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November 26, 2015, t: 01 901 5557, e: info@informer.ie
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informer.ie November 26 2015
dublininformer www
SOUTHSIDE EDITION! your free, positive newspaper! 135,000 copies! SOUTHSIDE EDITION!
November 26, 2015, t: 01 901 5557, e: info@informer.ie
FREE
135,000 copies
Millionaire’s row
Tiger prices back as 280 homes cost €1m or more By Michelle McGlynn
It will bring a shiver to most people but it would appear that house prices in certain parts of Dublin last seen during the Celtic Tiger are returning. So far this year, 280 properties in Dublin have changed hands for €1m or more. The number of homes worth over €1m sold in the first nine months of the year are on par with the same period in 2014, according to figures obtained by the Dublin Informer from the Property Price Register (PPR). But in the third quarter of this year, 123 of these properties were sold almost equaling the number sold in the first six months alone. The most expensive home to be sold in 2015 was Sorrento House, Dalkey which sold for €10m on August 31. Known as Dublin’s Most Expensive Home, the expansive six-bedroom home boasts fantastic views of Dublin Bay. On the market since 2013, the original asking price was €12m. The expansive home was
purchased by an unknown US buyer who will use it as a private residence. Dublin has the highest average selling price, as a home currently costs on average €381,259 - up 10.5% in three months. Nationally, 140 properties costing €1m or more were sold during the third quarter of this year - 120 of these were in Dublin. After the capital, Cork and Kildare registered the most high value transactions during this period. The average house sold between June and September cost €235,429, according to figures, which represents a 12% rise compared with the second quarter of the year. The highest price rise recorded in the latest figures was in Kilkenny, which rose 25% and where the ‘average’ home sold cost €175,756. The number of properties changing hands has increased in every county across the country bar one. Continued on next page
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Santa’s cottage with story-telling & gift receiving Meet Santa’s reindeers View Mr. & Mrs. Claus’s bedroom Write & post letters to Santa Christmas fairy trail Hot chocolate & mulled wine for adults Optional photo in Santa’s sleigh! Paul Lynham Loame gives a kiss to his girlfriend Lorraine Cosgrave at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park for the Comhairle na Mire Gaile National Bravery Awards 2015. Paul evacuated sleeping residents from a burning building and received a bronze medal. Pic: Julien Behal » Lots more pictures inside
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04| NEWS news in brief Dundrum library
informer.ie November 26 2015
Leinster legend opens new chapter
The Dundrum Library Writers will be launching their first anthology in the library on December 3 from 6.30pm. Selina Guinness, the 2015 Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Writer in Residence will introduce the publication. Copies available for €5.
Shop’n’Drop Shop n’Drop is a free shopping bag minding service located in two convenient city centre locations – one in the Jervis Shopping Centre and one in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. The service will run from November 19 until December 28, opening Wednesday to Sunday from noon until the centres close.
Holy wells Garry Branigan will present his lecture, Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin at the Rathmichael Historical Society on December 2 at 8pm. The meeting will be held in Rathmichael National School, Stonebridge Road, Shankill. All welcome.
Leinster legend Reggie Corrigan at the launch of new book By Michelle McGlynn Better known for being in the front row at Leinster and Ireland, Wicklow rugby legend Reggie Corrigan has opened a new chapter as an author. Ex-Presentation College Bray pupil Reggie takes us back to a historic moment in rugby in a new book called Leinster in the Beginning. The book focuses on the final of the 2001 Celtic League back when the professional game was in its
infancy and Munster reigned supreme in Ireland. Former Leinster and Ireland captain Reggie, who won more than 100 caps for the province and 47 for country, provides an insight into a pivotal moment for Leinster rugby as Ireland was coming to grips with the professional game. “One of the biggest challenges at the time was changing the players’ mindset,” Reggie told the Dublin Informer. “Before players had full-time jobs as
well as playing rugby but now rugby was their job and that took some getting used to. “Every player stepped up to the challenge and we won 15 games that season including the final against Munster which was a massive coup at that time.” Reggie, who also played for Greystones RFC, said that he enjoyed delving back into his days with Leinster. “As the game continues to grow and change I think it’s important to look back at where we came from.”
Tiger prices prowl again as 280 €1m homes sold Continued from previous page
However, the number of new homes on the market remains extremely low with just 9,000 homes delivered in the first nine months of the year. This falls quite short of demand with 18,000 to 25,000 units required to keep prices at a sustainable level. According to selling data, almost four in every 10 homes sold in the first six months of the year were cash transactions. Figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland shows that during this period just 10,729 mortgage offers were taken up while 17,052 units were sold across the country. The cash-rich buyers looking to invest in a rental property or family home account for 37% of properties sold in the first six months. However, overall the days of excessive spiralling house prices in south county Dublin and beyond have been brought to an end by the Central Bank’s introduction of tighter mortgage lending rules, with prices slowing in recent months.
Nine new schools on the way to meet pupil demand By Michelle McGlynn
A new programme of capital investment will see nine new schools being opened in Dublin over the next six years. Another 72 schools will also benefit from the programme of capital investment announced by Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan. Six of the new schools are set to open from 2017 Pelletstown, Dublin 7; Dun Laoghaire; Carpenterstown and Castleknock, Dublin 15; Lucan; Malahide and Portmarnock and Swords. Two schools in Dublin’s South City Centre and one in Firhouse, Dublin 24 will open in 2018. As schools in the county have struggled in recent years to cope with the increasing demand for places, it is hoped that this announcement will help to create enough places for the growing school population. The upgrade and extension works on 72 Dublin schools will provide high quality school accommodation throughout the county and eliminate the need for any school to use pre-fabs as a long-term solution. The plan will also address issues relating to upgrading and refurbishment in schools that may not be experiencing the same demand for places but require improved facilities in order to provide students with a suitable environment. The works will be carried
out between 2016 and 2021 and will create an additional 62,000 permanent school places nationwide. Over the course of the six years, the Government will invest approximately €2.8 billion in the capital investment plan. “The number of children attending both primary and postprimary schools is continuing to grow and taking a long-term, planned approach now is the best interests of our future students and their parents,” said Minister O’Sullivan at the launch. As the demographic demand is monitored it appears that in the period following 2018, new schools at post-primary level may be needed in additional areas. Some of the areas already noted include North-West Dublin City, Dublin 13, Dublin 17 and the Milltown area of Dublin at primary level. The data will be updated in conjunction with the overall midterm review of the Government’s capital plan. Smaller projects such as additional classrooms is not included in this plan as such projects are dealt with on an ongoing basis. The plan relates to major projects costing in excess of €1 million and includes 50 projects which were part of the previous plan and will go to construction in 2016.
Dublin Bus backs down
Dublin Bus has backed down in a row with locals over route changes. The bus company had planned to make extensive changes to its routes which would have left some areas without any access to buses. Hundreds of people attended public-consultation sessions in South Dublin and made submissions to the company. Dublin Bus has now revealed revised plans that will go to the
National Transport Authority. Route 111 will no longer be withdrawn, it will travel from Dalkey to Cherrywood every hour. The route and timetable for the 45a will also remain unchanged. Sallynoggin will keep two bus routes; the number 7 will travel along a new route via the Sally Glen route to the city centre. The 7a will travel from Loughlinstown Park to the city centre via Sallynoggin.
November 26 2015 informer.ie
ADVERTISING |05
06| NEWS
informer.ie November 26 2015
EPA claims raw sewage being pumped into Bay
news in brief Celebration of light Families and friends of people lost through suicide in Dublin and Kildare have the chance to come together to remember their loved ones at Console’s upcoming Celebration of Light. The evening of song, music, poetry and reflection takes place in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on November 29 at 4pm.
By Michelle McGlynn
Songs for someone Badger Hill will play their final gig of the year on November 24 in The Workman’s before they record their third EP. The gig features new material from Badger Hill with support from Rachael Lavelle and Niall Fahey.
Book sale The December first Saturday book sale in support of Shankill Old Folks Association and Meals on Wheels will take place on December 5 from 10am to 1pm. It will take place in the Shankill Old Folks Centre and donations of books are accepted on the day.
Joe Smith (Lions Club Coordinator) and twin sisters Millie and Sophie Bolger urge customers to double their efforts and ‘give big’ at the launch of this year’s Christmas Food Appeal in association with the Lions Club and Tesco Ireland.
Untreated sewage is being discharged into rivers, loughs and the sea in Dublin, a new report has revealed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Urban Waste Water Treatment Report 2014 which shows that Dublin is failing to meet European Union standards. Rush is the only Dublin location identified as pumping raw sewage into the sea. Currently, Irish Water’s Ringsend plant is pumping water that has not been properly treated into Dublin Bay. The plant services 2.1m people in the Dublin area. The report states that discharging dirty water is directly responsible for poor quality at seven popular swimming spots around the country including the south beach in Rush, County Dublin.
The amount of raw sewage and waste water being pumped out nationally is equivalent to 200,000 people each using 140 litres of water a day. The EPA are calling on Irish Water to invest in its waste water infrastructure while Irish Water claim that it has done so by investing €320 million in both 2014 and 2015. The company has plans to invest a further €2 billion in waste water infrastructure over the next six years. According to EU rules, Ireland should have had secondary treatment of sewage for areas with populations over 15,000 by the year 2000. “Unfortunately we are dealing here with a legacy of underinvestment over decades and that poses a significant challenge for Irish Water. It is long overdue,” said Noel Byrne, senior inspector with the EPA. The 2014 report noted improvements in waste water treatment as 82% of large urban areas meet the mandatory EU standards, up 8% over the last two years.
Goodbye to rare old times as city landmarks vanish By Michelle McGlynn
Dublin landmarks are falling like dominoes in recent weeks as numerous institutions have been closed down, transformed or purchased by overseas firms. A church in the heart of the city will soon become the latest pub in the JD Wetherspoon chain, the Screen Cinema a fixture for film fans for over 30 years is set to close, Arnotts has been bought by the Selfridges Group, the Avoca chain has been sold to US group Aramark and Thomas Pink Ireland will transform from a luxury shirt shop into a coffee shop. The Baptist church on Lower Abbey Street sold at auction for €1.47 million - three times the guide price - earlier this month. Pub chain JD Wetherspoon, who already own the former TSB bank next door, bought the iconic building to open one of their well-known gastro pubs. The Screen Cinema, a be-
loved gem for cinema-goers in the capital, looks set to close its doors as bookings were transferred to the nearby Savoy cinema, another member of Irish Multiplex Cinemas (IMC). Staff at the Hawkins Street cinema were put on eight weeks’ protective notice. New Generation, a property development company, are rumoured to have purchased it having already bought College House offices next door. meanwhile Ireland’s largest department store, Arnotts, was also sold this month. The historic Henry Street store was acquired by the Selfridges Group for an undisclosed sum. Arnotts joins Brown Thomas in the Selfridges portfolio of upmarket department stores owned by Canadian Galen Weston and his Irish wife, Hilary. Following the sale, a representative for Selfridges said that they were “committed” to investing in Arnotts and “enhanc-
ing the shopping experience for its customers, upgrading the store environment and introducing new premium brands.” Meanwhile, luxury brand Avoca who have four Dublin locations has been purchased by US catering group Aramark. The second generation familyowned business was sold for a sum rumoured to be €60m. Aramark have expressed their hopes to “internationalise” the brand with eventual expansion into the US market. The Pratt family who owned the brand will remain involved in Avoca following the sale. Thomas Pink Ireland, one of the city’s landmark retail outlets, has indicated that the luxury shirt store will become Dawson Street’s newest coffee shop. The store has applied to Dublin City Council to convert the shop into a coffee house after sales took a dip. Beware Disneyfication: P16
November 26 2015 informer.ie
advertising |07
08| NEWS news in brief Style Warriors Style Warriors are holding a huge fashion show in the Wright Venue on November 20 with host Alex Best. The event is hoping to raise money for the Richie Callaghan Fund which is raising funds to send Richie to Canada for groundbreaking treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.
informer.ie November 26 2015
That’s some Homecoming
A Lending Hand Lipstick, Glitter and Me Ladies Day will take place on November 29 at the Green Isle Hotel, Naas Road from 1pm5.30pm. On the day there is a fashion show, makeup and hair demos, product demos and giveaways. Tickets are €15 on the door and money raised will go to homeless charity, A Lending Hand.
Roald Dahl dinner Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Hunt and Gather at their Roald Dahl inspired dinners on December 3 from 7pm. Held at No. 12 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, tickets are €67.50 for drinks reception and a three course meal.
Home town fans flock to see U2 By Michelle McGlynn
“Hello Dublin, we’re a band called U2” announced Bono, as if the sold-out crowd in 3 Arena could have mistaken their hometown heroes for anyone else. A homecoming that has been buzzed about since it was announced, the arrival of the latest U2 tour, Innocence + Experience, is poignant as the latest record has been specifically influenced by our fair city. The show is divided into two parts, reflecting the Innocence and Experience records. The opening half of
the show reflects on where the band have come from, mixing new songs such as Cedarwood Road and Irish with old hits including Out of Control and Electric Co. Following the stripped back first segment, the lads storm onto the stage with hit after hit in the latter part of the show. Despite the size of the arena, Bono and the boys move between intimate selfconfession and banging anthems with ease. The band will celebrate their 40th anniversary next year and performances like the 3 Arena shows it’s clear U2 only gets better with experience.
Buskers to face the music if they fail council test ByJake Maxwell
Buskers will have to prove that they have the X factor if they want to perform on the city’s streets if permit amendments are approved. Dublin City Council discussed a new report of the city’s bylaws relating to street performers. According to documents obtained by the Dublin Informer, proposals include the introduction of auditions to determine the abilities of the performer as well as demonstrating an appropriate repertoire. Brendan Kenny, the assistant chief executive spoke bluntly in his report, writing “some applicants clearly possess little or no musical ability and are using instruments merely as props to solicit contributions.” The perceived lack of talent of some of Dublin’s buskers is the top complaint from members of the public with repetition of
songs following closely behind. Mr Kenny was reviewing the Street Performers bylaws, a code of conduct for buskers and street artists, which was introduced in April of this year. Since its introduction in April, over 110 warning notices and 30 fines have been issued. It was judged that the bylaws have been working well but required amendments and additions. Currently, buskers may not perform for longer than two hours in one place per day but this is not being adhered to. As a result, there is a proposal to reduce this to no more than one hour in the same place. Excessive noise and congestion have also been flagged as issues, with many of the complaints coming from shops and businesses. The use of backing tracks by performers could be banned except in the case
of dance and circle acts due to their often repetitive nature and “questionable quality”. Grafton Street is one of the most popular spots for buskers and performers and as a result it will be designated its own “special permit”. Performances often cause congestion on the pedestrianised shopping street. In an effort to combat this, the council are considering restricting dance troupes, circle acts and bands with more than three members to the St Stephen’s Green end of the street where there is a larger space for people to gather. Between April and October, over 470 permits and 250 amplification permits were issued a greater number than had been anticipated. “In view of this and certain other factors, it is likely that we will have to consider limiting the number of permits in the future,” said Mr Kenny.
NEWS|09
November 26 2015 informer.ie
dubliners in pictures
Pictured at the launch of the Heart Children Ireland 2016 Trucks and Tiara’s Calendar with the support of Chill Insurance is Albie O’Neill (15mths) and Faye Deane (17mths). Pic: Andres Poveda
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina received the families of the victims of the Carrickmines Tragedy. Pictured are Michael (7) and Thomas Connors(4) who lost their families in the tradegy. Pic: Maxwells
Curtis Moran of Rook in Foxrock (Regional Winner, Best Business Idea Category); Eibhlin Curley Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire Rathdownand Peter Roberts, of Roberts of Dalkey (Regional Winner, Best Established Business Category) at the Regional Final of the 2015 Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition at Cork Marts, Fermoy, Co Cork
Rhona McGee and Chloe O’Rourke from McDoanld’s Dublin Airport Drive-Thru at the announcement of a partnership between Ballygowan and McDonald’s Ireland charity partner, the Ronald McDonald House Charity. Pic: Naoise Culhane
Diane Shine Client Care Manager with Comfort Keepers presents Rathfarnham’s Jean Bennett with her top care giver award in Ireland in recognition of her work with older people in South Dublin. She was chosen from 17 county winners and four regional winners from around Ireland
Arona Romeri is all smiles after Energia was named Greenest Home Energy Supplier for the second year running by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Pic: Conor McCabe
Breda Collins, Chairman, Irish Water Safety and Minister Alan Kelly present Aideen McGinn and Carol McNally from Water Babies with a Community and Social Responsibility Award at the annual Irish Water Safety Awards
10 | NEWS informer.ie November 26 2015
City slickers suffer as 35% of Dublin students get grant By Jake Maxwell
New figures have revealed a stark rural/urban divide when it comes to third-level students in receipt of grants. Just 35% of new students from Dublin are in receipt of a student grant which is less than half the number of successful applicants from Co Donegal (67%). Of the Dublin students who were successful in their Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) applications, only 24% are in receipt of full-fees and either full or special rate of maintenance. Meanwhile, just 32% of these Dublin students are in receipt of full fees. “It remains a concern that in some urban areas, particularly in Dublin, levels of participation in education are too low,” said Tom Boland, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). “There is a strong correlation between urban social and
economic disadvantage and educational underperformance. “That is a societal issue that should cause alarm. It requires a renewed focus and fresh solutions, including those developed by higher and further education in partnership with local communities.” The figures compiled by the HEA, based on data supplied by SUSI for 2013/14, offer the first ever breakdown of the proportion of first year students in receipt of grants. Grants are a good measure of access to higher education across social classes and regional divides. The figures from this study will inform the implementation of a new National Strategy on Access to Higher Education which is expected to be published shortly. Eligibility for the grant is determined by an assessment of the income of students or their parents. Income thresholds range from €40,000 to €65,000
per year and other factors such as dependent children and how many of those are attending third level are taken into account. The maintenance grant helps students to cover living costs during the academic term. “This support is essential for many of them to ensure that they can afford to keep themselves at college,” said Mr Boland. A breakdown of figures by sector shows that new entrants to institutes of technology have the highest proportion of student grants (56%) compared to 36% in universities and 41% in other colleges. The new entrants into institutes of technology are also more likely to be in receipt of the highest level of grant support (23%) when compared to universities (18%) and other colleges (21%). The highest proportion of students receiving a grant is in Letterkenny Institute of Technology (71%).
NEWS | 11
November 26 2015 informer.ie
Wiki Loves Mark’s photo of Baldongan Church
By Michelle McGlynn A photo of Dublin’s Baldongan Church has won a top photography prize. Wiki Loves Monuments, the world’s largest photography competition, has chosen Mark Broderick’s photo of the ruins, which are actually those of a church, as one of Ireland’s top entries. Mark’s photo was ranked sixth out of over 1,500 entries and he received his award at a ceremony in the Stag’s Head pub in Dublin earlier this month. Entries were judged by a three-person expert panel and the top ten Irish images
have been entered into the international competition. The Wiki Loves Monuments competition encourages people to take the time to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and history of their own country and county. “We were delighted to see the fantastic photos that were submitted for this year’s Wiki Loves Media competition,” said Rebecca O’Neill, Wikimedia Ireland. “We inspired 296 photographers to get out and photograph their local heritage sites in 2015, up from 256 last year. “As a result 1,659 original images of Ireland’s heritage sites were produced.”
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12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Starling. Pics: John Fox
Mesmerising Murmurations Picture the scene. It is dusk on a winters’ evening. As the last light begins to fade in an otherwise featureless and lifeless skyline a strange phenomenon starts to unfold. Wave upon wave of black shapes arrive from all directions to coalesce into one huge, living, breathing entity. And so one of the most breath taking and awe inspiring performances you are ever likely to witness begins. The gigantic shadow creature begins an aerial, shape-shifting ballet. Constantly twisting and turning, ebbing and flowing so the dance continues. But look closer and you will see that the creature is not a single entity but consists of thousands, even millions of black specks moving in unison, for all the world like iron filings on a sheet of paper being controlled from beneath by a magnet. Suddenly as if a switch has been flicked they drop from the sky and the performance is over for another day.
What you have just witnessed is a flock of starlings, or a murmuration, arriving at their evening, winter communal roost. The Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a highly sociable bird and they roost communally throughout the year. During the breeding season these roosts are relatively small and mainly consist of non-breeding birds. It is in late autumn and winter that these roosts can reach an incredible size, some in excess of a million individuals. Typically the roosts are in small woods, reed beds or suitable manmade structures, although in recent years urban roosts have been in decline. While a murmuration is the collective noun for a group/flock of starlings it is particularly associated with the large winter groups and their pre-roost aerial stunts and acrobatics. Next week we shall explore the phenomenon of murmurations further.
informer.ie November 26 2015
Festival of the week I Believe in Christmas Custom House Quarter, Dublin, until December 23 I Believe will be Ireland’s first winter food, drink, craft and horticulture festival. Dublin’s iconic Clerys Santa will be relocating his workshop and elves to the Custom House Quarter. children will meet Santa and his elves in his workshop for singing, fun and enchanting Christmas stories. There will be an exclusive kids area, which includes arts, crafts and family Christmas movies. The festival has carefully curated a selection of the nation’s leading food, drink, craft and horticulture producers that will trade in a festive village advocating exceptional quality and locally sourced products. Book an Après Ski pass and celebrate the festive season in Dublin’s only unique ski lodge. The I Believe Chartable Fund support seven different charities each year - St Vincent de Paul, Barretstown, Simon Commuity, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Childline, Temple Street Hospital and Inner City Helping Homeless. Pictured are Eabha Scully (6) and Kyle Doyle (6). Pic by: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
Event of the week Ladies Night Out Greystones Greystones village, December 3 Get ready, get set, get shopping - Ladies Night Out Greystones is back! The evening, which is exclusive to women, will be filled with fun, frolics and of course, shopping. Take some time out from the hectic festive season and treat yourself - and your loved ones if you’re feeling generous - to some fantastic items at even better prices. First class fashion, exquisite gifts, discerning home interiors, glamorous hair and beauty salons and more await you in Greystones so there is no shortage of places to peruse. Set to the backdrop of live music, Greystones will be transformed into a shopping Mecca with lots of entertainment, fashion shows, demonstrations and in-store promotions to boot. Grab your best girlfriends and take advantage of this fun-filled evening because this is an event you would be a fool to miss.
book of the week Beatlebone By Kevin Barry Limerick writer Kevin Barry recently won the Goldsmiths Prize for his second novel, Beatlebone. A searing, surreal novel that bleeds fantasy and reality - and Beatles fandom. It is 1978, and John Lennon has escaped New York City to try and find the island off the west coast of Ireland he bought nine years prior. Leaving behind domesticity, his approaching forties, his inability to create, and his memories of his parents, he sets off to find calm in the comfortable silence of isolation. But when he puts himself in the hands of a shape-shifting driver full of Irish charm and dark whimsy, what ensues can only be termed a magical mystery tour. Beatlebone is a tour de force of language and literary imagination that marries the most improbable element to the most striking effect.
TV SHOW of the week The Late Late Toy Show RTE One, November 27, 9.30pm Christmas officially begins once the Late Late Toy Show is on. Get cosy in front of the fire and drink some hot chocolate - ok, wine - while you watch the magic unfold because no one does a toy show quite like us. Enjoy as the children willfully ignore what it is they were supposed to do and watch as Ryan tries to reign it all in while appearing to have the time of his life. And of course, there is always
that one child. The one everybody will be talking about and whose YouTube clip will be shared all over Facebook on Saturday. We already love that kid. Feel that familiar jealousy of all those people who got tickets when you didn’t. It’s alright, there’s always next year. Of course, now we get to talk about how we didn’t have all these fancy, technological toys in our day. No sir, it was a ball and a string and you were pleased with it. We’re not kids anymore but when you watch the Toy Show you can recapture that feeling.
Home security idea of the week Security Certified Doors Unit 17, Western Parkway Business Centre, Lower Ballymount Road, Dublin 12, 01 4600016 Be careful when choosing replacement entrance doors. It is a fact that most people when choosing replacement doors reply on the door company to be truthful. With burglary very much on peoples’ minds, this trust can be replaced as it is a proven fact that most doors and window companies know very little about security. With burglars targeting occupied homes, it is often the occupants that are at risk. And so readers need to understand that while having the proper lock and laminated glass in the door is a must, the single most important feature is the amount of strength provided by the door frame into which the locks fit when the door is locked. The timber, aluminium or PVC frames that are used in most PVC and composite doors all have their own security limitations and that is why, when you next need a new door, insist on getting one with a steel frame. Zentry Doors are the answer. Call or check out their website today.
Festival of the week
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WHAT’S HOT| 13
November 26 2015 informer.ie
MOVIE of the week The Good Dinosaur November 27 Set in a world where dinosaurs never became extinct, Pixar’s delightful animation charts the friendship between a small boy and a giant apatosaurus. Sixty-five million years ago, a giant asteroid races towards Earth - but it misses. This simple twist of fate leads to dinosaurs peaceably toiling in the fields. A big-hearted 70-foottall apatosaurus named Arlo (Lucas Neff) then befriends a small human boy named Spot. While travelling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of. The stellar cast includes Frances McDormand, Bill Hader, Judty Greer, Neil Patrick Harris and John Lithgow. Pixar movies are known for creating sharp, funny and emotive films that appeal to adults as much as they do to children and it looks like The Good Dinosaur is set to follow in this tradition.
HOROSCOPES
Family fun of the week Santa Experience GAA Museum, Croke Park, Drumcondra, until December 22 This year, why not plan your Santa Experience at Croke Park? Did you know that Santa’s favourite games are Gaelic Games? He’s had so many requests for footballs and hurleys over the years that he’s had plenty of practice and has become a talented full-forward! Just as he did in 2014, because of his love of all things GAA, Santa has set up his Irish headquarters at Croke Park. His band
of elves have been moving into the team dressing rooms and decorating a very special grotto so families from all over Ireland can come and visit Santa at the home of Gaelic Games. The Santa Experience at Croke Park includes a trip to the elves dressing rooms, Santa’s Grotto and a sneak peek pitchside. The experience also includes a visit to the Santa workshop, a present for every child and admission to the GAA Museum, which features two floors of interactive exhibits. Festive fun for all the family.
Wedding fair of the week Lawless Hotel Aughrim, Co Wicklow, 0402 36146, November 29, 2pm-5pm
Play of the week Through a Glass Darkly Project Arts Centre, 39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, until December 5, 8pm Through A Glass Darkly is a vibrant, moving adaptation of the Oscar-winning film by legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Set on a stark, stony island, this intimate, tightly condensed family drama depicts the unraveling of Karin – a young wife, an older sister and an only daughter. Torn by the duty she feels for the men that love her and the inner voices that compel her towards freedom, Karin is faced with a choice that will alter her fate and that of her family. Strongly influenced by his work in theatre with Strindberg, Ibsen and Chekhov, Through A Glass Darkly paved the way for Bergman’s most celebrated, dark and stylised films establishing him as one of the world’s greatest directors. The Corn Exchange, in celebration of 20 years of theatre-making in Dublin, bring their stark precision and transformational acting style to this gripping drama of love and desire, faith and doubt, and the creative impulse within us all.
Gemini- This week is a 7 Communications channels are wide open. Accept more responsibilities. Create and appreciate works of beauty. Trust old love. Cancer- This week is a 9 Look to the future. Keep family first. Look at what needs to change. Home investments pay off. Find an excellent deal in a fixer-upper.
Virgo- This week is a 7 Your connections have wisdom and experience. Reach out and let people know what you need. An older person comes up with the answer.
GIG of the week
Follow the release of Froot, Marina And The Diamonds’ first new noise since the death of alter-ego Electra Heart midway through 2013, Marina Diamandis has made a grand statement of intent. It’s a cathartic rebirth in nearly every way, and sees her veer away from the last LP’s stylistic and thematic intentions, instead returning to basics for a new chapter in her career and her life. It’s the result of a drastic twist in her outlook, and a
Taurus- This week is an 8 Make your life more comfortable. Travel for pleasure. You’re gaining maturity and knowledge. Follow your passion
Leo- This week is a 5 The more you learn, the more confident you become. Listen to your dreams. Use what you’re discovering. Apply discipline and nothing can stop you.
Lawless Hotel are calling on all couples who are planning, thinking of planning or just looking to come along to view our top class venue to join them at their first wedding fair in ten years. Boasting a magnificent function room and gardens with views of the river that would enhance any couples memories, the Lawless Hotel has everything you could want for your special day. Their local wedding experts will be present to advise and discuss their prices and packages. With many years of wedding experience, their good advice and guidance will help you decide what you require and what best suits your special day. For more information see lawlesshotel.ie or email reservations@lawlesshotel.ie
Marina and the Diamonds The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, December 3
Aries- This week is a 9 Partner with a gracious person to take advantage. Buy tickets, or make reservations. Let joy and abundance win.
passion for taking charge. Striding back with confidence, Diamandis spouts disco grooves, dreamy vocal hooks and an effervescent sass not seen since she was last on the scene. Crucially, the thematic content is a far cry from that of The Family Jewels or Electra Heart. She stresses that ‘happiness’ is not the right word, but rather a contented state of existence. Comfort. Honesty. Finally, she feels welcome in her own skin. Don’t miss the transformed Marina and the Diamonds when they take to the stage in Dublin.
Libra- This week is an 8 Share your discoveries generously. Provide substance, not just symbolism. Listen to a female’s advice. Clean up and lend a helping hand. Scorpio- This week is an 8 Good things come through communicating with your social networks. Encourage feedback to see your blind spots. Back up your words of love with action. Sagittarius- This week is a 6 Friends open unseen doors. Your team is especially hot. Keep everyone in communication to harness flourishing creativity. Party later. Capricorn- This week is an 8 Provide excellent work, and ask for what you need. Maintain discretion. Devote energy toward a matter of the heart for abundant reward. Aquarius- This week is a 6 Friends share options. Go farther than ever before. Travels, transportation and shipping flow with ease. Hold yourself to high standards. Pisces- This week is a 9 You’re gaining skills and confidence. Creative breakthroughs spark when you mix love into your work. Learn and teach.
14 | lifestyle
informer.ie November 26 2015
my favourite things
Smashing
Smock Shopping for good quality, essential items to stay warm, dry and stylish during the colder months has never been easier! At long last, those go-to items are available on your doorstep in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Whether it be a chic and timeless Winter coat, your trusty water-proof welly boots or a dazzling piece of sparkle for someone special, Smock Boutique will fast become your new favourite shopping destination! Main pic: Boiled wool coat in dark tomato Sandwich €285 Right from top: Barbour style jacket €180; Hao wrap dress, Inwear, €169.95; Honeycombe multi-print dress, Brakeburn, €75; Henni lace top, Inwear,
€119.95 Black high boot, Brakeburn, €185 and Clouds/Birds printed welly, Brakeburn, €75 Brand new store Smock Boutique is owned and run by personal stylist Mairead Vickers. With a background in image consultancy and fashion styling, Mairead has over 5 years of experience advising, styling and shopping for personal clients in the Wicklow area. For personal styling enquiries and to sign up to the Smock Boutique mailing list, head to www.maireadvickers.com Smock Boutique, Main Street, Enniskerry, 01 286189, info@smockboutique.com
WHAT’s HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
LIFESTYLE| 15
November 26 2015 informer.ie
my favourite food
INGREDIENTS 1 head Celery, leaves intact, coarsely chopped 1 Onion, sliced finely 2 peeled shallots, sliced finely 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 Tablespoons Celery Seed 1 med. ROOSTER Potato, sliced finely 100 grams Butter Salt and Pepper
Celery and buttermilk soup Method: Place onion, shallots, garlic, potato, butter, and water in a pot. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until potatoes are soft. Add celery and celery seed to pot. Add
enough water to just cover vegetables. Bring to a boil, stirring so nothing sticks. When celery is soft but still slightly crunchy, puree as quickly as possible with
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
a blender. Moving quickly will ensure a bright green colour and fresh celery flavour. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add buttermilk to taste, to give the soup a bit of acidity but not enough to overpower the celery flavour. Serve with chopped chives and whole celery leaves.
16 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Why should we care about the refugees?
A
distant land so far away, remote from the comfort of our personal safety. Feeling compassion is one thing; acting on it is another. When we encounter people in need and distress, we can often imagine what their experiences are like. Taking the perspective of another is one of the most important aspects of human moral judgment. Empathic state of concern motivates us to address needs and enhance the person’s welfare, sometimes even at our own expense. People can communicate compassion in so many ways. When experienced, compassion overwhelms selfish concerns and motivates altruistic behaviour. Families are struggling to survive inside Syria, or make a new home in neighbouring countries. Others are risking their lives on the way to Europe, hoping to find acceptance and opportunity. And the onset of harsh winter weather makes life as a refugee even more difficult. At times, the effects of the conflict can seem overwhelming. The United Nations (UN) estimates that in Syria 7.6m people are internally displaced. When you also consider refugees, more than half of the country’s pre-war population of 23m is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, whether they still remain in the country or have escaped across the borders. The lack of clean water and sanitation in crowded, makeshift settlements is an urgent concern. Diseases like cholera and polio can easily spread — even more life-threatening without enough medical services. Children affected by the Syrian conflict are at risk of becoming ill, malnourished abused or exploited. 51% of all migrants making dangerous attempts to reach Europe are from Syria, according to the UN Refugee Agency. 700,000 Syrian refugees and other migrants risked their lives to travel to Europe. 12million Syrians, half of them children, have been forced from their homes. The extreme trauma faced by Syrian children has resulted in many suffering from psychological and behavioural disorders. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) symptoms (depression, anxiety, fear, anger, aggression, self-destructive behaviour) have been found in many children in Syria. Adding to that, studies conducted on individuals in various war zones around the world have shown that people who have experienced severe emotional trauma are much more prone to drug addiction, alcoholism, and sexual promiscuity or prostitution, as these seem to pro-
vide a way of coping with intense stress and confusion. Traumatic experiences can often result in a tendency to act violently and with aggression. Up to 12 million Syrians have been forced from their homes, half of them children. Ireland has agreed to take in 5,000 refugees. The Syrian Appeal Gala Concert fundraiser in Christchurch Cathedral on December 3 promises to be a conduit for those wanting to not just to feel compassion, but to act upon it. To attend, raise awareness and funds for medical and psychological support for those so distant but yet so dear to our hearts. Through music and performance we show our solidarity, care and humanity. This is a way we garner support, feel less powerless and truly express our compassion for a fellow human being. The concert is being organised by a group of volunteers and the proceeds will go to Médicines San Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders/MSF who are providing psychological support and valuable medical treatment on the ground to Syrian families. The event has a fabulous line-up of artists who are giving their time free of charge. Drumcondra and Cabra Village Counselling Services provide a range of counselling and psychological services to the community. Through this work the Managing Director of services has felt the wisdom of compassion and connected with Médicines San Frontiers/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to raise funds for charity. In addition to the Fingal Youth Choir other performers include The Humanitarian Orchestra, Opera singers, Aisling Williams and Kevin Neville, The Dublin Ballet Academy, Pine The Pilcrow and traditional Irish Musicians. We must also make room for our compassionate impulses to flourish. Events such as the Syrian Appeal Gala Christchurch Cathedral Concert and all the volunteers participating do more than make us reconsider our assumptions about human nature. They offer us a blueprint for a more compassionate world.
Ian O’Maonaigh is Managing Director of the Syrian Appeal Charity Concert and Director of Drumcondra & Cabra Village Counselling Services. Tickets for the concert can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
with Ian O’Maonaigh with Martina Durac
“W
During the making of the film, more parts of the jigsaw puzzle fell into place
Tweets of the week
lieutenant dan @verdygood “In line at boojum Me: can i get a burrito girl next to me: it was mycat’s birthday yesterday! me: ...to go” ray reluctantly @sireviscerate “dog: i think that job interview went well! *looks in mirror and sees ear was inside-out the whole time* son of a...” andrew wheeler @wheeler “some of you really need to work on your selfawareness. i’m not naming names; you know who you... damn it”
aisling bea @weemissbea “I’ve just paid £22 to come into an airport lounge for a nap. pound for pound it’s the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought.”
have you got something to say? if you would like to write on this page, then contact us e: info@ infomer.ie w: www. informer.ie
Searching for answers in Dwyer murder hen Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, came to D u b l i n recently on a State trip there was one family that had more reason than most to take note of his visit. And when his foreign minister met with Caroline Dwyer to talk with her I wondered what would come out of that meeting. Why did they meet and why did it matter to me? It mattered because in April 2009 a young Irishman was shot dead and killed by a secret police unit in Santa Cruz in Bolivia. Two other men were killed in the incident and two were arrested and taken into custody. The Bolivian authorities said that Michael Dwyer had been part of a group plotting to kill Morales, the President of Bolivia. I wondered why a young man from rural Tipperary with no connections to South America, no apparent political affiliations, no Spanish language skills, would take it upon himself to go to Bolivia to try to assassinate the President there? These questions eventually led myself and the co-director on the film, Julien Behal, to make a documentary exploring this, called Death of a Son – The Killing of Michael Dwyer. It took us from Tipperary to Dublin, Brussels, Washington, Bolivia and Brazil as we accompanied his mother Caroline. We wanted to make a personal, observational film with this woman who had suffered incredible grief and the film is as much about a family’s loss as it is about the injustice of State summary execution. Santa Cruz is the richest region in Bolivia and was seeking independence from the central government in 2009. Morales, the country’s first openly left-wing President, had begun major reforms and nationalization of various industries, an unpopular move in Santa Cruz. Michael told his family he was going to Bolivia for a security-training course; he’d met Hungarian men when he worked on security at the Corrib pipeline who had told him about it. A few weeks later this course still had not come to pass. Then he was introduced to a man called Rozsa Flores and began to work for him in January 2009. Michael wrote to his family saying Flores, who was in his late forties, had more money than sense and for some reason called Michael his bodyguard though all he did was hang around with him all day. However, Rozsa Flores had a complex past; he’d fought in the Bal-
kans wars, was a poet, a journalist and had links to Santa Cruz. It seems now that as soon as Michael linked up with Flores his fate was sealed for Flores was one of the men killed that night and appears to have been the focus of the police action. By the time we started filming, parts of the official story were unravelling. We knew there hadn’t been a shootout; the trial of the men arrested made no mention of a plot to assassinate Evo Morales; they were now accused of plotting terrorist acts. As the years passed over thirty other men were charged and put on trial also. When we travelled to Santa Cruz we attended the trial and filmed parts of it, a surreal and disturbing experience. The Bolivian authorities claimed the group had a terrorist training camp but this was, in fact, a public shooting range. We filmed there with Caroline. The public prosecutor on the case, Marcelo Soza, fled to Brazil when the government was planning to move against him. We flew there to meet him and he told Caroline he found no evidence to link Michael to a terrorist plot. Caroline travelled to Washington to meet Raffaela, the young Brazilian woman who was Michael’s girlfriend in Santa Cruz. During the making of the film, more parts of the jigsaw puzzle fell into place but of course, we could never put it all together. This story is deeply complex and fractured with some of its key players now dead or in hiding, Through it all remained the shadow of a young man who can no longer speak for himself or offer explanations. Whatever about the people Michael spent time with in Santa Cruz there is no doubt that he was executed by the State there; he had no chance to defend himself in any way at all. This is central to what his mother seeks to establish with an international enquiry into his killing and why she met the Bolivian foreign minister recently. There has been much vivid speculation over the years about “what he was up to in Bolivia” with some people who never knew Michael eager to offer damning verdicts on what kind of person he was. It seems to be human nature to look for simple explanations when the messy, nuanced, complex nature of existence would suggest life does not work that way. Martina Durac is a film-maker who has been making documentaries since the mid 1990s. With her colleague, Julien Behal, she runs Phoenix Films in Dublin
OPINION| 17
November 26 2015 informer.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email info@informer.ie
We must not lose sight of liberté, égalité, fraternité
The authors of “Brian Lenihan In Calm and Crisis” a collection of essays on the life and work of the late Brian Lenihan presenting a cheque for €19,010, the books first year royalties, to the Irish Cancer Society. Pictured are Kathleen O’Meara, Irish Cancer Society, Mary O’Rourke, former Minister and TD, Noel Whelan and Dr. Brian Murphy. Pic: Sean Brosnan
Beware Disneyfication of our dear old Dublin
T
he world would be a very bland place if everywhere became too similar. What makes the planet fascinating are the differences between countries. Different scenery, different customs and cultures, a unique experience for the tourist and visitor when they travel to a different place. Sometimes it feels like this is being threatened. That our country, and by extension the city and county of Dublin, is being homogenised and losing its character. Coffee shop chains and other big brands opening up at an ever-increasing rate in place of family-run businesses of infinite variety, charm and curiosity for the visitor. Some call it Disneyfication and in recent times numerous Irish institutions are being taken over. The Avoca shops in Wicklow and Dublin have been bought by a US corporation. Arnotts has been bought by Selfridges while the Screen Cinema is being closed down after be-
Brian Quigley ing bought by the development company New Generation. Thomas Pink on Dawson Street will sell coffee not shirts going forward and JD Wetherspoons are moving into a city centre church on Lower Abbey Street (they are already in Swords). The list goes on. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. Family-run businesses are unable to compete with corporations and franchises, and you end up with less of the former and more of the latter. It’s an equilibrium that has shifted in tandem with modern economics. We complain about the loss of character but at the end of the day jobs are being provided and the population needs steady,
paid employment for its citizens. It’s a two-edged sword. The establishment of tourist initiatives like The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East (which Dublin forms part of) are symptomatic of the problem. We want to get tourist numbers up to drive our economic recovery. In order to do that we need to offer them the type of product that we think the modern tourist wants. Unfortunately the answer we have come up with is to offer the tourist a semi-homogenised package, a tick-off list of household-name places with generic visitor centres (complete with the ubiquitous coffee shop) and over-priced souvenir huts. The tourist is deprived of a more real, organic experience as a trade-off for jobs being provided and tax revenues collected. Why would we not consider or countenance the opposite approach, where we have the confidence to realise that tourists will come to visit us in large numbers anyway because of the quality of the attractions in a city and county like Dublin. Our historical sites and monuments would be stop-off points
for the visitors anyway, regardless of whether they are number two or number six on a tick-off list, and regardless of whether there is a visitor centre attached. The tick-off list approach straightjackets the tourist. The more organic approach would be infinitely more rewarding for the visitor who is therefore more likely to recommend the county and country to family and friends when they return home than if it was just another packaged-up, homogenised jaunt. A few people I know have visited Cuba in recent years. To a person they stressed the importance of seeing the country before it becomes too Americanised, too commercial (which is Cuba’s ultimate fate). If you are going to see the Great Wall of China or to climb the Alps you are going to see the real thing – you aren’t bothered whether they have a recognised pub chain or hamburger franchise dotted along the route at regular intervals. Hopefully Dublin can weather the current trend of traditional names being taken over, and keep its character.
On November 14 the world woke up to sickening news, unless people had seen the early reports the night before of what was happening in Paris. A total of 129 innocent people slaughtered at multiple locations by terrorists. The locations included a rock concert; frightening when you realise U2 were due to play Paris the following night. Dozens more were injured and are still in hospital. The victims were of many nationalities. Yet the attacks last weekend make me more sure, not less, that terrorists will never, can never or should ever win. The taking of any human life is a crime against nature. We can in some ways get our heads around the concept of war, where two nations or groups of nations or even two factions within a nation battle over territory or other conflicts. Human casualties mount up on both sides. It’s an awful way to settle differences but it is a tragedy that has been played out since the dawn of time. The kind of atrocity perpetrated in Paris last week, like the one in Kenya in April (when 147 were killed in a terrorist attack on a college in Garissa) or a number of other black days in recent history, show that some people are prepared to kill indiscriminately in an unprovoked and brutal fashion. Prepared to execute the innocent and then die themselves by their own hands. For what gain? To what end? How can this achieve anything except misery? How can anybody support such actions? Terrorists will not win because too many people stand against them. Everyone around the world who was outraged last weekend. Everyone who changed their social media profile to France’s colours. Everyone who helped France mourn. Everyone who marched in solidarity in their town or city. Everyone who believes in freedom for all to enjoy life and move freely around the world. Everyone who wants to make the world a better place for the sake of their children and the next generation. There is no other way. We have to put more into the world than we take out, and depart when our time is up having made progress in the evolution of humankind. Having helped make the world a kinder, more caring and more equitable place. Easier said than done. Injustice, prejudice and cruelty still abound but we need to be whittling away at tackling them, bit by bit, and showing the next generation that change can be brought about by peaceful means. By education. By tolerance. We know ourselves that terrorism doesn’t win. Terrorist acts were perpetrated against our nearest neighbours for a generation yet few in that neighbouring country believed that the attacks were representative of how the majority here felt. The organisations behind these attacks have moved on and are thankfully involved in peaceful and political structures now. Because the terrorist approach was never going to win. The attacks in Paris last weekend will have consequences for us all. Extra vigilance, extra security when travelling, an extra awareness that humankind is far from perfect and that nothing in life is to be taken for granted. But it should instil in us an extra determination to continue on the paths of justice, fairness, tolerance and freedom. We must not stoop to the level of the terrorists and become hateful of people who are different to us. That way the terrorists won’t win. . - BQ
18 | SPECIAL REPORT informer.ie November 26 2015
Countdown
SV_CarParkXtmasPoster_1200X800_HiRes.pdf 1 27/11/2014 16:57:13
Stillorgan Village Centre There is no better place to get yourself ready for Christmas than Stillorgan Village Centre. If you don’t believe us then just ask the big man himself because Santa is already there waiting for all the children to come visit. Avoid the hassle of the city centre and enjoy a relaxed, festive shopping experience. With free parking and free wifi, it’ll smooth sailing at Stillorgan Village Centre. C
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Stillorgan Credit Union 63/65 Lower Kilmacud Road, Dublin 18, 01 2884877 Located in the heart of the Stillorgan community, Stillorgan Credit Union prides itself on providing a secure place for savings and great value loans. They open five days a week (Tuesday - Saturday) and members are always welcome to drop in and deposits or withdraw funds – no matter how big or small. They offer members fantastic value when it comes to loans, with car loans at just 6.5% APR and Home Improvement Loans at 7.95% APR. Loans never incur administration costs or hidden fees and there’s no penalty for early re-
payments. There’s no doubt that the people of Stillorgan and its surrounds are very well-served by this vibrant and friendly local community credit union. Mao Unit 53, Stillorgan Shopping Centre, Lower Kilmacud Road, 01 2784364 Mao restaurants have been the top Asian restaurant chain in Dublin for over 20 years. Mao brings an authentic Thai and Asian flavour to you. Savour the flavour with their full Asian menu, curries and not forgetting their famous Mao Classics. And
now you can enjoy Mao at home. Just order online, over the phone or walk in and take away to experience our top quality dishes, from mild or spicy curries to the popular fragrant wok specials. Casey Kennedy Property 1 The Hill, Stillorgan, 01 2883688, ckp.ie Casey Kennedy are your sales, rentals and management estate agents, serving Stillorgan, Blackrock, Mount Merrion and South Dublin. The friendly and experienced team is ready to help you sell, buy, rent or let your house, apartment, office or
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Minimum Car Loan Value is €5,000. *APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is 6.5% - see above table for samples. Standard loan term is 5 years, however 7 year term available on loans over €25,000. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. **Loan insurance subject to certain terms and conditions as detailed on www. stillorgancu.ie Stillorgan Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
MAO Chatham Row 2-3 Chatham Row, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 670 4899
MAO Dundrum Dundrum S.C. Tel: 01 296 2802
MAO Dun Laoghaire The Pavillion, Seafront Tel: 01 214 8090
We cater for groups large and small Contact gill@mymao.ie for more details
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SPECIAL REPORT| 19
November 26 2015 informer.ie
to Christmas New Image 81 Lower Kilmacud Road, 01 2780636 New Image hair salon offer a balanced combination of highstyle fashion cuts, with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. They have some fantastic offers running for the festive season. Don’t miss out, book your appointment today.
commercial property. Promising maximum prices with an outstanding service, they are your perfect partner estate agents, with the experience, professionalism and pride in our work that make us part of our community. Their knowledge of house doctoring and home staging means that your property is enhanced before it goes on the market ensuring that every viewer will fall in love with it. Looking after the little details also adds greatly to the sales value of your house or apartment. Casey Kennedy’s pricing is so reasonable that your investment return can stay at the
required level, while giving you back plenty of what money can’t buy: time. Shiraz Barber 10 The Hill, Stillorgan, 01 2788385 With all the parties and family gatherings coming up over the festive season, it’s important to make sure that you are looking your very best. Luckily, Shiraz Barber are ready to help and with late night opening hours there will be no excuses. Walk in or book an appointment today.
Contour Unit 34, Stillorgan Shopping Village, 01 2831169 Contour offer a fantastic range of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear. They are fitting specialists so you are guaranteed the perfect fit. Pick up something special or a gift card for a loved one this Christmas. Kingstown Motors Lower Kilmacud Road, 01 2131700 Kingtown Motors are your dedicated Hyundai specialists. As the year comes to a close, it’s time to think about a change. Why not start with a brand new car? Call in today and see about the allnew Hyundai Tucson.
20 | SPECIAL REPORT informer.ie November 26 2015
Howya head: Stillorgan faces up to Orpen legacy By Michelle McGlynn Stillorgan is preparing to honour one of their most famous sons and they need your help. Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce are fundraising to create a monument to one of Ireland’s greatest artists, Sir William Orpen. The town will erect an 11 foot bronze sculpture consisting of a large bust of Sir Orpen and four mini-sculptures based on his paintings. The stunning creation is the work of Blackrock sculptor Rowan Gillespie whose previous works include the Famine Memorial on Dublin’s Custom House Quay.
But before the magnificent sculpture can be unveiled, the project needs to reach its fundraising target. The team behind the project along with the Chamber have received great support and have raised €20,000 to date but they remain shy of their target. Donations of any size are being accepted via Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce and donations over €1,000 will have the opportunity to have their name or that of a loved one engraved on a brass plaque beside the sculpture. The plan is to have Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, a collector of Sir Orpen’s work, officially unveil the sculpture at a ceremony next year.
SPECIAL REPORT| 21
November 26 2015 informer.ie
Tyreland on the right road as Keith settles into new role
By Advertorial
Keith Duffy is best known as one fifth of Boyzone who racked up a string of Number 1 hits in the 1990s and as Ciaran who had a stint pulling pints on Coronation Street! But ealier this year he announced a new business interest outside the entertainment industry as he partnered up with Irish owned business Tyreland. It was a major move for the Dubliner who has spent the last 25 years in the entertainment world. Now at the tender age of 40 Keith is settling into his new entrepreneurial phase of his life as he steps into the business arena. Tyreland is a 100% Irish owned success story. The company began trading seven years ago at the start of the recession and given the economic conditions ensured that the company concentrated on offering unrivalled value for money whilst maintaining ex-
Swords 01 8833555 Navan 046 9022333 Glasnevin 01 8602020 Clarehall 01 8470999 Finglas 01 8344344 Kimmage 01 4993100 cellent customer care. This business model has resulted in the steady growth of the company – Tyreland have now five Dublin depots and a
sixth in Co. Meath. Already employing over 20 staff, the company plans to further expand through the course of the year and is actively look-
ing for suitable premises across the country. Commenting on the announcement at the time Keith said “Tyreland offer great value for
money – we take low margins and sell high volumes of tyres – often we can save motorists up to 20% on their new tyres. “We are also looking into
ways which we can grow the business in the near future so watch this space.” Tyreland is a natural fit for Keith as he has always been a dab hand in the garage. Being a ‘petrol-head’ has always spurred Keith’s interest in anything car related and now is the perfect time for him to be directly involved in the industry. Keith said “I love the Tyreland concept. “You only have to listen to customer feedback to know that it works – people want value for money and a great service – and if they get it they tell others. “It’s no surprise then that the company experiences a high level of referral and repeat business”. Initially the company focused only on tyre sales. Today Tyreland can offer customers the latest in wheel alignment technology, minor mechanical works, brake pads and disc replacement and a range of batteries, wiper blades and bulbs.
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sport| 23
November 26 2015 informer.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Could Dublin do the double? Dublin clubs are aiming for provincial glory in both the Leinster Senior Club Football and Hurling championships. In the football Ballyboden St Endas beat St Lomans in Mullingar on November 22 in their semi-final by 1-11 to 0-09, thanks to a Sam Molony goal in a free-riden contest. Ballyboden previously put out St Patricks of Louth. They will face a strong Portlaoise side in the final on 06 December, the Laois club having run out convincing 5-12 to 0-11 winners over Killoe in their semi-final. In the hurling Cuala recorded a marvellous semi-final victory over Clara of Kilkenny on October 15 to reach what will be only their second-ever Leinster Senior Club Hurling championship final (they previously contested the 198990 decider where they lost out 2-11 to 0-7 against Ballyhale Shamrocks). Clara were beaten 3-12 to 0-17 in Parnell Park (Cuala had put out Coolderry of Offaly in an
earlier round). Cuala were winning 2-08 to 0-10 at half-time and extended their lead to seven points in the second period but were left hanging on at the end as they withstood a strong Clara fightback. David Treacy top-scored for Cuala and his brother Sean scored one of the Dalkey club’s three goals (the others were scored by Colm Cronin and Mark Schutte). Cuala will now face Oulart the Ballagh of Wexford in the final on Sunday next 29 November. It would be fantastic if Ballyboden could go all the way, as it would give them not only their first Leinster Senior Club Football championship title but also passage into the All-Ireland Senior Club Football championship (the Andy Merrigan Cup) in the spring. Dublin clubs have been victorious an impressive 19 times in the Leinster football contest since its inception in
Lucy Kennedy and her three-year-old daughter Holly were on hand to launch the Aldi Give a Gift campaign in aid of Saint Vincent de Paul which takes place in all 122 Aldi stores from November 23 - December 6. Pic: Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland 1970. St Vincents are the leading club, with six titles (including last year’s, which was their
second in a row) followed by Kilmacud Crokes (four titles), Thomas Davis and UCD (two
titles each) while Erin’s Isle, Na Fianna, Parnells, St Brigid’s and Ballymun Kickhams have one
title each. Nineteen Leinster titles for Dublin clubs has translated into an impressive seven All Ireland Club titles. St Vincent’s are the most recent Dublin winners of the Andy Merrigan Cup, having won in 2014. UCD were Dublin’s first winners with back-to back titles in 1974 and 1975. Victories followed for St Vincent’s (in 1976, 2008 and 2014) and Kilmacud Crokes (in 1995 and 2009). Victory in the Leinster Senior Club Hurling championship ensures passage into the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling championship (the Tommy Moore Trophy). Only once has a Dublin Senior Hurling club won Leinster (Crumlin, in 1979) and the ultimate prize of an All Ireland Senior Club Hurling title still eludes Dublin. We wish Cuala the very best of luck in trying to rectify that this season!
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informer.ie November 26 2015