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the Olympia Theatre was packed out recently as The Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency took to the stage for their variety show. Proud family and friends were entertained by stars from tiny tots to adults. Pictured are Sarah Jane Murphy, Justin Dirgela, Niamh Coughlin, Kayleigh Perkins, Megan Bell, Allanah O’Connor and Jessica Boylan. Picture: Pearl Phelan See Gallery on Page 8

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Magdalene survivors want a full apology ‘Women who were imprisoned in these homes were isolated, shamed’

 Ian Begley

S u r v i vo r s o f t h e Magdalene laundries and mother-and-baby homes were recently invited to South Dublin County Council, where they met Mayor Sarah Holland (SF)

and shared their experiences and thoughts. The meeting was arranged by Clondalkin Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), a survivor of the Irish Care System. One survivor, who was placed in a Magdalene laundry before having her son

taken from her, was Parkwest resident Terri Harrison. Speaking at the meeting, she said: “The women who were imprisoned in these homes were shamed and isolated. We went through hell.” Also present at the meet-

ing was long-time activist and survivor David Kinsella from Clondalkin. “I want the Catholic Church to come forward, like they have done in Scotland already, and give a full apology,” he said. Full Story on Page 2

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 19 November 2015

mayor ‘Horror of Magdalene laundries brought home to me’

Survivors call for council’s support SURVIVORS of the Magdalene laundries and mother-and-baby homes were recently invited to South Dublin County Council, where they met Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) and shared their experiences and thoughts. The meeting was arranged by Clondalkin Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), a survivor of the Irish care system. Cllr Timmons spent his childhood in the care system and was only granted limited contact with his mother during his time there. While trying to find information about his life, he was told by the Sisters of Charity that his records were destroyed by a fire, but

 ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

he eventually found them through an alternative source. Cllr Timmons tabled a motion at last month’s council meeting calling for all survivors to be included in a redress scheme, and to receive justice and truth about their upbringing. The motion was seconded by Cllr Paul Gogarty (Ind), who was also born into a motherand-baby home, and all other elected members. One sur vivor,

who was placed in a Magdalene laundry before having her son taken from her, was Parkwest resident Terri Harrison. Speaking at the meeting, she said: “The women who were imprisoned in these homes were shamed and isolated. “We went through hell, and now some of our oldest survivors are being excluded from the hearing because of access issues. “It is also unbelievable that there is no counsellor or emotional support of any kind in place for the women, who have to face a panel of strangers and tell their horrific stories.

“They are effectively being retraumatised, and I would strongly recommend that a victim’s advocate is put in place to support anyone, both before and after their hearings.” Also present at the meeting was long-time activist and sur vivor David K insella from Clondalkin. He said: “I want the Catholic Church to come forward, like they have done in Scotland already, and give a full apology and acknowledgement. “I want them to announce from the pulpits that women like my mother did nothing wrong, and to encourage women to come forward and engage with the inquiry. “I also want an interim redress scheme put in place; many survivors are passing away having lived their whole lives believing they were

Independent councillors Paul Gogarty and Francis Timmons

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‘It is unbelievable that there is no counselling support for the women, who have to face a panel of strangers to tell their stories’

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Terri Harrison, Magdalene laundry survivor

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the ones who had done something wrong. “ We n e e d s t r o n g words from the State and the church, and we won’t stop until we get an acknowledgement of this hurt.” Ref lecting on the

meeting, Mayor Holland said: “The women and children who went through this barbaric system always had my full support, but nothing can prepare you for listening to the haunting stories face to face.

“The full horror of what was done to these women was brought home to me. “I heard stories of forced sterilisations, children being trafficked out of the countr y, women shamed, beaten and ostracised and all for the beautiful gift of being able to create life. “T his was institutionalised misogyny, and was funded by taxpayer’s money and enabled and facilitated by church and State.”

History helps plan future amenity  ian begley

SOUTH Dublin County Council hosts a local history and heritage day in Clondalkin village on Saturday, November 21. Starting at noon at the civic offices, it is being organised ahead of the development of the Clondalkin Round Tower Visitor Centre. Organisers wish to gather as much historical information and material of local interest as possi-

ble before the opening, to maximise the impact of future exhibitions within the interpretative centre. Those attending the history and heritage day are invited to bring any historic documents, oral histories and artefacts they have so that organisers can scan, archive or record them for future visitors to the centre. Speaking ahead of the event, Mayor Sarah Ho l l a n d ( S F ) s a i d : “The Round Tower Visi-

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

tor Centre is truly an exciting opportunity for Clondalkin and our county, and is a project offering benefits to both locals and potential future tourists alike. “It will open up the village and the round tower to those interested in our city’s history and heritage; in the case of the round tower a history stretching back over 1,000 years. “Failte Ireland’s repositioning of Dublin as an attractive city destination emphasises the role that authenticity and variety play in differentiating an attraction. “In this context, unlocking the long authentic histor y of

both the round tower and Clondalkin village through the ages as told through the materials and stories of the people of the area, offers a rich opportunity to bring the stories of Dublin’s past to life in the future centre.” Also on that day, the council is offering a number of historical walks through Clondalkin village and a series of talks. It is hoped that an interactive show and a talk from a local historian will help bring children closer to the history of the area. For further information see localstudies@ sdublincoco.ie or call 01 4620073.

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

awards

online: Issues raised include litter, graffiti and street lighting

Maxi Zoo is top dog pet store

Council logs over 3,000 complaints  ian begley

SOUTH Dublin County Council has responded to 3,020 complaints this year regarding nonemergency issues such as graffiti and illegal dumping. The complaints were submitted by residents in South County Dublin on the council’s affiliated website FixyourStreet.ie. The site allows residents to report nonemergency issues such as graffiti, road defects, issues with street lighting, water leaks/drainage issues, and litter or illegal dumping to the council. By October 28 of this year, the council had received 3,037 reports and responded to 3,020.

The council said the average time to respond to reports was 1.07 working days. The majority of complaints (956) so far this year were about street lighting. There were 773 complaints about problems with litter and illegal dumping; there were 574 complaints about road or path defects; and 457 complaints about tree and grass maintenance. Graffiti prompted 177 complaints, while leaks and drainage were the cause of 100 complaints. T h e f i g u r e s we r e revealed by the council in response to a question tabled by Cllr Paul Foley (FF) at the November council meeting. He

asked if statistics could be provided to show usage of the system and the level of responses given to users of the website. Chief executive Daniel McLoughlin replied: “Given the nature of what is being responded to, many reports will require a standard initial response informing the user of the service, what will happen to their report; it may be that an inspection is required and that the matter has been referred to the litter warden, services engineer, or other appropriate person for further investigation. He said that response was not automated or issued by the computer but by staff, such as a customer care agent.

Journey to the top: First prize at National Student Enterprise Awards it was a great day for south Dublin students recently at the National

Student Enterprise Awards Finals in Croke Park when two scooped prizes including Dara Ward (pictured). In the intermediate category Dara from Colaiste Eanna in Ballyroan was awarded first place for his project My GAA Journey. My GAA Journey is a book designed for GAA sports players aged eight to 15 where they can track their experiences and triumphs throughout their junior sporting career. Dara demonstrated impressive business savvy from initial concept to production and distribution of the final product. He negotiated agreements with printers and local GAA clubs, obtained input from renowned GAA personalities, promoted the book nationwide and achieved impressive sales.

LIFFEY Valley is officially home to the best pet store in Ireland after Maxi Zoo was named Pet Store of the Year at the recent Retail Excellence Ireland Awards. The award is a big achievement for the staff at the Maxi Zoo store, who were recognised for leading the way in providing customers with a first class shopping experience. The awards are the biggest event in the Irish retail industry calendar, and were copresented by RTE presenter Hector O hEochagain and sports presenter Evanne Ni Chuilinn at a gala event in Dublin. The awards ceremony was attended by 500 representatives of the retail industry in Ireland.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 19 November 2015

death ‘I could probably write here for an hour and not do him justice’

Tributes pour in as Aidan Dardis passes away  Ian Begley

Tributes and memories of much-loved Clondalkin resident Aidan Dardis have poured in following his sudden death last week at his home. Dardis was a well-known

figure in Clondalkin, perhaps best known for his i nvo l ve m e n t a t R o u n d Tower GAA, Round Tower Golf Society, Clondalkin Tidy towns and as caretaker for Colaiste Bride. He also worked at the Clondalkin Paper Mill from

1955 until it closed and in 1983 when it reopened as Leinster Paper Mills. Dardis was husband of the Clondalkin Tidy Town’s committee member Mary Dardis, and out of respect the community group cancelled all activities the

weekend after his death. One member of the Round Tower Golf Society wrote: “Our thoughts are with his wonderful family. “I could probably write here for an hour and not do him justice - he was everything any person could

hope to be. “A huge loss to everyone who knew him.” Round Tower GAA club also wrote on their website: “We wish to express our sympathies with the Dardis family and all who knew Aidan.”

T he funeral mass for Dardis took place on Monday morning (November 16) in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clondalkin village amongst his friends, family and members of the local community.

Details of spend on 13 cycle ways outlined by council A TOTAL of €2.5m has been spent so far this year on 13 of South Dublin County Council’s cycling schemes. Up to and including September, €1.1m was spent on the Tallaght-toTempleogue cycle route; €410,000 on the Willsbrook Road cycle track; €37,500 on N81 cycling, walking and bus facilities; and €68,000 on the Walkinstown roundabout. At the November council meeting, county manager Daniel McLoughlin outlined the amounts spent on 13 cycle schemes, after a request by Cllr John Lahart (FF).

In addition, €23,000 has been spent on the Monastery Road walking route; €575,000 on the N4-to-city centre cycle scheme; €20,000 on the Tallaght-toLiffey Valley cycle scheme; €23,000 on the Lucan access study; €2,700 on the Dodder Regional cycle route; €12,000 on the Tallaght-to-Ballyboden cycle route; €39,000 on the pedestrian-cycle bridge, Dodder Valley Park; €62,000 on St Enda’s-Grange Road; and €88,000 on the Green Schools Cluster. Mr McLoughlin said as there was significant work ongoing, the total was likely to be higher.

Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain is among the schools included in an investment programme

education: 60,000 additional school places

Major investment projects revealed  Ian Begley

Twelve major school investment projects in Dublin Mid-West have been given the green light by the new School Buildings Plan, recently announced by the Department of Education. 310 new school building projects and more than 60,000 additional school places around the country will be provided over the next six years, including new schools and the expansion of existing facilities. The schools included in this programme from Dublin Mid-West are: the Divine Mercy Junior and

Senior National Schools, Lucan as well as St Thomas Junior National School in Esker and Scoil Aine Senior National School, Esker. Prefabs in these four schools will be replaced by permanent school buildings and all of these building projects will proceed to construction in 2016. Gaelscoil na Camoige in Clondalkin got the go-ahead for a permanent school building with construction to start in 2017 under the programme. The Holy Family Community College in Rathcoole will also get an extension and will pro-

ceed to construction in 2016. The remaining schools in the area included in this programme are: St Joseph’s College, Lucan (extension); Lucan Community College (reconfirmation of funding for extension/refurbishment); a new Post Primary school, Lucan (2019 -2021); a special school in Stewart’s Hospital for 2016; Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain (development of Campus lan-Gaelach); and Scoil Mochua Special School, Clondalkin (2019 – 2021). Welcoming the news, local TD Joanna Tuffy (Lab) said: “I am extremely pleased that Dublin

Mid-West has featured so strongly in the muchanticipated School Capital Plan today, and that Minister Jan O’Sullivan has prioritised a number of critical projects.” Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald also welcomed the announcement. She said: “This investment in new accommodation for local school in Dublin Mid-West demonstrates this Government’s ongoing commitment to investing in our children while ensuring that all those in the education systempupils, teachers and support staff - have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.”

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

fundraiser Charity supports people with painful skin condition

Tattoos make their mark for Debra Ireland  ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

TATTOO artists from Tallaght Ink will be rolling up their sleeves on Sunday, November 22, from 10am for a 12-hour tattoo-a-thon to raise money for the charity, Debra Ireland. The national charity supports, and works on behalf of, people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The aggressive condition leaves sufferers with very painful sores and blisters all over their bodies. It will be all hands on

deck during the event as organisers are expecting hundreds to turn up from all over the country to get a tattoo for Debra Ireland. The charity’s logo is a butterfly because children born with the condition have skin as “delicate as a butterfly’s wing”. The condition is a rare, painful, genetic skin disease. Children born with it have little or no collagen, which means their skin blisters very easily. Tallaght-born Casey Connors (3) has almost 80% of her body covered in bandages, which must

be replaced every second day. Casey’s mother, Rachel, recently got her own butterfly tattoo for her daughter in Tallaght Ink and is encouraging people to support families like hers by getting inked for EB. There will be seven designs to choose from – four butterfly designs, along with the words “hope” and “love” and the Debra butterfly logo. Tattoos are reduced in price for the day, and start at €25 per tattoo. This is the second time the tattooists have organised this fund-

Rachel Connors displays her butterfly tattoo for her daughter, Casey, who has epidermolysis bullosa

raiser. From past experience, they expect queues of people lining up to take part. Tallaght Ink owner Vinny McEvoy said: “We wanted to do something for charity coming up to Christmas and due to the success of our last event, Ink for Autism, we

decided to do another tattoo marathon but this time for Debra Ireland, a great charity doing amazing work for people living with this painful skin condition. We will have all our own tattoo artists and some guest artists there on the day to tattoo as many people as we

can. The artists give their time free as they know it’s for a great cause. It’s first come, first served so we would encourage people to turn up early so they don’t miss out.” To support Debra Ireland, you can also text butterfly to 50300 to donate €4.

contest Arty kids urged to compete PRIMARY school students across Dublin midwest are being encouraged to enter this year’s Sightsavers Junior Painter of the Year Awards. Sightsavers Ireland is asking students to create an imaginative painting inspired by this year’s theme, Imagine 2030. They are invited to create an artwork that shows how they want the world they live in to look in the year 2030. Student artists have a chance to win appropriately arty prizes for themselves and their classmates, and cash prizes of €200, €300 and €1,000 for their schools. The closing date for entries is November 27. For more information, see www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter.

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 November 2015

DON’SDUBLIN

COURTS Cycle of addiction cited for crime

Open the doors to a museum world full of Eastern promise THE Chester Beatty Library is one of Dublin’s most interesting places and the only museum in Ireland to be awarded European Museum of the Year 2002. The exquisite collections of prints, manuscripts, paintings and early printed books from western Europe through Egypt, the Middle East to China, are exceptional. They offer an insight into the rich history of great cultures and religions over the past three millennia. Alfred Chester Beatty was born on February 7, 1875 in New York City. He graduated as an engineer from Columbia University in 1898 and went west to work in the mining business

The Clondalkin man who botched a robbery near a Garda station told gardai he wanted to either end his life or get locked up because he

in Denver. Two years later he moved to Cripple

was sick of being “strung out” on drugs

Creek, Colorado and made a fortune mining gold. A millionaire in his early 30s, he moved to London for health reasons and established a successful consultancy firm and was often called the King of Copper. An avid collector since he was a boy he travelled widely buying and amassing the fabulous collection now housed in the renovated Clock Tower Building in Dublin Castle. The museum opened on February 7, 2000, the 125th anniversary of Beatty’s birth. He moved to Dublin in 1940, made a Freeman of the City in 1954 and granted honorary Irish citizenship in 1957. He was accorded a State funeral when he died on January 19, 1968 – a unique honour indeed for a private citizen. The short video about Chester Beatty just inside the library’s entrance is informative and well worth a view. In the bright atrium you will find the library gift shop and, with so much on show coming from the East, the busy Silk Road Cafe. Another word of advice: Don’t miss the Roof Garden. The Chester Beatty Library is a great place for all ages and the word that most comes to mind about my visit? Colourful. Check it out. e site.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Jail for knife-wielding chef’s botched robbery A FORMER chef, who carried out a botched shop robbery close to a Garda station so he would be arrested, has been jailed. Christopher Lee (33) told gardai he wanted to either end his life or get locked up because he was sick of being “strung out” on drugs. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard he was now drug free after tackling his addiction and was studying to help others with addiction. Lee, with an address at Crosscare, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the attempted robbery of Chapman’s Superstore, Castle Cres-

cent, Clondalkin, on March 12, 2015. During the robbery attempt, Lee waved a kitchen knife at shopkeeper James Chapman. Mr Chapman picked up a piece of wood and swung it at Lee to try to knock the knife from his hand. During this struggle, the tip of Chapman’s finger was cut off, Garda Fiona Ruddy told the court. Judge Martin Nolan a s ke d G d a R u d d y : “Could it be that his finger encountered the knife rather than him swinging the knife?” The garda replied that she couldn’t say.

Judge Nolan said Lee probably did not swing the knife to injure but that he had armed himself before going into the shop. Lee has 36 previous convictions, including two for robbery. He was taken into State care when he was nine after suffering violence in the family home, Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, said. At age 18 he had to leave State care and he felt like he had lost his family one more time, counsel said. He became homeless and drifted into alcohol, drug abuse and later drug related crime.

Judge Nolan imposed a sentence of 20 months imprisonment after noting Lee’s serious criminal record. He said it would be a longer sentence but for Lee’s significant steps of rehabilitation. Gda Ruddy told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that when she arrived at the shop she found Lee lying face down on the floor. The shopkeeper and a customer had tackled him to the ground and Lee began crying and apologising to them. Mr Le Vert said his client was in the hell of drug addiction at the time but

had since clawed his way out of that hole. Lee told gardai he had decided on a whim to rob the shop because it was close to the Garda station because he wanted to be arrested. He said he did not set out to hurt anyone and would not have committed the crime had he thought the shopkeeper would be hurt. “I didn’t mean to harm anyone. It wasn’t me. It was the drugs. I’m not proud of it. I’m sick of being on drugs,” he said. He told gardai he was abusing tablets, heroin and weed but wanted to “get clean”.

No major incidents reported on Halloween

Chester Beatty Library: Ireland’s only museum to be awarded European Museum of the Year 2002.

WHILE there were a number of bonfires around Dublin MidWest on Halloween, there were no major incidents reported in public parks and open spaces this year, according to South Dublin County Council. The council told The Gazette

that it did not appear that bonfire activity within the county had intensified over previous years, but it was yet too soon to put a definitive figure on the number of fires, which was currently being established. Priority was given to the

removal of materials in dangerous locations and arrangements were put in place for the relaying of relevant communications outside of normal working hours. In advance of Halloween, the council promoted Safe Halloween, which focused on reducing

the availability of material for bonfires through the targeting of suppliers of material used in bonfires, enforcement of litter legislation by waste and litter enforcement officers, and the bonfire prevention campaigns such as Bulbs Not Bonfires.

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 19 November 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Shannon Clare, Kerstin Lynch and Gemma Corpenter. Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

Kevin’s shield: Fight against bullying puts school on the map

T Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill, was recently awarded the ISPCC’s Shield Flag for its preventative work on bullying. Principal Pat Lowry said the shield programme really highlighted the importance of “the whole school community working together”. He said the shield programme highlighted the importance and effectiveness of the whole school community including teachers, students as well as parents/carers and the board of management working together on the issue and to be “singing off the same hymn sheet”.

Ava Wimbledon Power

Cousins Hannah Wendals and Abigail Murray.

bonnets off: Kids reveal how to steal the show

Little people with Olympian talent T

he Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency took to the stage at the Olympia Theatre for their variety show recently. They played to a packed out auditorium as

proud family and friends were entertained by stars from tiny tots to adults. There were little angels, hip-hop dancers and even a drama which gave the Clondalkin Gazette a mention.

Chelsea Cleary, Malissa Davitt and Shannon Moore

Sinead McKee, Vanessa Geraghty, principal Pat Lowry, Chelsea Cleary, Monica Rowe and Aisling McArdle

Lili Rose Matthews, Grace McAllorun, Zoe Ellen Orbinski, Amy Moran Dillon Potter and Peter Sexton

and Rebecca Andree

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

Hassan El Nager, Gregory Rodgers and Diego Lopez-

Warren Byrne, Karl Gilsenan, Elizabeth Afanascenko and

Clarke

Ciaran Gavin

Lucy Coy, Charlotte Reddy and Alex Ryan

Sophia Muddiman, Cormac Gavin, Daniella and Kirstin McGuirk Pictures: Pearl Phelan

with Magi Garvey

Vivian Tuite, Abbie O’Halloran, Evie Dickinson, Ella Hannon and Alex O’Rourke

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 19 November 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Ian Lloyd Anderson

Ger Kelly, Liam Heslin and Philip McMahon pictured at the recent announcement of details of Waking the Nation, the Abbey Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controversial 2016 Centenary Programme, which will feature major revivals of the some of the great plays from the Abbey Theatre repertoire. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Abbeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 plans cause quite a stir

Actress Geraldine Plunkett

James Connolly Heron, founder of the 1916 Dr Bryan McMahon, chairman of the Abbey, delivering a few words

Relatives Centenary initiative and a greatPhillip McMahon, writer of Town is Dead

grandson of James Connolly

Actress Kate Stanley Brennan

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11

council No capital funding for Traveller accommodation

Focus on halting site fire safety  ian begley

SOUTH Dublin County Council is liaising with the chief fire officer and local Traveller representative groups in a bid to roll out fire safety awareness training and to carry out audits of its sites, following the fire tragedy at the Carrickmines halting site. At the November council meeting, Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) asked chief executive Daniel McLoughlin if all Traveller accommodation/halting sites in the area had been checked for health and safety in light of the recent tragic events. Mr McLoughlin said

all council sites were inspected once a year by a company employed by the council to carry out inspections and to make sure all fire extinguishers were in place and working properly. He added: “Following on from the Carrickmines tragedy, the chief fire officer has been n communication with the local authorities including South Dublin County seeking a list of all our sites, and is arranging meetings with this local authority and the Traveller representative groups from within our area to discuss the best way to roll out fire safety awareness

training and also to carry out audits of our sites. “We will, of course, fully co-operate with any inspections/training they wish to implement.” Shane Lynch of the Clondalkin Traveller Development group told the Gazette that the Carrickmines fire was a “huge blow” to local Travellers. “I can’t even put into words how badly people were affected by it. It was just such a tragedy. “It’s really sad for it to take such a tragic incident to happen for the Government to stand up and look at Traveller accommodation. “It’s only now that

they’re deciding to carry out fire audits on sites. “Accommodation has been an issue for Travellers for years. I’m working with people who have no running water and no facilities. “They’re using steel containers as homes, which they’re expected to do all of their washing and cooking in. “For anyone in this day and age to live in conditions like these is disgraceful. “At the moment, the lack of accommodation is a huge issue for Travellers. “We’re seeing about two families a week presenting

Shane Lynch, Clondalkin Traveller Development group: “The Carrickmines fire was a ‘huge blow’ to local Travellers.”

themselves as homeless. “South Dublin County Council now has a Traveller accommodation programme, but unfortunately it is just not meeting the needs of our people. “Although there are a lot of sites around, they are all overcrowded.” The council said it had received no capital fund-

ing from the Department of Environment this year for Traveller accommodation. The council said it was, however, able to access €746,007 under the Jobs Stimulus Programme for the development of three group houses on the Belgard Road site. This project com-

menced in May 2015 and is due for completion in April 2016. The council’s annual budget allocated a sum of €502,500 towards the maintenance of Traveller accommodation units. It also stated that €100,000 would be provided for Traveller caravan grants.

12 GAZETTE 19 November 2015

19 November 2015 GAZETTE 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 19 November 2015

dublinlife

feature

a day in the life: singer songwriter Barbara Dickson’s life on the road

Artist who’s cautious about excess

 Keith Bellew

HIGHLY successful singer-songwriter and O l i vi er Award wi nning actress Barbara Dickson is currently touring Ireland, having performed in various venues throughout the Republic, including Dun Laoghaire, she is now making her way up North, before returning to her native Scotland. The Gazette recently caught up with Dickson, and found out what constitutes an average day in her life both on

and off the road. She said life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and a day in her life on tour is far more structured these days than it was then. “It has evolved over many, many years of touring. My first headline tour was in 1977, that’s a long time ago so since then I’ve evolved all sorts of things that I do. I get up at 8am, I go and have breakfast, a reasonably good breakfast and then I travel on

to the next place that I’m going to. Whether it takes an hour or threeand-a-half – four hours I always leave af ter breakfast,” she said. Once she reaches her next destination she would have a sandwich and go to sleep for an hour if possible. This is followed by as much quiet time as possible in the afternoon. After the afternoon recharge she goes to the pre-show sound check. This is followed by a meal, at which point she returns to prepare

Barbara Dickson: finds life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and touring is far more structured now than it was back then

for the show. “I go back to the theatre and I get made up and get ready, then I go on-stage. “I always stay in the place that I have played, so after the show I go back to the hotel, and wake up to start again at 8am the next morning,” she said. This current sched-

ule is in marked contrast to the way things were done earlier in her career as she explains: “I used to stay up later with the band, there would be a degree of pa r tying af ter each show, but we didn’t play for as many dates. “We maybe did eight to 10 dates whereas now I do five weeks of

touring. “So you could just about get away [by the skin of your teeth], with staying up late [and partying,” she said. However, she has always been cautious when it comes to excess as she relies on her voice, and too much partying could harm her voice.

She has always been careful of this as she does not want to disappoint her fans. Having played The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on November 13, her next show is Ilfracombe folk festival on November 21. For more information visit: www.barbaradickson.net.

Firm hits London to build important business links Representatives from 30 Irish-based companies recently joined Dublin Chamber of Commerce on a two-day business mission to London. The mission consisted of a number of different facets, including briefings from UK business leaders, site visits, and a networking reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Tourism Ireland. Chief executive of Dublin Chamber Gina Quin said the level of interest in this business mission was extremely encouraging and showed that Irish businesses are keen to engage with the wider business community. She added that it provided business owners in Dublin with the opportunity to engage with UK business leaders, seek new busi-

ness opportunities and to network with their peers. “These missions are hugely beneficial in terms of building important business links between companies in Dublin and key cities abroad. Dublin Chamber has also led missions to San Jose and Brussels this year,” she said. A large focus of the trip was on the potential for a UK exit from the EU. The busy two-day schedule included briefings with Philip Shaw, chief economist, Investec, Gavin McWhirter, UK manager, Enterprise Ireland, Denis Staunton, London editor, the Irish Times, and Des Crowley, chief executive, Retail UK Division, Bank of Ireland. Companies travelling with the delegation included AIB, Aramark,

BDO, Computershare, DAA, Dublin Citi Hotel, Eugene F Collins, Evolve, Gardiner & Theobold, Gibney Communications, Intellicom, Northgate, NSI Technology, O’Callaghan Hotels, QED Training, Ronan Daly Jermyn, Solgari, the Reputations Agency, UCD and Version 1. Dublin Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Ireland with over 1,300 members. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure and transport, promoting competitiveness and improving local governance.

19 November 2015 Gazette 15

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Gazette

diary dublinlife Save the puppies – don’t buy one for Christmas

D o g s Tr u s t h a s launched a thoughtprovoking awareness campaign appealing to the public to pledge their promise not to buy a puppy this Christmas. Early morning commuters in Dublin were recently surprised by large 4ft wrapped model dogs across key locations in the city to launch the Charity’s A Dog is for Life, Not Just For Christmas message. The dogs were “abandoned” at notable locations in Dublin city in an aim to provoke awareness and discussion around buying a puppy as a gift this

Christmas. Every November in the run-up to Christmas, there is a huge increase in the number of pups being advertised for sale both on and offline. The charity’s switchboard experiences a spike in phone calls from members of the public looking to surrender their unwanted dogs post-Christmas. The charity is asking the public to support and share this important animal welfare message at Christmas by joining the cause and pledging to take #TheP uppyPromise online at www. thepuppypromise.com.

dancing shoes at the ready for charity

A host of well-known personalities will take to the dance floor at the Convention Centre, Dublin, for the third Strictly Against Breast Cancer event for Breast Cancer Ireland. On November 21, guests from the world of business, arts, sports, media, entertainment and the community will gather on the pink carpet to experience this spectacle of glamour and expertise, while at the same time, enjoying a fabulous gala dinner and the opportunity to dance

as part of the build-up to the festive season. Some of the television personalities taking part on the night, include TV3’s Elaine Crowley and Tommy Martin, exrugby international and commentator Shane Byrne, Fair City actors George McMahon and Jenny Dixon, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran and Red Rock actor David Crowley as well as PR woman Roisin Tierney Crowe. All funds raised on the night will go to Breast Cancer Ireland, a charity established to raise funds in support of pioneering breast

Fair City’s Jenny Dixon, TV3’s Elaine Crowley, cancer survivor Teresa Costello, broadcaster Norah Casey, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran, model Karena Graham and supporter Roisin Tierney Crowe are all set for Strictly Against Breast Cancer. Photography: Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

cancer research and awareness. Tickets which include a four-course meal including complimentary wines, the dance competition itself, entertainment by the Sugar Cubes and automatic entry into a valuable prize draw on the night are on sale at €150 per person at www.breastcancerireland.com.

true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers A play chronicling the fascinating true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers finishes its week-long run at Sean O’Casey Theatre on Saturday, November 21. Described as a tale o f p e r s e c u t e d l ove , scandal and conf lict Wretched Little Brat tells the untold story of persecuted love, moralistic law and endless litigation between Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and Robbie Ross, Oscar Wilde’s lovers. The play derives its name from George Bernard Shaw’s summation

of Douglas and charts the lives of Robbie Ross who dedicated his life to maintain Wilde’s legacy after his death in 1900, and Douglas who did the opposite. The litigation that ruined Wilde went on to try to destroy Ross as Douglas hounded him through the courts for promoting homosexuality. The play charts the Wilde years and beyond to D o u g l a s ’s d e a t h i n 1945. Based on their own testimony, Wretched Little Brat reveals the lives underscoring one of the most “scandalous” episodes in Irish literary history and how it continues to impact in modern times. For more see www. gaytheatre.ie.

political pressure mounts on Taoiseach With the General Election just around the corner, the political fundraising balls complete with extortionate plate prices are in full swing. Fine Gael recently held one across the pond,

which was facilitated by Friends of Fine Gael, London, at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood. This year’s £100 a plate fundraiser, while greatly attended, was far less entertaining than last year’s, at which Enda had a pair of knickers bearing the message “Repeal the 8th, Enda” served up to him on a plate by pro-choice group Imelda – which stands for Ireland Making England the Legal Destination for Abortion. Poor Enda always seems to find himself in these embarrassing positions with delicate feminine issues. From this, to Graham Dwyer’s estranged lover accusing him of stealing her breast pump, to the latest incident, in which comedienne Grainne Maguire urged women to tweet details of their menstrual cycles to him in a bid to build pressure for a referendum on the repeal of the 8th Amendment. This may prove the best option, if political pressure doesn’t work, embarrass Enda into it!

19 November 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 gift guide P22

food and drink 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

Bord Gais Theatre: Our favourite Nanny arrives – in the most delightful way

Open wide for spoonful of Poppins  Ian Begley

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are bringing their multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this December, which is without doubt a musical not to miss. Recently embarking on a trip to Bristol’s Hippodrome to see the much-loved musical before its visit to Dublin I was truly amazed by the stage production and the cast’s performance. The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny, played by Zizi Strallen, arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible

effects and unforgettable songs. The stage production of Mary Poppins is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. It has a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier awardwinning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Without giving too much away, my favourite part of the musical was when Poppins herself soared into the audience on her iconic umbrella and when Bert, played by Matt Lee, liter-

ally walks across the side of the stage and onto the ceiling, which left every jaw in the Hippodrome hanging in bewilderment. The explosion of colour during the real-life cartoon sequence was also very well done and entertaining. The musical itself stayed more true to the original books and seemed slightly creepier than the 1964 film. The children who played Michael and James Banks were also brilliantly cast and managed to deliver their lines and songs flawlessly. Seeing many of the fantastic musicals that the Bord Gais Energy Theatre showcased this year it is safe to say that Mary Poppins leaves each one of them in the dust – in the most delight-

ful way. The stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production ran for over six years where it won the Tony Award for Best Set Design. Mary Poppins will play Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, January 9. Tickets cost €25 to €68 and can be purchased on www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins. Picture: Johan Persson

Gazette

18 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE Juvi Glamour Puss pendant in amethyst €119

Melinda Maria Pyramid drop gold earrings €50

Newbridge Silverwear Charm bracelet €40

Melinda Maria Gold and turquoise hunter studs €90

goldenpresents ALL that glistens isn’t gold, and never a truer word was spoken with these beauties. You don’t have to break the bank this Christmas to give a stunning piece of jewel-

lery to your loved one. From stunning turquoise earrings by Melinda Maria to the latest collection from Newbridge with brand ambassador Naomi Campbell at

Hugo Boss Classic rose gold watch €275

the helm, there is lots to choose from. So, if you really want to make someone’s Christmas sparkle, choose from our style editor’s choice this week.

Paul Costelloe Moving crystal earrings €125

Paul Costelloe Crystal double rose band ring €125

Thomas Sabo Silver and rose gold watch €259

r Silve grey in sequ s sock €39

Star print PJ boyfriend shirt €85

Fairisle hand warmers €39

Star print PJ set €65

WITH the days getting very, very short and the nights turning long and cold, what better time to update your loungewear wardrobe? These supremely snug seperates from Mint Velvet are just the ticket to keep you snug as a bug in a rug when the weather outside is icy and chilly. Think Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (all long socks and boyfriend PJ tops).

Grey Star hot water bottle €39

Snugglewear to cosy up to

Melinda Maria Gold white pod ring €90

19 November 2015 Gazette 19

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20 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS No sour grapes as top wines scoop awards THE gold star winner in the white wine category of the National Off-Licence Association (NOFFLA) 2015-2016 awards has been announced as Portuga Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 (right), from Portugal. This wine is a light fresh blend of the classic white grapes of this region in Portugal – arinto, fernao pires – with a little sauvignon blanc for extra freshness. This is made with free-run juice and is a great example of the exciting new wines coming out of Portugal, and is available in many off-licences. In the red wine category, Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2010 (left) from Rioja, Spain triumphed. This classic Rioja is a blend of tempranillo (75%), garnacha (10%) and mazuelo (14%), and aged for 16 months in American and French oak casks. Boasting aromas of vanilla and spice, this wine is full-flavoured and complex, and is also available in many off-licences.

Cormac Rowe and Susan Bell – the latest expert chefs who have blended in perfectly with the winter classes schedule at Howth Castle Cookery School, which covers a variety of cookery topics. Picture: Angela Halpin

That’s Howth to cook HOWTH Castle has had many alterations since

it rose from the harbour on Dublin’s famous and most imposing peninsula. Built in the 12th century as a wooden structure, it has been renovated many times, notably in the 13th century and 1738, though recent modifications in 1911 and over the 20th century present themselves today. Through the lofty gates of Deer Park Golf Club and up a dimly lit gravelly path I travelled on a mild Wednesday night for the launch of the winter classes schedule at the Howth Castle Cookery School. The school has announced Susan Bell as executive chef of the golf club’s house menu and the cookery school, as well as a newly launched catering menu – Kitchen in the castle. Susan was presenting a demo menu with Michelin-star chef Cormac Rowe, of Mount Juliet Kilkenny, who has come on board to teach a masterclass and a demo with Susan on the winter schedule. She has worked under such scions of the industry as Marcus Wareing

and Raymond Blanc, so with this duo at the helm I was expecting an evening in a gastronomic dead poet’s society. There are classes running currently up to Christmas on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and these include Christmas food gifts, a dinner party menu, Christmas baking masterclass and pastry, as well as the demo and masterclass by Susan and Cormac, which cost €50 and €150 respectively. Weekday classes are 7-9.45pm, and Saturdays run all day. The menu for that night’s demonstration read as follows: scallops with cauliflower puree, lime jelly and brown butter, venison loin with beetroot, oatmeal, sprouts and balsamic jus, and vanilla pannacotta, mandarin, white chocolate and hazelnut. On arrival at the cookery school – which sits at the back of the castle and up the aforementioned and easy to miss gravelly path – you are presented with a glass of wine and ushered past the chef’s prep kitchen through to the teaching area. It’s very quaint and

warm with vaulted ceilings, Georgian paraphernalia and old ranges, but with all mod cons. Think: Downstairs Downton Abbey with Mrs Packmore and Daisy using induction hobs. The structure of the class saw Cormac and Susan run through all the prep for all three courses first, rather than to cook each course as they went – and there was a lot of prep! I felt the menu, whilst stylish and impressive, was reasonably simple if laborious for a cook attending such a class; however, it turned out to be incredibly technical and meticulous. The cauliflower was thinly sliced from minuscule florets; a jelly of lime was made with agar agar – a vegetable-based setting agent. Mandarin for the dessert was segmented then peeled and then veined; I was waiting on a surgeon to come in and say: “Scalpel”. A salt pastry was made to encase the beetroot that would eventually accompany the venison, roasted in its briny tomb. Of course, this level of explanation and detail is

to be expected from chefs of such esteem, though at points I would have relished a “Here’s one we made earlier” moment. After the technical presentation of the prep and the various accompaniments were done, the chefs cooked the three courses and plated up, and the food looked exquisite. Certainly, no one’s plate would come back empty if this was the result of a student’s dinner party! The demo ran over by half an hour, though I’m sure this will be tightened up, and I wished samples had been a little larger, given the appetite I’d worked up watching this food being made. Rowe and Susan are good presenters and so passionate, informative and friendly that it’s impossible not to feel enthusiasm for the food. Classes cost between €25 for the Christmas food gifts to €150 for the five-hour masterclass with Rowe. For further information, email info@howthcastlecookeryschool.ie.  Shane Rigney

Food vlogger

19 November 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT Tesco Along Came Betty bath crystals €7.49

M&S Rotating lenticular tin €17.99

Clarins Pretty Lips set €24.50 Available Lloyds Pharmacy

Dove Derma Spa body oil €13.99

Searching for a perfect gift? WITH the launch of a certain Christmas ad last week, and a slew of others now showing on television, we think it’s time to accept the party season is nearly upon us, but let’s not forget: it’s also the season for giving. And, as that perfect ad points out, it’s more about the act of giving than receiv-

ing that warms the cockles of our hearts. So, with that in mind, it’s time to start planning the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Whether it’s the next-door neighbour, the milkman, your mum or your other half, we have a selection of great gifts to pick from. Next week, we’ll look at the best in gifts for kids ... toys, toys, toys!

Makeup Forever 12 artist plexiglass range €166

CA Design Get Out black dog lamp €95

Thisworks Sleep pillow spray plus cracker €16

19 November 2015 GAZETTE 23

Photobox Personalised cushions www.photobox.ie

Bioderma Christmas pouch €17.50

The Body Shop Sugar plum gift set €29.95

Teeling Revival whiskey €100-120

Russell Hobbs Brew and go €49.99

Butlers Chocolates €10

Debenhams Gionni Adrianna bag €60

GAZETTE

GIFT GUIDE MOTORING

Gazette

24 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

HEALTHYSTEPS

The best of practical New Zealand products are to the fore in Kiwi Country Clothing’s ranges

Say ‘hello, possums’ to this clothing range AS THE old saying goes: “T here is no bad weather, just bad clothing”. Monaghan entrepreneur Elizabeth McGuinness returns to South Anne Street with her New Zealand clothing company, Kiwi Country Clothing. An all-100% natural New Zealand product, the range includes oilskin coats, jackets and overpants (guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable), possum merino knitwear (35% warmer than cashmere, 5 5 % warmer than merino, low pilling and antiitch) and the enviro-friendly possum fur shoes, boots, insoles and fashion accessories. The range of clothing caters for farming, equine and outdoortrade sectors, as well as anyone with an eye for the outdoors fashion. There is also an impressive section of knitwear, jackets, and accessories available to purchase. All products are of natural fabric, merino lambswool, possum fur, silk, cotton, and angora. According to McGuinness, possum

merino has been proven to be a very successful product to counteract issues with Raynaud’s syndrome. Due to the natural properties of the mix of merino wool and possum fibre in gloves (below, left), for example, this allows the fingers to remain at body temperature. Similarly for diabetes, especially for those struggling with foot issues, the super-soft seamless socks are provi n g very efficient. The socks, gloves, mitts and possum fur insoles are available through www. kiwicountryclothing.ie. Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt swears by the products, attributing the socks and boots to fixing his cold feet issues. The outer rain wear, the outback range of oilskin coats, jackets and pants are guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable. For further information, see www.kiwicountryclothing.ie, or pop into their store just off Grafton Street, at No 18 South Anne Street.

Constant and regular self-monitoring are vital when living with diabetes, as is the right diet and steps to address the condition

Watch what you eat and move more in fight against diabetes  Dr Anna Clarke Health promotion and research manager, Diabetes Ireland

IN Ireland, it is estimated that there are 225,000 people with diabetes of which 200,000 have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or just diabetes as it is more commonly known, occurs when the body can’t produce or use insulin properly resulting in high blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems including heart and kidney disease, blindness or nerve damage. Therefore, keeping your blood glucose as close to normal (4-6 mmols) as possible is the key to good health.

Type I Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is when the body’s immune system turns against a part of the body ie in type 1 diabetes, the

insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to live, either by injection or through an insulin pump. Dietary intake or physical inactivity levels do not play a part in this autoimmune process.

Type 2 Diabetes About 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2, which usually develops gradually, with few, if any symptoms, in adults. The pancreas continues to make insulin but the body does not use it effectively. About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Type 2 diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome that includes obesity, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. Controlling Diabetes Control of diabetes means control of blood sugar, blood fats and

blood pressure. Each is important in its own way but control of all three is essential to reduce your risk of future ill-health. The most important aspect of diabetes management is diet, then exercise, taking medication and regular check-ups.

The Role of Diet A healthy balanced diet is the type of diet that all people ought to be eating. There is no such thing as a special “diabetic” diet but guidelines on what is healthy eating for all persons. You should talk to a dietician about your eating habits and see www. diabetes.ie for more details. For all people, regular meals are recommended as well as a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and refined sugar, high in fibre, and includes plenty of vegetables and fruit. Physical Activity Everyone can move a

little more and movement is good. Movement keeps the muscles toned up and helps the insulin you have to work more effectively. Even when you are sitting in a chair you can be exercising your arms, feet or head. Every little helps. Aim to have a minimum 30 minutes of activity or 10,000 steps each day.

Conclusion Lifestyle issues play a large part in the day to day management of

diabetes after diagnosis but equally play a major role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Every person, regardless of having diabetes or not, needs to pay attention to their food intake and physical activity levels. If overweight, the risk of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and if pregnant, gestational diabetes rises. Take action today. For more information on diabetes see www. diabetes.ie or phone 1850 909 909.

Heart Up +, the 100% natural high-fibre super food, is partnering with Diabetes Ireland this November to raise awareness of Diabetes in Ireland. During the month of November, Heart Up + will donate €1 of every pack sold to Diabetes Ireland with all monies raised going towards research into the condition. Heart Up + can be purchased in all major pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets (nationwide) as well as online at www.truelifehealthfoods.com RRP: €7.79

19 November 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

GAMING gamers: things to remember when shopping around

Consoling words as you face ‘trading-up’

 shane dillon

WITH Christmas around the corner, many people are buying new consoles for their nearest and dearest and loved ones (even if that happens to be themselves). Whether you’re looking to take the plunge and finally trade up, or if you’re looking to buy a great gift for someone else – or yourself – here’s what you should keep in mind. For the sake of argu-

ment, I’m referring only to Sony’s PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Microsoft’s Xbox One (XBO), as Nintendo don’t have a new console yet to trade up to. Firstly, consider your storage options – the console’s hard drive space for storing digital games, films and content on. Consoles usually come with one of two hard drive sizes like a PC – typically, with 500GB, but 1TB hard drives are becoming the norm, twice the

storage space of 500GB, for which you pay a little more. Next, be aware of the ratings system for games, which can affect the console “bundle”. Many bundles are for specific or exclusive games – new consoles are increasingly shipped with marketing branded for a hot, big new game (thrown in free). However, if it’s a bundled deal, you should always check the box to see what the game is. If a game has a Cert 18 rat-

ing, you’d hardly hand that over to Little Timmy or Tara! Finally: the costs. Trading up to, or buying a new console as a gift, is never cheap, but at least it only needs to be done maybe once or twice a decade. As always, shop around for the best offer. However, as a general rule, at the time of writing a PS4 or an XBO are quite similar: €350 for a 500GB console, or €400 for a 1TB console, as outlined above.

Whether buying a new console for your other half – or just for yourself – there’s lots of choice to get you gaming again in no time. Illustration: Shane Dillon

Confusingly, you can often find the “same” console with different prices, either as a bundle with a game (or two) or just by itself, which doesn’t seem to make sense! In general, games for the ”new” consoles are currently more expensive than before. Whereas the

biggest new games were typically €65 before, the average price is now €75. However, many games can be downloaded digitally, and bought directly from the Sony or Microsoft store; indeed, many slightly-older or indie games can be bought and downloaded for anything

from €10 to €25-plus. U l t i m a t e l y, s h o p around. There are several bundled consoles with one hit game or another, and with Christmas and New Year sales – not to mention any price cuts – a great gaming Christmas is just about affordable after that initial pricy outlay.

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Gazette

28 gazette 19 November 2015

SPORT Hermes keep 100% run going

FastSport

Hockey: dublin clubs leading the way in the EY national leagues

Blackrock and Railway draw in women’s AIL:

LEAGUE leaders Blackrock remain unbeaten in the AllIreland women’s league but they were held to a 5-all draw by a feisty Railway Union team at Stradbrook. Rock’s Carrie Hanley made the switch to inside centre due to the inclusion of Jeamie Deacon in Ireland’s starting line-up. She showed her class in defence and also struck for a well-taken 38th minute try. Railway were missing seven first choice players due to both the 15s and Sevens international fare over the weekend. However, 20-year-old lock Kate McCarthy, in just her third senior league game, fitting in seamlessly into the second row berth vacated by Ciara Cooney. McCarthy’s workrate and tackle count helped Railway to nullify Blackrock’s attacking threat, and the visitors’ outside centre, Martina McCarthy, duly dotted down with less than 10 minutes left on the clock for the draw.

 sport@dublingazette.com

HERMES maintained their two-point lead at the top of the women’s E Y Ho c ke y L e a g u e with a dramatic 3-2 win over title rivals Railway Union in a thrilling tus-

sle at Park Avenue in Sandymount. All the goals came in a stunning first half with Hermes taking a 2-0 lead inside five minutes via Chloe Watkins and Naomi Carroll. Emma Smyth got one back

before Anna O’Flanagan’s ninth league goal of the season made it 3-1 at quarter-time. Kate McKenna got another back for Railway and they came within a sniff of nicking a last second equaliser

Three Rock Rovers goalkeeper Jamie Carr makes a save. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Hermes’ Naomi Carroll on the attack. Picture: Deryck Vincent

but Emma Gray made a brilliant save at the death to ensure the points for Hermes. It means they stay two points clear at the top of the division with Ulster Elks, the nearest challengers. They won their Ulster derby 2-0 against A r d s w i t h 18 - y e a rold Jessica McMaster breaking the deadlock when she got on the end of Shirley McCay’s cross. On the men’s side, Monkstown remain a point clear at the top of the EY Hockey League as both recorded double wins over the weekend. Town have the slight edge as they snuck a 4-3 win over Cork C of I on Saturday before thumping Cookstown a

day later. Against C of I, they had trailed 3-1 in the first quarter but two goals from Gareth Watkins – in a week he celebrated his return to the Irish senior setup – and one each from Josh Gregory and Kyle Good earned them the spoils. There was much less difficulty a day later as they led 6-0 at half-time in County Tyrone and never looked overly troubled in the second half – Watkins added three more to his weekend total. Gar vey’s tie with Cookstown on Saturday was much tighter, nicking a 2-1 result. They followed up with a gritty 2-0 win in Tallaght against Glenanne

with Sean Murray adding to his growing reputation. Three Rock Rovers’ youthful side continued their fine start to the season. A 0-0 draw with Banbridge on Saturday owed much to goalkeeper Jamie Carr’s heroics while Sunday’s 2-1 win against Pembroke came courtesy of a Jody Hosking thunderbolt with 17 minutes to go. Ross Canning and Sothern had traded first quarter goals. Rovers move up to fifth place in the division after six rounds of matches and can move into the top four should they win their next tie against Cork C of I on December 5 on home turf at Grange Road.

Straight Blast’s Lobov enjoying his second chance  sport@dublingazette.com

Artem Lobovwho fights under the Irish flag

DUBLIN-BASED Russian Artem Lobov is looking to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, and is progressing well through UFC’s popular reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter. Lobov, who has an Irish passport and fights under an Irish flag, is a sparring partner of McGregor’s, and is fighting for the Irish champion’s Team McGregor on the TV show. He’s a member of Straight Blast Gym, located off the Naas Road, the same gym that McGregor fights for, and moved

to Dublin back in 2003. The Russian has been slightly fortunate in his competition progress so far, helped by McGregor. Lobov was defeated by Medhi Baghdad on a majority decision during a series of fights that were aimed at determining initial places in the house. However McGregor and American team leader Urijah Faber were both offered the chance to take one losing fighter back into the fold. Lobov was surprised by the decision when informed by UFC president Dana White, saying “When Dana said to me you have

a second chance to go back into the house, I was very happy but I said it to him right away: I don’t think I deserve this but I’m sure as hell going to take it.” Lobov defeated American team member James Jenkins in last week’s episode, aired on November 12, and dominated the fight throughout, finishing the American towards the end of the first round after flooring his opponent. “I think, after that performance, there’ll be no more questions about who should be here and who shouldn’t,” Lobov com-

mented after the fight. “Everybody knows that Artem Lobov belongs in this place.” Lobov/ McGregor’s Team Europe currently hold a 5-3 lead over theirAmerican opponents in the series. McGregor has admitted that his knowledge of Lobov before the show played a role in his decision to bring the Naas Roadbased fighter back. The final fight of the competition takes place in Las Vegas on December 11, with a contract with the UFC on offer for the winner.

19 November 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Dublin’s skeleton king eyes up Olympic dream Brendan Doyle tells JAMES HENDICOTT about how he is looking to compete with the world’s best in an unlikely sport for an Irishman IN EARLY 1990s classic movie Cool Runnings, a Jamaican bobsleigh team take on the Olympics in a sport that’s so unsuited to their climate it makes for sensational comedy. Based on a true story, the movie overlooks one key aspect: bobsleigh pace links closely with sprinting ability, and the Jamaicans are truly world class at that. In the world of winter sports, Ireland are arguably an even more unlikely contender. Brendan Doyle, though, aims to do just that: compete. Doyle is

currently campaigning to raise money to represent Ireland at the Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018, following in the footsteps of Clifton Wrottesley’s unlikely fourth place for the Irish team in Salt Lake City back in 2002. Doyle references Wrottesley as his inspiration, reflecting on his start in the sport: “In 2003, during one of my training sessions, I was approached by the Skeleton and Bobsleigh Association where they asked would I be interested in giving a skel-

Brendan Doyle in skeleton action

eton sled a push. “I jumped at the opportunity. I had recently seen Ireland finishing fourth in the Olympic games in 2002 so I was captivated by the sport.” Overcoming serious injuries in his role as a member of An Garda Siochana and bouts of depression and insomnia, Dubliner Doyle has progressed incredibly well, using sport to help him progress other areas of his life. He spent last week in Calgary, where he competed with world class

sliders at two North American Cups, making a final and securing a top 20 finish. He’s getting sharper, and says his goals are “ever changing”. Referencing Cool Runnings in describing his Dublin-based training – “like the movie, I concentrate on my sprint section at home. I use videos, too, but unlike Cool Runnings, I don’t do it in my bathtub” – Doyle explains the demands of his sports. “Obviously my sport is a little insane and athletes require a certain personality type; we’re all a little crazy. Pushing ourselves down an ice track at 140kph head first you have to have a few screws loose, but at the time the mental strength to maintain composure under such pressure is something you just need. “You need the physicality of an Olympic sprinter and mental agility of a chess player basically. In a sport where races are won and lost in thousandths of

a second we can’t afford to be slow anywhere. So I train strength and speed.” Doyle has set an ambitious target for the South Korean Olympics: making the final, a big challenge given the quality of international skeleton competition with day-today access to slopes. “Making the final would be a big achievement,” he said. “There is so much to the sport, regardless of the start list. “Things like ice temperature, air temp and weather can change everything, so a successful Olympic campaign is to get there and adapt to the conditions. Making the final is my goal, and I’ll take it from there.” As for qualification, that will require Doyle to compete in a range of competitions to pick up points, outscoring other potential competitors in order to make it in South Korea. So why the need for money? Doyle is fundrais-

ing through PledgeSport, in part because there’s little financial support in place for minority sports like this in Ireland. “One thing I’m in desperate need of is a new sled and speed suit as the sled I have now is 12 years old and doesn’t meet standards for official competition. It will allow me to get ice time in training but when it comes to competition, it’s not allowed. “So I have to try rely on the kindness of other sliders to lend me their sled. It’s not ideal because, in my sport, the slider and their sled are one and you need to be able to know how it will act on the track.” Thus far, Doyle has raised €2,200 towards his Olympic dream with his fundraising campaign due to end on November 29. To support Brendan online, google “Pledge Sports Cool Runnings Ireland”, of track him down on Facebook at facebook. com/facedoyle.

FastSport Ormond hopes to nail down Crolla Date: STEPHEN Ormond is hopeful that he could be placed on the undercard of the Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg world title bout on February 27. The Rock, who hails from Clondalkin, could be in line for a bout with Anthony Crolla on the card providing the Manchester man claims victory in his rematch with Darleys Perez on November 21 and takes the WBA World lightweight title. Ormond has seen the reports that this is a possibility and the Celtic Warrior gym member says that it is a fight he would love to take. “I think it would be a great fight and it would generate a lot of attention,” he said this week. “I believe he will win [his World title rematch]. I would love that fight in February it would be a great fight. There were rumours out there and talk about the fight in February. It is all talk and rumour, but I would love that fight. But, listen, I would fight any of the lightweights in the UK. I am here and I am ready; it’s a great division.”

Gazette

30 clondalkin gazette 19 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport

cycling: palmerstown man clocks up important experience

Unique Turkish opening for Newlands’ golfer NEWLANDS Golf Club captain Dermott Bradshaw is set to tee up with a former European Tour player for a once-in-a-lifetime championship final in Turkey. Bradshaw, a 57-year-old IT manager, will play alongside his club’s PGA Professional Karl O’Donnell in the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final at Antalya Golf Club. The showpiece event will take place over the PGA Sultan Course on November 25-26 and has a total prize fund of £25,000. O’Donnell and Bradshaw qualified to play alongside nine other pairings after winning their regional qualifier at Luttrellstown earlier this summer. And the latter will be in safe hands alongside O’Donnell, who played in some of Europe’s leading golf events during the 1990s. “I think the key for us is going to be keeping Dermott nice and calm and relaxed,” admitted O’Donnell, who has qualified for the final of this event for the first time in his career. “He proved in the qualifier that if he just goes out there and plays his game he is capable of putting in a competitive round. “I’m quietly confident we can go out there and do well. We just want to take it in our stride and see what we can do while we’re out there. “The last thing we want to do is put additional pressure on ourselves.” The duo have known each other for 26 years since O’Donnell joined the club in the late 1980s. Bradshaw has been a member of Newlands for more than 40 years since joining the club as a junior member. And the duo had been working on the captain’s game over the course of the summer. “I’d been working with Karl and it looks like it’s worked out,” he explained after completing his round at the qualifier. “I knew I’d be playing more golf this year, but it wasn’t just that, I just wanted to play better. I was a bad nine handicapper and now I’m a better nine handicapper!”

Arcane Cycling Team’s Darragh Zaidan leading the field on the track

Zaidan takes on Euro elite  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

PROMISING Palmerstown cyclist Darragh Z a i d a n cl o c ke d u p some world class experience last weekend by taking part in the Belgian GP. The 22-year-old travelled to Ghent looking to race in the points race, scratch, and individual pursuit events, and despite missing out on qualification, returned home with some useful experience from a world-class field.

“I’d have a mixed reaction to how it went, to be honest,” said Zaidan. “In terms of gaining experience at a top level, which I currently lack and need more of, it was really good and I enjoyed the time there. “But I’m naturally disappointed that I missed out on reaching the finals of my events, particularly the Scratch, which I’m quite strong in. “It was an extremely strong field, with points av a i l a b l e f o r wo r l d championships and that.”

in good company St Francis youngsters get Walters backing in the week before the Republic of Ire-

land’s crucial European qualifiers with Bosnia, St Francis’s Under-10, 11, 12 and 13s travelled to Stoke’s Britannia Stadium for a league tie against Chelsea. There, they were greeted by Republic of Ireland striker Jon Walters, pictured, who would subsequently write himself into Irish football folklore following his pair of goals on Monday evening to qualify Ireland for Euro 2016.

The Arcane Cycling Team man was honest in outlining where things went wrong on the bike in Belgium. “In the points race, which was my first event, I was definitely over-geared which ultimately led to picking up no points,” he said. “Then, in the individual pursuit, I just didn’t have the experience in the event to make my mark on what was a slow track. “ I ’d d o ve r y f e w indoor pursuits here but I said I’d give it a go. I’m glad I did it and

enjoyed it and will learn from it. “I’m probably most disappointed with my scratch performance. We had a 10km qualifier on Sunday morning. I went about it wrong, with the wrong gear and just wasn’t able for the changes of speed “I was disappointed not to qualify but again, I’ll learn from it and use the experience I now have.” Looking forward, the Lucan CBS graduate hopes to impress the coaches of the national team when at trials later

on in this month. “The national trials are really what I’m focused upon now,” said Zaidan. “It would be great to be part of that elite setup, and would benefit me at events such as the Belgian GP as I would be regularly training at a top level. “If they went well, I could be in Majorca at training camp later in the year. “If not, I could be back in Belgium racing at a similar event to last weekend’s the week before Christmas,” he added.

19 November 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

promotion playoffs

Tower’s earn home tie for spot in AFL Division 1

Club Noticeboard ST pat’s palmerstown

round Tower’s senior footballers will meet

Skerries Harps on Sunday morning at 11am at Monastery Road in the promotion playoff semi-finals. The Clondalkin side finished their regular season with a 1-21 to 1-10 win over Naomh Barrog last weekend to finish the season in third place overall, a point ahead of Skerries. Win this tie, they will playoff for a spot in AFL1 on November 29.

THE lotto numbers for this week

U-9 c a m o g i e a nd g ir l s fo o t-

were 5, 8, 22 and 25; there was no

ball training is on every Saturday

winner so next week’s jackpot will

morning at 10am; all welcome who

be €6,000.

are born in 2007 and 2008; just drop

Draw takes place in the Palmerstown House every Sunday night at 10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you to all our sellers and to all that support our lotto every week.

international rules: brogan to captain ireland

down and ask for Conor or Emer. Saturday, November 21 at 8pm in the clubhouse, we will be holding our yearly mass. All are welcome to attend and tea served afterwards.

Our senior hurling/camogie ses-

Thanks to all that helped out with

sions will continue in Glenaulin on

our bag pack in Supervalu at the

Fridays at 6pm, weather permit-

weekend.

ting. It’s open to U-14 up to minor

If there is anyone interested in

to improve their hurling/camogie

joining our team of volunteers in

skills with senior hurlers taking the

the club and helping out with the

sessions.

teams, please email secretary.

Juvenile camogie/hurling skills sessions will also continue in Glenaulin on Friday at 6pm, weather permitting.

stpatrickspalmerstown.dublin@ gaa.ie. Any girls or ladies out there interested in playing girls/ladies

Open to all U-8 up to U-12 play-

football, please contact the secre-

ers, it’s a great chance to improve

tary by email (secretary.stpatrick-

their hurling/camogie skills and all

spalmerstown.dublin@gaa.ie) stat-

are welcome.

ing date of birth.

lucan sarsfields

Plunkett’s man Bernard Brogan will captain the Ireland side against Australia. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

Five Dubs called in for Aussie battle

 sport@dublingazette.com

THE IRELAND international rules side set to play Australia in Croke Park this Saturday (November 21) includes a host of Dublin county stars, but they’ll be up against it, playing an Australia side crammed with high-salaried professionals. Five Dublin players have been named in the panel to face the Aussies, with Bernard Brogan (St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER) captaining the side. He’ll be joined by player of the year Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf), Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kick-

hams), Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes) and Diarmuid Connolly (St Vincent’s). Connolly was called up to the squad after his side St Vincent’s suffered a surprise defeat to Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Dublin Senior Football Championship Final, ending their involvement in club football for this year. International rules is a hybrid of Australian rules football and Gaelic football, using three different styles of scoring. The use of a round ball benefits GAA players (Aussie rules football use an oval

ball), as does the use of a rectangular field. The Aussie rules players benefit from tackling rules that are closer to their code, as well as the introduction of mark calls. A goal is worth six points, an “over” (GAA point) three points and a “behind’”(wide by the width of less than a goal, as marked by another set of posts) worth a single point. Like GAA, the game is 15-a-side. The rules were changed in 2014 to allow unlimited changes in team personnel at both quarter and half time breaks, and a substantial 16 per quarter

during play, so all of Ireland’s 23-man panel can expect to get an extended run out. Australia won the 2014 series, having been demolished by a record score in Croke Park in 2013. A strong Aussie squad are widely seen as favourites this time around. The international rules takes place at Croke Park on Saturday, November 21 at 7pm, with tickets available via the GAA website. Early birds can catch the shinty international against Scotland at 4.35pm.

MANY thanks to all the teams who

The rates are: one week - €50, two

sent in match reports this weekend.

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

Full details can be found on our web-

weeks - €200. We are also appealing

site, www.lucansarsfields.ie, with

to club members who have their own

over 1,500 players in action in the

businesses to consider taking up the

last week across all four codes from

sponsorship.

age 7 to 40+! Mass for our deceased members will be held at the club on Thursday, November 19 at 8pm. All are welcome.

Business details are printed on the weekly Lotto tickets for the number of weeks you sign up for. It is an ideal way of gaining broad sponsorship in the greater Lucan

Condolences to Don Dardis and

area while helping the club to run its

family on the passing of Don’s broth-

70 teams or more. We are very grate-

er Aidan.

ful to our loyal sponsors who have

Our AGM will be held on November

been so supportive of this adver-

26 in the function room all members

tising scheme since it began in 2001.

are invited to attend.

Please contact Mary at 087 7469143

The senior footballers continued

for further details.

their drive for promotion with vic-

Set dancing continues every

tory over Naomh Mearnog. The play-

Wednesday at 8.30pm in Lucan Sars-

off semi final against Ballinteer takes

fields GAA club, all welcome.

place this Sunday at 11am at the club; big support needed. The club’s social calender will have

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 25 card drive continues in the clubhouse bar every Friday at 9pm sharp.

a new addition in 2016. On Sunday,

The club shop is open on Thursdays

January 17, we will host Lucan Sars-

from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Satur-

fields’ Leopardstown Leaps at the

days from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Lucan

racecourse.

District Credit Union GAA acad-

A four-course dinner followed by

emy at Lucan Sarsfields: 9.30am for

a superb day of national hunt racing

camogie and girls football, 10am for

will set the scene for a great day’s

boys’ football and hurling, for boys

fun. For further details, contact Eoin

and girls born in 2009, 20010 and 2011

on 086 2734114.

– 12th Lock.

The annual weekly lotto spon-

Contact Johnny at 085-1294102.

sorship is now due for renewal. We

There was no winner of this week’s

are appealing to businesses in and

€7,500 lotto; draw numbers were

around Lucan to sign up to this popu-

3, 5, 7 and 18. This week’s jackpot is

lar advertising scheme.

€8,000.

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

november 19-25, 2015

Zaidan on track: Palmerstown native takes on the The Skeleton king: Brendan Doyle on his pursuit continent’s elite cyclists with Belgian challenge P30 of an Olympic dream P29

Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan

Whelan’s Euro destiny Clondalkin man captains Republic of Ireland side for key qualifier tie against Bosnia, helping the side reach the UEFA finals in great style

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

CLONDALKIN man Glenn Whelan donned the captain’s armband as the Republic of Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 earlier in the week. The former Cherry Orchard man was Martin O’Neill’s skipper for both the first and second leg against Bosnia Herzegovina in the absence of Robbie Keane and John O’Shea. Ireland took a vital away goal to the Aviva Stadium on Monday night after a 1-1 draw in foggy first leg in Bosnia last Friday evening.

A Robbie Brady goal in the 82nd minute looked to give Ireland an away win in a scrappy first leg, but Roma star Edin Dzeko hit back for hosts just minutes later to leave the tie at 1-1 going to Dublin. Monday’s game was a much better game to watch, and a much easier game to see. Ireland went ahead in the first half when Jon Walters, returning from suspension, coolly dispatched a penalty past Asmir Begovic. Much like the first leg, the Bosnians enjoyed a lot of possession without really offering much in the way of chances and were made pay by Walters once more in the second half.

A decent delivery from Robbie Brady from a free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the Bosnia defence and the Whelan’s Stoke City teammate swooped in at the back-post to bury his second of the night. “I could not be more proud,” said manager Martin O’Neill afterwards. “I am delighted for myself, naturally, but the game is about players and I am thrilled for them. They have put heart and soul into the games. “We never gave up, even after the Scotland game. It was a tall order but it was always in our hands. “They are a fantastic bunch of players who want to play for their country. They

have shown that in the qualifying tournament - they have given everything. “I am delighted for them. That moment when the referee blows the whistle and you are in France is very special indeed, the more so as it means so much to a lot of people.” Whelan was replaced by John O’Shea late on in Monday’s second leg and O’Neill joked when asked why he decided to withdraw the Dublin 22 local that he uses up the most time. “Glenn always thinks he’s the one being taken off! “He’s generally the slowest to get off the field,” he said.