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November 12-18, 2015
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INSIDE: Celebrity maitre d’ John Healy has found a new lease of life after organ transplant P16
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Peregrine’s continue surge of silverware Page 30
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Verona claim bragging rights from D15 derby Page 31
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Battling bullying yields dividend Emma Nolan
Scoil Choilm in Porterstown is the first primary school in Dublin to be awarded the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Shield Flag for its preventative work on the issue of bullying. This follows St Kevin’s Community College in Fonthill, Clondalkin receiving the secondary school equivalent of the award last Thursday.
Anti-bullying co-ordinator for Scoil Choilm Fiona Finlay said the shield programme has been a great medium for the school to reflect on how it deals with issues of bullying and helps students to report issues of bullying in confidence. She went on to praise the school’s ethos, saying: “We are all equal, valued and welcome members of our school community,” she said. Full Story on Page 6
Degree of success: Dhvanik set to celebrate her triumph in science Dhvanik Miglani from Castleknock was among over 940 full and parttime students receiving awards in various disciplines at the annual conferring ceremony at ITB. This year’s event was the largest graduation ceremony ever held by the institute. The ceremony was fol-
lowed by a reception on campus for graduates and their family and friends. Celebrations continued into the evening as graduates attended the annual graduation ball held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. Picture: Andres Poveda
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levy Fingal County Council vote maintains 15% cut
Property tax move is too little, says McGuinness Emma Nolan
Homeowners and businesses will be relieved to hear that Fingal County Council has voted to maintain last year’s 15% reduction in the local property tax. Council members reached the decision on November 3 and so the local authority will forgo increased tax revenues of up to €5.6m. The reduction in the basic rate will ensure that property owners face no increases in their 2016
bills as charges will be frozen at 2015 levels. This leaves the council discretionary LPT income at €2.4m and reduces the charge due to be paid by property owners in Fingal by €5.6m. Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) voted to maintain the reduction but said it was important to keep the LPT as low as possible “because residents in Dublin pay more for smaller homes than homeowners throughout the rest of the country”.
But Cllr McGuinness said the “anti-Dublin” move was not enough, and that families would see no cuts to their property tax bill this year. The council budget was agreed at €214m due to the improvement in the economy and the strength of commercial development in Fingal. A council spokesperson said this sum should provide for an increase in services, reduce the tax burden on citizens while also funding a broad and diverse range
of services. The council has identified housing, community development and economic development as key budgetary priorities for the coming year with 23.5% of the budget going towards housing and building. The adopted budget has been welcomed by Fingal county manager, Paul Reid who said: “The council is committed to delivering value for money and also to increasing awareness among the people of Fingal as to how their local property tax and commercial rates contributions are reinvest-
Fingal County Council will forgo increased tax revenues of up to €5.6m
ed in the county, with Budget 2016 one of the most strongly supported budgets of recent years.” Labour councillors voted against the LPT move, voting to reduce it by 10% rather than 15% – the maximum allowed. Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) told Gazette that a 10% reduction “would have meant a saving to the council of €1.8m”. She added: “We lost the motion, but that €1.8m would have gone some
way to contributing to helping with the housing crisis in Fingal.” This view among Labour Party councillors has been met with disdain by Cllr McGuinness who said: “The Labour Party in Dublin 15 wanted to increase the amount of property tax residents had to pay which, in my opinion, shows how out of touch Joan Burton’s party has become.” Renua’s Cllr Keith Redmond is “delighted” with the 15% reduction but expressed his frus-
tration with the Government’s lack of flexibility. He said: “I only wish we were given the flexibility by the Government to fully control our property tax so we could reduce it more.” He added: “It appears that the Government doesn’t trust local councillors and wants to try to centrally manage the property tax of the 26 counties from the Department of Environment offices. “So much for the democratic revolution we were promised.”
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dublin 15 Funding worth more than €11k
Primary school grants on way Every primary school in Dublin 15 is set to receive a minor works grant to help them purchase new equipment and furniture in the next two weeks. Each primary school will receive a grant of €5,500, along with €18.50 per pupil, and €74 for every pupil with special needs. The grant is worth more than €11,000 for a 300-pupil primary
school, or almost €13,000 in the case of a special school with 100 pupils.
Grant Tanaiste Joan Burton has confirmed that the grant will once again issue to each school on November 20. “The grant will allow boards of management and school prin-
cipals to improve their existing school facilities and to help them purchase furniture, and PE and IT-related equipment for their schools. “Some €28m is being made available to facilitate this year’s scheme and I am pleased that primary schools in Dublin 15 will see the direct benefit of this funding,” she said.
estate: long wait is over for residents
Allendale is added to council’s list Keith Bellew
Allendale Estate has officially been taken in charge by Fingal County Council, following years of waiting by residents. The process had been hindered by the fact that the completion of a number of works by the developer was necessary to bring the estate up to the standard necessary for Fingal to take it in charge. These outstanding works were mainly water related and included sewer repairs to pipework, hydrants, inspection chambers, manhole covers and sluice valves. Another hindrance to the process was the fact that carrying out these works cost around €90,000. The cost of repairing works is normally the responsibility of the developer who initiated the development, but the developer (Menolly Homes) went into receivership. The council had a planning bond for the estate valued at €700,000 but when the developer went into receivership the bond passed from Anglo Irish Bank to the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC). When the IBRC was dissolved, and its funds
Allendale Estate has officially been taken in charge by the council
were transferred to Nama, the bond was wiped out. However, Menolly Homes has begun trading again and has rectified all of these issues and the estate has been officially taken in charge following the council meeting on November 9. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said this was fantastic news for the residents. “I and other councillors have been working hard on this since getting elected [in May 2014]. Fingal has brought extra pressure to bear on the developer in the last year and that has successfully seen the necessary work take place to deal with the problems and to bring
the place up to a standard where it can be taken in charge,” he said. This leaves several areas in Dublin 15 which are waiting to be taken in charge including Mulberry Estate Ongar Village, and The Beeches in Carpenterstown. Mulberry was due to be taken in charge along with Allendale, but a technical issue prevented that from happening. However, it will be taken in charge at December’s full council meeting. Cllr O’Gorman added that The Beeches comprises around 16 houses as part of the wider Luttrellstown development and he was currently
working with the council to get this issue resolved. Meanwhile the council is pursuing a planning bond which being held by UK-based insurance company HCC Insurance through the courts with a view to completing the €1.8m works necessary to take Ongar in charge. As with Allendale, the developer that built Ongar (Manor Park Homes) went into receivership and the €3m planning bond has been with HCC Insurance ever since. HCC Insurance has said it is not its policy to comment on individual insureds or the specific details of individual policies.
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Centenary Programme: memories related to revolutionary period
Mayor of Fingal David O’Connor, families and Rising reenactors at the family memorabilia day
Fingal families enjoy a day to remember Emma Nolan and Keith Bellew
As part of Fingal County Council’s Centenary Programme, a family memorabilia day took place on Saturday, November 7, at the council offices, Grove Road. The event provided families with a connection to Fingal an opportunity to bring their precious items and memories related to the revolutionar y period 1915-1923 to be catalogued and digitised in order to unearth and make available the hidden histories relating to this pivotal period in Irish history. Members of the public were invited to bring along items of interest such as letters, medals and photos that tell the story of their family connections to the 1916 Rising and beyond to 1923.
Experts were on hand to digitally photograph the material which will be used in time to develop an online resource. Historical experts, auctioneers, book sellers and genealogists were also on hand to give advice. Irish film, A Terrible Beauty, the story of the men and women of the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 was screened with an accompanying talk. Tanaiste Joan Burton attended the event along with Mayor of Fingal David O’Connor (Ind), Fingal chief executive, Paul Reid and Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab). Re-enactors dressed as members of the Irish Volunteers and their enemies in the Dublin Metropolitan Police, and the Dublin Castle G-Men met once again, albeit in more friendly circumstances at the event also.
Officially opening the event, Mayor O’Connor (Ind) said the event provided an oppor tunity to yield up stories about the brave men and women from Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart and the surrounding areas, who took part in the struggle for Irish freedom. Betty Boardman, senior executive librarian and a member of t h e c o u n c i l ’s 2 016 commemorative working group, said: “The part Fingal played in the struggle for Irish freedom can be told through the memorabilia that families have collected and treasured over the years. “Families have stories to tell about the lives of their relatives during this tumultuous time in Irish history and they want to share these stories.”
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St Mochta’s
Castleknock: sons working in america get a dig-out from mother
Musical night for hospice
Renewing visas not for the fainthearted Keith Bellew
A C as t l e k n oc k woman has spent the last number of months assisting her two sons in the painstaking task of renewing their visas to work in the USA, where they are both chefs. Eileen Brogan has been helping sons, Colin and Michael, who are currently working in Michelin star restaurants in New York to “get all the boxes ticked” and put together the portfolios necessary for their applications. Both brothers have been working on graduate visas for the past year, and have spent the last few months jumping through hoops to get their 01 visas.
Eileen outlined just how difficult a process renewing a visa in the USA can be. “For a 01 Visa you have to be able to prove that you are exceptional in your field, you have to be sponsored by the company you’re working for, and you have to put together a whole portfolio. It takes a lot of time to get the application together. Colin’s application took about six months to get together. You work with a lawyer who tells you what to do, and the whole process costs approximately $6,000 (€5,600), ” she said. She added that given the gruelling hours and six-day weeks that chefs are often obliged to work,
putting these portfolio’s together can be an incredibly difficult task. Once the graduate visa is up the applicant is unable to work, and can be out of work for up to a month. Michael’s visa is up in two weeks and Eileen says that he is a bit further behind on his application and may be forced to come home while waiting to hear back. However, Colin has obtained his 01 Visa and returned to his job at Juni restaurant, and can now stay on for three years. “He’s absolutely delighted, he found out a couple of days ago and about an hour later he charged in and has been back working ever since,” she said.
Break the ice: Meeting some cool new friends at Ice Skating Blanchardstown lucy, Adam and Emma Hosford get to know the new penguins visiting Ice Skating Blanchardstown at Millennium Park for its second season which will feature a new and exciting season of indoor skating and holiday festivities. Surrounded by the bustling Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Retail Park, Ice Skating Blanchardstown location boasts free parking and numerous public transport methods, making access to this quintessential Christmas experience a breeze. Picture: Darragh Kane
St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, will play host to a musical night of festive fun in aid of St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown on December 4 at 8pm. The event entitled Songs for a Winter’s Evening: A Christmas Celebration will see performances by Soprano, Mary Flynn, harpists, Teresa and Mary O’Donnell and a number of other talents. Tickets cost €15 each and are available from the parish office at St Mochta’s Church with all proceeds going to St Francis Hospice which provides home care, inpatient care and respite care for people with terminal illnesses in the Dublin 15 area and beyond. For more information see www.blanchardstwnhospice.ie.
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dublin 15 ‘Setting positive example to others’ schools
School awarded for bullying prevention Emma Nolan
Scoil Choilm Community National School, Porterstown Road is the first primary school in Dublin to be awarded the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (ISPCC) Shield Flag for its preventative work on the issue of bullying. St Kevin’s Community College in Clondalkin was the first secondary school to receive the prestigious award last Thursday. ISPCC national antibullying co-coordinator Sinead McKee acknowledged her delight for both schools
in receiving this award, she said: “T his is a proud day for the teachers, students, parents and guardians and the wider school communities in Fonthill and Clonsillia. St Kevin’s and Scoil Choilm are setting a positive example to other schools in the area and I have no doubt that more schools in the area will engage with the ISPCC Shield programme when they hear about the encouraging work these two schools have achieved.” Anti-bullying coordinator for Scoil Choilm Fiona Finlay praised the school’s ethos: “We are all equal, valued and
welcomed members of our school community and how well it complements the Shield Programme. “The Shield Programme has been a great way for our school to reflect on how it deals with bullying issues and how it enabled pupils to report bullying incidents in a safe and confidential manner while helping to raise awareness about bullying, different types of bullying and how it is best combated,” she said: McKee said: “All too often within the ISPCC we can see the damage that bullying can have on a young person and
to see schools working so hard on having a more effective preventative approach is absolutely inspiring.” The ISPCC invites any other schools, local sporting clubs with a juvenile section, youth clubs and preschools in Dublin to come on board with the shield anti bullying campaign. Since its formation more than 100 years ago, the ISPCC has developed and delivered innovative child-centred services in a number of locations throughout Ireland so that, no matter where in Ireland a child lives, they can directly access one of ISPCC’s services.
Campus claims award The National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown was named Best Sports Facility category at the inaugural Irish Sports Industry Awards. This award recognises the vision, commitment and operational excellence which the campus aims to achieve in providing all of its patrons with excellent, world-class facilities. The campus currently comprises the National Aquatic Centre; National Horse Sport Arena; National Diving Training Centre NSC Multisport Pitches and National Pentathlon Training Centre. In addition, it is home to 20 Irish national governing bodies at Irish Sport HQ, the headquarters of the FAI and the Irish Institute of Sport. Work is continuing on the development of the National Indoor Arena, with other facilities under development.
ISPCC national anti-bullying co-coordinator Sinead McKee with students Declan Phan and Kamil Suchomski
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Tyrrelstown Teachers and pupils to move into new building in 2016 contest Barry wins at UCD final
School finally secures a home Keith Bellew
Construction of a new permanent school building for Le Cheile Secondary School in Tyrrelstown will begin on Monday, November 16. The school, which opened in 2014, was the first second-level Catholic school to open in Ireland in almost 30 years. It is currently housed in a temporary building at Mill Road, Blanchardstown, but will be able to move into its new accommodation in Tyrrelstown for the start of the 201617 school year. Speaking to The Gazette, principal Aine Moran said everyone was delighted that the project was moving on and that they could get back to their own local community in Tyrrelstown.
“We are absolutely delighted that we’re about to get our building and we have been promised by the Department [of Education] that a sufficient amount of the building will be constructed before August 2016. “We will be able to occupy it for the coming school year,” she said. This is especially good news for the school as, according to Moran, it has had to cap enrolment for the second year in a row and has a long waiting list of prospective students. “We are over-subscribed since we opened and we had a waiting list last year and again this year. We just sent our letters out to parents and the phones have been hopping with very disappointed parents whose
children did not get a place,” she said. Le Cheile aims to provide excellence in holistic education (development of the entire person, not just academically) while contributing towards community building in the culturally and religiously diverse area of Tyrrelstown and Mullhuddart/Corduff. “People seem to like what we are doing here and are very positive about the holistic education that their children are getting. Part of that is spiritual and also the academic, the physical, and the emotional. We invest a lot in wellbeing amongst our students and of course we are an iPad school so the whole idea of being technologically savvy is very important to us, along with our
Students at launch of Le Cheile Secondary School
students being reflective and caring and involved in building up their community,” said Moran. The construction of the new school building will coincide with the development of playing
pitches, a €250,000 playground in Tyrrelstown Park and a full-sized allweather GAA pitch adjacent to the new building. Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) said it was “extremely welcome” to
hear that the Tyrrelstown community would finally see movement on their new school, particularly after a long wait for confirmation from the Department of Education.
Castleknock law student Barry Lysaght was crowned winner of the Irish language moot court competition, Breagchuirt Ui Dhalaigh 2015, at the Four Courts on Friday, November 6. Organised annually by Gael Linn, in conjunction with barristers Daithi Mac Carthaigh and Ruadhan Mac Aodhain, the event sees participants either defend or prosecute in an appeal against a court judgment. It is held in memory of the late Cearbhall O Dalaigh, former president and chief justice of Ireland. Lysaght and his partner and fellow Trinity Law student Colm O Neill from Ballyboden defeated Fionnan Long and Niamh Ni Leabhlobhair of UCD in the final.
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gazetteGALLERY
Nastia Severnyuk
Arens Dula, Cathal Twumley and Freya Uludag show their support for Castleknock Educate Together National School’s Who Wants to be a Thousandaire? event. The event took off in a packed school hall and all money rasied will go towards improving the school’s facilities. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan
Who wants to help raise funds for school? ClaraI Zundu
Dorina Bejdo, Federica Feraboli, Jamie Connolly Browne and Sam Leonard
Hanako Lyden
Saba Kashif
Ellie Dixon, Alicia Chance and Maas Khan
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health 3,000 children are on waiting lists to access services
Report reveals disturbing facts on suicide keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com
A recently published report by the Children’s Rights Alliance found that Ireland had the highest rate of female youth suicides and the second highest rate of male youth suicides in the EU between 2009 and 2011. The report also found that one-third of young LGBT people (under the age of 25) have “seriously thought about ending their lives”; at least 18% have attempted suicide; and 27% of those interviewed had self harmed. Research also found high levels of homophobic bullying with 34% of those interviewed being subjected to homophobic comments by their teachers. The report also found
that as of May this year, more than 3,000 children were on waiting lists to access mental health services throughout the country. Of these, more than 1,700 were on waiting lists for more than three months and 383 had been on waiting lists for more than a year. This amounts to a referral increase of 49% between June 2014 and May 2015. The report urges the State to take steps to end the practice of placing children in adult mental health facilities. It has emerged that 33% of children admitted to mental health facilities in 2014 were “inappropriately admitted to adult in-patient units”. In addition, teenage suicide, particularly among males is a concern
outlined in the report. It also discovered an apparent link between the high suicide rate of young males and underage substance abuse. Meanwhile, it warned that healthcare in Ireland is undermined by “an entrenched two-tier system” with “indications of a poorer health status among children from less well-off areas”. The report stated: “Those on low incomes who are reliant on the public health system may have to wait for extended periods for tests and procedures, while those who can afford to purchase private health insurance, can receive a much faster service through the private system.” Marguerite Kiely, clinical manager for child and adolescent services
at Pieta House, says the report’s findings are reflected by the experience of Pieta House staff. “LGBT young people are more at risk of selfharm and suicide. We’ve seen an increase in girls, in particular, presenting with sexual identity issues. We would urge families, friends and peers to be particularly mindful that words can hurt and that negative or offhand comments can have a significant impact on a young LGBT person’s life.” The former spokesperson for LGBT Noise, Max Krzyzanowski, who stepped down from his position following the marriage referendum but remains an advocate of LGBT rights, says the “euphoria” of the Yes vote
The report states that those reliant on the public health system may have to wait for medical treatment, while those with private health insurance can receive a much faster service through the private system
may have caused people to forget that discrimination is still an issue. Regarding the finding that 34% of students had been subjected to homophobic comments from
their teachers, he says: “The majority clearly feels that LGBT people are equal and should be treated equally, but there is the case that 738, 000 people voted No.
“Many of them will have voted no because they don’t see LGBT people equally. In that three quarters of a million people are teachers, coaches, bosses, parents and when they give free reign to their homophobia it can be incredibly damaging to the people in their care and when they are young, impressionable people it can be even more damaging.” He says these statistics are timely because the fact that discrimination still exists could be lost in the celebratory mood of the recent marriage referendum milestone. “LGBT people are suffering and they will continue to suffer for some time. For information about help services for mental health visit: www.pieta.ie
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asdfsdaf P27 the big interview P16
christmas presents 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
Gazette
diary P14
Pets can you give amber a new, loving home?
Cormac Breslin, aka CC Brez, playing support for Cry Monster Cry at the Button Factory recently. Picture: Dara Munnis
a day in the life: ‘After breakfast I go straight into my writing’
Easy on Sunday morning ian begley
FORMER guitarist of Republic of Loose, Cormac Breslin aka CC Brez is going solo and is as busy as ever writing music and playing gigs around the country. This week the Gazette caught up with CC Brez to catch a glimpse of a typical day in his life. “I get up roughly between 10am and 11am. I wouldn’t call myself an early riser, but because I perform Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights there isn’t a real need for me to be up before 10am on those days. “When you’re working late nights you really build up an appetite and
feel like getting something semi-decent into you so my breakfast would usually consist of fruit, porridge, coffee and maybe a few eggs. “My average working day would be between 10 to 12 hours. “My band rehearsals generally last around four or five hours, but when I’m out doing a gig I would leave my house around 5pm and not get back until around 5am the following day. “With most gigs we have to do sound checks and would need to be at the particular venue three or four hours before the doors open. “As soon as I finish my breakfast I get straight into my writing, which I do every single day.
“It’s a routine that I’ve got myself into for about 10 years and if I ever miss a day and don’t do it then it would really bug me. “During the mid-week I would be in my home studio writing music for myself or somebody else. “If I was rehearsing with my band I’d do it in town. “But if I’m writing or recording by myself I prefer to do it at home where it’s nice and quiet.” Brez, who recently released his new single/music video, When It Feels Good, added that on Sundays he prefers to take time off from his busy music life and just relax. “Sunday is my day off. I actually
prefer doing nothing, it’s the one day I have to myself and I like to just chill out or go for a pint with my friends. “Most musicians I know tend to work harder than they should because since they’re self-employed they feel the added pressure on whether they’re doing enough. “When you only have yourself to motivate yourself I tend to get into a circle of working too hard. “Whenever I’m out gigging I wouldn’t get to bed until about 5am, but during the mid-week I would hit the hay a lot earlier.” Follow CC Brez on Facebook – www. facebook.com/ccbrez – for all his latest music and performance dates.
The Dublin Gazette Newspaper Group has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Amber, a stunning six-year-old, female pitbull cross who was returned after five years due to a change in her family’s circumstances. She is a really sweet, peoplefocused lady and would be suited to a home with slightly older children where she will have company. She is quite the foodie so will respond well to training, if treats are involved! If you think you could offer Amber a home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Don’t forget that you can also support Dogs Trust by checking out their online shop www.dogstrustshop. ie
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dublinlife Night out to help people get home THE ninth Peter McVerr y Tr ust Gala Ball will be held on Saturday November 14 in Clontarf Castle with all proceeds raised going directly to Peter McVerry Trust services. The charity, which works to provide housing for homeless people, deal with drugs misuse and fight social disadvantage, needs to raise funds to continue its work. T he event will be
hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan and will feature auctions and raffles. Pat Doyle, chief executive of the trust, said: “Ever y year we have enjoyed a fabulous night’s food and entertainment, and raised vitally important funds for our work through ticket sales, auctions and raffles. “This event comes at very difficult time in the fight against home-
lessness and we hope as many people as possible will join us to raise funds to tackle the current emergency.” For more information or to buy tickets, which cost €150 call 01 8230776.
Gaiety programme for young actors THE Gaiety School of Acting is hosting a daylong Young Gaiety masterclass for students, existing and new, to
get an authentic insight into full-time training and what working as an actor entails. The course on November 15, runs from 10am to 5pm and is designed for young people aged 13 to 19 years. It will i n cl u d e s e s s i o n s i n career skills in addition to workshops similiar to classes taught on the two-year full-time acting programme. This day would be particularly helpful for any transition year or Leaving Cert students fast approaching decision time. Colin Farrell, Poldark’s Aidan Turner, Penny Dreadful’s Sarah Greene, Deirdre O’Kane and PJ Gallagher are among those who learned at least some of their trade at the theatre. The masterclass costs €60 and takes place in the Gaiety School of Acting in Temple Bar. To book go to www.gaietyschool.com or call 01-6799277.
Celebrate books with dublin town THE Dublin Book Festival takes place in and around the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar from November 12 to 15. Other venues include the Gutter Bookshop, the Irish Writers Centre, Fighting Words, the Irish Georgian Society, the National Library of Ireland and Dublin City Public Libraries. The festival has a very varied programme and most events are free, so it promises to be fun and
diary
Gaiety Theatre acting students in class with director Patrick Sutton
affordable for everyone. It is one of Dublin’s largest book festivals and celebrates Irish published authors and Irish publishing, across the whole range of genres, from comedy and literary fiction, business, politics and children’s, to poetry and Irish language events. For more information on the festival see www. dublintown.ie
play tells story of Wilde’s lovers A NEW play exploring the story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers opens on November 16 at the Sean O’Casey Theatre. Using historical testimony, Wretched Little Brat written by Brian Merriman reveals the characters behind a story that scandalised a sexually hypocritical Victorian nation and went on to adversely influence law, morality and the fight for LGBT equality to this day. This frank exploration challenges the “gay stereotypes” embedded in Wilde’s public scandals as having serious consequences for the generations of LGBT people who pursued equality in the decades that fol-
lowed. Starring Sean Doyle as Bosie, the play episodically explores key elements in a society struggling to contain a view of its own invented morality.
Wretched Little Brat runs at the Sean O’Casey Theatre, St Mary’s Road, East Wall, at 7.30pm from November 16-21. Tickets cost €13, €15 and €18 and are available at www.gaytheatre.ie
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seasonal search: get the gift selection spot-on
Solving the dilemma of Christmas presents! David Fitzsimons is chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland, the country’s largest retail industry body, representing over 1,100 progressive retailers operating over 13,000 stores in Ireland. He introduces Gazette readers to the recently launched FromMe2You gift card. N ov e m be r a n d December alone can account for up to 50% of a retailer’s annual business, with the seasonal search for the per fect gif ts, a new look for the home, new clothes for the family, and all the goodies that go into making a great Christmas. January too is crazy busy in the retail sector, partly due to the major sales attracting bargain hunters, but largely on account of the number of returns. T hose unwanted Christmas gifts are as regular as turkey dinners, and more common than you think. T he clothes that didn’t fit, or just didn’t suit, the toys there were two of (silly Santa!), the smoothie maker we already had four of, and the cosmetics and accessories deemed simply lame by our unimpressed teenagers!
Certainly Retail E xc e l l e n c e I r e l a n d members don’t mind exchanges and returns, and will gladly facilitate them by providing gift receipts, and swapping sizes. But wouldn’t it be great to get the gift selection spot-on this year, to give choice and flexibility, to offer something that suits everyone, even if it is your Kris Kindle pickout from the accounts department, who you barely know! Here’s some good advice, FromMe2You! FromMe2You is the new multi-store Irish gift card, launched this week by Retail Excellence Ireland. From toys to gourmet goodies, furniture to fashion, and beauty to electronics, FromMe2You is welcome in Ireland’s favourite stores, right across the country, so there is lit-
erally something for everyone, and for all occasions. And, you avoid that brief look of disappointment that flashes over the face when Dad opens his third pair of slippers, and your 12-year-old niece tells you that One Direction is “so last decade”! Available through Topaz forecourt stores countrywide, and online at www.FromMe2You. ie, FromMe2You gift cards can be bought in any denomination from €15 up, solving the complete gifting dilemma in one go, with no hassle or brain-wrecking decisions involved at all. Choose choice! T he FromMe2You card is welcomed by thousands of retailers, large and small, including fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores, as well as prestige brands like Brown Thomas, Louis Copeland and Harvey Nichols. Retailers that gene r a l l y d o n ’t a c c e p t multi-store cards also welcome the new Irish gift solution, including
A treat for Vivaldi fans aisling kennedy
IF you fancy a night of culture this week then check out the Four Seasons by Candlelight at the National Concert Hall. The Four Seasons has become one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music ever written and remains hugely popular today. The show will present a beautiful programme of 18th century classics performed in a candle-lit style setting with the Mozart Festival Orchestra, the
members of which will be dressed in full orchestral costume of the period. Some of the music on the night will include Mozart, Clarke, Pachelbel, Bach, Handel and, of course ,Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The concert will take place at the National Concert Hall this Sunday ,November 15, at 3.15pm. Tickets range in price from €25 to €46 and there are concessions available for the performance. For more information or to book tickets log onto www.nch.ie
Homestore & More, Tiger Stores, Supermacs, Avoca, and CompuB. It’s easy to give the gift of choice this Christmas, and, with no expiry date, the FromMe2You gift card value can be used at any time, giving total flexibility and choice. It may be the thought that counts, but think about this – everyone is happy, the Christmas gift list get ticked-off in super fast time, and there is all the more shopping time to go in search of the perfect gift, for that most special person in your life – yourself! H a p py C h r i s t m a s everyone!
David Fitzsimons: promoting the FromMe2You new multi-store Irish gift card
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feature
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dublinlife
the big interview
new lease of life: celebrity maitre d’ on life after organ transplant
Two heart attacks later, Healy takes more care Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
After undergoing a life-saving heart transplant in 2012, celebrity maitre d’ John Healy says he has found a new lease of life and is now taking much-needed care of his physical health and wellbeing. During this week’s Big Interview, Healy talked about the pressures he was under during the spending-crazed years of the Celtic Tiger and how being over-worked ultimately led to his decline in health. “During 2001 to 2008 I was running the restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel. The pinnacle of society was coming through the front doors. You had leaders of industries, bankers, chief executives and celebrities who were all spending an awful lot of money there. “The reputation of the food and service was on my shoulders and I also had to act as the face of the restaurant. When someone is dropping €500 to €1,000 they expect a certain amount of qual-
ity being delivered so I had to greet everyone and make sure they had a nice evening. The amount of business and money that restaurant was bringing in during those years was insane and relentless. “ My l i f e s t y l e w a s completely unbalanced and at the time I didn’t realise that I was doing a lot of damage to myself. My diet was shocking and my relaxation techniques were non-existent. I also smoked way too much and drank an excessive amount of coffee. “I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009.” H ealy added that looking back now he feels very lucky to have experienced his illness because it gave him the opportunity to reassess his life. Settling in nicely as general manager of the plush Dublin restaurant Suesey Street and also starting again as maitre d’ in TV3’s The Restau-
rant, Healy says that since his transplant he has felt like a new man. “During the run-up to my transplant I went through an awful lot of mental and spiritual conditioning and reevaluated everything. I took responsibility for my illness and did everything I could to make myself better. “I now feel like a new man. My colleagues tell me that even though I’m 50 I certainly don’t look it or even act like my age. My transplant enlightened me completely as a person and has given me a new lease of life. “Now when I’m working I know not to put too much pressure on myself or drive myself into the ground. I was very hard on myself and very driven before my heart attacks and now even though I’m still passionate about what I do I’m a lot easier on myself. “The new restaurant is fantastic. It’s a lot more relaxed here and the vibe is certainly more informal than the previous restaurants I’ve worked in.”
John Healy of Suesey Street: “I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009.” Picture: Brian Mcevoy
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‘I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009’
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To relax, Healy says that yoga now plays a big part in his life to help him to unwind from his day-to -day life. “I’ve just come back from a yoga retreat on the Cliffs of Moher with my friends, which I found to be a very physical and spiritual
experience. I find yoga to be really therapeutic and it allows me to switch off and be at one with myself. “I haven’t changed my diet since my operation, but do everything in moderation. If I want to have a biscuit I will have one and not the entire packet and if I want a cup of cof-
fee I will have one and not nine of them. “I take my medication each day now and am very much aware of my body and mind. I believe that when you become aware of your life you live it better.” Talking about the new season of The Restaurant, filmed in Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill in Donnybrook, Healy says he is very excited about when it airs in January. “We filmed in August and there were about nine cameras that ran non-stop throughout the whole evening with
all of the footage edited down for each show. “It was quite fun because it really captures how a restaurant runs and the cameras don’t miss a thing. “After several glass of wine people forget they’re being filmed and start talking about literally anything and everything. “Everything you see is very real and not staged whatsoever.” To find out more about Suesey Street or to book a reservation visit www.sueseystreet. ie or call 01-6694600.
12 November 2015 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 travel P24
cinema P22
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
food P18
the Gaiety Theatre: Little Red Riding Hood, it’s a panto not to be missed
Red alert – big, bad wolf is in town Aisling Kennedy
Lit tle Red Riding Hood is the Christmas pantomime at the Olympia Theatre this year and with the big bad wolf, a kick-boxing granny and of course Little Red Riding Hood, it’s a panto not to be missed. Joe Conlon, who plays The Notorious Granny McGregor, spoke to The Gazette and told us to expect fun, laughter, and some kickboxing scenes in this year’s panto. “I’ve been playing the dame in the Olympia for the past six years now and it’s a nice feeling
to be back here again. The Christmas panto is a lovely family tradition and we find that families are coming back year-inyear out with their grandparents, grandchildren, parents and kids. They come in their droves and it’s great.” Conlon explained that in his role as The Notorious Granny McGregor he takes inspiration from Ireland’s famous kickboxer Conor McGregor and tackles the big bad wolf in an attempt to protect his granddaughter when she finds herself lost in the forest. “I meet her in the
woods and we end up taking different paths. Along the way we meet various characters who are all very magical. They’re all from bedtime and Disney time stories and it’s then that we bump into the wolf. I bump into the wolf first and we have a bit of shindig and my boxing prowess, being part of the McGregor family, comes in very handy. “I think that’s what is great about this year’s panto. Our director, Darren Crosby, has tried to make it different to last year’s panto which was Peter Pan. He has brought the panto forward into
Little Red Riding Hood aka Hayley-Jo Murphy and The Big Bad Wolf aka Nicholas Grennell
the present time. All of the costumes are made here in the Gaiety too by Pauline McCaul and she has designed and made all of these beautiful ani-
mal costumes. They’re phenomenal and have amazing colours which the kids will love.” Conlon is very aware that the panto means a
lot to his audience and he says that he particularly loves to see the smiles on the children’s faces in the audience when he’s on stage. “That’s the thing with kids, you have to keep the pace going so that they remain focused on it the whole time. Kids do have less attention span than adults so I love to see them really engrossed in the show. That’s the most rewarding part.” Conlon paid tribute to the whole cast including the wardrobe department, hair and make-up, the crew and the actors and actresses.
“ T h e r e ’s b e t we e n 50-60 people involved so it’s a huge production and everyone is great and really gets involved. Hayley Jo Murphy is the young actress who plays Little Red Riding Hood and both her and Shane M c D a i d w h o p l ay s Woodie the Woodsman have a lovely connection with the audience. The audience will love the show this year.” Little Red R iding Hood will run from November 29 to January 10, 2016 and tickets are available to buy on www. gaietytheatre.ie or www. ticketmaster.ie
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18 Gazette 12 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
RECIPECORNER
Enjoy Butler’s Pantry Christmas pudding or (below) Scrumdiddly Ice Cream this festive shopping season
Pop into the pantry for scrummy nibbles LOOKING for a cool break during your Christmas shopping this year? Scrumdiddly’s Ice Cream opened a seasonal Christmas pop-up store when the Christmas windows were revealed on Henry Street on November 2, and will stay open until Christmas Eve. Home of the Scrummy Tub, Scrumdiddly’s has been in business since 2012. It has one simple aim and that is to make going for an ice cream an experience to be savoured and remembered. With queues outside the Donabate and Dun Laoghaire shops it seems people think it is achieving its aim. There are 2,400 possible combinations of Scrummy Tubs, as well as unique specials with secret homemade melted sauces, like the Scrummy Mess, the Scrumnana Boat or Scrumnoffee. The Butler’s Pantry is also getting ready for its pop up debut on Henry Street, this time at Arnotts. It will open on November 19 on the first floor of the iconic department store and will stock a large range of range of seasonal Christmas goodies, including its Christmas puddings, mince pies, chutney and a two-tiered Christmas cake. The Christmas pop-up shop will give Arnotts shoppers the opportunity to buy for their own Christmas pantry as well as providing a stylish range of hampers, available to collect in-store or delivery nationwide. There is a large selection of Christmas hampers to suit most budgets, starting at €50 and going right up to €250; all are beautifully presented in an antique willow wicker basket. Jacquie Marsh, managing-director of The Butler’s Pantry, is delighted with the opportunity to share the experience with a new range of customers as well as those who visit the stores around Dublin. “ There are no shor tcuts when it comes to making food that tastes as good as ours. We make all our food by hand, in small batches at our kitchens in Bray, just the way you would at home”.
DYLAN HOTEL (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4) Dylan’s Christmas Naughty or Nice afternoon teas can be enjoyed from November 28 until January 6 from 12 noon until 5pm every day €40
Take5 pearl phelan
The Merrion Hotel (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2) Art Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday, and is served at 2pm and 4.30pm Friday to Sunday. Tea for two is €78
Some say tea tastes best served in a dainty teacup, enjoyed in salubrious surroundings. Others say that a little bit of what you fancy will do you no harm. The Gazette has gathered up our top five takes on afternoon tea in the capital so that you can decide for yourself. Additional bubbles are optional! Whether you are the arty type, prone to indulging in naughty festive treats, or a blokey-bloke, we’ve got you covered. Note that afternoon tea sittings tend to book up quickly so it’s best to reserve your place in advance.
The Westbury (Grafton Street, Dublin 2) The Westbury’s Festive Afternoon Tea is €45 per person, and €55 per person with a glass of champagne from November 10 until the January 4.
The Morrison (Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1) The Gentlemen’s Tea is served with a pint of Wicklow Wolf beer €25
The Shelbourne (27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2) The Shelbourne new Afternoon Tea with Tea Butler service costs €39.95 per person without bubbly or €53.95 with a glass of champagne, with a children’s afternoon tea available for €19.95, and is accompanied by a live classical pianist Wednesday through to Sunday.
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OUT&ABOUT
Beauty news
aisling Kennedy
What? Personalised facial Where? Ever Young Beauty Salon, 64a George’s St Upper, Dun Laoghaire How much? €135 for 1 hour 40 minutes About the salon Owner Iris Tighe opened Ever Young Beauty Salon six months ago in Dun Laoghaire, having worked in the beauty industry for more than 18 years. She was the first beautician in Ireland to be qualified to perform semipermanent make-up procedures, including stroke-by-stroke eyebrow embroidery, eyeliner and lip liner.
Contact See www.everyoung.ie, or phone 01 230 2745.
YSL Pinceau Lumiere divine €65
Clarins Pretty day 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette 01 €38
Result I thoroughly enjoyed my facial with Iris. I must admit, I was apprehensive when I first saw the Bio Therapeutic machine, but it does not hurt at all and it is extremely beneficial for your skin. This facial really was one of the best facials I have ever had, in terms of how it left my skin. It has been over a week now since the facial, and my skin is still very clear and with a noticeable amount of reduced pores and skin blemishes. My make-up now glides on a lot easier, and some fine lines have reduced slightly around my eyes. Highly recommended by The Gazette.
Mac Colour-drenched pigment No Taboos £18 (c. €25)
Xmas Vernis 8.50 1 ome Lanc Midnight € Rouge
What’s involved? As my facial was tailored to my particular skin type, Iris made sure to tailor the treatment for combination skin. She started by using what she called the Bio Therapeutic machine, which uses a micro current to stimulate the skin. This machine helped to deep cleanse my skin by closing and re-opening the pores on my face; it is also great for smoothing out wrinkles, scars and blemishes. It also helped to tighten the muscles on my face and firm up my skin a lot more, and it helps to promote lymphatic drainage. This part of the treatment took between 40 to 50 minutes. After she had finished, Iris then placed an elastane soft mask on my face for about 15 minutes. This was to help renew the cells in my skin. Lastly, she gave my face and head a massage, and advised me on the skin care I should use on a more regular basis.
Giorgio Armani Maestro powder brush €55
Staying ever young in Dun Laoghaire Salon
12 November 2015 GAZETTE 21
Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Laquer 601 €31.50
Urban D shadow ecay Vice eye 20 pale tte €46 .09
Urban Decay Naked Illuminated bronzer €24.50
Autumn COLOURS MIMI MURRAY
I tend to wear “more of a face” come autumn/winter. Summer sun-kissed skin looks great with just a slick of mascara and a touch of lippy, but come winter, pale face/blotchy skin is not a great look, so layering it on thick, or thicker, tends to be my mantra in November and December. This leads us in to Christmas and “party face”, when a dramatic eye or a redder-than-red lip is what’s required. So, when it comes to wearing make-up in winter,
the rule of thumb is: go slightly heavier. However, whatever you do, avoid drag queen territory. Remember that scene in Friends when Ross applies Rachel’s make-up, and when she finally looks in the mirror she says: “I’ll just sit next to the transvestite in purchasing”? That’s what not to do! It’s okay to go for a smoky eye or a dramatic lip, but never the two combined.
Mac Magic of the Night Evening Rendevouz lipstick £17 (c. €24)
Clarins Essentials Eyeshadow Palette €43
GAZETTE
STYLE
It’s all about fashion, music and beauty at Night at The Pavilions FOR one night only in Swords, Night at The Pavilions will be held on November 12 from 6pm to 10pm. This will be an evening of fashion, beauty, food and music and, best of all, there will be lots of discounts on offer for this one night only. The majority of the centre’s stores are taking part in this event, so if you looking for a perfect outfit or Christmas gift, it’s a good time to go. Fashion shows will be held on the hour, while Night At Pavilions will showcase some of the top brands including River Island, H&M, Zara, Mango and Next. The very glamorous Glenda Gilson (inset) will be there to open the shows. Xpose magazine scouts will be roaming the shopping centre on the look-out for the best-dressed lady, and there will be a €100 Swords Pavilions gift card up for grabs. Music will be provided by Carl Mulvey while the centre will also have music from the Dublin Choral Foundation. The foundation was set up almost two decades ago to promote the development of choirs of excellence, and to provide a musical education for children previously only available in the cathedral choral tradition. They will be preforming some favourite Christmas carols on the night, making this not to be missed.
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OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
ReelReviews
spectre
Hits a few Bond marks DOUBLE-oh seven returns for his latest adventure in Spectre (Cert 12A, 148 mins). Daniel Craig takes his fourth outing as the iconic gentleman spy with an edge, which sees Bond caught up in (yet another) globe-trotting conspiracy. The latest hightech, big-budget Bond tale isn’t short on spectacle, but its reliance on viewer familiarity with the recent films falls flat in places.
Near-destitute but wily Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith) and playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) become unlikely frenemies for many years at his house’s driveway
brooklyn
Tale resonates well AT LAST – an Oirish film that isn’t inherently hokey and awful. Brooklyn (Cert 12A, 112 mins) sees Saoirse Ronan caught between two worlds as a young Irish emigrant in the 1950s. Sibling assistance sees her start over in the eponymous New York neighbourhood, and romance blossoms. However, complications ensue, with new life choices pulling her heart home ... It’s a strong, engaging film.
burnt
Stinks more than a bit THIS half-baked drama sees hunk du jour Bradley Cooper providing hot stuff in the kitchen. However, Burnt (Cert 15A, 101 mins) isn’t a very tempting offering, with Cooper’s character serving up one cliche after another. Wealthy bad boy chef trying to turn his life around and be the best with his mustsucceed new restaurant, learning life lessons along the way? Check and pass.
The lady in the van: ‘true-ish’ clash of characters drives a great film
Entertaining eccentricity BASED on “mostly true” events, The Lady in The Van (Cert 12A, 104 mins) is the latest movie from the pen of accomplished playwright and English national treasure Alan Bennett. Starring the inimitable Maggie Smith as Miss Shepherd – the lady in question – the film covers a period of Bennett’s life in the late 1970s when he moved to London. Filmed on location at the house where Bennett resided, the plot is immediately and effortlessly engrossing: Bennett allows an elderly, itinerant woman who lives in the back of her van (inset, right) to park her clappedout vehicle in his driveway as an act of charity in order for her to secure some welfare benefits. He expects the stay to last for a couple of weeks, but to the chagrin of Ben-
Dave phillips
nett and his neighbours, she ends up staying for more than 15 years. Opening with Bennett (Alex Jennings) giving a florid description of Miss Shepherd’s particular odour (amongst other things: a blend of wet wool, raw onions, and lavender talc), we are initially compelled to watch out of a sheer, grotesque fascination. The laboured relationship between the pair is captivating – with the curmudgeonly Miss Shepherd knowing full well how to milk every drop of human kindness from the too-timid Bennett,
who for his part can never quite muster the courage to ask her to leave. It quickly becomes clear that deeper motives and desires are being fulfilled beneath the surface. With Bennett, we see a struggle in finding his place in the world, understanding his sexuality and managing his creative success. Bennett is a paradox – perennially apologetic, he soft-foots through life despite a deep inner desire to stomp, and he finds himself caring for a stranger, while unable to care for his declining mother. There is a touch of magic realism in the telling of The Lady in the Van, with Jennings often appearing on screen twice in the same shot. There’s Bennett the writer, perched omnisciently in a chair by the window, shaking his head
and gently goading the Bennett who is at an utter loss with how to get Miss Shepherd out of the habit of using the downstairs toilet. The back and forth between these two personas is littered with Bennett’s characteristically wry and acerbic insights into human nature. W hile Jennings – whose fame as an actor on stage far surpasses his work in cinema – is perfectly cast in this role and does an immense job, it is hard not to focus on the remarkable performance
of Smith. No stranger to the role, she has played Miss Shepherd in both a radio dramatisation and a stage production of The Lady in the Van. On screen, she is simply irrepressible. Underpinning the delightful obstinacy that makes Miss Shepherd such a captivating character is a potent sense of tragic fragility, and Smith is able to skilfully simultaneously embody both qualities. This teeters high in a career filled with amazing performances. Even allowing for an
ending that felt far toosyrupy for such an emotionally resonant second act, The Lady in the Van is a remarkable piece of film. It is a treat that unfolds tentatively, deepening as it goes; a heartfelt and whimsical journey back into a parochial past where the concept of community possessed a very different sense of meaning. Bolstered by the inherent comedy of the oddcouple situation that Bennett found himself in, there is room to explore the extraordinarily real relationship between two people from different generations, who are both split between their idealised and actual selves, and who both exist uncomfortably on the peripheries of society.
Verdict: 8/10
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OUT&ABOUT
fast
TRAVEL NEWS
Get your New Year off to a warm sunny start Ian Begley
It’s hard to think that Christmas is now less than eight weeks away and we’ll soon be ringing in another New Year. So why not start 2016 with a treat and get your New Year off to a warm sunny start by taking advantage of some of the January winter sun deals available with lowcostholidays? One of the destinations on offer is a seven-night stay in Lanzarote on January 16 at the 3-star Blue Sea Los Fiscos from €279 per person. Alternatively, travel to Tenerife on January 18 for seven nights at the 4-Star Inter Palace from €299 per person or the Gran Canaria on January 16 for seven nights at the 4-Star Blue Bay Beach Club from €329 per person. And for those really looking to spoil themselves this January, you can book yourself a sun holiday in Fuerteventura on January 16 for seven nights at the 5-Star Geronios Suite & Spa from €399 per person. Those opting for the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta will be happy to know that from €359 per person you can stay at the 5-Star Radisson Blu St Julian’s Hotel on January 16 for seven nights. Lowcostholidays Irish managing director Clem Walshe said: “January tends to be the most popular month as it’s great value and many holiday consumers like the idea of having a break in what most agree is the longest month of the year. “Forecasters are predicting one of the coldest Irish winters in many years so it’s not surprising we’re seeing a spike in demand for New Year breaks to the sun. “The Canaries tend to be the most popular destination for guaranteed sunshine with a healthy amount of discerning customers opting for the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta.” For more information on these destinations, visit www.lowcostholidays.ie
TRAVEL
radisson blu, Athlone : ‘we had a nightcap to settle our nerves as a fog crept in on halloween night’
Autumn retreat puts on spooky show for guests pearl phelan
IT could have been a summer’s day as we sat looking out on the Shannon and enjoying lunch at the Quayside Bar and Lounge at the Radisson Blu Athlone, but it was Halloween. It was a fine day for a barbecue on the riverside terrace. The relaxing start belied the excitement we were in for as the day unfolded. It is a handy journey from Dublin to Athlone by car, out the Galway road, or you can relax on the train, like we did. From the comfortable and central base, we explored the castle and town. The mighty Shannon divides the town in two, overlooked by the sturdy 13th century castle, which has seen many hard-fought battles to take control of the town. The visitor centre at Athlone Castle has stateof-the-art interactive experiences, which tell of the gruesome 1691 siege of Athlone. Video, sculpture and artefacts give an impression of how tough those times were. Macabre tales of bloodbath and massacre felt appropriate for the day that was in it. There are lots of opportunities for visitors to play dressup (not just at Halloween!), and get to grips with some weaponry of the era. Tickets cost €4 for children, €8 for adults and €20 for a family pass. Having worked up an appetite at the castle, the delicious dinner at
The Radisson Blu across the River Shannon on a summer-like Halloween day
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‘It is a handy journey from Dublin to Athlone by car, out the Galway road, or you can relax on the train’ --------------------------------------------------------
Elements Bistro did not disappoint. The contemporary space with bamboo screens and an interesting octagonal island hearth was an oasis of calm before our spooky
evening entertainment. The hotel played host to mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry. The Waterford-born showman played to a packed crowd, delighting us with
his mind-control tricks and hypnotising willing participants. I was blown away by the vigour with which audience members played their parts while under Barry’s spell. A woman, who was portraying an aggravated cleaner, was an absolute scream and nearly stole the show. I dare not reveal too much, suffice to say
the title Out of Control is not an exaggeration. After a nightcap to settle the nerves, we retired to our spacious accommodation overlooking the river as a heavy fog crept in. For more information about upcoming shows and deals at the Radisson Blu Athlone visit www.radissonblu.com/ athlone
12 November 2015 Gazette 25
26 BLANCH GAZETTE 12 November 2015
BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS DVD TRANSFERS
GARDENING
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HOMES
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
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Permission sought for Proposed single storey front porch extension with associated site development works at 21 Warren Close, Carpenterstown, Dublin 15 for Geraldine & Kenneth Casey.The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Fingal County Council, Planning Department during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of a prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
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BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS PAVING
ACTIVE PAVING
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ROOFING
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Gazette
28 gazette 12 November 2015
SPORT Garth and Joyce win top gongs
FastSport
cricket: annual awards celebrate the best of a memorable year
Genesis hosts tricks and sticks: GEN-
ESIS Hockey Club in Stillorgan is participating in the Irish Hockey Association’s Tricks4Sticks programme that aims at encouraging hockey clubs to link up with non-hockey playing schools to introduce the sport and increase the number of participants. The Tricks4Sticks programme for local schools is supported by the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport, HSE and Healthy Ireland. The current programme with pupils from St Raphaela’s Secondary School runs up tothe end of the year. Genesis is keen to establish links with secondary schools in the Stillorgan area and is now looking for schools that are interested in introductory hockey sessions. The programme is free for participating school and includes coaching sessions by qualified coaches. For more information, contact Sorcha Cunningham 083-1857701
sport@dublingazette.com
ED JOYCE, formerly of Merrion CC, and Pembroke’s Kim Garth have been rewarded for impressive international seasons by being named winners of the top priz-
es in the 2015 Hanley Energy Cricket Ireland Awards. Joyce, who was a previous winner in 2013, fought off tough competition from Sandymount native Andrew Balbirnie and North County’s John
Ed Joyce won the Irish men’s player of the year
Mooney to win the international men’s Player of the Year award. During the year, he became Ireland’s highest individual run scorer with a superb 231 in the InterContinental Cup win over UAE. He also scored a century in Ireland’s World Cup win over Zimbabwe - one of three victories for the Irish during the competition. Te e n a g e r G a r t h scooped the women’s Player of the Year award, beating off the challenge of Lucy O’Reilly and Cecelia Joyce. The Pembroke allrounder played a pivotal role in Ireland’s three match international series against world champions Australia,
Kim Garth
and was also to the fore with a number of strong performances in the ECB County Championship and T20 campaigns. Another star from that international series against Australia was YMCA teenager Gaby Lewis who is this year’s Sunday Independent Aengus Fanning Emerging Player of the Year. The 14-year-old has impressed in her first full season with the Irish Women’s side, and is certain to play a major role in Irish cricket in the coming years. Jack Tector is the 2015 Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy Player of the Year. The YMCA batsman had a breakthrough season scoring heavily in domes-
tic cricket which saw him gain elevation to interprovincial cricket with Leinster Lightning. He also led Ireland Under19s with great distinction as they narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification. Leinster Lightning skipper Mooney was instrumental in leading his side to a clean sweep of trophies at interprovincial level scoring centuries in both the T20 and Championship formats. He is the winner of the Hanley Energy InterProvincial Player of the Year. M o o n e y ’s f o r m e r North County colleague Eddie Richardson was to the fore with both bat and ball as he enjoyed a quite superb domestic
season. Richardson was the leading wicket taker in Leinster claiming 50 wickets, as well as scoring 434 runs. For these displays, he is a deserved winner of the O’Neills Club Player of the Year award. Former Ireland opening batsman Alf Masood will become the 12th inductee to the Cricket Ireland Hall of Fame, which is voted for by the Cricket Writers of Ireland. Masood joins fellow Irish cricketing legends Simon Corlett, Mike Halliday, Stephen Warke, Ivan Anderson, Gerry Duffy, Ginger O’Brien, Ossie Colhoun, Roy Torrens, Dougie Goodwin, Jack Short and Alec O’Riordan.
Trio from Crumlin club win big at world karate event sport@dublingazette.com
Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton and Jake Jackson
THREE members of the Irish Wado Ryu Federation have just returned from the WKC Karate and kickboxing world championships that were held in Albufeira, Portugal, producing a series of fine results. Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton and Jake Jackson have been training with each other for the last 18 years under the watch full eye of Sen-
sei Dan Donohue Sr. After three gruelling days of competition, the long-awaited world titles started to flow in. First to land a medal was Crumlin’s Walton, winning the Under-85kg light contact fighting title. Next, the club members took part in the three-man traditional team kata, taking gold once again. They were also successful in winning the open team kata gold once again as part
of an overall team effort that landed seven world titles for Ireland. The team has been chasing the WKC world title for the last seven years, winning silver and bronze in previous attempts but their perseverance paid off. Indeed, for the Wado Ryu team, this was their fifth world championship bid. The club itself is a non-profit club based in St Bernadette’s parish centre in Crumlin.
The athletes are self funded –with support from Murray’s Pub in Inchicore – and the three were training seven days a week after and before work coming up to the championships. Anyone who would like to join them in training can do so on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm and Friday from 7.30 to 9.30pm. For further information, go to www.irishwadoryufederation.jimdo.com.
12 November 2015 gazette 29
Gazette
Cluskey calls time on tennis career
Swords man tells JAMES HENDICOTT about why he has stepped off the globe-trotting grind that is the international circuit after 15 doubles titles and nine Davis Cup call-ups JAMES CLUSKEY has retired from professional tennis with immediate effect. The Swords man represented Ireland in the Davis Cup and peaked at an impressive 145 in the world as a doubles player. He’s been playing professionally since he graduated in 2009.
There’s a sense of “it’s time” to how Cluskey describes the retirement. At just 28 years of age, the player’s physically capable of continuing, but tells GazetteSport that it’s “not been the best year, results wise” and that the day in and day out of training is becoming increasingly
Swords man James Cluskey has retired after a fine career on the pro tennis circuit
trying. “I’m struggling to covers costs,” Cluskey told us. “I’m still really enjoying the games, but I have to be honest with myself, I’m just not as motivated as I was. I’ve been travelling full time since 2010, and while it was a tough decision, it’s time to move on to something else.” The Irish tennis scene has come a long way since Cluskey started out. He recalls playing Parks Tennis games in Swords as a youngster, where Peter Clarke, who peaked outside the world top 200, was looked up to as being “from a different planet” He still lauds Park Tennis as his career’s starting point. Cluskey broke into the Irish side for the Davis Cup match for a game against Slovenia at just 19, an experience that he still points to as a career highlight, alongside his main draw ATP contests. He was only the third
Irishman to play an ATP main tour event, and particularly recalls playing alongside the likes of David Ferrer. “I was able to play Davis Cup for the last nine years, play for the LSU Tigers for four years, reach a career high ranking of 145, win 15 doubles titles including two challengers, play main draw in a few ATP 250 events and make many friends from all over the world along the way. “Not bad for a Parks Tennis boy from Swords. I never thought I was the most gifted tennis player but I love the sport and always gave my best,” Cluskey wrote on his Facebook wall. Talking to him in person, the retirement seems more of a slow grinding down - wanting to spend some time at home, wondering what’s going to come next and being keen to push on to it, being sick of relying on others
to continue playing and motivation issues. He describes the travel experience - which for all but the top players can be a solitary one - as being “great when you’re in places like Las Vegas, but really quite difficult after a while in places like China and Azerbaijan, trying to get yourself ready to play professional sport”. He gratefully thanks sponsors who include a public crowd-funding campaign last year, Tennis Ireland and Sport Council Ireland, all of whom were “great,” but asking for money started to become a drain, something pushing Cluskey out of the sport. His final game was a quarter final loss against Rafael Nadal’s Wimbledon conqueror Dustin Brown and Carsten Ball in Sweden, a game in which Cluskey admits the better team won, but also a fittingly high-level finish.
expertView Flair and physicality used to optimum effect by NZ For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, ex-Edinburgh and Marlboro player and IRANZ Level 5 rugby coach Dennis Bowes has shared his thoughts on the festival. FOR over a month, fans and beyond were glued to the World Cup, and what an amazing time it has been for world rugby. With no end of drama, skills and emotion, some dodgy decisions and strange calls on and off the pitch, it’s been a great advert for the sport. It’s shown the challenges to reach the top of the game are huge and also who the brave ones are that will change to get there. The two best teams played out a fantastic final in London. Finals are often nervous affairs and often this overshadows the quality of rugby due to the pressure. Even with the world watching, we got the best final from two teams who played the game with skill, flair and no little physicality. This was the New Zealand of old, performing under pressure after a wobble as their big game players grabbed the game and drove it home. With many players on the New Zealand team bowing out of international rugby is this the last we see of McCaw, Carter (pictured) and crew? For Australia, can they continue to build on this now and maybe come RWC Japan in four years’ time be the team to overthrow New Zealand? Maybe Japan can one better and make the last eight on home soil? What next for the northern hemisphere? Can we catch up? Can we change what do we do? And who will be brave enough to change? We will have new laws, new body shapes come the next world cup. Will we have a new number one? Will north catch south in the style of game? Four years will go quickly and let’s hope we have started to review our game and will we be brave and honest about how we need to change? Can our culture allow us to change our mindset? For now, let’s agree if we can that we want all of our rugby played like the finals, with skill and fun the top of the list.
Gazette
30 BLANCH gazette 12 November 2015
SPORT
Club Noticeboard
’knock nursery
WELL done to our senior hurlers, minor
Blanchardstown area and new mem-
Kilkenny and Hudson set to inspire youngsters
camogie team and the minor B football
bers and families are always welcome.
castleknock boast one of the largest
team on great wins in their respective
For further information and queries
championships on Sunday.
contact David on 085 8340169.
st brigid’s
Our minor football team are now
There was no lotto jackpot winner
through to the championship semi-
on Thursday. This week’s draw is in the
final.
Vineyard on Thursday, November 12
Hard luck to our U-13 girls football
with our €15,000 jackpot still in place.
team who were narrowly beaten by
Our reserve is now €10,800. See the
Lucan Sarsfields in the championship
club website to see were you one of the
final on Sunday.
10 Lucky Dip winners.
The U-21 hurling championship
St Brigid’s/Spleodar Irish club runs
starts this weekend. Our hurlers are
on Thursdays in the club hall from
at home against St Jude’s this Satur-
7-9pm. Open for all teenagers between
day at 2.15pm.
12 and 18, the cost is €3 per week.
The St Brigids nursery runs every
A great opportunity to practise
Saturday in Russell Park from 9.30 to
Irish for important exams and for
11am. We welcome all four- to seven-
enjoyment. More information is avail-
year-olds in the Castleknock and
able on the club website.
nurseries in the city with hundreds of children learning the skills of Gaelic Games in a fun and safe environment in Somerton Park and Tir Na nOg under the tutelage of new GPO Paul Hudson. Pictured at nursery is Dublin senior footballer and 2015 All-Star Ciaran Kilkenny and nursery sponsor Karen Clince, managing director of Tigers After School Care.
camogie: four second half goals secure title
castleknock THE club thanks the senior football
who were narrowly beaten by Clon-
management team, led by Enda Mur-
tarf in the championship semi-final.
phy, who have achieved promotion to
Also to our U-16 girls who went
AFL1 this year after winning the inter-
down by the narrowest of margins
mediate championship last year.
against Parnells. Great efforts by
After three excellent years with us,
both squads.
gaining two league promotions and
Our second adult footballers are in
one championship, the management
a promotion playoff away to Clontarf
team have decided to step down.
on Sunday at 11am and our second
The club are now looking for appli-
minor footballers are in the league
cations to manage and coach our sen-
final away against St Pat’s, Donabate
ior football team in 2016. Please apply
at 11am on Sunday.
to adult chairman Kevin McCambridge
Strictly Castleknock is back and
on 086 388 6608 or club secretary Lisa
takes place in Westmanstown on Sat-
at secretary@castleknock.net (086
urday, November 21. Good luck to all
102 2296) by Sunday, November 22.
involved as they prepare for the big
Hard luck to our minor footballers
night.
Naomh Peregrine HARD luck to the junior B footballers
league. Congratulations to the play-
who were beaten in the AFL9 league
ers, mentors and parents of both
final by St Pat’s, Donabate.
teams. The minor football champi-
The St Peregrine’s Under-14 camogie side that won the triple this year
Peregrine’s sparkle to land 2015 treble
Well done to the U-14 boys who
onship semi-final against Skerries
u-14 division 3 final
had an emphatic win in their football
Harps was abandoned after the pitch
league final against Scoil Ui Chonaill.
became unplayable. Foundation course commences on
St Peregrine’s St Pat’s nathan kelly
November 14 at 9.30-10.45am. There
sport@dublingazette.com
They gave a brilliant team performance and won by 5-11 to 1-5. Congratulations to the U-14 girls
are a few spaces available; contact
who won their camogie league final
John Lowndes if you wish to take
with a superb display against St Pat’s
part.
Palmerstown (4-9 to 1-4). The win completes a treble of winning the Feile, championship and the
The club AGM is on Monday, November 30 at 8.30pm; all paid up members are entitled to attend.
erin go bragh OUR AGM will be held on Monday, November 16 in the clubhouse at 8.30pm.
everyone who supported. Our Christmas Ball takes place on November 20 in Westmanstown and
Thanks to everyone who gave up
tickets are selling out fast. There will
their time to make the bag-packing
be dinner, band and DJ. Tickets are €30
fundraiser in Dunne’s Stores, Blan-
per head. Please contact Maggs on 087
chardstown a success. Thanks to
7871935 or Maggs118@gmail.com.
4-9 1-4
ST PEREGRINE’S Under-14 camogie stars wrapped up a remarkable treble winning season by clinching their league title last Saturday. A 4-9 to 1-4 win over St Pat’s meant Peregrine’s added the Division 3 title to their championship and Feile crowns from earlier this year. This game was the final fixture in the topfour playoff in Division 3 and was played in very
difficult conditions in Blakestown. Whether it was the weather or possibly some nerves coming into play, the hosts didn’t start particularly well and found themselves 1-3 to 0-4 behind at the break. Whatever manager Pat Heffernan said to his side during the interval seemed to work wonders, however, as they restricted Pat’s to just one further score in the second half and hit 4-5 themselves. Niamh Corcoran was one of the scorers in chief but, in truth, it was the overall performance of the team that saw the
Blanch outfit dominate the second half. Heffernan was delighted with his side’s display in the second half and gave his reasoning for their slow start early on. “I think they were a bit nervous going into the game, which probably forced a few mistakes in the first half,” he said. “But they settled into the game and the second half was much more like the performances we’ve seen throughout this season.” As mentioned, the league success adds to the championship and Feile glories achieved by
the team this year, both of which came thanks to wins over Erin’s Isle. Heffernan praised his young side for their dedication through what’s been a long season. “We’ve a great bunch of players here. They’ve worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment to not only matches, but their training throughout the year. “It’s been a long season, usually you start your league first and end it first but the way things have gone, ours has dragged on but it’s all worth it now,” said the manager.
12 November 2015 BLANCH gazette 31
Gazette
Soccer: graham scores four to land spoils from d15 derby
Verona storm to derby glory ddsl u-12 major 1 Verona St Mochta’s sport@dublingazette.com
9 1
BEN Graham produced a stunning quartet of goals as Verona defied the weather conditions to claim the spoils from their derby match with St Mochta’s. The local showdown was almost upstaged by the heavy overnight rainfall but it thankfully held off long enough for Coolmine Park to host an eventful match b e t we e n t wo g r e a t rivals. Both sides star ted with lots of early tackling in midfield which
resulted in an even opening period. A f ter 10 minutes, Verona started to take control of proceedings and deser vedly took the lead through the superb Ben Graham who scored the first of a four-goal haul and he would add a couple more before the interval. Indeed, his first was the pick of the bunch, a beautiful left foot lob from outside the box. Just before half time, Lee Brennan broke from midfield to canon home from distance to give Verona a four-goal lead going into the break. The second period
began with a spirited fightback from the visitors who kept trying to play football and got their reward with a fine goal and almost another only for a full stretch save from Byron Cortez. The Verona defence held firm with solid performances from captain Keith Obaseki, Callum Lawless and Ross Mullen, protected at all times by the solid work in midfield from man of the match Daniel Hardy who battled admirably throughout. That protection laid the foundation for Verona to turn on the style and play some beautiful
FastSport
Mochta’s move top of the LSL Sunday Senior Verona’s Ben Graham
football which resulted in further goals from David Ubor and Ben Hilliard. Turning the screw, Mark Hughes and Josh Ryan linked well in midfield for Jeremiah Bamgbose to score from
close range following a delightful team move. Eric Yoro finished the scoring to cap off an outstanding performance from this team which is developing extremely well each week.
ST MOCHTA’S marched to the top of the LSL Sunday Senior with an impressive 3-1 win over Glebe North in midweek in Balbriggan. Goals from Gareth Cooney, David Somers and Lee Dixon maintained the winning run in the league. Brian McCarthy’s side have rattled off three successive wins and are now unbeaten in the last six league games winning five. Cooney opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a header from Ross Carrig’s delivery. Somers made it 2-0 on 55 minutes after Denis Moran sliced open Glebe’s defence with a diagonal ball. Glebe North pulled a goal back on 84 minutes but Dixon secured the three points soon after.
32 BLANCH Gazette 12 November 2015