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TV3, equality, and starring in a classic energy ad? See P13

Christmas

You’ll be sure to have an ice time with our round-up of the best events in town Page 12

City Gallery: La Creme hosts an evening of style to savour at the Westbury See Page 11

sport Rugby:

Lindsay Peat excels at yet another code Page 29

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Nov 26-Dec 2, 2015

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Scoot on over to our two-page guide’s great presents for kids

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The best things in life are FREE!

Anger at costs for modular housing  aisling kennedy

THE cost of the 22 modular houses that are currently undergoing construction in Ballymun has come under fire this week as it was revealed that each unit is costing an average of €191,000 to build.

Dublin City Council announced this week that it has entered into a contract with Western Building Systems from Co Tyrone to build 22 units on a site in Poppintree, Ballymun.

The units will be completed by December 21, and they will cost an estimated €4.2m to build.

Since the cost of the two-storey, three-bedroom modular homes was revealed this week, local councillors and TDs have reacted with shock and

Representatives shocked as average unit price revealed to be €191,000 that’s really goat to be a indignation.

The Anti-Austerity Alliance (AAA) called the Government’s modular housing plans a “shambles” after the cost of the units emerged.

Dublin City Council had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to print.

Full Story on Page 4

great way to help others STYLIST and presenter Lorna

Weightman had help from little Roisin O’Morain and Cola the goat at the Oxfam shop on South King Street in the city centre recently, where the trio were launching Season of Smiles – Oxfam Ireland’s Christmas range. The range includes

the Unwrapped range of alternative gift cards, which allows people to buy goats, pigs, chicks, chocolate and more to support Oxfam’s work in communities worldwide, with the gifts providing something meaningful that makes a difference for life, not just for Christmas.

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 November 2015

COUNCIL | BRU AIMSIR OPENS ITS DOORS IN D8

New homeless shelter to cater for up to 100  AISLING KENNEDY akennedy@dublingazette.com

A HOMELESS shelter that will cater for up to 100 people opened in Dublin 8 last week.

Dublin City Council opened Bru Aimsir as part of one of the core services of the cold weather initiative (CWI) just as the cold snap hit Dublin.

Crosscare will take control of the operational responsibility for the day to day management of the service.

Lisa Kelleher of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive said: “The cold weather initiative runs every year and was put in

place as a humanitarian response to the homeless situation. There are 100 beds in Bru Aimsir - 80 for men and 20 for women.

Persons accessing the service will be provided with a light meal in the evening and breakfast in the morning. Showers and laundry facilities will also be available.”

The aim of the new centre is to prevent fatalities or serious harm to people who are at risk of rough sleeping during the cold winter months.

“There is also a range of health supports available on-site from the HSE, including nursing, GP cover, and holistic thera-

FASTNews

Dustin the Turkey

Get ready for O’Connell Street Christmas tree celebrations

The dining and recreational spaces at the Bru Aimsir homelass shelter on Camden Row, Dublin 8

pies,” said Kelleher.

Voluntary groups are participating in the delivery of social and recreational activities including art, photography, and

music.

The new homeless service is located in the old Cash ‘n’ Carry building on Camden Row, Dublin 8 and all referrals and bookings into Bru Aimsir are managed by Dublin City Council’s Homeless Central Placement Service.

The beds in Bru Aimsir are in addition to a delivery of 75 ringfenced beds across all homeless services in the Dublin region, with 20 single beds as part of an extreme cold weather service, 37 family units, 18 couple units and 80 additional rooms for families to be confirmed.

People around Dublin are being asked to be vigilant if they see a person who is homeless and in need and to make the relevant authorities aware.

This reporting process can be employed by anyone encountering a person who is rough sleeping, and will alert the Housing First Intake Team as to the exact whereabouts of the rough sleeper so that the team can engage with them at that location.

If you think someone needs help from the Housing First Intake Team see http://www. homelessdublin.ie/ report-rough-sleeper#1

THE Christmas tree in O’Connell Street will have its lights turned on this Sunday, November 29 by Dublin Lord Mayor Criona ni Dhalaigh, Dustin the Turkey and Al Porter. Dustin and Al Porter will host the celebration which will begin at 3.30pm before the lighting of the Christmas tree at 5.55pm. There will be performances on the day by Melanie McCabe and the Dublin Gospel Choir, boy band ‘Hometown’ and a recital from the Olympia Christmas panto ‘Freezin’. Dublin Lord Mayor Criona ni Dhalaigh said: “There will be lots of on-street entertainment in O’Connell Street including a vintage carousel and strolling Christmas characters. Don’t forget your Geansai Nollaigs as we try to break last year’s record for the most Geansai Nollaigs in one place!”

Heineken opens new Dublin office at Kilmainham Square HEINEKEN Ireland has officially opened a new Dublin office at One Kilmainham Square, having recently relocated from Belgard Road. Commenting on the opening, managing director Maggie Timoney of Heineken Ireland said: “We are delighted to open this new state -of-the-art office in Dublin’s historical quarter in Kilmainham Square. We have a long and proud heritage in Ireland, brewing beer for over 160 years.” Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture said: “This modern facility befits the Heineken brands and is complimentary to the history and heritage of the company.”

National Library of Ireland to get massive refurbishment THE National Library of Ireland is set to undergo a massive refurbishment as part of a new capital investment plan for the historic Kildare Street premises.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD announced the new capital investment plan which has allocated €10m to fund the first phase of the redevelopment works.

The National Library will see the refurbishment of the 1890s building to meet modern standards for areas including universal access, fire prevention, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.

There will also be upgrade works of visitor and reader facilities, the condition in which heritage collections are kept, and provision of better linkages throughout the library’s extended buildings complex.

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 3

strategy | educational programmes

programme

Dublin Port receives international award  aisling kennedy

Dublin Port recently won the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) Award for 2015 in Brussels.

The award was in recognition of the strategies in making schools and universities aware of their local port and its activities.

Dublin beat competition from shortlisted projects in Antwerp, Bremen and Valencia to win the award this year.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes congratulated the Dublin Port Company (DPC) on its win and said: “This is more than just an award for DPC chief executive Eamon O’Reilly, and his team. This is international recognition of

the inner city and port community in Dublin.

The supports given to the inner city communities have allowed them to shine.

“For example, Dublin Port Company supports will ensure that each new student in Ringsend College gets an iPad of their own and this programme will be self-sustaining into the future. This is just one example of programmes that include early learning initiatives, technology in schools, scholarship programmes and support to sport teams provided

by DPC that influenced the judges.”

Hayes said that DPC is the “engine room” of our capital’s economy but it is also a key part of the city’s social and cultural life.

He said that the educa-

tional programmes of the port company reflect this and are a major hand up to local communities in the inner city.

“This major European award is recognition of the families living around the port engaging with lifelong learning. To beat such major ports and cities like Antwerp and Bremen is something that all Dubliners should be very proud of.”

Eamon O’Reilly, chief executive at Dublin Port Company, said: “The ESPO Award is a prestigious recognition by our peers in the port industry across Europe of our efforts in Dublin to achieve a greater unity between the port, the city and local communities through the medium of education.”

Donations needed for libraries

Celebrating achievements

The South West Inner City Network annual youth and community achievement awards ceremony was held in St Catherine’s Church on Meath Street recently.

The event recognizes the hard work, dedication and achievements of young people from the South Inner City as well as acknowledges some of the volunteers and communities that give so much of their time to help out in the South inner City. The lifetime achievement awards are also presented to people who have given decades of service to the community. This is a huge event in Dublin 8 every year and would not be possible without the support of the Iris O’Brien Foundation. Pictured is Sean Roche, with his award for Sports, and Shauna O’Keeffe with a Community Award.

Bord Gais Energy is calling on the public for nominations for its annual Donate a Library programme, which will see seven lucky organisations receive books and library equipment valued at €1,500 each.

Last year, the Aisling Project in Ballymun, a community after-school initiative for eight to 13-year-olds was one of the organisations who scooped the prize and received a brand new library. This is the fourth year the scheme has been running and this year will see the twentieth library donated since the programme began.

To nominate your chosen organisation see www. bordgaisenergybookclub. ie. The closing date for nominations is December 18.

4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015

take part A People’s Debate with Vincent Browne The People’s Debate with Vincent Browne will take place in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin (the old Jurys Hotel) this Monday, November 30.

The debate will focus on the Dublin Bay South constituency and it will get under way at 7.15pm on the night.

Anyone interested in taking part in the debate is asked to arrive at the Ballsbridge Hotel by 7pm. The show will then air two days later on Wednesday, December 2.

The Tonight With Vincent Browne show will also be broadcast live from the hotel on Monday night from 11pm to midnight and all are welcome to attend.

reaction | council under fire over average price of €191,000 per unit

Shock, anger at modular housing costs  aisling kennedy

THE cost of the 22 modular houses that are currently undergoing construction in Ballymun has come under fire this week as it was revealed that each unit is costing on average of €191,000 to build.

Dublin City Council announced this week that it has entered into a contract with Western Building Systems from Co Tyrone to build 22 units on a site in Poppintree, Ballymun.

The 22 units will be

completed by December 21 and they will cost an estimated €4.2m to build.

Since the cost of the two-storey, three-bedroom modular homes was revealed this week, local councillors and TDs have reacted with shock and indignation.

The Anti-Austerity Alliance (AAA) called the Government’s modular housing plans a “shambles” after the cost of the units emerged.

Cllr Michael O’Brien (AAA) said: “The modular homes plan shows the

absolute lack of thought which the Government has put into this plan. It will cost €191,000 to build each modular house.

“The Minister thinks that the costs are worth it because of the time saved on construction and that hopefully people will be accommodated in them for Christmas.

“However, if the Minister had some foresight on this, the council could have used this €4.2m in funding to begin to purchase houses in the area, and this could have been done by now.”

Cllr Carrie Smyth (Lab, Killiney-Shankill) visiting the modular housing samples that the city’s local authorities examined recently. While the units were roundly praised for their designs, their cost for Ballymun has angered public representatives.

Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) said: “The cost of the units is much greater than I had anticipated or was lead to believe by Dublin City Council.

“We were told that the units would cost in and around €100,000, so this is almost double that and needs an explanation from Dublin City Council.

“I would like to see

a house-building programme. We need to also build affordable units for people to buy and all of this needs support and Government commitment.”

Cllr Reilly said that modular units are a short-term solution to help move people out of hotels and B&B-style accommodation, but that they are not necessarily

always the best option.

She said: “They can go up very quickly, which contributes to the high cost. Speed versus cost is what we are looking at here. Only an adequate building programme will address the housing crisis.”

Dublin City Council had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to print.

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

6 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015

the arts | campaign ‘ a bolt of lightening’ for wrixon don’s dublin

Cabra actress moved by Abbey Theatre protest  aisling kennedy The Waking the Feminists movement which took place at the Abbey theatre two weeks ago resonated strongly with actress and singer Susannah de Wrixon from Cabra, who is currently starring in a musical called The Unlucky Cabin Boy. The movement, which began as a result of the release of the Abbey Theatre’s centenary programme of the 1916 Rising, saw just one female playwright in the programme.

This sparked a protest that has never before happened in Irish theatre with many of Ireland’s most respected and revered Irish actresses joining forces

to highlight the Abbey’s gender-biased programming.

The campaign gained international attention recently too with Meryl Streep, Debra Messing and Rose Byrne sharing messages of support.

Susannah de Wrixon was among many of the actresses at the Abbey Theatre two weeks ago and told the Gazette: “I was there on the day and I signed the petition. I was very moved by a lot of the speakers as I would know all of them and worked with some of them.

“It was kind of a bolt of lightning for all of us because we’ve all just accepted the fact that there are fewer jobs for us and often times the pay isn’t as good. But

How the wandering College of Physicians finally found its home IN 1654, Dr John Stearne – who was a professor of medicine in Trinity College – founded what was then called The Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall, with the aim of improving the practice of medicine in Ireland.

Surprisingly, it was originally housed in Trinity Hall – a former prison on what is now Trinity Street.

In June, 1667, a Royal Charter was granted by King Charles II, and this was amended in 1692 as the original charter was considered “insufficient to compass the noble design”.

Actress and singer Susannah de Wrixon from Cabra with (right) Enda Kilroy in The

Sir Patrick Dun was president at the time, and he played a very significant role in the college’s history.

Unlucky Cabin Boy. Picture: Tom Lawlor

He bequeathed his extensive library to the college,

this was the first time I actually felt that something could change with regards to that.”

De Wrixon is currently starring in a musical which is a dark comedy that is based on real life events.

In one of the more unusual plays to take to the stage, The Unlucky Cabin Boy tells the story of Patrick O’Brien from Limerick who signs himself up as a cabin boy on board the Francis Speight ship to escape a life

of poverty in 1835. The ship however encounters a terrible storm which leaves several crew members stranded.

The crew decide that in order to survive a crew member must die to save the lives of the others and the hero Patrick O’Brien was killed and eaten by the crew.

De Wrixon plays the role of Patrick’s mother and also plays a second role as one of the sailors on the ship.

“I’m keenly aware that we are presenting a story that actually happened.

These people really lived and as a result it’s very easy to find the emotions to play the scenes because you know that this happened to these people. It’s not just another musical though, it really is a true telling of the story,” she said.

“It is a dark comedy but there are plenty of laughs in it. There has to be because you couldn’t expect an audience to sit there through two hours of something that’s very despairing and negative.”

Susannah de Wrixon co-stars in The Unlucky Cabin Boy which runs at the Pavilion Theatre Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November. To book see www.paviliontheatre.ie

which is housed in the building and still in use, and when the hospital on Grand Canal Street that bore his name was opened in 1812, the college had its first permanent home in almost a century.

The college bought the premises at No 6, Kildare Street in 1860, but before it could move in a fire destroyed the property.

It was not until 1864 that the college had a new home, and the addition of the Kildare Street Club racquet court and its conversion into the Corrigan Hall in 1874 made No 6 one of the city’s most attractive and interesting buildings.

1877 saw Elizabeth Walker Dunbar become the first woman to be allowed to practise medicine in the British Isles, and Kathleen Lynn (1874-1955) also made a mark.

She qualified in 1899, was a member of the Irish Citizen Army, and was its chief medical officer during the 1916 Easter Rising.

Lynn was imprisoned, then subsequently elected as a Sinn Fein TD, but never took her seat.

She established St Ultan’s Hospital, Charlemont Street in 1919 and received a state funeral when she died in 1955.

No 6 is a great building with beautiful interiors, and is a popular city centre venue for conferences and weddings.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

No 6, Kildare Street has many fine details that complement the College of Physicians’s heritage

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 7

8 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015

shop local | one of the city’s oldest areas is turning heads with its

A vibrant rebirth  emma nolan

As one of only four streets in the city where street trading is permitted, Thomas Street is a vibrant mesh of the spirit of “old Dublin” combined with the modern Dublin we know today.

Running from the Cornmarket centre opposite Christchurch Cathedral all the way to Saint James’s Gate Brewery, the home of Guinness, Thomas Street is punctuated with businesses that are an integral part of the city for locals and visitors.

Although there are areas of the street that have fallen into a state of disrepair, the dilapidated parts are lifted up

by Vicar Street Bar and Venue, the National College of Art and Design and the wealth of talent and creativity that these two establishments bring - Saint James’s Gate and a plethora of local businesses that all maintain a strong sense of community spirit.

Jas Fagan, a local tailor that specialises in communion suits for boys, has been trading on Tho-

Thomas Street – one of only four streets in the city where street trading is permitted. Pictures: Pearl Phelan

mas Street for 48 years.

Owner Leonard, tells Gazette: “There is always a lovely atmosphere on the street which itself is constantly changing.” A Thomas Street relic, Jas Fagan’s customers come from all over Ireland and overseas. “People who got their Communion

suits off us 30 years ago are now coming back with their own kids.”

Though Leonard admits it’s not the “busy and bustling street it was years ago” with the decline of the street markets, he says that the Guinness Storehouse is bringing a lot of tourism

and NCAD has added a vibrancy. He says they give the students leftover material for their projects when they can.

The recent shopfront Incentive from Dublin City Council has also helped to spruce things up on the street. Leonard says: “Businesses are redecorating their shopfronts and DCC are paying for half – so it’s starting to look a lot better and cleaner.”

Tom Kennedy’s pub at number 65 was formally known as Tom O’Neills for 50 years before closing in 2006 for a revamp.

Owner Clinton Kennedy

renamed the pub after his grandfather and gave the pub a new lease of life.

With the introduction of live music, Kennedy’s is a great spot for a pint and a chat and is the kind of place that will let neighbouring bars borrow a bottle of whiskey or a bag of ice when running low, such is the sense of neighbourhood spirit that permeates the street and the Liberties.

CM Haughey Solicitors are a local firm close to Christchurch where Thomas Street meets High Street. The highly dedicated team fronted by Caoimhe Haughey, specialise in personal injury, medical negligence and employment law claims.

CM Haughey adds another dimension and sense of versatility to this area renowned for street traders and live music, with a valuable service that is there to represent the locals when they need legal assistance.

Similarly, the Credit Union at the opposite end on James’s Street brings an essential service to the area with their personalised financial services and flexible savings and loans schemes. The local branches in the area also provide Health Services Staffs Credit Union which focuses on helping health workers with their

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 9

successful mix of commerce, creativity, nightlife and community spirit

of Thomas Street personal finances, particularly staff from nearby James’s Street hospital.

With the recent discovery of Dublin’s oldest house on Thomas Street,

this historic section of Dublin’s past, present and future will continue to attract tourists, young artists, performers and of course, local Dubliners

as an area of the city that has been uninfluenced by the pretence of the Celtic Tiger years, but continues to thrive in its own unique way.

10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015

cityGazettegallery | The Knit Stitch Show arrrives at the RDS

Closely-knit craft show a huge success

Adam Smith of Bronte Glen craft surrounded by wool

Cornish textile artists Sue Dove, Vivian Prideaux and Jill Denton with their work at the Knit Stitch Show at RDS recently. There were over 130 workshops, Bridget Timoney at the Tailoring

Rose Grrealish, Emma McNulty and

workshop

Geraldine Fahy at the fabric stand

demonstrations and master classes and nearly 200 exhibitors at the show .

Mary Craven

Pictures: Rose Comiskey

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

cityGazettegallery | an evening of fun and style at la creme

La Creme Staff: Annemarie Browne, Jamie-Lee Foran, Lisa Brown, Dominika Rozycka, Monika Bannon, Anna O’Sullivan, Aileen McCarney, Joanna Langier, Sharon O’Donnell, Kerri Masterson, Niamh Cregg and Aimee Sherlock

Aoife Foley and Fiona Sunderland, Irish Cancer Society with Lisa Fitzpatrick and Karley Ennis. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Monika Bannon from La Creme Deirdre O’Donoghue, Susan Nix and Siobhan

with Marta Ziolkowska from

O’Shea

Integra

The creme de la creme of style L

a Creme treated their Dublin clients to an exclusive evening of fun and style at The Westbury Hotel recently. Lisa Fitzpatrick presented a style workshop that proved to be both inspiring and entertaining.

The event got underway with a selection of yummy canapes and drinks for all to enjoy. Throughout her workshop, Lisa let the audience in on some of her best-kept style tips and secrets. One tip which seemed to strike a chord with a number of people in the room was the importance of loving the reflection you see in the mirror and equally loving what you do.

Lisa Manning and Jennifer Murphy

12 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015

family fun Celebrating the Christmas season across Dublin



 Tis the Season … 



Dun Laoghaire Christmas festival Dun Laoghaire began its Christmas market last Saturday, November 21 and celebrations will run until Thursday, December 24.

The Christmas festival by the sea is taking place directly opposite the main entrance to the LexIcon Library on the front grounds of the Maritime Museum.

As part of the Christmas market, there will be 20 seasonal wooden chalets hosting a wonderful range of artisan food and craft offerings.

In addition to the Christmas market at the Maritime, the museum will also play host to a number of seasonal concerts, events, children’s ar ts/craf ts/play and magic shows to coincide with market hours.

Santa’s Grotto will also be open from Sunday, November 28 on the first floor of the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre and it will operate on Thursdays and Fridays from 2pm to 6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 7pm.

Tickets cost €10.

For more information see www.dunlaoghaire.ie

Airfield at Christmas A Christmas festival will be held in Airfield Estate in Dundrum over the next month and it will include all things seasonal.

The Overend family home and gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a charming gingerbread village, an enchanted walled garden where Airfield’s



With Christmas just around the corner the Gazette checked some of the best seasonal events from around the city fairies spend their Christmas, giant nutcracker soldiers, and a warm welcome from an elf who will bring small children into see Santa in his cottage.

Santa’s reindeers will also be outside the cottage.

Airfield’s Christmas experience is currently running from now until Tuesday, December 22.

For more information see www.airfield.ie

Blanch The annual Carols

by Candlelight service organised by Blanchardstown Baptist Church will be held at Riversdale Community College on Sunday, December 20 at 6:15pm. The hour-long event will feature special music illuminated by 100 glowing candles.

Complimentary seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards and there will be a creche for children under five years during the event to facilitate families with young children.

For more information, call 085 702 1425 or visit www.bbc.ac.

Draiocht will host its two-day Christmas Craft Fair Extravaganza on Saturday, November 28-29. Patrons can come along and support local crafters enjoy raffle prizes, face painting and hot chocolate; and watch featured Christmas films, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol. The 30 stalls will feature some hand crafted work, including knitting, crochet, baking, jewellery, needlework, wood turning, origami, cards, journals, children’s clothes, buttons, key rings, handbags, photography and much more.

Snow Queen Rosanna Davison and Hannah O’Reilly snuggle up at the launch of

Ryan Curran at the official opening of the inaugural Dun

the Christmas Kingdom in Malahide. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

Laoghaire Christmas Festival. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography

See www.draiocht.ie for more information.

Swords Empire Bar in Swords is hosting a Christmas market at its Babylon club on Sunday, December 6 from 12 noon to 5pm.

Punters will receive warming mulled wine and mince pies on arrival and be treated to the sounds of local carol singers.

Lots of great exhibitors signed up and there will be wreaths and great gifts and stocking fillers and decorations on display such as Manilla Boutique, Country Couture Gifts, Lifetime Toy Company, Crannah Cakes, Gannon Craft, K•L•O Kids Lou Lou Belle and more.

Malahide plays host to the Christmas Kingdom this year at the Marina Green and the Castle.

Along with food and gifts there will be numerous amusements such as merry-go-rounds, vintage carousels, and chair-oplanes.

Other special features include the Polar Express train, a 2,200 square foot ice rink, a Charles Dicken’s themed street, Christmas markets, Rudolf and some real reindeer, elves, Santa and Mrs Claus, the Polar Post Office for sending Santa letters, the tunnel of lights and Christmas Tree Avenue.

The Christmas Kingdom is due to open every weekend from November 20 and every day from December 18 until 23.

Dublin City Dublin is borrowing from New York this Christmas with the I BELIEVE festival at Cus-

tom House Quarter from Thursday, November 26 to Wednesday, December 23.

Inspired by the 82-year tradition behind the world-famous Rockefeller Tree in New York, I BELIEVE will be centred on a 50-foot Christmas tree, donated by Coillte. It will be a festival of food, drink, craft and horticulture, With a focus on supporting Irish businesses, traders, crafts people, producers and charities, A carefully curated selection of the nation’s leading food, drink, craft and horticulture producers will trade in the festive village with exceptional quality and locally sourced products. They will be joined by Dublin’s iconic Clerys Santa who will be relocating his

workshop and elves to the I BELIEVE Christmas Tree and Village for 2015.

For more information visit: www.ibelieveinchristmas.ie/

South Dublin County In Dublin Mid-West this year, Lucan Library is hosting a small craft’s fair for Christmas. They’re currently looking to hear from local businesses and crafts people interested in showcasing their products in the library on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12.

From candles to cakes and everything in between, they’re open to ideas. Contact 01-6216422 or email lucan@sdublincoco.ie for more information.

On Saturday, December 5, St Andrew’s

National School, Lucan are hosting their own Christmas fair, opening at 10.30am. The items for sale during the fair include: toys, bric-abrac, cakes, teas, books, crafts, a raffle and many more. Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance at 11am.

Panto tickets for Beauty and the Beast will also be on sale.

On November 29, a celebration of song in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will take place in St Mary’s Church, Leixlip at 7.30pm. Sopranos Karen Nelson and Annmarie Corcoran will perform on the night, along with Our Lady’s Nativity Parish Choir.

Admission for this event is €12 for adults and €5 for children and can be purchased at the door.

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 13

RTE Weekly papers ‘are imperative to the community’

A look into the heart of local newspapers  AISLING KENNEDY akennedy@dulbingazette.com

AN RTE documentary centred around how important local newspapers are in the wake of the onset of digital journalism is currently airing on RTE 1.

The producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds, is a strong advocate of the importance of local print having come from a print background himself and said that he believes now, more than ever, local papers are imperative to the local community.

Reynolds spoke to the Dublin Gazette about his documentary, The Local Eye, and said: “Local

papers are part of Ireland’s DNA and they’re absolutely vital and central to who we are as a community and as a society. In the first series we focus on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express which have been family-owned newspapers down through the generations.

“We knew that they were going through very hard times and we wanted to see how these newspapers, which had been around for over 150 years, are surviving.

“We found that absolutely yes they are surviving and we found that there’s a huge affection for them because they

reflect and speak to the communities where people live. We met a very interesting man who was an optician and he put a campaign out on social media for his business.

He said the campaign reached everywhere in the world but that nothing reached the people that he wanted to reach like the local paper.”

Reynolds also found that local papers are central to the local community especially when there is an issue that the community care about.

“There is also a huge range of material in them too with everything from court reports to humour.

The content is what makes it and the secret

is good journalism. The local papers invest in good writers and there’s nothing that can beat that.

“The reason local papers will survive is because they find the extraordinary in the ordinary, they find the wonder in the seemingly commonplace. They look at the detail in a way that you can see where the beauty is whereas in a lot of other media it’s glitz and glam and it just washes over you. They’re at the heart of it, they’re at the heart of human life and existence so I’ve a huge affection for them.”

Reynolds himself began as a freelance journalist for the Irish Times, the

The first series of The Local Eye focuses on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express and (inset) the producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds

Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent.

He went on to win Young Journalist of the Year for a series on crime and he also worked as editor of the Garda Review.

He has worked for RTE for many years but still always takes time to read

his local newspaper.

“I think local papers are doing their very best and I think that as long as they migrate the stories and the brand that they have onto the online platform as well as print they will have a great future.

Over a third of a million

people tuned into our programme over the last few weeks which is huge numbers. So there is an appetite and an interest in local newspapers.”

The Local Eye is currently running every Thursday at 7pm on RTE 1.

14 Gazette 26 November 2015

gazetteGALLERY

The Bugle Babes, whose singing helped to set the classic musical vibe

Ken Stanley and Elaine Heaslip

Mike Hope Panti Bliss and Noel Sutton toast the ball’s success in the fundraising evening ahead. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Helping film workers in vivid technicolour P

With plenty of witty, colourful banter from Ms Bliss, songs from The Bugle Babes, and dance routines from The Dublin Burlesque Dancers, the evening was a lively, upbeat affair, with everyone happy to help film workers who have contributed much to the nation’s cultural coffers.

ANTI Bliss was the inimitable host of the annual fundraising Cinema Ball recently, which was held at the Intercontintal Hotel. Run by the Irish Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, the ball aims to help individuals in the film industry in Ireland who may for one reason or

another, find themselves in need.

Based on the theme of Glorious Technicolour – A Celebration of Movies Musicals, many ballgoers set aside formal, gloomy colours to sport vibrant hues, or accessorised classic ball staples with subtle splashes of colour.

Caroline and Grace Cassidy

Katharine Buckley, Orla King and Laura Nolan

GAZETTE

R1

26 November 2015 GAZETTE 15

DUBLINLIFE

THE BIG INTERVIEW

ALAN HUGHES: TV3 PRESENTER ON HIS BUSY LIFE

Proud to be a full and equal member of Irish society

 IAN BEGLEY

AFTER proposing to his long-time partner on national television recently, TV3’s Alan Hughes says that after years of campaigning for equal rights, he is proud to live in a society where same-sex marriage is now legalised.

As part of this week’s Big Interview, Hughes talks about his impromptu proposal to song/ scriptwriter Karl Broderick, and what it was like to live in Ireland as a gay man when homosexuality was still illegal.

He also discusses his upcoming panto, Beauty and the Beast, the famous 1980s ESB advert he starred in, and his recent health scare.

“Karl was totally stunned when I proposed to him [live on air on TV3’s IrelandAM] because I’m not the type of person who would usually do that sort of thing.

It was totally unexpected, and since the Marriage Bill was signed into law that week I thought it was the right time to do it.

“When we got back to the house, he kept saying: ‘I can’t believe you did that, I can’t believe you did that’, but he was delighted nonetheless.

“We had such a massive civil partnership celebration in 2011, and I don’t think we could ever dream of topping it, but after we finish up with the panto we’ll probably do something quiet in the country.”

Asked about the criticism he received from comic Oliver Callan, who described his public proposal as “crass”, Hughes said he thinks it’s very sad.

“For a man who came out of the closet on national television and who bases his career on television, it doesn’t make any sense as to why Oliver would have a problem with it.

“But I suppose since Mario Rosenstock is getting a new TV show on RTE, he probably feels like he needs to do something to publicise himself.”

The TV3 presenter went onto say that he first met Broderick 23 years ago, when it was still illegal to be gay in Ireland.

“When we first met it was a very different time. I knew people who would walk up and down

the street before heading into a gay bar and enter when nobody was looking.

“Myself and Karl never really went out to places openly as a couple together. It was not as if we were hiding our relationship, it was just the way Irish society was at the time for gay people.

“I remember when I got a job as the presenter of a big Friday night game show called Talk About on RTE, the producer told me not to be doing anything that would come up in the papers.

“He knew that I was gay and I’ve always been very open with people, but Karl wasn’t, so it was

a big learning curve for him at the start going out with someone from TV. “We’ve come on so far in the last 22 years, and now that same-sex marriage is legalised it’s just brilliant. TV3 have always been very tolerant of myself and Karl, and do everything they can to support us,” he said.

Talking about his health scare last year when he was rushed to hospital due to low oxygen levels, Hughes said that it was down to stress and being overworked.

“I’m grand now and don’t let myself get too stressed out. I’ve never cancelled a show in the 21 years I’ve been doing

panto, and I don’t plan on ever doing so.

“The panto is getting on really well this year.

Sales have gone up compared to last year, and I really think it’s going to be a big success.”

Asked about the iconic ESB advert he starred in during the 1980s when he played the part of a young man returning to Ireland to see his mammy, Hughes said that the commercial will most likely stay with him forever.

The Cheerios Panto – Beauty and the Beast, will start in the Tivoli Theatre from December 9 to January 10. Tickets can be purchased at www. panto.ie.

Presenter Alan Hughes (right) shocked his long-time partner Karl Broderick by proposing to him live on air recently

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16 Gazette 26 November 2015

dublinlife

diary

Paul puts in a massive tackle for Barnardos Irish Rugby Hero and Barnardos’ Ambassador Paul O’Connell called on people to dig deep and give children a happy Christmas and a brighter future as he launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently.

Barnardos works with more than 11,300 chil-

dren and families in 40 community-based centres across Ireland, supporting them to achieve their potential in life.

Speaking at the launch, Paul O’Connell said Barnardos is working to give hard-pressed families the Christmas they deserve and the support they need

to change their future “ T h e r e a r e m a ny parents out there who, through no fault of their own, may have to say no to their children this Christmas. Barnardos will use your donation to bring some Christmas magic into the lives of the children they work with

by helping families to make sure they have what they need for a happy Christmas,” he said.

To give your support to Barnardos this Christmas with a donation or toy, visit www.barnardos.ie/ christmas.”

celebrating Trad and Folk music The annual Temple Bar TradFest returns this year for its 11th instalment from January with what organisers are calling a vibrant programme.

The festival line up for January 2016 has been announced and once again includes a programme of Irish and international performers performing in some of Dublin’s most historic venues.

The festival will include the Front Row Sessions, a series of 13 free concerts in the pubs of Temple Bar. TradFest also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents to an international audience. Other elements include TradKids from The Ark, Ireland’s only dedicated Cultural Centre for children, TradFringe embracing many of the cities established cultural venues such as The Irish Film Institute, The Gallery Of Photography, Irish Writers Centre, and The Hugh Lane Gallery. In 2016 TradFest will also host a series of newly commissioned works commemorating 1916.

Irish rugby hero and Barnardos ambassador Paul O’Connell launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently with the help of Molly Kennedy and David McNally

For more information visit: www.templebartrad.com.

Lord of the Flies production Following a hugely successful run earlier this year with their production of To Kill A Mockingbird, Regent’s Park Theatre’s critically acclaimed production Lord of the Flies will visit Bord Gais Energy Theatre from November 24 to 28.

After a group of s c h o o l b o y s s u r v i ve a catastrophic plane crash, what starts as a classic desert island adventure quickly descends into a struggle for survival in a darkly sinister world of superstition and immorality.

William Golding’s 20th century classic explodes onto the stage in this remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre.

This production is directed by Regent’s Park Theatre’s artistic director Timothy Sheader and co-directed by Liam Steel with design

by Jon Bausor, and composition and sound score by Nick Powell.

Tickets for Lord of the Flies are priced from €15 to €45 and can be purchased by visiting

w w w. b o r d g a i s e n e rgytheatre.ie.

see www.nationalgallery.ie.

Hennessy Portrait Prize winner

just who was in the GPO in 1916

The winner of the 2015 Hennessy Portrait Prize was announced last week at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Vera Klute was awarded the prize of €15,000 for her oil canvas painting entitled Anne Ryder and will also receive a commission worth €5,000 to produce a portrait for inclusion in the National Portrait Collection.

The aim of the competition is to showcase and encourage interest in contemporary portraiture and to raise the profile of the National Portrait Collection at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Klute has exhibited widely both in Ireland and abroad and is also currently working towards a solo exhibition in the Molesworth Gallery in 2016.

Of the 260 entrants in the competition this year, 12 were shortlisted by the judging panel and these 12 entries currently have their portraits displayed in an exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland until Sunday February 14, 2016.

For more information

A book which seeks to definitively answer the question of exactly who was in the GPO during Easter Week 1916 was launched recently

by Dublin Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh at City Hall.

“The GPO Garrison Easter Week 1916 - A Biographical Dictionary”, was written by retired Dublin City Council worker and Dublin historian Jimmy Wren following 30 years of painstaking research.

The book contains over 520 names of GPO garrison members, whose ages range from 12-63 years and includes full supporting evidence from many and varied sources.

The amount of people who claimed to have taken part in the action at the GPO during Easter Week could fill a small stadium and this book aims to give a definitive answer to the many claims and counter claims.

From Geography Publications and partlysponsored by Dublin City Council, the book is priced at €25 and is available from all good bookshops.

26 November 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25

food P21

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



Gazette

travel P20

The Pavilion Theatre: RTE Contempo Quartet presents unique concert experience

Getting the classical treatment  Keith Bellew

Composer Glen Austin and the RTE Contempo Quartet, featuring renowned bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney will present a unique concert experience that unites classical music with Irish rock and pop from the last 30 years, at The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on December 5.

This follows the recent release of an album in the same vein called New Airs, which features classical arrangements of songs such as With or Without You by U2, Run

by Snow Patrol and The

Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy.

Other featured artists include Kodaline, The Script, Enya, and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

The album also introduces new settings of older Irish airs inspired by modern artist’s interpretations such as Sinead O’Connor’s version of She Moved Through the Fair and Luke Kelly’s musical adaptation of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem Raglan Road. Speaking to The Gazette, Austin said that the project is something he had considered doing for a long time as rock

music was his first love before he discovered classical music.

“Adrian Mantu, the director of Contempo Quartet, approached me and said he’d be interested in doing something with rock music and I jumped at the chance. I thought it would be great to explore Irish rock and pop because it had never been done before with classical music,” he said.

He went on to say that deciding which artists to include was quite difficult because there are so many to choose from.

“It’s only the first album and the first concert, we already have ideas for a second and third album.

It was just a matter of making a choice between all this great music.

“Everyone might feel that there’s one or two that could be included, but it won’t be the last album or concert, so if things go well, the plan is to have a second or third edition where we can actually put in those other great artists as well,” he said.

He said that adapting the rock songs and arranging them for the quartet was quite an

RTE Contempo Quartet will be joined by renowned Irish bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney and Glen Austin on electonics

undertaking and not one he took lightly.

“When it comes to something like this, the job is not only arranging it but interpreting it for the ensemble. On top of that you also have to try

to be true to the originals themselves, and try to show them in a different light that’s not losing the spirit of the case,” he said.

Despite the apparent gravity with which he approached the arrange-

ment, he said that the project has been a lot of fun, and he and the quartet are looking forward to their first performance.

For more information on the show, visit: www. paviliontheatre.ie/

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE Raw denim

Wide L

sleeveless

eg De

deep v-neck €125 with

€69 horts nim S

All-in-One dove nubuck stacked wood sole sandal €99

Sim kno ple S tte hop d s pe tra r w ps €1 ith 15

Mary Grant AW15 Vintage floral print jersey wrap dress €195

Wrap up this winter!  PEARL PHELAN

MARY Grant hosted a breakfast at her boutique in the Powerscourt Town Centre recently to showcase her current autumn/winter collection.

The store manager, Fiona, baked banana bread for the Suede obi belt €65 occasion and a wonderful spread was laid out on an old wood turner’s bench. Accessories are displayed on beautifully textured cable drum tables in the shop. The warmth of the wholesome bread and respect for craftsmanship reflected in the choice of furniture and are revealing indicators of what the Mary Grant label stands for.

Only the finest materials are selected for use in the manufacture of her garments and knitted pieces are handmade by a family owned company in Italy. You would be very cosy wrapped up in her ribbed cowl, a clever piece which can be pulled down over the shoulders as an alternative to wearing it high on the neck. Not to mention the fine cashmere wrap to keep you chic and warm. But there is another kind of wrap that Mary Grant has on offer, and it is so flattering to all shapes. Check out the wrap tops and dresses made in jersey which falls softly and elegantly.

You can emphasise the waistline by adding an obi belt to flowy dresses, or to smarten up a plain winter coat. What a great way to add a pop of colour to a simple outfit to take you through the festive season!

You can shop online but a visit to the store is a must if you are in town so you can have a feel of the sumptuous materials and get an insight into Mary’s world.

Purple haze cashmere wrap €280

Denim dress with foldover €89

Denim drawstring back bikini top €29

D

19

ottom €

ikini b enim b

Denim bead rectangular metal ring €19

Spring for some denim

WITH COS Denim bead metal ring €19

Knotted leather sandal €99

 JESSICA MAILE

I LOVE DENIM. It’s a love that started in my teenage years even though I grew up in a decade where acid-washed jeans were chic. But in the 21st century, designing with denim has become an actual art form and no one does this better than COS. Forget the winter blues and dream of spring blues instead.

Think simple denim shorts with a crisp, white top or a func-

tional apron dress with a nonconventional drapey denim. The sleeveless all-in-one is the essence of simplicity and a modern must-have. Even the bikini gets the denim treatment with a distorted denim print.

Accent these pieces with luxurious leather shopper or an ice grey nubuck leather sandal.

From raw denim to their clever use of compressed recycled denim in the geometric metal jewellery, COS has reinvented this classic fabric with their fresh, new take on spring essentials.

26 November 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

skiing: find your perfect resort for a winter getaway

Turn dreams of a white Christmas into a reality  Ian Begley

Stylish comfort and luxury in the heart of the city  Ian Begley

I recently enjoyed a one night stay at the stylish four-star Trinity City Hotel, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas light. It’s located right beside Trinity College on Pearse Street.

We stayed in a room which is interestingly part of an original Victorian Fire Station.

The room was very jazzy in style and offered the height of modern comfort, ample velux windows, a smart lounge area and a range of unique artwork.

For the day that was in it we took a trip to the Irish Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street, just a five minute walk down the road. The one-hour tour was a lot more interesting than I expected with visual stories of Irish whiskey through the ages. The highlight of course was a whiskey tasting session and a complimentary Irish coffee at the end.

Coincidentally, the annual Christmas lights were being turned on in Grafton Street on the same day, which was the perfect way to bring the afternoon to a close before we headed back to the hotel for dinner.

Building up a hearty appetite, we feasted on a delectable six-course tasting menu after a few predinner cocktails at the hotel’s front lounge.

We had a cured salmon with horseradish cream and Guinness bread to start, followed by a delicious bowl of wild mushroom and tarragon soup. After a very refreshing champagne sorbet, we dined on a beautiful fillet of pan seared sea bass followed by a very tender cut of lamb. And if that wasn’t enough, the sixth course consisted of a chocolate plate involving a mousse, hazelnut brownie and raspberry sorbet.

Up bright and early the following morning I enjoyed a full Irish breakfast before checking out and heading on my very short commute to work. Just a stone throw away from the capital’s iconic landmarks and venues, Trinity City is certainly a great location for anyone looking for a city retreat.

Rooms start from €119 for two adults sharing, see www.trinitycityhotel.com

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well dream no more as there are many winter ski resorts to choose from this holiday season which offer a fantastic range of festive entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

With Highlife Ski & Snowboard you can spend a family winter vacation in one of three stylish French resorts – Morzine, Meribel or Val d’Lsere.

If a cosy Alpine chalet complete with an open log fire, outdoor hot tub, a sauna and your very own chalet chef sounds good to you, swap the pots and pans, long shopping queues and extended family reunions for a festive chalet.

Your chalet will be transformed into a festive retreat with open fires, sparkling decorations and your very own authentic Christmas tree to get you into the holiday spirit from the moment you arrive.

On Christmas Eve, guests returning from an action-packed day on the slopes will be greeted with warming mulled wine and mince pies fresh out of the oven.

On Christmas morning awake to the sound of crackling log fires and a visit from Santa bearing presents for the kids.

Your very own chalet chef will prepare a delicious breakfast allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones, cherishing the precious moments of unwrapping the gifts from under the tree.

Val d’Isere offers high quality, snow-sure slopes for everyone from complete beginner to veterans

So, turn your dream of a white Christmas into a reality with departures from Dublin on December 20, from €1,120 per adult and €910 per child aged 11 or under for seven nights.

For more information, visit www.highlife.ie, or contact 01 677 1100.

With Crystal Sky Holidays, embrace the holiday season by spoiling yourself and your family with an exciting ski vacation away.

From €460 per person, you can spend one week in the Austrian mountain resort of Mayrhofen with flights leaving on December 19.

Penken and Ahorn are Mayrhofen’s mountains - with 135km of skiing and Austria’s steepest

run, Harakiri, it’s one of the most diverse Alpine resorts.

Mayrhofen’s mountains have a wide variety of more challenging runs and, in the right conditions, some impressive off-piste. Plus, the Vans Penken Park is one of the leading freestyle parks in Europe.

Also in Austria is the Niederau Ski Holiday resort, which is priced from €525 per person for seven nights, with flights leaving on January 9.

Niederau, based in the Wildschonau valley, is picturesque and perfect for both families and beginners, with wide nursery slopes and easy to use drag lifts.

There’s also the excellent 1st Wildschonau Ski

School and a nursery childcare Snowboarders should watch out for a few flat sections and experienced skiers will probably need a little more challenging terrain. The link over to Alpbach opens up the Ski Juwel’s full 145km - all covered by your pass.

If France is more to your taste then from €474 per person you can spend seven nights in the traditional French village Les Carroz, which is located in the world famous Grand Massif ski area.

This resort is made for people who prefer skiing in a homely, more personal setting in comparison to its purpose built neighbour Flaine.

In the middle of Les Carroz you’ll find a pictur-

esque village centre with a small collection of shops, cafes and restaurants. The small scale of the resort means fantastic scenery and beautiful views across the valley that should not be missed.

Accommodation wise, we have different types of self-catering, from reasonably basic to luxury residences with wellness facilities to match.

When it comes to activities there’s plenty on offer, you’ll find toboggan runs, horse-drawn carriage rides and even dog-sledding to fill the hours for non-skiers or in your hours out of the skis. There’s also a resort ice rink.

For more information about these deals, visit www.crystalski.ie.

26 November 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Pat Whelan with the product

Campagne

French restaurant

The Arches, Gas House Lane Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable

The Picky Eater

Whenever I hear Michelin Star, my mind jumps to overly formal, over the top service. I always love the food, mind you, but waiters constantly fawning over you is slightly off-putting.

When I heard about Campagne restaurant in Kilkenny, I was eager to try it as the menu seemed less fussy and less overpriced than some other establishments that hold the coveted star.

When we arrived, those views remained as the restaurant is in a very quiet part of town just below what looks like apartments or an office block.

So far, nothing over the top or ostentatious anyway. Inside the dining room is very comfortable and was absolutely buzzing on a busy Saturday night.

Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable.

The maitre d’ was a very friendly lady who took us

through the specials and explained anything that might be unknown to myself and my friend.

After ordering a delicious bottle of Picpoul de Pinet (€30) (a wine that is having a bit of a moment) we jumped straight in to starters.

I went for a fois gras pate layered with a delicious butter served on an autumn fruit jelly and a toasted brioche (€16).

This was absolutely sublime but the outright winner was my pal’s scallop royale, served with Jerusalem artichokes and lobster bisque (€16).

So much thought and time had obviously gone into this outstanding dish and we spent ages trying to figure out how they made it. I won’t spoil the fun and will leave it for you to the same guessing game.

Next up came my mate’s fillet of Hereford beef with glazed mushrooms, spinach puree, ox tongue croquettes and porcini butter sauce

(€32).

From a lady who is considering going vegetarian, she was certainly having fun at the wake and was almost in tears at the thought of what she was about to give up.

My poached turbot (€32) came with a similar sauce and could be eaten with a spoon, it had the perfect texture and taste.

My friend had a glass of ribera del duero (€8.25) with her meat and having lived in Spain for several years, she said it was one of the best she’d sampled outside of Spain.

A stunning side of mash and parsnips went down a treat with both dishes.

We really were not fit for anything more at this point, but seeing a hot chocolate fondant being brought to most tables, we decided this dish was obviously worth trying.

The locals were going mad for it. It was served with vanilla ice cream and glazed cherries (€9) and was certainly worth the longer waiting time.

All in all this was a fantastic experience and it’s well worth the trip to Kilkenny. T here are lots of places to stay in the city, after all it’s a really buzzing place.

We stayed slightly outside in Mount Juliet, which is a stunning old country house hotel.

For more see campagne.ie.

Conclusion Campagne boasts a stylish interior featuring oak flooring, curved banquette leather seating and modern paintings. The emphasis is on high-quality seasonal produce with French influences in a relaxed and comfortable dining area. (5, The Arches, Gas House Lane, Kilkenny. Phone:(056) 777 2858

Superb old-fashioned flavour returns FOR many, beef dripping is something our parents’ parents cooked with and not widely used today. However, James Whelan Butchers has brought this nostalgic delicacy back to the kitchen with their award-winning heritage product that delivers a superb old-fashioned flavour.

Intensely savoury, the beef dripping was awarded Supreme Champion at the Great Taste Awards 2015, receiving high praise from judge and food critic Charles Campion.

Speaking at an event celebrating the beef dripping in Avoca Kilmacanogue, Campion described it as “the simplest of products, that touched the hearts of all the judges”.

Seeing the upsurge of interest in heritage foods and traditional ingredients, Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers, was inspired to create his own beef dripping. With the very best of beef available to him, and with the guidance of his mother, he soon perfected a product that he was proud to share with his customers.

The dripping is produced in Clonmel by Whelan, a fifth generation butcher, and made from the purest suet from grass-fed Irish Angus and Hereford beef. These magical creamy ingots transform roast vegetables and potatoes and makes the most perfectly golden fish and chips.

The product stays fresh for up to six months.

With the festive season just around the corner, a little of James Whelan’s beef dripping will go a long way to adding a depth of flavour to all kinds of dishes - with a higher smoke point than goose fat, it makes the ultimate crispy roast potatoes and paired with butter, delivers the tastiest shortcrust pastry, not to mention simply spread on toast for a seriously nostalgic trip to flavour town. “It’s the taste of my childhood,” said Pat Whelan.

“Our beef dripping is nutrient rich, high in omega-3 acids, clean, pure and carries great flavour, whether for frying a steak, roasting potatoes, or spread onto good bread.”

Available to buy at: Avoca Food Market, Monkstown, County Dublin, Avoca, Rathcoole, County Dublin Avoca, Kilmacanogue, Bray, County Wicklow, James Whelan Butchers, Clonmel, County Tipperary and at jameswhelanbutchers.com

Gazette

22 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Scooter €55

S Em M&

toysfor thekids

ily Bu tton €24

WHETHER it’s your bonnie baby’s very first Christmas, or if you’re looking out for gifts for older children, there’s plenty of great toys to find in the shops as Christmas draws near, with some cutting-edge characters standing head to shoulder, dress to lasergun alongside classic toys.

This week, we’ve selected a range of toys and gifts that are available now from Smyths, ToysRUs, M&S and all good toy retailers nationwide.

Mattel

Monster High Go oli

Mega Bloks 60piece bag set €20

ope €50

All images not to scale

Mattel Barbie Rock & Royal €35

th

ly 80

po Mono o r b as

rsary annive

99

€28.

H

5

€6 k Rails

l Fisher

Matte

Wrec er Ship t s a M k ac Price Tr

26 November 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

GIFT GUIDE MOTORING Hasbro My Little Pony Equestria Girls €24.99

Mattel Barnie Malibu Dreamhouse €150

alo book €8 M&S Gruff

Mat Pric tel Fish e g ym toddle er €80 r

al Furre pin’ o r m b Has s My Ju rF iend 72.99 € pug

otel ter H s e h Furc €28.99 bro Has Phoebe g Talkin

Hasb r Intera o Avengers ctive H u Buste r €49 lk .99

Habro Jurassic World Stomp and Strike Tyrannosaurus Rex €57.99

Habro Bop It! Star Wars R2-D2 edition game

Mattel Fisher Price Dance and Move BeatBo €55

Gazette

24 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTHYSTEPS

HEALTH

health conditions: ‘lack of reliable studies’ to support tests

Testing for food and chemical intolerances

A treatment called Lipiflow helps the meibomian glands produce more oil.

Look into preventing the causes of dry eye THE condition known as dry eye – which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, due to inadequate tear secretion – is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition most often caused by over-exposure. Those most at risk ------------------------

‘Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less’ ------------------------

are people who spend many hours in front of the computer.

Given the ever increasing numbers of people who spend long periods in front of a computer screen for work or leisure, or often both, more and more people are likely to be affected.

We tend to blink maybe 7/8 times per minute, and the moment we start looking at computer screens, we tend to blink 2/3 times a minute.

Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less.

The other common causes are the likes of contact lens wear and getting older.

For females, hormo-

nal changes as you approach menopause can also cause dry eye.

Many medications have dry eye listed as a side effect. These would include anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, anticholestrols, and so on.

The following is a number of ways dry eye can be averted. Using lubricant eye-drops, being aware of blinking when you’re working on the computer, and using something called the 20/20/20 rule, where for every 20 minutes you take a 20 second break by looking at something 20 feet away from the computer.

The wellington Eye Clinic offers a treatment call Lipiflow. Where a device is placed on the lids for 12 minutes, the device warms up over time to just above body temperature.

This softens up the oils and within the Lipiflow device are little massage rollers which milk the glands and ensure that by the end of the 12 minutes the oils have been expressed out of the meibomian glands. Cost involved: Dry Eye Assessment – €100 Lipiflow Treatment – €500 per eye.

For an appointment call the Wellington Eye Clinic on 01 2807873 or email info@wellingtoneyeclinic.com

 Ellen Roche Dietitian & Clinical Nutritionist at Nutri Vive

Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population and common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, tummy upset and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The triggers are often substances that naturally occur in foods (e.g. amines or fructose) or chemicals added during food processing (eg mono sodium glutamate added to ready meals or sulphites added to wine).

Enzyme deficiencies such as lactase usually results in an intolerance to dairy products. IBS is a bowel condition which can cause abdominal bloating, pain, cramping, constipation and diarrhoea; these symptoms are frequently caused by normal healthy foods.

The symptoms of food intolerances are usually delayed, which explains why they can be difficult to diagnose.

Food Intolerance Tests Food intolerance testing has become increasingly popular in recent years. A growing number of pharmacies in addition to complimentary therapists and private health clinics offer intolerance testing services directly to the public.

These centres claim that a wide range of

Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population

health conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sinusitis, skin problems, digestive issues and even obesity can be solved using such tests.

The kits take a small sample of blood to check the levels of IgG antibody (immune system activity) for a range of various foods eg. shellfish, wheat and dairy products.

If IgG antibody levels are elevated for particular foods, the test centres diagnose an intolerance and recommend complete exclusion from the diet to relieve symptoms.

These tests cost €100€250 approximately depending upon the number of foods tested.

Unfortunately the facts are that IgG intolerance tests are a complete waste of money and not worth the paper they are printed on.

I have seen the printouts from vulnerable and confused clients; many repor ts which

don’t even make clinical sense eg. gluten is rated high and to be avoided, yet rye (which contains gluten) is ok!

Lack of Supportive Science The websites marketing food intolerance testing claim that there is sufficient scientific evidence to prove that these tests are warranted when a food intolerance is suspected.

H av i n g e x a m i n e d these studies, many of the trials involved small numbers of people who were tested twenty years ago, therefore applications to the general population are not relevant.

The leading international food allergy and intolerance institutes are currently strongly advocating against IgG food intolerance testing.

There appears to be no correlation between high levels of a particular food antibody and the development of

symptoms. High levels only indicate the person has consumed a particular food in the past, the immune system has “acknowledged” this food and positive test results are to be expected in normal, healthy adults and children.

Furthermore, the inappropriate use of this test only increases the likelihood of false diagnoses being made, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions and decreased quality of life.

Food Exclusion Trials The Irish Food Allergy and Intolerance Network (www.ifan.ie) and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (www. indi.ie) strongly advocate against food intolerance tests because of the lack of reliable studies to support them.

At present, the “gold standard” method for determining if an underlying food intolerance exists is to follow an elimination or exclu-

sion diet followed by a reintroduction challenge.

The elimination a p p r o a c h p r ov i d e s sy mptom relief and subsequently helps to pin-point the culprit food(s) within two to six weeks and it’s the preferred method as recommended by health professionals, Allergy UK’s Intolerance Group and the NICE guidelines for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

These groups recommend guidance from a health professional such as a registered dietitian or doctor to ensure that the correct type of exclusion diet is followed in the short-term and to avoid any risk of longterm nutrient deficiency.

Ellen Roche is an experienced registered dietitian with clinics located throughout Leinster.

Contact the office for private consultations and corporate services (087) 680 2248 www.nutrivive. ie

26 November 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

CINEMA

ReelReviews

lady in the van

Motors along amusingly THE closest that The Lady in The Van (Cert 12A, 104 mins) gets to anything as exciting as a car chanse is the sight of a clapped-out van parked in the driveway of a playwright’s home for year after year. Maggie Smith plays the wily vehicle owner in this low-key but entertaining tale, as Ms Shepherd becomes a part of playwright Alan Bennett’s as the years roll by – even though the van doesn’t.

As true-life crime boss James ‘Whitey’ Bolger, Johnny Depp doesn’t keep his cards close all the time – his criminality involves many associates in a wide-ranging empire

black mass: for the first time in ages, depp delivers a great role

A great study of criminality

CHRONICLING the rise and fall of notorious South Brooklyn crime boss James ‘W hitey’ Bulger, Black Mass (Cert 15A, 123 mins) rings together a stellar cast to tell a story of crooked cops, hardened criminals, and insidious political corruption.

As the head of an Irish mob crew known as the Winter Hill Gang, Bulger rose to infamy through the ’70s and ’80s, piling up a wealth of charges including extortion, narcotics distribution, racketeering, and murder.

He also claims to have shipped more than one million dollars’ worth of weapons across the Atlantic to support the IRA. Furthermore, he racked up the litany of charges while under the watch of the FBI, with

 Dave phillips

whom he was co-operating against a common enemy – the Italian mafia families who controlled much of the black market in Brooklyn.

Yet, despite being one of the America’s most wanted fugitives (trumped only by Osama Bin Laden), ‘Whitey’ Bulger has a fairly low profile outside of the United States.

Most of us will have been unwittingly introduced to Bulger through Scorcese’s The Departed – which drew heavily on Whitey’s story for Jack Nicholson’s character.

It seems fitting then that when Johnny Depp steps into the lead role as Bulger in Black Mass, he brings a distinctly Nicholson-like energy with him.

It is safe to say that much of the buzz built up around Black Mass is connected to Depp’s transformative performance.

With thinning white hair combed tight against a balding dome and haunting dead-blue eyes, the actor is almost unrecognisable.

It is apt casting, too, given Depp’s recent propensity for familyfriendly and much more superficial characters.

The pairing of the chillingly off-kilter looks with the grisly and sociopathic character results in a monster that will stay in the

viewer’s mind long after the image fades from the screen.

Depp’s metamorphosis oozes the kind of ghoulishness that we don’t see enough of in cinema.

Part of bringing such a strong lead character to life involves surrounding him with a much less grotesque cast.

Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty) plays John Connolly, a childhood friend of Bulger who joins the FBI. While operating under the guise of justice, Connolly is often more concerned with his own career, and agrees to turn a blind eye to Bulger’s criminal ventures in return for assistance making a case against the Mafia.

Benedict Cumberbatch also stars as

Billy Bulger, the more respectable sibling, who served for 18 years as president of the Massachusetts Senate while his older brother continued to serve up corpse after corpse.

No doubt that Black Mass belongs to Depp and Edgerton, but there are great smaller parts studded throughout, including appearances from Kevin Bacon, Adam Scott, and Dakota Johnson – the latter of whom provides the most memorable scene in the film.

The story told in Black Mass is one massive tangled web of deception and exploitation, and director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is happy to revel in it.

Cooper delivers a wonderfully menacing and claustrophobic feel

through shots so close we can see the pores, stained teeth and bloodstains in grim detail.

Cooper’s vision is so bleak though that, in a way, it dulls the film.

We move across a decade of Bulger’s life in a disparate fashion. There is no sense of crescendo, no righteous corruptionbusting cop to provide the narrative drive, there is actually nobody to root for, and so there is no Hollywood ending.

More of a sociopathic character study than a traditional mob drama, the narrative sloppily unfolds like an onion rotted to the core.

With more hits than misses, Black Mass remains an engaging, beautifully-shot, and superbly acted film.

Verdict: 7/10

brooklyn

A tale worth visiting SAOIRSE Ronan impresses in Brooklyn (Cert 12A, 112 mins), with its tale of a young emigre in 1950s American – guess where – finding her life taking an unexpected path going down well with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. With Emory Cohen and Domnhall Gleeson providing strong supporting roles as would-be suitors, it’s a well-shot film that dials down Oirish overtones.

burnt

Still a bit of a stinker BRADLEY Cooper’s latest hasn’t gone down well with critics, with Burnt (Cert 15A, 101 mins) getting sliced to pieces faster than a cake made by his troubled-butbrilliant-chef character.

As a character who rides around town on a big motorcycle, wears leather jackets, and struggles with his inner demons – all while trying to kickstart his stalled career – the film is something of a mess.

26 dublin city gazette 26 November 2015

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Retention Permission is sought for erection of single storey structure to rear consisting of upper ground floor terrace with concrete block steps down to garden and Permission to complete the proposed development consisting of glass balustrade, timber decking, plastering of blockwork at 10 Morehampton Road (A Protected Structure), Donnybrook, Dublin 4 for Jim Duggan. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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Planning permission sought for new bedroom/bathroom extension at first floor level (over garage), solar panels on two storey front/ south facing roof slope, rooflights (2) on two storey west and north facing roof slopes and rooflight on east facing single storey roof slope.

Enlarge only existing window on west facade at ground floor level, small mono-pitch roof over projecting flat roof/ ledge on front facade at first floor level, all at 25, Glenavy Park, Terenure, Dublin 6W for Barry & Sinead Fennell at same address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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We Peter & Sile Cruise intend to apply for Retention Permission for existing double storey domestic extension with single storey element and bay window to rear of property also velux roof windows to rear and gable roof profiles at No 1 Carleton Road, Marino, Dublin 3.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

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26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 27

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28 gazette 26 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport Search for new paralympic soccer stars: The Republic of Ireland Paralympic squad are searching for the next national hero as they begin preparations for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

After finishing sixth in the Cerebral Palsy World Cup, the squad are offering a fantastic opportunity for the best players around the country with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or those who have suffered a stroke to represent Ireland.

The FAI are partnering with Paralympics Ireland in this new campaign ahead of a trial day at the FAI national training centre on Saturday, December 12 at 12 noon.

Any players aged between 16 and 30-years-old, who have any of the aforementioned impairments, are eligible to try out for the team.

More informations can be found at http://www.fai.ie/ irelands-next-paralympic-football-star/ the-campaign.

cross country: raheny man storms to inter clubs national title

Clohisey cleans up in Santry  sport@dublingazette.com

MICK Clohisey, from Raheny Shamrocks, reigned supreme at the GloHealth inter-club cross-country championships in Santry Demesne.

A memorable day of competition saw big fields

and a large spectator crowd that needn’t have worried about the after effects of storm Barney.

A sea of colour dotted Santry Demesne with clubs from all over the country out in force with tents and tear-drop flags adding an extra dimen-

sion to the atmosphere created by Fintan Reilly and Nick Davis as the two main men on the microphone.

The senior women’s 8,000m race was one that whetted the appetite with a top-class field and with the uncertainty

Raheny’s Mick Clohisey celebrating his third title. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Mick Clohisey on the trail at Santry Demesne

of the form of Fionnuala McCormack.

The start of the race was a cagey affair with the diminutive McCormack nestled in the leading pack led by the effervescent Lizzie Lee (Leevale).

Lee tried to take on McCormack but the the teak tough Wicklow woman was untouchable building an insurmountable lead.

Lee hung on gamely for second leading her club to a maiden team title with the surprise package Caroline Crowley (Crusaders) coming through for third.

Dundrum South Dublin were second in the team race with Raheny Shamrocks third.

Clohisey followed up as

an impressive winner of the men’s 10,000m with a front-running performance from the gun ahead of Metro St Brigid’s John Coghlan in second and Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) in third.

Leevale missed out on the team title by a single point to Clonliffe Harriers, 47 to 48, with Raheny narrowly behind on 51.

It was Clohisey’s third time to win the inter-clubs’ crown and he is now looking forward to competing in the European cross-country championships where his rivals will become his teammates.

“You don’t really think about these things,” he said referring to his third inter-clubs’ title. “You just move on to the next thing when you’re on form. It is

a good achievement and it was a good race out there today. I wasn’t expecting to be out in the lead so early on my own so it it was a question of keeping my concentration.

“I’m looking forward to wearing the Irish vest with pride now at the Europeans and putting in a good performance. We were all rivals today but I’m looking forward to us competing as team mates in France.”

Hope Saunders (Clonliffe Harriers) and Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track Club) were impressive winners of the junior women’s 4,000m and junior men’s 6,000m respectively.

DSD women and Clonliffe Harriers men won the junior team titles.

Duke and Pinder power UCD to win over Harlequins  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD’s Deirdre Duke gets away from Cork Harlequins’ Yvonne O’Byrne. Picture: Adrian Boehm

SECOND-half goals from Gillian Pinder and Deirdre Duke saw UCD land their third win of the women’s EY Hockey League season last Sunday, beating Cork Harlequins 2-0 to keep them in the shake-up for the playoff places.

UCD started the stronger of the two teams with Aisling Naughton and Sorcha Clarke creating chances down the lefthand side after good persistence from Leah Ewart.

They also had two corners but

neither were converted.

Quins duly grew into the game after an intial slow start, building from the back through Cliodhna Sargent who caused UCD problems with the long ball.

Olivia Roycroft came closest sending a deflection flying by the back post from a Sargent crash ball.

Into the second half, UCD remained patient in their build up play against a strong Quins’ defence that was proving difficult to break down. Gillian Pinder broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt into the bottom

corner after a brilliant five pass exchange that opened up the top of the circle for Pinder.

The fourth quarter started with Quins looking to get an equaliser but they found it difficult to get anything out of a disciplined UCD defence.

The Cork side earned their first penalty corner of the game with four minutes to go which Cliodhna Sargeant looked to strike home off a switch but it was brilliantly ran down by Naughton.

Deirdre Duke put the game away a minute later sliding in at

the back post to put away a good team move.

It was a fine riposte from UCD on a double-weekend as they lost 4-1 a day earlier to a resurgent Pegasus side in Belfast.

Booterstown side Hermes continued their brilliant form in the league with a pair of wins over two of their nearest rivals, seeing off Harlequins 3-0 on Saturday and then beat second placed Ulster Elks 3-1 on Sunday. Anna O’Flanagan scored three times over the weekend to extend her scoring tally to 18 goals in eight games.

26 November 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Peat adds another Irish string to incredible bow Following spells with the Irish basketball team and the Dublin footballers, Dubliner Lindsay Peat tells JAMES HENDICOTT about her rugby debut LINDSAY PEAT - an All-Ireland winning footballer and former co-captain of the Irish international basketball team - added international rugby to her considerable sporting CV over the weekend.

Peat was called up to the Ireland Women’s squad to face England at Harlequin’s London

ground The Stoop last week, named on the bench as the women played their first autumn international.

Peat - who plays her rugby with Railway Union in Sandymount - was named on the bench for Ireland, joining the fray in the final quarter of the game to earn her debut cap.

Amazingly, Peat only joined Railway Union (her first rugby club) in the early summer, after the club - that’s only three years old when it comes to the women’s game - talked her into turning out through friends who were already involved.

She quickly became hooked: “There are

Lindsay Peat in Dublin ladies football action. Picture: GAAPics.com

huge depths to Irish rugby, and a lot of injuries right now,” Peat told GazetteSport, modestly playing down her selection. “It never even entered my mind that I might be called up, and I feel very lucky.

“I had been trying to wind down when the call came, trying to avoid getting injured and to experience playing for my club.

“I’ve been learning the tactical side,” she adds. “There are a few crossovers from GAA and from basketball.

Tactically, the game mirrors basketball, but like football you’re always trying to find space, to work to create openings. It took me a long time to stop trying to run off someone’s shoulder and to come more deep.”

Before taking up rugby, Peat had stepped away from GAA back in May, after finishing her degree. She had studied

alongside a full-time job and multiple evenings of training across several sports, leaving “more often than not, only Sunday evenings free.”

“Looking back, I love basketball and football equally,” she explains.

“It’s like trying to choose between your children. Basketball was the sport that I first put a lot of work into, getting to the top level, playing in the national league and then getting to the international set up.

“It’s the foundation, so it’ll always have a very special place.”

Rugby is the new love, though, and Peat’s just had her first international taste.

An experimental Irish side that included nine new caps lost to a last minute maul from a line out, with England barging over the line with two minutes left on the clock for an 8-3 win.

Ireland had equalised through a penalty in an extremely low-scoring game, making the game 3-3 with seven minutes left on the clock.

“The game was played in horrible conditions that didn’t really suit us,” Peat tells us, “but it was really great to get that experience. There are two Ireland training camps coming up in December, where the squad train like professionals.

“I feel very, very lucky to be involved, and my next aim is to keep getting called up to camps.

We’ll see where things go from there.

“I’m grateful to Tom Tierney [Ireland women’s rugby manager] for giving me a shot.”

And why the multisport success? “There’s something for everyone that just makes them feel alive,” Peat concludes. “For me, that’s sport. I just try to take up things that I enjoy.”

FastSport Smyth signed up as academy manager: FORMER St Mary’s and Blackrock College coach Peter Smyth has taken up the role of Academy Manager at Leinster.

As a player Peter has represented both Ireland and Leinster at A, U21 and Schools level. He coached St Mary’s College RFC to Ulster Bank League success in 2012 and also coached Blackrock College to four schools senior cup and two junior cups.

Smyth’s role as Leinster Rugby Academy Manager will see him oversee the delivery of the academy and sub-academy programmes as well as supporting the national talent and the regional development squad programmes.

He will be responsible for the development and progression of players for the professional game in Ireland and the management of talent identification.

Speaking about the new job, he said: “There is huge potential in the underage system in Leinster across schools and clubs and I am excited to be in a position to help nurture that talent into future Ireland players.”

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 26 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: shelbourne star back in ireland squad for spain tie

Tector enjoys stint in South Africa with St Stithian’s HARRY TECTOR, of Dublin’s YMCA Cricket Club in Sandymount, has participated in a cricket exchange through Leinster Cricket, travelling to South Africa, with Johannesburg player Craig Meier coming the other way as both look to develop their games.

Tector travelled to St Stithian’s College in Johannesburg, the number one ranked school in South African cricket, where he competed for the second eleven, reporting back on highquality local teams and competitive matchplay experiences. Tector said:“Results on the pitch were slow to come by with the bat as I started off with the second team.

“I felt my bowling made up for it and was fortunate to take a ‘five-for’ against St. Benedict’s along with a couple of ‘three-fors’.

“I played on a Wednesday and Saturday for the school and then on Sunday I would play for the Wanderers Cricket Club which is right beside the international ground [Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Illovo] which was very cool.

“I started off on the Wanderers fourth team and scored 55 not out and took two wickets as we beat Old Edwardians. I was surprised to find out during the game that they had an ex-Protea left arm spinner playing for them called Clive Eksteen. Needless to say he was still very good!”

Tector progressed well through the ranks, benefiting from local coaching to develop his game during his time on the road.

“To finish off the Johannesburg leg of my trip was a double weekend against the Affie’s school from Pretoria [the school of Faf Du Plessis, Jacques Rudolph and AB De Villiers],” he recalls. “We lost badly but it was nice to score 27 at the end for my last game of the season with Saints.

“The next day was a club game against Pirates for the second team, which I was promoted to. I bowled with no luck with edges going wide and over hands but felt good nonetheless. It was nice to finish my last match of the trip with 33 before being given out LBW. “I was fortunate enough to play for Saints 1st X1 against a touring side from England and although I didn’t do much, I got my first wicket at St Stithian’s and it was a privilege to play with the number one ranked school in the entire country.”

Republic of Ireland’s SIobhan Killeen

Killeen seeks Euro goals  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER her wonder goal at the Aviva Stadium in the FAI Women’s Cup final was overshadowed by a defeat on penalties to Wexford Youths, Shelbourne Ladies’ Siobhan Killeen is looking for another big goal this Thursday and hopefully this time, a better result.

K illeen is back in the Republic of Ireland Women’s squad for Thursday’s Euro 2017 qualification game against Spain in Tallaght Stadium. After a vital win in Portugal last month

which she missed out on due to college commitments, Killeen insists the Irish can pick-up points against top-seeds Spain and has some more personal incentive to get a result than some members of the squad.

“I can’t wait, we kind of owe them one,” she said. “We played them back in 2010 with the Under-17s with the same manager and a lot of the same players, they beat us in the European final on penalties then so we want to give them one back.

“There’s a few us in the squad now from that

U-17’s team so it would be great to get one over on them.

“We played them in a friendly earlier this year too that I was involved in and we done well against them so we feel like we can put it up to them so hopefully at home we can do something on Thursday,” added Killeen.

After losing their opening fixture in the group at home to Finland in September, the win in Portugal last month was much needed as Sue Ronan’s side look to book their place in the first 16-team UEFA Women’s finals.

Her goal at the Aviva

south dublin swans Local Aussie Rules side get special visitors the south Dublin Swans Aussie Rules team had a number of special visitors at their 10th annual awards night, coinciding with the visiting AFL international rules team.

Swans tall ruckman Paul O’Halloran won the Best and Fairest award and top goal kicker was rookie Seamus Owens from Terenure. Included in the group photo are Luke Breust and Jarrad Roughhead from Hawthorn the 2015 AFL Premiership winners, Leigh Montana from St Kilda, Dyson Heppell from Essendon and Bob Murphy from Western Bulldogs.

stadium earlier this month was the third game in a row the winger has either scored or been directly involved in a goal on Lansdowne Road.

It will be Dublin 24 rather Dublin 4 on Thursday but the Shels player is looking for another big goal in a big game.

“I kind of like the big stage and especially the Aviva matches,” she said.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve scored on my last three games there as one of the goals was a cross I sent in that was knocked in for an own goal but I was involved.

“Then I had a goal last year against UCD, which probably wasn’t one of my finest if you were to see it, and then this year’s cup final I got one which was a bit of an improvement.

“Unfortunately we just couldn’t hold on and get to win to make sure it really meant something.

“I haven’t scored at senior level yet; it is something I want to change.

I’m a winger so I need to be giving something in the final-third, I’ve had an assist but hopefully now I can get my name on the score-sheet pretty soon,” Killeen said.

26 November 2015 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

afl1 semi-finals

FastGAA

Division 1 finally set for playoff phases na fianna will play St Vincent’s in the

semi-final of AFL1 on Sunday morning at 11am on the Mobhi Road as the league finally reaches the playoff phases of the campaign.

Na Fianna ended the regular season in second place behind Kilmacud Crokes who will meet St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in their semi-final of the competition.

hurling: tribesmen prevail in final quarter

Dublin players to fore in international rules win

Liam Rushe, Shane Barrett, Paul Ryan and Daire Plunkett ahead of the Fenway Hurling Classic. Picture: Paul Mohan

Galway deny Dubs the Fenway spoils

aig fenway classic Galway Dublin  sport@dublingazette.com

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A STORMING start to the last quarter saw Galway edge out the Dubs in Sunday’s AIG Fenway Hurling Classic in Boston’s Fenway Park.

The Tribesmen came from five points behind in the final quarter to win by three before a crowd in excess of 25,000 in one of America’s oldest sporting venues.

It was played on an American football pitch used on Saturday night for the Notre Dame-Boston

College clash, which was part of a weekend-long festival of Irish themed sport in the city.

This was the second AIG classic, the first played on Notre Dame’s Indiana campus two years ago. Galway led at the first break thanks to a three-pointer from Conor Whelan and four points from Brian Molloy.

The tie was marred by a dust-up between the majority of the players but, when play was on, Eamon Dillon was Dublin’s key man with 17 points while Fiontan McGibb hit 10 throughout the contest.

Goals scored inside the

20-metre exclusion zone are worth three points, outside of that it was four and a goal scored on the volley is worth an extra point no matter where it’s hit from.

The game is divided into four 15-minute quarters with unlimited substitutions. Yellow cards result in a two-minute cooling off spell in the sin bin and frees are taken on a tap-and-go basis.

Instead of a ’65, teams get a short corner and in the second quarter Brian Molloy converted one brilliantly on the volley for the Tribesmen to help them cut their half-time

deficit to four points, 24-20, having at one stage trailed by seven.

Three quarters of the way through Dublin led by 36 to 31, setting up the final 15 minutes nicely.

G a l w ay we n t u p through the gears with Conor Whelan taking his personal tally to 12 points and Jason Flynn racking up 18 points for the day, the game’s top scorer.

They led by six in the closing stages before a McGibb goal for the Dubs cut the gap to three and the eventual winners had goalkeeper James Skehill to thank for a brilliant stop right at the death.

BERNARD BROGAN captained Ireland to a tight international rules victory on Saturday night (November 21), with the Dubs’ man playing a key role in one of the most exciting Ireland v Australia contests of recent times.

Goals were the difference for Ireland in the end, with the amalgamated counties lethal in front of goal in the first two quarters, scoring 18 points through a double from Aidan O’Shea and a penalty by Conor McManus.

The Aussies, in contrast, looked promising in possession but far from clinical in front of goal, frequently scoring a single point when three looked there for the taking, despite looking strong in midfield. Goals simply weren’t forthcoming for the men from Down Under.

Ireland went in at halftime with a lead of over twenty points, but the home side noticeably tired after the break, and watched their lead dwindle throughout the third quarter and cut to a single ‘over’ with three minutes left on the clock.

At the time, Australia were arguably back in the role of favourites: with all the momentum, Jack McCaffrey’s powerful runs from midfield and a few smart marks ran down the clock and took the wind from Aussie sales. The opening half of the final period also proved a critical period for Ireland, seeing no more than a point a piece in a scrappy period.

Brogan - who controlled forward possession throughout with some clever movement beneath the Australian posts - hit a single point with twenty seconds left on the clock to leave Australia needing a goal that there wasn’t time to grab, and the amateurs victorious over their professional counterparts by 56 points to 52. Monaghan’s McManus and Mayo man O’Shea - alongside Brogan - proved critical.

Had the game continued for another 10 minutes, there’s little doubt the Aussies would have turned the score around, but calmness from Brogan’s side amid the chaos of the closing stages carried Ireland over the line, and with this year’s series restricted to a single match, saw Ireland win back the title.

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32 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 26 November 2015