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Roads upgrade at Liffey Valley  IAN BEGLEY

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A MAJOR programme of junction improvements at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has begun which will minimise traffic congestion and improve pedestrian/cycle accessibility.

The works will improve the roads and junctions around the centre as part of the current extension to Liffey Valley Shopping centre.

The road work plans include new pedestrian crossing facilities at the

Arc Bar and Fonthill/Coldcut roundabouts; approaching the Fonthill/ Coldcut roundabout and on the slip road from the N4 to Hermitage Clinic roundabout; traffic light improvements at the B&Q/Coldcut Road junction; and improvements to internal roundabouts.

Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG) welcomed the development, saying: “The works will greatly improve safety in the area as well as promoting more walking and cycling locally.”

Full Story on Page 2

Ready to rumble: Wrestling fans watch bruisers battle it out CHEYENNE Molloy and Amy Dalton

were among the many wrestling fans who were at St Mark’s GAA Club recently as Main Stage Wrestling came to town. The event was action packed with battling bruisers putting their wrestling moves to the

test in a throwdown showdown at the club. Main Stage Wrestling is one of Ireland’s fastest growing American Wrestling entertainment companies performing monthly live events around Dublin.

See Full Gallery on Page 10

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 20 August 2015

shopping centre Investment to create up to 450 jobs

Liffey Valley roads in line for revamp A MAJOR programme of junction improvements at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has begun, its focus being to minimise traffic disruption and improve pedestrian/ cycle accessibility.

The works, which got under way earlier this week, will improve the roads around the shopping centre to eight roundabouts and junctions as required by the planning permission

 ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

outlined for the current extension to Liffey Valley shopping centre.

Up to 450 full and parttime jobs will be created via the €26m extension

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

of Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. This investment itself is expected to attract a new Penneys store, six new restaurants, a cinema upgrade and a new civic space in the centre.

The project is expected to create up to 225 construction employment opportunities during the development phase along with the 450 jobs upon completion.

The road work plans include new pedestrian crossing facilities at the Arc Bar and Fonthill/ Coldcut roundabouts; turning lanes approaching the Fonthill/Coldcut roundabout and on the slip road from the N4 to Hermitage Clinic rounda-

bout; traffic light improvements at the B&Q/Coldcut Road junction; and improvements to internal roundabouts.

Clonmel Enterprises has been appointed contractor for the works which are due to last 10 weeks.

Lucan’s Cllr William Lavelle (FG) welcomed the development, saying: “These works are a condition of the planning permission for the extension to the shopping centre which is currently under construction.

“I have been briefed by the shopping centre manager on the planned road works.

“I welcome the planned works to improve traffic flow at Fonthill Road as this area regularly suffers from severe traffic tailbacks. I also welcome the planned improvements to pedestrian/cycle accessibility.

“The Arc Bar roundabout is famously one of the most difficult roundabouts in Dublin to cross for pedestrians.

These works will greatly improve safety in the area as well as promoting more walking and cycling locally.

“I have been advised that the contractor is working with South Dublin County Council and Ronanstown gardai on traffic management plans for the duration of the works.

“I am told that works will generally be limited to off-peak time to minimise traffic disruption, particularly as schools will be back in two weeks’ time,” said Cllr Lavelle.

As part of the Liffey Valley extension a new Western End facade will be constructed and reconfigurations will be made to the existing VUE Cinema in which planning permission for the

A major programme of junction improvements at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has begun

development was granted in 2013.

Liffey Valley has partnered with John Sisk and Son to roll out the project as quickly as

possible to deliver the jobs and business benefits that will come from the expansion.

The expected timeframe for the comple-

tion of the works will see the cinema upgrade open in autumn 2015, with the new Penneys due to open in late 2016.

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

survey Have your say on childcare

policy: sinn fein challenges alan kelly to spend a day with local unit

‘Homeless crisis worsens every day’  ian begley

A CLONDALKIN councillor has challenged Minister for Environment Alan Kelly to spend a day working in the south County Dublin homeless unit to get a first-hand look at what the Government’s housing policy is doing for families.

This call comes after Cllr Eoin O’Broin (SF) stated that on any given night, up to 50 families in Dublin Mid-West are unable to access emergency accommodation.

He said: “Every single day, the homeless crisis in Dublin is getting worse.

Council staff and elected members have never witnessed anything on the scale of the crisis we are

currently experiencing.

“I am challenging [Minister] Alan Kelly to spend a day working with our council staff on the front line of his homeless crisis. I have no doubt that if he spent a full working day in the south Dublin homeless office witnessing firsthand the effects of his Government’s decisions, he might start to rethink his failed approach to the housing crisis in our city,” said Cllr O’Broin.

Responding to Cllr O’Broin’s request, a spokesperson from the Department of Environment said that Minister Kelly has already experienced first-hand the efforts of staff and volunteers who work in home-

less services and has praised their efforts on many occasions.

“The difficult homeless situation is, in the main, caused by a lack of supply.

The Minister has secured €4bn for social housing out to 2020 for the provision of 35,000 new units, and 75,000 families will also be accommodated under the housing assistance payment .

“He has also achieved a 20% increase in funding for emergency accommodation in 2015.

“The Minister will continue to work closely with local authorities and the various stakeholders to improve the situation for those experiencing homelessness,” said the spokesperson.

 ian begley

Recognition: Niamh nets herself a place in national finals with project pictured is Niamh Smyth of Tallaght Hospital being presented with a certificate for being chosen as a finalist in the HMI Leaders Award 2015 from Leo Kearns, National Lead for Transformation and Change, Office of the Director General. Niamh reached the national final after winning the Dublin Southwest Regional Finals for her project: Introduction of an Electronic Ordering System for Enteral Tube Feeding Products in a Teaching Hospital. The HMI (Health Management Institute of Ireland) established the annual Leader’s Award to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership contribution of individuals, work units and interdisciplinary teams in the development of the Irish health services. Picture: Barry Keogh

DEPUTY Joanna Tuffy (Lab) is urging parents in Lucan and Clondalkin to make their views known on how to reform the current childcare system.

In a YouTube video, Deputy Tuffy is asking parents to partake in a short online questionnaire and submit their thoughts on a range of childcare issues, from cost to quality of care.

The video and working group are elements of Labour’s new Let’s Talk About Childcare’ campaign, launched recently.

Feedback will go on to shape Labour’s 2016 General Election manifesto.

To fill out the questionnaire, visit www.labour. ie/childcare.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 20 August 2015

launch Raising awareness of gum litter and dog fouling

Two new initiatives for Corkagh Park  ian begley

A new gum litter taskforce campaign and an anti-dog foul initiative were recently launched in Corkagh Park in a bid to educate people about the two offenses.

The anti-gum initiative tackles the issue of littered gum and aims to raise awareness of the

impact of littered gum and encourage proper gum disposal.

Its central aim is to raise awareness of the fact that irresponsibly disposed of gum is litter, and to also reduce littered gum by educating people to dispose of it responsibly and to inform that anyone disposing of gum in an

irresponsible way can be fined €150.

Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) met Lorraine Reynolds of Primary Pals and Roisin Kearney of Exchange House Ireland to discuss the success of the campaign and its new strapline Bin your gum when you’re done.

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) also

dressed a tree with filled plastic bags to represent dog owners who leave bags in trees and hedgerows filled with dog faeces.

John O’Driscoll, Dog Warden of SDCC said: “The bags are often discarded irresponsibly. It is great that people pick up after their pet, but to throw the bag into the

nearest bush just doesn’t make sense. Our message is simple, ‘Bag It then Bin It’.

O’Driscoll also encouraged dog owners to take the Green Dog Walkers pledge – a commitment to always clean up after your dog.

To take the Green Dog Walkers pledge visit www.sdcc.ie

don’sdublin Sharp, salty air is peerless for walkers in Dun Laoghaire GENERATIONS of people have been taking a walk on the pier and it is something that I have always enjoyed.

Whether the day is warm with a gentle breeze blowing or you are wrapped up against a bracing wind, taking the air is a real pleasure. The sharp, salty air never fails to clear a stuffy head, and the long walk is a favourite for thousands.

In the past, the waters in Dublin Bay often silted up making it difficult for ships to land and they would have to stay moored off-shore for days. A small pier was opened in 1767 (Coal Harbour Pier) but it soon became useless. After two disasters in November 1807 when the HMS Prince of Wales and The Rochdale sank with the loss of 400 people there was an outcry for something to be done.

In 1815 an Act of Parliament was passed for the construction of “a harbour for ships to the eastward of Dunleary’” and the foundation stone (East Pier) was laid in May 1817 by Earl Whitworth, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The granite was quarried in Dalkey and transported by a funicular railway that later became the Atmospheric Railway. By 1820 the original plan was amended by engineer John Rennie to add a second pier – and the West Pier was completed in 1827.

The East Pier (red for port) is 2.6km (out and back) while the West Pier (green for starboard) is slightly longer at 3.01km. They enclose a 250-acre harbour and the gap between them is 232m. The East Pier is the more popular with walkers and has a bandstand (built 1890s) where, weather permitting, music concerts take place. There is also a memorial to Captain Boyd and his crew who drowned in 1861 during a rescue. And you can see a plaque in honour of Samuel Beckett who also liked to walk the pier – Happy Days!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier is still very popular with people, with many taking the full 2.6km return walk

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 20 August 2015

housing Residents concerned about loss of green space

Company plans to build 117 new units  Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

Planning permission for 117 new houses in Rathcoole has recently been submitted to South Dublin County Council.

Proper ty company Cavan Developments has applied for permission to construct 117 new housing units on a site beside Broadfield Manor, Rathcoole.

The same property company has also made revisions to a previously approved development on the same site, changing 28 three-bedroom houses and townhouses to 25 four-bedroom

houses.

The planned development of the 117 units near Broadfield Manor include: 107 four-bedroom houses, one threebedroom house, three four-bedroom townhouses, one three-bedroom townhouse and a twobedroom house.

Changes to the previously approved application include alternative housing types from 18 three-bedroom houses and 10 three-bedroom townhouses to 25 fourbedroom houses.

Submissions on both of these applications can be made until August 31, with a decision on the

new development and amended development due by September 21.

Meanwhile, suggestions to reduce the number of housing units proposed for an infill housing development in Letts Field, Neilstown, have been made following the part 8 public consultation process.

A number of residents who live in the area are concerned that their residency will become a “concrete jungle” following a proposal to build a 48-unit infill housing development there.

Clondalkin councillors Eoin O Broin (SF) and Jonathan Graham

(SF) presented an alternative proposal of 15 to 20 houses along the south end Letts Field, with enough room on the field to create a full size football pitch that can be used by the local community.

The local councillors are also proposing that the development does not affect on existing mature trees on the field, and that developers should avoid locating housing along the boundary wall with St Peter Apostle’s junior and senior school.

The proposals were made following a detailed survey conducted by Sinn Fein in Moorefield and Woodavens regarding the development in Letts Field.

Of the 213 residents who completed the survey, 64% of the respondents were opposed to the council proposal, 75%

Clondalkin Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) presented an alternative to the proposed development

supporting a smaller development and 89% supporting the provision of a play space.

“Residents acknowledged the need for housing but were also concerned about the loss of green space, the loss of the football pitch and the impact on traffic from the larger development,” said Cllr O Broin.

Cllr Francis Timmons

Sign up for free over-70s GP care  ian begley

PEOPLE aged 70 and over from Dublin Mid-West are being encouraged to register for the recently introduced free GP care service.

Since August 5, all those aged 70 and over will be able to see their GP without paying fees.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said the Government initiative was a “great boost” for the elderly and an important step towards universal healthcare.

“For the first time in Ireland, the eldest and youngest in our society will be able to access GP care without being charged, which is great

news for families across our local area.”

Clondalkin TD Robert Dowds (Lab) also welcomed the opening of the registration process. He said: “Those who have a valid medical card or GP visit card do not have to register for this scheme.

However, for those that do, registration can be done online or manually.

“The provision of free GP care to those over 70 was a key focus for Labour’s Minister for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch and builds on the recent successful launch of free GP care for undersixes,” he said.

To find out more, see www.gpvisitcard.ie, or call 1890 252 919.

(Ind) also conducted an Independent doorto-door survey recently which showed that more than 60% of residents living by Letts Field do not support the development of the infill housing.

He said: “There is a lot of anger at the lack of facilities in the area and the large percentage [of residents] in favour of the play space shows the

need for facilities.

“Residents feel [they are not being] listened to and worr y about the whole of nor th Clondalkin becoming a concrete jungle.

“There are also issues of anti-social behaviour and many I spoke to highlighted that bringing more people into the area could add [to this issue].”

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

community Support third annual fun day to be held at Rathcoole exercise Take to a lovely 43km trail

Four districts ready to party  ian begley

RESIDENTS from Newcastle, Saggart, Brittas and Rathcoole are being invited to attend the third 4 Districts Fun Day – an event that will host a vast array of family fun activities.

Dublin Rose and Rathcoole local Aisling Finnegan was on hand last week to help Cllr Emer Higgins (Lab) launch this year’s Fun Day, which takes place on September 12 at 1pm in the Rathcoole Community Centre.

For the third year running, the events committee has arranged for a huge array of attractions to entertain families from the four villages of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas, and to raise much needed

funds for the 4 Districts Day Care Centre.

On the day, there will be a big sports zone where local clubs will be offering children the chance to learn new sports skills. Children’s entertainment will include everything from puppet shows to bouncy castles and a pre-school area hosted by local childcare providers.

Local food wholesaler M&K Meats will also be on hand during the event to offer plenty of BBQ food to attendees, alongside music from local musicians, including RAMs in Rhythm and the Garda Band.

Taster classes in karate, Irish dancing and performances from Dancity will take place throughout the day, including a local psychic telling

people’s futures. There will also be a reptile zoo and plenty more to keep the kids occupied while adults browse the event’s market stalls.

Members of An Garda Siochana, the Civil Defence and Dublin Fire Brigade will also be showcasing their horses, bikes, motorcycles, and other vehicles to attendees.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Cllr Higgins said: “The event has proven a huge success over the past two summers and we’re counting on families to come out and support it again.

“We’ve been ver y lucky to have the sun shine on us twice already and we’re hoping for good weather again this year.

 ian begley

Launching the 4 Districts Fun Day are local chilfren with Denzil the Magician and Cllr Emer Higgins (FG)

“A small, dedicated committee has spent most of the last month organising this event and it’s been great to officially launch it. The Fun Day will be attend-

ed by our ver y own local celebrity, Aisling Finnegan, who we are so proud to say is representing Dublin at this year’s Rose of Tralee,” she said.

All proceeds raised during the event will go directly to the 4 Districts Day Care Centre. For further information, see www.4districtsfunday. com.

A WALKING trail that runs through the Dublin Mountains and ends in the Sean Walsh Memorial Park, Tallaght has been listed alongside a wide range of scenic walks in a recently published book.

T he 43km Dublin Mountains Way, stretching from Shankill to Tallaght, is featured in the illustrated 1001Walks You Must Experience Before You Die, which has been curated by travel writer Barry Stone.

Orla Carrol, of Failte Ireland, said: “The Dublin Mountains Way forms part of the wider walking experience that will be developed for visitors in and around south Dublin County over the next few years.”

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 20 August 2015

leaving cert Weeks of waiting for results comes to an end

School heads delighted with student effort

 Ian Begley

After many weeks of waiting, the hundreds of Leaving Cert students from Clondalkin and its surrounding areas have received their results, marking a significant milestone for the young graduates.

This year about 160 students completed the Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) in Colaiste Bride. MarieTherese Kilmartin,

principal of the school congratulated staff and students for their hard work.

She said: “I want to congratulate all of the girls who did the Leaving Cert this year and wish them every success in moving forward. It’s a very exciting time for young people to start a new chapter in their lives and I’m sure they’ll all do well in their future careers – the world is now their oyster.

“All of our students did really well in general this year which was due to consistent hard work.

“T here were many who achieved As in higher level English this year along with As in many other subjects.

“One girl this year even managed to achieve an amazing 590 points, which was highest result in our school this year.

“There were a lot of

girls happy with their CAO choices and my advice again to our students is to always move forward,” said principal Kilmartin.

Niamh Balfe, the sixth-year student who received 590 points in her Leaving Cert at Colaiste Bride, told The Gazette that she was ecstatic and surprised by her impressive results.

She said: “When I opened up the envelope with my results I was just really shocked. I did well enough in my mocks, but never in a million years did I think I would do so well. I was really delighted after working so hard for years that it all paid off in the end.

“I did seven subjects altogether and I thought chemistry was the hardest subject by far. I did af ter-school studies for two years which really helped me do so well and my family and friends are really proud and delighted for me.”

Balfe, who is 18 years of age, received a place to study multimedia in DCU in September which she says she is really looking forward to.

“I really wanted to do something creative in college and I’ve heard fantastic things about the course in DCU and I think it’ll be really interesting.

“I’m not entirely sure what I want to be in the future, but it’s a broad enough course so I’m sure I’ll have a fair idea by the time I graduate.

At the moment I would like to be a graphic

Colaiste Bride’s Niamh Balfe was ecstatic and surprised by her impressive results

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‘I would just like to say that I’m extremely pleased and proud of everyone and I wish them every success in the future’

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Principal Maria Shannon of Deansrath Community College

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designer or working on the layout for websites – something creative.”

Asked if she has any advice for next year’s Leaving Cert students, Balfe went on to say that it is very important to do a lot of hard work throughout the year, but also to keep a cool head.

“I think it’s really important not to stress yourself out too much.

My advice for students doing their exams next year is to put as much effort into them as possible but at the same time not to completely abandon their social lives as well,” she said.

Principal Maria Shannon of Deansrath Com-

munity College also said that she is “extremely pleased” with the standard of her student’s Leaving Cert results.

“There were about 60 students in total doing their exams this year and I would just like to say that I’m extremely pleased and proud of ever yone and I wish them every success in the future.”

This year 118 students completed the Leaving Cert in Confey College with eight students taking part in the Leaving Cert Applied.

Mike O’Byrne, principal of Confey College, congratulated staff and students for their hard work.

He said: “The Leaving Certificate Class of 2015 have to be commended for their hard work and effort in achieving such good results. We are very pleased with the results achieved in all subject areas.”

Mary Cullen, deputy principal and year head, indicated that there has been great personal achievement for students of all abilities in all subject areas.

“Worthy of special mention is Rhyla Mae Santiago who received eight A grades and one B grade in her results.

We wish to congratulate Rhyla Mae and her family on her fantastic achievement.”

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

fund Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown to benefit from State’s €7m scheme

Childcare gets a €270,000 boost

 Ian Begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

SEVER AL childcare facilities in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown and its surrounding areas have been awarded grants as part of a €7m scheme for early years services.

The grants announced include €250,000 to build a childcare unit on the grounds of St Ronan’s Primary School in Deansrath, to which the existing facility in St Ronan’s Community Centre will move.

Other such facilities to benefit from grants include Naoinra Tir na nOg in Palmerstown (€4,784), the Limetree Childcare on the Baw-

nogue Road in Clondalkin (€2,031) and St Finian’s Childcare Services in Lucan (€4,018).

The scheme covers large scale capital funding, essential mediumscale maintenance, and the upgrading of ICT (information and communications technology) equipment.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the allocation of over €270,000 to early years services in Dublin MidWest.

She said: “As former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, and Ireland’s first senior Minister in this position, I welcome this funding towards childcare services in our

area.

“This capital programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the ongoing development of the childcare sector.

“Nationally €5m of the grant funding was made available specifically for community/not for profit childcare services while the other €2m was made available to both private and community/not for profit childcare facilities to access grants for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities will go to local services,” she said.

Minister Fitzgerald added: “From talking to parents across Lucan,

Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Saggart and particularly Newcastle, I know childcare is one of the most pressing issues and I am very pleased that the Government has allocated funding towards early years services right across these areas.”

Also welcoming the news, Clondalkin’s Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) said: “These grants will help facilities keep up with the demands of a busy modern childcare service.”

People Before Profit Cllr Ruth Nolan told The Gazette that although she welcomed the allocated grants towards early year’s services in Dublin MidWest she believed a lot

Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the allocation of over €270,000 to early years services in Dublin Mid-West

more needed to be done in respect of childcare.

“Childcare should be State subsidised as far as I’m concerned.

“If you’re on a minimum wage job and working 40 hours a week there’s not a hope in hell

that you will be able to afford childcare.

“We’re passing childcare now onto family members like grandmothers and aunts. In the long run this money isn’t going to go that far - it’s like putting a plaster on a bro-

ken leg.

“Even for working couples paying a mortgage childcare is just another expense and when you have other children to look after it just isn’t a possibility for many,” she said.

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 20 August 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Thomas Hoare with Shelley and Jason McKeever. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

tallaght: wrestling evening at st mark’s

Plenty of moves to get to grips with W

Noleen Farrell, Brian Norton and Vera Donovan

RESTLING fans were in for a treat at St Mark’s GAA Club in Tallaght recently, courtesy of Main Stage Wrestling. The American wrestling-style company staged an evening of pure entertainment for locals, with battling bruisers putting their wrestling moves to the test in a throwdown showdown at the club, featuring wrestlers with such exotic names as Franky Phoenix, Omen, Bonesaw and Elektro, to name but a few. With Oscar-worthy expressions of anger, pain, surprise and determination, the wrestlers put on a great show at the club, with younger audience members giving particularly enthusiastic support for the wrestlers’ moves.

Ouch – that looks uncomfortable ... Some of the wrestlers do their thing, until the referee’s watchful eye

Mick and Christy McDonagh with Luke McGinley

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11

David Scott, Amy Dalton and Eoin Hillery

David Bennet and Christopher Roche

Kev Dunphy

Keane Beckford

12 gazette 20 August 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Jenny Fogarty

Susan Roldao and Keitia Ne a Guisar

Anna Walsh, Laura Faulkner, Eamon Fennell, Belinda Kelly and Fergal Finge. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

A sweet evening

B

ULMERS poured on the charm for guests at the recent launch of its new Forbidden Flavours line at The Sugar Club in the city centre recently. The popular cider has introduced a number of new flavours – Cloudy Lemon, Strawberry & Lime, Juicy Pear and Berry Berry – and while the summer has been

distinctly underwhelming, the new drinks went down a treat with guests at the launch.

Mode Teo Sutra, Dublin GAA star Eamon Fennell and his fiancee Fiona Creely, and TV3’s Patrick Kavanagh were just some of the guests on the night, with a Mediterraneaninspired BBQ adding to the flavoursome fun.

Ali Tyrrell

Fiona Creely

Tracey Byrne and Edel Maiben

Paula Lyne

20 August 2015 Gazette 13

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asdfsdaf learning curve P27 P17

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a day in the life: actor steven houghton

Working hard to excel at his art  aisling kennedy

PERHAPS best known for playing the love interest of Gail Platt in Coronation Street, Steven Houghton is an Olivier-award nominated actor who will be appearing as Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music this August.

He took time out to chat to The Gazette this week about a typical day in his life.

“I usually get up at about 7am and then I make my daughter, Ella, some breakfast. I usually make her some lunch to bring with her to school and then I drop her off at the gates.”

Houghton has two children with his wife Samantha, 15-year-old Ella and 19-year-old Daniel.

He said that he likes to stay fit and healthy, so he makes himself and his wife eggs on toast every morning for breakfast, and then he goes for a run at about 10am.

“I usually run for about 50 minutes each day around the fields where I live. I live in Hertfordshire, and there is beautiful scenery all around here.”

Once he’s finished his morning run, he then heads back home and has a shower. Houghton runs a performing arts school

with his wife Samantha, called Excel Performing Arts Ltd, which is based in the local primary school that his own children attended when they were young.

He said that a lot of planning goes into the school, as there are 400 children who attend it.

“We teach ballet, jazz, drama, singing and performance techniques for ages from three up to 17.

“It’s really hectic, but it’s brilliant and it’s a really good antidote for me when I’m not performing because it allows me to do the acting jobs I want to do rather than having to do it for a living.

“I take acting roles now because I want to do them, which is really nice.”

Houghton spends the morning and afternoons planning and working at the performing arts school. He breaks for lunch at about 1pm and always tries to eat something healthy.

“We start work at the school at 3pm and we usually finish on a week night at about 9pm, and we also work a half day on Saturday.”

Houghton manages to find time in between this hectic schedule to pick his daughter up from school, and he and his wife take turns cooking dinner for

Actor Steven Houghton will be appearing as Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music this August at the Bord Gais Energy theatre

their children at about 6pm each night.

In the evening, Houghton likes to relax with his family by watching a movie on his iPad. “I love my iPad! They’re absolutely brilliant and

have changed my life. I like watching dramas, thrillers and documentaries. I usually have a glass of wine or a cup of tea to unwind at night and then I head to bed most nights at about 11pm.”

Steven Houghton will appear as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the Bord Gais Energy theatre from August 17 to August 29. Tickets are on sale through the theatre now.

Gazette

14 Gazette 20 August 2015

dublinlife

diary

Dublin Fashion Festival picks a perfect Pippa THIS week saw the launch of Dublin Fashion Festival 2015 in the stunning surrounds of City Hall.

Pippa O’Connor was announced as this year’s face of the festival, and had a cutting-edge look in a stunning black jumpsuit.

Cocktails flowed with the help of the gang from The Meeting House, and delicious canapes from San Lorenzos were served.

Pippa, Rosanna Purcell and a range of other famous faces took in the beauty of City Hall and all commented on how fan-

tastic a location it was for the fashion show that took place later in the night.

Clyde Carroll, from Dublin Town, told those gathered that we can expect the best year yet from the festival, which will run all across Dublin city from September 7 to 13.

Computing a way to help ethiopia INTERNATIONAL charity Camara recently fulfilled its commitment to provide 17,500 computers to Ethiopia and train a minimum of 1,750 teachers over five years.

Camara Education is a social enterprise which uses technology to deliver digital literacy skills and equal learning opportunities to children in disadvantaged communities around the world.

Camara recently sent its final container of more than 900 computers to Addis Ababa.

The charity is working with Ethiopia’s ministry of education to close not only the huge gap in ICT access in remote areas, but also to provide much needed capacity building and teacher training.

The charity is now finalising another agreement which will see the delivery of education continue to spread across Ethiopia, thanks to technology. For further information, see www.camara.org.

a rare chance to study the rising A SELECTION of rare photographs and letters documenting the impact the Easter Rising had on Dublin City has been compiled by TCD. Each week, diaries, letters and photographs will be highlighted in a new

blog entitled Changed Utterly, which is inspired by the WB Yeats poem, Easter 1916.

The blog showcases previously unpublished records of the Rising written by ordinary people, from blow-by-blow accounts to comprehensive scrapbooks.

Previous posts have included the story of Eileen Corrigan, one of four female students who dodged sniper bullets to make it into TCD to sit exams, and a collection of photographs taken

by Thomas Johnson

Pippa O’Connor – the face of Dublin Fashion Festival 2015

Westropp which were taken in the days and weeks following the Rising.

They show the damage inflicted on the city and the architectural fabric

of central Dublin, including the GPO, Liberty Hall, the Four Courts and Clerys.

T his blog can be viewed at: www.tcd.ie/ Library/1916/

C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

20 August 2015 GAZETTE 15

MARKS & SPENCER IS TOP OF THE CLASS WITH SERIOUSLY CLEVER SCHOOLWEAR Kids grow, play and get dirty so school uniforms need to be able to withstand the rigours of the school year. From shirts that repel dirt to trousers that get longer, M&S is top of the class for stylish, comfortable and durable schoolwear.

T he M&S Back to School range boasts numerous innovations to make uniforms even easier to wear and easier to care for.

Say goodbye to rough and scratchy jumpers and sweatshirts thanks to Staysoft, a durable sof tener that keeps clothes soft no matter how many times they’re washed.

From the first day of term to the end-of-year photo, Staynew ensures their uniforms remain bright and bobble free,

while Colour Stay prevents clothes from fading in the wash.

Kids will be kids, but our schoolwear outsmarts dirt. Stormwear+ repels mud and oil, while Stainaway (high per-

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Choose Ultimate NonIron shirts for crisp, crinkle free shirts, fresh from the tumble drier.

To make life easier, trousers have Supercrease technology which offers a permanent central crease even after washing while Permanent Pleats on skirts and pinafores ensure the pleats stay crisp and defined wash after wash.

Leave the iron in the cupboard thanks to Crease Resistant technolog y, which stops clothes from creasing during wear and ensures creases fall out more easily.

Make getting dressed easier and changing for PE quicker with Easy Close Neck (riptape instead of buttons) and Expandicuff (elasticated cuffs) on selected shirts and blouses up to age eight.

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Gazette

16 Gazette 20 August 2015

dublinlife

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM

escape the mayhem: singer-songwriter mick flannery

Playing to his competitive chess streak Each week The Gazette speaks to Dubliners about how they like to unwind in a bustling, busy city. Mick Flannery tells us how an uncommon hobby actually stresses him ...  keith bellew

RENOWNED singersongwriter Mick Flanner y is a busy man, recording and touring.

T his week, T he Gazette spoke with Flannery about what he likes to do to escape the mayhem of his rigorous schedule.

His favourite activity is a rather unique one – while some like to exercise or jet off on sun holidays, Flannery

prefers to pit his wits against those of anonymous opponents in online chess battles.

He says that while he enjoys this, it doesn’t do much for relieving stress, as there is a leader board system and he tries his very best to maintain or increase his score. “ I ’m a d d i c t e d t o online chess! There’s a website called Chess. com, it sounds really boring, but it’s actually quite exciting.

“I do that to de-stress, but it stresses me out because they have this marking system and you lose points every time you lose a game, so it’s very stressful!

“If you go on a losing streak, your score goes below 1,100 and you cry,” he said.

Shouting He went on to say that he plays online chess too much, and his girlfriend hates it because he’s constantly giving her a fright by shouting at the computer.

“It’s ridiculous. I shouldn’t actually be talking about this because it’s the one

thing that actually brings me stress,” he said.

He currently lives in County Clare but says that he tries to get down to his native Cork every two weeks or so to visit friends and “drink too many pints”.

There are a couple of particular haunts he likes to frequent when he’s back in the rebel county, but he doesn’t allow himself to be talked into impromptu performances.

“They [the pubs] would be quiet, and I’d be a regular, so most of the people would know me and know that I’m too grumpy to do something like that,” he

On his love for online chess, Mick Flannery says: “It’s the one thing that actually brings me stress”

laughs.

You can catch Mick Flannery at the Spirit of Folk festival at Dunder-

r y Park next month, September 18 to 20.

For further information on the festival, see

www.spiritoffolk.com, or http://w w w.facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival.

GAZETTE

20 August 2015 GAZETTE 17

LEARNINGCURVE

FAIR: GET ALL THE LATEST INFO AT THE RDS ABOUT COURSES

Visit Which Course Expo for adult learning advice

WHICH Course Expo is Dublin’s annual adult course fair, and takes place every September.

This year’s event takes place at the RDS on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, and promises to be the largest event yet in its eight-year history.

Attendees can expect to meet numerous course providers offering courses of all descriptions, from IT, languages and sports and fitness to health, beauty and wellbeing, distance learning, business and holistic

studies, to name but a few.

The event will include the Seminar Zone – a dedicated area featuring talks on courses and careers such as law, journalism, dream interpretation, angel therapy, broadcasting and many more topics.

Which Course Expo 2015 will also feature the ever-popular Career Clinic, where attendees can receive free one-onone career advice from qualified career coaches.

Event organiser Kevin

Branigan says: “A wealth of people in the Greater Dublin area – some 150,000 people – will enrol in a part-time course this autumn.

“There are many reasons why people enrol in part-time courses, such as for career advancement, self improvement or simply to learn a new hobby or meet new people.”

Attendees can meet exhibitors from a wide variety of education bodies and facilities, such as National College of Ireland, City Colleges, Gael

Which Course Expo is Dublin’s annual adult course fair and will take place at the RDS on September 5-6

Linn, Gaiety School of Acting, LA College of Creative Arts, Solas eCollege, Emergency Services Training Institute, DCU Connected, Dorset College, Hibernia College,

Irish Payroll Institute, and many more.

Admission to Which Course Expo 2015 is free to those who pre-register at www.whichcourseexpo.ie.

18 GAZETTE 20 August 2015

www.dublingazette.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

GAZETTE

20 August 2015 GAZETTE 19

LEARNINGCURVE

Learning how to live on your own

BUDGET: SURVIVING YOUR FIRST YEAR AT SCHOOL

 KEITH BELLEW

MANY first time students will be living alone for the first time and will have no experience of budgeting and paying bills. Managing your finances is just as important as managing your timetable and study plan.

The following is a list of tips for first time students to survive their first academic year.

Always pay bills on time to avoid late fees. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you have several bills to pay at once which cannot be put

off any longer.

If you have a credit card, make a personal note of every purchase you make as you don’t want to be taken by surprise with a huge bill.

When this dreaded bill does arrive, try to pay it off as quickly as possible, as bad credit follows you everywhere.

Never go food shopping when you are hungry, as you will invariably buy too much, some of which is bound to go to waste.

Don’t make impulse purchases, always make a shopping list and buy in bulk. Just because food is

cheaper in discount supermarkets doesn’t necessarily mean its unhealthier so shop there whenever possible. Also, these are great places to save money on things like toiletries and household supplies.

Always bring lunch from home and try to avoid eating out often.

Limit the number of times you allow yourself to eat out over the period of a month.

Create a budget, contact your student union to see if it runs second hand book schemes, take full advantage of student discount’s and always

enquire if one is on offer.

Look for special offers everywhere and check out second-hand shops for clothes, books and furniture. Investing in a Leap card is a great way to save money. Many students will have to get four buses or more a day, and those few cents saved on each journey add up very quickly.

According to Dublin City University: the most recent figures show that the total cost for a student living away from home in self-catering shared accommodation for the eight-and-a-half month academic year is almost €7,000. For those who stay at home the total cost is €3,433. A further nontuition fee, in the region of €400, must be added for non-grant holders attending certain institutions.

Loans to help you in college STILLORGAN Credit Union is offering its members low-rate education loans to help finance college or university fees and other associated costs.

Full-time third level students can apply for a loan from the branch from either their own account, or their parents can opt to apply for a loan on their behalf.

The branch are also offering another rolling loan – the annual rolling education loan – at a rate of just 6.5% APR. This loan provides students with the option of a loan top up each year for the duration of their course. See www.stillorgancu.ie for info.

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 20 August 2015

LEARNINGCURVE

Use Springboard to further studies THE College of Computing Technolog y (CCT) in Westmoreland Street is providing higher education programmes in computing, information technology, and business, and is now part of the Springboard national initiative, which offers access to free higher education programmes..

The five Springboardfunded programmes commencing in September include a Level 6 certificate in science in IT support and development (one year), a Level 6 certificate in web development (one year), a Level 7 diploma in big data technology

skills (one year), a Level 7 bachelor of science in information technology (one year add-on), and a Level 8 bachelor of science (hons) in information technology (one year add-on).

Variety

With a variety of additional learning supports provided throughout programme durations, including job-seeking skills training, professional development (STEPS programme), and a work placement, CCT is a great choice for those looking to kickstart their ICT career.

For further information, see www.cct.ie.

HOUSING: FINDING THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT PRICE

It’s not easy to find student digs  AISLING KENNEDY

SEARCHING for student accommodation in Dublin can be a difficult task with soaring rent prices and high levels of students in need of somewhere to live for the coming year.

Firstly, the price of accommodation is a massive factor that needs to be considered when looking for accommodation.

Rent prices can range from €300 for a shared room and continue up to €700 or more for a more luxurious apartment.

It is therefore, very

important to start searching for accommodation as early as possible before the start of the first semester as the closer it gets to the beginning of the college year, the less availability there will be and the higher the rent prices will be.

Tips when searching for accommodation: Do as much research as you can online but also make sure to view the areas and accommodation you are considering renting in. Ask friends or family living in Dublin about what the area is like and ask them for alternative recommendations.

Thoroughly check out public transport connections between the college and the accommodation.

Some areas can look close to the college on the map but may be difficult to reach by bus or Luas.

Also, make full use of any accommodation support offered by the college or students’ union as they will be able to offer practical help and advice.

It is important to be aware that there have been scams on students seeking accommodation in Dublin, for example people who pose as landlords and try to take payments online for accommodation that is not for rent. Always watch out for these types of scams and remember if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Know your rights

In most cases, rent is usually payable monthly and in advance.

At the beginning of a letting period, tenants are required to pay a deposit of one month’s rent which will be refunded when the lease is up or if the tenant decides to leave once the

lease is up. If, however, a tenant causes any damage to the property, the landlord has the right to hold onto the deposit to fix the damage.

Make sure that the landlord gives you a rent book so that tax relief on any rent paid can be reclaimed.

Ask the landlord if they are registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).

By law, landlords must be registered with the PRTB and if they have not registered there may be problems down the road.

Remember that good preparation is key to

Finding student accommodation in Dublin can be a difficult task

avoiding problems.

Don’t forget: There are other ways to rent in Dublin which i n cl u d e o n - c a m p u s accommodation, long-

term student hostels, and accommodation with a family. Make sure to investigate all options to find the best solution to suit you and your budget.

20 August 2015 Gazette 21

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 20 August 2015

LEARNINGCURVE

Greenhills College offer QQI courses WHETHER you have just done your

networking and PC maintenance are

Leaving Certificate or are return-

on offer. A Level 6 course in this area

ing to education after a long absence

offers the internationally recognised

you may be interested to know that

Comptia A+ qualification as well as the

Greenhills College are offering full and

QQI Level 6.

part-time courses with certification by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).

The courses, which are eligible to students on full-time basis, offers

The college’s business courses are at Levels 5 and 6, including a medical secretary course.

Students at the college can also

nursing studies, healthcare support

take part in the IT Tallaght Scholarship

and community care with the chance to

scheme, whereby one student from

develop practical skills in these areas.

Greenhills each year is awarded a two-

The pre-university courses in the

year scholarship of €2,500 for their

areas of science, business, arts, sports

first two years in ITT. This scholarship

science, art portfolio and engineering,

will be in addition to any other funding,

are also designed to give a solid foun-

such as the SUSI (Student Universal

dation for those wishing to continue to

Support Ireland) grant, which they

third level.

may avail of.

For those interested in informa-

Full details of courses are available

tion technology, courses in software

on www.greenhillscollege.ie or email

development and gaming as well as

admin.greenhills@ddletb.ie.

DUBLIN CITY: THE PEOPLE’S COLLEGE CAN HELP

Courses are on offer for people from all walks of life

 IAN BEGLEY

THE People’s College in Parnell Square is offering courses for people from all walks of life and ability for learning.

The college has experienced tutors covering a wide range of languages, social and political studies, literature, art appreciation and cultural activities as well as personal development, basic education and communication skills.

New courses this year include felting and Qigong, which is an ancient Chinese health care system. On offer again this year is the introduction to hill walking and wildlife, as well as genealogy

and mindfulness which have been very popular in the college over the last few years. Other popular courses are creative writing, languages, music and art appreciation, yoga and pilates.

Morning classes in creative writing, yoga, wildlife, and public speaking will continue to take place this year.

Important

The People’s College in Parnell Square

T he student committee, elected every two years, also plays an important role in the life of The People’s College.

The committee participates in the preparation of the syllabus and with administrative duties in the college. Various activities that take place

are also organised by the committee during the year, which include Saturday outings and social and cultural events.

T he societies that the college has include a choir group, a debating society and a drama group.

Find a course that suits you and sign up today by sending an application form or by contacting the college by email or on social media.

V i s i t w w w. p e o p lescollege.ie for more information.

20 August 2015 Gazette 23

24 gazette 20 August 2015

GAZETTE

20 August 2015 GAZETTE 25

LEARNINGCURVE

SUPPORT: RANGE OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS TO AVAIL OF

There is always access to mental health help

ď Ž AISLING KENNEDY

ACCORDING to Aware, a charity helping those suffering from depression, more than 450,000 people experience some form of depression at any one time in Ireland.

Students and young people in general, comprise a large portion of those who go through depression as many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years.

Factors such as living away from home

for the first time, dwindling career options and declining living standards can leave some students feeling lost and alone.

This can lead to some students feeling like there is no hope and no help for them – but this is not the case.

There is help available on most college campuses in Ireland and students embarking on a college course should be aware that these services are always accessible to them.

For any students who may be struggling, here

are a list of helpful services you can access if you feel you need to talk: UCD Student Counselling Service is a free ser vice and is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. For further information, call 01 716 3133, or call into the student health centre in the student centre.

UCD also has a programme called Please Talk which is a voluntary organisation run by students and staff. Its aim is to provide information and support to students.

For further information, email ucd@pleasetalk. ie.

Trinity College provides support, guidance and treatment options for students suffering from mental health issues through its college health service and their counselling service.

To contact the college health centre, call 01 896 1591.

DCU runs a counselling and personal development service, which is a confidential and free service and is available to all students. For fur-

ther information, call 01 700 5165, or email counselling@dcu.ie.

Alternatively, there is a listening support service called Niteline that is a confidential phone service run by and for the students of DCU, NCAD, RCSI, TCD, NUIM and their affiliate colleges.

Niteline is open every night during term time from 9pm to 2.30am, and you can call about any problem you may be experiencing. For further information, see www. niteline.ie, or call 1800 793 793.

Many students go through depression during their college years. Picture: Annifer Photography

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Gazette

28 Gazette 20 August 2015

SPORT

FastSport Cabinteely park and NRh host games: THE third NRH Spinal Sports Championships in partnership with IWA Sport, dlr Sports Partnership and Spinal Injuries Ireland will be held on Saturday, September 5 in the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Cabinteely Park.

Events include handcycling, at Cabinteely Park from 10.30am, archery, wheelchair basketball, fields athletics, table tennis (all in the NRH) and a host of others. Competitors will have been a patient of the NRH. The competition was first introduced in 2013 with 42 athletes from 16 counties taking part across a range of events.

Fiona Conroy, senior physiotherapist at NRH and eEvent coordinator, said of the inaugural event: “The championships clearly highlight the huge demand for competitive events in disability sports and we in the NRH look forward to meeting this growing demand.”

gaelic games: O’callaghan, Keaney and Shefflin impart key advice

Hurlers’ healthy outlook  sport@dublingazette.com

OVER 250 children lined out last weekend in Parnell Park, Dublin for one of Centra’s Champions of Healthy Living’ events this summer.

Hurling stars Henry

Shefflin, Conal Keaney and Dotsy O’Callaghan were on hand on the day to give healthy eating and training tips to young aspiring hurlers from local Dublin clubs.

Girls and boys from all

over the county came in their droves to take part in a very special hurling skills session and learn from some of the best in the game.

This year’s event has a strong focus on healthy eating and nutrition,

Throngs of young GAA fans attended the event in Parnell Park. Picture: Piaras O’Mideach

Dotsy O’Callaghan signs autographs for young fans

with the Centra Champions providing some invaluable tips on how they can perform to the best of their ability.

As well as the fun skills session, children enjoyed a great family day out that brought the whole community together with a host of entertainment on the day.

On the day Lorraine O’Connor and her club, St Peregrine’s, won a place in the grand finale of the community events, taking place in October in Croke Park.

They will be one of a selection of clubs to take part in the ultimate behind the scenes day

out as they enjoy a special training session, a stadium tour and lots of entertainment.

Throughout the summer, Centra has been undertaking a Champions of Healthy Living survey with parents at each community event and Saturday’s event has revealed some interesting findings about Dublin’s eating habits.

The children of the capital have a sweet tooth with 29% of them admitting to having a treat such as chocolate or a fizzy drink every day; this is higher than most other counties surveyed so far.

However they’re still

eating their fruit and veg with the traditional options still popular.

59% of children picked apples as their favourite fruit with 29% choosing carrots as their favourite vegetable.

T he sur vey also revealed that Dublin mums rule the kitchen with almost half of them claiming to do all the cooking in the house and 59% of them making their children’s lunches every day.

Parents and children were in agreement that Shefflin is their favourite hurler while the Ballyhale Shamrocks’ man was also picked as their champion of choice.

Spence nominated for World Rugby player of year  sport@dublingazette.com

Sophie Spence conducts a training exercise at a Leinster summer camp this week

OLD Belvedere’s Sophie Spence has been nominated on World Rugby’s women’s Player of the Year for 2015.

New Zealand scrum half Kendra Cocksedge, France captain Gaelle Mignot and Ireland second row Sophie Spence have made the shortlist for the prestigious award, with the winner to be announced at the World Rugby Awards in London on November 1.

Spence was recently named Women’s Player of the Year at

the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards just last week.

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “On behalf of World Rugby, I wish to extend my congratulations to Gaelle, Kendra and Sophie for securing their Player of the Year nomination, and for their skill, power, discipline and consistency required to excel at the highest level.

“Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world, and we’re focused on building on the incredible success of last year’s Women’s

Rugby World Cup in Paris which engaged fans like never before.”

The panel selecting the shortlist is made up of former players Sue Day (England), Melodie Robinson (New Zealand) and Lucan-based teacher Fiona Coghlan as well as the Sunday Times rugby correspondent Stephen Jones and World Rugby Council member John Jeffrey.

Elsewhere, former Irish international and Old Wesley stalwart Philip Orr was elected this week as the junior deputy president of the IrishRugby Football Union.

Orr played for the club for over

20 years as a prop and was, for a long time, Ireland’s most capped played in the position with 58 appearances.

He toured with the Lions to New Zealand in 1977 and played in the inaugural World Cup a decade later.

From there, he moved into rugby administration and was the Old Wesley club president for their centenary in 1991.

He also went on to manage the Irish Under-21 squad and has also been the club’s representative to the Leinster branch in recent times.

20 August 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Trading places for Irish super stars As Keith Fahey calls time on his superb career in the League of Ireland, Damien Duff begins a new chapter with Shamrock Rovers on Monday in Tallaght, writes NATHAN KELLY T WO of the biggest names to ever grace the League of Ireland have stolen headlines this week, but for very different reasons.

Former Republic of Ireland international, St Patrick’s Athletic legend and local football star Keith Fahey announced his retirement from the professional game last Thursday due to longstanding knee and hip injuries.

Fahey, who famously made the switch to Shamrock Rovers at the start of the 2015 season from St Pat’s, was also on the books of Bluebell United and earned 16 senior international caps in the Trapattoni era.

In a statement about the retirement, the Tallaght native said: “Unfortunately, I have had to come to this decision after taking advice from

the doctor and surgeon. I feel that it is the right time to finish playing professional football. I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me, managed me, and played with me during my time playing football.”

Current Rovers boss Pat Fenlon praised Fahey for his short but meaningful final stint at the Tallaght club.

“Keith will be a big loss to Shamrock Rovers and the League of Ireland in general,” he said. “He has been a central part of our squad this season and has been a great influence on the players, particularly the younger members of our squad.”

Fahey’s career began as a local schoolboy at Tymon North before switching to Dublin giants Cherry Orchard. As a promising teen he travelled to first Arsenal and

then Aston Villa but never settled in his first stint in the UK. He arrived back in Dublin and played LSL football with Red Cow side Bluebell before signing for Pat’s, which would re-ignite his career.

Overall, he played 229 times for Pat’s across three spells. He was part of the Saints team who won the League Cup in 2003 but left the club in 2005 for Drogheda United.

But, after just a year at United he returned to Inchicore and remained at the club until 2008.

Many Irish football fans will cite the midfielder’s performance in the second leg of Pats’ 08-09 UEFA Cup first round second leg tie against Hertha Berlin as one of the best by a League of Ireland player in recent times.

Performances such as that earned him a move

Keith Fahey signs on the dotted line for Shamrock Rovers with club chairman Jonathan Roche last November

to Championship side Birmingham City and he played a major role in City’s promotion to the Premier League in the 08/09 season and their League Cup success in 2011.

His success at Birmingham earned him 16 senior caps in which he scored

thunderous reception in Tallaght in the 89th minute, right after Rovers got their third goal.

Four minutes of injury time gave the crowd a glimpse of their new man and he looked as hungry as ever to get on the ball, drifting everywhere in between the midfield and

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

‘Evert penny I get is going to charity. I don’t want a penny; I just want to play football’ Damien Duff --------------------------------------------------------

three goals for Ireland between 2010-12 including a vital winner against Armenia on route to Euro 2012, a tournament he would miss through injury.

He returned home in 2013 to Richmond Park and helped Pat’s win the FAI Cup before moving to Rovers where he made 12 appearances, the last of which came against St Patrick’s in the FAI Cup earlier this year.

But, while one former ROI international hangs up his Rovers jersey for good, another is just starting his new life for the Hoops as Damien Duff made his debut for Fenlon’s side as a late substitute in their 3-0 win over Cork City in Tallaght on Monday night.

A century of caps under his belt for the national side, Duff entered to a

front-line, playing neat passes and drawing fouls.

Fans will now have an anxious wait to see if the former Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham star will get a starting role against Sligo Rovers on August 29 at The Showgrounds.

Duff, who as a schoolboy played for Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic and St Kevin’s Boys revealed prior to his debut that any money he earns from his 18 month contract at Rovers would be given away to Temple Street Hospital and Heart Children Ireland.

“Every penny I get is going to charity. I don’t want a penny.

“I thought it’d be something nice to do because I just want to play football,” he said as he was officially unveiled as a Rovers player last week.

FastSport

Clontarf’s Cusask steps away from national team ALEX CUSACK has confirmed his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

The 34 year-old had originally planned to retire following the World Cup earlier this year, but delayed his decision until after helping Ireland successfully qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 in India next year.

“I have been thinking about it seriously for a year, especially with the bad run of injuries I have suffered in recent times,” said the Clontarf all-rounder.

“Those injuries have taken a considerable toll on my body, and that’s the main reason why I’m calling it a day now. I’m also the father of three young children, and I feel I need to be around more for them.

Cusack feels the team’s future is secure, with a wealth of talented young players coming through. “It’s great to see the young guys coming through and I’m certain the team has a great future ahead.

“I’d like to thank all my team mates that I have played with over the years - it has been a great honour to play for Ireland with such a great bunch of lads and I wish them all the best in the years ahead.”

Since his debut against Middlesex in 2007, Cusack played 174 times for Ireland, scoring 2347 runs at an average of 22.79, while also taking 180 wickets at just 21.86, putting him at 8th on the all-time leading wicket-takers.

There have been many highlights for Cusack during his 8 year career in the green of Ireland.

He made 47 during a stand of 161 with Kevin O’Brien in the famous World Cup win over England in Bangalore in 2011, while he also took 4 for 32 as Ireland edged out Zimbabwe by five runs in Hobart during the 2015 World Cup. He scored his only century - 130 in 2007 against Scotland - sharing a stand of 234 with Andre Botha - the third highest partnership for Ireland in all cricket.

Often seen at his best in T20 cricket, Cusack was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifying tournament.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN gazette 20 August 2015

SPORT

fastSport

motor cycling: clondalkin teacher on track for success

Lynch looking to make mark in Adelaide series  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

Clondalkin seek new recruits for girls’ teams CLONDALKIN RFC’s Under-15 and Under18s girls are getting ready to start their second season with the club and are looking for new recruits to link up with the progressive club who are keen to promote the female section of the club.

They started last season with a small group and hope to expand on that this year with all welcome and no experience required with all the players still learning.

With accredited coaches and a qualified athletic therapist, safety is a key focus of each session which take place in a fun environment.

Girls aged 13 to 18 are invited to give it a try; training is at Gordon Park in Kingswood on Sunday mornings from 10 to 11.30am and starts on Sunday, September 6. For any further information, contact Una Maguire on 087 9718849 or email una_maguire2002@yahoo. com.

Murphy hat trick inspires perfect start COLLINSTOWN FC got their AUL Premier A campaign off to a flying start with a 4-0 away win over Sandyhill Shangan last Sunday as Shane

Murphy’s hat trick led the way.

His goal added to another effort from Daniel Matthews to see Collinstown get off to a winning start as they bid to one better than last season and land the title having finished second in the table last spring.

NICOLE Lynch from Clondalkin is looking to make her mark in the highly competitive motorcycle racing world by competing in the 2015 Adelaide Masters Series, Ireland’s biggest and most high profile motorcycle racing championship.

T he series is held over five weekends from April to October each year and the 23-yearold Montessori creche assistant is racing her Suzuki SV650cc in the Production Twins Class.

The Adelaide Masters Series is considered an ideal proving ground for talented young Irish riders like Lynch, who said: “I’m on a brand new bike so there’s a lot to learn this year but if I do well in Ireland, I want to race abroad either in the British or European championships because they are much more competitive and offer a lot of opportunities to keep moving up through the ranks.”

The most recent Adelaide Series race meeting was at Mondello Park in Naas in July and, despite start-

ing from near the back of the field, she secured a sixth place finish in her second race and knocked an impressive 1.5 seconds off her current lap time.

Lynch said: “I was very happy with my performance in the second race and I am really focusing on improving my qualifying times and achieving more consistency in that area.

“A good qualifying time puts you nearer the top of the starting grid and basically gives you a better chance of a higher placing.”

Off track, Lynch says her work is “as opposite to bike racing as you can get, but I really love it.”

Family history And her family is steeped in the sport; her father raced in the early 1980s, both her older brothers race and one of them, Dylan, has won the Sidecar racing Irish Championship eight times.

Lynch has been riding bikes since she was four and racing since 2013 with numerous podium finishes and awards under her belt, both as sidecar passenger and solo rider. “My dad

Nicole Lynch on track

Paddy and mum Eileen are completely behind me and my brothers Dylan and Derek have totally suppor ted as well as teased me the whole way through, as only brothers can do!”

She has been able to

compete at this level by virtue of support from a series of different companies whom she paid thanks to.

“Medlar Racing has supplied my bike for this year which is great and I want to thank my

sponsors for their continued support.

They are www.voyagerip.com powered by 1network.ie, Cotter Motorcycles, Elton Freight, Ken Flemming, Sophos PLC and Robert Boland Jewellers.”

20 August 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

challenging times

Two Mile House offer good battle in Clon

Club Noticeboard round tower, clondalkin

ROUND Tower’s senior footballers played

out a competitive and useful challenge match versus Two Mile House of Kildare, managed by ex-Dublin Star Barney Rock, at Monastery Road.

It finished 2-18 to 4-10 with Two Mile House scoring two late goals to ensure a tight finish. Corner forward Michael Walsh was the star of the show for the Clondalkin club. Picture: Niall Connaughton

THE club wishes to extend its sympa-

at home on Saturday evening. All

thies to the family of vice president

support welcome. Details of all fix-

John Mulholland who passed away

tures can be found on the club web-

last week.

site.

Our sincere condolences to his

The camogie section will host a

wife Marie, his extended family and

karaoke and disco fundraiser in the

his wide circle of friends. Thanks to

clubrooms on Saturday night next

all of those who assisted from the

while the club county colours night

club in his funeral arrangements.

will take place on Saturday week, the

Solas siorai da anam uasal.

eve of Dublin’s All-Ireland semi-final

Congratulations to our junior hurl-

hurling: stunning season continues in jhc

meeting with Mayo.

ers who had an impressive quarter-

There was no winner of last week’s

final win over Naomh Fionnbarra on

lotto jackpot of €8,700; the num-

Sunday. They now advance to a semi-

bers drawn were 2, 6, 18 and 27. The

final which is likely to take place in

three €100 winners were Caroline,

two weeks’ time.

Robert and Odhran and Mick Bren-

Our senior footballers face Castleknock in a crucial league encounter

nan. Thanks to all members for their ongoing support.

st pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week were

the clubhouse every Monday evening

7, 20, 24 and 29; there was no winner

from 6-7pm and on Saturday morning

so next week’s jackpot will be €3,400.

from 10-11am, also in the clubhouse.

The draw takes place in the Palm-

New players are always welcome.

We will be holding a Family Fun Day

erstown House every Sunday night at 10pm and tickets cost €2.

Thank you to all our sellers and to all that support our lotto every week.

The Round Tower junior hurlers

Tower’s hurlers into championship semi  sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s junior hurlers continued their fantastic season so far by comprehensively booking their place in the championship semi-final with a 16-point win over Naomh Fionnbarra last Sunday.

Tower’s may have felt slightly apprehensive about rustiness going into this one after they received a walkover in their midweek game prior to the quarter-final.

But on a bright morning in Monastery Road, it was the home side who shaded it in what was

a tight first half. Good scores early on from Eoin Hutchinson and Donnacha Rafferty briefly looked to push the game in Tower’s favour but they were penned back by a couple of Fionnbarra free’s.

The key moment of the first half however did come Tower’s way when Martin Doyle made a powerful run through the middle and finished off a well-worked move with a goal. The strike left the Clondalkin outfit five points ahead at the break.

In the second half, Tower’s took more con-

trol of the game with the half back line of Niall Corless, Martin Sheehan and Simon Nevin dominating. A Fionnbarra player was given a red card which also helped the cause as Tower’s dominated the latter stages and rounded up the scoring through a Doyle goal from a penalty.

All in all Fergal McDonagh can be proud of his after this performance with the team keeping their discipline at times when the game threatened to boil over.

McDonagh’s men have now won five championship games out of six

this season with just a loss against Ballyboden earlier in the campaign marking their card.

T his side’s league form has been fantastic too, and they currently lead the AFL Division 9 table with 10 wins from 10 games. Form like that suggests that they will be playing at a much higher level before too long.

Up next however is a top of the table clash against St Sylvester’s on August 30 which should come just before that crucial championship semi-final against either Ballyboden, Ballinteer or Wild Geese.

in Glenaulin for all to attend and join in the fun and games. More details to follow on this free event.

Congratulations to Sadhbh Duffy

Our golf classic is on September

and all the girls who played U-15 Dub-

12 in Slade Valley Golf Club, €240 for a

lin camogie A team in Sligo.

team of four, includes dinner in Slade

Congrats also to Cian McGrane who

Valley and entry to Decades Disco in

was on the winning U-15 Dublin team

the Palmerstown House with a bar-

during the national blitz in Offaly. Well

becue and a presentation for the

done also to Evan Walshe, Jake Walker

winners.

and Paul Murphy who were narrowly

To enter a team or to sponsor a

defeated while also representing

hole for €50 (also includes a free ad on

Dublin in the same competition.

our website), please contact Robbie

A huge thank you to Maree O’Toole,

on 087 169 8166 or Paul on 087 661 3104

Paul Faughnan and all the helpers on

or email secretary.stpatrickspalm-

a brilliant summer camp last week.

erstown.dublin@gaa.ie.

It was great to have so many Dublin

Entry to our Decades Disco for non

players involved and a big thanks to

golfers is €10; this includes disco and

Paul for arranging this. Thanks also to

barbecue. There will also be a raf-

Alan Hayes for his kind donation; they

fle on the night. This is a ticket only

were put to good use. The kids all had

event so to purchase a ticket, contact

a great time.

Suzy on 086 079 7438 or any member

Camogie skills session is on every

of the executive or email secretary.

Friday 6-7 in Glenaulin for all camogie

stpatrickspalmerstown.dublin@gaa.

players from U-11 to U-16 and any new

ie.

players are welcome.

The hurling/camogie creche is on in

Should be a great night so don’t miss out and get your tickets early.



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

august 20-26, 2015

Trading places: Adelaide series: Nicole Lynch looking to make Irish star Fahey retires as Duff waves on the Irish motorcycling scene and beyond P30 makes Hoops debut P29

Rafferty finds window to cross Channel  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

A CLONDALKIN man battled the dark sea, strong tides and personal injury while swimming from England to France via the English Channel last month while raising awareness for the Irish Cancer Society in association with Swim4Life.

Niall Rafferty, spoke to GazetteSport early in July ahead of the 32km challenge and informed us he would have a three-day window to do the challenge.

Catching up with the water polo player and Director of Swim4Life after the swim, we asked if every-

thing go to plan.

“In the end, it did more or less,” he said. “I went over on the Monday evening, but when we arrived we got a call from the pilot saying we may not get out at all during our window.

“Basically we had Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to do it.

But the conditions weren’t looking great for the week ahead and the pilot was giving updates every three hours and was saying we might not get out Tuesday, we might not get out Wednesday, and we might not get out Thursday.

“It was then decided that our best window would be on Thursday morning, at 2am, and that window

would then close at 2pm as the conditions were set to turn,” continued Rafferty.

“So I hopped in the boat at two in the morning and by 2.55am I was in the sea and the swim officially began.

“The conditions were rough to be honest, and obviously it was very dark. But, after 13 and a half hours I reached France.”

After more than half a day in the water, the swimmer was asked how it felt to set feet on dry land once again, and his competitive nature was clear in his reply.

“It felt great but I thought I could have done it a couple of hours quicker, so I wasn’t exactly over-

joyed initially, which might sound strange.

“The tide was quite strong and it resulted in my shoulder getting in a bit of a trouble. I was essentially swimming in the same spot for three hours which, when it adds to your time makes you a bit angry but over all I’m glad I’ve done it and delighted to have raised awareness for the Irish Cancer Society at the same time.”

Before he plans his next big challenge, Rafferty now returns to promoting the life-long benefits of swimming for safety, health and fitness and recreation through Swim4Life, who provide classes in Clondalkin Leisure Centre.

Niall Rafferty during his attempt to swim the English channel