Blanch

Gazette BLANCH

INSIDE: Ireland and Ulster winger Tommy Bowe is on

the ball with thoughts on rugby and marriage Page 15

Opinion: Sr Stan launches an appeal for Focus Ireland as housing crisis worsens Page 12

Gallery: Revised heritage book marks the legacy of our period buildings Page 14

sport Football:

St Brigid’s stay in AFL1 after Synger win Page 32

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December 3-9, 2015

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Strictly dancers score big to help club Pictured at the Strictly Castleknock fundraising event, these dancers said they were “in it, to win it”. The Castleknock Hurling and Football Club, in conjunction with Kevin Rowe Events, held the Strictly event in Westmanstown Conference Centre recently. Local celebrity judges on the night were Minister Leo Varadkar, Tainiste Joan Burton, stand-up comedian Pat Mc Donnell and choreographer Natasha Maher.

Fourteen couples and one threesome took part in the dance competition to raise funds for the club. A night of great entertainment was enjoyed by a packed house and some fantastic dancing from Bollywood to Tango was performed on stage. Picture: Shay Hogan

Lecturer warns about the fate of IT Blanch

‘We would lose our independence in merger suggested due to lack of resources’

 keith bellew

BLANCHARDSTOWN’S only third-level institution is in danger of losing its ability to grow if funding from the Department of Education is not increased, a lecturer has

warned.

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown has seen a 0.9% reduction in staff and a 22.7% reduction in funding despite an enrolment increase of 94.8%.

Speaking to the Gazette, following a lunchtime pro-

test by Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members at the institute on Thursday, November 26, Nathalie Cazaux, TUI ITB branch secretary, said a merger of ITB, Tallaght Institute of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology has

been proposed due to a lack of resources.

“We might lose opportunities to develop if we are the smallest part of a big institution “We would lose our independence.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH Gazette 3 December 2015

education | merger of ITB, IT Tallaght and DIT has been proposed

Lack of resources a worry for ITB  Keith Bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Blanchardstown’s only third-level institution is in danger of losing its ability to grow if funding from the Department of Education is not increased, a lecturer has warned.

Speaking to The Gazette, following a lunchtime protest by Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members at Institute of Technology B l a n c h a r d s t ow n o n Thursday, November 26, Nathalie Cazaux, TUI ITB branch secretary said that a merger of ITB, IT Tallaght and

DIT has been proposed due to a lack of resources.

She went on to say that ITB has seen an enrolment increase of around 94.8% between 2008 and 2015 which, coupled with a 0.9% reduction in staff and a 22.7% reduction in funding over the same period is a recipe for disaster.

She said that this created a situation where a merger between the institutes in Tallaght, Blanchardstown and the city may be necessary for the survival of the institutions.

She said that it is not yet clear whether this

would necessitate the college moving from its premises beside Corduff.

“There are plans in Blanchardstow n for merging between DIT and IT Tallaght. We might lose opportunities to develop if we are the smallest part of a big institution, we would lose our independence. The fear is that the community in Blanchardstown might lose out,” she said.

She added that the cutbacks have drastically impacted on the students as, due to the lack of available staff the library can’t stay open as long as it should and

students do not have enough time to study and source material.

“We are gravely concerned by the severe effects that these cutbacks are having on the quality of experience for students in the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown,” she said.

The protest was part of a wider day of strike action by lecturers at Institutes of Technology throughout the country.

Lecturers and researchers will be balloted by TUI in the coming weeks on engagement in a campaign of industrial action, up to and including strike action, in order to secure a resolution to their key issues of concern.

T he TUI says that institutes of technology are regional genera-

Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members during a lunchtime protest

tors of innovation and entrepreneurship and need to be appropriately funded in order to kick-start jobs growth and build high level knowledge capacity to meet the future needs of the economy. The local economy would also be greatly boosted by such investment.

TUI is advocating more substantial and strategic budgets to support the regional mission of the Insti-

Garda community bus on the way

Dublin 15 is to receive a new Garda community bus from next week to assist with its outreach programmes.

Tanaiste Joan Burton announced this following a meeting with senior Garda chiefs, in the region, including chief superintendent John Quirke.

T here had been a community bus operating in Dublin west up until a few years ago, but it was discontinued due to cuts to resources.

T he Tanaiste said: “I’m particularly pleased to see the provision of a

new community bus for the area included in the provision of new Garda vehicles.

“The old bus was used very successfully by the gardai for community outreach, for use by community groups such as older people, children and early school leavers, so I envisage that the new bus will serve that same purpose.

“It’s a great example of outreach by the guards to the various organisations, and it also helps them keep up links with the new communities.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

tutes and boost economic recover y at a local level.

“We are urging that lecturers, students and all concerned in the locality make this an election issue in the coming months,” said Cazaux.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education said it is currently implementing reforms to tackle casualization (no set contract or hours) in the teaching profession on

foot of a report last year by an expert group.

“These changes allow all fixed-term teachers to acquire permanent positions more easily and quickly, and enable part-time teachers to gain additional hours.

“A s i m i l a r e x p e r t group looking at issues in higher education institutions, including Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, is currently preparing a report,” they said.

3 December 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

schools | St Patrick’s leads the way in making the most of leftovers

Plan to end food waste rewarded  Keith bellew news@gazettegroup.com

ST PATRICK’S National School in Corduff is fast becoming famous for food initiatives. Pupils at the junior and senior schools have been tracking their food waste as a school project, and presented their findings on Wednesday, December 2.

The initiative is part of the Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (Voice) Food Waste Reduction Challenge.

During the first week of the challenge, students are asked to track the amount of food and packaging they have

thrown away each day.

They also documented why the food was thrown away and offered solutions to avoid this waste in the future.

The second week saw the students tracking the amount of waste again to determine whether their plans to reduce their food and packaging waste were successful.

After their presentation, local chef Fiona Daly cooked dishes with the participating students, made from food that would have been thrown away. These included soup, pasta dishes and desserts, including apple crumble.

The local SuperValu

and Centra have also got on board and provided food, which would have become waste.

Speaking to the Gazette, teacher Suzanne Burns said one of the classes involved managed to reduce their food waste by 40% and their food packaging waste by 33%.

“A lot of them stopped bringing in their food wrapped in tin foil and cling film; they just used their lunch boxes instead.

Any food they didn’t eat, they brought home instead of throwing it out, and decided any other waste could be made into compost.”

Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Senior School was named

Breakfast Club of the Year at the inaugural Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards, at a ceremony in Buswell’s Hotel last week.

Volunteers, pupils and teachers were presented with a prize of €1,500 and a month’s supply of breakfast cereal for their club in recognition of their stand-out achievements.

St Patrick’s was chosen from more than 100 entries nationwide.

Kellogg’s launched the Breakfast Club Awards in September to raise awareness of the importance of breakfast clubs and to reward their great work within schools and communities.

Wendy Smith, Kelloggs; Pamela Dingle and Dolores Coote, St Patrick’s; Kevin Humphreys, Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection; Joan Tuite, St Patrick’s with pupils from St Patrick’s Senior National School. Picture: Patrick Bolger

St Patrick’s was selected as overall best breakfast club of the year due to the successful efforts made to integrate its multinational students by hosting culturally-themed breakfasts.

Dolores Coote, St

Patrick’s Senior National School’s Breakfast Club co-ordinator said as well as serving a healthy breakfast to the children each morning, they also offer themed breakfasts for special occasions.

“Our themed breakfasts

play a key part in the school’s Intercultural Week, whereby the children have the opportunity to try foods that represent countries of our vast range of nationalities of the students in our school.”

4 BLANCH Gazette 3 December 2015

Rapid bus service still a possibility

A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system linking Ongar to UCD is still on the table, according to the Department of Transport.

The department confirmed that this is still being considered following representations from Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP). He was speaking after a meeting of Fingal County Council where the council officials raised questions about whether funding would be provided for the BRT in the medium term.

The council stated that: “It should be noted that the Bus Rapid Transit is not contained within the Government Capital and Infra-

structure plan 2016-2021” and further noted that there was uncertainty about the funding of this project over the next five years.

“This news is deeply worrying.

In the Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy, the BRT is regarded as the major transport solution for the Ongar/West Blanchardstown area. There would be those of us who think it isn’t enough, but right now, it is the only scheme proposed.

“However, now its funding is suddenly looking really uncertain. The Department for Transport needs to urgently clarify if and when the

funding for this measure will be put in place,” said Cllr O’Gorman.

A spokesperson for the Department said it is still committed to examining proposals for a BRT linking Blanchardstown and UCD. “The project is included in NTA’s draft Transport Strategy for the GDA and funding has provisionally been allocated for planning and design of the project under the new Capital Plan.

“The progression to construction stage would be subject to business case approval and availability of funding,” they said.

healthcare | using hospital as ‘political tool’

Trolley waiting time stats challenged

 keith bellew

Health Minister, Leo Varadkar said there has been a 14% reduction in the number of patients waiting on trollies at Connolly Hospital in 2015.

He was responding to a challenge from Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) who he has accused of being unfair to Dublin West’s local hospital and its dedicated staff for his own political ends.

Citing a report on trolley numbers from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), which showed 33 people were waiting on trollies at Connolly on November 23, Cllr McGuinness said Connolly Hospital ranks as the worst hospital in the country in terms of overcrowding. “[Last week] I was contacted by a family who had to bring their 72-year old mother home because she spent days on a trolley.

They said that a 22-yearold man was refused entry to Beaumont Hospital because they stopped taking patients. All ambulances were diverted to Connolly and the waiting times were disgraceful,” he said.

He went on to say that Minister Varadkar has “overseen the worst peri-

Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said Connolly Hospital ranks as the worst hospital in the country in terms of overcrowding

od for healthcare in this country and no amount of political attacking of me or others will hide that fact”.

Responsible

“Minister Varadkar needs to stop commenting on the health service like an impartial observer.

He is directly responsible for this and his own constituency hospital is ranking worse than anywhere else around the country.”

Minister Varadkar hit back saying Cllr McGuinness is using the local hospital as a political tool “Once again.”

“The truth is that Connolly does relatively well

in managing trolley numbers. David has picked up one bad day to misrepresent the position. Most days Connolly alongside St James’s ranks best among the six hospitals in Dublin. Let’s look at the facts.

“Latest data shows that on November 13 there were 35% fewer people on trollies than this time last year. In fact, throughout the year as a whole, there have consistently been fewer people on trollies at Connolly –14% fewer since January,” he said.

He went on to outline the measures taken to deal with emergency

department overcrowding during his tenure as Health Minister, saying: “The Government has spent more than €120 million nationally on emergency department overcrowding and is implementing the Emergency Task Force Plan.

The 24-bed Cherry Ward in Connolly is being opened ahead of the winter.

“In Connolly there are good signs that the Task Force Plan is making a difference. Perhaps Cllr McGuinness should acknowledge some of the good work that staff and management in Connolly are doing.”

3 December 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said the developer seems to be trying to get a better deal for himself through the planning process

Porterstown | developer seeks change

Concern over new planning application  Keith Bellew Residents of Windmill Estate in Porterstown are upset about a change of permission lodged by the developer of their estate which seeks to add an extra 29 units to the site.

The original development was left unfinished and residents were effectively living on a building site, so in February 2011 the council filed for an order pursuant to Section 160 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2011 requiring the developer to carry out such works as are necessary to develop and complete public open spaces to the satisfaction of the council, remove palisade fencing erected along the northern and eastern boundaries of the lands and replace same with a butt wall and railings and carry out works to

ensure that the bin storage and bicycle storage units are constructed in accordance with the plans approved.

However, in May 2012, due to the economic situation in the country at the time, the judge decreed that there be a stay on the enforcement order for a period of four years.

Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said the developer seems to be trying to get a better deal for himself through the planning process, but residents aren’t happy because it is different to what they bought into originally.

He said that many residents have basically been living on a building site and there are health and safety concerns for their children.

“Basically the developer lef t the estate unfinished and sold a lot of houses even though it was left like a building

site, with no open space in it. They’ve since submitted an application to alter the planning permission.

“This is an endless cycle for the residents, who are asking why he can’t just sort out the problems with the original permission,” he said.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) also expressed concern over this application, saying he believes the developer should have to carry out the works without benefitting any further from the development.

“I’m concerned by the submission of this new planning application at the Windmill site in Clonsilla. For the last few years, this development has sat unfinished, leaving residents of the first phase with no proper public open space for their kids to play on. Now,

rather than just going ahead and completing the estate, the developers appear to be trying to squeeze an extra 29 units onto the site. I believe that the council should be insisting that the original planning is fully completed and that the developers should not be allowed to benefit from their own delays over the last number of years,” he said.

A council spokesperson responded saying that: “In addition to the residential element, the application also provides for 247 car parking spaces, the completion of the existing basement car park/courtyard and the phased completion of 2.88 hectares of Class 1 Open Space and 0.45 hectares of Class 2 Open Space to ser ve both the proposed and exiting residential units at Windmill.”

6 BLANCH Gazette 3 December 2015

festive season | Safer Blanchardstown helping those who may be alone

Residents urged to be nosy neighbours Safer Blanchardstown is encouraging Dublin 15 residents to be nosy neighbours this Christmas, and look in on those who may be alone this festive season.

A spokesperson for the group said cold, wet and

windy days followed closely by dark evenings are enough to get anyone down.

“This kind of depressing weather coupled with the short dark evenings can add to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Safer Blan-

chardstown would like to encourage Gazette readers to keep neighbours in mind this winter especially those whom you think may be living alone and keeping to themselves,” they said.

Safer Blanchardstown is

also encouraging all who are on their own this Christmas to avail of their local community centre.

“Community centres are a great resource for information and activities covering a wide range of supports and groups

from senior groups to youth groups, from painting and bingo to bowls and badminton. Information relating to other services provided in the wider community can also be found in local community centres.

“So be a nosey neighbour and look in on those you think may be isolated or alone and tell them about the local community centre and remember always report unusual activity to the gardai,” said the spokesperson.

Castleknock GAA Junior Football Team wins a set of jerseys Castleknock GAA Junior Football Team has won a set of jerseys courtesy of Carroll’s Cuisine as part of the Tullamore company’s GAA Jersey Competition, which attracted hundreds of entries from across the country.

The competition, which was created to celebrate 25 years of Carroll’s supporting Offaly GAA asked clubs/ schools to describe why they deserve to win a set of jerseys.

Dave O’Brien from Castleknock entered a witty poem into the competition which got the attention of the judges and resulted in the team being

awarded a free set of jerseys Out of the hundreds of entries received, over 17 counties are represented among the 25 winners.

Speaking about the competition, Karen Hanley, marketing manager of Carroll’s said: “Everyone at Carroll’s is delighted to be able to reward GAA fans/teams across the country with a brand new set of jerseys. The judges had a difficult time picking the winners from the hundreds of entries received.

“This has been a fantastic platform for us to mark our 25 years of supporting Offaly GAA.”

Maria, Alexandra, Michelle, Dep Mayor Jack Chambers, Dil Wickremasinghe, Philipe, Jessie, Denise, Doris and Paul Reid, chief executive at Fingal County Council

Blakestown Drive | Environment award

Community group wins major prize  Keith Bellew

Blakestown Drive Community Group (BDCG) was crowned Community Group of the Year in the Environment Category of the Fingal County Council, Community Group of the Year awards 2015.

The group received its award at a ceremony in Draiocht, Blanchardstown recently.

The group sees the winning of this prestigious award as the culmination of the good will and dedicated work carried out by its independent volunteers in the Blakestown community over the past number of

years.

The three tenets of BDCG are Environment, Education and Community and the mission of the group is to sustain “an environmental investment in society” through work, deeds and actions.

To this end the group has embarked upon many projects encouraging and assisting members of the community, particularly the younger ones to protect and improve the local environment.

One such project is Project Greenshoots “transferring classroom learning into stewardship of the environment”.

This is an off-shoot of Project Maple - managing, appreciating, protecting and loving the environment.

As part of Greenshoots, students from Scoil Mhuire Junior and Senior schools were given classes in which they learned a series of ‘green tips’ at the Daughters of Charity, sensory garden on Blakestown Road.

As part of Project Greenshoots all the children have been given a Greenshoots passport and they will receive a Greenshoots sticker every time they do a green activity on behalf of the school and com-

munity.

Last week, as part of their environmental/ educational strategy, BDCG in conjunction with Castaheany Educate Together National School and the Horticultural Department of Blanchardstown Institute of Technology held a bulb and tree planting.

A spokeswoman for BDCG said that everybody who participated in BDCG’s Projects share a huge chunk of this award.

“We all benefit from the improvement from the work that community groups devote to our neighbourhood and environment,” she said.

3 December 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

8 BLANCH Gazette 3 December 2015

R1

don’s dublin Robert Mallet and his seismic affect on our vocabulary Making a signifi-

cant contribution to science and being recognised for it would be enough for most people, but not Robert Mallet who is also credited with creating new words that are in daily use.

Mallet was born on June 3, 1810 in Ryder’s Row (off Capel Street), Dublin where his father, John, owned a foundry. After schooling in Great Dominick Street he entered Trinity College in 1826 where he studied science and engineering. He graduated in 1830 and went on a long tour of the Continent where he visited numerous foundries learning the latest techniques that he would use in Dublin. By the early 1830s with the introduction of railways into Ireland, the foundry was busy and Mallet became a wealthy man. He had become a partner and the name J&R Mallet, Dublin appeared on their work all over the country.

You can see them at the bottom of Trinity College railings on Nassau Street and on an iron, mooring bollard on the West Pier, Dun Laoghaire.

He was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in 1832, and by the mid-1840s he was using his mechanical and engineering skills to investigate and interpret earthquakes. His work, On the Dynamics of Earthquakes, was a breakthrough and was the beginning of the science of seismology. He, in fact, created the word in 1858 along with seismoscope and epicentre. He famously blew up Killiney Beach while testing his theories in late 1849. Assisted by his eldest son, John, and some soldiers, explosions were set off and he recorded the time taken for the shock wave to travel through the sand.

In 1877, he was awarded the Wollaston Medal by the Geological Society of London, its highest award and he was also elected as president of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Sadly, his eyesight was affected by an unidentified disease in the

Millennium Park was put forward as a hypothetical venue by Safer Blanchardstown for a Halloween event

committee | cr0ss-community event sought for D15

Blanch group look to make Halloween safer  keith bellew

early 1870s and he spent his last years virtually blind. He died on November 6, 1881 and is buried in West Norwood Cemetery.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Scientist Robert Mallet was born on June 3, 1810 in Ryder’s Row (off Capel Street) in Dublin

In an attempt to prevent the substantial damage caused to public parks and open spaces across the Dublin 15 area each Halloween, Safer Blanchardstown is looking to develop a cross community event for Halloween 2016.

To this end, the group is seeking expressions of interest from other community groups to establish a steering committee with a view to designing a Halloween event for next year.

Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown has proposed that an inaugural meeting take place on Wednesday, December 16,

at a venue to be decided upon depending on the level of interest shown In order to kick things off, he has developed a draft template for what the event could look like: The hypothetical venue is Millennium Park with tables/stalls for face painting, art, pumpkin carving etc in the car park and a competition for best pumpkin. This would be followed by a parade through Millennium Park around the pathway which would be lit by pumpkins entered in the competition. The wooded avenue would be decorated for a scary walk / ghost trail. The event would culminate in a controlled bonfire /

fireworks display in the centre of the main field.

Jennings said partners in the planning of the event should include statutory, voluntary and community organisations and representatives.

“The building of the event should begin with opportunities in late September to dispose of household items either at the local recycling centre or through neighbours chipping in to pay for large skips. Local residents, schools and residents associations need to be mobilised to generate ideas for the campaign and to actively promote [it],” he said.

He went on to say that in addition to the event

he is looking to start a campaign to alert people of the danger/damage/ consequences of providing material for bonfires.

Meeting

These are only my initial thoughts to get the ball rolling and for people to add to or take away from so please come along to the initial meeting and put your own ideas forward for consideration.

Fingal County Council has said that requests for it to be involved in community events at Halloween can be considered but each event must be run in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

I t i s ve h e m e n t l y opposed to bonfires of any description, whether controlled or otherwise.

A spokesperson said: “Halloween bonfires are dangerous. They illegally burn hazardous waste and cause thousands of euros in damage to public property every year.

“In the interest of public safety and the protection of public property Fingal County Council takes a proactive approach to preventing vandalism and anti-social behaviour at Halloween. We work closely with An Garda Siochana and business owners across the county to prevent stockpiling of bonfire material.”

3 December 2015 BLANCH Gazette 9

10 BLANCH Gazette 3 December 2015

Gazettegallery

| Castleknock Community College’s concerts

Denise Murphy, Stacy Quirke and Brona Donnelly.

Picture: Stephen Fleming

Connolly: nurses graduate in style at ceremony

S

enator David Norris was the guest of honour at the recent Connolly Hospital Graduation night. He presented badges to the nurses along with the director of nursing Judy McEntee.

Awards were also presented for student of the year, preceptor of the year and metrics awards. The graduates were all offered permanent contracts in Connolly Hospital.

Charlotte Cautley

Clinical nurses Bernadette O’Sullivan and Denise Hartigan Niamh and Brian Walsh

Marking 20 years with song and dance C

Eileen Lawlor with Mary and Mark Lilly Condon, Zerina Kacar and Kinsella Karen Nulty

Choir&DanceTroupe. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

astleknock Community College hosted two nights of music and dance in Draiocht Theatre recently to mark and celebrate the College’s 20th anniversary. The concerts highlighted the enormous and varied talents of the students past and

present and the teaching staff whose ongoing commitment and enthusiasm made the event a huge success.

The professionalism of the performances made a big impression on those who attended.

Tara O’Sullivan, Eileen Connolly and Eimear Davey Brian Carter

Ben McIntosh and Kate Maher

3 December 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11

in Draiocht Theatre to mark and celebrate 20th anniversary

Oisin Murphy O’Kane

Amy Fay, Amy Fulcher and Niamh Cooney

Volunteers Dabney Melia and Mary Galvin

Anna Friel

Helen Agnoli, Catherine Isiche and Hannah Rowsome

12 blanch gazette 3 December 2015

opinion | ‘The human stories tell us not enough is being done’

It’s the children who suffer most from homelessness

Sr Stan makes an urgent Christmas appeal to help support the unprecedented numbers of people who are losing their homes WE ALL think about our home at Christmas.

How will we celebrate this special time of year with our family and friends?

It’s the one time of year that people living away always make that special journey home to spend with their loved ones.

It’s hard to imagine as you read this that there are many parents actually dreading Christmas like a nightmare, as they are homeless Sadly, this is true for more than 800 families and 1,500 children who do not have a place to call home as they are homeless.

One mother told me how she can’t wait for the festive period to be over. She said: “I hate having to spend another day seeing my two young children homeless, stuck living in one little hotel room for the past eight months. It breaks my heart.”

The harsh reality is that, as you read this, at least two families lost their home today. More single people will also

become homeless.

I have never seen it so bad. These families live under terrible stress, and it’s the children who suffer the most.

I wrote a piece for The Gazette this time last year, when I thought things were as bad as they would ever get.

Sadly, since then – despite all the good work being done by many – the homeless crisis has deepened to an emergency situation as the number of children and families homeless in Dublin has doubled in a year.

Economic The major change in recent years has been the fact that many families and individuals are now losing their homes and becoming homeless purely for economic reasons.

At least two families lose their homes every day in Dublin alone, and the key reason is that they can’t afford their rent increases. The Government has taken some actions that have helped to prevent some families becoming homeless, and this is positive news.

However, the constant rise in the number of people losing their homes ever y month, and the human stories behind these increasing figures tell us that not enough is being done.

Rents have shot up by between 30 to 40% across Dublin over the past three years. Many people can’t manage, as rent supplement is too low. They end up getting in to debt and losing their homes.

Let us be clear on this: the Government has the power to prevent more children and people becoming homeless.

They must raise the rent supplement to match market rents.

The Government has taken some actions that have helped to prevent some families becoming homeless, and this is positive news.

Focus Ireland’s family team supports families and children who are homeless and works to help them secure a home.

Our team helps 15 to 20 families to secure a home each month (often in co-operation with

Focus Ireland (FI) founder Sr Stan with FI family team manager Roisin McDonnell and her daughter, Feile, launching the charity’s Christmas Appeal outside Government buildings. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

local authorities and other NGOs), but with 70 to 80 families becoming homeless ever y month, the need for our services has never been greater.

There are also many people struggling to pay their mortgages, and the Government must take a firm hand with the banks and financial institutions to ensure we do not see the avalanche of repossessions of family homes that many have warned

about.

Focus Ireland is working hard to help these people who are at risk of homelessness, and we depend on the generous support of the public and businesses to help keep our lifeline support and prevention services there for people when they need support.

I am asking people to please give what they can afford to support our urgent Christmas appeal.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie, or call 1850 204 205. We need your support more than ever, as we have seen a 44% increase in the numbers seeking our help, from 8,000 to 11,500 people last year.

This year is Focus Ireland’s 30th anniversary.

Our work has touched many thousands of lives since 1985, and continues to do so today.

You can help to play a part in helping more

people to make the journey home by supporting our work.

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy Life president and founder, Focus Ireland

Editor’s Note: If you are worried about your housing situation or becoming homeless, contact Focus Ireland at www.focusireland. ie, or telephone 01 671 2555.

3 December 2015 blanch gazette 13

pets | Animal charity stresses importance of proper care

A puppy is a lifetime commitment for you  ian begley THE DSPCA are encouraging people interested in bringing a puppy into their home for Christmas to adopt them from a shelter as opposed to buying them from private breeders.

The DSPCA provides care and shelter to thousands of animals that have been the victims of illness, injury, cruelty or are simply unwanted.

The animal charity have outlined several tips and words of advice for those interesting in making the long-term commitment.

A spokesperson said: “When adopting, you are making a commitment to

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‘At the DSPCA, each potential new owner is interviewed and a home check is carried before an adoption is approved’

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Brian Gillen, chief executive, DSPCA

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care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs, and up to 20 years for cats.

“Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and pooches who are constantly left alone can develop behavioural problems.

“If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house

most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt.

“Be sure to choose an animal who will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic, large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room?

“If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet

ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share petcare duties.”

The DSPCA currently have 60 puppies looking for new homes over the next couple of weeks from its centre in Rathfarnham. There are a wide selection of puppy types, including lurchers, golden and black Labrador-type pups, Jack Russel-types and springers.

Brian Gillen, the DSPCA’s chief executive, said that the animal charity would like to remind people that under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, all pups born in Ireland from this September 1 are legally

Matilda presents the same needs that any

puppy wants from her new home:

caring people to give her all the space, training and love she needs

required to be microchipped and registered on an approved database.

He said: “We keep an eye on websites that advertise animals for sale, such as DoneDeal, Adverts.ie, Gumtree and Dogs.ie, and we notice many dogs [are being] advertised for sale or ‘free to good homes’ without

mention of microchips.

“At the DSPCA, each potential new owner is interviewed and a home check is carried before an adoption is approved.

Each puppy is microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, de-flead and post-adoption neutering by our vets is included. Our adoption fee is

€150. “ E a c h p up py ha s been well socialised in the home of one of our dedicated foster families before returning to the shelter for adoption, and there is post-homing support from our dog training team, our dog boarding facility and our veterinary team.”

14 Gazette 3 December 2015

Gazettegallery

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| heritage book launched at dublin castle

Joyce MacHale with Lee and Noreen Motherway

A new chapter in our period houses’ lives

Author Frank Keohane with Dublin Civic Trust chief executive Geraldine Walsh and Senator David Norris. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

S

ENATOR David Norris was a fine choice to launch Dublin Civic Trust’s flagship publication, Irish Period Houses – A Conservation Guidance Manual at Dublin Castle recently.

With his passion for architecture and the city’s rich heritage, Senator

Norris highly praised the book, which is a complete revision of the previous edition of the book, Period Houses, printed in 2001.

The new edition, undertaken by the same author – conservation surveyor Frank Keohane – greatly widens the scope of the manual, with a com-

prehensive array of new topics now covering all of Ireland, with Ireland’s distinctive period houses given great attention. Irish Period Houses is available to buy directly from Dublin Civic Trust at www.dublincivictrust.ie, priced €45 (€54 with P&P), and many good bookshops nationwide.

Kevin Baird and Dr

Aisling Dunne and Livia Hurley

Liam Boylan and Katrina Bouchier

Adam Browne, Stephan Farrell and Graham Hickey

Danielle O’Donovan

Gazette

3 December 2015 Gazette 15

dublinlife

the big interview

tommy bowe: Ireland and Ulster rugby winger

On the ball with some thoughts of playing for Ireland and his life beyond sport  emma nolan

AFTER sustaining a serious knee injury in one of the Irish rugby team’s most important games, to date, at the recent Rugby World Cup, Ireland and Ulster winger Tommy Bowe is making a swift recovery and is hopeful he will be better in time to play at the Six Nations early next year.

In a match that saw the team’s World Cup run come to an end, Bowe tore a ligament in his knee, requiring surgery.

He says: “I’m four weeks after having surgery on my knee and so far the recovery is going very well, although it’s kind of a slow process.

“The first couple of months is about just letting it heal, so I can’t really do a whole pile at the minute.”

Though he’s currently on crutches, he’s still training every day: “The first two weeks after the operation I was at home, bored out of my mind, so it’s nice to be back doing a bit of physio and weights to keep active.”

With a few of his teammates injured for the Argentina match, he admits it was tough going into the game without them.

“We put in so much hard work and effort to get ourselves to the World Cup, so to pick up an

injury then was very difficult.”

Bowe is hopeful he’ll be recovered in time for the Six Nations next year, but he is being realistic: “To be honest with you, I’d be doing very well to be back in time, but who knows?”

Getting back into the game without captain Paul O’Connell will “take some getting used to,” he tells The Gazette.

He compares his departure to when former captain Brian O’Driscoll finished up: “It’s always going to be difficult to have such an influential person that’s been in the squad for over 10 years leave, but that’s the nature of sport – people move on pretty quickly.

Opportunity “But we were able to move on from Brian and I’m sure with Paulie gone, it will give an opportunity for new guys to come in and fill that hole.”

T he recent terror attacks in Paris, some of which occurred at the Stade de France during a match, shocked Bowe, particularly as a fellow sportsman.

“With everything that was going on in Paris, I know there were quite a few rugby teams over there at the time – it was scary, it was unthinkable.

“You don’t expect that sort of thing to happen; the response from fellow

teams was incredible and a huge sign of solidarity.”

Speaking on life as a newlywed, Bowe says it’s been great: “The first couple of months were pretty crazy, but it’s so nice to be back home and back to normality, and to have a new wife!”

Post-grad diplomas Bowe tells The Gazette how he and fellow Ulster player, Andrew Trimble, recently got their postgrad diplomas in business management from the Hibernia College at the University of London.

“It took us three years to finish it – I thought it was never going to happen, but I was delighted to go and get my certificate.”

Although he reckons that’s the end of his studying days, he says that it’s nice to achieve something he can focus on when he finishes his rugby career.

His other ventures – XV Kings Clothing, and Lloyd and Pryce Shoes – have been growing steadily since they started in 2013.

“The feedback has been brilliant; even to hear that the rugby lads are going out and buying it for themselves and for Christmas presents is a huge compliment.

“It’s nice to have something outside of rugby, learning about selling and designing. It’s off the wall, compared to all the rugby

stuff I do every day.”

At the moment, he’s taking on a Subway campaign and visiting school sports teams for a Train with Tommy day, where he trains and gives talks to the teams on nutrition, sports and staying active.

“I’m delighted to get to meet these young players and answer any questions they have,” he says.

Tommy Bowe and SUBWAY franchisee Mark Ryan at St Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue – the Leinster winner of the SUBWAY chain’s #TrainwithTommy competition, which offered the chance to win a training session with Bowe, €1,000-worth of rugby gear for the school, lunch courtesy of their local SUBWAY in Applegreen, Knocklyon Road and a team picture with Bowe. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

Gazette

16 Gazette 3 December 2015

dublinlife

diary

Budding bakers needed to bake in aid of charity The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) recently launched its Christmas Holly Appeal and are calling on budding bakers to host a bake sale in aid of the charity.

Holly Carpenter, who launched the campaign, is calling on the nation

to join her in supporting their Christmas Fundraising appeal #NoSilentNight.

The campaign aims to run these fundraising initiatives to raise much-needed funds and to highlight the difficulties many children face at Christmas time.

In addition, ISPCC will be selling their annual Holly Badges throughout the country for €2 in early December and are looking for people to buy the badge and wear it with pride to show their support for every child in Ireland.

For more information

on how you can help and on all the fundraising activities running throughout the festive season, visit www.ispcc. ie.

top culinary student chefs The search is on to find Ireland’s top culinary student chefs. The KNORR Student Chef of the Year, now its 19th year, is open to the very best student chefs from culinary colleges across the island of Ireland.

KNORR Student Chef of the Year is the biggest competition of its kind in Ireland and allows up-and-coming student chefs to showcase their talent, love of food, creativity and innovation in front of some of Ireland’s leading food professionals.

This year students are being challenged to create a starter using sustainable Irish seafood and a main course celebrating Irish venison.

Students must demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of culinary sustainability, incorporating food waste management and allergen awareness.

T he 2016 KNORR Student Chef of the Year competition is open to second year students from participating catering colleges, training centres and Institutes of Technology.

Deadline for entries is Friday, January 22.

Holly Carpenter is calling on the nation to join her for ISPCC’s Christmas Holly Appeal and help to ensure that there is #NoSilentNight in Childline. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

For more information, see www.unileverfoodsolutions.ie/knorrstudentchef.

retained a dancefloor space that will hopefully continue to book great music acts.

across the country are offering free soft drinks for the designated drivers on nights out

Wigwam Bar open for business

promoting safe driving practices

biggest Christmas market yet

One of the latest additions to Dublin’s nightlife scene is Bodytonic’s Wigwam Bar. Located at the old Twisted Pepper premises, the new venue offers a slightly more mature night out than its predecessor, boasting an extensive range of the best beers, spirits, wines and coffee from around the world.

The interior has been extended to facilitate a table service restaurant with a menu from Chef Pedro that is inspired by his Brazillian roots, Italian training and Irish home.

Ser ving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Dublin’s newest hotspot also houses the popular Vice Coffee and Boxcutter Barbershop.

Not straying too far from its roots however, the famed basement, though much less grimy than it used to be, has

Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe, has officially launched CocaCola’s Christmas Jumper Car campaign which promotes responsible and safe driving practices using designated drivers during the party season.

Ambassadors Vogue Williams and Northern Ireland comedian Shane Todd are celebrating the designated drivers across the county who stick to water or soft drinks on nights out to ensure their friends and family get home safely.

Nominations from families, friends and bar staff are accepted via www.DesignatedDriver. ie and a winning driver from each province will get a surprise visit from the Christmas Jumper Car with a boot jam-packed full of prizes.

To further promote road safety, participating pubs and restaurants

The Dublin Christmas Cracker Flea Market at Newmarket Co-op has become a tradition for many Dubliner’s at this time of year for both shoppers and traders, and is the place to go for all unique stocking filler needs.

This year the Flea is moving to the disused Old John Player Wills Factory on South Circular road to facilitate its biggest market yet – with over 100 market traders, food stalls and music all housed under the one roof.

Organisers have always deemed the event, which is taking place the weekend of December 11 to 13, as “more than just a market” but a gathering of like-minded people, friends and bargain hunters with the best selection of design, craft, vintage, second hand, upcycled, downcycled, and handmade gifts for Christmas.

3 December 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25

food P22

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

travel P20

theatre: musical interpretation at the project arts centre adapts joyce’s classic

Bringing The Dead to operatic life  Keith Bellew

AN OPERATIC interpretation of James Joyce’s The Dead is set for its world premiere at the Project Arts Centre, with six performances from December 9 to 12.

For those who are not familiar with the story, it is centred around a married couple, Gretta and Gabriel, who go to a Christmas party at the house of the husband’s elderly aunts, Julia and Kate.

The tale, which was hailed by TS Eliot as “one of greatest short stories ever written”, and “just about the finest short story

in the English language” by the New York Times, explores the themes of life, love and death.

This new version was adapted by acclaimed Irish composer Ellen Cranitch and awardwinning playwright Tom Swift, and taps into the deep vein of musical references running through the original story.

Speaking to The Gazette, director Jo Mangan said that the show is not overly complex, but is very accessible and enjoyable. She described it as operatic in “a beautiful, almost Sunday afternoonkind of way”.

While the story itself is quite melancholic, it has many humorous moments, and Mangan says that the cast make full use of these to provide some comic relief.

“Julia and Kate’s characters are great fun, so Ruth McGill and Clare Barrett are playing them and they’re great comic actresses. They’re milking every bit of comedy out of it.

“It’s great comedy written by Joyce, and then adapted by Tom Swift, and then by adding in a couple of fantastic actors it really kind of pulls [all the comedy] out.

“I would say Kate and Julia are our main comic relief, but then there’s also a great character – Millie, the maid,” she said.

She said that all of the comedic goings on are leading up to the moment at the end of the night when Gabriel’s wife, Gretta, tells him that she had loved another man before him who died, and infers that she loved that man more than she could ever love him.

“That, for me, is the high point of the whole piece; everything else is sort of working towards that moment. It allows you to look at those two charac-

ters from the beginning.

“Gretta is quite separate from a lot of the action, but [in this adaption] she is doing a bit of narrating herself, and we have framed it so it is kind of Gretta’s story all the way through,” said Mangan.

She said this gives their piece a different thrust to other adaptations, and it allows Gretta to step in and out of the action from time to time, which is useful as the cast comprises just four actors.

Tickets are on sale now from the Project Arts Centre Box Office, and online at http://projectartscentre.ie/event/dead-2/.

Actress Ruth McGill – one of the reduced but highly talented cast members starring in the production

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Selected Femme has a concession in BT2 but this is the first stand along store in Ireland.

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fast affordable fashion for women, men, teenagers, and children. Their products are available online, in branded chain stores, in multi-brand, and department stores.

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18 Gazette 3 December 2015

Danjas Ls Leather Blazer €139.95 Festive jumper €67.95

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3 December 2015 Gazette 19

20 Gazette 3 December 2015

Gazette

TRAVEL OUT&ABOUT fast TRAVEL NEWS Seize the day and enjoy the City of Lights visiting paris: standing in solidarity with Parisians

 Yvette Dolan-Collins

Journalist living in Paris

Alongside fantastic natural beauty, Malta is home to a fascinating blend of cultures and rich heritage

Make Malta your place for a winter getaway Escape the cold, grey skies of Ireland this January by jetting away to sunny Malta for the perfect winter getaway. There is no better place to recover from the hectic Christmas period and to escape the January blues as this magical paradise has everything holidaymakers could possibly want.

It’s not too late to plan your trip and there are some fantastic deals on offer at this time of year.

With Budget Travel, you can depart on January 3 and stay at the 3-Star San Pawl Hotel, St Paul’s Bay for €289 per person. Alternatively, you can depart on January 5 and stay at the 4-Star Park Hotel, Sliema (B&B) for €249 per person.

With Mercury Direct you can stay seven nights at the 3-Star Panorama Hotel, Mellieha, departing on the January 5 for €358pp. Alternatively, you can jet off on January 26 and stay seven nights at the 3-Star Porto Azzurro, Xemxija Bay for €333pp.

Concorde is offering seven nights at the 3-Star St Georges Park and La Vallette Apartments, St Julians, departing January 16 for €255pp. Otherwise you can depart on the January 21 and stay at the 4-Star Golden Tulip Hotel, Sliema for €339pp.

There are some fantastic things to do and see in Malta in early 2016. The Valletta International Baroque Festival will take place from January 16 to 30. The festival has been created as a celebration of the baroque identity of Valletta which will resound with music from the period when it was built.

This January is also the perfect time to experience some of Malta’s rich heritage such as the megalithic temples. Art lovers will want to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts which exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times.

The Maltese Islands are also an ideal destination for those wishing to get fit after the overindulgence of the Christmas period. Malta has approximately 40 health and spa outlets that focus on your overall wellbeing.

Visit www.visitmalta.com for further information on Malta.

Hemingway’s memoir of Paris in the 1920s, A Moveable Feast, is in French so aptly entitled Paris est une Fete (Paris is a Party). The party is far from over, but for a time on the weekend following the recent barbaric terrorist attacks, the City of Lights was plunged into darkness.

The most often quoted line from Hemingway’s book is “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast”.

Having just moved to the countryside of southern France after seven abundant years living in the the French capital, I know that these words still hold true today.

Although happy as a clam in my new sylvan setting, I will always have an itch to go back.

A proviso of my departure from my urban perch was that the new ‘chez nous’ would have to be within a short distance of the dedicated train station for the high-speed train, Le TGV. I know that a regular fix of Paris is vital to me and my vital organs.

As I sit in my kitchen and think about the city that usually spakles, I ponder on whether it has lost its glow. Yesterday my friend Emmanuelle, 40, who works in the music industry, emailed me with news of her weekend, the second since the heinous terrorist attacks

were carried out on Paris.

Although grief is still very raw and palpable, she said, ‘Parisians are making it a ‘point d’honneur’ (a point of honour) to go out, to fill cafes and restaurants. It’s as though, by this refusal to accept the terror, La Resistance Française has been reincarnated.

In the same spirit, last week an ensemble of high profile personalities from the French cultural scene coined the rousing slogan ‘Paris, France, Le Monde, Debout!’ (Paris, France, The World, Stand Up!).

This ‘élan patriotique’, or recent resurgence in patriotism is essential in order to ‘keep calm and carry on’ in the face of the uncertainty left in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

Despite the serious infraction inflicted on French Homeland Security, the French, and Parisians in particular, will not allow their ‘art de vivre’, or lifestyle, be compromised. Nor should you compromise your plans to visit Paris.

L a s t we e ke n d I received an email from a discount travel website offering luxury city breaks in Paris, discounted 70%. An indication no doubt of the fall-off in sales, combined, no doubt, with cancellations, owing to fear following the terrorist attacks. An opportunist might say it’s the ideal time to travel to Paris, stay in an top hotel and dine at a Michelin Star restaurant, all at a fraction of the usual going rate.

If only one could grasp

Yvette Dolan-Collins grew up in Dublin but spent the last seven years living in Paris, in the 11th arrondissement, just metres from the recent atrocities and the January attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine occurred

a crystal ball and gaze deep into it, one could plan life in such a way as to avoid all mishap, misfortune and sadness.

Alas that’s not possible.

Instead we can visit Paris, with Versailles Palace and its ever luminous crystalcut mirrors. A myriad of other marvels also cry out for attention in the French capital.

Something as simple as a ride on a local bus is a visual feast. Traversing the city from the bobo 11th Arrondissement to the chic quarter of St Germain fills me to the brim with Paris and its beauty.

The No 96 is my favourite route.

Le Champs Elysees is all-a-sparkle in the run up

to the festive season. Its Christmas market chalets sell all kinds of gourmet goodies which make perfect presents and stocking fillers.

A visit to the Pantheon, sitting as it does like a sumptuous religieuse pastry upon a hill in the 5th Arrondissement overlooking all of Paris, is a preferable alternative to the overcrowded basilica of Sacre Coeur, and so awe-inspiring for all the history it exudes.

A wintry walk through crunchy fallen leaves in the Jardins de Luxembourg, followed by a meltin-your-mouth macaron from nearby Pierre Herme (beats any competitor, hands-down), is a

priceless experience.

A stroll from Place de la Bastille with its genie atop the column, along Boulevard Beaumarchais as far as Place de la Republique, is retail therapy not to be beaten.

The answer to the question of whether the City of Lights has lost its glow lies with you and me.

What the terrorists want is to divide and conquer, to cause chaos, to plant fear and loathing in the western world.

Whether to visit or not, is an agonising quandry.

My firm answer is carpe diem. All our cards lie in the hand of destiny. So go, visit Paris, and stand in solidarity with the Parisians.

3 December 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 3 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

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Tesco Finest Six-month mature Christmas pudding 908g €10.50

Aldi Crispy Thai Prawn Baskets €2.99

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3 December 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

FOOD GUIDE M&S Chocolate Yule Log Cream 70cl €16.49

Tesco Finest Sloe gin €22

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Celtic Cask Do Dheag 12 €135 (Celtic Whiskey shop)

James Whelan Ham €45 (Approx weight 5-6.5kg)

WHETHER celebrating faith, family or friendship this Christmas, there’s one thing that we can all rely on – an avalanche of delicious food from all the main retailers! Once again, timeless Christmas dinner staples will grace the nation’s tables, while quirky and fun nibbles will add the icing on the cake. So, whether you’re considering where to get the family ham and turkey, on a mission to get a tasty treat for your co-workers, or looking for the right drink to toast Aunty Mary when she pops around on St Stephen’s Day, here’s our round-up of some of the most delicious fare this year ...

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Gazette

24 Gazette 3 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

nutrition: humble fare can have great power

Make your own soup for a real winter boost

 yvonne sheehy

--------------------------

BA (hons) Culinary Arts

‘I don’t tend to use stock cubes.If you layer your soup with herbs and spices, it will have its own flavour.’

WINTER is here and it’s time to nourish the body and strengthen our immune system. There’s no better ways than super-soups; warming, nourishing and satisfying.

The best thing about soups is that there are no correct quantities – it’s all right to put your own touch and taste to the pot!

The more you make soup and play around with the process, such as the ingredients-to-liquid ratio, the better you will master the consistency and depth of flavour.

Soup is an easily digestible meal which can provide a bowl jam-packed with valuable vitamins and minerals to help strengthen the immune system, and protect ourselves from winter colds and flu, and – although we may not escape them completely – the help from soups to have a strong and functioning immune system will help to alleviate their symptoms and minimise their duration.

Garlic, fennel, onions, leeks and celery provide us with prebiotic goodness. Prebiotics feed probiotics through their fibre and natural sugars.

Probiotics (found in sauerkraut, sourdough

--------------------------

bread, miso, yoghurt, kefir or through a supplement) improve our gut function. This process helps to strengthen our microbiome, which is our defence system against toxins and viruses.

The following tips are a few basic rules I follow when making soups ...

1. Soup base: this can be a combination of onions, leeks, garlic, carrots, fennel and celery. Chop finely and saute over a low heat with some sea salt and crushed black pepper to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables.

I use coconut oil to saute the base in all my soups as it is a good oil to saute with, and I find it adds a nice flavour.

I try to incorporate leeks, carrots and celery as a base to all my soups, and more often than not add all above ingredients to pack in as much variety and nutritional value

as possible.

To this base, you can begin to build on the flavours and ingredients to your soup.

2. If a soup is to be pureed I like to keep the same colours in the pot so as not to end up with an off-coloured soup; for example, if I am making a tomato soup, I stick to red onions, carrots and red/orange ingredients, or if the soup is to be a green soup, I stick to asparagus, courgettes and peas, and add vibrant green leaves towards the end of cooking to keep the bright-green colour.

3. Once the main ingredients have been added, then add your liquid of choice to completely cover them, so as to easily stir the soup while it simmers.

It is worth making your own stock as it takes the nourishment to another level. If you cook a chicken once a week, just keep the carcass and make a stock.

I don’t tend to use stock cubes as they mostly contain salt and flavour enhancers. If you layer your soup with herbs and spices, it will have its own flavour.

I keep fresh rosemary, thyme and bay leaves on hand to add to most soups as they simmer and, depending on the soup, fresh ginger, cin-

namon, paprika and turmeric are great to add flavour naturally.

4. Taking your soup to another level can make it a meal. By adding lentils, pasta or beans and keeping it chunky, you can serve your soup as a light and comforting winter’s evening meal.

When serving a chunky soup, it helps the consistency to give it a small blend with a stick blender so as to blend it a small bit – but to keep it chunky, just blend for a few seconds.

5. Finishing your soup’s presentation can enhance the flavour and make it visually appealing.

Serve in nice soup bowls with a drizzle of olive oil, some grated parmesan, home-made sourdough croutons, basil oil, balsamic vinegar, shredded seaweed or fresh herbs, depending on the soup.

The three most popular soup recipes rotating through my kitchen at the moment are puy lentil soup topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and crumbled Clonakilty pudding; carrot and red lentil soup with garlic sauteed Swiss chard, and “Green goddess” (see recipe, right).

So, pack a punch for your winter wellness with any of these three soups.

Make your own soup with carefully-chosen fresh ingredients, and you’ll be giving your immune system a great boost for the winter months

GREEN GODDESS SOUP

This is a thick and creamy soup. The amount of liquidto veg-ratio can vary according to your ingredients, but cover the veg with stock/ liquid.

The greens will cook down a lot at the end of cooking; be sure not to cook for too long or put on a lid on after adding the final greens, in order to maintain that vibrant green colour.

This may look like a lot of vegetables in the pot at first, but this soup is to pack a punch of green goodness.

Ingredients – 2 leeks (finely chopped) – 2 sticks celery (finely chopped) – 1 fennel (remove tough stalks and core and finely chop) – 1 tablespoon coconut oil – 1 clove garlic, crushed or finely chopped – 2 bay leaves – 2 sprigs thyme – Quarter teaspoon cinnamon – 1 courgette, chopped – 1 small bunch asparagus (if in season – if not, replace with one cup of frozen peas), chopped – 200g bag of spinach, or half head of Swiss chard or kale (about 4-5 leaves)

To Serve – Extra virgin olive oil, red chilli seeds – Sourdough bread Preparation – Saute celery, leeks, fennel, salt, pepper on a low heat in coconut oil for 10-15 minutes until reduced in size and soft.

– Add garlic to the pot and continue to saute for a further 5 mins.

– Add thyme picked form sprigs and bayleaves and cinnamon.

– Add courgette and peas/ asparagus and continue to saute for 5 mins.

– Cover with stock/water and add more liquid, if required,

to cover ingredients.

– Bring to boil then lower to a simmer for 30 mins until vegetables have softened.

– Meanwhile, wash spinach and drain or wash and destalk chard or kale. Chop and add to the pot. Just as the greens have wilted (about 5 mins), turn of the heat and stir for a minute.

– With a handheld or jug blender, blend the soup together. Season to taste.

– Ladle into bowls and top with a tiny sprinkle of red chilli seeds (or cayenne powder), drizzle with olive oil, and serve with sourdough bread.

– Serve, and enjoy!

3 December 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

CINEMA

ReelReviews

PAN

Generally charmless PAN (Cert PG, 111 mins) by name, and panned by nature – by critics around the world, at least, who sharpened their knives to make this “origins” story of Peter Pan one of the worst-scored films of 2015.

Telling of how Peter Pan became the boy who never grew up, and how he made an enemy of Captain Hook, it’s a mish-mash of jumbled ideas and poor editing, making it one to fly past.

There is, perhaps, an unintended resonance to Bridge of Spies thanks to current European events and increasing tensions and divisions. Such themes echo through this Soviet era-set tale of Cold War spying and frosty international relations, with Tom Hanks (above) adding some everyman warmth and integrity to Spielberg’s film.

bridge of spies: spielberg’s political thriller sees hanks on fine form

Feeling the Cold War’s heat PATRIOTISM lies at the heart of Bridge of Spies (Cert 12A, 141 mins), Spielberg’s fourth collaboration with Tom Hanks, though there is none of the brash flag-waving you might expect.

The “inspired by true events” story sees Hanks take the lead role as James B Donovan – an IrishAmerican lawyer whose legal stringency sees him unexpectedly dropped into the mire of Cold War politics, where he must question what it means to be an American.

In 1957, as tensions between the United States and Russia ramped up, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested in New York City and accused of being a Soviet spy.

At the request of the US government, Donovan agrees to provide

 Dave phillips

legal defence for Abel, but quickly realises that all the US are looking for is the pretence of a defence – this is a situation, he is told unequivocally, in which there is no rulebook.

The trial of Abel sets the scene for a much longer story of hostage negotiation that plays out in the film’s latter half when the action moves from New York to Berlin.

And, while the streets may be meaner in the newly divided city, we do not see an awful lot of them – following on from its courtroom drama beginnings, Bridge

of Spies is the kind of film that takes place in large armchairs, in vast drawing rooms, and under gargantuan portraits.

With visually lavish sets, Spielberg masterfully and immediately sets the tone for this Cold War showdown. It is a time of terseness and temerity, where orders are given and never questioned, and conversations ended by the cold clack of Bakelite phones being shoved back onto receivers.

It is up to Hanks, who invokes that impossibleto-dislike quintessential everyman quality, to bring some warmth to this frigid environment.

However, there is plenty to help him along, complementing Spielberg’s fine attention to detail is some serious on-screen talent – Mark Rylance, who with clipped utter-

ances and boundless intensity, steals the show time and again as the quietly enigmatic Abel.

A Cohen Brothers screenplay brings a welcome sense of humour and philosophical whimsy that at several points saves scenes from falling into that staid, grey grimness we associate with Cold War-era movies.

Bridge of Spies is a timely film, as through this mostly true story Spielberg not only brings an interesting period of history to life – he also brings into question what it is to be an American.

The character of Donovan provides that answer loud and clear: The American Constitution.The Constitution is a rulebook, and if you stop playing by that set of rules, then you have ceased to be an American, and have

become something else.

The patriotism expounded in Bridge of Spies is not of the overt variety, like, say, in Clint Eastwood’s shockingly galling American Sniper – rather, it is concerned with interior ideals.

To be a real American, Spielberg seems to suggest, is to be virtuous, honest, and to honour the spirit of the law above the letter of the law.

It is fitting that this exaltation of interior values plays out mostly indoors, unfolding through conversations and negotiations.

Indeed, the one or two scenes with more typical action rankle, and seem

out of place. The distinct lack of loud and frantic action may be off-putting for some cinemagoers, but it shouldn’t be.

Bridge of Spies is a solid film, with more than enough given by Hanks and Ryland to carry it through its 141-minute running time.

Spielberg may apply a liberal dose of schmaltz to the affair, but there is no denying he knows how to tell a great story.

Verdict: 8/10

black mass

Lives up to the hype AS REAL-life Irish-American mobster James ‘Whitey’ Bolger, Johnny Depp’s prosthetic makeup is a little distracting – however, it’s one of the few unwelcome distractions about Black Mass (Cert 15A, 123 mins).

Although broadly familiar content, it’s a skillfully told tale of the criminal underworld’s clash with law and order, with ’70s South Boston providing the backdrop to a great tale.

spectre

Bond’s latest romp DANIEL Craig takes another shot at playing Bond in Spectre (Cert 12A, 148 mins), with his latest outing smashing its way through the cinema charts, despite more than a few shortcomings. An overly convoluted attempt at creating a larger overall story from Bond’s recent films and adventures, Spectre ticks all the right 007 boxes, but misfires a little along the way.

3 December 2015 blanch gazette 27

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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.

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28 gazette 3 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport Frustration as rain wipes out dublin games: THE Continental Women’s Nathonal League Dublin derby between Peamount United and Shelbourne Ladies and the UCD Waves against Galway WFC game were both postponed due to unplayable pitches over the weekend.

For Shelbourne and UCD, it was the second time their fixtures have been called off in the league already, meaning they will have a busy second half of the campaign. The pair are due to play again next weekend on Saturday at 7pm.

Both have won their two games in the competition thus far in impressive style to share second place at this early stage of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Castlebar Celtic collected their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-0 home win against Kilkenny United WFC on Saturday evening .

Reigning champions Wexford beat Cork 3-0.

athletics: blanchardstown distance runner back in top form

Olympics on Flynn’s agenda  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

COOLMINE athlete David Flynn has targeted a place at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016, after a successful end to the 2015 that has

seen him move right the way back into the frame for qualification.

Flynn hopes to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Olympics, and is also targeting the world half-marathon championships, with

Flynn in action during his time in Arkansas

a qualification run in Houston, Texas on January 17.

“I expect the strength [of my recent runs] to carry over into qualifying for the Olympics in the 3,000m steeplechase. The A standard is 8.28 and B standard 8.34; they are extremely hard to achieve as it’s very hard to find a world class steeplechase field without pacemakers but I’m very optimistic with my latest performances, new coach and training environment,” he said.

Flynn has had a tough couple of years, and his seventh overall at the national cross country championships – ahead of Olympic qualified athletes and European finalists – shows the strength

David Flynn in training in California earlier this year

of his ambitions.

He puts the performance down to three months at altitude in California as the key to Flynn’s ambitious return.

“I went to University of Arkansas on an athletic scholarship,” he explains.

“I had a very successful few years, including a national championship in 2013 where they flew us to the White House to meet president Obama.

“After my eligibility was up and I graduated, I was about to join a professional group in Austin, Texas but I got diagnosed with mono [glandular fever] and wasn’t able to train for 11 months.

“Instead, I became a coach at Arkansas during that time which I learnt a

lot. I then returned home to Ireland which I found very hard to settle back into living full-time.”

Since then, he has been given the okay to train on a more frequent basis and admits that he initially found it “extremely hard to get back into shape” prior to his return to the US. “Moving up to the mountains in California was the best choice I have ever made in my life,” he adds.

“I had been there for a few weeks in 2013 but the group had changed a lot over that time. It is at 8,000ft altitude every day I run with some of the best athletes in the world.

“My coach Andrew Kastors’ wife Deena was

third at the Olympics in Athens and recently broke the masters world record in the Chicago marathon.

“Having people like her around everyday is great.”

And Flynn is now keen to get his local community behind him, speaking of the importance of support, and would be keen to hear from local businesses who might be able to help him attain his Olympic dream.

“Support and sponsorship is extremely important for all athletes targeting the Olympics as the training and recovery involved is a full time job in itself. Some sponsorship from local businesses could really help me chase this dream.”

Loreto knock out second national league side in ISC  sport@dublingazette.com

Loreto’s Sarah Evans gives chase to a ball in her side’s 3-0 win over UCC. Picture: Adrian Boehm

LORETO knocked out higher ranked opposition for the second round of the women’s Irish Senior Cup quarter-final draw after they disposed of UCC on Saturday to be the one of just two provincial league sides still standing in the competition.

The Leinster league outfit progressed as they beat the Cork side 3-0 with a superb second half showing.

Hannah Matthews made it 1-0 before efforts from Sarah Evans and Niamh Small from

a corner move extended the lead out, adding UCC to Pembroke in their list of victims in this year’s competition.

Donnybrook side Muckross, however, were unable to join them as Ballymoney eventually prevailed on penalty strokes in Donnybrook against Muckross after normal time had finished 2-2.

Jane Gilsenan had give Muckross the early lead from a corner before Money swapped the lead by the 52nd minute.

A minute later, Sarah Green equalised from another set

piece, setting up a lively closing quarter in which Nicci Daly saw one effort saved on the line and another hit the post with three minutes to go.

It sent the tie straight to penalty strokes in which Ballymoney netted each of their first three while Muckross missed twice to set up the victory.

Other wise, all the main players advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition with six EYHL sides making it through.

For the second week running, Cork Harlequins put it up

to Booterstown’s Hermes but could not quite get the reward their performance deserved as they eventually succumbed 2-1 at St Andrew’s.

Like a week ago, the first half ended scoreless. Nikki Evans broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period with a classy reverse-stick finish.

Quins fought back with Miriam Crowley equalising but the Hermes’ reply was instant with Chloe Watkins restoring the home side’s lead, one which they held to the end.

3 December 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Pendred steps out of the MMA Octagon Dubliner ends his competitive career in the cage but says his love for mixed martial arts is not likely to be dimmed  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

CATHAL PENDRED - a high-profile UFC fighter based at Conor McGregor’s Straight Blast Gym in central Dublin - has retired from the sport, citing a loss of passion.

T h e we l t e r we i g h t fighter represented Ire-

Cathal Pendred

land and is a former Cage Warriors champion, and also reached a semi-final in American UFC-based reality TV show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. He was born in Boston to Irish parents, and relocated to Dublin as a toddler, where he played in a Leinster Schools senior cup winning Belvedere

College side alongside Cian Healy before getting involved in mixed martial arts.

Announcing the retirement, Pendred said: “I am a passionate person and I always give 100% to what I do.

I have been passionate about MMA for a long time and my focus on the sport has been my

driving force for the last 9 years.

“I now find that my passion is no longer what it was and I feel that it is time for me to move on.

“I have other interests that I want to pursue. The time is right to close one door and open another.

“My love of MMA remains with me. I intend to maintain my involvement with the sport, but I no longer wish to compete.”

He continues: “I have developed as a person because of mixed martial Arts, as I learned to cope with the discipline and demands of the sport. MMA has made me a stronger person.

This strength will carry through into other areas of my life, as I move on to pursue new goals.

“I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates for their friendship and support.

Thank you to ever yone who has followed

and supported me on this journey. Indeed, thanks to everyone that I met through MMA from star t to finish.

This chapter of my life wouldn’t have been the same without you.

“My participation in competing in MMA has come to an end, but my love for the sport has not.

“I will maintain my interest in the sport and continue to support my team mates as they follow their dreams.”

Pendred has recently opened a salad bar in Dublin called Chopped and he has also become involved in domestic v i o l e n c e aw a r e n e s s campaigns.

He also found viral fame last year when he was pictured returning a stranded dolphin to the water on a beach on Doonbeg, County Clare.

Pendred retires with a professional record of 17 wins and four losses, with one draw. He lost his final two fights.

FastSport Road races play big role in city’s Resolution Day DUBLIN’s New Year Festival has been named Resolution Day, a January 1 event intended to kick start those with New Year’s ambitions.

The first of January event will incorporate the Lord Mayor’s Five Alive challenge at Liffey Valley Athletics Club (already fully booked for race one) through the Tom Brennan 5km road race in Phoenix Park, as well as TED Talk style motivations speeches. The Lord Mayor’s challenge continues into April, with five events in total.

Alongside the sporting events, there will be a candlelit Procession of Light (December 31, St Stephen’s Green), a St Stephen’s Green Street Festival and the lighting up of buildings in an event called Luminosity.

The festival will also attempt to beat world records for the largest Bodhran Session, with in excess of 980 people expected, as well as taxi drivers sharing their stories in talks called ‘On the Move, City Wide’. A music trail and arts workshops are also expected.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said of the event: “We have had an exceptional year in terms of tourism and we intend to end the year with style.

Failte Ireland and Dublin City Council have developed this Festival together to grow Dublin’s reputation as a destination for New Year celebrations.”

“The range of entertainment and events on offer during NYF will entertain visitors and Dubliners alike. I am confident that everyone who takes part in the New Year celebrations will have a great time and be impressed by the manner in which Dublin marks the year’s end.”

He continues: “A young festival by any standard, the NYF is quickly becoming the jewel in Dublin’s winter crown, and proving to be a great draw for international visitors, with last year’s event attracting thousands of visitors from both home and abroad. The St Stephen’s Green Street Fest is a great new addition to the Festival and will provide festival-goers with more options to ring in 2016.”

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 3 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: blanch club firing in U-12, 13 and 14 national cups

Coolmine inspired by new sponsorship deal COOLMINE rugby club’s senior third team were delighted to receive new sponsorship last week from Andrew Usher of Usher Insulations as they continue their rise through the ranks.

The side was promoted to Division 6 this season and duly won their first game in their new kit by swatting a fancied Wanderers’ outfit aside 24-0 in a great Leinster League win.

Castleknock and Leixlip beat rain but share spoils WET weather wreaked havoc with the pitches in Dublin 15 for the fourth week in a row, leading to almost wholesale cancellations for Castleknock Celtic.

However, following more negotiations than a G8 summit, a pitch at ITB was secured and the DDSL Under-14 Major league game against Leixlip Utd got the go-ahead.

Castleknock had been idle for a month and they struggled to get into top gear as a result of tough conditions but they did start well.

Playing into a strong wind, they controlled the ball well and, following some prolonged pressure, got a deserved goal with 15 minutes on the clock.

Leigh Reilly forced an error in the Leixlip half before launching

forward and delivering an inch perfect pass to strike partner, Kian Ryan, who had made a striker’s run to finish well.

Celtic sought to capitalise further but could not take their chances while Ryan was only denied a second by a wonderful save.

With the wind, Castleknock hoped to use the weather to their advantage but were not helped by injuries to Ciaran Collins and Ryan which disrupted their shape.

Leixlip upped their work rate and determination saw them deservedly equalise with five minutes left as midfielder, Ross Mulligan, smashed the ball into the net with a classy finish, earning a share of the spoils.

Celtic only had two shots on target in the second half from Reilly and Mark Hughes, both of which brought smart saves from the Leixlip goalkeeper, leading to the tie.

The Corduff Under-12 side that got the better of Glenmuir last Sunday

Duff flying on SFAI stage sport@dublingazette.com

CORDUFF have really started to make their mark on the SFAI Cup’s in recent seasons. As of yet, a national title has yet to be delivered to the Dublin 15 club but with the likes of their Under1 2 s a n d Un d e r-13 s impressing already this year, you get the impression we won’t be waiting too long.

The Duff’s Under-12 Premier side, competing on a national scale for this first time this season, booked their place in the last 32 of the competition on Sunday with a 6-2 win over Glenmuir

in Dundalk.

On a miserable day in County Louth, on a pitch that was almost deemed unplayable and, on a good day, still wouldn’t have been great, Glenmuir went ahead with just a few minutes gone.

Credit to this young Corduff team, managed

by Daniel Herbert, they responded well to going behind and soon pulled level.

It was Sean Matondo who got the goal after a delicate chip over the keeper wrapped up a fine Corduff move.

The Blanch boys were quick to add a second through Belguy Man-

new deal Celtic Under-12s get kit boost from Centra castleknock Celtic were delighted

recently with Dominic Kenna’s Centra Laurel Lodge supermarket who have continued with their sponsorship of the club again this year.

The Under-12A side are pictured in their new kit. They have enjoyed a great season so far in the DDSL with four wins from five outings so far in the league to sit in fifth place with games in hands on most of their rivals.

zambi from a free-kick which put them in front for the first time, and once they were ahead they never looked back.

Just before the break, it was 3-1 when Adam Johnson fired in the game’s second free-kick to give the Duff a commanding lead.

Ben Adams, who has only recently made the step-up to the Premier side, bagged an impressive brace early on in the second half to secure Corduff’s progression to the last 32.

Glenmuir pulled one back at least and it was arguably the goal of the game via another free-

kick which was curled magnificently into the top corner.

Before the final whistle, Corduff restored their four goal lead when Leon McGuinness chipped in with a fine goal, a well-worked move involving Matondo once again.

“We’re delighted to get the win and move into the round of 32 in the All-Ireland,” said Herbert after the game.

“We’ve had some big wins in the competition so far this season but we’re expecting a much tougher challenge in the next round, that’s what you want in this compe-

tition.”

Last week, Corduff’s Un d e r-13 s i d e a l s o booked their place in the last 32 in the country with a 2-1 away win at Walshestown, also from Louth.

The Under-14s, meanwhile, have to wait for their SFAI Under-14 North Leinster region four t h r ound cla s h against Ardee to be rescheduled after their game was postponed on Saturday.

Should they win, it will mean three young teams from Corduff Park will be battling it out with the best in the country in the coming weeks.

3 December 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

carroll’s cracker

Club Noticeboard

Castleknock benefit from O’Brien’s poetry

st brigid’s

castleknock’s minor footballers were

the recipients of a brand new set of jerseys from Carroll’s Cuisine as winners of a competition.

Dave O’Brien, centre with jersey, from Castleknock entered a poem into the competition which got the attention of the judges and resulted in the team being awarded the prize.

BEST of luck to our U-21 footballers in

mas party will take place in the club

the championship semi-final v Ball-

this Sunday, December 6.

inteer this Saturday. Throw-in is at 2.15pm in Russell Park.

The St Brigid’s GAA AGM will take

11am. We welcome all four- to seven-

place in Russell Park on Sunday,

year-olds in the Castleknock and

December 13 at 7.30pm.

Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Blanchardstown area and new mem-

Congratulations to our minor

bers and families are always welcome.

camogie team who qualified for their

For further information and queries,

championship semi-final by beating

contact David on 085 8340169.

Erin’s Isle on Sunday morning.

football: vincent’s and kilmacud through

The St Brigid’s nursery runs every Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30 to

There was no lotto jackpot win-

Well done to our senior footballers

ner on Thursday. This week’s draw is

who retained their Division 1 status by

in Myos on Friday, December 4 with

beating Templeogue Synge Street on

our €15,000 jackpot still in place. Our

Sunday.

reserve is now €11,400. Check the club

Congratulations to Grainne Quinn who has been named on the Dublin senior camogie panel for 2016.

website to see were you one of the 10 lucky dip winners.

The full range of St Brigid’s GAA gear

The all-weather pitch will be closed

is available on our online shop on the

in the evenings from the start of

club website. The ideal Christmas gift.

December and throughout December

St Brigid’s/Spleodar Irish club runs

except for teams remaining actively in

on Thursdays in the club hall from

2015 competitions.

7-9pm. Open for all teenagers between

The St Brigid’s GAA juvenile Christ-

12 and 18 and cost is €3 per week.

castleknock HARD luck to our U-21 hurlers who lost

ing on the all-weather in Somerton

out to Lucan in the championship. Best

beside Castleknock Hotel from 10am-

wishes to our U-21 footballers who

11.30am. All new players (aged four

face Plunkett’s away in the champion-

and upwards) and families welcome

ship semi-final on Saturday.

– for further info, contact Jason (086

Again, sincere thanks to all who St Vincent’s will be hoping for more celebrations this Sunday in the AFL1 final

Plunkett’s denied spot in AFL1 final by Crokes

afl division one  sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S won the north Dublin derby in the AFL1 playoffs to make it through to the league final where they will meet K ilmacud Crokes, conquerors of St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh.

Vincent’s were comprehensive winners over their near neighbours for the second time this season with a 3-13 to 0-12 at Mobhi Road, the second time they had beaten Na Fianna during the year.

Tomas Quinn contin-

ued his superb season with a tally of 1-7 as the Marino men ran up an imposing 11-point advantage at half-time and while Na Fianna rallied, they were never able to threaten a comeback and ended up tenpoints shy in the final reckoning.

Shane Carthy also weighed in with a pair of goals while Nathan Mullins and Brendan Egan also produced fine performances for the visitors.

At Silver Park, Kilmacud just about had the edge on Plunkett’s with a 2-9 to 1-9 victory with

Crokes clinging on to a three-point advantage for much of the tie.

Longford man Brian Kavanagh netted in the first half to help them build a 1-6 to 1-3 lead at break before Mark Vaughan clinched the win with a vital second half major.

Paul Mannion and Ross O’Carroll were other key components in the success. The pair are now lined up to play each other in the final at O’Toole Park in Crumlin on Sunday in the league final.

At the bottom of the table, St Brigid’s held

on to their status as an AFL1 club with a narrow 1-6 to 0-6 result against Templeogue Synge Street at Russell Park.

They will stay in the division where they will be joined by Lucan Sarsfields who escaped the clutches of Skerries Harps 1-9 to 1-6 with Paul Casey’s manmarking job Colin Daly a key feature in their victory.

Lucan return to the top division after a two year break along with Castleknock who won AFL Division 2’s automatic promotion place.

3459089) or Louise (085 1534270).

made Strictly Castleknock the success

The 2016 Castleknock club calendars

it was. The committee are still working

are only €5 are now available and we

hard to finalise all outstanding details.

need members to support this initia-

Please remember to support all our

tive by making sure every household

generous sponsors.

has one.

Club Gaelach Chaislean Cnucha will

The Castleknock GAA club shop is

be meeting once a month in Kavan-

open every Saturday morning from

agh’s.

10am to 11.30am at the nursery in

If you have a bit of a gra for Irish

Somerton. All club gear, including

and would like the chance to chat it in

tracksuits, jerseys, hurleys, sliothars,

a relaxed atmosphere or help to pro-

shorts,socks, jackets can be fitted and

mote Irish in the club, make sure to join

purchased. Ideal Christmas presents

us.

for young and old.

Everyone is welcome, even if you

Castleknock Hurling and Football

only a have a cupla focal. Bring a friend,

Club wish to express deep sympathy

members and non-members are very

to club member John Chawke and

welcome. Contact Pol on 087 2299239

family on the death of his wife Aine. We

for further info.

also sympathise with Aine’s brother

The club nursery (kindly sponsored

by Tigers after School Care) is on this Saturday and every Saturday morn-

Eoghan O’Callaghan and the rest of the O’Callaghan family.

Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis.



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GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31

up the duff: Blanch club riding high on a series of SFAI All-Ireland cup fronts as good times roll P30

december 3-9, 2015

leaving the octagon: Cathal Pendred ends his competitive career P29

Brigid’s bosses keep AFL1 status intact  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

THE management team of St Brigid’s senior footballers may be bidding farewell to the club but they left them with the gift of AFL1 football next season as the club won their relegation play-off against Templeogue Synge Street on Sunday.

The 1-6 to 0-6 means Brigid’s retain their status in the top-flight next season and whoever steps in the role of manager can use this final day survival as a springboard for better things next year.

Outgoing Brigid’s manager Tony McEntee had been linked

with a number of positions at intercounty level in recent months before stepping down at the Blanchardstown club. It was then confirmed on Tuesday that the former All-Ireland winner with Armagh had been named as a selector and coach on new Mayo football manager Stephen Rochford’s management team.

Also stepping down from Brigid’s senior football panel is McEntee’s selector and former club player Martin Cahill and he spoke to GazetteSport after their final day win to stay up.

“It was good to get the win and very important for the club and whoever comes in next,” he said.

“It was a low-scoring game, the conditions played a big part in that. We won the toss and chose to play into the wind in the firsthalf, thinking it would benefit us in the second. We were only 0-3 to 0-2 behind at the break which we were delighted with.

“The wind proved more difficult than we thought it would in the second half. We still had the advantage but it wasn’t blowing us forward from behind, it was more of cross-wind blowing right across the pitch.

“It was five points apiece going into the final 10 minutes then we were awarded a penalty. Up stepped our keeper Shane [Sup-

ple] and he buried it past the Templeogue keeper with a goal that really proved to be the difference.”

Cup-final wins and promotional play-off success can bring long-lasting joy to a team and club, but relegation deciders are different and we asked the outgoing Brigid’s selector how he and the squad felt at full-time.

“Relief is the only way to describe it,” said Cahill. “You’re not exactly happy as you don’t want to be in that game in the first place so you’re just relieved to have won and the players will be thinking about how to do better next year.”

Shane Supple scored a crucial penalty