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Tourism plans to put town at centre  ian begley

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Plans to develop Clondalkin as a “hub” for the Grand Canal were among several strategies proposed as part of the new South Dublin Tourism Strategy.

The primary goal for South Dublin’s tourism strategy, which was presented to local councillors on April 13, is to develop the infrastructure, attractions, and facilities of the county’s natural resources.

The Clondalkin Round Tower

Project is also one of the range of infrastructures included in this strategy, which is due for completion in July, 2016.

Clondalkin’s Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) said: “Clondalkin is between the N7 and the N4, so there are hundreds of thousands of tourists travelling close by every year, and staying in nearby hotels, and the Heritage Centre will be a great way of bringing them into the village.

Full Story on Page 2

Tea time: Hats off to a really good time at Joel’s restaurant SARAH donoghue takes a break from tea time to smile for the camera. She was one of the lucky attendants at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Joel’s restaurant at the Louis Fitzgerald

Hotel recently. Fun on the day included a DJ, facepainting with an array of games and prizes and of course a great selection of mad and colourful hats for all involved. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 16 April 2015

tourism strategy Developing county’s natural resources

Clondalkin could be hub for Grand Canal development  Ian Begley

Pl a n s t o d e ve l o p Clondalkin as a “hub” for the Grand Canal were among several strate-

gies proposed to create a mass of tourism and amenities as part of the new South Dublin tourism strategy.

The primary goal for

South Dublin’s tourism strateg y, which was presented to local councillors on April 13, is to develop the infrastructure, attractions, activities, and facilities of the county’s natural resources.

The village of Clondalkin will be developed as the hub of the Grand Canal in South Dublin by “bundling” together the Grand Canal with Clondalkin.

The key features of the Grand Canal Corridor/Clondalkin cluster include: recreational and tourism resources, a CityWest complex, attractions in museums, castles and iconic houses and other built heritage centres within Clondalkin and its surrounding areas.

According to the strategy’s report: “The Grand Canal is an important asset for South Dublin.

It has both natural and cultural heritage features that, with appropriate development and marketing, can provide for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

“To realise the potential for outdoor recreation and tourism, a range of interventions will be required including the creation of the necessary infrastructure, the provision of facilities, the clustering of activities in the form of trails and touring routes.”

The Clondalkin Round Tower Project is one of the range of infrastructures included in this strategy, which is due for completion in July, 2016.

The report stated: “To capitalise on this important historic landmark, and better cater for the needs of visitors, plans are at an advanced stage for the development of the Clondalkin Round Tower project. T his council-led project will incorporate three houses adjacent to the Round Tower, and will include a range of facilities and services.”

Welcoming this news, Clondalkin TD Robert Dowds (Lab) said: “When I first brought the Round Tower Heritage Group together to work on the Heritage Centre and the Monastic Garden, it was very much with the idea of attracting tourists to Clondalkin which would help create jobs.

“Clondalkin is between the N7 and the N4, so there are hundreds of thousands of tourists travelling close by every year, and staying in nearby hotels, and the Heritage Centre will be a great way of bringing them into the village, which will help create jobs.

“We have a lot of attractions in our area, which to be honest have not been sold properly in

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Clondalkin TD Robert Dowds welcomed the marketing strategy from the council to promote local attractions

the past, so I’m delighted to see this marketing strategy from the council to sort that out.”

Aras Chronain, the Irish cultural centre in Clondalkin, was also recognised as having potential to play an important role in the development of cultural tourism in South Dublin.

According to the report, the centre can contribute to tourism in

two ways: first, as a key driver and focus of the proposed Failte Programme; and, secondly, through a programme of traditional music, singing and dancing at the new Round Tower Centre with musicians to be sourced by Aras Chronain.

The development of a “Clondalkin looped trail” was also pro posed to enhance and

improve visitor and resident access around Clondalkin. This trail will be from the entrance of Corkagh Park into Clondalkin Park and on towards the Grand Canal, back to the Round Tower and down Ninth Lock Road.

A digital copy of the South Dublin Tourism Strategy is available on the council’s website at www.sdcc.ie/services.

16 April 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

elections

festival: showcasing talents and creativity of older artists

Local rep to run for Dail seat

Bealtaine brings plenty for free  Ian Begley

Now in its 20th year, Bealtaine, the festival celebrating creativity in older people, is returning in May with a wide number of free events. With an estimated 120,000 people taking part in Bealtaine nationwide, it makes the event one of Ireland’s biggest arts festivals. From dance to cinema, painting to theatre, Bealtaine showcases the talents and creativity of both firsttime and professional older artists.

Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age and Opportunity, the national organisation working to promote greater participation by older people in society.

According to festival

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organisers: “It is a chance for people to make new and challenging work, a chance to communicate traditions between the generations. It is a chance for the novice to discover a talent until then unseen and a chance for a longdormant skill to find a new outlet.”

The council has organised a number of events during the month of May. Some of these include crafts, computer classes, horticultural workshops, walking and ballroom dancing.

Chief executive for the council Danny McLoughlin said: “We believe that the month of May belongs to the Bealtaine festival, celebrating creativity as we age.

“In south Dublin County the number of people aged 65 and over is 23,053 and is rising. Our aging population offers both challenges and opportunities to south Dublin County. In the council we have developed useful links and working relationships between our partner agencies and services providers.

“We have established the Age Friendly County Alliance and Tus Nua Older Persons Forum. It raises more awareness of issues affecting older persons and allows us to put the necessary structures in place to address this.”

Applications forms and a programme of events can be downloaded from www.sdcc.ie .

Time slipping away: A-peeling to parents to sign up for summer camp these talented youngsters, with the help of their new friend Freddy Fyffes, were singing the praises for Starcamp’s launch of their summer camp programme recently. The children’s national performing arts network wish to remind parents that places are filling up quickly and anyone interested can obtain further details on the website www.starcamp.ie

CLLR Francis Timmons (Ind) has announced that he will run in the next General Election with hopes to represent Dublin Mid-West in the Dail.

Gaining a seat for Clondalkin at the local elections last year, Cllr Timmons told The Gazette: “We need to leave future generations a better legacy.

“A legacy that doesn’t include forced emigration and unemployment.

A legacy that provides for a living wage instead of a minimum wage. We need to really question what kind of Ireland we want going forward.

“Dublin Mid-West must get its share. Dublin Mid-West must have full honest, accountable and upfront representation.”

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 16 April 2015

don’sdublin

courts ‘Kicking like a wild animal’

The story of Hugh Lane and his unique modern art gallery The Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, usually referred to as the Hugh Lane, is unique in that it is the first known public gallery for modern art anywhere in the world. This is due to the work of Hugh Lane who was a successful London art dealer and collector. He had a particular passion for works of the Impressionists, and there are a number of fine paintings by such artists as Renoir, Pissarro and Manet on show.

Lane was born in Cork in 1875 and spent most of his early life in Cornwall. He was familiar with Irish art which he praised and promoted. As such, he decided that Ireland needed a gallery to show these works and he opened the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art in January 1908.

It was set up in temporary premises on Harcourt Street, and Lane hoped Dublin Corporation would take over the running of the gallery. This, however, did not happen, as the corporation was uncertain about the financial viability of such an enterprise.

Sadly, Lane was among almost 1,200 who died when the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed on May 7, 1915 off his native Cork, and never lived to see “his” gallery.

Following his untimely death, many years were spent arguing about the 39 paintings in the Lane Bequest.

It was not until 1959, more than 40 years after Lane’s death, that a deal was struck between the Irish and British governments for the custodianship of the paintings. Half of the paintings would be shown in Dublin every five years, but this arrangement was altered in 1993 whereby 31 of the paintings would stay in Dublin.

Charlemont House (the former townhouse of James Caulfield, owner of the Casino at Marino) was opened as the permanent location for the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, and it is now one of the city’s favourite galleries.

In the Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan said: “Gardai have experience in dealing with difficult

Don Cameron

people but [Murphy] was not just drunk, he was also violent and aggressive.”

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Man is jailed for headbutting garda A Dublin man who headbutted a garda while resisting arrest for a public order offence has been sentenced to two-and-a-half-years in prison.

David Murphy (25) of Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting Garda Dara Kelly during the course of his duties in Rathfarnham on March 1, 2014.

Murphy has four previous convictions for violent behaviour in a Garda station and a previous conviction for assault. He has 30 other previous convictions for various offences.

Gda Kelly was later treated in Tallaght Hospital for soft tissue damage to the left side of his jaw and other cuts and bruises. He had restricted movement of his jaw

for four days and took 10 days off work.

A victim impact report was handed into court but not read out.

Judge Martin Nolan said Murphy behaved disgracefully: “Gardai have a difficult task. They have experience in dealing with difficult people but he [Murphy] was not just drunk, he was also violent and aggressive,” the judge said, before he noted Murphy’s past convictions of violence towards gardai.

He sentenced Murphy to two-and-a-half-years in prison but suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions.

Sergeant Brian Flynn told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that gardai were called to a GAA club in Templeogue after a fight at a party.

They spotted Murphy and another man

forcing their way out of a fire escape door and followed them after the pair refused to stop when ordered to do so.

Gardai later stopped the men coming out of the garden of a house but Murphy became aggressive when they went to arrest him.

Sgt Flynn said Gda Kelly and his colleague managed to put the men into the back of the patrol car but that en route to the station Murphy violently lunged at Gda Kelly forcing him to stop the vehicle While Gda Kelly tried to restrain both men, his colleague, who had also been bitten during the struggle, was kicked in the face.

T he officers radioed for assistance and attempts were made to move Murphy into a patrol van.

Gda Kelly described Murphy as “lunging and kicking like a wild animal”.

At one stage he succeeded in head-butting the officer after making numerous attempts to do so.

Sgt Flynn said Murphy was eventually restrained after another officer struck him with a baton.

Leo Mulrooney BL defending, said his client had since completed an alcohol awareness programme and secured employment.

He said he had not come to Garda attention since and had made positive steps to reducing his risk of re-offending.

Mr Mulrooney told Judge Nolan his client was ashamed of his behaviour and wished to offer his apologies to both gardai.

16 April 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

north clondalkin ‘People need to realise that this is futile behaviour’

Calls made for an end to republican graffiti  Ian Begley

R e ports o f a r i s e i n republican graffiti in North Clondalkin has caused frustration with local residents in recent weeks with calls for those involved to stop.

Nuisance Clondalkin Cllr Jonathan Graham (SF) claims there

has been a vast increase in the levels of political graffiti cropping up in the area, saying that “people need to realise that this is futile behaviour and serves only as nuisance to residents and the council alike”.

“As a republican and a community activist I am not represented by this.

“This will not achieve my

utility: 39,000 bills first of 1.5 million

Groups set to continue Irish Water veto

 Ian Begley

AS the first batch of Irish Water bills is being delivered to homes across the country, protest groups in Dublin Mid-West are encouraging residents to boycott them at regular public meetings.

About 39,000 bills issued at the beginning of this month were among the first of 1.5 million quarterly bills to be delivered over the next eight weeks.

Irish Water has been metering water usage since January, and now the utility company has begun to charge its customers for that water consumption.

Founding member of the Clondalkin Meter Watch Georgina O’Halloran told The Gazette that the group is holding a public burning of the bills on April 21 at 7.30pm She said: “Now that the bills are coming into people’s doors we decided we would have to do something. The public burning will take place outside the council offices in Clondalkin and even if people don’t have their bills on hand they can bring other stuff that they received from Irish Water.

We have to keep the pres-

sure on Irish Water, showing them that there still is a huge reluctance from residents to conform to the charges.”

Cllr Ruth Nolan (PBP), from Lucan Water Meter Watch, said they were now beginning to hold regular public outdoor meetings across Lucan and Palmerstown.

She said: “We’re hitting many estates around Lucan and Palmerstown now that the bills are coming in people’s doors.

People seem to be standing firm and are adamant that they don’t want to pay.”

A spokesperson from Irish Water told The Gazette: “As all bills are capped until the end of 2018, those who do not have meters will receive the same bills as everyone else. If they have validated their information with Irish Water the bill will reflect the size of their household. If they have not, they will receive the ‘default’ bill based on a two-adult household.”

Irish Water added that anyone with queries in relation to inaccuracies on their bills can contact them on 1890 448 448.

Visit the Clondalkin and Lucan Water Meter Watch pages for more information and updates.

objectives nor those of these individuals either.

“They need to realise it is a waste of council money and that the resources can be better utilised,” he said.

Rise Brian Dunne, chairperson of North Clondalkin Tidy Towns told The Gazette that he noticed a rise in repub-

lican graffiti on the wall of St Ronans estate, along the Neilstown Road.

He said: “I’ve seen cases of it appearing all over the wall up there.

“You see CIR A, INLA, RIRA and IRA, but I feel like it’s only a couple of individuals doing it who are out to cause trouble.

“We normally would just

paint over graffiti, but it’s hard at times because we just don’t have enough bodies to tackle this issue altogether.”

Pat O’Sullivan of Clondalkin Tidy Towns, the group responsible for cleaning Clondalkin Village and its surrounding areas, said that he didn’t hear of any cases of republican graffiti in

Clondalkin, but said there’s been a rise in general graffiti around the village.

“We had people over the weekend painting over graffiti in the village, but it seems to be a constant battle - it’s not an easy job,” he said.

Visit the North Clondalkin and the Clondalkin Tidy Towns Facebook pages to find out how to get involved.

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 16 April 2015

primary care Lynch thanked for championing under-fives and over-70s

Up to 7,000 local children to get free GP care

 ian begley news@gazettegroup.com

AT LEAST 7,000 children aged five and under in Lucan, Clondalkin and Palmerstown will be entitled to access free GP care from the end of June.

This follows the agreement

FastNews

Pupils’ YouTube video to help the environment ENVIRONMENTALLY savvy students from Collinstown Park Community College have created a YouTube music video to generate awareness of illegal dumping.

Only We Can Change it All shows students sing and play musical instruments in an attempt to change people’s attitudes to illegal dumping.

The video was made as part of The Pure Music Environmental Training Programme, an initiative of the Pure (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) Project. For more information on the project, visit www.pureproject.ie

The Music Generation is growing older MORE than 1,000 children and young people in Dublin Mid-West are participating in a variety of county-based music programmes. Plans to expand the number of secondary school students taking part are under way.

Music Generation South Dublin has focused on promoting music initiatives in primary schools, but the appointment of Avril Crotty as music development manager, will see this extended to post-primary schools.

Visit www.sdublincoco.ie for more information.

on free GP services reached recently between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation, which represents a number of GPs. Local people aged over 70 who still pay to visit their GP will also now be entitled to the

free service.

Dublin Mid-West TD Robert Dowds (Lab) has welcomed the announcement of the agreement.

He said: “This is a major step forward that will deliver huge savings for local families and pensioners, and help promote health and

well-being throughout the county.

“Confirmation that an agreement has been reached by all sides is a major breakthrough which will make a massive difference to the lives of the youngest and the oldest in our local community.

“We expect the service to begin from the end of June.

“Making healthcare more affordable has long been an objective of the Labour Party in Government, and underlines out commitment to enhancing primary care.

“I want to thank Minister for Primary Care Kathleen

Lynch for her tenacity in pursuing this project despite the many barriers she faced along the way.

“It now means that every child aged five and under, and persons aged over 70 in the country, will shortly have access to free GP services.”

may day: NBRU members fix date for action and two-hour protest march

Bus drivers get set to strike over privatisation  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

and Ian Begley

DUBLIN Bus and Bus Eireann drivers plan to hold a strike on May 1 following a recent ballot of NBRU members over the tendering of 10% of routes to private contractors.

This week 93% of SIPTU bus drivers also voted for industrial action; the NBRU says 92% of their members did likewise.

Affected local bus routes are in Lucan, Palmerstown (Old Lucan Road), Clondalkin and Tallaght. The bus numbers are 18, 76, and the 76a.

No date has been decided on for the SIPTU strike but the NBRU is calling on its sister trade union to join forces in its protest which will be held on May 1, International Workers’ Day. The strike will include a twohour protest march to the Dail and similar marches across the country.

According to Dermot O’Leary, NBRU general secretary, there could be up to 1,700 bus workers marching in Dublin alone on the day. “[The number] is hard to gauge now, but we represent 1,500 to 1,700 in the Dublin area alone,” he said.

On April 10, SIPTU balloted members after a breakdown in negotiations between it, the NBRU (National Bus and Railworkers Union), bus companies and the National Transport Authority at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

NBRU president John Moloney has written to SIPTU’s Owen Reidy, the union’s utilities and construction division organiser, saying: “This first day of action is designed to (a) highlight the concerns of bus workers in relation to what both unions contend is a flawed policy and (b) encourage the Government to take a central role in addressing our concerns.”

Reidy told The Gazette, however: “We’re not too sure what the NBRU are planning. There’s talk of a march and a two-hour stoppage and our only concern about that is we don’t think that would be enough to try and persuade both bus companies to do what they need to do and to persuade the Department of Transport to give us the answers we need, so that might be a kind of modest approach.”

SIPTU has now given the Department of Trans-

A Dublin Bus spokesperson “strongly” urged unions “not to take any action that could have a negative impact on customers”. Picture: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

port, Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann until April 24 to commit to enter talks with them.

If those talks fail to materialise, he said: “…

Then we’ll have to decide what kind of action we might take on April 24.”

An NTA spokesperson

said the authority was disappointed that the trade unions had “chosen to take this action following their withdrawal from ongoing talks at the LRC. Public transport customers will be greatly inconvenienced as a result”.

Reacting to the NBRU’s

announcement, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “It is my strong belief that such taxpayer support for improved bus services should be given in conjunction with a degree of competition and I am committed to the tendering of 10% of bus routes

being implemented by the National Transport Authority.”

A Dublin Bus spokesperson “strongly” urged both the NBRU and SIPTU “not to take any action that could have a negative impact on customers”.

16 April 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

debt Fall ‘shows local authority is doing a good job, but more needs to be done’

Council owed €22m in unpaid levies  ian begley

SOUTH Dublin County Council is now owed almost €22m in outstanding development levies up to 2014, according to figures seen by The Gazette.

At the end of 2012, the local authority was owed €28.8m; in 2010 the sum was €37m. The lowest amount in recent years was €20.4m in 2013.

The decrease in money owed is due to levies being collected and not written off, according to the council. The €21.8m is the cumulative amount SDCC is now owed.

A council spokesperson said: “While we have

a bad debt provision in respect of development levies, we did not write off any levies. We deem all outstanding development levies collectable and pursue them actively.

“The total amount due is the figure for 2014 end of year of €21.8m. There are no arrears as such.

We enter into phasing agreements with developers who pay levies in accordance with residential/commercial units they build.

“We consider the figure of €21.8m collectable over the duration of the planning permissions it covers.”

Independent council-

lor Gus O’Connell (Ind) says the levy decrease in recent years showed the council was doing a good job, but that more needed to be done.

He said: “What we generally try to do is to keep pressure on [developers] to pay the monies owed.

“Other than that, council management assure us that they are doing everything they can to get the levies in, but there’s still a huge amount of money outstanding.

“I would prefer to see more levies paid up front. The unfortunate thing is that at the end of the day local people

are suffering who are depending on facilities to be delivered through these levies,” he said.

In a similar vein, Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) told the Gazette that these development levies should go towards improving services and establishing amenities in Clondalkin.

“While residents pay levies, we also expect this money to go into local services. Residents feel they are not getting value for these levies, they are going into a black hole rather than local services. This money should be going into the local area, transport, litter picking, environment, parks and

At the end of 2012, the local authority was owed €28.8m; in 2010 the sum was €37m

so on, whereas residents are seeing more cuts in these areas but are still paying the levies.”

In 2013, South Dublin County Council voted to reduce development levies in a bid to boost the flagging construc-

tion sector with calls for a reduction of 26% on levies.

The scheme agreed a levy on non-residential development of €81.65 per square metre, reduced from the previous rate of €111, repre-

senting the reversal of a previous 2009 increase in the levy.

The scheme also agreed a levy on residential development of €88.27 per square metre, reduced from the rate of €120.

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 16 April 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Jean Regan

Susan Cole and Trish Pasley. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter Sean Regan

Sam Rynhart, rector Scott Peoples and Eleanor Phiri

Breeda De Vries with son, Darragh

Liz Pratt with son, Dylan

cancer society: a daffodil Coffee Morning

Flower power does the job for charity

T

he Church of Ireland Parish centre in Lucan Village recently hosted a Daffodil Coffee Morn-

ing.

The event has been held at the

Main Street venue in Lucan for 20 years. This year more than â‚Ź1,200 was raised for the Irish Cancer Society, as local people turned out in large numbers to support the event

between 10am and 1pm. The event was one of hundreds that took place across Ireland on Daffodil Day, March 27, to raise awareness and funds for the cancer charity.

Sandra Lynch with son, Senan

16 April 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

gazetteGALLERY

Aine O’Brien

Michael and Maria Miley

Members from the London–based Irish feminist group, Speaking of IMELDA with local pro–choice activists coordinated an action in which women chained themselves to pillars outside the GPO. Pictures: James Martin

commemoration: Rewinding the clock to 1915

It’s Rising time

T

ens of thousands took to O’Connell Street on Easter Monday to help make The Road to the Rising event come alive.

As part of its Easter Rising commemorations, the public were invited to step back in time to 1915 for the RTE Rising commemoration. Actors helped to recreate a wedding

and funeral from the period, while a restored open-front tram served as a platform for readings and performances. The event takes place a year before the centenary of the Easter Rising, with the idea being to set the scene for next year’s commemorations.

See more on Page 10

Bean Holland and Will Flanagan from Realta

10 gazette 16 April 2015

gazetteGALLERY commemoration: Rewinding the clock to 1915

It’s Rising time Philip Smithers

Fionnuala Ni Chasaide and Cris Ni Choisdealbha

Simon Benson with Laoise and Francis Cahill

Layla and Noor Wright

Emma O’Driscoll

Mary Browne

John Shevlin (James Joyce lookalike)

Maria Nolan

16 April 2015 Gazette 11

business P16

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

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day in the life: it’s a little steak and eggs before mentalist’s busy day

what’son

No such thing as an average day for Barry

Best New Play at the draiocht:

 ian begley

Irish hypnotist, mentalist and actor Keith Barry has a career that’s certainly unconventional to say the least.

Amazing his audiences around the world with various illusions and mental feats has given him a reputation that makes him stand out among the many others who have attempted to mirror his craft.

This week, The Gazette caught up with the 38year-old Waterford native to see what his day-to-day life entails.

“There is no such thing as an average day for me.

Recently for over the past four months, I would get up every day at 6am

while working on the second season of Now You See Me in London and wouldn’t get home until midnight.

“At the moment, I get up at 8am and for breakfast I’d usually have steak and eggs because I’m currently working out a lot.

“I train a lot in town and have got a personal trainer who pushes me to the limit and knocks the shit out of me, to be honest.

“I change my training style depending on what stunts I do. Before Christmas, I was performing at the Waterford Christmas festival where I did a 100ft suspended straightjacket so I had to build up my back strength and increase my lung capac-

ity.

“In the States, I did a stunt where I got tased and had 50,000 volts going through my system.

I had a whole concept of challenging a cop where I said that I could hack into his brain while tasing me at the same time.

He thought of a word and I had to think of what it was while being shot with 50,000 volts.”

When he’s not performing life endangering stunts or hacking into people’s minds, Barry said that fishing is a huge hobby of his.

“Next week, I’ll be fishing in the River Lee in Cork and, during the summer, I’ve got a charter boat booked at Ross’ Point in Sligo, which

Keith Barry: “Next week, I’ll be fishing in the River Lee in Cork”

I’m really looking forward to.

“I’m also a huge bookworm. When I get home I love to indulge in psychology, hypnosis and magic books. Often I’d go on Amazon and buy about 30 books at a time.

“To unwind in the eve-

nings and when I want some downtime I like to sit down with the wife and watch shows on Netflix like Breaking Bad or The Shield.

“I’m not a big sleeper and wouldn’t get to bed until around 2am even when I have to be up

bright and early the next day.”

Barry’s new live show Out of Control will take place around Ireland this October with tickets starting at €30.

For more information, visit www.keithbarry. com

Rise Productions smash hit, The Games People Play, will be performed at Draiocht Blanchardstown.

Written by Gavin Kostick, directed by Bryan Burroughs and starring Aonghus Og McNally and Lorna Quinn, it was named Best New Play at the Irish Times Theatre Awards and was a sell-out success at Dublin Fringe Festival.

The story, which is a modern take on the tale of Tir na nOg sees Niamh and Oisin living the modern suburban dream with a nice house, comfortable lifestyle, and kids.

However they soon realise that everything they ever dreamed of still isn’t enough?

The Irish Theatre Magazine gave it a four star rating and described it as: “Riveting... both a timeless story about two people lost inside a marriage, and a very contemporary Irish horror story.”

For booking’s call 01-8852622 or visit draiocht.ie.

For more information on the show visit www.riseproductionsireland.com.

Gazette

12 Gazette 16 April 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

Thousands sing to prove they have X Factor Last week, Croke Park, better known for GAA matches or even the odd concert, groaned under the weight of thousands of hopefuls who turned up to audition for the X Factor.

Croke Park held two days of auditions for X Factor on April 8 and 9 and also went around to smaller towns in Ireland with their mobile audition van.

If you did not get a chance to sing your little heart out for the judges at Croker, never fear: you can audition online at www.application.xfactor.ie.

This year’s X Factor judges are once again Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Mel B. However, host Dermot O’Leary will not be returning to the show.

Cowell tweeted: “Dermot has been an amazing presenter on the X Factor… He held the craziness together. Most of the time. He is a great guy and a real talent.”

confetti ‘made out of lies’

LocalMatters S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss

A d v e r t i s e w i t h t h e G a z e tt e c a l l 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

A Dublin stationer has come up with a festive way to tackle homophobia and support the Yes Equality campaign which advocates a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum in May. Daintree Papers is currently selling wedding confetti made from shredded leaflets containing what they deem to be homophobic propaganda and are donating all of the proceeds to the Yes Equal-

Simon Cowell has been confirmed as a judge on this year’s X Factor

ity campaign as part of a project they are calling Shred of Decency.

They are currently collecting flyers which according to them contain “lies” along with online posts which they are printing and shredding.

They are inviting people who find any such material online to tweet it using #ShredThisTweet which they will then print and shred.

“At Daintree, paper is our favourite thing in the whole world.

“So when paper was used to spread some ugly lies in the run-up to the marriage equality referendum we weren’t one bit happy,” said the proprietors of the shop.

develop your storytelling Irish folklore enthusiasts have an opportunity to immerse themselves in 6,000 years of the storytelling tradition with a course at the National Leprechaun Museum

on Jervis Street.

The next course runs from April 21 and classes run weekly on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm at the museum, including a live storytelling showcase on the final night; with a chance for participants to entertain family and friends with their new skill.

The art of the seanachie and tales like Cuchulainn, the Tain Bo Cuailgne and Deirdre of the Sorrows are famous throughout the world.

I n t h i s s i x- w e e k course, par ticipants will delve into the background of some wellknown Irish legends, learn how to deliver a story with confidence and style and adapt their skills for different audiences Places are limited so those interested in taking part or seeking more information can contact 01 873 3899 or email rainbow@leprechaunmuseum.ie.

16 April 2015 Gazette 13

14 Gazette 16 April 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Another magic role for Rickman

FEATURE

film: from hans gruber to professor snape, one actor defines superb characters

 keith bellew

HOLLYWOOD heavyweight Alan Rickman graced our shores this year for the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, where he premiered his latest film, A Little Chaos.

The event was held at Cineworld in Parnell Street on Saturday, April 25 and was attended by the BAFTA award winner, along with the film’s writer, Dublin-born Ali-

son Deegan, and Dublin actress Cathy Belton.

Set in 17th century France, the film – Rickman’s first directorial role in film since The Winter Guest in 1997 – follows a female landscapegardener played by Kate Winslet, who must construct the grand gardens at Versailles.

Her botanical responsibilities see her thrust into all the intrigues and drama of the infamous court of King Louis XIV

(Rickman). Belton plays the part of Winslet’s handmaiden.

Perfect

The script was written 17 years ago, but was only made last year. Having written the screenplay, Deegan decided that Rickman would be the perfect person to bring her story to life.

However, he had just been confirmed in the role of Professor Snape in Harry Potter. He agreed

to take the commission to direct A Little Chaos, as he didn’t think that Potter role would last long!

Although Rickman had not directed a film since 1997, he has directed on stage regularly throughout the 18-year interval.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said: “I have been directing in the theatre quite a bit so it’s the same job really, just with more support in film. It was exciting, and I was surrounded by a great crew and great actors so, like I said, when you make a movie you’ve got incredible support.”

Rickman played Eamon De Valera in the 1996 film Michael Collins, and with his role as Louis XIV in A Little Chaos, when asked what it is like playing the parts of such important historical figures, he said:

Alan Rickman: “You learn not to judge these characters [like King Louis XIV]; they’re very iconic, and you have to find out what makes them human”

“I had played Rasputin before that, and you learn not to judge these characters; they’re very iconic, and you have to find out what makes them human.

“It’s incredibly interesting to find out the isolation of somebody like that [Louis XIV], it’s a bit self-imposed in a way, but he didn’t ask to be

A journey through dance Lastweek Ballet Ireland performed a new dance piece choreographed by the renowned Ludovic Ondiviela at the Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar. The production is called A Journey Through Dance: Tutus and Beyond and the show is currently touring around Ireland but will make a return to Dublin later this month.

Ballet Ireland’s national tour of A Journey Through Dance: Tutus and Beyond, takes in three centuries of dance, from traditional classical ballet to striking contemporary work.

The new work, Tutus and Beyond, was cre-

ated for the company

by Royal Ballet dancerturned-choreographer Ondiviela.

Ondiviela trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and danced with the Royal Ballet for 11 years before retiring in 2014 to dedicate himself to choreography.

Ballet Ireland’s Tutus and Beyond comes to the Civic Theatre, Tallaght on April 24 and 25 and tickets, costing €20 or €16 for concessions, are available by calling 01 462 7477. The show comes to Draiocht in Blanchardstown on April 29 and tickets are available by booking on 01 8852622 or at www. draiocht.ie.

Louis XIV, he wakes up and finds himself as that.

‘Louis XIV’ – they’re very big words.

“They’ve had a huge impact on history, and attitudes to class, and they’re a lot of the things that Alison picks up on [in her film] – that it’s a maledominated world where women were decorative objects only.”

Also speaking to The Gazette, the film’s writer, Alison Deegan, said she was “wonderfully happy” with how the film turned out, and that Rickman had done a great job.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic process, I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m so glad – I had the best person in the world for it.”

16 April 2015 Gazette 15

C o m m e r c i a l F e at u r e

STYLE Next Bug jeans €1

3

Next C rocodil

Nex

er €10 e jump

t Lem ress rint d

on p €38

Heatons Mon key tee

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fab offerings this week, with colourful prints and some furry friendly animals sure to delight.

Next’s children’s department is newly renovated and customers can shop the new collections with more choice and more space.

As regards Gap Outlet, they carry their own unique ranges for kids with all the great quality, style and fit you expect from GAP at outlet prices.

ley 0 Ash €3 ra nny Lau tty Bu He

FROM fab frocks to jewelled jeans and everything in between, Westend Shopping Park has lots to offer our little people.

Located in Blanchardstown, it’s a one-stop-shop for children with Next, Laura Ashley, Heatons and many more providing much in the way of clothing, while Argos and Chad Valley are a real boon when it comes to picking up a present for junior (or his sister).

Check out a selection of their

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Gap Outlet Jacket €24.40; Tee €13.90; Trousers €17.40; Sandals €17.40 Chad Valley 1,000 piece craft trunk €17.49

Gazette

16 Gazette 16 April 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business €1m partnership boost at DCU campus U S - BA S E D t e s t i n g company Prometric has announced a three-year partnership with Dublin City University (DCU) valued at almost €1m.

The company, which provides test development solutions for companies in terms of their

entrance examinations for employees, has invested more than €75m in Ireland over 10 years of operation.

The partnership with DCU will see the establishment of DCU’s Centre for Assessment Research in Education (CARE),

which aims to influence and improve Ireland’s education system.

The partnership will support the development of test types to better assess the preparedness of Irish students at all levels of education, in the areas of critical thinking and

skills assessment, in addition to knowledge recall.

The research conducted through CARE is expected to influence Irish education and strengthen Ireland’s workforce.

Three jobs will be created at the DCU campus with the partnership.

enterprise: continued growth at tech centre

More small Encouraging healthy firms plug steps to change a life into The Digital Hub marie healy, your way in, blackrock

MARIE Healy is owner of Your Way In – a weight-loss and healthy nutrition clinic which she opened last November in Blackrock, her home for the past 24 years, where she lives with her two daughters and partner.

Before opening her own clinic, Healy worked for Dr Eva Orsmond as her personal assistant, and subHow long have you been in business?

For just over five months, since the beginning of November 2014.

What makes your business successful?

From experience, having worked until recently in a similar field, I have put together a team of nutritionists who together with their experience, qualifications and sheer passion for health and nutrition know exactly what the client requires, and can design a plan suitable for their specific needs.

We offer professional weight-loss advice and support to those who really need to change their health for the better. To date, our results speak for themselves.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We have an easy-to-follow, no-gimmicks approach to healthy eating. We offer tailor-made programmes with nutritionally sound, professional weight-loss advice and support to our clients and because we believe that healthy eating and physical activity go hand in hand, comprising 80% diet and 20% exercise, we also offer weekly fitness classes, including Zumba and pilates, in our fitness studio. For those who wish to extend their healthy lifestyle, I offer organic treatments in my beauty salon, also at the clinic.

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your

sequently managed Dr Eva’s five weight-loss Orsmond Clinics, where she gained an immense amount of experience in weight management.

Based on her experience, Healy believes her easy-to-follow approach to healthy eating involving only natural, real food is the most successful route to weight loss and health. business?

Some health insurance companies currently offer cover for clients to attend nutritional therapists, but not all. I think that all health insurance policies should include cover for nutritional consultations.

Not only would the insurance companies benefit from having healthier people on their books, but there would be fewer incidences of serious diseases, such as type II diabetes, heart disease etc, which could only have a positive effect on the already over-burdened hospitals.

How has the recession affected your business?

As we are a new business, we haven’t experienced a downturn.

From the outset it was always in our plans to make available payment plans and special offers as much as possible in an effort to support clients who really need and want to change their health for the better.

What is your ambition for the business?

I am working hard to get our name out there and I am hoping that my business will grow from strength to strength because I want my clinic to be known as the place where people who are struggling with health and weight issues can come for help and support.

I have seen first-hand how easily some of these issues can be remedied through food choices. I get great satisfaction from seeing how small changes can be life-changing.

EIGHT small but growing businesses have joined the Digital Hub at Roe Lane, Dublin 8 since the start of 2015.

These new companies will join close to 90 digital enterprises already operating at The Digital Hub, which caters for growing technology companies.

The new companies collectively employ 17 people. Those that joined include Base2Digital (a multi-disciplinary digital marketing agency); Castle Direct (an online marketing system designer); Imprez (Ireland’s only company which focuses solely on Prezi web-based presentation application training and design); and Legion (a technology company that designs and develops innovative digital solutions).

Other new businesses are My Beatz (an online music community where artists can connect and share their music); NumberGroup (a company that provides telecom services to SME businesses all across the world);

Statwolf (a new in-house data finding expert) and Tyndall National Institute (an information and communications technology research centre).

Gerry Macken, chief executive officer, The Digital HubGerry Macken, chief executive, The Digital Hub said: “We were delighted to welcome eight new companies in what has proved to be a very busy first quarter.

“There are now almost 650 people working in companies based at The Digital Hub, making us the largest cluster of digital media, technology and internet businesses in Ireland.”

Ian Nunoo, founder and director, Base2Digital, said he chose the Digital Hub for the company as it is very much a collaborative, creative and supportive environment.

He said: “We are proud to call The Digital Hub our home. As a digital company, we were impressed with the success of the initiative they have launched to promote digital [enter-

Gerry Macken, chief executive officer, The Digital Hub

prises] across Dublin and Ireland.

“Our move comes at a very interesting time for the company. We anticipate that there will be continued growth in our portfolio over the rest of the year as the ever increasing importance of digital marketing becomes more prominent in Ireland.”

Discussing the company’s recent move, Niall Dennehy, co-founder, Imprez, said: “We chose The Digital Hub for many reasons – we wanted to be surrounded by dynamic companies and individuals for inspiration and

invaluable networking opportunities, and we desired modern offices that offered us quick and easy access to state-ofthe-art training rooms.”

He went on to say that, as a growing company that aims to become recognised as a global leader in Prezi training and design, they need to be based in an environment which really fosters innovation and creativity.

“The Digital Hub certainly provides that,” he said.

For further information on The Digital Hub, see www.thedigitalhub.com.

16 April 2015 Gazette 17

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

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Gazette

style P18

Pets Tighe will tug on your heartstrings

Dublin Greek Film Festival organisers Kiki Konstantinidou and Aleksandra Szymbara

Film Festival: shedding light on a culture dealing with recession

A glimpse into Greek tragedy  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A glimpse into a culture dealing with recession is what the first Dublin Greek Film Festival promises Dublin audiences this April.

The event takes place from April 23 to April 26 at Chester Beatty Library, Filmbase and The New Theatre. Screenings will be representative of Greece past, present and future, by both established and breakthrough artists of Greek cinema, recognised throughout the world film festivals.

The Gazette spoke to Aleksandra Szymbara, a founder of the festival.

“I’m originally from Poland but I organised the festival with Kiki Konstantinidou, who’s Greek.

“We both love art house movies and

cinema. She approached me with the idea to start the festival and, because my boyfriend is Greek, I’m very interested in Greek culture as well.

“So we decided to show some Greek cinema here in Dublin to introduce them to Irish audiences. I work for Age and Opportunity for the Bealtaine Festival and like festivals and events in general.

“So, that, along with my love of cinema, made it very natural for me to get involved in this festival.”

Szymbara began working on the festival last year by contacting venues to screen the movies and then looking for sponsorship was a “learning curve” that she’s hopeful will get easier for next year’s instalment.

“I’m more used to doing marketing

with just a small bit of event organisation but not that much. Looking for sponsors for funding was something new for me and it was a learning curve and a little bit challenging but it’s pretty straightforward. Once you start, you learn quickly how to do it. Next year it will be easier.”

Films set to be shown deal with everyday problems, such as Greek’s economic recession. The films offer Irish audiences an opportunity to find out more about the realities of what Greek people have had to overcome. They also have strong parallels with Ireland’s economic situation.

Szymbara said: “The population in Greece is small but many people discuss it in the context of the recession. I think Irish people are especially curious about

other cultures and we hope this curiosity will bring them to the cinema.”

A testament to this curiosity is that two events, the opening film screening of the documentary The Grocer and a Greek traditional dance workshop both at Chester Beatty Library have already sold out.

Many other screenings are still available to book, however. One such screening providing some light relief is The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas on April 26 at The New Theatre.

The film is about a famous Greek TV anchorman who fakes his own kidnapping in a desperate bid to salvage his ailing career.

For more information about the programme, you can visit the festival’s website at www.greekfilmfestival.ie

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

Our Dog of the Week is Tighe – a five-year-old male crossbreed. What a handsome young man Tighe is! Sadly he is really struggling living in a kennel environment, so we really hope to find a suitable home for him really soon.

He would love his adopters to be active, and to have a real interest in developing his basic training and socialisation skills. All his carers think he will make a perfect house pet for the right family!

If you think that might just be you, 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 on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. You can also pop up for a visit – it’s open six days a week from 12pm to 4pm.

The centre is closed all day Tuesday.

Gazette

18 Gazette 16 April 2015

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Fresh As A

 laura webb

THINGS are hotting up with Irish design brand Daisy May and its latest new trends for the summer season.

The contemporary label is known for its classic, elegant silhouettes and feminine styling and this collection is no different.

The SS15 collection consists of new season trends with fashionable touches including stunning vibrant maxis, stylish separates, floral paisley trousers and structured dresses that are sure to make you stand out at any special occasion.

The collection is flawless for women wanting that perfect outfit, and is available in sizes 8 to 18.

Established in 2010 by Gerard Burke and Karen Carthy, the brand has grown in success over the past few years with many Irish and English celebrities wearing the brand, including singer Adele and TV presenters Maura Derrane and Sybil Mulcahy.

The brand is available across Ireland via boutiques and is also being distributed internationally.

For stockist information, see www. ellaboo.ie.

16 April 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

Nivea’s new skin care products help you safely catch the sun

Golden advice about bronzing skin  laura webb

IT’S not quite time to get rid of the winter woollies, but when it comes to protecting your skin it shouldn’t matter what time of the year it is. As the weather has been behaving itself (well, over the past week at least), Gazette Beauty thought it was time to talk a little sun protection.

For many people, protecting their skin is important but many still want to achieve that bronzed skin look. Helping us to enjoy the best of both worlds is the Nivea Sun protect and bronze range.

Nivea Sun Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protection

Shift dress €149

(€20.99) offers sun protection and a beautiful, lasting tan without compromise.

This is the first protecting-oil formula from Nivea Sun that incorporates an active ingredient – Pro Melanin – in its sunscreen formula to activate the skin’s natural tanning process, but at the same time it offers the protection needed against UVA and UVB rays.

This light, non-greasy formula is water-resistant and leaves skin feeling silky smooth to touch, making it a perfect combination for the health and beauty-conscious sun worshipper.

The second new development,

Nivea Sun Protect and Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion (€7.99), helps to keep the summer feeling on the skin for longer, even after returning home from an exotic location if you are lucky enough to get away.

This lotion activates the skin’s natural tanning process without the need for self-tanner. The lightweight, non-sticky formula is quickly absorbed, leaving skin feeling soothed and rehydrated – while activating natural tanning at the same time.

So, don’t forget to protect the skin when enjoying the sun – your skin will thank you for it in the long run!

Poppy blooms as Monsoon singles her out for new role  amelia arkins

ONE of the most sought after fashion icons, Poppy Delevingne, has been announced as the brand-new face of the Monsoon spring summer 2015 campaign.

Delevingne, sister of top model Cara, is also an ambassador for European industry moguls such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton. As if that wasn’t enough, she is an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, so this is right up her street!

The campaign was shot in the Beldi Coun-

try Club in Marrakech by noted fashion photographer Emma Summerton, with a shoot that complements the boho chic ensembles, printed kaftans and embellished dresses, which have been set against an exotic backdrop of the beautiful scenery of Marrakech.

The shoot was styled to perfection by ex-InStyle UK fashion director Amanda Bellan, and captures Poppy’s laidback bohemian style.

Looks from the campaign are now available in Monsoon stores and online in Ireland.

Elvie Dress €265, bag €54, shoes €135

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 16 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

FastTravel Air we go ...

EMMA Marshall and Shane O’Sullivan helped Dublin Airport announce details of its summer schedule recently, which will see an 11% increase in capacity compared to last summer, marking the busiest summer at the airport since 2008.

21 new routes/services will be in operation, comprising 16 routes to the continent and five long-haul routes, including one to Addis Ababa, creating a direct link to subSaharan Africa.

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Knockranny House Hotel’s Spa Salveo was the perfect place to unwind after enjoying some of the fantastic cycling on offer

READY AND WAITING: ENJOYING BREATHTAKING VIEWS IN WESTPORT Greenway

What’s not to like about Knockranny?  THERESE CAHERTY

WE were looking forward to a a weekend of cycling, eating and massage.

Our large room in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport had a view, gazing out impassively on the picturesque town, Croagh Patrick and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

The hotel sits on the Greenway track to Achill and we were up for it – as far as Mulranny at least.

And definitely tomorrow!

Meanwhile, we took in our luxurious surroundings (the bathroom included a jacuzzi bath and a hand basin each) We grabbed swimsuits and, in fluffy dressing gowns, headed for Spa Salveo. With its spa suite and cool pool, this was the

perfect place to unwind after a long week and the journey down. One hour of swimming and sweating later, we set out for the obligatory pint in Matt Molloy’s pub.

Next morning, after a sound sleep and breakfasts of poached and scrambled eggs in La Fougere, the 18-mile bike ride to Mulranny seemed just the ticket.

We collected our hotel lunch packs and in Clew Bay Bike Hire, picked up our vehicles. My companion took the electric option and I the high nelly. The Greenway, manageable for walkers and cyclists of all ages, is well-marked trail and takes in stunning views – particularly as Mulranny hoves into view. Great

weather made it even more memorable but, truth to tell, so did my legs which hadn’t turned a pedal in over two years.

Afternoon Delight (or tea) in the Brehon Bar eased the pain. Dainty open sandwiches of K nockanore cheese, Knockranny smoked salmon, baked ham, thyme poached chicken and a profusion of colourful mini cakes (lemon meringue – my favourite – passionfruit cheesecake, strawberry mousse, chocolate flan not to mention the humble scone) were washed down by china cups of tea. Making the moment golden…

A hot shower later and off again to Spa Salveo for a full body aromatherapy massage. I felt wobbly and

sore right after the cycle, but that evening and the following day, I waited for muscle pain and none emerged. The Deep Blue Rub truly lived up to its reputation.

No time for dawdling as back in the Brehon Bar we lined up for pre-prandial cocktails. The skilful Owen Hughes treated us to his prizewinning St Clement’s East mix.

Slainte, we said.

In La Fougere (no jeans allowed) head chef Seamus Commons and his staff had produced a delightful amuse bouche of pickled mackerel to open the evening.

From the menu, I chose a starter of green salad of asparagus, young broccoli and blue cheese dressing.

Far from the usual

limp lettuce this was substantial but light, the veg tender with bite and the tangy dressing enhancing the flavour of both.

In between a lime and ginger sorbet cleansed our palates. My seabass with creamed spinach, tomato salsa and assorted potatoes (croquette, garlic and roast) was melt in the mouth. I polished off the lot. Dessert was almost impossible – a spoonful of passion fruit mousse was about all I could manage.

And then it was time to return to the real world!

Opened by Adrian and Geraldine Noonan in 1997, Knockranny’s four stars have been well earned. More info at www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie and http://www. clewbaybikehire.ie/

Getaway

KNOCKRANNY House Hotel makes the perfect starting – and finishing – point for a cycling trip along the Great Western Greenway.

The hotel’s Greenway Getaway offers two adults and two children under 10 a two-night stay with breakfast each morning, bicycle and helmet hire for one day with packed lunch for that perfect picnic spot at Croagh Patrick or Clew Bay. Parents have full access to Spa Salveo’s Vitality Pool and Thermal Suite. They could even treat themselves to the special Knockranny Greenway treatment. This involves a mineral-infused foot soak and foot exfoliation, with peppermint and wild orange to invigorate tired feet.

A full body massage follows, using Doterra’s Deep Blue Rub, formulated with natural plant extracts to ease out problem areas.

The Greenway Getaway package is available from €185 per person and children under 10 stay for free!

For more information visit www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie or call 098 28 600.

GAZETTE

Bride Groom

16 April 2015 GAZETTE 21

l PL A N N I N G TH E B I G DAY l

Wedding venues to suite all tastes  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

WESTGROVE HOTEL

ONE of Kildare’s top wedding venues, The Westgrove Hotel, is currently offering some choice inclusive packages starting from €40 per person.

T he Westgrove is renowned for its cuisine and service and has huge experience in delivering weddings tailor-made to each couple’s taste and requirements. It has just been shortlisted for Bash Wedding magazine

Awards in the category of Best for Planning Ease.

Wedding coordinator Nicola Flynn and the rest of the wedding team will show you around and answer any questions you have about planning your wedding day.

The hotel frequently holds wedding fair days where top wedding suppliers exhibit their products and services. These include wedding decor companies, f lorists, menswear companies, wedding entertainment, beauticians and hair-

dressers. Another bonus the hotel offers is the chance to unwind and treat yourself during the preparations. The Elemis Spa is the ideal venue to slip away from worry and offers skincare advice and beauty tips.

For more information about the Westgrove Hotel, visit www.westgrovehotel.com. To contact the wedding planner about deals on offer, email nicolaf ly nn@ westgrovehotel.com or call 045 989908.

LYRATH ESTATE

Another lu xurious venue is Kilkenny’s fivestar Lyrath Estate Hotel, which prides itself as a wedding destination of elegance and comfort. It is located on the doorstep of Kilkenny city, a thriving social and cultural hotspot.

T h e 17 t h - c e n t u r y house has been ver y sensitively restored and is complemented with new additions through a series of chic modern spaces. It is set on 170 acres of lush green park

Kildare’s Westgrove Hotel and Kilkenny’s Lyrath Estate are two elegant venues for a wedding

land and historic gardens ideal for your wedding album.

Past and present combine here to create the perfect marriage. Coming up the main avenue, past the ancient Lyrath protected yew trees, the

vista opens up to reveal the original historic home. This is where you will greet your guests in old world elegance a n d g r a n d e u r. T h e park lands offer rolling hills, tranquil lakes, manicured gardens and

unspoilt views, to create the most romantic backdrop for your special day. The wedding team are available to discuss your requirements and can be contacted at 056 776 0088 or www.lyrath.com

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 16 April 2015

Bride Groom

l WH E R E TO WE D l

Fancy a wedding by the sea?

WHILE weddings are traditionally held in churches, synagogues and temples, many modern couples are looking for something a little different and the desire to be unique has become increasingly prevalent.

From beaches, castles, barns, sport stadiums and the zoo, there is a host of alternative wedding venues in Ireland to suit all tastes.

For those who wish to celebrate their special day in a heart-of-the-city wedding, then one of the numerous theatres may be the ideal venue.

Many theatres in the city centre are available to rent and with the innate class that most of

them boast, your wedding is bound to be an elegant affair.

For the most part, these theatres are incredibly spacious and boast ornate plasterwork ceilings, stained g l a s s w i n d ow s a n d striking architectural designs.

Weddings at Dublin Zoo are becoming ever more popular as the venue offers a unique alternative to the traditional wedding venue and provides a magical backdrop for your special day.

Weddings by the sea are another popular choice particularly at this time of year as the good weather returns.

Hotels are generally very accommodating for couples looking to tie the knot at their establishment and the

Capturing wedding memories FOR the latest in documentary wedding photography, Sebastian Felisiak offers a very personal vision of your entire wedding day. From the excitement of getting ready in the morning to throwing the bouquet, Felisiak, documents your special day.

Dublin-based Felisiak is passionate about photography, treating each wedding as a unique adventure to be catalogued with style. “My approach is not about endless group shots but rather about making something unique and beautiful. I would like for my images to tell a story of your beautiful day,� he said.

For more information, see www.artweddingphotography.eu.

Weddings by the sea are a popular choice for couples

gentle sea breeze and t h e w ave s c r a s h i n g against the rocks add a special ambience to the ceremony. Whether saying your vows during the brightness of high noon or as the sun sets romantically in the evening, a ceremony by the sea makes for a very special wedding.

The venue is not the only important factor when trying to make your wedding unique. By moving away from the

traditional ceremony, you can tailor the whole wedding experience to make it uniquely you.

If a traditional church ceremony is too religious for you and a civil ceremony is not spiritual enough, then a humanist ceremony might be the way to go. Humanist ceremonies can be Buddhist or pagan in their roots or simply embrace everything that is important to the couple. While it is still necessary to sign

a marriage register in order to make the union legally binding, humanist ceremonies allow the couple to have a wedding that expresses who they are from the music played to original personal vows. It also allows scope to make the ceremony more romantic, an option often missing from a civil ceremony.

Buddhist wedding ser vices are another way to go. There is no set wedding service or format in the Buddhist faith, and it is considered a social rather than religious occasion.

The Buddha stated only that marriage should be based on deep mutual respect between partners and the ceremony is usually a harmonious blend of the differing tastes and personalities of both partners.

16 April 2015 Gazette 23

| finding your bridal style |

What to wear Nostalgic glamour, lace and simplicity – these are wedding dress trends currently gracing catwalks this year. From Old World lace gowns with highly intricate detail reminiscent of the 1920s to high-waisted, full skirts that evoke all the elegance and effortless style of Grace Kelly, wedding dresses have never looked so beautiful. Also featuring as a huge theme in wedding gowns is pristine simplicity, ideal to show off the bride and not upstage her. Regal pearls, which add vintage charm to any wedding dress are also a great favourite this year. Decorative headpieces offer a more relaxed alternative to veils and conjure romantic tales of yore.

Vintage inspired headband €120 at www.theparisianbride.ie Paris clutch bag at www. theparisian bride.ie €245

Flora bridal dress from Sharon Hoey. Price available upon request.

Ciara Bridal Lulu Dress €2,000

Bespoke Hat by Deb Fanning – The Loft Market €95

GAZETTE

24 GAZETTE 16 April 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

Taking 30 minutes to prepare, this crispy hake dish with yogurt tartar sauce serves four

We’ve fished around for this delicious dish THIS week we have a delicious fish recipe – crispy baked hake with yogurt tartar sauce – courtesy of Bord Bia Irish Food Board. This hake dish takes just 30 minutes to make, and serves four.

Note that Panko breadcrumbs, if available, make the coating extra crispy, but they are not essential, while tender stem broccoli and sauteed potatoes complete the dish.

Ingredients 4 hake fillets, approx. 175g each, skinned and boned 25g butter, melted 75g of stale breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs 15g finely grated cheese 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves 40g plain flour 1 egg, lightly beaten Salt and freshly ground black pepper Yogurt Tartar Sauce 150g Greek style yogurt 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 1 tablespoon capers, drained and finely chopped 1 small gherkin, finely chopped 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

Preparation • Preheat oven to gas mark 6, 200C (400F).

• Line a large baking tray with parchment paper; brush a little of the melted butter over the parchment paper.

• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish with the grated cheese and parsley. Place the flour and egg in separate shallow dishes.

• Season the hake with a little salt and black pepper.

Dip the hake, one piece at a time, into the flour, shake off the excess, then dip into the egg and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.

• Place on the baking tray, and brush the remaining melted butter over the top and sides of the fish.

• Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.

• For the yogurt tartar sauce, place the yogurt, mustard, capers, gherkin, parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl, and mix well to combine.

• Serve the sauce with the crispy hake, broccoli and potatoes.

King Sitric

Fish restaurant

East Pier, Howth King Sitric has been a

stalwart in Howth for the last 40 years and has an extensive range of fish available

The Picky Eater SO often when I go for dinner, I despair at the lack of fish options on the menu and every time I say the same thing: “We are an island, for God’s sake. And a small one at that. Why, oh why do we not have more fish on our menus?”

My husband is fed up listening to me, but it still surprises me, every time. The situation is getting better but still needs much improvement.

So when I get to go to an actual fish restaurant, known for its seafood, it’s a joy.

Hence we went on an excursion to King Sitric in Howth recently. It’s worth the trip.

Owned by Joan and Aidan McManus, this place has been a stalwart in Howth for the last 40 years and they are both still very actively involved, making this place a great family restaurant that people keep returning to.

They now have East

Cafe Bar just below the main restaurant which is a less formal dining experience but with some cracking fish dishes on offer.

There is a lovely bar area in the restaurant where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink and we decided to partake of that while mulling over the menu.

T he range of fish available is extensive but they always manage to have some nice specials on there too.

I started with Dublin Bay Prawns in tempura; f luff y and succulent prawns with batter made super light with mineral water.

These came with noodles and dipping sauce.

My husband decided on the scallops with pancetta, chesnut puree and fried pumpkin.

Both starters were a massive success story and only whet the appetite for the main event: lobster lawyer and the king of fish, turbot.

Lobster Lawyer was cooked in a whiskey, cream and mustard sauce and served in a half shell.

The turbot came on a bed of mash with a creamy bisque like sauce and this fish lived up to its credentials.

King Sitric’s famous sticky meringue with chocolate sauce and ice cream appealed to my inner child and won me over while my husband plumped for a more serious panna cotta which was light enough after the lawyer.

The Hugel Pinot Blanc is specially bottled for King Sitric and is a really excellent house wine and was a fine accompaniment to the fish. And at €24 a bottle, it won’t break the bank.

Three courses in King Sitric costs €37 with some supplements applying.

If you don’t wish to make the long journey home after a really relaxing meal with

Scallops with pancetta, chesnut puree and fried pumpkin

superb views, book a room in the accommodation attached to the restaurant.

They have great sea views and you get to

Conclusion

sample more of the McManus’s fine food for breakfast too.

What’s not to love?

For more go to www. kingsitric.ie.

WITH dishes like lobster lawyer for your inner fine diner and desserts like sticky meringue with chocolate sauce and ice cream for your inner child, King Sitric (at East Pier, Howth; tel 01 832 5253) is a delightful family restaurant that is a terrific treat for the tummy and the eyes with its panoramic sea views.

16 April 2015 GAZETTE 25

THE SALVATION: HISTORICALLY AUTHENTIC

ReelReviews

Throwback to good and bad guy westerns THE heyday of the Western seems to be well and truly gone, and on the occasions when those old saloon doors do creak open we tend to have a very different take on the classic Western. Films like Unforgiven, The Proposition and The Homesman have reimagined the genre with a focus on the grit and moral ambiguity of the frontiers, while Django Unchained took the genre to its cartoonish extreme in plumes of blood and storms of bullets.

The Salvation, a Danish production filmed in South Africa, starts out in the former camp.

Mads Mikkelsen plays Jon, a Danish soldier who headed across the Atlantic with his brother (Mikael Persbrandt) in the wake of the Schleswig War to start a new

 DAVE PHILLIPS

life. We join the story seven years on, in 1870, when the foundations have been set and Jon’s wife and child have just arrived in America.

Lingering doubts around the legitimacy of the Danish western are quashed in the opening minutes.

Director and writer Kristian Levring captures a sense of historical accuracy and authenticity in his story of Scandinavian immigrants in America.

“You don’t just look like them, you sound like them too,” Jon’s wife observes in Danish once

GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT

SPONGEBOB MOVIE A sponge out of water

she hears him speak English – there’s a strong sense of ostracisation, the language barrier making the family immediate outsiders in the melting pot of cultures that make up the Wild West.

The unsavoury and lawless nature of the frontier is drilled home in a rough scene that sees Jon’s wife and child murdered on their way from the train station.

Jon delivers some quick and merciless retribution, an act that sets the plot in motion as we discover that one of the men Jon dispatched is the much loved brother of the exceptionally wicked local bad-guy Delarue (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).

The introduction of Delarue marks a tonal shift in the film, which moves very quickly away from a sense of dreary and

ANOTHER week, and Spongebob is still floating about at the cinema in his latest film. He’s rounded up all his pals for Spongebob: Sponge out of Water (Cert G, 92 mins) which is just as entertaining/ stupid as ever, depending on whether you’re a fan of the perennially popular poriferan. A barely recognisable Antonio Banderas (above) adds some pure ham to the mix.

The Salvation starts out as a western of grit and moral ambiguity but in the end there are no surprises, apart from a bit part by Eric Cantona

dour realism and into the cartoonish dichotomy of good and bad associated with westerns of yore.

Delarue is the classical antagonist, the bully that lauds over a little town by rule of fear.

He is so utterly wicked that when he hears the news of his brother’s death he shoots a sickly old woman in the head to punish the town for not catching the killer.

Eva Green enters as the mute widow of Delarue’s brother, and things do not bode well for the little town that is set to become the scene

of an inevitable bloody showdown.

Mikkelsen has a great face for cold-blooded revenge, and Dean Morgan enjoys hamming it up at the ultimate bad guy. Green doesn’t say a word, but still remains a formidable presence throughout the film.

Buckets of blood and sideways looks aside, there’s a stylistic similarity between the two films – in some scenes The Salvation seems to feature heavy post-production effects, inducing a hypedup visual style.

Aesthetically it works,

though the fact that film switches back and forth between this extra-stylised look doesn’t.

There are no surprises (aside from a bit part for Eric Cantona), but predictability is not necessarily a bad thing. The end result is a solid and entertaining film with good performances and some nice set pieces.

Not aiming to redefine the genre, The Salvation is a throwback to the good old days of horses and guns, crime and retribution, good guys and bad guys.

Verdict: 6/10

GET HARD

Last and least ...

KEVIN Hart and Will Ferrell team up for a generally slated comedy that has annoyed lots of people with some of its content.

In Get Hard (Cert 16, 100 mins), a spoilt, pampered investment manager has to “get hard” to cope with prison life as his upcoming incarceration approaches – and a streetwise car washer becomes his unlikely coach. Its cheap shots and dated comedy make it hard to like.

MUSIC: SINGER-SONGWRITER JAMES BAY RELEASES HIS DEBUT ALBUM

A storm of interest over Chaos and The Calm  COLM MURRAY

SINGER-songwriter James Bay has enjoyed a steady trajectory since releasing his first of three EPs back in the summer of 2013, becoming a YouYube star along the way.

Now, with the release of his debut album – Chaos and The Calm – dovetailing nicely with a Critics’ Choice award at The Brits last month, the real work begins.

Bay, though, had put the spade work in long before receiving these once coveted nods.

Having cut his teeth at Brighton Institute of Modern Music and playing open mic nights and anywhere that would allow him his 15 minutes, the new “cat in the hat” had a foundation for a long player.

The 24-year-old is oft-times lumped with the current crop of young British male singer-songwriters – Tom Odell and Ben Howard – while being linked to previously emerging soloists such as Paolo Nutini and James Blunt.

Here, on Chaos and Calm, Bay opens with the upbeat Craving, depicting the town he was gagging to

get out of.

The tempo is maintained for the current radio hit, Hold back the river, with both tunes setting the soft rock and slick production tone (co-written by one-time Snow Patrol collaborator and producer, Iain Archer).

With second single, Let It Go, Bay displays his vocal range from falsetto to balladeer crooner with subtle guitar picking to support.

From here, his wispy, delicate ballads augment titles such as If You Ever Want To Be In Love, Best Fake Smile, and When We Were On Fire,

tipping a nod to the like of James Taylor and Bryan Adams along the way (the latter in terms of AOR sincerity).

The album ebbs and flows without ever doing much in between, and while there is at times intent here, it appears smothered by both the sterile production values.

The album was part recorded in Nashville, but there is very little to suggest this apart from the sleeve

notes.

Totalling 15 songs (including three bonus tracks), it could be considered a double album in years gone by.

The last couple of numbers are tender yet inoffensive, and by the end you are not clamouring to hit repeat.

As debuts go, it sits comfortably between safe and grand, and no doubt will go on to go platinum (whatever that may be these days) ...

26 clondalkin gazette 16 April 2015

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28 Gazette 16 April 2015

SPORT Egan set to swap fists for wheels

FastSport

cycling: olympic boxing legend takes on annual laurels crew ride

Brookfield win two titles at DLTC finals:

IT PROVED a grand slam day of tennis for Brookfield ladies last week as they won both the DLTC Class 4 and Class 7 Winter League’s in Templeogue Tennis Club.

In the Class 4 final, Brookfield defeated Naas 2-0, with Mairead Wales and Aoife Monaghan beating Patrice Clancy and Caroline Phelan 6-2 and 7-5, and Louise O’Reilly and Patricia Orr overcoming Margaret Hughes and Maire Morrin by the same scoreline.

In the Class 7 showdown, Brookfield won 2-0, this time against Newtown Park. Mary Carty and Elizabeth Murray beat Niamh Forde and Ali Guy 1-6, 7-6, 6-4, while Sandra Maguire and Melanie O’Hanlon defeated Marie Anne McCusker and Nuala Collins 6-1, 6-2.

At Class 6 level, Glasnevin beat Wicklow with wins for the pairings of Wendy O’Hara and Aisling Patterson and Miriam Salmon and Maureen Curley.

 nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

FOR most of his life, Kenneth Egan’s obstacles came in the form of two fists. But for the past eight weeks, his challenge has been in the form of two

wheels.

The silver medal winning Olympic boxer has spent the past two months training for this year’s Laurels Charity Crew annual cycle from Galway to Dublin and the final journey takes

Egan shows his battle scars from a collision

place this Saturday.

Is he ready for the 160km trip when he sees the crew of about 300 people arrive back at the Laurel’s pub on Sunday afternoon?

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“All the work is done now. I know I’ll be able to do the cycle.

“We did 130km last week; I still get my bit of running and weights in so my fitness is good.

“I’m not as fit as I used to be obviously but I’m sure I’ll be fit enough for the cycle.”

Having hung up his gloves, and reiterating during our interview there is no chance of a “Kenny comeback”, why get involved in such a gruelling event of a cycle from Galway to Dublin?

Kenneth Egan with the Laurels Charity Crew during their training

Training for the event takes up around five or six hours every Saturday, so what prompted the Fine Gael councillor for South County Dublin, now training to be an addiction counsellor, to get involved?

“First of all, I was here last year, when the crew came home,” he said.

“I remember it was a beautiful sunny Sunday.

I had just been elected as a councillor and I wanted to be there for the homecoming of the cycle.

“All the local councillors were there. There was a great atmosphere in the village when they all came in together, a couple of hundred people, and I said to myself that I’d love to give it a go next year and that was it.”

Egan has had the full experience of a cyclist in his short time on the bike.

He’s had a fall which left an eight-inch graze on his arm, a bruised hip, and a puncture which caused him to borrow a tube mid-cycle.

He also told the story of not wearing padded shorts for the first few weeks of training, only to be looked at like he “had 10 heads”, by a fellow rider when he found out.

But has the experience given him a different view of the sport?

He replied: “I’m not going to lie, before, when I was driving the car, I used to be cursing cyclists.

“Just the usual stuff like they’re holding up the show, pulling out, and

they’ve no respect and all that. But now, being a cyclist, well not a cyclist, but someone who cycles, I’ve a new found respect for it.

“It’s not just the physical aspect, it’s so mentally demanding.

“The amount of time you spend on the bike, it’s almost half your day, and the negative thoughts that come into your head on a regular basis when you hit a hard spot and the legs are getting tired and you’ve nothing in the engine craving food.

“It’s tough, there were times were I felt like throwing the bike into a bush and getting one of the lads to collect me, but I’m glad I stuck it out and can’t wait for the weekend.”

Great Ireland Run draws record entry list once again  sport@dublingazette.com

Irish athletes Mark English and Fionnuala Britton were among the stars to promote the Great Ireland Run

INTERNATIONAL athletes joined famous faces and thousands of runners last Saturday for a superb race at the Phoenix Park in Dublin, the 13th staging of the SPAR Great Ireland Run. The 10k event is the only run in Ireland to be awarded silver label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations in recognition of its high standard of organisation, elite participation and media profile.

The 10km once again featured a superb field of international

distance runners. Kenyan Japhet Korir retained his title by winning in 28 minutes and 15 seconds.

The women’s champion was Britain’s Gemma Steel in 33 minutes and three seconds followed closely by a fantastic performance from double European cross country champion Fionnuala Britton, who came second in 33 minutes and seven seconds.

The SPAR Great Ireland Mile, meanwhile, was a hotly contested race in tough weather conditions with Britain’s Jonny Hay coming in at four minutes and 12 seconds followed very closely by Wouter

Ploegar in second place.

Famous faces taking part included Tony Audenshaw who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale, Ryan Andrews who plays Sean Cassidy in Fair City and Irish model Roz Purcell, as well as representatives from the race’s official charity partner, The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.

The race also included the Athletics Association of Ireland 10km road championships which saw record entrants from club runners across the country as well as in the junior and mini events with over 1,200 children

taking part.

The 2015 SPAR Great Ireland Run also gave runners the chance to represent their county in the All Ireland County Challenge competition for the Ronnie Delany Trophy and this year’s fastest county was Sligo with an average time of 50 minutes and 50 seconds.

To qualify, each county must have had at least five registered runners and the winner was determined by the fastest average time of each county’s competitors, using chip finishing time technology.

16 April 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Dunphy living the freestyle dream

FastSport

Tom Dunphy tells STEPHEN FINDLATER how a simple foam and palette raft journey as an 11-year-old became a lifelong obsession as he prepares for his sixth world championships “JUST some palettes and a bit of foam!” The humble introduction of Tom Dunphy to a life on the river.

The Castleknock man has recently moved to Canada for a five-month preparation phase for his sixth world freestyle kayak championships following selection for the Irish team after trials in Limerick.

It’s a far cry from his first trip down the Liffey in 1997.

“It was just a homemade raft, lads floating down the river in the summer time. We were about 11, just bored with nothing to do and looking for adventure.

“We got as far as the weir at the Wild Water kayak club at Strawberry beds and decided our craft probably wasn’t the

right one!

“The gentleman cutting the grass there told us if we wanted to get into real paddling, here’s the phone number. And that was that; I went on a course and was hooked and put my life into it ever since.”

His arrival at Wild Water coincided with the birth of freestyle kayaking, a trick-based discipline where participants – similar to surfing – pull out from an eddy into a wave for a 45-second ride in which they perform as many twists, turns and trick variations as possible before getting scored.

Quickly evolving, aerial tricks and streamlined boats have become the basis of the sport and Dunphy has evolved with it. He made his interna-

Castleknock man Tom Dunphy in freestyle kayak action

tional debut at 15-yearsold with his good friend Maurice Kelleher, travelling to Spain for the world championships There, they kayaked against the professionals they watched in videos who travelled with coaches, masseurs and physios.

The Irish team lacked that support. “We did okay but never reached our potential. From there, we felt we could perform well as a team if we wanted to and so we tried to get more backing.

“It can sometimes be that it was so much effort to get there that some would treat it almost like a vacation.”

While he says that Ireland is a great base to get up and running in kayaking, the need to travel to compete at the highest

level is paramount.

“In Ireland, if it snowed here, everyone would snowboard or ski.

But it doesn’t, it rains. It’s unfortunate, therefore, that no one knows the great rivers we have.

“If it rains, within an hour, I can train whitewater with waterfalls in

ing.ie but sponsorship deals come primarily in the form of products rather than cash for flights.

But, having put his head down to get the money together, he has set up an ambitious plan to be in the best possible shape for this August’s

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

‘Living in the jungle with all the monkeys in the trees; it’s the only place you can train without worrying about money.’ - Tom Dunphy --------------------------------------------------------

the Wicklow mountains where there is a massive selection of class five rivers. For freestyle, there’s a great spot in Lucan by the Spa hotel.

“If you want to get to world class level, though, you do need to leave the country. I spent six summers in Canada, training on the best rivers over there.”

This has led to some fascinating journeys.

Indeed, for four months, he lived in the Ugandan jungle at the source of the River Nile with monkey in the trees.

He describes it as the “only place you can afford to train, not having to worry about money”, the only pressure that he sees in the sport.

Funding those trips is done via kayak instruction and shifts with raft-

world championships. “ I ’ ve n e ve r f u l l y reached my potential before but, now, I am putting everything aside.

I have a coach and am basing myself in Canada.”

He will arrive in Ottawa just in time for the ice to start breaking and the snow to melt.

“It’s a time we call ‘stake-out’ where the kayaking world migrates to a mecca of the sport.

We’ll get a place close to the river and get focused on training.”

From there, the north American season will start in earnest with the Level 6 Cup with regular competition building up to August where Dunphy aims to peak, a world away from his simple foam and palette construction.

European Youth Festival comes to Terenure RFC TERENURE RFC will host the hugely popular Under-13 European Youth Rugby Festival from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3.

This is the fourth year of the competition and will involve teams from Wales, England, France, Belgium and Ireland.

The international festival is quite unique and aims to be the biggest and best European youth rugby festival, featuring teams from across the continent being pitted against one another.

This takes place in both a league and knock-out format on full sized pitches with fully qualified IRFU referees and maximum game time.

The festival gives Under-13s the chance to develop lasting friendships with teams from Ireland and all over Europe.

There will also be an international match played on the Saturday between an Ireland XV and Rest of Europe XV. The games will take place between 10am to 4pm on Saturday and on Sunday, the matches begin at 9.45 am with the cup final kicking off at 2.45pm.

Apart from the feast of rugby on the pitch, the festival offers plenty of family entertainment off the pitch too with food, drink and entertainment available at the venue and celebrity guests popping in throughout the weekend.

Friday evening kicks off the festivities in the marquee with a top magician and the now infamous Irish Dance Experience; this event is free of charge, open to all ages and there is no advance booking required.

On Saturday night, an over 18s ticket only event will include the fabulous Abbaesque and BeeGees live tribute bands playing in the marquee followed by a disco.

More details about these events are available on the festival website and Facebook page.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN gazette 16 April 2015

SPORT

localRugby

soccer: clondalkin through to final four once again

Clon’s cup retention bid ended by a single point CLONDALKIN’S women’s rugby team bowed out of the Paul Flood Cup at the quarter final phase by just a single point to CYM. Defending the trophy they won last season, Clondalkin found themselves in a real cup battle against a well-drilled CYM side who opened the scoring under the posts after 18 minutes.

This was quickly cancelled out by a Sara Phelan try but CYM scored another try five minutes later and ended the half 10-7 ahead.

Clondalkin were the first on the scoreboard after the break with a second try from Sara Phelan but CYM hit back with two penalties.

Clondalkin’s continuing pressure was rewarded with a well worked try by Siobhan Tierney.

Unfortunately the conversion attempt by Gale Stowe hit the post and bounced wide. The final whistle followed soon after, ending Clon’s involvement by a single point after a brave effort.

Clondalkin’s seconds suffered another heartbreaking loss in the Towns cup. Having lost the final narrowly last year, they lost a pulsating semi-final 27-20.

They got off to a perfect start when Colum Tighe crashed over. Moments later, young fly half Mikey Russell intercepted to race 60m untouched for another five-pointer with Stephen Cunningham adding the extras as Clon led 14-0.

This awoke Enniscorthy and they replied with two quick tries of their own and the sides traded penalties for a score of 17-17 at half time.

The second half was as tight, and as the game entered the final stages, the Wexford side’s centre pounced on a loose pass and gave them the lead.

Clondalkin did go in search of the levelling score but couldn’t break Enniscorthy’s goal line defence.

Clondalkin Celtic boss Gavin Fleming says his side “relish playing against tough sides”

Celtic’s Ryan Cup runneth over  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

NINE games, nine wins, 23 goals scored and zero conceded.

That is the record Clondalkin Celtic currently boast in the LSL’s Noel Ryan Cup going back all the way to November 16, 2013 when they beat rivals Peamount Moyle Park in a penalty shootout in the second round of the competition last season.

They went on to win the cup last year without conceding a goal and are in position to repeat

the feat this season after beating Tolka Rovers 4-0 in the quarter-final in Frank Cooke Park.

The Tolka side they beat are in the top tier of Saturday football but proved no match for Gavin Fleming’s side.

Goals from Derek Lawlor, Lee By rne, Stephen Moles and Shane McHugh secured their semi-final spot where they will face either Bluebell, Firhouse, either Newtown or St John’s Bosco depending on their quarter-finals which are still to be played.

Speaking to Gazette-

local lottery Cummins wins jackpot at Round Tower draw ANNE Cummins was the Round Tower

GAA club lotto jackpot winner from their April 6 draw.

She is pictured receiving the €10,000 jackpot from club chairman Niall Connaughton and her husband, Fergus. The winning numbers were 4,10,20 and 30.

The Round Tower Lotto is a crucial club fundraiser that members, supporters and the wider community can support for as little as €2 per week.

Sport after the win, Fleming said: “It’s a very satisfying result against what was a very good Tolka side. They were on top for the first five or six minutes but missed a sitter which I think turned the tie and we went on to control the game from there.”

The Noel Ryan cup is a competition for the top Saturday leagues in the LSL which means on paper, Clondalkin, this season and last, would be one of the lower ranked sides. On why his side perform almost perfectly in the competition, Flem-

ing was in no doubt as to the reason. “It’s the calibre of opposition,” he said.

“We relish playing against tough sides and it brings out the best in us.

With all respects to the league we are in now and the leagues we’ve been in, the opposition has not been strong enough for us.

“That can cause complacency in a squad no matter how much you try guard against it, but when we play teams like Tolka, who we’ve beaten twice in the Noel Ryan, and Firhouse in the FAI

Junior earlier this season, we are excellent.”

That is no doubt why Celtic are choosing to go to Sunday football after what potentially could be back to back double winning seasons, but Fleming still reiterates that a major disappointment this season was bowing out of the FAI Junior Cup. “I think moving to Sunday in what we hope will be a strong league, will help us improve our results in the FAI Junior Cup next season, which is something we eventually want to do very well in,” he added.

16 April 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

Free-scoring Syl’s shade intense battle  sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s minor hurlers were left to rue a series of frees as visitors St Sylvester’s edged this minor hurling league Division 3 clash, falling 3-6 to 2-11 last Sunday.

In wet conditions, the Clondalkin club got off to a flying start with Matthew McLoughlin’s strike

for a point tipped beyond the keeper by Adam Doyle at full forward.

Still inside two minutes, a Doyle free dropped in where Aaron Douglas stretched to deflect home for a second goal.

But the visitors also got in on the goal scoring frenzy to pull a goal back and then registered

a point to enable them settle into the tie.

Jordan Walsh added a third goal for Tower’s but Syl’s started to gain more control and were back level at half-time at 3-3 to 2-6.

In the second half, again Tower’s started brightly, with O’Neill scoring on the turn. But they could only add a

couple more points from the on as points were a premium.

In the rain and strong wind, Tower’s were penalised for ill-discipline in the final quarter.

Four conceded frees were converted to leave them trailing by two and while they had chances, they could not close the gap.

football: clon club make it three wins from three

Club Noticeboard round tower, clondalkin AN EGM will take place on Monday, April 20 in the clubrooms at 7.30pm.

This meeting will have a single

end. This hugely popular band will perform Saturday, April 18 from

sale of a small parcel of surplus

8.30pm and then Sunday, April 19

land at the club grounds at Monas-

from 5-8pm.

tery Road.

The purpose of the agreed sale will be used to alleviate money owed

Round Tower Golf Society Grange Ca s tle ou ting r e sul t s: over all:

tery Road.

Mick McGlynn – 36 points; Class 1:

Only fully paid up members

Derek McBrien – 34 points; Class 2:

are entitled to attend and only A

Paul Flaherty – 33 points; Class 3:

members are entitled to vote on

Michael Parker – 35 points; Front 9:

the night. Queries can be directed

Pat Collins – 19 points; Back 9: John

towards Mar tin Ryan, club sec-

Errity – 17 points. Next outing is at

retary, at 087 6741407 or Michael

Millicent Golf Club on April 25.

In league action, the senior foot-

ebratory functions. Packages provide, for no extra cost, cake, bal-

gart, the inters defeated Man O

loons and decorations.

The minor hurlers were defeated

by St Sylvester’s.

The April 6 lotto jackpot was €10,000 and numbers drawn were

St Mary’s, Saggart 1-5 Round Tower, Clondalkin 0-11  sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s senior footballers made it three wins in a row in AFL2 as they earned a hard fought derby win against neighbours St Mary’s, Saggart.

This gritty win will further galvanise Mick Hyland’s men thanks to a dominant first-half from Tower’s, who played against the slope.

A Tom Lyons free and Eoghan Moore point got them up and running before Gary Cleary pulled off an excellent save to

his long ball to the inside forwards was palmed

by Micheal Walsh into Joyce’s path to clip over the keeper for a point.

It had been an excellent opening 20 minutes but Tower’s gave away possession in bringing ball from defence and were punished with Mary’s netting.

Former Dublin footballer Blaine Kelly then kicked the home side to within a point.

It meant Tower’s needed to show some resilience and they replied well. Joyce tacked on two frees afterWalsh and Kelly were fouled.

Keane broke forward

from half-backs he flicked a pass over his shoulder to McGibney who kicked the half’s last score, making it 0-10 to 1-3.

It suited Tower’s that the second half was low scoring. Attacks consistently came to an end when moved into inside for wards with Mark Gahan in Towers full back line and Derek Murray and Ian Ward in halfbacks consistently stifling Mary’s advances.

The home side could only eke out two points while late pot-shots on goal were repelled before Joyce capped the win with a final minute free.

Round Tower is delighted to offer excellent party packages for cel-

ballers defeated St Mary’s of Sag-

Oga.

deny the hosts.

When Mary’s gave possession away, James Kelly set up Stephen McGibney to point to extend the lead before McGibney kicked his second from a tight angle from the left side.

McGibney was again pivotal when Jason Joyce tipped a long ball into his path and he was tripped to enable Joyce to point a free for an early 0-5 to 0-1 lead.

Tower’s were winning the midfield battle and the breaks with Joyce consistently winning possession in the inside forwards.

Derek Murray broke up a Mary’s attack and

contacted at 086 3741721.

the original acquisition of Monas-

War, the junior As lost to Na Gael

afl division 2

Tickets, priced at €5, are available from Sally Gilligan who can be

on the long term mortgage from

087 9082970.

First half blitz sees Tower’s oust Mary’s

Brendan’s Voyage are returning to the club this coming week-

item on the agenda – the proposed

McGlynn, assistant secretary at

The Round Tower, Clondalkin senior footballers

tower.ie.

We can also provide DJ and hot food. Enquiries to Jimmy at 087 7453478. We ask members to advise anyone considering a function to alert them to club as an excellent venue.

4, 10, 20 and 30 with a bonus ball

We again ask mentors to have

of 8. There was one winner: Anne

pictures of teams taken for upcom-

Cummins. Congratulations Anne.

ing season to be featured on the

This week’s jackpot is €7,000. Play

club website. Email pics to info@

the club lotto online at www.round-

roundtower.ie.

st pat’s palmerstown A SUCCESSFUL Easter camp was

port. A huge thank you to St Maur’s

h e l d l a s t we e k w i t h t h e g o o d

for the hospitality on the day.

weather making it better; there

The senior camogie team won

was a brilliant turnout of children

their first league match, beating

taking part in football, hurling and

CBC. The junior footballers got a

camogie.

great win.

Thanks to Danny Sutclif fe for

The Under-14 footballers got the

dropping in to sign hurls and get

win against Whitehall. The minor

photos with the children.

footballers were unlucky, losing

A big thank you to Paul Faughnan

against St Pat’s Donabate.

and Maree O’Toole for organising

The U-12 camogie team had their

the camp and to the coaches who

first league match this weekend,

took part.

un for tun at e ly n o t ge t tin g th e

We look forward to seeing everyone for the summer camps.

result. The U-15 camogie team also had fantastic win against Bra y

St Pat’s Under-14 camogie team

Emmets at home; four out of four

took part in the Division 3 Feile held

league wins with St Pat’s U-15 cam-

in St Maur’s Rush on Saturday, April

ogie topping the Division 3 table.

11. Captained by Aoife Dunne, St Pat’s won their group.

A big thank you to Trish McCrea who organised the bag packs in

This provided a spot in the semi-

SuperValu this weekend and thank

final against St Peregrine’s. Both

you to the teams who turned up to

teams were level when Peregrine’s

help especially the U-12 football-

snatched a late goal to guarantee

ers.

them a spot in the Feile Final.

There was no winner in either of

Massive thanks to Fergus and San-

the lotto draws. First draw num-

dra for all their hard work and also

bers were 12, 15, 24 and 25 and sec-

to the parents who gave great sup-

ond draw of 1, 21, 23 and 28.

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

april 16-22, 2015

fists for wheels: three in-a-row: Round Tower see off St Mary’s swapping Kenneth Egan talks about to extend their strong early run in AFL Division 2 P31 Laurels Crew cycle P28

Part of the Irish team that travelled to the European Continental Cup in Barcelona last week

Kelly lands huge GB win Clondalkin man produces stunning victory in boccia’s European Cup to strengthen confidence ahead of world level event in Poland in June  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

CLONDALKIN training partners Patrick Kelly and Niamh Dunphy both represented Ireland’s Boccia team last week in fine fashion at the 2015 boccia European Continental Cup in Barcelona.

Boccia is played by wheelchair athletes with severe cerebral palsy and other severe disabilities affecting motor neurone skills.

It is an extreme test of muscle control and accuracy.

The aim is to throw the ball, or bowl, so that it lands as close as possible to the jack, a small ball placed toward the end of the court.

A point is scored for each ball that finishes closer than an opponent’s best effort.

What was a relatively newly formed Ireland squad performed admirably in Barcelona, with a number of individual results that will live long in the memory.

None more so than Patrick “Padge” Kelly’s shock win over a Great Britain’s Jess Turner.

Speaking to Gazette Sport having arrived home, BC3 athlete Kelly reflected on the trip.

“Where do I start,” he said. “It was a new team that went over, with four players making their debut. The quality of the opposition was unbelievable, a huge step up from competing nationally.

“In the pairs, we got a hiding, but I did well in the individual. Beating Great Britain was special, as they didn’t expect anything out of me, a newcomer, but I was 6-0 up after two ends.

“I played the world number two, a Greek guy, and beat him right up until the last ball but he beat me 3-1 in the end. That was my best performance and I now feel I can mix it with the world’s best after that match.

“Russia beat me in between those two games which meant I finished third in the group. I’m confident now going into the World Open in June in Poznan; I’m not afraid of facing anyone. I just have to train hard and then who knows?”

Also giving her account of the time in Barcelona, BC1 athlete Niamh Dunphy said: “This competition was a great step for Team Ireland with the BC1/BC2 team drawing a hard pool against Spain, Portugal and Norway. Unfortunately, we didn’t win against Spain or Portugal but it really could have gone either way.

“We bounced back and managed to beat Norway and it was great to end the day on a high! For me individually it was memorable as I won my first individual match against Denmark.

“As a squad we’ve shown our ability and what new younger players are capable of.

From here the only way is up!”