoming any measures to help Friday: 10am - 8pm alleviate the crisis of homelessness in Dublin 15, while others felt it was not Saturday: 9am - 6pm enough and also questioned the decision to locate these units in one of the most socially disadvantaged areas of the constituency. However, this was countered by champions of the initiative who said Wellview was chosen THOMAS KENDALL HAIR as there were limited sites owned by the council that are zoned residential The Thomas Kendall Hair Salon is a favourite haunt of some of the with accessibility to water, sewage and electricity connections. Such lands city’s most stylish men and women. At Thomas Kendall Hair we that are available tend to be adjacent to existing social housing estates such as Wellview, which were never built out as originally intended but will be understand the busy lives many women lead – they want to come in, now with permanent or modular housing. feel cherished and looked after. Speaking to Little Village, Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) has expressed his frustration with how long the Wellview project is taking, and the ASHLEIGH CENTRE, CASTLEKNOCK VILLAGE, DUBLIN 15 approach to the provision of social housing in the country in general. [email protected] 01 640 5275 “ƒ e entire approach to housing in this country moves far too slowly. No elected representatives believe houses are being delivered on any meaningful timeframe. It’s painfully slow and the housing lists continue WWW.THOMASKENDALLHAIR.COM to grow. Minister Coveney visited Fingal recently and spoke “o‰ the cu‰ ”

20 Little Village February / March 2017 CHILDRENS BOOKS SHOWCASED FOR STUDENTS OF SACRED HEART NS Children’s books written by students of The books were showcased at events in November and Institute of Technology Blanchardstown December at the ITB campus. In addition to an evaluation (ITB) were showcased for students of of content by the course lecturer Margaret O’Donoghue, a Sacred Heart NS, Huntstown at a ceremony judging panel, consisting of Children’s Author Joe O’Brien, at County Hall Swords recently. Senior Executive Librarian Yvonne O’Brien and Margaret O’Donoghue (ITB), chose the winning book through observations at the showcase event. he books were written by 4th year Early County Librarian, Betty Boardman said Fingal County Childhood Care and Education students as part Libraries are committed to raising awareness of, increasing of their Design a Book project for the Personal access to and supporting early literacy through Fingal’s Early Social and Emotional Development of Children’ Years Literacy Strategy T module of their degree course. “This new publication highlights the benefi ts of early literacy, The Design a Book project is a collaborative effort between and how it can underpin children’s social and emotional Fingal County Council, Libraries Department and ITB in development,” she said, adding that the project is aligned to which students were tasked with designing and developing the objectives of the national Right to Read initiative which a story book for children up to six years that would support aims to enhance literacy levels throughout the country. the development of children’s personal, social and emotional ‘The winning book “Sonas and Daithí” was written by development. The project was undertaken through a Civic student Orlagh McDonald and is now available to borrow Engagement approach which is a process where people join from all Fingal Library branches. Copies of the now published together to deliver something of value to the community and book were presented to Orlagh and course lecturer Margaret for the benefi t of all involved O’Donoghue at the ceremony. Little Angels Playschool

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February / March 2017 Little Village 21 NO NEW SOCIAL OR AFFORDABLE

HOUSING BEING ANNOUNCED By Keith Bellew

Plans for the fast-tracking of homes in Dublin 15 have been dismissed as inadequate by a local TD. Fingal County Council announced that Environment Minister, Simon Coveney has given the go-ahead for the fast- track delivery of homes in Barnwell/Hansfield in 2017.

his is part of a wider programme for Fingal which of homelessness in the D15 area,” a spokesperson for the aims to deliver 9,400 homes in the long term and organisation said. 4,800 in the short-term. These will be spread To bolster its plans, Fingal County Council has also applied out through several areas in Fingal, though for €38m in funding under the Local Infrastructure Housing Barnwell/Hansfield is the only area in Dublin 15 Activation Fund, which is part of the Government’s Rebuilding to be included. Deputy Ruth Coppinger (AAA) described the Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. Tannouncement as “dreadful”. This will assist in the delivery of important infrastructure at “No new social or affordable housing is being announced by the sites in question, such as the provision of roads, parks, the council or the minister in Dublin 15 in what is a homeless recreation areas, drainage and access to public transport. black-spot. Instead, Hansfield will have more private housing Fingal Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, fast-tracked - housing that will be out of the range of most Ann-Marie Farrelly, said the Council are at an advanced stage workers and has just been raised in price by €20,000 by the in their plans developer,” she said. “The infrastructure proposals for these areas will be ready She went on to say that Nama is conspicuously absent from to proceed without delay once funding comes on stream. these plans despite the fact that the organisation is currently Homes are already under construction on a number of these building two lavish estates in Dublin 15, at Diswellstown Manor sites while the distributor road in Donabate, which is a key and Hamilton Park where the housing sells for €400,000-plus. piece of infrastructure for that area, is due to commence in the “Not one social or affordable home has been delivered yet second quarter of 2017,” she said. by Nama in these estates,” she said. She went on to say that, along with the sites identified by Meanwhile, Threshold recently released figures which Minister Coveney, there are a number of other areas of the outlined the work it undertook in Dublin 15 in 2016. county such as , Skerries, Rush and Dublin 15, “Threshold outreach service, in conjunction with Fingal where the Council is also well placed to have any necessary County Council, dealt with over 191 clients at our outreach infrastructure delivered. clinic in Blanchardstown, D15 this year. This represents an There is planning permission in place for 10,000 homes in increase of 35% on the previous year. Over 1,140 clients Fingal and the Council has stressed that it “continues to ensure in total in the Fingal area got help from us in 2016. 100 there is adequate zoned land in the right locations to facilitate individuals and families at risk of homelessness were kept in housing as well as economic and social development.” their homes through an enhanced rent supplement payment The public is also encouraged to follow and have an input in through a Protocol arranged between Dublin region Homeless the Council’s Draft Development Plan 2017-2023. Information Executive and the Department of Social Protection. The and updates on the plan are available at: service will be available in 2017 to again help those at risk www.fingal.ie.

22 Little Village February / March 2017 LEGAL CORNER

By Suzanne McDonnell, Solicitor. Why should I make a Will and what do I need to consider when finalising my Will?

here are statutory requirements that must be followed “disinherited” and provides he or she receive a minimum share of for a Will to be validly executed. The Will must be one third of the estate (if children) of one half of the estate (if no in writing and signed by you in the presence of two children). witnesses (these witnesses cannot be benefi ciaries). You as a parent are free to dispose of your assets as you see fi t. T Your Solicitor will ensure that all statutory requirements However a child does have the right to make an application to Court are followed for your Will to be valid. seeking a declaration that the deceased parent failed in his or her The basic elements of a Will are as follows; moral duty to make proper provision for them. 5. Once all the above have been attended to in writing, you 1. A formal revocation of prior Wills made, will then be asked to date and sign your Will in the presence of two 2. Appointment of Executor(s) – The person who will extract independent witnesses. a grant and administer your estate. An executor may also be a You should note that the administration of a testate estate is benefi ciary under your Will. quicker and less expensive. Your Will is something that should be 3. Appointment of Guardian(s) – Parents of children under thought about and planned for and should be considered by all age eighteen have the power to appoint testamentary guardians in the groups but especially couples with young children. I strongly advise event of both parents dying at the same time. all of my clients to make a Will and it is not something that should be 4. Benefi ciaries – You can leave these assets to as many done only at the last minute. benefi ciaries as you may wish. These benefi ciaries must be clearly For further information contact Suzanne McDonnell Solicitor, identifi able and must not be a witness. McDonnell & Company Solicitors, Dublin 15. The Succession Act prevents a spouse or civil partner from being www.mcdonnell-solicitors.ie

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February / March 2017 Little Village 23 CLONSILLA ROAD

TREES By Keith Bellew Clonsilla residents have expressed outrage at the felling of a number of historic trees along Clonsilla Rd behind Coolmine Industrial Estate.

ingal County Council carried out works in the area following complaints of the trees and shrubs being used for the purposes of anti-social behaviour. Acting on behalf of residents, Cllr Natalie Treacy F (SF) requested the trees be pruned to prevent the Residents were alarmed at the nature of the work when area being used for anti-social behaviour. they saw a JCB uprooting a number of trees, and leaving Speaking to Little Village, Cllr Treacy said she tabled a what they deemed to be aesthetically unpleasing signage motion requesting that the overgrown shrubbery and bushes and hoardings of local businesses in full view. be trimmed back, but not for trees to be cut down. She said However Fingal County Council has released a statement that the motion was tabled on the back of frequent requests to Little Village, seeking to clarify the situation. from residents over a number of months “Work has commenced on the removal of the undergrowth “The reason for this request came from numerous residents and a number of trees on the Clonsilla Road opposite the from Weaver’s Hall, Portersfield and St.Mochtas complaining Weavers Hall development in order to improve visibility about antisocial behaviour and drug taking being carried and deter anti-social behaviour which had been ongoing at out in the bushes at the back of Coolmine Industrial Estate this location. It is intended to level and grass this area while across from Weaver’s Hall apartments,” said Cllr Treacy. retaining a number of the existing tress which will greatly She also stressed that she did not request that any of the enhance the appearance of the boundary between the trees be cut down entirely. Clonsilla Road and the Coolmine Industrial estate .” HARTSTOWN ROAD By Keith Bellew Figures released by Fingal County Council following the installation of the speed readers along the Hartstown and Huntstown roads has shown that over all the speed of traffic using the road is down at all locations.

number of traffic calming measures were installed recently after years of requests from members of the public to do so. A number of people have lost their lives in accidents on number of incidents recorded on all four cameras of vehicles A the road, the most recent of whom was 24 hitting in excess of 130kmph. year old Stephen Hyland in October last year. In January “I am shocked at the high speeds that have been recorded 2016 47 year old mother of two, Claire Hewitt was killed, on all four cameras with one speed reader clocking a car at and her friend was injured when they were struck by a an astounding 134Km and another at 133Km. These people drink driver on the road. In 2012, 24 year old Simon Hand, are utterly reckless and show complete disregard for their and 21 year old Dean Cullen also lost their lives in a crash own safety and the safety of the community of Hartstown on Hartstown Road. and Huntstown,” said Cllr Donnelly, adding that he has The figures were released by the council on foot of requested the installation of special bays in several sections a request by Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) who believes the of the Huntstown road to allow the Traffic corps to park installation of the speed cushions along the Hartstown safely whilst operating their speed detection cameras. section of the distributor road will also contribute to the “We have made a good start to making the road as safe downward trend. as it can be but the speeds detected along the Huntstown However despite these measures there have been a section shows we still have work to do,” he said.

24 Little Village February / March 2017 CONTROVERSIAL APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT Planning permission has been granted for the controversial development of an apartment complex on the site of privacy,” he said. Brady’s pub in Castleknock. The original proposal was for 41 units, but the council got a concession from the developer in the form of a three unit reduction. Cllr O’Gorman said that he believes a more traditional housing he decision which has angered some residents and development would be both more appropriate on this site, and also local representatives was made by Fingal County help meet the demands for family homes in the area. Council, will see the construction of 38 two and three All is not lost for opponents of the development however, as the bedroom apartments. proposal will be reviewed by An Bord Pleanála before construction T Among the opponents of this development is Cllr can begin. Residents can make submissions on the plans at the Roderic O’Gorman (GP), who has said that while he appreciates planning board website: www.pleanala.ie. the need for housing in the area, he believes that the proposal is This follows the highly criticised decision to grant planning not suited to the area. permission for a Lidl supermarket in Castleknock Village late last “What is proposed for the Brady’s Pub site is a four storey year. Residents and local representatives alike have criticised the apartment building which will tower over the existing two storey plan for many reasons including traffi c / parking concerns and the houses that are immediately beside it. The shadow analysis impact of such a development on the structure of the village, which provided by the developers proves that there will be a signifi cant is an architectural conservation area. impact on existing homes when these four storey buildings are An Bord Pleanála is to hold an oral hearing on the development put into such a small site. People are going to lose sunlight and in the coming months.

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February / March 2017 Little Village 25 VACANT SITES REGISTER The Department of Environment has defended its Vacant Sites Register legislation following calls for an amendment to it and claims that it is not fit for purpose.

he register was established in 2016 as part of the Urban notify the site owner in writing of its proposed entry on its register, offering the Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 which aims to tackle urban owner 28 days to make a submission regarding the proposed inclusion,” said renewal and prevent housing lands remaining idle. It requires the spokesperson. Planning Authorities such as Councils to establish a register They went on to clarify that the site levy cannot come into force until 2019, T of vacant sites and provides for a 3% levy on such sites from so those with vacant properties have until then to put them into use before 2019 if they are not developed. Both Fingal County Council and Dublin City being penalised. Council have published blank Registers. The Green Party has warned that this There are a number of other measures available under Pillar 5 ofthe is counter-productive and will not achieve urban regeneration. Rebuilding Ireland, Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness including the Following these publications, the Green Party called on Environment Repair and Lease Initiative (€140m funding over 5 years), the Buy and Repair Minister, Simon Coveney to amend the legislation on the Vacant Sites Register, Initiative (€25m funding for 2017), and the purchase by the Housing Agency saying that the law in its current form is ‘unfit for purpose’. of vacant buy-to-let properties on the portfolios of financial institutions and Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP), said the absence of any properties from this investors (€70m funding for 2016). register is a disaster and means that, under current rules, no property in Fingal In addition, the Derelict Sites Act 1990, requires local authorities to take will be subject to a vacant sites levy come 2019. all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to “It beggars belief that, even though we have almost 10,000 people registered ensure that any land within their area does not become, or continue to be, a on the Fingal Housing list, that buildings and sites that are quite clearly vacant derelict site. These include the imposition of levy’s on sites which are included are not being registered as such. I can think of at least a handful of vacant sites in in the local authority’s derelict sites register, or to compulsorily acquire any my area that could be put to much better use, but there is still no punishment derelict site. for land speculation. The vacant sites legislation is clearly unfit for purpose,” “It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of he said. the legislation within their respective functional areas,” said the Spokesperson. Speaking to Little Village, a spokesperson for the Department of A spokesperson for Fingal also defended its register saying: “As the Register Environment said the Vacant Sites Register legislation is not ‘unfit for purpose’. was only established on January 1, 2017, it is not presently populated with “Under the legislation, from 1 January 2017, planning authorities will any vacant sites. Fingal County Council is presently engaging in a detailed establish and maintain a register of sites in areas which, in the planning assessment of all potential vacant sites in the County. This assessment will authority’s opinion, were vacant sites during the preceding year. However, involve correspondence with the relevant landowners at various stages before entering a site on the vacant site register, the planning authority must throughout the review process.”

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February / March 2017 Little Village 27 CU CHULAINN’S IS THREE YEARS YOUNG!

Cu Chulainn’s pub in Ongar village, one of the most unique pubs in Dublin celebrates its third anniversary this month.

roprietor Sean Noonan acquired the pub in of the excellent service they receive, and staff are more likely February 2014 and has spent the past three to be treated and tipped well because of the quality of the years building and consolidating a reputation for service they provide. excellent service and great atmosphere. He says “In the past three years we’ve been here we’ve been P he is now confident that he has the best possible fine tuning a neighbourhood bar which ticks the boxes for staff behind him, and is looking to build on the success he everyone. We try to cater for all needs. We’re not just a pub, has already achieved. we’re a place that families like to come to. We’ve got the According to Sean he is incorporating his eight years of family room upstairs where the kids can play while Mum and experience in the restaurant trade in the United States into Dad are having their dinner, and Dad can look over Mums the style of service in Cu Chulainn’s. To this end there is a shoulder at the football which is on in the background,” he strong emphasis on good food and table service, along with said. With a 30 year lease, Cu Chulainns of Ongar Village is friendly and helpful staff. here to stay, and Sean’s plans for the future involve frequent “I want people to walk in here and be greeted at the door improvements. with a warm welcome,” he said, adding that this type of “I am a firm believer that If you don’t keep freshening up service helps to foster an atmosphere which is beneficial to a place, you’re not just stuck where you are, you’re moving both punters and staff. Punters are happy to return because backwards,” he said.

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February / March 2017 Little Village 29 NEW JOBS IN D15 By Keith Bellew

100 new jobs were created recently in Dublin 15 by West Pharma at Damastown Industrial Estate. The creation of these jobs is the result of a planned expansion of the plant. The jobs will be created over the next 4 – 5 years.

he project comprises a 60,000 square foot expansion this new investment, which strongly aligns with the Government’s at its contract manufacturing facility near . ongoing strategy to attract investment in high-quality, high-value, The expansion is in response to customer demand medical device manufacturing to Ireland. We look forward to for medical device manufacturing—especially in the strengthening our relationship with West,” she said. T area of diabetes. The business community is also very happy about the This is just one of a number of expansion and job creation investment with Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland welcoming projects by pharmaceutical companies in Dublin 15, others the expansion saying he looks forward to continuing to work with include Alexion, Bristol Myers, Squibb, Mallinkrodt and Montjeu. West and their partner biotech companies in further developing Local representatives have said that Dublin 15 is fast becoming their business. a pharmaceutical “Centre of Excellence” due to the numerous “IDA’s life science sector continues to grow from strength- investments which amount to hundreds of millions collectively. to-strength and this investment by West is a good example of Bristol Myers Squibb alone is creating up to 400 new jobs in the potential for convergence across the life sciences sector. a €900m investment at its Cruiserath campus. In September Ireland has seen hundreds of millions invested in recent years Mallinkrodt announced the creation of a new €10m state of the in the development and manufacturing of new injectable drugs art research facility which will bring the total number of jobs for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and there to 120 this year. Is currently constructing a bulk biologics cancer. The patients who will benefi t from these exciting new manufacturing facility at the Company’s College Park site in drugs will also benefi t from West’s innovation in drug delivery Blanchardstown. This €450 million, four-year project is expected to devices,” he said. create approximately 200 full-time jobs on completion, which will Minister Varadkar said: he is delighted to see these secure and bring Alexion’s total workforce in Ireland to nearly 500 employees. well-paid jobs being created in the area. Montjeu are constructing their corporate headquarters in the area “It is further evidence that our economy continues to grow also bringing around 80 jobs within the facility and up to 120 and the labour force continues to expand, notwithstanding construction jobs. the uncertainties of the world at present. It also underlines the The West Pharma project was launched by Jobs Minister, Mary greater Blanchardstown area as a major hub for technology, Mitchell O’Connor along with local Social Protection Minister, Leo pharmaceutical and inward investment,” he said. Varadkar. Speaking at the launch, Minister Mitchell O’Connor He went on to assure investors that the Government won’t be hailed the announcement as great news for the area. complacent and will continue to foster a pro-business environment “With this most recent expansion in Dublin and the company’s by providing better infrastructure, servicing more land, keeping previously announced investment in Waterford, West is affi rming its taxes low, and providing people with the skills and education they presence as an important employer in Ireland. I am delighted with need to secure good employment.

30 Little Village February / March 2017 Fresh and Halal

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February / March 2017 Little Village 31 PEREGRINES he Astro facility is already reaping rewards! We direction, we are currently working on a number of are continuing to work hard to further improve fundraising initiatives and I ask you to support the club in our facilities and hope to announce the next these ventures. It is imperative we continue to raise funds phase of development soon. On the pitch we to run the club and further improve the facilities, so your T are making great strides, our academy is still support would be greatly appreciated. Remember it is your going from strength to strength under Brendan Kennedy’s club so please get involved!| BRIGID’S GAA reminder that the Feile Fundraising quiz takes place on and Wednesday evenings. Friday Feb 17th at 8pm in the Carpenter. Tables of 4 are To book a physiotherapy appointment contact James on 087- €40. Jive Classes start on Feb 14th. Just great fun. €50 7553451 or email [email protected] for 5 weeks. Contact Cepta on 087 6991976 Well done to Ciarán and the Dubs on their win over Cavan in the James Sherry “Somerton Physiotherapy” service is national league on Sunday. Congrats Dublin Senior Ladies footballers availableA to members at the Castleknock Hotel on Saturday mornings on their win over Kerry in Castleisland VERONA FC VERONA FOOTBALL CLUB IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT HAS SIGNED A NEW 2 YEAR EXTENSION TO OUR HUGELY SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WORLD RENOWNED COERVER COACHING!

ince Coerver began their exciting work 12 months ago we have seen the club develop at an alarming rate with 6 new teams and a visible improvement within each squad as a result. It Shas been a pleasure to work with the World’s No.1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method and look forward to another exciting season under their expert supervision. • If all this isn’t enough, Verona will also have access Our partnership comprises of the following to Professional coaches from Premier League clubs • Every Verona team will be given expert detailed such as Stoke City (as seen with the incredible U13 coaching to work on specific requirements throughout Major tour earlier this season), Arsenal and Newcastle. the season. Also European giants Benfica (as witnessed with U14’s Aidan Grzan’s elite training camp visit last summer), Real • Every coach will be trained monthly so that their own Madrid and Ajax. So it stands to reason that any young sessions use Coerver techniques to improve and develop players good enough and looking to get noticed will each team and maximise their potential. have an array of Europe’s top clubs standing by to view their talents! • Players will also have access to nutritional advice and speed For those who are unaware of what Coerver Coaching is development training as part of the programme along will be excited to learn that they develop football in clubs with access to the online “Skilful Edge” to aid their such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax to name individual progress. but a few. Their coaching methods have been proved to develop players skills from whatever age or level and has • Our academy coaches will also receive monthly produced players such as Eden Hazard and Arjen Robben education to compliment the great work within a nursery in the past. that accommodates over 80 children. If Coerver Coaching are good enough for Europe’s elite then that’s good enough for us! So if you want your child • Our goalkeepers will also receive tuition on a monthly to be coached by the best methods available then look basis with Coerver’s partner I.P.K helping to develop no further than Verona to develop and showcase their their tailored needs. talents within Ireland’s strongest league the DDSL.

32 Little Village February / March 2017 NEW SENIOR HURLING MANAGEMENT TEAM AT CASTLEKNOCK HURLING & GAA CLUB

CASTLEKNOCK HURLING AND GAA CLUB HOPE TO BUILD ON 2016s HURLING SUCCESSES AS IT WELCOMES LOCAL MAN DAMIEN WHELAN TO HEAD ITS NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR 2017.

e is joined by DCU Fresher’s/Fitzgibbon cup coach James Donoghue and long- time Erins Isle player John Carey comes in as selector, while Eddie H Grange and Neil Kedward complete the the club will face at Senior B level, pointing to the backroom staff. recently relegated Lucan Sarsfields and St Johns, The club has welcomed the new members and Balinteer as clubs who will give Castleknock a run wishes them every success for the coming season. for their money this season. Upon his appointment, Whelan said it is a great He remains confident in his clubs abilities however, honour to be chosen and he is really looking forward saying: “Castleknock are a strong, young team, to it. He and his family have a strong presence in the however, and are developing both on the pitch and club with his three children all involved; Luke and their own facilities. Somerton - primarily pitches at Aoife play club level, while Caoimhe is involved in present – will shortly be added to with a clubhouse, this season’s Dublin minor side. which is out to tender, while a new housing estate He paid tribute to his various predecessors who of 600 properties is on the way around the corner. have helped the club to achieve numerous successes The senior sides are seeing growing success and in the 19 years since the Somerton clubs inception. the youth setups mean a conveyer belt of young He has great faith in his management team, calling talent,” he said. Donoghue a great young coach and saying of He went on to extoll the merits and potential of Carey: “he has just moved back to the area, but is a the team, saying: “Ten to 12 of our panel – half the former Erin’s Isle man of many years and is a great team – are Under-21. We’ve got a few club legends addition”. still hanging around and doing a great job, but it’s He has outlined his plans, in which fitness and long a young team, and we’ve added two or three more term goals will be key features. from last year’s minor team. There are more coming “We have four of five on the hurling panel who in the minors, the Under-16s and the Under-15s. The play both codes and, of course, we take a lesson latter are a particularly strong age group.” or two from what the footballers have done. Their Castleknock GAA is a great local sport success fitness was a big thing, and we’ll be upping that a story. Founded in 1998 in the Carpenterstown / little bit, and already have sessions going. In the Castleknock / Clonsilla area the club play host to long term, you need to be playing the best regularly , Hurling and from the ages to really compete with them. As a GAA man, the of five upwards. There are over 1, 500 members from championship always comes first but we need to over 650 local families, which have helped the club look at the league, too. If we want to progress in the to achieve numerous successes across numerous championship, we need to do well in both areas,” levels in the clubs short history. he said. For more information on the club, visit: He is under no illusions about the tough tasks www.castleknock.net.

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