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Gazette CLONDALKIN

INSIDE: Kurt Russell continues his recent top form

in genre-melding Western, Bone Tomahawk Page 22

Prawn fest : Get set for one shelluva food extravaganza in the seaside village of Howth. Page 13

Gift ideas: Make your Mother’s Day with our great range of presents Pages 18-19

sport Football:

Round Tower’s inters start season in style Page 31

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INSIDE: The big winners and the losers from Election 2016 ...

See Pages 6, 8 and 10-11

March 3 - 9, 2016

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L-R from top left: Shane Ross (Ind), Eoin O Broin (SF), Alan Shatter (FG), Dr James Reilly (FG), Joan Burton (Lab), Lucinda Creighton (Ren), Alex White (Lab), Joan Collins (PBP) and Sean Haughey (FF)

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 March 2016

death | flood of tributes to late colleague

1,000 firefighters march to honour Ian  ian begley

Some of the Dublin firefighters marching in honour of their late colleague, Ian ‘Frodo’ McCormack (inset), who passed away from cancer recently

HUNDREDS of tributes have been made following the death of the muchloved local firefighter, Ian ‘Frodo’ McCormack. McCormack, who lived in Lucan, joined Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) in June 2005 and was badge number 1170 as part of the B Watch at Dolphin’s Barn Fire Station. After a three-year battle with cancer, McCormack died on February 19 surrounded by his family in Our Lady’s Hospice. His funeral took placed in St Bernadette’s Church in Crumlin last week, following a procession of approximately 1,000 fire-fighters from Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) who followed him on his last journey before he was laid to rest in Newland’s Cemetery, Clondalkin. Members of the fire service also conducted a half-mast salute and lowered the DFB No 3 station flags before the Tricolour was raised, accompanied by a drum roll from the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band. The flag was then lowered to half-mast and a minute’s silence was held, followed by an Irish lament, Wrap the Green Flag Around Me, in honour of the firefighter/ paramedic. A spokesperson from Dublin Fire Brigade said: “Ian was a true gent and character, and he will be sorely missed by all his friends within the DFB. “At this so very sad time, we wish to express our

sympathies to [his wife] Gemma and family, but also to all the firefighters who worked with ‘Frodo’ over the years. “Ian started with DFB on June 13, 2005, and will continue to serve with us every time we remember him. Rest easy, badge 1170.” Upon hearing the news, hundreds of McCormack’s friends and wellwishers took to social media to share their condolences. One fellow firefighter and friend of McCormack said: “I have just learned of the passing of firefighter Ian ‘Frodo’ McCormack; a young man who excelled himself in his short years and bore his illness with great dignity. “My condolences to his wife and their children, his family, and the Dublin Fire Brigade family, especially B Watch.” Fondly known by his colleagues as Frodo, McCormack managed to live out his dream of visiting New York recently, following a very successful fundraiser where €10,000 was raised. During his trip, McCormack was chaperoned around the city by his colleagues in the New York Fire Department, experienced a boat cruise around Manhattan, and got to watch a New York Giants football game. He was also presented with a piece of steel from the World Trade Centre during a ceremony to make him an honorary member of the New York Fire Department.

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FastNews

123 bonfires recorded in Clondalkin over Halloween A total of 123 bonfires were recorded in Clondalkin during the 2015 Halloween period and cost approximately €16,300 to clean-up. These figures were revealed at the February Clondalkin Area Committee meeting at the request of Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind). The 36 locations in Clondalkin included in the report showed a total of 20 bonfires recorded in Yellow Meadow / Monksfield Open Space alone. The other areas which showed a high level of bonfire activity in Clondalkin included: Foxdene Estate (9), St Cuthbert’s Park (7), Rowlagh Estate (6), Rowlagh Park (6), Balgaddy (6), Meile An Ri Estate (5), Riversdale Estate (5), Oatfield Estate (4), Woodford Estate (4), St Marks Estate (4). In advance of Halloween, the council promoted ‘Safe Halloween’, which focused on reducing the availability of material for bonfires through the targeting of suppliers of material used in bonfires, enforcement of litter legislation by waste and litter enforcement officers, and the bonfire prevention campaigns such as Bulbs not Bonfires.

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

people | clondalkin girl in trip to help children in belarus

awards Encouraging pupils to see the future

Rose returns from Chernobyl facility

 jodie waters

DU BLIN Ro se Aisling Finnegan, from Clondalkin, recently returned home from what proved to be a “lifechanging experience”. Finnegan, and 18 of her fellow Roses and escorts, travelled over to Vesnova Childrens Mental Asylum in Belarus with Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International. The asylum is home to more than 170 children, who are suffering from the nuclear tragedy that happened 30 years ago this April in Chernobyl. These children lack one-to-one attention, so the Roses spent much of their time bringing smiles to the children’s faces. T he children suf-

fer from a vast range of different health problems, including ver y bad deformities, Down Syndrome, and Cerebyl Palsy. Some of the Roses in the group have medical occupations, including Finnegan, who is a physiotherapist, and they were able to help deal with some of the important health issues over in Belarus. As a group, the roses raised more than €40,000 to be used for the children; this will play a massive part in providing basic health care to help and comfort the children in the institution. The Roses also brought over suitcases packed full of supplies such as sudo-

cream, calpol, toys and clothes, all which would provide a massive help to the children. Roche, the chief executive of Chernobyl Children International, said: “The affect that the Roses and escorts have on these children is absolutely priceless. It gives these special children hope and shows them that there are people in this world who love them and care for them.” The Dublin Rose centre are extremely proud of their Rose, and want to encourage any girls to join them this year for the 2016 Dublin Rose selection. For further information on how to get involved in this years festival, see www.roseoftralee.ie.

planning wins for sdcc

SOUTH Dublin County Council scooped the top prize in both the Smart Travel, and the Planning for Climate Change categories at the National Planning awards 2015-2016, which took place at Dublin Castle recently. Planning Institute president Deirdre Fallon presented the awards to Cllr Deirdre O’Donovan (Ind) on the council’s behalf, who said: “I am delighted that the work of South Dublin County Council has been recognised with these prestigious awards. The council strives to support the development of integrated, sustainable communities whilst advancing skill sets and capacity building in evidence-based planning tools. ” Fallon also paid tribute to the council’s initiatives and focus, commending the local authority on engaging with the public to drive progressive plans.

Primary school pupils from Dublin Mid-West are being encouraged to enter the 2016 Our World Irish Aid Awards and to imagine what our world might look like in 2030. The theme of the 2016 awards – One World, One Future – asks pupils to imagine how their world might look in 2030, and enables them to learn about the new United Nations’ global goals for sustainable development, which seek to address the root causes of poverty worldwide. Registration for the 2016 awards programme is now open to students in third to sixth class, and the deadline for entries is Friday, March 11. For further information on how to take part, see www.ourworldirishaidawards.ie.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 March 2016

courts | ‘i did nothing to deserve this’ claims victim of assault at nightclub

Bank worker sentenced for blinding student in one eye

 ian begley

A bank worker who left a medical student blind in one eye after assaulting him with a pint glass has received a suspended sentence of 18 months. Robert Jones (26) of Glenview Park, Tallaght, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Palace nightclub, Camden Street, Dublin city, on July 20, 2014. The maximum penalty for the offence is five years. After the night-club assault Jones told gardai that the victim Brian

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‘The victim told gardai he had done nothing to provoke Jones and had not spoken to him before the assault’ --------------------------------------------------------

Murphy had repeatedly made “throat-cut” gestures at him, using his thumb across his throat. He said Mr Murphy then came close to him and made it again and he instinctively threw his right hand at him and forgot he was holding a glass. He said he thought Mr

Murphy was going to hit him and felt threatened. He said it was completely instinctive and he had a rush of adrenaline and a “fight or flight feeling”. The victim told gardai he had done nothing to provoke Jones and had not spoken to him before the assault. In his victim impact statement

he wrote: “I did nothing to deserve this”. The fourth year Trinity college medical student of Ennis Road, Limerick said that the night of the assault changed his life forever. He had permanently lost sight in his left eye and still suffered flashes of light in his vision. He said that he asked his own doctors soon after the assault if he would still be able to do surgery. He added: “No-one deserves what I have suffered and what I will have to endure for rest of life”. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, told the court that two women who were in Jones’ company on the night gave statements to gardai that the victim had been “lurking around”, “drunk and messy” and had made the slit throat gestures at Jones. Judge John Aylmer said he was making no determination on whether there was any provocation to the assault. But he said that having regard to some witnesses at the scene who stated there was provocation,

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard how a medical student was blinded in one eye after being assaulted with a pint glass at Palace Nightclub in Dublin city

he was legally bound to give Jones the benefit of that doubt. He said the extent of the provocation was not great but he must take it into account as a mitigating factor.

Sentencing In sentencing Jones Judge Aylmer noted his previous impeccable character and said that there was no ques-

tion of rehabilitation required as there was no likelihood of Jones reoffending. He said the assault was entirely spontaneous and not premeditated. Finally, as regards mitigating factors, he noted Jones had brought €8,000 to court as a token of remorse and that the victim was pursuing compensation in a civil action.

He said Jones, who is currently employed by AIB, had a very promising career and would be “a mark for compensation in the future” for the victim to pursue. He pointed out that a custodial sentence would likely destroy Jones’ career prospects which would affect the victim’s ability to seek civil compensation from him.

A diverse Local Enterprise Week  ian begley L o cal E n t e r p r i s e Office (LEO) South Dublin has announced a series of exciting events for this year’s Local Enterprise Week 2016. All 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country are running hundreds of events during the week of March 7-13, to promote the supports available to local entrepreneurs and businesses. Over the course of the

week, LEO South Dublin will deliver a wide variety of events aimed at developing all aspects of your business skills. These events will cover idea generation, business planning, funding and marketing. There will also be a focus on exporting, perfecting your pitch, greening your business and a regional Start-Up Bootcamp. Along with student and local enterprise events, there will be a series of regional and networking

events in conjunction with LEOs across the Dublin region. A particular highlight of the week will be the event featuring Dublin All-Ireland Winner and successful entrepreneur Philly McMahon on March 9 where McMahon will speak about the lessons learned from his business, sporting and life experiences. Speaking at the launch of the Local Enterprise Week initiative, chief executive of South Dub-

lin County Council Daniel McLoughlin said: “I am delighted to support the Local Enterprise Week being delivered by LEO South Dublin. The week-long schedule of events highlights what is available to new and existing micro enterprises and business through a range of advisor y, training, mentoring and financial supports.” For times, venues and booking forms, visit www.localenterprise.ie/ southdublin.

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

people | local girl spurring on women to support children’s foundation

A marathon wish for Make-A-Wish  ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

An eight-year-old girl living with cystic fibrosis (CF) is spurring on women all around Dublin to support Make-A-Wish Ireland in this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and help grant magical wishes to brave children aged 3-17 years, battling life-threatening medical conditions. Saoirse Brophy, from Clondalkin, had her dream granted of becoming zookeeper earlier last year. Her mum, Siobhan Brophy, said that the trip to the zoo gave an amazing positive effect on Sao-

irse, just when she needed it, considering her arduous daily routine which helps manage her cystic fibrosis. She said: “The trip to the zoo really gave Saoirse a boost, it was wonderful to see. Saoirse’s day spent at Dublin Zoo has also inspired her to fulfil a career in animals when she’s older.” Speaking toThe Gazette in December, Brophy said that when Saoirse was first diagnosed with CF, it was quite daunting, but said her daughter’s positive attitude towards life makes everything a lot easier. “We initially thought her condition was swine

flu, but soon afterwards the doctors at Tallaght Hospital diagnosed her with CF. “She’s my little hero because she goes through a lot with her big routine of physio and medicines each morning. She does everything with a smile, which makes it so much easier for the both of us. “Make-A-Wish did so much for us and they’re a really great charity to get behind because they do so much for children with all types of different illnesses,” she said. Since its inception in 1992 Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted wishes for over 1,800 brave children, realising their

greatest wish and allowing them experience the hope, strength and joy each wish provides. Susan O’Dwyer, chief executive Officer, MakeA-Wish said she believes the Women’s Mini Marathon is a very important fundraising event for the charity. “We are hoping that many women across Ireland will take part for Make-A-Wish. By joining our Wish Team and fundraising for charity you will help us to create many extraordinary moments for brave children across Ireland this year,” she said. The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on

Eight-year-old Saoirse Brophy had her wish granted of becoming zookeeper by Make-A-Wish Ireland early last year

Monday June 6, at 2pm. Make-A-Wish Ireland is looking for women all over Ireland to join its Wish Team and run, walk or crawl the 10k to help

grant extraordinary wishes to brave children aged three to 17 years, battling life-threatening medical conditions. If you would like to join

the Wish Team, register online at makeawish.ie or call 01 205 2012. You will receive your very own Make-A-Wish fundraising race pack.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 March 2016

election 2016 | O Broin and Fitzgerald reach quota on first count

Successful candidate Eoin O Broin (second from left) with Jonathan Graham, Lynne Boylan, Danny O’Brien and Tommy Grant. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter

Sinn Fein candidate takes the top spot  Ian Begley

Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin. For up to date news follow us on Twitter @DublinGazette

It was a historical day for Dublin Mid-West last week, with the count in Citywest showing many surprises and patterns beginning to emerge. With a 62.8% turnout, a total of 43,550 votes were cast in the constituency, with 446 of those spoiled. As expected, Clondalkin Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) and Frances Fitzgerald (FG) both reached the quota on the first count, but what wasn’t predicted was O Broin topping the poll with 9,787 votes, just ahead of Fitzgerald who received 9,028. Shortly after he was hoisted upon the shoulders of his supporters O Broin said: “It’s a fantastic result for Sinn Fein in Dublin Mid-West and a real tribute to all the hard work the activists on the ground put into the constituency over the past five years. “T he Government vote has collapsed, it’s gone from 60% to 30%, and the reason is very

simple. People’s lives haven’t got any better under this Government and, in fact, for too many families they’ve gotten worse.” Fitzgerald, who received a deafening cheer from her many supporters following the announcement, was immediately surrounded by reporters asking if she would consider running for leader of Fine Gael. “The Taoiseach has done an extraordinary job for this country, he has rescued this country, we have sent the IMF and the troika away and we are now in a position that we have the resources to invest in the kind of services that the public want to see and he has done a remarkable job in relation to that. “I’m not saying anything else now, we will leave it at that.” Right from the first tally, things looked very bad for sitting Government TDs Derek Keating (FG) and Joanna Tuffy (Lab) and as the hours ticked on it was clear that neither one of them

would retain their seat. Tuffy said that she didn’t expect to do as badly as she did, receiving a total of 2,515 votes overall, almost 6,500 off the needed quota. Her poor performance plainly demonstrated the extent of the Labour meltdown in this general election and with her constituency colleague Robert Dowds deciding not to contest, Dail Eireann will not have any Labour Party TDs from Dublin Mid-West. Speaking to The

Gazette, she said: “I had a very good, enjoyable campaign, but unfortunately I didn’t succeed. “We worked really hard and I’m very proud of my team. I would like to continue in politics and have no intention of going away just yet.” Tuffy added that she was very critical of the people who vandalised a number of her election posters around the constituency. “Yesterday, I saw a sticker taped over my mouth on one of my

posters saying that I am a liar and a traitor. “It’s unbelievable, I’ve never seen anything like that. I thought people might sympathise with me when they saw that, but unfortunately it’s a feature of politics now that I hope won’t continue.” Election hopeful Cllr Paul Gogarty (Ind) was eliminated on the tenth count with 3,505 votes and Keating lost his seat on the 11th count with 4,179. Continued on Page 8

Frances Fitzgerald, who was elected to the Dail, with sons Robert and Owen

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 March 2016

election 2016 | victories won for constituency’s big names

Gino Kelly is first TD from Neilstown Continued from Page 6

Fianna Fail candidate and former Government chief whip John Curran fared well in Dublin MidWest, being elected on the 12th and final count, exceeding the quota with 9,497 votes. He said: “We certainly did better than we expected, especially when you look at how many votes Eoin and Frances received. “For those of us who were left I was very pleased to manage to get a seat. “It will certainly be exciting to be back in Dail Eireann and it’ll be different than the first time around as I know what to expect and what the job entails. “I have been canvassing for months with a great team of volunteers and met an awful lot of people and have become very conscious of their concerns. “The challenge is how I

can effectively represent them and be a worthwhile representative. “Winning a seat is alright in itself, but you need to repay the people who put their trust and confidence in you – that’s what I’m beginning to think about now.” Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) who failed to get elected with 1,214 votes, said he was disappointed with how well Fine Fail did throughout the country. He said: “Obviously, I’m very disappointed that Fine Fail did so well, but I think the Right to Change movement made a huge impact overall. I think people are feeling the austerity in Dublin Mid-West and want to see a change. “All the R ight to Change candidates throughout Ireland did very well and I think we sent a very clear message saying that the people have had enough. “I was a first time can-

Movies might be the move for Joanna

Joanna Tuffy (Lab) who lost her seat joked that she may “go off and write a screenplay” now she will no longer be in the Dail. Tuffy, failed to retain her position in Dublin Mid-West, accepting she would not be re-elected before the first count just before 4pm on Saturday. After the first count, Tuffy was in eighth place out of 13 candidates in the four-seat constituency on 2,146 votes, almost 6,500 off the required quota. Asked what she is likely to do now that her time in the Dail has come to an end, the Labour member joked: “My reaction this morning was, after the initial reaction where you absorb the information, what will I do? Will I run for the Seanad? Will I write a screenplay? I used to do film work as an extra and always fancied myself doing that.”

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‘The reaction on the doors has been overwhelmingly positive and the campaign team has been just brilliant’

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didate so of course I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get elected, but I’m still going to be a councillor in Clondalkin and am still going to work hard for the people I represent.” Clondalkin Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) was the fourth and final candidate from the Dublin Mid-West constituency to win a seat. Having polled 7,911 votes he was deemed elected without reaching the 8,621 quota. Kenny has now become the first TD from Neilstown and described his election as a very proud day for his community, family and for the party he represents. He said: “The people of north Clondalkin have been waiting for this day. It’s a day of retribution against the Government, a day of punishment for Labour who have become apologists for Fine Gael. “We did very well. It’s a good day for the working people in the area and that’s what it’s all about. “I think it was predicted that the first three seats would go to Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail and the last one between myself, Paul Gogarty and Joanna Tuffy. “People are looking for a radical change and hopefully I can help make that happen.” A big surprise in this general election was how well Lucan candidate Anne-Marie McNally (SD) did. Although her 2,773 votes were not enough to secure a seat, McNally managed to beat off Derek Keating, Joanna Tuffy and Cllr Paul Gog-

arty, good for a first time candidate. “It was a great campaign and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The reaction on the doors has been overwhelmingly positive and the campaign team has been just brilliant,” she said. “I’m surprised at the Fianna Fail vote resurging so much around the country and it’s kind of scary that people have such short memories. “The Lucan turnout was significantly lower than normal at 34% so I’m quite disappointed that many people from my constituency didn’t come out to vote and have their say. “Clondalkin came out to vote in much greater numbers and it looks like they have a representation based on that reason,” she said.

Cllr Gino Kenny (centre) was the fourth and final candidate from the Dublin MidWest constituency to win a seat. Gino is pictured with Dermot O’Hara

Fianna Fail candidate John Curran was elected on the final count

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3 March 2016

clondalkinGazettegallery | After the weeks of canvassing

Cllr Fintan Warfield and Rita Doyle

Doreen Grant, Cllr Eoin O’Broin (SF) and Tommy Grant. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter

Candidates Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) and AnneCllr Emer Higgins (FG) and Cllr Ed O’Brien (FF)

John Curran (FF)

Cllr Ruth Nolan (PBPA) and Liam Bradley

Marie McNally (SD)

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11

Dublin Mid-West general election candidates learn their fate count centre

Waiting in the wings

Joe Byrne and Cllr Charlie O’Connor

Frances Fitzgerald (FG) celebrating

Cllr Guss O’Connell and Mary-Ann Joanna Tuffy (Lab) with Pippa and Philip Long

Jim Gilseman, Patrick Akpoveta (Ind) and William Osem

Reid

Stephen and Anne-Marie McNally (SD)

12 Gazette 3 March 2016

Gazettegallery

| Operation Transformation in the phoenix park

Runners Jim Kearns and Jackie Kearns

Ray Darcy with runners at the annual RTE Operation Transformation 5K. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Leaders Noeleen Lynam and Lucy Dillon

Aoife Hearne

Get physically active in a worthwhile way

Operation Transformation Leader Lucy Dillon with Meela Rodgers and Elly Rodgers

Dr Eddie Murphy, Dr Cira Kelly and Aoife Herane

her daughter Molly

3 March 2016 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P22

food & drink 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

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style P18

Pets a loving home for beautiful, brainy Bambi

Max Sisojeus from the Oar House Restaurant who will take part in the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival. Picture: Douglas O’Connor

Prawn Festival: one of Ireland’s largest food extravaganzas

Catch some fantastic food  Ian Begley

The countdown to Howth’s annual Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is now underway, taking place from March 18 to 20. Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, one of Ireland’s largest food festivals, is set in the beautiful seaside fishing village of Howth. With a huge range of restaurants, pubs, cafes and retailers offering a vast array of food, much of it produced on Howth’s doorstep, it’s no wonder Howth has become synonymous with great food. Now entering its sixth year, the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival has built up a huge reputation both at home and overseas, offering not only a fantastic food village but also highlights all

the cultural, historical and adventure activities that make Howth such a distinguished destination. Celebrating the famous Dublin Bay Prawn, Howth’s finest restaurants, bars and cafes will host a variety of amazing food experiences at the Harbour Festival Food Village serving the freshest, most delicious seafood, cooked every way imaginable, including a selection of special Dublin Bay Prawn dishes. The festive atmosphere will continue into the evening as Howth’s bars and restaurants will host a special fixed price festive menu and entertainment for all. And it’s not just the culinary offerings that make the festival so memorable, the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is also famous for music and entertainment, fireworks, walks, talks and sea-

side antics. The festival has grown to showcase the huge diversity of history, culture and activities that are the fabric of this seaside village. This year, for instance, the festival stage will play host to a variety of musical and theatrical sessions, one such being an event called “And Patrick Came To Howth”, a one-act street theatre. For the young and young at heart, there will be powerboating and water sport demonstrations along the pier, the coast guard and RNLI will be on hand to talk about the very important work they do and the vintage funfair will give the thrill seekers a run for their money. The tented village plays host to various exhibitions including cookery

demos from local and celebrity chefs, fish filleting and net mending master classes from the fishmongers/fishermen; videos and storyboards outlining the history of Howth and its fishing traditions; and of course some shanties and storytelling along the way. Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council said: “We are delighted to be part of this event, it is not only an opportunity to showcase Howth and all that it has to offer in terms of food, stunning landscape and heritage but also provides us with the opportunity to become a programme partner of St Patrick’s Festival.” For more information visit www. dublinbayprawnfestival.ie, Twitter: @DublinBayPrawnF or follow www.facebook.com/dublinbayprawnfestival.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is is Bambi, a five-yearold, female, German Shepherd cross. She is as beautiful as she is brainy and needs a home with a very, very secure garden as she has previously escaped over fences. Bambi can live with older children but prefers calm, quiet households as she has struggled in very busy homes in the past. She would make a great running pal and excel in training and even agility. If you think you could offer Bambi a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 3 March 2016

dublinlife

A Lust For Life: 5k/10k Phoenix Park Run

Unlimited benefits of boosting mental fitness

 ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

One of the fastest growing running events in Ireland is back for yet another year. The Vhi A Lust For Life 5k/10k Phoenix Park Run is taking place this year on Saturday, March 5. More than 4,000 runners are helping to spread the message to “Run Your Life” and pledged their

support to A Lust For Life and Niall Breslin, who is helping to indorse the event. A Lust For Life are currently preparing participants physically and mentally to either walk or run the course. Speaking about what running means to him, Niall Breslin said: “I am an ex-professional rugby player and Gaelic footballer so any type of run-

ning I did in the past was always fast sprints. “Long distance running is the complete opposite of what fast paced running entails. “It’s about conditioning your muscles to do everything slowly and aerobically. “For me, I always made excuses for not going for a run because I didn’t enjoy it, mainly because I didn’t understand the power of

it. “When I got into running I realised that it was not a physical thing for me at all, but a mental aspect. “W henever I ran, whether it was for an hour or only a half an hour, everything in the world just went out of my head. “All the thoughts about what drive people nuts and all the silly things that don’t really mean anything just gets flushed out of your brain. For me, it’s a form of meditation. “When I realised how powerful running was and how it made me feel I decided I wanted to get better at it,” he said.

President launches new expo LAST Thursday, February 25, President Michael D Higgins officially launched the GreenSchools Expo 2016 at the RDS. Green-Schools is an international environmental management education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges longterm, whole-school action for the environment, and is operating in 58 countries around the world. Last year, 93% of schools in Ireland, the equivalent to 896,442 students and teachers, participated in the programme. The expo showcased exhibits across six themed zones by 23 exemplary Green-Schools. The 23 schools were chosen based on their innovative and inventive approaches to the GreenSchools programme.

Niall Breslin: “When I realised how powerful running was and how it made me feel I decided I wanted to get better at it.”

This year, the chosen charity partner for A Lust For Life is Aware. Aware provides support and information for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder and their concerned

loved ones. Information on Aware’s services and different aspects of depression (including depression in young people and supporting a loved one) is offered through the web-

site Aware.ie If you would like to raise sponsorship for the run/walk you can set up a page on www.justgiving. com or email fundraising@aware.ie for a sponsorship card.

Gazette

3 March 2016 Gazette 15

dublinlife

diary

Rise to the rock challenge Hard Rock, in partnership with ReverbNation, is turning up the volume for its sixthannual global music competition, Hard Rock Rising. On June 1, up-andcoming local ar tists and music acts will have a chance to rise to international stardom by performing in the world’s largest, one-day music showcase taking place at participating Hard Rock Cafes around the world. Musicians who are interested in participating can register online at HardRockR ising. com until March 11, for a chance to win $50,000, a professionally-produced music video, a Fender instruments prize pack and an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza. Jeff Nolan, Hard Rock International’s resident music guru and memorabilia historian said: “Hard Rock Rising 2016 is a one-day, global celebration of local artists. We hope to raise awareness for these incredible, and too-often overlooked acts, while simultaneously providing exposure that helps them breakthrough to the next level of success.”

dedicate a daffodil in aid of cancer charity The Irish Cancer Society will plant the Garden of Hope for the seventh year, returning to the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin this Daffodil Day, on Friday, March 11. The Society together with Dell, its lead par tner on Daffodil Day, appeal for people around the country to dedicate a daffodil with a message of hope for

themselves or someone they love. Last year, 1,117 people in Dublin dedicated a flower in the garden. This year the society will receive dedications from all over Ireland and further afield and will plant its 20,000th message of hope. Funds raised on Daffodil Day by thousands of volunteers across Ireland go directly to fund the work of the Society across support, prevention, research and advocacy. It’s vital that Daffodil Day reaches its ambitious fundraising target of €3.5m in order to continue to provide and expand this service and others. Visit www.cancer.ie/ gardenofhope or CallSave 1850 60 60 60 to dedicate a f lower or make a donation.

Ireland’s largest talent-spotting event on the way The International Literature Festival Dublin, in conjunction with T he Inkwell Group and Writing.ie, is calling on aspiring authors to enter Date With An Agent, Ireland’s largest talent-spotting event.

Aspiring authors Seventy-five aspiring authors will be selected from submissions received in an open call, and will have the chance to pitch their work to five leading literary agents keen to sign new talent. On the day, the 75 preselected writers will have the chance to meet privately with an agent to pitch their work and receive valued professional feedback and advice, as well as participate in the conference. To be in with a chance

of being one of the lucky 75 chosen for a Date With An Agent, writers are asked to submit the first 1,500 words of their work (fiction or non-fiction) in hard copy with a 1,000 word synopsis and 500 word author biography. The closing date for submissions is midnight on Friday, March 18. For further information visit www.ilfdublin. com.

Girl guides put on uniforms to promote guiding T ho u s a nds o f school pupils across the country turned up for class recently wearing their Irish Girl Guide uniforms. School principals gave permission for the girls to wear their Irish Girl Guides’ (IGG) uniforms to mark A-wearness Day – an annual event that gives girls the opportunity to tell their friends about their involvement in Guiding.

Challenges Membership of IGG gives girls from age five to 30 the chance to take part in a wide range of activities and challenges while making new friends, growing in confidence and gaining teamwork, leadership and other essential life-skills This year’s theme is “Connect” and the girls have been taking part in games, activities and ceremonies that have helped them celebrate the meaningful connections that make for better lives. Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age five plus and volunteer leaders from age 18 plus. To find out more, see www. irishgirlguides.ie or telephone 01-6683898.

Irish Girl Guides celebrate the meaningful connections that make for better lives

Rod’s ready to pull out all the stops Rod Stewart is adding additional Dublin and Belfast dates to the From Gasoline Alley to Another Country Hits 2016 arena tour that will feature his biggest hits from 1970 to 2016. Demand for Rod Stewart’s live shows are stronger than ever following the recent release of musical legend’s 29th critically acclaimed platinum selling album Another Country in October 2015. The acclaimed performer will play no shortage of chart-topping tracks, including: You Wear It Well, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Baby Jane, The First Cut is the Deepest, I Don’t Want To Talk About It, Tonight’s The Night, The Killing of Georgie and Sailing. Commenting, Stewart said: “These are some of my favourite buildings in my favourite cities. I give you fair warning – fasten your seat belts. I’m pulling out all the stops!” Rod Stewart will now play The SSE Arena Belfast on November 14-15 and 3Arena Dublin on November 18-19. Book online www.ticketmaster.ie

16 Gazette 3 March 2016

3 March 2016 Gazette 17

Price is just the beginning

D DOWN PRICES DRILLE ½

125 ½110

36 ½27

105

Mac Allister 600W hammer drill

OF COLOUR ADD A SPLASH

142

129

DeWalt 18V XR combi drill

Makita 18V li-ion combi drill

Includes 1 x 1.3Ah Li-ion battery

Includes 2 x 1.3Ah batteries

114

127

Bosch all-rounder multi tool

Bosch 550W SDS rotary hammer drill

PMF190E

Available in matt or silk €5.60 per litre

182

149

29 ½25

Electric convector heater

2000W Double level

Loft insulation 100mm 8.3 sq.m coverage

E WHEN IT’S GON E! N O IT’S G

Dulux standard coloured emulsion, 2.5L

Pure brilliant white €2.90 per litre Also available in soft sheen or silk

44.98

€28 each. €11.20 per litre Available in matt or soft sheen

18.98

Mira Elite ST pumped electric shower, 9.8kw

White & FKURPH À QLVK

Dulux gloss or undercoat, 2.5L

5 colours available €3.50 per litre

† 199 each

€6 per litre

LESS REFRESH FOR ½

2 € 10

5 € 18

Bord na Mona kiln dried logs

Bord na Mona briquettes

€6 each

€4.50 each

FOR

3 FOR € 24 Chipboard loft panels, pack of 3 L1220 x W325 x D18mm €10 each

129

100

L3000 x W600 x D38mm

Includes insulated trap door

Midnight granite effect laminate worktop

Fabienne full pedestal basin

½ Also available in...

Ebony granite

Valencia satin

Triton T90Z pumped electric shower, 8.5kw

.75

Cooke & Lewis Tonica toilet seat

Suitable for ceiling heights up to 2.8m

FOR

Abru timber complete loft access kit

.85

Dulux matt emulsion, 10L

Dulux Everyday colours, 10L

2kW

Scheppach 254mm sliding mitre saw

2 FOR € 36

ME COSY O H R U O Y P E E K ½

28*

Crown standard coloured emulsion, 5L

Includes 2 batteries ½

45.95

143

134

Fabienne rectangular close coupled toilet

Astracast utility 1 bowl stainless steel sink & drainer

Come on in and unleash the B&Q in you Liffey Valley | Swords | Tallaght | Naas | Galway | Limerick | Cork | Athlone Freephone 1800 818 950 or visit diy.com/diy/ireland for your nearest store. Liffey Valley opening hours Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Swords Mon-Tues 8am-8pm Wed-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm. All other stores Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Excluded from any other promotion or discount card. *Excludes mid sheen. † Customer quotas apply.

White & FKURPH À QLVK

OUT&ABOUT Weir gilded and Son neckla s Ti S ce €1 ento 99

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18 Gazette 3 March 2016

ur de Gallet Fle Roger & alm 200ml yb Figuier bod Lancome Genifique gift set €73

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and lavender body lotion 250ml (Kildare Village and selected pharmacies) €22

Www.magee1866.com Grey tweed bag €500

Pandora Sterling silver mother heart charm €39

T R E S E M M E h ave turned the traditional hair care routine on its head with their new Beauty-Full Volume range, which maximises volume by applying conditioner before shampoo. The experts at Tresemme have created an innovative “reverse system” on their constant quest to help women achieve everyday volume without depending on blowdrys. Tresemme discovered that many volume seekers shy away from using conditioning products, as they can weigh the hair down. The first step – Beauty-Full Volume pre-wash conditioner – contains fibre-polishing actives designed to remain on the hair after the condi-

tioner is washed away, locking in smoothness. Tresemme BeautyFull Volume shampoo follows to gently cleanse hair while removing excess weight left by the intensive conditioner. The result is premium softness, as well as body and bounce for hair that no longer weighs you down. The volume revolution continues with Tresemme Beauty-Full Volume Hair Maximiser and Tresemme BeautyFull Volume Mousse, which contains patented Fleximax Volumiser technology: soft, flexible bonds that move fluidly with the hair, allowing newly-volumised style to stay put all day without falling flat. Tresemme BeautyFull Volume is available from Dunnes Stores and selected pharmacies.

M&S Marc de Champagne truffles 145g €9

 emma nolan

Willow & Clo Cluster ruby earring €179

Turn to Tresemme for a new range to treat your locks

Www.magee1866.com Light purple scarf €45

Tresemme’s new Beauty-Full Volume range

3 March 2016 Gazette 19

Willow & Clo Cluster ruby earring €179

Juv i with Cocoa p o gold and d baja pe g re e n on ndant yx € 95

Gazette

STYLE

Willow & Clo Tiny pyrite drops €50

Butlers Chocolates

Flower box €7

Have you remembered

Mother’s Day?  emma nolan

Aldi Large Mot

her’s Day card

THE day when mums get to kick back and unashamedly indulge in being spoiled by their loved ones is almost upon us. Whether your mum loves a candle and a scarf, chocolates or bling, make sure she opens something she’ll really appreciate this Mother’s Day. Brand-new Irish jewellery boutique,Willow & Clo, in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, has a beautiful array of intricately designed pieces, such as the drop cluster ruby earrings, and you can’t go wrong with the classic Mother’s Day choice, Pandora; this sparkling love knot

€1.49

Aldi Tea For On

Butlers Chocolates Spring tapered box €5

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and lavender body lotion 250ml (Kildare Village and selected pharmacies) €22

e teapot €5.49

set is a timeless gift for any occasion. Of course, beauty and skincare products are always a popular gift choice for mothers, so make sure she’s truly pampered with the Genifique range from Lancome, and the replenishing Fleur de Figuier body balm from Roger and Gallet. And, of course, there’s always the ubiquitous gift of a box of chocolates! That’s where a box of Butlers Chocolate Spring collection come in – an excellent accompaniment to Aldi’s Tea for One teapot for breakfast in bed. Whatever you look for, have fun spoiling your mum – after all, your mammy deserves it!

Lancome Genifique gift set €73

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20 Gazette 3 March 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

overnight stays: luxurious hotels and resorts in ireland

The FMVA Vintage Motors festival takes place on Let your mother become the Lady of the Manor at Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny

March 12 and 13

A St Patrick’s Day with a difference Avoid the crowds this St Patrick’s Day and jet off to Malta for a fabulous seven-day break. Visiting the magical island of Malta this spring-time will allow you to take part in all the outdoor activities that might be too hot to take part in during the summer months. Mercury Direct are offering seven nights from March 10 in the lovely Sunflower Hotel, Qawra, for €284.05pp. Alternatively you can stay at the Windsor Hotel, Silma, for €298.58pp. Both prices include flights, accommodation, taxes and transfers. Budget Travel have seven nights in The Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, Golden Sands for €584pp sharing, flying out on March 15. A cheaper alternative is a seven-night stay in the four-star Kennedy Nova Hotel, Gzira for €376pp sharing. Prices are based on two sharing, room only basis and include transfers. Concorde Travel have deals from €425pp sharing for seven nights in

the three-star St Georges Park & La Vallette Apartments, St Julians, based on one bedroom, four sharing. Alternatively you can stay at the three-star Bayview Hotel, Sliema, (B&B, standard room, two sharing) for €499pp. A St Patrick’s Day parade takes place every year from City Gate in Valletta. The spectacular parade is a must-see for anyone in the area on St Patricks Day. The Dubliner’ pub, Malta’s one and only Irish bar is a great spot to toast St Patrick. Easter activities include life-size statues depicting the stages of the cross on the streets of Valletta on Good Friday. Easter morning you can witness the tradition of children carrying their Easter pastry ‘figolla’ to be blessed by the statue of Jesus Christ. The FMVA Vintage Motors festival also takes place in Mgarr and Gozo March 12 and 13. More information and details of events can be found at www. visitmalta.com.

Say thank you with a Mother’s Day getaway  ian begley Make Mother’s Day extra special this year and say thank you to your mammy by taking her to one of the many lu xurious overnight stays in Ireland’s most sought after hotels and resorts. Trade the hustle and bustle for a tranquil world of serenity with an overnight stay at Fota Island Resort. Slip away and let the unwinding begin as you choose between a relaxing harmony facial or full body massage. Spend the evening savouring a sumptuous meal in Fota restaurant for two before retiring to the bar for a night cap or head straight off to bed and rise bright and early to make the most of the full Irish breakfast served fresh the following morning. T he Mother ’s Day Package at Fota Island

Resort is available until Sunday, March 30, from €358 for two people sharing. To book, call Fota Island Resort on 021 488 3700 or visit www.fotaisland.ie Indulge in pure luxury this Mother’s day at the Shelbourne Hotel. Treat your mother to an overnight stay in the five-star hotel in a room with a view to impress. An unforgettable night with chocolate c o v e r e d s t r a w b e rries waiting for you on arrival. Slip away to relax before dinner in the top class spa and use the facilities such as the sauna or steam room or maybe a swim or quick work out in the state-ofthe-art gymnasium. T he Mother ’s Day package at the Shelbourne is available from €349 per room valid until March 15. To book call The Shelbourne on 01-6634500.

Whisk your mother away this March 15 for a relaxing countryside break at Farnham Estate. Stay in one of their cosy guest rooms where yourself and your mum can spend some quality time together and enjoy afternoon tea by the fire in the drawing room. This package includes the overnight stay, your buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and unlimited access to the spa facilities at Farnham Estate Golf Resort & Spa. To book call 049-4377700 or email info.farnham@ radissonblu.com. Treat your mum to the gift of a well-deserved day out at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, County Meath. Spend a glorious day relaxing in the hydrotherapy pool and thermal spa along with a gorgeous range of blissful treatments. Begin with a mini facial and scalp massage, followed by a back, neck

and shoulder massage and choose a mini manicure or pedicure to finish. The Mum’s the Word package is available from €89 per person, combine with an overnight stay and breakfast with sumptuous threec o u r s e s e t e ve n i n g meal in the award winning restaurant, The Ivy, from €159 for two people sharing. To purchase a voucher or to book call 01 801 3500 or email sales@dunboynecastlehotel.com. With Ireland’s Blue Book, spoil your precious mother this Mother’s Day and book a night away of luxury and utter pampering for both of you at Marlfield House, County Wexford. This offer, from €153 per person, includes one night bed and full Irish breakfast in one of our luxurious bedrooms, delicious tea

and scones in front of the fire in the drawing room and library as well as our seasonal three-course supper in the Duck Restaurant. Why not treat mum to a special overnight break and let her become the Lady of the Manor at Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny. T his stay includes overnight stay in Mount Juliet House and breakfast the following morning, Champagne Afternoon Tea at your leisure once during the stay, a complimentary late checkout of 2pm and a 15% discount off all Spa Treatments at the Treatment Suites. This offer from €99 per person sharing is valid until March 16. To book, visit www. irelandsbluebook.com or call Mount Juliet on 353 (0) 56 777 3000. To book: www.irelandsbluebook.com

3 March 2016 Gazette 21

San Lorenzo’s

New York-style Italian

South Great George’s Street

Brunch Tacos consist of jerk chicken with avocado salsa, chorizo, red pepper mayo and lettuce

The Picky Eater  Shane Rigney

Food Vlogger

Brunch is big business in Dublin with all the trendy spots vying for a slice of the young and cool’s disposable dosh. Coming out punching with an oft heard “best brunch in town” is San Lorenzo’s on George’s Street. A few mates and I headed in last Saturday for a birthday bite. The kitchen closes at three for lunch but due to the water protest on Dame Street we were a little delayed. Arriving to join the ontimers who had ordered for us at about ten past, the staff seemed to have given up the ghost for the day. I can understand this being in the business, when at the end of a busy shift on a dismally grey and bleak Saturday you don’t want to see another pleading face.

However, the grub was ordered and on the way . After a few reminders, the cocktails arrived and thankfully one hell of a margarita and a few more reminders later, the water glasses arrived. But the place was busy so i can understand the delay. Mellowed out and warming up from the arctic 5km run we had endured in aid of operation transformation a few hours earlier, I was looking forward to some good sustenance. Brunch is one of those celebratory treats that only happens every once in a while for most of us and seriously starving I was dying for one of “the best in town”. This self-proclaimed “brunch of champions” was more “brunch of runner up”, I’m afraid. Because of the aforementioned delays everything had been ordered for the table.

C r a b c a ke s w i t h asparagus and hollandaise had nice crab and lots of it but the crunch on the outside had gone soft, the crab needed more seasoning and the accompanying poached eggs were hard, a mortal mistake at brunch. The Brunch Tacos, which consist of jerk chicken with avocado salsa, chorizo, red pepper mayo and lettuce were not as crispy as i would like. The jerk spice was there but also needed more seasoning and the typical coriander and lime garnishes needed a little bit of something to add that tart savouriness. The Poached Eggs on Avocado Toast were far

fresher and more oozingly moreish and the avocado was tasty with a nice basil pesto drizzled over. Desserts of Nutella Cheesecake and Chocolate Pot were excellent though and the cocktails are super and very reasonable prices of around €10 to 14 per brunch item are fair. To end on a positive I will say I’ve had a few gorgeous dinners in San Lorenzo so clearly the kitchen is up to the job but there are inconsistencies. San Lorenzo’s is a cool New York-style Italian and the atmosphere certainly lives up to the description with good tunes and a buzzing crowd.

Conclusion Despite some inconsistencies in the food quality, San Lorenzo’s (at South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, tel: +353 (1) 478 9383) is a great, lively weekend hangout with very reasonable prices.

Cocktails are super and very reasonable priced

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

Gazette

22 Gazette 3 March 2016

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

sinking feeling An impossible heist

(Cert 12A, 120 mins) This docudrama depicts the incredible true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue operation off of Cape Cod during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1952. When an oil tanker splits in half, trapping its crew aboard the sinking vessel, four brave Guardsmen set out to save them.

TRIPLE 9

An impossible heist (Cert 16, 116 mins) Triple 9 is the story of a group of criminals and corrupt cops, blackmailed by the Russian mafia, who try to pull off a dangerous heist so they can escape. While half of them try to take down a rookie cop in a 999, police code for “officer down”, to keep the rest of the force busy, the other half will steal the loot. Opens this weekend February 19.

DEADPOOL

Unconventional anti-hero (Cert R, 108mins) Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. A former special forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego, Deadpool. Starring Ryan Reynolds.

In the Old West, a sheriff (Kurt Russell), his deputy (Richard Jenkins), a gunslinger (Matthew Fox), and a cowboy (Patrick Wilson) embark on a mission to rescue three people from a savage group of cave dwellers.

Bone Tomahawk: Writer and director S Craig Zahler creates something unique

Soaked to the bone in quality Kurt Russell is enjoying a bit of a revival after several quiet years out of the limelight, and Bone Tomahawk (Cert 18, 132 mins), the genremelding Western that hits screens this week may just be a new highlight in the veteran’s long career. Last seen in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight at the start of the year, Russell brings along the same grizzled charm and stupendous facial hair to this much less star-studded affair. And while Bone Tomahawk, which was filmed on a shoestring in just three weeks, may lack the budget of some of Russell’s more recent escapades, it comes out none the poorer for it thanks to its rather unique blend of ingredients. Bone Tomahawk

 Dave phillips

looks like an homage to the old West – in the aptly named little town of Bright Hope, lawman Sherriff Hunt (Kurt Russell) seems like the only source of stability amid the buffoons, spittoons, and saloons that make up the staple cinematic frontier. The usual balance of power is upset when an up-to-no-good stranger (David Arquette) enters town, unwittingly bringing some big trouble with him. When the stranger, along with the doctor’s

assistant (Lili Simmons) are abducted in the middle of the night, Sheriff Hunt must form a posse in an attempt to track them down. On the trail with Hunt is the decrepit town backup deputy, Chicory (Richard Jenkins); the stalwart husband of the missing woman, O’Dwyer (Patrick Wilson); and the well-spoken and even better dressed gentleman of dubious moral standing, Brooder (Matthew Fox). It may sound a little like old hat, but sitting snugly just beneath the frontier aesthetics, there are other, very different, levels of film going on – while Bone Tomahawk looks like a Western, it plays out in part like a horror film. Headed toward the

dreaded “Valley of the Starving Men” the group are constantly on the lookout for the nearmythical tribe of cannibals that are rumoured to reside there. As their journey drives them deeper into a hostile desert, the relationship between the motley crew begins to crack. But if you are expecting some traditional horror fare with a Western veneer, then you’re in for a surprise. Or at least, a long wait until the finale. At 132 minutes, Bone Tomahawk is slow going, but every moment is well spent. It is in the long setup and the ponderous desert journey that the film’s most valuable facet is revealed. Superbly written dialogue, nailed by on the

spot actors means that a considerable bulk of Bone Tomahawk plays out almost like an indie comedy. Reminiscent of 2015’s Slow West (which in turn felt similar to the Coen’s 2010 version of True Grit), this is a wildly selfaware West, where whimsical quasi-philosophical conversations are chewed and spluttered out in terse mountain-man terms. Amongst an array of very solid and enjoyable performances, Richard Jenkins in particular is sublime, and his subtler comic interactions with both Russell and Fox make the film worthy of an immediate rewatch. That the whole project is the brainchild of one relatively unknow n polymath makes Bone Tomahawk even more

endearing. S Craig Zahler writes and directs, as well as contributes to a brooding musical score. It is easy to see how the film could have ended up as a much more cut and dry 90-minute actionhorror, but Zahler’s patience pays off and he manages to create something quite special. It goes without saying that Bone Tomahawk won’t be for everybody – wide ranging as they are, horrors, westerns, and indie films do tend to have their unique audiences. But here is an incredibly potent blend, that is wonderfully crafted and a lot of fun to watch. Bone Tomahawk feels like an instant cult-classic.

Verdict: 9/10

3 March 2016 Gazette 23

24 Gazette 3 March 2016

Gazette

HEALTH OUT&ABOUT Successful career path leads to heart of business Weight Watchers: CEO Martina Sinclair on her busy, exciting work

Being three stone overweight, and joining Weight Watchers over twenty-five years ago, was the accidental start of a long, happy, and successful career path, which has recently seen Martina Sinclair appointed CEO of Weight Watchers Ireland. “My experience as a

member was so positive, and I loved the whole Weight Watchers ethos so much, that I applied to be a class leader,” Martina explains. Even as Mar tina’s roles within the organisation developed, she remains a leader and still takes meetings in Dublin City Centre, as well as occasionally

attending other classes. “My role evolved over 25 years, from member to class leader, to trainer where I recruited and trained new and current leaders, to training manager, followed by operations manager, then general manager, and now, in 2016, Weight Watchers Ireland CEO”.

Martina loves being in the heart of the business, and seeing the results Weight Watchers delivers. “I meet people every week in class who know they can trust Weight Watchers to help them make sustainable and healthier food and lifestyle choices, to achieve their weight loss goals, and, as a result, live happier and healthier lives,” she maintains. We i g h t Wa t c h e r s meetings are nationwide, and the business is suppor ted from a head office in Swords, County Dublin.

Successful At the heart of Weight Wa t c h e r s ’ s u c c e s s are the class leaders, themselves successful members, and passionate experts in healthy weight management. You can’t work in the industry without being interested in people, and how they manage their health and fitness goals, Martina Sinclair insists. “I keep an eye on what’s happening in the world of health and weight loss. Maintaining my ow n weight means making smart choices during the week, to enjoy a bit more flexibility at the weekends. “And if I want to lose a few pounds, or reignite my own weight loss motivation, I go to a Weight Watchers class and enjoy the experience of being a member,” she admits. Exercise is an impor-

Martina Sinclair says joinging Weight Watchers over twenty-five years ago, was the accidental start of a long, happy, and successful career

tant part of Martina’s life, and is a cornerstone of the Weight Watchers approach. “I love how it makes me feel, even though I don’t always feel like doing it. “It’s hugely important, not just for maintaining a healthy weight, but for helping to manage stress. “You’ll find me in the gym around 6.30am, so that I can get it done before I’m properly awake!” Martina says she has

absolutely no regrets about the years she spent being overweight, claiming it was part of what brought her to where she is today, and to a role she thoroughly enjoys. “I have always had great support at home, e s p e c i a l l y f r o m my husband, who has been with me literally through thick and thin, or maybe slimmer, fitter, healthier, and happier.” Weight Watchers Ireland is part of a global operation, and recent-

ly introduced its new healthy and holistic approach to managing weight loss, “Smar tPoints”. “Weight Watchers is a fantastic organisation. We’ve been around for over 50 years, always innovating as nutritional science changes, and always learning more about human behaviour! “Right now, it’s a very busy, exciting place to be”, the new CEO of Weight Watchers Ireland says.

3 March 2016 Gazette 25

Gazette

GAMING finance: how free-to-play gaming has also lead to great wealth

How to make a billion: create free games ...

ONCE again, games, tech and business watchers had the same target in their sights recently, with the widely reported news that another games figure has just become a billionaire, joining an elite club of passionate gamers who have been elevated to business leaders. Catchily nicknamed by some as ‘The Billionaire from Belarus’, 39-year-old Viktor Kislyi has just been valued as having a net worth of one billion dollars, thanks to his company, Wargaming.net, which is valued at $1.5bn. As the company’s chief executive, Kislyi has spent about 20 years following his passion for gaming, technology and history, with his early steps on an old computer in the family’s apartment in Minsk leading to him creating a company with his brother that, today, has more than 100 million users. Wargaming has been

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

behind a number of niche titles, but latterly has enjoyed significant global success with World of Tanks. This multi-platform title is free to download and play, but has impressive in-built – and entirely optional – revenue streams, with Kislyi’s business model being one of the best examples of how to successfully monetise free content. Indeed, Wargaming is estimated to have had revenue of $590m in 2015 – not bad going for a company with a leading title that’s primarily free, and that many users never spend a penny, cent or a dime on (although

many gamers pay a little here, a little there to buy better equipment, useful supplies, and so on). On paper, World of Tanks may not have sounded like the catchiest of games – players roll out into battlefields in one of a large number of 20th Century tanks (and related vehicles) drawn from all the major powers of the time and then do battle – so, those looking for a royal rumble between Uncle Sam’s tanks and classic Soviet armaments, for example, can do so. With several forces’ vehicles to choose from, and gradually more powerful vehicles, parts and upgrades to unlock through constant usage and play, World of Tanks has created a player progression model that dripfeeds upgrades at a reasonable rate. A problem for many free-to-play titles has been that of progres-

Wargaming chief executive Viktor Kislyi; inset, World of Tanks

sion – make it too hard to advance, and players become frustrated and leave; create too many paywalls, or in-your-face monetisation options, and players get frustrated and leave; create intrusive follow-up player campaigns through email barrages or social media hits etc, and – well, you can guess what happens! Such common mistakes have been among the reasons why several high-profile gaming companies have stumbled and fell, as hit titles have stalled, player numbers plateaued, and revenues shrank or plummeted. Wall Street IPO dar-

lings one month have an awful habit of making quieter headlines with unimpressive quarterly returns, staff layoffs and managerial exits just a bit later on. Howe ve r, K i s l y i ’s impressive long-term success with Wargaming’s strategies and models, and particularly with

World of Tanks, may have finally cracked the problem of creating long-term growth and strong financial returns from free content. With its passionate fan base – and, interestingly, global reach to both historical fans and competitive gamers alike – World of Tanks has smashed its

way into being one of the world’s top multiplayer titles, with decent financials from its subsequent spin-offs. It will be interesting to see what Kislyi, and Wargaming, get up to next, and whether the company’s tanks can lead a charge into bold new gaming fronts ...

A preview of upcoming title, The Division, which has united gamers and critics  shane dillon

GAMERS around the world – more than 6.4 million of them, to be close enough – set a new record recently, when they played a three-day, time limited demo of one of the biggest games of 2016, The Division (PC, PS4, XBO). Finally due out on March 8, The Division has been in development for several years, with critical interest ebbing and flowing as time went on, without any sign of it appearing. Thankfully, The Division’s recent

beta (public test) launch – its second, in fact – saw more than six million gamers around the world eke as much gameplay as they could out of its three-day access period, where a decent section of the game was available to play through. Best described as a third-person action title with extensive role-playing elements, and with an online multiplayer aspect, The Division is set in a largely abandoned lower Manhattan, three weeks after a devastating, and almost completely fatal, plague breaks out during the Black Friday

sales, spread like wildfire thanks to contaminated bank notes. The electricity still works, and ‘stale’ Christmas decorations abound – but Manhattan is a mess, with abandoned cars everywhere in the clogged, snowbound and deserted streets. All kinds of gangs, thugs and dangerous people roam amid chaotic and abandoned quarantine zones, where bodybags are unceremoniously piled in grim piles,

and goods spill out of stripped and looted shops. As a Division agent, players seek to restore order to the

devastated city, undertaking missions to rescue civilians, help survivors, build up a home base, and much, much, much more. Look out for my full review in a few weeks, which I can confirm was very interesting – and fun – indeed. The recent beta presented one of the most detailed, prettiest and authentic game worlds I’ve ever seen (inset), with The Division really nailing what New York looks and feels like.

26 clondalkin gazette 3 March 2016

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28 gazette 3 March 2016

SPORT

FastSport Nguyen wins big in Irish Badminton: DUBLINER Nhat Nguyen won badminton’s Carlton Irish Under-17 championships last weekend as he continues his rise up the ranks. The 15-year-old is Ireland’s number two singles player only behind twotime Olympian Scott Evans, moving ahead of Owen Marron and Joshua Magee while he also sits third in the men’s doubles list. Nguyen did not drop a single game en route to the final which he won comfortably 21-4, 21-8 against fellow Dubliner Mark Gannon. The boys singles was not the only event won by Nguyen as he also claimed the doubles title alongside fellow Dubliner and Badminton Ireland Academy team mate Paul Reynolds. Last month Nhat become the youngest player ever to win the Irish national championship title at just 15.

snooker: o’brien becomes oldest player in world to hit rare mark

Maximum 147 break for Fergal  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

SINCE Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the top of Mount Everest in May 1953, approximately 7,000 other climbers have successfully followed them. In approximately the same period - following a world first by Joe Davis in an exhibition match in 1955 - only 41 people have scored snooker’s maximum break of 147 in official, professional competition. At just short of 44 years old, Lucan man Fergal O’Brien became the oldest player to achieve the maximum in competition, and only the second Irishman, clearing the table against Mark Davis

in Essex last week. Coming a week after Chinese player Ding Junhui scored the 117th ever 147 break, O’Brien also hit the papers for his prize money. Shortly after Ronnie O’Sullivan deliberately hit 146 as he didn’t deem the £10,000 reward for a maximum worthy of the score (O’Sullivan already has 13 perfect breaks), O’Brien took home just £500 his effort. Still, O’Brien remains pragmatic, focusing instead on putting away a rare chance. “You might play 1,000 frames without getting a good chance for a maximum,” he told GazetteSport. “Chances don’t come along very often. I don’t think I’ve got very close in tournament play before. Perhaps seven

or eight reds into a potential maximum break. You have it at the back of your mind, but you don’t give it that much thought until an opportunity comes up.” O’Brien does have a number of unofficial 147s - scored in exhibition matches or on unratified tables with slightly larger pockets. More than 40, in fact, but he admits that in snooker circles, you can be asked about first of all having a 147, and secondly having one in tournament play. The latter is a marker, something not yet achieved by a number of the world’s top ten, with players at the level of Joe Perry, Mark Allen and Martin Gould yet to pull off the feat.

Lucan’s Fergal O’Brien hopes fine achievement will aid the rest of his season

“I wasn’t too nervous,” O’Brien told us. “Calm enough. I think if it had been a difficult finish it might have been different, but I landed well on the blue and fairly perfectly on the pink and black. The black to yellow was a tough shot. It’s great to have ticked that box, though.” And O’Sullivan’s now infamous 146? “He could have given it to charity, if he didn’t need it,” O’Brien said. “But these things are so rare. Maybe he should have done it for the crowd. But I see his point about it being worth more than than that, even if the days of €147,000 reward in the

World Championships are long gone. “Obviously I’d prefer to have scored my 147 in the World Championship and walked away with the money, but getting one doesn’t mean you won’t get another!” Despite his antics, O’Brien is back in Dublin putting everything into preparing for the World Championships qualifying tournament, where he’d need to win three games to reach the Crucible. He’s currently ranked number 34 in the world. The Dub has had a run of incredible bad luck at the sport’s biggest event, having missed out by ten frames to nine on a pink,

black and respotted black since he last made the finals in 2010. “There are no easy matches, and there’s a lot at stake not matter who you play,” he explains. “It’s three games of best of 19, and there are no easy matches. When you get a bit older, the big thing is concentration.” “I guess the advantage of going into a world championship after a break is that so many people arrive after a succession of tournaments burnt out. “I think I’m probably due one after being so close over recent years, but it doesn’t really work like that.”

Alex oust St Gerard’s to claim Senior Cup thriller  sport@dublingazette.com

Alexandra College celebrate their Leinster schools senior cup success

ALEXANDRA College won a breathless Leinster Schoolgirls hockey Senior Cup final 4-2, seeing off reigning champions St Gerard’s to claim the title for the third time in the last five years. Indeed, they are now the most successful school in the competition’s history, winning the title for a 13th time in its 99 year history. It was a final of real colour and excitement, played out in front of close to 2,000 supporters at Grange Road with the balcony, flagpoles and much of the fenc-

ing adorned with the bunting and banners of the respective teams. For Alex, it was the league and cup double but they were pushed all the way. It was level at half-time as Eva Moroney breached the Milltown school’s defences for the first time in 10 games, cancelling out Isy Delamar’s thunderous opening goal. But two goals in quick succession after the break were the making and breaking of the tie as Katherine Egan provided a similar amount of power to Delamar for 2-1. Habika O’Connor then

turned in the third. The reigning champions from Bray were back in the mix with four minutes to go when Sadhbh McCarthy redircted a Lena Tice shot into the top corner. But O’Connor and Sophie Roopnarinesingh responded in brilliant fashion, exchanging passes direct from the tip off. The latter finished off the move to restore a crucial two-goal advantage to get over the line and confirm their place in next month’s Kate Russell All-Ireland championships. Alex now join Limerick’s Cres-

cent College, Galway’s Salerno and Loreto, Kilkenny in the AllIrelands with Ulster’s champions to be confirmed. The northern representative will be either Sullivan Upper or Methody who meet in the Ulster final on March 2. Earlier on, St Columba’s won the Senior 1 title. Hollie Canning opened the scoring in the first half before a double from Kitty Morris and one from Sophia Cole in the second half saw them beat Santa Sabina. Newparkwere Minor 1winners thanks to a 3-1 win in a shoot-out against Our Lady’s, Terenure.

3 March 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

Optimism abounds at LOI league launch GazetteSport caught up with St Pat’s Ger O’Brien, Shamrock Rovers’ Pat Fenlon and Shelbourne’s Kevin Doherty at the Aviva Stadium ahead of the new League of Ireland season  aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com

THE 2016 League of Ireland campaign gets underway this Friday with both divisions offering intricate narratives on top of the thrilling prospects of champions, promotions, European adventures as well as harrowing relegation battles. L a s t s e a s o n s aw Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk retain their Premier Division title with relative ease to add to their FAI Cup and Leinster Senior Cup wins in a season that saw the Lilywhites reign home four domestic titles from five. Challengers this term will come in the shape of a Cork City side that have played second fiddle to Dundalk over the last two seasons – finishing runners-up in both 2014 and

2015 – as well as Dublin hopefuls Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic. St Pats endured an up and down 2015 campaign which saw a disappointing fourth place league finish compensated by their EA Sports Cup title as well as confirmation of their spot in the first round of this summer’s Europa League qualifiers. Many suggested the Saints would challenge Dundalk for the Premier Division title last season but, in spite of a nine-game winning streak from June 5 until August, they could not get within reach of the eventual champions. Ahead of the season, captain Ger O’Brien stressed the importance of competing consistently with the league’s top clubs. “You are always think-

ing at the start of the season that there are three teams that can realistically win the title – I think we were one of them last year and we fell short”, he said speaking at the 2016 SSE Airtricity League. “This is the time for everyone to be as optimistic as possible before a ball is kicked. As soon as that whistle goes on the first night, the pressure starts from then until the end of October. “But we’re really looking forward to it; we have a lot of new players and I think there’s a lot of excitement in the group that we can push on and have a competitive season.” Also looking to improve on last season’s successful league campaign will be Shamrock Rovers. Now entering his third season in charge of the Hoops,

Ger O’Brien, left, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Conor Powell, Longford Town, at the launch of the 2016 SSE Airtricity League. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

manager Pat Fenlon will be looking to follow through on his intentions to leave a legacy at Rovers and bring home some silverware. His side finished in third place last season, providing the only regular challenger to Dundalk and Cork City in the top

A former Shels favourite as a player, Doherty said that both his managerial staff and players were a year wiser and more experienced to challenge heavyweights UCD and favourites Limerick FC. “I feel we weren’t quite ready for promotion last year; we had a very young

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

‘This is the time for everyone to be as optimistic as possible before a first ball is kicked’ - Ger O’Brien, St Pat’s --------------------------------------------------------

two spots. However, they still finished 13 points off the champions. “We slowly improved last year, we moved one place higher but we’ve got to keep challenging and competing for trophies because that’s what the club is about.” His side experienced the opportunity of a lifetime during pre-season when they competed in the Sait Nagjee Trophy held in India, where they beat least of all 1860 Munich as well as Argentina’s Under-23s before bowing out at the semifinals. Closer to home and down a division, Shelbourne will be looking to regain their place in the Premier Division as they once again vie to gain promotion under Kevin Doherty.

side”, he said. “I think we have improved in the last year. We’ve brought in Dylan and Cian Kavanagh, Jamie Doyle from UCD, and Robert O’Reilly who was at Drogheda United in the Premier Division. “We’ve brought a lot of experience in with Aidan Collins who was very good in the First Division last year, in my opinion he is one of the best centre backs in the league, so hopefully that bit of experience will add to the youth and talent of the other lads which will make the difference. “We’ve learned from things we did well, things we didn’t do so well and hopefully that will make the difference. We’re looking to improve on last year and if we can do that it would be great.”

FastSport

Anticipation bubbling up for the 2016 campaign ALTHOUGH a whistle won’t be blown nor a ball kicked until this Friday night, the 2016 Airtricity League season is bubbling up nicely for the new campaign. Arriving at the Aviva Stadium, sunshine beamed through the grand stunning venue’s countless glass frames. Ian Madigan was out on the pitch, practicing drop-goals alongside a couple of coaches from the Irish rugby team ahead of last weekend’s game to England. The combination of the weather and Madigan’s accuracy gave you a sense of optimism ahead of the new League of Ireland campaign. Con Murphy was MC for the day and kicked off proceedings by introducing a video of moments from last season to whet the appetite, it worked. It was then time for a number of speakers including the FAI’s Director of Communications Fran Gavin and Ronan Brady, Head of Digital and Marketing at SSE Airtricity. Much of the speeches were as you could imagine but one key note came from Gavin who announced an increase in prize money. “I am delighted to announce that we will be increasing the prize fund for the SSE Airtricity League Premier and First Divisions by 50% this season,” he said. “The prize money will rise from €315,500 to €475,500 for the League. In addition, we have the prize fund for the FAI Cup, the EA Sports Cup and UEFA Fair Play, which means our clubs will be competing for a total prize fund of €596.500.” Following that, Martin O’Neill took the stage for a brief Q&A with Murphy, who praised the league’s managers, and offered hope to Richie Towell and Chris Forrester on their chances of a senior international call-up in the future. Dundalk’s Stephen Kenny and Limerick’s Martin Russell, managers of the two favourites for both leagues then took part in their own Q&A, followed by Wexford Youths boss Shane Keegan and Derry’s new head-coach Kenny Sheils. As the speeches ended, opposing managers, players and officials were allowed chat amongst themselves and the media. There was a feeling of friendliness in the suite, although that may be long forgotten come 7.45pm this Friday night.

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 3 March 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: clondalkin club to face shamrock rovers on march 22

Clondalkin’s women push Gar to the limit CLONDALKIN’S women fell 13-8 in their final league game of the regular season fixtures to Mullingar in a hugely spirited performance. It came on the back of a very spirited display against Railway Union the last time out but knew that they had a supreme challenge ahead of them against the league leaders. The game was played on an extremely windy day but on the new 4G all-weather pitch that the hosts had installed at the start of the season. Clondalkin played with the strong wind for the first half which was both a benefit and a hindrance and showed great organisation and determination to limit the host to only one trip inside their 22 for the entire half. At one point, Clondalkin brought the ball some 30 metres through a rolling maul off the back of a line-out on their own 10 metre line. But try as they would they were not able to breach the Mullingar try line. Nonetheless, they still ended on top at the half time whistle thanks to a well taken penalty from outhalf Ailbhe O’Nolan, who shortly afterwards was forced to leave the field injured. The second half was a reverse of the first but, this time, Mullingar were able to take more advantage with the combination of the wind and subs off the bench allowing them to score a penalty and two unconverted trys to lead 13 to 3 with 10 minutes to go. Clondalkin virtually camped within the Mullingar 22 for this last 10 minutes and were rewarded for all this hard effort by a really well taken try from stand in outhalf Siobhan Tierney who took advantage of a gap in the Mullingar defense to race in from 20 metres. The conversion, which was missed, was the last play of the match. Mullingar emerged victors 13-8 but, with some different bounces of the ball, that scoreline could have been reversed. The next match for Clondalkin’s women is in the Paul Flood Cup with their first round fixture at home to CYM on Sunday, March 13.

The Collinstown AUL Premier A side

Collinstown learn big date sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER weeks of waiting, Collinstown FC have finally received a date for their eagerly-awaited return to Tallaght Stadium. Kevin Carroll’s side secured a glamour tie against League of Ireland giants Shamrock Rovers when they got past Killester United in the Leinster Senior Cup. I t h a s n ow b e e n confirmed that the Clondalkin outfit will meet Rovers in the fourth round of the competition on Tuesday March 22, in a 7.45pm

kick-off. The Leinster Senior Cup is a competition that gives the country’s top amateur clubs a chance to pit their wits against League of Ireland opposition. Since beating LSL side Killester in the third round, the AUL Premier A giants were left waiting for Rovers to finalise their pre-season plans before setting a date. Fenlon’s then side jetted off to India to take part in the Sait Nagjee Trophy, where they played a number of games, including a win against an Argentina

centenary boxing Neilstown host quality 1916 commemoration neilstown Boxing Club held a fight night

last weekend as the Clondalkin gym hosted a 1916 Easter Rising Centenary Boxing show. The night saw 12 bouts, each individually named after a figure of the Rising, contested between Leinster and Munster selections. The likes of Trojan BC (Cork), Listowel BC, Dungarvan and Tramore BC, St Bridget’s of Kildare, Thurles BC, Trinity BC from Dublin and more made the trip for the special exhibition event.

Under-23 home-based side. But they are now back on home soil and in final preparations for their first league game at Sligo Rovers this Saturday evening. As well as Sligo, before they meet Collinstown, the Hoops will have fitted in competitive games against Wexford Youths, Finn Harps and St Patrick’s Athletic. Collinstown, whose greatest triumph to date came in Tallaght Stadium last May when they beat Sheriff YC in the Leinster Junior Cup final, have kept them-

selves ticking over in recent weeks with some decent form. Their Premier A titlechase remains alive after an impressive win on Sunday at Finglas Celtic. Goals from Daniel Matthews, Dylan McKeever, Shane Murphy, Chris Barbour and David Mbata secured the points in that one while a day earlier, the Saturday side also hit five in cup action. A 5-4 win at Sandyhill Shangan in their Myles O’Neill cup second leg gave ‘Town at 7-5 win on aggregate and a place in the quarter-final.

A week earlier, the first-team ensured their quest to retain their Leinster Junior crown is very much alive with a 1-0 win away to Hardwicke. John Cleary’s early goal was the difference between the sides in a game in which the Premier B hosts gave Collinstown plenty to think about. The win means Carroll’s side progress to the last 16 of the competition where they will meet Kilkenny’s Evergreen who will prove another stern test on route to back-to-back Leinster glory.

3 March 2016 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

skill stars

Camogie youngsters take on Kube challenge

Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin

round Tower’s U-8 and U-9 camogie

teams hit sliotars for 35kms in a relay challenge around the perimeter of the main pitch in Monastery Road. For the event, the girls filled sponsorship cards to raise money for the team’s participation in the Kube, the club’s upcoming big fundraiser. Similarly, the Under-13 girls took part in the sponsored Skillstar competition, based on camogie’s core skills.

football: clondalkin club off to flying start

THE senior footballers lost opening

venue for all types of celebrations. The

league fixture away to Naomh Mear-

club’s function room can comfortably

nog. The junior As enjoyed a win over

host large groups within an intimate

same opposition; the junior Bs and

setting and excellent party packages

Ballinteer St John’s drew and the

are available that can include cake/

junior Cs were defeated by Skerries

cakes, decorations, DJ and hot or cold

Harps. The minor hurlers defeated by

food. For enquiries, contact Jimmy Lee

O’Tooles.

at 087 7453478.

Round Tower GAA club Easter camp

We continue to urge members to

will take place from Monday, March 21

pay membership online, where possi-

to Thursday, March 24.

ble, and if not feasible, to use the bar.

Great fun and games for kids aged

Bingo continues in the club every

four to 12 years. It will run 10am to 2pm

Tuesday night. Great prizes on offer,

on a daily basis at Monastery Road.

with last week’s jackpot being €1,000;

first call is at 8.30pm and all welcome.

commences and receive a free gift. To

Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day Parade

is looking for volunteers for its 2016

4082561 or Catherine at 086 8303207.

festival. Register your interest at

Our U-14 footballers and hurlers will

www.clondalkinstpatricksfestival.ie.

host a bingo fundraiser in the club Fri-

Round Tower lotto (February 22):

day, March 4. First call is 8.30pm and

the jackpot was €10,000. Numbers

admission/book is €10. All welcome.

drawn 9, 18, 25 and 26 and the bonus

The Kube heats are now available to

ball was 24.

view online. Support your team repre-

There was no overall winner and

sentative ahead of a key night on the

no bonus ball winner. Three €100 win-

club calendar – March 16.

ners: Sarah Ann and Tony, Martin Finn,

Planning a celebration? Round Tower GAA Club can offer an excellent

Ciaran and Janet. Play lotto online for as little as €2 per week.

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

Well done to all our teams who

2, 8, 10 and 27; there was no winner so

played at the weekend and thanks to

next week’s jackpot will be €9,000. The

all that came out to support them.

draw takes place in the Palmerstown

Well done to our U-8s in their first

O’Rourke’s 1-4 eases Tower’s to strong win

House every Sunday night at 10pm and

match of the season v St Anne’s. Great

tickets cost €2.

effort from all the lads and support

AFL Division 5

unchanged from last year. Member-

The U-13s were out twice over the

ship can be paid on Tuesday and Thurs-

weekend and the footballers had a

day from 7-8pm in the clubhouse.

great win on Sunday.

Round Tower in action against Naomh Mearnog last weekend

Round Tower Naomh Mearnog  mick mcglynn

1-13 0-6

sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s intermediate footballers enjoyed a dominant second half display to propel themselves to an opening day AFL5 victory, a welcome boost to a side relegated last season. Once Towers clicked into gear, they proved far too strong for the visitors after a close-knit first half ended 0-4 to 0-3. Mearnog kicked an early opener before Dermot Milton gathered

Shane Boland’s cross-field pass and kicked over on the turn from distance. Tower’s struggled to create openings for inside forwards in the first quarter with Mearnog’s rearguard standing firm around the 40. After initial setbacks and a 0-3 to 0-1 deficit, the Clondalkin club rallied as Jason Mockler stopped the rot following good work from Liam McGuigan and he duly kicked the leveller from a free. And they edged one clear just before the break when Eoghan Moore and David Chapman pressure won possession, feeding

Boland who in turn found Dean O’Rourke to kick the first point of his 1-4 tally. Mearnog had a great chance to start their second half but they miscued a penalty over the bar. The Portmarnock side did take the lead soon after but, from there on, it was all Tower’s. O’Rourke finished an outstanding team move while Milton then kicked from long-range to swap the lead. Further scores from O’Rourke, Aaron Soady, Boland and Mockler made it double scores – 0-10 to 0-5. With seven minutes

remaining Mearnog kicked a free but a comeback looked unlikely and Tower’s just accelerated further clear. Milton clipped the bar with a long-range free and the follow-up saw Mockler kick another point. A sharp turn and kick by O’Rourke raised the umpires arm before Boland kicked an outstanding long-range point while on the run. The two combined for the game’s final score. Boland pressure led to a mix-up between keeper and defender and O’Rourke lobbed to the net from 30 yards.

Thank you to all our sellers and to

from the parents.

all that support our lotto every week.

Great games from our U-9s with two

Tickets available from all the usual

tough games against a very strong

sellers including SuperValu, Palmers-

Good Counsel squad. Well played lads

town House, Manor Hair Studios and in

The U-10 had great win against Croi

the clubhouse on Tuesday and Thurs-

Ro Naofa. A game of great passing and

day from 7-8pm.

scoring of a lot of skill points; well done

Membership is now due and remains

to all involved

Our Friday hurling and camogie

The U-16 hurling against Faughs was

skills session has started up again on

a great battle with Faughs winning

Friday from 6-7pm, from U-8 upwards

out. Our minor hurlers had a great

and all are welcome. It’s a great chance

first game against Wild Geese and our

for the kids to learn from experienced

minor camogie had a great win on their

coaches.

first game of the season.



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

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march 3-9, 2016

Pushing it to the maximum: Fergal O’Brien hits 147 as he builds up to Crucible bid P29

Bernard’s Dublin impact Bernard Dunne and Dublin ladies footballer Sinead Goldrick launch the Lunchtime Mile

Neilstown’s boxing world champion playing important role with the Dublin senior football team with mental strength a crucial component

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

THE boxing gloves are firmly hung up and the shorts and boots tucked away in the wardrobe, but there is still an intense competitiveness in Bernard Dunne’s voice when you speak to him, six years after he announced his retirement. His current role with the Dublin GAA senior football team may play a part in that but even still, you can just tell that when it comes to achieving or event just competing, the Neilstown man is serious. Speaking at the launch of the Lunchtime Mile for National Workplace Wellbeing Day, of which he is an official Ambassador, Gazette-

Sport caught up with Dunne and he did not disappoint. His title in Jim Gavin’s backroom team is Sports Performance and Lifestyle Coach and we asked exactly what his work entails. “I am basically there to help Jim in anyway shape or form,” said Dunne. “If Jim asks me to put the bib on and be Maor Uisce I’ll do it, if he wants me to have a chat with certain players, I’ll do it.” When Gavin brought Dunne in to be part of the senior backroom team three years ago, he said he was there to help players realise their potential, something the former world champion is extremely passionate about. “Apart from my work with Dublin, I travel

up and down the country speaking to young people about their potential,” he said. “The big message I try to get across is not to be afraid to try things; I see that as a big problem in this country. “I can relate that back to why I’m delighted to be the ambassador for the National Workplace Wellbeing Day on April 8,” added Dunne. “This year’s Lunchtime Mile, for example, is an event to get people to do something different at work. “It’s not about saying you’re going to lose this amount of weight or reach these big targets, it’s about taking small, realistic steps that will change your life and give you confidence to achieve even greater goals.”

When a former world champion begins to speak so poignantly about not being afraid to chase your dreams or ambitions, it’s hard to intervene and the 36-year-old added: “If somebody wants to be something or do something, you shouldn’t be put off by what other people say. “This is particularly true with young people, if you want to go out and do something, do it, don’t listen to people who knock you back. “After the Kiko Martinez fight, I got a fair bit of bad press but you can’t listen to it. Two years later, I was a world champion, “I don’t believe in losing, there’s going to be bumps along the way but it’s about adapting and getting back on track.”