Blanch

Gazette blanch

PLUS:

October 22 - 28, 2015

FREE

castleknock • Blakestown • Hartstown • Tyrrelstown • Laurel Lodge • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: TV presenter Lucy Kennedy on how the sea, and family life, help her to escape the mayhem P15

GAA:

Peregrine’s enjoy famous triple success Page 31

Soccer:

Castleknock go through in FAI Junior Cup

budget 2016: Minister Leo Varadkar sets out plans for better health Page 10

Club pays tribute to loyal member

Page 30  Keith Bellew

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

The new Christy Hughes Centre of Excellence at St Mochta’s FC, which includes a new clubhouse and astro-turf training pitches, was officially opened recently.

The centre which was made possible by a sports capital grant of €181,303, honours late St Mochta’s stalwart Christy Hughes, who has been described as the backbone of the club for many years.

Tanaiste Joan Burton and Health

Minister Leo Varadkar joined members of the Hughes family in cutting the ribbon at the official ceremony.

A club spokesperson paid tribute to Hughes saying: “Christy served the club with distinction for over 50 years.

“It’s an incredible amount of service that Christy gave to St Mochta’s FC, and the community of Clonsilla and beyond.”

Full Story on Page 2

By George: He’s definitely got it, as fishmonger heads to finals

george Stephens, experienced fishmonger and owner of the Fish Market in Blanchardstown, has been officially announced as one of the five finalists in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara 2016 Young Fishmonger competition.

George will be judged on his

seafood product knowledge, filleting skills and customer service in the lead up to the awards ceremony on November 11, which will be hosted by seafood chef and TV personality Martin Shanahan in Fishy Fishy restaurant, Kinsale, County Cork.

2 BLANCH Gazette 22 October 2015

sport Complex honours facility stalwart Christy Hughes

Future is bright at Mochta’s club The new Christy Hughes Centre of Excellence a t S t Mo c h t a ’s F C which includes a new clubhouse and astroturf training pitches, was officially opened recently.

The centre honours St Mochta’s stalwart Christy Hughes, who has been described as the backbone of the club.

Founded in 1949, the club provides sporting facilities for over 350 young people in Clonsilla and the greater Blanchardstown area, as well as two adult teams competing at

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Leinster Senior level with an active membership of over 500 members.

Tanaiste Joan Burton and Health Minister Leo Varadkar joined members of the Hughes family in cutting the ribbon at the official ceremony.

A commemorative plaque was also pre-

sented to the family.

The club has been awarded €68,651 for new floodlights as part of the 2016 round of sports capital grants.

A club spokesperson said the official opening of the new complex was an historic day.

“The Christy Hughes Centre of Excellence [is] named in honour of our former chairman Christy Hughes.

Christy served the club with distinction for over 50 years. It’s an incredible amount of service that Christy gave to St Mochta’s FC, and the community of Clonsilla

and beyond,” said the spokesperson.

He paid tribute to the club committee which has worked tirelessly to deliver the new facilities for present and future players.

“The plaque presented to the Hughes family will be proudly displayed on a permanent basis in our complex.

“Thanks to all our supporters and members who have supported the club for many years. With new floodlights to be installed next, the future is very bright for St Mochta’s FC in more ways than one,” said the spokesperson.

Speaking at the opening, the Tanaiste paid tribute to the members of the Nulty family, who are heavily involved in the club and others for the work they have put in to building up the club.

“Everyone involved in the club can be very proud of how much it

Tanaiste Joan Burton joined members of the Hughes family in cutting the ribbon at the official ceremony

has developed, both in success on the field and in the fantastic new facilities on the club grounds. I am delighted to see the sports capital grant the club received last year put to use in astro turf pitches, which are busy with young children learning football skills,” she said.

She looked forward to seeing the floodlights installed over the coming months.

“T he club is ver y much the heart of the local community, and

the activities here at St Mochta’s have a very significant benefit in terms of fitness, health and wellbeing for young people from the area,” she said.

Minister Varadkar said it had been a privilege for him to be associated with St Mochta’s as a local representative.

“It’s an honour to be asked to cut the ribbon and unveil the official name of the new facility.

“I want to thank Noel

Crawford for welcoming me, club chair Shane Nulty and treasurer Tina Darcy,” he said.

He added that 67 years after it was founded, St Mochta’s was now the top club in northwest Dublin.

“You’ve produced two senior internationals and numerous professional players for clubs in Ireland and the UK. But I know the club can look forward to even greater success in the years to come,” he said.

Learn to tap into your healing energy A Castleknock resident will give a talk on how to use inner potential energy to heal, be happier and more productive at the Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga Festival in the RDS, Dublin from October 24 to 26.

Former pharmacist Patricia Sheehan, who switched from traditional to alternative medicine, after 20 years in the

pharmaceutical industry will show how light can heal, when she appears at Ireland’s biggest wellbeing event.

Empower

Sheehan from Castleknock Park resigned as a chartered chemist because she found it didn’t empower people to get involved in their own health and healing.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

Through her company, Pure Light Activations Meditations, she has spent the last 14 years training people on how to use their own inner potential energy to heal, be happier and more productive.

“I just didn’t think you should depend on outside influences to heal yourself. If I had a headache, I never took a tablet. Instead, I’d go for a run. This activates your light essence and brings more light into the cells to invigorate and refresh your cells for improved health and wellbeing,” she said.

She said her methods are designed to clear your surrounding energy and allow you to fulfil your career, relationships and sporting paths.

The festival will feature around 150 stands offering the chance to discover everything from Reiki and reflexology, to massage, meditation, bio-energy healing, aromatherapy, yoga therapy and more.

T h e M i n d , B o d y, Spirit and Yoga Festival, October 24-26 at the RDS, Dublin. For more information visit: www. mindbodyspirit.ie

22 October 2015 BLANCH Gazette 3

employment Software firm set to expand

Ten new jobs for Blanchardstown Ten jobs will be created at Blanchardstown-based software testing company Test Triangle Limited.

Test Triangle is an application testing and life-cycle management company and is an accredited member of the Irish testing board.

Four of the positions will be created immediately with a further six over the coming 12 months.

The jobs currently being recruited include two software test con-

sultants, one performance test consultant and one sales executive.

Further development and software positions will arise in the company shortly.

Supported by the local enterprise office and established less than three years ago, Test Triangle currently employs seven staff and has just moved into new offices in Blanchardstown Corporate Park.

Established by Indian national

Praveen Madire, the company started with one employee in 2012 and will hire 10 more people in the next 12 months, bringing its total workforce to 17 by the end of 2016.

Speaking at the opening of the new offices, Madire said: “We believe that there is huge potential to provide testing services across the globe from our base in Ireland which allows Test Triangle to attract the best talent.”

crime: suspicious activity reported

Concern over 24% rise in burglaries

 Keith Bellew

Gardai in Blanchardstown are currently investigating reports of a man acting suspiciously while delivering leaflets in the Castleknock area.

According to residents: at around 3pm on Saturday, October 17, a man in a red baseball cap with a golf bag on wheels delivering leaflets around Peck’s Lane/Auburn Avenue was seen trying door handles and checking under flower pots/ door mats presumably for keys to the houses.

According to many local representatives, burglary has been an ongoing concern among Castleknock residents for the last few years.

At a public meeting in Castleknock earlier in the year it was confirmed by Blanchardstown district Superintendent John Quirke that the number of burglaries in the area increased by 25% in 2014.

Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said that reports of burglaries and suspicious activity relating to burglaries is the most prevalent issue he deals with in Castleknock.

“One of the highest priority issues that I get to deal with from anywhere in Castleknock is burglaries and suspicious

Burglary is an ongoing concern among Castleknock residents

activities in estates. I have had experience of this. I was delivering leaflets in Sycamore estate in Carpenterstown and I saw a van of lads who were going around casing the place,” he said.

He went on to say that in recent months, while there had been a slight dip in the number of reported burglaries, it has begun to pick up again.

“It comes as a bit of a reminder, especially in the run up to Christmas, that people are out here to do damage in people’s communities,” he said.

Anyone who witnesses similar activity or finds themselves a victim of burglary is advised to call Blanchardstown gardai on 01-6667000.

In an effort to deter burglars, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has published legislation which will see harsher punishments for repeat offenders.

Gardai have issued a small series of simple tips for preventing burglaries and minimising personal losses in the event of a burglary.

According to gardai, securing all doors and

windows is essential as is lighting up your home, and using timer switches when out.

They also advise homeowners to store keys safely and away from windows and letterboxes and to record details of valuables and refrain from keeping large amounts of cash at home.

It is also important to remember that burglaries are committed while people are in the home so it is imperative that homeowners use their alarm, even when at home.

See www.garda.ie for more information.

4 BLANCH Gazette 22 October 2015

education Call for a secondary school to complement Scoil Olibheir Gaelscoil

Decision on Gaelcholaiste in the offing  keith bellew

A decision on whether Dublin 15 will get a Gaelcolaiste (Irish language secondary school) is to be made shortly by the Department of Education as part of a nationwide planning process on secondary schools.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman has been calling for a gaelcholaiste for Dublin 15 to complement Scoil Olibheir Gaelscoil (primary school) in Coolmine for some time.

“I’ve written to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan to request that she makes provision for a gaelcholaiste in the Dublin 15 / East Meath region in the next round of new secondary school planning her Department issues. This [region] currently has a number of thriving gaelscoileanna.

However, after completing their primary education, there is no local provision for these children to continue their secondary education through the medium of Irish,” he said.

Colaiste Mhuire, based in Cabra, is currently the only gaelcolaiste option for students in the area.

According to the Green Party representative, this is a significant distance away and not easily accessible from Dublin 15.

“No one would ever suggest that students should have to travel that distance in order to attend an English language secondary school. There is a proven demand for a gaelcholaiste in this area, as over 450 names have been registered with the committee seeking to establish the school – Coiste Bunaithe Cholaiste na

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

‘There is a proven demand for a gaelcholaiste in this area’

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

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) --------------------------

Tulchann – for entry from 2017 on,” he said.

He believes parents should be supported when they wish to have their children educated in Irish. To this end he said he was working to have references to Irish language schools incorporated into the Fingal Development Plan which is currently being put together.

Where new schools are to be established, the Department of Education runs an open patronage

determination process to decide who will operate the schools (Irish language schools, Educate Together). It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply under this process.

A Department spokesperson said it was in the process of concluding a report for Minister O’Sullivan on where additional post-primary school accommodation is needed from 2017 on.

The Department uses a geographical information system (GIS) to identify where the pressure for additional school places will arise. The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, local authorities and the Department of Social Protection in addition to its own databases.

With this information,

Calls have been made for a gaelcholaiste to complement Scoil Olibheir Gaelscoil (pictured) in Coolmine

the Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post-primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

“An announcement will be made shortly on the details of the new post-primary schools to be provided nationwide arising from this exercise. Arrangements will

also be made to provide additional post-primary accommodation to existing schools where the demographic demand warrants this,” said the spokesperson.

don’sdublin Literary treasure trove to be enjoyed

AS a nation in love with words and writing, the National Library of Ireland is the vault where all the treasure is kept. Irish writers have made a significant and profound contribution to the world for centuries. And many of their original works are safeguarded in the building on Kildare Street that opened its doors in September 1890.

Designed by architect Thomas Deane, it proved popular from the start. The library traces its history from the Royal Dublin Society which was founded in

1731 “..for improving husbandry, manufactures and other useful arts and sciences”. A Royal Charter, which included an annual allowance, was granted in 1749. In 1836 a select committee recommended that the library should not just be accessible to a select few but opened as a national library.

At that time most of the books were scientific, and future acquisitions included books with a more general nature and, of course, those with an Irish interest. In 1840 one of its earliest purchases was the collection of 17th century Irish pamphlets bought from London bookseller Thomas Thorpe.

The library is open to one and all and is for reference purposes only – no borrowing!

The building’s main space, The Reading Room, is spectacular and definitely worth a visit. In recent years with the surge of public interest in tracing family history, the genealogy department has become an important part in the search. With so much of material available it holds many exhibitions and lectures. The WB Yeats exhibition is permanent affording the visitor a “comprehensive

view of the great poet”.

The library also holds many important papers belonging to James Joyce (early workings of Ulysses) and those of Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, Colm Toibin and Brian Friel. It also holds the National Photographic Archive which is based in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. Over 20,000 negatives have now been digitised and they are available online.

The National Library of Ireland’s main space, The Reading Room, is definitely worth a visit

22 October 2015 BLANCH Gazette 5

housing O’Gorman cautiously welcomes Noonan’s plans

‘Nama should hand over suitable land’  keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

GIVEN the lack of available council land in Dublin 15 for social housing, Nama should hand over all suitable sites to the local authority, a local representative has said.

The comments from the Green Party’s Cllr Roderic O’Gorman follow the announcement

by Finance Minister Michael Noonan that Nama will increase its delivery of housing units.

18,000 homes in Dublin are to be built by 2020, part of a nationwide target of 20,000.

O’Gorman, who previously requested informa-

tion on Nama lands in Fingal which could be used for social housing, welcomed the announcement cautiously.

“While the announcement is welcome, we have to ask why the Government has waited for the housing crisis to get so bad before prompting Nama to construct homes. From the very start, the legislation [on which Nama was founded] provided for it to contribute to the social and economic development of the State. Yet it is only now, five months before the General Election that the Government has been prompted to force Nama to act,” he said

He believes Nama should be compelled to provide the Dublin local authorities with sites from land banks it controls, to allow them build their own social housing, or provide this land to housing associations.

“One of the big problems that Fingal faces right now is that we do not control enough suitable land for building social housing in the Dublin 15 area. If Nama has control of such land, it should be given over to the council,” he said.

Some 14,000 units are commercially viable to develop at current sale prices and costs. The remaining 6,000 units

are not yet viable and Nama will work to make them so through asset management and planning work. The agency will effectively act as a large-scale developer for the next five years.

Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) welcomed the announcement but believes the “devil is in the details” in terms of how much it will cost to turn the units into homes once they are built.

“It will take at least a year to go through the planning process ... but no politician should reject the fact that 18,000 houses are going to come on stream. I think Fingal as a council should be

Eighteen thousand homes in Dublin are to be built by 2020, part of a nationwide target of 20,000

looking to get these houses on stream through our budget. At the same time there needs to be a partnership with central government, because they

need to actually provide us with the funds, but it’s up to us as well,” he said.

He added that the blame game between the various parties in all

Dublin council chambers needed to stop, and councillors just needed to get on with the task of tackling the housing crisis.

6 BLANCH Gazette 22 October 2015

dublin 15 Spending boost for affected local homeowners

€19m in funding for pyrite repairs  Keith Bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Funding of €19m has been announced for the pyrite remediation scheme which will contribute to the remediation of thousands of homes throughout Dublin 15 affected by pyrite.

This is up from €10m in 2015. The amount s p e n t i n 2 014 w a s €2.2m. Homes affected by pyrite will also be exempt from the local property tax.

It emerged in 2007 that thousands of homes in Dublin 15 were built with materi-

als that contained the mineral pyrite, which caused houses to crack and crumble in parts.

The pyrite remediation scheme, presided over by the Pyrite Remediation Board, was launched in 2013 for affected homeowners to apply for assistance in fixing their damaged properties.

In Blanchardstown the scheme began in August with the remediation of 38 homes in Castlecurragh estate, Mulhuddart.

Along with these units, eight applications have been made in Ashtown, one in Blanchard-

stown, two in Castleknock, one in Clonsilla, two in Hollystown, and one in Ongar.

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP) said she estimates that the funding would provide for the repair of 500 units as the average remediation job would cost around €30,000.

“It’s to be welcomed that there is an increase, but the problem with the applications for remediation is that it’s still in the very low numbers and many people who are going to need their house to be fixed haven’t applied yet.

“I know in Castlecur-

ragh for example, there are more people who are now applying, having seen other houses being fixed,” she said.

She went on to say that it was estimated that 20,000 people were affected by pyrite nationally and that the scheme is still dealing with quite low numbers, and it’s taken a long time to get to this point.

However, she also said: “People are delighted that their houses are being repaired and a good job seems to be being done. I went and was shown around by the builder in Castlecur-

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP) says she estimates the funding would provide for the repair of 500 units

ragh a while ago and he made the point himself that there are a lot more houses affected than have applied,” she said.

Tanaiste Joan Burton said the funding is a very worthy invest-

ment, which will allow additional householders in Dublin West and the wider Fingal area to have pyrite issues in their homes included for remediation under the scheme.

“It’s part of a significant budget package in the area of housing, which will also see an increase in capital funding for the construction of social housing,” she said.

22 October 2015 BLANCH Gazette 7

fingal Allocation of money to be explained

Council to shed light on spending  keith bellew

FINGAL residents will soon get a better insight into how council funding is spent as following the 2016 budgetary process an estimate of expenditure per head will be published by Fingal County Council and used in reports.

This means that budget expenditure will be broken down in a way that taxpayers can see exactly where their money goes.

This follows a motion tabled by Cllr Justin Sinnott (Ind) and passed at a recent Fingal County Council meeting.

Cllr Sinnott used the council budget for 2015, coupled with the latest census data, to illustrate how this would work.

For ever y taxpayer in the county, €156.26 would be spent on housing and building; €90.18 on road transport and safety; €84.33 on water ser vices; €65.71 on development management; €159.91 on environmental ser vices;

€138 on recreation and amenities; €6.94 on agriculture, health, welfare and education; and €52.57 on miscellaneous services.

This amounts to an overall total of €753.89 per taxpayer in Fingal.

Cllr Sinnott said that this system will increase transparency as it is a lot easier for people to see where their money is going than the current system, which just gives the figures for overall expenditure.

He said: “We produce all of the information on the website and the budget is freely available for anyone to see. The point I’m making is that we need to better explain to people how we actually allocate the money.

“It’s grand to say: ‘We spent €1m on this or €4m on that’.

“But if you actually said to people in Fingal, for every person that lives in the county this is how much we spend on roads; this is how much we spend on apartments etc, they’ll understand

Radio station celebrates its 25th anniversary

Following the 2016 budgetary process, an estimate of expenditure per head will be published by Fingal County Council and used in reports

how we actually allocate money.”

He said that when speaking to constituents, he is often asked where the local property tax goes, and this system will give people a greater understanding of this.

Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said he thought the proposal was a great idea, and he fully supports it.

“Ultimately, what he [Cllr Sinnott] is doing, which is something I support, is looking for transparency in how money is spent. We do get these figures for parts of departments, and there’s no specific breakdown of it.

“He is trying to

achieve a bit of transparency in the process so people know exactly where their money is going,” said Cllr McGuinness.

He said that this system would help to enhance the service provided by the council.

A council spokesperson said: “It is our intention to publicise budgetary information, including the type of statistics and analysis referred to by the councillor, following the budget process.

“T he 2016 annual budget process is currently under way and the statutory annual budget meeting is scheduled for November 3.”

Asperger group now in Castleknock Aspergers Anonymous, a group dedicated to ending the isolation of people with Asperger Syndrome and practising positive thinking through regular meetings and a spiritual programme, has extended its service to Castleknock.

Starting on October 24, a meetings will take place every Saturday from 2pm to 3pm at Castleknock

FastNews

Community Centre, Laurel Lodge.

Asperger Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that impairs a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. According to the group, people with Asperger Syndrome are often very bright but can also suffer from social isolation and low self-esteem.

Meetings are open to people with

the condition and their families and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop isolating.

There are no dues or fees for membership and the group does not seek or accept any funding, grants or donations. Its primary purpose is to help people with Asperger Syndrome and their families.

For more information visit http:// aspergersanonymous.org

Local radio station 92.5 Phoenix FM continued celebrations of its 25th anniversary recently with a night of festivities at The 12th Lock, Castleknock.

The event was a celebration of the volunteer members of the organisation and the founding members were presented with a specially engraved Dublin Crystal plaque. Current volunteer members were then individually presented with a certificate acknowledging their dedication to 92.5 Phoenix FM. The venue was decorated with an array of memorabilia from the early years of Phoenix FM, right up to the current logo which the station unveiled earlier this year. Stories of the origins of the station were shared by some of these founding members. Those 25 years have seen the station grow from first obtaining its licence and broadcasting from a small premises next to Ryan’s Garage on Main Street Blanchardstown, to their current studio and offices in the Blanchardstown Centre.

This follows a family fun day in Millennium Park in July which saw face-painting, mini-golf and bouncy castles. Local musicians also performed on a live stage.

For more information on www.phoenixfm.ie or facebook.com/925Phoenix.ie

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 22 October 2015

GAZETTEGALLERIES

A nice crowd for the show

Samra, Belkisa and Mihra Ljubovic. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Men on the catwalk strutting their stuff

Seanagh Carthy

Hugh and Roseanna O’Driscoll

22 October 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

BLANCHARDSTOWN CENTRE: FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

Style is the star as latest trends on show

Plenty for fashionistas to feast on and empty their pockets...

T

HE Blanchardstown Centre recently held a two-day fashion extravaganza loaded with amazing shows featuring womens, mens and kids trends for autumn winter 2015. Hosted by style expert Courtney Smith, the event featured looks for all ages, shapes and sizes from some well-known brands. After each show, guests could learn

Young fashion lovers getting in on the act

some tricks of the trade in style masterclasses.

Courtney showed how to create your very own affordable capsule wardrobe and how to wear 10 items six ways. Shirley Lane, personal stylist at Blanchardstown Centre gave a demonstration of you how to dress for your shape, and Jules Fallon had all of the latest tips on how to find the perfect pair of jeans.

Emilia, Greg, Katherinn and Weronika Rekret

Rod Conway ready for that shot

10 BLANCH Gazette 22 October 2015

budget 2016

Health Minister defends health strategy

‘Our health plans are making a difference’  leo varadkar

Minister for Health

EARLIER this year we took the first big step towards universal healthcare with the introduction of GP care without fees for all children under six and adults aged 70 or older, regardless of income.

These age groups are the ones that need to see their doctor most often.

The next big step is to extend the service to children aged six to 11.

Negotiations are already under way with the Irish Medical Organisation on the new, comprehensive GP contract deal with all sorts of ways to improve GP services and health care in the community.

We intend to agree a new contract by the end of March 2016, and plan to provide this extended service as one of the first phases in the new contract before the end of 2016.

So far, some 300,000 senior citizens and children have benefited from GP care without fees. I know this has come as a huge relief to many young families and pensioners.

These are parents and seniors who work

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

‘The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community’ --------------------------

hard and have paid their taxes. I am glad they are no longer subjected to a means test.

It means real savings for pensioners and families. But it is about much more than that. The new enhanced service which is now in place covers all children under six, including those who already had medical cards.

They are benefiting from better management of asthma in general practice and have their height and weight recorded to identify issues like childhood obesity early.

We have also introduced a new diabetes programme for adults of all ages, meaning they can have their condition managed by the GP who

knows them, rather than in the hospital clinic.

Some 30,000 people have been enrolled already.

All these measures are a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. They also mark the most tangible step forward so far along the road to universal health care.

Minister [of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability] Kathleen Lynch and I believe that starting off with the youngest and the oldest groups in society is the right approach, alongside those with chronic diseases.

So, I also want to see further progress on chronic disease management in general practice and want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor.

The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community.

So long as we keep the economy strong and the recovery going, we will be able to generate the resources to do exactly that.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar: “I want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor”

22 October 2015 BLANCH Gazette 11

as charity attacks failure to do more to help older citizens

‘Changes to the State pension do very little to alleviate the difficulties many people face’  Sean Moynihan

Chief executive, Alone

WHAT problems is this budget trying to solve? If the Government wanted to target and effectively aid older people in need, as opposed to pleasing everyone – they would have acted very differently.

Whilst Alone welcome increases to the pension, and the Christmas bonus, they do very little to alleviate the very difficult situations that some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people find themselves in.

Some 160,000 people have turned 65 since the recessionary 2009 budg-

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

‘This budget has nothing outlined in terms of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as ... older people are most at risk from raised rents’

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

et. Yet, since then, the telephone allowance has been abolished, the fuel allowance season cut by six weeks, and the household benefits package reduced to a single rate.

In addition to these cuts, many older people are being crippled by the prescription charge – a direct tax on our sick – which the Government has made no move to

eradicate.

A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits.

This is without taking the rising costs of living and increases in charges and taxes into account.

Our work centres on aiding people to age at home with the right supports. This budget has nothing outlined in terms

of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as 50% of all calls to Alone are about housing, and older people are the group most at risk from raised rents.

The latest Daft.ie rental report revealed that the average cost for onebed accommodation in Dublin City is over €500 a month, which is completely unaffordable for an older person surviving on the Government pension.

Alone has been campaigning for many years to highlight the fact that older people are the next big housing crisis. Older people can’t compete in

the private rental market as they are not seen as attractive tenants by landlords in the private rented sector.

The Government needs to provide alternative housing options for these people. This Government continues to push older people into nursing homes ahead of their time, when in reality independent living with supports is a cheaper option for the taxpayer, and it is the preferred option for many older people.

At Alone, we believe every older person has the right to age safely, healthily and happily in their communities, and this budget does not ensure

Sean Moynihan: “A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits”

these basic rights.

Alone can be contacted at 01 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbe-

ing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community.

Alternatively, see www. alone.ie.

Commercial Fe ature

FAMOUS LUCAN CIRCUS WOMAN TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Generations of The Fossetts family, Edward Fossett Jnr (Otto the Clown), Edward Fossett Snr, Herta Fossett & Marion Fossett.

Fossett’s famous circus return to Lucan next week at Lucan Sarsfields GAA grounds with their spectacular 2015 show. The visit to Lucan marks Fossett’s final venue of their 2015 national tour and will culminate with a special event on Saturday October 31st as 84 year old Herta Fossett is being honoured with the CFA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to circus.

Herta, who was born in Czechslovakia, came to Ireland in 1954, fell in love with the late Teddy Fossett and has toured Irealnd ever since. Before coming to Ireland, along with her family, she toured some of Europe’s greatest circuses and was one the most famous circus acts in the world. Herta’s two sons, Edward and Robert, now run the show and the circus tours for 42 weeks

FOSSETT’S CIRCUS LUCAN SARSFIELDS GAA GROUNDS TUE OCT 27TH TO SUN NOV 1ST SHOWTIMES: TUE... 7.30PM ONLY WED, THUR & FRI... 4.30PM & 7.30PM SAT... 2PM ONLY SUN... 2PM & 5PM

of the year visiting over 60 towns and cities.

Fossett’s have toured Ireland for a consecutive 127 years making them the oldest continuously touring circus in the world.

To celebrate this wonderful achievement Fossett’s have put together an all new spectacular 2015 show featuring an array of international circus stars from all over the world.

This year’s show features the sensational Dolly Cretu Troupe from Romania with their awesome springboard presentation.

Also included in the two hour show are fire-jugglers, horses, aerial acrobats, foot-juggling, magic, trazpese and of course

Ireland’s best loved clown OTTO! Ring-mistress Marion Fossett says ‘We are thrilled to once again return to Dublin on our 127th Tour of Ireland. We are even more delighted to be back in Lucan and we look forward to entertaining thousands of local residents over the week’.

Demand for tickets is already extremely high so ensure to book early to avoid disappointment. You can now book tickets on www.fossettscircus.com OR www.tickets.ie (the presentation of the lifetime achievement award will take place during the 2pm performance on Saturday October 31st)

www.fossettscircus.com INFO-LINE: 087 797 8518

12 Gazette 22 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Paul Feeny and Noreen O’Malley

Louise Costello, Chris Douglas, Sandra Keeping and Una Clifford are pictured at the first ever Solas Project Ball which was held at the Hilton Dublin Hotel on Charlemont Place. After a champagne reception, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner before taking to the dancefloor as the party extended late into the night. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Making their mark in the finest fashion

Jennifer Kissane

Katie Tyrrell

Fateimi Zymati and Susanna Ann Spellman and Abby Demarest

Amy Carey and Emily McVicker

Ferreira

Michal Durmowicz and Alexandra Lewandowska

22 October 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem P15

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: busy comedian getting ready for upcoming panto

what’son

Al’s agenda is no laughing matter  Ian Begley

One of Ireland’s campest and most outspoken comedians, Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows and is preparing for his upcoming panto production Freezin.

This week, The Gazette found out what an average day for the Tallaght comedian is like.

“I’m one of these people who has to set four alarms. I set one alarm as a treat for myself at 6am, then another at 7am, then at 7.30am and finally at 8am, which is when I normally get up.

“I then flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my own name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning.

“My day begins with a green tea, then a lemon and ginger tea, an allergy tablet and a fruit juice. I then play a bit of Abba and dance around my dog until I have to be out the door for something around 10.30am.

“At the moment I’m working on a lot of different things. I’m writing a Panto at the moment with Karl Spain called Freezin which is definitely not a rip off of that Disney film.

Teenage angst is centre stage:

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

‘I flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning’ ----------------------------------------

“I’m also starring in it with Dustin the Turkey, which is great since he’s the only bird I fancy.

“I’m also going to loads of meetings with producers and doing open cast auditions for the show. I’m also making a new TV programme for RTE 2 in November called The Al Porter Show, which is going be filmed live in the Olympia.

“The meetings that I go to sound very boring, but actually they’re very fun and full of craic. I just make loads of mad requests in the hope that one of them gets chosen.”

Porter added that he does standup whenever he can and after his sold out show in Vicar Street, he says that he never tires of performing on stage.

feature P16



Gazette

diary P14

Comedian Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows

“Whenever I get the opportunity, I do a bit of stand-up in one of the many comedy venues that I started out in.

“Like last weekend, I popped into the Laughter Lounge and did a few minutes and met all of the comedians who I’m friends with there.

“Any free time I get, I might go down to my local and a have a few pints or even to The Workmans Club

and see where the night takes me. At home I like to just browse the web and maybe order a Dominos and watch a couple of films or shows. I just finished House of Cards and Hannibal, which were deadly.

“I then usually head to bed around 2am because I literally find it impossible to sleep any earlier. I only need about six hours of sleep to just about get by anyway.”

A DRAMATIC show that follows 14 Dublin city teenagers through their adolescent and tumultuous lives will be staged in the Smock Alley Theatre from October 27–31 at 7.30pm.

S h o w M e Love depicts a group of youths on what seems like just another ordinary day. Hearts will break, hormones will rage and loyalties will shift as our young heroes wrestle their conflicting emotions and each other. Today they will face choices that could alter the course of their adult lives. Some will rise, others will fall.

A large ensemble, multiple-narrative play, Show Me Love will explore and celebrate the ever changing, often complicated emotional life of this small group as their paths intersect and collide over the course of 24-hours on the last day of summer.

Written by Colin Thornton and directed by Deirdre Molloy, tickets cost €15/€18.

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

For more information, visit www.smockalley.com

14 Gazette 22 October 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Watch out for ghouls and goblins at Tayto Park ON Saturday, October 24, Tayto Park opens its doors to a fright fest in the dark.

For the first time, thanks to the launch of the Tayto Park After Dark Experience, visitors will be invited to confront the darkness and ride the Cu Chulainn Coaster in the dead of the night.

Racing along at more than 100km per hour and dropping more than 32m in an instant, this stomach-churning drop zone is scary enough in daylight, never mind riding it in the pitch darkness of night.

As with previous years at Tayto Park, ghouls, ghosts, goblins and all things gruesome will be out and about and making their presence felt in the Tayto Park House of Horrors.

Tickets for the Tayto Park After Dark Experience are €18 per person.

It is not necessary to book in advance and the latest admission is 7.30pm.

The Day Time House of Horrors is recommended for children over eight-years old.

Again it is not necessary to book in advance.

For more informa-

tion and opening times visit www.taytopark.ie/ events/halloween.

Say I Do to syrian refugee campaign A UNIQUE event to raise money in aid of Syrian refugees will take place in House, Leeson Street, on October 28.

Past brides and bridesmaids from all over the country have donated their wedding and bridesmaid dresses to the initiative.

The dresses will be sold at the event in aid of The Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis Appeal.

The organisers of the event are now calling on all brides-to-be to come along on the day as there will be spot prizes such as waxing vouchers, cakes, make-up trial vouchers, along with some beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses donated from bridal stores, including Myrtle Ivory.

There will also be a fashion show and hair and make-up tips on the day.

Tickets cost €21.65 and are available to buy on www.eventbrite.ie All money raised will go towards the Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis

diary

Appeal.

floored by store’s transgender ad A FLOORING business based in Crumlin has caused quite the stir on social media after it erected a billboard featuring a photo of Caitlyn Jenner alongside the words “Fancy a Change?”

According to Hamptons Floor Store, it deems the poster to be a celebration of the transgender community.

However, some people have been floored by the advertising and feel like the company is taking the mickey!

One woman wrote: “If it takes transphobia and cheap jokes to sell your product then you obviously do not have a very good product or need to fire your marketing team ASAP. Take this poster down.”

Another person stated: “This is lowest common denominator marketing. An absolute disgrace and completely irresponsible!”

In its defence, Hamptons Floor Store said the poster was a celebration of the new Ireland we’re living in, especially since the passing of the marriage equality referen-

The Cu Chulainn Coaster is scary enough without the addition of spooky ghosts. Inset: Hamptons Floor Store considers its poster to be a celebration of the transgender community

dum, which the shop is “very supportive of”.

P e r h a p s i t wo u l d be more to the point were it citing the Gender Recognition Act, passed in July of this year, which gives legal recognition and rights to transgender people, whatever their sexual orientation.

croke park can be a very scary place JOIN in the family fun at the GAA Museum in Croke Park this Halloween, where a wide range of activities will take place throughout the mid-term break.

From Saturday, Octo-

ber 24 to Saturday, October 31, the museum will host a Trick or Treat Trail Tour of Croke Park for younger visitors.

These tours are aimed at families and younger visitors and will involve a treasure hunt as part of the stadium tour; guess the answer to the clue to collect a pumpkin, with treats for all at the end of the tour.

There will also be extra stadium tours taking place from October 27 to 30.

Tickets cost €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.

This event is suitable for children aged four to

nine years.

Advance online booking is required as places are limited on these popular tours.

Visit www.crokeparkmuseum.tickets.ie for more information.

secret life of secrets revealed UNCOVER the world of secrets as the Science Gallery’s new exhibition reveals just how everyone holds something untold.

F r o m g ove r n m e n t surveillance to Hollywood spoilers, everyone has a secret.

How do scientists, hackers, spies, journal-

ists, psychologists, criminals, companies and governments approach t h i s n e w wo r l d o f secrets?

From Easter eggs to cryptocurrencies, puzzles to politics, the g a l l e r y ’s e x h i b i t i o n SECRET asks: W hat needs to be revealed?

And what should remain hidden?

Delve into this secretive space until November 1 at the ever-intriguing Science Gallery.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Visit w w w.dublin. sciencegallery.com for more information on this event.

22 October 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM escape the mayhem: The Seven O’Clock Show’s lucy kennedy

It’s all boxsets, ponytails and comfy pyjamas  aisling kennedy

Lucy Kennedy is a busy lady as she juggles her life between presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day and taking care of her two little children, Jack and Holly.

Finding time to relax and unwind in between her hectic schedule is something that is very important to her and she told The Gazette this week that she always makes sure to set aside some quiet, quality time each week.

“I can’t ever really totally escape the madness because I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old and they are part of the mad, fun world I live in. As a family we go to the beach a lot and we also love to go to the park and the zoo “Most things we do are family orientated, but if it’s myself and my husband Richard we like to just get away for a break every so often.

We like to get away

once every two months anywhere at all around the country.”

Listing some of her favourite destinations to escape to she mentions Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare and Galway city as favourites, but she also loves to fly away to the sun and explains that Lanzarote is her favourite sun holiday.

“That’s one place in the world that I love escaping to. I need the sun, I’m definitely one of those people that’s nicer in the sun!”

Pier Lucy also likes to find peace of mind on her own time too and explains that she loves to walk up Dun Laoghaire pier in the m o r n i n g w h e n i t ’s quiet.

“I’m lucky because I’ve grown up beside the sea so I’ve been near the sea all my life.

I love putting a pair of runnners on and walking the pier in the morning after the school run.

It’s a great way to start

the day and clear your mind.”

Lucy also enjoys watching Netflix and box sets and says that she just finished watching The Good Wife.

“I get home at about 8.20pm each night so after I’ve kissed Jack and Holly goodnight, I get into my pyjamas, cleanse my face, put Sudocreme on the spots, put my hair in a ponytail and watch my boxsets.

“I love TV time, I love TV time on my own. As much as I love my family, I like to watch it on my own in peace and quiet, and sometimes I’ll paint my nails or fake tan, whatever I’m doing.”

Lucy is also a big fan of yoga and credits it with de-stressing her.

“Yoga is my biggest saviour, I love it. I do it once a week because I love talking and I’m paid to talk but I do that all day every day. So it’s the only time during the week where I actually have to be quiet!”

€5,000 prize added to VUE Art Fair THE annual VUE 2015 Art Fair returns to the Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery in Dublin from November 6 to 8, and a prestigious new award for contribution to the visual arts in Ireland has been introduced this year.

The VUE Contemporary Art Prize, which is worth €5,000, is presented

by Real Estate Agents, and fair spon-

sors Savills.

It will be awarded at the fair to an artist who, in the preceding 12 months, has produced an outstanding body of work or some substantial contribution to visual arts.

The annual fair will see leading contemporary Irish art galleries showcasing new art and recent work

by Irish and international artists.

Lucy Kennedy juggles presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day with taking care of her two young children, Jack and Holly

Gazette

16 Gazette 22 October 2015

dublinlife

feature following: instagrammers are out and about

Snap happy people hit the city streets  aisling kennedy

Instagrammers Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts

I n s tagr a m m e r s Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts who upload photographs of beautiful shots from around Dublin on Instagram.

The group supports local talent and it has become increasingly popular with a reach of 10,000 followers around Dublin city.

Founder of Instagrammers Dublin is Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela.

When she moved to Dublin four years ago she noticed that there was no Instagram community in Dublin so she set about contacting Philip Gonzalez from the Instagrammers head office in Spain who advised her on how to set the official account up in Dublin.

She said: “More than 50 countries and 250 cities throughout the world have an Instagrammers community.

When I looked for the Dublin Instagrammers I saw there was none so I said ‘Okay, I want to create the Dublin account’.

I spoke to Philip about setting it up and together we set up the official account for Dublin and now I run it. I set it up in 2012.”

The idea behind the group is to showcase the beauty of Dublin and when users of the

account take a photo they can use the hashtag #IgersDublin to link into the Instagrammers Dublin account.

Delgado then picks the standout images she sees on a daily basis and showcases them on the account which then reaches an audience of over 10,000 followers.

Since Delgado set the account up it has taken off phenomenally with new followers joining everyday.

“The account started off slowly but a couple of months ago it reached 5,000 followers so I decided to do something more with the account.

That’s when I decided to set up Instameet.”

Instameet is when a group of followers from the account meet up and take part in different activities such as

afternoon tea, walks in beauty spots, and share apps and tricks for better mobile photography, while taking photos of the day to add to the account.

The two most recent events took place in Dublin Castle and also Dublin City Hall.

Delgado said: “Instameets are very nice because you can meet new people, get new followers, take beautiful photos of Dublin and take part in lovely activities.”

In November, a photo walk around Dublin will take place with a date for the Instameet soon to be announced.

For more information on Instagrammers Dublin follow them on Instagram @Igersdublin or email igersdublin@ gmail. com

Instagrammers Dublin creator Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela

22 October 2015 Gazette 17

cinema P23

asdfsdaf P27 gaming P25

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

MUSIC P20

Pets

Dashing dixie needs a loving home

Dance star Robin Windsor (inset) will perform in “song and dance extravaganza” Puttin’ on the Ritz

showtime: classic song and dance favourites heading for dublin

Are you puttin’ on the Ritz?

 aisling kennedy news@gazettegroup.com

DESCRIBED as a “song and dance extravaganza” by Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, Puttin’ on the Ritz is a show that is perfect for anyone who enjoys good music and fancy footwork.

The show is coming to the Gaiety Theatre this November and will include performances by professional Strictly stars Robin Windsor, Trent Whiddon, who danced with Pixie Lott last year, his professional dance partner and wife Gordana Grandosek along with X Factor star Ray Quinn.

Music will be by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter with renditions of their 1920s and 1930s classic

songs including Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Easter Parade, I Got Rhythm and Puttin’ on the Ritz Windsor told the Gazette the night is filled with glamorous costumes and intricate ballroom skills.

He says: “This show will take you back to the golden era of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s when Fred Astaire was the pin-up of the day, and we have incredible music throughout the show.

“To dance to these songs is just amazing because they’re timeless.

They have been famous for almost 100 years now and they’re still going.”

Windsor explains that his favourite dance to perform on the night is Over the Rainbow because it is one of his all-time favourite songs.

He dances the rumba to that song

which, he explains, he also “loves to perform”.

There are 10 professional dancers in the show and six professional singers.

Windsor explains: “All of the dancers are phenomenal and they have some great songs to dance to such as Puttin’ on the Ritz. There is also a girl who sings an operatic version of Puttin’ on the Ritz, which is absolutely stunning, and then we move through the 1920s and into the other side of New York where they had the cotton club, and that’s where it all gets that bit more sexy. It’s a family show though so it’s for all ages from eight to 88.”

Windsor explains that he brought his partner’s grandparents, who are in their 80s, to the show in the UK recently.

“It took them back to one of the happiest times in their lives. They sat there and sang along to the songs from their childhood. They thanked everyone in the show for rekindling their romance and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. So I think everyone should bring their grandparents to it because they will adore it.”

He is looking forward to performing the show in Dublin: “I’ve been to Dublin a few times and it has always been the best audience we perform to on the whole tour. Everybody here knows how to go out, enjoy their night and have a great time.”

Puttin’ On The Ritz is at the Gaiety Theatre from November 2-7. Tickets cost from €35 and are available on www.gaietytheatre.ie

The Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Dixie, a handsome five-year-old male terrier cross. He is an independent little guy who loves his own space, so is looking for a home without children. Dixie loves his comforts and likes nothing better than to make himself comfortable on the sofa.

If you think you can offer Dixie a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000, or even better, pop into the centre and have a chat with their Rehoming Team. They’re open six days a week from 12pm-4pm, closed all day Tuesdays. Check out the other dogs available for rehoming on their website www.dogstrust.ie, follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ DogsTrustIrelandOnline

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Ribbed beanie €13 Smart wool blend overcoat €160

Extreme ripped Dylan slim jeans

Leather worker boots €94

Let’s hear it for the boys!  STAFF REPORTER

WITH Halloween coming up, some of us blokes like to release our inner child for one night only and go all out crazy with a Darth Vadar costume or Batman. The rest of us might like to give a nod to the festivities. A decidedly Edward Scissorhands theme is running through this collection from River Island with seriously gothic tones coming through. You will be rocking these cool threads for the rest of the autumn/winter season anyway so they are a good investment.

Lightweight scarf €20

Black leather funnel biker jacket €200

 XXXX ZZZZZZZZZ

Leather herringbone gloves €33

boohoo.com autumn/ winter: Top €25 Cardigan €34 Jeans €34

22 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE

BEAUTYnews

Ava Aztec tape panel clutch bag €22

Get a dreamy skin with a Dermalogica skin treatment

Leather dress €40

 MIMI MURRAY

Cream fur gilet €34

Boutique Maria Mongolian faux fur collar coat €74

Bella mixed stripe roll neck jumper €20

Lilly frin ge suedett trim pointed e ankle boot €4 1

Americans YOUNG

Boohoo.com have a fab range influenced by the suburban youth style of 70s Middle America. Young Americans creates a retro vibe with excessive layering of multi textural fabrics alongside fun and fresh new silhouettes.

Calm earthy tones and natural pigments come in the form of fur lined suedette coats, oversized chunky knits and flared denim jeans with colour pops of rich cranberry and burnt orange with complementing prints such as wallpaper florals, brushed checks and knitted stripes. The perfect autumn trend, fringing and patchwork continues through from spring/summer 15 to complete an easy take on modern vintage style.

All available from boohoo.com

Tara fringed trim block heel ankle boot €47

Abigail colour surge clutch bag €20

I RECENTLY tried out the new treatment rooms in Harvey Nichols, Dundrum.

Well almost new! The quiet little sanctuary was put into the bustling store in January 2015 and is a veritable oasis in the middle of the thriving Town Centre.

I plumped for a Dermalogica Skin Treatment; designed to treat clients’ individual skin concerns with a fullycustomisable 60-minute programme and prescribed at-home skincare regime.

It starts with an in-depth consultation then double cleanse to prepare the skin for analysing so that the therapist can build a full picture of your lifestyle before performing the face mapping skin analysis to ensure your treatment is entirely results-driven.

The treatment itself comprises a mixture of exfoliation of varying levels, extractions and masques depending on the results of the face mapping; and also includes an extremely relaxing mini massage.

I love the scent of Dermalogica products, not too strong and quite fresh. I left with my skin absolutely glowing and the rosy complexion continued for days.

Other treatments available are the bio surface peel, a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time.

The multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels.

There is also a 20-minute micro zone treatment which is a quick fix for troubled skin and won’t break the bank at €25.

The one-hour facial is €75 for 60 minutes.

I also bought their latest miracle product, Overnight Retinol Repair which I have just started to use. More of that in a couple of weeks but it promises big things so look out for my review!

Gazette

20 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

From the tree-lined drive to this early Georgian house to the airy but intimate dining room and delicately decorated bedrooms, a stay at Viewmount House will leave you feeling pampered

Foodie find: VM restaurant at Viewmount house puts Longford on the food lover’s map

A treat for that special occasion or a good excuse to break a journey west  Shane Rigney

LAST week I ran into an old friend from Longford who lives in Dublin. I haven’t been in Longford in years and my old buddy was surprised to hear I had been down just the previous Friday.

“I had a beautiful dinner in Viewmount House,” she said. “We go there all the time when I’m home! It’s gorgeous,” I have to agree.

Viewmount House is on the Dublin Road outside Longford town. A foodie friend and I wanted to check out the increasingly popular restaurant.

Chef Gary O’Hanlon (RTE’s The Restaurant) is at the helm, and the restaurant features on

Bridgestone’s 100 best places to eat in Ireland.

The house is a handsome early Georgian manor of moderate imposition, three-bays wide and three-storeys tall, and presents itself after a short drive up a quaint driveway surrounded by pretty gardens with old tall trees, herbaceous borders and a Japanese garden.

We were ushered past a roaring fire framed by two well-worn Chesterfields to the newer part of the house, in converted stables, comprising the main dining room and seven bedrooms. Subtle and considered period styling creates a seamless flow from the main manor house to the conversion.

No sooner were we doing

the bounce test on our luxurious mattresses – the bed and linen were divine – than Beryl, our hostess, arrived with two Hendricks gin and tonics to ease away the weary week and wet our whistles for the gastronomy ahead.

The VM restaurant fuses notes of traditional Irish cooking and flavours with European classic technique. All ingredients are sourced locally. The menu changes seasonally The main dining room is an airy yet intimate space, all exposed brickwork and cast iron pillars with comfy high back chairs and crisp linen; a lovely room for a good meal.

I went for an orange and anise cured confit duck leg with a beetroot

salsa starter and the beef cheek as my main. My partner had a starter of prawns in a delicate filo type pastry and a 10oz sirloin for the main. A selection of homemade bread with butter and red pepper hummus was delicious. The treacle bread was the best I’ve tasted.

We were then treated to a taste of the risotto from the starters list, which was flavoured with orange, carrot and a touch of tarragon. I loved the uniqueness though the rice was a touch too al dente and the dish a little sweet for my companion. There is a considerable element of sweet from fruits running through the menu, which can be a little marginalising for some. My duck

confit was cooked wonderfully though I found the orange cure a little heavy, but that’s really a matter of taste.

I stole one of the prawns from the mate’s plate and we both thought they were excellent.

Mains arrived a perfect 15 minutes later. Everything was plated and presented wonderfully, signalling a kitchen with a talent for style and substance, and a clear grasp of fine dining.

My beef cheek was an unctuous mound of slow cooked braised beef, with delicate wisps of shallot, a moss green quenelle of parsley mash and a dark cherry wine jus. It was topped with an egg cooked to 60C sous vide,

which melded with the beef when broken and created rich gravy that was sensational. A feast for the eyes and belly.

My friend’s steak came with a blue cheese butter and side of croquettes and seasonal veg. Unfortunately, her steak was cooked a little more than the medium rare she had requested, though its flavour was delicious and it was seared to perfection.

For dessert we ordered a chocolate brownie mousse concoction with a cherry sauce and a honey sponge with ice cream. The chocolate was chocolatey heaven, the sponge a little stodgy and lacked a sauce.

We drank a moderately priced Argentinian

Malbec at €30 that was silk in a glass. The wine list was excellent, with plenty of choice in the €20-€30 price range.

At €55 per person VM at Viewmount House delivers on service, quality and the personal touch for that feeling of quiet luxury.

An overnight stay at €110-130 will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Viewmount House and VM restaurant are worth watching out for.

Breakfast had all the choice you’d expect with full Irish, pancakes, salmon, scrambled egg, cereal and more of that stunning treacle bread.

Shane is a foodie vlogger, see riggersrecipes.

22 October 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

food

BITESIZEDNEWS

Athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke

Ex-athlete runs up tasty Thai turkey dish A NEW dish has been created for Camile Thai Kitchen by champion athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke.

O’Rourke’s Turkey Chilli Stir Fry (Pad Med Mamung) contains Irish turkey breast mince with red peppers, scallions, onions, broccoli, grated carrot, edamame beans and cashew nuts in a delicious tangy sauce. It is served with brown and wild rice, and costs €9.95. Camile leapt at the chance to team up with O’Rourke for its latest chef collaboration because of her sporting background, love of food and knowledge of nutrition.

O’Rourke won gold in the 60m hurdles at the Moscow Indoor Championships in 2006 and competing for Ireland at three Olympic Games. After her retirement from athletics last year, she established a popular food blog and penned the best-selling cookbook, Food For The Fast Lane. She said: “To partner with Camile for this recipe made a lot of sense.

My thinking was always based around the idea that there is no reason why healthy food can’t be tasty too and that’s exactly what Camile are doing. I’m delighted with how the dish has turned out and hopefully the Camile customers enjoy it!”

New ales help smooth bitter winter months THE approaching cooler months have inspired two new winter seasonal O’Shea’s ales, which are available now in 120 Aldi stores nationwide.

O’Shea’s Dry Hopped Amber Ale is a subtle blend of fruit and spices, creating a perfect seasonal balance. Bitterness is accentuated from both the hops and citrus zest, and the dry cinnamon finish is balanced with the sweetness of crystal malt.

Visually, it is an amber ale with a lightly carbonated white head. The Spiced Winter Ale makes an excellent aperitif, but is subtle enough on spiciness to double as a post meal beer. It’s an ideal match for crumbling desserts such as cherry or apricot tart.

Winter ales are traditionally brewed stronger, richer and more full-bodied, so you can enjoy O’Shea’s new winter ales when sitting by a roaring fire Brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company, the O’Shea’s Spiced Winter Ale and Dry Hopped Amber Ale are on sale for €1.89 per 50cl bottle.

With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around

Autumnal tasting with a no-nonsense slainte  mimi murray

ONE of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the year for James Nicholson Wine Merchants is its annual tasting, an informal, walkaround affair with no knowledge required and no lectures to attend. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it – it’s all about sharing and enjoying wine with like-minded people.

This year, the tasting takes place in the banquet hall in Smock Alley Theatre at 5pm-8pm on Friday,

November 6.

This is the perfect, relaxed and friendly opportunity to broaden your wine drinking horizons as well as your wine knowledge, while becoming familiar with the JN Wine range.

The wine merchants are the current holders of the International Wine Challenge Regional Wine Merchant of the Year award – an award they have won 20 times.

Each member of the team is a professionally trained, educated, passionate wine drinker.

All are happy to share their enthusiasm along with their independent and personal selection of excellent wines.

The annual tasting is the ideal opportunity to meet some of the JN wine partners and to try the wines for yourself. With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around.

Producers confirmed to date include: from France – Billecart-Salmon Champagne; Domaine G ay d a , L a n g u e d o c ;

Roc des Anges, Roussillon; Agnes Paquet and Domaine Jean Fournier, both from Burgundy.

From Italy – Sartarelli from the Marche region, and Morisfarms Estate from Tuscany. From New Zealand – Pask Winery, Hawke’s Bay. From Spain – Pesquera Group, Ribera del Duero; Paco Garcia, Rioja; and Familia Martinez Bujanda. Massaya from Lebanon is also in the line-up as is Quinta da Falorca, Dao from Portugal; and Boekenhoutskloof from South Africa; Vina Casablanca

from Chile; and Shortcross Gin from Downpatrick, County Down.

The impressive backdrop of the banquet hall rich in character, will provide an ideal setting for an event to showcase wines full of character and their producers – many of whom are characters in their own right!

Tickets are €15 per person and must be bought in advance from James Nicholson Wine Merchant on www.jnwine. com or by calling Lo-Call 1890 667799. Places are limited.

22 October 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn, right) and Curtis (Ryan Rynolds) decide to head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to another

mississippi grind: the jackpot prize of redemption is a dice throw away

Take a gamble – it’s worth it Do you believe in lucky charms? Gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) does and when a well-dressed stranger squeezes in amongst the haggard regulars at his local poker night, he is sure that he has found his.

On the bad end of luck and growing desperate for a win, Gerry becomes quickly intoxicated by Curtis’s (Ryan Reynolds) fast-paced banter, topshelf liquor and seemingly unbreakable streak of good fortune.

It is a solid, albeit staid set up from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the writing and directing team who first came to our attention with the incredible Half Nelson back in 2006. Featuring a burgeoning Ryan Gos-

 Dave phillips

ling , Half Nelson still stands out as a superb piece of film that managed to treat the complex topic of drug addiction with equal parts gravitas, humour, and charm.

While this time out the tale revolves around gambling, there are some definite thematic parallels with Boden and Fleck’s earlier work.

Mississippi Grind plays out as a solid twohander for Mendelsohn and Reynolds. As Gerry and Curtis become fast friends, they decide to

head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to the next. While the pair set off on what seems like an amiable adventure, it soon becomes evident that they have embarked on a kind of gambling pilgrimage where the jackpot prize of redemption is always a dice throw away.

Part road-trip, part bromance, and par t downbeat drama Mississippi Grind is a constantly shifting film. But is a story that, like the river it follows, moves along very slowly and steadily – and this is by no means a bad thing.

The unhurried feel of the film leaves plenty of space for the actors to work on screen. Despite a long career in Austral-

ian film, Ben Mendelsohn remained largely unknown on this side of the world until 2010’s Animal Kingdom propelled

lives with each day have become so ingrained that you feel he actually believes the rationalisations and excuses that

some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine.

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

‘While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

him into the spotlight.

With some incredible recent work (including Netflix’s Bloodline) under his belt, Mendelsohn is really showing his capabilities and in Mississippi Grind he gives a very nuanced and captivating performance.

The shame, denial and deceit that Gerry

he spontaneously spouts.

Knowing what is best for him but never knowing when to quit, he has dug himself into a hole so deep that the only way out is to keep digging.

While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude

Never short of cash, he knows all the places you need to go, and the people you need to talk to. Harnessing a level of slickness that will make you wonder if he has made some kind of Faustian pact, Curtis is the perfect counterpart to the world-weary Gerry. Yet Reynolds is keen enough

to at times, let us see the mask of confidence slip, even if only slightly.

This slow-burner is accentuated by a very sturdy supporting cast, including Sienna Miller and Analeigh Tipton. And things are topped off with an incredible soundtrack, full of moody, deep south blues.

Mississippi Grind’s simple story and deliberate pacing may be its downfall for a lot of potential viewers, but those who feel like taking a gamble are likely to enjoy the rewards – the 108 quietly captivating minutes of top class performances will linger with you long after Ben and Curtis have headed South.

Verdict: 8/10

Gazette

24 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

Johnny Marr: 17 track double album

Documenting a long and eclectic career Adrenalin Baby has the right balance of killer and filler  colm murray

From The Smiths to THE THE, The Cribs a n d e ve r y t h i n g i n between, chameleonic guitarist-turned-frontman Johnny Marr has had a long and eclectic career, but until now, has never been front and centre.

Adrenalin Baby is his first live album, and loud and live it certainly is.

The Messenger (2013) and last year’s Playland form the bulk of the record, and are flanked by some long-awaited Smiths gems.

Recorded at shows in Glasgow, Brixton and his hometown of Manchester over the last couple of years, the album is a bonus addition to the late-career renaissance the sharpwitted Mancunian is deservedly having.

Opening with arcade game effects and a buzzing crowd hum, the album kicks off with Playland – the punchy title track of his most recent rollicking rock effort.

Marr’s lengthy melodic riff and fan screams hint at his stage arrival before his echoey vocals cut in.

His sultr y screams

“she does the real buzz, he does the real buzz” take flight.

After that, it is time for dance rock feel tune Easy Money followed by 25 Hours another track off Playland and New Tow n Velocity taken from his debut The Messenger.

incredible talent and all the passion of his guitar in four last songs There is a Light that Never Goes Out, another album standout, the shimmering Dynamo taken from Playland, T he Clash’s cover I Fought the Law to finally close the 17-track live

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

‘I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours’

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

Song 6 is the first Smiths’ classic to feature on the album The Headmaster Ritual followed by anthemic Back in the Box also taken from Playland.

In spite of the strength of his solo material, inevitably The Smiths’ tracks stand out.

Classic anthemic tracks such as Bigmouth Strikes Again, How Soon is Now and There is a Light that Never Goes Out are clearly some of the best tunes off the album.

Also Getting Away With It from Electronic is another standout.

The highlights of the live album are reserved for the last tracks where Marr sums up his

record with hymn How Soon is Now. “I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours,” says Johnny.

“It’s been a special time and the album is a document for fans who were there, and for people who haven’t seen me and might want to check out what the shows are about.

“I like live records when they’re a good listen, It’s turned out really well.”

It’s certainly a great document of his live shows over the last 18 months or so, with a 17-track double album it’s certainly value for money with the right balance of killer and filler!

22 October 2015 Gazette 25

NEXT

Gazette

GAMING STEPS

A number of consoles are facing likely extinction in 2016, ready to join the dodo. Illustration: Shane Dillon

It could be time to take an evolutionary step forward

Victorian world is a timekiller  shane dillon

WITH Christmas just around the corner, all kinds of gaming goodies are lining up, with 2015 marking a bumper year for gamers as the nextgen consoles get into their stride after their first, unsteady year.

One of the first is released this Friday, October 23, when Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (XBO, PS4; Cert 18; c. €75) runs, leaps and climbs into view.

There’s plenty of spying, sneaking and, frankly, assassinating missions to undertake here as a motley group of corrupt Vic-

torian rotters, bullies and scallywags are eliminated, with the cobbled streets, muddy paths, Dickensian poorhouses and grimy factories of 1868 London providing a compelling and familiar world to explore.

Speaking of Dickens, he’s just one of a cast of several colourful characters that the player can meet, with everyone from Florence Nightingale to the original Queen Vic herself to run into, and missions to carry out for them.

While history doesn’t quite record that Charles Darwin needed the help of shadowy assassins to

silence dangerous detractors, well, there’s plenty of fun to be found in chatting to such figures, before, say, setting off to climb to the top of “Big Ben” for a look across the wonderfully realised city, as barges criss-cross the crowded Thames below and vast clouds of black smoke billow and belch into the sky from rows of industrial revolution chimneys.

Certainly not a game for kids, Syndicate delivers a vast, compelling world that should be fun to explore – not least until the post-nuclearwar Boston ruins of Fallout 4 come into sight on November 10 ...

 shane dillon

Whether meeting famous people of the era such as Charles Dickens (top left), or exploring and pilfering around much of Victorian London, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a welcome addition to the franchise

curry steps aside, citing illness and industry sexism  shane dillon

READERS will recall a recent Gazette interview in September with acclaimed composer Jessica Curry (right) about her superb work on the esoteric PlayStation 4 exclusive, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture.

Curry and the game alike created a lot of positive press around the world.

However, since that page was published, Curry made headlines around the world again – for less positive reasons.

She announced via a highly personal, pragmatic blog that she is stepping down as co-director of the studio, The Chinese Room (Rapture’s developer).

Curry cited her battles with an unnamed degenerative illness, and industry sexism and

difficulties alike.

With many polls and studies noting the rise of women gamers (close to 50%), and yet with women developers and studio figures not matched by these statistics, any such reports of sexism are regrettable indeed.

Here’s hoping that Curry can recoup enough energy to cope with her illness, and resume her place in the industry.

WHILE Santa Claus may have access to all the toys known to man (and woman), gamers and people buying their own consoles and games have noticed how 2015 has largely marked the evolutionary dead end of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U consoles, which are soon set to go the way of the dodo.

While these consoles have huge established bases, and while of course there are plenty of great games still coming to all three in 2016 and beyond – realistically, their time is almost up.

Several key titles and franchises (see main review, left) are now abandoning these reliable but effectively retired platforms to focus on the new current-gen consoles.

Anecdotal evidence shows how the PlayStation 3, Wii U and XBox 360 games and consoles have been elbowed aside at games shops and relegated to evershrinking shelf space, where a scarcity of new titles compete against a sea of second-hand games.

So, the time has finally come to upgrade

platforms before obsolescence wins that evolutionary battle in 2016.

Watch this space in the run-up to Christmas, as I’ll take a look at some of the bundled consoles, games, price and platform comparisons for those looking to get a new console, but who can’t rely on Mr Claus to drop one down the chimney.

Nintendo NX Speaking of evolution, rumours and reports are widely circulating at present in the gaming press about Nintendo, and “Nintendo NX” – a software development system that’s potentially more powerful than both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

This would mark a massive departure for Nintendo, which has traditionally focused on crafting gaming experiences rather than getting involved in the hardware and coding wars fought by Sony and Microsoft.

Indeed, the Wii U console still lays claim to many of the best family-friendly titles of recent years.

However, we’ll have to wait until at least NX-t year to see what happens ...

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 22 October 2015

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS BEREAVEMENT

DVDS

DRIVEWAYS

ALL BUDGET DRIVEWAYS

DVD TRANSFERS

• Driveways • Patios • Concrete Imprint • Decoration Walling • Fencing Natural & Coloured Stone PH: 0873900300 / 01 6971796 www.allbudgetdriveways.com allbudgetdriveways@yahoo.com Malahide Rd & Kimmage Rd

Jane McKenna

UP TO 50% OFF

ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźMusic & Titles added

FURNITURE

(founder of The LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation) Thursday, 5th November 5.30-8.00 pm, Alexander Hotel, Friday 1st November 5.30 - 8.30pm Alexander Hotel, 41-47 41-47 Dublin 2. Dublin 2.

Fenian Fenian Street (offStreet, Merrion Square),

5IJT FWFOU JT LJOEMZ TQPOTPSFE CZ 'BOBHBOT

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

BLINDS

ď ´

SHOP LOCALLY GARDENING

BOILERS

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

ADVERTISE IF YOU ARE

HERE TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

READING THIS SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

22 October 2015 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS PAVING

ACTIVE PAVING

SHEDS

RECRUITMENT

ROOFING

%6#-*/ $*5: • • • • • •

300'*/( (655&3*/( $0/53"$503

Specialist in roofing repairs and replacement All flat roofs repaired and replaced All types of valley and chimney work carried out All types of ridge pointing & plastering Specialists New UPVC Fascia’s & Soffits Guttering and Downpipes

All Areas Covered - Ph: 01 6971791 / 01 9036952 M: 087 3905264

WINDOWS

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 6

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

LORRAINE 086 8385014

"656./

8*/%08 %003 4"-&

ABC CERTIFIED 51,340 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, March- April 2014).

RECRUITMENT Gutters cleaned & sealed from

€45

CREPE MAKER/CATERING We are looking for an experienced person with a catering background to run a crepe stall at an ice skating rink in Blanchardstown from November 5th until January 31st.

Experience in crepe making an advantage but not n essential as training will be given.

The ideal candidate must be motivated, hard working and honest. Good hours, top rates for the successful person.

If you have the necessary experience please forward your C.V. with references to:

info@greenhillfruitfarm.com Or phone Eamonn on 086 82 57389.

Our fascias and cladding are available in a wide range of colours and styles to match your property. You can choose from decorative Ogee guttering and fascias or a plain style, we can supply all.

Our roofline components protect your home from the elements, our high quality range will restore your home to its former glory while preventing further damage due ingress of water, bird nesting or rotten wood.

New roofs, Flat roofs, Roof repairs, Chimneys rebuilt or repointed, UPVC fascias and soffits, Guttering and downpipes - Cladding.

Southside: Raglan road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4 01-6856722 / 01-5138923 / 085 7130028 Northside: Fairview Strand Road, Dublin 3 01-5138922 / 01-9036815 / 085 7130028 / 085 1386821

GET UP TO

35% OFF

VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS IN LUCAN VILLAGE

(O PPOSITE U LSTER B ANK

ON THE BRIDGE )

W EIR R ETAIL C ENTRE , 40 H ILLS M ILL I NDUSTRIAL E STATE , L UCAN V ILLAGE , C O . D UBLIN .

T EL : 6217639

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240

Gazette

28 gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport basketball: portlaoise and DCU both seen off by home outfit boylan beats own personal best time: DUBLINER Lydia Boylan broke her own National 500m Time Trial Record in the omnium as five Irish riders completed a successful week of racing at the European Track Championships in Grenchen.

Boylan began day two of the women’s omnium in 16th place with three of the six races remaining and she moved up a place with a new national record in the 500m time trial, eclipsing the mark she set at the revolution event in Derby last month.

Her 36.628s effort shaved 0.147s off her previous best on her way to ninth and she topped that with eighth in the race five flying lap, her 14.589s helping her rise to 14th in the event ahead of the final points race.

In the sixth and final Omnium event Boylan was on the attack early on, taking points for third in the first two sprints of 10. She paid for her efforts, though, and fell back after that.

Killester firing on all fronts  sport@dublingazette.com

PYROBEL K illester claimed back-to-back victories last Saturday in the women’s and men’s Premier Leagues to make it two wins from three outings each thus far in the early stages of the new season.

On the women’s side, Killester responded to calls from head coach Karl Kilbride for improved offence with a 29-point opening quarter and an 88-78 win over Portlaoise Panthers.

“We wanted to get off to a hot start,” said Kilbride, “but Portlaoise brought in

Claire Melia who had one of the best games I’ve ever seen from a 16-year-old.

She did everything she wanted to do inside.”

The young Ireland international was making her Premier League debut and finished with 21 points.

Despite her run of form,

Killester’s Ciaran Roe on the attack

Pyrobel Killester’s Rebecca Nagle. Picture: Deryck Vincent

however, Killester had the greater spread of scorers with Raeshel Contreras landing 19 points, Mimi Clarke hitting 16 and Aisling Sullivan weighing in with 14 points at the National Wheelchair Association headquarters.

Elsewhere, Meteors were impressive 77-58 winners over the UL Huskies with Meghan McGuinness scoring 22 points while Jade Daly, Emily Leer and Karen Meeny also showed up well.

DCU Mercy landed a 68-61 win over SuperValu Brunell with Sarah Woods the key player, coming away with a weekend high of 26 points. Brunell had led 39-33 at the half-time break before DCU limited

their opponents to just 22 points in the second half of the contest.

In the men’s Premier League, Templeogue survived a late comeback from GCD Swords Thunder to keep their unbeaten run intact. With two minutes left, the league leaders were seven points clear but GCD Swords Thunder missed a shot to win it at the buzzer for an 81-80 win “It’s great to be put under that kind of pressure,” said Templeogue’s Conor Grace. “We knew Thunder would never be out of it.”

Swords’ boss Dave Baker, meanwhile, said it was “a difficult night”.

“We fixed a lot of mistakes during the week but there were still signs of

it and we gave away 51 points in the first half.

“We went smaller and quicker and pushed them hard in the second half and had a couple of chances to win it, but if you can’t execute at this level you’re going to get hurt.”

Killester had plenty to spare in their north Dublin derby date with the DCU Saints as they rolled out an 83-59 result.

Patrick Sullivan scored 20 points while Jermaine Turner drained 15 with healthy contributions also coming from Conor Gordon and Juan Martinez.

Martins Provizors topscored for the Saints with 225 but he struggled to get enough support from those around him.

Hopkins hopeful of raising required funds for Rio bid  sport@dublingazette.com

Olympic hopeful Aoife Hopkins

DUBLIN teenager Aoife Hopkins has been put forward as an Irish Sailing Association candidate for the Irish Olympic sailing team, and is hoping to fund her qualification for Rio next summer through PledgeSports.org.

Sixteen-year-old Hopkins is a member of Howth Yacht Club and competes in the laser radial category. In order to qualify for Rio, she must be the top performing candidate at three major events, beginning with Copa Brasil de Vela in Rio

this December. This will be followed with races in Miami and Mexico, in January and March respectively.

Last year, Hopkins won the Irish Youth Sailor of the Year Award for ladies. She is currently ranked 81st in the world in her category, and finished 20th in the World Championships in Kingston Ontario, Canada earlier this year, as well as scoring a top 10 finish at the Youth European Championships.

She was also the youngest sailor to be invited to compete in the Sailing World Cup in the

UK back in June, having qualified to compete amongst the world-class 40-sailor field based on impressive domestic results.

The fundraising project is a requirement for qualification due to the expenses involved in competing in the preceding races. Costs that Hopkins will have to cover include entry fees, flights, boat charter and equipment.

The funding event will take place over a period of a little mor than a month, with a finish date of Monday, November 16.

On her fundraising, Hopkins

said: “I have achieved my goals for this year, which were top 10 at the Europeans and top 20 at the worlds and my ultimate goal is to win a medal for Ireland at the 2020 Olympics, but Ireland has qualified for a place at the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Laser Radial and I have been put forward as a candidate for that place.

“The approximate cost of the Olympic campaign is €20,000 and I hope to raise €5,000 through Pledge Sports. Your help, no matter how small, will make my Race to Rio possible,” she said.

22 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Bernard still all go on trail with Sam

Winning a third All-Ireland in five years brings myriad new responsibilities for Bernard Brogan; he tells JAMES HENDICOTT what happens after the title has been won BE R N A R D B r o g a n could be forgiven for taking some down time: he recently starred in a team that took home their third All-Ireland title in five years, finding himself among the nominees for Player of the Year 2015 based on his astounding 6-21 in the championship.

But Brogan certainly isn’t using Gaelic football’s offseason as a time to unwind.

Alongside his day job with Legacy Consulting, the Dublin forward is heavily involved with mental health charity Aware, and will be taking part in the Petermarkathon from October 23 to 26.

The Beat the Blues programme specifically targets resilience and awareness among young people. Alongside cake

sales and a Dolly Parton Day, Brogan will be involved in jersey days and a cycle-athon.

“I do a lot of work with Aware,” he tells us. “We get asked to do a lot of charity work as footballers, and I try and do as much as I can.

“I took a conscious decision a couple of years ago to pick a charity that resonated with me and try to give real value, rather than just jumping into a picture and that. To try and get in there and help them on a real level.”

Off season, it seems, is the time for another kind of busy.

“We’ve also been going around a lot of schools with Sam” he tells GazetteSport. “Sam brings an aura travelling around, so it’s been a special few weeks. It’s been a challenge alongside run-

ning my own business.

“It’s more or less a full time job over three or four months. I still remember when Sam was brought in to me in 1995 in primary school. Those memories stay with you forever, and we’re very conscious of that.

“I never thought I’d be the next one bringing it around, as I was only a nipper back then. It was a long time waiting for Dubs, but that makes it so much more special.”

We asked Brogan to reflect on the county football’s issues of the day, and found him pragmatic. “We don’t feel sorry for Mayo, and I don’t think they’d want us to,” he argues of Dublin’s perennial nearly-men rivals.

“T he way they’ve changed their manager shows they feel they can

Bernard Brogan gets pampered by Peter Mark’s staff Louise Keaveney, Sharon O’Rourke and Aine Curley at the Petermarkathon launch. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall

add more. A minute longer and they might have pipped us in that semi.”

As for the talk of moving Dublin out of Croke Park, Brogan’s open to the concept, emphasising control being outside of the team’s hands: “I’ve never actually

individual awards again, but he’s quick and charitable in passing credit to his teammates.

“Personal awards are always nice,” he admits.

“I won back in 2010, and we didn’t win the All-Ireland that year, so it was a slightly lonely experience.

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

‘Sam [Maguire] brings an aura travelling around. I still remember Sam being brought to my school in 1995’ - Bernard Brogan --------------------------------------------------------

played a game outside Croke Park in the championship. We play league away games and with our clubs. The fans love a trip. I was on the bench last time Dublin played outside Croke Park in the championship in Longford and the atmosphere was electric. We’re players, though, and we’ll play wherever we’re put.

It’s a commercial thing I presume.”

Any potential split for Dublin is given shorter shrift, with Brogan arguing “a bit of success in Dublin is always talked up a bit. If we win 10 in a row, we’ll listen to the argument.”

Brogan is on record as having surprised even himself with the quality of his Dublin performances this year. Vital points and a glut of goals have seen him up for

You’d definitely take Sam over it, but it’s a great honour.

“It’s great to have Jack McCaffrey and Philly McMahon alongside me. Jack’s phenomenal; he’s really bought a new energy and power to our game. Philly as well. They do all the work, I just have to be on the end of it, you know?”

As for next year? “In early January we’ll get the boys back in together and work out how we go again and build on this year.

“There are a lot of young lads. Dublin under age has been quite successful the last few years, so we’re expecting a few new faces, as well as Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello pushing on.

“We need the competition. We still have great motivation as a team. And great expectations.”

FastSport

McKinley starts campaign for Irish clearance to play FORMER Leinster out half Ian McKinley is at the heart of a new campaign to allow rugby players to compete while wearing goggles in Ireland.

McKinley signed for Italian club Zebre this September, having transferred from Viadana in the Italian league.

Zebre play in the Pro 12 alongside the Irish provincial sides, and when it came time for the Italian club to line out against Connacht in Galway last Saturday, October 16, McKinley was told he would not be able to wear his protective goggles by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Twenty-four rugby unions have been participating in a trial of on-field goggles since January 2014, with every top 10 nation taking part with the exception of England, France and Ireland.

The IRFU has told McKinley he can’t compete in his goggles on Irish soil, though he will be able to take to the field against Connacht in the return leg in Zebre’s hometown of Parma.

McKinley, who spent his formative years at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, was playing for Leinster in 2010 when a teammate accidentally placed a stud in his left eye during a ruck, causing him to lose all sight in that eye.

He continued to play professional rugby, but suffered what he believes was deliberate gouging in the other eye in two All Ireland league matches, leading him to fear for his wellbeing.

As a result, McKinley played a central role in pioneering the sports goggles he now wears, alongside a team at the National College of Art and Design. They are now worn by several professional players in trial nations.

“In the longer term, I am hoping that this campaign will demonstrate that it is possible to resume a sports career at the highest levels, despite having suffered a serious injury,” McKinley said of his new petition, which targets both the IRFU, and World Rugby.

He hopes that the IRFU will voluntarily join the trial, and that World Rugby might require blanket acceptance.

“I’m also hoping that this will show those who are concerned about safety standards in rugby that there are workable solutions to ensure players at all levels can safely enjoy the game.”

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: castleknock advance to fourth round of fai junior cup

Corduff statement of intent for new pitch CORDUFF Football Club have opened an account and begun plans towards landing a sports capital grant in 2016 according to a statement released this week.

The statement, which can be read in full on the club’s Facebook page, opened with: “Corduff FC has this week opened a dedicated account for our savings target of €40,000 toward a sports capital grant. We have done the figures and the target is achievable and community support would be greatly appreciated in assisting the club.

“It’s important to note that as we set out on our target, we want to put our members at ease.

At no point will the club change its pricing structure to meet this target. The existing weekly fee that we charge currently will be the same in three, four or five years’ time.”

The reason the club have made the announcement is that they plan on developing a full-size all-weather pitch, a cafe-lounge accompanying the new facility where parents or volunteers can watch footballing activity.

The club also want to increase the size of their changing facilities and improve the quality too.

As well as that, an activity room and storage facility for the club’s various maintenance tools and machinery is high on the club’s agenda should funding come their way.

Corduff’s plan is to complete their target by 2016, with a view to a grant application in the same year before starting works in 2017. Despite not demanding or forcing extra fees on to players or parents, the club are asking members, whether it parents, coaches, supporters or sponsors, to highlight their cause and encourage donations towards the fund.

The committees of both the underage and senior sections of the club are actively looking for a way all donator’s can benefit from providing support. Also, if anyone wants to donate anonymously, the club can handle it via emails to corduff.fc@gmail.com, and ensure that all details will remain private. .

The club cater for 25 teams across senior and underage sections, providing football for hundreds of children local to Dublin 15. More information on this announcement can be found on the club’s Facebook page or by emailing the above address.

A Jamie Traynor forces a great save from the Enniskerry goalkeeper

Byrne fires Celtic through fai junior cup Castleknock Celtic Enniskerry  sport@dublingazette.com

3 2

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic advanced to the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup with a 3-2 win over Enniskerry after extra time.

Celtic had accounted for Clondalkin Celtic in the previous round and were quietly confident going into this fixture.

Enniskerr y, who are top of the Major Division of the Leinster Senior League, looked the more likely to open the scoring, however, in the opening quarter of

the match.

But against the run of play, Castleknock broke the deadlock halfway through the first half when Jamie Traynor, who came out of the club’s schoolboy ranks, seized on an opportunity and shot home from close range.

They could have gone further ahead after Mattie McEntee’s cross from the left eluded the onrushing Celtic strikers. Celtic went in at the break 1-0 to the good.

The second half saw Celtic go 2-0 ahead with a penalty converted by Sean Conroy, and Celtic seemed to be cruis-

super supple Top goalkeeper links up with LSL’s Crumlin side st brigid’s man Shane Supple returned

to the soccer pitch last weekend in his debut for Leinster Senior League giants Crumlin United.

Supple kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win away from home against Firhouse Clover.

The win saw Martin Loughran’s side return to the top of the Senior Division with Supple giving an assured performance against a lively Firhouse team.

ing. Enniskerry upped their game and midway through the half they reduced the margin, and within five minutes, they were level.

The game swung from end to end for the remainder of regulation time, but the whistle blew on 90 minutes to put the game into extra time.

It was the tall midfielder John Byrne who put Celtic into the fourth round with the winning goal in extra time.

In the DDSL Under10A division in Porterstown Park, Celtic took on Home Farm. A brace

of goals from Peter Geraghty and one from Stephen Kane gave the home side a fine 3-1 victory.

In the DDSL Under12-4 division in Mountview, the local Mountview Utd entertained Celtic, and it was the visitors who ran out winners with goals from Harrison D’Arcy, Matthew Broderick, Conor Boyle and Ben Dunne.

At Under-14A1 level, Verona visited Porterstown, and had to wait for the final minutes to get an equaliser after Celtic’s Lorcan Buggy had put the home side ahead with a beautiful

free kick into the top corner.

Adam Kelly’s goal in Porterstown was not enough for Celtic, who had led 1-0 at half time, in their Under-15 Major encounter with Mount Merrion. two second half goals for the visitors sealed the victory.

Man of the match was Celtic’s goal keeper Andy Cunningham who was in fine form.

A brace from Ryan Brady and one from Matthew Coughlan almost salvaged a point for Celtic at home to Shankill, but the visitors just shaded it in a 4-3 win.

22 October 2015 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

minor championship

Brigid’s end Kilmacud’s run at semi-final stage

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s

st brigiD’s advanced to the minor A hurl-

ing championship final thanks to a narrow 2-11 to 1-11 scoreline last weekend at O’Toole Park against Kilmacud Crokes Brigid’s held their nerve in the second period after they had amassed a 1-6 to 1-3 lead in the face of a Crokes’ onslaught.

But a Brigid’s goal punctured that momentum and they ran up three points of their own to carry the day.

CONGRATULATIONS to Eoin Kennedy

Thank you to all our club lotto par-

and Carl Browne on winning the All-

ticipants for their support and to our

Ireland 60x30 senior doubles final on

wonderful lotto committee.

Saturday in Abbeylara.

gaelic games: two camogie titles secured

The Cube will take place in St Brigid’s

Well done to our minor hurlers on a

on Friday, November 20. Each section

great win over Kilmacud Crokes in the

of the club will be represented with a

championship semi-final on Sunday

fantastic prize up for grabs. If you wish

morning.

to take part, contact Billy Quane.

The trustees and members of St

St Brigid’s/Spleodar Irish club runs

Brigid’s GAA Club wish to extend our

on Thursdays in the club hall from

deepest sympathies to the McCourt

7-9pm. Open for all teenagers between

family on the death of former club sec-

12 to 18 and the cost is €3 per week. A

retary Fergal McCourt. Ar dheis De go

great opportunity to practise Irish for

raibh a hanam uasal.

important exams and for enjoyment.

There was no lotto jackpot winner on Thursday. Next week’s draw is in

More information available on the club website.

The Roselawn Inn on Thursday, Octo-

The full range of St Brigid’s gear is

ber 22 with our €15,000 jackpot still

available on our online shop on the club

in place. Our reserve is now €10,200.

website. For up-to-date St Brigid’s

Make sure to have your envelopes in

fixtures and results, visit our website:

the draw.

www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

castleknock GREAT weekend of camogie action

Hotel. Contact Angela on 087 9313148

with our U-16 girls completing a well-

for your ticket.

deserved league and championship double.

Our U-15s won their shield final and

weekend and the players and manage-

hard luck to both the U-13s and U-14s

ment were full of praise for the pitch

who did the club proud in their finals

so well done all on the grounds com-

both only losing by the narrowest of

mittee.

margins.

The Naomh Peregrine AFL6 footballers won their league last weekend

Peregrine’s celebrate glory on three fronts

 sport@dublingazette.com

N AO M H P e r e g r i n e enjoyed a weekend to remember as the club annexed three titles in quick succession.

Indeed, it was a very special day for the club’s camogie players with the Under-16C side winning their championship final, as did their Under-14C side. For the Under-16s, they were 3-5 to 2-4 winners over Naomh Fionnbarra thanks to a rousing first half display as Peregrine’s led by 2-4 to nil at half time.

Rachel Brennan was in good form and grabbed

three of the opening four points – Aoife Noble also found the range. A goal by the outstanding Martha McNally pushed them further clear and their advantage grew when Orlaith Whooley.

It took all of 15 minutes for the first score of the second half to come and when it did it was another McNally goal.

But, when all seemed lost, Naomh Fionnbarra responded. The introduction of Caoimhe Heagney created all sorts of problems for Peregrine’s and she got Fionnbarra’s first score in the 49th minute.

Doireann Byrne Ryan,

Taylor May Whelan, Leanne Foy and the excellent goalkeeping of Lauren Byrne all helped raise their spirits and two goals in the closing stages including one from Byrne Ryan put a much more respectable look on the scoreboard.

At Under-14 level, Erin’s Isle were defeated 3-7 to 1-4 with the Heffernan twins having a big say.

Aoife notched 1-4 and Niamh helped herself to a goal.

The former was a commanding presence at midfield and was key to her side’s dominance in the first half. A goal from

Aoife Deegan was also significant and the tightmarking Sonya Osayande limited the threat of Erin’s Isle danger woman Molly Brown. At half-time Peregrine’s were in control and led by 2-6 to 0-1 and they stayed well clear.

Niamh and Aoife Heffernan finished with a goal and point respectively to clinch the title and the Player of the Match award for the latter.

The spectacular weekend was completed when the club’s junior footballers landed the AFL6 league victory on home turf when they drew 1-8 to 0-11 with Clontarf.

The Irish international rules squad again trained in Somerton over the

The club won a set of jerseys in the

Our adult hurlers played a dramatic

Carroll’s Cuisine competition, many

draw with Plunkett’s in the play-off to

thanks to Carroll’s Cuisine and well

decide who represents Leinster in the

done to those involved.

intermediate championship.

The club executive are starting to

Our minor footballers have their

plan for 2016. Please see the club web-

championship quarter final on Sunday

site for further info on positions/com-

in Somerton.

mittees or contact Lisa at secretary@

Some tickets remain for the Ulti-

castleknock.net - AGM is scheduled for

mate Ladies Nite Out which takes

Monday, November 16 in the Castle-

place this Thursday in the Castleknock

knock Hotel.

erin go bragh WELL done to our U-14 camogie team

8.30pm.

who won their championship final on

Well done to all our underage teams

Saturday. Hard luck to our U-15 hurl-

at the weekend. Well done to our U-9

ers and U-16 camogie team who just

footballers. Well done to our U-9 cam-

lost out in their finals over the week-

ogie team. Our U-9 girls are looking for

end.

new players. Call Maria on 087 2380741.

Our AGM will be held on for Thursday, November 5 in the clubhouse at

Our U-14 girls are looking for players.

Call Linda on 087 9785053.

Naomh Peregrine GREAT weekend for the club after

AFL6 title.

excellent wins by the U-14 girls against

Hard luck to the U-16s boys who

Erin’s Isle and the U-16 girls against

were narrowly beaten by St Sylvest-

Naomh Fionnbarra in their respective

er’s after extra time in their hurling

camogie championship finals.

championship final.

Well done to the U-12 boys on reach-

Best of luck to both the minor foot-

ing their football final with a great win

ball team and the ladies camogie team

over Man O War. Congratulations to

in their championship semi finals this

the junior A footballers on winning the

weekend.

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

celtic go the extra: Castleknock get the better of Enniskerry after an epic tussle in FAI Junior P30

october 22-28, 2015

Killester in flying form: Double basketball delight for north Dublin outfit P28

Eoin Kennedy and Carl Dunner with the All-Ireland doubles trophy

Kennedy’s doubles glory Handball legend bounces back from singles final defeat to land national title with Carl Dunne on the doubles front to cap a hectic campaign  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

HANDBALL hero Eoin Kennedy landed his fifth All-Ireland doubles title last Saturday to add to his absolute mountain of medals and titles over the years.

The St Brigid’s man paired up with Carl Browne for the first time in a doubles final and the Dublin pair beat Kilkenny duo Ciaran Neary and Michael “Ducksy” Walsh after a dramatic three games in the 60x30 softball final Abbeylara.

The final saw two experienced heads team up with two relatively new faces on the scene as Kennedy was the man to end Walsh’s dominance on the Irish scene back in 2002. It was

the Kilkenny duo who started the better however, comfortably winning the first game 21-11.

The Dubs fought back, however, winning a dramatic second game 21-19 to bring the match to a tie-break before winning the final game 21-11, much to the delight of the Dublin support.

“We were pretty relieved after the third game to be honest,” said Kennedy speaking to GazetteSport after the win.

“We lost the first game quite heavily and then we were 19-18 down in the second, so I suppose we were quite lucky to come back, but we worked extremely hard. Once we won the second game I was confident we could get the job done.”

The win came just a week after Kennedy

was beaten in the senior singles final by Robbie McCarthy and the Brigid’s man was glad to have the chance to bounce back so quickly. “I was badly beaten in the singles the week earlier; it was probably my worst defeat to be honest,” he said.

“Naturally that drives you on a little bit more to win the doubles and having it come straight after ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise, because I had no time to dwell on the defeat I was straight into another final.”

The experienced Kennedy praised his relatively new partner Browne and is confident the pair can go on and add more titles.

“It’s our second year playing together but this was our first big final and we know now we can go on and do great things together. Carl’s an

excellent player who is very hungry for success.

You could see how much this meant to him at the end, it being his first win.”

Between various quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, Kennedy has played competitively for the past seven weekends and revealed he is now off on a well-deserved break before returning to the action.

“It was a really tough few weeks,” he said.

“Seven competitive weekends in a row takes its toll on you and it can be hard to recover but it’s also what you train so hard for.

“You want to play the big games, the tough games, and the doubles semi-final was incredibly tough, two and a half hours it lasted, the week before the singles final. But it’s done now and I’ll go on holiday and come back again.”