Gazette clondalkin
Viewmount House in Longford is just the ticket for weary visitors
see page 20 October 22 - 28, 2015
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2012 R ow l ag h • B aw n o g u e • N e i l stow n • D e a n s r at h • K i n g swo o d Month • Ta lXX, l ag h t INSIDE: TV presenter Lucy Kennedy budget 2016: Minister Leo Varadkar on how the sea, and family life, help her to escape the mayhem P15 sets out plans for better health Page 10
Musical note: Smiles all round as HMV returns Soccer:
Bluebell United show experience in Sunday Senior Page 30
emma Langton, Kayleigh Greene, Alannah Fogarty and Leah Murray were among the crowds who headed to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre recently to avail of a whole host of special offers, in-store giveaways and entertainment as HMV returned to the centre. Illustrator Conor Merriman was on hand to celebrate the re-opening, giving customers the chance to be sketched as their favourite character. Picture: Jolanta Rossiter
Football:
Tower’s early blitz sees off Peregrine’s Page 31
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28
Horse owners happy with plan for facility Council proposal has already gone to public consultation
Ian Begley
A proposal by South Dublin County Council to construct an equestrian facility on the lands within Ballyowen Park has gone to public consultation (Part 8), and comes
as welcome news to local horse owners who have no suitable land to look after their horses. The 1.32 hectares will be situated off the Fonthill Road, Lucan, and consist of 20 equine stalls, ancillary facilities, an exercise
paddock and a carpark. The site will not be overlooked by existing homes nor will it be accessed through an existing residential estate. People-Before-Profit councillor and founding member of the Clondalkin
Equine Club Gino Kenny said: “Hopefully with the advent of this project it will give specifically young people access to equine education and a safe and affordable place to keep their horses.” Full Story on Page 6
2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 22 October 2015
crime ‘The average alarm doesn’t deter the new burglar’
Burglaries show increase on 2014 The average number of burglaries reported to Clondalkin Garda Station has risen from a monthly average of 30 in 2014 to 44 in 2015, according to newly-released figures. The figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that neighbouring Ronanstown Garda Station recorded two burglaries a month extra on average, with the 2015 average standing at 23. CSO figures for Dublin’s Western Garda Division, however, show a total of 459 burglaries recorded in the second quarter of 2015 – a drop
ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
of 30 on the total of 489 in the same period of 2014. Figures by the CSO in 2015 are only recorded up to June and an analysis by station saw Lucan’s average monthly tally rise by two to 26 in 2015. In Budget 2016, a total allocation of €1.5bn for the Garda force was announced for next year,
including over €67m in additional funding. This additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing is hoped to significantly disrupt burglaries in local areas Minister Frances Fitzgerald, said: “This [additional funding] will ensure that gardai have the necessary tools and manpower to tackle the scourge of highly-mobile criminal gangs and to seek to disrupt crime, particularly burglaries, across both rural and urban communities. “I am working with the
Garda Commissioner in relation to a new operational response to crime and burglaries and this is due to be unveiled shortly.” Minister Fitzgerald added that grants had been doubled for crime prevention measures to support Community Alert and Crimestoppers with a total allocation of €397,000 in 2016. “This doubling of the budget will support the extension of local Community Alert schemes and other crime prevention initiatives, including text alert schemes. It will also allow for a major extension of the Crimestoppers programme to run a series of targeted crime prevention campaigns throughout 2016, including on social media, and to encourage confidential reporting of information about crime,” she said.
The average number of burglaries reported to Clondalkin Garda Station has risen according to figures from the Central Statistics Office
Security expert Jim Toal of Fairco.ie told The Gazette that there was a new, more effective breed of burglar who has taken over from the traditional opportunist. “The average alarm doesn’t deter the new burglar and he has all the tools of the trade to break and enter into an average home. “We would urge all householders to consider fitting windows that carry the police-preferred
Secured by Design specification. Burglar-proof windows cost very little extra, and we are at a loss why the rest of the industry has not followed our lead and invested in the technology that is out there to guarantee the security of people’s homes. “A human being cannot generate enough force to break into these windows and doors, and any traditional methods used by burglars have been closed off thanks to a series of
enhanced high-security measures,” he said. Residents from Lucan and Clondalkin are also being asked to follow their local Neighbourhood Watch page on Facebook, which alerts people in the area of break ins, missing pets and any suspicious activity going on. www.facebook.com/ clondalkinneighbourhoodwatch or www.facebook.com/lucansneighbourhoodwatchnetwork for more information.
Man had €1m worth of heroin in shed A father-of-two who was caught holding just over €1m of drugs in his garden shed has been given an eight-year sentence. Stephen Reddington (32) of Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having heroin in the shed at his home for sale or supply on November 21, 2011. The court heard that when gardai arrived to search his home Reddington told them there
were no drugs in the house but showed them out to a shed in the back garden and pointed out a large number of cylindrical containers containing the drugs. Mixing agents were also recovered. The case had originally been dismissed by Judge Mary Ellen Ring in 2013 after she ruled that she was not satisfied that the search warrant was granted in accordance with law. This was overturned in the Court of Appeal and the case was reinstated. Judge Melanie Greally
Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
said the seizure of drugs in the order of €1.2m was towards the top end of the scale but she accepted there were exceptional circumstances. She accepted Reddington had been an abuser of cocaine but did not accept that he was someone with a severe addiction. She noted that he had taken steps to address the various issues in his life which contributed to his role in the offence and he was now clean of cocaine. She noted that as a result of his “interaction with the drug fraternity” he had been a victim of violence. Judge Greally imposed an eight-year sentence and suspended the final three years. Garda Kevin Dingley told Vincent Heneghan
BL, prosecuting, that Reddington had told gardai searching the house that the drugs were in the garden shed “because of him”. Fingerprints were found on some of the items seized. He said Reddington had 28 previous convictions and had been employed in painting and decorating. K ieran Kelly BL , defending, handed in letters and testimonials on his clients behalf which he said were testament to his willingness and desire to move on with his life. He asked the court to take into account his client’s guilty plea after the charge was reinstated and the fact he had taken responsibility for the drugs.
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3
one direction Styles a lover, not a fighter
Harry recalls memories of Tallaght At One Direction’s soldout gig last weekend, Harry Styles told an unfortunate story where he received a head-butt while in Tallaght five years ago. Speaking on stage, Styles told his fans how fellow bandmate Niall
Horan brought him to a party in Tallaght in 2010 when One Direction was only starting out. He said: “About five years ago, I travelled over to Ireland with young Niall. We went to Mullingar and then we went to another party, didn’t we
Niall? Styles then asked Horan: “What happened to me in Tallaght?” to which he replied: “Some fella stuck you a headbutt.” Concluding the story, Styles added: “I went to Tallaght one time and got
the nut stuck on me, but luckily for him he managed to run away quick. I could have had him if I wanted to but I’m a lover – I’m not a fighter.” We’re sure whoever the culprit was is not too proud of his claim to fame.
Awards: Tidy work praised a great crowd packed
into Round Tower GAA Clubhouse on Convent Road recently for the Clondalkin Village Summer Competitions Awards Night. Awards given out on the night included Best Front Garden, Best Shop Front and Best Estate Entrance. Pictured at the event were TD Robert Dowds (Lab) with committee members Mary Dardis and Tommy Keogh.
Picture: Jolanta Rossiter
plight: Girl and her brother capture hearts
Sensory room for Georgia raises €20k
ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
A local campaign to raise money for a sensory room and soft play area in Oatfield Avenue in Clondalkin has raised over €20,000, with just €10,000 off their final target. The campaign was started by Aisling and Michael Byrne whose daughter Georgia i s s e ve r e l y - v i s u a l l y impaired. Tw o w e e k s a f t e r Georgia was born she required an operation to open her eyes. After the operation it was discovered she
was severely visually impaired and no corrective surgery will ever give her the ability to see. Jake, her older brother (nearly three-years-ofage), suffers from childhood arthritis which could lead to future blindness. As a result his disease is monitored every three months. H e r p a r e n t s we r e advised to build a sensor y room in their home. The doctors recommend this facility as when children are motivated to explore their environment they often
push themselves beyond their normal limits. The family are trying to fundraise €30,000 to build this facility, not only for their children to benefit, but for all children in the area suffering from sight loss, physically limitations or who are highly distractible. This resource will be available free of charge and will include a variety of lights, textures and smells. To date the campaign called Gorgeous Georgia has raised over €20,000 from local donations and it is hoped the sensory room
will be open to all in the community by summer next year. Local consulting engineers ByrneLooby on the Nangor Road, recently donated €2,500 for this cause as part of their internal employee recognition award programme. If you would like to make a donation to help Gorgeous Georgia achieve her goal you can do so via the official Paypal account on GorgeousGeorgia@ outlook.com or email Aisling directly on Aisling2Long@Yahoo.com for additional payment options.
4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 22 October 2015
don’sdublin
run Going the extra mile for children
Literary treasure trove to be enjoyed on Kildare Street AS a nation in love with words and writing, the National Library of Ireland is the vault where all the treasure is kept. Irish writers have made a significant and profound contribution to the world for centuries. And many of their original works are safeguarded in the building on Kildare Street that opened its doors in September 1890. Designed by architect Thomas Deane, it proved popular from the start. The library traces its history from the Royal Dublin Society which was founded in 1731 “..for improving husbandry, manufactures and other useful arts and sciences”. A Royal Charter, which included an annual allowance, was granted in 1749. In 1836 a select committee recommended that the library should not just be accessible to a select few but opened as a national library. At that time most of the books were scientific, and future acquisitions included books with a more general nature and, of course, those with an Irish interest. In 1840 one of its earliest purchases was the collection of 17th century Irish pamphlets bought from London bookseller Thomas Thorpe. The library is open to one and all and is for reference purposes only – no borrowing! The building’s main space, The Reading Room, is spectacular and definitely worth a visit. In recent years with the surge of public interest in tracing family history, the genealogy department has become an important part in the search. With so much of material available it holds many exhibitions and lectures. The WB Yeats exhibition is permanent affording the visitor a “comprehensive view of the great poet”. The library also holds many important papers belonging to James Joyce (early workings of Ulysses) and those of Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, Colm Toibin and Brian Friel. It also holds the National Photographic Archive which is based in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. Over 20,000 negatives have now been digitised and they are available online.
Don Cameron
www.donsdublin.wordpress.com
The National Library of Ireland’s main space, The Reading Room, is spectacular and definitely worth a visit
Padraig Thompson will be relying completely on his friend Geoff Tracey to guide him through the 26-mile route
Fireman dons blindfold to tackle a marathon
Ian Begley
Clondalkin fireman Padraig (aka Podge) Thompson is calling on fellow Dublin City Marathon participants and spectators to guide him as he attempts to run this year’s marathon blindfolded. Following his famed 2014 marathon, carrying a child mannequin weighing 40kg and a spectacular marriage proposal at the end, this year, Thompson will attempt to complete the 26 miles blindfolded in a bid to raise awareness of the darkness faced by young people today. In order to make this attempt achievable, next Monday, October 26, Thompson will be attached via a tether to good friend and fellow fireman Geoff Tracey.
Thompson will be completely relying on Geoff to guide him through the 26-mile route as they tackle thousands of fellow r unners, empty water bottles, traffic cones, changes in terrain and numerous obstacles. Due to the nature of his job, Thompson (34) knows first hand the heartache experienced by young people and families as a result of mental health issues. He wants to raise awareness for those little superheroes out there suffering in darkness that all it takes is for someone to reach out and hold their hand and guide them through their dark times. Ta l k n g a b o u t h i s upcoming challenge Thompson said: “Unfortunately as frontline
emergency service members my colleagues and I experience first hand devastating situations involving young children. “T his year I have chosen to take on this difficult challenge, not only to raise awareness for all those little superheroes out there that sometimes need help when no one else can see them looking for help, but also in a bid to raise much-needed funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. “As a father, both my four-year-old son and my 13-year-old stepson have paid visits to the hospital but it is my work as a fireman that made me realise just how important this hospital is to the safety, health and lives of our
children. “It’s been a tough few months training but I’m blessed that my fiancee, sons, family and friends are huge suppor ters and I hope, together with Geoff, that we do these vulnerable young superheroes proud,” he said. By showing their support next Monday, fellow participants and spectators will showcase those invaluable moments where friends, family, teachers, guardians and strangers alike can offer positive words, encouragement and gestures that can go such a long way in helping someone, especially children, in their darkest of moments. Thompson also runs a training bootcamp in Parkwest which works with local community
groups and disadvantaged youths. His marathon last year was in aid of raising mental health awareness for young people and funds for the Irish Charity Suicide Or Survive, which aims to reduce the incidence of suicide in Ireland. Making it across the finish line in 5:53:44, Thompson then dropped to his knees to propose to his girlfriend Emma O’Reilly His efforts have raised more than €4,000 for the charity, which he says will be enough to fund two workshops for a year. If you’d like to sponsor Thompson in his marathon bid, donations to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital can be made at www.cmrf. org.
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5
housing Kelly’s plan criticised as ‘homes will not be ready until late 2016’
Corkagh Grange set for 100 homes Ian Begley
A h u n dr e d n e w social housing units are to be provided in Corkagh Grange in Clondalkin, according to Environment Minister Alan Kelly. The announcement comes on top of funding previously announced for housing schemes in Clondalkin and Balgaddy that have completed the planning stage for South Dublin County Council. The Corkagh Grange houses will be part of a public private partnership programme which is part of the Government’s housing strategy. We l c o m i n g t h e
announcement, Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) told The Gazette: “One of the most impor tant issues the Government and local authorities need to address is the lack of social houses for families and individuals on the housing list. “The houses proposed for Clondalkin and Balgaddy will mean that hundreds of applicants will be housed and that families and individuals who are on the waiting list will see light at the end of the tunnel. “The Government is also making hundreds of millions available to local authorities and housing bodies through low interest low risk
loans through the Housing Finance Agency. South Dublin County Council should make every effort to avail of these funds in addition to the direct funding it has been granted. I also urge councillors to support any efforts to increase the supply of social housing in South Dublin County,” she said. The council also announced recently that Dublin Mid-West is expected to benefit from 203 social homes by 2017 at a cost of €40.8m as part of a new social housing plan. These homes will be delivered as part of a government programme
to put 1,700 units in place around each local authority by 2017 at a total cost of €312m. South Dublin County Council, which has a housing list of over 8,600, has been given a target of 1,445 units, of which 350 (24%) will be council owned and 681 (76%) sourced privately. Some of the projects still require planning approval and range from large projects of 50 units in parts of Dublin to small numbers of houses in rural areas. Clondalkin will receive a total of 118 social homes from this programme with Balgaddy alone set to receive 50
Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab): “One of the most important issues the Government and local authorities need to address is the lack of social houses for families and individuals on the housing list”
units at a cost of €10m. St Ma rk’s Green, Clondalkin, will receive 11 social units at cost of €2.4m and St Mark’s Avenue in Clondalkin will benefit from 39 social homes at a cost of €7.8m.
May field Estate, Clondalkin, will also get 18 social housing units for €3.6m. Tallaght will also gain 50 social housing units at a total cost of €10m and Owendoher in Ballyboden will get 35 social
houses for €7m. However, Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) criticised this plan, saying that none of these units will be tenanted this year and many of them will not be ready to move into until late 2016 or even 2017.
6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 22 October 2015
council: motion on electric car
council Ballyowen land could be used for facility
More charge points wanted Ian Begley
A motion calling on the council to do more to increase the number of electric car charging points across Dublin Mid-West was unanimously passed at the October council meeting. Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF), who tabled the motion, said that reducing carbon emissions was central to tackling climate change. According to the council, the ESB are undertaking Phase 1 of the rollout of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It currently includes five locations in south County Dublin: Greenhills Road in Tallaght; Main Street, Rathcoole; Luas Park and Ride, Red Cow; Luas Park and Ride, Red Cow and City West Shopping Centre “A meeting will now be arranged with the ESB to discuss provision of additional charging points in South Dublin including provision of charging points to housing developments,” said chief executive Daniel Mcloughlin. Speaking about his motion, O Broin said: “Councils and other public bodies including ESB can assist in [tackling climate change] by increasing the number of electric car charging points to make the choice of electric cars more viable for drivers. “The council, the ESB and gardai also need to ensure that electric car charging points are properly marked and not used as car-parking spaces by petrol/diesel cars,” he said.
A proposal to construct an equestrian facility on lands in Ballyowen Park has gone to public consultation
Greener pastures a possibility as equestrian facility planned Ian Begley
A proposal by South Dublin County Council to construct an equestrian facility on the lands within Ballyowen Park has gone to public consultation (Part 8), which comes as welcome news to local horse owners who have no suitable land to look after their horses. The 1.32 hectares, under the ownership of the council, will be situated off the Fonthill Road, Lucan, and consist of 20 equine stalls, ancillary facilities, an exercise paddock and a carpark. The building itself is one storey with rendered masonry walls and modelled on an American
barn type equine building which is intended to minimise the impact on the area. The site will not be overlooked by existing homes nor will it be accessed through an existing residential estate. The plan for the site will be available for inspection until November 26 at South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, and South Dublin County Council, Civic Offices, Clondalkin. People-Before-Profit councillor and founding member of the Clondalkin Equine Club Gino Kenny told The Gazette he very much welcomed this news, especially for club mem-
bers who have been battling for suitable land for their horse for over three years. He said: “I think this is an extremely exciting development for the Clondalkin Equine Club. The club deserve enormous credit in getting it to this juncture. “I have been working very closely with the club over the past three years in lobbying the local authority that this is a sustainable project not only on welfare grounds but on financial terms as well. “Over the past few decades there have been numerous efforts to set up an equine project in Clondalkin but for a variety of reasons it never
came to fruition. “I believe that in this proposal it gives every chance that finally we’ll see a social horse project become a reality in Clondalkin. In recent years we have heard
to keep their horses,” said Cllr Kenny. The equestrian facility is expected to significantly reduce the number of horses euthanised each year in Dublin Mid-West.
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‘I think this is an extremely exciting development for the Clondalkin Equine Club’
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Cllr Gino Kenny
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only bad news stories about the treatment of equines. “Hopefully with the advent of this project it will give specifically young people access to equine education and a safe and affordable place
“In 2014, the council revealed that out of the 469 horses seized in 2014, 422 were put down. Of the 47 horses that were saved, 22 were reclaimed and 12 animals were rehomed.” The figures from 2013
also show that out of the 322 horses seized 285 were euthanised. “This significant increase in the number of horses seized and put down sparked outrage among local councillors with further pushes for a facility like this to be developed,” said Cllr Kenny. Written submissions or observations on the proposed development can be made in writing until December 10 to: The senior executive officer, Environment Water and Climate Change, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght. Alternatively, people can make submissions by emailing info@sdublincoco.ie.
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7
campaign Council issues safety leaflet
Beware Halloween dangers SOUTH Dublin County Council has launched its Halloween Safety and Environmental Awareness Campaign 2015. This year, to raise awareness and encourage residents to stay safe, it has published an infographic leaflet with facts and tips on how to stay safe at Halloween. The leaflet also carries details of various events hosted by South
Dublin County Council’s Libraries and Community Services. To encourage recycling, the council will also offer a free pass to the Ballymount Civic Amenity for every social credit applicant during October, one pass allows one car entry and is valid until November 14. At the campaign launch, Mayor Sarah Holland (SF) said: “Halloween is a night for having fun but we
must also remember it can be dangerous too... Bonfires are illegal and an avoidable extra burden on our already busy Dublin Fire Brigade and emergency services. “South Dublin libraries have a wonderful line-up of spooky activities on offer for children of all ages, from arts and crafts to a very special puppet show,” she said. To see the leaflet, visit www.sdublincoco.ie.
centenary: honouring historic period
Events to mark 1916 Rising are unveiled Ian Begley
The South Dublin County 1916 centenary programme of events was recently presented to Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the launch of 31 community and local plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The launch recently took place at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham, and the county plans, led by the local authority network, are the outcome of 84 public consultation meetings held all around the country earlier this year. More than 1,800 events and initiatives are set to take place across the country in honour of the historic period with Dublin Mid-West playing a significant part in the event. South County Dublin’s centenar y pro gramme was created through consultations with local groups, organisations, individuals and local representative who were invited to participate in the planning and implementation of the programme. Some of the events planned in South Dublin County include an official visit to the Pearse Museum at St Enda’s
The South Dublin County 1916 centenary programme of events was recently presented to Taoiseach Enda Kenny
Park, to commemorate Padraig Pearse, the educationalist and literary figure. An exhibition on South Dublin and the 1916 Rising will also take place and will include the 1916 Roll of Honour, and an updated and corrected list of Dublin 1916 combatants. The Mayor of South Dublin County Sarah Holland will soon invite schools to participate in a poetry competition to commemorate 1916 and a time capsule for 2116 will be created in association with South Dublin Comhairle na nOg. Other plans include, South Dublin and the
1916 Rising Oral History Collection – a collection of recordings made with the descendants of South Dublin people who participated in the Rising, or those with a connection to South Dublin County. Interviewees include former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and Fr Sean O’Cuiv, grandson of Eamon de Valera. Taking place at the county library in Tallaght, a full-day conference on the many “shades of green” that existed in the run-up to the 1916 Rising will also take place. Speaking at the launch of the county plans, An Taoiseach
Kenny said: “I know that these 31 county plans for Ireland 2016 represent the outcome of many hundreds of hours of reflection, consultation and discussion involving thousands of people all over Ireland. “I would like to thank you all for your efforts in ensuring that next year will be a year for all of our communities to remember and a year in which active citizenship is celebrated. “The story and events of 1916 belongs to all of us regardless of political or family background, or personal interpretation of our modern history,” he said.
8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 22 October 2015
gazetteGALLERIES
Helen O’Hara, Maud Nolan and Debbie Doyle
Anthony Rainbow
Aisling Boylan and Debbie Carr. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
Justyna Chmielewska and Jackie Timmons
Emma Grace Billings
Ciara O’Connor, with her winning voucher, Carol Casey, Emma Grace Billings and Jack McPolin
Iona Delargy and Michael Clinton
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9
Owner Jack Mc Polin having tea with Kathleen Walsh
Maud Nolan, Martina Blanchfield and Harriet Tracey
Marie O’Keefe wins a first aid kit
Sonia and Bridget Mullally
Rathcoole: day of entertainment marks milestone
Decade of delivering healthcare advice R
athcoole Pharmacy celebrated its 10th anniversary recently. Customers flocked to the store to avail of spot prizes and a day of entertainment and music to mark this momentous occasion. All proceeds from
the event went to The Tree of Hope charity. The pharmacy thanked all their loyal customers for their support over the years and they look forward to serving the community for many, many more.
Staff Jackie Timmons, Emma Grace Billings, Carol Casey, Kevin Costello and owner Jack Mc Polin
June Flynn and Traolach Mac An
Peter Gaynor entertaining the staff and
Tsionnaigh
customers
Keith Molloy
Sandra Fitzgerald
10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 22 October 2015
budget 2016
Health Minister defends health strategy
‘Our health plans are making a difference’ leo varadkar
Minister for Health
EARLIER this year we took the first big step towards universal healthcare with the introduction of GP care without fees for all children under six and adults aged 70 or older, regardless of income. These age groups are the ones that need to see their doctor most often. The next big step is to extend the service to children aged six to 11. Negotiations are already under way with the Irish Medical Organisation on the new, comprehensive GP contract deal with all sorts of ways to improve GP services and health care in the community. We intend to agree a new contract by the end of March 2016, and plan to provide this extended service as one of the first phases in the new contract before the end of 2016. So far, some 300,000 senior citizens and children have benefited from GP care without fees. I know this has come as a huge relief to many young families and pensioners. These are parents and seniors who work
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‘The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community’ --------------------------
hard and have paid their taxes. I am glad they are no longer subjected to a means test. It means real savings for pensioners and families. But it is about much more than that. The new enhanced service which is now in place covers all children under six, including those who already had medical cards. They are benefiting from better management of asthma in general practice and have their height and weight recorded to identify issues like childhood obesity early. We have also introduced a new diabetes programme for adults of all ages, meaning they can have their condition managed by the GP who
knows them, rather than in the hospital clinic. Some 30,000 people have been enrolled already. All these measures are a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. They also mark the most tangible step forward so far along the road to universal health care. Minister [of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability] Kathleen Lynch and I believe that starting off with the youngest and the oldest groups in society is the right approach, alongside those with chronic diseases. So, I also want to see further progress on chronic disease management in general practice and want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor. The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community. So long as we keep the economy strong and the recovery going, we will be able to generate the resources to do exactly that.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar: “I want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor”
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN Gazette 11
as charity attacks failure to do more to help older citizens
‘Changes to the State pension do very little to alleviate the difficulties many people face’ Sean Moynihan
Chief executive, Alone
WHAT problems is this budget trying to solve? If the Government wanted to target and effectively aid older people in need, as opposed to pleasing everyone – they would have acted very differently. Whilst Alone welcome increases to the pension, and the Christmas bonus, they do very little to alleviate the very difficult situations that some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people find themselves in. Some 160,000 people have turned 65 since the recessionary 2009 budg-
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‘This budget has nothing outlined in terms of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as ... older people are most at risk from raised rents’
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et. Yet, since then, the telephone allowance has been abolished, the fuel allowance season cut by six weeks, and the household benefits package reduced to a single rate. In addition to these cuts, many older people are being crippled by the prescription charge – a direct tax on our sick – which the Government has made no move to
eradicate. A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits. This is without taking the rising costs of living and increases in charges and taxes into account. Our work centres on aiding people to age at home with the right supports. This budget has nothing outlined in terms
of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as 50% of all calls to Alone are about housing, and older people are the group most at risk from raised rents. The latest Daft.ie rental report revealed that the average cost for onebed accommodation in Dublin City is over €500 a month, which is completely unaffordable for an older person surviving on the Government pension. Alone has been campaigning for many years to highlight the fact that older people are the next big housing crisis. Older people can’t compete in
the private rental market as they are not seen as attractive tenants by landlords in the private rented sector. The Government needs to provide alternative housing options for these people. This Government continues to push older people into nursing homes ahead of their time, when in reality independent living with supports is a cheaper option for the taxpayer, and it is the preferred option for many older people. At Alone, we believe every older person has the right to age safely, healthily and happily in their communities, and this budget does not ensure
Sean Moynihan: “A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits”
these basic rights. Alone can be contacted at 01 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbe-
ing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community. Alternatively, see www. alone.ie.
12 Gazette 22 October 2015
gazetteGALLERY
Paul Feeny and Noreen O’Malley
Louise Costello, Chris Douglas, Sandra Keeping and Una Clifford are pictured at the first ever Solas Project Ball which was held at the Hilton Dublin Hotel on Charlemont Place. After a champagne reception, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner before taking to the dancefloor as the party extended late into the night. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Making their mark in the finest fashion
Jennifer Kissane
Katie Tyrrell
Fateimi Zymati and Susanna Ann Spellman and Abby Demarest
Amy Carey and Emily McVicker
Ferreira
Michal Durmowicz and Alexandra Lewandowska
22 October 2015 Gazette 13
escape the mayhem P15
dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: busy comedian getting ready for upcoming panto
what’son
Al’s agenda is no laughing matter Ian Begley
One of Ireland’s campest and most outspoken comedians, Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows and is preparing for his upcoming panto production Freezin. This week, The Gazette found out what an average day for the Tallaght comedian is like. “I’m one of these people who has to set four alarms. I set one alarm as a treat for myself at 6am, then another at 7am, then at 7.30am and finally at 8am, which is when I normally get up. “I then flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my own name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning. “My day begins with a green tea, then a lemon and ginger tea, an allergy tablet and a fruit juice. I then play a bit of Abba and dance around my dog until I have to be out the door for something around 10.30am. “At the moment I’m working on a lot of different things. I’m writing a Panto at the moment with Karl Spain called Freezin which is definitely not a rip off of that Disney film.
Teenage angst is centre stage:
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‘I flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning’ ----------------------------------------
“I’m also starring in it with Dustin the Turkey, which is great since he’s the only bird I fancy. “I’m also going to loads of meetings with producers and doing open cast auditions for the show. I’m also making a new TV programme for RTE 2 in November called The Al Porter Show, which is going be filmed live in the Olympia. “The meetings that I go to sound very boring, but actually they’re very fun and full of craic. I just make loads of mad requests in the hope that one of them gets chosen.” Porter added that he does standup whenever he can and after his sold out show in Vicar Street, he says that he never tires of performing on stage.
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Comedian Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows
“Whenever I get the opportunity, I do a bit of stand-up in one of the many comedy venues that I started out in. “Like last weekend, I popped into the Laughter Lounge and did a few minutes and met all of the comedians who I’m friends with there. “Any free time I get, I might go down to my local and a have a few pints or even to The Workmans Club
and see where the night takes me. At home I like to just browse the web and maybe order a Dominos and watch a couple of films or shows. I just finished House of Cards and Hannibal, which were deadly. “I then usually head to bed around 2am because I literally find it impossible to sleep any earlier. I only need about six hours of sleep to just about get by anyway.”
A DRAMATIC show that follows 14 Dublin city teenagers through their adolescent and tumultuous lives will be staged in the Smock Alley Theatre from October 27–31 at 7.30pm. S h o w M e Love depicts a group of youths on what seems like just another ordinary day. Hearts will break, hormones will rage and loyalties will shift as our young heroes wrestle their conflicting emotions and each other. Today they will face choices that could alter the course of their adult lives. Some will rise, others will fall. A large ensemble, multiple-narrative play, Show Me Love will explore and celebrate the ever changing, often complicated emotional life of this small group as their paths intersect and collide over the course of 24-hours on the last day of summer. Written by Colin Thornton and directed by Deirdre Molloy, tickets cost €15/€18. The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. For more information, visit www.smockalley.com
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dublinlife Watch out for ghouls and goblins at Tayto Park ON Saturday, October 24, Tayto Park opens its doors to a fright fest in the dark. For the first time, thanks to the launch of the Tayto Park After Dark Experience, visitors will be invited to confront the darkness and ride the Cu Chulainn Coaster in the dead of the night. Racing along at more than 100km per hour and dropping more than 32m in an instant, this stomach-churning drop zone is scary enough in daylight, never mind riding it in the pitch darkness of night. As with previous years at Tayto Park, ghouls, ghosts, goblins and all things gruesome will be out and about and making their presence felt in the Tayto Park House of Horrors. Tickets for the Tayto Park After Dark Experience are €18 per person. It is not necessary to book in advance and the latest admission is 7.30pm. The Day Time House of Horrors is recommended for children over eight-years old. Again it is not necessary to book in advance. For more informa-
tion and opening times visit www.taytopark.ie/ events/halloween.
Say I Do to syrian refugee campaign A UNIQUE event to raise money in aid of Syrian refugees will take place in House, Leeson Street, on October 28. Past brides and bridesmaids from all over the country have donated their wedding and bridesmaid dresses to the initiative. The dresses will be sold at the event in aid of The Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis Appeal. The organisers of the event are now calling on all brides-to-be to come along on the day as there will be spot prizes such as waxing vouchers, cakes, make-up trial vouchers, along with some beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses donated from bridal stores, including Myrtle Ivory. There will also be a fashion show and hair and make-up tips on the day. Tickets cost €21.65 and are available to buy on www.eventbrite.ie All money raised will go towards the Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis
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floored by store’s transgender ad A FLOORING business based in Crumlin has caused quite the stir on social media after it erected a billboard featuring a photo of Caitlyn Jenner alongside the words “Fancy a Change?” According to Hamptons Floor Store, it deems the poster to be a celebration of the transgender community. However, some people have been floored by the advertising and feel like the company is taking the mickey! One woman wrote: “If it takes transphobia and cheap jokes to sell your product then you obviously do not have a very good product or need to fire your marketing team ASAP. Take this poster down.” Another person stated: “This is lowest common denominator marketing. An absolute disgrace and completely irresponsible!” In its defence, Hamptons Floor Store said the poster was a celebration of the new Ireland we’re living in, especially since the passing of the marriage equality referen-
The Cu Chulainn Coaster is scary enough without the addition of spooky ghosts. Inset: Hamptons Floor Store considers its poster to be a celebration of the transgender community
dum, which the shop is “very supportive of”. P e r h a p s i t wo u l d be more to the point were it citing the Gender Recognition Act, passed in July of this year, which gives legal recognition and rights to transgender people, whatever their sexual orientation.
croke park can be a very scary place JOIN in the family fun at the GAA Museum in Croke Park this Halloween, where a wide range of activities will take place throughout the mid-term break. From Saturday, Octo-
ber 24 to Saturday, October 31, the museum will host a Trick or Treat Trail Tour of Croke Park for younger visitors. These tours are aimed at families and younger visitors and will involve a treasure hunt as part of the stadium tour; guess the answer to the clue to collect a pumpkin, with treats for all at the end of the tour. There will also be extra stadium tours taking place from October 27 to 30. Tickets cost €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children. This event is suitable for children aged four to
nine years. Advance online booking is required as places are limited on these popular tours. Visit www.crokeparkmuseum.tickets.ie for more information.
secret life of secrets revealed UNCOVER the world of secrets as the Science Gallery’s new exhibition reveals just how everyone holds something untold. F r o m g ove r n m e n t surveillance to Hollywood spoilers, everyone has a secret. How do scientists, hackers, spies, journal-
ists, psychologists, criminals, companies and governments approach t h i s n e w wo r l d o f secrets? From Easter eggs to cryptocurrencies, puzzles to politics, the g a l l e r y ’s e x h i b i t i o n SECRET asks: W hat needs to be revealed? And what should remain hidden? Delve into this secretive space until November 1 at the ever-intriguing Science Gallery. Admission to the exhibition is free. Visit w w w.dublin. sciencegallery.com for more information on this event.
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ESCAPE THE MAYHEM escape the mayhem: The Seven O’Clock Show’s lucy kennedy
It’s all boxsets, ponytails and comfy pyjamas aisling kennedy
Lucy Kennedy is a busy lady as she juggles her life between presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day and taking care of her two little children, Jack and Holly. Finding time to relax and unwind in between her hectic schedule is something that is very important to her and she told The Gazette this week that she always makes sure to set aside some quiet, quality time each week. “I can’t ever really totally escape the madness because I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old and they are part of the mad, fun world I live in. As a family we go to the beach a lot and we also love to go to the park and the zoo “Most things we do are family orientated, but if it’s myself and my husband Richard we like to just get away for a break every so often. We like to get away
once every two months anywhere at all around the country.” Listing some of her favourite destinations to escape to she mentions Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare and Galway city as favourites, but she also loves to fly away to the sun and explains that Lanzarote is her favourite sun holiday. “That’s one place in the world that I love escaping to. I need the sun, I’m definitely one of those people that’s nicer in the sun!”
Pier Lucy also likes to find peace of mind on her own time too and explains that she loves to walk up Dun Laoghaire pier in the m o r n i n g w h e n i t ’s quiet. “I’m lucky because I’ve grown up beside the sea so I’ve been near the sea all my life. I love putting a pair of runnners on and walking the pier in the morning after the school run. It’s a great way to start
the day and clear your mind.” Lucy also enjoys watching Netflix and box sets and says that she just finished watching The Good Wife. “I get home at about 8.20pm each night so after I’ve kissed Jack and Holly goodnight, I get into my pyjamas, cleanse my face, put Sudocreme on the spots, put my hair in a ponytail and watch my boxsets. “I love TV time, I love TV time on my own. As much as I love my family, I like to watch it on my own in peace and quiet, and sometimes I’ll paint my nails or fake tan, whatever I’m doing.” Lucy is also a big fan of yoga and credits it with de-stressing her. “Yoga is my biggest saviour, I love it. I do it once a week because I love talking and I’m paid to talk but I do that all day every day. So it’s the only time during the week where I actually have to be quiet!”
€5,000 prize added to VUE Art Fair THE annual VUE 2015 Art Fair returns to the Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery in Dublin from November 6 to 8, and a prestigious new award for contribution to the visual arts in Ireland has been introduced this year. The VUE Contemporary Art Prize, which is worth €5,000, is presented by Real Estate Agents, and fair spon-
sors Savills. It will be awarded at the fair to an artist who, in the preceding 12 months, has produced an outstanding body of work or some substantial contribution to visual arts. The annual fair will see leading contemporary Irish art galleries showcasing new art and recent work by Irish and international artists.
Lucy Kennedy juggles presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day with taking care of her two young children, Jack and Holly
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16 Gazette 22 October 2015
dublinlife
feature following: instagrammers are out and about
Snap happy people hit the city streets aisling kennedy
Instagrammers Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts
I n s tagr a m m e r s Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts who upload photographs of beautiful shots from around Dublin on Instagram. The group supports local talent and it has become increasingly popular with a reach of 10,000 followers around Dublin city. Founder of Instagrammers Dublin is Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela. When she moved to Dublin four years ago she noticed that there was no Instagram community in Dublin so she set about contacting Philip Gonzalez from the Instagrammers head office in Spain who advised her on how to set the official account up in Dublin. She said: “More than 50 countries and 250 cities throughout the world have an Instagrammers community. When I looked for the Dublin Instagrammers I saw there was none so I said ‘Okay, I want to create the Dublin account’. I spoke to Philip about setting it up and together we set up the official account for Dublin and now I run it. I set it up in 2012.” The idea behind the group is to showcase the beauty of Dublin and when users of the
account take a photo they can use the hashtag #IgersDublin to link into the Instagrammers Dublin account. Delgado then picks the standout images she sees on a daily basis and showcases them on the account which then reaches an audience of over 10,000 followers. Since Delgado set the account up it has taken off phenomenally with new followers joining everyday. “The account started off slowly but a couple of months ago it reached 5,000 followers so I decided to do something more with the account. That’s when I decided to set up Instameet.” Instameet is when a group of followers from the account meet up and take part in different activities such as
afternoon tea, walks in beauty spots, and share apps and tricks for better mobile photography, while taking photos of the day to add to the account. The two most recent events took place in Dublin Castle and also Dublin City Hall. Delgado said: “Instameets are very nice because you can meet new people, get new followers, take beautiful photos of Dublin and take part in lovely activities.” In November, a photo walk around Dublin will take place with a date for the Instameet soon to be announced. For more information on Instagrammers Dublin follow them on Instagram @Igersdublin or email igersdublin@ gmail. com
Instagrammers Dublin creator Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela
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OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
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MUSIC P20
Pets
Dashing dixie needs a loving home
Dance star Robin Windsor (inset) will perform in “song and dance extravaganza” Puttin’ on the Ritz
showtime: classic song and dance favourites heading for dublin
Are you puttin’ on the Ritz?
aisling kennedy news@gazettegroup.com
DESCRIBED as a “song and dance extravaganza” by Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, Puttin’ on the Ritz is a show that is perfect for anyone who enjoys good music and fancy footwork. The show is coming to the Gaiety Theatre this November and will include performances by professional Strictly stars Robin Windsor, Trent Whiddon, who danced with Pixie Lott last year, his professional dance partner and wife Gordana Grandosek along with X Factor star Ray Quinn. Music will be by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter with renditions of their 1920s and 1930s classic
songs including Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Easter Parade, I Got Rhythm and Puttin’ on the Ritz Windsor told the Gazette the night is filled with glamorous costumes and intricate ballroom skills. He says: “This show will take you back to the golden era of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s when Fred Astaire was the pin-up of the day, and we have incredible music throughout the show. “To dance to these songs is just amazing because they’re timeless. They have been famous for almost 100 years now and they’re still going.” Windsor explains that his favourite dance to perform on the night is Over the Rainbow because it is one of his all-time favourite songs. He dances the rumba to that song
which, he explains, he also “loves to perform”. There are 10 professional dancers in the show and six professional singers. Windsor explains: “All of the dancers are phenomenal and they have some great songs to dance to such as Puttin’ on the Ritz. There is also a girl who sings an operatic version of Puttin’ on the Ritz, which is absolutely stunning, and then we move through the 1920s and into the other side of New York where they had the cotton club, and that’s where it all gets that bit more sexy. It’s a family show though so it’s for all ages from eight to 88.” Windsor explains that he brought his partner’s grandparents, who are in their 80s, to the show in the UK recently.
“It took them back to one of the happiest times in their lives. They sat there and sang along to the songs from their childhood. They thanked everyone in the show for rekindling their romance and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. So I think everyone should bring their grandparents to it because they will adore it.” He is looking forward to performing the show in Dublin: “I’ve been to Dublin a few times and it has always been the best audience we perform to on the whole tour. Everybody here knows how to go out, enjoy their night and have a great time.” Puttin’ On The Ritz is at the Gaiety Theatre from November 2-7. Tickets cost from €35 and are available on www.gaietytheatre.ie
The Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Dixie, a handsome five-year-old male terrier cross. He is an independent little guy who loves his own space, so is looking for a home without children. Dixie loves his comforts and likes nothing better than to make himself comfortable on the sofa. If you think you can offer Dixie a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000, or even better, pop into the centre and have a chat with their Rehoming Team. They’re open six days a week from 12pm-4pm, closed all day Tuesdays. Check out the other dogs available for rehoming on their website www.dogstrust.ie, follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ DogsTrustIrelandOnline
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 22 October 2015
OUT&ABOUT
Ribbed beanie €13 Smart wool blend overcoat €160
Extreme ripped Dylan slim jeans
Leather worker boots €94
Let’s hear it for the boys! STAFF REPORTER
WITH Halloween coming up, some of us blokes like to release our inner child for one night only and go all out crazy with a Darth Vadar costume or Batman. The rest of us might like to give a nod to the festivities. A decidedly Edward Scissorhands theme is running through this collection from River Island with seriously gothic tones coming through. You will be rocking these cool threads for the rest of the autumn/winter season anyway so they are a good investment.
Lightweight scarf €20
Black leather funnel biker jacket €200
XXXX ZZZZZZZZZ
Leather herringbone gloves €33
boohoo.com autumn/ winter: Top €25 Cardigan €34 Jeans €34
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GAZETTE
STYLE
BEAUTYnews
Ava Aztec tape panel clutch bag €22
Get a dreamy skin with a Dermalogica skin treatment
Leather dress €40
MIMI MURRAY
Cream fur gilet €34
Boutique Maria Mongolian faux fur collar coat €74
Bella mixed stripe roll neck jumper €20
Lilly frin ge suedett trim pointed e ankle boot €4 1
Americans YOUNG
Boohoo.com have a fab range influenced by the suburban youth style of 70s Middle America. Young Americans creates a retro vibe with excessive layering of multi textural fabrics alongside fun and fresh new silhouettes. Calm earthy tones and natural pigments come in the form of fur lined suedette coats, oversized chunky knits and flared denim jeans with colour pops of rich cranberry and burnt orange with complementing prints such as wallpaper florals, brushed checks and knitted stripes. The perfect autumn trend, fringing and patchwork continues through from spring/summer 15 to complete an easy take on modern vintage style. All available from boohoo.com
Tara fringed trim block heel ankle boot €47
Abigail colour surge clutch bag €20
I RECENTLY tried out the new treatment rooms in Harvey Nichols, Dundrum. Well almost new! The quiet little sanctuary was put into the bustling store in January 2015 and is a veritable oasis in the middle of the thriving Town Centre. I plumped for a Dermalogica Skin Treatment; designed to treat clients’ individual skin concerns with a fullycustomisable 60-minute programme and prescribed at-home skincare regime. It starts with an in-depth consultation then double cleanse to prepare the skin for analysing so that the therapist can build a full picture of your lifestyle before performing the face mapping skin analysis to ensure your treatment is entirely results-driven. The treatment itself comprises a mixture of exfoliation of varying levels, extractions and masques depending on the results of the face mapping; and also includes an extremely relaxing mini massage. I love the scent of Dermalogica products, not too strong and quite fresh. I left with my skin absolutely glowing and the rosy complexion continued for days. Other treatments available are the bio surface peel, a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time. The multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels. There is also a 20-minute micro zone treatment which is a quick fix for troubled skin and won’t break the bank at €25. The one-hour facial is €75 for 60 minutes. I also bought their latest miracle product, Overnight Retinol Repair which I have just started to use. More of that in a couple of weeks but it promises big things so look out for my review!
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20 Gazette 22 October 2015
OUT&ABOUT
TRAVEL
From the tree-lined drive to this early Georgian house to the airy but intimate dining room and delicately decorated bedrooms, a stay at Viewmount House will leave you feeling pampered
Foodie find: VM restaurant at Viewmount house puts Longford on the food lover’s map
A treat for that special occasion or a good excuse to break a journey west Shane Rigney
LAST week I ran into an old friend from Longford who lives in Dublin. I haven’t been in Longford in years and my old buddy was surprised to hear I had been down just the previous Friday. “I had a beautiful dinner in Viewmount House,” she said. “We go there all the time when I’m home! It’s gorgeous,” I have to agree. Viewmount House is on the Dublin Road outside Longford town. A foodie friend and I wanted to check out the increasingly popular restaurant. Chef Gary O’Hanlon (RTE’s The Restaurant) is at the helm, and the restaurant features on
Bridgestone’s 100 best places to eat in Ireland. The house is a handsome early Georgian manor of moderate imposition, three-bays wide and three-storeys tall, and presents itself after a short drive up a quaint driveway surrounded by pretty gardens with old tall trees, herbaceous borders and a Japanese garden. We were ushered past a roaring fire framed by two well-worn Chesterfields to the newer part of the house, in converted stables, comprising the main dining room and seven bedrooms. Subtle and considered period styling creates a seamless flow from the main manor house to the conversion. No sooner were we doing
the bounce test on our luxurious mattresses – the bed and linen were divine – than Beryl, our hostess, arrived with two Hendricks gin and tonics to ease away the weary week and wet our whistles for the gastronomy ahead. The VM restaurant fuses notes of traditional Irish cooking and flavours with European classic technique. All ingredients are sourced locally. The menu changes seasonally The main dining room is an airy yet intimate space, all exposed brickwork and cast iron pillars with comfy high back chairs and crisp linen; a lovely room for a good meal. I went for an orange and anise cured confit duck leg with a beetroot
salsa starter and the beef cheek as my main. My partner had a starter of prawns in a delicate filo type pastry and a 10oz sirloin for the main. A selection of homemade bread with butter and red pepper hummus was delicious. The treacle bread was the best I’ve tasted. We were then treated to a taste of the risotto from the starters list, which was flavoured with orange, carrot and a touch of tarragon. I loved the uniqueness though the rice was a touch too al dente and the dish a little sweet for my companion. There is a considerable element of sweet from fruits running through the menu, which can be a little marginalising for some. My duck
confit was cooked wonderfully though I found the orange cure a little heavy, but that’s really a matter of taste. I stole one of the prawns from the mate’s plate and we both thought they were excellent. Mains arrived a perfect 15 minutes later. Everything was plated and presented wonderfully, signalling a kitchen with a talent for style and substance, and a clear grasp of fine dining. My beef cheek was an unctuous mound of slow cooked braised beef, with delicate wisps of shallot, a moss green quenelle of parsley mash and a dark cherry wine jus. It was topped with an egg cooked to 60C sous vide,
which melded with the beef when broken and created rich gravy that was sensational. A feast for the eyes and belly. My friend’s steak came with a blue cheese butter and side of croquettes and seasonal veg. Unfortunately, her steak was cooked a little more than the medium rare she had requested, though its flavour was delicious and it was seared to perfection. For dessert we ordered a chocolate brownie mousse concoction with a cherry sauce and a honey sponge with ice cream. The chocolate was chocolatey heaven, the sponge a little stodgy and lacked a sauce. We drank a moderately priced Argentinian
Malbec at €30 that was silk in a glass. The wine list was excellent, with plenty of choice in the €20-€30 price range. At €55 per person VM at Viewmount House delivers on service, quality and the personal touch for that feeling of quiet luxury. An overnight stay at €110-130 will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Viewmount House and VM restaurant are worth watching out for. Breakfast had all the choice you’d expect with full Irish, pancakes, salmon, scrambled egg, cereal and more of that stunning treacle bread. Shane is a foodie vlogger, see riggersrecipes.
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OUT&ABOUT
food
BITESIZEDNEWS
Athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke
Ex-athlete runs up tasty Thai turkey dish A NEW dish has been created for Camile Thai Kitchen by champion athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke. O’Rourke’s Turkey Chilli Stir Fry (Pad Med Mamung) contains Irish turkey breast mince with red peppers, scallions, onions, broccoli, grated carrot, edamame beans and cashew nuts in a delicious tangy sauce. It is served with brown and wild rice, and costs €9.95. Camile leapt at the chance to team up with O’Rourke for its latest chef collaboration because of her sporting background, love of food and knowledge of nutrition. O’Rourke won gold in the 60m hurdles at the Moscow Indoor Championships in 2006 and competing for Ireland at three Olympic Games. After her retirement from athletics last year, she established a popular food blog and penned the best-selling cookbook, Food For The Fast Lane. She said: “To partner with Camile for this recipe made a lot of sense. My thinking was always based around the idea that there is no reason why healthy food can’t be tasty too and that’s exactly what Camile are doing. I’m delighted with how the dish has turned out and hopefully the Camile customers enjoy it!”
New ales help smooth bitter winter months THE approaching cooler months have inspired two new winter seasonal O’Shea’s ales, which are available now in 120 Aldi stores nationwide. O’Shea’s Dry Hopped Amber Ale is a subtle blend of fruit and spices, creating a perfect seasonal balance. Bitterness is accentuated from both the hops and citrus zest, and the dry cinnamon finish is balanced with the sweetness of crystal malt. Visually, it is an amber ale with a lightly carbonated white head. The Spiced Winter Ale makes an excellent aperitif, but is subtle enough on spiciness to double as a post meal beer. It’s an ideal match for crumbling desserts such as cherry or apricot tart. Winter ales are traditionally brewed stronger, richer and more full-bodied, so you can enjoy O’Shea’s new winter ales when sitting by a roaring fire Brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company, the O’Shea’s Spiced Winter Ale and Dry Hopped Amber Ale are on sale for €1.89 per 50cl bottle.
With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around
Autumnal tasting with a no-nonsense slainte mimi murray
ONE of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the year for James Nicholson Wine Merchants is its annual tasting, an informal, walkaround affair with no knowledge required and no lectures to attend. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it – it’s all about sharing and enjoying wine with like-minded people. This year, the tasting takes place in the banquet hall in Smock Alley Theatre at 5pm-8pm on Friday,
November 6. This is the perfect, relaxed and friendly opportunity to broaden your wine drinking horizons as well as your wine knowledge, while becoming familiar with the JN Wine range. The wine merchants are the current holders of the International Wine Challenge Regional Wine Merchant of the Year award – an award they have won 20 times. Each member of the team is a professionally trained, educated, passionate wine drinker.
All are happy to share their enthusiasm along with their independent and personal selection of excellent wines. The annual tasting is the ideal opportunity to meet some of the JN wine partners and to try the wines for yourself. With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around. Producers confirmed to date include: from France – Billecart-Salmon Champagne; Domaine G ay d a , L a n g u e d o c ;
Roc des Anges, Roussillon; Agnes Paquet and Domaine Jean Fournier, both from Burgundy. From Italy – Sartarelli from the Marche region, and Morisfarms Estate from Tuscany. From New Zealand – Pask Winery, Hawke’s Bay. From Spain – Pesquera Group, Ribera del Duero; Paco Garcia, Rioja; and Familia Martinez Bujanda. Massaya from Lebanon is also in the line-up as is Quinta da Falorca, Dao from Portugal; and Boekenhoutskloof from South Africa; Vina Casablanca
from Chile; and Shortcross Gin from Downpatrick, County Down. The impressive backdrop of the banquet hall rich in character, will provide an ideal setting for an event to showcase wines full of character and their producers – many of whom are characters in their own right! Tickets are €15 per person and must be bought in advance from James Nicholson Wine Merchant on www.jnwine. com or by calling Lo-Call 1890 667799. Places are limited.
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Gazette
CINEMA
Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn, right) and Curtis (Ryan Rynolds) decide to head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to another
mississippi grind: the jackpot prize of redemption is a dice throw away
Take a gamble – it’s worth it Do you believe in lucky charms? Gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) does and when a well-dressed stranger squeezes in amongst the haggard regulars at his local poker night, he is sure that he has found his. On the bad end of luck and growing desperate for a win, Gerry becomes quickly intoxicated by Curtis’s (Ryan Reynolds) fast-paced banter, topshelf liquor and seemingly unbreakable streak of good fortune. It is a solid, albeit staid set up from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the writing and directing team who first came to our attention with the incredible Half Nelson back in 2006. Featuring a burgeoning Ryan Gos-
Dave phillips
ling , Half Nelson still stands out as a superb piece of film that managed to treat the complex topic of drug addiction with equal parts gravitas, humour, and charm. While this time out the tale revolves around gambling, there are some definite thematic parallels with Boden and Fleck’s earlier work. Mississippi Grind plays out as a solid twohander for Mendelsohn and Reynolds. As Gerry and Curtis become fast friends, they decide to
head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to the next. While the pair set off on what seems like an amiable adventure, it soon becomes evident that they have embarked on a kind of gambling pilgrimage where the jackpot prize of redemption is always a dice throw away. Part road-trip, part bromance, and par t downbeat drama Mississippi Grind is a constantly shifting film. But is a story that, like the river it follows, moves along very slowly and steadily – and this is by no means a bad thing. The unhurried feel of the film leaves plenty of space for the actors to work on screen. Despite a long career in Austral-
ian film, Ben Mendelsohn remained largely unknown on this side of the world until 2010’s Animal Kingdom propelled
lives with each day have become so ingrained that you feel he actually believes the rationalisations and excuses that
some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine.
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‘While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
him into the spotlight. With some incredible recent work (including Netflix’s Bloodline) under his belt, Mendelsohn is really showing his capabilities and in Mississippi Grind he gives a very nuanced and captivating performance. The shame, denial and deceit that Gerry
he spontaneously spouts. Knowing what is best for him but never knowing when to quit, he has dug himself into a hole so deep that the only way out is to keep digging. While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude
Never short of cash, he knows all the places you need to go, and the people you need to talk to. Harnessing a level of slickness that will make you wonder if he has made some kind of Faustian pact, Curtis is the perfect counterpart to the world-weary Gerry. Yet Reynolds is keen enough
to at times, let us see the mask of confidence slip, even if only slightly. This slow-burner is accentuated by a very sturdy supporting cast, including Sienna Miller and Analeigh Tipton. And things are topped off with an incredible soundtrack, full of moody, deep south blues. Mississippi Grind’s simple story and deliberate pacing may be its downfall for a lot of potential viewers, but those who feel like taking a gamble are likely to enjoy the rewards – the 108 quietly captivating minutes of top class performances will linger with you long after Ben and Curtis have headed South.
Verdict: 8/10
Gazette
24 Gazette 22 October 2015
OUT&ABOUT
MUSIC
Johnny Marr: 17 track double album
Documenting a long and eclectic career Adrenalin Baby has the right balance of killer and filler colm murray
From The Smiths to THE THE, The Cribs a n d e ve r y t h i n g i n between, chameleonic guitarist-turned-frontman Johnny Marr has had a long and eclectic career, but until now, has never been front and centre. Adrenalin Baby is his first live album, and loud and live it certainly is. The Messenger (2013) and last year’s Playland form the bulk of the record, and are flanked by some long-awaited Smiths gems. Recorded at shows in Glasgow, Brixton and his hometown of Manchester over the last couple of years, the album is a bonus addition to the late-career renaissance the sharpwitted Mancunian is deservedly having. Opening with arcade game effects and a buzzing crowd hum, the album kicks off with Playland – the punchy title track of his most recent rollicking rock effort. Marr’s lengthy melodic riff and fan screams hint at his stage arrival before his echoey vocals cut in. His sultr y screams
“she does the real buzz, he does the real buzz” take flight. After that, it is time for dance rock feel tune Easy Money followed by 25 Hours another track off Playland and New Tow n Velocity taken from his debut The Messenger.
incredible talent and all the passion of his guitar in four last songs There is a Light that Never Goes Out, another album standout, the shimmering Dynamo taken from Playland, T he Clash’s cover I Fought the Law to finally close the 17-track live
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‘I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours’
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Song 6 is the first Smiths’ classic to feature on the album The Headmaster Ritual followed by anthemic Back in the Box also taken from Playland. In spite of the strength of his solo material, inevitably The Smiths’ tracks stand out. Classic anthemic tracks such as Bigmouth Strikes Again, How Soon is Now and There is a Light that Never Goes Out are clearly some of the best tunes off the album. Also Getting Away With It from Electronic is another standout. The highlights of the live album are reserved for the last tracks where Marr sums up his
record with hymn How Soon is Now. “I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours,” says Johnny. “It’s been a special time and the album is a document for fans who were there, and for people who haven’t seen me and might want to check out what the shows are about. “I like live records when they’re a good listen, It’s turned out really well.” It’s certainly a great document of his live shows over the last 18 months or so, with a 17-track double album it’s certainly value for money with the right balance of killer and filler!
22 October 2015 Gazette 25
NEXT
Gazette
GAMING STEPS
A number of consoles are facing likely extinction in 2016, ready to join the dodo. Illustration: Shane Dillon
It could be time to take an evolutionary step forward
Victorian world is a timekiller shane dillon
WITH Christmas just around the corner, all kinds of gaming goodies are lining up, with 2015 marking a bumper year for gamers as the nextgen consoles get into their stride after their first, unsteady year. One of the first is released this Friday, October 23, when Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (XBO, PS4; Cert 18; c. €75) runs, leaps and climbs into view. There’s plenty of spying, sneaking and, frankly, assassinating missions to undertake here as a motley group of corrupt Vic-
torian rotters, bullies and scallywags are eliminated, with the cobbled streets, muddy paths, Dickensian poorhouses and grimy factories of 1868 London providing a compelling and familiar world to explore. Speaking of Dickens, he’s just one of a cast of several colourful characters that the player can meet, with everyone from Florence Nightingale to the original Queen Vic herself to run into, and missions to carry out for them. While history doesn’t quite record that Charles Darwin needed the help of shadowy assassins to
silence dangerous detractors, well, there’s plenty of fun to be found in chatting to such figures, before, say, setting off to climb to the top of “Big Ben” for a look across the wonderfully realised city, as barges criss-cross the crowded Thames below and vast clouds of black smoke billow and belch into the sky from rows of industrial revolution chimneys. Certainly not a game for kids, Syndicate delivers a vast, compelling world that should be fun to explore – not least until the post-nuclearwar Boston ruins of Fallout 4 come into sight on November 10 ...
shane dillon
Whether meeting famous people of the era such as Charles Dickens (top left), or exploring and pilfering around much of Victorian London, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a welcome addition to the franchise
curry steps aside, citing illness and industry sexism shane dillon
READERS will recall a recent Gazette interview in September with acclaimed composer Jessica Curry (right) about her superb work on the esoteric PlayStation 4 exclusive, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture. Curry and the game alike created a lot of positive press around the world.
However, since that page was published, Curry made headlines around the world again – for less positive reasons. She announced via a highly personal, pragmatic blog that she is stepping down as co-director of the studio, The Chinese Room (Rapture’s developer). Curry cited her battles with an unnamed degenerative illness, and industry sexism and
difficulties alike. With many polls and studies noting the rise of women gamers (close to 50%), and yet with women developers and studio figures not matched by these statistics, any such reports of sexism are regrettable indeed. Here’s hoping that Curry can recoup enough energy to cope with her illness, and resume her place in the industry.
WHILE Santa Claus may have access to all the toys known to man (and woman), gamers and people buying their own consoles and games have noticed how 2015 has largely marked the evolutionary dead end of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U consoles, which are soon set to go the way of the dodo. While these consoles have huge established bases, and while of course there are plenty of great games still coming to all three in 2016 and beyond – realistically, their time is almost up. Several key titles and franchises (see main review, left) are now abandoning these reliable but effectively retired platforms to focus on the new current-gen consoles. Anecdotal evidence shows how the PlayStation 3, Wii U and XBox 360 games and consoles have been elbowed aside at games shops and relegated to evershrinking shelf space, where a scarcity of new titles compete against a sea of second-hand games. So, the time has finally come to upgrade
platforms before obsolescence wins that evolutionary battle in 2016. Watch this space in the run-up to Christmas, as I’ll take a look at some of the bundled consoles, games, price and platform comparisons for those looking to get a new console, but who can’t rely on Mr Claus to drop one down the chimney.
Nintendo NX Speaking of evolution, rumours and reports are widely circulating at present in the gaming press about Nintendo, and “Nintendo NX” – a software development system that’s potentially more powerful than both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This would mark a massive departure for Nintendo, which has traditionally focused on crafting gaming experiences rather than getting involved in the hardware and coding wars fought by Sony and Microsoft. Indeed, the Wii U console still lays claim to many of the best family-friendly titles of recent years. However, we’ll have to wait until at least NX-t year to see what happens ...
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Rathkell Trading Company Limited, is applying for Permission for material alterations and change of use to include provision of new ground floor entrance foyer, lift and independent access to part Unit 1, change of use from snooker hall to medical centre at part first floor to include alterations to shop front, reconfiguration and upgrade of existing escape staircase, signage and all associated works at Tower Shopping Centre, Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (₏20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application. Signed: Noel Larkin, Noel Larkin & Associates, Chartered Building Surveyors, Main Street, Dunshaughlin. Tel. 01 – 825 0514. www.nla.ie. 25248
An Bord Pleanala. Notice of Planning Appeal. South Dublin County Council. Planning Register Reference Number: SD15B/0190. Appeal Reference Number: PL06S.245332. An Appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanala against the Decision made on the 29th day of July, 2015 by South Dublin Co. Council bearing the above planning reference number which decision was to grant permission with conditions to John Mansell & Lisa Hanbury. The Application to the Planning Authority was described as an application for permission for development comprising 1. A single store, stepped flat roof extension to the rear of existing dwelling to consist of a lounge & kitchen. 2. Conversion of existing garage to TV room, with a new front window to be implemented. 3. Construction of a new entrance porch with low level cills & a tiled apex roof over. 4 Modifications to the front roof of dwelling to include the removal of 2no. existing dormer windows to be replaced with 1no. dormer and 1no. ridge window. All drainage structural and associated site works to be implemented at 46 Monastery Walk, Clondalkin, D22.The Board has requested revised public notices which comprise the following: 1. A single storey, stepped flat roof extension to the rear of existing dwelling to consist of a lounge & kitchen. 2. Conversion of existing garage to TV room, with a new front window to be implemented. 3. Construction of a new entrance porch with low level cills & a tiled apex roof over. 4 Modifications to the front roof of dwelling to include the removal of 2no. existing dormer windows to be replaced with 1no. dormer and 1no. ridge window and the widening of vehicular access and provision of increased hardstanding for parking. All drainage structural and associated site works to be implemented at 46 Monastery Walk, Clondalkin, D22.The application may be inspected at the offices of South Dublin County Council, Planning department, County Hall, Town Centre, Tallaght Dublin 24. This notice is being published at the request of An Bord Pleanala. Any Person may make written submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the application within four weeks beginning on the date of publication of this notice. Having regard to the provision of section 251 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 relating to the holiday period between the 24th December and January 1st, both days inclusive, shall be disregarded. Any such submissions or observations must be accompanied by the statutory fee of â‚Ź50, unless the submissions or observations are made by certain prescribed bodies, and should be addressed to the Secretary, An Bord Pleanala, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. 25236
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28 gazette 22 October 2015
SPORT
FastSport basketball: portlaoise and DCU both seen off by home outfit boylan beats own personal best time: DUBLINER Lydia Boylan broke her own National 500m Time Trial Record in the omnium as five Irish riders completed a successful week of racing at the European Track Championships in Grenchen. Boylan began day two of the women’s omnium in 16th place with three of the six races remaining and she moved up a place with a new national record in the 500m time trial, eclipsing the mark she set at the revolution event in Derby last month. Her 36.628s effort shaved 0.147s off her previous best on her way to ninth and she topped that with eighth in the race five flying lap, her 14.589s helping her rise to 14th in the event ahead of the final points race. In the sixth and final Omnium event Boylan was on the attack early on, taking points for third in the first two sprints of 10. She paid for her efforts, though, and fell back after that.
Killester firing on all fronts sport@dublingazette.com
PYROBEL K illester claimed back-to-back victories last Saturday in the women’s and men’s Premier Leagues to make it two wins from three outings each thus far in the early stages of the new season.
On the women’s side, Killester responded to calls from head coach Karl Kilbride for improved offence with a 29-point opening quarter and an 88-78 win over Portlaoise Panthers. “We wanted to get off to a hot start,” said Kilbride, “but Portlaoise brought in
Claire Melia who had one of the best games I’ve ever seen from a 16-year-old. She did everything she wanted to do inside.” The young Ireland international was making her Premier League debut and finished with 21 points. Despite her run of form,
Killester’s Ciaran Roe on the attack
Pyrobel Killester’s Rebecca Nagle. Picture: Deryck Vincent
however, Killester had the greater spread of scorers with Raeshel Contreras landing 19 points, Mimi Clarke hitting 16 and Aisling Sullivan weighing in with 14 points at the National Wheelchair Association headquarters. Elsewhere, Meteors were impressive 77-58 winners over the UL Huskies with Meghan McGuinness scoring 22 points while Jade Daly, Emily Leer and Karen Meeny also showed up well. DCU Mercy landed a 68-61 win over SuperValu Brunell with Sarah Woods the key player, coming away with a weekend high of 26 points. Brunell had led 39-33 at the half-time break before DCU limited
their opponents to just 22 points in the second half of the contest. In the men’s Premier League, Templeogue survived a late comeback from GCD Swords Thunder to keep their unbeaten run intact. With two minutes left, the league leaders were seven points clear but GCD Swords Thunder missed a shot to win it at the buzzer for an 81-80 win “It’s great to be put under that kind of pressure,” said Templeogue’s Conor Grace. “We knew Thunder would never be out of it.” Swords’ boss Dave Baker, meanwhile, said it was “a difficult night”. “We fixed a lot of mistakes during the week but there were still signs of
it and we gave away 51 points in the first half. “We went smaller and quicker and pushed them hard in the second half and had a couple of chances to win it, but if you can’t execute at this level you’re going to get hurt.” Killester had plenty to spare in their north Dublin derby date with the DCU Saints as they rolled out an 83-59 result. Patrick Sullivan scored 20 points while Jermaine Turner drained 15 with healthy contributions also coming from Conor Gordon and Juan Martinez. Martins Provizors topscored for the Saints with 225 but he struggled to get enough support from those around him.
Hopkins hopeful of raising required funds for Rio bid sport@dublingazette.com
Olympic hopeful Aoife Hopkins
DUBLIN teenager Aoife Hopkins has been put forward as an Irish Sailing Association candidate for the Irish Olympic sailing team, and is hoping to fund her qualification for Rio next summer through PledgeSports.org. Sixteen-year-old Hopkins is a member of Howth Yacht Club and competes in the laser radial category. In order to qualify for Rio, she must be the top performing candidate at three major events, beginning with Copa Brasil de Vela in Rio
this December. This will be followed with races in Miami and Mexico, in January and March respectively. Last year, Hopkins won the Irish Youth Sailor of the Year Award for ladies. She is currently ranked 81st in the world in her category, and finished 20th in the World Championships in Kingston Ontario, Canada earlier this year, as well as scoring a top 10 finish at the Youth European Championships. She was also the youngest sailor to be invited to compete in the Sailing World Cup in the
UK back in June, having qualified to compete amongst the world-class 40-sailor field based on impressive domestic results. The fundraising project is a requirement for qualification due to the expenses involved in competing in the preceding races. Costs that Hopkins will have to cover include entry fees, flights, boat charter and equipment. The funding event will take place over a period of a little mor than a month, with a finish date of Monday, November 16. On her fundraising, Hopkins
said: “I have achieved my goals for this year, which were top 10 at the Europeans and top 20 at the worlds and my ultimate goal is to win a medal for Ireland at the 2020 Olympics, but Ireland has qualified for a place at the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Laser Radial and I have been put forward as a candidate for that place. “The approximate cost of the Olympic campaign is €20,000 and I hope to raise €5,000 through Pledge Sports. Your help, no matter how small, will make my Race to Rio possible,” she said.
22 October 2015 gazette 29
Gazette
Bernard still all go on trail with Sam
Winning a third All-Ireland in five years brings myriad new responsibilities for Bernard Brogan; he tells JAMES HENDICOTT what happens after the title has been won BE R N A R D B r o g a n could be forgiven for taking some down time: he recently starred in a team that took home their third All-Ireland title in five years, finding himself among the nominees for Player of the Year 2015 based on his astounding 6-21 in the championship. But Brogan certainly isn’t using Gaelic football’s offseason as a time to unwind. Alongside his day job with Legacy Consulting, the Dublin forward is heavily involved with mental health charity Aware, and will be taking part in the Petermarkathon from October 23 to 26. The Beat the Blues programme specifically targets resilience and awareness among young people. Alongside cake
sales and a Dolly Parton Day, Brogan will be involved in jersey days and a cycle-athon. “I do a lot of work with Aware,” he tells us. “We get asked to do a lot of charity work as footballers, and I try and do as much as I can. “I took a conscious decision a couple of years ago to pick a charity that resonated with me and try to give real value, rather than just jumping into a picture and that. To try and get in there and help them on a real level.” Off season, it seems, is the time for another kind of busy. “We’ve also been going around a lot of schools with Sam” he tells GazetteSport. “Sam brings an aura travelling around, so it’s been a special few weeks. It’s been a challenge alongside run-
ning my own business. “It’s more or less a full time job over three or four months. I still remember when Sam was brought in to me in 1995 in primary school. Those memories stay with you forever, and we’re very conscious of that. “I never thought I’d be the next one bringing it around, as I was only a nipper back then. It was a long time waiting for Dubs, but that makes it so much more special.” We asked Brogan to reflect on the county football’s issues of the day, and found him pragmatic. “We don’t feel sorry for Mayo, and I don’t think they’d want us to,” he argues of Dublin’s perennial nearly-men rivals. “T he way they’ve changed their manager shows they feel they can
Bernard Brogan gets pampered by Peter Mark’s staff Louise Keaveney, Sharon O’Rourke and Aine Curley at the Petermarkathon launch. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall
add more. A minute longer and they might have pipped us in that semi.” As for the talk of moving Dublin out of Croke Park, Brogan’s open to the concept, emphasising control being outside of the team’s hands: “I’ve never actually
individual awards again, but he’s quick and charitable in passing credit to his teammates. “Personal awards are always nice,” he admits. “I won back in 2010, and we didn’t win the All-Ireland that year, so it was a slightly lonely experience.
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‘Sam [Maguire] brings an aura travelling around. I still remember Sam being brought to my school in 1995’ - Bernard Brogan --------------------------------------------------------
played a game outside Croke Park in the championship. We play league away games and with our clubs. The fans love a trip. I was on the bench last time Dublin played outside Croke Park in the championship in Longford and the atmosphere was electric. We’re players, though, and we’ll play wherever we’re put. It’s a commercial thing I presume.” Any potential split for Dublin is given shorter shrift, with Brogan arguing “a bit of success in Dublin is always talked up a bit. If we win 10 in a row, we’ll listen to the argument.” Brogan is on record as having surprised even himself with the quality of his Dublin performances this year. Vital points and a glut of goals have seen him up for
You’d definitely take Sam over it, but it’s a great honour. “It’s great to have Jack McCaffrey and Philly McMahon alongside me. Jack’s phenomenal; he’s really bought a new energy and power to our game. Philly as well. They do all the work, I just have to be on the end of it, you know?” As for next year? “In early January we’ll get the boys back in together and work out how we go again and build on this year. “There are a lot of young lads. Dublin under age has been quite successful the last few years, so we’re expecting a few new faces, as well as Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello pushing on. “We need the competition. We still have great motivation as a team. And great expectations.”
FastSport
McKinley starts campaign for Irish clearance to play FORMER Leinster out half Ian McKinley is at the heart of a new campaign to allow rugby players to compete while wearing goggles in Ireland. McKinley signed for Italian club Zebre this September, having transferred from Viadana in the Italian league. Zebre play in the Pro 12 alongside the Irish provincial sides, and when it came time for the Italian club to line out against Connacht in Galway last Saturday, October 16, McKinley was told he would not be able to wear his protective goggles by the Irish Rugby Football Union. Twenty-four rugby unions have been participating in a trial of on-field goggles since January 2014, with every top 10 nation taking part with the exception of England, France and Ireland. The IRFU has told McKinley he can’t compete in his goggles on Irish soil, though he will be able to take to the field against Connacht in the return leg in Zebre’s hometown of Parma. McKinley, who spent his formative years at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, was playing for Leinster in 2010 when a teammate accidentally placed a stud in his left eye during a ruck, causing him to lose all sight in that eye. He continued to play professional rugby, but suffered what he believes was deliberate gouging in the other eye in two All Ireland league matches, leading him to fear for his wellbeing. As a result, McKinley played a central role in pioneering the sports goggles he now wears, alongside a team at the National College of Art and Design. They are now worn by several professional players in trial nations. “In the longer term, I am hoping that this campaign will demonstrate that it is possible to resume a sports career at the highest levels, despite having suffered a serious injury,” McKinley said of his new petition, which targets both the IRFU, and World Rugby. He hopes that the IRFU will voluntarily join the trial, and that World Rugby might require blanket acceptance. “I’m also hoping that this will show those who are concerned about safety standards in rugby that there are workable solutions to ensure players at all levels can safely enjoy the game.”
Gazette
30 clondalkin gazette 22 October 2015
SPORT
expertView
soccer: red cow’s sunday club get the better of st pat’s cy
Southern hemisphere holds sway in World Cup For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, ex-Edinburgh and Marlboro player and IRANZ Level 5 rugby coach Dennis Bowes will give his thoughts on the key battles in the RWC15. Bluebell United before their game with St Pat’s CY
ANOTHER cracker of a weekend of rugby; we have our semi finalists. An injury ravaged Wales played South Africa in a battle that looked at times, like an old fashioned rugby league game with one off runners and not an offload in sight. They just smashed into each other the whole game! With five minutes remaining, Wales tiring fast, the South African backrow combined to put their influential scrum half Fourie du Preez over in the corner for the match winner - Wales go out bravely. New Zealand destroyed France with the sort of rugby that’s simple in nature but done so well under pressure that it challenges every member of the opposition to do there individual job 100% for 80 minutes under with pace and skill, and France just didn’t have it. I have spent much time in New Zealand and gained an depth knowledge on this approach, receiving one of only four High Performance Coaching accreditations last year in the New Zealand rugby academy. I feel there is much to offer our own development here in Ireland and hope to share my experience in upping our knowledge base and understanding of the coaching process and how to maximise potential of our players and coaches. Sunday saw Ireland playing Argentina at their very best with huge momentum and fresh bodies and a wide, wide attack approach that caused Ireland to defend softly and very narrow, allowing tries to be scored down the wings. Ireland looked shell-shocked and emotionally drained but managed to get back into the game only for Argentina to build momentum and pull away. Scotland against favourites Australia on paper looked a formality. True to sport, Australia struggled to fight past Scotland and put them away. In the end, a contentious call by the referee gave Brendan Foley one chance to save their World Cup from the kicking tee and he did not miss. We now have all southern hemisphere semi finals, what does this say about northern hemisphere rugby?
Bluebell move into fifth
lsl sunday senior Bluebell United St Pat’s CY sport@dublingazette.com
2 1
REIGNING champions Bluebell United moved back into the top half of the LSL Sunday Senior table with a 2-1 win over St Pat’s CY last Sunday morning in the Red Cow. Goals from Tony Griffiths and Shane Stritch either side of an Andy Doolan strike made it four wins from six games for Andy Noonan’s side. The game got off to a lively start with the
hosts looking the more likely from the off. Karl Russell’s cross found an unmarked Sean Byrne in the CY box but the shot was tame and easily gathered by Darren McGarry. The Ringsend side were offering plenty of industry in the middle but offering little going f o r w a r d , t h e B e l l ’s defence looked steady to their credit, marshalled by Russell and Sherlock. United took the lead just after the quarter of an hour mark. Stritch s t r e t c h e d t h e P a t ’s defence with a bril-
Magnificent seven St Francis crew impress at Irish Under-16 trials seven St Francis players Tommy Caffery,
Jack Connolly, Jack Owens (not pictured), James Jennings, Connor Fitzharris, Charlie Barry and Cian Hughes all represented the club at the Ireland Under-16 Victory Shield trials last week. The majority have come through the Baldonnel’s youth system and performed superbly with the club on the national stage, winning All-Ireland cup titles at Under-13 and Under-14 level.
liant delivery and the on-form Griffith’s read it perfectly to fire in a stunning volley into the net. The visitors had a good chance to level things before the break when Dean Gannon broke down the right and zipped a low ball across the six-yard box but the cross came too quickly for Dean Kelly to finish. Pat’s also had the first real chance of the second half when Andy Doolan slipped in Jay Doyle. Bluebell’s Karl Corcoran came marauding out of his back and
Doyle gave him the slip but the finish rolled wide of the post. Stritch then had a chance to double the lead but for a top save from McGarr y from close range. The Bell man was left to rue the miss even more moments later when the away side equalised. With just under 20 minutes left to play, Sherlock got too close for comfort to Doyle in the Bluebell box and when the frontman went down, the referee pointed to the spot. Doolan assumed responsibility
and made no mistake to pull his team level. It remained 1-1 for less than five minutes however as the champions did what champions do so often and found a way to win. A long ball over the top looked harmless enough but the Pat’s defence stalled which a l l owe d S t r i t c h t o stretch his legs, break through and poke home the winner. The visiting defence we r e i n c e n s e d a n d demanding an offside flag but it never came and the Clondalkin outfit took all three points.
22 October 2015 CLONDALKIN gazette 31
Gazette
Camogie Blitz
Under-8 side perform superbly at St John’s
Club Noticeboard Round tower, clondalkin THE senior footballers will play Cuala
round Tower’s U-8 camogie crew took
in Dublin senior B football champion-
part in a gala blitz in Ballinteer St John’s last Sunday morning with 21 players turning out. Entering two teams, they both played three games a piece, scoring plenty of goals on the day from Laoise Brennan, Carly Egan, Zoe Stafford and Emma Louise Kilvarry to name a few. Alannah Murphy made her debut for Tower’s and did very well.
ship semi-final after defeating St Per-
Lotto numbers drawn were 5,13,
egine’s last Thursday night. Details of
21 and 26; the bonus ball was 3. There
the semi-final will be published when
was no overall winner and no bonus
confirmed.
ball winner; three €100 winners were
The inter footballers lost to Good Counsel on Saturday evening.
football: senior b semi-final place assured
Tower’s strike early and often to advance
sbfc quarter final Round Tower, Clondalkin 6-7 St Peregrine’s 1-12 mick mcglynn sport@dublingazette.com
A FOUR-goal blitz inside the opening 12 minutes propelled Round Tower’s senior footballers to a senior B championship semifinal last Thursday night at Monastery Road. Visitors St Peregrine’s were left reeling and there was to be no sensational recovery from the home side’s opening onslaught. Tower’s started the goal scoring with just a minute on the clock. Derek Murray fielded a high ball into visitors’ full forward line
and he struck home. Two minutes later they were six points clear. Blood-sub Barry Gallagher angled a pass into inside forwards and Micheal Walsh cut across his marker. Similar to Murray’s finish, he struck low across the keeper to give him no chance. Peregrine’s notched a free but James Kelly responded with a converted placed ball. Then. the goal-scoring blitz resumed. Eric Finn broke inside at great pace and struck powerfully to the roof of the net. Peregrine’s notched another point from a free but Conor L’Estrange
then created the opportunity for Tom Lyons to kick an excellent point from the right from distance. Stephen McGibney pointed another from long-range before the fourth goal arrived to effectively finish the game 12 minutes in. Murray broke inside and struck across the keeper. Walsh was on hand to add the finishing touch. Walsh then tagged on an outstanding point to leave 13 points between the sides: 4-4 to 0-3. Peregrine’s steadied the ship with a trio of points before half-time but a L’Estrange free meant there was still 12 between
the sides at half-time. Peregrine’s enjoyed a mini revival in the opening quarter of second period, registering 1-2 without reply while Tower’s first score of the half came 13 minutes in and was another goal. Mick Hallows tapped in a rebound from McGibney’s initial shot while Stephen Bracken closed out the win with a memorable goal for the minor, a low strike to the bottom corner after a superb build-up. Awaiting Mick Hyland’s side in the semi-final is Cuala, in a repeat of last year’s AFL2 play-off semifinal.
Ciaran Cronin, Breda Harnett, Janet Corrigan.
Well done to the Gaelic4Mothers
Enter the lotto draw by playing
team who participated in the national
online. Thanks to all who support
blitz over weekend.
lotto.
ST pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week were
team game and all the girls gave 100%,
16, 18, 19 and 23; there was no winner
well done girls.
so next week’s jackpot will be €5,200.
Great game of football for the U-8s
The draw takes place in the Palmer-
against Wanderers GAA, a big turnout
stown House every Sunday night at
for St Pat’s and strong performance
10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you
gave us the win; well done also to the
to all our sellers and to all that sup-
whole squad for a great training game
port our lotto every week.
as well.
Our new senior hurling/camogie
The U-9s played football against
sessions will continue in Glenaulin on
St Jude’s of Templeogue. In our two
Fridays at 6, open to U-14 up to minor
games, St Pat’s players played very
to improve their hurling skills with
well in a evenly-balanced, fairly played
senior hurlers taking the sessions.
contest, winning one match and com-
The juvenile camogie/hurling skills
Round Tower’s Eric Finn
Thank you to Broadstone Motors for sponsorship of the U-8 boys.
ing close in the other.
sessions will also continue in Glenau-
In both games, the Pat’s players
lin on Friday at 6, open to all U-8 up to
came back very strong in the second
U-12 players; great chance to improve
half with the wind behind them. Thanks
their hurling skills and all are wel-
to Darragh Garrigan and Ciaran
come.
Deegan for stepping up from the U-8
U-9 camogie training is on every
team with two great performances.
Saturday morning 10am all welcome
Well done to all the players for a
born 2007 and 2008; just drop down
stirring display and a huge amount of
and ask for Conor or Emer.
commitment and hard work.
Great game of camogie from our
Our 2016 minor team played togeth-
U-11 team with a win over Liffey Gaels
er for the first time on Sunday with a
on Saturday morning.
win against Clontarf, hopefully the
Super effort also on Saturday from our U-12 girls against Na Fianna; great
first of many wins for them, best of luck for next year lads.
lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who
The club’s social calender will have
sent in match reports this weekend.
a new addition in 2016. On Sunday,
Full details can be found on our web-
January 17, we will host Lucan Sars-
site www.lucansarsfields.ie with over
fields Leopardstown Leaps at the
1,500 players in action in the last week
racecourse. A four-course dinner
across all four codes from age seven
followed by a superb day of national
to 40 plus.
hunt racing will set the scene for a
Our AGM will be held on November 26 in the function room all members are invited to attend.
great day’s fun. For further details, contact Eoin on 086 2734114. Well done to the Lucan Muckers
Our senior 1 camogie team must do
on their very successful Runamuck
it all again in the county final replay
Fundraising night on the tenth and
this week. Hard luck to our senior
on completing the 5km challenge on
footballers who exited the champion-
Saturday.
ship and will now focus on promotion.
The annual weekly lotto spon-
The minor footballers have a cham-
sorship is now due for renewal. We
pionship quarter final on Sunday at
are appealing to businesses in and
11am on the senior pitch. Best of luck
around Lucan to sign up to this popu-
also to the senior 2 camogie team who
lar advertising scheme. The rates are:
have a championship final next week-
one week - €50, two weeks - €90, four
end.
weeks - €150 and six weeks - €200.
GazetteSPORT all of your clondalkin sports coverage from page 28-31
october 22-28, 2015
bell tolls: Reigning champions show experience to Killester in flying form: Double basketball delight for pick off St Pat’s CY and push on up the LSL table P30 north Dublin outfit P29
Walkinstown’s Luke Thompson, far right, along with the Dublin members of the Hibernia side for the FIBA Europe Cup
Thompson’s Hoop dreams Walkinstown native excited to be part of an Irish select team that will take on some of the best club sides on the continent in the Europe Cup
nathan kelly
sport@dublingazette.com
TWO local basketballers are gearing up for a hectic few weeks of mixing continental competition with domestic club action as Ireland reiterates its return to the senior international game. Walkinstown local and Eanna BC’s Luke Thompson and Templeogue’s Conor Grace are part of a select Hibernia squad made up of club players from the Basketball Ireland National League which will compete in the FIBA Europe Cup this year with their group stage stretching across six weeks in October and November. It is the second time an Irish select compete on foreign shores this year after the Sino-Europe-
an Games earlier in the year. Hibernia Basketball have been drawn in a group with Bakken Bears from Denmark, Tajfun from Slovenia and CEZ Nymbruk from the Czech Republic, and will face each team twice, with the three away games coming up first. The first game is against Bakken on Wednesday, October 28 in Risskov, Denmark. After that, the squad will return home and play their individual Men’s Premier League fixtures on the weekend before repeating the process the following week to face Tajfun and then again for Nymbruk. Speaking at the press event showcasing the select squad, Thompson revealed his excitement ahead of his and Hibernia’s European adventure.
“It’s a very exciting time right now,” he said. “To be able to play against the very best in Europe, nothing beats that; I can’t wait to get going.” While every team bar Hibernia at the competition will be professional, training together all season long, the Irish squad’s familiarity with one another will come from a couple of club mates being included, but mostly from facing each other in the Premier League. “Even though we haven’t necessarily trained together that much, we know from playing against each other what we’re capable of and I think that will be a big help leading up to the tournament with the of amount of contact training we’ve missed out on.” Grace meanwhile offered an insight into the
opposition Hibernia will face. “They look like three very tough teams, although every team in the competition will be tough,” he said of the group. “Bakken have won four games from four this season, Tajfun are in a really tough league and I’ve had a quick look at Nymburk from Czech Republic and they look very strong.” The Templeogue man also stated the importance of having an international Irish team, even if it is a select squad, on the basketball scene. “It’s a brilliant thing for younger players in the country to see, an Irish team competing on the international stage. “It’s something to aspire to and a platform that all younger players should want to showcase their talent on,” said Grace.