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OCT 29 - NOV 4, 2015

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terror lives on capital streets

These ghastly ghouls were among the creatures of the night who came out to play recently when Dublin celebrated its dark side as part of the Bram Stoker Festival.

The festival featured four days of living stories and four nights of deadly adventures, with ghosts and ghouls aplenty and lots of spooky shenanigans to choose from.

Galway-based spectacle and street performance company Macnas closed the festival at twilight. The festival is an initiative of Dublin City Council and Failte Ireland, presented by Project Arts Centre.

Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennells

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Oldest house in city is found on Thomas St Modest exterior hides property dating back to early 1600s

 Emma Nolan

A discovery on Thomas Street has revealed the oldest house in Dublin.

Dating from 1639, 130 Thomas Street, though unremarkable from its exterior, hides stunning

details from the 1600s, including a beautiful early staircase.

The house’s unusual roof and chimney were noticed

by Dublin Civic Tr ust officer Graham Hickey on Googlemaps and he then gained access to the house

to stumble on the beauty within.

Hickey applied to Dublin City Council to have the building listed as a protected structure.

The house was bought by builder Paul Sinnott in March 2014, who then

had samples of wood from the house sent to Belfast to be dated, revealing it to be from 1639.

Sinnott now plans to make the house into apartments, while conserving its original features.

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 29 October 2015

Run, dublin, run | participants fly in to participate in 36th Marathon

15,000 athletes and one focus on capital day  emma nolan

MONDAY morning’s downpour didn’t dampen the record numbers that turned out for the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon as athletes and spectators flocked into the city.

Public transport diversions and road closures were in place as some 15,000 runners took the 26.2 mile route which stretched from Fitzwilliam Street, through the Phoenix Park, south towards Templeogue and

east to Belfield before finishing up at Merrion Square.

Now in its 36th year, the Dublin Marathon welcomes running enthusiasts from all over the world to complete the route with 4,500 athletes flying in to join an estimated 11,000 Irish runners.

Ethiopian Alemu Gemechu crossed the finish line first in just two hours and 14 minutes and Ukrainian Nataliya Lehonkova was the first woman over the line at an

impressive two hours and 30 minutes. Second place went to Francis Ngare of Kenya while Patrick Monaghan was the first wheelchair athlete for the fourth year in a row and 2013 winner Sean Hehir was the first Irish national to cross the line.

Last year’s winner, Kenyan Eliu Too competed again to defend his title, along with last year’s reigning female winner Esther Machaira. Other participants included international mountain runner Sarah Mulligan

who competed for the women’s title against Pauline Curley – the second woman over the line.

Sporting legend Sonia O’Sullivan, who won in 2000, was back to run the 26 miles to raise money for the Irish Guide Dogs.

The Olympian said she was looking forward to competing and finishing the race, “Fortunately for me the section I know quite well is towards the end. I’ll be looking forward to getting there and seeing a few friends.”

Speaking of the Dublin Marathon’s global appeal, she added, “it’s known as one of the friendliest marathons”.

Thousands of supporters and spectators lined Dublin’s streets. They were keen to show their support as the athletes rose to a gruelling challenge.

Spirits were kept at an all-time high as many turned out in costumes to the event which has grown in popularity in recent years.

Every year millions of euros are raised by athletes for their favourite charities and many worthy causes were well represented.

Dublin Fireman Padraig (Podge) Thomspon ran the marathon blindfolded in a bid to raise awareness for young people facing darkness and raise funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

Vital funds were raised for the Dublin City Marathon’s official charity partners MS Ireland and Aware.

This is the last year the race will take place on a

Former international athlete Sonia O’Sullivan in action during the Dublin City Marathon. Picture: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

Monday as organisers plan to hold the event on the bank holiday Sunday instead in order to attract more international athletes and visitors.

Race director Jim Aughney said of the decision: “By moving the race to Sunday, we are hoping to encourage the runners to spend the full week-

end in Dublin which will allow them to enjoy other activities and sights that the city has to offer before they return home after the race.”

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

Inner city complex rebuild is on target CONSTRUCTION of part of Charlemont Street Flats begins shortly following their demolition 18 months ago.

The south inner city complex will be rebuilt

under a deal between Alcove Properties and Dublin council. It involves building 79 apartments with council tenants taking priority before any private development.

The Charlemont Community Group and Regeneration Board is also working towards accessing local employment from the project and offers residents training courses in

manual handling and safe pass catering courses at low prices to ensure they are certified for employment that will become available as part of the regeneration scheme.

Let’s get physical

Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain certainly made a splash recently as she launched this year’s City of Physics. City of Physics is a new interactive and inclusive campaign to encourage everyone across the capital to explore and discover the beauty of physics around the city of Dublin. Scientists, artists and designers will be coming together to create something very special in every corner of the city. City of Physics is running from October 28 until November 18. For more information, check out www.cityofphysics.com. Picture: Naoise Culhane

HERITAGE | ENTRANCE REVAMP ROW

Rutland Memorial Fountain plan gets a poor reception  EMMA NOLAN

H E R I TAGE g r o u p s have opposed plans to create a new entrance to Merrion Square Park through an existing monument on the park’s west sidepark.

Plans to knock a hole through the park’s Rutland Memorial Fountain to facilitate a doorway have angered the Irish Georgian Society and An Taisce which fears new interventions will irreversibly damage the structure.

The proposal comes as a part of a plan by Dublin City Council to

revamp Merrion Square Park with the historic monument providing a great location for a grand entrance to one of the city’s Georgian landmarks.

T h e 2 0 0 - y e a r- o l d fountain was erected in memory of Charles Manners, fourth Duke of Rutland and was built by Arthur Darley, a stonemason for the Custom House.

Its original purpose was to provide a water supply to the public from the two bronze lion heads on each side.

It is decorated with reliefs depicting vari-

ous scenes and is a fine example of Dublin’s rich Georgian aesthetic.

Howley Hayes Architects, responsible for the new entrance design, said the idea of a doorway through the monument would give the structure a “new purpose” but were met with refusals from Cllr Kate O’Connell (FG). She said: “I would consider the monument to be art and art doesn’t need a purpose.”

An Taisce heritage o f f i c e r Ia n L u m l e y expressed his concerns over the damage that such a renovation would

cause saying: “Any proposal to turn the central arched recess of the Rutland fountain into a new entrance into Merrion Square would be inappropriate, injurious to the integrity of its design character and would prevent future restoration of the original design.”

Head of park services for Dublin City Council Les Moore said the local authority had asked the architects to illustrate the proposal further to try to come to an eventual agreement on the new entrance.

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4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 29 October 2015

man’s best friend | gardai save the day in Crumlin

Rescued puppies give everyone a lift  ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

Crumlin gardai say: “The pups were found and returned to the owners. They were absolutely delighted. Great work put in today and great teamwork.”

RESCUING a bundle of puppies and returning them to their rightful owners is certainly a welcome change to the many illegal items that gardai have to seize.

On the night of October 20, four huskies were stolen from a house in the Crumlin area, leaving their owners very distressed and concerned for their puppies’ safety.

After a brief investigation gardai at Crumlin Garda Station were able to obtain a search warrant for a house in Poddle Park, Crumlin.

The four young puppies were found inside the premises and taken to the station for a few essential photos with their rescuers before being returned to their owners.

Following the incident, Crumlin Garda station posted on Facebook: “Four husky pups were stolen two nights ago in the Cr umlin area.

“Following enquiries carried out I applied for a warrant and searched a house today, also in the Crumlin area.

“The pups were found and returned to the owners.

“They were absolutely delighted. Great work put in today and great teamwork.

“It gave ever yone involved and in the station a great lift. We all love a happy ending.”

Bevin Meaney, one of the gardai involved in the rescue spoke to The Gazette, saying the owners were “over the moon” when their puppies were returned.

“If I had the space I

would have loved to give them a home, but the owners were over the moon when we returned the four huskies to them.

“We literally just got them and had to give them straight back.

“Everyone in the station was very surprised to see a load of cute puppies come through the door.

“It’s not something you see every day, but when you look at them you just can’t help but say awww...

“It’s now business as usual, but it gave everyone here a nice lift,” she said.

No arrests have been made regarding this incident and the investigation continues.

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) advised people inter--------------------------

‘When you look at the puppies you just can’t help but say awww...’

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

ested in adopting a dog to be wary of classified ads on the internet, especially those from breeders with multiple breeds for sale.

“Never buy a dog without seeing the premises where the mother and puppies are kept. Always ask to see the mother and if possible the father.

“If you are in any doubt about the validity of a breeder, the condition of the animal or see any suspicious advertisements, contact the DSPCA as soon as possible at 01-499 4700.”

FastNews

Rescue services succeed in pulling man from the Liffey A RESCUE on the Liffey was carried out on Sunday night as emergency services came to the aid of a man who had fallen into the river at 10pm. The Dublin Fire Brigade’s Donnybrook, Phibsboro and Killbarrack units were dispatched to the scene as crowds gathered. A boat was needed to retrieve the man and a life buoy was deployed to take him from the river.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

He is not believe to have sustained any serious injuries and the Dublin Fire Brigade posted the successful rescue operation on Twitter stating: “Life buoy deployed, one person treated by ambulance. Crews from K’barrack & P’boro finishing up on scene.”

Opening move to delete ‘Lord’ from Dublin Mayor A MOTION has been tabled to remove the word “Lord” from the historic title of the Lord Mayor and change it to the Civic Mayor of Dublin instead.

Cllr Mannix Flynn (Ind), tabled a motion at an upcoming protocol committee, saying that people today have no connection with the word. He added that it would be fitting to change the title in time for the 1916 centenary celebrations.

Current Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF) does not use the title as she deems it sexist, and uses the Irish title ‘Ardmheara’ instead.

Tales of the rare oul times and the new mark library opening TO MARK the forthcoming opening of the new City Library at Parnell Square, a new digital storytelling project has been launched to celebrate the diversity of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter.

The project called Dublin: A Great Place to Start was launched at the Dublin City Gallery and participants from Ireland, Brazil, Somalia, Italy, Moldova and South Africa have created a unique collection of 11 short films.

The stories take place from Nelson’s Pillar to Moore Street, from the Ha’penny Bridge in the rain to the dancehalls of Parnell Square and from Summerhill to North Great George’s Street.

For more information about this project, visit www.parnellsquare.ie

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

talks | link-up may explain reason for move

Web Summit reps to meet councillors  Keith Bellew REPRESENTATIVES from the Web Summit will meet Dublin City councillors on the enterprise and economic development committee next month to identify the issues that led to the summit’s withdrawal from Dublin.

There has been much criticism of the Government for allowing a situation to develop that necessitated the summit’s decision to move to Lisbon. Issues cited include inadequate traffic management, a lack of hotel rooms and insufficient wifi access.

The Department of Finance maintains, how-

ever, that the move is part of the natural evolution of the summit.

It pointed out that the event had been supported financially by government bodies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

Both provided funding of €320,000 and €405,000 respectively between 2012 and 2014.

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF), chairperson of the local authority’s enterprise and economic development committee, welcomed the Web Summit’s decision to meet them in November. He looked forward to seeing what lessons could be learned from their experience.

“It is clear the Government wants to put everything down to this purely being a commercial decision but I believe the decision of the Web Summit to move to Lisbon was also based on a lack of urgency by the Taoiseach and his officials,” he said.

He added that Dublin’s reputation as a place to do business and a great place for investors to link up with Irish start-ups has been damaged by the withdrawal.

However, fellow committee member Cllr Noel Rock (FG) echoed the Department of Finance’s assertion that the move was a commercial deci-

sion. He said he did not see what purpose meeting summit reps would serve.

“As the only member of the committee to have actually attended the Web Summit, I think it’s a bit of an attention grabbing exercise from the committee.

“Contracts have been signed [with Lisbon] by the Web Summit, and there are a great many other conferences and summits that are happening in Dublin.

“I think our time and attention would be better spent trying to bring more summits and business to Dublin, and learn lessons from the sum-

Paddy Cosgrave, founder of The Web Summit, on the centre stage during Day 3 of the 2014 Web Summit in the RDS. Picture: Naoise Culhane / SPORTSFILE / Web Summit

mit,” he said.

He added that the Lisbon Web Summit contract was for €1.3m which Dublin can’t match and we must “say goodbye” to it.

He pointed out that the Dublin Horse Show generated more revenue

for Dublin than the Web Summit did. In addition, he did not think chasing the summit in a “headline grabbing exercise” was beneficial.

To u r i s m M i n i s t e r Paschal Donohoe has announced that the Cognitive Science Society

will hold its 2017 conference in the RDS Dublin.

They expect it will attract 1,500 overseas delegates and the Renaissance Society of America Conference will host its 2021 conference with 4,000 delegates expected.

6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29 October 2015

DON’S DUBLIN No debate about it – Parliament House is well worth a visit THE Irish Parliament House on College Green was the first

Housing available when pyrite work begins, says council  KEITH BELLEW TEMPORARY accommodation for residents of Carton and Owensilla in Ballymun will be ready when the pyrite remediation projects begin on their own homes at the end of the year, according to a spokesperson for Dublin City Council.

This follows a motion by Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) at a recent Dublin northwest area meeting which called on the local authority to sort the pyrite problem as a matter of urgency in the area.

“A number of properties have been identified in Shangan and Forestwood which families can move into in the interim period.

“The council has told me it will be January at the earliest before these are available. I am calling on the council to initiate works on them now and have them fitted out for families as soon as possible,” she said.

A spokesperson responded saying the units would be ready for the families by the time the

scheme begins “Works are due to start end of 2015-16.

“In order for the works to be carried out the residents will have to be offered alternative temporary accommodation.

“The units at Shangan are being held for this purpose,” they said.

bicameral (two chambers) building in the world.

The foundation stone was laid by Thomas Wyndham, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, on February 3, 1729 and construction took almost 10 years. It was designed by renowned Irish architect Edward Lovett Pearce who sadly died in 1733, aged 34, and never lived to see his most famous work completed.

The building, although its workings were often disliked, was appreciated for the elegance of its fine Palladian lines. It operated until 1800, when after a second vote in February the House of Commons voted for its own abolition, which came into effect on 1st Jan 1801.

This subsequently led to an exodus of peers and wealthy merchants that had a major negative impact on the Irish economy.

As a final gesture of defiance against the Act of Union, John Foster (of Foster Place fame), the last Speaker of the House of Commons, retained possession of the Mace. It is believed that he hid it

Builder Paul Sinnott bought 130 Thomas Street for €125,000 in March 2014. “It was a bit of a rush buy because it was at auction,” he said.

under his bed at home on Molesworth Street, and nothing more was heard of it until 1937 when it was put up for auction by Christies, London.

It was purchased by the Bank of Ireland (which had bought the Irish Parliament House for £40,000) and it is now in a glass case in the House of Lords. When the building was sold to the Bank of Ireland it was stipulated that both chambers (Commons and Lords) be dismantled, but the Lords is today almost unchanged.

All the original fittings, including the beautifully engraved oak fireplace, are in use, and the Woolsack, which the Chancellor of Ireland sat on during debates, has now been restored.

The magnificent 1,233 piece chandelier is origi-

HERITAGE | ’UNREMARKABLE’ BUILDING DATES FROM 1639

130 Thomas Street the oldest house in Dublin

 EMMA NOLAN

nal, and its counterpart from the Commons can be seen in the Examination Hall, across the road in Trinity College.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Irish Parliament House on College Green: all the original fittings, including the beautifully engraved oak fireplace, are still in use today

A DISCOVERY on Thomas Street has revealed the oldest house in Dublin.

Dating from 1639, 130 Thomas Street, though unremarkable from its exterior, caught the interest of Dublin Civic Trust officer Graham Hickey after he noticed its unusual roof and chimney on Google Maps aerial view.

After gaining access to the house from its estate agents, HIckey took his life in his hands entering the dilapidated structure which he describes as “literally collapsing in on itself”.

Once inside he struck gold when his torch illuminated a beautiful early staircase.

“Suddenly, under the flashlights, this beautiful early staircase came into view at the back of the house,” says Hickey. “It was absolutely amazing; one of those moments when you know you’re bang on the money.”

It was this staircase that confirmed Graham’s suspicions – this derelict building right in the city centre, dates back to the 1600s, a time that not many houses in Dublin have survived from.

Hickey joked that he felt like Indiana Jones trying to exit the house

on making his discovery.

“The house was unravelling around me and it was very much touch and go getting back out.”

He then wasted no time applying to Dublin City Council to have the building listed as a protected structure.

Builder Paul Sinnott bought 130 T homas Street for €125,000 in March 2014. “It was a bit of a rush buy because it was at auction,” Sinnott says. “I thought I’d take a chance on it because I had worked on similar buildings before. But I didn’t realise how old it was and what was inside.”

With the help of con-

ser vation architect, David Averill, Sinnott had samples of wood from the house sent to Queens University Belfast to be tested. After four months the results revealed that the wood dated back to 1639 making it the oldest intact house in Dublin.

130’s average appearance on the outside gives no indication of the time capsule that exists within. “It has a horrendous facade, but it’s cloaking a much older building from behind,” HIckey said.

Intricate brickwork, triangular gable low ceilings, exposed oak beams, a corner fireplace and

the twisted barley sugar shape bannisters of the staircase that first caught Hickey’s attention are all unique features that date the house to the 1600s.

Sinnott has made it his mission to restore the property and has begun the enormous task of conserving all the original elements.

He plans to turn the building into two onebed apartments, with a shop unit on the ground floor.

After making such a landmark discovery, Hickey plans to seek out the city’s oldest buildings that are “all hidden and lurking behind ordinary facades”.

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 7

st michael’s house | aviva teams volunteer to create a welcome oasis in rathgar

Garden offers sanctuary to community

 keith bellew

ONE of Ireland’s largest providers of community based services for children and adults with an intellectual disability officially opened its transformed gardens at its Turas unit in Rathgar recently.

St Michael’s House says the unit is a day training centre for young adults with intellectual disabilities, who live at home. They attend Turas to gain a quality and qualifications Ireland Level 2 qualification.

The unit teaches service users skills in independence and supports them in preparing for, and seeking employment.

Fifty staff from Aviva Insurance Ireland volunteered their time

between June and October this year to transform the unit’s courtyard and gardens.

As the garden has been completed to such a high standard, St Michael’s House has decided to open it to the Rathgar community, so they can enjoy it alongside the Turas service users.

The work involved transforming unused and abandoned parts of the garden into vibrant, colourful zones. The teams worked in succession, digging, planting and painting. The result was an open space for the service users.

The garden was officially opened by St Michael’s House director of operations, David Dunne, and Aviva’s corporate social responsibility manager Breda

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

‘Corporate support is really appreciated and can make a huge difference.’

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

David Dunne

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

Judge. The local community and local businesses came together to ensure the day was a success. Music Matters choir sang garden themed songs, flowers and plants were donated by the local Oasis garden centre, gardening tutorials were provided by Airfield House and the Rathmines branch of Starbucks provided cups of tea and coffee.

Director of operations at St Michael’s House,

David Dunne, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, saying that due to financial constraints garden spaces like this could not be developed within these units.

“Volunteering is very important to services.

Corporate support is really appreciated and can make a huge difference, like creating this ‘room outside’ for our young adults in Turas unit.

“It’s clear that Aviva, our service users and the local Rathgar community will benefit from this project for some time to come and we would urge other organisations who may be interested in participating in our volunteer programme to get in touch with us to learn more about the opportunities available.”

Dylan Wall with Aviva volunteers Patricia Egan, Sandra Harte and Karen O’Reardon

Government part of the problem, say Clongriffen housing protesters  emma nolan A nti - a u sterit y protesters occupied a show house from property developers Gannon Homes in Clongriffin on Sunday evening. The Nama funded Belltree development which includes two- and threestorey houses, launched last week and is due to be completed next year with properties starting at €260,000.

The protest took place in response to the recent budget which according to local Anti-Austerity Alliance councillor Michael O’Brien “delivered nothing for the homeless, those crucified by high rents and the 130,000 [people] languishing on the waiting lists”. Cllr O’Brien added that the move was essential to highlight the Government’s “unforgivable decisions” on the homeless crisis and

Cllr Michael O’Brien: Budget ‘delivered nothing’

engage in a debate over Nama’s role in Ireland.

The occupiers, who consisted of homeless people, anti-austerity activists and tenants affected by rent hikes who are facing the possibility of homelessness argue that Nama funds should be used to resolve the ongoing housing crisis.

Cllr O’Brien said that the Nama funded housing developments are being used for profit as opposed to aiding the accommodation crisis.

“We have to make housing the number one issue in the run-up to the elec-

tions and apply massive pressure on the political establishment to totally re-orientate Nama so that it becomes a major component in solving the crisis.”

One protester, Rachel Kenny, a mother of two living in the Clongriffin area, said rent increases of more than €300 have forced her to seek rent supplement help from Threshold, the national housing charity. She said, “I absolutely dread the possibility of a further hike next month when the lease is up for renewal and like thousands of others in my position the fear of becoming homeless really bears down on me.”

Erica Fleming from Coolock, another occupier present at the picket who has been homeless since July, said: “The housing crisis gets worse by the week and will continue to worsen

if we stay on the course this Government has set of leaving it to private developers and landlords to meet the need that’s out there when clearly they are only in it for the profit. They are part of the problem and not the solution.”

A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said: “The recent 2016 budget provided €70m, a 30% increase on last year, for emergency accommodation for the homeless. In addition Minister Kelly secured an additional €120m for social housing. The overall social housing package now provides over €4bn out to 2020.

“This funding will provide 35,000 new homes for families on the waiting lists and 75,000 families will have their housing needs met under (HAP) the Housing Assistance Payment.”

8 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 29 October 2015

cityGazettegallery | Triumphant Dubs share the spoils of

Denis Mahony managers Vincent Blake and Conor Murphy

After Dublin winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Final, Toyota Ireland, sponsors of the Dublin GAA Team arranged for some of the Dublin football team players to visit the Denis Mahony dealership in Kilbarrack recently with the Sam Maguire Cup. Pictured at the event are Daniel Kynes and Callum Murphy

Ciara Egan with Jack McCaffrey

Signs of fun as Sam hits town

players Dean Rock, James McCarthy and Jack McCaffrey with Tadhg and Cillian Cleary and Aidan Murphy. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Conor and Harry Murphy

Dean Rock signs Cillian Cleary’s jersey

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 9

victory with fans in Kilbarrack who have their hands full!

Brian De Silva and Deirdre Nolan, from Denis Mahony, Dean Rock, Jack McCaffrey and James McCarthy

Joe Behan with CJ, Jamie and Ava Nolan

Eddie and Kyle Fowler have their hands full. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Kerri, Darren and Adam O Neill

Dean Rock, Sophia and Cahil Loftus with James McCarthy

10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 29 October 2015

boo! |

what’s happening this spooktacular halloween

Pumpkins, parties

Your frightful Gazette has risen from the crypt to let readers know where to find the grisliest, most spine-tingling fun in the capital. Yes, it’s time for all bad ghouls and boys to get up, get dressed and go haunting and hunting.

The City Dublinia

Creepy Cures and Ridiculous Remedies at Dublinia runs up to Halloween night with Thomas O’Brien the bloody Barber Surgeon meeting Biddy Deasy who specialises in “alternative” methods of healing. Listen to their stories (and arguments) about life, death and disease in Medieval Dublin.

See: www.dublinia.ie.

ments of the unique spine chilling story of the count and his victims.

For more information visit: www.familyfun.ie/ bram-stoker-dracula-experience.

Fingal County Council

Outside the city, in Fingal kids can avail of a series of controlled, safe and spooky events during the Halloween season, courtesy of Fingal County Council.

Wax Museum Craft Days The chambers of horror at the Wax Museum will be brought to life throughout the Halloween season right up to November 2, with real live characters telling ghost stories in the time vaults of Irish myths and legends. Real live characters will tell stories of Count Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster while the count lies sleeping in his coffin and the monster comes alive before your very eyes.

See: www.waxmuseumplus.ie.

Fingal Libraries is hosting a number of Halloween craft days across the branches from October 19 to 31 to prepare all of the vampires, witches and ghouls for trick – or treating.

Castle Dracula

Festival of Fire

What Dublin Samhain season would be complete without a tour of the Castle Dracula museum in Bram Stoker’s home town of Clontarf? The tour offers an interactive experience, taking you on a heart-pounding journey through Castle Dracula with terrifying re-enact-

Oktoberfest

Meanwhile in Swords, Oktoberfest Fingal kicks off in Swords Castle, on Friday, October 30, with live music and fun from 5pm to 10:30pm (Friday), 7:30pm to 10:30pm (Saturday) and 4pm to 10pm (Sunday).

Halloween night will see the Fingal Festival of Fire, in Swords Town Park. This free children’s event, begins at 6pm and promises to be lots of spooky fun, with fancy dress and haunted tunnels, finishing up with a fireworks display, at 7pm.

See www.fingal.ie

Fancy Dress Disco

Over in Blanchardstown, Tyrrelstown Community Centre is hosting a Halloween Fancy Dress Disco on October, 29 from 3pm, and Blanchardstown shopping centre is hosting a number of free family friendly events.

The fun begins on Thursday, October 29 with magic shows at 12pm and 2pm, followed by a reptile zoo on Friday, October 30 from 12pm to 4pm. The spooky season ends with a bang on Saturday, October 31, with a Fancy Dress Party, with vouchers for Smyth’s Toys Superstore for the best costume.

See: www.blanchardstowncentre.ie

South County Dublin Puppet show

South Dublin County Council Libraries also has a wonderful line-up of spooky Halloween themed activities on offer for children of all ages, from arts and crafts to a very special Halloween puppet show.

Animation Workshop

On October 27 from 10am to 1pm, a Halloween-themed children’s animation workshop will take place with Paper Panthers in Ballyroan

The Hansel and Gretel Halloween fancy dress party at Lambert’s Puppet Theatre in Monkstown

Library. In this pixilation workshop kids can learn how to animate real objects and people to create a short film.

Also in Ballyroan library a spooky Halloween puppet show will take place on October 28 at 3pm.

Maskmaking class

In Castletymon Library, a Halloween maskmaking class with Elena Takes will be held on

October 28 at 3pm for children aged from seven to 12.

Family Fun Day

A Halloween Family Fun Day in Tallaght Library is certain to be a smash, where children can create spooky masks, build creepy Lego houses, paint frightening scenes and dress up. This event will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 2pm and is

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

party on October 31 at 2pm. Tickets are €11 for children/student/OAP and adults €13. For more information, log onto www.lambertpuppettheatre.ie

Fancy Dress Party

The Goonies Screening

suitable for children aged three to five.

In Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Lambert’s Puppet Theatre in Monkstown will be holding a Hansel and Gretel Halloween fancy dress

There is exciting news for fans of the cult movie The Goonies as the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire will be screening the movie on Friday,

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

and pranks The Tayto Park After Dark experience

Chambers of horror at the Wax Museum

Creepy Cures and Ridiculous Remedies at Dublinia

October 30, at 2pm.

Take the kids along to re-live the scary and exciting adventures of Mickey, Chunk, Mouth and Data as they tackle pirates and monsters to find buried treasure.

Tickets are €5 or €18 for a family. To book, log onto w w w.paviliontheatre.ie

Dundrum Town Centre will host a range of fun events for the family on Halloween weekend including a Coca-Cola Photobooth, ghoulish facepainters, games and lots of prizes. The event will take place on Saturday, October 31, between 12 and 3pm in Frangos on Level 3.

Fun at Frangos

Airfield Estate

Frangos restaurant in

Airfield Estate will show

Tayto Park: experience Europe’s biggest wooden roller coaster after dark

kids how to script, design and produce their own book full of creepy characters and horrid happenings.

Liz Smith will be showing the kids how to produce their scary book on Friday, October 30, from 10am to 11am for kids aged five to seven, and from 2pm to 3.30pm for kids aged eight to 11 years.

Tickets cost €12 and €10 for members.

Tayto Park

scariest sights around this Halloween.

House of Horrors

After Dark

In Ashbourne, Tayto Park House of Horrors is back again this Halloween and will continue until November 1.

The Lodge at Tayto Park has been transformed into a terrifying and spine-chilling experience guaranteed to be one of the craziest and

The Tayto Park After Dark experience is also one The Gazette definitely recommends.

Taking place until October 30 from 6pm until 9pm, you will get the rare opportunity to ride The Cu Chulainn Coaster at night.

Having previously experienced Europe’s

biggest wooden roller coaster during the day our intrepid reporter found that riding it at night gave it much more of a thrilling and scarier experience.

Reaching the dizzying heights of 32.05m with a stomach- churning drop zone of 31m and reaching speeds of up to 100km per hour, and all in the dead of night, the ride will certainly make you doubt-

ful that you will live to see another day.

Tay t o P a r k A f t e r Dark is priced at €18 per person and will also include entry into the parks terrifying House of Horrors.

An array of Halloween family fun activities will also take place until November 1, including face-painting, arts and crafts and live shows.

For more information, visit www.taytopark.ie.

12 Gazette 29 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Audrey Lawler and Diane Molohan

Jonnie McCoy, Jeff Ryan and Tom Gaskin. Pictures: Brian Mcevoy

Diane Molohan and Shauna Kearns

Ailish Cantwell and Pierce Rowsome

Eddie McParland and

Shauna Kearns and Nicky

Fonsie Mealy

Wallace

Designer Deborah Veale

A landmark garden for landmark designer

I

rish Landmark recently held its Irish Landmarkers annual drinks party in the Merrion Mews coach house.

A mix of guests from the fashion, design and architectural worlds came together to help unveil the proposed garden memorial in hon-

our of Sybil Connolly.

Guests were welcomed by chief executive of Irish Landmark Mary O’Brien and trustee Dr Edward McParland who briefly outlined the memorial garden plans and spoke about his friend Sybil Connolly, who lived on Merrion Square for so

many years.

Merrion Mews, considered by many as a hidden gem in the centre of Dublin, was extensively restored

by Irish Landmark in 2007 and is now one of the rare and significant 18th century Dublin town house survivors.

Avril Jenkinsen and Colm Matthews

Cramel Breheney and Emma Coppola

Victoria Browne, Val Dillon and Jennifer Weir

Alison Canavan and Nicky

Diane Molohan and

Nicki Matthews and

Wallace

Shauna Kearns

Caroline Crowley

29 October 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 29 October 2015

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dublinlife

diary

Casablanca duo reach make your mind up time Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has been acting a bit like Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa character from vintage blockbuster Casablanca who can’t decide between Humphrey Bogart and Paul Heinreid.

A number of months ago Gerry Adams (Paul

Heinreid) and Micheal (Ilsa) stormed out of the Dail in protest over the failure to hold a debate on the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into allegations of malpractice by some gardai in the Border area.They marched out side by side looking like

the perfect couple.

However, Micheal seems to be gravitating back towards his old flame Enda (Humphrey Bogart) lately, with the two launching an attack on the credibility of Sinn Fein’s claims about the IRA being gone.

The Sinn Fein

response was inconsistent. Padraig Mac Lochlainn told Micheal he was a “political gurrier”. Gerry and MaryLou grinned away while Jonathan O’Brien said Enda and Micheal were “two peas in a pod”.

“Two Mother Teresas” Mac Lochlainn chimed in, while the gun-toting Independent Michael Healy-Rae contributed the bizarre remark “two knees in a pants”.

Without a doubt Enda would love to do what his character does in Casablanca, and send Gerry and Micheal off in a plane straight out of the Dail.

storytelling power of the net Digital Media and Tech professionals from around the world are expected to descend on Dublin for Dublin Web Fest, at Filmbase, Temple Bar from November 20 to 22.

Web Series Festivals or Web Fests are festivals dedicated to online series known as “web series”.

The first Web Fest was launched in Los Angeles in 2010 and since then, more than 30 festivals have emerged throughout the world. This will be Ireland’s first such event.

Co-founder Mikael T hier y says the festival is “dedicated to creativity, imagination, connection and most importantly, meeting and sharing”.

Fellow founder Erol

Erol Mustafov and Mikael Thiery , founders of Dublin Web Fest

Mustafov says they want to be the starting point for Ireland’s future as a web series and digital content hub.

They have partnered with other international web festivals to host presentations, discussions, panels and more.

Submissions for the festival are now being sought for the different categories: Comedy, drama/thriller/mystery, music video, documentary /reality, animation, LGBT, and sci-fi.

For more information visit: www.dublinwebfest. com.

Readathon to help people with MS Young readers in Dublin city are reading as much as they can this month in the MS Readathon to help people with multiple sclerosis in their local community Irish authors Cecelia Ahern, Sarah Webb, Alan Early, Judi Curtin, Claudia Carroll, Sheila

O’Flanagan, Pauline McLynn and more are helping to endorse this annual event, now in its 25th year.

Grown-ups are also encouraged to join young MS Readathon’ers and swap a book at work to support people with multiple sclerosis MS Ireland ambassador Rick O’Shea is asking reading enthusiasts to get involved in MS Book Swap until November 9 to coincide with the MS Readathon reading month.

Visit www.msreadathon.ie for more information, and to sign up for the 2015 MS Book Swap.

Spare an hour to change your life A Dublin-based nonprofit organisation has launched a campaign to urge people to use the extra hour before the time goes back, to spend their time with an older person.

Making Connections

has initiated the Give an Hour Gain an Hour campaign to inspire people to connect the generations and help to tackle stereotyping, isolation and loneliness.

“The campaign was inspired by feedback from our intergenerational befriending service,” said chief executive Mary O’Donohue.

“A volunteer once said about the lady she visits that she’d totally changed her view of what an older person is… her mind is so youthful, and she’s so current.

“This is why with Give an Hour Gain an Hour we believe just an hour can inspire real social change,” she said.

To get involved and share your Give an Hour Gain an Hour story see http://makingconnections.ie/give-an-hour. html for details.

Participants are also encouraged to share a story and photo on Facebook.

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29 October 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 29 October 2015

dublinlife

the big interview

juggling act: managing a hectic life

A passion for getting people in Ireland fit  Aisling Kennedy

Kathryn Thomas is quite possibly the busiest woman in show businesses at the moment as she juggles her new business Pure Result Bootcamp, her TV career presenting both Operation Transformation and The Voice of Ireland, and her radio career.

In between her hectic schedule she also recently supported her restaurateur boyfriend Padraig McLaughlin as he launched his new restaurant Catch 22 on South Anne Street in Dublin with his business partner Paul Dooley.

Thomas took time out this week to chat to the Gazette about how she juggles her many different roles, her passion for keeping fit, and her hopes for the future.

“It’s been a very busy few months for me

Kathryn with boyfriend Padraig McLaughlin

because I launched my own business this summer and I’ve been travelling up and down to Kerry where the bootcamp was based.

“The business provides week-long fitness camps where people check in for a week, take on a calorie controlled diet, and stick to a rigorous exercise plan. Then we send them on their way a week later feeling lighter, healthier and fitter so that was a huge milestone for me this year because it was the first time I actually went out on my own to start a business.”

As Thomas speaks, it is

clear that she puts huge emphasis on health and well-being and is passionate about getting people in Ireland fit.

“I think for a lot of women it’s a confidence thing, that when they get out of the routine of exercising is can sometimes feel quite daunting to get back into it. Women are particularly vulnerable and do not put themselves first a lot of the time because we always have so much to do whether we’re working or minding kids.

“I am still really surprised at how much we put ourselves in second place. But our bodies are capable of doing so much more than we give them credit for and literally it is about mind over matter in so many instances.”

Thomas explains that she struggles to maintain her fitness herself at times, especially as she is now

Kathryn Thomas : “It’s just been the year of insane plans, expansion and business set ups for us. It’s been really busy but we always make sure to catch up one night a week. Picture: Barry McCall.

dating Padraig McLaughlin.

“When I met Padraig, it was a case of spending less time in the gym and more time going out for nice dinners and wine.

“I kind of took my foot off the gas on my own health for a while.”

Now that she and Padraig have been together for two-and-a-half years, however, she maintains a healthy balance of enjoying good food and wine and working off any indulgences at the gym.

“Padraig is great, he was in Hugo’s restaurant before he opened Catch 22 this year so he’s always been around food in the restaurant trade.

“We both love going out for meals, me probably more so than him,

because he’s been around it so much. But I love it, I love going out for meals with my friends. I think good food and good company is probably one of the most enjoyable things in life.”

With Thomas’s hectic schedule travelling up and down to Kerry for her new business and McLaughlin’s working late hours as he launches his new restaurant, with a second one in the pipeline next month, the couple ensure that they set aside time together each week.

“It’s been tough the last couple of months because I moved down to Kerry so I literally moved out of the house and was gone for two-and-a-half months.

“I took the dogs and everything and he was

setting up the new business.

“So it’s just been the year of insane plans, expansion and business set ups for us. It’s been really busy but we always make sure to catch up one night a week. Catching up could literally be just on the couch in tracksuits with the two dogs or it could be going out for a walk with the two dogs.

“It generally involves the two dogs because they’re a big part of our life. We also try to get away. We like to go to a hotel or go down the country to my mam’s house in Kerry so we definitely always make time for each other. We’ve both been really supportive and understanding of

each other.”

In terms of the future for the couple Kathryn says that things are very hectic right now but she is looking forward to planning a family someday.

“I’d like to think that is on the cards in the future but as my mother keeps saying ‘Well what sort of a future, is it not the future now? You keep putting everything on the long finger!’ It’s just the way this year has worked out work-wise for us. Setting up businesses had to take precedence for both of us this year but we’ve both been supportive of each other so who knows down the line what’s going to happen.”

Check out Pure Results Bootcamp at www.pureresultsbootcamp.com

29 October 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 health P24

cinema P22

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

trick or treat P18

back to its roots: range of cultural events to celebrate creativity

Raising the bar in Temple Bar  Keith Bellew

The Temple Bar Company will bring the quarter back to its roots as a prime cultural centre, with a weekend of arts and culture with a political twist.

The Temple Bar Arts a n d P o l i t i c s We e kend takes place from November 19 to 22 with a range of free events to celebrate the area’s incredible cultural organisations and the indigenous creativity that stems from these unique cobbled streets in Dublin city centre.

Along with these artistic events there will be a number of talks, debates and seminars on Irish politics, and a number of events which combine both aspects.

This unique pairing of themes gives Dubliners the opportunity to explore the unique buildings, and venues that make Temple Bar so charming, and Ireland’s turbulent political landscape at the same time.

Speaking to The Gazette, organiser Martin Harte of the Temple Bar Company said the aim of the fes-

tival is to promote the local arts organisations within the area.

“The aim of this is to work with the existing organisations in the area and return Temple bar to its roots as a cultural quarter and show people that there’s a lot of culture there that they might not be aware of,” he said.

He said the political aspect of the festival is something that the company has been looking to develop for quite some time.

“We work in the city centre and politics is

The Temple Bar Arts and Politics Weekend takes place from November 19 to 22 with a range of free events . Picture: Brian Morrison

visible everywhere we walk, whether it’s an issue with planning or tourism, politics is all around us. We found as an organisation that

there’s sort of a gap between politics and the [average person] in the city centre and we wanted to address that,” he said.

He believes one of

the biggest draws of the festival will be the symposium, The Dark Arts: photography and politics. This event explores the late Charles Haughey, controversial former Ta o i s e a c h , a n d t h e advent of the political photo-op in Ireland.

T his photographic exhibition takes place at the Gallery of Photography on Thursday, November 19 at 2pm.

The exhibition will f e a t u r e a ke y n o t e address by Professor Kevin Rafter on Charles Haughey: power, politics and public image,

along with two panel discussions.

The first of these will be Politics in the Age of the Photo Opportunity: the Role of Photo Reportage and Photojournalism in the World of Spin, followed by Twenty-five Years of Temple Bar – Haughey’s Grand Project.

“They’re [the photo’s] quite interesting, you’re looking back into a different era. I think that’s probably going to be one of the highlights.”

For more information visit: www.viewtemplebar.com

OUT&ABOUT  Heaton’s

light up red reaper €12

H suit eaton’s allin-o kid’s b ne € at 13

 M&

S Terrifying Trea t Pumpkin, 350g, €7.49



’s Fangs, 90g,

 M&S Vampire

Tricks…  Aldi

ters Halloween inf latable charac

€2.99

€19.99 each

Neon

skele to

n dr ess

€13

or Treats? 

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 29 October 2015

 Aldi

children’s Halloween boppers €1.99

 Aldi

children’s Halloween spectacles €1.99

 M&S

vampire Halloween costume three to 12 years €19-€24

 Aldi

Halloween doorbell €6.99

29 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

GOING  MIMI MURRAY

The first Aeropostale store in western Europe has opened in Dublin’s Liffey Valley

Aeropostale arrives!

Shopping Centre

THE Iconic New York brand Aeropostale officially opened its first store in western Europe in Dublin’s Liffey Valley Shopping Centre recently. The 4,000 square foot flagship store stocks the complete ranges for young girls and guys clothing under the Aero, Aero City and Live Love Dream leisure collections.

Roz Purcell, who was the special guest, was joined by young emerging band Taken who performed on the night. Other guests included Eurovision entry Molly Sterling, singer and actor Jess Heffernan, model Jo Archbold, Brian Ormond and Leinster

rugby player Jack Conan.

Aero’s new Fall 2015 collection embodies classic basics with pops of fashion to create an effortless look. The brand also introduces Aero City, a new collection that targets the fashion forward girl and guy who enjoy a free spirited, boho chic vibe in their wardrobe.

Live Love Dream is Aeropostale’s active wear range. It offers the latest in girls’ active wear, printed leggings, yoga, loungewear, intimates and accessories.

The range has a selection of shorts, leggings, T-shirts and jackets ranging in sizes xx-small to xx-large.

GAZETTE

STYLE

Goth WITH ARMANI

GETTING your make up done by a professional make up artist is a bit of a luxury and is usually reserved for those special occasions, like a debs, a wedding or a special night out.

Zoe Williams is a senior make-up artist with Giorgio Armani, who was in Dublin recently making up the faces of the few lucky people who had booked a slot with her in Brown Thomas.

I was one of those lucky few and Williams was a joy to spend an hour with. Originally from Dun Laoghaire, she has lived in Manchester for the last 15 years, working for Armani and doing what she does best - applying make-up.

She has worked on some of the big fashion shows including London Fashion Week and name drops Lily Cole as one of the famous faces she has applied rouge to.

After giving my face the once over she chose a few key looks for autumn/winter 15 and got to work. She went outside my comfort zone in a few areas, especially when it came to eyes and lips. The end result was a nice change, using burnt oranges and deep purples. Very Goth!

She started off with some light master primer before moving on to Luminous silk and Maestro foundation mixed. Maestro Fusion Blush in number 90 was then applied and this is a winner product, a bronzer in liquid that does the exact same job as a

powder, only better.

Williams recommended one of Armani’s best selling products for me, the Eye and Brown Maestro which can be used almost anywhere on the face. It can even be applied to the odd grey hair and stays in place until you shampoo again! This gave me a dramatic brow, one of the biggest game changes in make up terms in recent years.

For the eye socket she went for a relatively new product, Eyes to Kill Intense in 13 and 15 which created a dramatic effect. A touch of lip blush and mascara and I was ready to go.

All products used by Williams are stocked in BT’s.

Zoe Williams, a senior make-up artist with Giorgio Armani, went dramatic and a bit Goth with the eyes

Gazette

20 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

Galway: ‘a must-see for lovers of Irish scenery’

Happy as a clam in a bath of seaweed soup!

 Ian Begley

A visit to Delphi Adventure Resort and Spa, which is in one of the most western parts of Ireland, is a must for lovers of Irish scenery.

Near Leenane, County Galway, the resort is set in the breathtaking Delphi valley along the Wild Atlantic Way, and spans more than 300 acres.

On arrival, my guest and I were astounded by the beautiful backdrop provided by the landscape. The jagged mountains seemed to

fold in on themselves and the winding roads and gentle lakes made our destination seem serene and untouched by the 21st century.

The resort was spacious and the decor warm. Large windows around the building offered glorious views of our surroundings.

Our accommodation, of a separate living area and bedroom, was very homelike. We missed the television and phone reception, but given the nature of the resort it would be

unfair to judge them too harshly on that!

Up early next morning, we took part in one of the many adventure activities that make Delphi famous: The Go Zip’N’Trek. This adrenaline pumping activity saw us zip-lining, wall climbing and traversing tightropes 40-feet in the air.

My adrenaline-junkie side kicked in and I met each obstacle with daring stupidity, completing it several times in a merciless competition against the clock and my guest.

After wards we

explored the local area on bicycles with a wellinformed guide. This gave us a chance to really take in the sights and sounds of the Wild Atlantic Way. Later our party met up for pre-dinner drinks in the resort’s Library Bar before moving on to The Chef’s Table restaurant, where we were treated to a delectable five-course tasting menu with carefully selected wine pairings to complement each course.

We had a salad of Killarney lobster and Porcu-

Large windows around the building offered glorious views of our surroundings

pine prawn to start, followed by a delicious fillet of wild salmon. Then a beautiful cut of Angus fillet of beef was presented with a very tender French duck foie gras. This was followed by a baked goat’s cheese cake and water melon desser t

with a glass of rose.

The next morning, after a breakfast of pancakes and French toast, it was time for my seaweed bath treatment in the Delphi Spa. I was stiff and sore from the activities of the previous day so a relaxing bath was just what was

needed. The experience made me feel like an ingredient in a big pot of seaweed soup, but afterwards I felt very rejuvenated and relaxed!

See www.delphiadventureresort.com for yearround accommodation, activities and treatments.

29 October 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK

The Picky Eater has no dilemma with Catch 22 ISN’T it odd that when thinking about Dublin gastronomy the mind doesn’t peruse what should be a lengthy list of great fish restaurants?

A travesty in the coastal capital of an island up to its wellies in seafood… no? Fishy hotspots have long been the preserve of more rural seaside destinations like Kinsale, Dungarvan or Dingle.

The tiger years may have brought an influx of fancy fusion options to rival the London or New York food scenes but many closed in a case of style over substance and whopper prices.

It seems, however, that in our pared-back recovery something fishy is going on and not in a bad way! Yes, fish is making a welcome comeback to our seaside city.

Recent openings like Klaw, Lobster Pot and the brilliant Fish Shop sending the right kind of fishy aromas over the Liffey and now the smart and inviting façade of Catch 22 on handsome South Anne St is marching a pescatorial parade through the streets of Dublin town.

Molly Malone would be delighted.

We were off to a gig at 8pm so it’s an early bite at 6pm in Catch 22 and the place is already packed. The menu reads breezily of all the usual suspects prepared simply using the freshest of fish

The crab claws were amazing - soft meaty claws with fresh-of-the-beach freshness! Picture: The Picky Eater

and includes muscle pots, calamari, beer battered cod and chips, crab claws, fish cakes and scampi.

All starters are under a tenner and mains under €20, the easy-on-thepocket prices reflected in the casual mix of locals, tourists, hipsters and couples.

The menu is quite interchangeable, which I always like, and you could easily have two starters and not feel like you’re missing out on a main course. The mussel pot can be ordered as a main with a side of sweet potato fries or mushy peas.

I’m thinking of the night ahead and want to eat light so opt for crab claws and a pan fried fillet of plaice with shrimp butter. The mate goes for the mussel pot and the tempura scampi.

An enamel mug of whitebait fried in a light polenta crumb arrives moments later, which we

didn’t order but it seems everyone was getting; a nice touch.

Starters were out soon after and the mussels were soft, plump morsels steamed just right in a creamy broth of zesty lemon and garlic.

I would have added a touch more garlic; though mopped up with the generous hunk of crusty bread it was more than adequate.

The crab claws were, in a word, amazing. Ten or so soft meaty claws of straight-off-the-beach freshness in a subtle chilli and garlic butter; the standout of the meal.

After a clatter of empty enamel clearing, out came the mains. The service is prompt and efficient with what seems like a swift turnaround, though we didn’t feel rushed for a second.

My plaice was just as I’d expected for a lighter option, two fillets of delicate flaky and pearly

white meat topped with slightly sweet shrimp butter and salty samphire. Probably not the most exciting dish on the menu but the flavour was all there and executed well.

The mate was half way through the tempura scampi by the time I looked up and I managed to grab one in the nick of time.

They were a close second to the crab claws with light as a feather batter as crisp as a box of Pringles and with not a hint of soggy doughiness underneath.

I gave in at this stage and had one of her chips; OK 16 of her chips and they were as good as I’ve had.

We opted out of dessert and the bill with three glasses of the exquisitely fish accompanying Picpoul de Pinet wine at a competitive €7 a glass came to a sustainably sourced €71.

So what’s the catch?

Sorry, I hate myself for that but I had to. Well, there isn’t one.

Simple and unfussy cooking and fresh-asa-January-morning fish make Catch 22 a perfect option for a casual fish supper and you can’t say fairer than that.

Shane Rigney is a food blogger You can check him out at riggersrecipes.com

The smart and iviting facade of Catch 22, the latest addition to the growing number of fish restaurants in Dulbin, on South Anne Street

Gazette

22 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

James Morrison: Higher Than Here starts off promisingly enough but goes downhill

A big sound that amounts to very little  colm murray

aving spent the last H four years away from the limelight, and following the release of his new single, Demons, James Morrison makes a welcome return with his fourth studio album Higher Than Here, out on October 30 through Island Records.

The songs on the new album create a subtle balance between revealing the pain and difficulties that Morrison has experienced in his recent personal life, and the soundtrack to those lazy Sunday mornings that, will make you dance, smile and reflect.

When Morrison broke onto the scene as a soulful singer-songwriter in 2006, even he couldn’t have predicted that he would become the template that allowed a wave of likeminded musicians to enter the field.

He was also famously told by veteran soul producer Jerry Wexler that his raspy, gravelly voice, the product of a childhood illness, had its “own thumbprint” and was so distinctive that “once heard, never forgotten”.

Now, almost a decade on, Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and James Bay are all ruling the charts following the same format; one guy with just a guitar

and an incredible voice.

Despite his self-deprecation and humble nature, he was the first to take that format and not only make it work but also became an overnight success story.

Pop gems like You Give Me Something from his first record Undiscovered, made him anything but.

And he won the 2007 Brit Award for Best Male when he was still just 21 years old.

The album starts off promisingly enough.

Demons – an anthem to positive thinking – breezes in with a funky hip hop, autotune now such a stable of 21st cen-

tury “chart music”.

The main vocals soon take over with a melody that exudes a credible sense of emotion. So far, so good.

Unfor tunately, it’s largely downhill from here. Over the next 14 tracks, faux-gospel verses alternate with overblown choruses to create a big sound that amounts to very little.

Even when Morrison sings of real heartache – as on Too Late for Lullabies – he sounds about as deep-down untroubled as peers such as James Blunt or Tom Odell.

A cutting edge from the likes of Paolo Nutini is what you are hoping he

may have come back with on this outing but alas it’s not to be.

2008’s Songs for You, Truths for Me brought with it a string of Top Ten singles, including the phenomenally catchy Broken Strings with Nelly Furtado.

His last album, 2011’s Awakening shot straight to Number 1, selling over one million copies worldwide.

However, Morrison offers an uncool brand of easy-listening soul-pop but what he lacks in grit he has previously made up for in rousing songs that have brought him a loyal fan base of easylisteners.

James Morrison’s fourth studio album is a bit of a mixed bag

29 October 2015 Gazette 23

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Gazette

cinema

All hail the Queen of Ireland  Barbara Clinton

Such is the phenomenon that is Ms Panti Bliss that The Queen of Ireland opened simultaneously in 18 cinemas across Ireland last week.

When the final curtain fell on the movie, audiences stayed in their seats to enjoy the live Q&A with Her Majesty beamed from the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield to all 18 cinemas.

Panti Bliss aka Rory O’Neill needed nothing more than a life well lived to ensure a movie of high drama and great honesty.

From the camp little boy

James Bond AKA Agent 007 is back, one last time ... Daniel Craig has successfully reinvented the iconic spy during his stint at the MI6 spy

spectre: james bond still shooting for the top

Giving up the ghost?  dave phillips

“The dead are alive” – so proclaims the stark title card that opens Spectre before we plunge into an absolutely riveting precredits sequence set amid the throng of the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations.

As the camera follows the male and female grinning-skull protagonists through the colourful and macabre masquerade, we are treated to simmering sensuality, building-crumbling explosions, and highspeed vehicular carnage – in short, all the elements that makes up a classic James Bond film.

In 10 action-packed minutes, director Sam Mendes shows that 53 years and 24 films on, there seems to be life left in James Bond.

Yet as bold a statement as the opening one is, it pales in comparison to Daniel Craig’s blundering assertion last week that

he would rather “slash his own wrists” than think about reprising the role of 007.

The eight-month shoot and the subsequent promotional obligations seemed to take its toll on Craig as he made clear that he feels as if he has reached a natural conclusion with Spectre, and any further Bond films he may appear in will solely be for financial reward.

And while the Bond franchise under Craig’s watch has generated outstanding revenue, it seems that at some point between Skyfall and Spectre, things have shifted.

This latest film sees Bond following leads to uncover a shady organisation known as SPECTRE. Meanwhile at MI6, new boss Denbigh (played by Dubliner Andrew Scott) is threatening to shut down the undercover programme, insisting that a global mass-surveillance system complete with

drone strikes will provide a more effective form of security than vodkasoaked secret agents milling around the world in expensive sports cars.

In the hunt to find out more about Spectre there are plenty of distracting avenues for the plot to wander down over the two-and-half hour runtime. But while the story stays busy, there is no denying that once we get into the meat of the film, something essential is lacking.

While Craig remains a powerful physical force on screen, there is certainly less of him as an actor on it.

Following on from Skyfall, which managed a great balance of emotional engagement and action, Spectre falls back into that familiar groove of filmmaking that values brawn over brains.

Craig’s first Bond film paved the way for a new kind of 007, and while Casino Royale ushered

in a more modern kind of action, Spectre feels less pioneering and more reflective – spending its time referencing earlier films rather than creating something new and memorable.

On his quest for answers Bond is a like a weapon: brief, blunt, and impersonal.

While there are things to be excited about – as usual we have some stunning outdoor locations, there are some fun action sequences dotted throughout, and the supporting cast is powerful – but the ceaseless barrage of nods, winks, and doffs of the cap to former Bond films dulls the action.

While the opening 10 minutes will astound you, the best that the remainder of Spectre can offer you is mild entertainment.

Perhaps it is time to give up the ghost.

Spectre (Cert 12A, 150 mins)

Verdict: 5/10

turning summersaults in Ballinrobe to the risque young man putting it about in the drag shows of Japan and now to accidental national hero thanks to Pantigate, the movie tells the story of someone who showed many others how to live out loud and proud.

The statuesque, bighaired momma of the gay family that had its big day out on May 22, Panti Bliss emerges as a force to be reckoned with, who tells us proudly that she regrets nothing.

Among the real treasures in this many-jewelled movie are O’Neill’s mat-

ter-of-fact and grounded parents. In one scene, we see Rory Snr studiously lock up the family home while Panti Bliss resplendent in high heels and figure-hugging dress holds centre stage in the family kitchen to check her smartphone, to which Fin, his mum, remarks “awesome”, in quiet admiration of her child.

There are lots of reasons to see this movie – as a celebration of diversity, a piece of history, as memoir, as comedy and at times tragedy but above all because it’s enjoyable.

Verdict: 10/10

Gazette

24 Gazette 29 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTHYSTEPS

Dr Mary Wingfield says the causes of infertility are vast – but in most cases treatment is possible

Increasing chances of conception Fertility problems can be heart-breaking for couples who wish to start a family, but in the modern age many options are available to increase the chances of conception.

At the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Merrion Fertility Clinic is Ireland’s only nonprofit fertility facility partnered with a large maternity hospital offering medical, surgical and pregnancy services to patients.

Its clinical director Dr Mary Wingfield says the causes of infertility are vast – but in most cases treatment is possible.

“Women who have i n f r e q u e n t o r ve r y irregular periods, may have a problem with ovulation.

“The most common cause is polycystic ov a r i a n s y n d r o m e .

Early menopause although rare, can sometimes run in families.

“If there is a family history of this, it would be important to discuss it at an early stage with your doctor.”

She advised that a woman’s fer tility is optimal under age 30 and begins to decline

quite rapidly from the age of 35.

“If you wait till 40 there is a high chance you are leaving it too late,” she said. “[For many couples with fertility problems] there will be a male factor or sperm issue. This is often unexplained but important factors include testicular injury or surgery, or infection in the testicles.

“IVF and ICSI (a type of IVF) have been major breakthroughs in treating male fertility. In men who don’t produce any sperm in their ejaculate, pregnancy can be achieved with testicular sperm retrieval and ICSI,” she said.

Other causes of infertility include hormone problems, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and non-g y naecological conditions such as Crohn’s disease or a ruptured appendix.

“Many of these problems can be addressed with surgery, usually performed by our doctors by laparoscopy or ‘keyhole surgery’. If surgery fails, IVF is a good option,” she said.

For more information log onto merrionfertility.ie or call (01) 663 5000.

HEALTH

adult activity: allow the mind to calm and settle

The hugely relaxing world of colouring

Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden has  suzanne sheehy

WHENEVER I put a colouring book and pencils into my shopping basket it’s invariably for my nieces and nephews. They can’t get enough of them.

Now that they’re that little bit older, they’re more practised and can easily stay within a picture’s contour. Colouring books serve a dual purpose: they keep kids occupied while they’re having fun while developing eye-hand coordination.

But the last time I picked up the colouring book and pencils, they were for me. Colouring for adults? Not for me, I thought. But as the saying goes don’t knock it till you try it.

When I looked to buy my first colouring book, I noticed how many of

them were for grown-ups.

One even labelled itself: The Gorgeous Book for Grown-ups. Discover Your Inner Creative.

Another ran Colour Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book. The titles spelled out the aim.

Counselling psychologist Maeve Halpin, a regular contributor to GazetteHealth, said: “The increasing use of technology has meant that our attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to eight seconds today. We are over-stimulated by the constant flood of digital information coming in through our smartphones and electronic gadgets.

“Colouring gives us the opportunity to concentrate on one non-stressful task for a sustained period of time, allowing the

beautifully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations

mind to calm and settle.

This can provide a buffer against anxiety and everyday stress.”

Halpin stressed how important it is for adults to engage in creativity.

“Creativity is a vital part of the self - there is a healing connection between the eye, the hand and the heart.

Colours, shapes, textures and three-dimensional structures stimulate different parts of the brain than text and sound, so working creatively with paint, clay, fabric or any other type of interactive medium can bring deep feelings of satisfaction and achievement.

“Everyone has creative potential. Taking time away from our screens for creative pursuits can be

an essential ingredient in finding balance in modern life.”

So after much deliberation I picked up Johanna Basford Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book which has beautifully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations.

The quality of the illustrations and paper were of high standard and

some also came in pocket size. I set to and found the activity occupied my mind in a positive way. I made sure I took time out to relax at the weekend and be creative instead of frittering away the hours on social media or watching TV. Go on, give it a try. You’ll be surprised and, more importantly, a little more relaxed.

Give your immune system a boost With the new school year now under way and the cold winter just around the corner, it might be time to start thinking about giving your immune system a boost for the busy months ahead.

Vitamin C is an essential flu fighter, and regular supplements support body tissue growth, healthy blood vessels, strong bones and teeth, and

can help to ward off winter influenza.

Iron supplements can boost your energy levels and encourage healthy, fresh blood oxygen delivery to the lungs, spleen, bone marrow, muscles, and cells. Without vitamin D, the body can’t absorb calcium or stimulate certain immune responses that protect us from colds and infections, so

vitamin D supplements are a must.

With all of the cold and darkness that winter entails, it is very easy to find yourself feeling down, especially if you are prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Omega 3 fatty acid supplements. These can help boost your mood, improve your mental focus, and ward off the sniffles.

Pippa O’Connor launches Alive, a new range of multi-vitamins and minerals. Picture: Paul Sherwood

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29 October 2015 Gazette 25

26 dublin city gazette 29 October 2015

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Dublin City Council

Dublin City Council

Planning permission is sought by Martin Burke at No. 19 Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8 (Protected Structure) for demolition of a single storey non-original extension approved under Reg. Ref. 117/77 to the rear of existing dwelling and reconstruction of extension with improvements to the materials and internal layout. The development will also consist of internal refurbishment to an existing dwelling comprising of; repair and replacement of damaged materials, upgrading and improvement to internal first floor kitchen, landscaping and all ancillary site development works.

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.

Aaron O’Reilly intends to apply for permission for development at 69 St Magdalen Terrace, Stella Gardens, Irishtown, Dublin 4. The development will consist of: the demolition of the existing extension in the rear yard - the construction of a single storey flat-roofed extension to the rear, including partial demolition of the rear wall of the house – the construction of a flat-roofed boxdormer to the rear roof to provide daylight at ground floor level, including the demolition of a portion of the rear roof slope to facilitate same – the addition of a rooflight to the rear roof - and associated siteworks to the rear yard. 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 the receipt by the authority of the application.

25284

planning Notice

Dublin City Council

Dublin City Council

I Mr George Stephens of 2 Ballygall Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 intend to apply for permission for a single storey extension at side.

New velux roof window at side in original roof and new ramps with handrails to front and rear and associated site works.

This 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.

25297

planning Notice

25292

planning Notice Dublin City Council

Permission is sought for a construction of partly single partly two storey extension with pitched roof to the rear of existing dwelling and all associated site development works. To include main roof alterations; internal layout alterations; elevations alteration; 5.no of velux windows; external wall insulation and vehicular entrance and provision of 2 no. private off street car parking space to existing front garden and permission for dishing of public footpath at No. 32 Clonmel Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 by Siobhan Mulhern Haughey & Barry Haughey.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.

25299

We, Samira and Graham Fahy, apply for planning permission at 88 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 for amendments to previously approved planning permission for rear extension and works, planning ref WEB 1179/30. Changes to rear include- demolition of ground floor ensuite to create larger courtyard, new window instead of door to courtyard, omission of window facing the rear of existing house to first floor, reduction in glazing to first floor garden facing window and double doors, change of external finish on first floor to salvaged brick instead of render, simplified ridgeline to rear extension roof, ridge rooflights replaced with velux type rooflights,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.

25302

planning Notice

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Dublin City Council

I Richard Lombard intend to apply for a) permission b) retention permission For development at this site 44 Mount Prospect Avenue, Dublin 3 D03YF53.The development consists of:A) Permission for carport[12sq m.] adjoining the side of the premises incorporating a slate finished canopy to the front elevation over hall door, weather covering to side passage,[15sq m.], lamp standard in front garden,B) Retention Permission for caravanport[56sq m.] and garden room[12sq m.] both adjoining existing garage to rear garden, accessed via private laneway Bicycle Shed[10sq m.] to rear of house and gateway alteration to front entrance to 3.5m width.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.

25300

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 27

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28 gazette 29 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport tallaght picks up pace – and a winner: AT LEINSTER rugby’s recent marketing seminar for clubs, Tallaght’s Colin McKeown was announced as the October winner of the PRO of the Month competition. Tallaght has started to gain momentum recently in no small part because of McKeown’s work.

As a developing club, recruitment is Tallaght’s main aim this season and he has used Facebook, Twitter and the club’s website, which he developed himself),to increase interest within their community. They added substance to their online presence with face to face recruitment in The Square and at Tallaght Fest. This is already a success as kids taking up rugby in Tallaght continues to increase meaning they are now fielding new minis and youths teams as well as their men’s and women’s teams. Like many clubs, Tallaght have been taking advantage of the popularity of the Rugby World Cup to achieve new interest in their social media.

hockey: Ireland confirmed as 11th of 12 sides to qualify for Olympics

Rio place eases out the ‘hurt’  sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH men’s hockey coach Craig Fulton says that finally dealing with the “hurt” of missing out on London 2012 was pivotal in building the mental resolve of his side to mount their first successful Olympic qualifying campaign.

The Ballycullen resident was speaking after Ireland were confirmed as the 11th side of 12 to qualify for Rio 2016 early on Sunday morning courtesy of Australia’s 3-2 victory over New Zealand in the Oceania Cup final.

The continental championship offered a ticket to R io but

the Kookaburras had already qualified for the Games via the World League earlier in 2015.

As such, Ireland were the next best placed team on the world list and took the place after a stellar year. It will be the first time they have played in the Olympics since 1908.

Crucially, Ireland beat higher ranked Pakistan and Malaysia in Antwerp in July to finish fifth at World League Round 3, putting them on the shor tlist for Olympic spots.

T h e y f o l l owe d u p with a bronze medal at the European Championships, outdoing the world number four and

Irish men’s hockey coach Craig Fulton

to relive that lowest of moments.

“I knew I couldn’t go through another qualifying process without dealing with that whole situation,” he said. “It’s

cially as it was always going to be something you never want to discuss or talk about.

“It was all around the mental approach, executing in the key --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- moments. In terms of improving the mental side, you also need to be better conditioned.

We took this to another --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------level.” about failing forward, The newfound mental nents.

I n 2 01 2 , I r e l a n d taking the positives and toughness saw Ireland came within moments we found two or three cling to a 1-0 win over of reaching the Games things that we had to Pakistan in the face of a late onslaught and they only for Korea to snatch change. “ W h e n t h e g u y s put on similarly strong a crushing goal seven seconds from the final looked at it again, they fightbacks against the saw the lessons and not Belgians and English. whistle.

To avoid a repeat of t h e d i s a p p o i n t m e n t Despite those performthat loss to Korea, Ful- and hurt. That’s impor- ances, they had to wait ton said it was impor- tant because the hurt three months to finally tant to push his players doesn’t help us espe- get confirmation of five sides Belgium and England in the process. In each case, they came through in narrow clinches with a series of single goal wins over more illustrious oppo-

‘ I’m ecstatic, proud - it hasn’t really sunk in’ – Craig Fulton

their ticket to Rio. It meant realising a moment that Fulton had visualised many times in his tenure. “ I h ave p r o b a b l y thought about this day a thousand times, maybe more, in the last 18 months. Everything since taking the job has been geared towards this moment, making history and qualifying. “ I ’m e c s t a t i c a n d really proud but, at the same time, it hasn’t really sunk in.

“The enormity of it will build in the next eight or nine months, more people will find out what the team is about and can support the team.”

Eanna vanquish Saints to claim league’s sixth place  sport@dublingazette.com

Luke Thompson scored 21 points for the Dubliners

EANNA moved up to sixth place in the men’s basketball Premier League with a 93-86 win over DCU Saints.

Luke Thompson scored 21 points for the Dubliners who were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to SSE Airtricity Moycullen.

“You have to take the wins when you can because you’re going to run into some big teams,” said Eanna player coach Ciaran MacEvilly.

“A lot of teams struggle in

their first year at this level.

“We know it’ll take more than just throwing a bunch of plays together if we want to compete.”

UCD Marian pulled off an 81-73 at GCD Swords Thunder.

Thunder led by seven points at half time before Marian upped the tempo and the physicality in the second half.

“We were in control of the game in the first half, we just couldn’t pull away,” said losing coach Dave Baker. There were also wins for Pyrobel Killester and Templeogue.

DCU Mercy emerged unscathed from a busy weekend of women’s Premier League action.

Sarah Woods scored 26 points against Courtyard Liffey Celtics and was among the top scorers again as Mercy came from behind to Meteors.

“We’re strongest when we run the court,” said Woods. “Our speed really helped us especially against teams who try to slow the game down.”

Team Montenotte Hotel had to come from behind twice to maintain their unbeaten record

win wins over Maxol WIT Wildcats and Courtyard Liffey Celtics.

Head coach Mark Scannell said: “You learn a lot more from a tight game than you do from a 20 point win.

“We found a way to pull through without playing particularly well.”

Maxol WIT Wildcats did pick up a win from their second trip to Cork in 24 hours by beating Singleton SuperValu Brunell.

Portlaoise Panthers beat UL Huskies in Limerick for their first ever Premier League win.

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29 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 29 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: belvo and st kevin’s players called into irish panel

Daly shines for home crew in UFC fight night ON AN electric night in the 3Arena, UFC Dublin threw out a mixed bag of results for our own Dublin fighters with main event Paddy Holohan submitting at the hands of Louis Smolka.

Former Old Belvedere rugby player Cathal Pendred was the first Irishman to compete last Saturday night when he entered the octagon opposite undefeated British fighter Tom Breese.

Pendred’s hopes of returning to winning ways ended abruptly however as he was forced to submit late on in the first round. A ferocious early strike from Breese forced blood from the Irishman and he never fully recovered.

Next up for the Irish was Drimnagh’s Aisling Daly who took on the Brazilian Ericka Almeida.

“Ais the Bash” was highly impressive in front of an adoring home crowd. Daly never looked in too much trouble, keeping her opponent on the cage for much of the action.

Before the winner was even announced, Ireland’s only woman in the UFC was sitting on top of the cage with a tricolour around her back with a unanimous decision.

Having missed out competing the last time the UFC rolled into Dublin, the strawweight was overjoyed after her fight. “Not being on the card last year was like having a baby and it growing up not talking to you anymore. I just wanted to impress,” she said.

Neil Seery was the first Irishman up on the main card and the man nicknamed “2 Tap” showed exactly why as the 36-year-old Finglas native forced his opponent Jon Delos Reyes to tap out in the second round. Seery earned one of the UFC’s Performance of the Night bonuses which is worth $50,000.

The final fight of the night saw Tallaght’s Holohan take on Smolka. This fight had been bumped up to co-main just last week due to the removal of Joe Duffy vs Dustin Poirier and Stipe Miocic vs Ben Rothwell from the card due to injuries to Duffy and Miocic.

There proved to be heartbreak for “The Hooligan” as Smolka enjoyed a second-round win via submission. The Dubliner thrived off the manic home support early on, coming out the better of some intense grappling. Smolka showed his class after the early pressure to mount Holohan and unleashing a flurry of punches before executing a choke attack that forced the win.

Cian Lee in action for the Republic of Ireland Under-15 side against Scotland. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Osam calls on Dublin four sport@dublingazette.com

N E W LY a p p o i n t e d Republic of Ireland Under-16s head coach Paul Osam announced his squad for the upcoming Victory Shield last week with three young Belvedere players making the cut.

Belvedere’s Under-16s trio of Cian Lee, Kevin Healy and Alex Kelly were included in what is Osam’s first ever international tournament squad. Brian Maher from St Kevin’s Boys was also included in the squad.

Belvedere Under-16s manager John Moore

spoke to the belvederefc.com after his three prospects earned the international call-up and couldn’t hide his pleasure. “I’m delighted for the lads,” he said.

“It’s a reward for all the hard work they do in training. Going the extra mile had paid off for them. I’m delighted too for their parents and the sacrifices they make to get the lads to training and games, they never miss a session.

“We have had a very positive start to the season,” Moore added on his own side’s form.

“Everyone in the squad is performing well and

mini games Wanderers play Athboy in half-time RDS show THE WANDERERS RFC team with Leinster’s Darragh Fanning and Kevin McLaughlin ahead of their Bank of Ireland’s half-time mini games at the PRO12 tie between Leinster and Glasgow Warriors in the RDS. They lined out against Athboy in their game during the interval while Leinster won their league 23-18 in a thrilling fixture against the reigning champions.

Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportfile

the lads have created a great training environment to work in. We had other players in the extended Ireland squad in the lead up to this competition and they need to keep putting in the hard work and performances to see where it takes them.

“We have several other players on the brink of making an international breakthrough and if they keep working hard we will have a few more Belvo boys wearing green as well as blue.

“This is only a stepping stone for the three lads, now the challenge is to take the next step

and kick on to make sure they are still in frame when Tom Mohan picks his Under-17 squad for the Euro Championships,” concluded Moore.

Osam echoed parts of what the Belve dere manager said in his statement after the squad announcement.

“I’m looking to learn about the players that we’ve selected this time around,” he said. “But all of the players who are eligible should know that it’s a long process and not just a squad for this tournament.

“It’s about working with the players so that

we have a squad to hand over to Tom Mohan for the UEFA Under-17 qualifiers next season.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers defender will see his side take on Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the five reformed Victory Shield.

Earlier this year, England decided to pull out of the competition that used to play out over a series of months, making it a four-team competition, and the decision was made to pack all the action into one week, with this year’s edition taking place in Wales.

29 October 2015 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

Marino men through to SFC final again  sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S comfortably saw off Na Fianna on Sunday (October 24), to set up a shot at Ballyboden St Enda’s, a third successive Dublin Senior football Championship and their 28th Dublin title next weekend.

The star-studded Vincent’s side saw all six of their forwards hit points

in the opening 15 minutes, as the Marino men quickly built a lead they never really looked like surrendering.

Ger Brennan looked commanding in defence, while Shane Carthy and Gavin Burke both look likely contenders for still more regular appearances in sky blue next season, with both fluid and powerful in the middle of the

park.

Diarmuid Connolly was influential as ever up top, with the county star exchanging quick ball with former Dubs man Mossy Quinn, the pair helping Vincent’s to a 0-8 to 0-2 lead with 15 minutes on the clock. Connolly made short work of their north Dublin neighbours defence, finishing with a sharp 0-5.

Adam Caffrey proved to be Na Fianna’s pivotal man, and his clinical 21st minute goal briefly offered his side a route back into the game.

Nevertheless, Vincent’s found themselves two goals clear of their rivals come half time, with class telling as the side that haven’t reached a senior final since 2001were overrun 0-22 to 2-9.

FastGAA

football: clontarf almost upset all the odds

St Vincent’s complete famous camogie double

Ballyboden St Enda’s squeezed past the challenge of Clontarf. Picture: Liam Cunningham

Boden survive scare to reach SFC decider

dublin sfc semi-final Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-12 Clontarf 0-10  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

RED HOT favourites Ballyboden St Enda’s overcame a brave Clontarf performance and a first-half red card for playmaker Michael Darragh Macauley to reach the Dublin SFC final last Sunday.

St Enda’s were widely expected to blow past their inexperienced nor th Dublin opponents, but with Macauley watching from the stands after being

handed a black card just before half time, they laboured. It followed an earlier yellow card, coming in a game which the county star never really got going in, and putting the 1/16 favourites at the foot of a mountain.

B o d e n h a d t a ke n an early lead, but Tarf seemed to gain a vicelike grip on the contest midway through the first half, recovering from 0-4 to 0-1 down to go in at 0-6 all, and - seemingly critically - a man up.

For much of the second half of a scrappy but intriguing game, it seemed like the outsid-

ers were going to cash in on Macauley’s off day.

With Clontarf leading by a point with five minutes left, there was still a sense that the north Dublin side couldn’t quite put their opponents away: chances went begging, as Tarf lacked the essential killer instinct.

Instead, Enda’s used their experience to wrangle space, notching the final three points, with Dotsy O’Callaghan to the fore. Andrew Kerin’s sharp shooting in notching all of his 0-7 in frees proved decisive.

The result was a harsh

lesson for Clontar f, who - with a little more composure - could have pulled off one of club football’s biggest upsets of the year.

St Enda’s survived a scare, and will go on to face a dominant St Vincent’s side in what will be the Firhouse Road club’s first Dublin Senior Championship final in six years.

Boden will be relieved, and go again in the big one on November 1 in Parnell Park, at 4pm.

They’ll need a far more convincing performance than this 0-12 to 0-10 victory to lift the trophy.

ST VINCENT’S have taken home the camogie double after an outstanding second half comeback saw the north Dubliners overturn Lucan Sarsfields to win this year’s Senior 1 championship.

The evenly-balanced match-up had already gone to a replay. Sarsfields’ three first half goals had given the west Dubliners a convincing eight-point first half lead and their only concern was the chances being made by a Vincent’s side notably profligate in front of goal.

It turned out that Vincent’s spurned first-half chances were a warning Sarsfields had failed to clock.

An eighth minute Mairi Ni Mhuineachain palm saw Sarsfields first open up a gap on their opponents, one which was soon expanded significantly by Sarah Collins. She then notched her second and Sarsfields’ third goal, building up that substantial first half lead of 3-6 to 0-7 for Sarsfields.

Vincent’s were creating chances, however, and came out in the second half determined not to miss their shot at glory.

The central figure of Alison Maguire closed the gap to four points with 10 minutes to go, but a defensive performance that saw under-pressure Vincent’s concede just a single second half point was at the very heart of the turnaround.

Had Sarfields managed to deny Vincent’s a critical goal, they might still have held on, but Aisling Maher’s splitting of a packed Sarsfields defence as she found the corner turned the tie on its head.

Maguire was there again to hit the points that secured victory, as a visibly ecstatic Vincent’s pulled off a task that looked all but impossible midway through this final. Sarsfields, who fielded no player over the age of 26, will feel they missed a huge opportunity, but can also expect to challenge again. The final score: 1-14 to 3-7.

The Maura Brady Cup was presented to Vincent’s by the husband of the late camogie legend, Frank Brady, and marked a St Vincent’s double, with the championship added to their league silverware earlier in the season.

The girls in blue and white go on to play renowned Kilkenny side Mullinavat in the Leinster Senior Championship.

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party time: St Vincent’s fight back to finally see off Lucan Sarsfields in Senior 1 camogie decider P31

oct 29 -Nov 4, 2015

Hockey’s road to rio: Craig Fulton speaks about ending a 108-year wait P29

Bernard Brogan and Ireland manager Joe Kernan launch the new Irish jersey. Picture: Paul Mohan/Sportsfile

Brogan to captain Ireland Plunkett’s man to lead country against Australia in International Rules contest in Croke Park on 95th anniversary of Bloody Sunday

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

ST OLIVER Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh and Dublin star Bernard Brogan added to his ever-growing list of achievements last week when he was announced as captain of the Ireland International Rules side.

Ireland will face Australia in the one-off fixture in this year’s mixed rules encounter at Croke Park on Saturday, November 21, a day which marks the 95th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Reacting to his appointment as Ireland captain, Brogan said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to not only represent Ireland, but

to captain the national team too. As Gaelic footballers, opportunities to play for Ireland and pit our skills against athletes from other nations and codes are few and far between and next month we will test ourselves against arguably the strongest ever Australian team to come here.

“Not only do they include the best of the AFL in terms of talent but they have experience of this code in their ranks, not least with their management team whose exploits both in their domestic game and indeed in this code, are proven. It’s a challenge we will relish and I look forward to working with Joe and his selectors and all of the lads on the panel to do our best to keep the Cormac

McAnallen Cup in Ireland.”

Manager of this year’s International Rules side, former Armagh player and manager Joe Kernan, also spoke after Brogan was announced as captain of the national side.

He said: “I wish Bernard well in what is a coveted role.

“He is following in the footsteps of many great footballers in accepting the role and it is something he is sure to embrace.

“He has been a top footballer in our game for many years – something borne out by the many accolades he has earned – and he has also shown his prowess in this game.

“In addition to helping to generate a vital team spirit amongst our players, he will also

lead by example where it matters most – on the field of play.”

Brogan has previously played twice for Ireland in International Rules, in the 2010 series.

The 2015 All-Star nominee was the top scorer in the first game defeat in Limerick with nine points and followed it up with five in the reverse fixture in Croke Park.

Donegal’s Michael Murphy had led the Irish side the last two years, suffering mixed fortunes with a narrow defeat in Perth last year and a win in 2013 on home soil.

A full squad announcement is expected in early November and you would expect at least a couple more of Brogan’s All-Ireland winning teammates to join him on the panel.