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Judge refuses to strike out claim A JUDGE has refused to strike out a defamation claim by a Clondalkin couple who allege they were “loudly and abusively” wrongly accused of not having paid their dinner bill in a Dublin restaurant.

Barrister Cormac Quinn told the Circuit Civil Court that Tanya Shannon and her partner, Patrick O’Connor, had paid a staff member at the till in The Arc Bar and Restaurant for a dinner they had in 2010 and claimed they were approached

by a manager “who began questioning them in a loud, abusive and accusatory manner”.

The restaurant requested that the judge strike out the claims on the grounds they failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action for defamation.

Judge Jacqueline Linane refused their request and the case is expected to proceed to trial.

Full Story on Page 4

Ghostly moments: A frightful night of fundraising at Arc FRANCO De Bonis and his wife, Geraldine, are pictured at the Bloodbath Halloween fundraising night at Arc Bar Liffey Valley in aid of Blood Bike East.

Blood Bike East is a charitable group that provides free trans-

port to the hospitals in Dublin and Leinster.

It operates an out-of-hours service using volunteer riders.

All its funding comes from collections and corporate donations.

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29 October 2015

fireman Clondalkin man completes race blindfolded

Podge’s marathon effort raises €2k  Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

Clondalkin fireman Padraig (aka Podge) Thompson recently completed the Dublin City Marathon completely blindfolded to raise awareness of children suffering in darkness, raising over €2,000 for Our Lady’s Hospital in the process.

Following his famed 2014 marathon, carrying a child mannequin weighing 40kg, Thompson completed the 26 miles this year in an incredible four hours and 42 seconds,

alongside his trusted guide and fellow fireman Geoff Tracey, who is based in Tallaght with him.

Speaking to The Gazette the day after the run, Thompson (34) said that he is delighted that he made it past the finishing line and is hoping that people will continue to donate for his cause.

“I’m actually feeling grand now, but my legs were like jelly this morning when I had a fitness class to teach, which was very surreal.

“We completed the run in 4 hours and 42

seconds and I’m blaming Geoff for slowing me dow n,” laughed Thompson.

“We didn’t have much time to train for this at all because we have two completely different schedules. I think the 15-mile mark really hit him hard, but fair play to him, he refused to give up.

“The beginning of the run was very chaotic because of the huge crowd, but thankfully Geoff led me through the entire mass of people. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, but as we got into it everything kicked

into gear and I felt very strong.

“The weather was grand in general, but the wind hit us hard in the last five miles, but altogether it could have been worse.

“I was very worried about falling over and that someone would get a photograph of me, only to see it the next day in the fire station, but luckily that wasn’t the case.”

Due to the nature of his job, Thompson knows first hand the heartache experienced by young people and families as a result of mental health issues.

His aim was to raise awareness for those little superheroes out there suffering in darkness while in hospital.

“It was all to raise money for Our Ladies Hospital in Crumlin.

“I did a good bit of work with them in the past and that’s why I decided to do this chal-

Padraig Thompson completed the Dublin City Marathon with the help of fellow fireman Geoff Tracey

lenge. I have a degree in fitness training and also do a ‘Be your own Superhero Challenge’ for the month of September to encourage kids to take up exercise at home.

“These kids in hospitals go through so much.

They don’t whinge and moan compared to the

No election posters in Clondalkin village Councillors have agreed not to put up election posters in Clondalkin village in the run up to the General Election. A motion calling on a voluntary election poster ban in the village was passed at the Clondalkin Area Committee meeting.

The motion, submitted

by Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) called on each candidate for the upcom-

ing General Election to respect the voluntary poster ban in Clondalkin Village.

In the chief executive’s reply, Daniel McLoughlin stated: “An agreement not to display posters particularly political posters can only be enforced on a purely voluntary basis, without any official status or basis under legislation.”

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

many people today who complain about the smallest things like not having fast internet on their phones.

“Their worries are nothing compared to what these kids have to deal with. I have utmost respect for everyone in there, including the staff and parents.

“ I ’ ve r a i s e d ove r €2,000 already and I hope to gain more over the next couple of days,” he said.

If you’d like to help Thompson reach his target, donations to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital can be made at www. cmrf.org/user_main/ fundraiser/35194.

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

business New facility to create 140 jobs in Clondalkin

Company invests over €80m in business park  ian begley ibgeley@dublingazette.com

Global healthcare company Grifols has invested over €80m in Grange Castle Business Park, Clondalkin and will create 140 jobs.

This new facility is due to come on stream in early 2016 and will house operating activities such as warehousing plasma; intermediate paste and finished medical product; labelling, packaging, final conditioning; and administrative procedures.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “I warmly welcome Grifols to Ireland and to West Dublin. This mas-

sive investment will create 140 jobs; will provide an important further boost to our local economy and confirms Grange Castle Business Park as one of Europe’s leading hubs for innovation-led industry.

“I wish to commend South Dublin County Council on their foresight in development Grange Castle so that it can attract world-leading industries.

This announcement is good news for Clondalkin and Lucan, and for the families who will have job opportunities at the new facility and through the construction phase of this €80m investment.

“This is another welcome investment in Grange Castle, creat-

ing jobs for local people throughout the Clondalkin and Lucan areas. One of the strongest sectors in the Irish economy is life sciences.

“It is a sector that has been identified as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs which has significant potential for job creation. The investment by Spanish company Grifols is a testament to the quality workforce available in Lucan, Clondalkin and the surrounding areas,” she said.

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has also recently announced that it will create 90 additional jobs in its facility in Grange Castle.

The plant, which manufactures medicines and vaccines, has secured $300m (€272m) in investment in recent years to expand production capability.

It is now looking to recruit process scientists; process/equipment engineers; automation engineers; operations specialists; process technicians; quality analysts and project managers.

We l c o m i n g t h e announcement Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “A key part of our Action Plan for Jobs has been attracting companies into Ireland through the IDA’s work and ensuring that every region in

Andrew O’Connell, managing director, Grifols Worldwide Operations Ltd, Martin Shanahan, chief executive IDA Ireland, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton

the country benefits from job creation.”

Dr Paul Duffy, vice president of P fizer, also commented, saying: “Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ireland continues to perform well contributing strongly to exports and economic growth, and providing good careers and jobs.

“Students should give strong consideration to studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects all of which provide a route into pharmaceutical manufacturing. “ T h i s p r ov i d e s a good career path but also provides a chance to be part of delivering innovative medicines

to patients to help treat devastating diseases,” he said.

Grange Castle Business Park will also significantly benefit from this year’s Capital Investment Plan, with funding being allocated towards road upgrades around its locality to provide access for a number of global industries.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29 October 2015

cars for cash Difficulties cited in trying to track down those responsible

Illegal signs are still a problem for councils  ian begley

The council has expressed its difficulty in tracking down those responsible for erecting illegally placed Cash for Cars signage and admits that it’s a persistent problem for them.

The signs, which display the short message and a mobile number, are being plastered in many parts of Dublin MidWest, much to the concern

of local residents. Litter byelaws outlaw the practice of putting up signs such as these.

As with all illegal signage, those responsible for erecting Cash for Cars signs are subject to a litter fine of €150.

The matter was brought up in a question to the chief executive at the October county council meeting by Cllr John Lahart (FF).

He asked if the signs con-

tinue to be posted liberally throughout the county and what measures the council has taken independently to deal with the issue and in partnership with the Garda Siochana.

Chief executive Daniel McLoughlin responded: “Advances in technology mean businesses can operate with only a website address or a mobile phone number. This

presents serious difficulty in identifying owners of such businesses and as a result, enforcement action cannot be taken in these cases.

“Cash for Car signage has been a persistent problem for all local authorities in the greater Dublin area over the last couple of years and the four Dublin local authorities engaged in an extensive media campaign in late 2014

advising motorists not to sell their unwanted car via the Cash for Cars method.

“While precise information on number of signs removed by this council is not readily available, it is believed that over 5,000 illegal Cash for Cars signs were removed from lampposts and street signage within the Dublin Area, including over 200 which have been removed by the

gardai from the N81.

“Fines have been issued in a few cases, but regrettably the fines have not actually been served due to the difficulty in tracking down those responsible for erecting signage.

Attempts at direct prosecutions have also unfortunately been unsuccessful due to difficulty with serving summonses and therefore could not proceed.”

courts: couple ‘accused’ of not paying their dinner bill

Judge refuses to strike out defamation claim A judge has refused to strike out a defamation claim by a Clondalkin couple who allege they were “loudly and abusively” wrongly accused of not having paid their dinner bill in a Dublin restaurant.

Barrister Cormac Quinn told the Circuit Civil court yesterday that Tanya Shannon and her partner, Patrick O’Connor, had paid a staff member “called Paddy” at the till in The Arc Bar and Restaurant for a dinner they had there with their two children in September 2010.

As they were gathering up their belongings to leave they claimed they were approached by a manager “who began questioning them in a loud, abusive and accusatory manner for about 10 minutes” leading to Mr O’Connor having to publicly empty out his pockets in search of a receipt.

Mr Quinn, who appeared with Eugene Smartt solicitors for the couple who live at Harelawn Avenue, Clondalkin, said that 40 minutes later “Paddy” had returned to the restaurant and confirmed that the couple had paid, issuing them

with a receipt.

Counsel for Lackabeg Ltd, trading as Arc Bar and Restaurant, Liffey Valley, said the company was asking the court to strike out the claims on the grounds they failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action for defamation.

He said the couple’s identical civil bills, while outlining the gist of their complaints and what they were trying to imply, had not, as required in defamation cases, quoted precise defamatory words allegedly spoken by the defendant’s staff.

The couple had taken from the incident that each of them was being made out to be a thief, but he asked had they been justified in coming to that conclusion. Without specifically quoted words the defendant A Clondalkin couple allege they were “loudly and abusively” wrongly accused of could not plead qualified not having paid their dinner bill at The Arc Bar and Restaurant privilege.

She also awarded costs This caused a serious account of what had ing a defence and in fact problem as to what the taken place. The defend- one could perhaps infer against the restaurant words were, if such words ant in 2011 and again in that it is a delaying tactic company in the couple’s had been spoken, and April 2014 had stated and being obstructive in motion for judgment in if they might have other they had for warded relation to the plaintiffs default of defence but and different meanings papers to counsel for trying to progress their allowed the defendant as those put forward by the purpose of drafting case,” Judge Linnane told seven days for the drafta defence which had not the defendant. ing and entry of a defence the plaintiffs.

She refused to strike against the claims by Judge Jacqueline Lin- materialised.

“By any reading of the out the couple’s claims Shannon and O’Connor. nane said that from her The case is expected to reading of the papers papers you have been in and awarded costs to proceed to trial. there was a fairly detailed serious default in deliver- their legal team.

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

halloween

avonbeg: space has influences from ancient Celtic monuments

Take good care of your bins

Natural playspace opens in Tallaght  ian begley

A new natural playspace was officially opened at Avonbeg in Tallaght recently after a lengthy campaign.

The opening on October 22 was attended by children from Scoil Santain, south Dublin county councillors, residents and local community groups.

This playspace is part of the council’s Playground Construction Programme 2014-19, which involves creating an innovative play space for toddlers and children up to eight years old.

Children from the Amplifying Voices group, who have worked for several years on getting a playground for Avonbeg,

were also in attendance.

Their contribution to the playspace was marked by the presentation of certificates by Dublin South County Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) and in a speech

by Fergus Finlay, chief executive of Barnardos.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor Holland said: “The playspace at Avonbeg is unique in its design, with influences from ancient Celtic monuments. It is reminiscent of ringforts with circular mounds and tall standing stones and is a very striking addition to the area.

“The playspace has swings, a slide, a giant spinning disk as well as a huge sand pit and lots of hills and rocks for free play. Already the play-

space has proven very popular with local children and is also loved by the pupils of Scoil Santain.

The local community in Avonbeg deserve special thanks for their involvement in delivering the facility. They, along with local councillors, worked very hard to ensure this playspace is one of the best. The project was also supported by Dominic’s Community Centre.

“Another original feature in Avonbeg Playspace is the intergenerational play. As well as facilitating the local club it gives a sense of ownership of the playspace to a wider section of the community and creates greater contact between people in the community,” she said.

 ian begley

VUE and improved: A buzz is in the air as new €4.5m cinema opens Kiah, Abbie and Amber Daly from Clondalkin had an unbee-

lievable time recently at a special showing of family animated film Maya the Bee at Dublin Vue cinema in Liffey Valley. Vue was hosting a gala event to showcase their brand new cinema.

The multiplex has undergone a complete refit as part of a €26m investment in the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

Picture: Andres Poveda

Greyhound Household Recycling has called on home owners in Dublin Mid-West to take care of their bins over the Halloween weekend.

The company says that in recent years, bins have been stolen, set alight and, in some cases, unexploded fireworks have been discovered.

Greyhound’s John Brosnan said: “People should be aware of the dangers at this time off year. We suggest householders bring in their bins immediately after collection and, if possible, avoid leaving their bins out overnight.

“There have been a number of incidents in recent years which raised serious health and safety issues,” he said.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29 October 2015

Shop local The Gazette focuses on Clondalkin Village

Supporting W

ITH winter on the horizon, it is important to remember that you needn’t travel long distances for almost anything you could possibly need.

In these times, it is important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy, with local spending sustaining local jobs.

Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support.

Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area.

By shopping locally, without any of the difficulties involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry

– all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine.

On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay go directly to our local council.

Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks to roads, would suffer.

Think Local is an initiative of the South Dublin County Development Board, which intends to

create and develop community awareness of the advantages and benefits of supporting local business and community facilities.

The initiative promotes and helps sustain both economic and community vitality in South Dublin County.

The County Development Board believe that if the community who live, work, study and do business in the county rallies around other local businesses, services and

community facilities in the county, everyone can benefit.

This initiative helps sustain existing jobs within the county, and encourages the gen-

eral community to be involved.

If you live or work in South Dublin County, you can pledge your support for the project, switch 10% of your exist-

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

and calls on the community to ensure the area thrives

our local businesses

ing expenditure to goods and services provided in South Dublin County, and visit and support your local community groups and facilities.

For 2015, The Gazette is continuing our support of local businesses, and will continue to work closely with the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce to promote the local economy.

Thyes Kavanagh, a local businessman, says that he hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can be convinced to Shop Local.

He said: “In these difficult times, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to Shop Local.

“Our message is: Please support local business.

Not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service “We would also like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature.”

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY CITYWEST HOTEL: commercials and St Marys GFC fundraiser

Swapping pitches for the dance floor

Second place winners Graham Holmes and Niamh Bergin

Graham Flannery and Anne Marie Quinn were winners of the recent Strictly together fundraising event held in Citywest Hotel.

Commercials Hurling and Camogie Club and St Mary’s GFC joined forces to organise the event. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Aine Ramsay and Roisin Gavin

Bearbhla O’Reilly and Heidi Winston

Dermot Redmond and Nicole Keogh

Gabby Nicaora and Ioana Ilie

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

Dots before your eyes? Feeling that lift? What can it be but Strictly...

Mairead Byrne and Jonathan Burke

Katie Delaney and Kathryn Sherin Hughes, Mairead Byrne, Dermot Redmond, Kate Cleary and Paul Holmes

McKiernan

Up and over - mind the backs!

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29 October 2015

boo! |

what’s happening this spooktacular halloween

Pumpkins, parties

Your frightful Gazette has risen from the crypt to let readers know where to find the grisliest, most spine-tingling fun in the capital. Yes, it’s time for all bad ghouls and boys to get up, get dressed and go haunting and hunting.

The City Dublinia

Creepy Cures and Ridiculous Remedies at Dublinia runs up to Halloween night with Thomas O’Brien the bloody Barber Surgeon meeting Biddy Deasy who specialises in “alternative” methods of healing. Listen to their stories (and arguments) about life, death and disease in Medieval Dublin.

See: www.dublinia.ie.

ments of the unique spine chilling story of the count and his victims.

For more information visit: www.familyfun.ie/ bram-stoker-dracula-experience.

Fingal County Council

Outside the city, in Fingal kids can avail of a series of controlled, safe and spooky events during the Halloween season, courtesy of Fingal County Council.

Wax Museum Craft Days The chambers of horror at the Wax Museum will be brought to life throughout the Halloween season right up to November 2, with real live characters telling ghost stories in the time vaults of Irish myths and legends. Real live characters will tell stories of Count Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster while the count lies sleeping in his coffin and the monster comes alive before your very eyes.

See: www.waxmuseumplus.ie.

Fingal Libraries is hosting a number of Halloween craft days across the branches from October 19 to 31 to prepare all of the vampires, witches and ghouls for trick – or treating.

Castle Dracula

Festival of Fire

What Dublin Samhain season would be complete without a tour of the Castle Dracula museum in Bram Stoker’s home town of Clontarf? The tour offers an interactive experience, taking you on a heart-pounding journey through Castle Dracula with terrifying re-enact-

Oktoberfest

Meanwhile in Swords, Oktoberfest Fingal kicks off in Swords Castle, on Friday, October 30, with live music and fun from 5pm to 10:30pm (Friday), 7:30pm to 10:30pm (Saturday) and 4pm to 10pm (Sunday).

Halloween night will see the Fingal Festival of Fire, in Swords Town Park. This free children’s event, begins at 6pm and promises to be lots of spooky fun, with fancy dress and haunted tunnels, finishing up with a fireworks display, at 7pm.

See www.fingal.ie

Fancy Dress Disco

Over in Blanchardstown, Tyrrelstown Community Centre is hosting a Halloween Fancy Dress Disco on October, 29 from 3pm, and Blanchardstown shopping centre is hosting a number of free family friendly events.

The fun begins on Thursday, October 29 with magic shows at 12pm and 2pm, followed by a reptile zoo on Friday, October 30 from 12pm to 4pm. The spooky season ends with a bang on Saturday, October 31, with a Fancy Dress Party, with vouchers for Smyth’s Toys Superstore for the best costume.

See: www.blanchardstowncentre.ie

South County Dublin Puppet show

South Dublin County Council Libraries also has a wonderful line-up of spooky Halloween themed activities on offer for children of all ages, from arts and crafts to a very special Halloween puppet show.

Animation Workshop

On October 27 from 10am to 1pm, a Halloween-themed children’s animation workshop will take place with Paper Panthers in Ballyroan

The Hansel and Gretel Halloween fancy dress party at Lambert’s Puppet Theatre in Monkstown

Library. In this pixilation workshop kids can learn how to animate real objects and people to create a short film.

Also in Ballyroan library a spooky Halloween puppet show will take place on October 28 at 3pm.

Maskmaking class

In Castletymon Library, a Halloween maskmaking class with Elena Takes will be held on

October 28 at 3pm for children aged from seven to 12.

Family Fun Day

A Halloween Family Fun Day in Tallaght Library is certain to be a smash, where children can create spooky masks, build creepy Lego houses, paint frightening scenes and dress up. This event will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 2pm and is

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

party on October 31 at 2pm. Tickets are €11 for children/student/OAP and adults €13. For more information, log onto www.lambertpuppettheatre.ie

Fancy Dress Party

The Goonies Screening

suitable for children aged three to five.

In Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Lambert’s Puppet Theatre in Monkstown will be holding a Hansel and Gretel Halloween fancy dress

There is exciting news for fans of the cult movie The Goonies as the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire will be screening the movie on Friday,

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11

and pranks The Tayto Park After Dark experience

Chambers of horror at the Wax Museum

Creepy Cures and Ridiculous Remedies at Dublinia

October 30, at 2pm.

Take the kids along to re-live the scary and exciting adventures of Mickey, Chunk, Mouth and Data as they tackle pirates and monsters to find buried treasure.

Tickets are €5 or €18 for a family. To book, log onto w w w.paviliontheatre.ie

Dundrum Town Centre will host a range of fun events for the family on Halloween weekend including a Coca-Cola Photobooth, ghoulish facepainters, games and lots of prizes. The event will take place on Saturday, October 31, between 12 and 3pm in Frangos on Level 3.

Fun at Frangos

Airfield Estate

Frangos restaurant in

Airfield Estate will show

Tayto Park: experience Europe’s biggest wooden roller coaster after dark

kids how to script, design and produce their own book full of creepy characters and horrid happenings.

Liz Smith will be showing the kids how to produce their scary book on Friday, October 30, from 10am to 11am for kids aged five to seven, and from 2pm to 3.30pm for kids aged eight to 11 years.

Tickets cost €12 and €10 for members.

Tayto Park

scariest sights around this Halloween.

House of Horrors

After Dark

In Ashbourne, Tayto Park House of Horrors is back again this Halloween and will continue until November 1.

The Lodge at Tayto Park has been transformed into a terrifying and spine-chilling experience guaranteed to be one of the craziest and

The Tayto Park After Dark experience is also one The Gazette definitely recommends.

Taking place until October 30 from 6pm until 9pm, you will get the rare opportunity to ride The Cu Chulainn Coaster at night.

Having previously experienced Europe’s

biggest wooden roller coaster during the day our intrepid reporter found that riding it at night gave it much more of a thrilling and scarier experience.

Reaching the dizzying heights of 32.05m with a stomach- churning drop zone of 31m and reaching speeds of up to 100km per hour, and all in the dead of night, the ride will certainly make you doubt-

ful that you will live to see another day.

Tay t o P a r k A f t e r Dark is priced at €18 per person and will also include entry into the parks terrifying House of Horrors.

An array of Halloween family fun activities will also take place until November 1, including face-painting, arts and crafts and live shows.

For more information, visit www.taytopark.ie.

12 Gazette 29 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Audrey Lawler and Diane Molohan

Jonnie McCoy, Jeff Ryan and Tom Gaskin. Pictures: Brian Mcevoy

Diane Molohan and Shauna Kearns

Ailish Cantwell and Pierce Rowsome

Eddie McParland and

Shauna Kearns and Nicky

Fonsie Mealy

Wallace

Designer Deborah Veale

A landmark garden for landmark designer

I

rish Landmark recently held its Irish Landmarkers annual drinks party in the Merrion Mews coach house.

A mix of guests from the fashion, design and architectural worlds came together to help unveil the proposed garden memorial in hon-

our of Sybil Connolly.

Guests were welcomed by chief executive of Irish Landmark Mary O’Brien and trustee Dr Edward McParland who briefly outlined the memorial garden plans and spoke about his friend Sybil Connolly, who lived on Merrion Square for so

many years.

Merrion Mews, considered by many as a hidden gem in the centre of Dublin, was extensively restored

by Irish Landmark in 2007 and is now one of the rare and significant 18th century Dublin town house survivors.

Avril Jenkinsen and Colm Matthews

Cramel Breheney and Emma Coppola

Victoria Browne, Val Dillon and Jennifer Weir

Alison Canavan and Nicky

Diane Molohan and

Nicki Matthews and

Wallace

Shauna Kearns

Caroline Crowley

29 October 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 29 October 2015

R1

dublinlife

diary

Casablanca duo reach make your mind up time Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has been acting a bit like Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa character from vintage blockbuster Casablanca who can’t decide between Humphrey Bogart and Paul Heinreid.

A number of months ago Gerry Adams (Paul

Heinreid) and Micheal (Ilsa) stormed out of the Dail in protest over the failure to hold a debate on the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into allegations of malpractice by some gardai in the Border area.They marched out side by side looking like

the perfect couple.

However, Micheal seems to be gravitating back towards his old flame Enda (Humphrey Bogart) lately, with the two launching an attack on the credibility of Sinn Fein’s claims about the IRA being gone.

The Sinn Fein

response was inconsistent. Padraig Mac Lochlainn told Micheal he was a “political gurrier”. Gerry and MaryLou grinned away while Jonathan O’Brien said Enda and Micheal were “two peas in a pod”.

“Two Mother Teresas” Mac Lochlainn chimed in, while the gun-toting Independent Michael Healy-Rae contributed the bizarre remark “two knees in a pants”.

Without a doubt Enda would love to do what his character does in Casablanca, and send Gerry and Micheal off in a plane straight out of the Dail.

storytelling power of the net Digital Media and Tech professionals from around the world are expected to descend on Dublin for Dublin Web Fest, at Filmbase, Temple Bar from November 20 to 22.

Web Series Festivals or Web Fests are festivals dedicated to online series known as “web series”.

The first Web Fest was launched in Los Angeles in 2010 and since then, more than 30 festivals have emerged throughout the world. This will be Ireland’s first such event.

Co-founder Mikael T hier y says the festival is “dedicated to creativity, imagination, connection and most importantly, meeting and sharing”.

Fellow founder Erol

Erol Mustafov and Mikael Thiery , founders of Dublin Web Fest

Mustafov says they want to be the starting point for Ireland’s future as a web series and digital content hub.

They have partnered with other international web festivals to host presentations, discussions, panels and more.

Submissions for the festival are now being sought for the different categories: Comedy, drama/thriller/mystery, music video, documentary /reality, animation, LGBT, and sci-fi.

For more information visit: www.dublinwebfest. com.

Readathon to help people with MS Young readers in Dublin city are reading as much as they can this month in the MS Readathon to help people with multiple sclerosis in their local community Irish authors Cecelia Ahern, Sarah Webb, Alan Early, Judi Curtin, Claudia Carroll, Sheila

O’Flanagan, Pauline McLynn and more are helping to endorse this annual event, now in its 25th year.

Grown-ups are also encouraged to join young MS Readathon’ers and swap a book at work to support people with multiple sclerosis MS Ireland ambassador Rick O’Shea is asking reading enthusiasts to get involved in MS Book Swap until November 9 to coincide with the MS Readathon reading month.

Visit www.msreadathon.ie for more information, and to sign up for the 2015 MS Book Swap.

Spare an hour to change your life A Dublin-based nonprofit organisation has launched a campaign to urge people to use the extra hour before the time goes back, to spend their time with an older person.

Making Connections

has initiated the Give an Hour Gain an Hour campaign to inspire people to connect the generations and help to tackle stereotyping, isolation and loneliness.

“The campaign was inspired by feedback from our intergenerational befriending service,” said chief executive Mary O’Donohue.

“A volunteer once said about the lady she visits that she’d totally changed her view of what an older person is… her mind is so youthful, and she’s so current.

“This is why with Give an Hour Gain an Hour we believe just an hour can inspire real social change,” she said.

To get involved and share your Give an Hour Gain an Hour story see http://makingconnections.ie/give-an-hour. html for details.

Participants are also encouraged to share a story and photo on Facebook.

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29 October 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 29 October 2015

dublinlife

the big interview

juggling act: managing a hectic life

A passion for getting people in Ireland fit  Aisling Kennedy

Kathryn Thomas is quite possibly the busiest woman in show businesses at the moment as she juggles her new business Pure Result Bootcamp, her TV career presenting both Operation Transformation and The Voice of Ireland, and her radio career.

In between her hectic schedule she also recently supported her restaurateur boyfriend Padraig McLaughlin as he launched his new restaurant Catch 22 on South Anne Street in Dublin with his business partner Paul Dooley.

Thomas took time out this week to chat to the Gazette about how she juggles her many different roles, her passion for keeping fit, and her hopes for the future.

“It’s been a very busy few months for me

Kathryn with boyfriend Padraig McLaughlin

because I launched my own business this summer and I’ve been travelling up and down to Kerry where the bootcamp was based.

“The business provides week-long fitness camps where people check in for a week, take on a calorie controlled diet, and stick to a rigorous exercise plan. Then we send them on their way a week later feeling lighter, healthier and fitter so that was a huge milestone for me this year because it was the first time I actually went out on my own to start a business.”

As Thomas speaks, it is

clear that she puts huge emphasis on health and well-being and is passionate about getting people in Ireland fit.

“I think for a lot of women it’s a confidence thing, that when they get out of the routine of exercising is can sometimes feel quite daunting to get back into it. Women are particularly vulnerable and do not put themselves first a lot of the time because we always have so much to do whether we’re working or minding kids.

“I am still really surprised at how much we put ourselves in second place. But our bodies are capable of doing so much more than we give them credit for and literally it is about mind over matter in so many instances.”

Thomas explains that she struggles to maintain her fitness herself at times, especially as she is now

Kathryn Thomas : “It’s just been the year of insane plans, expansion and business set ups for us. It’s been really busy but we always make sure to catch up one night a week. Picture: Barry McCall.

dating Padraig McLaughlin.

“When I met Padraig, it was a case of spending less time in the gym and more time going out for nice dinners and wine.

“I kind of took my foot off the gas on my own health for a while.”

Now that she and Padraig have been together for two-and-a-half years, however, she maintains a healthy balance of enjoying good food and wine and working off any indulgences at the gym.

“Padraig is great, he was in Hugo’s restaurant before he opened Catch 22 this year so he’s always been around food in the restaurant trade.

“We both love going out for meals, me probably more so than him,

because he’s been around it so much. But I love it, I love going out for meals with my friends. I think good food and good company is probably one of the most enjoyable things in life.”

With Thomas’s hectic schedule travelling up and down to Kerry for her new business and McLaughlin’s working late hours as he launches his new restaurant, with a second one in the pipeline next month, the couple ensure that they set aside time together each week.

“It’s been tough the last couple of months because I moved down to Kerry so I literally moved out of the house and was gone for two-and-a-half months.

“I took the dogs and everything and he was

setting up the new business.

“So it’s just been the year of insane plans, expansion and business set ups for us. It’s been really busy but we always make sure to catch up one night a week. Catching up could literally be just on the couch in tracksuits with the two dogs or it could be going out for a walk with the two dogs.

“It generally involves the two dogs because they’re a big part of our life. We also try to get away. We like to go to a hotel or go down the country to my mam’s house in Kerry so we definitely always make time for each other. We’ve both been really supportive and understanding of

each other.”

In terms of the future for the couple Kathryn says that things are very hectic right now but she is looking forward to planning a family someday.

“I’d like to think that is on the cards in the future but as my mother keeps saying ‘Well what sort of a future, is it not the future now? You keep putting everything on the long finger!’ It’s just the way this year has worked out work-wise for us. Setting up businesses had to take precedence for both of us this year but we’ve both been supportive of each other so who knows down the line what’s going to happen.”

Check out Pure Results Bootcamp at www.pureresultsbootcamp.com

29 October 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 health 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

trick or treat P18

back to its roots: range of cultural events to celebrate creativity

Raising the bar in Temple Bar  Keith Bellew

The Temple Bar Company will bring the quarter back to its roots as a prime cultural centre, with a weekend of arts and culture with a political twist.

The Temple Bar Arts a n d P o l i t i c s We e kend takes place from November 19 to 22 with a range of free events to celebrate the area’s incredible cultural organisations and the indigenous creativity that stems from these unique cobbled streets in Dublin city centre.

Along with these artistic events there will be a number of talks, debates and seminars on Irish politics, and a number of events which combine both aspects.

This unique pairing of themes gives Dubliners the opportunity to explore the unique buildings, and venues that make Temple Bar so charming, and Ireland’s turbulent political landscape at the same time.

Speaking to The Gazette, organiser Martin Harte of the Temple Bar Company said the aim of the fes-

tival is to promote the local arts organisations within the area.

“The aim of this is to work with the existing organisations in the area and return Temple bar to its roots as a cultural quarter and show people that there’s a lot of culture there that they might not be aware of,” he said.

He said the political aspect of the festival is something that the company has been looking to develop for quite some time.

“We work in the city centre and politics is

The Temple Bar Arts and Politics Weekend takes place from November 19 to 22 with a range of free events . Picture: Brian Morrison

visible everywhere we walk, whether it’s an issue with planning or tourism, politics is all around us. We found as an organisation that

there’s sort of a gap between politics and the [average person] in the city centre and we wanted to address that,” he said.

He believes one of

the biggest draws of the festival will be the symposium, The Dark Arts: photography and politics. This event explores the late Charles Haughey, controversial former Ta o i s e a c h , a n d t h e advent of the political photo-op in Ireland.

T his photographic exhibition takes place at the Gallery of Photography on Thursday, November 19 at 2pm.

The exhibition will f e a t u r e a ke y n o t e address by Professor Kevin Rafter on Charles Haughey: power, politics and public image,

along with two panel discussions.

The first of these will be Politics in the Age of the Photo Opportunity: the Role of Photo Reportage and Photojournalism in the World of Spin, followed by Twenty-five Years of Temple Bar – Haughey’s Grand Project.

“They’re [the photo’s] quite interesting, you’re looking back into a different era. I think that’s probably going to be one of the highlights.”

For more information visit: www.viewtemplebar.com

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18 GAZETTE 29 October 2015

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29 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

GOING  MIMI MURRAY

The first Aeropostale store in western Europe has opened in Dublin’s Liffey Valley

Aeropostale arrives!

Shopping Centre

THE Iconic New York brand Aeropostale officially opened its first store in western Europe in Dublin’s Liffey Valley Shopping Centre recently. The 4,000 square foot flagship store stocks the complete ranges for young girls and guys clothing under the Aero, Aero City and Live Love Dream leisure collections.

Roz Purcell, who was the special guest, was joined by young emerging band Taken who performed on the night. Other guests included Eurovision entry Molly Sterling, singer and actor Jess Heffernan, model Jo Archbold, Brian Ormond and Leinster

rugby player Jack Conan.

Aero’s new Fall 2015 collection embodies classic basics with pops of fashion to create an effortless look. The brand also introduces Aero City, a new collection that targets the fashion forward girl and guy who enjoy a free spirited, boho chic vibe in their wardrobe.

Live Love Dream is Aeropostale’s active wear range. It offers the latest in girls’ active wear, printed leggings, yoga, loungewear, intimates and accessories.

The range has a selection of shorts, leggings, T-shirts and jackets ranging in sizes xx-small to xx-large.

GAZETTE

STYLE

Goth WITH ARMANI

GETTING your make up done by a professional make up artist is a bit of a luxury and is usually reserved for those special occasions, like a debs, a wedding or a special night out.

Zoe Williams is a senior make-up artist with Giorgio Armani, who was in Dublin recently making up the faces of the few lucky people who had booked a slot with her in Brown Thomas.

I was one of those lucky few and Williams was a joy to spend an hour with. Originally from Dun Laoghaire, she has lived in Manchester for the last 15 years, working for Armani and doing what she does best - applying make-up.

She has worked on some of the big fashion shows including London Fashion Week and name drops Lily Cole as one of the famous faces she has applied rouge to.

After giving my face the once over she chose a few key looks for autumn/winter 15 and got to work. She went outside my comfort zone in a few areas, especially when it came to eyes and lips. The end result was a nice change, using burnt oranges and deep purples. Very Goth!

She started off with some light master primer before moving on to Luminous silk and Maestro foundation mixed. Maestro Fusion Blush in number 90 was then applied and this is a winner product, a bronzer in liquid that does the exact same job as a

powder, only better.

Williams recommended one of Armani’s best selling products for me, the Eye and Brown Maestro which can be used almost anywhere on the face. It can even be applied to the odd grey hair and stays in place until you shampoo again! This gave me a dramatic brow, one of the biggest game changes in make up terms in recent years.

For the eye socket she went for a relatively new product, Eyes to Kill Intense in 13 and 15 which created a dramatic effect. A touch of lip blush and mascara and I was ready to go.

All products used by Williams are stocked in BT’s.

Zoe Williams, a senior make-up artist with Giorgio Armani, went dramatic and a bit Goth with the eyes

Gazette

20 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

Galway: ‘a must-see for lovers of Irish scenery’

Happy as a clam in a bath of seaweed soup!

 Ian Begley

A visit to Delphi Adventure Resort and Spa, which is in one of the most western parts of Ireland, is a must for lovers of Irish scenery.

Near Leenane, County Galway, the resort is set in the breathtaking Delphi valley along the Wild Atlantic Way, and spans more than 300 acres.

On arrival, my guest and I were astounded by the beautiful backdrop provided by the landscape. The jagged mountains seemed to

fold in on themselves and the winding roads and gentle lakes made our destination seem serene and untouched by the 21st century.

The resort was spacious and the decor warm. Large windows around the building offered glorious views of our surroundings.

Our accommodation, of a separate living area and bedroom, was very homelike. We missed the television and phone reception, but given the nature of the resort it would be

unfair to judge them too harshly on that!

Up early next morning, we took part in one of the many adventure activities that make Delphi famous: The Go Zip’N’Trek. This adrenaline pumping activity saw us zip-lining, wall climbing and traversing tightropes 40-feet in the air.

My adrenaline-junkie side kicked in and I met each obstacle with daring stupidity, completing it several times in a merciless competition against the clock and my guest.

After wards we

explored the local area on bicycles with a wellinformed guide. This gave us a chance to really take in the sights and sounds of the Wild Atlantic Way. Later our party met up for pre-dinner drinks in the resort’s Library Bar before moving on to The Chef’s Table restaurant, where we were treated to a delectable five-course tasting menu with carefully selected wine pairings to complement each course.

We had a salad of Killarney lobster and Porcu-

Large windows around the building offered glorious views of our surroundings

pine prawn to start, followed by a delicious fillet of wild salmon. Then a beautiful cut of Angus fillet of beef was presented with a very tender French duck foie gras. This was followed by a baked goat’s cheese cake and water melon desser t

with a glass of rose.

The next morning, after a breakfast of pancakes and French toast, it was time for my seaweed bath treatment in the Delphi Spa. I was stiff and sore from the activities of the previous day so a relaxing bath was just what was

needed. The experience made me feel like an ingredient in a big pot of seaweed soup, but afterwards I felt very rejuvenated and relaxed!

See www.delphiadventureresort.com for yearround accommodation, activities and treatments.

29 October 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

The Picky Eater has no dilemma with Catch 22 ISN’T it odd that when thinking about Dublin gastronomy the mind doesn’t peruse what should be a lengthy list of great fish restaurants?

A travesty in the coastal capital of an island up to its wellies in seafood… no? Fishy hotspots have long been the preserve of more rural seaside destinations like Kinsale, Dungarvan or Dingle.

The tiger years may have brought an influx of fancy fusion options to rival the London or New York food scenes but many closed in a case of style over substance and whopper prices.

It seems, however, that in our pared-back recovery something fishy is going on and not in a bad way! Yes, fish is making a welcome comeback to our seaside city.

Recent openings like Klaw, Lobster Pot and the brilliant Fish Shop sending the right kind of fishy aromas over the Liffey and now the smart and inviting façade of Catch 22 on handsome South Anne St is marching a pescatorial parade through the streets of Dublin town.

Molly Malone would be delighted.

We were off to a gig at 8pm so it’s an early bite at 6pm in Catch 22 and the place is already packed. The menu reads breezily of all the usual suspects prepared simply using the freshest of fish

The crab claws were amazing - soft meaty claws with fresh-of-the-beach freshness! Picture: The Picky Eater

and includes muscle pots, calamari, beer battered cod and chips, crab claws, fish cakes and scampi.

All starters are under a tenner and mains under €20, the easy-on-thepocket prices reflected in the casual mix of locals, tourists, hipsters and couples.

The menu is quite interchangeable, which I always like, and you could easily have two starters and not feel like you’re missing out on a main course. The mussel pot can be ordered as a main with a side of sweet potato fries or mushy peas.

I’m thinking of the night ahead and want to eat light so opt for crab claws and a pan fried fillet of plaice with shrimp butter. The mate goes for the mussel pot and the tempura scampi.

An enamel mug of whitebait fried in a light polenta crumb arrives moments later, which we

didn’t order but it seems everyone was getting; a nice touch.

Starters were out soon after and the mussels were soft, plump morsels steamed just right in a creamy broth of zesty lemon and garlic.

I would have added a touch more garlic; though mopped up with the generous hunk of crusty bread it was more than adequate.

The crab claws were, in a word, amazing. Ten or so soft meaty claws of straight-off-the-beach freshness in a subtle chilli and garlic butter; the standout of the meal.

After a clatter of empty enamel clearing, out came the mains. The service is prompt and efficient with what seems like a swift turnaround, though we didn’t feel rushed for a second.

My plaice was just as I’d expected for a lighter option, two fillets of delicate flaky and pearly

white meat topped with slightly sweet shrimp butter and salty samphire. Probably not the most exciting dish on the menu but the flavour was all there and executed well.

The mate was half way through the tempura scampi by the time I looked up and I managed to grab one in the nick of time.

They were a close second to the crab claws with light as a feather batter as crisp as a box of Pringles and with not a hint of soggy doughiness underneath.

I gave in at this stage and had one of her chips; OK 16 of her chips and they were as good as I’ve had.

We opted out of dessert and the bill with three glasses of the exquisitely fish accompanying Picpoul de Pinet wine at a competitive €7 a glass came to a sustainably sourced €71.

So what’s the catch?

Sorry, I hate myself for that but I had to. Well, there isn’t one.

Simple and unfussy cooking and fresh-asa-January-morning fish make Catch 22 a perfect option for a casual fish supper and you can’t say fairer than that.

Shane Rigney is a food blogger You can check him out at riggersrecipes.com

The smart and iviting facade of Catch 22, the latest addition to the growing number of fish restaurants in Dulbin, on South Anne Street

Gazette

22 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

James Morrison: Higher Than Here starts off promisingly enough but goes downhill

A big sound that amounts to very little  colm murray

aving spent the last H four years away from the limelight, and following the release of his new single, Demons, James Morrison makes a welcome return with his fourth studio album Higher Than Here, out on October 30 through Island Records.

The songs on the new album create a subtle balance between revealing the pain and difficulties that Morrison has experienced in his recent personal life, and the soundtrack to those lazy Sunday mornings that, will make you dance, smile and reflect.

When Morrison broke onto the scene as a soulful singer-songwriter in 2006, even he couldn’t have predicted that he would become the template that allowed a wave of likeminded musicians to enter the field.

He was also famously told by veteran soul producer Jerry Wexler that his raspy, gravelly voice, the product of a childhood illness, had its “own thumbprint” and was so distinctive that “once heard, never forgotten”.

Now, almost a decade on, Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and James Bay are all ruling the charts following the same format; one guy with just a guitar

and an incredible voice.

Despite his self-deprecation and humble nature, he was the first to take that format and not only make it work but also became an overnight success story.

Pop gems like You Give Me Something from his first record Undiscovered, made him anything but.

And he won the 2007 Brit Award for Best Male when he was still just 21 years old.

The album starts off promisingly enough.

Demons – an anthem to positive thinking – breezes in with a funky hip hop, autotune now such a stable of 21st cen-

tury “chart music”.

The main vocals soon take over with a melody that exudes a credible sense of emotion. So far, so good.

Unfor tunately, it’s largely downhill from here. Over the next 14 tracks, faux-gospel verses alternate with overblown choruses to create a big sound that amounts to very little.

Even when Morrison sings of real heartache – as on Too Late for Lullabies – he sounds about as deep-down untroubled as peers such as James Blunt or Tom Odell.

A cutting edge from the likes of Paolo Nutini is what you are hoping he

may have come back with on this outing but alas it’s not to be.

2008’s Songs for You, Truths for Me brought with it a string of Top Ten singles, including the phenomenally catchy Broken Strings with Nelly Furtado.

His last album, 2011’s Awakening shot straight to Number 1, selling over one million copies worldwide.

However, Morrison offers an uncool brand of easy-listening soul-pop but what he lacks in grit he has previously made up for in rousing songs that have brought him a loyal fan base of easylisteners.

James Morrison’s fourth studio album is a bit of a mixed bag

29 October 2015 Gazette 23

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Gazette

cinema

All hail the Queen of Ireland  Barbara Clinton

Such is the phenomenon that is Ms Panti Bliss that The Queen of Ireland opened simultaneously in 18 cinemas across Ireland last week.

When the final curtain fell on the movie, audiences stayed in their seats to enjoy the live Q&A with Her Majesty beamed from the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield to all 18 cinemas.

Panti Bliss aka Rory O’Neill needed nothing more than a life well lived to ensure a movie of high drama and great honesty.

From the camp little boy

James Bond AKA Agent 007 is back, one last time ... Daniel Craig has successfully reinvented the iconic spy during his stint at the MI6 spy

spectre: james bond still shooting for the top

Giving up the ghost?  dave phillips

“The dead are alive” – so proclaims the stark title card that opens Spectre before we plunge into an absolutely riveting precredits sequence set amid the throng of the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations.

As the camera follows the male and female grinning-skull protagonists through the colourful and macabre masquerade, we are treated to simmering sensuality, building-crumbling explosions, and highspeed vehicular carnage – in short, all the elements that makes up a classic James Bond film.

In 10 action-packed minutes, director Sam Mendes shows that 53 years and 24 films on, there seems to be life left in James Bond.

Yet as bold a statement as the opening one is, it pales in comparison to Daniel Craig’s blundering assertion last week that

he would rather “slash his own wrists” than think about reprising the role of 007.

The eight-month shoot and the subsequent promotional obligations seemed to take its toll on Craig as he made clear that he feels as if he has reached a natural conclusion with Spectre, and any further Bond films he may appear in will solely be for financial reward.

And while the Bond franchise under Craig’s watch has generated outstanding revenue, it seems that at some point between Skyfall and Spectre, things have shifted.

This latest film sees Bond following leads to uncover a shady organisation known as SPECTRE. Meanwhile at MI6, new boss Denbigh (played by Dubliner Andrew Scott) is threatening to shut down the undercover programme, insisting that a global mass-surveillance system complete with

drone strikes will provide a more effective form of security than vodkasoaked secret agents milling around the world in expensive sports cars.

In the hunt to find out more about Spectre there are plenty of distracting avenues for the plot to wander down over the two-and-half hour runtime. But while the story stays busy, there is no denying that once we get into the meat of the film, something essential is lacking.

While Craig remains a powerful physical force on screen, there is certainly less of him as an actor on it.

Following on from Skyfall, which managed a great balance of emotional engagement and action, Spectre falls back into that familiar groove of filmmaking that values brawn over brains.

Craig’s first Bond film paved the way for a new kind of 007, and while Casino Royale ushered

in a more modern kind of action, Spectre feels less pioneering and more reflective – spending its time referencing earlier films rather than creating something new and memorable.

On his quest for answers Bond is a like a weapon: brief, blunt, and impersonal.

While there are things to be excited about – as usual we have some stunning outdoor locations, there are some fun action sequences dotted throughout, and the supporting cast is powerful – but the ceaseless barrage of nods, winks, and doffs of the cap to former Bond films dulls the action.

While the opening 10 minutes will astound you, the best that the remainder of Spectre can offer you is mild entertainment.

Perhaps it is time to give up the ghost.

Spectre (Cert 12A, 150 mins)

Verdict: 5/10

turning summersaults in Ballinrobe to the risque young man putting it about in the drag shows of Japan and now to accidental national hero thanks to Pantigate, the movie tells the story of someone who showed many others how to live out loud and proud.

The statuesque, bighaired momma of the gay family that had its big day out on May 22, Panti Bliss emerges as a force to be reckoned with, who tells us proudly that she regrets nothing.

Among the real treasures in this many-jewelled movie are O’Neill’s mat-

ter-of-fact and grounded parents. In one scene, we see Rory Snr studiously lock up the family home while Panti Bliss resplendent in high heels and figure-hugging dress holds centre stage in the family kitchen to check her smartphone, to which Fin, his mum, remarks “awesome”, in quiet admiration of her child.

There are lots of reasons to see this movie – as a celebration of diversity, a piece of history, as memoir, as comedy and at times tragedy but above all because it’s enjoyable.

Verdict: 10/10

Gazette

24 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTHYSTEPS

Dr Mary Wingfield says the causes of infertility are vast – but in most cases treatment is possible

Increasing chances of conception Fertility problems can be heart-breaking for couples who wish to start a family, but in the modern age many options are available to increase the chances of conception.

At the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Merrion Fertility Clinic is Ireland’s only nonprofit fertility facility partnered with a large maternity hospital offering medical, surgical and pregnancy services to patients.

Its clinical director Dr Mary Wingfield says the causes of infertility are vast – but in most cases treatment is possible.

“Women who have i n f r e q u e n t o r ve r y irregular periods, may have a problem with ovulation.

“The most common cause is polycystic ov a r i a n s y n d r o m e .

Early menopause although rare, can sometimes run in families.

“If there is a family history of this, it would be important to discuss it at an early stage with your doctor.”

She advised that a woman’s fer tility is optimal under age 30 and begins to decline

quite rapidly from the age of 35.

“If you wait till 40 there is a high chance you are leaving it too late,” she said. “[For many couples with fertility problems] there will be a male factor or sperm issue. This is often unexplained but important factors include testicular injury or surgery, or infection in the testicles.

“IVF and ICSI (a type of IVF) have been major breakthroughs in treating male fertility. In men who don’t produce any sperm in their ejaculate, pregnancy can be achieved with testicular sperm retrieval and ICSI,” she said.

Other causes of infertility include hormone problems, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and non-g y naecological conditions such as Crohn’s disease or a ruptured appendix.

“Many of these problems can be addressed with surgery, usually performed by our doctors by laparoscopy or ‘keyhole surgery’. If surgery fails, IVF is a good option,” she said.

For more information log onto merrionfertility.ie or call (01) 663 5000.

HEALTH

adult activity: allow the mind to calm and settle

The hugely relaxing world of colouring

Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden has  suzanne sheehy

WHENEVER I put a colouring book and pencils into my shopping basket it’s invariably for my nieces and nephews. They can’t get enough of them.

Now that they’re that little bit older, they’re more practised and can easily stay within a picture’s contour. Colouring books serve a dual purpose: they keep kids occupied while they’re having fun while developing eye-hand coordination.

But the last time I picked up the colouring book and pencils, they were for me. Colouring for adults? Not for me, I thought. But as the saying goes don’t knock it till you try it.

When I looked to buy my first colouring book, I noticed how many of

them were for grown-ups.

One even labelled itself: The Gorgeous Book for Grown-ups. Discover Your Inner Creative.

Another ran Colour Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book. The titles spelled out the aim.

Counselling psychologist Maeve Halpin, a regular contributor to GazetteHealth, said: “The increasing use of technology has meant that our attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to eight seconds today. We are over-stimulated by the constant flood of digital information coming in through our smartphones and electronic gadgets.

“Colouring gives us the opportunity to concentrate on one non-stressful task for a sustained period of time, allowing the

beautifully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations

mind to calm and settle.

This can provide a buffer against anxiety and everyday stress.”

Halpin stressed how important it is for adults to engage in creativity.

“Creativity is a vital part of the self - there is a healing connection between the eye, the hand and the heart.

Colours, shapes, textures and three-dimensional structures stimulate different parts of the brain than text and sound, so working creatively with paint, clay, fabric or any other type of interactive medium can bring deep feelings of satisfaction and achievement.

“Everyone has creative potential. Taking time away from our screens for creative pursuits can be

an essential ingredient in finding balance in modern life.”

So after much deliberation I picked up Johanna Basford Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book which has beautifully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations.

The quality of the illustrations and paper were of high standard and

some also came in pocket size. I set to and found the activity occupied my mind in a positive way. I made sure I took time out to relax at the weekend and be creative instead of frittering away the hours on social media or watching TV. Go on, give it a try. You’ll be surprised and, more importantly, a little more relaxed.

Give your immune system a boost With the new school year now under way and the cold winter just around the corner, it might be time to start thinking about giving your immune system a boost for the busy months ahead.

Vitamin C is an essential flu fighter, and regular supplements support body tissue growth, healthy blood vessels, strong bones and teeth, and

can help to ward off winter influenza.

Iron supplements can boost your energy levels and encourage healthy, fresh blood oxygen delivery to the lungs, spleen, bone marrow, muscles, and cells. Without vitamin D, the body can’t absorb calcium or stimulate certain immune responses that protect us from colds and infections, so

vitamin D supplements are a must.

With all of the cold and darkness that winter entails, it is very easy to find yourself feeling down, especially if you are prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Omega 3 fatty acid supplements. These can help boost your mood, improve your mental focus, and ward off the sniffles.

Pippa O’Connor launches Alive, a new range of multi-vitamins and minerals. Picture: Paul Sherwood

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29 October 2015 Gazette 25

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29 October 2015

CLONDALKINCLASSIFIEDS BEREAVEMENT

GARDENING

DVDS

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

PAVING

ACTIVE PAVING

CONSTRUCTION

DENTAL

ABC CERTIFIED 51,340 COPIES EACH WEEK DRIVEWAYS

ALL BUDGET DRIVEWAYS

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I,Jean Downey,am applying for Planning Permission for a 2 bedroom Dormer Bungalow at corner site, comprising at ground floor of living room, kitchen- dining, accessible bathroom and utility room and at first floor 2 Bedrooms and bathroom, partial removal and reinstatement of boundary wall to enable new site vehicular and pedestrian entrance and including all associated site works to facilitate the development, at corner side garden of 1 Floraville Lawn, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Planning Ref: PP091/15.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

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Gazette

28 gazette 29 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport tallaght picks up pace – and a winner: AT LEINSTER rugby’s recent marketing seminar for clubs, Tallaght’s Colin McKeown was announced as the October winner of the PRO of the Month competition. Tallaght has started to gain momentum recently in no small part because of McKeown’s work.

As a developing club, recruitment is Tallaght’s main aim this season and he has used Facebook, Twitter and the club’s website, which he developed himself),to increase interest within their community. They added substance to their online presence with face to face recruitment in The Square and at Tallaght Fest. This is already a success as kids taking up rugby in Tallaght continues to increase meaning they are now fielding new minis and youths teams as well as their men’s and women’s teams. Like many clubs, Tallaght have been taking advantage of the popularity of the Rugby World Cup to achieve new interest in their social media.

hockey: Ireland confirmed as 11th of 12 sides to qualify for Olympics

Rio place eases out the ‘hurt’  sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH men’s hockey coach Craig Fulton says that finally dealing with the “hurt” of missing out on London 2012 was pivotal in building the mental resolve of his side to mount their first successful Olympic qualifying campaign.

The Ballycullen resident was speaking after Ireland were confirmed as the 11th side of 12 to qualify for Rio 2016 early on Sunday morning courtesy of Australia’s 3-2 victory over New Zealand in the Oceania Cup final.

The continental championship offered a ticket to R io but

the Kookaburras had already qualified for the Games via the World League earlier in 2015.

As such, Ireland were the next best placed team on the world list and took the place after a stellar year. It will be the first time they have played in the Olympics since 1908.

Crucially, Ireland beat higher ranked Pakistan and Malaysia in Antwerp in July to finish fifth at World League Round 3, putting them on the shor tlist for Olympic spots.

T h e y f o l l owe d u p with a bronze medal at the European Championships, outdoing the world number four and

Irish men’s hockey coach Craig Fulton

to relive that lowest of moments.

“I knew I couldn’t go through another qualifying process without dealing with that whole situation,” he said. “It’s

cially as it was always going to be something you never want to discuss or talk about.

“It was all around the mental approach, executing in the key --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- moments. In terms of improving the mental side, you also need to be better conditioned.

We took this to another --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------level.” about failing forward, The newfound mental nents.

I n 2 01 2 , I r e l a n d taking the positives and toughness saw Ireland came within moments we found two or three cling to a 1-0 win over of reaching the Games things that we had to Pakistan in the face of a late onslaught and they only for Korea to snatch change. “ W h e n t h e g u y s put on similarly strong a crushing goal seven seconds from the final looked at it again, they fightbacks against the saw the lessons and not Belgians and English. whistle.

To avoid a repeat of t h e d i s a p p o i n t m e n t Despite those performthat loss to Korea, Ful- and hurt. That’s impor- ances, they had to wait ton said it was impor- tant because the hurt three months to finally tant to push his players doesn’t help us espe- get confirmation of five sides Belgium and England in the process. In each case, they came through in narrow clinches with a series of single goal wins over more illustrious oppo-

‘ I’m ecstatic, proud - it hasn’t really sunk in’ – Craig Fulton

their ticket to Rio. It meant realising a moment that Fulton had visualised many times in his tenure. “ I h ave p r o b a b l y thought about this day a thousand times, maybe more, in the last 18 months. Everything since taking the job has been geared towards this moment, making history and qualifying. “ I ’m e c s t a t i c a n d really proud but, at the same time, it hasn’t really sunk in.

“The enormity of it will build in the next eight or nine months, more people will find out what the team is about and can support the team.”

Eanna vanquish Saints to claim league’s sixth place  sport@dublingazette.com

Luke Thompson scored 21 points for the Dubliners

EANNA moved up to sixth place in the men’s basketball Premier League with a 93-86 win over DCU Saints.

Luke Thompson scored 21 points for the Dubliners who were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to SSE Airtricity Moycullen.

“You have to take the wins when you can because you’re going to run into some big teams,” said Eanna player coach Ciaran MacEvilly.

“A lot of teams struggle in

their first year at this level.

“We know it’ll take more than just throwing a bunch of plays together if we want to compete.”

UCD Marian pulled off an 81-73 at GCD Swords Thunder.

Thunder led by seven points at half time before Marian upped the tempo and the physicality in the second half.

“We were in control of the game in the first half, we just couldn’t pull away,” said losing coach Dave Baker. There were also wins for Pyrobel Killester and Templeogue.

DCU Mercy emerged unscathed from a busy weekend of women’s Premier League action.

Sarah Woods scored 26 points against Courtyard Liffey Celtics and was among the top scorers again as Mercy came from behind to Meteors.

“We’re strongest when we run the court,” said Woods. “Our speed really helped us especially against teams who try to slow the game down.”

Team Montenotte Hotel had to come from behind twice to maintain their unbeaten record

win wins over Maxol WIT Wildcats and Courtyard Liffey Celtics.

Head coach Mark Scannell said: “You learn a lot more from a tight game than you do from a 20 point win.

“We found a way to pull through without playing particularly well.”

Maxol WIT Wildcats did pick up a win from their second trip to Cork in 24 hours by beating Singleton SuperValu Brunell.

Portlaoise Panthers beat UL Huskies in Limerick for their first ever Premier League win.

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 29 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: hughes, jennings and caffrey called up by paul osam

Clondalkin bow out of All-Ireland at Bangor FOR the second year in succession Clondalkin travelled north of the Border for the first round of All-Ireland Junior Cup and, despite putting in a strong performance against high-flying Bangor RFC, they were to return home empty handed.

Qualification for the All-Ireland cup is based on last season’s strong finish to the league campaign and gives Junior clubs throughout the country an opportunity to play all-Ireland rugby.

Bangor are the form team in Ulster but, for the first 20 minutes, it was the Dublin men who were the team dominating with the assistance of a slight wind.

After 15 minutes, Clon won a kickable penalty which captain Brian “Bruiser” Doyle chose to run but Bangor scrambled their defence and managed to turn the ball over.

Clon were on top in both the lineout and scrum but failed to transfer this advantage onto the scoreboard. Bangor countered with a penalty, shortly followed by a try in the corner from a 5m scrum to go into the break with a slender 8-0 lead.

Bangor continued their momentum into the second half when their outhalf cut through to score to the right of the posts.

Clon were spurred back into action and strong ball carrying from Derek Glennon, Doyle and James Kenny made inroads into Bangor territory.

Ali Collier touched down after an excellent break down the right wing to get Clon onto the scoreboard, reducing the gap to 13-5.

However, this was as close as it got for Clon as, just six minutes later, Bangor’s outhalf brushed off some attempted tackles to score his second try, this time under the posts which extended their lead to 20-5.

Clon didn’t let their heads drop and James Kenny scored Clon’s second try from a forward’s drive after winning a lineout in the Bangor 22.

However, Bangor were too far ahead with time running out and they closed out the game with a penalty kick to leave the result 23-10.

On the balance of play Bangor were value for their win but Clon will rue the number of occasions when the final pass didn’t go to hand.

St Francis player Cian Hughes playing for the Republic of Ireland Under-15s in Listowel. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

St Francis trio in Irish side nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

N E W LY a p p o i n t e d Republic of Ireland U-16’s head coach Paul Osam announced his squad for the upcoming Victory Shield last week and three St Francis players made the cut.

Cian Hughes, James Jennings and Thomas Caffrey, all brought up and schooled on the pristine pitches of John Hyland Park will don the green jersey for the five-day tournament in November.

Speaking after his squad announcement, Osam revealed what he

is looking for in the tournament from his players. “I’m looking to learn about the players that we’ve selected this time around,” he said. “But all of the players who are eligible should know that it’s a long process and not just a squad for this tournament. It’s about working with the players so that we have a squad to hand over to Tom Mohan for the UEFA Under-17 qualifiers next season.

“It’s important that the boys understand the system and the philosophy set down by the association.

“We have given them a framework to play within

Speedgolf champion Former Rathcoole player wins unique world title a man who learned his trade on the fairways and greens of Beech Park Golf Club, Rathcoole has just been crowned World Speedgolf champion.

Rob Hogan, who grew up playing the course in Rathcoole as well as Woodbrook Golf Club in Bray, claimed the Speedgolf World Championship title after an almighty performance in Chicago last week, beating elite speedgolfers from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Canada and the UK to land the title.

but we can’t be too restrictive and we want them to express themselves when the time is right.

“We’ll look to bed that in over the three games.

It’s not about winning the Victory Shield although it’s always nice to win.

The goal for these players is to play in the UEFA Championships Qualifiers with Tom Mohan next season and this is part of that process,” added Osam.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers defender will see his side take on Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the reformed Victory Shield. Earlier

this year, England decided to pull out of the competition that used to play out over a series of months, making it a four-team competition, and the decision was made to pack all the action into one week, with this year’s edition taking place in Wales.

Hughes, Jennings and Caffrey are part of a Francis side who won back to back SFAI titles in 201314 under the guidance of Mark Connolly.

The side have gained plenty of plaudits for the style of football they have produced from a young age in Baldonnel.

Others players relatively local included

in the squad are Luke Nolan and Luke O’Brien.

Nolan is on the books at St Patrick’s Athletic while O’Brien is a Crumlin United man.

There is further local interest around this squad due to the fact that when Osam was announced as head coach early in December, he named Clondalkin local Mark Connors as his goalkeeping coach.

Connors began his coaching career at Liffey Valley Rangers, eventually becoming the club’s director of football before taking up his current post as Longford Town’s Under-19s head coach.

R1

29 October 2015 gazette 29

29 October 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

under-10 camogie

Clon youngsters get the best of Erin’s Isle

Club Noticeboard ST pat’s palmerstown

round Tower’s U-10s camogie side have

gone from strength to strength and were able to field two teams for the first time at a blitz last weekend.

Over the course of the day, they enjoyed fine performances against Erin’s Isle’s first and second teams while also taking on a Stars of Erin outfit in a series of five rapidfire matches with both panels playing in two and a half games, losing only one.

THE lotto numbers for this week

improve their hurling skills and all

were 12, 20, 24 and 30; there was no

are welcome.

winner so next week’s jackpot will be The draw takes place in the Palm-

ing at 10am; all born in 2007 and 2008

erstown House every Sunday night

welcome, just drop down and ask for

at 10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank

Conor or Emer.

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

hurling: mcdonagh hails superb team effort

The U-9 camogie and girls football training is on every Saturday morn-

€5,400.

Big well done to our senior camogie ladies in the championship semi-final;

Our new senior hurling/camogie

Peregrine’s had no chance against

sessions will continue in Glenaulin on

this fighting side in the semi-final on

Fridays at the earlier time of 4pm this

Sunday. They may have got the first

week; it’s open to U-14 up to minor to

score but Pat’s came back hard and

improve their hurling skills with sen-

heavy and battled for every ball.

ior hurlers taking the sessions.

Final schedule for next Sunday,

The juvenile camogie/hurling skills

November 1 is against Faughs at

sessions will also continue in Glenau-

3pm, venue to be confirmed (Parnells

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

GAA/O’Toole Park - TBC). Let’s get

up to U-12 players, great chance to

out there and support the girls.

lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who

weeks - €90; four weeks - €150 and six

sent in match reports this week-

weeks - €200. We are also appealing

end. Full details can be found on our

to club members who have their own

website www.lucansarsfields.ie with

businesses to consider taking up the

over 1,500 players in action in the last

sponsorship.

week across all four codes from age Our AGM will be held on November

of weeks you sign up for. It is an ideal

26 in the function room all members

way of gaining broad sponsorship in

are invited to attend.

the greater Lucan area while helping

Hard luck to our senior teams who The Round Tower side that completed their league success last Sunday

Division 9 in the bag for Tower’s hurlers

AHL division 9 St Finian’s 2-10 Round Tower, Clondalkin 1-17  sport@dublingazette.com

THE AHL9 title is heading to Clondalkin Village after Round Tower’s junior hurlers maintained their near-perfect league form this season and were crowned league champions last weekend.

Tower’s travelled to Ridgewood Park to take on St Finian’s on Sunday morning and left with a 1-17 to 2-10 victory and the league title was theirs.

Tower’s coach Fergal McDonagh spoke after the title was secured, first-

ly providing his thoughts on the win in north Dublin. “I think it was a good game,” he said. “St Finian’s had a team made up of mostly minor players so they were full of energy and were a strong team. Our backline was very impressive though, we brought out 17 players, and they all played their part, but I thought we were very impressive at the back, our half-back line, notably Simon Nevin and Martin Sheehan, were excellent.

“We were a point down at the break, with the score at 0-08 to 0-07.

But with the wind behind

us in the second half, we drove forward and hurled really well. There’s the old saying, that goals win games and, despite Finian’s getting more than us, the timing of our goal from Eoin Hutchinson was key. It came just at the right time and put us in the driving seat and we held on to the lead.”

Despite the league title being in the bag, Tower’s are still set to play one more fixture, against Round Tower Lusk. It may be viewed by many as a dead-rubber, and may not go ahead if Lusk offer a walkover due to there being nothing really left to

play for. But it would provide a chance for McDonagh’s men to be presented with their trophy pitchside to cap a season of 12 wins and one draw from 13 games.

But can they carry that form into AHL8 next season? “I’d be pretty confident we can do quite well next season,” he said. “I’d be targeting a top five finish for sure. It looks like we’ll get some senior players from this season who will be re-graded which will help us. We’ll probably lose some of our strong minors but we’ll look to blood in new young players.”

Business details are printed on the weekly lotto tickets for the number

7 to 40+.

the club to run its 70 teams or more.

exited the championship this week, in

We are very grateful to our loyal

particular the senior 1 camogie team

sponsors who have been so support-

who lost out by a single point in the

ive of this advertising scheme since it

final replay on Thursday.

began in 2001. Please contact Mary at

The senior footballers have a cru-

087 7469143 for further details.

cial game at home at 11am on Sunday.

Set dancing continues every

The club’s social calendar will have

Wednesday at 8.30pm in Lucan Sars-

a new addition in 2016. On Sunday,

fields GAA Club, all welcome.

January 17, we will host Lucan Sars-

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA club 25

fields Leopardstown Leaps at the

card drive continues in the clubhouse

racecourse. A four-course dinner

bar every Friday at 9pm sharp.

followed by a superb day of national

The club shop is open on Thursdays

hunt racing will set the scene for a

at 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays

great day’s fun. For further details,

from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

contact Eoin on 086 2734114.

Lucan District Credit Union GAA

The annual weekly lotto spon-

Academy at Lucan Sarsfields: 9.30am

sorship is now due for renewal. We

for camogie and girls football, 10am

are appealing to businesses in and

for boys football and hurling, for

around Lucan to sign up to this popu-

boys and girls born in 2009, 20010 and

lar advertising scheme.

2011at 12th Lock, Lucan.

The rates are: one week - €50; two

Contact Johnny at 085 1294102.



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

league success: Round Tower’s junior hurlers get over the line in league to crown epic season P31

oct 29 - nov 4, 2015

Hockey’s road to rio: Craig Fulton speaks about ending a 108-year wait P29

Referree Roy Kavanagh and some of the bruising on his leg following an incident at a DDSL game recently which is being investigated by the gardai

Shock attack on local ref All I do is referee because I have passion for the game and this is my only way of being involved in it, says Kavanagh

 nathan kelly

and Keith Bellew sport@dublingazette.com

GARDAI are investigating an alleged assault on a young referee at an Under-15s Dublin District Schoolboy League game recently.

Roy Kavanagh, aged 22 and from Palmerstown, was kicked in the leg and stomach while officiating at the match in Dublin on Saturday.

He took to Facebook that evening to provide details of the incident which took place earlier that day.

“Thanks for all the messages of concern.

I have bad bruising to the stomach and my hand is sore and some stud marks in the leg, but I’ll live.

“All I do is referee because I have passion for the game and this is my only way of being involved in it,” Kavanagh said.

He said he had been left “shocked”, “upset” and “shaken” by what happened, as the last thing he expected was to be attacked while fulfilling his duties as a referee. He said he now saw why so many young men were reluctant to take up the position.

“I just hope the authorities and the league can handle this the right way because nobody should have to put up with what I

put up with today. Thanks again for all the concerns I appreciate it.”

Kavanagh posted again on Sunday, along with pictures of the stud marks left on his body, and said that the incident would not deter him from refereeing.

“As everyone has said and encouraged me to do though, why should I let [this] stop me doing what I love to do? Off out to referee again today. Thanks to everyone for your messages and support it means a lot to me.”

DDSL chair Paddy Dempsey described the incident as the worst he had come across in all his years in schoolboy football.

He said an incident of this nature should never happen, and the league fully supported Kavanagh. He hoped the incident would not deter him from continuing to referee.

According to Dempsey, FAI rules dictate that, if a person is found guilty of attacking a referee, they can be suspended from schoolboy matches for a minimum of 12 months. But he added that there had been cases where people have been banned for between five and 10 years.

He added that the Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland, the organisation which governs the DDSL, was being kept up to date with the investigation.