Clondalkin by Dublin Gazette

Gazette CLONDALKIN

INSIDE: There’s neigh-where better than our

round-up of Dublin’s biggest stories in 2015 P4-11

Travel: First look at an Irish luxury sleeper train car that’s getting ready to wow Page 20

Cinema: Fashionistas make waves at In The Heart of The Sea Page 24

Spring for some of the very latest make-up to help brighten January

January 7-13, 2016

see page 18

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The best things in life are FREE!

Celebrating 30 Years of profitable partnership 2015 was a milestone year for Eir and Special Olympics Ireland as they celebrated 30 years of working in partnership. This is the longest Corporate Social Responsibility relationship of its type in Ireland. Throughout the year Eir has hosted a number of fundraisers and employee events to raise vital funds for Special Olympics Ireland.

It recently announced it has raised €266,157 for Special Olympics Ireland. Pictured are Carolan Lennon, Open Eir, with local athletes Thomas Caulfield and Michelle Stynes who represented Ireland at the Los Angeles World Games last summer. Picture: Maxwells

sport Rugby:

Clondalkin take down Lalor Cup title Page 30

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Heartless thief steals Christmas presents

People of Clondalkin come together to donate gifts and cash following robbery

 Ian Begley

Following the robbery of donated Christmas presents from Bawnogue Community Centre, the people of Clondalkin rallied together and raised thousands of euros worth

of gifts for sick children at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. 270 gifts worth €3,000 and €1,650 in cash were donated to the hospital in the aftermath of the robbery which happened on December 22.

Clondalkin Equine Club secretary Glenn Walsh said that a man walked into the community centre claiming to be a representative of the club who was collecting the presents on their behalf. Walsh vented his anger

on Facebook, which created an immediate response from many people offering their help. “Something very good came out of this awful incident,” he said. Full Story on Page 2

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7 January 2016

theft | man falsely collected presents on behalf of Equine Club

Community rallies to replace stolen gifts

 Ian Begley

Following the robbery of donated Christmas presents from B aw n o g u e C o m m u nity Centre, the people of Clondalkin rallied together and raised

thousands of euros worth of gifts for sick children at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. In what is being described as a Christmas miracle, 270 gifts wor th €3,000 and

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€1,650 in cash were donated to the hospital in the aftermath of the robbery which happened on Tuesday, December 22. Speaking to The Gazette, Clondalkin Equine Club Secretary and charity organiser Glenn Walsh said that a man walked into the community centre claiming to be a representative of the club who was collecting the presents on their behalf. “When I went to collect the gifts one of the girls at the community centre told me that someone had already come in to collect them. I told her that I was the only one with the authority to do that, but she said that the man claimed to be a member of our club. “She certainly would not have thought that anyone would stoop so low and steal the p r e s e n t s t h a t we r e donated throughout December for children in hospital.”

The community response to the robbery was amazing as gifts were donated to replace those stolen

Walsh added that when he realised what had happened he decided to post a message on Facebook to vent his anger. News soon spread around Clondalkin and there was an immediate response from people offering their help. “I was amazed at what happened. I wasn’t e x p e c t i n g a ny t h i n g when I posted the message, but people just rallied together and gave whatever they could. “One of the lads from the area, John K ing, rang me and donated

€500 from his ow n pocket. Everyone then just started chipping in and donating whatever they could. Bawnogue Amateur Boxing Club and My Lovely Horse Rescue were some of the few local groups who gave donations, and Corcoran’s Irish Bar in Paris gave us €300. We even got a donation as far as Australia from our friends living out there. “Even those that could not afford to give anything just came over to help wrap the presents or offered to collect the toys that people wanted

to donate. “The team of volunteers made their way to local toy stores and bought as many toys as they could, while many others donated toys of their own. We were also able to buy brand new presents for the hospital and eventually ran out of time and had €1,640 left over, which we’re going to give to the director of nursing at the hospital. “Something very good came out of this awful incident as we managed to give way more presents to the hospital

than we could have ever hoped for.” Offering his thanks to the people who donated, Walsh wrote on Facebook: “I’m sure you have all heard by now that some heartless fool stole the gifts that we got for the kids in Our Lady’s Hospital. “But the response from our community and further afield has been absolutely amazing. “We are very touched and grateful to each and every one who helped out with donations of cash and gifts, along with their time.”

Volunteers sought for St Patrick’s parade  Ian Begley After a successful campaign, the Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade will be back again this year and be held throughout Clondalkin Village. The theme for the festival is 1916 and festival organisers are hoping that many people will participate and come out on the day and make it a memorable event. According to parade organiser Cllr Fran-

cis Timmons (Ind), the 2016 Clondalkin St Patrick’s parade has the potential to be a great family day out, but will need the support of volunteers and community groups. He said: “After a lot of meetings the parade will now go back to Clondalkin village after a long absence, but obviously for this to happen we need help. “We need volunteers for many different roles, such as community groups, clubs

and organisations. “Please think about what part you can play and let us know ASAP. We also need volunteers to dress up as various characters to make the parade colourful and a great family day out. We need to get moving if a parade is going to happen in Clondalkin in 2016,” he said. To participate in the parade or to volunteer, visit www.clondalkinstpatricksfestival.ie.

7 January 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

report | cleanest areas were main streets and town centres

Tallaght tidies up its act – but only slightly, latest litter survey shows  Ian Begley The latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) deemed Tallaght to be moderately littered, ranking it 30th in the 40 towns and cities surveyed last year. The area did however see an improvement compared to last year’s survey when it was placed in the bottom three in the 2014 report. Sweet papers, cigarette butts, fast food wrapping and chewing gum were again the most prevalent forms of litter across the hundreds of sites surveyed. River walks/promenades, train stations and recycling facilities were

the sites most likely to suffer from litter, while the cleanest areas were main streets and town centres. Tallaght’s Cllr Martina Genockey (Lab) told The Gazette that the council and local residents were doing a lot of work cleaning up their area. She believes, however, that a lot more needs to be done. She said: “I think the council are doing a lot of work in relation to tackling litter, particular in illegal dumping and graffiti. “Communities have also been very supportive and do a lot of work cleaning up their area, but I still believe that illegal dumping is still a big problem and that more needs to be

done to tackle this issue.” IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan also commented on this year’s report, saying: “County councils need to divert resources into maintaining key routes free of litter, as here, unlike in towns, there are few volunteering groups to do the work for them. “It is time we binned the stereotype that we are inherently a dirty or untidy nation, and project our cleanliness as a real tourism asset. “With Failte Ireland looking to increase our tourist numbers in 2015 by almost 40,000 each month, we should set our sights on being among the cleanest countries to visit,” he said.

Tallaght was deemed moderately littered in a survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter

barnardos

Unwanted gifts are sought Barnardos has recently launched its annual unwanted gift appeal and is asking local residents to drop any unwanted gifts they may have into their Clondalkin village store. The unwanted gifts that will be sold in their shop will help raise money for Barnardos who work with over 11,300 children and families. Bernadette Harrington of Barnardos said: “We’ve all received a Christmas gift at one time or another that we could do without. “In Barnardos shops we sell everything from clothes, shoes and accessories, to household goods, children’s toys, CDs, DVDs and books – all supporting our work with children and families around the country.”

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4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7 January 2016

2015

Gazette review of the year that was from around dublin

TOP STORIES: october to december

Blaze deaths cast sombre mood over final months OCTOBER Nation shocked as blaze kills 10 in Carrickmines

DUNDRUM: THE community of Carrickmines mourned the tragic deaths of 10 Travellers who were killed in a blaze at a temporary accommodation in Glenamuck. Three separate families were caught up in the fire – the Gilbert, Lynch and Connors families. Five of the deceased were children aged under 10, including a six-monthold baby. One pregnant woman, Tara Gilbert, also perished. Two boys – four-yearold Thomas Connors and six-year-old Michael Connors – were left orphaned. In the days that followed, a division appeared when a new temporary site was earmarked for the survivors. Residents of Rockfield Drive, off Glenamuck Road, staged a blockade to prevent works being carried out by the council to house the Travellers. After weeks of protests, Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down County Council announced that a car park owned by the council would be used as temporary accommodation for the surviving families of the Carrickmines tragedy.

Dublin’s oldest house revealed CITY: THE oldest house in Dublin was revealed, at Thomas Street. Dating from 1639, No 130 – although unremarkable from its exterior – hides stunning details from the 1600s, including a beautiful early staircase. The house’s unusual roof and chimney were noticed by Dublin Civic Trust Officer Graham Hickey on Google maps, and he then gained access to the house, discovering the beauty within. Hickey applied to Dublin City Council to have the building listed as a protected structure. The house was bought by builder Paul Sinnott in March 2014, who then had samples of wood from the house sent to Belfast to be dated, revealing it to be from 1639.

There was finally some good news for councillors approving extensive reno-

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Sinnott now plans to make the house into apartments, while conserving its original features.

€2.4bn Metro North ready to roll – in 2027 SWORDS: THE fabled and long-awaited Metro North project was put back on the table as it was included in the Government’s €27bn Capital Plan. However, commuters weren’t jumping for joy, as the project won’t be built till 2027. With a cost of €2.4bn, works will commence in 2021. This optimised version of the original plan will be a 16.5km light rail connecting St Stephen’s Green to Swords, via Dublin Air por t. There will be 14 stations between Swords and St Stephen’s Green, and almost 8.5km of the route will run in a tunnel from St Stephen’s Green to Griffith Avenue, and under the airport. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the announcement, while Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said he wouldn’t be get-

d Glenn Walsh, secretary of the Clondalkin Equine Club, with Una. The horse became the focus of attention Michael and Thomas Connors were left orphaned by the blaze at a

in the area after she was found

Traveller site in Carrickmines which killed 10 people in October. The

abandoned and severely injured

nation was shocked by the tragedy, which once again highlighted the

in a field. Happily, she made a full

poor housing conditions experienced by many Travellers.

recovery and has found a home.

ting too excited as he saw it as nothing more than an election promise.

NOVEMBER Anger at cost of modular housing CITY: THE cost of the 22 modular houses under construction in Ballymun came under fire as it was revealed that each unit was costing an average of €191,000 to build. Dublin City Council announced that it had entered into a contract with Western Build-

ing Systems, from Co Tyrone, to build 22 units on a site in Poppintree, Ballymun. There was shock and indignation when it was announced that the units would cost around €4.2m in total.

Happy ending for a lovely horse CLONDALKIN: THE sad story of an abandoned horse who was severely malnourished and left trapped in iron railings at a field in Fonthill earlier in 2015 came to a happy

conclusion this month when the fully recovered horse was given a new home. The grey mare, who has since been named Una, suffered serious injury after trapping herself in a section of an iron fence that had fallen onto the ground. Local horse charity, My Lovely Horse, travelled to the site to free her. She then underwent an emergency operation and was sent into rehab on a small farm in Kildare. Glenn Walsh, secretary of the Clondalkin Equine

Club, has since given Una a new home, saying that she’s now in full health and in great form.

Rundown baths to be restored DUN LAOGHAIRE: COUNCILLORS council gave the final goahead for Dun Laoghaire Baths to undergo extensive restoration works. The plan is to redevelop and revamp the site, following its closure two decades ago. As part of the plans, the Victorian bath house will

d

the dilapidated Dun Laoghaire Baths, with

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vation works for the disused Victorian landmark.

be restored, and a new walkway will be created connecting Newtownsmith and the East Pier. There will also be water features, sea bathing jetties and landscaped areas. Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind), who proposed the adoption of a report that was published by the council in March to develop the baths, said he was delighted that the much loved site in Dun Laoghaire would be redeveloped. Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBPA) also welcomed the decision.

DECEMBER Gardai note a big rise in assaults This unassuming Thomas Street building (centre) was revealed as Dublin’s oldest house, dating from 1639

S W O R D S : G A R DA I revealed that Swords and Malahide saw sig-

nificant increases in the number of assaults committed in 2015, when compared to 2014. 2014 saw 20 assaults causing harm in Swords and one in Malahide, while 2015 saw 32 in Swords and nine in Malahide – an increase of 49%. This was according to a Swords/Malahide Sub District report presented to the Fingal Joint Policing Committee by Superintendent Gerard Donnelly. In his report, Supt Donnelly noted: “A large number of incidents [were] associated with late night venues and environs.” H e s a i d we e ke n d patrols had been introduced across the district, utilising uniform and plain clothes patrols.

Planning agreed for horse facility CLONDALKIN: SOUTH Dublin County Council granted planning permission for a new stateof-the-art equestrian facility to be built in Ballyowen Park, off the Fonthill Road. This new development came as welcome news to the Clondalkin Equine Club and local horse owners who have no suitable land to look after their horses. The 1.32 hectare site – currently under the ownership of the council – will consist of 20 equine stalls, ancillary facilities, an exercise paddock and a car park. C l l r G i n o K e n ny (PBP), who has worked closely with the equine club over the past three

years, said: “There has always been a long tradition of horse ownership in Clondalkin, particularly in north and south west Clondalkin. “This facility will give young and old a place that’s affordable and accessible in the locality.”

Energy utility first to offer a ‘living wage’ DUNDRUM: A BUSINESS based in Leopardstow n was the first in the country to become a “living wage” employer, guaranteeing all its employees a wage of at least €11.50 an hour from January 1. Energy utility SSE Airtricity announced it would be the first large

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7 January 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11

corporate business in Ireland to become such an employer from the start of the new year. A l m o s t 75 0 s t a f f across SSE’s businesses in Ireland will receive the living wage rate, as implemented by the Labour Party, which is designed to ensure that people can cover their basic cost of living including housing, bills, food and work travel. Dublin South Labour deputy Alex White said: “Our living wage initiative demonstrates Labour’s determination to ensure that the recovery delivers improved living standards for all our citizens. “SSE’s announcement shows that large, successful corporations also see the value of paying their staff a living wage.”

12 clondalkin Gazette 7 January 2016

new year resolutions | politicians tell the gazette what they hope for in 2016

Reward volunteerism and seek a political revolution

Representatives plan a year of hard work and vow to continue advocating for voters Work and campaign harder on social justice issues  Cllr Francis Timmons Ind

My new year’s resolution is to get more exercise and walk more, I am also going to work and campaign harder on social justice issues, and I am also going to campaign for a left Government and an end to austerity and a fair recovery for everyone in our society. I will be working of the Right2Change principals that I have signed up to. I am going to work hard on poverty issues so no child goes to bed hungry at night. I am committed to

A political revolution on the streets and at the ballot box To reward and recognise volunteerism at every opportunity I get

 Cllr Gino Kenny

 Cllr Emer Higgins fG

THIS YEAR, 2016, will b e h i s t o r i c i n m a ny ways. The 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising has still political parallels in contemporary Ireland. My new year’s resolution is to see that revolutionary spirit resurrected again not in militaristic terms but a political revolution on the streets and at the ballot box in this year’s General Election. Solidarity!

MY NEW year’s resolution is to reward and recognise volunteerism at every opportunity I get. Volunteerism is the key ingredient of community spirit and organisations, clubs and groups right around our county show bucket loads of both. From groups like the RAMs, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, the Rathcoole Community Council and ReNewcastle through to the dedicated and skilled members of the Civil Defence, volunteers throughout our county make a hugely significant contribution to our communities and to society as a whole. It was great to see our council host an awards ceremony this year recognising that; and it’s my new year’s resolution to advocate on behalf of volunteers - the back bone of our communities.

People Before Profit Alliance

working and developing Clondalkin Helping Homeless so no one in our area goes to bed hungry. With every new year, new hope and new dreams being possible, I want to use my position more as a councillor to highlight mental health issues and promote and campaign for equality for everyone. I will be busy planning my marriage to my partner in 2016 thanks to all those who said Yes to equality in the 2015 referendum. 2016 as the centenary year offers us an opportunity to think what type of society we would like to have and how we can move forward with tolerance and acceptance of everyone. I want to wish everyone throughout Dublin Mid-West a very joy-filled and prosperous 2016.

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7 January 2016 Gazette 13

dublinlife

feature

day in the life: aisleen green loves animals

Job in the zoo is a keeper for Aisleen

 ian begley Zookeeper and veterinary nurse Aisleen Green has quite the nonconventional day-to-day life, as one can imagine. Working with some of the most dangerous and exotic animals in the world each day may sound like a very unnerving job for many, but for Green it has become her passion. This week, The Gazette caught up with the Dublin-based zookeeper to see what a day in her life entails.

“I start work at about 8am and begin my day by meeting up with everyone to discuss what needs to be done. “I work on the far side of the zoo which covers the big cats, the primates, and the wolves. I could be working on any one of these areas on any given day. “I go around the zoo and check that all of the animals are well, healthy and in good form. You also have to do a count just in case one of them has gone for a little wander.

“The majority of our cats have access to their main habitat the entire time. T he only time we would have them locked in their enclosures would be during high winds. “We have seven Asian lions, two Sumatran tigers, three snow leopards, three more tigers and four grey wolves. “Each morning they would usually come over to greet us and wait to be fed. We have at least two doors between us and them at all times and would feed them

either horsemeat, pork or chicken. “We put their food out in their habitat and place it high in the trees or else hide it somewhere so they get great exercise and keep busy throughout the day. Once they’re fed, the lions and tigers are like your typical domestic cat and just find a nice sunny spot somewhere and go to sleep.” Green added that some of the lions and tigers she looks after have taken a personal liking to her, but said she

A tiger cub on the prowl at Dublin Zoo and (inset) zookeeper and veterinary nurse Aisleen Green

always keeps in mind that they are wild and dangerous animals. “Segra, our female tiger greets me every morning at the fence. She rubs her face against it just like a domestic cat. It’s very cute, but I have to remind myself that she’s a tiger and not to give her

a rub. “Kuno, our first born Asian lion cub, is the biggest sweetheart you’d ever come across. He’s the first Asian lion to be born in Dublin Zoo so he holds a special place in my heart. “Most people think that they’re tame animals,

but in reality they’re not. They’re very dangerous and as a safety measure we don’t share any space with them at all. “It was a fairly steep learning curve, but it’s just been a brilliant job and I haven’t regretted anything since coming here,” she said.

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14 Gazette 7 January 2016

dublinlife

Some of the members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, who are moving from the RDS to the Round Room at the Mansion House in the city centre

music: collective on the move

Round Room to be a new base for orchestra THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is moving to a new city centre venue ahead of its upcoming spring season for 2016. The Limerick-based orchestra renowned for its diversity, energy and unique sound is moving from the RDS to the Round Room in the Mansion House for its Dublin concerts in February, March, and April. The concerts will commence at 7.30pm in the new central location. The upcoming concerts taking place in the Round Room include Gabor Takacs-Nagy, the ICO’s principal artistic partner/ conductor, introducing Death & The Maiden – a programme featuring liturgical music of beauty by Pergolesi, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert, and sung by soprano Ailish Tynan on Wednesday, February 10.

March will see a celebration of the beginning of a three-year collaboration between the ICO and one of the world’s up-andcoming pianists, Russianborn Igor Levit, who will perform a Mendelssohn and Mozart piano concerti on Wednesday, March 16. Levit will perform Mendelssohn’s popular Piano Concerto No 1 alongside his long-lost Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. Works by Widmann and Weber will also feature. This coincides with the commencement of a three-year international ICO residency in Heidelberg, Germany beginning in April. The ICO will dedicate its April concerts to the 1916 Centenary celebrations, with a commemorative programme featuring works by Irish composers with themes of love, loss and transience.

Renowned stage and screen actor Des Keogh, of Ryan’s Daughter fame, will present this intimate and nostalgic mix of music, songs and poetry featuring special guests on Wednesday, April 6. The ICO will take to the road in May, bringing their Magic of the Movies tour to venues in Mayo, Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Sligo. Directed by Katherine Hunka, the programme features music from classic scores as well as today’s most popular soundtracks, and features renowned composers such as Bernard Hermann, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini and Michel Legrand. The ICO is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, and is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/ An Chomhairle Ealaion.

7 January 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

diary

Go on, go on – give up the oul gargle! The Irish Heart Foundation is asking the public to go on, go on, go on the dry this January for the second year running. F a t h e r Te d a c t o r Frank Kelly joined by the RTE 2FM Breakfast Republic crew Jennifer Maguire, Bernard O’Shea and Keith Walsh, are channelling Mrs Doyle to ditch the booze for January and give their New Year a healthy kick start. T he campaign not only raises vital funds for the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke in every corner of the country, but those who sign up to take part and tell their family and friends, have

a greater chance of realising their goal to make a healthy beginning to 2016 and reaping the health benefits they desire, than if they go it alone. Giving up alcohol for a month can help improve sleep, energy and weight loss. In a survey of last year’s participants, 62% said they had better sleep and more energy after taking part, 49% reported losing weight, 79% saved money and 82% said they felt a sense of achievement. Visit onthedry.ie to sign up.

new attractions at Funderland This year ’s Winter

Funderland has already been very well received by excited thrill seekers nationwide. Open until Sunday, January 11, this year sees the arrival of three brand new attractions among over 50 other established rides and attractions. T hese include the child friendly Dumbo, Magic Circus and the thrilling Ultra Buzz. One of the largest indoor events of its kind in Europe, Winter Funderland features thrilling rollercoasters and a giant Ferris wheel alongside the well-known rides like Extreme, Snowdrop and Take Off. With top of the range attractions catering for

Actor Frank Kelly joins the 2FM crew Jennifer Maguire, Bernard O’Shea and Keith Walsh and ditches the booze. Picture: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

all ages Bounceworld, The Fun Factory and the Crazy Worm rollercoaster will be sure to capture the hearts and imagination of those younger family members. For those visitors who

prefer to keep their heart pace at an even keel, there will also be an area filled with games of skill and the chance to win one of the famous Winter Funderland soft toys. For more information,

visit www.winterfunderland.ie

big brother seeks housemates Exhibitionists are gearing up for the chance to appear on the new

series of Big Brother this summer 2016. Open calls are taking place in the city centre on January 15, 16 and 17 2016 for exciting, outgoing and stand out characters for what producers are promising will be the “biggest, boldest and best series yet”. If you, or someone you know, would make the perfect housemate and want the experience of a lifetime spending a summer in the UK’s most famous TV house and a chance to win a life changing amount of money, then call 0044 208 222 4429 to book a slot and meet the team and show them why you should be a Big Brother UK housemate in 2016.

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16 Gazette 7 January 2016

dublinlife

feature

families: report details scale of online lives

Campaign to keep children safe online  ian begley A NEW digital trend report has revealed that 17% of children in first class have reported interacting with strangers online and have experienced cyber bullying, according to Zeeko, an Irish company that educates parents to teach their children how to stay safe online. In 2015, Zeeko visited more than 45 schools across Ireland, providing training for children, parents and teachers, and

surveyed 2,200 children about their online activities. When asked “if they had ever been cyberbullied or experienced cyberbullying happening to people around them”, 26% of second class students and 34% of sixth class students said they either had, or knew someone who had been cyberbullied. Some 15% of first class children, 26% of third class children, 24% of fourth class children and 23% of fifth class children

said they had been cyberbullied or knew someone who had been cyberbullied. In addition, 54% of sixth class students admitted to speaking to a stranger online. The report also highlighted that 50% of children in fifth class spend one or two hours a day on “screen time”, and more than 30% of first and second class children are spending one or two hours a day in front of screens. Zeeko is launching a crowdfunding campaign,

with a target of raising €5,000 for its internet safety guide for parents and educators – a digital copy of which will be distributed to all 3,300 schools in Ireland this year. Speaking in relation to the report, Joe Kenny, Zeeko founder, said: “Some of the results of this report indicate that children as young as six and seven are creating their own online digital relationships by interacting with strangers online. “This should be of

A new report outlines the time that children are spending online, and also outlines their exposure to strangers and cyberbullying

concern to parents and educators. The internet is a great resource and has enormous potential in the education setting as we know it; however, there are also many risks online, especially for children. “Our advice to parents is that the best thing they can do is teach children how to navigate the inter-

net safely. The feedback from parents attending our seminars is very positive. Parents are looking for information and guidance in this area,” he said. Speaking about the Zeeko crowdfunding campaign to fund the publication of the Zeeko Internet Safety Guide for parents

and teachers, Kenny said: “We are asking people to back our campaign to get a digital copy of the guide into every primary school in Ireland. We need to raise €5,000 to do this. Those who contribute €15 or more will receive a printed version.” For further information, see www.zeeko.ie.

7 January 2016 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 cinema 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

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Can you help Claude find his new home?

The Stunning will play at The Button Factory on Saturday, January 30 at 8.30pm. Tickets are €25.99.

music: series of gigs and events set to take over temple bar

Toe-tapping radical trad

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

This month get your toes-a-tapping at a specially commissioned series of gigs and events as part of TradFest Temple Bar 2016 on January 27-31. This year’s festival is packed with headline concerts, presenting the cream of both Irish and international trad and folk artists in iconic Dublin venues, free concerts in intimate settings featuring five of the very best in Irish music, up close and personal, and a music trail which will allow festival goers to explore daily music sessions throughout the great pubs of Temple Bar. Some of the great acts lined up this year include The Fureys, Foster

and Allen, Gilbert O’Sullivan, The Whileaways, The Young Folk, Dougie McClean and more. To mark the centenary year there will also be a number of 1916 themed events at St Michan’s Church including: 1916: Visionaries and their Words on Saturday, January 30, photo exhibition, Dublin Burning on Sunday, January 31, and at City Hall there will be a musical performance entitled A Requiem for 1916 on January 31. Other niche aspects of the programme include Tradfringe, which is a taste trail of exhibitions, film-screenings, workshops, masterclasses and much more, and Tradkids, TradTastic Fun for all the Family; with a trad farm, family concerts, children’s club, children’s trad sessions and lots more.

As part of Tradkids, there will be a range of events designed especially for children and families on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 at The Ark. The venue will be the family hub for TradFest with events for ages two to 12 and their families and friends. Events will allow the kids to explore the world of trad, join in an open trad session, or try their hand at a new instrument or traditional crafts. According to organisers, the festival started out in 2006 as a small niche traditional music festival, which was a first for Dublin. “We wanted to create something special – a festival showcasing the cream of both Irish and international

trad and folk artists while also providing a stage to promote the next generation of Irish musicianship. From modest beginnings the festival has gone from strength to strength. The past decade has seen the festival grow in terms of size, ambition and musical breadth, with a line-up that now appeals to the purist and the merely curious alike,” they said. They added that the festival had evolved over the years and now also features artists from the worlds of folk, nu-folk, and even rock-and-roll. “We invite you to join us, to feel every note. This is more than just trad, we call it radical trad,” they said. For more information and a full programme of events, visit www.templebartrad.com.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Claude – a five-year-old male pit-bull cross with possibly a boxer. Claude is a real people person and would happily snuggle up to you all day. Unfortunately he had to have his tail amputated as he injured it badly from constantly wagging it and banging it off things. To compensate for this, he now wags his rear end and is affectionately know as wiggle bottom. Claude is very gentle but is also a very strong boy and will need a family who are able to manage his size and strength so he would be best suited to a home with older children. He does struggle with other dogs so would prefer to be the only dog in the home. Claude is very nervous around vets so will need a family who are willing to help him with this. If you think you could offer Claude a loving 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.

OUT&ABOUT uture nt Co €55 a r u La pe ie Jas Saint Yves ollector Ind eC Palett

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Gazette

18 Gazette 7 January 2016

Spring

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm 150ml €58

Lancome Correcteur Pro Ouvert concealer €39

Think

 mimi murray

Spring is just a mere month or two away (okay we’re being very optimistic here in Gazette land) and many new season colours will soon be available in the shops. While Christmas is all about strong, bold colours – red lips and darker smoky eyes, spring should be more fresh and subtle. Check out these new eye compacts from YSL in gorgeous pale colours and the packaging is just swoon. A good concealer is vital at this time of year. Let’s face it, we’ve all just been through a few late nights and under-eye circles and bags will be wiped out by this beauty from Lancome.

Lancome Miracle Cushion €38

Flormar CC Cream €11.95

Clarins Printemps MultiBlush €21.50

7 January 2016 Gazette 19

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RunLogic Hoka One One Clifton 2 €120

RunLogic Tech Garmin Sapphire Fenix 3 €599

RunLogic Adidas Wind Response jacket €55

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STYLE

Gazette

20 Gazette 7 January 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Belmond Grand Hibernian: company to provide overnight rail experiences

All aboard for a trip on Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train  Ian Begley

50% off fare for second guest For a limited period only, Royal Caribbean International have launched its All In package which offers 50% off their cruise fare for a second guest. What’s more, third and fourth stateroom guests will receive more than a third (35%) off their cruise fare on any cruise booked by February 29. All inclusive packages for the first and second guest includes the Royal Select Beverage Package for adults or the Royal Refreshment Soda Package for people under 18. People who book their cruise 57 days or more before their departure date will also obtain a reduced deposit of €70pp. This promotion is applicable to new bookings made before February 29 on selected 6+ night worldwide sailings, depar ting between Febr uar y 1 and December 31, 2016. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.ie

TRAVEL

Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train will take to the tracks in August 2016, and already there has been a lot of interest in the two, four and sixnight itineraries from Dublin through the Republic and Northern Ireland. The first images of Belmond Grand Hibernian’s carriages have now been released as the transformation into 20 luxury en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car gets

under way in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

World-class A team of 40 multiskilled craf tsmen at specialist outfitters Mivan Marine Ltd, will undertake 35,000 hours of work at the worldclass production facility in County Antrim preparing the train for its inaugural journey from Dublin on August 9, 2016. Belmond has a legacy of operating some of the world’s most famous trains including the

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman; building the company’s seventh luxur y train to exacting standards requires cutting edge technology mixed with traditional skills. “We chose to work with Mivan not only for their extensive experience but they have also shared our passion and vision for Belmond Grand Hibernian from the outset - it is very important to Belmond that we work with local experts and craftsman to create

a truly authentic train that reflects the spirit of the countries through which it will travel,” said Gary Franklin, managing director of Belmond Trains and Cruises. Belmond bought the 10 carriages and locomotive from Irish Rail earlier this year and began transformation of the mark three carriages into Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train. The work started with the mechanical engineering and painting of the exterior midnight blue and silver livery at

Brodie’s in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The carriages have been carefully transported back across the Irish Sea for this next stage in development

Design The interior design of the 10 carriages, by James Park Associates, reflects Dublin’s Georgian architecture with inspiration taken from the flora and fauna of Irish landscape. All interior furnishings are supplied by local businesses includ-

ing hand-crafted stone counters in the observation car from a Dublin-based company and wool blended carpets from Ulster. The designs all feature Belmond Grand Hibernian’s Celtic knot weaved throughout in colours matching the tartan of the counties after which the carriages are named including sleeper car Waterford and dining car Sligo. For more information or to make a reservation visit Belmond.com/ grandhibernian

Belmond bought the carriages and locomotive from Irish Rail earlier this year and began its transformation into Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train

7 January 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

HEALTH

Sharon pictured before and after her weight loss

The great health benefits of losing those extra pounds Robert Waldinger reveals why other people and social interactions are the key to our happiness

make a fresh start: New Year’s resolutions

Inspirational talks  Suzanne Sheehy

Having just entered a new year it’s time to make a fresh start. If you use social media, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you most likely come across memorable quotes being shared about new beginnings, fresh-starts. I have checked out TED talks (Technology, Entertainment, Design) an online website which posts short, powerful talks. Under the categories fitness, health, and happiness I have brought you the most uplifting, motivating and inspiring talks to help you keep your 2016 New Year’s resolutions whether this is your year to get back into shape or find what makes you happy. With fitness in mind I came across Christopher McDougall who is a marathon runner and author of Born to Run? He tracks down members of the reclusive Tarahumara Indian tribe

who have the ability to run ultra distances (over 100 miles) at incredible speeds. During his talk McDougall speaks of this tribe and humans desire to run. It will inspire you to put on your runners perhaps not for 100 miles but certainly enough to get you fit. Secondly, Matt Cutts: Try Something New for 30 Days. His words will make you think outside the box when choosing how to spend your time whether it’s something you have always wanted to do, writing a novel or starting a new fitness class you should do it. Cutts says 30 days is long enough to form a habit and stick with it. But if you end up disliking it 30 days will soon pass. It is impossible to ignore the importance of health and Andy Puddicombe’s talk All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes reminds us not to always be in a rush. With a never ending list to get through

we are distracted and we don’t take time to enjoy the present moment. Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment will help you in achieving optimum health. It’s often heard that you control your own happiness. So lastly Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness. Waldinger reveals data on true happiness and satisfaction. It’s neither fame or money but in fact good relationships that keep us happy and

healthier. If we are more socially connected to family, friends we tend to live longer. Also the opposite side of the coin he highlights the fact that those who are lonely and isolated are less happy and live shorter lives. Waldinger closes his talk with a quote from from Mark Twain. “There isn’t time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving, and but an instant, so to speak, for that.” The good life is built with good relationships. For more inspiring talks visit www.ted.com

Christopher McDougall explains why humans are built to move

It has been an amazing year for Sharon Carton, not only has she seen her daughter start secondary school, she has also lost five stone and can now wear her skinny jeans with style. “I am thrilled with my new waist line and with all the energy I have, by making small changes to the way I shop, cook and eat food, I am now feeling fitter and healthier than I have in years. “I love sports and have recently returned t o p l ay i n g s q u a s h which is something I love and can play with my daughter and enjoy together.” Sharon explains how for most of her adult life she has battled with her weight and has tried all diets in the book and could not shift it, her energy levels were at an alltime low and clothes shopping was a nightmare as she seemed to be in-between sizes. “My self-confidence took a battering and I knew I had to do something about this.” After seeing a poster for her local group at the end of her road for a few weeks, Sharon took it as a sign and joined her local Slimming World group on

January 3, 2015. Feeling a little embarrassed and apprehensive she arrived in the group but soon found that she was among l i ke m i n d e d p e o p l e who were there to listen and support you along the way. “I knew I could contact my consultant Fiona at any time and I also found the Slimming World website very helpful. “The fact that you don’t have to count calories and points and weigh and measure everything is fantastic, you lose weight without ever feeling hungry.” Sharon began to lose weight straightaway and received her Club 10 award by February 18. T his award is to celebrate 10% of your body weight being lost; this has great health benefits and is a huge boost to your weight loss journey. “My favourite slimming world meal is roasted tomato and basil soup, chicken lemon and garlic casserole and fluffy chocolate mousse. Enjoying all this and losing weight is great news. “One of my joys in life is eating out and I

found restaurants to be very accommodating by substituting chips for baked potatoes or other vegetable options I was probably making healthier choices. “Of course I got discouraged at times but the group were always there for support and encouragement in times of need. “I feel very confident that I can maintain my new weight, I never want to be the ‘old me’ again. “Clothes shopping is such a pleasure now I will continue to go to the group on a regular basis and I also make much healthier choices. “My extended family are delighted to have ‘an energetic’ me nearby and I have the energy and the confidence to have a very full and happy life, we love to travel and I know I will be very happy in my summer clothes this year and will shop and pack suitcases with pride and delight.” Sharon attends Slimming World in St Sylvester’s infant school, Malahide, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm her consultant is Fiona Riordan and can be contacted on 087 1901559.

Gazette

22 Gazette 7 January 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD

Bijou

European menu

Rathgar village Bijou in Rathgar village has always been a reliable and decent mid-range bistro

The Picky Eater’s jewel  Shane Rigney

Food Vlogger

Bijou in Rathgar village has been a favourite of the neighbourhood restaurant scene for years, serving faithfully the locale of Rathgar, Terenure and the environs of D6W. In a rather gastronomically underserviced pocket of Dublin, Bijou has always been a reliable and decent mid-range bistro. Last Sunday, myself and a mate headed over for an early bird, we were in the mood for something greasier but wanted to stay as close to home as possible. I live in Terenure and as bedraggled as we were from the festive exertions the night before, a trip to town or even Ranelagh seemed like a donkey trek. So to Bijou it was. The room was twinkly and sparkly and full of leftovers from family Sunday lunches and Christmas

catch ups, those oncea-year occasions with friends and loved ones that leave you wondering why you don’t see each other more often. It was warm and inviting and exactly what we needed to salve our selfinflicted weariness. With coats taken, bums on seats and a glass of restorative red in hand all in seven minutes - we were coming back to life and greedily perusing the menu. As I said Bijou is a neighbourhood foodie s e c u r i t y b l a n ke t s o nothing too weird or wonderful pops off the menu. The early bird had a traditional Christmas turkey and ham dinner, a steak and chips, baked salmon, supreme of chicken and confit leg of duck. T he a la car te is much the same with a little more flesh on the bones. I opted for the duck

and the mate had the C h r i s t m a s d i n n e r, ordered with an apologetic shrug of his shoulders. I told him to have what he fancied and that this was no time for experimenting. He made the right choice! The turkey and ham where soft, succulent and came sandwiching a delicious chestnut stuffing. Perfect goose fat roasters, sausage meat cake, tender parsnips and lovely al dente sprouts all drowned in a light densely flavoured gravy made for satisfying and nostalgic ooohs and aaahs. I fared worse with the duck and had a classic case of “I want what you’re having” as soon as I saw mine. I love anything confit and especially a duck leg but whilst the meat was tender it hadn’t been confited long enough or finished in

the oven to impart that sensational fat to the skin and to crisp it just right. T h e m e a t h a d n ’t taken on the f lavour in the cooking process and it was just a poorly roasted duck leg. The accompaniments were ill advised, the sweet potato mash was under seasoned and the sweetness overpowered

The duck failed to impress

the flavourless meat. I was at a loss as to what to do with the mound of watery spinach and what should have saved it was the red wine shallot jus but this was under reduced and bland. I rarely push my food around the plate looking for a redeemer but that’s what happened here and I had a burger

on the way home. We had a brownie with ice cream to share for dessert which was really lovely and gooey and sticky and all the better after my disappointing main. The Christmas dinner was great value at €17.95 and my duck was a fair €22, had it been done a little better. With a bottle of

soothing and full bodied cabernet merlot and a coffee the bill came to €72. With such a great atmosphere and really lovely staff, I’ll be back in Bijou soon no doubt for a great quality family Sunday lunch or quick early bite. I’ll know what to have next time. Bijou, 46-47 Highfield Rd, Dublin 6.

7 January 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

Quentin Tarantino’s new western, The Hateful Eight boasts an impressive cast. Inset: Leonardo Di Caprio is in Oscar-winning form in The Revenant

upcoming films: check out the top movies we’re anxious to see in 2016

Sneak peeks at the year ahead It is a fresh year for film, and while the blasting horns of The Force Awakens will still be ringing out in cinema screens for some time to come, there are plenty of huge films due in 2016, some of the most i m p r e s s i ve l o o k i n g releasing in the coming weeks ahead of the Oscars in February. Two firm favourites which will hit screens almost immediately are Creed and The Hateful Eight. Ta r a n t i n o ’s l o n g awaited The Hateful Eight finally gets to our screens, promising buckets of the director’s well-established and undeniably entertaining style. It is after the American Civil War and eight bounty hunters find themselves in close proximity when they are forced to shelter from a

 Dave phillips

blizzard. Starring Tarantino favourites like Samuel L Jackson, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, The Hateful Eight boasts an incredible cast, an intriguing plot, and an ingenious director - making this one a must-watch. Also looking exciting, Creed sees Sylvester Stallone step back into the boots of Rocky Balboa, this time to coach the son of his former rival Apollo Creed. The seventh film in the franchise looks to pass the torch and reignite a new era of legendary fights.

But what looks to undoubtedly relish some award limelight is Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s The Revenant. The director of Birdman and Babel pushes the limits in a dark story of frontier revenge starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Domhnall Gleeson. While Inarritu has managed to bag three Oscars, The Revenant may yet be the vehicle that will supply DiCaprio’s first. Post-Oscars we can expect the first smattering of superhero films before the now traditional summer deluge. Amid the inevitable premature reboots and so-so spin-offs this year looks to offer a handful of more intriguing comic book films, particularly coming from the DC Universe.

M ay w i l l s e e t h e release of Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. And while director Zack Snyder ’s 2013 Man of Steel was disappointing, there is something interesting about Ben Aff leck stepping into the role of Batman alongside Henry Cavill’s Superman. Affleck will don cape later in the year for David Ayer’s supervillain ensemble piece Suicide Squad. Featuring Jared Leto as the Joker and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad looks to offer a welcome spot of darkness amid the Summer blockbusters when it is released in August. Following last year’s Bridge of Spies, Stephen Spielberg and Mark Rylance will work together again on in a

much more fantastical setting in the world of The BFG. A long-time children’s favourite, Roald Dahl’s novel provides fertile soil for some classic Spielberg adventure. And we are bound for another nostalgic trip with Paul Feig’s reboot of Ghostbusters. Reuniting with several of his Bridesmaids cast, and with many of the 1984 Ghost Busters cast involved, this newest rendition may well match the original in terms of action and humour. Back to the real world for two final films, we revisit the American Civil War in a much more grounded way in Gary Ross’s The Free State of Jones. While much of this one remains a mystery, the combination of Ross (The Hunger Games,

Pleasantville) and Matthew McConaughey is certainly garnering plenty of interest, with a release date pegged for early summer. Expect core American ideals to be examined in Oliver Stone’s Snowden – which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the CIA employee turned whistleblower.

The veteran director has long had an interest in American politics and looks to continue exploring the themes of justice and freedom with this release in May. It is plenty to keep us distracted until the next helping of Star Wars – Rogue One – hits the screens in December.

Batman and Superman do battle

24 Gazette 7 January 2016

Gazettegallery

| Waves of sea salts and film buffs wash up at the

Victoria Balandino and Natallia Zhahlova

Brent Raynor and Hilary Johnson are all smiles at the Irish premiere screening of In the Heart of The Sea

Jenny Dixon

Daiva Juskyite and Ilona Turauskaite

Colin Dowling and Deirdre Kenny

7 January 2016 Gazette 25

savoy cinema to enjoy in the heart of the sea â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s first screening in Ireland

Sarah Conroy and Steph Dickinson

Anita Nikolaisen

Michael Lavelle and Jolanda Kawalec

Whale of a time as true tale unfolds

Suzanne Kennedy and Isabel Mullarney

Paul and Niamh McMahon

Joyce Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly and Gavin Carberry. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

26 clondalkin gazette 7 January 2016

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28 gazette 7 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport Shels keep winning run going in wnl: SHELBOURNE Ladies inflicted a first league defeat of the women’s National League season on Galway WFC with Rebecca Creagh striking in either half in a 2-0 win in Drom last Sunday. Creagh found the net for the first time this season on 36 minutes before sealing the three points five minutes before full-time. The result sees Shelbourne join Wexford and Galway at the top of the table with nine points each. Elsewhere, the Sunday ties between UCD Waves and Kilkenny United WFC and Cork City WFC versus Peamount United were both postponed due to unplayable pitches. Both games will be re-arranged in due course. They are among a number of refixes in the competition due to the ongoing inclement weather with three rounds of pre-Christmas games also falling foul of the conditions, making for a hectic few months.

hockey: templeogue’s o’donoghue features among rising stars

Shane on world’s shortlist  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

THE FAMOUS firsts keep rolling for Irish hockey following a breakthrough 2015 in which the men’s national team qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908. They followed up that success with a bronze medal at the European Championships in London. It has led to the sport receiving its first nomination for RTE awards in both the team of the year and coach of the year – Craig Fulton. In addition, Dubliner Shane O’Donoghue – for Rising Star of the Year – and Cork’s David Harte – in the goalkeeping category – have become

the first Irish men ever to be nominated for world player of the year awards. For O’Donoghue, who hails from Templeogue and played for both Glenanne and UCD, he hails his nomination as “a massive achievement and something I never imagined before”, admitting that it came as something of a shock despite a brilliant year in central midfield. His form saw him win player of the tournament at World League Round 2 in San Diego before being the anchor in midfield in World League 3 in Antwerp and scoring the final penalty stroke in a 4-2 win in London to rubber-stamp the Euro bronze.

Speaking about what raised him to such a level, O’Donoghue told GazetteSport that his move to play hockey on a full-time, professional basis with the Dragons club in Belgium was a crucial factor. “Obviously 2015 was a successful year for the team. For myself, individually, making the move to play professionally over in Belgium was a big part of it. “I was in a squad, playing a big role, with world class players training at a really high level every week. That gave me a good foundation for 2015 and allowed me to express myself and play some of my best hockey to date in the World League and the Euro-

Shane O’Donoghue in action against Argentina. Picture: Adrian Boehm

pean championships.” He said that this was a catalyst to become a more central figure in Fulton’s panel. “I took it upon myself to become one of the key players in the team, using the confidence of being a key player with a big club team in Europe to get there. “I have been in and around the Irish scene since I was 17 but really have got into it in the last few years. When I was in as a youngster, you do try and keep the head down

and maybe hold back. But your natural talent and ability is why you are there in the first place. “With the more international games you play and the training you do, it makes a big difference. Being scouted by Dragons was a big thing and instilled a lot of confidence in me to perform well for both club and country.” “A f ter an initially tough transition, after you see the way the guys train and play, you see there is no reason I can’t

do it and I backed myself to be as good as anyone in the team – physically and mentally – and make the games. When you are full-time, focusing fully on the game is the only way you can do it. It is a nice lifestyle to play the sport you love and devote yourself fully to it.” The Rising Star of the Year award is decided by public vote via the following link: http://fih. ch/global-stars/hockeystars/. Voting is open until January 26.

Howth’s Elmes and O’Sullivan claim world bronze  sport@dublingazette.com

Colin O’Sullivan, Douglas Elmes and coach Ross Killian following their medal success

HOWTH Yacht Club’s Douglas Elmes and Colin O’Sullivan secured a bronze medal at the Youth World Sailing Championships last Sunday, capping a remarkable year for Irish sailing. The Howth duo’s medal is Ireland’s third in four years – it is, however, the first medal achieved in a two-person boat since Laura Dillion and Ciara Peelo achieved the feat in 1996. The Howth Yacht Club team

held off a much fancied Australian pairing to finish a point ahead and take the bronze medal for Ireland. The pair started the week brightly, claiming a number of top 10 finishes, including a first place on day two. With mixed conditions on the race course, skills were truly tested. All week, Elmes and O’Sullivan progressively climbed the leaderboard to secure third place heading into the final day’s racing. After a tense final race where the Aussies mounted a strong

challenge, ultimately the boys were not going to be denied their podium position. The Irish Sailing Association’s performance director, James O’Callaghan said of their result: “2015 has been a fantastic year for Irish youth sailing. “Doug and Colin’s result is the standout of many great performances. Success at the youth worlds is rare and with the largest fleet ever to compete, this year’s championships were tougher than ever.” Following this result, Elmes and O’Sullivan’s 420 coach,

and former Olympian, Ross Killian, described the path to their success: “Doug and Colin have been working really hard for the last two years to podium at this regatta. “The last few months have been particularly challenging from a training point of view with all the storms at home, but at every opportunity the guys were on the water. “This really paid off this week, where they showed great control on the water at the most challenging and unique of all youth regattas.”

7 January 2016 gazette 29

Dublin ladies football manager’s pursuit of the Holy Grail has already begun in earnest as he plots a way to bring an end to Cork’s reign as All-Ireland champions  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

IN A season where Dublin Ladies Football will be looking to take that coveted final step and overcome the dominant Cork outfit who edged them out of the All-Ireland final in 2015, manager Gregory McGonigle has a key focus: marginal, seasonlong gains. “We want to win the league, that’s the first thing,” he told GazetteSport. “We want to go through the gears every game we play. “Every day we go out we want to give our best for the Dublin jersey. We want to leave the jersey in a better position than when we came in. It’s about improving inches, and hopefully come September it will look after

itself. “We always talk about 1%,” he says. “Sometimes I think Armagh talked about inches. It’s about getting every advantage you can get, to me it’s maybe getting the belief into the girls; letting them know that we believe they’re the best team in Ireland. I believe if we do that this year, the trophies will take care of themselves”. The focus, for McGonigle at least, will be very much internal. “We talked about setting our own standards and not worrying about what’s going on in other counties,” he says. “Cork, Monaghan, Kerry and Mayo are all going to have the same ambitions. We just need to make sure we put all the building blocks in place.”

There are reasons for optimism, too, with Dublin’s performance in 2014 arguably their strongest since the squad took home the All-Ireland title back in 2010 - the only break in 11 years of Cork dominance. “I think skills levels are something we can improve on, and if we can incorporate the fitness into the skills levels so much the better,” McGonigle says. “This is the strongest squad we’ve had over the three years I’ve been in charge. There are girls coming back from travelling, and younger girls coming through from minors. The likes of Lauren McGee will add to the squad.” While post-Christmas games certainly fall into the “pre-season run out”

Camillus Kilpatrick presents Noelle Healy with the KCC Cup at the Dublin ladies Gaelic football at the annual Dubs Stars last Saturday. Picture: GAApics.com

category, preparations on the management end have been under way almost since the last ball was kicked in September. “As a management team, we probably took a week off after the AllIreland final,” McGonigle said. “Then we did a two

that marks the start of the year in earnest - McGonigle said: “It’s better than a first day being straight back in training, to get a look at some players and give recognition to a few who might not be on the panel. “T here were some decent performances on

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‘We always talk about 1%. It is about getting every advantage you can possibly get’ - Greg McGonigle

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week review amongst the management team, then started meeting with some players who we thought might be undecided about January. “We also had a couple of senior team meetings reviewing last year. It was more a preview than a review. We’ve had a busy year. I’ve been down watching maybe nine college games, six championship matches. We’re always working. “We have a squad of 35 or 36 picked for this year and ready to get up and going. We’re back in the gym this week for a fitness test, and then back on the pitch for training; full steam ahead for the nine months really.” Speaking of the value of the Dub Stars match on Sunday - largely an exhibition match, but one

both sides, Molly Lamb, Sinead Aherne, Sinead Goldrick for Dublin and Fiona Claffey for the Dub Stars impressed me. “There’s only so much you can read into it, but It’s great to be back out and back at it for another year with a really strong squad. “Some passes went astray at the game. But it would be very harsh to be looking at players on January 3 and expecting them to be where we want them at the end of September. There were a lot of decent passages of play and some great scores.” The Dublin Ladies get their season under way in the league on January 31, when they take on Kerry at home. They take on All-Ireland champions Cork - also at home - on February 28.

Gazette

McGonigle plans Rebels’ downfall

FastSport

Nowakowski wins Neville Cup for Railway Union MATUEUSZ Nowakowski applied a suitably spectacular winning touch to earn Railway Union the first major silverware of the Leinster hockey season, crowning a wildly entertaining 4-3 Neville Cup final result at Serpentine Avenue. His touch from Richard Forrest’s right wing cross picked out the top corner with 23 minutes to go, the pick of a game packed with high quality goals. Indeed, this St Stephen’s Day tie can sometimes be a sleepy affair but this final was a classic end-to-end battle, light on wholesale tactics with plenty of thrills and spills amid the downpour of rain. Railway raced into a 3-0 lead inside the first 19 minutes as Monkstown struggled initially without several front-line players, especially in their back four with David Cole and Richard Sykes missing from the centre. Simon McKeever guided in Kenny Carroll’s swept pass through a hole down the line of the right post. James Dick made it two in the ninth minute after a horror-show in the Town back-line coughed up possession for Nowakowski who took his time before eventually rolling to the Australian who bundled in. Carroll’s drag-flick, aided by a healthy deflection, stretched the lead to three with barely a quarter of the match played. Any thoughts of an easy ride, though, were quickly put into sharp relief. Town got a precious lifeline before the break when the experienced Ian Horsfield rolled back the years with an old fashioned straight hit from a penalty corner. The left-back then created a sublime second one minute after the interval. He worked his way out of a tight spot at left back with Gareth Watkins before unleashing Guy Sarratt. The teenager’s flick over the immaculate Simon Thornton – he made several saves in each half – was going in but Andrew Ward touched in to make doubly sure. Peter Caruth’s rebound completed the comeback to tie the game at 3-3 but Railway had the last laugh when Forrest found an opening and picked out the path of Nowakowski – a Polish underage international – to nick the victory.

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 7 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: red cow side see off tough rovers challenge

Collinstown chief among movers in transfer stakes AS THE various LSL and AUL leagues begin to fire up after a brief winter break, plenty of local clubs have lost and found players in their bid to hunt titles, chase promotion or avoid relegation. AUL Premier A side Collinstown FC, pictured above at their sponsor link-up with Boyle Sports, have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer window. Kevin Carroll, manager of the Town’s Premier A side and his coaching staff across the club’s Saturday and Sunday sides have picked up a handful of players from nearby clubs. No fewer than four former Oatfield players have joined Collinstown, with John Harcourt, Jason Byrne, Ciaran Cooney and Dylan McKeever all making the switch. Dublin Bus has also lost a number of players to their Clondalkin neighbours, with Lee McNeill, Craig Goonery and form Town man Karl Laffan all swapping the Coldcut for Collinstown College. Another former blue David Long has also returned to the club from Bluebell United while League of Ireland experience has been added in the form of Luke Fitzpatrick, formerly of Bray Wanderers. LSL Senior Sunday champions Bluebell have also searched out League of Ireland experience while the national league is in the off-season. Midfielder Robert Bayly, who was once at Leeds United and has since moved around various Irish clubs has joined Andy Noonan’s side. Also in Senior Sunday, Glenville’s first ever season in the top-tier has been a bit of a struggle thus far and was dealt a further blow after the influential Bobby Cullen joined nearby Cherry Orchard. Cullen was Wayne Kelly’s captain at the Palmerstown club but has decided to leave a relegation dogfight for a promotional push in the division below. Kelly didn’t waste too much in filling the gap by bringing Christopher Doyle back to the club as well as Jonathan Boyle. Finally, to add to the several players they’ve lost to Collinstown and Lucan’s Garda AFC, Dublin Bus have also lost Dylan Sexton to Liffey Valley Rangers.

Tony Griffiths fired an important equaliser in Bluebell’s win over Tolka Rovers

Blues see off sprightly Tolka lSL sunday senior Bluebell United Tolka Rovers  sport@dublingazette.com

2 1

LSL Senior Sunday champions Bluebell United kicked off the new year the same way they ended the last, with a 2-1 win in their quest for back-toback titles. This victor y came against what looks like a much more spirited and able Tolka Rovers side than we seen in the latter stages of 2015. Despite arguably their best performance of the season, it was Andy Noonan’s who took the points thanks to an inspired winner from

Aji Sule. A f ter the weather caused the Red Cow to be unplayable, the game was switched to the SDFL’s all-weather pitch in Ballyowen Park at Fonthill and the big, open surface may have suited the physicality and strength of this United side over the 90 minutes. Rock-bottom Tolka came into the contest with just two wins from their opening 12 games but under John Chandler, who was appointed at the beginning of December, they looked a much improved side particularly in the early stages. Robbie McGuinness

challenge match Lucan start year with strong Dunboyne show lucan United got the new year off to a

good start with a 1-1 draw against Dunboyne in a challenge match, beating the recent deluge of rain by playing on the Leixlip all-weather pitch. The Meath side are currently riding high in Sunday Senior 1 in second place with Lucan in seventh, a division below in 1A. Next on the agenda for the Airlie Heights club is a tie against Drogheda in the George Moore Cup second cup.

fired Rovers ahead midway through the half and the Northsiders, bolstered by three new signings in their starting line-up held on to their lead. However, just 10 minutes into the second half Tony Griffiths, who has been a star-turn this season for Noonan, pounded on a rebound to fire home an equaliser. Once they were level, the Bell remained on top and went in search of the winner and it’s no surprise that it was Sule who was the man with the golden touch. With just 10 minutes to go, the Irish amateur international rounded

two Tolka defenders before waltzing past the oncoming keeper and tapping home. It was a solo effort worthy of winning any game and one that will surely give Bluebell momentum at the start of 2016. Despite having a number of games in hand over league leaders Drumcondra, dropping two points against the bottom-placed team would have sent out the wrong signals to their title rivals. Instead, they can look to take another three points at home to Greystones this Sunday knowing it’s possible to sit top next Monday.

Prior to that clash with Greystones on Sunday, there is no doubt that Noonan, and many other’s eyes at Bluebell will be focused on social media and other outlets to see if their former player Richie Towell makes his longawaited Brighton debut. Towell moved to Chris Hughton’s championship side in November but has had to wait until earlier this week to receive international clearance. The Seagulls face Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday given their recent poor form, the former Republic of Ireland international may be tempted to throw Towell in for his debut.

7 January 2016 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

transformation Round Tower set to host annual fitness operation round Tower is once again extending an invite to the wider community to join them in participating in Clondalkin Follows Operation Transformation 2016. This follows on from the fantastic success of last year’s series of walks; 3km and 5km walks will be taking place over a six week period two nights a week. The first walk will take place on Monday, January 11 from their Monastery Road pitches.

Twomey’s dozen for Dubs

ladies football: annual season curtain raiser

Niamh Rickard on the attack for Dublin against the Dubstars. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Tower’s starlet lines out in Dublin opener

ladies football Dublin 3-14 Dubstars 1-11  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

AMY CONROY got a run out for the Dublin senior side in their first post-Christmas game, scoring 0-1. The Round Tower’s starlet took the step up from starring for the minor ’s last season, with whom she scored 2-2 in the Leinster final after the Dubs polished off a fifth consecutive undefeated provincial season. Dublin comfortably

saw off the Dubstars select side by a score of 3-14 to 1-11 on the artificial pitch at DCU on Sunday, January 3. The early season run out had a competitive start, though, with the Dubstars charging into a six point lead early on and leading at halftime, before the county side overcame their winter blues to dominate the second half. The Dubstars side made up of players who impressed for their club teams but missed out on the county side in Dublin over the past year overcame their new year

lethargy the quicker, looking to assert their authority on a match that they’d see as a chance to push for the Dublin senior squad. Olivia Leonard clocked a ninth minute goal, with multi-sport athlete Lyndsey Davey, Fiona Claffey and Amy Ring also pushing hard to make an impact on watching Dublin boss Greg McGonigle. Familiar faces took charge in the second ha lf , however, with Dublin captain Noelle Healy notching two goals in an impressive performance, while

Sinead Aherne’s penalty was combined with some fluid attacking play alongside the twin threats of Sinead Goldrick and Niamh Ryan. Dublin’s mini-glut of mid-second half goals wasn’t quite enough to disguise some distinctly early-season passing moves, but McGonigle will be pleased nonetheless, both with the in-match improvement and with a handful of promising performances from the challenging Dubstars side that might yet threaten the fringes of his senior squad.

TWELVE points from the stick of Lucan Sarsfields’ Ali Twomey paved the way for a comfortable win for Dublin in their annual tie against the Dubstars, winning out 3-17 to 3-5. Dublin, with 12 of the 2015 panel in their starting 15, had too much strength for the Dubstars who remained in contention for the first 30 minutes thanks to three goals from long range – one each from frees by Hannah Hegarty and from Orla Beagan. Hannah Hegarty’s goal put the Dubstars in front early on but they got little change otherwise from the Dublin defence with Mairi Moynihan anchoring the side at number six. Dublin’s forwards were also the more lively and, by the quarter hour mark, Twomey (0-3), Laoise Quinn and Orlaith Durkan had made the score 0-6 to 1-0. Two fortuitous goals in as many minutes from Beagan put the Dub Stars back in the lead spot for the second and final time in the 18th and 20th minutes. The signs were ominous when a slick pass by Louise O’Hara set up Ali Twomey for a nice point in the 28th minute. A fine save by Kate Whyte denied the Dub Stars a goal chance in the 29th minute before Zenouska Murphy fired over their best score of the game. But Dublin pulled away in the second half as Orlaith Durkan fired home a goal while Twomey was clearly on her game and her industry and striking were superb. She picked up where she left off with a free after 50 seconds followed by a 45. Aoife Bugler bagged a goal in the 38th minute to be followed by three points from Twomey in the pace of five minutes. Siobhan Kehoe got in on the scoring act and the Dublin team didn’t let up and Louise O’Hara, Bugler (second goal), some superb goalkeeping by Sile nic Coitir and fittingly Ali Twomey closed the game with the last of her dozen white flags.

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields WISHING all our members and sup-

This event is on Sunday, January 17

porters a happy, peaceful and suc-

and includes a four-course dinner,

cessful 2016.

followed by a superb day of national

Unfortunately, on Saturday last the

hunt racing. For further details, con-

weather caused the Dubs Stars game

tact Eoin on 0862734114. This is an ideal

to be postponed, no date re-ﬁxed yet.

corporate gift.

Our Dubs Stars (hurling) Chris

Date for the diary – Saturday,

Crummey, Johnny McCaffrey, Eoghan

February 6 will be the club’s annual

O’Conghaile, Kevin O’Reilly and foot-

awards night. Cards will resume at

ballers Brendan Gallagher and

9pm on Friday, January 8.

Emmett O’Conghaile will have to wait

Monday night’s Cupla Focal resumes

for another day to showcase their

on January 11. Bingo will resume on

skills.

Wednesday, January 13.

The excesses of Christmas and New

There was one winner of this week’s

Year are behind us, so starts Opera-

€11,000 lotto draw; numbers were 7, 11,

tion Transformation. Lucan Sarsﬁelds,

14 and 22. Congratulations to Padraig

in association with SDCC Sports Part-

O’Driscoll.

nership, are participating with registration on Thursday, January 7 at 7.30pm at the club; all welcome. The last few tables are on offer for Lucan Sarsﬁelds Leopardstown Leaps.

The lotto sponsor was O’Grady Hearing Care Services. Next week’s jackpot is €1,000, and the draw will be managed by team Hugh McGonigle on Monday night.

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

strong comeback: Blues see off improved Tolka Rovers side in their LSL opening salvo for 2016 P30

january 7-13, 2016

new year’s perspective: McGonigle looking to build Dublin ladies momentum P29

Clon’s Lalor Cup glory Clondalkin seconds captain Stephen Cunningham and coach Alan Hickey with the Lalor Cup. Picture: Sharon Flanagan

Gordon Park club start 2016 with silverware as strong win over Portlaoise lays a solid base for push in league and Towns Cup

 sport@dublingazette.com

CLONDALKIN Rugby Club’s second team started 2016 in brilliant fashion as they claimed the Lalor Cup title with a 21-12 final victory over Portlaoise in Athy. They did so without many regulars including Tom Mc Grath, Thomas Ankers and Luke Sweetman. Despite this, coaches Alan Hickey and Kevin Cullen were still able to pick a very strong squad. With all the recent rain, it was a cold, wet and muddy day and Clondalkin started much the brighter as they set about defending their Lalor cup title. Good carries from Sean Brennan and PJ

McAuley, clever angled kicking from John Murphy and powerful defence from Darren Madden, Leigh Berisford and Brennan again, saw Clondalkin deservedly lead 9-0 at half time, following three well struck Steve Cunningham penalties. Coach Hickey opted for cup final experience in the second half, as he introduced returning former first team captains Ciaran and Kevin Cullen into the action, whilst also switching captain Cunningham to out-half and the impressive Murphy to full back. These changes along with fresh power in the front row, in the shape of Bobby Smith, allowed Clondalkin take full control of the contest. A snipe by scrum-half Josh Dunne was followed

by a great ball carry from French flanker Thibaut Remark and Smith was on hand for the offload and powered over from 15m with three defenders left in his trail. Clondalkin now led 14-0. Their second try was again finished by Smith in a similar manner, when replacement scrumhalf Dara Ward found Kevin Cullen in midfield. Cullen’s delayed pass sent Smith through a gaping hole and with one scared full back to beat, he impressively crashed over beside the posts. Cunningham added the extras for 21-0. With time running out, Portlaoise kept sending their stronger ball carriers at Clondalkin and eventually got their reward with two late scores.

This left a much fairer reflection for their efforts on the final score board. Clondalkin were delighted to retain their Lalor Cup title. Hickey said afterwards: “Our work rate was non-stop and our defensive work as good as it has been all season. “We expect to bring that into our remaining league fixtures and then into our Towns Cup campaign.” In the past two seasons, Clondalkin have lost both a final and semi final in the Towns cup, so are certainly determined to add more silverware to Sunday’s title. The next fixtures for Clondalkin’s firsts and seconds are at home to Suttonians in a crucial Leinster Division 1A league tie in Gordon Park this Saturday, at 12.30 and 2pm.