Clondalkin

Gazette clondalkin

PLUS:

November 12-18, 2015

FREE

2012 R ow l ag h • B aw n o g u e • N e i l stow n • D e a n s r at h • K i n g swo o d Month • Ta lXX, l ag h t INSIDE: Celebrity maitre d’ John anyone for tea? Check out our top takes Healy has found a new lease of life on capital afternoon refreshment P18 after organ transplant P16

Hurling:

MacLaughlin up for top Ulster writers award Page 31

Soccer:

Collinstown add Paul Doyle to coaching crew Page 32

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

Trolley crisis in Tallaght worsens  Ian Begley

Tallaght Hospital has come in for serious criticism following reports of patients being left on trolleys for prolonged periods of time.

According to new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, the numbers on trolleys at the hospital jumped from 309 in 2014 to 533 last month – a difference of 224 people.

These figures follow a controver-

sial letter that Tallaght Hospital’s DR James Gray recently sent to Health Minister Leo Varadkar and the hospital’s chief executive, David Slevin, which described a 91-year-old patient spending 29 hours on a trolley there.

Dublin Mid-West General Election candidate John Curran (FF) said, “The situation in Tallaght has been allowed to deteriorate over the past three years to a place where it is almost beyond repair,” he said.

Full Story on Page 2

Savour the moment: Finalists cook up a storm at awards tanya O’Halloran from Citywest

who was a finalist in the Everyday Inspirations category at the Easy Food Home Cook Hero Awards 2015 which were held in the Shelbourne Hotel Dublin. Each of the 24 finalists battled it out in the state-of-the-art kitchens to prepare their creative and tasty dishes for the awaiting judges. Judges were

celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio, MasterChef Ireland’s Nick Munier and managing director of Easy Food magazine Gina Miltiadou.

Judges spent the day tasting dishes and chatting with finalists, and after much deliberating the winners were announced by host Martin King at a black-tie award ceremony.

Picture: Andres Poveda

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 12 November 2015

tallaght Prolonged wait ‘indefensible’

Got a story?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com

 Tallaght Hospital has come in for serious criticism after reports of patients being left on trolleys for long periods of time

Overflowing A&E puts hospital crisis in focus  Ian Begley

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

Tallaght Hospital has come in for serious criticism following reports of patients being left on trolleys for prolonged periods of time.

According to new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, the numbers on trolleys in Tallaght Hospital jumped from 309 in 2014 to stand at 533 last month – a difference of 224 people.

These figures follow a controversial statement that Tallaght Hospital’s Dr James Gray sent to Health Minister Leo Varadkar and the hospital’s chief executive, David Slevin, recently, which described a 91-year-old patient spending 29 hours on a trolley there.

He wrote: “This man, like the others in nondesignated patient con-

 ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

duits, have no privacy, no dignity, are subjected to constant noise torture, constant light torture, resulting in major sleep deprivation, pressure effects causing pain as lying for advanced periods on a trolley is not designed for same, as well as boarding conditions that constitute an infection control hazard.

“It is only a matter of time before we disclose our next crowding related death at Tallaght Hospital while crowding is tolerated.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny responded to the statement in the Dail, saying

that hospital management needed to explain how the situation was allowed to happen and asked who was responsible for leaving the elderly man there.

Dublin Mid-West General Election candidate John Curran (FF) has expressed alarm following the new figures.

He said: “The situation in Tallaght has been allowed to deteriorate over the past three years to a place where it is almost beyond repair.

“Every month hundreds of people are being treated in crowded emergency rooms and packed wards as the Health Minister sits back without intervening.

“This is causing much stress and anxiety not only for the patients themselves, who are being deprived of dignity in these exposed areas, but

also for the frontline staff charged with their care,” he said.

Responding to the elderly man’s prolonged wait in the hospital, Minister Varadkar said it was “indefensible” that any patient was forced to spend more than 24 hours in an emergency department.

He said that he rang the patient personally to ask him about his experience on the trolley. He told the Minister he was happy with the standard of care he received and that his experience had been misrepresented.

Hospital consultants are also in talks with the Minister to discuss the overcrowding crisis.

In the statement, Tallaght Hospital said: “[We] cannot comment on individual patient cases due to patient confidentiality, however, we are aware of

a delay in admitting elderly patients this week for which we unreservedly apologise.”

It said: “Delays are currently under review by management and while the delays are undesirable there were no critical or clinical incidents reported in the emergency department [recently] arising from delays in allocating ward beds.

“The hospital has a policy of prioritising the allocation of ward beds for elderly patients and is currently implementing a number of initiatives to improve patient flow processes through providing more inpatient beds funded under the HSE winter initiative, developing its Frail Elderly Initiative and completing the €5m upgrade of the emergency department.”

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

tallaght

courts: Food delivery man locked up, bit and punched his partner

Volunteer Corps open day

Suspended sentence for assaulting wife A food delivery man who locked his wife into their apartment after punching and biting her has received a 21-month suspended sentence.

Garda Neil Canny revealed that the woman later wished to drop the assault allegation and returned to Farhad Khorang (38) after spending four days at a refuge.

The garda said the DPP was pursuing the case despite this.

Khorang, of Aras na Cluaine, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting his wife causing her harm at their home on November 18, 2014. He has no previous convictions.

Garda Canny told

Garrett McCormack BL, prosecuting, that a passerby alerted gardai to a woman on a balcony seeking help.

Through the passerby’s translations from French to English, the woman gave gardai permission to break down the door to the premises.

The woman, whose face was covered in bruises, said she and her baby had been locked into the premises overnight after Khorang had beaten her during an argument.

She had multiple bruises on her face and body and a bite mark on the inside of her knee.

Khorang, who is of Kurdish-Iranian origin but naturalised Irish, admitted after arrest that

he had struck and bitten his wife.

Garda Canny said he hadn’t come to Garda attention since his release on bail.

The garda agreed with Marc Murphy BL, defending, that the woman made recent Garda statements in which she wished to recant what she said.

He fur ther agreed there was no suggestion Khorang had harassed her after the assault last year and that child protection ser vices had completed monitoring the family.

Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as “reprehensible”, but said there was “no useful purpose” to imprisoning Khorang.

A run to remember: Participants battle bad weather in 5km event the wet and blustery weather conditions provided a stern challenge for over 3,500 participants in the recent fourth annual Remembrance Run 5km in the Phoenix Park.

A group of 65 gardai took part in the event in memory of two fallen colleagues- Anthony Golden and Adrian Donohoe and all around the course there were family and friends participating in memory of loved ones passed. Pictured in action are Roisin and Roger Conlon from Tallaght. Picture: Tomas Greally/Sportsfile

People from south County Dublin are being encouraged to attend an open evening about the South Dublin County Volunteer Corps.

Taking place at Tallaght Stadium on November 19 at 7pm, the Volunteer Corps is a fun, engaging programme where you get to help out in your local community, do good, have fun and meet new people.

Volunteers are contacted from time to time about events in South Dublin County such as festivals, concerts, sporting events etc.

You decide how much (or how little) time you can give and which events suit your availability or appeal to you.

For more information about the programme visit www.volunteercorps.ie.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 12 November 2015

St Kevin’s One of first two Dublin schools to receive prestigious award

School awarded for bullying prevention  Ian Begley

St Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill, has recently been awarded the ISPCC’s Shield Flag for its preventative work on the issue of bullying.

St Kevin’s is one of the first two schools in Dublin to receive this prestigious award, the other being Scoil Choilm in Clonsilla.

Principal Pat Lowry said that the Shield Pro-

gramme really highlights the importance of ‘the whole school community working together’. He said that the Shield programme highlighted the importance and effectiveness of the whole school community including teachers, students as well as parents/carers and the Board of management working together on the issue and for all involved to work together and to be ‘singing off the same

hymn sheet’.

Aishling Sammon, anti bullying co ordinator of the school said that St Kevin’s “takes the issue of bullying extremely seriously”, adding that as a result of the Shield program the school is holding a stand up to homophobic bullying awareness week.

ISPCC national antibullying co coordinator Sinead McKee congratulated St Kevin’s for “set-

ting a positive example to other schools” “This is a proud day for the teachers, students, parents /carers and the wider schools community in Fonthill and Clonsillia. St Kevin’s and Scoil Choilm are setting a positive example to other schools in the area and I have no doubt that more schools in the area will engage with the ISPCC Shield program when they hear about

FastNews Competition winners

St Kevin’s Community College students Vanessa Geraghty and Melissa Davitt. Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

the encouraging work these two schools have achieved.

“All too often within the ISPCC we can see the damage that bullying can have on a young person and to see schools working so hard on having a more effective preventative approach is absolute-

ly inspiring,” she said.

The ISPCC invites any other, schools, local sporting clubs with a juvenile section, youth clubs and preschools in Dublin to come on board with the Shield anti bullying campaign.

For information visit www.ispcc.ie/shield.

Lugging people back to nature A new event centre that will bring families “back to nature” on the summit of a hill has recently opened in Saggart.

Luggwoods, named after the ancient Lugg Forest in Saggart, will be transporting families by train through the Coillteowned Lugg Forest to the purpose-built barn style event centre on top of Lugg Hill.

This new facility will run family events throughout the year starting this Christmas with its inaugural event Santa’s Enchanted Forest.

Daniel Halpin of Luggwoods said: “It has been a long road and we are

delighted to be finally opening the gates for our first event. This is a good news story for the area with the creation of jobs and this fabulous new amenity for local families.

“There’s great excitement locally about Luggwoods. The woods and forests around Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas are already fantastic attractions for families; and Luggwoods is making this particular forest even more special by sprinkling it with Christmas magic.”

For more information about Luggwoods, visit www.luggwoods.ie.

Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) will soon announce the winners of the art/writing competition marking the 10th anniversary of South Dublin County’s annual Social Inclusion Week.

There were over 300 entries received for the competition, which provided children with the opportunity to develop their learning experiences by showing their creativity through language and art.

The children were asked to draw a picture showing how you would include everyone or design a slogan for the week.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 17 at 3pm in the council chamber, county hall, Tallaght.

Free recycling event in Lucan and Clondalkin WEEE Ireland, the Irish compliance scheme for electrical and battery recycling, is holding a free recycling event in Lucan and Clondalkin on Saturday, November 14, in association with Tesco and the council.

The collection event in Lucan will take place at Tesco car park from 10am – 4pm and the collection in Clondakin will occur at the Mill Shopping Centre at the same time. This free WEEE Ireland event allows people to get rid of any household electrical equipment and batteries in a safe and environmentallyfriendly manner.

More information can be seen at www. recyclefree.ie.

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

clondalkin ‘The work is about promoting health, education’

25 years supporting Traveller wellbeing  Ian Begley

The Clondalkin Travellers Development Group (CTDG) is celebrating 25 years of supporting the wellbeing of Travellers in the area.

Founded in 1989, the group started out with a small number of women from the Traveller community who came together on a regular basis to discuss issues that affected them.

It then prospered into a much larger body, becoming a dominant community group in Clondalkin, where it now meets the needs and tackles issues affecting all Travellers in the community.

Shane Lynch of the group spoke to The Gazette about the work the organisation engages in and their continuous struggle fighting for Traveller equality.

“We’re now celebrating our 25th anniversary and have been meeting the needs of Travellers in the area since then.

“At the moment the lack of accommodation is a huge issue for Travellers.

We’re seeing about two families a week presenting themselves as homeless.

“The council now has a Traveller accommodation programme, but unfortunately it is just not meeting the needs of our people.

“Although there are a lot of sites around, they are all overcrowded.

“Fifty-three per cent of the Traveller population is under 25 so a lot of them are getting married and having their own families.”

Asked how the Carrickmines fire affected the group, Lynch said: “It was absolutely horrific.

“It’s really sad for it to take such a tragic incident to happen for the Government to stand up and look at Traveller accommodation.

“Education is also a big focus for us to instil into young travellers. Many are falling out of education in secondary school and it’s

becoming more and more difficult because of Government cuts.”

Lynch went onto say that discrimination is still rife within the Travelling community in Dublin Mid-West, which many face every day.

“A lot of young Travellers believe there is no need getting an education because they feel like they won’t be able to find a job anyway because of discrimination.

“They face it every day, everywhere they go. We often find it very difficult to book a venue or organise an outing for them, you sense it straight away, but we’re constantly trying to change people’s percep-

Members of the Clondalkin Travellers Development Group who are celebrating 25 years of supporting the wellbeing of Travellers

tions.

“The work we do is about promoting health, education and making Travellers feel included,” he said.

A half-day seminar on the South County Dublin Traveller Culture

School’s Project is soon to take place in Rua Red, Tallaght.

The project on Friday November 20, promotes positive relationships between Travellers and local schoolchildren by providing a space where

Travellers engage pupils in dialogue about their way of life and culture.

The seminar is an opportunity to learn more about the programme and meet some of the people involved in its roll out and delivery.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 12 November 2015

spending Housing a priority as allocation rises to €2.3m

Council adds €6m to its annual budget  Ian Begley

South Dublin County Council has adopted an annual budget of €225m for 2016 – an increase of €6m on last year’s budget.

At the November 5 annual budget meeting, chief executive Daniel McLoughlin informed the elected members that this year’s budget has a strong focus on housing supply, enhanced service delivery, tourism and heritage, economic and community development.

The homeless budget

has been increased by 50% to €2.3m, which is a threefold increase on the 2014 provision of €794,000. Members have also agreed to set aside €600,000 as a capital provision towards further homeless supported accommodation for single men and the provision of a women’s refuge.

In 2016, the recruitment of up to 50 frontline council staff is expected to increase service delivery capability. This has been resourced with additional funding in areas such as housing maintenance -

€300,000; footpath maintenance - €100,000; litter management - €200,000; and tree management – €200,000.

The budget outlines that 2016 will see the continuation of the village enhancement programme with works planned in Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Lucan and Rathfarnham. A further €1.2m has been added to this programme as part of this budget.

The budget also outlined that the construction of the Clondalkin Round TowerVisitor Cen-

courts: drugs and weapons

Pair get bail after guns charge South Dublin County Council has adopted an annual budget of €225m for 2016  Ian Begley

tre will open very early in 2017. A provision of €50,000 has been made for the advance marketing of this facility.

An excess of €2m has been made available for community oriented programmes and projects.

Community grants have been increased by €50,000 to €250,000; the community initiative fund has been increased by €80,000 to €250,000; the provisions for festivals and Tidy Town’s groups have both been increased to €100,000 from €60,000 in 2015.

Commenting on this year’s annual budget,

Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) said: “The Progressive Alliance worked very well with the management team to deliver this fair, prudent and socially responsible budget.”

Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said the budget was very responsible and responded to a lot of the issues that community expressed over the past year.

He added that he was satisfied that funding for CCTV at Esker Cemetery carpark was included in the budget – an issue that he’s been pushing for several months.

The People Before

Profit Alliance, however, voted against the annual budget for 2016, mainly for its inclusion of the local property tax.

In a group statement, the three PBP councillors, Gino Kenny, Nicky Coules and Ruth Nolan wrote: “The increase in the Rental Accommodation Scheme budget of €2m shows the lack of will by central government to seriously tackle the lack of social housing in the county.

“The property tax is a regressive tax on the family home and is an austerity tax on working people.”

Plenty to choose from at tech festival  Ian Begley

The South Dublin Libraries Science and Tech Festival is now under way in libraries across Dublin Mid-West during November.

Science Festival events are happening until Friday, November 20, as part of the national celebration of Science Week 2015.

Events and highlights in Dublin MidWest include: Learnit Lego workshops (Lucan Library); Junior Einsteins Science Club and Professor Messalot’s hands-on science workshops; NanoWOW and the science of the very small (Lucan Library, Thursday, November 12); Elementary Engineerings – looking at kinetic energy by building rollercoasters and other activities (Clondalkin Library).

Science experiments with the rediscovery centre will also take place in Lucan Library during November.

Tech Fest is also happening for the

first time at county library Tallaght from November 16 to 21.

South Dublin Libraries have teamed up with TechSpace to create this programme for children and teens encompassing STEAM subjects – science, technology, engineering, art and maths.

TechSpace is a creative space where young people are inspired to create, produce and have fun with digital technology and maker activities.

Young people work on exciting creative projects and get one-to-one assistance, guidance and support from TechSpace educators and volunteer mentors.

The mission is to inspire and empower young people to use their native interest in technology to master 21st century learning skills and become digital creators.

The tech club will start on Monday nights from November 16 with more events planned for 2016.

To register your interest phone 01 462 0073, email talib@sdublincoco.ie.

Two men were granted bail after being charged with drug and gun offences following the search of a house in Clondalkin.

The men were arrested after gardai seized two pistols, silencers, ammunition and suspected drugs following a search of a house in Deansrath Avenue.

David Gilligan (23), of 34 Greenfort Crecent, Clondalkin, and David O’Mahoney (36), of 32 Deansrath Avenue, appeared before Judge Patrick Clyne at Dublin District Court charged in connection with having a firearm, ammunition, cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

It is alleged that the drug recovered at the scene has a street value of €6,500.

Gilligan was charged in Lucan Garda Station and was granted bail with a bond of €100 and the conditions that he sign on daily at Ronanstown Garda Station and live with his parents at Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin.

The court also heard that O’Mahoney made no reply and was given a bail bond of €500 and must sign on daily at Clondalkin Garda Station.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport and was told to keep his phone fully charged with the GPS switched on at all times.

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 12 November 2015

R1

gazetteGALLERY

Bridgett Mullally, Mary and Aine Ryan, Brendan O’Reilly, Deputy Derek Keating (FG), Maud Nolan, Fr Michael Shorthall and Jack McPolin at the Tree of Hope planting in Rathcoole Day Centre. The Tree of Hope strives to provide a place of comfort where survivors can memorialise their loved ones lost to suicide or living with depression. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Place of comfort and support is taking root

Jacqueline Timmons and her sister, Maud Nolan

Catherine Cullen beside the tree she pioneered to Mary Kenneally, Betty Hynes and Nellie Dowdall

Pauline Meade

have ones who have passed away remembered

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

Liz and Susie Moore all ready for turning the sod

Fr Michael Shorthall

Carmel and Jim O’Connell

Peter Gaynor singing during the ceremony

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 12 November 2015

health 3,000 children are on waiting lists to access services

Report reveals disturbing facts on suicide Children’s Rights Alliance statistics show Ireland has highest level of suicide among women and girls, the second highest level of male suicide in the EU and high levels of homophobic bullying  keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

A recently published report by the Children’s Rights Alliance found that Ireland had the highest rate of female youth suicides and the second highest rate of male youth suicides in the EU between 2009 and 2011.

The report also found that one-third of young LGBT people (under the age of 25) have “seriously thought about ending their lives”; at least 18% have attempted suicide; and 27% of those interviewed had self harmed.

Research also found high levels of homophobic bullying with 34% of those interviewed being subjected to homophobic comments by their teachers.

The report also found that as of May this year, more than 3,000 chil-

dren were on waiting lists to access mental health services throughout the country. Of these, more than 1,700 were on waiting lists for more than three months and 383 had been on waiting lists for more than a year. This amounts to a referral increase of 49% between June 2014 and May 2015.

The report urges the State to take steps to end the practice of placing children in adult mental health facilities.

It has emerged that 33% of children admitted to mental health facilities in 2014 were “inappropriately admitted to adult inpatient units”.

In addition, teenage suicide, particularly among males is a concern outlined in the report.

It also discovered an apparent link between the high suicide rate of

young males and underage substance abuse.

Meanwhile, it warned that healthcare in Ireland is undermined by “an entrenched two-tier system” with “indications of a poorer health status among children from less well-off areas”.

The report stated: “Those on low incomes who are reliant on the public health system may have to wait for extended periods for tests and procedures, while those who can afford to purchase private health insurance, can receive a much faster service through the private system.”

Marguerite Kiely, clinical manager for child and adolescent services at Pieta House, says the report’s findings are reflected by the experience of Pieta House staff.

“LGBT young people are more at risk of self-

The report states that those reliant on the public health system may have to wait for medical treatment, while those with private health insurance can receive a much faster service through the private system.

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

‘LGBT young people are more at risk of self-harm and suicide. We’ve seen an increase in girls in particular presenting with sexual identity issues’

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

Marguerite Kiely, clinical manager for Child and Adolescent Services at Pieta House

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

harm and suicide. We’ve seen an increase in girls, in particular, presenting with sexual identity issues. We would urge families, friends and peers to be particularly mindful that words can hurt and that negative or offhand comments can have a significant impact on a young LGBT person’s life.”

The former spokesperson for LGBT Noise, Max Krzyzanowski, who stepped down from his position following the

marriage referendum but remains an advocate of LGBT rights, says the “euphoria” of the Yes vote may have caused people to forget that discrimination is still an issue.

Regarding the finding that 34% of students had been subjected to homophobic comments from their teachers, he says: “The majority clearly feels that LGBT people are equal and should be treated equally, but there is the case that 738, 000 people voted No.

“Many of them will have voted no because they don’t see LGBT people equally. In that three quarters of a million people are teachers, coaches, bosses, parents and when they give free reign to their homophobia it can be incredibly damaging to the people in their care and when they are young, impressionable people it can be even more damaging.”

He says these statistics are timely because the fact that discrimination still

exists could be lost in the celebratory mood of the recent marriage referendum milestone.

“LGBT people are suffering and they will continue to suffer for some time.

“What I would say about the referendum is that it does somewhat change the dynamic for conversation because people who have a dislike or disapproval of LGBT people were always able to speak and operate under the assumption that they were in the majority, and they can no longer do that.”

He says discrimination against LGBT people would take some time to unravel, but should gradually improve. For more information about help services for mental health visit: www.pieta.ie

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 11

SHOPPING 11,500 dangerous items had to be destroyed

Top 10 tips to help Santa choose safe toys for kids SINCE 2013, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been responsible for the destruction of about 11,500 unsafe toys.

To help you choose age-appropriate, safe and fun toys when shopping this Christmas, check out the commission’s top 10 toy safety tips: 1 Only buy toys with a CE mark All toys for sale in Ireland must have the CE mark, demonstrating the toy complies with European safety standards.

If you don’t find it, don’t buy it.

2 Look out for warnings

Check the age suitability label on the toy, such as “not suitable” for children under three years. This is a warning, not a guide.

3 Never throw out instructions Always make sure you read instructions carefully as they warn of any possible dangers when using the toy, especially one with electrical parts.

4 Buy from reputable businesses Only buy from reputable traders so you can return the toy if there is a problem.

Beware of unsafe toys being sold on market stalls, especially before

Christmas.

5 Examine toys before you buy Take time to check if there are any removable or detachable small parts.

Check that the toy has no sharp edges, parts that stick out, fastenings, long cords or cables.

Avoid rough edges, dangerous or foldaway parts or small holes that could trap little fingers.

Some toys that omit loud noises may cause hearing damage to a child.

Listen to the toy before you buy it to make sure it’s not too loud for a child.

6 Remove and discard all packaging If the toy is packaged in anything that may cause harm, get rid of that packaging.

7 Buying toys with magnets If you are buying a toy with a magnet make sure that they are kept away from very small children.

Magnets can fall out of toys and may look like sweets to a child.

Toys with magnets should have a warning displayed at the point of sale, on the packaging or attached to the toy itself.

8 Buying toys with batteries

Only buy from reputable traders so toy can be returned if there is a problem and (Inset) the logo to look out for.

Always make sure the child cannot open the part of the toy where the batteries are stored.

Avoid mixing old and new batteries or different strength batteries as this can make the old or weaker batteries very hot.

9 Buying riding/play equipment When buying a bike, skateboard or other rid-

ing equipment make sure to purchase a helmet and the required accessories to go with it.

If it’s an activity toy for the garden like a swing, trampoline or climbing frame, make sure they are situated away from hazards like overhead power lines or obstacles like trees and hedges.

10 If a toy is faulty return it If you have bought a product that is faulty, you have rights to protect you.  To learn more about your consumer rights visit the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s consumer website, www. consumerhelp.ie

12 clondalkin Gazette 12 November 2015

12 November 2015 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf P27 the big interview P16

christmas presents P15

dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week



Gazette

diary P14

Pets can you give amber a new, loving home?

Cormac Breslin, aka CC Brez, playing support for Cry Monster Cry at the Button Factory recently. Picture: Dara Munnis

a day in the life: ‘After breakfast I go straight into my writing’

Easy on Sunday morning  ian begley

FORMER guitarist of Republic of Loose, Cormac Breslin aka CC Brez is going solo and is as busy as ever writing music and playing gigs around the country.

This week the Gazette caught up with CC Brez to catch a glimpse of a typical day in his life.

“I get up roughly between 10am and 11am. I wouldn’t call myself an early riser, but because I perform Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights there isn’t a real need for me to be up before 10am on those days.

“When you’re working late nights you really build up an appetite and

feel like getting something semi-decent into you so my breakfast would usually consist of fruit, porridge, coffee and maybe a few eggs.

“My average working day would be between 10 to 12 hours.

“My band rehearsals generally last around four or five hours, but when I’m out doing a gig I would leave my house around 5pm and not get back until around 5am the following day.

“With most gigs we have to do sound checks and would need to be at the particular venue three or four hours before the doors open.

“As soon as I finish my breakfast I get straight into my writing, which I do every single day.

“It’s a routine that I’ve got myself into for about 10 years and if I ever miss a day and don’t do it then it would really bug me.

“During the mid-week I would be in my home studio writing music for myself or somebody else.

“If I was rehearsing with my band I’d do it in town.

“But if I’m writing or recording by myself I prefer to do it at home where it’s nice and quiet.”

Brez, who recently released his new single/music video, When It Feels Good, added that on Sundays he prefers to take time off from his busy music life and just relax.

“Sunday is my day off. I actually

prefer doing nothing, it’s the one day I have to myself and I like to just chill out or go for a pint with my friends.

“Most musicians I know tend to work harder than they should because since they’re self-employed they feel the added pressure on whether they’re doing enough.

“When you only have yourself to motivate yourself I tend to get into a circle of working too hard.

“Whenever I’m out gigging I wouldn’t get to bed until about 5am, but during the mid-week I would hit the hay a lot earlier.”

Follow CC Brez on Facebook – www. facebook.com/ccbrez – for all his latest music and performance dates.

The Dublin Gazette Newspaper Group has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is Amber, a stunning six-year-old, female pitbull cross who was returned after five years due to a change in her family’s circumstances. She is a really sweet, peoplefocused lady and would be suited to a home with slightly older children where she will have company. She is quite the foodie so will respond well to training, if treats are involved!

If you think you could offer Amber a home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Don’t forget that you can also support Dogs Trust by checking out their online shop www.dogstrustshop. ie

14 Gazette 12 November 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Night out to help people get home THE ninth Peter McVerr y Tr ust Gala Ball will be held on Saturday November 14 in Clontarf Castle with all proceeds raised going directly to Peter McVerry Trust services.

The charity, which works to provide housing for homeless people, deal with drugs misuse and fight social disadvantage, needs to raise funds to continue its work.

T he event will be

hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan and will feature auctions and raffles.

Pat Doyle, chief executive of the trust, said: “Ever y year we have enjoyed a fabulous night’s food and entertainment, and raised vitally important funds for our work through ticket sales, auctions and raffles.

“This event comes at very difficult time in the fight against home-

lessness and we hope as many people as possible will join us to raise funds to tackle the current emergency.”

For more information or to buy tickets, which cost €150 call 01 8230776.

Gaiety programme for young actors THE Gaiety School of Acting is hosting a daylong Young Gaiety masterclass for students, existing and new, to

get an authentic insight into full-time training and what working as an actor entails.

The course on November 15, runs from 10am to 5pm and is designed for young people aged 13 to 19 years. It will i n cl u d e s e s s i o n s i n career skills in addition to workshops similiar to classes taught on the two-year full-time acting programme.

This day would be particularly helpful for any transition year or Leaving Cert students fast approaching decision time.

Colin Farrell, Poldark’s Aidan Turner, Penny Dreadful’s Sarah Greene, Deirdre O’Kane and PJ Gallagher are among those who learned at least some of their trade at the theatre.

The masterclass costs €60 and takes place in the Gaiety School of Acting in Temple Bar. To book go to www.gaietyschool.com or call 01-6799277.

Celebrate books with dublin town THE Dublin Book Festival takes place in and around the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar from November 12 to 15.

Other venues include the Gutter Bookshop, the Irish Writers Centre, Fighting Words, the Irish Georgian Society, the National Library of Ireland and Dublin City Public Libraries.

The festival has a very varied programme and most events are free, so it promises to be fun and

diary

Gaiety Theatre acting students in class with director Patrick Sutton

affordable for everyone.

It is one of Dublin’s largest book festivals and celebrates Irish published authors and Irish publishing, across the whole range of genres, from comedy and literary fiction, business, politics and children’s, to poetry and Irish language events.

For more information on the festival see www. dublintown.ie

play tells story of Wilde’s lovers A NEW play exploring the story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers opens on November 16 at the Sean O’Casey Theatre.

Using historical testimony, Wretched Little Brat written by Brian Merriman reveals the characters behind a story that scandalised a sexually hypocritical Victorian nation and went on to adversely influence law, morality and the fight for LGBT equality to this day.

This frank exploration challenges the “gay stereotypes” embedded in Wilde’s public scandals as having serious consequences for the generations of LGBT people who pursued equality in the decades that fol-

lowed.

Starring Sean Doyle as Bosie, the play episodically explores key elements in a society struggling to contain a view of its own invented morality.

Wretched Little Brat runs at the Sean O’Casey Theatre, St Mary’s Road, East Wall, at 7.30pm from November 16-21.

Tickets cost €13, €15 and €18 and are available at www.gaytheatre.ie

12 November 2015 Gazette 15

seasonal search: get the gift selection spot-on

Solving the dilemma of Christmas presents!

David Fitzsimons is chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland, the country’s largest retail industry body, representing over 1,100 progressive retailers operating over 13,000 stores in Ireland.

He introduces Gazette readers to the recently launched FromMe2You gift card.

N ov e m be r a n d December alone can account for up to 50% of a retailer’s annual business, with the seasonal search for the per fect gif ts, a new look for the home, new clothes for the family, and all the goodies that go into making a great Christmas.

January too is crazy busy in the retail sector, partly due to the major sales attracting bargain hunters, but largely on account of the number of returns.

T hose unwanted Christmas gifts are as regular as turkey dinners, and more common than you think.

T he clothes that didn’t fit, or just didn’t suit, the toys there were two of (silly Santa!), the smoothie maker we already had four of, and the cosmetics and accessories deemed simply lame by our unimpressed teenagers!

Certainly Retail E xc e l l e n c e I r e l a n d members don’t mind exchanges and returns, and will gladly facilitate them by providing gift receipts, and swapping sizes.

But wouldn’t it be great to get the gift selection spot-on this year, to give choice and flexibility, to offer something that suits everyone, even if it is your Kris Kindle pickout from the accounts department, who you barely know!

Here’s some good advice, FromMe2You! FromMe2You is the new multi-store Irish gift card, launched this week by Retail Excellence Ireland.

From toys to gourmet goodies, furniture to fashion, and beauty to electronics, FromMe2You is welcome in Ireland’s favourite stores, right across the country, so there is lit-

erally something for everyone, and for all occasions.

And, you avoid that brief look of disappointment that flashes over the face when Dad opens his third pair of slippers, and your 12-year-old niece tells you that One Direction is “so last decade”!

Available through Topaz forecourt stores countrywide, and online at www.FromMe2You. ie, FromMe2You gift cards can be bought in any denomination from €15 up, solving the complete gifting dilemma in one go, with no hassle or brain-wrecking decisions involved at all.

Choose choice!

T he FromMe2You card is welcomed by thousands of retailers, large and small, including fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores, as well as prestige brands like Brown Thomas, Louis Copeland and Harvey Nichols.

Retailers that gene r a l l y d o n ’t a c c e p t multi-store cards also welcome the new Irish gift solution, including

A treat for Vivaldi fans  aisling kennedy

IF you fancy a night of culture this week then check out the Four Seasons

by Candlelight at the National Concert Hall.

The Four Seasons has become one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music ever written and remains hugely popular today.

The show will present a beautiful programme of 18th century classics performed in a candle-lit style setting with the Mozart Festival Orchestra, the

members of which will be dressed in full orchestral costume of the period.

Some of the music on the night will include Mozart, Clarke, Pachelbel, Bach, Handel and, of course ,Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

The concert will take place at the National Concert Hall this Sunday ,November 15, at 3.15pm.

Tickets range in price from €25 to €46 and there are concessions available for the performance.

For more information or to book tickets log onto www.nch.ie

Homestore & More, Tiger Stores, Supermacs, Avoca, and CompuB. It’s easy to give the gift of choice this Christmas, and, with no expiry date, the FromMe2You gift card value can be used at any time, giving total flexibility and choice.

It may be the thought that counts, but think about this – everyone is happy, the Christmas gift list get ticked-off in super fast time, and there is all the more shopping time to go in search of the perfect gift, for that most special person in your life – yourself!

H a p py C h r i s t m a s everyone!

David Fitzsimons: promoting the FromMe2You new multi-store Irish gift card

Gazette

feature

Gazette

16 Gazette 12 November 2015

dublinlife

the big interview

new lease of life: celebrity maitre d’ on life after organ transplant

Two heart attacks later, Healy takes more care  Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

After undergoing a life-saving heart transplant in 2012, celebrity maitre d’ John Healy says he has found a new lease of life and is now taking much-needed care of his physical health and wellbeing.

During this week’s Big Interview, Healy talked about the pressures he was under during the spending-crazed years of the Celtic Tiger and how being over-worked ultimately led to his decline in health.

“During 2001 to 2008 I was running the restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel. The pinnacle of society was coming through the front doors. You had leaders of industries, bankers, chief executives and celebrities who were all spending an awful lot of money there.

“The reputation of the food and service was on my shoulders and I also had to act as the face of the restaurant. When someone is dropping €500 to €1,000 they expect a certain amount of qual-

ity being delivered so I had to greet everyone and make sure they had a nice evening. The amount of business and money that restaurant was bringing in during those years was insane and relentless. “ My l i f e s t y l e w a s completely unbalanced and at the time I didn’t realise that I was doing a lot of damage to myself. My diet was shocking and my relaxation techniques were non-existent. I also smoked way too much and drank an excessive amount of coffee.

“I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009.”

H ealy added that looking back now he feels very lucky to have experienced his illness because it gave him the opportunity to reassess his life.

Settling in nicely as general manager of the plush Dublin restaurant Suesey Street and also starting again as maitre d’ in TV3’s The Restau-

rant, Healy says that since his transplant he has felt like a new man.

“During the run-up to my transplant I went through an awful lot of mental and spiritual conditioning and reevaluated everything. I took responsibility for my illness and did everything I could to make myself better.

“I now feel like a new man. My colleagues tell me that even though I’m 50 I certainly don’t look it or even act like my age. My transplant enlightened me completely as a person and has given me a new lease of life.

“Now when I’m working I know not to put too much pressure on myself or drive myself into the ground. I was very hard on myself and very driven before my heart attacks and now even though I’m still passionate about what I do I’m a lot easier on myself.

“The new restaurant is fantastic. It’s a lot more relaxed here and the vibe is certainly more informal than the previous restaurants I’ve worked in.”

John Healy of Suesey Street: “I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009.” Picture: Brian Mcevoy

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

‘I had no outlet for stress and I’m sure that the combination between pushing myself too hard and my unhealthy lifestyle led to my two heart attacks in 2007 and 2009’

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

To relax, Healy says that yoga now plays a big part in his life to help him to unwind from his day-to -day life.

“I’ve just come back from a yoga retreat on the Cliffs of Moher with my friends, which I found to be a very physical and spiritual

experience. I find yoga to be really therapeutic and it allows me to switch off and be at one with myself.

“I haven’t changed my diet since my operation, but do everything in moderation. If I want to have a biscuit I will have one and not the entire packet and if I want a cup of cof-

fee I will have one and not nine of them.

“I take my medication each day now and am very much aware of my body and mind. I believe that when you become aware of your life you live it better.”

Talking about the new season of The Restaurant, filmed in Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill in Donnybrook, Healy says he is very excited about when it airs in January.

“We filmed in August and there were about nine cameras that ran non-stop throughout the whole evening with

all of the footage edited down for each show.

“It was quite fun because it really captures how a restaurant runs and the cameras don’t miss a thing.

“After several glass of wine people forget they’re being filmed and start talking about literally anything and everything.

“Everything you see is very real and not staged whatsoever.”

To find out more about Suesey Street or to book a reservation visit www.sueseystreet. ie or call 01-6694600.

12 November 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 travel P24

cinema P22

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

food P18

the Gaiety Theatre: Little Red Riding Hood, it’s a panto not to be missed

Red alert – big, bad wolf is in town  Aisling Kennedy

Lit tle Red Riding Hood is the Christmas pantomime at the Olympia Theatre this year and with the big bad wolf, a kick-boxing granny and of course Little Red Riding Hood, it’s a panto not to be missed.

Joe Conlon, who plays The Notorious Granny McGregor, spoke to The Gazette and told us to expect fun, laughter, and some kickboxing scenes in this year’s panto.

“I’ve been playing the dame in the Olympia for the past six years now and it’s a nice feeling

to be back here again.

The Christmas panto is a lovely family tradition and we find that families are coming back year-inyear out with their grandparents, grandchildren, parents and kids. They come in their droves and it’s great.”

Conlon explained that in his role as The Notorious Granny McGregor he takes inspiration from Ireland’s famous kickboxer Conor McGregor and tackles the big bad wolf in an attempt to protect his granddaughter when she finds herself lost in the forest.

“I meet her in the

woods and we end up taking different paths. Along the way we meet various characters who are all very magical. They’re all from bedtime and Disney time stories and it’s then that we bump into the wolf. I bump into the wolf first and we have a bit of shindig and my boxing prowess, being part of the McGregor family, comes in very handy.

“I think that’s what is great about this year’s panto. Our director, Darren Crosby, has tried to make it different to last year’s panto which was Peter Pan. He has brought the panto forward into

Little Red Riding Hood aka Hayley-Jo Murphy and The Big Bad Wolf aka Nicholas Grennell

the present time. All of the costumes are made here in the Gaiety too by Pauline McCaul and she has designed and made all of these beautiful ani-

mal costumes. They’re phenomenal and have amazing colours which the kids will love.”

Conlon is very aware that the panto means a

lot to his audience and he says that he particularly loves to see the smiles on the children’s faces in the audience when he’s on stage.

“That’s the thing with kids, you have to keep the pace going so that they remain focused on it the whole time. Kids do have less attention span than adults so I love to see them really engrossed in the show. That’s the most rewarding part.”

Conlon paid tribute to the whole cast including the wardrobe department, hair and make-up, the crew and the actors and actresses.

“ T h e r e ’s b e t we e n 50-60 people involved so it’s a huge production and everyone is great and really gets involved.

Hayley Jo Murphy is the young actress who plays Little Red Riding Hood and both her and Shane M c D a i d w h o p l ay s Woodie the Woodsman have a lovely connection with the audience. The audience will love the show this year.”

Little Red R iding Hood will run from November 29 to January 10, 2016 and tickets are available to buy on www. gaietytheatre.ie or www. ticketmaster.ie

Gazette

18 Gazette 12 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

RECIPECORNER

Enjoy Butler’s Pantry Christmas pudding or (below) Scrumdiddly Ice Cream this festive shopping season

Pop into the pantry for scrummy nibbles LOOKING for a cool break during your Christmas shopping this year? Scrumdiddly’s Ice Cream opened a seasonal Christmas pop-up store when the Christmas windows were revealed on Henry Street on November 2, and will stay open until Christmas Eve. Home of the Scrummy Tub, Scrumdiddly’s has been in business since 2012. It has one simple aim and that is to make going for an ice cream an experience to be savoured and remembered.

With queues outside the Donabate and Dun Laoghaire shops it seems people think it is achieving its aim. There are 2,400 possible combinations of Scrummy Tubs, as well as unique specials with secret homemade melted sauces, like the Scrummy Mess, the Scrumnana Boat or Scrumnoffee.

The Butler’s Pantry is also getting ready for its pop up debut on Henry Street, this time at Arnotts.

It will open on November 19 on the first floor of the iconic department store and will stock a large range of range of seasonal Christmas goodies, including its Christmas puddings, mince pies, chutney and a two-tiered Christmas cake.

The Christmas pop-up shop will give Arnotts shoppers the opportunity to buy for their own Christmas pantry as well as providing a stylish range of hampers, available to collect in-store or delivery nationwide. There is a large selection of Christmas hampers to suit most budgets, starting at €50 and going right up to €250; all are beautifully presented in an antique willow wicker basket.

Jacquie Marsh, managing-director of The Butler’s Pantry, is delighted with the opportunity to share the experience with a new range of customers as well as those who visit the stores around Dublin. “ There are no shor tcuts when it comes to making food that tastes as good as ours. We make all our food by hand, in small batches at our kitchens in Bray, just the way you would at home”.

DYLAN HOTEL (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4) Dylan’s Christmas Naughty or Nice afternoon teas can be enjoyed from November 28 until January 6 from 12 noon until 5pm every day €40

Take5  pearl phelan

The Merrion Hotel (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2) Art Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday, and is served at 2pm and 4.30pm Friday to Sunday. Tea for two is €78

Some say tea tastes best served in a dainty teacup, enjoyed in salubrious surroundings. Others say that a little bit of what you fancy will do you no harm. The Gazette has gathered up our top five takes on afternoon tea in the capital so that you can decide for yourself. Additional bubbles are optional!

Whether you are the arty type, prone to indulging in naughty festive treats, or a blokey-bloke, we’ve got you covered. Note that afternoon tea sittings tend to book up quickly so it’s best to reserve your place in advance.

The Westbury (Grafton Street, Dublin 2) The Westbury’s Festive Afternoon Tea is €45 per person, and €55 per person with a glass of champagne from November 10 until the January 4.

The Morrison (Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1) The Gentlemen’s Tea is served with a pint of Wicklow Wolf beer €25

The Shelbourne (27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2) The Shelbourne new Afternoon Tea with Tea Butler service costs €39.95 per person without bubbly or €53.95 with a glass of champagne, with a children’s afternoon tea available for €19.95, and is accompanied by a live classical pianist Wednesday through to Sunday.

12 November 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 12 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Beauty news

 aisling Kennedy

What?

Personalised facial Where?

Ever Young Beauty Salon, 64a George’s St Upper, Dun Laoghaire How much? €135 for 1 hour 40 minutes About the salon Owner Iris Tighe opened Ever Young Beauty Salon six months ago in Dun Laoghaire, having worked in the beauty industry for more than 18 years. She was the first beautician in Ireland to be qualified to perform semipermanent make-up procedures, including stroke-by-stroke eyebrow embroidery, eyeliner and lip liner.

Contact See www.everyoung.ie, or phone 01 230 2745.

YSL Pinceau Lumiere divine €65

Clarins Pretty day 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette 01 €38

Result I thoroughly enjoyed my facial with Iris. I must admit, I was apprehensive when I first saw the Bio Therapeutic machine, but it does not hurt at all and it is extremely beneficial for your skin. This facial really was one of the best facials I have ever had, in terms of how it left my skin.

It has been over a week now since the facial, and my skin is still very clear and with a noticeable amount of reduced pores and skin blemishes. My make-up now glides on a lot easier, and some fine lines have reduced slightly around my eyes.

Highly recommended by The Gazette.

Mac Colour-drenched pigment No Taboos £18 (c. €25)

Xmas Vernis 8.50 1 ome Lanc Midnight € Rouge

What’s involved?

As my facial was tailored to my particular skin type, Iris made sure to tailor the treatment for combination skin.

She started by using what she called the Bio Therapeutic machine, which uses a micro current to stimulate the skin. This machine helped to deep cleanse my skin by closing and re-opening the pores on my face; it is also great for smoothing out wrinkles, scars and blemishes. It also helped to tighten the muscles on my face and firm up my skin a lot more, and it helps to promote lymphatic drainage.

This part of the treatment took between 40 to 50 minutes.

After she had finished, Iris then placed an elastane soft mask on my face for about 15 minutes. This was to help renew the cells in my skin. Lastly, she gave my face and head a massage, and advised me on the skin care I should use on a more regular basis.

Giorgio Armani Maestro powder brush €55

Staying ever young in Dun Laoghaire Salon

12 November 2015 GAZETTE 21

Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Laquer 601 €31.50

Urban D shadow ecay Vice eye 20 pale tte €46 .09

Urban Decay Naked Illuminated bronzer €24.50

Autumn COLOURS  MIMI MURRAY

I tend to wear “more of a face” come autumn/winter.

Summer sun-kissed skin looks great with just a slick of mascara and a touch of lippy, but come winter, pale face/blotchy skin is not a great look, so layering it on thick, or thicker, tends to be my mantra in November and December.

This leads us in to Christmas and “party face”, when a dramatic eye or a redder-than-red lip is what’s required.

So, when it comes to wearing make-up in winter,

the rule of thumb is: go slightly heavier.

However, whatever you do, avoid drag queen territory.

Remember that scene in Friends when Ross applies Rachel’s make-up, and when she finally looks in the mirror she says: “I’ll just sit next to the transvestite in purchasing”?

That’s what not to do!

It’s okay to go for a smoky eye or a dramatic lip, but never the two combined.

Mac Magic of the Night Evening Rendevouz lipstick £17 (c. €24)

Clarins Essentials Eyeshadow Palette €43

GAZETTE

STYLE

It’s all about fashion, music and beauty at Night at The Pavilions FOR one night only in Swords, Night at The Pavilions will be held on November 12 from 6pm to 10pm. This will be an evening of fashion, beauty, food and music and, best of all, there will be lots of discounts on offer for this one night only.

The majority of the centre’s stores are taking part in this event, so if you looking for a perfect outfit or Christmas gift, it’s a good time to go. Fashion shows will be held on the hour, while Night At Pavilions will showcase some of the top brands including River Island, H&M, Zara, Mango and Next.

The very glamorous Glenda Gilson (inset) will be there to open the shows. Xpose magazine scouts will be roaming the shopping centre on the look-out for the best-dressed lady, and there will be a €100 Swords Pavilions gift card up for grabs.

Music will be provided by Carl Mulvey while the centre will also have music from the Dublin Choral Foundation. The foundation was set up almost two decades ago to promote the development of choirs of excellence, and to provide a musical education for children previously only available in the cathedral choral tradition.

They will be preforming some favourite Christmas carols on the night, making this not to be missed.

Gazette

22 Gazette 12 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

spectre

Hits a few Bond marks DOUBLE-oh seven returns for his latest adventure in Spectre (Cert 12A, 148 mins). Daniel Craig takes his fourth outing as the iconic gentleman spy with an edge, which sees Bond caught up in (yet another) globe-trotting conspiracy. The latest hightech, big-budget Bond tale isn’t short on spectacle, but its reliance on viewer familiarity with the recent films falls flat in places.

Near-destitute but wily Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith) and playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) become unlikely frenemies for many years at his house’s driveway

brooklyn

Tale resonates well AT LAST – an Oirish film that isn’t inherently hokey and awful. Brooklyn (Cert 12A, 112 mins) sees Saoirse Ronan caught between two worlds as a young Irish emigrant in the 1950s.

Sibling assistance sees her start over in the eponymous New York neighbourhood, and romance blossoms.

However, complications ensue, with new life choices pulling her heart home ...

It’s a strong, engaging film.

burnt

Stinks more than a bit THIS half-baked drama sees hunk du jour Bradley Cooper providing hot stuff in the kitchen. However, Burnt (Cert 15A, 101 mins) isn’t a very tempting offering, with Cooper’s character serving up one cliche after another.

Wealthy bad boy chef trying to turn his life around and be the best with his mustsucceed new restaurant, learning life lessons along the way? Check and pass.

The lady in the van: ‘true-ish’ clash of characters drives a great film

Entertaining eccentricity BASED on “mostly true” events, The Lady in The Van (Cert 12A, 104 mins) is the latest movie from the pen of accomplished playwright and English national treasure Alan Bennett.

Starring the inimitable Maggie Smith as Miss Shepherd – the lady in question – the film covers a period of Bennett’s life in the late 1970s when he moved to London.

Filmed on location at the house where Bennett resided, the plot is immediately and effortlessly engrossing: Bennett allows an elderly, itinerant woman who lives in the back of her van (inset, right) to park her clappedout vehicle in his driveway as an act of charity in order for her to secure some welfare benefits.

He expects the stay to last for a couple of weeks, but to the chagrin of Ben-

 Dave phillips

nett and his neighbours, she ends up staying for more than 15 years.

Opening with Bennett (Alex Jennings) giving a florid description of Miss Shepherd’s particular odour (amongst other things: a blend of wet wool, raw onions, and lavender talc), we are initially compelled to watch out of a sheer, grotesque fascination.

The laboured relationship between the pair is captivating – with the curmudgeonly Miss Shepherd knowing full well how to milk every drop of human kindness from the too-timid Bennett,

who for his part can never quite muster the courage to ask her to leave.

It quickly becomes clear that deeper motives and desires are being fulfilled beneath the surface. With Bennett, we see a struggle in finding his place in the world, understanding his sexuality and managing his creative success.

Bennett is a paradox – perennially apologetic, he soft-foots through life despite a deep inner desire to stomp, and he finds himself caring for a stranger, while unable to care for his declining mother.

There is a touch of magic realism in the telling of The Lady in the Van, with Jennings often appearing on screen twice in the same shot.

There’s Bennett the writer, perched omnisciently in a chair by the window, shaking his head

and gently goading the Bennett who is at an utter loss with how to get Miss Shepherd out of the habit of using the downstairs toilet.

The back and forth between these two personas is littered with Bennett’s characteristically wry and acerbic insights into human nature.

W hile Jennings – whose fame as an actor on stage far surpasses his work in cinema – is perfectly cast in this role and does an immense job, it is hard not to focus on the remarkable performance

of Smith. No stranger to the role, she has played Miss Shepherd in both a radio dramatisation and a stage production of The Lady in the Van. On screen, she is simply irrepressible. Underpinning the delightful obstinacy that makes Miss Shepherd such a captivating character is a potent sense of tragic fragility, and Smith is able to skilfully simultaneously embody both qualities.

This teeters high in a career filled with amazing performances.

Even allowing for an

ending that felt far toosyrupy for such an emotionally resonant second act, The Lady in the Van is a remarkable piece of film.

It is a treat that unfolds tentatively, deepening as it goes; a heartfelt and whimsical journey back into a parochial past where the concept of community possessed a very different sense of meaning.

Bolstered by the inherent comedy of the oddcouple situation that Bennett found himself in, there is room to explore the extraordinarily real relationship between two people from different generations, who are both split between their idealised and actual selves, and who both exist uncomfortably on the peripheries of society.

Verdict: 8/10

12 November 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 Gazette 12 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Get your New Year off to a warm sunny start  Ian Begley

It’s hard to think that Christmas is now less than eight weeks away and we’ll soon be ringing in another New Year.

So why not start 2016 with a treat and get your New Year off to a warm sunny start by taking advantage of some of the January winter sun deals available with lowcostholidays?

One of the destinations on offer is a seven-night stay in Lanzarote on January 16 at the 3-star Blue Sea Los Fiscos from €279 per person.

Alternatively, travel to Tenerife on January 18 for seven nights at the 4-Star Inter Palace from €299 per person or the Gran Canaria on January 16 for seven nights at the 4-Star Blue Bay Beach Club from €329 per person.

And for those really looking to spoil themselves this January, you can book yourself a sun holiday in Fuerteventura on January 16 for seven nights at the 5-Star Geronios Suite & Spa from €399 per person.

Those opting for the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta will be happy to know that from €359 per person you can stay at the 5-Star Radisson Blu St Julian’s Hotel on January 16 for seven nights.

Lowcostholidays Irish managing director Clem Walshe said: “January tends to be the most popular month as it’s great value and many holiday consumers like the idea of having a break in what most agree is the longest month of the year.

“Forecasters are predicting one of the coldest Irish winters in many years so it’s not surprising we’re seeing a spike in demand for New Year breaks to the sun.

“The Canaries tend to be the most popular destination for guaranteed sunshine with a healthy amount of discerning customers opting for the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta.”

For more information on these destinations, visit www.lowcostholidays.ie

TRAVEL

radisson blu, Athlone : ‘we had a nightcap to settle our nerves as a fog crept in on halloween night’

Autumn retreat puts on spooky show for guests  pearl phelan

IT could have been a summer’s day as we sat looking out on the Shannon and enjoying lunch at the Quayside Bar and Lounge at the Radisson Blu Athlone, but it was Halloween. It was a fine day for a barbecue on the riverside terrace. The relaxing start belied the excitement we were in for as the day unfolded.

It is a handy journey from Dublin to Athlone by car, out the Galway road, or you can relax on the train, like we did.

From the comfortable and central base, we explored the castle and town. The mighty Shannon divides the town in two, overlooked by the sturdy 13th century castle, which has seen many hard-fought battles to take control of the town.

The visitor centre at Athlone Castle has stateof-the-art interactive experiences, which tell of the gruesome 1691 siege of Athlone. Video, sculpture and artefacts give an impression of how tough those times were.

Macabre tales of bloodbath and massacre felt appropriate for the day that was in it. There are lots of opportunities for visitors to play dressup (not just at Halloween!), and get to grips with some weaponry of the era. Tickets cost €4 for children, €8 for adults and €20 for a family pass.

Having worked up an appetite at the castle, the delicious dinner at

The Radisson Blu across the River Shannon on a summer-like Halloween day

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

‘It is a handy journey from Dublin to Athlone by car, out the Galway road, or you can relax on the train’ --------------------------------------------------------

Elements Bistro did not disappoint. The contemporary space with bamboo screens and an interesting octagonal island hearth was an oasis of calm before our spooky

evening entertainment.

The hotel played host to mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry. The Waterford-born showman played to a packed crowd, delighting us with

his mind-control tricks and hypnotising willing participants. I was blown away by the vigour with which audience members played their parts while under Barry’s spell.

A woman, who was portraying an aggravated cleaner, was an absolute scream and nearly stole the show. I dare not reveal too much, suffice to say

the title Out of Control is not an exaggeration. After a nightcap to settle the nerves, we retired to our spacious accommodation overlooking the river as a heavy fog crept in.

For more information about upcoming shows and deals at the Radisson Blu Athlone visit www.radissonblu.com/ athlone

12 November 2015 Gazette 25

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 November 2015

CLONDALKINCLASSIFIEDS CONSTRUCTION

DVD’S

LANDSCAPING

DVD TRANSFERS

SUPPORT

LOCAL

Video & Camera Tapes CineFilms Photos & Slides converted to DVD Music & Titles added

BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY



GARDENING

DECORATING

WWW.HENRYLANDSCAPING.IE

DENTAL

HOMES

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

dL `jd djG& z `L 6RL&d y9j z GG ÷ jj9 9MdnG j9RM `&#n & Rn` 6& j9M1 Rdjd ƢƢü

Ƽƾ Ƅ ƍ 1Ə ƍ ƎƄƄ GG Ƒ ƍƈ  ^ƈƅƊ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƏ ƇƆ ƈ Ƌ Ɨ ƒƆ Ɔ ƆƏ ƕ ÷ ƌ Ɔƕ

0`&& _nRj j9RMd

 ƋƋ Ɠ ƏƊ ƅ ƏƏƈƆƗ ƑƐ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƈ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ Ɨ ƏƗ L ƂƆƉƄë ƞƢơ ơƟƽ ƼƼƾƠ ƞƾƟ ÕƽƾƟơÕ ƑƑƑê Ɗ ƍƎ ƃ ƎƉƄƑ ƍƊ ƊƄ êƆƄ Ɔ ƅ Ɗ ƍƎ ƃ ƎƉƄƑ ƍƊ ƊƄ êƆƄ

ơƠü

#9d RnMj ƓƈƐ Ɛ ƈ ƗƒƆƏƐ

PAVING

ACTIVE PAVING

KEEP IT GREEN

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

60 10 240

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27

CLONDALKINCLASSIFIEDS ROOFING

SHEDS

• Specialist in ROOFING REPAIRS and replacement • All flat roofs REPAIRED and REPLACED • All types of valley and chimney work carried out • All types of ridge POINTING & PLASTERING • Specialists New UPVC Fascia’s & Soffits ALL AREAS COVERED • Guttering and Downpipes Ph: 01 6971791 / 01 9036952 M: 087 3905264

Gutters cleaned & sealed from

â‚Ź45

Our fascias and cladding are available in a wide range of colours and styles to match your property. You can choose from decorative Ogee guttering and fascias or a plain style, we can supply all.

Our roofline components protect your home from the elements, our high quality range will restore your home to its former glory while preventing further damage due ingress of water, bird nesting or rotten wood.

RECRUITMENT

WINDOWS

New roofs, Flat roofs, Roof repairs, Chimneys rebuilt or repointed, UPVC fascias and soffits, Guttering and downpipes - Cladding.

Southside: Raglan road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4 01-6856722 / 01-5138923 / 085 7130028 Northside: Fairview Strand Road, Dublin 3 01-5138922 / 01-9036815 / 085 7130028 / 085 1386821

SERVICES

%7% 5SBOTGFST $BNDPSEFS 5BQFT 7)4 5BQFT $JOF 'JMNT $POWFSUFE UP %7%

TEMPORARY STAFF DEB, as the largest provider of mock exams to second level schools in Ireland, requires employees for temporary work commencing in early January to pack and despatch exam papers to schools. literacy, accuracy, attention to detail, Good levels of literac ability to work as part of a team and to work under pressure essential.

Apply with CV to: Jobs@debonline.ie

by Friday 20th November 2015

'3&& $0--&$5*0/ /SUI $P %VCMJO

/SUI $P %VCMJO /SUI $P 5FM

Located near Liffey Valley

ADVERTISE

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

ABC CERTIFIED 51,340 COPIES EACH WEEK

HERE

TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

IF YOU ARE READING THIS SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

(ABC: Group MFD, March- April 2014).

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240

Gazette

28 gazette 12 November 2015

SPORT Garth and Joyce win top gongs

FastSport

cricket: annual awards celebrate the best of a memorable year

Genesis hosts tricks and sticks: GEN-

ESIS Hockey Club in Stillorgan is participating in the Irish Hockey Association’s Tricks4Sticks programme that aims at encouraging hockey clubs to link up with non-hockey playing schools to introduce the sport and increase the number of participants.

The Tricks4Sticks programme for local schools is supported by the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport, HSE and Healthy Ireland.

The current programme with pupils from St Raphaela’s Secondary School runs up tothe end of the year. Genesis is keen to establish links with secondary schools in the Stillorgan area and is now looking for schools that are interested in introductory hockey sessions. The programme is free for participating school and includes coaching sessions by qualified coaches. For more information, contact Sorcha Cunningham 083-1857701

 sport@dublingazette.com

ED JOYCE, formerly of Merrion CC, and Pembroke’s Kim Garth have been rewarded for impressive international seasons by being named winners of the top priz-

es in the 2015 Hanley Energy Cricket Ireland Awards.

Joyce, who was a previous winner in 2013, fought off tough competition from Sandymount native Andrew Balbirnie and North County’s John

Ed Joyce won the Irish men’s player of the year

Mooney to win the international men’s Player of the Year award.

During the year, he became Ireland’s highest individual run scorer with a superb 231 in the InterContinental Cup win over UAE. He also scored a century in Ireland’s World Cup win over Zimbabwe - one of three victories for the Irish during the competition.

Te e n a g e r G a r t h scooped the women’s Player of the Year award, beating off the challenge of Lucy O’Reilly and Cecelia Joyce.

The Pembroke allrounder played a pivotal role in Ireland’s three match international series against world champions Australia,

Kim Garth

and was also to the fore with a number of strong performances in the ECB County Championship and T20 campaigns.

Another star from that international series against Australia was YMCA teenager Gaby Lewis who is this year’s Sunday Independent Aengus Fanning Emerging Player of the Year.

The 14-year-old has impressed in her first full season with the Irish Women’s side, and is certain to play a major role in Irish cricket in the coming years.

Jack Tector is the 2015 Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy Player of the Year.

The YMCA batsman had a breakthrough season scoring heavily in domes-

tic cricket which saw him gain elevation to interprovincial cricket with Leinster Lightning. He also led Ireland Under19s with great distinction as they narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification.

Leinster Lightning skipper Mooney was instrumental in leading his side to a clean sweep of trophies at interprovincial level scoring centuries in both the T20 and Championship formats. He is the winner of the Hanley Energy InterProvincial Player of the Year.

M o o n e y ’s f o r m e r North County colleague Eddie Richardson was to the fore with both bat and ball as he enjoyed a quite superb domestic

season. Richardson was the leading wicket taker in Leinster claiming 50 wickets, as well as scoring 434 runs. For these displays, he is a deserved winner of the O’Neills Club Player of the Year award.

Former Ireland opening batsman Alf Masood will become the 12th inductee to the Cricket Ireland Hall of Fame, which is voted for by the Cricket Writers of Ireland.

Masood joins fellow Irish cricketing legends Simon Corlett, Mike Halliday, Stephen Warke, Ivan Anderson, Gerry Duffy, Ginger O’Brien, Ossie Colhoun, Roy Torrens, Dougie Goodwin, Jack Short and Alec O’Riordan.

Trio from Crumlin club win big at world karate event  sport@dublingazette.com

Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton and Jake Jackson

THREE members of the Irish Wado Ryu Federation have just returned from the WKC Karate and kickboxing world championships that were held in Albufeira, Portugal, producing a series of fine results.

Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton and Jake Jackson have been training with each other for the last 18 years under the watch full eye of Sen-

sei Dan Donohue Sr. After three gruelling days of competition, the long-awaited world titles started to flow in. First to land a medal was Crumlin’s Walton, winning the Under-85kg light contact fighting title.

Next, the club members took part in the three-man traditional team kata, taking gold once again. They were also successful in winning the open team kata gold once again as part

of an overall team effort that landed seven world titles for Ireland.

The team has been chasing the WKC world title for the last seven years, winning silver and bronze in previous attempts but their perseverance paid off.

Indeed, for the Wado Ryu team, this was their fifth world championship bid. The club itself is a non-profit club based in St Bernadette’s parish centre in Crumlin.

The athletes are self funded –with support from Murray’s Pub in Inchicore – and the three were training seven days a week after and before work coming up to the championships.

Anyone who would like to join them in training can do so on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm and Friday from 7.30 to 9.30pm. For further information, go to www.irishwadoryufederation.jimdo.com.

12 November 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Cluskey calls time on tennis career

Swords man tells JAMES HENDICOTT about why he has stepped off the globe-trotting grind that is the international circuit after 15 doubles titles and nine Davis Cup call-ups JAMES CLUSKEY has retired from professional tennis with immediate effect. The Swords man represented Ireland in the Davis Cup and peaked at an impressive 145 in the world as a doubles player.

He’s been playing professionally since he graduated in 2009.

There’s a sense of “it’s time” to how Cluskey describes the retirement.

At just 28 years of age, the player’s physically capable of continuing, but tells GazetteSport that it’s “not been the best year, results wise” and that the day in and day out of training is becoming increasingly

Swords man James Cluskey has retired after a fine career on the pro tennis circuit

trying.

“I’m struggling to covers costs,” Cluskey told us. “I’m still really enjoying the games, but I have to be honest with myself, I’m just not as motivated as I was. I’ve been travelling full time since 2010, and while it was a tough decision, it’s time to move on to something else.”

The Irish tennis scene has come a long way since Cluskey started out.

He recalls playing Parks Tennis games in Swords as a youngster, where Peter Clarke, who peaked outside the world top 200, was looked up to as being “from a different planet” He still lauds Park Tennis as his career’s starting point.

Cluskey broke into the Irish side for the Davis Cup match for a game against Slovenia at just 19, an experience that he still points to as a career highlight, alongside his main draw ATP contests.

He was only the third

Irishman to play an ATP main tour event, and particularly recalls playing alongside the likes of David Ferrer.

“I was able to play Davis Cup for the last nine years, play for the LSU Tigers for four years, reach a career high ranking of 145, win 15 doubles titles including two challengers, play main draw in a few ATP 250 events and make many friends from all over the world along the way.

“Not bad for a Parks Tennis boy from Swords.

I never thought I was the most gifted tennis player but I love the sport and always gave my best,” Cluskey wrote on his Facebook wall.

Talking to him in person, the retirement seems more of a slow grinding down - wanting to spend some time at home, wondering what’s going to come next and being keen to push on to it, being sick of relying on others

to continue playing and motivation issues.

He describes the travel experience - which for all but the top players can be a solitary one - as being “great when you’re in places like Las Vegas, but really quite difficult after a while in places like China and Azerbaijan, trying to get yourself ready to play professional sport”.

He gratefully thanks sponsors who include a public crowd-funding campaign last year, Tennis Ireland and Sport Council Ireland, all of whom were “great,” but asking for money started to become a drain, something pushing Cluskey out of the sport.

His final game was a quarter final loss against Rafael Nadal’s Wimbledon conqueror Dustin Brown and Carsten Ball in Sweden, a game in which Cluskey admits the better team won, but also a fittingly high-level finish.

expertView Flair and physicality used to optimum effect by NZ For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, ex-Edinburgh and Marlboro player and IRANZ Level 5 rugby coach Dennis Bowes has shared his thoughts on the festival.

FOR over a month, fans and beyond were glued to the World Cup, and what an amazing time it has been for world rugby.

With no end of drama, skills and emotion, some dodgy decisions and strange calls on and off the pitch, it’s been a great advert for the sport.

It’s shown the challenges to reach the top of the game are huge and also who the brave ones are that will change to get there.

The two best teams played out a fantastic final in London. Finals are often nervous affairs and often this overshadows the quality of rugby due to the pressure.

Even with the world watching, we got the best final from two teams who played the game with skill, flair and no little physicality.

This was the New Zealand of old, performing under pressure after a wobble as their big game players grabbed the game and drove it home.

With many players on the New Zealand team bowing out of international rugby is this the last we see of McCaw, Carter (pictured) and crew?

For Australia, can they continue to build on this now and maybe come RWC Japan in four years’ time be the team to overthrow New Zealand?

Maybe Japan can one better and make the last eight on home soil? What next for the northern hemisphere? Can we catch up? Can we change what do we do? And who will be brave enough to change?

We will have new laws, new body shapes come the next world cup. Will we have a new number one? Will north catch south in the style of game?

Four years will go quickly and let’s hope we have started to review our game and will we be brave and honest about how we need to change?

Can our culture allow us to change our mindset?

For now, let’s agree if we can that we want all of our rugby played like the finals, with skill and fun the top of the list.

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 12 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: lauren davis and louise masterson show their class

St Francis trio feature in Irish Under-16 side THE Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad took part in the Victory Shield competition in Wales last week with three local names included.

St Francis trio Cian Hughes (pictured), James Jennings and Thomas Caffrey all enjoyed plenty of game time during the three game tournament which was Paul Osam’s first as Under-16s head coach. The competition switched format this year, being held over the course of five days rather than a number of months.

The competition was usually for just the United Kingdom home nations but with England withdrawing this year, the Republic of Ireland took their place to face Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Osam’s side began the competition with a scoreless draw against their Northern rivals in Newport last Thursday.

Hughes, Jennings and Caffrey all started the game and it was Jennings who came closest to scoring when his deflected effort struck the woodwork 10 minutes into the second half.

Ireland’s next game up was against the hosts Wales with the young Boys in Green succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.

Hughes and Caffrey again both started the game with Jennings emerging from the bench.

Ireland started well and had the game’s first chance but Wales soon settled into the tie.

Eight minutes into the second half the hosts went ahead through a scrappy goal that Brandon Oddy poked in.

The lead was doubled on 51 minutes when Rabbi Matonda beat two Irish defenders and rifled an effort into the top corner.

Aaron Connolly pulled one back late on when he rounded a keeper and finished well but they couldn’t find a second to level the game.

Their final fixture was against Scotland and Osam’s side ended their week in Wales with a 1-1 draw. Caffrey started the game while Jennings and Hughes came off the bench. Ireland led through a first half goal from Aaron Bolger but then conceded a penalty just three minutes into the second half which Elliott Watt converted.

The Leinster Under-15 girls celebrate their success

Clon duo aid Leinster win sport@dublingazette.com

TWO Clondalkin schoolgirls played their part as Leinster retained their crown for the fourth consecutive year in a row in the FAI Schools Girls’ Under-15 Interprovincial Tournament.

Lauren Davies of Colaiste Bride and Louise Masterson of Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole were part of Paul Howard’s squad for the competition that took place over the course of last weekend.

The Leinster side, flush with girls from Dublin schools, won their opening two games before

losing to Munster in their final fixture, but had done enough to retain their title.

They opened the competition with an enthralling seven-goal thriller against Ulster.

Masterson fired her province ahead after just three minutes with a brilliant solo effort. The girls from up north responded well though and found themselves 3-1 up by the 20th minute. Amy Boyle, Kerry Brown and Megan Havlin got the goals which rocked Leinster until the half-time break.

Howard’s side came out after the interval in inspired form however.

Doireann Fahey pulled

Downpour Clondalkin and Railway battle the elements CLONDALKIN and Railway Union man-

aged to just about survive the elements last Sunday morning to play their Leinster League Division 1 clash at Gordon Park.

Railway prevailed in a closely fought contest 17-10 to move up to fifth place in the table while Clon remain in eighth after six rounds of matches.

Pictured is Gael Stowe, far right, making a break as the rain teems down.

Picture: Sharon Flanagan

one back early on to make it 3-2 before Masterson levelled the game from the penalty spot.

The next goal was going to be crucial and with all the momentum behind them, it was Leinster who got it and what a goal it was. Following some nice build-up play, Isibeal Carolan received the ball and from distance, fired an absolute rocket into the top corner which proved to be the winner.

Leinster’s second game and second win of the weekend game against Connacht. Fiona Ryan put Howard’s side ahead from close range early on before Carolan got her

second goal of the weekend midway through the first half via a stunning volley with her left foot.

Connacht pulled one back with a well taken goal from Savannah Cassidy but didn’t have enough to find another and Leinster grabbed their victory.

Going into the final set of fixtures, both Leinster and Ulster were in with a shout of winning the competition. Were Ulster to beat Connacht and Leinster were to lose to Munster, the Northern Province would take the title.

Munster were the only side yet to win a game and looked determined to put

that right in their final fixture. Aine Donegan fired them ahead but Alannah McEvoy equalised for Leinster early in the second half. With only minutes remaining, Sophie Liston popped up with a deserved winner for Munster, it didn’t dampen the Leinster spirits too much however as Connacht had beaten Ulster which meant Howard’s side were champions once again.

Masterson and Davies will now wait to find out if their performances merited inclusion in the provisional squad for the International Select who will face England in Manchester in March.

12 November 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

sponsorship deal

Clondalkin club link up with EP Mooney’s

Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin

EP mooney has extended their support for

Round Tower with their sponsorship of the club’s Under-14 boys and camogie girls.

Liam MacLaughlin, Round Tower juvenile chairman, said of the deal: “We are delighted to receive the backing of local businesses and wish to acknowledge EP Mooney who have been terrific sponsors of our Under-14 teams. We are very thankful to Padraig Mooney for his support.”

WELL done and congratulations to

party with Laurie Hartz. The gig

our U-14 footballers who defeated

starts at 9pm and it is ticket only.

Na Fianna 1-13 to 0-9 to claim league

Get your tickets - priced at €7 - from

honours. Unfortunately, our U-14

behind the bar or from Phil (087

ladies footballers were defeated by

2323521) or Annette (087 2827631).

O’Dwyers in their Division 5 cham-

Should be another great night.

pionship final. Commiserations girls and well done on a great season.

The senior hurlers bowed out of

Hurling: Fermanagh honoured for fine season

The Round Tower AGM is taking place on Saturday, November 28 from 4pm.

AHL3 for this year when they were

Later that Saturday, the Ciaran

defeated by Ballyboden in the play-off

Carr Foundation hosts Live Forever,

semi-final. Great commitment from

an Oasis tribute band. Tickets are €5

the lads this campaign and thanks to

and all are encouraged to support the

all involved.

Our U-21 footballers were defeated

Foundation’s fundraiser which commences at 8.30pm.

by Whitehall Colmcille in the B cham-

Round Tower lotto (November 2):

pionship. Thanks to the lads for their

numbers drawn were 2, 6, 24 and 27

commitment.

– the bonus ball was 3. No overall and

It was presentation weekend for

no bonus ball winner; three €100 win-

our junior hurlers who have claimed

ners: Gemma and M, Phyliss Rumgay

the AHL9 league title. They faced

and Triona Cross.

Round Tower Lusk in their final league

We encourage people to support

game and ended the campaign on a

Lotto and you can play online. Thanks

winning note.

to all who support this vital weekly

This Friday night in the club, we

fundraiser.

ST pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week

well done guys. Supermen of the

were 6, 18, 19 and 22. There was no

future.

winner so next week’s jackpot will be €5,800.

The draw takes place in the Palmerstown House every Sunday night Brian McLaughlin lifts the Lory Meaghar Cup

Tower’s McLaughlin wins Ulster award

 sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s senior hurler and Fermanagh star Brian MacLaughlin has been nominated for the Ulster GAA Writers Hurler of the Year award.

In what was his first year playing intercounty hurling for his parents native county, MacLaughlin proved a revelation for a Fermanagh side who won the Lory Meagher Cup. The Dublin-based Garda hit 0-05 in the 3-16 to 1-17 final win over Sligo.

The former Dublin minor hurler and footballer will find out if he can add the individual

accolade to his medal this Friday night at the awards bash in Bundoran.

A delighted MacLaughlin told Fermanagh GAA: “It’s absolutely brilliant to be honest. On a personal level getting to Croke Park and winning is a major milestone and to now get nominated for this award is just amazing.”

The Tower’s man only made his debut for the Ernesiders against Fingal in February, which was an occasion in itself.

“It’s funny I made my debut against Fingal as it was against a good few players that I played with down the years in Dub-

lin.”

Balancing a working life in the capital and an intercounty career over 150km away is no easy feat and the Hurler of the Year nominee praised the Fermanagh management team for their support.

“Sean Duffy and Sean McCusker have been brilliant this year towards me as they knew my training schedule would be tight with work in Dublin but they knew I was working hard in Dublin and training while I was always available for games.”

MacLaughlin’s Tower’s team had a so near yet so far sort of season, los-

ing to Plunkett’s in the Senior B Championship final before a 3-11 to 1-08 defeat to Ballyboden last Sunday in their AHL Division 3 play-off.

Next season will see Fingal advance into the Nicky Rackard championship but MacLaughlin is confident they can compete at the higher level.

“We’ve seen in the league when you go up against bigger sides it’s a huge step up, ability wise and technique wise, we have confidence from winning the Lory Meagher Cup and I believe we can do ourselves justice next season,” he said.

Our U-9 team earned a tight, hard-fought and hard-earned win in their football match against Robert Emmets of Perrystown.

at 10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank

In a tight, end-to-end contest,

you to all our sellers and to all that

both teams took turns in dominat-

support our lotto every week.

ing, in between squalls of monsoon

Our senior hurling/camogie ses-

showers on a muddy surface.

sions will continue in Glenaulin on

Hard work despite difficult con-

Fridays at 6pm; it’s open to U-14 up

ditions and showing the commit-

to minor to improve their hurling/

ment to stick at a dirty job until

camogie skills with senior hurlers

the end earned the Pat’s players

taking the sessions.

a deserved victory in challenging

Juvenile camogie/hurling skills

circumstances.

sessions will also continue in Glena-

It wasn’t to be for our U-14 cam-

ulin on Friday at 6pm; open to all U-8

ogie team v Peregrine’s in the

up to U-12 players, great chance

league decider.

to improve their hurling/camogie skills and all are welcome.

U-9 c a m o g i e a nd g ir l s fo o tball training is on every Saturday

Despite Pat’s leading all the way through the first half, Peregrine’s scored to bring the teams level at the start of the second half.

morning 10am; all born in 2007 and

The intense battle was on and

2008 welcome; just drop down and

Peregrine’s managed a few more

ask for Conor or Emer.

scores. However, Pat’s put in a fan-

Saturday, November 14 we are

tastic performance in the wet con-

holding a Strictly Reunion in the

ditions and played their very best.

Cour tyard Hotel, Leixlip; all are

Well done on an end of season

welcome, finger food and another

performance full of highs and very

chance to watch the DVD.

few lows. Best of luck for next sea-

Saturday, November 21 at 8pm

son.

in the clubhouse we will be holding

Well done to our newly formed

our yearly mass, all are welcome to

minor camogie team on a great

attend and tea served afterwards.

performance in the championship

Great turnout on Saturday for

in their first game together. They

U-8s at a super venue in Donny-

lost out by two points but played a

brook and we even dodged the rain,

great game.

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

november 12-18, 2015

awards nominee: Round Tower’s Brian MacLaughlin cluskey leaves the court: Globe-trotting tennis star nominated for Ulster hurling writer’s award P31 retires after fine career P29

Doyle joins Town team The Collinstown coaching team of Paul Doyle, Kevin Carroll and Graham Cassin

Clondalkin club land huge asset as they add former Dublin Bus and Tolka Rovers man to coaching ticket for the remainder of the season

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

THE transfer window might be closed but Collinstown FC made undoubtedly one of the signings of the season this week by adding Paul Doyle to their senior backroom team.

Doyle is one of the most well-respected coaches in the amateur game having previously worked at Dublin Bus, Cherry Orchard and most recently Tolka Rovers before ending his sabbatical to join Kevin Carroll’s coaching staff.

Doyle will join Graham Cassin as a firstteam coach for Carroll and the Town manager is delighted with his latest signing. “It’s fantastic news for the senior section to have someone

like Paul come in,” he said. “His coaching is second to none at this level and it was only a matter of time before he was snapped up.

“Paul’s a local lad and has been a friend of the club for some time now. He’s put on coaching sessions for plenty of our underage teams at the request of their mangers at various times over the years. With him working alongside Graham with the senior section, we have two excellent coaches who have different qualities but can offer so much,” Carroll added.

Doyle’s first game in Collinstown colours will see the first team begin their quest to retain the Leinster Junior Cup. Town beat Sheriff YC back in May to win the competition for the first time. Having been knocked out of the FAI Junior Cup in the early rounds this season by

East Wall, the Clondalkin outfit will be more motivated than ever to hang on to their Leinster crown.

“I think we would have been highly motivated to retain it anyway,” said Carroll. “But yes, suffering more heartbreak in the FAI Junior has made us more focused and motivated to win the Leinster Junior again.”

Their blistering start to Premier A this season hit a setback two weeks ago with 2-0 defeat against Sheriff in Clontarf.

Town still remain top of the table with 21 points from nine games, but with Sheriff, East Wall Bessborough and Kilbarrack all certain to apply pressure with their games in hand, the Neilstown Road side know they can afford little more slip-ups in their quest for a title.

“The league is going to be extremely tight this year,” said Carroll. “I think it’s safe to say it’ll be between ourselves, Sheriff, East Wall and Kilbarrack.

“We’ve played each of those teams away from home and only picked up three points.

But we’ll look forward to bringing them to Clondalkin.

“We know we can beat Sheriff after the Leinster final last year. There’s a great a relationship between our two clubs but in the week leading up to our games with them, everyone involved in the senior section is on a buzz.

“We played really well against them two weeks ago. There’s very little room for more error so we need to pick up points against those top teams at home.”