Clondalkin by Dublin Gazette

Gazette CLONDALKIN

INSIDE: Maia Dunphy talks to The Gazette about

balancing her work and life as a new mum Page 15

Food & Drink: The Old Spot hits the mark with delicious dishes and very friendly staff Page 20

Heroic work: Adi Roche honoured at lunch for Chernobyl Children International Pages 24-25

sport Football:

Round Tower run up big win in Division 2 Page 31

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March 17-23, 2016

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dreaming high to mark a memorable occasion

Colaiste Bride students can hold their heads up high with their amazing novel idea to celebrate Proclamation Day. Over 580 students lined up in the school carpark and formed the numbers 1916 with this spectacular result. Proclamation Day saw every educational institute around the country mark the significance of the Proclamation. As part of the 1916 centenary programme, pupils were tasked with writing their own Proclamation, which was read out after the raising of the tri-colour flag and the singing of the national anthem. Picture: Ben Ryan Photography

Hopes high for 1916 memorial garden

Signatories of the Proclamation of Independence would be honoured

 Ian Begley

Plans for a 1916 commemorative garden at Newlands Cross, Clondalkin, are at an advanced stage with hopes that it will officially be opened by April 30.

The garden will include seven native Irish Yew trees, one for each of the signatories of the Proclamation of Independence and two large granite stones containing an Irish and English inscribed copy of the proclamation.

It will be a permanent feature by Clondalkin Tidy Towns and will be placed in Newlands Cross, opposite the Maldron Hotel. The funding for this project comes from South Dublin County Council as part of its 1916 Commem-

oration grants initiative. Clondalkin received a total of €10,000 for 11 community groups that are celebrating a range of centenary events.

Full Story on Page 4

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clonburris | new master plan being prepared

Views being sought on future of area  Ian Begley

South Dublin Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) welcomed the Government designation of lands at Clonburris as a Strategic Development Zone

Members of the public are being asked to submit their suggestions and concerns regarding the future of Clonburris. The council are currently in the stage of preparing a new master plan for the Clonburris area, as well as the proposed extension to Griffeen Valley Park and areas around the 12th Lock. Earlier in 2014, the previous Clonburris Local Area Plan was allowed to lapse, and was widely criticised for allowing for excessively high densities which could have resulted in six-storey apartment blocks being built next to existing two-storey housing. A pre-draft public consultation for the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Planning Scheme was recently launched and the council is inviting online submissions through a newlydeveloped consultation portal up until April 14. The Planning Scheme will be the spatial planning document that sets out the detailed framework for development on the lands in the medium to long term, including the type and extent of development permissible, proposals relating to transport, services, amenities and facilities required to support the new development. Speaking at the launch of the pre-draft public consultation, South Dublin Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) said: “I welcome the

Government designation of lands at Clonburris as a Strategic Development Zone, these lands have significant potential for the future delivery of sustainable communities in South Dublin County. “At a strategic level, the development of these lands will deliver new homes to meet the housing shortage in the Dublin Region. The council also wishes to raise its share of economic growth; the Clonburris SDZ can facilitate continued growth of a competitive local economy and provide employment for the county’s rising population.” Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said: “I will be listening to what local residents, schools and community groups have to say about the future of these lands. But I will be pushing for measures to: address local traffic congestion before any new housing is built; provide much-needed parkland, playing pitches and community facilities; and limit development to sustainable densities and to avoid high-rise.” Public information sessions where council staff will be available to answer questions and to assist in making a submission will take place at both Lucan Public Library and Clondalkin Civic Offices on Wednesday, March 23 between 4 to 7pm To submit your suggestions and concerns regarding the future of Clonburris visit www. consult.sdublincoco.ie

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FastNews

Clondalkin native Aidan Turner could be next James Bond

Clondalkin native and actor Aidan Turner is now the second favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, according to BoyleSports. Turner is now 4/1 from 6/1 to take up the role following substantial public support. Tom Hardy remains the favourite to land the role with Idris Elba and Damian Lewis both priced at 5/1. Liam Glynn, BoyleSports’ spokesperson said: “We have seen a massive interest in Hobbit actor Aidan Turner to become the next James Bond and following some hefty bets in our Dublin City centre shops on Saturday morning including a €300 bet at 6/1 our traders have cut the price of the Dublin-born actor becoming James Bond into 4/1.”

Neurology Assessment and Research Unit officially opened Tallaght hospital’s Raymond P Murphy Neurology Assessment and Research Unit was officially opened recently, which will offer enhanced space to see patients with neurological diseases. The new facility incorporates a research unit which forms part of the Trinity College Academic Unit of Neurology. The unit has been equipped with an ocular coherence tomography machine, making the Department of Neurology in Tallaght Hospital the only unit in the country with dedicated access to this technology. This non-invasive imaging technique can be used to generate high resolution, three dimensional images of the retina for use in research of neurological disease and the monitoring of drug complications involving the retina.

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Bawnogue | ‘project would be of great benefit to Clondalkin’

scheme

Grant deadline extended

Decision due soon on access route  Ian Begley

A decision will be made shortly regarding a project which would provide pedestrian and cycle access from the Bawnogue area, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Bawnogue Permeability Project, funded by the NTA, is part of a number of other similar schemes around the county that will identify and propose short walking and cycling routes to serve local neighbourhoods. Speaking ahead of this month’s Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, where he tabled the item for discussion, Cllr Jonathan Graham (SF) said: “There was an out-

standing part-eight that ultimately came before the previous council. “It called for the opening up of the wall, at the Fonthill Road end of the estate, and the extension of the footpath to create an access and exit route through the area. We (Sinn Fein) supported the merit of this proposal, as it is used as a walkway for residents of Alpine, Ashwood, Lindisfarne and the wider area, often unsafely for many years. Residents climbed over the wall to gain access to the Fonthill Road. “This project would be of great benefit to Clondalkin and would ensure the safety of residents who, in reality, will keep using the walkway. “In the interim I have

asked that a space in the wall is knocked through, while we await a reply from the NTA about funding the project. It is essential that we get this funding to carry out the project in its totality,” he said. In response to Cllr Graham’s request, a spokesperson from the NTA said: “The council has sought funding from the National Transport Authority for the “Bawnogue Permeability Project” which would provide pedestrian and cycle access from the Bawnogue area, including the Alpine Estate, to the Fonthill Road. This application is under consideration for possible funding during 2016, and a decision on it will be made shortly.”

On the cutting edge

Tallaght Hospital recently hosted the second annual multidisciplinary study day in metabolic bone biochemistry and medicine. The event was held in the centre for learning and development and featured a range of speeches and presentations. Experts in the area discussed recent medical advances and research in the study of bones, including Professor Lina Zgaga (middle) associate professor of epidemiology, public health and primary care in the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, professor Moira O’Brien (right), president of the Irish Osteoporosis Society and Marie Roddy, senior paediatric dietician at the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Also pictured is chair of the conference Dr Gerard Boran, consultant chemical pathologist, Tallaght Hospital.

THE council are delighted to announce that independent retail businesses in South Dublin County are being given a few extra weeks to apply for the shop front grant scheme. Operators of independently owned shops fronting public streets now have until Thursday, March 31 to submit an application under the scheme. The scheme is designed to assist shopkeepers in improving the look of their shop front. Funding of up to 50% of a project’s costs to a maximum grant of €8,500 is available, subject to the application meeting the scheme’s criteria. Grants cover simple measures like painting a shop front, replacing signage to even replacing an entire shop front. For further details visit www.sdcc.ie.

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Holy Family Rathcoole

Permission sought for new school building

 Ian Begley

Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole could see the development of a new 1,000 public school building, following the submission of a planning application. The application is for the phased development of the new 10,429 sqm school building, along with the phased demolition of the current 3,720 sqm school building, two-storey PE hall, and two single-storey temporary classrooms. As part of the development, the existing ve h i c u l a r e n t r a n c e will also see a refurbishment and a new vehicular entrance off St Anne’s Terrace and pedestrian entrance off Kilteel Road will be constructed. If planning permis-

sion for the development is granted, the overall development is expected to take 35 months over four phases of development with a “detailed” construction management plan expected to be submitted to the council before works commence on the site. The Department of Education said in its application: “This is informed by a requirement to maintain the existing school buildings during the works with phased demolition and handover as new school buildings are completed and handed over.” Third party submissions on the application are open until March 14, with a decision to be made from South Dublin County Council by April 4.

Clondalkin Tidy Towns are asking for local community groups to join them for national spring clean 2016. Picture: Tommy Keogh

Newlands | stones inscribed with proclamation

Commemorative garden plan at advanced stage  Ian Begley

Plans for a 1916 commemorative garden at Newlands, Clondalkin, are at an advanced stage with hopes that it will officially be opened by April 30. The garden will include seven native Irish Yew trees, one for each of the signatories of the Proclamation of Independence and two large granite stones containing an Irish and English inscribed copy of the proclamation. It will be a permanent feature by Clondalkin Tidy Towns and will be placed in Newlands Cross, opposite the Maldron Hotel. The funding for this project comes from

South Dublin County Council as part of its 1916 Commemoration grants initiative. Community projects and sport’s clubs from around Dublin MidWest benefited from nearly €34,000 altogether from this scheme. Clondalkin received a total of €10,000 for 11 community groups that are planning to celebrate a range of centenary events. Along with their plans at Newlands, Clondalkin Tidy Towns have also developed plans for a biodiversity garden at river Camac next to the civic offices. Works are due to commence in early April. Although the garden will not be

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‘Our work is not possible without the amazing help from our volunteers who give up countless hours every week’

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opened to the public, it is expected to enhance the area visibly and will significantly promote biodiversity at this section of the river. Meanwhile, the community group will return to Clondalkin park and leisure centre this year for national spring clean 2016. Taking place on Saturday, April 14, at 10am, Clondalkin Tidy Towns are asking for local community groups to join them on the day. National spring clean

is Ireland’s most popular, well-recognized and successful anti-litter initiative. Taking place during the whole month of April and now in its 17th year, the campaign encourages every sector of society to actively participate and take responsibility for litter, by actually conducting clean ups in their own local environment. Commenting, Ronan Connolly of Clondalkin Tidy Towns said: “Our work is not possible

without the amazing help from our volunteers who give up countless hours every week. “We also cannot plan and complete some of our projects such as those mentioned above and also our summer flower barrels without fundraising. “If you would like to help us financially please contact us by email. “All donations are greatly appreciated and every penny (cent) goes back into making Clondalkin the great place it is to live and work in.” For more information on their work and how to volunteer, visit the Clondalkin Tidy Towns Facebook page.

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council

End of April is date for planned upgrade  Ian Begley

Th e u p g r a d i n g o f pedestrian facilities on Monaster y Road, Clond alkin, will be completed by the end of April, according to South Dublin County Council (SDCC). T he upgrade is to improve general walking conditions on the section of Monastery Road between Monastery Walk and Castle Park in Clondalkin The finished project will see the provision of zebra crossings, raised table-top ramps with raised pedestrian crossing on side roads at junctions, bus ramps, narrowing of Monastery Road between Monastery Walk and Monastery Park to six metres and consequential widening and renewal of footpaths on Monastery Road. Additional funding has been allocated to SDCC by the National Transport Authority to extend the scheme further towards Clondalkin village and the west side of Castle Park junction. The supplementary works will include the provision of two zebra crossings, two raised table-top ramps with raised pedestrian crossings on side roads at junctions and renewing and widening of footpaths both sides of Monastery Road.

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John Delaney pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Ian Strich

courts | rented a flat in clondalkin under fake name

Man assaulted landlord who revealed his secret A retired truck driver assaulted a landlord who unwittingly revealed the man’s secret alternative rented accommodation to his family, a court has heard. John Delaney (62) was going through marital disharmony while renting a flat in Palmerstown Woods, Clondalkin, under a fake name. Delaney of Greenfort Close, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Ian Strich at Palmerstown Woods on April 26, 2013. His only previous convictions are for minor road traffic offences, Garda Marcus Roantree testified.

Judge Martin Nolan told lawyers for Delaney: “Everybody has secrets but there’s no use beating up an innocent man because your secrets have seeped out.” In April 2013, Mr Strich, the owner of the flat, called to the premises to read a meter. He found the flat empty and believed that his tenant had moved out without notifying him. Mr Strich began making local inquiries and discovered that his tenant was living out of another address in Clondalkin. He went to that house and inadvertently revealed Delaney’s alternative address to his family. Delaney later contact-

ed the landlord and said he would pay any rent he owed. The two men arranged to meet at the rented flat. The court heard that Mr Strich was waiting at the flat when he saw Delaney approaching with two men. Delaney looked very angry and Mr Strich tried to barricade the door of the flat with his body. The men got into the flat and during a struggle one of them hit the landlord over the head with an iron bar. The victim somehow managed to get away from the attackers and drove straight to the nearest garda station. He was treated in hospital and received four

staples to a cut at the back of his head. Judge Nolan suspended a two-year prison term on condition he pay €2,500 over to the victim within the next 18 months. He said the money was a punishment and an attempt to compensate the victim. He told Delaney: “You’re a lucky man you are not going to jail. It was a cowardly and unprovoked assault.” Keith Spencer BL, defending, said his client was living under an assumed name in another residence because of marital disharmony. Asked why his client had beaten the victim up, counsel told Judge Nolan: “Mr Strich had called to

his family home thinking he was a man of another name. The alternate residence wasn’t known to his family.” Counsel agreed with the judge that Delaney “wanted to confront Mr Strich and he brought help with him”. He said he brought the accomplices because the victim was 6ft 4’ in height. Mr Spencer said his client was sorry for what he did and confronted the victim in a fit of pique. “This man knocked on his family home and unveiled essentially that he had an alternative to the family home,” he said. Counsel said his client had worked all his life

and his children were all grown up and had “left the nest”. He said there were marital differences and he was under stress at the time. Mr Spencer said that he was now back in harmony with his “loving wife”. Garda Roantree told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that Delaney said nothing of evidential value during his interview but that blood samples with the victim’s DNA were found on a jacket seized from his family home. Judge Nolan said that the gardai investigated the incident very well and linked Delaney to the crime.

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clondalkin Gazettegallery | the stars come out for the

Ray D’Arcy and actor Peter O’Meara

Peter Murphy, Rachael Moriarty and actor Killian Scott . Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

Kate Hennessy and Conor Farrell

Laura McNicholas and Susan Boyle

Allison Dempsey

Stuart Switzer, Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy

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Irish premier of TRADERS at Cineworld, Parnell Street

Lorraine Brennan and Glen Lynch

David McSavage and Katelyn Kearney

Fighting for the number 1 spot

Allison Dempsey and Nadine Watters

Roisin Dennis and Grainne O’Leary

raders tells the story of Harry Fox (Killian Scott) who seems to have it all, the luxury apartment, the fancy car but when the company he works for goes bust it looks like he will lose everything. A solution is offered by Vernon Stynes (John Bradley) who has masterminded a diabolical, all-or-nothing scheme based on the Deep Web, called Trading. Two strangers empty their banks accounts, sell their assets and put their entire worth in cash into a green sports bag. They travel to a remote location and fight to the death. Winner buries the loser and walks away twice as rich. Vernon believes Trading is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to get rich quick. Can Harry resist the lure of such a high risk gamble? It’s dangerous and it’s illegal but it could solve all his problems.

Courtney Keogh and Michelle Keogh

Kara Connelly and Laura Callaghan

Hannah Malone and James Eastlake

Jean Thonton and Grace Murphy

Jennifer Grace and Laura Murphy

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Gazettegallery

| special Women’s event at Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Able seaman Leia Wall and Pte Chole Carroll chatting to Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM chief of staff from The

Women’s role in Rising recognised

Irish Defence Forces

Marge Almqvist shows the President a patchwork quilt with a panel dedicated to each notable woman from the 1916 rising

Members of the women’s performance group, Flames not Flowers

President Higgins, his wife Sabina, Tanaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys and Dublin Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh and the creators of the patchwork quilt (behind) with a panel dedicated to each notable women from the 1916 rising

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Gazette

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dublinlife

diary

Sports stars, doctors and nurses are careers of choice for children Research has revealed that Dublin kids want to be sports stars, doctors and nurses when they grow up. A new nationwide research study among Irish children reveals what Dublin boys and girls want to be when they grow up and also what the best and worst things about being a child in Ireland are in 2016. The research undertaken by Calpol for their Let Kids Be Kids campaign, shows that among Dublin children aged 6 to 12, 31% want to be a sports star, 19% percent want to be a doctor and 17% hope to become a nurse. The study also found that only 9% of Dublin children want to be a teacher compared with 31% of children from the wider Leinster region. 17% want to be a singer and 14% percent want to reach for the stars and become an astronaut. Nationally there were also some interesting findings with kids revealing that playing with friends is the very best thing about being a child, closely followed by getting presents at birthday and Christmas time (60%) and going on holidays with family (30%).

Lidl staff smash fundraising goal Lidl staff in Dublin South are celebrating as they have raised €97,829 for their chosen charity, Barretstown. This has helped the retailer smash their national fundraising target by raising €1.2m for Barretstown, €200,000 more than their initial tar-

get of €1m in three years. The funds will go towards providing programmes that are medically endorsed and designed to give children back their confidence and self-esteem. Over the past three years, Lidl’s 3,500 strong workforce have held fundraising events across the country, donating in excess of 7,200 volunteer hours of their time in over 170 events. To find out more visit www.barretstown.org, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @ Barretstown.

Riverdance to run at the gaiety Riverdance is returning home this summer for a limited run in the Gaiety Theatre. As part of the show, which will run from June 14 to August 28, audiences will have the chance to purchase the VIP package which will be available each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening from Friday, June 17 to Saturday, August 27. Costing a total of €91, the VIP package includes a premium seat in the parterre, early access to the theatre to watch onstage rehearsal and warm up, a Q&A with members of the Riverdance cast before the show, and a meet and greet with the principal dancers afterwards. Go to ticketmaster.ie to book.

When Does a Temperature become a Fever? Alt h o u g h f e v e r accompanies most mild

childhood illnesses, new research by Nurofen for Children has revealed almost half of new mums in Dublin (49%), do not know what temperature a fever begins (37.8°C), with Dublin mums ranking as the least likely, to recognise a fever. Commissioned by the pain relief brand, this research was carried out among 400 first time mothers as part of the #FeverFighters campaign. The survey also asked what the biggest challenge was when becoming a parent for the first time and although expectant mothers are often warned about the lack of sleep once the baby arrives, 42% of Dublin mums said the lack of sleep was the most challenging thing about becoming a parent. To support the launch, Nurofen for Children is also launching a new app which aims to help mums and dads manage the day to day aspects of being a new parent.

new Leap Family Card launched A new, promotional Leap Family Card has been launched by the N a t i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t Authority on March 2, in a bid to encourage families to use public transport during the 1916 centenary celebrations. Costing only €10, the Leap Family Card gives a family of two adults and up to four children (aged 18 or under) 24-hours unlimited travel in and around the Greater Dublin Area on Dublin Bus, Luas, Bus Eireann, DART and commuter rail.

The €10 Leap Family Card (2 x adult + 4 x children) costs the same as one adult’s daily travel cap, and is valid across all travel modes in the Greater Dublin Area. The card is also €4 cheaper than the Dublin Bus one-day family rambler (€14) and €10 cheaper than the Irish Rail equivalent (€20), saving parents using public transport money. A total of 50,000 limited edition Leap Family Cards have been made available, and two family cards are available per order. The money-saving card is available from www. leapcard.ie

Dublin set to celebrate rich melodic heritage MusicTOWN will return to Dublin next month to celebrate the rich melodic heritage and modern-day musical maestros of the city. Organised by Dublin City Council, the festival showcases the vast musical talent and vibrant musical culture that permeates throughout Dublin. MusicTown’s eclectic programme has something for all ages and interests, celebrating all types of music created and enjoyed throughout the city today; from classical to pop, trad to rock, psychedelic to opera, electronic and everything in between. Expect performances from Neneh Cherry, Mary Coughlan, David Kitt, Ye Vagabonds and fun events like a Diva Singalong Party in MVP,

Mu Mu Cheng and Cora Zhang from Falun Dafa, pictured at last year’s Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga Festival which runs in the RDS, Dublin, from Friday, March 18 to Sunday 20. Picture: Conor McCabe

a Ukulele Tuesday in The Stags Head and blues night in JJ Smyths. Some events are free and some have a nominal charge. For further information and tickets visit musictown.ie

strengthening Irish and French connections An event to strengthen the links between Ireland and France and enhance the long-standing friendship that exists between Ireland, France and other French-speaking countries of the world will take place in Dublin Castle next month. The seventeenth edition of the Franco-Irish Literary Festival will continue the tradition that led to Dublin’s nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature with the theme Food For Thought running throughout the event. The festival showcases different artists and also offers an Irish audience the opportunity to discover French writers. The event will take place in the Alliance Francaise from April 8 till 10, all events are free and open to the public.

submissions sought for Mine Anthology An anthology of stories and art representing the struggle for women’s full reproductive rights in Ire-

land is calling for submissions. “Mine” will feature art, comics and illustrations with stories on the theme of repealing the 8th Amendment to the Constitution, reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. The creative project, led by Karen Harte and Jessica Maybury, has been developed to support the current campaign to repeal the 8th Amendment. The requirements for submissions are 1 to 2 pages of A5 artwork, 300dpi, colour TIFF or PDF and the deadline for submissions is April 13 2016. Karen Harte, graphic designer, illustrator and co-creator of “Mine’”said: “The current campaign to repeal the 8th Amendment is gaining momentum. In order to raise awareness of this critical issue for women and men in Ireland, we want to support the Abortion Rights Campaign “We would urge anyone who has a story to tell to get in touch with us - even if you don’t think you can draw, collaborate with a friend and work on something together. “We want to build up a collection of voices that show the impact that this barrier to fundamental rights is having on people in Ireland and all over the world.”

HOLISTIC AND WELLBEING FESTIVAL How our 21st century screen addictions are making us fatter and the psychology behind losing weight will be revealed at Ireland’s biggest wellbeing event the Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga Festival in the RDS from March 18 to 20. The festival offers the chance to discover the latest techniques in self-development and life-enhancing positive psychology with 75 talks by top Irish and international experts plus exhibits by over 150 complementary and healing practitioners. Health scientist Dr Ailis Brosnan, who specialises in diet psychology, will be exploring what motivates, and crucially doesn’t motivate, people into making healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and a former industrial psychologist, now nutritional therapist, Karen Ward, will show how diet helped her recover from her virulent Crohn’s disease which, at one stage, necessitated life-saving surgery. With over 150 stands, visitors can explore everything from angels and aromatherapy to Reiki and reflexology. Tickets €12, three-day pass €30, children free.

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Gazette

dublinlife OPINION We cannot ignore Syrian conflict IT’S often hard to get our heads around figures past a certain threshold: 30 billion WhatsApp messages sent ever y day; £90m for a Premier League footballer; 60 million people displaced by conflict globally. These numbers are so large they mean almost nothing – and why should they? They are vague and distant, and have little relation to daily life. One figure that isn’t hard to get our heads

around is five. War in Syria has been ongoing now for five years. That’s longer than World War 1, and gaining fast on World War 2. In those years, a host of vast and ambiguous figures have come pouring out of the now ravaged country – 470,000 people reported dead; 12 million people displaced; and 4.7 million Syrian refugees. These numbers are vast, but they can’t be dismissed. What’s more, it’s not

just the numbers that sound foreign and confusing. We have heard new words, places and names repeated on reports and news bulletins. Barrel bombs, ISIS, Daesh, Assad, Kurds, Caliphate, Homs and Aleppo have become part of standard conversation on Syria. Words that can carry as much horror for those who truly know their meaning as the figures they are a part of. Like so many countries

that violently command our attention, western knowledge of Syria was sparse before the conflict. Often described as a beating heart of Arabian culture and character, the Mediterranean state has been all but wiped of its rich and distinct identity. In its place, a new Syrian identity has emerged among a myriad contradictory and perplexing myths, misinformation and truths. It took Europe and the West too long to sit up and pay attention but, as with many humanitarian crises, time and escalation has forced a response. When the number of Syrians arriving on European shores exploded last year, Syrian identity evoked empathy, welcoming hearts and open minds. As numbers continued to swell, this became shrouded in negative stereotypes and fearmongering. What started as another chapter in the Arab Spring has descended into a devastating civil war. Like Yemen, Libya and Egypt before it, the revolt which once brought such hope to millions has left already fragile institutions and societies smouldering. Syrians have seen their homes destroyed, families tortured and killed, and their once proud identity go up in smoke. Syrians fleeing war now find themselves accused of terrorist attacks and of carrying out the atrocities they flee. The response of European states has been mostly characterised by hostility and force. Fences, tear gas, riot police and NATO warships have met refugees seeking sanctuary. One exception is the German chancellor, Angela Merkel. It can fairly be said that she failed to assemble a sufficient coalition of domestic and

Barry Andrews, chief executive, GOAL – The numbers and statistics relating to the conflict in Syria are staggering, but we must not ignore their impact on Syrians

international allies before deciding upon her openborders policy. Without support, she has proven a beacon of hope for refugees fleeing their homeland. European leaders can learn a lot. European leaders must follow through, and expand upon, commitments to take in more refugees under relocation and resettlement programmes. This would a positive response but by no means a definitive one. First and foremost, humanitarian supply routes have to be protected. One reality of the Syrian war is that humanitarian organisations working on the ground are no longer just a legitimate target, but a preferred one. While organisations like GOAL act as a barrier to depopulation and control, the bullseye is planted firmly on our supply routes, kitchens and employees. Secondly, reading the

papers and listening to news coverage of the conflict, we would be forgiven for thinking there are no routes to peace. This is simply untrue. Intervention must come from the UN Security Council; otherwise, people will keep dying. With imprecise rockets, unguided bombs and mass killings the norm, there is no safety or reality of security in Syria. More than one in 10 Syrians has been wounded or killed since the conflict began. More than 330 attacks on medical facilities. Life expectancy has dropped from 71 in 2010 to 55 in 2015. These numbers are horrific, yet here at GOAL, we like to focus on different figures. With more than 400 staff in-country, GOAL has several large-scale programmes targeting the most vulnerable people within Syria with food assistance and safe water initiatives. Our current projects have benefitted

more than two million people in total. That makes this is the largest programme in our history. Two million is also a very large figure, but for everyone at GOAL, it is familiar and clear. It is a critical part of what we work on every day and we are very proud of it. Figures like this won’t end the conflict. That outcome has to come from European leaders, alongside the United Nations Security Council. The ultimate question remains: what number will ultimately define this conflict? The number of deaths? The number of refugees taken in by European countries? The number of years fighting eventually lasts for? Five years is long enough. Any longer, and we might not be able to get our heads around it.  barry andrews Chief executive, GOAL www.goalglobal.org

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a day in the life: Maia Dunphy

The mother of all jobs  Emma Nolan

Motherhood suits Maia Dunphy. Following the birth of her son Tom last July, with husband Johnny Vegas, Dunphy has been settling into her new role as a mum and balancing everything that comes with it and continuing to work. She sat down with The Gazette last week to discuss a day in her life as a working mum. “I don’t like routine which is just as well because we don’t have one – it’s absolutely chaotic,” she said. Dunphy is currently working with Neurofen on their Fever Fighters campaign which she said really resonated with her as a first time mum as it as educated her on dealing with what to do when a baby has a fever and other problems. “As part of the Neurofen campaign, I’ve met sleep experts and doctors who talk about the importance of routine and my

Maia Dunphy with baby, Tom

face kind of fell and they said if you don’t have one, that’s also fine. Thank god because we’re really quite chaotic people. “I hate early mornings, but they’re inevitable with Tom,” she said. “So I’m normally up anytime between half six and eight and with a baby there is a certain amount of routine. There is a danger if you’re not working that you can sit in your pyjamas for too long, I try not to do that.” Dunphy said that wherever she is in the world, the first thing she does is check Twitter and emails; “I’m unhealthily obsessed with Twitter,” she jokes. “The trouble is, sometimes I end up on Twitter for an hour.” Even though she’s not working full time at the moment, she said there is “always a tonne of emails”. “The day is peppered with baby naps and feeding times and I’m doing a lot of development work at the moment, coming up with ideas for pitches and things like that.”

She said that her walk with Tom is an essential part of her day. As for living in London, Dunphy says that there are “lonely aspects” to it. “It’s tough when you’re a mum and everyone’s on the nine to five and they want to go out on Friday and Saturday night and I can’t because I’m wrecked. If you’re not careful about it, I think having a baby can be isolating so you have to make the effort to get out and do things. “In London I was quite bad at getting involved in any mother and toddler groups but Tom and I now do swimming lessons once a week,” she said. “Monday mornings I always get up and say ‘Ok this week is going to be structured’ and suddenly it’s Wednesday I’m knackered and Tom might have a temperature and I realise that nothing I had planned to do has been done but I’ve learned to kind of go, you know what, that’s ok as well.”

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16 Gazette 17 March 2016

17 March 2016 Gazette 17

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Gazette

18 Gazette 17 March 2016

OUT&ABOUT

Parfois; Pink bag - €29

Thomas Sabo; Skull rose and black love bridge bracelet - €259

Gionni; Bow tote bag - €58 (At River Island; pink cold shoulder swing

Debenhams, Shaws and Pamela

dress - €55

Scotts)

Introduce your wardrobe to pink’s many versatile charms  emma nolan

GRACING the spring/summer runways of fashion week from Milan to New York was a resurgence of romanticism and pretty pinks, just in time for the brighter days ahead. After many muted seasons of minimalistic and subdued trends, the pink hues have added a sense of buoyancy to some collections. Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli flirted with dusty rose quartz, while Emporio Armani and Mara Hoffman delivered an extensive array of pale blush and cherry blossom. While some may be apprehensive about introducing pink to a muted palette, adding accessories gradually is a great way to take part in the trend without diving head first into it. Available in Debenhams and Pamela Scott, Gionni’s spring/sum-

mer handbag offers a taste of the coveted trend to everyone. The dainty pale pink bow cross body bag for €48 and the classic bow tote €58 are the perfect entry point into updating a winter wardrobe to spring, particularly as it is too cold in Dublin to even think about shedding layers. The classic tote also comes in a peachy hue with gold zip detail, and the striped crossover bag delivers its pink through an accent of snakeskin. River Island’s cold shoulder swing dress and frill blouse are two simple ways to nod to the trend, and the bloom cross bag from Parfois and Thomas Sabo’s skull rose and black lovebridge bracelet are all unique ways to take on the trend. So, bring on the pink and enjoy a welcome, trendy reprieve from the rigid minimalism of seasons past.

Spreading colour, print and happiness  emma nolan

The spring summer 2016 collection from Oasis is all about spreading colour, print and happiness. This is a something for everyone collection with a vibrant maximalist offering. Pretty is a priority for most garments

but is juxtaposed by top to toe tailoring, softened by paper bag waists and belted bows. Ruffled shirts add texture and drama, while the suits pair perfectly well with a classic tee for a more casual approach. Stripes feature prominently in this collection in the form of a chic

Breton off the shoulder number, while darkened vertical candy stripes in cornflower blue and mustard yellow get a look in as well as a navy pin stripe co-ordinate, in that ever modern long vest silhouette. Classic feminine shapes, the spaghetti strap and bardot neck-

line feature in the form of little black dresses and clashing floral prints alongside jackets of soft summer suede. Find Oasis stores at St Stephen’s Green, Dundrum Town Centre, Blackrock, Nasau Street, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown Shopping Centres.

17 March 2016 Gazette 19

Our fab fashion

Gazette

STYLE

WE HAVE picked five of our favourite beauty products this week – from lipsticks to shower gels, these are five beauty items that are sure to bring you from spring through to summer!

1 Fleur - Osmanthus shower gel, €9.90; 2 Nuxebody - Fragrance water, €30; 3 The Body Shop - Drops of Light pure clarifying face wash, €23.95; 4 NYX - Jumbo eye pencil, Rocky Mountain Green, €4.99; 5 YSL - Rouge Volupte Shine N46, €33

Gazette

20 Gazette 17 March 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS

The Dylan Hotel’s Easter chocolate afternoon tea is sure to delight chocaholics

A deliciously tempting deal at the Dylan Hotel

The Old Spot

European gastropub

Sandymount

 emma nolan

When in Sandymount,

FOODIES and chocoholics take note – the Dylan Hotel (just off Baggot Street) is offering an indulgent Easter Chocolate Afternoon Tea this Easter, which includes an assortment of decadent chocolate creations. Head chef Mark Bodie has created a selection of specially-crafted chocolate treats with chocolate lovers in mind to enjoy with classic high tea bites and a glass of prosecco. Guests will be served a taste of the sticky caramel and milk chocolate tartlet served with cherry gel, a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate brownie with chewy chocolate marshmallow, and a peanut butter and dark chocolate truffle. Also on offer are chocolate financiers, served with caramelised pears, and chocolate mousse and white chocolate mousse, served with chocolate shortbread. Along with the chocolate treats is the traditional bill of fare, including finger sandwiches with various filling of classic egg mayonnaise and cucumber, a goat’s cheese mousse with beetroot, and duck liver parfait served on chocolate brioche. Dylan’s Easter afternoon tea is priced at €40 per person and is available from March 20 until April 3 from 12pm until 5pm every day. The hotel is also offering an Easter package, which includes an overnight stay and a complimentary full Irish breakfast for €259 per room for two sharing. Pre-booking is required at www.dylan.ie.

Delicately crafted chocolates add to the high tea esperience at the hotel throughout Easter

food, drinks and even

BATH Avenue in Sandymount is a right little mecca for foodies, with numerous stylish eateries having popped up there in the last few years. On a recent night out, we ate in The Old Spot, which is a gastropub of sorts but they are delivering big on quality, presentation and most importantly, flavours. Very bad diners that we are, we were running quite late but had called ahead to let the restaurant know. The staff were neither flustered or annoyed by this. We were shown to our seats and two Basil Sours later, we had settled in for a gregarious night. The tartness of the lime, mixed with the sweetness of the basil, p a c ke d t h e p e r f e c t punch in this cocktail and my husband had to practically be restrained from licking the glass. For starter, I went for a tuna carpaccio, served

aim for The Old Spot and a dining experience that won’t disappoint, based on Picky’s experience. The staff service all hit the spot with ease, making it well worth dropping in to.

The Picky Eater with pickles and some guacamole, while my other half went for an old favourite – seared scallops. The tuna was light and refreshing, seared just the right amount, and the accompanying pickles married the dish together so well, every mouthful was a taste explosion, and actually was set off very well by the Basil Sour. For mains, we went for something quite spectacular: the 28 Day Dry Aged Cote de Bouef Surf and Turf, with a stunning rocket, parmesan and pear salad side, as well as some sprouting broccoli. We asked for the beef to be cooked medium, and the cut was certainly that. A beautiful shade of pink sprang from the serving board and we actually did not know where to begin on this exquisite dish. My husband was right when he said: “That’s too good to spoil with

sauces.” The flavours were intense and the beef was melt-in-themouth. I did sample some of the bernaise and horseradish, both of which accompanied the meat beautifully, but this dish was a triumph on its own. My hubby was hankering after an apple crumble for dessert, but sadly they’d run out so he sampled three flavours of homemade ice cream – gingerbread, roasted banana and Ferrero Rocher. They had a mascarpone, which had also been scoffed earlier in the night, but the three he chose were superb. Our lovely waiter recommended a Spanish rioja, which wasn’t too full bodied but accompanied the flavours in the meat with ease. Staff on the whole are friendly and very attentive, and made our evening out a really fun experience.

Picky wouldn’t normally highlight a drink alone, but the Basil Sours were truly cocktails to savour

Conclusion IT’S been quite a while since Picky found a spot with such perfect fare, but The Old Spot (at 14 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4; tel 01 660 5599) really hit the mark. The dishes were delicious, and the staff also made it a pleasure to dine there, too.

17 March 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING WEEBYTES

No Man’s Sky will be just too vast to fully explore

An early nod at the biggest ever game ... IF YOU thought that exploring one game world takes too much time, how about trying to explore 18 quintillion of them? That’s the total number of worlds – planets, actually – that PS4 exclusive No Man’s Sky promises to deliver later this year, following its June release. The game’s 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 (yes, that many) planets all feature in a vast, procedurally generated universe, whereby some clever coding and algorithms creates everything from the smallest blade of grass to the biggest solar systems, all on the fly. Players are tasked with making their way from their starting planet out on the edge, all the way in to the heart of the galaxy, upgrading as they go, as they explore and mine planets, find resources, upgrade their suits and ships – and much, much more ... With such a gigantic game – both literally, and in scope – many critics and gamers have been very interested in this unique title, yet also apprehensive. Just what do you do, exactly? Luckily, a round of fresh media previews have started to reveal that – pun intended – the sky’s the limit in this game. Look out for another preview soon ...

The developers have done an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of Manhattan’s urban canyons and streets

The Division adds up to a compelling title

THERE’S no doubt that the vision of a largely abandoned and postChristmas New York that’s been ravaged by a very, very deadly bioweapon plague in The Division (PC, XBO, PS4; Cert 18) is a very good looking game, whatever platform you play on. It’s one of the biggest releases of the year, and has been creating quite a stir for some time now ahead of its release. As a Division agent, y o u ’r e t a s ke d w i t h helping to restore order in the city – to gather together survivors, find food and medicine, rescue hostages, that sort of thing. However, plenty of gangs, looters and bad guys are also fighting to take over the city, as Division agents and what remains of the authorities struggle to reclaim the city. As you traverse much of the lower third of Manhattan completing missions, you get points in a variety of fields with which to upgrade your character, your home base, and a

 shane dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

number of abilities in a pretty comprehensive skill set tree. Considering that, depending on your play style, you can shape your character to have some pretty unique abilities, it’s not hard to see the appeal for gamers looking to play with characters who don’t fit the usual archetypes for such open-world games, such as The Tank, The Sniper, The Medic, and so on. As you play, rewards and finds reveal all kinds of stats to enhance, with the constant drip-feed of loot (often common and worthless, occasionally rare and very useful) providing plenty of incentive to continue exploring, levelling up your character, and fighting to help save the city. Given the extensive mission-led content –

although the multiplayer aspect (see below) is much less organised – and the way that gamers truly shape and choose their character’s development, it’s hard to see The Division as anything other than a roleplaying game, rather than a straightforward shooter. Still, regardless of whether you’re looking for an engaging story with decent shooter elements – or vice versa – The Division should satisfy, with its densely recreated version of Manhattan being a particularly attractive setting. Indeed, the dystopian setting is a singularly attractive one, with the richly detailed streets and multitude of buildings and landmarks presented in style, thanks to some terrific lighting and weather effects, as well as its day/night cycle. A s o n e o f 2 016 ’s major games releases, The Division doesn’t disappoint, and should unite gamers and critics alike with solid praise.

Whether exploring Manhattan’s streets and seeing well-known buildings and landmarks, or wandering into looted stores and abandoned buildings, there’s an awful lot to see and find. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

Gazette

22 Gazette 17 March 2016

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

eddie the eagle

Wings it with the facts BRITAIN’S worst (but highly popular) athlete, “Eddie the Eagle” (Cert 12A, 106 mins) gets an affectionate big-screen treatment that plays a little hard and fast with the facts, but nonetheless delivers a warm-hearted underdog tale. Forever famous as a rather hopeless but very, very determined ski jumper at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, Eddie Edward’s story is pleasantly told.

Kung Fu Panda 3

Makes impressive moves PO IS back with his latest outing, as Kung Fu Panda 3 (Cert PG, 95 mins) once again sees the very unlikely martial arts expert team up to stop a very bad guy. This time round, Po has a very unlikely group of would-be martial experts to train up – an entire tribe of pandas. It’s largely more of the same for the franchise, but when it looks this good and has such spirited performances, that’s okay.

london has fallen Bangs for your bucks

AS THE sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, London (Cert 15A, 99 mins) offers more of the same – where the first film saw the US president in mortal danger, this time several world leaders are spectacularly bumped off in London. But did the bad guys think that the American president would be so easy to kill? It’s silly stuff that won’t trouble your braincells much, but is passable enough.

This laidback Icelandic film about two farming brothers living side by side and maintaining a decades long grudge presents plenty for the eyes, and the mind, too

rams: whether set in iceland or ireland, this farming tale rings true

An unexpected gem of a film

WITH all the simplicity and wryness of a folktale, Rams is a lowbudget film from Iceland that may offer one of the most unexpected cinema experiences of the year. Currently on limited release in Dublin, much of the surprise of Rams comes from its set-up, where director and writer Grimur Hakonarson has crafted what is arguably the most indie movie plot of all time. In a tiny rural community ensconced deep in an Icelandic valley, sheep-farming brothers Gummi and Kiddi carve out their bachelor existence under a blanket of contrived ignorance. The brothers have not spoken in 40 years, despite living practically next door to one another

 Dave phillips

on the family farm. A simple wire fence runs the length of the property, dividing one set of stock from the other, and also serves as a boundary for the brothers. Intermittent and essential communication over the decades is achieved by proxy. Hand-scrawled notes occasionally pass back and forth between the brothers by way of Kiddi’s sheep dog, who seems to remain cheerfully unaware of any commotion.

More delicate matters are handled by way of other farmers in the valley, who seem to have grown and accepted the feud, working around it with all the caution that a force of nature deserves. There is a captivating familiarity in Hakonarson’s story as it unfolds, and that is due in part because, in Ireland, we are never too far removed from stories of rural eccentricity, farming feuds, and estranged brothers. However, Rams offers all the components of the kind of stories we are told as children – the apocryphal tales and urban legends that are meant to instil a lesson or truth about human experience. The brothers may not

give voice to their feelings toward one another; they are expressed in other ways. When Gummi is narrowly beaten by Kiddi in the community’s annual ram pageant, he suspects that his brother’s animal is infected by Scrapie – the ovine equivalent of BSE. While Kiddi initially puts the accusation down to his brother’s jealousy, the threat of the disease – which would require the culling of all the stock in the valley – is too much for the community to brush off. Shot in the remote northern valley of Budardalur, the natural environment plays a huge part in Rams, where the lives of the protagonists are marked

out upon a vast white backdrop that always seems poised to engulf them. Using a mix of Icelandic stage actors, films actors, and non-actors the film manages to maintain an odd style of authenticity. Much of Hakonarson’s previous work is on Icelandic documentaries, and that experience follows along in this feature. While winter is always looming on our visual peripheries, silence is always present and respected. The story slowly and steadily unfolds over an hour and a half, and for much of that time we are simply watching Gummi, or Kiddi, or the sheep (who all receive acting credits) further the plot through their

own often blundering actions, rather than conversations. T his awareness of observation is part of what makes Rams such a joy to sit through. Hakonarson expertly lulls us along in a state of pleasant bemusement, until in like all good fables, we uncover the kernel of truth. Quirky, stylish, and incredibly power ful, the most tragic element about this film is that it will inevitably slip by many people unnoticed this year. Rams is a little gem of a film, that ostensibly is about feuding sheep farmers, but at its heart, is a poignant reminder of the human necessity for connection. Seek it out while you still can. Verdict: 9/10

17 March 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

HEALTH Supporting cellular health

“Small boutique style operations have filled the void left by big box gym closures.”

Q&A: Heath & Fitness Together, Ranelagh

Resisting the hardships of the recent recession  Carl Cautley

Owner, Health and Fitness Together

Q: I believe your 10th anniversary is coming up soon? Carl: Yes, I can’t believe it is 10 years since we opened our first studio on Leinster Road, Rathmines. We operated out of a small Mews and we had two rooms. At the time, the concept of private 1-to-1 training was unique and business thrived over the first two years. Q: So you opened in 2006, what happened at the end of 2008 when the bank crisis began? Carl: It was a strange time. The media, clients, friends and family all believed it was a short term glitch. Business fell briefly but then rebounded in April/May 2009. At the time we thought the glitch was over, little did we realise. Q: How do you mean? Carl: When we headed into the summer of 2009 we realised this was a much bigger problem than most thought. Con-

fidence in the economy started to decline rapidly and thus we started to feel the consequences. Business dropped off dramatically as people started to feel the crunch. Q: So what did you do? Carl: We basically went from a profitable start-up to a loss making business overnight. The stress levels were high but we were determined to see it through. We had to change the business model completely. I came from an advertising/marketing back ground where sales and the top line were paramount. Now, for the first time, I had to look at costs. Everything was forensically analysed; staff reduced, rent and franchise fees re-negotiated, loans re-engineered, cost of supplies and utilities reduced. When we were finished the monthly saving was down by about 30%. This, of course, didn’t increase profit as all of the savings were passed on to the client. Q: How did this affect

your business? Carl: The number of clients using our facility dropped by about 40% but there were still enough loyal clients to keep the business going and a reasonable trickle of new clients for us to remain optimistic. Q: I assume this status quo remained for quite a while? Carl: I would say that after a seven-year struggle, it is only in the last four months we have seen consistent growth. Q: Do you believe the recession is over? Carl: Since the bank guarantee of September 2008 we have seen a number of false dawns where we thought things were picking up but as soon as they did they crashed again. However, 2015/2016 is the first time we have seen four months of growth year-on-year. We are definitely more optimistic but cautious, as any negative world event could impact our economy and the first to take the brunt will be small businesses again.

Q: Even though there has been a recession, the health and fitness industry seems to be booming? Carl: Yes, but the industry has changed. The recession put a stop to the big box gyms. Total Fitness, Jackie Skelly and a few other big names went out of business. In their place small boutique style operations like our own have filled the void. Q: Tell us a little bit about your business? Carl: We started off providing one-to-one personal training in private rooms. This is still the mainstay of our business but we also now offer 2-to-1 personal training, small group training, physical therapy and nutrition. Basically a private training facility providing tailor-made services to suit anyone’s budget. Carl Cautley, Owner, Health & Fitness Together, 8 Appian Way, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Tel. 496 5829 www.healthandfitnesstogether.ie carl@ fitnesstogether.ie

An Irish company is bringing the world’s most complete organic mineral supplement direct to consumers in Dublin for the first time. Cellnutrition is providing Quinton Hypertonic and Isotonic to the Irish market on its website www.cellnutrition.ie after the company secured the Ireland and UK distribution rights to the popular supplements. Quinton has a 100-year history of supporting cellular health in the body. It is mineral-rich seawater harvested under strict conditions from a plankton bloom which occurs naturally in a pristine, internationally-protected part of the Atlantic Ocean. Cellnutrition Quinton nourishes your cells with 78 minerals and trace elements that have proven benefits for the health of your skin, hair and nails. These nutrients support the function of your main detoxification organs – your liver, kidneys, lungs and skin – and counter the chemicals and toxins we absorb from beauty products every day.

Cellnutrition chief executive John Kelleher said: “Cellular health is vitally important – after all, cells are the fundamental building blocks of life. “Every muscle movement, every heartbeat, every breath, all the functions of your organs, everything your body does depends on you having healthy, functioning cells. “Without them you would not be able to bat an eyelid or form a thought. “That’s why we’ve brought Cellnutrition Quinton direct to families in Ireland, so that they can enjoy the incredible nutritional benefits that it can provide for your health and vitality.”

24 CLONDALKIN Gazette 17 March 2016

CLONDALKINGazettegallery | Liz O’Donnell and Noel Kelly host

Honouring years of heroic work F

ire Restaurant in The Mansion House was the venue for the Lunch with Liz and Noel fundraiser in aid of Chernobyl Children International hosted by Liz O’Donnell and Noel Kelly. The annual event raises vital funds for children born with congenital heart defects as a result of

Chernobyl. The Irish glitterati were out in force to show their support for the event. CCI board director Liz O’Donnell said: “We are here to honour thirty years of heroic work by Adi and thousands of Irish volunteers supporting the poorest and most deserving people in Chernobyl affected regions.”

Marie Chawke ,Liz Rae, Alison Rae and Teresa Thornhill. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Norah Casey, Liz O’Donnell and Adi Roche

Louise Cosgrave and Marita Cosgrave

Colette Browne and Laura Gilthorpe

Claire Byrne, Elaine O’Neill and Geraldine O’Farrell

Cheyanne Elkhouly, Rionna Moulds and Emily Dunne

17 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 25

annual fundraiser for Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International

Fiona Creggan and Edel Fitzgerald

Joanna Butler and Catriona Kelly

Martin Wells and Deirdre Carton

Charlotte Somers and Oda O’Carroll

Julie Shynkarenkaand Adi Roche, Noel Kelly and Liz O’Donnell

Bill McCabe

26 Clondalkin Gazette 17 March 2016

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28 CLONDALKIN Gazette 17 March 2016

SPORT Duff takes time over next move

FastSport

Soccer: irish legend adjusting to life after professional game

De la salle team up with mount anville:

DE LA Salle Churchtown’s A team, alongside Mount Anville, won the annual Badminton southside mixed doubles tournament on their home court last week. Eight sides took part in the competition alongside St Benildus College and four girls’ schools: St. Raphaela’s, Loreto Bray, Mount Anville and Saint Joesph’s, Cluny. In the competition, each boys team was paired with a girls team to form mixed doubles partnerships. The De La Salle and Mount Anville side emerged victorious in the final, beating the De La Salle B team paired with Saint Raphaela’s who they had already defeated earlier in the tournament. The winners were unbeaten throughout the competition winning against a combined St Benildus/St Joseph’s side and also the De La Salle C team who were playing with Loreto Bray.

 james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic and St Kevin’s Boys youth player Damien Duff - who can also claim just the odd one hundred caps for Ireland - has spoken about the moment that finally forced his retire-

ment from professional soccer last year. “It was Bohs away in the Leinster Senior Cup,” Duff said last week, talking of the moment he decided to leave Shamrock Rovers. “I had a few niggles and what have you but I couldn’t kick a ball 30 yards. “I think we got

through to the final that night but I went home depressed. The missus was, like, ‘what’s wrong with you?’ I didn’t even tell her but I just knew in my heart of hearts.” Duff also admitted he’s turned out for TEK United alongside his brother Jamie since retiring from the Rovers midfield over the summer, though he only managed a single friendly game for the Leinster Senior League team, away in Enniskerry, before seeing a few of the tackles put him off. “I’d like to be able to walk, so I haven’t been back,” he quipped at Life Style Sports, while promoting their new Green Ticket competition to attend Euro 2016. Duff also spoke about

Damian Duff, above, in Ireland action and, below, signing for Shamrock Rovers

his options for work, admitting that he’s finding retirement’s “wearing a bit thin,” and mentioning the possibility of punditry for Euro 2016, despite his outspoken dislike of pundits. “I did enjoy it in a weird, sort of perverse sort of way,” Duff said of his recent experience with RTE. “That’s probably just me being out of my comfort zone; you’ve done okay then you come home and you’re ... oomph, a bit relieved, happy it went well.” The former star of the Irish midfield has also

been competing in fivea-side tournaments over recent months, including a trip to a competition in Russia, where he played in a team with other big-name former internationals including Gaizka Mendieta and Gianluca Zambrotta. “Being hard-working and honest, I’d like to feel as if I’ve earned a holiday or a trip. “I don’t want to turn into Kim Kardashian,” Duff said of the trip, whilst admitting that he’s not really sure what the future might hold. As for the Euros, Duff

hopes that Ireland will take their inspiration from the grit and togetherness of Leicester City, highlighting the fight against Bosnia in the play offs. “ We s t e a m - r o l l e d them with hunger, desire and hard work and it goes a long way as you can see with Leicester City,” he said. “You have to be positive.” Life Style Spor ts’ Green Ticket competition for Euro 2016 tickets can be found at w w w.lifestylespor ts. com/greenticket.

South Dublin Swans represent Ireland on Euro stage  sport@dublingazette.com

The South Dublin Swans Aussie Rules team

TERENURE-based South Dublin Swans’ Australian Rules Football team will take on the club champions of Europe next Saturday March 19 in Amsterdam in the AFL Europe Champions League. This event is for the winners of Aussie Rules leagues across Europe and both men’s and women’s competitions are being played. In the men’s competition, the Swans will have 12 rivals for the title of best club team in Europe. The opposition include 2015

champions the West London Wildcats. The Swans are sending a strong team for their first venture into European competition. Amongst the squad are experienced recent Irish Warriors Kevin Brennan, Bobby Byrne, Paul O’Halloran, Peter Ross and Darren Sheils. They will also have talented last season rookies in Brian O’Kane, Rob Monks and Liam Burns on the plane and the experienced Craig Wood and Darren Snell. The rest of the squad will include some of the greatest club

men in the history of the club including Ed Warren, Patrick Cummins, Noel Tate, Shane Thomas, Omar Mamad and Sean Guerin. The Swans have a long and successful time in the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland (ARFLI) having won three of the last five Premierships and also being the winner of the most Premierships in ARFLI history. However, it is going to be a tough task to be crowned Champions League champions but they are expected to put all their energy into bringing the title home.

17 March 2016 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29

Gazette

Galligan heads Irish challenge at worlds Former Clondalkin community games athlete is the sole Irish runner to compete at this week’s world indoor athletics championships despite having major funding limitations ROSE-Anne Galligan, who originally made her beginnings in athletics with Clondalkin’s Community Games team, will compete in the 1,500m as Ireland’s sole representative at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, from March 17-20. Galligan, the national outdoor 800m record holder, set a personal best of 4.11.07 for the 1,500m at the Athlone International and will be looking to put in a competitive performance. Letterkenny’s Mark English was also originally named to compete but the 800m runner has had to withdraw due to an ankle injury. This comes as a major setback to the UCD medical student, who had run a season’s best of 1:46.99, which he set at the Glasgow Inter-

national, and would have had hopes of adding to his medal collection – a European outdoor bronze medal in 2014 and a silver medal at the European Indoors last year. Speaking about Galligan’s entry into the indoors, Athletics Ireland high performance director Kevin Ankrom, said: “Rose-Anne has wintered well and it will be good for her 800m development.” She qualified for the competition in spite of a difficult 2015 in which her funding was cut just a year after breaking Sonia O’Sullivan’s long-standing record for 800m. To help fund her Olympic dream this year, she has been working as a supply teacher in England in order to bolster her income and earn enough to take in altitude training trips to South Africa.

She is hopeful of earning enough to go again in April to kick-start her outdoor season but, again, getting the cash together is the crucial issue. “It is an added strain,” she said recently. “Fair enough, the way the funding works in Ireland is that you have to run a time and then you get your funding. “It’s a bit frustrating because I know that I am capable of running these times, and I need to go to these camps to help my training to get there. If you’re not on funding though, you have to fund it yourself. “I was on funding after I ran my national record and they kept me on in 2014 but then when I had a year when I didn’t perform last year…I put in my application but it was declined.

Rose-Anne Galligan is Ireland’s sole representative in Portland this week

“It’s just another burden you have. Luckily, I get my kit and my running shoes from New Balance so that is one thing I don’t have to worry about. “I’d do anything to get to the Olympics but it would be lovely to be able to put everything into the training and have

This forms part of her training preparations with the goal of getting a qualifying standard over 10,000m at the European Championships in Amsterdam in July and also potentially in Rio. Ireland will also be represented by Lizzie Lee and Paul Pollock at the World

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

‘It’s just another burden you have but I would do anything to get to the Olympics’ Rose-Anne Galligan

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the funding. I work for an agency but I’m not going to sacrifice my training sessions. If I’m doing a session on a Tuesday and Thursday, I’m not going to work those days. If I know I’m working on a Monday, I’ll get up early and go run before going on to school.” Elsewhere, the county will also be represented by Fionnuala McCormack in the New York Half Marathon, as well as three more Dublin club runners, Segiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers), Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham) and Thomas Frazer (Crusaders), in the World Half Marathon in Cardiff. McCormack will run in the New York Half Marathon on March 20 before running over 10,000m on the track in Stanford on April 2.

Half Marathon in Cardiff on March 26. Lee will be the sole Irish woman in Cardiff due to the racing calendar and plans of the other leading Irish women. Paul Pollock will lead a full men’s team of five and will be looking to replicate his performance at the last edition of the Championships in Copenhagen in 2014 where he ran a swift 62:10 for 30th – still his personal best for the event. Pollock will also use the event as a sharpener for the London Marathon on April 17, where he hopes to seal a place on the Olympic marathon team. Dublin-based Ciobanu, Hehir and Frazer, as well as Northern Ireland’s Kevin Seaward (St Malachy’s) will flank Pollock in Wales as they bid to put in a good performance.

FastSport

Corporate 5km dates announced for summer ATHLETICS Ireland and Grant Thornton have announced this week the dates for the Grant Thornton Corporate 5k Team Challenge series for 2016. The locations and dates are the National Sports Campus in Fingal on Thursday, June 9 and The Mall, Cork City on Wednesday, June 29, with the flagship event taking place in the Dublin Docklands on Tuesday, September 13. The Corporate Challenge is organised by the national governing body Athletics Ireland whose mission is to support and develop the athletes of Ireland of all ages, disciplines and abilities. Aimed at encouraging social running amongst the business community in Dublin and Cork, the event welcomes both seasoned runners as well as beginners. Each run will be a team event and a minimum of four participants will enter with team members’ times combined to determine the winner. Event ambassador, Olympian and former London Marathon winner Catherina McKiernan said of the event: “The growth of the event is testament to the feel-good factor that running brings. “It is a fantastic sight to see so many runners taking part each year from the regular runner to the complete beginner; this event is a great way to encourage people to take the first step towards getting fit enough to run a 5k. “The team element adds a sense of fun and camaraderie amongst work colleagues in a really well organised event. I’m looking forward to being a part of it again this year.” Now in its fifth year this event goes from strength to strength with more people participating. The Docklands run last September was a sellout with over 5,000 runners from 139 different companies. John Foley, Chief Executive of Athletics Ireland, added: “As an association one of our core strategic objectives is to promote health and fitness in the population as a whole. “This event enables us to reach beyond our core membership into the business community by encouraging them to focus on a fitness programme which targets a 5k run; a good starter point for novice runners.”

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 17 March 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: colaiste phadraig denied by late calasanctius goal

Clondalkin’s tenure in Div 1A ended by Wicklow CLONDALKIN’S three-year tenure in Division 1A of the Leinster League ended with a 21-16 loss to Wicklow in a regulation/promotion play-off held at Monkstown RFC last Sunday. Clondalkin were first to get off the mark with Chris Jebb landing a penalty after five minutes and he doubled the lead from a tight angle four minutes later. However, Wicklow pulled the deficit back to three with a successful penalty of their own. With the Clon scrum the dominant platform they gained a foothold in the Wicklow 22 and forced another breakdown penalty with the addition of a yellow card for the Wicklow player. Jebb converted to bring Clon to 9-3 ahead but they failed to further capatilise on the extra player and in the 34th minute conceded another three points to Wicklow after they were pinged for hands in the ruck. Worse was to come as the referee adjudged Paul Nolan to be preventing Wicklow ball coming out of a ruck and Clondalkin were reduced to 14 men with the ensuing yellow card. After the break, Wicklow levelled the scores with their third successful penalty before a fly hack and subsequent pick and drive saw them go over for their first try which went unconverted. Wicklow then scored again after a backs move exposed an overlap on the Clondalkin flank. The conversion was landed from out wide to give them a 12-point advantage. Clon upped the urgency levels and forced a scrum close to the Wicklow posts. The referee had no option but to award a penalty try after the Wicklow scrum disintegrated; the dropkicked conversion made it a one-score game at 16-21. However, any chance of a last-minute reprieve evaporated after a number of dropped passes gifted possession back to Wicklow and the game came to a close. Clon will ply their trade next season in Leinster League Division 1B, while Wicklow will have to wait to see if any Leinster team gets relegated from the AIL before taking a place in Division 1A.

The Colaiste Phadraig, Lucan CBS side ahead of their Tom Ticher Cup final

No Ticher tape for Lucan

tom ticher cup final Colaiste Phadraig Calasanctius College  sport@dublingazette.com

1 2

COLAISTE Phadraig were denied the Tom Ticher Junior Cup as Galway’s Calasanctius College netted late on to take the title with a smashing goal from the talented Ronan Manning, proving the decisive bullet in Athlone IT. Captain fantastic Aaron Connolly put his side in front in the early exchanges as a quick throw in from Jim Crowley found the head of Connolly. His back flick deceived McGrane

between the posts to give Oranmore a slight advantage. Colaiste Phadraig were awarded a corner midway through the first half and Paul Cleary delivered a delightful ball into space. Josh Hogan rose highest and headed home in fine style. This equaliser ensured it was a lively encounter with all to play for. It was end to end stuff as Oranmore absorbed most of the sustained pressure. Yasser Mahrouk and Jimmy Mwanga tested the versatile goalkeeper Mark Greaney but the young Galway man was relishing the occa-

double gold O’Loughlin adds indoor titles to list of medals clondalkin native Louis O’Loughlin,

centre, added to his cross-country gold from last week with two more in Athlone, taking first place in both the 1,500m and 800m at the All-Ireland indoor championships. He won the Under-16 800m with an excellent 2.02.49 time to lead home the field before running out victor in the 1,500m with a time of 4.21.61 as he continues his rich vein of form.

sion and time after time denied the Lucan talisman. Connolly was proving problematic for the Lucan lads but some sterling defending by captain Conor McGuire, Cleary and Smith ensured the deadlock remained. Manning and Quinlivan carved out some excellent football but their attempts on target did not trouble Cian McGrane too much. It was dramatic scenes for Calasanctius as Nathan Lynskey cleared off the line following a thunderbolt from Ross Strong on 24 minutes in a crowded goalmouth.

Three minutes later and Mahrouk had another great chance palmed away from the impressive Greaney. Minutes af ter the restart and again it was the lively target man Mahrouk who missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put Lucan ahead. Oranmore responded with shots from Connolly and Smyth but neither fell on target. The duo were enjoying a spell of fine football but the end product was lacking some real conviction. Greaney pulled off a stunning block from J i m my M w a n g a o n the hour mark to deny

Colaiste Phadraig any progression in the game. It had all the signs of additional time as the clock ticked down but, with only two minutes of normal time left, up popped the hard working Manning to score a peach of a goal to prove the match winner. St Joseph’s College, Galway were winners last season, now it was the turn of near neighbours Calasanctius College, Oranmore to take the Cup back West. This is the second All Ireland title for Ruth Broderick’s troops as they captured the Minor Cup last season.

17 March 2016 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

football: first half blitz lays base for big win

Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin THE senior footballers enjoyed a

the camp commences and receive a

comprehensive league win against St

free gift. To register, please contact

Pat’s of Donabate. Our junior As were

James at 086 4082561 or Catherine at

narrowly defeated by O’Dwyer’s; the

086 8303207.

junior Bs lost to Naomh Fionnbarra

The Round Tower disco is taking

and the minor hurlers lost to Castle-

place this coming Friday, March 18 in

knock.

the club. Strictly for fourth to sixth

Regrettably, our junior C footballers are discontinuing for the season

Round Tower’s Jason Joyce holds off a St Pat’s defender

Four-star Tower’s blaze past St Pat’s

afl division 2

Round Tower St Pat’s, Donabate  mick mcglynn

4-19 1-6

sport@dublingazette.com

AN EMPHATIC firsthalf display paved the way for Round Tower to register their first league win of the season and put the disappointment of an opening day loss to Naomh Mearnog behind them. Tower’s were completely dominant in the opening period, with successive wins in midfield feeding a sharp attack that ended the half with 2-14 registered on the scoreboard. Niall Lanigan kicked the opener from the ground after two minutes, before James Kelly kicked the second. Kelly was then set up by Micheal Walsh for the third and half-back Ian Ward kicked Towers’ fourth inside six minutes. St Pat’s kicked their opener from a 21-metre free on eight minutes, before Walsh struck an outstanding score from an acute angle on the

right. He followed it up with a point from the left. Left-corner-forward Trevor Clendenning then kicked another excellent point from the right before Jason Joyce opened up an 0-8 to 0-2 margin from a free soon after. A Mick Hallows interception set up Lanigan to attack a retreating defence, tapping over from the right. A Derek Murray block led to Conor Rooney carrying into attack and Finn, Lanigan and Kelly combined well before teeing up Walsh to kick between the posts. The visitors tapped over their third of the game before the first goal for the home side arrived. Walsh released the onrushing Finn who carried at pace before finishing to the roof of the net. Ward came forward to register his second and then Lanigan pointed after full-back Jason Murphy had joined in attack. Soon after, yet another last-ditch tackle prevented a Towers goal,

with Walsh denied on this occasion, and Clendenning fisted over the breaking ball. Rooney then became the second half-back to point. And, on the stroke of half-time Walsh was in on goal and pulled to the ground; James Kelly dispatched the penalty to the corner. 2-14 to 0-3 ahead, Tower’s may have rested on their laurels but with the first play of the second half they netted their third, with Finn deftly finishing across the keeper. F i n n f o l l owe d i t

straight up with a point and midfielder Hallows kicked an excellent score from the right. The fourth goal arrived when Lanigan cut inside on goal and was pulled to the ground. Despite the keeper going the right way, Kelly’s penalty was too accurately placed for saving. Conor L’Estrange tapped a free before Ward kicked his third. Keeper Gary Cleary was finally beaten in the dying minutes as the visitors registered a consolation goal.

class pupils; it will run 7.30-9pm with shop available. Admission €5.

ahead and we thank Bernie Cronin

A new feature, Club Legends, com-

and the players for their excellent

menced last week with an interview

commitment.

with club president Tommy Keogh.

Fancy some live music on St

Read Tommy recall the development

Patrick’s Day? Jack Whelan and

of Round Tower GAA Club via our web-

Friends are performing in the club

site.

from 5pm. No admission and musi-

Round Tower Lotto (March 7): the

cians invited to join in. Children wel-

jackpot was €10,000, numbers drawn

come.

were 2, 5, 28 and 30, the bonus ball was

The Round Tower GAA Club Easter

12. There was no overall winner and no

Camp 2016 will take place Monday,

bonus ball winner. The three €100 win-

March 21 to Thursday, March 24.

ners were Anthony Nolan, Brendan

Great fun and games for kids aged

Gardiner, Den and Len. Thanks to all

four to 12 years. It will run from 10am

who support the lotto and, remem-

to 2pm on a daily basis at Monas-

ber, you can pay online for as little as

tery Road. Register for €40 before

€2 per week.

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

ers against Whitehall Colmcilles on

2, 5, 8 and 13; there was no winner so

Sunday, the junior footballers were

next week’s jackpot will be €9,400.

unlucky against Kilmacud and our

The draw takes place in the Palm-

minor hurling team had a super win

erstown House every Sunday night at

against Ballyboden, nail-biting stuff

10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you

but they came out of it with a great

to all our sellers and to all that sup-

win. Well done all; well deserved for

port our lotto every week. Tickets

such a great battling spirit and team

are available from all the usual sellers

effort.

including SuperValu, Palmerstown

Great start to the season for

House, Manor Hair Studios and in the

the senior camogie team with a win

clubhouse on Tuesday and Thursday

against Raheny at home on Sunday.

from 7-8pm.

The U-13 camogie team fought hard

Membership is now due and remains unchanged from last year. Our Friday hurling and camogie skills

on Sunday against a strong St Anne’s team, well done to all the girls who kept battling to the end.

session has started up again on Friday

Fantastic morning with our U-9

from 6-7pm, from U-8 upwards and all

football girls. We had 20 girls togged

are welcome. It’s a great chance for

out and all really enjoyed their first

the kids to learn from experienced

game. Some future Dublin football

coaches.

players in the making. Thank you to

Our Easter Camp will take place

Stars of Erin for travelling to Palmer-

on Tuesday, March 29 to Thursday,

stown to mark this historic occasion

March 31, 10am to 2pm; ages five to 12;

for the club. Great fun was had by all. A

the cost is €30 per child.

big thank you to all the support on the

Great win for our senior football-

sideline; great start for the girls.



Got a story? we want to know!

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

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

march 17-23, 2016

after football: on the rise: Round Tower produce comprehensive Life Damian Duff searching for win over St Pat’s, Donabate in AFL Division Two P31 new role since retiring P29

The Bluebell United LSL Sunday Senior side

Bell tolls for Cabinteely Andy Noonan praises his side for Leinster Senior Cup surprise win over League of Ireland outfit on Monday evening despite tricky conditions  aaron gallagher

sport@dublingazette.com

DREAMS transitioned into reality on a cold and frosty Monday night this week as the dusty old cliche of the magic of the cup was given a spin with non-league Bluebell United progressing to the next round of the Leinster Senior Cup, beating League of Ireland side Cabinteely with a dramatic extra-time winning goal at Stradbrook. Andy Noonan’s LSL Sunday Senior division side battled their way through 90-minutes of hard-fought, scoreless action away from home against Eddie Gormley’s League of Ireland First Division side before Graham Zambra headed

home the winner from close range with only the second half of extra time remaining. Speaking in the wake of his side’s win, manager Noonan said that the 104-minute stalemate which preceded Zambra’s winning goal was worth sticking around for. “It was worth the wait. Graham’s a smashing young centre-forward. He’s a lad that keeps going, he never gives up and works really well”, the Bluebell manager told GazetteSport. “We adapted to a 4-4-2 in the last 15 minutes of normal time purely because we had to bypass midfield. For the whole club, it was great and it was great that it got some recognition.” Playing conditions were not ideal for the encounter with two rugby games having been

played on the Stradbrook pitch prior to Monday’s tie, A factor which the Bluebell manager says constrained both sides from playing their styles of football. “It was a really good cup game. There was a lot of effort and a lot of endeavour shown by by both sides but, from a footballing point of view, it was very, very hard, if not impossible to play. We had to turn a lot of times to route one football which isn’t the way we play. “I’ve played League of Ireland myself and I respect Eddie Gormley and his players, but I sympathise with them over the state of the pitch. “There were two footballing sides trying to play football. Cabinteely are a very young side

and the type of football they were trying to play was very impressive, but the pitch just levelled everybody.” Noonan’s side have additional cup dreams on their mind, too, following their draw against Carrigaline United in the first round of this year’s FAI Cup just hours before kick off to Monday’s game. Noonan, however, stresses the importance of his side’s league performances in comparison with the ‘adventures’ which cup football allows. “We’ll take a look at Carrigaline but for now we are concentrating on our league game this week against Firhouse Clover. We’ve had a couple of blips in the league ourselves and we need to get back on track.”