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INSIDE: Our latest Bride & Groom supplement has all you need for the big day P13
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Andrews and Healy star for Dublin seniors Page 32
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Castleknock Celtic start the season in style Page 31
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 BRIDE&GROOM ............ 13 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................28
EU CRISIS: Pressure mounting on Ireland to do more to help desperate Syrians P24
Burton taken to task on housing KEITH BELLEW
HOMELESSNESS in Dublin 15 is “at epidemic levels and out of control”, according to Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP). She said the AntiAusterity Alliance had contact with 50 local homeless families seeking help over the summer. The group has announced a public meeting with Fr Peter Mc Verry will be held at Huntstown Community Centre, on Thursday, September 17.
This follows a statement by Tanaiste Joan Burton that the 87% increase in the number of homes built in Fingal between January and June this year proves things are better than the Government critics would like people to believe. Deputy Coppinger has said an 87% increase on next to nothing is nothing to shout about and that the homes were private and beyond the means of those on the housing list. Full Story on Page 4
On the lookout: Toys R Us sets out for Destination Blanch TWINS Megan and Lauren Davis and Katelyn Brady are keen for the arrival of US toy store in the Blanchardstown shopping centre. As the first Toys R Us in Ireland, the store is bound to attract shoppers – young and old
– from all over the country. The chain has 1,500 stores worldwide and access to a huge range of toys and games. The addition to the shopping centre will also make 35 new employees happy to turn up for work at the store.
2 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 September 2015
VOTING Change made to planning rule
LOCAL MATTERS
TO PLACE AN AD CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 60 10 240 OR EMAIL SALES@ G A Z E T T E G R O U P. C O M
The planning rule which hindered Tyrrelstown residents from having their estates taken charge by the council has changed. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) (inset) sought to change this rule.
Chance to have council run estates heightens BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
TYRRELSTOWN residents who wish to have their estate taken in charge by Fingal County Council now have a better chance of doing so, as the council has changed the planning rule which has thus far hindered the process. Up to now the council had a rule whereby an estate could not be taken in charge unless 85% of residents voted in favour of doing so. This had been fraught with difficulties as houses may be rented, owners may have left the country and grown up children on the electoral register may be living
KEITH BELLEW kbellew@dublingazette.com
elsewhere. However, following representations by Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) to both the council and the Department of Environment, the rule has been changed from 85% to 50% plus one. Cllr O’Gorman wrote to Junior Environment Minister Paudie Coffee seeking a variation of the planning rule and Minister Coffey’s office subsequently contacted the
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
council. At the first area committee meeting following the summer break Cllr O’Gorman tabled a motion seeking clarification of Fingal’s position on the rule. A spokesperson responded saying that when the rule was first drawn up in 2000 the definition of “majority” was unclear and the council had interpreted it to mean 85%, and this has now been changed to 50% of residents plus one. Cllr O’Gorman sought a change in the rule following a public meeting of Tyrrelstown residents who have been at odds with the owner management companies (OMCs) which run their estates. OMCs are groups made up of residents who carry out maintenance work like grass cutting, tree pruning etc, and each resident when moving in must sign a contract
agreeing to pay annual fees to fund the work. Many residents in Tyrrelstown feel that the OMCs are not providing adequate services and have refused to pay their fees. Individual residents have subsequently been taken to court by the OMCs. At the meeting in July which was attended by 115 Tyrrelstown residents, a questionnaire was circulated which found a majority of residents wishing to abolish the companies. Fingal County Council has already taken a number of Tyrrelstown estates in charge, namely: Ballentree Square, Ballentree Village, Bealing Village, Belgree, Bishop’s Orchard, Curragh Hall, French Park, Mount Garrett and Tyrellstown Boulevard. It will now be easier for residents who wish
to have the OMCs abolished to lobby the council to take the entire area in charge. However, while the majority of these 115 residents want the council to take the area in charge, there are over 6,000 people living in Tyrrelstown, and whether a majority of these agree or not remains to be seen. Cllr O’Gorman said that he believed 85% to be far too high a threshold and that 50% plus one is far more suitable. “This will make it much easier for residents in estates like Tyrrelstown, where residents want the council to take over the maintenance of estates from private management companies. “I’m pleased that Fingal has changed its policy in response to my motion and my dealings with the Department of Environment,” he said.
10 September 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3
Breakfast clubs Work of pre-school organisations is celebrated
Blakestown Community School launches awards Keith Bellew
Blakestown Community School played host to the launch of this year’s Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards recently. The awards celebrate the work by schools and community groups in running these pre-school clubs, where children get a breakfast to fuel
them for the day ahead. They are open to schools and community groups in the Republic of Ireland with each club in with the chance of winning up to €1,500 for their club. There are three categories including Breakfast Club of the Year, Best New Breakfast Club and Breakfast Club Hero. Provincial runners up for Breakfast Club of the year will also
housing: government defends percentages for social builds
Councillors blast changes to quotas keith bellew
COUNCILLORS have hit out at the Government over its decision to lower the percentage of a development which local authorities can stipulate must be allocated to social and affordable housing when giving permission to a developer, from 20% to 10%. Social housing provides homes for council tenants, whereas affordable housing is where the council assists lower income people to purchase a house. This change was implemented through a change in legislation contained within Part Five of the Planning and Development Act. In the 2011-17 Fingal Development Plan, the council had sought an 8% to 15% allocation, but will be seeking 10% in the 2017-23 Development Plan. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said he disagrees with the decision, especially considering the current shortage in social housing in Fingal.
He said: “In the current circumstances, I think that local authorities, particularly in the greater Dublin area, should have the discretion to ask for more in certain situations. “They are still paying the developer cost price for the land, and I think that [percentage] change was made to basically satisfy lobbying from developers.” Cllr Eugene Coppinger (AAA) said: “There is no way that the housing crisis will be rectified by depending on private landlords and private developments, so any reduction in figures for social housing is wrong, and will only make the situation worse.” However, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment said this reduction will mean that more social housing will be built, as it provides for social housing only, rather than a mix of social and affordable housing. “In the main, social housing will be provided on site and in greater numbers than under the previous arrangements,” said the spokesperson.
be picked in Leinster, Munster and Connaught /Ulster. Tanaiste Joan Burton was on hand to launch this year’s competition and was joined by children and teachers at the school. She said she was a strong supporter of breakfast clubs and increased the funding available for the school meals programme by €2m to €39m
this year. “I know that if more schools could provide this service it means that children come to the classroom better equipped to succeed,” she said, adding that funding was being prioritised for this year’s awards. She said the additional funding this year was being used primarily to increase payments to existing DEIS schools which
participate in the school meals scheme with a particular focus on the provision of breakfast clubs, which “provide very positive outcomes for vulnerable children in terms of their school attendance, punctuality and energy levels”. The Blakestown Mountview Educational Opportunities programme receives funding under the school meals pro-
gramme, and its food supplies are sourced from Glanmore Foods, a family-owned Irish business based in Blanchardstown. Entries to the competition can be made via email at breakfastclubawards@murrayconsultants.ie until October 15. Winners will be invited to the Awards in Dublin City Centre on November 27, 2015.
4 BLANCH Gazette 10 September 2015
don’sdublin Fruitful thoughts of a sickly child stoke the fires to create Dracula Abraham “Bram” Stoker was born in 15 Marino Crescent, Fairview, on November 8, 1847, the third of seven children and baptised in the Church of Ireland, Clontarf on December 30. He was a sickly child and did not attend school until he was seven. As such, he spent much time reading and he noted years later “I was naturally thoughtful, and the leisure of long illness gave opportunity for many thoughts which were fruitful according to their kind in later years.” He made a full recovery from his early illness and studied mathematics in Trinity College where he graduated with honours. He was a keen sportsman and was awarded Athlete of the Year, as well as being auditor of the Historical Society and president of the Philosophical Society. Oscar Wilde was a contemporary who Stoker proposed for membership of the Philosophical Society. Years later, after Wilde’s release from Reading Gaol, Stoker visited him in Paris. Coincidently, Wilde had once courted Florence Balcombe who Stoker married in 1878. She was almost the “girl next door” as she lived at 1 Marino Crescent, a few doors from the Stoker household. Stoker was always interested in theatre and became the Dublin Evening Mail’s (co-owned by the great Gothic writer Sheridan Le Fanu) theatre critic, and respected for his incisive reviews. After seeing Henry Irving, the greatest actor his generation, play Hamlet in the Theatre Royal, the two met for dinner in the Shelbourne Hotel. Irving invited him to London to be his business manager, and he and Florence moved in 1878. He acted for Irving until the actor’s death in 1905. He travelled extensively with Irving, met many famous people, and all the time kept writing. He produced a dozen books, countless articles and short stories, but it is Dracula (1897) for which he is best remembered. It has been the source of inspiration for writers and was first filmed in 1922. The sickly boy’s “fruitful thoughts” had certainly been realised.
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin. wordpress.com 15 Marino Crescent, Fairview where author Abraham “Bram” Stoker (inset) was born in 1847
Burton ‘Housing healthier than critics say’
Homelessness out of control – Coppinger keith bellew
Homelessness in Dublin 15 is “at epidemic levels and out of control”, according to Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP). She says the Anti-Austerity Alliance has had 50 local homeless families seeking help over the summer. The group has announced that a public meeting with Fr Peter Mc Verry will be held at Huntstown Community Centre. This follows publication of data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) which shows that a total of 662 new homes have been completed in Fingal from January to July this year. It represents an 87% increase in house building activity on the same period last year. The figures have been welcomed by Tanaiste Joan Burton. She said the figures painted an optimistic picture of the level of housing activity in Fingal so far this year. “In Dublin 15, construction is well under way on new housing units in Hansfield, and new housing construction has commenced in Diswellstown and Tyrellstown. It’s a reflection of the population growth the area has witnessed, but demonstrates that in Fingal we are making progress in meeting the challenge of providing
Tanaiste Joan Burton: “In Dublin 15, construction is well under way on new housing units in Hansfield, and new housing construction has commenced in Diswellstown and Tyrellstown
homes for families,” she said While a lot of work remained to be done to meet the range of housing needs that exist locally, she said the date ‘proves we are in a much healthier place that many of the Government’s critics would like us to believe”. One such critic is Deputy Coppinger, who said that an 87% increase on next to nothing is nothing to shout about and that
these houses are private residential and out of the reach of thousands of families on the Blanchardstown waiting lists. “Joan Burton’s attempt to distract from the homeless epidemic in her own backyard by announcing 667 private houses in Fingal is an insult. Fine Gael and Labour are getting found out on the housing crisis and desperately looking for signs of building any-
where that they can point to,” she said, adding that the Government needs to build thousands of social houses to address this. She said that young women with children are the main victims of the “lack of any social or affordable home-building by the state,” and that sleeping on sofas and in cars and being told to ‘selfaccommodate’ is now the norm, because the council simply cannot cope.
“The Anti Austerity Alliance calls for a ban on all evictions and repossessions to stem the flood of homelessness; for the considerable amount of Nama property and land in Dublin West to be turned over for housing the homeless; and for councils to be funded to build the homes needed,” she said. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17 at 7pm.
Ice rink returns to Millennium Park The ice rink at Millennium Park which proved extremely popular last year will return in November and remain until late January this year. A spacious 800 sq m rink and 200 sq m kiddie rink will be open daily for public skate sessions, and the facility will also act as a playing field for local ice hockey
and figure skating teams. Special themed events will also be scheduled such as student nights, kiddie skating clubs and skate with Santa. It will be located at the same part of the park as last year, at the northern end near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and the entrance will once again be at Grove Road near the Fingal
County Council offices. Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) expressed his concerns over the potential damage to the surface of the park saying that as someone who uses the park on a daily basis to walk his dogs, he saw the extent of the damage last year first hand and that it was “a bit of a nightmare”.
Cllr Sandra Kavanagh (AAA) also raised this issue saying the surface of the park was left in “a dreadful state”. A council official said that grass reinforcement would be carried out which would involve a special mesh installed on the ground to prevent any damage to the park surface.
10 September 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5
6 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 September 2015
FASTNews
Council taking charge of Mulberry Estate expected to be completed by year’s end THE process of the taking in charge of Mulberry Estate in Castleknock by Fingal County Council is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A request to have the estate taken in charge was received from the developer, Heathervue Ltd, in July 2010, but the completion of a series of works was needed to bring the estate up to a condition that would make that possible. A detailed inspection of the roads and services was carried out and a list of outstanding works was compiled to bring the develop-
ROW: DONNELLY NOMINATION OF BROTHER FOR FORUM POSITION SPARKS ARGUMENT
ment up to the council standard for taking into charge. The main item outstanding was the remediation of the surface water and foul pipework. These works have recently been completed satisfactorily. However, there are still some outstanding issues related to the green areas which are currently being dealt with by the council’s parks department. The inspectorate division of Fingal expects these works will be completed soon and the estate will be taken in charge by the end of the year.
Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) has been accused of trying to use the Safer Blanchardstown Forum for his own political ends by Cllr Ted Leddy (FG) (inset)
Political rivals square up over appointments KEITH BELLEW
SINN Fein and Fine Gael squared up to each other in the political ring this week in a row over political appointments to independent organisations. Cllr Ted Leddy (FG) threw the first punch, accusing Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) of trying to use the Safer Blanchardstown Forum for his own political ends. This was after he nominated his brother Alan, also a member of Sinn Fein, for the position of community representative on the board. The board has four such positions usually occupied by people in local community groups or resident associations. Cllr Leddy told the Gazette these positions were supposed to be nonpolitical and he found it “troubling” that Cllr Donnelly nominated his brother for it. “Cllr Donnelly is basi-
cally using this organisation to help him get elected in the forthcoming General Election by placing one of his key personnel in an influential position within this important local body,” he said. Cllr Donnelly was “exploiting” the organisation in a “cynical” and “flippant” way, he added. Cllr Donnelly told the Gazette he was disappointed with what he perceived as an attempt by Cllr Leddy to drag the Safer Blanchardstown Community Policing Forum into “his attempt to score petty political points against Sinn Fein”. He contended that this denigrated the good name of an important community group. “Sinn Fein members, as members of their own community, are entitled to put themselves forward as community representatives. Cllr Leddy is well aware that the Safer Blan-
chardstown Forum hold public meetings for the selection of community representatives. “Members of the community are invited to put their names forward if they fit the criteria. There is a secret ballot, supervised by outside independent facilitators, and the process is open and transparent,” he said. Speaking to The Gazette, forum co-ordinator Philip Jennings said he did not not inquire into political affiliations when considering people for the forum. “It’s up to the people from the area who are present on the night to cast their vote. But, myself and the chair [Patricia Carey] would take a very firm view of anyone who would try to use the forum for their own political aim. We wouldn’t stand for that. We don’t promote any political party or ideology at all,” he said.
10 September 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7
fingal Only 7.2% of residents in area are over 65
Plans to deal with youngest population keith bellew kbellew@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL has the youngest and fastest-growing population in Europe, with 29% of residents under the age of 18 years, and 72% under 45. This was revealed by Fingal County Council this week in the context of the new development plan. The report states that only 7.25% of Fingal’s population is over the age of 65, compared with 11.6% nationally.
Over the past 20 years, Fingal’s population has grown by 80%, in comparison to growth of 25% in Dublin and 30% for the country as a whole. It is estimated that by 2016, the county’s population will be 300,000 people, and 330,000 by 2021. Following a review which began in March, Fingal County Council is currently in the predraft consultation phase of the new development plan that will shape the future growth of the
county over the next six years. The plan, which is being drawn up in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, will take up to two years to complete. The plan will influence strategic priorities for the county, including supporting plans for private and social housing, economic growth, supporting businesses across all segments, developing the area as a hub for key business clusters, tourism, building sustainable
Fingal County Council has revealed that Fingal has the youngest and fastestgrowing population in Europe with 72% of residents under the age of 45
communities, transport, communications, power and water. Two amendments to the plan, put forward by Fianna Fail, have already been accepted. The first of these was the provision of extra parking spaces to provide for the extra peo-
ple that will journey to Swords to avail of the transport system that will be announced in the coming weeks. The second was to promote the design of streets so as to provide for the safety of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and car
users, including trafficcalming measures. The council’s chief executive, Paul Reid, said: “The review presents an opportunity to shape the future growth of Fingal and to build on our previous successes and our strategic advantage as a county.”
hospice Coffee morning fundraiser The Blanchardstown Guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) and St Francis Hospice staff will host a coffee morning in the education centre at the hospice on September 17. The event will run from 10am through to 1pm at a cost of €2 which covers coffee/tea and home bakes. To raise further funds there will be a number of items on sale throughout the morning including party goods, Christmas cards and decorations. Tickets will also be on sale for a bumper raffle and free car parking is available within the hospice grounds next to Connolly Hospital. For more information visit: www.blanchardstownhospice.ie/
8 blanch Gazette 10 September 2015
gazetteGALLERIES
Keva Boland, Grace Collins, Charlotte Stapleton and Aoise Murphy. Pictures: Stephen Fleming
Starcamps: boosting kids’ confidence and self-esteem
S
tarcamps Summer camps ran a fantastic week in Scoil Bhride Cailini Blanchardstown this summer. The camp, which caters for four- to 13-year-old boys and girls, introduces children to all aspects of the performing arts while embracing the improvement of confidence and self-esteem. The children worked on songs from Disney to the American Authors, scenes including Toy Story and Annie, and danced to Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Pharrell. The week also featured movie making and film workshops.
Instructors Lauren Graham and Hannah Comiskey
Sarah-Ann McCarthy
Cillian and Aidan King. Picture: Stephen Fleming
James Doyle draws a fantastic train
Amelie Vriarte enjoying the shakers
Alice Carolyn and Mia Byrne Aidan O’Brien is all snappy snappy
Amber Krivakova
10 September 2015 blanch Gazette 9
Ryan Krishan
Sarin Edwards
Hunter Krivakova with his grandad Liam
Magical moments
L
ocal children let their imaginations run free as they used wool, cardboard boxes and cylinders among other materials to build buildings and sculptures when they took part in Beag at Draiocht recently. Beag is a little event that has a huge focus
on the arts for the very young. Draiocht was, for one day, magically transformed into a big space for an adventure through story, visual arts, music and dance. Children were invited to explore the little spaces that big people don’t usually see.
Timmy Kruczek
Vidya Robinson
10 Gazette 10 September 2015
gazetteGALLERY
Darren King, Sam Cassidy and Nathan Hill
Esther Woods, Elaine Galvin and Hazel McMahon at the Miss Ireland 2015 final. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Lovely girls give it a go to be Miss Ireland 2015
F
ATHER Ted Crilly would have been delighted to see all the lovely girls in attendance at the Miss Ireland 2015 final held in the Crowne Plaza Northwood recently, where young ladies from all across the island of Ireland had gathered, hoping to claim the crown.
Several household names were also in attendance at the glittering finale, which presented judges with the difficult task of selecting an overall winner to go on to Sanya, China, to compete in Miss World in December. Ultimately, Miss Antrim Sacha Livingston claimed the title, with the
Belfast portrait artist impressing judges and fellow contenders alike with her natural poise, charm and personality, as well as her beauty, of course. In addition to the glory of representing Ireland in China, Sacha’s prizes include a full wardrobe of dresses, and make-up and nail care for a year.
Michaela O’Neill and Ryan Andrews
Chanelle O’Dwyer and Elaine Crowley
Emer O’Reilly, Jane Lundon and Mary Lee
Rosalyn Odujete
Kathy Prendeville and Isabelle Collins
10 September 2015 Gazette 11
culture P23
dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: Trevor tosses the 9 to 5 life for a more controlled one
what’son
Biting back at the bedbugs Ian Begley
If you thought your job was bad, then how about trying your luck at exterminating rats and cleaning up after dead bodies for a living? Well, that’s exactly what Dubliner Trevor Hayden does. Working in IT for years, Hayden decided that the typical 9 to 5 office lifestyle wasn’t for him. This week The Gazette caught up with Hayden to see what a typical day for him is like as a pest control manager and crime scene cleaner. “We get a lot of calls from people complaining about rat infestations in their homes. When I’m out on call we set up traps as opposed to poison because if a rat is poisoned you have no control over where it dies and it can begin to smell really badly. “We have also invented a trap that remotely tells us whenever it has caught a rodent at a specific address. Recently, I was at a very nice Georgian house where they had a rat that died underneath their floorboards. Although it smelled very badly I managed to remove it with great effort and clean the area around where it died. I have bit of OCD when it comes to cleaning and I’m very happy when I do a thorough job.” Hayden added that on a typical day people would also call him about other types of pest problems, such as cockroaches, flies and bedbugs (a
comedy comes unhinged: A series of stand-up comedy shows are now taking place every Wednesday and Sunday at the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn, Wellington Quay from 9pm. Unhinged Comedy will see a seasoned line-up of comedians spreading laughter from the stage to the audience and surrounding areas. The show is managed and organised by Connor McDonough-Flynn, a comedian who’s been performing around Ireland and internationally for over five years. Performers will include rising comedian Joe Dowlin who is a regular MC at the Battle of the Axe comedy night in the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn and is also the cofounder of the popular Talla Craic Comedy House, Tallaght. Edinburgh Fringe fest comedian Diane O’Connor will also be there on the night. She has performed all over Ireland and the UK. Ticket are priced from €6 to €8 and can be purchased from www.eventbrite.ie. For more information visit www.conmcflynn.com or see the Unhinged Comedy Club Facebook page.
personal fear of his). “We get a good few calls about bedbugs during the summer months or when people accidentally take them home when they return from their holidays. We deal with them a lot, but the thoughts of bringing one of them home just freaks me out.” His experience in the pest control business eventually led to another field altogether - cleaning up after human remains have been removed from a scene.
Deaths “Now and again I would get a call to clean up the area of a place where someone has died. Most of the jobs we are called out to are unattended deaths. If someone has died and no one has found them for a number of months we then would have to clean whatever has been left behind. “When we’re cleaning a scene we have to be 100% thorough. You could wipe a surface down and it may look clean but it could be full of germs and bacteria so that’s why we have to be extremely careful about not overlooking anything.” Asked if this type of work carries any emotional burdens after he returns home after a long day of work, Hayden said: “The very first job I did played havoc with my mind with all sorts of stuff running through my head while in bed. Now I don’t even think about it.”
feature P24
Gazette
diary P12
Trevor Hayden talks about a typical day as a pest control manager
12 Gazette 10 September 2015
Gazette
dublinlife Kevin finds it in his Hart to come to Dublin on tour
US comedian and actor Kevin Hart will be visiting Irish shores in January 2016 and tickets will go on sale for his international comedy show this week. T he funny man is famous for roles in movies including The Wedding Ringer which took in over $80m (€72m) internationally and Get
Hard where he starred alongside Will Ferrell. He has announced a massive world tour after a hugely successful domestic comedy tour in the US earlier this year. He will be visiting Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday, January 22, 2016 to perform in his international comedy show
What Now? Tour and tickets go on sale on September 10, 2015. Hart’s international comedy tour will see him visiting Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Germany and South Africa for the first time. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster. ie and for more information on tour dates log
diary
onto www.aikenpromotions.com.
calling all budding young artists Sighttsavers is calling on budding young artists in Dublin to enter the 2015 Junior Painter of the Year Awards. Open to primary school students of all ages, thousands of children are expected to enter the competition this year featuring the new theme, Imagine 2030. A lot can change in 15 years so Sighstavers is inviting primary school students to be inspired and create an artwork that shows how they want the world they live in to look in the year 2030. Student artists have a chance to win appropriately arty prizes not just for themselves but for their classmates too, and substantial cash prizes of €200, €300 and €1,000 for their schools with thanks to the Irish Times. Fifteen regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a special awards day in February 2016 where three overall national winners will be announced. Submissions for this competition must be completed by November 27. For more information visit www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter.
US comedian Kevin Hart, who will be playing to Dublin audiences next January
start talking about mental health A campaign to get people involved in the conversation of suicide was launched recently and people from all around Dublin are invited to take part. Suicide or Sur vive (SOS) is running its annual High Tea and Talk campaign in an attempt to raise aware-
ness about mental health. World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10 and SOS are encouraging people to take time out with a loved one or a friend to have a cup of tea and a chat as this is a great way to get people to talk about any problems they might be experiencing. The campaign is ask-
ing people to host a tea morning with friends, in the workplace, or within a local community group to raise awareness of mental health. To get involved contact Jacqui at SOS on jacqui@suicideorsurvive.ie or call 1890 577 577 and the charity will send an information pack. Alternatively you can donate €4 by texting SOS4 to 50300.
Bride Groom SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
Let The Gazette help make your wedding day extra special and guarantee you have happy memories to share with friends and family in the years to come
ď ´
GAZETTE
10 September 2015 GAZETTE I
WHAT TO WEAR:
Divine gowns and accessories for the Mother of the Bride Page III
THE LOOK:
Top tips from make-up artist Marc Sinclair Page VII
Beauty Wedding
Beautiful in Bloom headpiece by Glitzy Secrets online boutique, www.glitzysecrets.com, a vintage-inspired soft white organza hair flower set upon a trailing floral headpiece encrusted with sparkling Austrian crystals
In search of the perfect dress? From lace to ruffles, we give you a sneak peek at what styles are popular this season SEE PAGE VI
TRULY GIFTED:
Thoughtful presents that will be cherished Page VI
OH HONEY!
Find the perfect place to relax and unwind Page VIII
GAZETTE
II GAZETTE 10 September 2015
Bride Groom
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Drew, availabe at Bridal Boutique in Fairview
The Dress!
IT’S probably the most special, extravagant not to
She also says that full ball gowns are becoming popular
mention expensive dress you will ever wear, so every
again and who doesn’t want to look like Cinderella on
bride wants to get her wedding dress just right.
her wedding day? Tina says that structured bodices
From bustier to sweetheart, corseted to draped,
there is so much choice right now, you could be a little daunted by the range of dresses available. Tina at the Bridal Boutique in Fairview has picked some of the highlights for next season. She says that lace never goes out of fashion and who can forget Kate Middleton’s stunning wedding dress?
are also popular and that, hold the bouquet, ruffles are popular again. Whatever you choose, make sure that you are comfortable, or as comfortable as you can be, so you can
strut your stuff on the dancefloor when the formalities are over! Have a look at our favourites.
10 September 2015 Gazette III
Mother of the bride After the bride, the second most important person
ferent. How about a glamorous trouser suit or a floor
in the room, is of course, the mother of the bride. As
length frock - it doesn’t have to be the domain of the
such, getting the right outfit is of the utmost impor-
bridesmaid only.
tance. Most Irish mother’s of the bride do tend to
Here at Gazette style we have picked some of our
follow a certain formula and that’s fine as it works.
favourites that will help your mum feel the like special
But there are plenty of mum of bride outfits for that
lady that she is and second most beautiful woman in
mammy who wants to be that little bit quirkier or dif-
the room!
Brown Thomas Paule Ka Cropped Rose Trim Jacket €550 and Pleated Midi Skirt €490
House of Fraser Untold Kitty Outline Edge Fascinator €65
Brown Th omas Ken neth Jay Lane Pearl Drop Earrin gs €100
Co Cov ast V er i Up enna €1 10
House of Fraser Linea Penelope lace dress €195
Brown Thomas Stuart Weitzman Reckless Heeled Sandals €430 Coast Cassia lace dress €150
GAZETTE
IV GAZETTE 10 September 2015
Bride Groom The perfect
Alternative venues IAN BEGLEY
If you’re on the prowl for an alternative wedding venue that is a hundred miles away from the type of wedding your grandparents had, then you will be pleased to know that Ireland has a huge range of unconventional wedding venues on offer. From castles, barns, theatres, sport’s stadiums and the Zoo, there are plenty of unique and eccentric wedding venues to suit all tastes. If your heart is set on a Dublin city wedding, but you’re looking for a large space to celebrate, then Smock Alley Theatre might be the perfect venue for your big day. With exposed brick walls, ornate plasterwork ceiling, and stained glass windows, this venue is certainly a sight to behold. Another great alternative venue is at Mount Druid in Westmeath. The building and its surroundings are made up from a converted barn, an unconsecrated tin chapel, 20 traditional Mongolian yurts, three shep-
herd’s huts, a charmingly cosy gate lodge, a three-bed school master’s house, an 1820s Georgian house, several BBQ areas, a walled garden, a summer house and three lakes. Why not choose to say “I Do” at the zoo? Dublin Zoo is a unique alternative to the traditional wedding venue and provides a magical backdrop for your special day. Haughton House, a restored historical building with magnificent views of the zoo, is available seven days a week for all types of wedding ceremonies including civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and blessings. With weddings at Croke Park, GAA fans can marry their love of the game with the love of their life. Whether you are interested in a large traditional reception, a small intimate celebration or something in between, they can offer you the perfect alternative venue. For information on these wedding venues visit www.alternativewed dings.ie and www.hitched.ie.
| SELECTING THE VENUE |
IAN BEGLEY
FINDING the perfect wedding venue for your big day can be a very challenging and expensive feat, but thanks to a large range of deals on offer, you can rest assured that the picture-perfect wedding of your dreams is just around the corner.
The Bracken Court Hotel The Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan is a well-established four-star luxury hotel, exceptional in design and character. From the moment you step onto the red carpet, you will experience a friendly and professional wedding team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life. The Bracken Court Hotel has a range of wedding packages to suit all tastes and budgets. With warm hospitality and impeccable service, combined with experience and passion for weddings, the hotel aims to ensure that your day will be truly unforgettable. A grand affair, an intimate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely
up to you. Their wedding offers provide an array of packages to choose from, starting from €39.95 per person. The hotel is also hosting their Autumn Wedding Showcase on Sunday, September 27 from 2 to 6pm, with the hotel’s reception suites and civil ceremony room will be dressed for the occasion. Contact events@courtyard.ie to make a personal appointment to view the hotel’s wedding venue and discuss your specific requirements.
The Court Yard Hotel Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, Bespoke Wedding Venue in Kildare offers old world charm, beautiful original stone work with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling. From its humble beginnings back in 1756, the Court Yard Hotel has become a popular choice with a unique space for weddings and events since opening its doors in 2005. A graceful renovation
The elegant decor of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway
and rejuvenation of historic buildings, the Court Yard Hotel is unique in character and design with beautiful exposed brick walls, huge windows and vaulted and beamed ceilings. Renowned for their ability to capture the true essence of the day, the Court Yard Hotel believes that each wedding should truly reflect the bride and groom’s own personal style. The Court Yard Hotel has a wide range of choices to offer for your wedding event. Ideal for intimate gatherings, celebrate with up to 100 cherished family and friends in their RiverBank reception room, which has beautiful views of the River Liffey and Leixlip Castle Boat House. The RiverBank room offers its own private terrace for pre-drinks reception and evening party room with an exclusive piano bar. Their packages provide an array of enhancements to choose from, starting from €39.95 per person.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel On October 4, from 2pm to 5pm, brides and grooms are invited to the Glenlo Abbey Hotel’s styl-
ish wedding fair in Galway. Enjoy a selection of afternoon tea delicacies from the hotel’s Afternoon Tea Menu, followed by a fashion show featuring top bridal boutiques and advice on the day. From the moment you drive through the cast iron gates, you will be captivated by the beauty of this enchanting lake side estate overlooking Lough Corrib. Tastefully restored and truly elegant, this country estate is “a hidden gem” in the west of Ireland, a mere five minutes’ drive from Galway City Centre. The wedding team at Glenlo Abbey Hotel will be on hand on the day with, along with a selection of expert wedding suppliers catering for all aspects of your wedding. From the Victorianinspired decor of the graceful French Room to the fairytale setting of the beautiful stone-cut restored abbey, ideal for intimate civil ceremonies, to the elegant surrounds of our Corrib Suite, with its panoramic views over Lough Corrib, one cannot feel but overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of this magnificent
10 September 2015 Gazette V
place for saying ‘I do’ property. Glenlo Abbey Hotel is truly a destination wedding venue, attracting couples from all over Ireland and abroad to celebrate their special day. For further details, call +353 91 519669 or visit www.glenloabbeyhotel. ie.
Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel The Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel in Stillorgan are also opening its doors for a Wedding Open Day on September 27 from 2pm to 6pm. Visitors can tour the historic 18th-century
mansion’s rich and intimate surroundings – ideal for a traditional wedding, civil ceremony or garden blessing celebrations. Each private room will be set up to your liking on your special day, where you will enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival, and sample a selection of canape. Elegant architectural details and furnishings perfectly complement the lush, natural garden settings of the hotel, which provide countless backdrops for stunning photographs. The hotel’s wedding package includes: a dedi-
cated wedding consultant from the moment of booking; a red carpet welcome; use of the hotel’s formal gardens for photographs; champagne on arrival for the bride and groom; fresh flowers for all tables; personalised menus; place cards and table plan; deluxe accommodation at a special rate for guests; complimentary car parking for all guests; champagne breakfast in bed for the newlyweds; and deluxe accommodation in a balcony suite for the bride and groom. Three dining suites are available at the hotel and can seat anywhere from
Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel is also a beautiful venue
The Court Yard Hotel offers unique spaces to hold
for civil ceremonies
wedding day celebrations
10 to 200 guests. Menus can be customised to the preferences of event planners. With its private bar facilities, dance floor and band space, the Pembroke Suite is the perfect
choice for large, traditional wedding parties. A chic location for a drinks and canapes reception, The Le Panto Suite opens onto a private terrace that overlooks the hotel’s park-like
surroundings and can host up to 70 guests. The Seamount Suite is ideal for intimate, seated dinners for about 50 guests. Its balcony area offers vistas of the gardens, Dublin
Bay and Howth Head. For further enquiries and more information on the Wedding Open Day contact 01 218 6054 or visit www.radissonblu.ie/ sthelenshotel-dublin
GAZETTE
VI GAZETTE 10 September 2015
Bride Groom
| GIFT GUIDE | Kelly
Hop
pen
dotcomgiftshop Japanese dinner plate sunflowers €14.95
pott er’s
bow l €70
Next Copper Triply pans €20-€57
Penneys three-wick tin candle in Cotton Lily €4
Hou M&S Arabella cushion €27
se o f Fra prin ser blu ted e vase leaf €30
Debenham’s Nespresso red Lattissima touch+ €420
Argos Offset bookcase by Foley €276.49
10 September 2015 Gazette VII
| wedding make-up |
Bringing your entire look together aisling kennedy
Wedding make-up is one of the three essential ingredients that bring a bride’s wedding look together along with her hair and, of course, her bridal dress. If a bride doesn’t achieve the perfect look for her wedding day, the memories of her day and indeed the photographs of the day may always be something of a regret in her mind. To prevent that from happening the Gazette spoke to renow ned make-up artist Marc Sinclair from Lancome Elite Make-Up who gave his expert tips on how to
achieve the perfect bridal look. “A bride should always feel confident and as comfortable as she can. You want the bride to look fabulous in the photos and you want her to look back on her photos in 20 years and say ‘Wow, I looked good that day and I felt good that day.’” Sinclair first advises brides to make sure that they look for an experienced make-up artist in the run up to their big day. “It’s all about someone who has experience with regards to photography and photoshoots as well as bridal experience. You want someone who
knows how to bring out the natural beauty of a bride and make her look good in the photos.” Sinclair explains that it is essential for all brides to partake in a make-up trial at least three months in advance of the big day. “All brides should work on that basis of three months in advance, minimum. The reason for this is just in case the bride has any skin conditions, dehydration or redness that a make-up artist could help to clear up. It gives the make-up artist enough time to be able to work on that beforehand but also in case the bride doesn’t like the make-up artist, it then gives her
time to be able to find someone else.” In advance of the wedding, Sinclair advises all brides to step up their skin care regime and says that at least eight weeks in advance of the big day, brides should invest in a good skin care products and treat themselves to facials and drink plenty of water. Sinclair also has a word of warning to any brides thinking of going for a red lip on their big day saying: “It’s a lot of maintenance on the day so unless you don’t mind touching up your make-up all night, I would advise against it. Also brides should remember that red lip-
Make-up artist Marc Sinclair from Lancome Elite Make-Up
stick is not timeless. For me, make-up should be timeless, you should be able to look at it in years to come and it should still look like modern makeup. The red lip is really a
bit of a trend so you might look back in 20 years and think ‘Oh god, why did I do that?’” On the topic of fake lashes, Sinclair says he personally likes the more
natural looking fake lashes and adds: “I think they really accentuate the eyes in photos. I would say definitely go for it, just once it’s nothing too dramatic.”
GAZETTE
VIII GAZETTE 10 September 2015
Bride Groom
Choosing wedding favours that fit your style and your budget PLANNING a wedding obviously takes a lot of thought, and every last detail must be thoroughly threshed out. In the midst of all the planning about venue, dresses, tuxes, honeymoon etc, don’t forget to thank your guests for sharing in your big day with the gift of wedding favours.
| TRAVELLING FOR TWO |
Celebrating your new life together IAN BEGLEY
Wedding favours are a simple and effective way for the bride and groom to show their appreciation to their guests for helping to celebrate their union. When selecting wedding favours, one must always take three things into consideration: budget, the number of guests, and the shelf life of the item. If a large gathering is expected wedding favours can be a huge drain on the budget. As modern weddings are often about adding a personal touch and a sense of originality and personality to the big day, you can kill two birds with one stone by providing homemade personally themed wedding favours. By doing this you can not only reduce the cost, but give your wedding an extra personal touch at the same time.
HONEYMOONS are a once in a lifetime experience and are an unforgettable way to kick start to your life with your new husband or wife. For the extra special occasion there’s no better way of celebrating than by travelling to a dream destination from the wide range of honeymoon packages on offer. With GoHop.ie, you can spend 14 nights in Kerala in five different
resorts from €2,280pp from October to April. Unwind and allow all of your wedding nerves float away in this destination, which boasts postcardperfect beaches, shady coconut groves and lush paddy fields. Spend two nights in the Old Harbour Hotel in Kochi, two nights in the Windermere Estate in Munnar, two nights in Cardamom County in Kerala, two nights in Backwater Ripples in Kumarakom, one night in Lakes and Lagoons in Alappuzha, and five nights in The Leela Kovalam in Kovalam. Highlights on this tour include soaking up in the picturesque port town of Kochi, exploring the tea plantations and pristine valleys of Munnar, gliding along the Kumarakom backwaters and relaxing on the golden beaches of idyllic Kovalam. If you have your heart set on a honeymoon with a difference, look no further than Malta. This hidden gem of the Mediterranean has everything you need to celebrate your love for one another. The islands of Malta and Gozo have such a wide variety of venues for you to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect locations for your ceremony and reception. What’s more, with romantic and intimate getaways located all over the islands, Malta and Gozo offer the ideal setting for a honeymoon neither of you will ever forget. From farmhouses to five-star resorts, quaint rural churches to lush gardens in the heart of the capital city of Valletta, Malta has something to
San Francisco is a vibrant city and the home of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Picture perfect: Kerala
cover all tastes and budgets. If you choose Malta for your honeymoon, you don’t need to spend precious time worrying about the Irish weather. Instead you can relax safe in the knowledge that even in the middle of winter Malta gets an average of five to six hours of sunshine per day. For those who cannot decide between a tropical island or a city honeymoon in the USA, then why not combine the two in a San Francisco and Hawaii honeymoon package from €3,690pp. For 17 nights, this honeymoon combo is the perfect way to celebrate life as newlyweds. You will experience diverse cultures, great dining, some of the best shopping in the US and, of course,
Ideal weather: Malta
sandy beaches, coral reefs and verdant islands. San Francisco’s vibrant city’s attractions include Union Square, home to many of the city’s hotels, the former prison-island of Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park or the seafood restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf. Hawaii is an ideal destination to travel all year around as the weather is always good. GoHop.ie suggests that you avoid July and August as they can be particularly hot. If you are planning a well-deserved and unique honeymoon, then why not head to the diverse and beautiful country of Singapore. Spend five nights in the Mandarin Orchard Hotel from €1,369pp from February, 2016 with travelmood.ie Singapore is a place
that melds Chinese, Indian, Muslim and Western cultures into an exotic combination and is a great choice for a honeymoon that will inspire jealousy in all your friends. Get great views of the city on the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel, and then learn about its cultural history at the Asian Civilisations Museum. You can make your way to the MacRitchie Nature Trail where you can stroll in the rainforest canopy with the TreeTop Walk, catch a live performance at Esplanade or hike along The Southern Ridges and be rewarded with stunning views. For more information on these honeymoon deals, visit abbey tevael.ie, gohop.ie and travelmood. ie
10 September 2015 Gazette 21
Gazette
dublinlife Prefab housing ‘should only be for short term’
feature
homelessness: Councils to view possible solution
Keith Bellew
MAYORS, chief executives, senior housing staff and heads of local authority strategic policy committees on housing will have a chance to see how modular or prefab housing works when the Dublin Region Homeless Executive gives a demonstration on September 15 at East Wall Road. As many as 250 of these units could be built on 20 vacant sites in Dublin as a shortterm measure to accommodate homeless families currently living in hotels. Prefab components can be placed side-byside, end-to -end, or stacked, allowing a wide variety of configurations and styles in the building layout. The houses can be assembled on-site in a matter of days and could be available to families within the next three to six months. At last count 361 families with 768 dependants were staying in hotels and 195 families with 417 dependants were staying in various other types of homeless accommodation. The demonstration project will be situated on the site for a period of two to four weeks, after which the units will be removed and the site will be returned to its established use.
It is planned that the demonstration area will display a fully fitted modular housing unit from each participating provider and will primarily include two-bedroom units. A spokesperson from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive said the primary objective of the demonstration project was to contribute to the debate on the viability of modular housing, as a temporary form of quality accommodation provision for the increasing numbers of households in emergency homeless accommodation. “The concept of modular housing available on a temporary basis is being considered against the backdrop of ensuring that the longterm housing options for each household can be progressed by the local authority, as housing supply becomes available in line with the Social Housing Strategy 2020. “The key advantages of modular construction methods include factory-assembled components allow for greater accuracy, quality assurance and consistency, the construction and delivery process is speeded up, and site works are minimised to simple foundation systems and the provision of access roads, services
and landscaping,” said the spokesperson. Speaking to The Gazette, chair of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown housing committee, Cllr John Bailey (FG) believes modular housing to be a far better alternative for families than hotel rooms. He says many families living in hotels are being treated in an undignified manner, being made to use back entrances and being completely segregated from the rest of the guests. He believes this needs to end and he says he is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Cllr Ken Duffy (Lab) chair of the Fingal housing committee said the project was one of high quality housing for a medium term solution, which will “fast-track the plight of those who are living in hotels”. Before Fingal locks into the scheme, he said, they would have to clarify how long families will be living in these units. Following the demonstration, the issue will be discussed at the housing committee and full council meetings before any decision being made. Cllr Cathal King (SF), chair of South Dublin County Council’s housing committee, was less enthusiastic about the proposals.
He said that he would reserve judgement until he had seen the demonstration. He added that should the proposals gain traction and get the goahead it must only be a short-term measure. Families should not be left living in these developments for extended periods of time he said. Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), chair of Dublin City Council’s housing committee, took a more positive view of the proposal saying families being housed in hotels and B&Bs was unacceptable and put children at serious risk of exploitation and abuse. “That has got to stop. We want a solution, and if the housing comes up to standard and it meets what we need, and meets the peoples’ needs I don’t see it being a big problem as long as it meets international standards and best practice. “We’d hope that there will be a number of sites across the four local authorities, and no more than 10 or so units will be put on each site,” he said. It should only be used as a short-term measure, he said. The units wouild be in areas close to services, and councillors would argue that they should be near public transport, schools and shops, he concluded.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive will give a demonstration on how modular or prefab housing works
Gazette
22 Gazette 10 September 2015
dublinlife
escape the mayhem: tv3’s lone male xpose presenter, peter o’riordan, on how he unwinds
Family wins over fashion in his time off aisling kennedy
PETER O’Riordan has his hands full at the moment as the only male face on TV3’s weekday entertainment show, Xpose, and with a new baby boy recently added
to the mix, he appreciates his downtime now more than ever. O’Riordan took time out this week to tell The Gazette how he unwinds during his days off. “My family and my house are my sanctu-
ary, to be honest. Myself and my wife, Stephanie, recently moved into a new house so we have the rarity of having a back garden now. “We also have a playground literally out the back of the house on the
banks of the Dodder, too, so that’s brilliant for our little boy, Olivier.” O’Riordan said that in his previous job as assignment editor at TMZ in LA, he would enjoy spending his weekends partying with his wife and living for the weekend.
Weekends “Now, our son is our real enjoyment, and I love going to Imaginosity and the Panda Play Cafe on the weekends with him. That’s what I look forward to – just spending time with my wife and my son no matter what the capacity is. I enjoy that quality time,” he said. O’Riordan does like to treat himself and his wife to the odd childfree night, however, and he said that they are big foodies and enjoy trying out new restaurants around Dublin city centre. “My wife doesn’t eat meat at all; she’s almost
Peter O’Riordan: “Now that we have our son, we practically turn into pumpkins if we stay out later than midnight. Our priorities have changed now that we’re parents.”
vegan, apart from the fact that she eats cheese. She can’t give up the cheese! “It’s fun for us to find new really cool restaurants that have vegetarian options for her. We’ve found some really great places in town, so we love to go out and have a glass of wine and good food.” Top of O’Riordan’s recommendations for restaurants in the city centre are Dylan McGrath’s Fade Street Social and the newly opened Sue-
sey Street in Fitzwilliam Place, run by head chef Lumir Tousek, formerly of L’Ecrivain. “We love Fade Street Social, there’s just a great mixture of food there and it’s delicious. Everyone should check out Suesey Street too, it’s got that real Manhattan low-key, cool vibe feel to it and they have gorgeous vegetarian food and amazing cocktails.” O’Riordan said that the days of staying out partying until 3am are over for
himself and his wife now, and they always ensure they are home around midnight so that they get some sleep. “Now that we have our son, we practically turn into pumpkins if we stay out later than midnight. Our priorities have changed now that we’re parents, but it’s great. It’s lovely to have that time to spend with my family and relax.” Catch Peter O’Riordan on Xpose every week day on TV3.
Drive away to find a debate with Vincent Vincent Browne announced last week that he will allow members of the public who wish to air their views on a debate topic to drive out to the TV3 studios in Ballymount to take part in his panel programme each week night. This new way of bringing panellists onto his show will mean
that politicians will take part in live debates with members of the public. The change in the line-up is not a replacement for The People’s Debate with Vincent Browne, but it is a way of freshening things up in the studio. At the launch of the T V3
autumn schedule last week, Browne said: “We needed to change it and we thought this was a better idea. “That’s an important part of what we’re about in the media – that the agenda shouldn’t be set by a few people who are usually of the same mind.”
10 September 2015 Gazette 23
Gazette
features 10th birthday: family friendly events open to all
A top night on the cultural calendar Keith Bellew
Museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, parks and Government buildings in Dublin will be open to the public on Friday, September 18 as Culture Night celebrates its tenth birthday. A series of free tours, workshops, readings, performances and demonstrations for all the family will be held across the city as part of this year’s celebration, the theme of which is Revolves Around You.
Having grown in Dublin from 40,000 attendees to 145,000 in 10 years, it is now a citywide cultural movement and the programme is a showcase of the capital’s diverse and vibrant arts and creative scene. It will include hundreds of participants from all genres including photographers, illustrators, designers, composers, visual artists, dancers, aerialists, researchers, and script writers, along with conductors, projection mappers, graffiti art-
ists, authors, singers and musicians. This year will see the return of Downstairs Dublin in which the outside basements of Merrion Square’s Georgian mansions come alive with a programme of talks, installations, projections, music and more. Also returning this year are the highly popular guided tours of Aras an Uachtarain. Rediscover the capital with culture night tours by foot, bike or horse and carriage giving Dubliners
a chance to rediscover their hometown and outsiders the chance to discover it. These tours include a U2 Music Tour, a Lost In Fashion History tour and special quarter tours both in English and international languages. The Liffey will be the course for nautical races in native Irish currach boats organised by Oireachtas na Gaeilge as part of a full waterways and language programme. There will also be a performance by the inspirational High Hopes
Explore the hidden history of Temple Bar from its origins to the 1990s
Choir, Ireland’s first choir for homeless people set up by David Brophy, former conductor of the RTE Concert Orchestra in Focus Ireland, Temple Bar. Getting to and from the various events will be a cultural experience itself as Dublin Bus will provide free buses every 20 minutes starting on Bachelor’s Walk, Aston
Quay, Trinity College and Parkgate Street bringing visitors to and from their favourite cultural quarters. These free buses will be fully programmed with on-bus entertainment. Meanwhile, DART will offer 100 free family passes for travel on culture night also. Dublin City Council arts officer Ray Yeates said Dublin City Council
was delighted to be supporting Culture Night. “Culture Night offers something for all ages and every member of the family. To those who haven’t experienced the marvel and surprise before I encourage you to get out and experience Culture Night as it revolves around you.” V i s i t : w w w. c u l turenight.ie/
GAZETTE
24 GAZETTE 10 September 2015
DUBLINLIFE
FEATURES
EU CRISIS: PRESSURE MOUNTING ON IRELAND TO STEP UP ITS HELP FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE
Make your voice clear: we must help Syrians AISLING KENNEDY
OVER the past week, pressure has been mounting on the Government and Irish people to make a stand and open our borders to the millions of Syrian refugees who are in desperate need of help. The most significant catalyst of late was the publication of the harrowing images of threeyear-old Aylan Kurdi, the little Syrian boy who was found dead on the shore of a beach near the Turkish resort of Bodrum after he drowned while trying to flee his war-torn country. Pressure has been steadily mounting on Ireland to acknowledge and step in to help the millions of Syrian people who are desperately seeking safety. A o i f e Mu r p hy, a spokesperson for the Migrants Right Centre Ireland (MRCI), told The Gazette that she noticed that people were reaching a level of shock prior to the image of Aylan because nothing had been done yet by the Government, and that there had been no real response to the migrant crisis. She said: “In particular, since Germany stepped up and said that they will take 800,000 people, we suddenly started to ask what are we doing.” Prior to the publication of the image of Aylan, Ireland had originally pledged to take in 600
refugees over two years. Due to increased pressure on the Government, however, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, spoke on RTE radio last week and gave a figure of 1,800, saying: “If the figure of 150,000 [which is the current number that Europe has agreed to], for example, is put on the table, that will effectively mean a trebling of what we have committed to already. “So if that figure is agreed at a European level, that brings us to a figure of 1,800 people, and clearly then we would have to see what extra initiatives we can make in terms of contributing aid, in terms of the naval search and rescue [ongoing mission].” Following this statement by Minister Fitzgerald, the Department of Public Expenditure and the Office of Public Works announced this week that they were working on a draft report in an effort to establish any available buildings which could be suitable for refugee families. This draft document, which has no clear spending limit, may need to be altered depending on how many people Ireland is asked to accept in an initial EU countryby-country proposal later this week. An initial figure of 5,000 people was given by the Tanaiste, Joan Burton, this week.
Artwork by Islam Gawish showing three-year-old Syrian child Aylan Kurdi, who drowned last week with his five-year-old brother, Galib (both right) and their mother, Rehana, as they attempted to reach the Greek island of Kos from Turkey
She said: “It could be 5,000, it could be more. I wouldn’t like to put an upper limit on it. They will go into accommodation, but they won’t be in the same category as those in direct provision.” The EU continent-wide initiative will be discussed at a meeting of justice and home affairs ministers on September 14, which will be attended by Minister Fitzgerald. While these steps to help Syrian refugees are all steps in the right direction, Murphy said that the MRCI thinks that the Government should be saying Ireland will take thousands of people. She said: “We have
the capacity to take tens of thousands of people – that’s what we could be doing.” Murphy compared the situation in Syria to World War II, and said that this was the greatest refugee crisis since that time. “This is a humanitarian crisis. It is an exceptional moment in history, and we have to do something because we cannot look back on this in 20 years’ time and say: ‘What were we doing?’ “We didn’t do enough during World War II, and we know we could have saved more people. We all know the six million amount of people who perished [then], and we
could have saved some of them. “We turned away refugee boats then, we cannot do the same thing now. We have to learn the lessons of the past.” As it stands currently, there are more than 12.2m Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN statistics. It is estimated that 5.6m of these are children, putting an entire generation of children at risk.
Murphy said that the best way Irish people can help is by contacting their local TDs to tell them that we need to take in more refugees. She said: “It is vital that we all contact our local TDs. Right now, that is the most practical thing people can do, along with donating to aid agencies. “The voices that will dominate at the moment are people who think we shouldn’t be letting anyone in, and these people
are very determined. They are the people that will write to the TDs. “We need to make sure that our voices are being heard too, so get on to your TD, tell them that you think we should be the ‘island of a thousand welcomes’ that we like to think we are.” To sign a petition by Uplift, an independent volunteer group, to allow more refugees into Ireland, see https://uplift.ie/ refugee-crisis/.
10 September 2015 Gazette 25
ReelReviews
no escape
An Owen goal for Wilson OWEN Wilson takes a curious misstep into action man territory with No Escape (Cert 15A, 103 mins). Set in an unidentified Asian country, a contractor and his young family find themselves stranded when there’s a violent coup, and – guess what? They can’t escape! Raising eyebrows with critics around the world over its tone, it’s a competent actioner, but worth escaping from.
Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone have some life lessons to learn as they cross paths at college, with an unlikely murder plan leading to some comic irrationality
irrational man: woody’s latest offering is typically entertaining
Allen all, a breezy comedy SWALLOWS are fluttering across the sea on their long migration as an amber hue creeps along the peripheries of the leaves. Just as in the natural world there are certain signs to show that we have completed another revolution of the sun, so too there are signs in the world of cinema. Another year means another Woody Allen film – in this case, Irrational Man – and even if you are not a fan of Allen’s work, you have to admire the poultry-like regularity with which he produces films. And while the news of another Woody Allen release is unlikely to rouse much audience attention (Allen himself has stated in interviews that he has no inclina-
Dave phillips
tion to make great films, saying that he would rather go home and have dinner than spend time working late into the night), it would be a mistake to gloss over his latest offering. Granted, there is a strong shadow of familiarity overhanging the film. Emma Stone is back from last year’s Allen offering – this time, playing Jill, the philosophy undergraduate who is on the fence between maintaining a vanilla relationship with parent-approved fel-
low student Roy (Jamie Blackley), or ditching that in pursuit of a spectacular but inevitably illfated love affair with her self-destructive lecturer, Abe (Joaquin Phoenix). A new and exotic addition to the philosophy department, existentialist Abe is an intellectual peacock who is on the hill, but not quite over it. Abe’s reputation for controversial opinions, heav y drinking and illicit student affairs act as an attractive tail feather for Jill, and also for his more age-appropriate love interest, Rita (Parker Posey). Set mainly amid the leaf y, collegiate surrounds, you might expect this to be another plodding drama from Allen that wryly pon-
ders relationship dilemmas. And you’d be right – but it has a bit more to offer. An act of chance eavesdropping by Abe brings the theoretical moral quandaries that he has mastered dissecting in the classroom into a real flesh and blood scenario, as he focuses his intellectual prowess on how to commit the perfect murder. Had Irrational Man been made 30-odd years ago, no doubt we would have seen Woody Allen step into the lead role – romantic, misanthropic, and hopelessly self-absorbed, Abe is the kind of character that Allen would have had a lot of fun with, but so much of what the film has going for it rests on Joaquin Phoenix’s acting.
Building on the wonderful mumbling and bumbling performance he gave in Inherent Vice, Abe comes across as simultaneously reprehensible and endearing. Parker Posey brings a lot to the story with Rita, the settled chemistry lecturer who throws herself at Abe in an attempt to escape the mundanity of her marriage. All the while, we are never sure just how far Emma Stone’s Jill will go to in pursuit of her wide-eyed fantasy. If you’re looking for riveting twists and turns, then look elsewhere – there are no real surprises once the plot gets going. Comically contrasting narratives from the three main characters gives us
a privileged view of the whole affair, so the fun lies in watching Allen cram the pot full of interesting ingredients, turn up the heat, and wait for the unavoidable mess to be made. And what a mess! What results is the usual Woody Allen fare – every bit as meandering, wordy, and glib as you might expect. But there’s an undeniably captivating and fun performance by Phoenix, and a delightfully macabre undertone that makes the whole thing reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected. At 79, Allen may be getting long in the tooth, but here is the proof he can still bite.
Verdict: 7/10
the transporter Still vroom to improve
BACK for a reboot without franchise star Jason Statham, The Transporter: Refuelled (Cert 15A, 96 mins) sees Ed Skrein slide into the driving seat as an impossibly talented driver of a pretty indestructible car. With a plot that goes all the way from A to B – something to do with driving fast to save his dad and stop Russians – the reboot is a flash-looking vehicle that soon runs out of steam.
hitman: agent 47 Misses the target
GAMERS’ favourite bald assassin is soon to depart our cinema screens, with his film – Hitman: Agent 47 (Cert 15A, 96 mins) having just missed the mark. As 47, Rupert Friend does a great job, but an inept plot, muddled editing and some shoddy effects turn in a film that’s less believable than a game. When will Hollywood learn? Better luck with your next shot at the big screen, 47!
26 BLANCH GAZETTE 10 September 2015
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We, Michael & Anne Murphy, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Ennis House, Castleknock Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The development will consist of demolition of existing two storey dwelling, and construction of a two story commercial building with retail/ office usage on ground floor level and office usage on first floor level comprising 202 sq.m total floor area, along with shopfront, signage and associated site works. This site is located in the Castleknock Architectural Conservation Area. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.
I, Deiredre Fogar ty intend to apply for retention, permission for development at this site at 58 Park Avenue, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The development consists of a single story extension to the rear of the existing house, with a total floor area of approx. 42m² and all associated site works. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the 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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Gazette
28 gazette 10 September 2015
SPORT Large step up for Wes in league
FastSport
rugby: old wesley looking forward to elevated status after long wait
Smith takes podium place in rockingham:
DUBLINER Aron Smith took a podium finish in the British Touring Car Championship last weekend at Rockingham in round 22 of the British Touring Car Championship. Smith brought his VW Passat CC home in third place behind Ford drive Matt Jackson and Honda’s Gordon Shedden. In race 2 of the meeting, Smith managed to take 11th place after a testing race but he was back on form in race 3 with the Team BMR RCIB Insurance Passat scything through the field to take a fine sixth overall. Smith’s Rockingham results leave him 11th in the points table on a total of 143 points. The series is led by Scotland’s Gordon Shedden on 278 points. Elsewhere, Robin Lyons won the first two rounds of Irish National Autotest Championship in Ballyvourney, Co Cork, triumphing after 12 tests.
nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com
A RETURN to Division 1B brings big names, big games and big nights for Old Wesley and it starts next Saturday at 2.30pm with a trip to Thomond
Park to take on UL Bohemians. It is the first time the Donnybrook side have reached such heights since the turn of the millennium and clubman Alan Large revealed his and the rest of the first-
team excitement for the coming season. “There’s great excitement around the whole club,” he said. “A lot of the teams in this division we haven’t faced in a long time. This is my 11th year here and there are clubs
JC Greyling has received a call-up to the Namibia World Cup panel
Old Wesley celebrating their league success last spring. Picture: Deryck Vincent
like UL Bohemians and St Mary’s that I’ve never faced at all so it will be a big challenge but one we’re looking forward to.” Indeed, Saturday’s meeting in Limerick will be the first time in 15 years the sides have met before Old Wesley welcome Buccaneers to Dublin 4 in a game that already has an interesting back story, which Large revealed. “Buccaneers are Robbie Henshaw’s club and now we’ve got three of his cousins on our squad so that will add even more to our first home game of the season,” said the out-half. “I’m sure a lot of the family will be there and there’ll be a cracking
atmosphere. The great thing about being in the same league as all these good sides is that we have them home and away this year. If we take the points in Limerick on Saturday then UL will come to Donnybrook later seeking revenge and the same goes for Buccaneers and everyone else.” One man who Old Wesley will be without for quite a while at the start of the season is JC Greyling, who will represent Namibia at this year’s Rugby World Cup which gets under way next week in England. His club mate said it is something they’ve prepared for but couldn’t provide an exact date on when he will pull on a Wesley shirt again. “Even from this time
last year, we would have guessed he’d be a part of the Namibia squad for the world cup and the coaches have prepared for that,” said Large. “He’ll obviously be gone for as long as Namibia stay in it and will then get a break on top of that. Hopefully we can get him back around the end of November or thereabouts.” Finally, the former Large revealed the targets the side have set themselves for their return to this level. “We haven’t set our sights on a particular final position or anything,” he said. “What we tend to do is target blocks of games, and target points from say our first four. Then after that, we assess it again.”
St MacDara’s set to benefit from Bowe’s expertise sport@dublingazette.com
Irish rugby international Tommy Bowe
ST MAC DARA’S Community College in Templeogue has been chosen as the Leinster winner of the Subway stores #TrainwithTommy competition. The lucky ladies will benefit from a training session with Tommy Bowe at St MacDara’s Community College later this year. A nutritionist will also be on hand to provide advice and tips to help with the team’s training and perform-
ance. The team will then share a sub with Bowe, with lunch courtesy of their local Subway store in Applegreen on Knocklyon Road. St Mac Dara’s Community College Girls will also receive €1,000 worth of rugby gear to kick start the rugby season, and they’ll get a team picture with the Ulster winger to remember the day. Hundreds of entries were received for the competition which called on rugby, tag teams and schools to upload a
picture or video of their team and explain in 250 words why they needed a training session with Tommy Bowe. St Mac Dara’s girls claimed the top prize in Leinster for their gutsy entr y daring Tommy Bowe to train with them for a day.
A game “So Tommy, if you’re up for a tough session that you will definitely never forget, give us a shout. Just bring your A game Tommy. You’ll need it.” Sharon Brady, who submit-
ted the entry on behalf of the school commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the chance to Train with Tommy! “The girls from St Mac Dara’s Community College have been playing for four years now. “They love the game and love cheering on the men and the women in green. “Most of all they love playing though, rain or sunshine. “We are really excited about Tommy coming to the school.”
10 September 2015 gazette 29
Gazette
St Tiernan’s star in Race Around Ireland Dundrum cycling club produce record-breaking time at the first attempt as they complete 2,150km race in just over three days; Daragh O’Toole tells STEPHEN FINDLATER about it DUNDRUM cycling club St Tiernan’s won the eightperson relay 2,150km Race Around Ireland last week in a record-time of 73 hours and 59 minutes. In doing so, the team of Daragh O’Toole, Orna O’Toole, Kirsty Smith, David Bramley, David Corr, Rodney Joyce, Damien Heffernan and Ciaran Ruane maintained an average speed of over 29km/h. Their performance saw them finish around seven hours before secondplaced Average Josies, an all-female team, and only a couple of hours behind the second team home overall, the four-person Average Joes. Indeed, their average speed of 29.68kmh was the second fastest for an eight-person team ever and the quickest for a mixed team. It is a far cry from the initial conception of
the idea to take part as O’Toole explained to GazetteSport. “We’ve been thinking about doing it for a while and, six months ago, I suggested it to a bunch of club members. Eventually, we got a team together – five from the club and three from Yorkshire. “It was hard to get people – they thought this was all a bit crazy but the more we thought about it, the more we thought this is doable.” Indeed, O’Toole added that “it was a complete step into the unknown” for a club primarily based around road-racing with little experience of endurance challenges of this nature. “All of us are racers; most of us are in our 40s and cycling is huge amongst our demo graphic. Racing, though, is a whole different thing in terms of training and
The St Tiernan’s team and support crew
focus. “This kind of thing is a huge challenge – it’s not just physical, the logistics are huge. To get eight people in a relay around Ireland with all the support crew. Once you roll out of Trim, you don’t stop until you get back.” From that start point in Trim, the race rolls north to the Causeway coast and then around the circumference of Ireland before returning to Trim. To this end, the Tiernan’s crew divided into two sub teams of four with one person on the road at all-times with a follow-car with a driver and a navigator. Their other car had three other racers. They would cycle in 15km spells and then swap over with the other rider being on the road and ready to go to keep up a high pace. Each group did an
eight-hour stint before the other team took over. During the down time, the other team would drive up the road, eat and sleep in preparation for their next spell in the saddle. Those best laid plans, though, were disrupted by the sheer pace of the team.
a different class of people – whatever about doing it in a team, doing it solo you have to be made of iron, it is madness. Some were doing 15 hours on, three hours off!” Despite the hard graft, O’Toole says that the plans are already in place to improve on their per-
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‘At the top of a mountain in Kerry at 2am, a marshall popped out from behind a rock to check our bikes’ Daragh O’Toole
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“As it turned out, we went faster than we thought we would go which meant we slept less than we anticipated. I think I had five hours’ sleep over the course of the whole thing.” And all the while, the team had to adhere to the competition’s rules to conduct the relay without skipping a metre. “There are really strict marshalls who appear at random. Literally, at the top of a mountain in Kerry at 2am, a guy popped out from behind a rock to inspect our bikes and what we were doing. They check for fatigue, putting people off the road if you are too tired to cycle. “We didn’t really have that problem because of having the eight-person team but it does happen to the solo riders. They are
formance for next year. “The longest spin I might have done would be about 230km before – Galway to Dublin in a group. The scale of this was completely new and a real eye-opener. “We learned a lot on the road and it is one of those things you have to do to know how to do it better and we are certainly looking forward to doing it again next year. We hope to put a four-man team in next year; there’s huge interest in the club and, if I asked people to sign up today, we would get three teams. “Real life can get in the way and it is quite expensive with entry fees, paying for the support stuff and taking time off work but it’s well worth it and we’re really chuffed with how well it went.”
FastSport
Rush CC win National Cup thanks to Conway’s role CRICKET’S National Cup came back to Rush last Sunday when they just got the better of a thrilling battle with North West side Drummond at Strabane Park in the final. In the end, it was a man-of-the-match winning knock of 43 from Eoghan Conway that proved to be decisive. Conway and Allan Eastwood with a 73-run stand that helped the Leinster side recover from a precarious 69 for 6 in reply to Drummond’s 171. Drummond skipper Steve Moore opted to bat first on winning the toss and after losing Andy Christie early - bowled by former Irish international Allan Eastwood - a 40-run partnership between Chris Moore (20) and Kyle Morrow (16) got the Roe Valley team back on an even keel. That pair and Richard McDaid were to fall in quick succession however as Lynal Jansen (3-14) led the fightback and Drummond struggled to score once Jansen and Shahid Iqbal (0-23 from 9) turned the screw. To their credit the North West team kept going and a 69-run partnership between skipper Moore (35) and Adam McDaid (34) put them right back in it before Dean Brogan came into the attack as fifth change and ended proceedings very abruptly. Brogan finished with 4-26 as the last six wickets fell for the addition of just 32 runs - Drummond dismissed for 171 - boosted by the concession of 32 extras. Stephen Doheny and overseas man Jansen posted 41 for the first wicket as the southerners began the reply in good style before Neal Stewart and his captain, Moore, again put Drummond in the driving seat. Stewart (3-21) was the pick of the attack numerically but Moore (3-36) claimed the key wickets of Jansen, Iqbal and Sadat Gull to give his side real hope. It was nt to last however, Conway and Eastwood having the final say while Niall Mullen’s 18 not out nursed Rush home with just those two wickets in hand. Drummond, as the winners did in the first innings, contributed to their own plight by sending down 29 wides, which was to prove crucial in the final analysis.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 10 September 2015
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: castleknock land early win over sfai cup winners
Bakay’s tennis pledge CLONEE’S MICHAEL Bakay has launched a Pledge Sports crowd-funding campaign to push his bid to become the next Irish tennis star. The Setanta College student is currently Ireland’s number one Under-13 tennis player and is a member of the Tennis Ireland National Academy, writes Stephen Findlater. Recently, the Castleknock LTC member reached the semi-finals of the Tennis Europe event in Dublin but, to reach the next level of competition, he will need to start travelling more frequently to international competitions – something that is not currently possible within his and his family’s current means. Explaining the situation, current Irish Davis Cup captain Gary Cahill told GazetteSport: “In tennis, a kid like Michael needs to play 15 to 20 weeks of international competition to progress long term. “This can be a significant expense and often limits the progress of talented athletes like Michael. I am hoping that Michael can find potential sponsors to help make his dream a reality.” Speaking about his targets, Bakay said: “My goal is to be a professional tennis player and represent Ireland in the Davis Cup when I am older and, in the near future, to qualify for Junior Grand Slams. “My current ranking in Tennis Europe is 604 as I don’t travel much, so for next year I need to go to at least 10 tournaments in Europe to get the experience of playing international tournaments. This campaign with Pledge Sport is my only hope to receive funding for those trips . All the contributions make a huge difference and give me hope for this year.” And Cahill believes there is potential for Bakay to follow in his trails in the future. “Michael is one of our most promising junior tennis players nationally. He is extremely driven to become a professional tennis player. I believe he has the commitment and talent needed to become a pro tennis player and compete on the ATP tennis circuit. “As an individual Michael is a very hard worker. He has massive intensity within training and will always do extra himself outside of the structured training times.” For more information, go tohttps://www. pledgesports.org/projects/my-professionaltennis-career/.
Action from St Kevin’s Boys versus Castleknock Celtic in DDSL 12A1 game in Porterstown Park. The only goal was scored by Adam Geraghty
Celtic start on a high note sport@dublingazette.com
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Under-15s elite team kicked off their DDSL league campaign with a massive victory away to Belvedere. Celtic completely dominated the first half, with their quick passing and pressure game. Vilius Labutis rattled the Belvedere crossbar after only 40 seconds. Alan Elliott created a couple of chances before team captain Vilius won the ball outside the box. He burst past two defenders before rounding the keeper and smacking the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to
Celtic. On 23 minutes Belvedere had a corner which was cleared by Mikey McDonald. Owen Akpiama picked up the loose ball outside the box and ran 50 yards, playing a perfectly weighted pass into the overlapping Ciaran McGarry who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. The second half started with Belvedere pressing high, preventing Celtic from getting on the ball. However, it was Celtic who got on the score sheet again when they won a free kick on the left five minutes into the half. McGarry whipped in a
special olympics Elm Eagles golf season gets up and running ELM Eagles, the Special Olympics Golf Club that play their golf at Elmgreen Golf Club, hosted their first golfing session last Saturday. The new format of the days will see their golfers being coached in the skills of the game for one hour before playing off the first tee on Saturday afternoons, from around 2.30pm. If you know someone who would like to join, contact Rita McNally 086 824 7252 or Peter Carroll 087 666 0931.
beauty of a cross which was met by a bullet header from Vilius, putting Celtic 3-0 in front. Belvedere pulled one back 13 minutes into the half after a Celtic pass from their defender was intercepted. But it wasn’t long before Celtic resumed control again. A quick counter attack on the left side saw Kevin Shalomi on the ball which he recycled to the impressive Daniel Byrne who played a first time pass to the advancing Adam Neto who scored from 25 yards to put Celtic 4-1 up. With three minutes to go a sloppy back pass to the full back was inter-
cepted by the Belvedere forward who calmly slotted home to make it 4-2. This lifted the home team and, three minutes into injury time Celtic conceded a free kick on the left which was swung into the box onto the head of the advancing player, who gave Belvedere a flattering scoreline. Celtic only had time to take the tip-off before the referee blew the final whistle. Celtic had made a successful start to their Elite campaign with a very impressive 4-3 away win to last season’s SFAI Cup winners. Manager Robbie Ryan said after the game: “We
have been working really hard in training over the last few weeks and it showed today. “I’m really pleased for the players, they worked their socks off today. We were very disciplined, well balanced and the concentration levels, particularly in the first half were excellent. We will learn from the mistakes in the final minutes, it will only help us get better.” Meanwhile, Celtic’s children’s football academy kicks off the new season on September 19 with registration this Saturday, September 12 Sept between 10am and 12 noon.
10 September 2015 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
All ireland sevens
Castleknock contest annual hurling festival
Club Noticeboard st brigid’s
castleknock Under-13s represented their
club in the All-Ireland Sevens tournament hosted in Stillorgan by Kilmacud Crokes last Saturday. On a high octane day of action, the home club won the Under-13 crown while Borris Ileigh were the senior cup winners, seeing off a Noel McGrath inspired LoughmoreCastleiney in the final. McGrath, though, was named player of the tournament.
handball: st brigid’s shine on all fronts
BEST of luck to our junior hurlers
website for further details. This fun-
in their championship final against
draiser will require each section of
O’Tooles on Saturday. Throw-in is at
the club to put in a big effort; thank
5.30pm in O’Toole Park.
you for your support.
The St Brigid’s nursery runs
There was no winner of the €15,000
every Saturday in Russell Park from
lotto jackpot which goes forward to
9.30 to 11am. We welcome all four to
our next draw in the Vineyard on
seven-year-olds in the Castleknock
Thursday, September 10. The reserve
and Blanchardstown area and new
jackpot is now €9,000. Thank you to
members and families are always
everybody who supports our lotto
welcome. For fur ther informa-
and to our brilliant lotto committee.
tion and queries contact David on 0858340169
St Brigid’s/Spleodar Irish Club runs on Thursdays in the club hall
Congratulations to Noelle Healy,
from 7pm to 9pm. Open for all teen-
Ciara Trant, Colleen Barrett, Sorcha
agers aged 12 to 18 and the cost is
Furlong, Paddy Andrews, Philip Ryan
€3 per week; a great opportunity to
and the Dublin senior ladies and
practice Irish for important exams
men’s football teams who are both
and for enjoyment. More information
through to the All-Ireland finals this
is available on the club website.
September.
The Cube will take place in St Brig-
A special mention for Noelle Healy
id’s on Saturday, October 17. Each
and Paddy Andrews on their Player
section of the club will be repre-
of the Match performances.
sented with a fantastic prize up for
St Brigid’s GAA 1 to 2,500 fundraising initiative continues – see club
grabs. If you wish to take part contact Billy Quane.
castleknock
Eoin Kennedy marched on in the senior singles championship
Flynn boys produce stunning world show
sport@dublingazette.com
ST BRIGID’S enjoyed a superb weekend on the handball front, picking off a series of fine results on a variety of fronts. Recently joined club members Darren and Niall Flynn produced a great victory in the World Championships men’s C doubles in Calgary, Canada. The pair played very well throughout a series of ver y competitive matches, beating an Australian-UK combination in the final. On home ground, Brigid’s Jonny Westlake
recently won the Leinster Over-35 singles. After a tough Leinster campaign, he goes on the All-Ireland semifinal thanks to a provincial final where he won a three-game battle against Meath’s Joe Cummins 20-21, 21-6, 21-3. Eoin Kennedy began his defence of his AllIreland senior singles title with a convincing victory 21-9, 21-5, on Saturday against the up and coming Limerick player Pawdee Quish at the Talbot’s Inch venue in Kilkenny. Kennedy’s next oppo-
nent will be the experienced Gavan Buggy from Wexford, next Saturday, at a venue still to be decided. Carl Browne caused the only upset in the last 16 round of the senior singles. On Saturday at Mullingar, he won a titanic struggle against Mayo’s Joe McCann. After a close win in the first game 21-17, he lost the second on a 21-20 scoreline. T he third game was equally thrilling and the two players tied at 20-20. Browne on this occasion came out on top with a great kill off the back wall to
win 21-20 in the match of the round. He joins Kennedy in the All-Ireland senior doubles. Enda Timony’s time in the handball court over the last few years has almost always been in a coaching capacity. St Brigid’s juveniles have benefited greatly from the time and effort he has spent in bringing on the club’s youngest players. But, back on the court, he shone in the recent Golden Masters 40x20 doubles final, showing all his skills against a very strong Na Fianna outfit.
HUGE congratulations to Ciaran and
upwards and families are welcome -
the Dublin team on reaching the All-
for further info, contact Jason (086
Ireland football final. Fully paid up
3459089) or Louise (085 1534270).
Club Members can apply for a ticket
The Castleknock GAA club shop is
by texting your name to Lisa on 086
open every Saturday morning from
1022296 – see website for more info
10am to 11.30am at the nursery in CCC.
on ticket allocation etc. Our second adult footballers are in the junior C championship final after a four-point win over St Vincent’s in the semi-final. Our Family Fun day which will now take place on Saturday, September
All club gear including tracksuits, jerseys, hurleys, sliotars, shorts, socks, jackets can be fitted and purchased. See details on the website of the Ultimate Ladies’ Night Out fundraiser, happening in the Castleknock Hotel on October 22.
19 (All-Ireland football weekend) with
The club are delighted to be hosting
a wide range of activities, entertain-
Strictly Dancing Part 2 in Westman-
ment and games for all ages. Admis-
stown on Saturday, November 21.
sion is free – why not bring a friend
Dancers wanted – send an email to
and introduce them to the club.
castleknockgaaevents@gmail.com
The club nursery is back up and
or call 086 8416431 for further info.
running at Tir na nOg (beside Castle-
There were nine Match 3 winners
knock Community College) every Sat-
of our weekly lotto draw on Thurs-
urday morning from 10am-11.30am.
day; numbers drawn were: 15, 17, 18
All new players aged four and
and 23.
naomh peregrine GREAT wins for our U-14 and 16 hurl-
Fundraising tickets are now due
ers last Sunday; the U-16s are now in
back to the club; some great prizes
the semi-final in two weeks time. Also
to be had so all members, please sell
great wins for our minor hurlers and
what you can.
junior A footballers.
There will be a draw in the club for
Well done to Eric and the Dublin
All-Ireland football tickets; only full
squad on their win over Mayo and also
members who have paid their mem-
to the Dublin senior ladies footballers
bership in full will be eligible to put
who qualified for the All-Ireland final.
their names forward.
Best of luck to both minor football
The lotto was not won; numbers
teams who commence their champi-
drawn were 2, 11, 15 and 19. Next week’s
onship campaigns this Sunday.
jackpot is €2,200.
GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 28-31
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september 10-16, 2015
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Healy and Andrews power Dublin wins stephen findlater
sport@dublingazette.com
ST BRIGID’S duo Paddy Andrews and Noelle Healy both produced player of the match performances for Dublin last Saturday to help their respective football sides reach the All-Ireland senior championship final. Healy’s fleet-footedness was a highlight as the Dublin ladies swept aside Armagh 2-16 to 2-5 in Parnell Park, advancing to a final date with Cork later this month. Her pace was integral to the early run of 1-5 before the Orchard County got on the board and the visitors never really recovered.
A couple of hours later and a few kilometres down the roard in Croke Park, Andrews’s 0-5 salvo played a key role for Dublin as they fought back to defeat Mayo in last Saturday’s All-Ireland senior football championship replay, producing a man of the match performance. It sets up a final date with Kerry on September 20 and the St Brigid’s man believes the performance will stand to his side when that day comes. “The big thing earlier on in the year was that we weren’t tested enough but these two games will bring us on,” Andrews said. “You could see the improvement from
the drawn game. It’s an All-Ireland semi-final and you have to be at your best. You’re playing the top teams in the country. “In the last 15 minutes, you had to say the team effort was very good and the lads who came off the bench really dragged us over the line. “We were disappointed with the final 10 minutes last week as we felt we had done enough to win the game. In the last six days, the focus from everybody was that we would play for the 75 or 76 minutes. “As for myself, I was very glad to get on the end of a few things. It was great when they went over.”
Manager Jim Gavin, though, says that having two such high profile games with Mayo may have given his Kerry counterpart Eamon Fitzmaurice plenty of food for thought. “Yeah, we’ve a bit of catching up to do,” said Gavin. “I know the [Kerry] management team were here for the Leinster final, the league final, our last two games, so they’ve got a good look at us. “But they’re a team full of stars, not only on the starting 15, but on the bench as well. And there’s an expectation they are going to win it back-to-back. So it’s all uphill for us.”
Noelle Healy shoots against Armagh