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War of words on social housing ian begley
A war of words has erupted between a Clondalkin TD and a local councillor regarding a Sinn Fein proposal to reduce nearly 50 housing units proposed in Letts Field, Neilstown. Clondalkin TD Robert Dowds (Lab) accused Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) of “complete political cowardice” following his proposal to reduce the number of houses at Letts Field from 48 to between 15 and 20.
In response, Cllr O Broin accused Deputy Dowds of “getting his facts wrong”, saying that his reason for wanting to reduce the number of houses is to ensure that the football pitch and local amenity is retained. “We also want to ensure that the newly built special autism unit in St Peter Apostles School is not unduly affected by any development,” he added. Full Story on Page 6
Letting their hair down: Pair have fun at a local fundraiser eve Barbour-Murrie and Katie
Higgins are pictured at a recent fundraiser for the camogie section at Round Tower’s GAA Club. The Dublin Senior 7 Camogie Championship winners 2014 need to get jerseys for this
year’s championship which kicks off on the September 8. The event was a great success with guests enjoying a disco and karaoke. See full Gallery next week Picture: Peter Rossiter
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 August 2015
CULTURE NIGHT: FREE EVENTS AND LIVE SHOWS
ROW Angry reaction to Labour TD’s claims
Nocturnal cultural fun DUBLIN Mid-West will buzz with free events and live performances as the nation’s Culture Night returns for 2015. The 10th annual Culture Night, which will be held on September 19, will showcase the very best of its cultural talents and creativity. This year many of South County Dublin’s arts and cultural organisations will open their doors until late at night, hosting free events, tours, talks and performances for individuals, their families and friends to enjoy. Some of the events announced in Clondalkin so far includes free Irish Set Dancing lessons at the Aras Chronain Cultural Centre from 8 to 9.30pm. This will be followed by an evening of traditional Irish music, dance and song, along with a Cupla Focal. Music Generation South Dublin will be running free music work-
shops for children and young people up to 18 years in the Rathcoole Community Centre on the night. Participants will have the chance to meet tutors, try different instruments and socialise with one another in the free event which will take place from 5 to 8pm. The South Dublin Arts Centre, Rua Red, is hosting an event called Dance Like No One Is Watching with dancing choreographer Cathy Coughlan. Participants are invited to enter a film booth and dance in a space lit by a spotlight amidst a backdrop of music. You will be filmed for 10 seconds, creating a continuous moving portrait. The film will then be presented online and projected in a public space several days later. All events are free but must be booked with individual venues. Visit www. culturenight.ie for more information.
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Focus Ireland chief Ashley Balbirnie. The housing charity’s Facebook page refuted Deputy Joanna Tuffy’s (Lab, inset) claims that it, and another charity, should be doing more to provice social housing, saying: “We have ambitious plans to provide over 100 new homes this year across the country”.
Homeless charities reject criticism TWO homeless charities have reacted angrily to claims by Labour TD Joanna Tuffy that they are not using up to €500m in loans made available by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). Labour’s Dublin MidWest TD, who is chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection, has said Focus Ireland and the Peter McVerry trust should be doing more to provide social housing, given their expertise in the area. In her recent comments, Tuffy said that while the two charities had criticised the Government, they needed to “step up to the plate themselves”. Her comments follows the HFA confirmation that only five out of 13 charities had applied for funding as approved
IAN BEGLEY ibegley@gazettegroup.com
housing bodies. Pat Doyle, chief executive of Peter McVerry Trust, said Government party TDs should focus their energies on targeting the homeless crisis rather than the charities. He said: “We are bitterly disappointed, but not surprised by the decision of this Labour TD to attack homeless charities rather than tackle the homeless crisis. Deputy Tuffy has said we need to step up to the plate, but Peter McVerry Trust is already the fastest growing social housing provider in Ireland. We have
stepped up to the plate in social housing just like we step up to the plate on the crisis in homelessness.” Focus Ireland issued similar criticism of Tuffy’s remarks. A statement put up on the charity’s Facebook page stated: “They call this the ‘silly season’ but it rarely gets sillier than this. Tuffy’s remarks can only be seen as a way of distracting attention from the Government’s failure to take the urgent and effective action we have been calling for. “Tuffy claims we have not ‘drawn down’ millions of euros from the HFA to help provide homes. The money she is talking about is actually loans. “The sad truth is that while we are in the process of borrowing millions of euro to build new homes, it is cheaper to borrow it from commer-
cial banks than from the Government’s HFA fund. “We already provide homes for over 500 families and individuals and we have ambitious plans to provide over 100 new homes this year across the country. “T he Government will provide the funds to purchase some of these homes and we are proud to work with local and national government because we know that homelessness can only be solved by people working together.” Speaking to The Gazette, Deputy Tuffy said she stands by her comments and believes that even though the Peter McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland are charities it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be the subject of questioning and debate. “I was raising a legitimate issue because the
State is making substantial funding available through loans [through the HFA] to housing bodies like the McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland so they can provide social housing. “The HFA has very favourable lending rates, but the fact is that [the Peter McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland] have been very slow acting upon this compared to some others and what I’d consider to be more proactive housing bodies like Cluid and the Oaklee Housing Trust. “Just because they are charities doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be open to questioning and debate in relation to their approach on the provision of social housing – that’s exactly what I was doing as a public representative,” said Deputy Tuffy.
27 August 2015 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
DON’SDUBLIN Dublin native Elizabeth Bowen turns tragedy into literary gems ELIZABETH Bowen was born on June 7, 1899 at 15 Herbert Place, Dublin and baptised in nearby St Stephen’s Church, Upper Mount Street (the Pepper Canister) shortly afterwards. The family owned a big house, Bowen’s Court, in Faraghy, near Kildorrey, Co Cork where she spent her early summers. However, when her father, Henry Cole Bowen, suffered a mental illness in 1907, she and her mother moved to Hythe, Kent. Years later, Bowen would return here before her death on February 22, 1973. Her mother Florence died when Bowen was only 12 and she was brought up by various aunts in Ireland and England. This rootlessness gave her a feeling of not belonging and sharpened her observations on life. These themes pervade her writings, as do life in the Big House during the turbulent times following the creation of the Irish Free State. Many such houses were burnt to the ground, but Bowen’s Court survived and she inherited the property in 1930. She often visited the court and spent a lot of money maintaining it, but in 1959 she was forced to sell it. In London, she knew members of the Bloomsbury Group and one of them helped in getting Bowen’s first book, Encounters, published in 1923. She wrote 10 novels, 13 collections of short stories and numerous works of non-fiction. The Last September is the book she felt closest to and deals with the tensions of the early 1920s for the Anglo-Irish community. As a member, she wrote with an insider’s view, giving the story a reality. During World War II she worked for the Ministry of Information and her book The Heat of the Day (1948) is considered by many commentators to be one of the most evocative observations of life during the Blitz. And, in the same year, her literary work was recognised when she was awarded a CBE. After she died in London, her body was brought home and she was buried in Faraghy churchyard, close to her beloved Bowen’s Court.
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
Elizabeth Bowen (inset) was born at 15 Herbert Place in 1899 and was buried in Faraghy churchyard, in Co Cork
CLONDALKIN ‘No family should be going to bed hungry’
Charity group seeking donations IAN BEGLEY
NOT-for-profit charity group Clondalkin Helping Homeless (CHH) wants local donations of food and warm clothes for the homeless, along with hands-on help during certain nights of the week. The team of Clondalkin-based volun-
teers are out every night of the week from 8pm to 10pm at Finches in North Clondalkin and outside Molloys in Clondalkin Village. The group is now appealing for donations of coffee, tinned items, cereals, food hampers along with warm clothing for families and individuals
struggling with homelessness. Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), who founded CHH, said all donations were gratefully accepted. He said: “We launched an appeal last year that was very successful and we managed to help a lot of families. We hope to be in a position to help many
families in the lead-up to Christmas.” Cllr Timmons stressed that no family should be going to bed hungry in 2015 and his group aimed to assist those in need. “The dedication and hard work of volunteers make it all possible. When I set up [the group] I envisaged a service that
would help those in need on a nightly basis, families in need and those at high risk. The dedication from our volunteers is exceptional and Clondalkin is truly a place where we look after each other,” he said. visit www.facebook. com/ClondalkinHelpingHomeless.
4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 27 August 2015
fundraiser Over 160 take part in 12k trek along the Grand Canal to Celbridge
First Sli Chronain Mochua walk raises €1,500 Ian Begley
More than 160 hikers from South County Dublin trekked along the Grand Canal to Celbridge for the inaugural Sli Chronain Mochua walk, raising €1,500 in the process. The 12k Walk, which took
place on August 9, took those involved from the 9th Lock at Clonburris, Clondalkin, to Gulliardstown Bridge, which is two kilometres beyond the 12th Lock. A hundred walkers from Celbridge and around 60 from Clondalkin gathered at the
bridge to mark the re-establishment of the pilgrim path and planted a native hawthorn tree. Monica McGill, of Rally Round The Tower, organised the walk in commemoration of the founder of the monastery in Clondalkin, St Cronan Mochua, who also founded a
settlement in Celbridge. The entire trek saw members from local groups and clubs such as Round Towers GAA, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, Clondalkin Chamber, Clondalkin History Society and Aras Chronain led by 20 leaders and stewards from
Rally Round The Tower and St John’s Church Restoration Fund. Over €1,500 was raised in donations and sponsorship for the restoration of St John’s Church. Bernardine Nic Giolla Phadraig, chairperson of Rally Round The Tower, was presented with a copy of A Road
on the Long Ridge by Cara Geissel, daughter of the book’s author Hermann Geissel. The book describes Sli Mhor, which Sli Chronain Mochua is a part of, and will be placed in the Round Towers Visitors’ Centre when it is constructed by the end of the year.
Get involved in festival says St Patrick’s Day committee THE Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee launches its new website on September 30 and is now appealing for people to get involved. Last March the Clondalkin St Patrick’s parade, which took place in Corkagh Park, involved over 3,000 residents who came out for the celebrations. According to Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), the parade “really brought to life the local talent and community spirit” that Clondalkin possesses. “Our walking parade saw many local schools, voluntary, and musical assemblies taking part in an event that
hasn’t happened in over 10 years. “It’s brilliant news for the area and I’m very happy with how the day turned out. It was a great way to showcase Clondalkin and hopefully next year’s parade will be even bigger and as much of a success,” he said. The committee is also looking for ideas and volunteers for the parade, hoping for an even bigger turn-out than last year. Any group interested in participating is asked to send an email to clondalkinpatricksparade@gmail. com, or call Francis Timmons on 087 2869315.
Commuters in Lucan and Clondalkin are expected to enjoy better transport services to the city centre once the Phoenix Park Tunnel reopens. Pictured is the spot where the rail tunnel under the park begins.
transport: move to reduce traffic congestion
Phoenix Park Tunnel upgrade is launched ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
COMMUTERS in Lucan and Clondalkin are expected to enjoy better transport services to the city centre once the €13.7m Phoenix Park Tunnel reopens later next year. Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe officially launched the works last week to upgrade the tunnel for autumn 2016. The project, funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority
(NTA), will allow passengers on the Kildare Irish Rail line to travel around the north inner city and depart at Connolly Station. Heuston is currently the last stop for commuters on the Kildare line, including those boarding in Adamstown, Fonthill and Parkwest. But a lack of connectivity between platforms means passengers travelling through the reopened tunnel will not be able to exit at Heuston. Lucan’s Cllr William Lavelle (FG), who has previously lobbied the
NTA and Irish Rail over the tunnel’s reopening, welcomed the launch. “This proposal represents common-sense planning – using existing unused infrastructure to maximise public transport capacity. I have been a long-time supporter of the need to reopen the tunnel. “I believe it will provide a sustainable short-to medium-term solution to bring more Lucan and Adamstown commuters direct to the city centre and Docklands, and in turn, will reduce traffic
congestion and aid both the regional economy and quality of life. “The opening of the tunnel and provision of a direct rail link will also support residential development in areas such as the Adamstown SDZ [strategic development zone] where a rail station is already in place,” he said. The 138-year-old tunnel was opened in 1877 and is 692m long. Its reopening was announced last year as part of a €900m transport plan for the capital.
27 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5
free advice Teach an old dog new tricks
google: 400 jobs are expected to be created during construction
Work starts on €150m data centre Construction work has started on Google’s new €150m data centre at Profile Park in Clondalkin. An estimated 400 jobs are expected to be created during the construction of the data centre, including 60 new full-time jobs at the data centre itself. Data centres are large warehouses that contain a vast group of networked computer servers typically used by organisations for the remote storage, processing, or distribution of large amounts of data. The new centre will be built beside an existing Google facility which opened in Clondalkin in 2012 and will include the development of a 30,361 sqm, two-storey data stor-
age facility and additional outbuildings and parking for 83 cars on the 11-hectare site. The first phase of the centre is expected to be completed by the end of the year. In addition, Google has completed the purchase of 31 acres adjacent to its facilities in Profile Park which will give the company flexibility should it have additional data centre requirements. The new data centre will rank amongst the most energy efficient in the world. It will use an advanced air-cooling system to keep its computers running smoothly, taking advantage of Ireland’s naturally cool climate. Ronan Harris, head of Google in Ireland said:
“The data centre that we built in Dublin in 2012 has worked really well for us and created around 30 full-time jobs. We have now started construction on our second data centre and we have been working with the local community as the building gets under way. “Every day, millions of people search on Google for information, products and services. In addition, millions of people worldwide use other Google services and applications, such as Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube. Google’s data centres help power these services, and ensure that searches remain fast and that our services are always secure and available.”
Ian Begley
Commemoration workshop: Citizens have their say on Rising celebrations lucan Library recently played
host to a meeting of local groups, organisations and individuals to discuss plans for the 2016 Centenary Programme. The event was about engaging with citizens to allow all
sections of the community to put forward their ideas, hopes and plans for 2016. Pictured at the event are Commandant Stephen Mac Eoin; Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Brian Gavin. Picture: Pearl Phelan
MAXI Zoo’s team of dog experts will be on hand in the coming weeks at Liffey Valley Retail Park to freely educate and advise dog owners who want to learn how to teach an old dog new tricks and how to correct past mistakes. The store’s experts will provide free advice on the length of time pooch parents should practice learning tricks with their pets like playing dead, rolling over and weaving, while also providing tips on how to finish pet training on a high so that their dog stays keen to play and learn. For more information you can visit www. maxizoo.ie.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 August 2015
LETTS FIELD Reduction called for to save football pitch
War of words breaks out over housing units IAN BEGLEY ibegley@dublingazette.com
A WAR of words has e r u p t e d b e t we e n a Clondalkin TD and a local councillor regarding a Sinn Fein proposal to reduce nearly 50 housing units proposed in Letts Field, Neilstown. Clondalkin TD Robert Dowds (Lab) accused Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) of “complete political
cowardice” following his proposal to reduce the number of houses at Letts Field from 48 to between 15 and 20. His intentions for doing so is to ensure that the football pitch on the site is retained, including that the newly built autism unit in St Peter Apostles School is not affected by this development. Dowds, however, said that Sinn Fein’s opposi-
tion to building 50 new social housing units at Lett’s Field for those who are on the housing list and who are homeless is “an absolute disgrace”. He said: “Cllr Eoin O Broin is guilty of complete political cowardice, and it is people on the housing list and living in emergency accommodation who are going to suffer because of it.
“On the one hand, Sinn Fein is saying that more action needs to be taken to tackle the housing crisis. Labour has provided the money for 50 social housing units to be built at Letts Field, to house 50 families in need. “Now Sinn Fein want the number of houses being built to be reduced from 50 to 15. Once again, we are seeing Sinn Fein speaking out of both sides of their mouth, asking for action on something, but then opposing that action once work begins. “Sinn Fein’s opposition to building social housing during the middle of the worst housing crisis in living memory is just shameful. I am calling on Eoin O Broin to do the right thing and stop his opposition to the 50 houses being built at Letts Field. “The housing crisis is simply desperate, and we cannot afford this sort of populist rubbish if we’re going to get a handle on it,” said Deputy Dowds.
Cllr Eoin O Broin and Robert Dowds TD (inset) have clashed on social housing
The proposal to reduce the number of houses at Letts Field was made following a detailed sur vey conducted by Sinn Fein in Moorefield and Woodavens recently. O f t h e 213 r e s i dents who completed the sur vey, 64% of the respondents were opposed to the council proposal, 75% supporting a smaller development and 89% supporting the provision of a play space. Speaking in response to Dowds’ remarks, Cllr O Broin said: “I wel-
come Deputy Dowds newfound interest in the housing crises in Clondalkin. Unfortunately as usual he has got his facts wrong. “Sinn Fein fully supports the council’s new social housing strategy. In fact we have been calling on central Government to release extra funding to enable the council to build even more social housing than the current plan allows. “Unfortunately, due to Government cuts to social housing funding, which Deputy Dowds
voted for, South Dublin County Council has been unable to build a single house since Fine Gael and Labour took office. “Sinn Fein has called for the proposed development at Letts Field to be reduced from 48 houses to 20 to ensure that the much-used football pitch and local amenity is retained. “We also want to ensure that the newly built special autism unit in St Peter Apostles School is not unduly affected by any development.”
Cian makes World Skills finals IAN BEGLEY
A RATHCOOLE man has been identified as Ireland’s most promising young craftsperson in cabinetmaking at the World Skills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cian Mulligan, a second year student studying at GMIT National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology in Letterfrack, took first place in a rigorous selection process designed to identify the best and most resilient
competitor in cabinetmaking for inclusion in the Irish team. To make the final in the World Skills Competition, Mulligan had to compete nationally, before training hard to eventually become successful in entering the global competition for his skill and craftsmanship. Congratulating his success, Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “The World Skills Competition is a great showcase of the ability and skills of our workforce in
Ireland. For example, Ireland has now won gold in aircraft maintenance for four years running. We also won gold in restaurant services, which further reinforces the success of our tourism industry in Ireland which supports over 200,000 jobs. “I would like to congratulate Cian for representing Rathcoole and Ireland to such an impressive standard and look forward to seeing more from our local apprentices and trainees.”
27 August 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7
competition Local Irish Wolfhound selected to represent capital
Ceili claims second at Nose of Tralee Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
A Clondalkin Irish Wolfhound is woofing for joy after coming second at this year’s Nose of Tralee – a competition that gives pet lovers a chance to show off their pets. Ceili, a six-month-old Irish Wolfhound from Clondalkin, beat off 940 other entrants and was selected to represent the capital as the Dublin Nose for 2015. Receiving more than
13,000 votes from pet lovers from around the world, Ceili lost out to the Kerry Rose (Ginger), a Welsh corgi who received nearly 15,000 votes. Her owner Liz McHale told The Gazette that she is very proud of her dog coming in second place and said she did Dublin proud in the yearly competition. “She was very happy with being the runnerup and will get a hamper full of doggie treats for her achievement, which
she is eagerly looking forward to. “The competition ended on the same night as the Rose of Tralee and we had all the Wolfhound lovers’ support from around Ireland, including the UK, America and several from Australia and New Zealand. “I’ve even tried to get Gareth Brooks to put it up on his Facebook because he’s a wellknown lover of Irish Wolfhounds.” McHale went on to say
centenary Groups urged to take part Ian Begley
Six-month-old Irish Wolfhound, Ceili came in second place
that Ceili helps out with collections for the Blue Cross and has attended several Irish Army ceremonies and other events, such as the opening of Tayto Park’s new rollercoaster. She also has a very famous brother, Domhnall, who is the mascot
for the Irish Guards in Buckingham Palace. Her big sister, Keelagh, is also the mascot for the Irish Army. “Ceili’s brother and sister also voted for her on the night and were both very happy to see her do so well. I won’t tell her brother but I
think Celie is even more famous than Domhnall now.” Asked if she will enter Ceili again into next year’s Nose of Tralee, McHale said: “No, I don’t think so, but maybe I’ll enter my guinea pig, Olaf, to see if he can do so well.”
SOUTH Dublin County Council invites local groups, organisations and individuals to take part in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and has extended the closing date to August 31. As outlined in the council’s budget for 2015, €50,000 has been provided for the activities recommended by the 1916 Commemoration Committee which will be further augmented in the 2016 Budget. This fund is available for local groups/organisations to play their part by developing a project to mark the centenary. To get involved visit w w w.2016.southdublin.ie
8 clondalkin Gazette 27 August 2015
gazetteGALLERIES
Sarah O’Connor and Nicola Hannigan. Pictures: Pearl Phelan
they want kandi: new beauty salon opens in clondalkin
N
ail Kandi beauty salon has opened in the heart of Clondalkin village. Nail Kandi is a one-stop shop for all things glamourous and they offer an array of services such as nails, tanning, waxing, lashes and more. Get ready to be spoiled because upon arrival, clients are offered a complimentary tea/coffee or glass of champagne. The opening night was celebrated with friends, family and, of course, new and existing clients.
Tour guides Alex Martinelli from Paris and Hendrik Kuhling from Berlin. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
June O’Connor and Angela Dunne
Chris O’Toole and Lily O’Sullivan
Louise O’Connor and Katie O’Toole Bryce Quig-Hartman
Sean and Mason Kinsella
Sarah and Ruth Curran Avril Crotty
Jack Hegarty
27 August 2015 clondalkin Gazette 9
arts: THE JOHN LENNON EDUCATIONAL BUS TOUR
Just Imagine T
he John Lennon Educational Tour Bus rolled into Library Square in Tallaght recently as it began its 24-day Irish national tour which will take in 11 counties and reach over 100 young musicians throughout Ireland. The bus, , which was made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon, contains a fully equipped state-of-the-art music studio, offered an amazing opportunity to young aspiring South Dublin musicians, to spend a day on board, work with a world class crew of engineers to record and produce original music, produce and shoot music videos and documentaries and complete a broadcast-quality music video. Public tours of the bus were also on offer. Avril Crotty, coordinator of Music Generation South Dublin said: “We are delighted to have this fantastic opportunity to work with the John Lennon Bus team and bring a real sense of excitement to music education in South Dublin this summer.”
Fred Harford keeps the beat
Fred Harford, Kevin Wynne, Keith Bracken, Etan and Nicola Browne and Ian Byrne
10 GAZETTE 27 August 2015
GAZETTEGALLERY
Elliott, Lottie, Bonnie, Babette and Morah Ryan
Paul Harrington and Joe Harrington
Holly and Shay Byrne
Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins with grandchildren Sadhbh, Cian and Saoirse O’Byrne and (inset) Gay with Marty Whelan and Rory Cowan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
BORD GAIS THEATRE: OPENING OF BELOVED MUSICAL
Dublin is alive with the Sound of Music
F
ANS of the timeless musical, The Sound of Music, flocked to the opening night of a production of the classic show at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre recently, where many well-known faces were to be seen. With accomplished West End stars joining some other top-notch actors and singers, the cast didn’t have to climb every mountain to reach dizzy heights of perfection. Their masterful story of the Von Trapp family’s escape from Nazis – and of a certain singing nun’s influence – delighted the audience. By the musical’s end, when it was time to say so long, farewell, everyone knew that they had seen something good, indeed.
Jessica Whelan, Maria Whelan and Caoimhe Karla Cosgrave and Holly O Connor
Faughnan
Nuala Carey
27 August 2015 Gazette 11
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dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: lisa fitzpatrick balances her family and work
what’son
A mum with a mission àisling kennedy
KNOWN for being Ireland’s numberone fashion guru and stylist to the stars, Lisa Fitzpatrick is one of the busiest stylists in showbiz. She presents a fashion slot on Ireland AM on weekdays, appears on TV3’s Xpose regularly, runs her own fashion roadshow and is mother to two young children. She took time out this week to talk to The Gazette about a typical day in her life. “I get up at about 6am every day and I have a routine where I love to have my coffee and a bottle of water first thing in the morning.” Lisa, who is married to Paul Fitzpatrick and is mother to Sophie (12) and Dalton (9), says that her son spoils her every morning and always makes her a coffee to get the day started. “Dalton makes me my coffee every morning and he writes little letters on the coffee tray or puts a fake flower or a flower from the garden on my tray each day. He’s great, and a really thoughtful young man.” Once she has her morning coffee, Lisa gets herself camera ready and heads to the TV3 studios in Ballymount for her fashion segment on Ireland AM. “I usually get to TV3 at about 7am, and I will then sit with my models, check the re-fit of their clothes, then do the Coming Up slot, and then present the slot at 10am.
“After that, I then head into the city centre for meetings at 10.30am. I always go into Clarendon St Church and light three candles, either before the meeting or after the meeting, for whoever is in my thoughts. I never go into the city centre without lighting candles in Clarendon St.” After that, Lisa pulls some looks for Xpose in stores around the city, and then at 1.45pm she leaves the city centre to pick up her children from school. She is usually home by 4pm when she then sits down to have a healthy lunch of either a tuna salad or salmon and brown bread. She then turns her attention towards her children, and begins helping them with their homework. “I usually cook dinner while the kids are doing their homework and then once dinner is finished at about 5pm, I get into mammy mode and prepare lunches for the next day, put washes on and do a bit of ironing. “Then, at about 7pm it’s my time! I catch up on my TV box sets – I’m watching Madame Secretary, and Suits, at the moment.” She is usually pretty tired from the early start, so she is always in bed by 9pm and asleep by 10pm, ready to start the next day again at 6am. Lisa Fitzpatrick is currently relaunching her Fashion Fix roadshow in the Spencer Hotel on September 19. Tickets for the roadshow are available at www.fitzpatrickstyle.com.
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volunteer to help a wheely great event
TV presenter and style guru Lisa Fitzpatrick is kept busy with staying on trend for all the latest fashions, while also juggling her time as a wife and mother
EVENT volunteers are being sought for the Great Dublin Bike Ride, which takes place on Sunday, September 13 in Smithfield. The event is a mass participation bike ride for people of all abilities – from novice riders to experts, and enthusiastic, reliable and safety-conscious volunteers are needed to help direct more than 2,500 cyclists through the course. Volunteers will meet at Smithfield and Swords on Sunday, September 13. They are crucial to event operations, cyclists’ safety and contributing to the atmosphere of the day. Volunteers are currently being recruited for event coordination, team support and cyclist registration. Two scenic routes (60km and 100km) have been designed for the event (subject to change, pending approval of the relevant bodies), with both routes starting and finishing in the heart of Smithfield. The Great Dublin Bike Ride is based on the international sportif model, which promotes cycling and mass participation. You can apply online at www.volunteer.ie.
12 Gazette 27 August 2015
Gazette
dublinlife Festival set to brew up a storm Bac k b y p o p u l a r demand after its inaugural outing last year, The Dublin Coffee and Tea Festival 2015 is set to be another big weekend on the social calendar for coffee and tea lovers nationwide. T he festival takes place once again in the RDS from September 11 to 13, with thousands of visitors expected to taste what the coffee and tea industry in Ireland has to offer. The Dublin Coffee and Tea Festival fea-
tures: The Roasters Village hosting an array of coffee and tea micro roasters; T he SCAE Brew School where visitors will be shown how to use different brewing methods; The National Home Barista Championships as well as The Food Village for Artisan food and beverage suppliers whose products compliments the coffee and tea drinking experience. The Festival has served as a fitting platform to promote the
renowned World Barista Championship which is coming to Dublin in June 2016 for the first time. For further information visit www.dublincoffeefestival.com.
shatter shoots back on story Alan Shatter has hit back at a story that ran last week alleging he charged €12 passport photos to the Irish taxpayer during his tenure as Justice Minister. The former minister says the
claims are “totally false”. The Star reported that Shatter claimed €12 in expenses for passport photos in October 2013 while he was earning a salary of almost €160,000. However in a Facebook post the Dublin South TD torpedoed these allegations. He said the real story was that he undertook ministerial engagements in Lebanon, Jordan and Israel, in 2013 for which inoculations and photos were required for a Lebanese visa. “I was asked to furnish all relevant receipts to the Department of Defence and did so,” he said. This isn’t the first time Shatter has been in the spotlight over photographs. Back in 2007, he circulated a bizarre leaflet with pictures of his head photo-shopped onto a picture of Star Trek’s, Captain Kirk, and Simon Cowell with headlines like Shatter has the X-Factor.
Barnardos seeks volunteers Children’s charity Barnardos is seeking volunteers throughout Dublin to support its national collection day – Buckets for Barnardos – on Friday, September 18. Barnardos is hoping to recruit over 1,000 volunteers to raise funds for its work with vulnerable children and families. Barnardos works with over 11,300 children and families in 40 projects throughout Ireland To volunteer contact Grainne on 1850 217 217 or visit www.barnardos. ie/buckets. If you are unable to volunteer but would like to help you can text BUCKET to 50300 to donate €4.
diary
Model Holly Carpenter at the launch of the Dublin Coffee and Tea Festival 2015
27 August 2015 Gazette 13
FEATURE event: ‘The Festival is packed with lectures, debate, film and walks’
Rising to open Dublin Festival of History Ian Begley
The third annual Dublin Festival of History is set to take place again this year with the question of how 1916 should be commemorated as one of the chief topics. The festival runs from September 25 to October 10 in Printworks Dublin Castle, Dublin City Council public libraries, and various other venues. A panel discussion of commemorations is only one of the topics in the 2015 programme, which will look at some of the greats of history in Napoleon, Caesar and Wellington, as well as the social history of Dublin throughout its sporting and culinary
life. As the centenar y o f t h e 1916 R i s i n g approaches, the Festival will open with a panel of Irish historians reflecting on recent commemorative events, and looking ahead to the plans to mark the centenary of the Rising. The 1916 Rising also features strongly in the programme in the branch libraries with talks on the fire brigade in 1916, the re-development of Richmond Barracks and the labour movement at Easter Week 1916. There’s a focus on women’s history, with talks on the women who took part in the Rising, the lives of the Pearse sisters, and women’s
political participation in Ireland. Speaking at the festival Dublin Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF) said: “The Festival is packed with interesting lectures, debate, film and walks and is a real treat for the history buff. “The programme for the 2015 Festival runs from the 1916 Rising to the Second World War, from the history of soccer in Ireland to medics in the trenches, from the field of Croke Park to the field of Waterloo, and from the streets of Dublin to the streets of Samarkand. “This year for the first time the Festival, run by Dublin City’s public libraries, will include a
How 1916 should be commemorated will be a major topic at the Dublin Festival of History. Picture: Courtesy of Dublin City Library and Archive
family and children’s programme which takes place in Dublin Castle and partner venues and includes a specially commissioned walk, A Child’s view of Dublin Life through the ages.” All lectures and children’s events at the Dublin Festival of History are free and tickets can be booked at www.dublinfestivalofhistory.ie.
Search is on for Silver Surfers Age Action is searching for people over the age of 50 who are getting online and mastering new technologies as part of this year’s Silver Surfers Awards. This year’s awards were launched by Newstalk’s George Hook at an event in DCU accompanied by past winner Marie O’Gorman and new learners Adrienne Swan and Noeleen Brennan. Although as many as 70 per cent of older people don’t use the internet Age Action’s Silver Surfers have overcome the challenge of learning something new and are now expert googlers, skypers and tweeters. Whether it’s keeping in touch with grandchildren overseas, paying bills, starting your own blog or researching your passion, Age Action wants to highlight the achievements of the
over 50s in Ireland and nominations are now open. -----------------------------------
‘I was amazed by all the different contributions to technology’ -----------------------------------
One of last year’s winners, 86-year-old Paddy Crean, said: “I was amazed by all the different contributions to technology from different Silver Surfers, from finding crochet patterns online to writing stories for grandchildren to setting up online book clubs.” Eamon Timmins, chief executive of Age Action, said there were more nominations last year than ever before and they are hoping to top
this in 2015. “The Silver Surfer awards are a great way to show an older relative or friend your appreciation and we’re urging everyone right across Dublin who knows a great silver surfer to nominate them. We hope they will inspire other older people to take the plunge and to get online,” he said. All nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony in October, organised by our partners for this year’s Silver Surfers, the DCU Age Friendly Project. Nominations can be made online at www.ageaction. ie/silversurfer or by phoning 01 475 6989. Closing date for nominations is October 4, 2015. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 20 at The Helix Theatre.
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14 Gazette 27 August 2015
dublinlife
award-winning : National Theatre of Great Britain
Thrilling new stage play has plenty of bite Ian Begley
The National Theatre of Great Britain returns to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this October with the multi awardwinning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime. Christopher Boon is a 15–year-old boy with Asperger’s syndrome (a form of autism) which
leaves him ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. Based on the awardwinning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, T he Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a
thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre. Speaking to The Gazette, director Stephens said that adapting the novel into a play was both daunting and tremendous fun. “Mark Haddon is an extraordinar y writer and it was a real honour to be asked to adapt his novel into a play - it was
both a massive compliment and very daunting at the same time. “Mark was such a brilliant, empowering collaborator. He basically said ‘I trust you’ and to do whatever I wanted with his novel. Because of this I felt more brave and confident about taking upon this massive feat. I took a long time thinking about how to dramatise the novel which is entirely built around the interior voice. “Drama deals with things that people do rather than the things people feel or think about. T he novel is all about what Chris remembers and what he thinks and observers. Finding a dramatic muscle to that was the real challenge.” Stephens went on to say that Christopher’s teacher Siobhan is one of the chief characters in the play despite her playing only a minor part in the book. “The novel pretends
Director Simon Stephens said that adapting the novel into a play was both daunting and tremendous fun. Picture: Alex Rumford
to be a book written by somebody else – Christopher. His teacher is quite a peripheral figure in the novel, but I made his relationship with her the real centre of the play. “I have allowed Siobhan act as the narrator in the play by reading C h r i s t o p h e r ’s b o o k aloud. “When she first picks up his book she finds something very special
in him which she finds astonishing.” He added that he wants the audience to have the same sense of astonishment and curiosity into Christopher’s world as his teacher. “We recognise ourselves in Christopher, but at the same time he’s unlike anything we have ever experienced. “What Mark’s done is that he’s invented a character who doesn’t
h ave e m p a t hy a s a means of exploring how important empathy is because of his condition - he can’t understand people’s feelings.” The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is taking place at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from October 6 to 10. Tickets are priced from €15 - €55 and can be purchased on www. bordgaisenergytheatre. ie
Simon says please join its upcoming fun run THE Simon Fun Run will hold its 32nd charity run in the Phoenix Park this October. The Simon Fun Run is a professionally timed road race which is registered with Athletics Association Ireland and will see runners such as Olivier Meisonnave from Dax Restaurant and the Hamleys Bear take to the track. The five-mile route is open to
professional and amateur runners alike, with Simon inviting running clubs, school groups, corporate teams, family groups and friends to take part.
Activities There will be a Hamleys’ Kids Zone, Simon Food Court, live music and performers and much more activities on the day.
The run will take place on Saturday, October 3 and the meeting point is the Papal Cross in the park. There is an entrance fee of €30 for adults, €10 for 13-18 year olds, while 12 years and under are free, and school groups can register as a group for €15. To register, see www.familyfun. ie/dublin-simon-fun-run/.
27 August 2015 GAZETTE 15
FEATURES
Ryan Sheridan is set to release his new album, Here and Now , on August 28. Picture: Jelena Lihhatsova
RYAN SHERIDAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER RELEASES ALBUM
‘I’m ecstatic to get back to my native home’
IAN BEGLEY
RYAN Sheridan, the acclaimed singer/songwriter from Monaghan, is set to release his new album in Ireland on August 28 following a much anticipated world tour. His new album Here And Now was recorded in Ireland and Germany, and is the follow up to his Irish platinum selling debut The Day You Live Forever. Featuring the massive hits Jigsaw and The Dreamer, that album was only kept from the top of the Irish charts by Adele’s 21. A brand new single Hearsay is also being released to coincide with
the arrival of Sheridan’s new album. 2012 saw international deals done with Universal Music in Europe and Australia, and The Day You Live Forever climbed to the top of the German charts. Thrilling
Extensive touring soon followed, and Sheridan spent much of 2013 thrilling European audiences with his highoctane live shows. Speaking to The Gazette, Sheridan said he is very excited in the run up to his new album, along with performing in Dublin. “After my first album in 2011 I’ve been touring around the world for
a total of four years and now I’m very pleased to be back releasing another one. “Over the years I feel like I’ve progressed a little towards a more acoustic element. “I was really inspired to bring the album back to my roots and back to a raw energy acoustic sound that I was looking for. “I only just got back from a tour recently and then I have an Irish tour coming up starting on August 28 in Whelan’s Pub. It’s been about two or three years ago since I last toured around in Ireland so I’m ecstatic to get back to my native home.” Sheridan went onto
say that his upcoming performance in Whelan’s Pub is something he is really looking forward to as it was where he first started out. “Whelan’s is where it all started for me so I have a bit of a soft spot for the place. I’m now very much looking forward to per forming there again. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic night and hopefully the place will be packed full of music lovers.” Ryan Sheridan’s new album Here And Now will be released August 28 and he will be performing in Whelan’s Pub on the same day. V i s i t w w w. r y a n sheridanmusic.com for more information.
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16 Gazette 27 August 2015
dublinlife
feature
crisis: Calling to re-establish Training Agency
Hospitality sector facing chef shortage Aisling Kennedy akennedy@dublingazette.com
Dublin, and indeed Ireland, is currently facing a
crisis in the hospitality sector as there is a major shortage of culinary chefs throughout our country. The crisis of chefs has
reached its highest level yet and the Restaurant Association of Ireland is now calling on the Minister for Education to re-es-
tablish CERT, the former State Tourism Training Agency. CERT was established in 1963 and was responsible for providing a trained workforce for the hotel, catering and tourism industry. It was abolished in 2003. Chief executive of the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) Adrian Cummins said: “The restaurant sector are calling for the immediate reestablishment of CERT, which the tourism and hospitality sector held in high esteem while it was operational. It was fit for purpose and serviced the industry with skilled labour during its operational years.” A tota l of 24,700 chefs were employed in 2014 but according to the RAI the main skills shortages are among suitably qualified chefs as many of the applicants submitted for chef positions are deemed not to be appropriately qualified. The RAI believe that there is not enough chef training centres in Ireland and said that there is an immediate deficit of 5,000 chef trainees annually. Ross Lewis, joint-owner and Michelin star head chef at Chapter One, told the Gazette that he believes there are many facets to the current crisis in chefs and there is no quick fix. He said: “The prob-
Ross Lewis, joint-owner and Michelin star head chef at Chapter One
lem is that demand is outstripping supply. The industry has been growing progressively over the last 15 years and I’m not sure that we’re surviving the supply of chefs to meet the demand. “There is probably 3,000 to 4,000 more restaurant seats in the city in the last three to four years and that’s a huge contributing factor.” Lewis explains that a shortage in chefs in Ireland is a continual problem as Ireland is a small country and chefs tend to train here and then move onto other countries. “Chefs are usually young and single and they do tend to move on to other countries. We have to try to encourage these guys back here because it’s potentially a huge area for Irish tourism.” Another aspect of some young chefs deciding against the trade are the unsociable hours and in some cases poor wages. Lewis is quick to dispel this idea, however, and says: “Yes the hours can
be unsociable but on the other hand it has never been a more positive time to be a chef. “It’s a glamorous job now and the amount of people who are interested and attracted by it has never been greater.” Crisis
Lewis believes that an important area to tackle in the crisis of chefs is training colleges. “There is an element of large drop outs from college and in the first year of the industry there is a very significant drop out. “We need to take a look at this because for every hundred enrolling, the amount that are actually making it through to the industry is considerably less and this is a real issue. “We need to take the teaching of culinary arts and cheffing back into the kitchen. Apprenticeships have been dispensed with which is a major problem. “If somebody comes through the apprenticeship system in the kitchen then they’ll know
what’s involved and what the hours are and they’ll tell you very quickly whether they want to do it or not.” Lewis explains that teaching in a classroom is a cheaper and easier option but it’s not practical because young chefs are not experiencing the real kitchen environment or being hands on with food. “There’s a big disconnect between the educational system and the industry and that’s an issue.” Lewis is aware that there is no quick fix but he is adamant that the problem should be approached from all angles. He said: “We’re going to have to do something because it’s at a crisis stage at this point. Instead of hiring chefs with training, kitchens are hiring the immigrant workforce who might not have worked in a kitchen before. “I am very proud of Ireland as a food island as the primary produce here is second to none.
27 August 2015 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25
travel P20
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
style P18
Pets it’s the quiet life for Maggie
Emily Aoibheann from performance group Dying Breeds rehearsing for their new show Object Piggy which will feature at Dublin Fringe. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
festival: Celebrating 21 years with a packed programme of shows
No longer on the fringes keith bellew
Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival celebrates its 21st birthday this year from September 7 to 20 with a packed programme of acclaimed shows in the mediums of theatre, comedy, music, dance and circus. Speaking to The Gazette, chief executive and artistic director of Tiger Dublin Fringe Kris Nelson said the festival was created by a group of artists who felt that they weren’t being presented in mainstream festivals, and wanted to create their own context for independent work. “Unlike most fringe [festivals] around the world they decided they would make a curated festival so that their Fringe of other work by Irish art-
ists would be selected by the director, whereas other Fringes around the world are based on first come, first served,” he said. He went on to say that the festival has really grown over the years and is no longer on the fringes of the main festivals as it is now one of the main festivals. “The festival presents the very best and brightest of new Irish makers, so we focus a lot on new forms new expressions, new kinds of theatre, dance, comedy, and circus. “Over the years it’s become an incubator for new talent and new ideas, and it’s also a place where more established artists come to try something new,” he said. He said that Fringe audiences are
very diverse comprising arts aficionados, first timers and everything in between. Many of the events will be held in unique venues throughout the city, and Nelson says this lends a spirit of adventure to the festival. Possibly one of the most intriguing of these is Beckett in the City which will be performed in the former residence of Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire in Parnell Square. This building is steeped in Irish republican history as it is the place that the 1916 proclamation was signed. It has been left vacant since the school moved premises in December, 2002. Directed by Sarah Jane Scaife, this performance examines the female characters in Samuel Beckett’s Footfalls, Rockaby, Not I and Come and
Go. Nelson said that Scaife is one of the world’s leading experts on Samuel Beckett, both in an academic sense and in terms of staging his work. “For her what’s important is that Beckett has a connection with Dublin and with the cityscape, so what she has done over a series of works is connect lesser known pieces or parts of Beckett’s works into places in the city. “She wants to connect how the state and religious institutions have effected Irish women and she’s doing that with these iconic works and also with amazing performers,” he said. To view the full programme of venues and events visit www.fringefest. com.
The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Maggie, a six-year-old Labrador-cross. Maggie adores her tennis balls and adores the people she knows. Maggie would love to meet her soul mate who will make her feel comfortable and secure and know she’ll never have to live in a kennel again. Maggie is a beautiful older lady looking for a quiet home to call her own. Maggie needs an adult only home with few visitors. She would love to live in a quiet area where the noise, hustle and bustle of daily life won’t worry her. Maggie needs to be the only dog in the home but has previously lived with cats. If you think you could offer Maggie a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.
Gazette
18 Gazette 27 August 2015
OUT&ABOUT Label Lab Black scuba dress €99; Untold Black polka dot clutch €64
Biba Bird bell sleeved blouse €115, Black culottes €189, Black fringe clutch €150
Label Lab Black beaded long sleeve dress €199
Linea Two-tone cashmere waistcoat €246; Label Lab Grey cable knit jumper €99; Maison Scotch Grey check trousers €See in store Gray & Willow White and grey stripe coat €249; Label Lab Grey cable knit jumper €99, Grey skinny jeans €69 Biba Black faux fur collar coat €239
HOUSE of Fraser presented their store brands last week in the Dean Hotel. Firm favourites Biba had plenty of exceptional pieces for the autumn season, including a stunning gold luxe jacket.
Waistcoats are a key trend among all brands, with the grey two-toned cashmere offering from Linea stealing my heart. Embellished jumpers and jackets also featured heavily, while a faux fur striped coat from Pied a Terre sent fashion editors and
bloggers’ hearts skipping. The yellow tweed coat from Dickins and Jones had us all wishing for some Arctic conditions, while the black, beaded long-sleeve dress from Label Lab will have you looking fab at any Christmas bash.
Biba Black embellished jacket €159, Oriental fringe kimono dress €129
mimi murray
27 August 2015 Gazette 19
Gazette
STYLE Dickins & Jones Yellow tweed coat €259; MaxMara Weekend Black polo neck jumper €See in store; Victoria Beckham Jeans Black flare jeans €See in store
Biba Gold leather blazer €349, 1963 slogan T-shirt €39, Leggings €65
Look your best for next season mimi murray
AUTUMN seems to be just around the corner and it makes me long for lipsticks in dark berry shades. I may not be able to pull them off as a
look, but I still lust after them! Coral nails and nude, sun-kissed complexions make way for smokey eyes and nails in plums and greys. Here, I have chosen some of the best products I have sampled so far for this autumn.
Www.spongelleIreland.ie Anti-cellulite body buffer €14
Vichy Skinsleep cream €28 Lancome Vernis in Love €19.50
Pied a Terre Faux fur stripe coat €236
Clarins Double Serum 30ml €69.50
Lancome Grandiose smudgeproof mascara €30
Kiehls Daily revival concentrate €42.50
Urban Decay Naked Smokey €46
Clarins Joli Rouge €22
Great gifts for shoppers to help mark elite Lancome make-up artist’s classes at BT LANCOME’S elite make-up artist Marc Sinclair (right) will be in Ireland hosting a series of make-up masterclasses and one-on-one appointments in Brown Thomas this September, on Thursday 10 and Friday 11. This coincides with an exclusive gift with every purchase of more than three Lancome products. The Absolue Precious Cells gift contains two full-size products: Absolue Precious Pure
Cleansing Foam and Liquid Rouge in Love 316; eye cream and day cream. The Lancome gift, available exclusively at Brown Thomas, also contains an Oleo serum using rose stem cells to target anti-aging, and Rouge in Love, to add a touch of gloss to your autumn complexion. The gift – worth more than €210 – is available from Thursday, September 3 to Saturday, September 19, and will be available with the pur-
chase of three or more Lancome products. This gift is available while stocks last from the Lancome counter in Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
Gazette
20 Gazette 27 August 2015
OUT&ABOUT
co donegal: still largely untouched by tourism, fanad peninsula delights
Make the time to visit this quiet treasure A refined and relaxing
The welcoming exterior of the sympathetically developed Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa
co meath: dunboyne castle hotel and spa
mimi murray
getaway from city life ian begley
I RECENTLY enjoyed a one-night stay at the historically renowned Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa, Co Meath. The original castle on the Dunboyne estate was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell, but the charming present day building that we see today was completed in 1764. Rooms are very spacious and modern, equipped with a Smart TV and a magnificent view of the hotel grounds. My guest and I took advantage of the hotel’s new Aromathera-tea package, which includes afternoon tea and a choice of one of three spa treatments at the hotel’s Seoid Spa for a total of €65pp. I found the afternoon tea to be delightfully lush, and felt very sophisticated, tucking delicately into finger sandwiches, freshly
baked scones, orange flower meringue pie, and a gorgeous lavender and poppy seed cake, along with several cheeky glasses of prosecco. Later that evening, after a long stroll around the woodland grounds of the hotel, my guest and I went for dinner at the Dunboyne Castle restaurant, The Ivy. To start, I had pan-fried scallops with salt-backed heritage carrots, while for my main I enjoyed a succulent roast rump of Wicklow lamb and confit of belly, which was served with an array of fresh vegetables. My companion had the seared fillet of turbot, which he enjoyed just as much. Overall, it was a really delicious meal. The hotel’s Sadleir Bar was our next stop and, again, the place was full of good cheer and music and its ambience was very relaxed.
Tuck into delicious afternoon tea treats
The morning after this eventful and enjoyable night, I received an extremely relaxing back massage with lavender, ginger, black pepper and rosemary in the Seoid Spa. Afterwards, my companion and I took advantage of all the facilities within the spa that we had unlimited access to, which included the thermal, outdoor hot tub and relaxation and fitness
suites. The Aromathera-tea package at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa includes the Aromathera-tea and your choice of one of these three spa treatments for €65pp. Make a night of it from €155pp midweek, including overnight stay, breakfast, dinner and the Aromathera-tea package. For further information, see www.dubboynecastle.com.
THE Ring of Kerry is one of the most visited and best known tourist destinations in this country. There is no doubt that it is spectacular. Howe ve r g o i n a straight line nor th, about 400km and about 100km east as the crow flies, and you will find scenery of equal beauty, and some of the best beaches in Europe, if not the world. Donegal is as breathtaking as parts of southern Ireland, but with none of the tourist trappings. Food hasn’t taken the massive strides that it has down south, you won’t find shops selling Aran jumpers and walking sticks, and you certainly won’t find bus loads of tourists, eager to find a gravestone with their family name on it. What you will find is real peace and solace, pubs with plenty of craic, and magical scenery all across the county. I recently stayed close to the Fanad Peninsula, in the height of summer,
and barely saw another vehicle – or human, for that matter – as we drove the route over the course of a few hours. There are plenty of pretty little towns around this area, and we stayed in Rathmullan House, in the village of Rathmullan. It’s well placed on its own beach overlook-
--------------------------
‘We drove to Fanad Lighthouse and were the solitary visitors at the head!’ --------------------------
ing Lough Swilly, and is the perfect spot to truly relax. During the summer they cater extremely well for families with children, even small children, but during the autumn and winter months, they are eager to welcome older guests who want to sit beside the fire with a good book or the papers and get away from it all. Close by are the gor-
geous villages of Ramelton, as well as Portsalon and Milford. Letterkenny is also no more than a 20-minute drive away. We dined in Ramelton for lunch on one of our days away in what appeared to be the only cafe/restaurant in the village. It was thronged with Irish holiday-makers, and there are plenty of those. There aren’t many places to eat in the general area and even the local pubs were closed at lunchtime. However, this place was doing a roaring trade, and the food was tasty. For this reason we mostly dined in Rathmullan House, which wasn’t a chore. The food was very good, with lots of choice, including some really good fish dishes, including John Dory, brill and cod. They also have an extensive wine list, with some unusual and exciting wines. It was on day two of our visit that we undertook the drive around the Fanad Peninsula, and
27 August 2015 Gazette 21
Gazette
TRAVEL fast
TRAVEL Survey says we’d all like to take a trip to Route 66 ian begley
Fanad Head Lighthouse awaits visitors to this striking, yet largely untouched part of the country. Wherever you strike out towards, Donegal’s coastline offers visitors and locals alike a wonderful range of beaches and inlets, with rock and cliffs creating unforgettable vistas along many parts of the coast.
even though it rained almost throughout, the sun broke through on occasion to allow us some absolutely amazing views of the ocean, and of beaches so sandy and velvety, we longed to swim there. We drove to the lighthouse and were the solitary visitors at the head! Back at Rathmullan, there is a swimming pool that we mostly had to ourselves, which was great as it allowed me the freedom to play with my three-year-old and try to start the process of teaching him how to swim. Our room was beautifully decorated, and there is a choice of old-
world bedrooms in the main house, and newer rooms in the new addition to the old house. Across from the hotel’s private beach is Buncrana, and a ferry can be taken across to visit that village and make the trip to Malin Head. The beach is long enough for a leisurely stroll along and there were plenty of people horseriding in the waves. All in all, this place is picture postcard perfect, and is well worth the lengthy drive from Dublin. For further information on Rathmullan, see www.rathmullanhouse. com.
Donegal wasn’t spared this summer’s inclement weather, but Rathmullan House provided a cosy retreat
ROUTE 66 has been voted as Ireland’s dream trip destination, according to a new survey by travel experts, Hotels.com. The survey revealed that 38% of Irish people long to drive the famous route, which runs from Chicago to LA. In keeping with the American theme, 27% say they would love to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast highway in California, while 18% dream of taking to the open road along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Playlist The survey also showed that a great playlist is the number one essential item for any car journey (83%), followed by sunglasses (52%), and snacks (48%). When it comes to road trip tunes, AC/ DC’s Highway to Hell came out on top, followed by Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’. When asked where people went in the car on holiday as a child, France was the popular destination, while closer to home, Kerry was the most popular Irish destination for a road trip.
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22 Gazette 27 August 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK
BITESIZEDNEWS
The Bridge Chowder €8
Building bridges with the best of food Situated right in the heart of Dublin’s Ballsbridge, The Bridge 1859 has gone from strength to strength since opening in September 2014. Located in the middle of Ireland’s rugby heartland, The Bridge 1859 offers more than just pre and post match pints with a brand new menu offering a wide variety of dishes. The Bridge 1859 is the latest venture by Noel Anderson, the man behind The Grafton Lounge in Dublin 2. Noel has teamed up with Ireland and Leinster Rugby players Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien, and brothers Rob and Dave Kearney to create Dublin 4’s newest pub. Head chef Simon Boland (formerly of The Church Bar and Restaurant) has created the menu which ranges from starters such as The Bridge Chowder €8 and West Coast Water Mussels €10/€14, mains such as Tempura Lemon Sole €14, Roast Stuffed Globe Artichoke €14 and the 1859 Tower Burger €16, and desserts such as the Butterscotch Chocolate Brownie €6 and the Strawberries ‘N’ Cream €6. The selection ranges from familiar and indulgent to unconventional and intriguing, and always to the highest quality. Carefully sourced highlights include the Glazed Chicken and Herb Roulade €16 which is wrapped in pork caul, the Summer Salad €11 with sweet potato, candy cane beets and Five Mile Town Goats Cheese, and the Ham Hock Roll €11, served on a Waterford blaa with candy cane beetroot and celeriac remoulade. The Bridge 1859 also serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Dishes include The Bridge Breakfast €12, their take on the full Irish, which features aged smoked back bacon, prime pork sausages and boards head black and white pudding. The Bridge Salmocado €12 is another exciting addition to the menu – English muffin, chicory, beef tomato, smoked salmon, poached eggs and avocado hollandaise. The Chorizo and Haddock Smokies €12 are an exciting addition to the brunch menu, and feature cod, salmon, smoked couli, palourde clams, chorizo, toast, wilted spinach, poached eggs and hollandaise. For the more traditional types, The Bridge Roast €13.50 is served every Saturday and Sunday, and changes each week. The Bridge 1859, 13 Ballsbridge Terrace, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Open 7 days.
The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the only operational distillery in Dublin City
Whiskey galore at first new distillery in 125 years Mimi Murray
I recently became a tourist in my own city and visited the new Teeling Distiller y in Newmarket Square. This is the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years and is a great interactive experience for whiskey fans. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the only operational distillery in Dublin City where visitors can get up close and personal with the traditional Irish whiskey making process. We we n t f o r t h e Teeling Trinity Tasting which meant we were going to sample the brands Small Batch, Single Grain and Single Malt offerings at the end of the tour. Mmmmm, something to look forward to. All guided tours are given by Teeling Whiskey Ambassadors and take between 45 minutes and an hour. Our tour guide was well informed, engaging
and had plenty of interesting anecdotes. The tour itself involves a walk through the exhibition area, detailing the history of Irish whiskey from the very beginning, to where it is today. From the exhibition space, the tour then ventures to the inner workings of the distillery where visitors can experience the heat and sweet smell from the stills and witness the whiskey making process first hand. Visitors can see into the barrels to understand the process as it happens, every stage from grain to whiskey. The area is small but I certainly felt like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and was impressed by the large copper stills and sheer touching distance of the process. The tour doesn’t end there. We were then guided into The Bang Bang Bar, where we got to taste Teeling Whiskey. My personal favourite and supposedly a
favourite among women was the Small Batch, although I found most men plumping for this on the day also. The single malt was a firm favourite too. There is also a cafe and shop where you
can buy the whiskey at a cheaper rate than it sells in stores around Dublin. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery and visitor centre at 17 Newmarket, Dublin 8, is open seven days a week.
V i s i t o r s c a n n ow access the distillery via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, getting off at stop 12A. Visitors can simply walk in or pre-booked tours are available on TeelingWhiskey.com.
27 August 2015 Gazette 23
Gazette
HEALTH challenge: ‘The best race ever’
Ironman? Been there, done that, got the T-shirt! suzanne sheehy
NOW I can say it... I’m a finisher! It feels great to have faced down one my most difficult challenges to date. Since registering for the Ironman 70.3 Dublin in November 2014 along with over 2,500 athletes, I was set and ready to go on Sunday, August 9. I faced into a 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, a 56 mile (90km) bike ride and a 13.1 mile (21.1km) run. As a two-year member of Fingal triathlon club I competed regularly. Since I now knew the triathlon it was time for a new challenge. Here was my opportunity. The Ironman 70.3 Dublin was special. First, Ironman is a global brand having its first outing in the Irish capital. You couldn’t miss these guys arriving in
their 40ft trucks only days before the event! It was also a chance to swim in Scotsman’s Bay, Dun Laoghaire, cycle through Dublin, Fingal, Meath, Kildare through closed roads and conclude with a run in Europe’s largest city park, Phoenix Park. D u r i n g my e i g h tmonth journey towards the 70.3, my training involved many Triathlon Ireland events along with Howth Aquathons. This helped prep me for the big day, helping me to try out different foods/gels/bars and find what agreed with my stomach. It also helped me identif y appropriate race gear. On the day, I had old reliables to sustain me rather than newbies! At times my confidence was knocked and I questioned my ability. For example, in one Escape from Ireland
You couldn’t miss these guys arriving in their 40ft trucks
2km Open Water event, I had difficulty with strong currents and finished – exhausted – in 75 minutes knowing the cut-off for the Ironman 70.3 swim was 70 minutes. A bad day – but an invaluable learning curve. When race day finally arrived, conditions were perfect. So many thoughts crowded into my head. I was jumping up and down on the spot not to keep warm but because of the nerves. This was a big goal race! I took comfort in knowing I was surrounded by many novices. T he horn went, I jumped into the water complete with timing chip which was fastened to my left ankle with the velcro strap. We were well and truly off. As we all began to settle into a rhythm, I managed to separate from the crowd and find some
Take care of your heart
Women urged to care for heart health
Members of Fingal Triathlon Club competing in the Ironman 70.3 Dublin. From left to right JP McKenna, David Freeman, Suzanne Sheehy, Dave Harris, Conrad O’Dea
THE Irish Heart Foundation’s September Heart Month is fast approaching and this year’s campaign is focusing on women and heart disease. In the run up to heart month, the Irish Heart Foundation is promoting a number of facts and tips on women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the numberone killer of women in Ireland – yet less than one in five women know this. -----------------------
‘High blood pressure is a silent risk factor and a serious risk for stroke’
-----------------------
The bike race saw competitors to travel through Dublin and west of the city through Meath and Kildare. Picture: Colm Bellew
space. Occasionally, I felt someone tugging at my leg or I got a few knocks on the head from another swimmer. Nothing to do but plough on. I kept a check on the buoys to make sure I was on track. Last thing I wanted was to add needless kilometres by veering off course. Towards the end I felt the cold and was relieved when the swim was complete and I’d reached T1 (transition 1). Stripping off my wetsuit, I grabbed a gel – and the bike. I got into
a steady rhythm and my confidence grew. I knew I could do this. People cheered us along the 90km on as we hydrated at fluid stations en route. Great! As I entered Transition 2, I rushed to rack my bike and don my runners. The run was my strongest and most enjoyable moment. I kept a steady pace throughout. My family turned out in Phoenix Park along with Fingal club members. I crossed the finish line with an overall
time of 5:59:09. I swam 52:16, biked a 3:22:01, ran a 1:36:10. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Next day, I felt my pain. But it was good to know I’d finished and it made it all worthwhile. If I could bottle it, it would be worth gold! My evaluation? The best race I’ve ever experienced – and it was Dublin’s inaugural Ironman70.3 to boot. Congratulations to all those finishers and huge gratitude to all those who came to support everyone.
Also, menopausal women are at a high risk of developing heart disease or suffering from a stroke. The foundation is advising women to reshape their eating plans and stay active and healthy. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, high blood pressure is a silent risk factor and a serious risk for stroke. For this reason, its annual blood pressure roadshow will return in September, visiting approximately 50 locations nationwide. For further information on heart health and heart month, see www.irishheart.ie.
Gazette
24 Gazette 27 August 2015
OUT&ABOUT
music MUSIC
Nils has toured with both Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen
vicar street: renowned guitarist, singer, pianist, solo artist Nils Lofgren
It’s time to face the music Keith Bellew
Nils Lofgren, the r e n ow ned gu i ta ri st, singer, pianist, solo artist and member of both Neil Young’s band and Br uce Springsteen’s E Street Band is coming to Vicar Street on November 2. Speaking to The Gazette he said he hasn’t been to Dublin for a number of years and is looking forward to his return. “My wife Amy and I insisted we get up there. We’re excited to get back to Dublin and Belfast and hopefully do some good shows up there for everyone,” he said. Having turned pro with his band Grin at the age of 17, after seeing The Who and Jimi Hendrix per form in Washington, Lofgren
has been on the road touring and recording for 47 years. His most recent release was a 10-disc greatest hits collection called Face the Music in 2014, which includes a wealth of unreleased tracks and alternate takes and he says that this tour will see most of these performed with varied track-lists from show to show. He was picked up by Neil Young around 1968 when he was 18 after he blagged his way backstage at a gig and played a few of his songs for him. “Realising I knew nothing about the music b u s i n e s s , I ’d s n e a k backstage at every concert and try to ask for advice. “In this par ticular instance, Neil Young heard me out and asked
me if we had any songs. I said yeah I write the songs and he said sing me one and handed me his Martin guitar. “I sang him a song and he said, I like that, sing another, so I ended up singing him about half of the first Grin album. “He bought me a cheeseburger and a coke at this nightclub because I was underage and I spent two days visiting with him and singing four shows on the first Crazy Horse tour,” he said. He ended up joining Young’s band, recording and touring for several albums, the first of which was After the Gold Rush. Between 1971 and 74 he also recorded four albums with Grin and began recording as a solo artist in 1975.
--------------------------
‘He bought me a cheeseburger and a coke at this nightclub because I was underage and I spent two days visiting with him and singing four shows on the first Crazy Horse tour’
--------------------------
Between now and then he has released over a dozen solo albums several of which are underground cult classics. However, unlike many solo artists, Lofgren has no problem playing in a band under someone
else’s leadership and he continued to record and tour with Young in the 70s and 80s. One man he met during this time was Bruce Springsteen. “Way back in 1970, his band Steel Mill and my band Grin did an audition night for Bill Graham’s Fillmore West, and I was a big fan of his music and used to go and see his shows and we had a friendship. We just kind of had a common sense of pur pose of what music could do and what it was supposed to mean. “Br uce and I had long talks about music, i n cl u d i n g my e a r l y songs with Neil Young, and how much I really liked being in a great band and not being the leader, and I think he filed that away. “Long story short, in
1984 when he needed a guitarist he called and asked me to come up and jam with the band. We jammed for two days and it felt beautiful and they asked me to join, and this was literally like a month before the opening of the Born in the USA tour,” he said. Lofgren continues to tour with Springsteen and the E Street Band to this day, most recently in 2012. When he got back from this tour, he began working on Face the Music. “As I assembled that box set, I had forgotten a lot of the things I had done, and I’m so conscious of what’s going on today or tomorrow that it was a great stroll dow n memor y lane. There’s two bonus discs with 40 out-takes, basement tapes and unreleased demos,” he said.
Lucky fans will have the opportunity to meet Lofgren after the show as he plans to spend an hour meeting and greeting and signing autographs. “Traditionally what we’ll do, [unless there’s some extraordinary bus ride after the show], is I’ll dry off and come out and sign for people, shake their hand, look them in the eye and thank them for showing up. It’s kind of the show after the show,” he said. Face the Music is av a i l a b l e o n l i n e a t Nilslofgren.com along with details of his guitar school where budding musicians can download lessons tailored by Lofgren. For more information on Lofgren live at Vicar Street on November 2, visit www.vicarstreet. ie.
27 August 2015 Gazette 25
ReelReviews
PAPER TOWNS
A something-thin plot FOR those who loved The Fault in Our Stars last year, here comes another manipulative film with ‘Hollywood teens’ in pretty contrived situations. Paper Towns (Cert 12A, 109 mins) sees a nerdy but nice guy trying to track down his crush when his toocool-for-school neighbour disappears. Can he follow her trail of clues and find missing Margo? Adults are unlikely to care.
fantastic four Oh no they’re not ... Sinister characters for a reasonably creepy tale – dead children are some of the chief protaganists of Sinister 2, courtesy of the influence from an ancient Pagan spirit
sinister 2: sequel competently delivers more of the same for fans
A creepily effective follow-up BACK in 2012, Sinister arrived on the scene, starring Ethan Hawke as Ellison Oswalt, the true crime writer with a terrible habit of moving his unsuspecting family into houses where grisly murders had taken place. It was a genuinely creepy movie, which saw a suitably haggard Hawke bearing the brunt of the load as he scrambled to solve a mystery involving ritualistic murders captured on video tape and an ancient evil Pagan god, called Bughuul. Around the same time, Dublin-born director Ciaran Foy quietly released his first feature length film. Citadel was a dark and impressive horror debut
Dave phillips
about an agoraphobic man battling teenage hoodlum demons, which despite its small distribution, was very well-received. One of the fans of Citadel was the writer and director of Sinister, Scott Derrickson, who tweeted Foy to ask if he would like to direct the Sinister sequel. Sinister 2 sees James Ransome take the lead role, reprising a bit part he played in the original. He is now an ex-cop who is working as a private
investigator, still trying to solve that very same mystery that Ethan Hawke unwittingly stumbled into, in the first film. While the original saw Hawke desperately trying to save his own family from the curse of Bughuul, this time, Ransome is trying to save his love interest (Shannyn Sossaman) and her twin boys from the childmunching deity. Ransome’s ex-deputy isn’t traditional hero material. He is the kind of bumbling, good-natured twit who just wants us all to get along. His character brings a kind of off-beat pace to the film, with his quirkiness lending a comedic element that was almost completely missing from
the original. But the cost of having such a light-hearted lead becomes clear through the lack of tension. Partly, this is down to a diminishing sense of mystery, too. The supernatural elements of Sinister 2 become wrung out to the point of exhaustion. We are never truly scared for Ransome as he creeps around in the dark as he’s so well-mannered and resilient that we are sure he will bounce back from any demonic trauma. Bughuul gets much too much screen time, and it feels like we know the gang of creepy dead kids hanging around Sossaman’s house on first name terms. That is not to say that
nothing works well here. There is good on-screen chemistry between Sossaman and Ransome, and some of the most frightening moments come courtesy of Sossaman’s abusive and estranged husband (Lea Coco), who is on a mission to capture his family and force them to return to his redneck normality. Perhaps the best thing to come from this film will be a higher platform for Ciaran Foy. Horror sequels tend to be ropey territory, and Sinister was a particularly tricky film to follow – both because of its success, and because there is not a lot of story left to go on. Yet, despite the crum-
bling building blocks he inherited, Foy has managed to create and maintain some basic structure. You get the sense that Foy’s strength lies in developing his own material, and his next project is already rolling: a big-budget horror set in Ireland that he is writing and directing. Sinister 2 may be a superfluous film, but it’s a solid showcase for Foy. While it doesn’t come close to the tension or creepiness of the original, it does have some very likeable characters, features some disturbing old super-8 scenes, and is jam-packed full of jump scares, so if the itch needs to be scratched ...
Verdict: 6/10
HERE comes yet another attempt to breathe life into Fantastic Four (Cert 12A, 106 mins), as four young scientists acquire superpowers and must try to thwart a supervillain ... Marvel’s heroes have had one underwhelming cinema outing after another down the decades, and this reboot is no different, with a dull story, weak cast chemistry, and signs of its troubled editing.
pixels
Plot barely joins the dots LAST and most definitely least, Pixels (Cert 12A, 106 mins) is the latest big budget film based on videogames that delivers a giant stinker. Aliens attack Earth, in the guise of classic videogames and characters of yore, and only a bunch of aging gamers can stop them ... Even for an Adam Sandler film, Pixels is pretty bad, and trails in the shadow of 2012’s superior Wreck-it Ralph.
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28 gazette 27 August 2015
SPORT
FastSport ‘Big sexy’ lands deal with Spain based group: BALLYBRACK man Sean “Big Sexy” Turner has signed up with the Macklin Gym Marbella (MGM) ahead of his Lights out for the Plaza date in Puerto Banus on August 28. There, he will fight a Spanish opponent in his sixth professional bout as he looks to extend his record to six wins from six outings after a series of quick-fire victories. The Spanish based Irish promotions company officially confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “MGM are very pleased to announce that they have added a real Irish Boxing character to their ever growing stable; Sean “Big Sexy” Turner has signed a management contract with MGM. The hard-hitting heavyweight added of the new arrangement: “This is a totally fresh start, there is a long road ahead but I am in the right place here with the right people to go to the next level.”
ultra-running: bawnogue man completes 20 marathons in 10 weeks
Conlon conquers challenge stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com
BAWNOGUE man Mark Conlon smashed his own personal target as his mission to run 20 marathons in 20 weeks ended up being completed in a mere 10 weeks, complet-
ing the challenge with an incredible 10 marathons in five days. This final phase consisted of running backto-back marathons, the first starting at 6am and the second beginning at 2pm in the afternoon with just a two hour break in
between – the minimum allowed in order to be legitimately accredited. He would later find out that he was the first person in Ireland to complete such a feat while he also became the youngest person to hit 100 marathons.
On the trail
Mark Conlon celebrates following completion of the challenge
Looking back on the monumental challenge, Conlon said the fourth marathon was one of the hardest as he took on a 100km ultra distance. “I was nearly going to back out at some stages on that one. You are running on just an hour’s sleep and it begins to mess with your head,” he said. The 10 marathons in five days was another huge battle through the mental and pain barrier on a route around Howth Head. “It was really painful on the feet with blisters every day. I was peeing blood by the third day so it was a matter of getting the blister plasters on and trying to get as many fluids into me as possible. “It was really tough,
especially going up Howth Head the first time, knowing that I would have to do it all over again in a couple of hours.” With a medic on hand, he made it through the challenge and is now already thinking of new records to break and tests to put his body through. During this challenge he ran his 100th and 101st marathon on the same day and he is already looking to push on toward 500 marathons. Asked about the attraction of running such long distances with such frequency, Conlon said: “It is the mental challenge and something of an addiction. It is great for your head to get out and run, to test yourself and see how far you can go”.
Conlon got into running during his time with the Army having played football in his youth with Crumlin Untied, going for trials in his teens with Leeds United. The challenge was part of a fundraising effort for Pieta House, a charity close to his heart following his experience serving overseas: “Having seen people come back with severe depression, it’s important to know there’s someone to talk to, and how much exercise can clear your head, as it does for me.” You can donate to Conlon’s cause, Pieta House, via the following link: http://www. my c h a r i t y. i e / e ve n t / markconlons_20_marathons_in_20_weeks.
Thirteen Dublin-based players in Hibernia squad sport@dublingazette.com
Templeogue’s Conor Grace in action against China during the summer
THIRTEEN of Colin O’Reilly’s 26-man Hibernia Basketball squad hail from Dublin for the start of the FIBA Europe Cup in October. Isaac Westbrooks and Kevin Lacey are from Swords Thunder with Martins Provizors and Mark Nagle coming in from DCU Saints. Jermaine Turner and Ciaran Roe are Killester’s representatives. In south Dublin, UCD Marian’s Conor Meany and Dan James return with club mate Neil
Baynes. The Templeogue quartet of Conor Grace, Jason Killeen, Phil Taylor and Luke Thompson complete the squad. The panel draws heavily from the men’s Premier League Select at the Sino-European Championships in China during the summer but there are a couple who are unable to take part in this new side that will play in this European-wide competition. Demons pair Niall O’Reilly and Shane Coughlan step down while Paul Dick has signed a new
contract to play in the LEB Plata in Spain with Araberri. Niall Murphy, Jack O’Mahony, Michael Bonaparte, Isaac Westbrooks and Neil Campbell are the players who did not train with the men’s Premier League Select Squad named in February. All 26 players are invited to attend training sessions and prep games in August and September before the squad is reduced and player availability is assessed. O’Reilly has “left the door open” for bringing in American and other category two.
Hibernia Basketball is a newly formed club made up of players from the Men’s Premier League to compete in the inaugural FIBA Europe Cup. In the competition, they have been drawn to play away in Denmark against the Bakken Bears, Slovenia versus Tajgun Sentjur and the Czech Republic to meet Sportovni Hala Nymburk, The home matches will be on Wednesday, November 18 and 25 along with December 2. Ticket details for all home fixtures will be announced on September 1.
27 August 2015 gazette 29
Gazette
O’Caoimh riding on the crest of a wave Dublin wakeboarding star David O’Caoimh tells NATHAN KELLY of a recent series of victories in Europe as he builds toward a trip to China for the World Cup in his chosen sport KILLINEY wakeboarder David O’Caoimh has been riding on a tidal wave of success in recent weeks, winning a succession of tournaments and being crowned European champion along the way. The 21-year-old was captain of Team Ireland who travelled to the Netherlands for the European African (EA) Championships which took place August 1-9. On the penultimate day, O’Caoimh won first place at the European Super Final when he was last of the dock and, on the final day of the event, he was crowned Overall
European Champion. Speaking to GazetteSport after his success in the Netherlands, revealed how he felt when announced as champion of Europe. “I was actually pretty relieved to be honest,” he said. “Obviously I was then delighted when the feeling sunk in as it’s a brilliant achievement but initially I just had this sense of relief. “I’d performed really well over the whole event, but going into the final, I was up against a Russian guy, Nikita Martyanov, in the final and he had been bril-
David O’Caoimh in recent action
liant all week. He went before me in the final and done really well so I think that set a marker for me to emulate and beat and somehow I pulled it off.” W hile David stole most of the headlines, it was a good event for Team Ireland overall, with two athletes making it to the final of the Junior Women Division. Aisling Deegan, from Ballsbridge placed fourth and Cavan girl Nicole Carroll finished sixth. Zach Zebedee, aged 12 from Kildare is now ranked ninth in Europe, while Team Ireland fin-
ished sixth overall at the championships. “It’s always brilliant to see the Irish doing well, whether it’s me or any other Irish individual, or members of an Irish team, it’s always great,” said the Team Ireland
being able to perform as I know I can when I had the injuries, so I just really concentrated on getting back to my best and I think I’m performing at that level, or pretty close to it now. “I feel really good when
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‘For any sports person, whatever you train in, you want to compete on the world stage’ – David O’Caoimh --------------------------------------------------------
skipper on our success. While the success in the Netherlands was the highlight of his recent success, O’Caoimh won his sixth pro men’s title at the Irish National Wakeboard Championships in mid-July, and also claimed top spot at the European Pro Tour Stop in Northern Ireland. The Dubliner then followed his European Championship triumph by winning the Lowlands Wakeboard Tour Stop in Enniskillen last week before his team won the Team Challenge at the Chill and Ride event in Germany. “I’ve been on a great run,” he said. “I had a couple of niggling injuries at the start of the year which hampered my form at a couple of events, but I think that’s actually made me more focused. “It was frustrating not
I’m out on the water the last while and a lot of that is down to focus, you’ve got to somehow make your mind and performance work in sync and thankfully over the last couple of events, I’ve been able to do that.” The life of a professional wakeboarder is certainly a busy one, with O’Caoimh set to travel to Florida, China, Mexico and possibly Spain and USA before the year is out, as well as competing at a number of events here in Ireland. “The trip to China is one I’m really looking forward to,” he said. “It’s the World Cup and I think any athlete or sportsperson, whatever you train in, you want to compete on a world stage and that will be the chance to do that at a huge event. I just hope I can continue in this form.”
FastSport
McLaughlin Leinster’s captain for early games KEVIN McLaughlin has been confirmed by Leinster Rugby as the captain during the Rugby World Cup period. The 30-year-old St Mary’s club man, who has 114 caps for Leinster since his debut in April 2007, has captained the province in the past and led the team out against Edinburgh and Benetton Treviso in last season’s Guinness PRO12. Confirming the news last week, head coach Leo Cullen said: “I think this is a great opportunity for Kevin. He had an unlucky run with injuries last season and I know he is very keen to hit the ground running this season. “This is by no means a new role for him and we saw last season what he brings to the table in terms of his captaincy. He has really driven the environment during the pre-season and he is a great role model for the younger players and indeed the wider squad.” McLaughlin last played for Leinster in last December’s 21-11 win in the RDS against Connacht but had to come off with a shoulder injury. That same injury required surgery and effectively ruled Kevin out for the season. “Kevin is a player who leads by example with little regard for his own body and he epitomises everything we want to see from a Leinster Rugby team going forward,” Cullen added. “He is selfless, puts team first and is always driving his own standards as well as the standards of those around him.” McLaughlin, who has eight Irish caps to date, has won two Heineken Cup trophies with Leinster starting in both final wins over Northampton Saints and Ulster Rugby. He has also won an Amlin Cup and three PRO12 titles with the province. Former Blackrock College man Cullen was confirmed as Leinster’s head coach a day earlier as head coach of the province on a two year deal. Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster and is a three time Heineken Cup winning captain with the province, had already been in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Matt O’Connor at the end of last season.
Gazette
30 clondalkin gazette 27 August 2015
SPORT
FastSport
boxing: stephen ormond makes move to the United states
Adamstown reach first ever Leinster final tie ADAMSTOWN cricket produced a fine battling performance but came up agonisingly short of a first ever Leinster title. They were undone by Ring Commons in the final of their Under-11 competition last week but can, nonetheless, look back on a superb season in the fledgling club’s short history. The side topped their Leinster South division, winning six out of seven matches in a pool that included teams from Leinster CC, Carlow, Pembroke, Railway Union, Greystones and Merrion. They met a Malahide team who finished number two in their Leinster North division in the semi-finals and duly prevailed. Malahide batted first and put a moderate target of 63 on board. In reply, all of Adamstown’s batters contributed equally well as they reached the target in the final over. It set up a final date where they met Leinster North division toppers Ring Commons CC. Batting first, the Fingal side started slowly but their final pair of players played very well setting a target of 81. In reply, Adamstown started swiftly and were ahead on the mid-way mark but their final pair of batters could not accelerate and finished second best, losing by 15 runs. Pictured above with their medals are Yuvraj Shah and Arvind Olaganathan.
Dowling hits hole-in-one at Grange Castle DAVID Dowling, 32, scored a hole-inone on the 162-yard, par-three fifth at Grange Castle, and the 24-handicapper was rewarded with membership to the exclusive BOSS Watches H1Club, winning a speciallycommissioned, commemorative time-
piece to honour the moment. The German brand has pledged to reward club golfers with an exclusive watch for every hole-in-one recorded during a club competition in 2015. The company has given away more than £1m-worth of limited-edition timepieces since its launch in 2013 - and Dowling is among the latest to achieve the feat this year.
St Mark’s native Stephen Ormond
Rock shipping out to Boston nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com
THE Rock is Rollin’ to the States. It was announced last week that Stephen ‘The Rock’ Ormond has signed a promotional contract with Murphy’s Boxing in Boston. Ormond had until recently been fighting under the Frank Warren banner but many in the boxing circles felt he was being used as an opponent for British fighters more than being thought of as a contender himself. The Clondalkin man follows the route of his training partner Gary
‘Spike’ O’Sullivan in joining Murphys, in a move that has seen O’Sullivan move into World Title fight contention and gain a credible fan base in the States. Speaking after the announcement, the Neilstown Lightweight said: “I am so happy that I have done a deal with Ken Casey and Murphy’s Boxing. My trainer Packie holds him in such high regard and it is evident he is a man of his word, with the time and money Murphy’s Boxing has put into getting Spike back into the world rankings. “I feel this is the right move and all I want is the
Season launch Peamount United looking forward to WNL season PEAMOUNT United’s Claire Kinsella, second from left, was on hand to help launch the fifth edition of the Continental Tyres women’s national league. The campaign gets under way for the Greenogue club on October 10 when they host Galway before they travel to Wexford three weeks later for their second tie of the season. She is pictured at the launch with players from the newly formed Shelbourne and Kilkenny City.
big fights and opportunities to show the American public I am the real deal. At this moment I am in full training and hoping to get a date soon, so I can show the world I deserve to be at the top. Look-out Boston, here I come!” he continued. O r m o n d k n o c ke d out the big Pole Jacek Wylezol last month in the National Stadium, which was his first fight since being controversially disqualified against WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan in February in the 10th for excessive use of the head. In a statement issued
on their website, Ken Casey of Murphy’s Boxing was full of praise for his new fighter. “Stephen is the type of fighter that boxing fans love to watch. He keeps coming at you all night long, his fights are always action packed,” said Casey. “He is one of the top Lightweights in the division and was on his way to beating Terry Flanagan. “We’ll look to get Ormond that rematch, and if not, we’ll match him with the other top guys in the division. We’re excited about signing such a top talent, he will fit right in with the
raucous Murphys Boxing crowd,” he added. Ormond’s trainer, Packie Collins, was also delighted with his man’s new deal. “I am delighted to finally secure Steve Ormond a deal with Murphys Boxing that will see him continue his dream of becoming a world champion alongside his gym mates Spike O’Sullivan and Niall Kennedy,” he said. “It is the best move for Steve as I believe Murphy’s Boxing and Ken Casey will get him the fights he deserves and I know Steve’s all-action style will win over plenty of new fans in the US.”
27 August 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31
Gazette
football: last-ditch murray point earns tie
Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin A SPECIAL word of thanks to our
Round Tower extends its condolenc-
Under-14 boys and girls football
es to the Bonner family upon the pass-
teams, their mentors and players’
ing of Mick Bonner, late of Summerhill,
parents for the hospitality extended
Co Meath. Mick was a Clondalkin native
to our visitors Coatbridge Davitts
who played senior football for the club.
from Glasgow.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anaim.
Two competitive games were played
On Sunday, September 13, we host
on Saturday watched by Jim Gavin and
our annual family fun day. We continue
a great night was enjoyed in the club
to urge teams to participate by organ-
on Saturday afternoon.
ising activity to support event.
Some of our girls got to play in Croke
The senior camogie team thanks all
Park on Sunday too. Thanks to the
who supported their weekend fund-
wider circle of club people who helped
raiser. Particular thank you’s are on
make the trip possible.
our Facebook page. Well done to all
The senior footballers drew with
Round Tower’s Eric Finn attempts to escape a Castleknock tackle
Tower’s hold league leaders to AFL2 draw
afl division 2
Round Tower 1-11 Castleknock 0-14 michael mcglynn sport@dublingazette.com
ROUND Tower and league leaders Castleknock could not be separated in an AFL2 toptable tussle last Saturday evening at Monastery Road in front of a large crowd. For Mick Hyland’s charges, it’s now three draws in a row in AFL2 and other results went their way this weekend, with Skerries Harps and Ballinteer St John’s losing their respective fixtures, keeping the Clondalkin side in third place and on course for a playoff spot. The sides traded scores in the opening quarter and six minutes before the break were level at 0-6 apiece. Stephen McGibney kicked Tower’s opener after an assist from Mick Hallows and Tom Lyons registered the second from a 45. It arose from the first of three good goal opportunities for Tower’s in the first half. Ian Ward, Eric
Finn and Micheal Walsh c omb in ed to br ea k beyond the visitors’ rearguard and Jason Joyce struck past the keeper but a defender got a boot to it to knock it off the line. Similarly, Finn seized upon a Lyons free and with a sharp turn he skimmed the Castleknock crossbar. But Tower’s did eventually make their break for it with the decisive moment of the first half in the 24th minute. James Kelly pipped the Castleknock full back to the ball and a flick pass led to McGibney striking across the keeper, giving him no chance. McGibney followed it with a terrific strike longrange from the right and another Joyce free edged Tower’s 1-8 to 0-6 clear and they held that five point margin to halftime. Castleknock showed their class in the second period, bringing swift movement and pace to their attacks. Strong running from the middle provided them with the platform to reel Tower’s
in. They kicked four points without reply in the opening quarter and the margin was down to one. The Clondalkin hosts were frustrated and kicked a number of wides while shots dropped short, too, before Joyce registered the first score with a free 12 minutes in. The resilience of visitors defending aided them edging a point clear with 10 minutes remaining. Tower ’s kicked another two wides and Walsh jinked to create an opening for goal but his effort from close-range
was blocked. Tower’s persisted – showing great resilience in doing so – and the leveller arrived with two minutes remaining. A Joyce strike from the 21 was blocked but Murray seized on it and his low drive went over the bar. Three vital fixtures remain for the Senior Footballers, who remain in third. Next up is Naomh Barróg away on Saturday 5th September and this will be followed by home fixture v Skerries Harps and O’Tooles away is the last tie.
involved.
Castleknock in AFL2 and defeat for
The Round Tower lotto, August 17
inters versus St Monica’s and the jun-
had a jackpot €8,900. Numbers drawn
ior As against Lucan Sarsfields.
were 4, 8, 23 and 28; the bonus ball was
This coming weekend senior and
9. There was no overall winner and no
junior hurlers are in championship
bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners
quarter-final action.
were F Cosgrove, Helen and Thomas.
Details of fixtures will be posted to website. Best of luck lads.
Thanks to all who play lotto online at www.roundtower.ie.
ST pat’s palmerstown FAMILY fun day is on Saturday, August
12 in Slade Valley Golf Club; €240 for a
29, a free event for all our members
team of four includes dinner in Slade
and weather permitting a good fun day
Valley and entry to Decades Disco in
for all. Bouncy Castles, DJ, refresh-
the Palmerstown House with BBQ and
ments and fun games.
presentation for the winners.
The U-12 footballers had a great day
To enter a team or to sponsor a hole
and won the blitz beating Na Fianna
for €50 (also includes a free add on our
and Skerries Harps out in Skerries,
website), please contact Robbie on 087
well done lads.
169 8166 or Paul on 087 661 3104 or email
The senior footballers had a super win on Saturday away to Ballinteer
secretary.stpatrickspalmerstown. dublin@gaa.ie.
St John’s and junior footballers also
Entry to our Decades Disco in the
came out on top on Sunday against
Palmerstown to non-golfers is €10.
Round Tower, Lusk. Well done lads.
This includes disco and BBQ. There
The U-11 hurlers played in the
will also be a raffle on the night. This
camaint finals in Parnell Park on Sat-
is a ticket only event so to purchase a
urday versus O Dwyer’s, a great per-
ticket, contact Suzy on 086 079 7438 or
formance from the team.
any member of the executive or email
The camogie skills session is on
secretary.stpatrickspalmerstown.
every Friday 6-7pm in Glenaulin to all
dublin@gaa.ie. It should be a great
camogie players U-11 to U-16 and any
night so don’t miss out and get your
new players are welcome.
tickets early.
The hurling/camogie creche is on in
The lotto numbers for this week
the clubhouse every Monday evening
were 6, 15, 18 and 25; there was no
from 6-7pm and on Saturday morning
winner so next week’s jackpot will be
from 10-11am, also in the clubhouse.
€3,600. The draw takes place in the
New players always welcome.
Palmerstown House every Sunday
Our golf classic is on September
night at 10pm and tickets cost €2.
Got a story? we want to know!
Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Castleknock line up a shot at the posts
or email sport@dublingazette.com
GazetteSPORT all of your clondalkin sports coverage from page 28-31
aug 27-sep 2, 2015
promotion push: Round Tower and AFL2 league The wakeboarding dubs: Killiney man David O’Caoimh leaders Castleknock battle in crucial contest P31 wins series of high-flying titles P29
Glenville have built well on last season’s successful side
Glenville off to a flyer Palmerstown club make dream start to life in the top of intermediate football in the province with fine win over experienced Glebe outfit
nathan kelly
sport@dublingazette.com
AFTER the first weekend of their first ever season in the LSL Senior Sunday Division, Glenville sat top of the table. It may have been on goal difference, and with host of big clubs not starting until midweek, but Wayne Kelly’s side still got off to the perfect start in the top tier of intermediate football. Facing experienced Senior Sunday side Glebe North in Palmerstown, Glenville skipper Bobby Cullen put his side ahead from the penalty spot after just 12 minutes. Things got worse for Glebe just before the break when Ciaran O’Connor was sent off. The ’Ville domi-
nated the second half and were awarded a second penalty on 75 minutes which Cullen again coolly dispatched to secure a 2-0 win for his side. Sitting alongside Cullen in the middle of the park was new signing Martin Murray, and he spoke to GazetteSport after the opening day win. “It’s great to get off to a winning start,” he said. “We knew before that Glebe would be tough but we played really well.” Murray joined the Palmerstown side from Liffey Valley Rangers, who featured in Major Division 1 Sunday last year, five leagues under the level he’s operating at this year, but the attack-minded midfielder has settled into his new surroundings quite quickly.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “All the lads have been brilliant since I came down; it’s really a great group to be involved in. I think in a way that makes you forget about the step-up, because all the lads are so good in welcoming you in that you don’t feel intimidated or you’re not afraid to make a mistake in training or whatever.” Murray was key to Liffey Valley’s Sunday side’s rise in the junior leagues in recent years before they unfortunately folded, at least for this season, over the summer. The classic definition of a real street footballer, he offered us more to what it’s been like working under Kelly. “It’s a lot more serious than I’m used to,” he said. “You can have banter and that but there’s
no stepping out of line, Wayne nips it all in the bud, he runs a tight ship. “It’s great though; everything is done so well, I’ve been really impressed with the manager. Even now, he’s looking after the two sides, it doesn’t take anything away from his sessions or his attention to detail, everything is still top notch.” Although Murray and Co will be hoping to maintain their winning start, they will know huge challenges lie ahead in their next couple of games. “Every game in this league is a big game,” he said. “But obviously you really look forward to those massive ones. We’ve Mochta’s this weekend and then Crumlin on Wednesday. They are huge, and I can’t wait for them.”