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INSIDE: You can create some golden (or sparkling) moments with jewellery that needn’t break the bank Page 18
food: Howth Castle Cookery School serves up great seasonal lessons See P20
Slip slidin’ away: Cool skaters look good on the rink Diving:
NAC’s Dingley claims gold at Irish Open Page 32
Handball:
International club growing in stature Page 30
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE................... 14 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28
sadbh McCabe, Orla McDonagh and Caoimhe McCabe got their skates on and showed off their skills as Ice Skating Blanchardstown returned to Millennium Park for its second season recently. Suitable for all abilities, there is a separate kiddie rink open during all sessions. You can check out the fun themed events such as The Penguin Club, Student Nights and Skate with Santa. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan
Three schools in line for major revamp Plans are under way for two new primary and secondary facility
Keith Bellew
Three local schools will get brand new premises and plans are in place for a new primary and a new secondary as part of the latest school buildings programme. Schools to benefit are St
Mochta’s, St Patrick’s, Corduff and Pelletstown Educate Together NS in Ashtown. Also, phase two of Luttrellstown Community College’s new building will go ahead. Plans are also under way for a new primary school in
Pelletstown and secondary school in Carpenterstown / Castleknock. T he projects were announced by Tanaiste Joan Burton and Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan at an event in Blanchardstown. “Dublin 15 has done very
well in the provision of new schools these past few years, and [this] list is confirmation that this will continue, as the area expands more with a great population,” The Tanaiste said. Full Story on Page 6
2 BLANCH Gazette 19 November 2015
frustration ‘Six to 13 staff are needed for each meeting’
Council security costs hit €18,000 Fingal County Council spent €18,000 on security for council meetings between last October and this October, it has been revealed. A council spokesperson said that in order to provide a safe working environment for council staff and members, it has been necessary to have from six to 13 security staff available for each meeting. T he spokesperson added it has also been necessary to confirm gardai availability to suppor t the council should the need arise. However, the coun-
keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
cil has no information available either in relation to Garda response plans or numbers that might have been on standby at any time. Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) has expressed his frustration at the fact that the council has been obliged to spend this money on security at a time when it
is “scrambling” to find money to deal with the homeless crisis. “At a time when we are scrambling to find money for the homeless crisis, the €18,000 spent over the last year on security for council meetings could certainly be better spent. “But as well as the dozen or more private security staff employed to protect our meetings, there are a similar number of gardai deployed, and they cost a good deal more. “I hope to get figures on this from the local [Garda] chief superin-
tendent,” he said. Referencing a series of protests by anti-water charge groups outside County Hall in Swords, earlier in the year in which councillors were prevented from leaving the car park on one occasion and a window was smashed, resulting in a protester receiving cuts to her head on another, he said: “There have been violent scenes outside some of our council meetings with council staff and public representatives being harassed and abused.” He went on to fire a shot at the opposition, saying: “Of course, the problem is not just confined to council meetings. Gardai have commented at our Fingal Joint Policing meetings about the resources that must be deployed to police anti-water protests by Sinn Fein and the Socialist Party.” Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP) hit back, saying that while supported by the party the protests in question were carried out by citizens, who were exercising their democratic rights. “Protests are part of every democracy, and if you try to stymie protests then you live in a non-democratic society. The fact that there is a cost to police protests at County Hall is kind of irrelevant in a sense that, if you take away their right to protest, then you don’t have a democracy. “You could weigh that up against the cost of six full-time gardai for three months in Tallaght to investigate the Joan Burton case [last November in which the Tanaiste was trapped in
Fingal County Council spent €18,000 on security for council meetings between last October and this October
her car for two hours during a protest in Jobstown]. The cost in that case is far greater than securing the council,”
he said. Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) echoed Cllr Coppinger’s remarks about the right to protest, and
added that Sinn Fein encouraged peaceful protest only, and did not support any unlawful acts.
19 November 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3
transport
crime: apprehension in Clonsilla
Gardai succeed in thwarting burglars keith bellew
GARDAI in Blanchardstown have been commended for the successful apprehension of an alleged burglar in Charnwood, Clonsilla, recently. Following a report of a burglary in progress at an address in Clonsilla, Garda units patrolling under the new anti-burglary initiative, Operation Thor, arrested a man aged 19. The man appeared before Blanchardstown District Court the following morning and will appear again at a later date. Deputy Mayor of Fingal Jack Chambers (FF) commended the gardai on a job well done. “Any intervention like this is welcome with
many local people and families afraid they’ll be the victim of the next burglary in the locality. Dublin 15 is a microcosm of the national crisis of crime and burglaries. “T he work of the gardai in Operation Thor has to be commended and hopefully this will be the first of many arrests in tacking this crisis.” The Dublin 15 community has experienced increasingly frequent burglaries and suspicious activity recently. A state-of-the-art DN A d a t a b a s e s y s tem, which comes into operation this month, is designed to complement the work done under Operation Thor. The database, which will be based in Garda
headquar ters in the Phoenix Park, will assist gardai in the fight against what is known as “volume crime” such as burglary and theft, and also in the investigation of serious offences against the person. According to the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Garda figures show that 75% of burglaries are committed by 25% of burglars, so DNA analysis can play an important role in policing these types of crime. The Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill also aims to tackle the problem with tougher sentences for repeat burglars. The Bill also allow courts to refuse bail for offenders who have a previous conviction.
New bus service to city
A grand move: Community Credit Union merges with West Cabra dublin GAA football stars and All-Ireland champions Alan Brogan and Ciaran Kilkenny join Community Credit Union chief executive Aidan O’Brien to celebrate as Community Credit Union officially merged with West Cabra Credit Union. The merger launch was an event to celebrate the “people power” of credit unions and all 35,000 members of the enlarged credit union will benefit from it. Both organistions have been serving the communities of Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 for decades, providing financial services on a co-operative basis for all.
COMMUTERS in Dublin 15, who are fed up with the tedious odyssey of travelling into town to work every morning, now have a new option available to them. A new express bus service hopes to get commuters from the Travelodge on the Navan Road to the city centre in 15-20 minutes. Express Bus leaves every 20 minutes between 6am and 8.20am, and in the afternoon and evening between 4pm and 6.40pm, travelling non-stop between the Travelodge to O’Connell Street. Free tea and coffee are offered at the Travelodge to passengers during November. For more information visit www. expressbus.ie.
4 BLANCH Gazette 19 November 2015
fundraiser: pupils raise funds in CYSTIC FIBROSIS CHALLENGE
Charity bake sale makes lots of dough keith bellew
FIFTH class students from St Patrick’s NS in Carpenterstown recently raised €1,267 for Cystic Fibrosis Dublin West in just two hours, with a bake sale. The three fifth classes each baked an array of cakes, including fairy cakes and cupcakes, all of which were sold within the school to students and teachers. The bake sale was part of a wider fund-raising campaign spearheaded by Anatomic Fitness Castleknock, which aims to raise €30,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Dublin West, following a campaign last year which saw €22,000 raised. The campaign has been very community based, with a range of local events taking place over the past few months, including a children’s disco, also at St Patrick’s
NS, a teen disco at Westmanstown and coffee mornings. Speaking to the Gazette, organiser Jo Collins said following the success of last year’s campaign, it was decided to raise the bar and try to raise €30,000. She said she approached the school, which was very happy to support the initiative and decided allow the fifth class students to have the bake sale. It was decided that the students would run the event themselves. “It was almost a little lesson in setting up a business for them, so they did everything. They started the bake sale at 10am and finished at 12 noon. “Kids came and bought cakes and raffle tickets, and the result of that was €1,267. They were fantastic. Just for a bit of fun, I said that we would do a little competition
between the three classes. We looked for the bestdressed cake, so huge effort went into that and there was a little winner in each class.” She said cakes on sale included Rice Krispie buns, fairy cakes and “everything else you could think of”. She added: “Everything was more or less about 50c, and I have to say they were brilliant; they brought them in and set up the classrooms and the little mini-business centre and all of the other students came up class by class to buy the cakes.” She said all the cakes were sold within the school itself. The campaign will culminate with a dinnerdance fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, on November 27. Collins said that the fundraising initiative was on course to meet the €30, 000 target.
don’sdublin Unlocking rare treasures in a museum full of Eastern promise THE Chester Beatty Library is one
the fabulous collection now housed in
of Dublin’s most interesting places
the renovated Clock Tower Building in
and the only museum in Ireland to be
Dublin Castle. The museum opened on
awarded European Museum of the
February 7, 2000, the 125th anniver-
Year 2002. The exquisite collections
sary of Beatty’s birth. He moved to
of prints, manuscripts, paintings and
Dublin in 1940, made a Freeman of
early printed books from western
the City in 1954 and granted honor-
Europe through Egypt, the Middle
ary Irish citizenship in 1957. He was
East to China, are exceptional. They
accorded a State funeral when he died
offer an insight into the rich history of
on January 19, 1968 – a unique honour
great cultures and religions over the
indeed for a private citizen.
corred
past three millennia. Alfred Chester Beatty was born
The short video about Chester Beatty just inside the library’s
on February 7, 1875 in New York City.
entrance is informative and well
He graduated as an engineer from
worth a view. In the bright atrium you
Columbia University in 1898 and went
will find the library gift shop and, with
west to work in the mining business
so much on show coming from the
in Denver. Two years later he moved
East, the busy Silk Road Cafe. Another
to Cripple Creek, Colorado and made
word of advice: Don’t miss the Roof
a fortune mining gold. A millionaire
Garden. The Chester Beatty Library is
in his early 30s, he moved to London
a great place for all ages and the word
for health reasons and established a
that most comes to mind about my
successful consultancy firm and was
visit? Colourful. Check it out.
often called the King of Copper. An avid collector since he was a boy he travelled widely buying and amassing
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
19 November 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5
Waterville 44 houses acquired by council
New social housing units are unveiled Keith Bellew
Sixteen new social housing units were unveiled at Rossan Court in Waterville, this week by Tanaiste Joan Burton. The estate, made up of 44 units, 31 three-bed and 13 four-bed, has been acquired in its entirety for social housing by the council, with funding from the Department of the Environment. Sixteen of the units will be filled next week by individuals who are either homeless, have a particular medical need, or are otherwise on the Fingal housing list. It is expected that all 44 units will be occupied by next spring. The Tanaiste said it was
Rossan Court in Waterville
great to see these houses become homes for families in D15, and said their acquisition by the council was made possible by additional funding from the Department of the Environment. “Without this funding, the construction of these new homes could not have been delivered
as quickly as it has. I understand that this year Fingal’s delivery of social housing will increase by almost 100 units compared to last year. This is good, solid progress, and in addition the Department has recently approved funding for Fingal to acquire a further 40 units elsewhere,”
she said. Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP) said that while she welcome any additional social housing, she still felt that it was not enough. She also said that with around 6,000 people on the Blanchardstown housing list, these units will not go a long way. “The new Fingal housing director Margaret Geraghty confirmed to me that Blanchardstown has a particularly bad housing and homeless problem. “Unfortunately, nothing she said gave cause for optimism,” she said. A spokesperson for the Tanaiste declined to respond to Deputy Coppinger’s remarks.
Welcome for new crossing A PEDESTRIAN crossing at the green space that separates Hunters Run in Clonee from Westhaven in Huntstown has been provided by Fingal County Council. The green space is higher on the Westhaven side, which previously meant a significant drop on that side and a significant step up on the other. The surface of the green is also quite uneven and can be waterlogged during wet weather. Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said he had requested that the council provide a path at the location following representations from families, who were having trouble crossing to and fro with prams and buggies. He said he was delighted with the work, and that it was “really welcome news for the school going community and shoppers visiting Huntstown”.
6 BLANCH Gazette 19 November 2015
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dublin west School buildings programme
St Mochta’s will get its long-awaited new school building
Education boost as projects approved Keith Bellew
Three local schools will get brand new premises and plans are in place for a new primary school and a secondary school as part of the latest buildings programme. St Mochta’s will get its long-awaited new school building and both senior and junior schools at St Patrick’s Corduff will also be totally rebuilt with planning permission secured and construction due to start next year. Meanwhile, construction will also start on a premises for the newly established Pelletstown Educate Together NS in Ashtown which is cur-
rently operating out of temporary accommodation. Phase two of Luttrellstown Community College’s new building will go ahead with completion set for 2018. Work also began on the new permanent building for Le Cheile secondary school in Tyrrelstown this week. Plans are also under way for a new primary school in Pelletstown and a new secondary school in Carpenterstown/Castleknock. The projects were announced by Tanaiste Joan Burton and Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan at an event in Blanchardstown.
She said parents, pupils and staff at St Mochta’s had had a long campaign to get a new school, and the plans had met with unforeseen delays, but it should be possible to move rapidly towards construction work. She added that she is also delighted that Luttrellstown Community College can proceed to expand in order to serve the rapidly growing neighbourhood. “Dublin 15 has done very well in the provision of new schools these past few years, and [this] list is confirmation that this will continue, as the area expands more with a great population,” she said.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said it’s a great day for education in Dublin West with the announcement of these new state-of-the-art facilities. He said the future secondary school for the Castleknock/Carpenterstown area would have capacity for 1,000 students. “While the demand for these new schools is only emerging, it’s important to plan ahead and allow sites to be identified and plans developed. There has been an enormous investment in new schools, and extensions to existing schools, in the Dublin 15 and Dublin 7 areas in the last few years,” he said.
Cupla focal helps talk the walk A NEW group centred around scenic walking and Irish speaking is seeking expressions of interest from people in Dublin 15. Club Siulach Scealach will be made up of like-minded people from living in counties Dublin, Meath and Kildare. It aims to provide members with an enjoyable, informal way to get fit and fluent in the Irish language.
The club is in the very early stages and is seeking expressions of interest before it goes further. It is planned that the club will organise walks, at a relaxed pace, around scenic areas such as the Royal Canal and Shackleton’s Gardens, when re-opened, in Clonsilla. During these walks participants will be encouraged to use their
Irish and to speak cupla focal. The Phoenix Park, part of which is in Dublin 15, as well as other beauty spots around County Meath and County Kildare are also on the clubs list of places to visit for walks. Anyone interested in getting involved or who would like more information should contact Sean O’Dunnchu on 087 6915989.
R1
19 November 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7
8 BLANCH Gazette 19 November 2015
gazetteGALLERY
Get wise to cancer Benita Oduh
Azaku Acltugbu, Eucharia Iciboew and Chinenye Umeh pictured at a cancer awareness seminar at Westmanstown Conference and Event Centre. The event was organised by the Anambra State Association Women. Speakers from the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation were in attendance. The ASA Women’s aim is to identify with their roots in Anambra State of Nigeria and to unite all women of the state
Ritattelen Ngogsika
living in Dublin. Pictures: Stephen Fleming
Umebugingau
Nkiru Edekobi with Tony and Chinenye Umeh
19 November 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9
Clara Mbamalu and Jennifer Campbell
Miss Nigeria Ireland Jummy Agboola
Sandra Ajuonoma
Chinwe Nicholas
Jessica and Vanessa Umeh
Stella and Lawrence Azikiwe
10 BLANCH Gazette 19 November 2015
gazetteGALLERY
Ger Kelly, Liam Heslin and Philip McMahon pictured at the recent announcement of details of Waking the Nation, the Abbey Theatre’s controversial 2016 Centenary Programme, which will feature major revivals of the some of the great plays from the Abbey Theatre repertoire. Pictures: Stephen Fleming
Ian Lloyd Anderson
Abbey’s 2016 plans causing quite a stir
James Connolly Heron, founder of the 1916 Relatives Centenary initiative and a greatActress Geraldine
grandson of James
Plunkett
Connolly
Dr Bryan McMahon, chairman of the Abbey, Actress Kate Stanley Brennan
delivering a few words
19 November 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11
Hartstown Extension ‘will facilitate growth of institute’
School prefabs are set to be replaced Keith Bellew
Hartstown Community School has just received planning permission for a building project to replace prefabs with an extension of eight new classrooms and a science lab. Speaking to The Gazette principal John Bean said this extension would help to alleviate capacity issues and facilitate the growth of the school. The prefabs in question are located in an area of the school known as the annex. The ones to be replaced are those which were added to another block
of prefabs that have been there for many years. The older block will remain as it is still fit for purpose. “It’s the new bit of the annex that is being replaced, it’s just not fit for purpose anymore. We will be getting a new science room because of the increase in the number of students taking science subjects. “I’m hoping that [the project] will go out to tender in the next little while and we’ll have the builders on site as soon after Christmas as is feasible,” said Bean. He said that initially the hope was that the project would be com-
pleted by August and so be ready for the 2016-17 school year. “I would love that to be the case because part of the contract is to demolish the existing prefabs so we would ideally like that to happen in the summer when there are no kids on site. “We’re not sure when that will happen, and that would be the least of our problems, we always find a way to manage that, even if we have to leave them a little while longer and take them when the site is quiet. “The main thing is that we’ll have eight
lovely new classrooms and a brand new science room,” he said. He added that the catchment area for the school had grown beyond the expectations of the plans when the school was built initially, and further expansion was needed. “We’re hoping that it’s just the first phase of building and that we’ll get the other rooms replaced as well. “We do need more space for learning support, offices, administration. “We were built for 800 students and we have 1,130 so part of what we’re getting now
Hartstown Community School has just received planning permission to replace prefabs with an extension of eight new classrooms and a science lab
allows for some growth as well,” he said. Health Minister Leo Varadkar was delighted that the planning application was successful. “Congratulations to the school and its
board for this breakthrough. It’s great news for Hartstown Community School and for the area, and it means the school can finally close a number of pref a b s a n d m ove t h e
classes into permanent accommodation. Work is expected to start on the project before the end of the year or early in the New Year. Well done to all involved,” he said.
12 GAZETTE 19 November 2015
19 November 2015 GAZETTE 13
Gazette
14 Gazette 19 November 2015
dublinlife
feature
a day in the life: singer songwriter Barbara Dickson’s life on the road
Artist who’s cautious about excess
Keith Bellew
HIGHLY successful singer-songwriter and O l i vi er Award wi nning actress Barbara Dickson is currently touring Ireland, having performed in various venues throughout the Republic, including Dun Laoghaire, she is now making her way up North, before returning to her native Scotland. The Gazette recently caught up with Dickson, and found out what constitutes an average day in her life both on
and off the road. She said life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and a day in her life on tour is far more structured these days than it was then. “It has evolved over many, many years of touring. My first headline tour was in 1977, that’s a long time ago so since then I’ve evolved all sorts of things that I do. I get up at 8am, I go and have breakfast, a reasonably good breakfast and then I travel on
to the next place that I’m going to. Whether it takes an hour or threeand-a-half – four hours I always leave af ter breakfast,” she said. Once she reaches her next destination she would have a sandwich and go to sleep for an hour if possible. This is followed by as much quiet time as possible in the afternoon. After the afternoon recharge she goes to the pre-show sound check. This is followed by a meal, at which point she returns to prepare
Barbara Dickson: finds life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and touring is far more structured now than it was back then
for the show. “I go back to the theatre and I get made up and get ready, then I go on-stage. “I always stay in the place that I have played, so after the show I go back to the hotel, and wake up to start again at 8am the next morning,” she said. This current sched-
ule is in marked contrast to the way things were done earlier in her career as she explains: “I used to stay up later with the band, there would be a degree of pa r tying af ter each show, but we didn’t play for as many dates. “We maybe did eight to 10 dates whereas now I do five weeks of
touring. “So you could just about get away [by the skin of your teeth], with staying up late [and partying,” she said. However, she has always been cautious when it comes to excess as she relies on her voice, and too much partying could harm her voice.
She has always been careful of this as she does not want to disappoint her fans. Having played The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on November 13, her next show is Ilfracombe folk festival on November 21. For more information visit: www.barbaradickson.net.
Firm hits London to build important business links Representatives from 30 Irish-based companies recently joined Dublin Chamber of Commerce on a two-day business mission to London. The mission consisted of a number of different facets, including briefings from UK business leaders, site visits, and a networking reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Tourism Ireland. Chief executive of Dublin Chamber Gina Quin said the level of interest in this business mission was extremely encouraging and showed that Irish businesses are keen to engage with the wider business community. She added that it provided business owners in Dublin with the opportunity to engage with UK business leaders, seek new busi-
ness opportunities and to network with their peers. “These missions are hugely beneficial in terms of building important business links between companies in Dublin and key cities abroad. Dublin Chamber has also led missions to San Jose and Brussels this year,” she said. A large focus of the trip was on the potential for a UK exit from the EU. The busy two-day schedule included briefings with Philip Shaw, chief economist, Investec, Gavin McWhirter, UK manager, Enterprise Ireland, Denis Staunton, London editor, the Irish Times, and Des Crowley, chief executive, Retail UK Division, Bank of Ireland. Companies travelling with the delegation included AIB, Aramark,
BDO, Computershare, DAA, Dublin Citi Hotel, Eugene F Collins, Evolve, Gardiner & Theobold, Gibney Communications, Intellicom, Northgate, NSI Technology, O’Callaghan Hotels, QED Training, Ronan Daly Jermyn, Solgari, the Reputations Agency, UCD and Version 1. Dublin Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Ireland with over 1,300 members. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure and transport, promoting competitiveness and improving local governance.
19 November 2015 Gazette 15
16 Gazette 19 November 2015
Gazette
diary dublinlife Save the puppies – don’t buy one for Christmas
D o g s Tr u s t h a s launched a thoughtprovoking awareness campaign appealing to the public to pledge their promise not to buy a puppy this Christmas. Early morning commuters in Dublin were recently surprised by large 4ft wrapped model dogs across key locations in the city to launch the Charity’s A Dog is for Life, Not Just For Christmas message. The dogs were “abandoned” at notable locations in Dublin city in an aim to provoke awareness and discussion around buying a puppy as a gift this
Christmas. Every November in the run-up to Christmas, there is a huge increase in the number of pups being advertised for sale both on and offline. The charity’s switchboard experiences a spike in phone calls from members of the public looking to surrender their unwanted dogs post-Christmas. The charity is asking the public to support and share this important animal welfare message at Christmas by joining the cause and pledging to take #TheP uppyPromise online at www. thepuppypromise.com.
dancing shoes at the ready for charity
A host of well-known personalities will take to the dance floor at the Convention Centre, Dublin, for the third Strictly Against Breast Cancer event for Breast Cancer Ireland. On November 21, guests from the world of business, arts, sports, media, entertainment and the community will gather on the pink carpet to experience this spectacle of glamour and expertise, while at the same time, enjoying a fabulous gala dinner and the opportunity to dance
as part of the build-up to the festive season. Some of the television personalities taking part on the night, include TV3’s Elaine Crowley and Tommy Martin, exrugby international and commentator Shane Byrne, Fair City actors George McMahon and Jenny Dixon, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran and Red Rock actor David Crowley as well as PR woman Roisin Tierney Crowe. All funds raised on the night will go to Breast Cancer Ireland, a charity established to raise funds in support of pioneering breast
Fair City’s Jenny Dixon, TV3’s Elaine Crowley, cancer survivor Teresa Costello, broadcaster Norah Casey, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran, model Karena Graham and supporter Roisin Tierney Crowe are all set for Strictly Against Breast Cancer. Photography: Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
cancer research and awareness. Tickets which include a four-course meal including complimentary wines, the dance competition itself, entertainment by the Sugar Cubes and automatic entry into a valuable prize draw on the night are on sale at €150 per person at www.breastcancerireland.com.
true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers A play chronicling the fascinating true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers finishes its week-long run at Sean O’Casey Theatre on Saturday, November 21. Described as a tale o f p e r s e c u t e d l ove , scandal and conf lict Wretched Little Brat tells the untold story of persecuted love, moralistic law and endless litigation between Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and Robbie Ross, Oscar Wilde’s lovers. The play derives its name from George Bernard Shaw’s summation
of Douglas and charts the lives of Robbie Ross who dedicated his life to maintain Wilde’s legacy after his death in 1900, and Douglas who did the opposite. The litigation that ruined Wilde went on to try to destroy Ross as Douglas hounded him through the courts for promoting homosexuality. The play charts the Wilde years and beyond to D o u g l a s ’s d e a t h i n 1945. Based on their own testimony, Wretched Little Brat reveals the lives underscoring one of the most “scandalous” episodes in Irish literary history and how it continues to impact in modern times. For more see www. gaytheatre.ie.
political pressure mounts on Taoiseach With the General Election just around the corner, the political fundraising balls complete with extortionate plate prices are in full swing. Fine Gael recently held one across the pond,
which was facilitated by Friends of Fine Gael, London, at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood. This year’s £100 a plate fundraiser, while greatly attended, was far less entertaining than last year’s, at which Enda had a pair of knickers bearing the message “Repeal the 8th, Enda” served up to him on a plate by pro-choice group Imelda – which stands for Ireland Making England the Legal Destination for Abortion. Poor Enda always seems to find himself in these embarrassing positions with delicate feminine issues. From this, to Graham Dwyer’s estranged lover accusing him of stealing her breast pump, to the latest incident, in which comedienne Grainne Maguire urged women to tweet details of their menstrual cycles to him in a bid to build pressure for a referendum on the repeal of the 8th Amendment. This may prove the best option, if political pressure doesn’t work, embarrass Enda into it!
19 November 2015 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 gift guide P22
food and drink P20
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
style P18
Bord Gais Theatre: Our favourite Nanny arrives – in the most delightful way
Open wide for spoonful of Poppins Ian Begley
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are bringing their multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this December, which is without doubt a musical not to miss. Recently embarking on a trip to Bristol’s Hippodrome to see the much-loved musical before its visit to Dublin I was truly amazed by the stage production and the cast’s performance. The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny, played by Zizi Strallen, arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible
effects and unforgettable songs. The stage production of Mary Poppins is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. It has a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier awardwinning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Without giving too much away, my favourite part of the musical was when Poppins herself soared into the audience on her iconic umbrella and when Bert, played by Matt Lee, liter-
ally walks across the side of the stage and onto the ceiling, which left every jaw in the Hippodrome hanging in bewilderment. The explosion of colour during the real-life cartoon sequence was also very well done and entertaining. The musical itself stayed more true to the original books and seemed slightly creepier than the 1964 film. The children who played Michael and James Banks were also brilliantly cast and managed to deliver their lines and songs flawlessly. Seeing many of the fantastic musicals that the Bord Gais Energy Theatre showcased this year it is safe to say that Mary Poppins leaves each one of them in the dust – in the most delight-
ful way. The stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production ran for over six years where it won the Tony Award for Best Set Design. Mary Poppins will play Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, January 9. Tickets cost €25 to €68 and can be purchased on www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.
Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins. Picture: Johan Persson
Gazette
18 Gazette 19 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE Juvi Glamour Puss pendant in amethyst €119
Melinda Maria Pyramid drop gold earrings €50
Newbridge Silverwear Charm bracelet €40
Melinda Maria Gold and turquoise hunter studs €90
goldenpresents ALL that glistens isn’t gold, and never a truer word was spoken with these beauties. You don’t have to break the bank this Christmas to give a stunning piece of jewel-
lery to your loved one. From stunning turquoise earrings by Melinda Maria to the latest collection from Newbridge with brand ambassador Naomi Campbell at
Hugo Boss Classic rose gold watch €275
the helm, there is lots to choose from. So, if you really want to make someone’s Christmas sparkle, choose from our style editor’s choice this week.
Paul Costelloe Moving crystal earrings €125
Paul Costelloe Crystal double rose band ring €125
Thomas Sabo Silver and rose gold watch €259
r Silve grey in sequ s sock €39
Star print PJ boyfriend shirt €85
Fairisle hand warmers €39
Star print PJ set €65
WITH the days getting very, very short and the nights turning long and cold, what better time to update your loungewear wardrobe? These supremely snug seperates from Mint Velvet are just the ticket to keep you snug as a bug in a rug when the weather outside is icy and chilly. Think Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (all long socks and boyfriend PJ tops).
Grey Star hot water bottle €39
Snugglewear to cosy up to
Melinda Maria Gold white pod ring €90
19 November 2015 Gazette 19
Gazette
20 Gazette 19 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
BITESIZEDNEWS No sour grapes as top wines scoop awards THE gold star winner in the white wine category of the National Off-Licence Association (NOFFLA) 2015-2016 awards has been announced as Portuga Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 (right), from Portugal. This wine is a light fresh blend of the classic white grapes of this region in Portugal – arinto, fernao pires – with a little sauvignon blanc for extra freshness. This is made with free-run juice and is a great example of the exciting new wines coming out of Portugal, and is available in many off-licences. In the red wine category, Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2010 (left) from Rioja, Spain triumphed. This classic Rioja is a blend of tempranillo (75%), garnacha (10%) and mazuelo (14%), and aged for 16 months in American and French oak casks. Boasting aromas of vanilla and spice, this wine is full-flavoured and complex, and is also available in many off-licences.
Cormac Rowe and Susan Bell – the latest expert chefs who have blended in perfectly with the winter classes schedule at Howth Castle Cookery School, which covers a variety of cookery topics. Picture: Angela Halpin
That’s Howth to cook HOWTH Castle has had many alterations since
it rose from the harbour on Dublin’s famous and most imposing peninsula. Built in the 12th century as a wooden structure, it has been renovated many times, notably in the 13th century and 1738, though recent modifications in 1911 and over the 20th century present themselves today. Through the lofty gates of Deer Park Golf Club and up a dimly lit gravelly path I travelled on a mild Wednesday night for the launch of the winter classes schedule at the Howth Castle Cookery School. The school has announced Susan Bell as executive chef of the golf club’s house menu and the cookery school, as well as a newly launched catering menu – Kitchen in the castle. Susan was presenting a demo menu with Michelin-star chef Cormac Rowe, of Mount Juliet Kilkenny, who has come on board to teach a masterclass and a demo with Susan on the winter schedule. She has worked under such scions of the industry as Marcus Wareing
and Raymond Blanc, so with this duo at the helm I was expecting an evening in a gastronomic dead poet’s society. There are classes running currently up to Christmas on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and these include Christmas food gifts, a dinner party menu, Christmas baking masterclass and pastry, as well as the demo and masterclass by Susan and Cormac, which cost €50 and €150 respectively. Weekday classes are 7-9.45pm, and Saturdays run all day. The menu for that night’s demonstration read as follows: scallops with cauliflower puree, lime jelly and brown butter, venison loin with beetroot, oatmeal, sprouts and balsamic jus, and vanilla pannacotta, mandarin, white chocolate and hazelnut. On arrival at the cookery school – which sits at the back of the castle and up the aforementioned and easy to miss gravelly path – you are presented with a glass of wine and ushered past the chef’s prep kitchen through to the teaching area. It’s very quaint and
warm with vaulted ceilings, Georgian paraphernalia and old ranges, but with all mod cons. Think: Downstairs Downton Abbey with Mrs Packmore and Daisy using induction hobs. The structure of the class saw Cormac and Susan run through all the prep for all three courses first, rather than to cook each course as they went – and there was a lot of prep! I felt the menu, whilst stylish and impressive, was reasonably simple if laborious for a cook attending such a class; however, it turned out to be incredibly technical and meticulous. The cauliflower was thinly sliced from minuscule florets; a jelly of lime was made with agar agar – a vegetable-based setting agent. Mandarin for the dessert was segmented then peeled and then veined; I was waiting on a surgeon to come in and say: “Scalpel”. A salt pastry was made to encase the beetroot that would eventually accompany the venison, roasted in its briny tomb. Of course, this level of explanation and detail is
to be expected from chefs of such esteem, though at points I would have relished a “Here’s one we made earlier” moment. After the technical presentation of the prep and the various accompaniments were done, the chefs cooked the three courses and plated up, and the food looked exquisite. Certainly, no one’s plate would come back empty if this was the result of a student’s dinner party! The demo ran over by half an hour, though I’m sure this will be tightened up, and I wished samples had been a little larger, given the appetite I’d worked up watching this food being made. Rowe and Susan are good presenters and so passionate, informative and friendly that it’s impossible not to feel enthusiasm for the food. Classes cost between €25 for the Christmas food gifts to €150 for the five-hour masterclass with Rowe. For further information, email info@howthcastlecookeryschool.ie. Shane Rigney
Food vlogger
19 November 2015 Gazette 21
Gazette
22 Gazette 19 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT Tesco Along Came Betty bath crystals €7.49
M&S Rotating lenticular tin €17.99
Clarins Pretty Lips set €24.50 Available Lloyds Pharmacy
Dove Derma Spa body oil €13.99
Searching for a perfect gift? WITH the launch of a certain Christmas ad last week, and a slew of others now showing on television, we think it’s time to accept the party season is nearly upon us, but let’s not forget: it’s also the season for giving. And, as that perfect ad points out, it’s more about the act of giving than receiv-
ing that warms the cockles of our hearts. So, with that in mind, it’s time to start planning the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Whether it’s the next-door neighbour, the milkman, your mum or your other half, we have a selection of great gifts to pick from. Next week, we’ll look at the best in gifts for kids ... toys, toys, toys!
Makeup Forever 12 artist plexiglass range €166
CA Design Get Out black dog lamp €95
Thisworks Sleep pillow spray plus cracker €16
19 November 2015 GAZETTE 23
Photobox Personalised cushions www.photobox.ie
Bioderma Christmas pouch €17.50
The Body Shop Sugar plum gift set €29.95
Teeling Revival whiskey €100-120
Russell Hobbs Brew and go €49.99
Butlers Chocolates €10
Debenhams Gionni Adrianna bag €60
GAZETTE
GIFT GUIDE MOTORING
Gazette
24 Gazette 19 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
HEALTH
HEALTHYSTEPS
The best of practical New Zealand products are to the fore in Kiwi Country Clothing’s ranges
Say ‘hello, possums’ to this clothing range AS THE old saying goes: “T here is no bad weather, just bad clothing”. Monaghan entrepreneur Elizabeth McGuinness returns to South Anne Street with her New Zealand clothing company, Kiwi Country Clothing. An all-100% natural New Zealand product, the range includes oilskin coats, jackets and overpants (guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable), possum merino knitwear (35% warmer than cashmere, 5 5 % warmer than merino, low pilling and antiitch) and the enviro-friendly possum fur shoes, boots, insoles and fashion accessories. The range of clothing caters for farming, equine and outdoortrade sectors, as well as anyone with an eye for the outdoors fashion. There is also an impressive section of knitwear, jackets, and accessories available to purchase. All products are of natural fabric, merino lambswool, possum fur, silk, cotton, and angora. According to McGuinness, possum
merino has been proven to be a very successful product to counteract issues with Raynaud’s syndrome. Due to the natural properties of the mix of merino wool and possum fibre in gloves (below, left), for example, this allows the fingers to remain at body temperature. Similarly for diabetes, especially for those struggling with foot issues, the super-soft seamless socks are provi n g very efficient. The socks, gloves, mitts and possum fur insoles are available through www. kiwicountryclothing.ie. Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt swears by the products, attributing the socks and boots to fixing his cold feet issues. The outer rain wear, the outback range of oilskin coats, jackets and pants are guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable. For further information, see www.kiwicountryclothing.ie, or pop into their store just off Grafton Street, at No 18 South Anne Street.
Constant and regular self-monitoring are vital when living with diabetes, as is the right diet and steps to address the condition
Watch what you eat and move more in fight against diabetes Dr Anna Clarke Health promotion and research manager, Diabetes Ireland
IN Ireland, it is estimated that there are 225,000 people with diabetes of which 200,000 have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or just diabetes as it is more commonly known, occurs when the body can’t produce or use insulin properly resulting in high blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems including heart and kidney disease, blindness or nerve damage. Therefore, keeping your blood glucose as close to normal (4-6 mmols) as possible is the key to good health.
Type I Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is when the body’s immune system turns against a part of the body ie in type 1 diabetes, the
insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to live, either by injection or through an insulin pump. Dietary intake or physical inactivity levels do not play a part in this autoimmune process.
Type 2 Diabetes About 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2, which usually develops gradually, with few, if any symptoms, in adults. The pancreas continues to make insulin but the body does not use it effectively. About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Type 2 diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome that includes obesity, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. Controlling Diabetes Control of diabetes means control of blood sugar, blood fats and
blood pressure. Each is important in its own way but control of all three is essential to reduce your risk of future ill-health. The most important aspect of diabetes management is diet, then exercise, taking medication and regular check-ups.
The Role of Diet A healthy balanced diet is the type of diet that all people ought to be eating. There is no such thing as a special “diabetic” diet but guidelines on what is healthy eating for all persons. You should talk to a dietician about your eating habits and see www. diabetes.ie for more details. For all people, regular meals are recommended as well as a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and refined sugar, high in fibre, and includes plenty of vegetables and fruit. Physical Activity Everyone can move a
little more and movement is good. Movement keeps the muscles toned up and helps the insulin you have to work more effectively. Even when you are sitting in a chair you can be exercising your arms, feet or head. Every little helps. Aim to have a minimum 30 minutes of activity or 10,000 steps each day.
Conclusion Lifestyle issues play a large part in the day to day management of
diabetes after diagnosis but equally play a major role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Every person, regardless of having diabetes or not, needs to pay attention to their food intake and physical activity levels. If overweight, the risk of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and if pregnant, gestational diabetes rises. Take action today. For more information on diabetes see www. diabetes.ie or phone 1850 909 909.
Heart Up +, the 100% natural high-fibre super food, is partnering with Diabetes Ireland this November to raise awareness of Diabetes in Ireland. During the month of November, Heart Up + will donate €1 of every pack sold to Diabetes Ireland with all monies raised going towards research into the condition. Heart Up + can be purchased in all major pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets (nationwide) as well as online at www.truelifehealthfoods.com RRP: €7.79
19 November 2015 Gazette 25
Gazette
GAMING gamers: things to remember when shopping around
Consoling words as you face ‘trading-up’
shane dillon
WITH Christmas around the corner, many people are buying new consoles for their nearest and dearest and loved ones (even if that happens to be themselves). Whether you’re looking to take the plunge and finally trade up, or if you’re looking to buy a great gift for someone else – or yourself – here’s what you should keep in mind. For the sake of argu-
ment, I’m referring only to Sony’s PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Microsoft’s Xbox One (XBO), as Nintendo don’t have a new console yet to trade up to. Firstly, consider your storage options – the console’s hard drive space for storing digital games, films and content on. Consoles usually come with one of two hard drive sizes like a PC – typically, with 500GB, but 1TB hard drives are becoming the norm, twice the
storage space of 500GB, for which you pay a little more. Next, be aware of the ratings system for games, which can affect the console “bundle”. Many bundles are for specific or exclusive games – new consoles are increasingly shipped with marketing branded for a hot, big new game (thrown in free). However, if it’s a bundled deal, you should always check the box to see what the game is. If a game has a Cert 18 rat-
ing, you’d hardly hand that over to Little Timmy or Tara! Finally: the costs. Trading up to, or buying a new console as a gift, is never cheap, but at least it only needs to be done maybe once or twice a decade. As always, shop around for the best offer. However, as a general rule, at the time of writing a PS4 or an XBO are quite similar: €350 for a 500GB console, or €400 for a 1TB console, as outlined above.
Whether buying a new console for your other half – or just for yourself – there’s lots of choice to get you gaming again in no time. Illustration: Shane Dillon
Confusingly, you can often find the “same” console with different prices, either as a bundle with a game (or two) or just by itself, which doesn’t seem to make sense! In general, games for the ”new” consoles are currently more expensive than before. Whereas the
biggest new games were typically €65 before, the average price is now €75. However, many games can be downloaded digitally, and bought directly from the Sony or Microsoft store; indeed, many slightly-older or indie games can be bought and downloaded for anything
from €10 to €25-plus. U l t i m a t e l y, s h o p around. There are several bundled consoles with one hit game or another, and with Christmas and New Year sales – not to mention any price cuts – a great gaming Christmas is just about affordable after that initial pricy outlay.
26 BLANCH GAZETTE 19 November 2015
BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS DVD TRANSFERS
GARDENING
HOMES
PLANNING NOTICE
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FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
CARPENTRY
SECURTIY
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Buying? Selling? Letting? If you are looking to buy, sell or let your property either now or in the future, simply contact our office or send us an email. We are also available for valuations. Email – lloyddalys@gmail.com Sales – Lloyd Daly: 01 820 8333 Rentals – Martina Smyth: 0862307376
N?P 8;M<IK@J< N@K? K?< >8Q<KK<6 C\k fli X[m\ik`j\ij k\cc pfl n_p
We, Johnny & Sinead Lynch, intend to apply for permission for development at this site 16 Somerton, Castleknock Golf Club, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The development will consist of the demolition of garage and conservatory and construction of extension to rear and side, part single and part two storey with reduced floor area from that previously approved (FW09B/0114) along with associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application. 25466
PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
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Planning Permission is sought for an amendment to previously granted application planning reference no. FW14B/0101. The single amendment relates to condition no. 2 of this granted permission and extends to the omission of the fixed timber louvres on the south facing elevation at first floor level to the rear of the property and replacement with permanently fixed obscure glazing immediately behind their location at 20 Limelawn Hill, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, for Mr Gordon Mooney. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. 25474
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19 November 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 27
BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS PAVING
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PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
DG Mc Ardle International Ltd intends to apply for Permission for development at 6 Damastown Avenue/ Macetown South Road, Damastow n Industrial Estate, Dublin 15. The development will consist of an 834sq.m warehouse extension to a logistics warehouse building granted planning permission under planning reference no. FW15A/0059 (currently under construction) which will include 16 additional car parking spaces and all associated site developments works. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed:David Mc Ardle 25481
Gazette
28 gazette 19 November 2015
SPORT Hermes keep 100% run going
FastSport
Hockey: dublin clubs leading the way in the EY national leagues
Blackrock and Railway draw in women’s AIL:
LEAGUE leaders Blackrock remain unbeaten in the AllIreland women’s league but they were held to a 5-all draw by a feisty Railway Union team at Stradbrook. Rock’s Carrie Hanley made the switch to inside centre due to the inclusion of Jeamie Deacon in Ireland’s starting line-up. She showed her class in defence and also struck for a well-taken 38th minute try. Railway were missing seven first choice players due to both the 15s and Sevens international fare over the weekend. However, 20-year-old lock Kate McCarthy, in just her third senior league game, fitting in seamlessly into the second row berth vacated by Ciara Cooney. McCarthy’s workrate and tackle count helped Railway to nullify Blackrock’s attacking threat, and the visitors’ outside centre, Martina McCarthy, duly dotted down with less than 10 minutes left on the clock for the draw.
sport@dublingazette.com
HERMES maintained their two-point lead at the top of the women’s E Y Ho c ke y L e a g u e with a dramatic 3-2 win over title rivals Railway Union in a thrilling tus-
sle at Park Avenue in Sandymount. All the goals came in a stunning first half with Hermes taking a 2-0 lead inside five minutes via Chloe Watkins and Naomi Carroll. Emma Smyth got one back
before Anna O’Flanagan’s ninth league goal of the season made it 3-1 at quarter-time. Kate McKenna got another back for Railway and they came within a sniff of nicking a last second equaliser
Three Rock Rovers goalkeeper Jamie Carr makes a save. Picture: Adrian Boehm
Hermes’ Naomi Carroll on the attack. Picture: Deryck Vincent
but Emma Gray made a brilliant save at the death to ensure the points for Hermes. It means they stay two points clear at the top of the division with Ulster Elks, the nearest challengers. They won their Ulster derby 2-0 against A r d s w i t h 18 - y e a rold Jessica McMaster breaking the deadlock when she got on the end of Shirley McCay’s cross. On the men’s side, Monkstown remain a point clear at the top of the EY Hockey League as both recorded double wins over the weekend. Town have the slight edge as they snuck a 4-3 win over Cork C of I on Saturday before thumping Cookstown a
day later. Against C of I, they had trailed 3-1 in the first quarter but two goals from Gareth Watkins – in a week he celebrated his return to the Irish senior setup – and one each from Josh Gregory and Kyle Good earned them the spoils. There was much less difficulty a day later as they led 6-0 at half-time in County Tyrone and never looked overly troubled in the second half – Watkins added three more to his weekend total. Gar vey’s tie with Cookstown on Saturday was much tighter, nicking a 2-1 result. They followed up with a gritty 2-0 win in Tallaght against Glenanne
with Sean Murray adding to his growing reputation. Three Rock Rovers’ youthful side continued their fine start to the season. A 0-0 draw with Banbridge on Saturday owed much to goalkeeper Jamie Carr’s heroics while Sunday’s 2-1 win against Pembroke came courtesy of a Jody Hosking thunderbolt with 17 minutes to go. Ross Canning and Sothern had traded first quarter goals. Rovers move up to fifth place in the division after six rounds of matches and can move into the top four should they win their next tie against Cork C of I on December 5 on home turf at Grange Road.
Straight Blast’s Lobov enjoying his second chance sport@dublingazette.com
Artem Lobovwho fights under the Irish flag
DUBLIN-BASED Russian Artem Lobov is looking to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, and is progressing well through UFC’s popular reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter. Lobov, who has an Irish passport and fights under an Irish flag, is a sparring partner of McGregor’s, and is fighting for the Irish champion’s Team McGregor on the TV show. He’s a member of Straight Blast Gym, located off the Naas Road, the same gym that McGregor fights for, and moved
to Dublin back in 2003. The Russian has been slightly fortunate in his competition progress so far, helped by McGregor. Lobov was defeated by Medhi Baghdad on a majority decision during a series of fights that were aimed at determining initial places in the house. However McGregor and American team leader Urijah Faber were both offered the chance to take one losing fighter back into the fold. Lobov was surprised by the decision when informed by UFC president Dana White, saying “When Dana said to me you have
a second chance to go back into the house, I was very happy but I said it to him right away: I don’t think I deserve this but I’m sure as hell going to take it.” Lobov defeated American team member James Jenkins in last week’s episode, aired on November 12, and dominated the fight throughout, finishing the American towards the end of the first round after flooring his opponent. “I think, after that performance, there’ll be no more questions about who should be here and who shouldn’t,” Lobov com-
mented after the fight. “Everybody knows that Artem Lobov belongs in this place.” Lobov/ McGregor’s Team Europe currently hold a 5-3 lead over theirAmerican opponents in the series. McGregor has admitted that his knowledge of Lobov before the show played a role in his decision to bring the Naas Roadbased fighter back. The final fight of the competition takes place in Las Vegas on December 11, with a contract with the UFC on offer for the winner.
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Dublin’s skeleton king eyes up Olympic dream Brendan Doyle tells JAMES HENDICOTT about how he is looking to compete with the world’s best in an unlikely sport for an Irishman IN EARLY 1990s classic movie Cool Runnings, a Jamaican bobsleigh team take on the Olympics in a sport that’s so unsuited to their climate it makes for sensational comedy. Based on a true story, the movie overlooks one key aspect: bobsleigh pace links closely with sprinting ability, and the Jamaicans are truly world class at that. In the world of winter sports, Ireland are arguably an even more unlikely contender. Brendan Doyle, though, aims to do just that: compete. Doyle is
currently campaigning to raise money to represent Ireland at the Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018, following in the footsteps of Clifton Wrottesley’s unlikely fourth place for the Irish team in Salt Lake City back in 2002. Doyle references Wrottesley as his inspiration, reflecting on his start in the sport: “In 2003, during one of my training sessions, I was approached by the Skeleton and Bobsleigh Association where they asked would I be interested in giving a skel-
Brendan Doyle in skeleton action
eton sled a push. “I jumped at the opportunity. I had recently seen Ireland finishing fourth in the Olympic games in 2002 so I was captivated by the sport.” Overcoming serious injuries in his role as a member of An Garda Siochana and bouts of depression and insomnia, Dubliner Doyle has progressed incredibly well, using sport to help him progress other areas of his life. He spent last week in Calgary, where he competed with world class
sliders at two North American Cups, making a final and securing a top 20 finish. He’s getting sharper, and says his goals are “ever changing”. Referencing Cool Runnings in describing his Dublin-based training – “like the movie, I concentrate on my sprint section at home. I use videos, too, but unlike Cool Runnings, I don’t do it in my bathtub” – Doyle explains the demands of his sports. “Obviously my sport is a little insane and athletes require a certain personality type; we’re all a little crazy. Pushing ourselves down an ice track at 140kph head first you have to have a few screws loose, but at the time the mental strength to maintain composure under such pressure is something you just need. “You need the physicality of an Olympic sprinter and mental agility of a chess player basically. In a sport where races are won and lost in thousandths of
a second we can’t afford to be slow anywhere. So I train strength and speed.” Doyle has set an ambitious target for the South Korean Olympics: making the final, a big challenge given the quality of international skeleton competition with day-today access to slopes. “Making the final would be a big achievement,” he said. “There is so much to the sport, regardless of the start list. “Things like ice temperature, air temp and weather can change everything, so a successful Olympic campaign is to get there and adapt to the conditions. Making the final is my goal, and I’ll take it from there.” As for qualification, that will require Doyle to compete in a range of competitions to pick up points, outscoring other potential competitors in order to make it in South Korea. So why the need for money? Doyle is fundrais-
ing through PledgeSport, in part because there’s little financial support in place for minority sports like this in Ireland. “One thing I’m in desperate need of is a new sled and speed suit as the sled I have now is 12 years old and doesn’t meet standards for official competition. It will allow me to get ice time in training but when it comes to competition, it’s not allowed. “So I have to try rely on the kindness of other sliders to lend me their sled. It’s not ideal because, in my sport, the slider and their sled are one and you need to be able to know how it will act on the track.” Thus far, Doyle has raised €2,200 towards his Olympic dream with his fundraising campaign due to end on November 29. To support Brendan online, google “Pledge Sports Cool Runnings Ireland”, of track him down on Facebook at facebook. com/facedoyle.
FastSport Ormond hopes to nail down Crolla Date: STEPHEN Ormond is hopeful that he could be placed on the undercard of the Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg world title bout on February 27. The Rock, who hails from Clondalkin, could be in line for a bout with Anthony Crolla on the card providing the Manchester man claims victory in his rematch with Darleys Perez on November 21 and takes the WBA World lightweight title. Ormond has seen the reports that this is a possibility and the Celtic Warrior gym member says that it is a fight he would love to take. “I think it would be a great fight and it would generate a lot of attention,” he said this week. “I believe he will win [his World title rematch]. I would love that fight in February it would be a great fight. There were rumours out there and talk about the fight in February. It is all talk and rumour, but I would love that fight. But, listen, I would fight any of the lightweights in the UK. I am here and I am ready; it’s a great division.”
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30 BLANCH gazette 19 November 2015
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FastSport
olympic sport: dublin international club on the march
New Celtic U-12 sponsor ARTHUR Armstrong of Arthur Armstrong Ceilings was on hand to present a newly sponsored football kit to Castleknock Celtic’s DDSL Under-12 team captain, James Daly. Also in the picture are Cillian Maxwell, Adam Fleming, and team manager Alan Fleming.
Mochta’s U-12s off Major 1 mark with a Pop ST MOCHTA’S Under-12 Major 1 side took their first points of the season when they shaded a narrow 2-1 win over Leixlip United in one of the few games to survive the weather last weekend. After a slow start by the Saints, Leixlip took the lead inside the first five minutes after a mix up from a Leixlip corner. That seemed to wake the team up and within five minutes they were level. Alex Conway played in a delightful ball from the right which Dylan
Doyle struck first time. The keeper made a parrying save and in stepped Alex Pop at the back post for a simple finish. Shane Manning and Luke Walsh stepped up from the second team to help with the numbers and were superb. The winning goal came with 10 minutes to go in the game. Following a corner from Conway, he then managed to find himself in the box. Leixlip were unable to clear the ball and Pop was there to strike the ball home past the keeper. It was a well deserved three points for the saints and an overall fantastic team performance.
The Dublin International handball team during a recent trip to Edinburgh
D15’s handball heroes
james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com
TOMAS MARTINONIS plays handball, and he’s not talking about the GAA version. Olympic handball is a minority sport in Ireland, and when he arrived here from Lithuania in 2007, he was surprised to find a two-tier league of 14 sides already running. The side he joined, Blanchardstown-based Dublin International Handball Club, are the dominant force in the Irish men’s game, but their consistent league competitors number just six. That’s not to say Ire-
land are weak in the sport: those six sides can field teams competent enough that when they travelled to represent their country in 2009, they ran fully professional clubs from Croatia and the Ukraine close, and beat an English side with a far larger catchment area. Without funding, they haven’t been able to justify travel in recent years. The sport is played on a 40m by 20m indoor pitch, with goals scored in 3m goals at either end of the pitch, by throwing into the net from a distance of greater than 6m. It’s fast-paced and lively, and immensely popular
(and professional) across central Europe, especially in Germany, Russia, Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Martinonis describes the Irish league as “mostly international”, admitting that even a few of the Irish national side are naturalised citizens, but is keen to highlight both the benefits of the game to other sportsmen, and how open his Phibblestown-based side are to new players. “It’s a game that suits different kinds of athletes with different physical abilities, depending on what position they might play in,” Martinonis said. “There are a lot of simi-
larities to Gaelic football, so people who grew up playing that would have a good start.” Martinonis extends an open invite down to the club. “Our women’s team has really taken off recently, and we’re starting a kids’ team for the first time this season,” he says. “We take any ability; our club has players who are former professionals, but also people who had never played the game before they arrived.” A particular target audience is those Gaelic football players, with Olympic handball a winter sport that fits in nicely around the GAA season, running
from November to April. “We’d like to see the game develop, in our club, obviously, but also outside Dublin,” Martinonis says. “We only have one non-Dublin team in the league, though teams from Belfast, Galway and Sligo compete in the cup. “The teams change a lot, partly because a lot of players are expats and tend to return home. “We’re strong in part because we’ve played with the same core of players for the last six years. “But we’d really like to see our strength develop, and we’d like more locals involved. It’s a great sport.”
19 November 2015 BLANCH gazette 31
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international rules: brogan to captain ireland in croker
Dublin five take on Oz sport@dublingazette.com
THE IRELAND international rules side set to play Australia in Croke P a r k t h i s S a t u r d ay (November 21) includes a host of Dublin county stars, but they’ll be up against it, playing an Australia side crammed with high-salaried professionals. Five Dublin players have been named in the panel to face the Aussies, with Bernard Brogan (St
Oliver Plunkett’s/ER) captaining the side. He’ll be joined by player of the year Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf), Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams), Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes) and Diarmuid Connolly (St Vincent’s). Connolly was called up to the squad after his side St Vincent’s suffered a defeat to Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Dublin Senior Football Championship Final, ending their
involvement in club football for this year. International rules is a hybrid of Australian rules football and Gaelic football, using three different styles of scoring. The use of a round ball benefits GAA players (Aussie rules football use an oval ball), as does the use of a rectangular field. The Aussie rules players benefit from tackling rules that are closer to their code, as well as the introduction of mark calls.
FastSport
Plunkett’s man Bernard Brogan will captain Ireland
A goal is worth six points, an “over” (GAA point) three points and a “behind’”(wide by the width of less than a goal, as marked by another set of posts) worth a single point. Like GAA, the game is 15-a-side. The rules were changed in 2014 to allow unlimited changes in team personnel at both quarter and half time breaks, and a substantial 16 per quarter during play, so all of Ire-
land’s 23-man panel can expect to get an extended run out. Australia won the 2014 series, having been demolished by a record score in Croke Park in 2013. A strong Aussie squad are widely seen as favourites. The international rules takes place at Croke Park on Saturday, November 21 at 7pm, with tickets available via the GAA website.
Knock link up with Camile CASTLEKNOCK’S adult ladies’ section celebrated another season of success with the footballers securing league and cup titles for the second time in a row. The local club have gone from strength to strength and are looking forward to 2016 with more ladies than ever set to line out for the Somerton outfit. Pictured is ladies footballer Laura Carolan visiting Camile in Blanchardstown. The club recently announced a new agreement with Camile to sponsor the adult and minor ladies’ teams.
GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31
handball heroes: Phibblestown club ready for international success with growing numbers P30
november 19-25, 2015
The Skeleton king: Brendan Doyle on his pursuit of an Olympic dream P29
Dingley decamps to D15 for Rio bid sport@dublingazette.com
NAC-BASED diver Oliver Dingley last Sunday won his first event as an Irish competitor when beating multiple world champion Tom Daley at the Irish Open in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. He won the 1m men’s final in dramatic fashion, seeing off the sport’s most famous face by 1.05 points with final forward 2½ somersaults in the last round of action, drawing a rousing reception from the home supporters. Dingley, who won a bronze medal for Great Britain at last
year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, is set to become Ireland’s first Olympic diving representative since London 1948 when he steps out on to the board in Rio next year The seeds were sown for the 22-year-old’s move to declare for Ireland after he was not selected for the British diving team that went on to medal at London 2012, and he has since moved to the National Sports Campus in Dublin 15 with his coach of 16 years, Damian Ball. He said: “The heartbreak [of not being selected for London 2012] spurred me on and in
2014 I made another dream of mine a reality - to win an individual medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Life-changing “After the Games I made a life-changing decision to follow my Irish heritage and represent Ireland. “I am very proud to wear green, white and orange on my back and I would love for people to follow my journey to Rio and beyond and help inspire the next Irish generation.” His next big target is the FINA World Cup - and Olympic test event in Rio in Febru-
ary. Funding his Olympic bid, though, is proving a tough task. With diving being low down the pecking order when it comes to handing out Olympic year funding, Dingley is in need of sponsorship and is calling upon potential fans to give to his cause, promising in return to do everything he can to bring back an Irish medal from Rio 2016. He is seeking funding for this slice of history via crowd-funding platform PledgeSports.org With backers offered the chance to get a diving lesson from Dingley.
Oliver Dingley, centre, with Tom Daley and Jack Ffrench