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2012 R ow l ag h • B aw n o g u e • N e i l stow n • D e a n s r at h • K i n g swo o d Month • Ta lXX, l ag h t INSIDE: Hughes better than Alan to have an ice time: We get our skates on ask about his life on TV3, equality, and starring in a classic ad? P13 and check out Christmas events P12
Official opening: Psyched about spinning studio Rugby:
Clondalkin ready to show off new developments Page 32
stephen, Iris, Pippa and Klint Carey are pictured at the official opening of Psych 2 Cyc spinning studio at Rathcoole Shopping Centre recently. Olympic silver medal winning boxer and local councillor Kenneth Egan was on hand to cut the ribbon and meet and greet guests on the day. The event was a fun occasion for the community with refreshments and entertainment. Picture: Cathy Weatherston
Soccer:
Euro hopeful Louise Quinn on Spain battle Page 30
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 14 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28
Taking to the catwalk to get Zaki surgery Boy will become wheelchair dependent without operation
Ian Begley
A charity fashion show is set to take place in Clondalkin to raise funds for an eight-year-old boy who needs to travel to the USA for major surgery.
A number of local women are preparing to take to the catwalk to showcase Siopa Lara’s fashions on Sunday, November 29 in the Red Cow Moran Hotel from 7pm in aid of the “Let’s Do It For Zaki” campaign.
Zaki’s mother is on a mission to raise €80,000 for her son with cerebral palsy who is in need of lifechanging surgery. Without this surgery Zaki will lose mobility and will become wheelchair
dependent for the rest of his life. Tickets for this fashion show are €10 and all proceeds go to Let’s Do IT For Zaki campaign. Full Story on Page 3
2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 November 2015
discount Reduction of up to 60% for tenants buying house
New purchase scheme brings mixed reactions A new Government scheme that will give council tenants an opportunity to buy their houses for more than half its market value has been met with mixed reactions. The new tenant purchase scheme, introduced by Environment Minister Alan Kelly, will come into effect on January 1 and will give tenants with incomes of
ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
under €20,000 per year a discount of up to 60% off the market price of the council house. However, tenants who
have not paid their Irish Water bills are ineligible. Council tenants earning up to €30,000 will get 50% off the price of the house, while those earning more than €30,000 will receive a 40% discount. Up until now, council tenants have been prohibited from buying their house. Dublin Mid-West TD
Joanna Tuffy (Lab) has said the new scheme is a positive development. She said: “I am very pleased with this scheme and the fact that it will come into effect shortly. It will encourage tenants to stay in their homes and help build sustainable communities. “Giving local authority tenants the opportunity to become homeowners is an issue I have raised on a number of occasions with my colleague Minister Alan Kelly, so I am glad to see it come to fruition and I am confident it will make a difference. “I now would encourage tenants in our local area to consider whether they wish, and can afford, to avail of this opportunity to buy their homes from the local council. “This scheme is important because it will provide opportunities for local authority tenants to become homeowners, as a means of promoting sustainable communities, while generating additional funding from sale proceeds for local authorities to invest in a range of social housing supports. It will also lower maintenance costs for local authorities and allow them to focus more
Dublin Mid-West TD Joanna Tuffy (Lab) believes the new scheme is a positive development
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‘This is an act of desperation and discrimination by Irish Water. They are cognisant that in local authority areas there has been a massive campaign of noncompliance in relation to water charges’ -------------------------------------------------------
Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP)
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on delivering new social housing units,” said Deputy Tuffy. However, Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said that the Government’s new tenant purchase scheme comes with a caveat. He says any tenant who has outstanding
Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
Irish Water bills will not be eligible to avail of the scheme. “This is an act of desperation and discrimination by Irish Water. They are cognisant that in local authority areas there has been a massive campaign of noncompliance in relation to water charges. “What is even more bizarre is that you have a semi state company putting the lean on potential buyers to pay up or else. It’s extraor-
dinary what Irish Water will do to extract money from tenants whether they are local authority, private or privately renting.” People-Before-Profit Alliance councillors in South Dublin County Council pledge to table a motion against this. A spokesperson for the Department of Environment told The Gazette: “It is ridiculous to suggest that a tenant who can avail of substantial discounts, up to 60% depending on individual circumstances, at the expense of the taxpayer, would not have to pay any outstanding charges for the water they use. “Under the new tenant purchase scheme it will be necessary that all outstanding water and rents are settled before a tenant can be eligible under the new scheme.”
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3
Fort Motors
funding: councillor and siopa lara get fashionable for charity
Dealership expands
Higgins on catwalk to help young Zaki ian belgey ibegley@dublingazette.com
Local councillor Emer Higgins (FG) is preparing to take to the catwalk to showcase Siopa Lara’s fashions and help raise much needed funds for an eight-year-old boy from Clondalkin who needs to travel to the USA for major surgery. Cllr Higgins is one of tens of locals modelling in Siopa Lara’s Fashion Show on Sunday, November 29 in the Red Cow Moran Hotel from 7pm in aid of the ‘Lets Do It For Zaki’ campaign. She said: “If Lara Darby’s previous fashion shows are anything to go by it will be a fantastic occasion showcas-
ing ensembles and looks for every age, shape and occasion – with a couple of surprises in store for everyone. “I’ll be modelling a Siopa Lara dress. I’m a regular at her store in Bawnogue, and she’s roped me in to help out on the night. While I’m not really one for high heels, I’m happy to help out as it’s such a great cause.” Mission
Zaki’s mother is on a mission to raise €80,000 for her eight-year-old son with cerebral palsy who is in need of life changing surgery. Carmel Tuite is trying to raise the money for her son Zaki who has
been accepted for surgery at The Children’s Hospital in Missouri. Without this surgery Zaki will lose mobility and will become wheelchair dependent for the rest of his life. The operation Zaki needs has been pioneered by doctor TS Parks in St Louis Hospital in Missouri and has performed over 2,500 operations with patients worldwide for over 25 years. Tickets for this fashion show are €10 and all proceeds go to Lets Do It for Zaki campaign. To donate to Zaki visit www.idonate.ie/ letsdoitforzaki or visit w w w.facebook.com/ LetsDoItForZaki.
History and heritage: Group enjoy walk, talks and presentations a group stopped for a quick photo outside St John’s Church and graveyard as they enjoyed one of the guided walks of historic Clondalkin as part of the recent History and Heritage Day. The event was organised by the county promotion unit, The council, South Dublin Libraries and Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group. In anticipation of the development of the Clondalkin Round Tower visitor centre during 2016, participants were encouraged to present any historic documents, oral histories and artefacts that they may have to maximise the impact of future exhibitions within the interpretation centre.
The Fort Motor Group has extended its footprint in the capital with the opening of two new K ia dealerships this month. Fort Motors Kia will serve the West Dublin area from a premises close to the Blanchardstown Centre, while Airton Kia opens on Airton Road in Tallaght. Airton Kia is situated in a 45,000 sq foot facility off the Greenhills Road with a state-of-theart service and bodyshop operation. Fort Motors Kia will operate from a modern 25,000 sq ft premises in Coolmine Industrial Estate in Blanchardstown. Staff are currently being recruited to supplement the sales and service teams in both outlets.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 26 November 2015
SURVEY 79% experiencing problems
Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF): “It is widely believed by residents and businesses that the cause of the odour pollution and flies is the Greyhound Recycling Plant in Crag Avenue.”
Residents urged to complain over odour IAN BEGLEY
A SINN Fein councillor has urged residents and businesses close to the Crag Avenue Greyhound Recycling Plant to complain to the Environmental Projection Survey about alleged ongoing odour pollution and fly problems. Cllr Eoin O Broin’s call comes after a Sinn Fein survey revealed that 79% of residents said they were experiencing problems and 65% of residents said things were the same or worse than last year. Speaking to The Gazette, O Broin said: “For years residents in James Connolly Park, Station Road and Close and Palmerstown Woods have been complaining about odour pollution and flies. “Businesses in the Crag Avenue Industrial estate
have been voicing similar concerns. “These problems cause enormous problems for residents and workers impacting on their quality of life, of working environment and possibly their health.” For the last three years Sinn Fein conducted a door-to-door survey of the three estates to see how the area has been affected by the recycling plant, with 40% of houses completing the survey. “The key findings of the survey this year include: 79% of respondents were experiencing problems with odour and/or flies. 65% of respondents said things were the same or worse than last year. 20.5% of respondents had complained to South Dublin County Council. 13% of respondents had complained to the Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency and 68% said they hadn’t complained to any agency. Cllr O Broin added: “It is widely believed by residents and businesses that the cause of the odour pollution and flies is the Greyhound Recycling Plant in Crag Avenue “I am also urging all residents and businesses in the area who are experiencing problems to complain directly to the Environmental Protection Agency on 01-268000 or 1850-365121.” Responding to the survey, a spokesperson for Greyhound said that while they are very sensitive to the opinions and concerns of local residents, they would seriously question the accuracy of the survey which they believe “lacks any basis in science of fact”. “We employed the
services of a leading pest control company over the summer months to establish if there was a problem with flies. “To ensure benchmarking and objectivity, we asked them to also randomly test an area on the Northside and the city centre. “They found there was no discernible problem with flies in the areas outlined in the survey. “Henry Street, in fact, had a far higher fly population. In relation to odours, the company has over the past two years invested almost €1m in odour abatement technology and processes. “Our monitoring shows huge improvement in this area. We would welcome an opportunity to engage with local residents to assuage any concerns they might have,” said the spokesperson.
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5
6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 November 2015
gardai The series of violent muggings are believed to be connected
Spate of knifepoint robberies leads to three arrests ian begley
Three arrests have been made in connection to a series of knifepoint robberies in Tallaght recently, one of which saw a teenager stabbed as he attempted to help a woman who was being mugged. The men, who have since
been released, were arrested by Tallaght Gardai on November 17 in relation to a series of violent muggings, including an attack on a female pedestrian in Springfield and another which saw a female and a 16-year-old boy hospitalised. Leaving Cer t student
Patrick O’Sullivan is now being hailed a hero by his local community after helping a woman who was being violently robbed in Sundale, receiving a stab wound to the abdomen, which resulted in internal bleeding. He then proceeded to chase after the mugger, who
managed to get away with the women’s handbag on a bicycle. The local hero is currently recovering from his wounds after undergoing three-hours of surgery at Tallaght Hospital. On November 12, another woman was mugged while walking past St Mark’s
Church, Springfield, at approximately 3pm. Her bag was also grabbed by a mugger, who, like the incident in Sundale, was carrying a knife and managed to getaway on a bicycle. A spokesperson from the Gardai confirmed that three males were arrested on Tues-
day, November 17, in connection with the muggings in the Tallaght area. The spokesperson added that investigating officers believed the violent incidents are connected and the individuals have since been released with a file being prepared for the DPP.
Tallaght rugby club’s Preston awarded Person of the Year Tallaght Rugby Club’s Philip Preston recently won the Tallaght Person of the Year award at a ceremony attended by 400 guests in the Red Cow Hotel. Preston (36), who was nominated in the Sport category, was presented with the top award on the night and made an impressive speech thanking everyone who supported him. He was nominated for his involvement with Tallaght RFC and for improving their youth scheme through a number of initiatives, such as the Rugby on the Green programme. Speaking at the award’s ceremony,
he said: “To be nominated in any category in the Tallaght Person of the Year is a highlight to me, but to win this is just amazing. “I think when all the people in Tallaght who go in week in and week out, in hail, rain and sunshine, to do what they do in the community, is an amazing thing and these are the heroes in Tallaght.” The annual event, organised by Tallaght Community Council, is held to recognise and celebrate unsung heroes, volunteers and active members of the community across various walks of life in Tallaght.
Jamie O’Hara from Tallaght was jailed for 14 months after he pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a robbery on Alderwood Drive in Tallaght last year
investigation: evidence found on mobile phone
Garda is praised for work on mugging case A garda has been praised for his work in investigating the mugging of a Dublin nurse last year. Jamie O’Hara (21) of Killinarden Estate, Tallaght, Dublin, was jailed for 14 months after he pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery on Alderwood Drive, Tallaght, on May 31, 2014. His 23 previous convictions include theft and robbery. T h e 4 3 - y e a r- o l d woman was on her way home from her shift at Tallaght hospital at 8.45 that evening when
O’Hara grabbed her arm and knocked her to the ground. She struggled to hold onto her handbag but the mugger managed to take it and flee in a nearby vehicle. Garda Darren Rooney told Lorcan Staines BL, prosecuting, that the only details the woman could give him was a partial registration of a “goldcoloured Golf”. He stopped a vehicle matching the description in the local area later that same evening but the driver insisted that he was the only person who had been in the car all day.
Gda Rooney asked to see the man’s phone and noted that a call was registered from someone called “Ratface” at the same time as the mugging. The driver admitted that this man was O’Hara. Seized
The vehicle was seized for technical examination and O’Hara’s fingerprints were found in it. The nurse subsequently identified O’Hara’s photo after she was shown 12 mug-shots of the potential culprits. O’Hara was arrested
and made full admissions telling gardai that the driver of his “getaway car” knew nothing about the robbery. He said he saw the woman and told the man to stop the car because “I was going to get weed”. He hid the bag under his clothes when he got picked up again. Judge Martin Nolan praised Gda Rooney’s investigation which led to O’Hara’s arrests He accepted it was an opportunistic robbery but said it was “pretty violent” and O’Hara must be punished for what he did.
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7
courts Friend killed, three others injured at Station Road
Teen receives detention for causing fatal car crash ian begley
A 16-year-old who bought himself a car on donedeal. ie and crashed it later that day, killing his friend has been sentenced to 16 months detention. The teen, who was 15 at the time and cannot be named as he is a minor, was sentenced last week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The deceased, Dayne Cody, was also 15 years old. Three other teenage boys were in the back seat at the time, one of whom had to have 90% of one foot amputated. The other boys had minor injuries. The under-age driver lost control of the car when he saw a Garda vehicle and sped up in panic. The car spun into a tree at high speed, killing Mr Cody instantly. The boy pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death at Station Road, Clondalkin, on December 20, 2014, as well as driving without a licence or insurance.
Judge Martin Nolan said despite the boy having a previously good record he deserved a period of detention for his own sake and the sake of society. He imposed four years’ detention and suspended all but 16 months of the term. Mr Cody’s aunt Deborah Cody read out an emotional victim impact statement written by his mother, Paula. “My first born son which I held in my arms was taken so tragically. He was my world, he was my only son, he protected and looked after his four little sisters who he cared for and loved dearly,” she said. Detective Garda Padraig Jennings told Anne Rowland BL, prosecuting, that the boy accelerated when he saw a Garda van pass by on the M50 bridge. The gardai had not noticed the boys. A witness saw the car swerving violently before spinning 360 degrees and smash-
ing into the tree. Earlier that day the boy had travelled to Swords to see the 2002 Kia Magentis car advertised for sale on donedeal.ie. He used his birthday money to purchase the automatic transmission vehicle for €400. The boy entered a fake name and address in the car’s ownership log book. The car was later found to have NCT and tax documentation belonging to a different car. He drove it home to Ballyfermot and met his friends including the deceased. Together they went to buy a new car battery and then they went out in the car to get petrol. The incident happened shortly before 10pm. The boy, who has no previous convictions, was also brought to hospital for treatment. He tested negative for alcohol or drugs. A Garda forensic report concluded the car would have been travelling far in excess of the 50 kph
The teen, who was 15 at the time and cannot be named as he is a minor, was sentenced last week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
speed limit on that road. It said the car was in good condition apart from one bald tyre. Det Gda Jennings agreed with Michael Bowman BL, defending, that a driver inexperienced in the operation of automatic car could have accidentally pushed on the wrong pedal in an emergency, potentially contributing to a loss of control. Calling it a tragic case, Judge Nolan said the court was “not at large” in sentencing the boy as the Children Act of 2001 stipulates imprisonment of minors should only be used if there is no alternative.
Gritting crews used as cold spell hits For the first time this season South Dublin County Council’s gritting crews for its winter maintenance operations have been deployed. The council have had them on standby since the middle of October, but due to recent temperatures falling as low as -4 degrees the gritting crews have been operating before 5am around the local authority for full gritting runs. A spokesperson from the coun-
cil advised residents to “be mindful of slippage on the roads, allow extra breaking distance, beware of shaded areas/lesser travelled and untreated roads (in housing estates etc...), and generally slow down/allow additional time on your journey in order to keep yourself and others safe on the roads. “Be particularly mindful of more vulnerable road users - cyclists and motor cyclists, pedestrians, etc.”
As outlined in the council’s winter maintenance system 2015 to 2016, its primary aim is to keep these roads safe and as free as possible from winter hazards. In order to do this, SDCC roads department spreads salt/grit on these roads before ice or snow is expected (called precautionary gritting); this operation of presalting is timed to be completed before the onset of freezing or snowfall.
8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 November 2015
don’sdublin
grant €10,000 for 11 community groups
How the wandering College of Physicians finally found its home IN 1654, Dr John Stearne – who was a professor of medicine in Trinity College – founded what was then called The Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall, with the aim of improving the practice of medicine in Ireland. Surprisingly, it was originally housed in Trinity Hall – a former prison on what is now Trinity Street. In June, 1667, a Royal Charter was granted by King Charles II, and this was amended in 1692 as the original charter was considered “insufficient to compass the noble design”. Sir Patrick Dun was president at the time, and he played a very significant role in the college’s history. He bequeathed his extensive library to the college,
Pat O’Sullivan, chairman of Clondalkin Tidy Towns: “It’s certainly an ambitious project and the fact that it will be a permanent garden will
which is housed in the building and still in use, and
be very appealing to a lot of people.”
when the hospital on Grand Canal Street that bore
Clubs benefit from commemoration fund
his name was opened in 1812, the college had its first permanent home in almost a century. The college bought the premises at No 6, Kildare Street in 1860, but before it could move in a fire destroyed the property. It was not until 1864 that the college had a new home, and the addition of the Kildare Street Club racquet court and its conversion into the Corrigan Hall in 1874 made No 6 one of the city’s most attractive and interesting buildings. 1877 saw Elizabeth Walker Dunbar become the first
Ian Begley
woman to be allowed to practise medicine in the British Isles, and Kathleen Lynn (1874-1955) also made a mark. She qualified in 1899, was a member of the Irish Citizen Army, and was its chief medical officer during the 1916 Easter Rising. Lynn was imprisoned, then subsequently elected as a Sinn Fein TD, but never took her seat. She established St Ultan’s Hospital, Charlemont Street in 1919 and received a state funeral when she died in 1955. No 6 is a great building with beautiful interiors, and is a popular city centre venue for conferences and weddings.
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
No 6, Kildare Street has many fine details that complement the College of Physicians’s heritage
Community projects and sports clubs from around South County Dublin have benefited from nearly €34,000 as part of the council’s Commemoration Grants initiative. South Dublin County Council invited applications from local groups and organisations as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. This scheme supports inclusive and appropriate community participation in the commemorations of the 1916 Rising. Clondalkin received a total of €10,000 for 11 community groups that are planning to celebrate a range of centenary events. Clondalkin Women’s Network, Phoenix Clubhouse EVE HSE, Balgaddy Working Together Group, writer Brian Kirk,
Aras Chronain and Neilstown Boxing Club each received €1,000 for their application. The Retired Active Men’s Social, Ladies Social Group, Newcastle Lyons Development Trust and the Retired Active Men in Rhythm received €500 for their centenary event, with Clondalkin Tidy Towns receiving a sum of €2,000 for their Commemorative Garden project. Pat O’Sullivan, chairman of Clondalkin Tidy Towns, told The Gazette that the commemorative garden will be a permanent feature and will be placed in Newlands Cross, opposite the Maldron Hotel. “It’s certainly an ambitious project and the fact that it will be a permanent garden will be very appealing to a lot of people. “We’ve commissioned
an architect who came up with a drawing for the garden. This has since been agreed by South Dublin County Council, who are going to do some initial work there like removing a number of overgrown trees. “Our part is to remember everyone who died in the 1916 Rising and we’re going to use seven trees to signify the seven signatories of the Proclamation. “We’re also going to be putting in plants and place the proclamation there in both in Irish and English. We will also install a flagstone and a walkway leading up to it, and hopefully in time we’ll get seating for the garden. “We’re now fundraising for the commemorative garden, but if all goes according to plan it’ll be open before the national commemorations in March next year,”
he said. In Lucan, nine community groups hosting a variety of centenary events were given €9,750 from this grant. Ruaille Buaille: Lucan Children’s Musical Festival, Esker Amateur Boxing Club, Westside Performing Arts, Lucan Sarsfields GAA, Lucan Harrier Athletic Club and Liffey sound each received €1,000 for their application, while Lucan Gospel Choir received €900. Palmerstown Community Council were given €1,500 for their upcoming project on the history, tastes and sounds of 1916, and the Lucan Festival committee received €1,200 to hold an exhibition relating to Lucan from 1916-1922. Chairperson of Lucan Festival Joe Byrne spoke to The Gazette about his plans for the event.
“We’re going to do a series of mini-exhibitions on the way Lucan looked during 1916. They will take place in the various buildings that were around during the time and we’ll be showing people how they looked and who lived in them. “We’re still gathering information about Lucan during the Rising, but one of the items that we’ll showcase will be on Reverend Irwin, who was the Presbyterian Minister in Lucan from 1932-54. He was one of the men who went to America in 1919 and joined up with De Valera to muster up support and money for the War of Independence,” he said. Tallaght also received €9,650 to host nine commemorative projects and the Templeogue/ Terenure/Rathfarnham ward were given €4,550 through this initiative.
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9
motion ‘Village has been hit hard by the recession’
Call for action to revitalise village Ian Begley
Calls have been made for a working group to be established to revitalise Clondalkin village, following the growing number of vacant shop units in the area. At the November Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) tabled a motion calling for the creation of a working group tasked with the job of revitalising the economic life of the village. It is intended that this group would be made up of business people, council officials, councillors and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr O Broin said: “Clondalkin village is a vibrant place with a strong sense of community and a hard working business sector. However, it has been hit hard by the recession. A growing number of shop units in the village are vacant. Impending commercial developments in Liffey Valley pose further challenges for the small business sector in the village. “South Dublin County Council has been involved with a number of important initiatives supporting small businesses in recent years such as the business improvement grant and
the shop front signage initiative. However, a lot more could be done, particularly by coordinating the various stakeholders. We need to provide our micro-businesses with greater support. “A working group for Clondalkin village could make a real contribution to the revitalisation of the village particularly in the context of the upcoming Local Economic and Social Plan (LECP). However, to achieve this, a dedicated focus on our village is urgently required.” In the chief executive’s reply, Daniel McLoughlin stated: “In terms of developing a strategy for
revitalising the economic life of village centre, these actions and many others on the socio-economic front have already been cohered into a strategy in the form of the goals and actions of the LECP. “While many of the actions in the plan are ongoing, the plan itself will be presented to the December council meeting. With the LECP in place at the outset of 2016 co-ordinated implementation of these crosscutting county-wide actions in all villages will continue under the direction of the relevant SPC and will continue to be reported to the council and CPG etc.”
Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) tabled a motion calling for the creation of a working group tasked with the job of revitalising the economic life of the village
The chief executive went onto say that the development of the Round Tower visitor centre is the strongest indication of the council’s financial commitment to the revitalisa-
tion of the public realm and economic activity in Clondalkin village. A Shop Front Grant of €100,000 was also approved by the council and South Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
The scheme’s goal is to improve the appearance of independently owned shops fronting public streets and, in turn, make the streetscape more attractive to shoppers and visitors alike.
10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 26 November 2015
gazetteGALLERIES
Sathvica Arikatla
Shree Shiva Dance Academy members. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter
Dhanashree Gokhale
Diya Linkwinstar
Shashank Chakerwarti and Vatshali Nigam
Ashwini Kulkarni, Santosh Kulkarni and Anshul Kulkarni
Sahasra Vivekkumar
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11
Samiksha Vivekkumar
Amy Cripps, Kelly O’Connor and Emma Moran pictured at the ITT Dublin Graduation Ceremony in the National Basketball Arena, Tymon Park, Tallaght. Pictures: Brian MacCormaic
toasting their success: ITT Dublin Graduation Ceremony
Saukh Pandita
tallaght: Celebrating with great pomp and joy
Cultural jubilee comes to light A
rena at Tallaght was the venue for a vibrant and colourful celebration of the rich Indian, Nepalese and South Asian cultures when the Festival of Light was held. The event featured a fireworks display,
authentic food and bazaar, along with a kids’ corner and spiritual bay. Guests could sample popular Indian street food while experiencing musical talent as dancers and musicians entertained throughout the festival.
Kate Cosgrove and Jade Moloney
Gillian Higgins
Benta Maluki, chair of Harambee Society, with Seana Ni Liathain (Bachelor of Business, Honours)
Lanre Yusuf Afshan Alurkar and Aylin Alurkar
Vemuluri Madhuri with son, Tanay
Karen Purdy, with her son, Sam
12 clondalkin Gazette 26 November 2015
family fun Celebrating the Christmas season across Dublin
Tis the Season …
The annual Carols by Candlelight service organised by Blanchardstown Baptist Church will be held at Riversdale Community College on Sunday, December 20 at 6:15pm. The hour-long event will feature special music illuminated by 100 glowing candles. Complimentary seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards and there will be a creche for children under five years during the event to facilitate families with young children. For more information, call 085 702 1425 or visit www.bbc.ac. Draiocht will host its two-day Christmas Craft Fair Extravaganza on Saturday, November 28-29. Patrons can come along and support local crafters enjoy raffle prizes, face painting and hot chocolate; and watch featured Christmas films, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol. The 30 stalls will feature some hand crafted work, including knitting, crochet, baking, jewellery, needlework, wood turning, origami, cards, journals, children’s clothes, buttons, key rings, handbags, photography and much more. See www.draiocht.ie
Blanch
With Christmas just around the corner the Gazette checked some of the best seasonal events from around the city for more information.
Swords Empire Bar in Swords is hosting a Christmas market at its Babylon club on Sunday, December 6 from 12 noon to 5pm. Punters will receive warming mulled wine and mince pies on arrival and be treated to the sounds of local carol singers. Lots of great exhibitors signed up and there will be wreaths and great gifts and stocking fillers and decorations on display such as Manilla Boutique, Country Couture Gifts, Lifetime Toy Company, Crannah Cakes, Gannon Craft, K•L•O Kids Lou Lou Belle and more. Malahide plays host to the Christmas Kingdom this year at the Marina Green and the Castle. Along with food and gifts there will be numerous amusements such as merry-go-rounds, vintage carousels, and chair-oplanes. Other special features include the Polar Express train, a 2,200 square foot ice rink, a Charles Dicken’s themed street, Christmas markets, Rudolf and some real reindeer, elves, Santa and Mrs Claus, the Polar Post Office for sending Santa letters, the tunnel of lights and
Christmas Tree Avenue. The Christmas Kingdom is due to open every weekend from November 20 and every day from December 18 until 23.
Dublin City Dublin is borrowing from New York this Christmas with the I BELIEVE festival at Custom House Quarter from Thursday, November 26 to Wednesday, December 23. Inspired by the 82-year tradition behind the world-famous Rockefeller Tree in New York, I BELIEVE will be centred on a 50-foot Christmas tree, donated by Coillte. It will be a festival of food, drink, craft and horticulture, With a focus on supporting Irish businesses, traders, crafts people, producers and charities, A carefully curated selection of the nation’s leading food, drink, craft and horticulture producers will trade in the festive village with exceptional quality and locally sourced products. They will be joined by Dublin’s iconic Clerys Santa who will be relocating his workshop and elves to the I BELIEVE Christmas Tree and Village for 2015. For more informa-
Snow Queen Rosanna Davison and Hannah O’Reilly snuggle up at the launch of the Christmas Kingdom in Malahide. Picture: Gareth
Ryan Curran at the official opening of the inaugural Dun
Chaney Collins
Laoghaire Christmas Festival. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography
tion visit: www.ibelieveinchristmas.ie/
South Dublin County In Dublin Mid-West this year, Lucan Library is hosting a small craft’s fair for Christmas. They’re currently looking to hear from local businesses and crafts people interested in showcasing their products in the library on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. From candles to cakes and everything in between, they’re open to ideas. Contact 01-6216422 or email
lucan@sdublincoco.ie for more information. On Saturday, December 5, St Andrew’s National School, Lucan are hosting their own Christmas fair, opening at 10.30am. The items for sale during the fair include: toys, bric-a-brac, cakes, teas, books, crafts, a raffle and many more. Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance at 11am. Panto tickets for Beauty and the Beast will also be on sale. On November 29, a celebration of song in aid of the Irish Cancer Soci-
ety will take place in St Mary’s Church, Leixlip at 7.30pm. Sopranos Karen Nelson and Annmarie Corcoran will perform on the night, along with Our Lady’s Nativity Parish Choir. Admission for this event is €12 for adults and €5 for children and can be purchased at the door.
Airfield at Christmas A Christmas festival will be held in Airfield Estate in Dundrum over the next month and it will include all things seasonal. The Overend family
home and gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a charming gingerbread village, an enchanted walled garden where Airfield’s fairies spend their Christmas, giant nutcracker soldiers, and a warm welcome from an elf who will bring small children into see Santa in his cottage. Santa’s reindeers will also be outside the cottage. Airfield’s Christmas experience is currently running from now until Tuesday, December 22. For more information see www.airfield.ie
26 November 2015 clondalkin Gazette 13
rte Weekly papers ‘are imperative to the community’
A look into the heart of local newspapers aisling kennedy akennedy@dulbingazette.com
An RTE documentary centred around how important local newspapers are in the wake of the onset of digital journalism is currently airing on RTE 1. The producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds, is a strong advocate of the importance of local print having come from a print background himself and said that he believes now, more than ever, local papers are imperative to the local community. Reynolds spoke to the Dublin Gazette about his documentary, The Local Eye, and said: “Local
papers are part of Ireland’s DNA and they’re absolutely vital and central to who we are as a community and as a society. In the first series we focus on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express which have been family-owned newspapers down through the generations. “We knew that they were going through very hard times and we wanted to see how these newspapers, which had been around for over 150 years, are surviving. “We found that absolutely yes they are surviving and we found that there’s a huge affection for them because they
reflect and speak to the communities where people live. We met a very interesting man who was an optician and he put a campaign out on social media for his business. He said the campaign reached everywhere in the world but that nothing reached the people that he wanted to reach like the local paper.” Reynolds also found that local papers are central to the local community especially when there is an issue that the community care about. “There is also a huge range of material in them too with everything from court reports to humour. The content is what makes it and the secret
is good journalism. The local papers invest in good writers and there’s nothing that can beat that. “The reason local papers will survive is because they find the extraordinary in the ordinary, they find the wonder in the seemingly commonplace. They look at the detail in a way that you can see where the beauty is whereas in a lot of other media it’s glitz and glam and it just washes over you. They’re at the heart of it, they’re at the heart of human life and existence so I’ve a huge affection for them.” Reynolds himself began as a freelance journalist for the Irish Times, the
The first series of The Local Eye focuses on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express and (inset) the producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds
Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent. He went on to win Young Journalist of the Year for a series on crime and he also worked as editor of the Garda Review. He has worked for RTE for many years but still always takes time to read
his local newspaper. “I think local papers are doing their very best and I think that as long as they migrate the stories and the brand that they have onto the online platform as well as print they will have a great future. Over a third of a million
people tuned into our programme over the last few weeks which is huge numbers. So there is an appetite and an interest in local newspapers.” The Local Eye is currently running every Thursday at 7pm on RTE 1.
14 Gazette 26 November 2015
gazetteGALLERY
The Bugle Babes, whose singing helped to set the classic musical vibe
Ken Stanley and Elaine Heaslip
Mike Hope Panti Bliss and Noel Sutton toast the ball’s success in the fundraising evening ahead. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Helping film workers in vivid technicolour P
With plenty of witty, colourful banter from Ms Bliss, songs from The Bugle Babes, and dance routines from The Dublin Burlesque Dancers, the evening was a lively, upbeat affair, with everyone happy to help film workers who have contributed much to the nation’s cultural coffers.
ANTI Bliss was the inimitable host of the annual fundraising Cinema Ball recently, which was held at the Intercontintal Hotel. Run by the Irish Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, the ball aims to help individuals in the film industry in Ireland who may for one reason or
another, find themselves in need. Based on the theme of Glorious Technicolour – A Celebration of Movies Musicals, many ballgoers set aside formal, gloomy colours to sport vibrant hues, or accessorised classic ball staples with subtle splashes of colour.
Caroline and Grace Cassidy
Katharine Buckley, Orla King and Laura Nolan
GAZETTE
R1
26 November 2015 GAZETTE 15
DUBLINLIFE
THE BIG INTERVIEW
ALAN HUGHES: TV3 PRESENTER ON HIS BUSY LIFE
Proud to be a full and equal member of Irish society
IAN BEGLEY
AFTER proposing to his long-time partner on national television recently, TV3’s Alan Hughes says that after years of campaigning for equal rights, he is proud to live in a society where same-sex marriage is now legalised. As part of this week’s Big Interview, Hughes talks about his impromptu proposal to song/ scriptwriter Karl Broderick, and what it was like to live in Ireland as a gay man when homosexuality was still illegal. He also discusses his upcoming panto, Beauty and the Beast, the famous 1980s ESB advert he starred in, and his recent health scare. “Karl was totally stunned when I proposed to him [live on air on TV3’s IrelandAM] because I’m not the type of person who would usually do that sort of thing. It was totally unexpected, and since the Marriage Bill was signed into law that week I thought it was the right time to do it. “When we got back to the house, he kept saying: ‘I can’t believe you did that, I can’t believe you did that’, but he was delighted nonetheless. “We had such a massive civil partnership celebration in 2011, and I don’t think we could ever dream of topping it, but after we finish up with the panto we’ll probably do something quiet in the country.” Asked about the criticism he received from comic Oliver Callan, who described his public proposal as “crass”, Hughes said he thinks it’s very sad.
“For a man who came out of the closet on national television and who bases his career on television, it doesn’t make any sense as to why Oliver would have a problem with it. “But I suppose since Mario Rosenstock is getting a new TV show on RTE, he probably feels like he needs to do something to publicise himself.” The TV3 presenter went onto say that he first met Broderick 23 years ago, when it was still illegal to be gay in Ireland. “When we first met it was a very different time. I knew people who would walk up and down
the street before heading into a gay bar and enter when nobody was looking. “Myself and Karl never really went out to places openly as a couple together. It was not as if we were hiding our relationship, it was just the way Irish society was at the time for gay people. “I remember when I got a job as the presenter of a big Friday night game show called Talk About on RTE, the producer told me not to be doing anything that would come up in the papers. “He knew that I was gay and I’ve always been very open with people, but Karl wasn’t, so it was
a big learning curve for him at the start going out with someone from TV. “We’ve come on so far in the last 22 years, and now that same-sex marriage is legalised it’s just brilliant. TV3 have always been very tolerant of myself and Karl, and do everything they can to support us,” he said. Talking about his health scare last year when he was rushed to hospital due to low oxygen levels, Hughes said that it was down to stress and being overworked. “I’m grand now and don’t let myself get too stressed out. I’ve never cancelled a show in the 21 years I’ve been doing
panto, and I don’t plan on ever doing so. “The panto is getting on really well this year. Sales have gone up compared to last year, and I really think it’s going to be a big success.” Asked about the iconic ESB advert he starred in during the 1980s when he played the part of a young man returning to Ireland to see his mammy, Hughes said that the commercial will most likely stay with him forever. The Cheerios Panto – Beauty and the Beast, will start in the Tivoli Theatre from December 9 to January 10. Tickets can be purchased at www. panto.ie.
Presenter Alan Hughes (right) shocked his long-time partner Karl Broderick by proposing to him live on air recently
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Gazette
16 Gazette 26 November 2015
dublinlife
diary
Paul puts in a massive tackle for Barnardos Irish Rugby Hero and Barnardos’ Ambassador Paul O’Connell called on people to dig deep and give children a happy Christmas and a brighter future as he launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently. Barnardos works with more than 11,300 chil-
dren and families in 40 community-based centres across Ireland, supporting them to achieve their potential in life. Speaking at the launch, Paul O’Connell said Barnardos is working to give hard-pressed families the Christmas they deserve and the support they need
to change their future “ T h e r e a r e m a ny parents out there who, through no fault of their own, may have to say no to their children this Christmas. Barnardos will use your donation to bring some Christmas magic into the lives of the children they work with
by helping families to make sure they have what they need for a happy Christmas,” he said. To give your support to Barnardos this Christmas with a donation or toy, visit www.barnardos.ie/ christmas.”
celebrating Trad and Folk music The annual Temple Bar TradFest returns this year for its 11th instalment from January with what organisers are calling a vibrant programme. The festival line up for January 2016 has been announced and once again includes a programme of Irish and international performers performing in some of Dublin’s most historic venues. The festival will include the Front Row Sessions, a series of 13 free concerts in the pubs of Temple Bar. TradFest also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents to an international audience. Other elements include TradKids from The Ark, Ireland’s only dedicated Cultural Centre for children, TradFringe embracing many of the cities established cultural venues such as The Irish Film Institute, The Gallery Of Photography, Irish Writers Centre, and The Hugh Lane Gallery. In 2016 TradFest will also host a series of newly commissioned works commemorating 1916.
Irish rugby hero and Barnardos ambassador Paul O’Connell launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently with the help of Molly Kennedy and David McNally
For more information visit: www.templebartrad.com.
Lord of the Flies production Following a hugely successful run earlier this year with their production of To Kill A Mockingbird, Regent’s Park Theatre’s critically acclaimed production Lord of the Flies will visit Bord Gais Energy Theatre from November 24 to 28. After a group of s c h o o l b o y s s u r v i ve a catastrophic plane crash, what starts as a classic desert island adventure quickly descends into a struggle for survival in a darkly sinister world of superstition and immorality. William Golding’s 20th century classic explodes onto the stage in this remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. This production is directed by Regent’s Park Theatre’s artistic director Timothy Sheader and co-directed by Liam Steel with design by Jon Bausor, and composition and sound score by Nick Powell. Tickets for Lord of the Flies are priced from €15 to €45 and can be purchased by visiting
w w w. b o r d g a i s e n e rgytheatre.ie.
see www.nationalgallery.ie.
Hennessy Portrait Prize winner
just who was in the GPO in 1916
The winner of the 2015 Hennessy Portrait Prize was announced last week at the National Gallery of Ireland. Vera Klute was awarded the prize of €15,000 for her oil canvas painting entitled Anne Ryder and will also receive a commission worth €5,000 to produce a portrait for inclusion in the National Portrait Collection. The aim of the competition is to showcase and encourage interest in contemporary portraiture and to raise the profile of the National Portrait Collection at the National Gallery of Ireland. Klute has exhibited widely both in Ireland and abroad and is also currently working towards a solo exhibition in the Molesworth Gallery in 2016. Of the 260 entrants in the competition this year, 12 were shortlisted by the judging panel and these 12 entries currently have their portraits displayed in an exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland until Sunday February 14, 2016. For more information
A book which seeks to definitively answer the question of exactly who was in the GPO during Easter Week 1916 was launched recently by Dublin Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh at City Hall. “The GPO Garrison Easter Week 1916 - A Biographical Dictionary”, was written by retired Dublin City Council worker and Dublin historian Jimmy Wren following 30 years of painstaking research. The book contains over 520 names of GPO garrison members, whose ages range from 12-63 years and includes full supporting evidence from many and varied sources. The amount of people who claimed to have taken part in the action at the GPO during Easter Week could fill a small stadium and this book aims to give a definitive answer to the many claims and counter claims. From Geography Publications and partlysponsored by Dublin City Council, the book is priced at €25 and is available from all good bookshops.
26 November 2015 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25
food P21
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
travel P20
The Pavilion Theatre: RTE Contempo Quartet presents unique concert experience
Getting the classical treatment Keith Bellew
Composer Glen Austin and the RTE Contempo Quartet, featuring renowned bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney will present a unique concert experience that unites classical music with Irish rock and pop from the last 30 years, at The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on December 5. This follows the recent release of an album in the same vein called New Airs, which features classical arrangements of songs such as With or Without You by U2, Run by Snow Patrol and The
Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy. Other featured artists include Kodaline, The Script, Enya, and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The album also introduces new settings of older Irish airs inspired by modern artist’s interpretations such as Sinead O’Connor’s version of She Moved Through the Fair and Luke Kelly’s musical adaptation of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem Raglan Road. Speaking to The Gazette, Austin said that the project is something he had considered doing for a long time as rock
music was his first love before he discovered classical music. “Adrian Mantu, the director of Contempo Quartet, approached me and said he’d be interested in doing something with rock music and I jumped at the chance. I thought it would be great to explore Irish rock and pop because it had never been done before with classical music,” he said. He went on to say that deciding which artists to include was quite difficult because there are so many to choose from.
“It’s only the first album and the first concert, we already have ideas for a second and third album. It was just a matter of making a choice between all this great music. “Everyone might feel that there’s one or two that could be included, but it won’t be the last album or concert, so if things go well, the plan is to have a second or third edition where we can actually put in those other great artists as well,” he said. He said that adapting the rock songs and arranging them for the quartet was quite an
RTE Contempo Quartet will be joined by renowned Irish bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney and Glen Austin on electonics
undertaking and not one he took lightly. “When it comes to something like this, the job is not only arranging it but interpreting it for the ensemble. On top of that you also have to try
to be true to the originals themselves, and try to show them in a different light that’s not losing the spirit of the case,” he said. Despite the apparent gravity with which he approached the arrange-
ment, he said that the project has been a lot of fun, and he and the quartet are looking forward to their first performance. For more information on the show, visit: www. paviliontheatre.ie/
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 26 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE Raw denim
Wide L
sleeveless
eg De
deep v-neck €125 with
€69 horts nim S
All-in-One dove nubuck stacked wood sole sandal €99
Sim kno ple S tte hop d s pe tra r w ps €1 ith 15
Mary Grant AW15 Vintage floral print jersey wrap dress €195
Wrap up this winter! PEARL PHELAN
MARY Grant hosted a breakfast at her boutique in the Powerscourt Town Centre recently to showcase her current autumn/winter collection. The store manager, Fiona, baked banana bread for the Suede obi belt €65 occasion and a wonderful spread was laid out on an old wood turner’s bench. Accessories are displayed on beautifully textured cable drum tables in the shop. The warmth of the wholesome bread and respect for craftsmanship reflected in the choice of furniture and are revealing indicators of what the Mary Grant label stands for. Only the finest materials are selected for use in the manufacture of her garments and knitted pieces are handmade by a family owned company in Italy. You would be very cosy wrapped up in her ribbed cowl, a clever piece which can be pulled down over the shoulders as an alternative to wearing it high on the neck. Not to mention the fine cashmere wrap to keep you chic and warm. But there is another kind of wrap that Mary Grant has on offer, and it is so flattering to all shapes. Check out the wrap tops and dresses made in jersey which falls softly and elegantly. You can emphasise the waistline by adding an obi belt to flowy dresses, or to smarten up a plain winter coat. What a great way to add a pop of colour to a simple outfit to take you through the festive season! You can shop online but a visit to the store is a must if you are in town so you can have a feel of the sumptuous materials and get an insight into Mary’s world.
Purple haze cashmere wrap €280
Denim dress with foldover €89
Denim drawstring back bikini top €29
D
19
ottom €
ikini b enim b
Denim bead rectangular metal ring €19
Spring for some denim
WITH COS Denim bead metal ring €19
Knotted leather sandal €99
JESSICA MAILE
I LOVE DENIM. It’s a love that started in my teenage years even though I grew up in a decade where acid-washed jeans were chic. But in the 21st century, designing with denim has become an actual art form and no one does this better than COS. Forget the winter blues and dream of spring blues instead. Think simple denim shorts with a crisp, white top or a func-
tional apron dress with a nonconventional drapey denim. The sleeveless all-in-one is the essence of simplicity and a modern must-have. Even the bikini gets the denim treatment with a distorted denim print. Accent these pieces with luxurious leather shopper or an ice grey nubuck leather sandal. From raw denim to their clever use of compressed recycled denim in the geometric metal jewellery, COS has reinvented this classic fabric with their fresh, new take on spring essentials.
26 November 2015 Gazette 19
Gazette
20 Gazette 26 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
fast
TRAVEL NEWS
TRAVEL
skiing: find your perfect resort for a winter getaway
Turn dreams of a white Christmas into a reality Ian Begley
Stylish comfort and luxury in the heart of the city Ian Begley
I recently enjoyed a one night stay at the stylish four-star Trinity City Hotel, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas light. It’s located right beside Trinity College on Pearse Street. We stayed in a room which is interestingly part of an original Victorian Fire Station. The room was very jazzy in style and offered the height of modern comfort, ample velux windows, a smart lounge area and a range of unique artwork. For the day that was in it we took a trip to the Irish Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street, just a five minute walk down the road. The one-hour tour was a lot more interesting than I expected with visual stories of Irish whiskey through the ages. The highlight of course was a whiskey tasting session and a complimentary Irish coffee at the end. Coincidentally, the annual Christmas lights were being turned on in Grafton Street on the same day, which was the perfect way to bring the afternoon to a close before we headed back to the hotel for dinner. Building up a hearty appetite, we feasted on a delectable six-course tasting menu after a few predinner cocktails at the hotel’s front lounge. We had a cured salmon with horseradish cream and Guinness bread to start, followed by a delicious bowl of wild mushroom and tarragon soup. After a very refreshing champagne sorbet, we dined on a beautiful fillet of pan seared sea bass followed by a very tender cut of lamb. And if that wasn’t enough, the sixth course consisted of a chocolate plate involving a mousse, hazelnut brownie and raspberry sorbet. Up bright and early the following morning I enjoyed a full Irish breakfast before checking out and heading on my very short commute to work. Just a stone throw away from the capital’s iconic landmarks and venues, Trinity City is certainly a great location for anyone looking for a city retreat. Rooms start from €119 for two adults sharing, see www.trinitycityhotel.com
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well dream no more as there are many winter ski resorts to choose from this holiday season which offer a fantastic range of festive entertainment for all the family to enjoy. With Highlife Ski & Snowboard you can spend a family winter vacation in one of three stylish French resorts – Morzine, Meribel or Val d’Lsere. If a cosy Alpine chalet complete with an open log fire, outdoor hot tub, a sauna and your very own chalet chef sounds good to you, swap the pots and pans, long shopping queues and extended family reunions for a festive chalet. Your chalet will be transformed into a festive retreat with open fires, sparkling decorations and your very own authentic Christmas tree to get you into the holiday spirit from the moment you arrive. On Christmas Eve, guests returning from an action-packed day on the slopes will be greeted with warming mulled wine and mince pies fresh out of the oven. On Christmas morning awake to the sound of crackling log fires and a visit from Santa bearing presents for the kids. Your very own chalet chef will prepare a delicious breakfast allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones, cherishing the precious moments of unwrapping the gifts from under the tree.
Val d’Isere offers high quality, snow-sure slopes for everyone from complete beginner to veterans
So, turn your dream of a white Christmas into a reality with departures from Dublin on December 20, from €1,120 per adult and €910 per child aged 11 or under for seven nights. For more information, visit www.highlife.ie, or contact 01 677 1100. With Crystal Sky Holidays, embrace the holiday season by spoiling yourself and your family with an exciting ski vacation away. From €460 per person, you can spend one week in the Austrian mountain resort of Mayrhofen with flights leaving on December 19. Penken and Ahorn are Mayrhofen’s mountains - with 135km of skiing and Austria’s steepest
run, Harakiri, it’s one of the most diverse Alpine resorts. Mayrhofen’s mountains have a wide variety of more challenging runs and, in the right conditions, some impressive off-piste. Plus, the Vans Penken Park is one of the leading freestyle parks in Europe. Also in Austria is the Niederau Ski Holiday resort, which is priced from €525 per person for seven nights, with flights leaving on January 9. Niederau, based in the Wildschonau valley, is picturesque and perfect for both families and beginners, with wide nursery slopes and easy to use drag lifts. There’s also the excellent 1st Wildschonau Ski
School and a nursery childcare Snowboarders should watch out for a few flat sections and experienced skiers will probably need a little more challenging terrain. The link over to Alpbach opens up the Ski Juwel’s full 145km - all covered by your pass. If France is more to your taste then from €474 per person you can spend seven nights in the traditional French village Les Carroz, which is located in the world famous Grand Massif ski area. This resort is made for people who prefer skiing in a homely, more personal setting in comparison to its purpose built neighbour Flaine. In the middle of Les Carroz you’ll find a pictur-
esque village centre with a small collection of shops, cafes and restaurants. The small scale of the resort means fantastic scenery and beautiful views across the valley that should not be missed. Accommodation wise, we have different types of self-catering, from reasonably basic to luxury residences with wellness facilities to match. When it comes to activities there’s plenty on offer, you’ll find toboggan runs, horse-drawn carriage rides and even dog-sledding to fill the hours for non-skiers or in your hours out of the skis. There’s also a resort ice rink. For more information about these deals, visit www.crystalski.ie.
26 November 2015 Gazette 21
Gazette
FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS
Pat Whelan with the product
Campagne
French restaurant
The Arches, Gas House Lane Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable
The Picky Eater
Whenever I hear Michelin Star, my mind jumps to overly formal, over the top service. I always love the food, mind you, but waiters constantly fawning over you is slightly off-putting. When I heard about Campagne restaurant in Kilkenny, I was eager to try it as the menu seemed less fussy and less overpriced than some other establishments that hold the coveted star. When we arrived, those views remained as the restaurant is in a very quiet part of town just below what looks like apartments or an office block. So far, nothing over the top or ostentatious anyway. Inside the dining room is very comfortable and was absolutely buzzing on a busy Saturday night. Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable. The maitre d’ was a very friendly lady who took us
through the specials and explained anything that might be unknown to myself and my friend. After ordering a delicious bottle of Picpoul de Pinet (€30) (a wine that is having a bit of a moment) we jumped straight in to starters. I went for a fois gras pate layered with a delicious butter served on an autumn fruit jelly and a toasted brioche (€16). This was absolutely sublime but the outright winner was my pal’s scallop royale, served with Jerusalem artichokes and lobster bisque (€16). So much thought and time had obviously gone into this outstanding dish and we spent ages trying to figure out how they made it. I won’t spoil the fun and will leave it for you to the same guessing game. Next up came my mate’s fillet of Hereford beef with glazed mushrooms, spinach puree, ox tongue croquettes and porcini butter sauce
(€32). From a lady who is considering going vegetarian, she was certainly having fun at the wake and was almost in tears at the thought of what she was about to give up. My poached turbot (€32) came with a similar sauce and could be eaten with a spoon, it had the perfect texture and taste. My friend had a glass of ribera del duero (€8.25) with her meat and having lived in Spain for several years, she said it was one of the best she’d sampled outside of Spain. A stunning side of mash and parsnips went down a treat with both dishes.
We really were not fit for anything more at this point, but seeing a hot chocolate fondant being brought to most tables, we decided this dish was obviously worth trying. The locals were going mad for it. It was served with vanilla ice cream and glazed cherries (€9) and was certainly worth the longer waiting time.
All in all this was a fantastic experience and it’s well worth the trip to Kilkenny. T here are lots of places to stay in the city, after all it’s a really buzzing place. We stayed slightly outside in Mount Juliet, which is a stunning old country house hotel. For more see campagne.ie.
Conclusion Campagne boasts a stylish interior featuring oak flooring, curved banquette leather seating and modern paintings. The emphasis is on high-quality seasonal produce with French influences in a relaxed and comfortable dining area. (5, The Arches, Gas House Lane, Kilkenny. Phone:(056) 777 2858
Superb old-fashioned flavour returns FOR many, beef dripping is something our parents’ parents cooked with and not widely used today. However, James Whelan Butchers has brought this nostalgic delicacy back to the kitchen with their award-winning heritage product that delivers a superb old-fashioned flavour. Intensely savoury, the beef dripping was awarded Supreme Champion at the Great Taste Awards 2015, receiving high praise from judge and food critic Charles Campion. Speaking at an event celebrating the beef dripping in Avoca Kilmacanogue, Campion described it as “the simplest of products, that touched the hearts of all the judges”. Seeing the upsurge of interest in heritage foods and traditional ingredients, Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers, was inspired to create his own beef dripping. With the very best of beef available to him, and with the guidance of his mother, he soon perfected a product that he was proud to share with his customers. The dripping is produced in Clonmel by Whelan, a fifth generation butcher, and made from the purest suet from grass-fed Irish Angus and Hereford beef. These magical creamy ingots transform roast vegetables and potatoes and makes the most perfectly golden fish and chips. The product stays fresh for up to six months. With the festive season just around the corner, a little of James Whelan’s beef dripping will go a long way to adding a depth of flavour to all kinds of dishes - with a higher smoke point than goose fat, it makes the ultimate crispy roast potatoes and paired with butter, delivers the tastiest shortcrust pastry, not to mention simply spread on toast for a seriously nostalgic trip to flavour town. “It’s the taste of my childhood,” said Pat Whelan. “Our beef dripping is nutrient rich, high in omega-3 acids, clean, pure and carries great flavour, whether for frying a steak, roasting potatoes, or spread onto good bread.” Available to buy at: Avoca Food Market, Monkstown, County Dublin, Avoca, Rathcoole, County Dublin Avoca, Kilmacanogue, Bray, County Wicklow, James Whelan Butchers, Clonmel, County Tipperary and at jameswhelanbutchers.com
Gazette
22 Gazette 26 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Scooter €55
S Em M&
toysfor thekids
ily Bu tton €24
WHETHER it’s your bonnie baby’s very first Christmas, or if you’re looking out for gifts for older children, there’s plenty of great toys to find in the shops as Christmas draws near, with some cutting-edge characters standing head to shoulder, dress to lasergun alongside classic toys. This week, we’ve selected a range of toys and gifts that are available now from Smyths, ToysRUs, M&S and all good toy retailers nationwide.
Mattel
Monster High Go oli
Mega Bloks 60piece bag set €20
ope €50
All images not to scale
Mattel Barbie Rock & Royal €35
th
ly 80
po Mono o r b as
rsary annive
99
€28.
H
5
€6 k Rails
l Fisher
Matte
Wrec er Ship t s a M k ac Price Tr
26 November 2015 Gazette 23
Gazette
GIFT GUIDE MOTORING Hasbro My Little Pony Equestria Girls €24.99
Mattel Barnie Malibu Dreamhouse €150
alo book €8 M&S Gruff
Mat Pric tel Fish e g ym toddle er €80 r
al Furre pin’ o r m b Has s My Ju rF iend 72.99 € pug
otel ter H s e h Furc €28.99 bro Has Phoebe g Talkin
Hasb r Intera o Avengers ctive H u Buste r €49 lk .99
Habro Jurassic World Stomp and Strike Tyrannosaurus Rex €57.99
Habro Bop It! Star Wars R2-D2 edition game
Mattel Fisher Price Dance and Move BeatBo €55
Gazette
24 Gazette 26 November 2015
OUT&ABOUT
HEALTHYSTEPS
HEALTH
health conditions: ‘lack of reliable studies’ to support tests
Testing for food and chemical intolerances
A treatment called Lipiflow helps the meibomian glands produce more oil.
Look into preventing the causes of dry eye THE condition known as dry eye – which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, due to inadequate tear secretion – is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition most often caused by over-exposure. Those most at risk ------------------------
‘Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less’ ------------------------
are people who spend many hours in front of the computer. Given the ever increasing numbers of people who spend long periods in front of a computer screen for work or leisure, or often both, more and more people are likely to be affected. We tend to blink maybe 7/8 times per minute, and the moment we start looking at computer screens, we tend to blink 2/3 times a minute. Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less. The other common causes are the likes of contact lens wear and getting older. For females, hormo-
nal changes as you approach menopause can also cause dry eye. Many medications have dry eye listed as a side effect. These would include anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, anticholestrols, and so on. The following is a number of ways dry eye can be averted. Using lubricant eye-drops, being aware of blinking when you’re working on the computer, and using something called the 20/20/20 rule, where for every 20 minutes you take a 20 second break by looking at something 20 feet away from the computer. The wellington Eye Clinic offers a treatment call Lipiflow. Where a device is placed on the lids for 12 minutes, the device warms up over time to just above body temperature. This softens up the oils and within the Lipiflow device are little massage rollers which milk the glands and ensure that by the end of the 12 minutes the oils have been expressed out of the meibomian glands. Cost involved: Dry Eye Assessment – €100 Lipiflow Treatment – €500 per eye. For an appointment call the Wellington Eye Clinic on 01 2807873 or email info@wellingtoneyeclinic.com
Ellen Roche Dietitian & Clinical Nutritionist at Nutri Vive
Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population and common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, tummy upset and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The triggers are often substances that naturally occur in foods (e.g. amines or fructose) or chemicals added during food processing (eg mono sodium glutamate added to ready meals or sulphites added to wine). Enzyme deficiencies such as lactase usually results in an intolerance to dairy products. IBS is a bowel condition which can cause abdominal bloating, pain, cramping, constipation and diarrhoea; these symptoms are frequently caused by normal healthy foods. The symptoms of food intolerances are usually delayed, which explains why they can be difficult to diagnose.
Food Intolerance Tests Food intolerance testing has become increasingly popular in recent years. A growing number of pharmacies in addition to complimentary therapists and private health clinics offer intolerance testing services directly to the public. These centres claim that a wide range of
Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population
health conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sinusitis, skin problems, digestive issues and even obesity can be solved using such tests. The kits take a small sample of blood to check the levels of IgG antibody (immune system activity) for a range of various foods eg. shellfish, wheat and dairy products. If IgG antibody levels are elevated for particular foods, the test centres diagnose an intolerance and recommend complete exclusion from the diet to relieve symptoms. These tests cost €100€250 approximately depending upon the number of foods tested. Unfortunately the facts are that IgG intolerance tests are a complete waste of money and not worth the paper they are printed on. I have seen the printouts from vulnerable and confused clients; many repor ts which
don’t even make clinical sense eg. gluten is rated high and to be avoided, yet rye (which contains gluten) is ok!
Lack of Supportive Science The websites marketing food intolerance testing claim that there is sufficient scientific evidence to prove that these tests are warranted when a food intolerance is suspected. H av i n g e x a m i n e d these studies, many of the trials involved small numbers of people who were tested twenty years ago, therefore applications to the general population are not relevant. The leading international food allergy and intolerance institutes are currently strongly advocating against IgG food intolerance testing. There appears to be no correlation between high levels of a particular food antibody and the development of
symptoms. High levels only indicate the person has consumed a particular food in the past, the immune system has “acknowledged” this food and positive test results are to be expected in normal, healthy adults and children. Furthermore, the inappropriate use of this test only increases the likelihood of false diagnoses being made, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions and decreased quality of life.
Food Exclusion Trials The Irish Food Allergy and Intolerance Network (www.ifan.ie) and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (www. indi.ie) strongly advocate against food intolerance tests because of the lack of reliable studies to support them. At present, the “gold standard” method for determining if an underlying food intolerance exists is to follow an elimination or exclu-
sion diet followed by a reintroduction challenge. The elimination a p p r o a c h p r ov i d e s sy mptom relief and subsequently helps to pin-point the culprit food(s) within two to six weeks and it’s the preferred method as recommended by health professionals, Allergy UK’s Intolerance Group and the NICE guidelines for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. These groups recommend guidance from a health professional such as a registered dietitian or doctor to ensure that the correct type of exclusion diet is followed in the short-term and to avoid any risk of longterm nutrient deficiency. Ellen Roche is an experienced registered dietitian with clinics located throughout Leinster. Contact the office for private consultations and corporate services (087) 680 2248 www.nutrivive. ie
26 November 2015 Gazette 25
Gazette
CINEMA
ReelReviews
lady in the van
Motors along amusingly THE closest that The Lady in The Van (Cert 12A, 104 mins) gets to anything as exciting as a car chanse is the sight of a clapped-out van parked in the driveway of a playwright’s home for year after year. Maggie Smith plays the wily vehicle owner in this low-key but entertaining tale, as Ms Shepherd becomes a part of playwright Alan Bennett’s as the years roll by – even though the van doesn’t.
As true-life crime boss James ‘Whitey’ Bolger, Johnny Depp doesn’t keep his cards close all the time – his criminality involves many associates in a wide-ranging empire
black mass: for the first time in ages, depp delivers a great role
A great study of criminality
CHRONICLING the rise and fall of notorious South Brooklyn crime boss James ‘W hitey’ Bulger, Black Mass (Cert 15A, 123 mins) rings together a stellar cast to tell a story of crooked cops, hardened criminals, and insidious political corruption. As the head of an Irish mob crew known as the Winter Hill Gang, Bulger rose to infamy through the ’70s and ’80s, piling up a wealth of charges including extortion, narcotics distribution, racketeering, and murder. He also claims to have shipped more than one million dollars’ worth of weapons across the Atlantic to support the IRA. Furthermore, he racked up the litany of charges while under the watch of the FBI, with
Dave phillips
whom he was co-operating against a common enemy – the Italian mafia families who controlled much of the black market in Brooklyn. Yet, despite being one of the America’s most wanted fugitives (trumped only by Osama Bin Laden), ‘Whitey’ Bulger has a fairly low profile outside of the United States. Most of us will have been unwittingly introduced to Bulger through Scorcese’s The Departed – which drew heavily on Whitey’s story for Jack Nicholson’s character.
It seems fitting then that when Johnny Depp steps into the lead role as Bulger in Black Mass, he brings a distinctly Nicholson-like energy with him. It is safe to say that much of the buzz built up around Black Mass is connected to Depp’s transformative performance. With thinning white hair combed tight against a balding dome and haunting dead-blue eyes, the actor is almost unrecognisable. It is apt casting, too, given Depp’s recent propensity for familyfriendly and much more superficial characters. The pairing of the chillingly off-kilter looks with the grisly and sociopathic character results in a monster that will stay in the
viewer’s mind long after the image fades from the screen. Depp’s metamorphosis oozes the kind of ghoulishness that we don’t see enough of in cinema. Part of bringing such a strong lead character to life involves surrounding him with a much less grotesque cast. Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty) plays John Connolly, a childhood friend of Bulger who joins the FBI. While operating under the guise of justice, Connolly is often more concerned with his own career, and agrees to turn a blind eye to Bulger’s criminal ventures in return for assistance making a case against the Mafia. Benedict Cumberbatch also stars as
Billy Bulger, the more respectable sibling, who served for 18 years as president of the Massachusetts Senate while his older brother continued to serve up corpse after corpse. No doubt that Black Mass belongs to Depp and Edgerton, but there are great smaller parts studded throughout, including appearances from Kevin Bacon, Adam Scott, and Dakota Johnson – the latter of whom provides the most memorable scene in the film. The story told in Black Mass is one massive tangled web of deception and exploitation, and director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is happy to revel in it. Cooper delivers a wonderfully menacing and claustrophobic feel
through shots so close we can see the pores, stained teeth and bloodstains in grim detail. Cooper’s vision is so bleak though that, in a way, it dulls the film. We move across a decade of Bulger’s life in a disparate fashion. There is no sense of crescendo, no righteous corruptionbusting cop to provide the narrative drive, there is actually nobody to root for, and so there is no Hollywood ending. More of a sociopathic character study than a traditional mob drama, the narrative sloppily unfolds like an onion rotted to the core. With more hits than misses, Black Mass remains an engaging, beautifully-shot, and superbly acted film.
Verdict: 7/10
brooklyn
A tale worth visiting SAOIRSE Ronan impresses in Brooklyn (Cert 12A, 112 mins), with its tale of a young emigre in 1950s American – guess where – finding her life taking an unexpected path going down well with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. With Emory Cohen and Domnhall Gleeson providing strong supporting roles as would-be suitors, it’s a well-shot film that dials down Oirish overtones.
burnt
Still a bit of a stinker BRADLEY Cooper’s latest hasn’t gone down well with critics, with Burnt (Cert 15A, 101 mins) getting sliced to pieces faster than a cake made by his troubled-butbrilliant-chef character. As a character who rides around town on a big motorcycle, wears leather jackets, and struggles with his inner demons – all while trying to kickstart his stalled career – the film is something of a mess.
26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 26 November 2015
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Gazette
28 gazette 26 November 2015
SPORT
FastSport Search for new paralympic soccer stars: The Republic of Ireland Paralympic squad are searching for the next national hero as they begin preparations for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. After finishing sixth in the Cerebral Palsy World Cup, the squad are offering a fantastic opportunity for the best players around the country with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or those who have suffered a stroke to represent Ireland. The FAI are partnering with Paralympics Ireland in this new campaign ahead of a trial day at the FAI national training centre on Saturday, December 12 at 12 noon. Any players aged between 16 and 30-years-old, who have any of the aforementioned impairments, are eligible to try out for the team. More informations can be found at http://www.fai.ie/ irelands-next-paralympic-football-star/ the-campaign.
cross country: raheny man storms to inter clubs national title
Clohisey cleans up in Santry sport@dublingazette.com
MICK Clohisey, from Raheny Shamrocks, reigned supreme at the GloHealth inter-club cross-country championships in Santry Demesne. A memorable day of competition saw big fields
and a large spectator crowd that needn’t have worried about the after effects of storm Barney. A sea of colour dotted Santry Demesne with clubs from all over the country out in force with tents and tear-drop flags adding an extra dimen-
sion to the atmosphere created by Fintan Reilly and Nick Davis as the two main men on the microphone. The senior women’s 8,000m race was one that whetted the appetite with a top-class field and with the uncertainty
Raheny’s Mick Clohisey celebrating his third title. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Mick Clohisey on the trail at Santry Demesne
of the form of Fionnuala McCormack. The start of the race was a cagey affair with the diminutive McCormack nestled in the leading pack led by the effervescent Lizzie Lee (Leevale). Lee tried to take on McCormack but the the teak tough Wicklow woman was untouchable building an insurmountable lead. Lee hung on gamely for second leading her club to a maiden team title with the surprise package Caroline Crowley (Crusaders) coming through for third. Dundrum South Dublin were second in the team race with Raheny Shamrocks third. Clohisey followed up as
an impressive winner of the men’s 10,000m with a front-running performance from the gun ahead of Metro St Brigid’s John Coghlan in second and Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) in third. Leevale missed out on the team title by a single point to Clonliffe Harriers, 47 to 48, with Raheny narrowly behind on 51. It was Clohisey’s third time to win the inter-clubs’ crown and he is now looking forward to competing in the European cross-country championships where his rivals will become his teammates. “You don’t really think about these things,” he said referring to his third inter-clubs’ title. “You just move on to the next thing when you’re on form. It is
a good achievement and it was a good race out there today. I wasn’t expecting to be out in the lead so early on my own so it it was a question of keeping my concentration. “I’m looking forward to wearing the Irish vest with pride now at the Europeans and putting in a good performance. We were all rivals today but I’m looking forward to us competing as team mates in France.” Hope Saunders (Clonliffe Harriers) and Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track Club) were impressive winners of the junior women’s 4,000m and junior men’s 6,000m respectively. DSD women and Clonliffe Harriers men won the junior team titles.
Duke and Pinder power UCD to win over Harlequins sport@dublingazette.com
UCD’s Deirdre Duke gets away from Cork Harlequins’ Yvonne O’Byrne. Picture: Adrian Boehm
SECOND-half goals from Gillian Pinder and Deirdre Duke saw UCD land their third win of the women’s EY Hockey League season last Sunday, beating Cork Harlequins 2-0 to keep them in the shake-up for the playoff places. UCD started the stronger of the two teams with Aisling Naughton and Sorcha Clarke creating chances down the lefthand side after good persistence from Leah Ewart. They also had two corners but
neither were converted. Quins duly grew into the game after an intial slow start, building from the back through Cliodhna Sargent who caused UCD problems with the long ball. Olivia Roycroft came closest sending a deflection flying by the back post from a Sargent crash ball. Into the second half, UCD remained patient in their build up play against a strong Quins’ defence that was proving difficult to break down. Gillian Pinder broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt into the bottom
corner after a brilliant five pass exchange that opened up the top of the circle for Pinder. The fourth quarter started with Quins looking to get an equaliser but they found it difficult to get anything out of a disciplined UCD defence. The Cork side earned their first penalty corner of the game with four minutes to go which Cliodhna Sargeant looked to strike home off a switch but it was brilliantly ran down by Naughton. Deirdre Duke put the game away a minute later sliding in at
the back post to put away a good team move. It was a fine riposte from UCD on a double-weekend as they lost 4-1 a day earlier to a resurgent Pegasus side in Belfast. Booterstown side Hermes continued their brilliant form in the league with a pair of wins over two of their nearest rivals, seeing off Harlequins 3-0 on Saturday and then beat second placed Ulster Elks 3-1 on Sunday. Anna O’Flanagan scored three times over the weekend to extend her scoring tally to 18 goals in eight games.
26 November 2015 gazette 29
Gazette
Peat adds another Irish string to incredible bow Following spells with the Irish basketball team and the Dublin footballers, Dubliner Lindsay Peat tells JAMES HENDICOTT about her rugby debut LINDSAY PEAT - an All-Ireland winning footballer and former co-captain of the Irish international basketball team - added international rugby to her considerable sporting CV over the weekend. Peat was called up to the Ireland Women’s squad to face England at Harlequin’s London
ground The Stoop last week, named on the bench as the women played their first autumn international. Peat - who plays her rugby with Railway Union in Sandymount - was named on the bench for Ireland, joining the fray in the final quarter of the game to earn her debut cap.
Amazingly, Peat only joined Railway Union (her first rugby club) in the early summer, after the club - that’s only three years old when it comes to the women’s game - talked her into turning out through friends who were already involved. She quickly became hooked: “There are
Lindsay Peat in Dublin ladies football action. Picture: GAAPics.com
huge depths to Irish rugby, and a lot of injuries right now,” Peat told GazetteSport, modestly playing down her selection. “It never even entered my mind that I might be called up, and I feel very lucky. “I had been trying to wind down when the call came, trying to avoid getting injured and to experience playing for my club. “I’ve been learning the tactical side,” she adds. “There are a few crossovers from GAA and from basketball. Tactically, the game mirrors basketball, but like football you’re always trying to find space, to work to create openings. It took me a long time to stop trying to run off someone’s shoulder and to come more deep.” Before taking up rugby, Peat had stepped away from GAA back in May, after finishing her degree. She had studied
alongside a full-time job and multiple evenings of training across several sports, leaving “more often than not, only Sunday evenings free.” “Looking back, I love basketball and football equally,” she explains. “It’s like trying to choose between your children. Basketball was the sport that I first put a lot of work into, getting to the top level, playing in the national league and then getting to the international set up. “It’s the foundation, so it’ll always have a very special place.” Rugby is the new love, though, and Peat’s just had her first international taste. An experimental Irish side that included nine new caps lost to a last minute maul from a line out, with England barging over the line with two minutes left on the clock for an 8-3 win.
Ireland had equalised through a penalty in an extremely low-scoring game, making the game 3-3 with seven minutes left on the clock. “The game was played in horrible conditions that didn’t really suit us,” Peat tells us, “but it was really great to get that experience. There are two Ireland training camps coming up in December, where the squad train like professionals. “I feel very, very lucky to be involved, and my next aim is to keep getting called up to camps. We’ll see where things go from there. “I’m grateful to Tom Tierney [Ireland women’s rugby manager] for giving me a shot.” And why the multisport success? “There’s something for everyone that just makes them feel alive,” Peat concludes. “For me, that’s sport. I just try to take up things that I enjoy.”
FastSport Smyth signed up as academy manager: FORMER St Mary’s and Blackrock College coach Peter Smyth has taken up the role of Academy Manager at Leinster. As a player Peter has represented both Ireland and Leinster at A, U21 and Schools level. He coached St Mary’s College RFC to Ulster Bank League success in 2012 and also coached Blackrock College to four schools senior cup and two junior cups. Smyth’s role as Leinster Rugby Academy Manager will see him oversee the delivery of the academy and sub-academy programmes as well as supporting the national talent and the regional development squad programmes. He will be responsible for the development and progression of players for the professional game in Ireland and the management of talent identification. Speaking about the new job, he said: “There is huge potential in the underage system in Leinster across schools and clubs and I am excited to be in a position to help nurture that talent into future Ireland players.”
Gazette
30 clondalkin gazette 26 November 2015
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: former peamount star eyeing three euro points
Bluebell make it four wins in succession LSL Senior Sunday champions Bluebell United made it four wins on the spin in the division with a 2-1 victory at UCD on Sunday. The Bell visited Belfield to face a College side that have started the season in decent fashion, with five wins and four defeats from their opening nine games before the tie. All the goals in this top-half clash were scored in the opening half and it was Andy Noonan’s side that went ahead after 20 minutes when amateur international Aji Sule continued his fine goalscoring form with a tidy finish inside the 12-yard box. The lead was doubled just minutes later when Graham Zambra also kept up his good form with a well-taken goal. The reigning champions have failed to keep a clean sheet in the division so far this season and continued that unwanted feat when Oscar Brennan pulled a goal back for the Students on the stroke of half-time. A goal so late in the first half would have no doubt affected Noonan’s team-talk at the break but whatever he did say worked as UCD couldn’t find a way through to find an equaliser in the second half. The Bell themselves had to settle for a scoreless second half themselves but will have no complaints as they left Belfield with three points and moved to fourth in the table. Off the pitch, all involved at Bluebell had more reason to smile on Friday night as three former players were honoured at the PFA Ireland awards for the recently finished Airtricity League season. Double-winning Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny played football as a youngster for the Bell and was honoured with the 2015 PFAI Manager of the Year award. Two names who donned the Bluebell blue in more recent times, Richie Towell and Brandon Miele were also honoured. Towell, who managed 29 goals from midfield for Dundalk picked up the PFAI Player of the Year award while Miele, who spent time at Bluebell around a year ago before joining Shamrock Rovers picked up the PFAI Young Player of the Year accolade.
Former Peamount United player Louise Quinn
Quinn ready for Spain test nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com
AFTER a vital win in Portugal last month, Republic of Ireland Women’s vice-captain and former Peamount Un i t e d s t a r L o u i s e Quinn and her teammates are looking for another big win against Spain this Thursday. The Euro 2017 qualifier takes place in Tallaght Stadium at 2pm on Thursday and despite Spain being top-seeds in the group, Quinn insists the Irish team are looking for all three points. “There’s still a great buzz from after it [the
Por tugal win],” said Quinn. “It was definitely one of the best camps I’ve been in; it was just one of those atmospheres where we almost know we were going to get the win leading up to the game. “You just had that feeling in the camp, sometimes you can’t even explain why it was like that or what was going on, and I think that’s carried forward, it definitely has with me.” A f ter losing their opening fixture in the group at home to Finland in September, the win in Portugal last
friday night lights Clondalkin’s women play part in historic occasion clondalkin’s RFC’S women celebrated
a historic evening in style last Friday as they won their first ever match at Gordon Park under lights with a 29-0 win over Mullingar. The new floodlights at the club are among many welcome additions within the club over the past few months. The next match for Clondalkin’s women is away to Carlow Coyotes on Sunday, December 6.
month was much needed as Sue Ronan’s side look to book their place in the first 16-team UEFA Women’s finals. The winner of the eight qualification groups will automatically qualify as will the sixth-best runners-up, while the other two second-placed teams will contest a play-off to decide who gets final spot for the tournament in the Netherlands. Quinn is under no illusions as to how tough the challenge will be against Spain, who beat Finland 2-1 away from home in their only game in the group so far.
“We can try work off the momentum from the win in Portugal and bring it into the Spain game,” she said. “It will be a tough challenge for sure, they’ll have tricky players similar to the ones that we faced against Portugal but I think it’s something we can definitely handle and we’ll be looking to get the three points at home.” Ireland manager Ronan echoed the thoughts of her vicecaptain by saying Ireland can grab the points in Tallaght on Thursday. “We’re looking forward to the game, on the
back of a good win away to our nearest rivals in the group I suppose,” she said. “We’re looking forward to bringing the momentum we gained in that match to this home fixture against Spain. “They’re a very good team, I think we all know how good they are, being top-seeds in the group, so obviously we’ll give them that respect. “Having said that, my players are very motivated and determined, we feel we can get something out of this game, with a passionate crowd like the last time, so we’re very much looking forward to the game.”
26 November 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31
Gazette
high scoring
Round Tower U-9s play lively games with Cuala
Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin
round Tower U-9 girls last weekend took
on Cuala on a sunny, crisp morning for a pair of 20 minute matches with 29 girls togging out in the green and white. It was an action-packed morning with plenty of blocking and shielding, making good use of the wings, shouting out to their midfield to make sure they caught them while there were some fantastic attempts at goal and lots of scores.
DISAPPOINTMENT on the playing
will prove of real worth? The club
pitches over the weekend. The sen-
shop can provide a very welcome gift
ior footballers were beaten in their
for a Tower’s supporter. Casual and sportswear training
AFL2 semi-final play-off by Skerries
tops, t-shirts, jackets and other
Harps. Our junior Bs lost their AFL11 semifinal play-off against Clann Mhuire.
football: round tower denied in playoff semi
items are available to order for adults and kids.
Thanks to the lads and manage-
Final orders must be placed by the
ment from both teams for their hard
end of November and the club shop
efforts throughout the season.
is available on Monday evening at
This coming Saturday, November
7.30-8.30pm or by contacting Betty
28, our AGM is taking place in the
or Catherine at 087 6752238 or 086
clubhouse from 4pm. Only paid up
8303207.
members are entitled to attend and
The juvenile section is hosting
only A members are eligible to vote.
Carol singing for the homeless on
Membership status queries should
December 5 in the Mill Shopping Cen-
be directed to the secretary ASAP.
tre.
That night the Ciaran Carr Foun-
That evening there will be a juve-
dation hosts Live Forever, an Oasis
nile fundraiser in the club with music
tribute band. Tickets are €5 and all
from Colm Gavin. This will be a great
encouraged to support the founda-
night’s entertainment and all sup-
tion’s fundraiser which commences
port is welcome. The November 16 lotto jackpot
at 8.30pm. Great start for the first of three
of €10,000 was not won. Numbers
Sunday skills sessions with com-
drawn were 1, 18, 24 and 30; the
bined Under-13, 14 and 15 hurlers.
bonus ball was 23; three €100 win-
Anyone born 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
ners: Paul Burke, Alan Milton, Denis
are welcome to participate. Spread
Kelly. Thanks to all who participated
the word.
and play the lotto online at www.
Fancy giving a Christmas gift that
roundtower.ie.
ST pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week were Skerries Harps in action against Round Tower last Sunday
Promotion dreams ended by Skerries
AFL 2 playoff
Round Tower 0-8 Skerries Harps 1-15 sport@dublingazette.com
ROUND Tower’s senior football season came to a bitterly disappointing end against a strong Skerries Harps outfit last Sunday morning at Monastery Road in their AFL2 promotion playoff tie. The nerves showed early on with no score in the first 10 minutes before Skerries broke the deadlock. By that stage, The Clondalkin side had suffered a big blow with Derek Murray
who went off injured following a collision under a high ball. With Jason Joyce and Micheal Walsh already out, it left Towers with three key performers missing. Tom Lyons did tie things up from a free awarded for a foul on sub Stephen Bracken. But they could not make the best of their chances with Mick Hallows seeing a great goal chance called back for charging. Conor L’Estrange struck an excellent point but Skerries levelled at 0-2 each. And the Fingal side snatched the only goal
of the day soon after. Tower’s conceded possession from their own kick-out and it was worked to inside forwards and finished low beyond Gary Cleary. The Clondalkin side were struggling to win breaks and they fell further behind when Bryan Cullen landed a free. Another free advanced the score to 1-4 to 0-2 and the visitors were to score a further four points with just one reply either side of halftime. Tower’s needed to be on the front foot at the start of second half but
shot an early wide and this was punished with two successive scores for the visitors with Colin Daly and Cullen on the mark. Harry Dawson extended the advantage leaving eight between the sides at 1-8 to 0-3. James Kelly struck a point after a good lay-off by Bracken to offer a glimmer of hope, one bolstered by a L’Estrange point. But Skerries kept responding with Dawson adding another free and they stayed well clear from there on in, eventually prevailing by 10 points.
come. The U-9 camogie and girls’ football
6, 12, 22 and 27; there was no winner so next week’s jackpot will be €6,200.
training is on every Saturday morning
The draw takes place in the Palm-
at 10am; all welcome who are born in
erstown House every Sunday night at
2007 and 2008; just drop down and ask
10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you to
for Conor or Emer. If there is anyone interested in join-
all our sellers and to all that support our lotto every week.
ing our team of volunteers in the club
Our senior hurling/camogie ses-
and helping out with the teams please
sions will continue in Glenaulin on Fri-
contact by email to the secretary.
days at 6pm, weather permitting. It’s
stpatrickspalmerstown.dublin@gaa.
open to U-14 up to minors to improve
ie.
their hurling/camogie skills with senior hurlers taking the sessions.
Any girls or ladies out there interested in playing girls/ladies football,
The juvenile camogie/hurling skills
please contact the secretary by email,
sessions will also continue in Glenaulin
secretary.stpatrickspalmerstown.
on Friday at 6pm, weather permit-
dublin@gaa.ie, stating date of birth. We are always open to new senior
ting. They are open to all U-8 up to U-12
footballers and hurlers so if anyone
players; great chance to improve their
is interested in joining the club, please
hurling/camogie skills and all are wel-
contact the secretary.
Got a story? we want to know!
Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3
or email sport@dublingazette.com
GazetteSPORT all of your clondalkin sports coverage from page 28-31
mighty quinn: Former Peamount player all set to take on Spain in important European qualifier P30
nov 26 - dec 2, 2015
master of all trades: Lindsay Peat adds rugby to list of elite sports P29
Clon new facilities set for grand opening james hendicott
sport@dublingazette.com
CLONDALKIN rugby club are set to open their new facilities this Saturday after funding the development with the help of a €200,000 sports capital grant. New developments to the clubhouse include two additional changing rooms with new shower facilities, which the club hope will help with the more comfortable hosting of their women’s team, as well as substantial improvements to the gym facilities and floodlights over the club’s second pitch. The revamped clubhouse will be opened with the help of
Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who assisted the club in the funding application process, as well as the Leinster Branch President, ahead of the first team’s game against Gorey on November 28. The launch will take place at midday, with the game - in the Leinster League Division 1A - set to follow at 2.30pm. “The committee have been working on the new facilities for 18 months, with the build taking place over the last four or five months,” Club President Winston Jebb told GazetteSport. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done ahead of receiving funding,” Jebb explains.
“The National Lottery funds 70% of projects like this, so the club will be undertaking major fundraising drives in the coming years. We’ve taken out a loan from the IRFU for the other 30%, and we’ll be launching a ‘buy a brick’ campaign to assist with the payments.” The second pitch floodlights already saw their first competitive action, with Clondalkin Women facing Mullingar last Friday. Jebb focuses largely on the practical benefits of the development: more access to gym facilities, and electric showers that prevent teams that play second from coming into the clubhouse to
find all the hot water’s been used. “It’s about comfort,” he explains, outlining future plans to develop floodlights over the main pitch to accompany the smaller, second pitch additions. “The developed facilities are essential,” Jebb said. “There are very few junior clubs running four teams, but we are. We’ve had to have both our sides and visiting sides changing in car parks on busy days, and it costs €20-€30,000 a season just to keep the pitches drained and fertilized. We train on the pitches every week night and sometimes have three matches on a pitch on the same day. This will have a great knock-on effect.”
Frank Lynch, Minister Frances Fitzgerald and John Glackin turning the sod at Clondalkin RFC