Dublin city

Gazette

WIN

DUBLIN CITY

A FUJIFILM instax300 Wedding Gift Set worth €200

Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2017

Find us on

WIN

SEE P20

INSIDE: Let our Wedding Supplement help you and your big day! P15-21

A SIGNED COPY OF UNA HEALY’S NEW ALBUM & TICKETS TO SEE HER PLAY THE SUGAR CLUB TO ENTER SEE PAGE 3

SPORT Cooper’s 2017 plans P32

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

DCC to present Moss St flats to developers

Deal over derelict complex set to net Dublin City Council 20 residential units

 EMMA NOLAN A DERELICT flat complex on Moss Street is to be handed over to private developers

by Dublin City Council.

The 100-year-old red brick flats have been vacant

for the past decade following the council’s decision to move tenants out because the accommodation did not meet modern living standards.

Now, DCC will give the complex to Brigante Invest-

ments – a subsidiary of Tetrarch Capital – who will apply to develop the oneacre site.

The developers plan to develop a hotel on the site as well 20 residential units, which will then be handed

over to the council.

However, Cllr Ciaran Cuffe (GP) said he would prefer if the site stayed in DCC ownership. “It makes the council look bad,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

COURTS | GARDAI FIND MORE THAN 48,000 ECSTASY TABLETS

DJ caught with over €500k worth of drugs A Brazilian DJ caught with over €500,000 worth of ecstasy tablets and cocaine stashed in jigsaw boxes has been sentenced to eight years with the final four suspended.

Gardai searching the home of Eduardo Biegelmeyer (26) found over 48,000 ecstasy tablets, most of them hidden in jigsaw boxes.

Biegelmeyer, of Lafayette Building, D’Olier Street, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on July 29, 2016.

Garda Donal O’Sullivan told the court that the DJ was “well known in the Brazilian community in

Dublin as someone who would sell drugs”.

The court heard that a number of gardai had set up surveillance outside Biegelmeyer’s home when they spotted what seemed to be a drug transaction between him and another man. Both were arrested and Biegelmeyer had 16 MDMA tablets on him. A later search of his apartment led to the discovery of over 48,000 ecstasy tablets, worth an estimated €485,160 and 354 grammes of cocaine valued at €22, 778.

Gda O’Sullivan said most of the tablets had been hidden in jigsaw boxes in a panel behind the boiler in the kitchen.

€35,715 was also discovered sitting on the bed in Biegelmeyer’s room.

Biegelmeyer told gardai that he was a cocaine addict and claimed he was under threat to pay back a €40,000 drug debt. He said he earned €1,000 per month working as a DJ and earned extra money selling drugs to friends.

He said he had managed to save €12,000 and it was his hope to get enough money to return to Brazil with his girlfriend.

Gda O’Sullivan told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that Biegelmeyer came to Ireland on a student visa three years earlier but was now living illegally in the country as

he no longer attended college. The witness agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that his client was “well known as someone who would sell drugs”. He accepted that he was concerned for his own safety if he didn’t pay the money he owed for the drugs.

Mr Bowman told Judge Melanie Greally that his client had an “unusual and difficult childhood”.

He said he was now in protective custody having been beaten up by fellow inmates for crying in his prison cell at night.

He has a physical deformity and a pronounced stutter which counsel said is making life

in custody very difficult.

Counsel said Biegelmeyer started supplying drugs to friends.

“It was something that started out small but got larger and almost out of control,” Mr Bowman submitted.

Judge Greally accepted from reports that Biegelmeyer was “psychologically vulnerable and had low self worth”.

She noted, however, that he had played “an active role” in the sale of drugs.

Judge Greally suspended the last four years of the eight year term on condition that Biegelmeyer leaves Ireland upon his release from prison and not return for 20 years.

FASTNews

Turin Brakes will play The Button Factory

A wealth of talent at the Temple Bar TradFest THE Temple Bar Tradfest kicks off this week from Wednesday, January 25, to Sunday, January 29.

Some of the headline acts include Paddy Casey & Mundy, Sharon Shannon, The Fureys, Turin Breaks, Afro Celt Sound System, Billy Bragg and Joe Henry, Mairtin O’Connor/Zoe Conway/Donal Lunny and many more acts. The concerts will take place in venues all around Dublin such as City Hall, The Hub, St Werburgh’s Church and other venues around Temple Bar for the duration of the five days.

For more information see www.templebartrad. com or call 01 9602300.

Volunteers needed for Lollipop Day 2017 THE Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is looking for volunteers to help out at the upcoming 16th annual Lollipop Day in Dublin.

Lollipop Day will take place on March 3, 4 and 5 to help raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer.

As part of the day, thousands of people are needed to sell lollipops (€2) across Dublin and Ireland.

All monies raised will go towards providing awareness and research for better outcomes for patients and their families with this cancer.

If you have a few hours to spare on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4 or Sunday, March 5, contact the OCF on www.lollipopday.ie or contact Audrey in South Dublin on 087 818 0523.

Griffith College students to launch radio station

Things are looking rosy for Rosanna

ROSANNA Davison will be hoping to win Most Stylish Lady as this year’s The Gossies which are taking place on Saturday in the Radisson Blu Royal. The event is set to honour the best in showbiz with a star-studded awards ceremony and host Vogue Williams will be running the show once again. The who’s who of Ireland’s showbiz circles will be taking to the red carpet as celebrities and entertainers are awarded during a night of glitz, glamour and fun. Picture: Brian McEvoy

STUDENTS at Griffith College are preparing to launch their new radio station – Griff FM 107.8.

Run entirely by students from the college from January 29, Griff FM will kick off with a panel of special guests including Peadar Breathnach, journalist and researcher at Newstalk FM, with more guests to be announced. The station will be raising awareness for Pieta House with a nine-day broadcast.

There are 43 journalism students taking part and over the course of its nine day broadcast, competitions will be run for listeners who are tuning in, as well as live interviews, specialist music shows and discussions on current affairs, music, culture, and sport.

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

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

Una Meanies business Una Healy plays the Sugar Club next month and YOU can win a pair of tickets – see below for details

MORE PICS: ll See the fu n interview o k o our Facebo page!

SINGING sensation Una Healy has more than just a beautiful, crisp voice – the former Saturdays star can also boast a sophisticated palette when it comes to corn snacks!

Currently touring the nation to promote her single, Stay My Love,The Gazette caught up with the talented songwriter just in time to find out what she had for lunch – and why the English just don’t do crisps.

“It was a very Irish lunch,” she laughed. “I had a chicken fillet roll, a pack of Meanies and a bottle of Tipperary Spring Water. You can’t beat Meanies!

“I really miss the crisps here. The selection in England is nothing like ours – it’s just awful!”

Stay My Love is the first single from Una’s first album, The Waiting Game, due out next month.

The duet with Sam Palladio, star of TV’s Nashville, has been getting rave reviews from the critics, and Una said she was delighted with how it turned out.

She said: “Sam’s got a gorgeous soft voice that blends well with my own, and he’s an up-and-coming singersongwriter himself – albeit everbody knows him from Nashville on TV – so like me this is his first stint as well, so we’re both really excited.”

It’s not the first time Una has shared the stage with a male TV heart-throb. Before she found fame, the young songstress used to play on the Dublin pub scene, where she was once the warm-up act for none other than ... Christian Grey.

She revealed: “You know Jamie Dornan? He was part of a duo called Sons of Jim, and I supported them in the Sugar Club, back in 2005.

“I met him recently at a premiere and he came up to me and said, ‘Do you remember me?’ and I was like, ‘Of course I remember you!’ We knew each other from well before The Saturdays, or Fifty Shades of Grey, or anything like that.”  Una returns to the Sugar Club on February 16, but this time she’s got a four-piece band backing her. To win a pair of tickets to the show AND a signed copy of Una’s new album, The Waiting Game, just go to The Gazette’s Facebook page and Like and Share our Una Healy post.

\\NEWSSRV\PictureDesk\8 UPCOMING GALLERIES\2017\01 JAN\UNA FODEN

4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

PLANNING | REDEVELOPMENT DEAL WILL NET COUNCIL 20 RESIDENTIAL UNITS

Derelict Moss St flats to go to private developers  EMMA NOLAN A DERELICT flat complex on Moss Street is to be handed over to private developers by Dublin City Council (DCC).

The 100-year-old red brick flats are located on Moss Street and Townsend Street near Tara Street, close to City Quay in the south-east inner city.

They have been vacant for the past decade following the council’s decision to move tenants out because the accommodation did not meet modern living standards.

Now, DCC will give the complex to Brigante Investments – a subsidiary of Tetrarch Capital, who will apply to develop the one acre site.

The plan is that the developers will construct a hotel, retail and office units on the site. They will also develop 20 residential units, which will then be handed

over to the council along with one commercial unit.

The decision to redevelop the site through the private sector was reached due to the high estimated costs of restoring the old units.

When preliminary plans were drawn up in 2013, the cost of work was estimated to be around €2.2 million.

Flats However, this estimation turned out to be inaccurate as the flats had deteriorated significantly since the last survey was taken in 2007 – leaving the actual budget at €5.5 million for 19 apartments.

The building was completed in 1917 and is among the earliest purpose-built social housing in the city.

It was constructed in response to a housing crisis at the time which saw many Dubliners live in poor conditions in tenements. As the building is not list-

ed, the developers will have free reign to demolish it.

City councillor Ciaran Cuffe (GP) said he would prefer if the site stayed in DCC’s ownership. The former city architect told The Gazette he thinks the plans to privately redevelop the site “makes the council look bad”.

He said that the lack of funding from the Government contributed to the

Glenda adds a dash of marital MC magic at The K Club CASTLEKNOCK’S very own Glenda Gilson was looking stunning as she assumed her role as MC at the The K Club Wedding Showcase.

Guests to the complimentary afternoon were treated to a fashion show in the beautiful Legacy Suite. Exhibitors included photographers, musicians, wedding car suppliers, florists, wedding decorators, stationery suppliers and menswear specialists, to mention but a few.

Picture: Aishling Conway

TELL US YOUR STORY Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

WHAT HAVE YOU

We would love

HAS IT to hear it!

CHANGED WHO WHAT DID YOU DISCOVERED? YOUR INSPIRED

FIND?

YOU?

council losing ownership of the complex. Cllr Cuffe asked why the building had been left vacant for so long, allowing it to deteriorate to such a level that redeveloping it would cost more.

He added“I think we need a conservation report on the building. It is a part of the heritage of the city and it would be a pity to lose it if the developers decide to demolish it.”

FASTNews

Communities urged to apply for energy fund COMMUNITY groups across Dublin city can now apply for grant funding to help reduce their energy and heating bills under the Better Energy Communities (BEC) scheme. €30 million has been made available by Sustainable Energy Ireland to support community energy projects aimed at reducing energy consumption in the community, private and public organisations.

Deputy Jim O’Callaghan (FF) said: “This year, over 300 community organisations received a grant, and with the budget increasing by 50% for 2017 to €30 million, there are more opportunities for community organisations ... to obtain funding.”

The deadline for applications for this grant funding is February 17. For further information, see www. seai.ie/bec or contact 01 808 2162.

Dublin ranks well in drawing skilled workers

DUBLIN has been ranked 10th in the world for ‘talent competitiveness’, beating London, New York and Berlin.

According to a new global index compiled

by Adcecco Group, that looks at cities’ ability to develop, attract and retain highly-skilled workers, Dublin’s solid performance in the rankings is particularly boosted by the presence of major international companies with a global reach, including Apple and LinkedIn. We also benefit from being small in size and population – a factor which the report reveals can aid a city in attracting top talent.

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

All TRUMPED

MARCH FOR WOMEN | DUBLIN, AND THE WORLD, REACTS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S INAUGURATION

US PRESIDENT Donald J Trump’s inauguration last Friday saw a wave of protests across the world the next day because of his stated views about women.

Here in Dublin, more than 4,000 women – and plenty of men, too – marched from the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin city centre to the GPO. The march was organised by a

group of American women living in Ireland, in conjunction with a number of Irish women’s groups and Democrats Abroad. The Irish march’s organisers said that they were “marching in support and solidarity for equal rights for all people everywhere”.

It was a colourful event which attracted people of all ages and gender with an emphasis on homemade banners.

Londo n

Paris

New York

Washington DC

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

Dublin

Dubli n pict ures: Rose

Comis key

8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

PEOPLE | FAMILY’S DESPERATE PLEA FOR HELP AS MAM’S BRAIN INJURY WORSENS  SYLVIA POWNALL TIME is running out for a woman who suffered a brain bleed and needs rehabilitation, with her daughter warning: “If she doesn’t get help soon we may never get her back.”

Vera Ronan, 63, was rushed to hospital with a clot on the brain after she was found lying in a pool of blood on the bathroom floor of the family home in Blanchardstown.

Her daughter, Natalie Treacy, says she is now “like a child” and the family have been left to look after her – with just a few hours’ home care help per week.

She said: “Mam had a fall on July 2, 2015. She fell backwards and banged her head. From that day to this, we have lost her – we never got her back.”

Coma Medics initially believed Vera would not make it, but after a seven-hour surgery and 11 days in an induced coma she started to come round.

Natalie said: “Within six weeks she was able to make an almost complete physical recovery. She’s a very stubborn woman, and it probably helped her.

“The National Rehabilitation Hospital confirmed by letter in August 2015 that mam was next in line for a bed there, but to this day she never got a bed.”

Vera was moved into a single room at James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown, where she stayed for the next eight months.

“They didn’t know what to do with her,” said Natalie.

“She needed 24-hour care.

The family used to take it in turns to sit with her. We were feeding her, washing her, walking her, doing everything for her. She used to spend five to seven hours a day walking up and down the hospital corridors with her bags packed.

“My mam was captain of the Dublin ladies’ darts team; she went to Spain regularly; she was very active.

From that to this ... To look at her was soul-destroying.”

Last February, Vera’s devoted husband, John (63) decided to take her home.

She has a carer for one hour a day, five days a week, and her first visit from an occupational therapist was last week – almost a full year after she left hospital.

Natalie said: “Mam is like a child. She has no shortterm memory. She has the same conversation with my dad over and over.”

A Sinn Fein councillor for Fingal, Natalie secured a meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris last November. He agreed to have her mother reassessed and approved for intensive brain rehabilitation, and to meet her again in January.

She said: “He will not even answer me now, he is ignoring me. If my mother doesn’t get the help she needs soon, we’re probably going to be left with her like this forever.

“She needs six to eight hours a day intensive brain rehabilitation for two months. If we don’t get it soon, mam will never come back to us.”

In response to a press query, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said Minister Harris fully intended to honour his promise and would contact the family “in the coming weeks”.

Concerned Meanwhile, Natalie is forced to watch her mother deteriorate and is increasingly concerned for her father’s welfare.

She said: “My dad is just on his knees. They’re together 43 years, since they were 14. They renewed their wedding vows in Spain after 40 years. They travelled everywhere together, did everything together. He is heartbroken.

“He went from being her lover, her best friend, her partner to her full-time carer.

He adores her, he’s devoted to her, but it’s no quality of life. It’s like he’s trapped.

“I go down for a few hours every day. I do her hair, straighten her hair. I have to look into my mother’s eyes and I’m trying to do the best for her but it’s soul-destroying.

“It’s like standing on a river bank and watching her and not being able to go in and help her. It’s like she’s drowning very, very slowly.”

Vera and daughter Natalie celebrate Mothers Day in 2015, just a few short months before the accident

‘It’s like standing on a river bank, watching her drown very slowly’ Natalie and her mum Vera, now; Right: Vera and her devoted husband John renew their vows back in 2013

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9

CRIME | COURTS HEAR A LITANY OF SHOCKING ACTS ACROSS THE CITY LUCAN | INJURY

Childcare worker who slipped on a plastic toy settles her €60k claim for an undisclosed sum after talks  SYLVIA POWNALL A CHILDCARE worker who said she suffered back pain since tripping over a plastic toy in a Lucan creche has settled a €60,000 damages claim for an undisclosed sum.

Natasha Carberry, of Beech Grove, Lucan, told the High Court that she tripped on a plastic plate and fell on her right side after she was called by a superior to assist in changin g na ppi es in the baby room at Precious Minds Creche, Griffin Drive, Lucan.

She said she was usually in charge of children aged between one and two years in a different room and had to take two children with her to the baby room, while the others were asleep.

The 26-year-old told her barrister, Frank Crean, that her superior left the baby room and she had to look after six awake and three sleeping children.

She said she had been in shock after the fall and had later gone to her GP. The court heard she suffered soft-tissue injuries to her back.

Mr Crean said his client has ongoing pain in her back and is considering a change of career as a result.

Ms Carberr y sued Precious Minds Ltd for negligence.

She claimed the creche had failed to have

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

‘The creche had denied liability and had claimed Ms Carberry had been the author of her own misfortune.

‘It also alleged that it was her duty to keep the floor clear.’

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

regard to her safety and that the child-adult ratio had been too high that day.

Sean Walsh, a forensic engineer who gave evidence on behalf of Ms Carberry, said it was essential that staff should not be placed in unduly stressful working conditions.

The creche had denied liability and had claimed Ms Carberr y had been the author of her own misfortune.

It also alleged that it was her duty to keep the floor clear.

Following a brief adjournment, Mr Crean told Judge O’Callaghan that talks had taken place between the parties and an accommodation had been found, without admission of liability.

The judge struck out Ms Carberry’s claim, aw a r d i n g h e r l e g a l costs.

Man withdrew money stolen by scammers

A MAN who claimed he was approached by two men in a casino and asked to withdraw cash that had been stolen through a scam will be sentenced in July.

Andrei Panzariu (32), of Mountjoy Square Apartments, Dublin 1, withdrew €4,042 through four separate transactions after a scam led to a woman transferring €5,000 from her savings account to her deposit account, which was then further transferred to another bank account without her knowledge.

Panzariu pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four charges of theft on March 25, 2014.

He has 25 previous convictions, which apart from three theft offences are all for road traffic offences.

Detective Garda Jonathan Brady told Eoin Lawlor BL, prosecuting, that the woman got an email purporting to be from her bank, Permanent TSB, asking her to update her account details.

The email included a link to what appeared to be a genuine web page for the bank, and she supplied

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard a man claim he was approached in a casino and asked to withdraw money stolen using an online banking and phone scam

her account number, password, date of birth and phone number.

She was then requested to complete a transfer she had previously authorised with the bank of €5,000 from her savings account to her deposit account.

The scammers then used the details to access the woman’s SIM card on her phone, which allowed them to transfer the cash by mobile phone to a separate bank account.

It was then that Panzariu was employed to withdraw the cash.

Det Gda Brady said the woman’s phone stopped working and she went to O2, where she was supplied with a new SIM card.

The next day, she received a letter from the fraud section of TSB telling her what had happened.

Panzariu was caught on CCTV footage making two withdraws from an ATM, and withdrawing cash by way of sterling exchange in two separate post offices.

He was arrested and claimed that a Romanian and a Russian who he met at a casino offered him

€300 to make the withdrawals. He said he was so desperate for money at the time he would have done it for €100.

Det Gda Brady said a balance of €958 has been returned to the victim.

Both the bank and O2 have taken responsibility for some of the stolen cash.

A victim impact report stated that woman felt that her privacy was invaded and it had undermined her confidence in doing her daily business online. She had saved the money for a

holiday, and she had since changed both her phone number and her bank.

Ann Sheridan BL , defending, told Judge Melanie Greally that her client was in a bad way at the time. She said he began abusing both alcohol and drugs after his 10-monthold daughter, his father and his brother all died in a short space of time.

She said he was in a desperate financial situation and was vulnerable when he was approached by the two men.

Ms Sheridan said her client was now working and had written letters of apology to the victim and the gardai. She handed in testimonials which spoke of how he was of assistance to people in his local community.

Panzariu had €750 in court to compensate the woman, the bank and phone company who also covered the loss.

Judge Greally adjourned the case to July 24 next for sentence to allow Panzariu time to raise the balance of €3,292 to fully compensate for the theft. She remanded him on continuing bail.

Worker exposed himself when the postman called

A HEALTH service worker who exposed his erect penis to a postman making a delivery to a Swords caravan park may avoid a jail term, a judge ruled last week.

Romanian national Daniel Lascovici (28), of Seaview Bungalow, Seatown, Swords, claimed he had been drinking when he stood at the entrance to the park with his trousers open and his penis erect and asked: “Have you a letter for me?” He also whistled to the postman as he left the scene, Swords

District Court was told.

Lascovici pleaded guilty to being drunk in public on February 10, 2016 at the Rathbeale Road in Swords.

Sergeant Bob Kavanagh said Lascovici exposed his penis to the postman at 10am while he was making his morning deliveries.

The An Post worker left the scene and reported the incident to gardai. Lascovici admitted the offence from the outset and cooperated fully, the court heard.

Defence solicitor Morgan Redmond said: “He is extremely embarrassed. He said on the day he had consumed alcohol and isn’t used to drinking.

“He accepts culpability and understands the effects on all concerned. It was completely out of character.”

He revealed that the 28-yearold, who is a qualified care assistant and nurse in Romania, is due to qualify in a similar field here.

He had offered an apology but

was told by gardai not to approach the postman.

Judge Dermot Dempsey said because the incident happened early in the morning, he believed “there was more than drink involved”. He added: “A health service worker carrying on like this?”

He ordered a report to gauge the defendant’s suitability for community service – suggesting 120 hours in lieu of one month in prison – and adjourned the case to the end of March.

10 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

GazetteGALLERY

| SILVER SCREEN FANS ATTEND LAUGHTER LOUNGE PARTY

Restaurateur Nick Munier and Alanna Feeney

Sony Prajapati and Stephen McFadden

Stars sparkle at film fest launch Brian McNamara and actress Leah McNamara. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Radio and TV presenter Blathnaid Actress Amy De Bhrun

Treacy and Charlie Murphy

2FM star Stephen Byrne and Shane

Actresses Jenny Dixon and Anita

O’Neill

Nikolaison

T

HE Laughter Lounge in the city centre was bursting at the seams with Irish stars for the launch party of the Audi Dublin International Film Festival 2017, which will take place from February 16 to 26.

Festival director Grainne Humphreys took to the stage to let the attending film buffs know what films will be screened during this year’s festival, and also what actors are due in town for the annual event.

Top stars, including Vanessa Redgrave, Nathalie Baye, Kerry Fox, Ross Noble, Ben Wheatley and Anna Friel, will be joined by top Irish talents Jack Reynor, Moe Dunford, Cillian Murphy, John Butler and Aiden Gillen on the red carpet during the upcoming festival.

Actress Niamh Algar

Patrick Kavanagh and Paula Lyne

Emma Costello and Sarah Gordon

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 13

STUDENT THEATRE AWARDS: DANCING WITH STARS HOPEFUL ALL SET FOR NEW ROLE AS JUDGE

Treading the Bords was Aoibhin’s first love The RTE star knows the

importance of participation

in the dramatic arts during

school years

DANCING With The Stars hopeful Aoibhin Garrihy is set to bring a splash of sequins and some newly learned Samba skills to this year’s Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards.

The former Fair City star joins this year’s expert judging panel alongside Amy Huberman – and she’s encouraging students to get their entries in now.

Aoibhin, who’s also a speech and drama teacher, will bring her acting expertise and recently acquired choreography skills to the judging panel and will help judge the performance categories.

She said: “I’m so excited to be involved in this year’s Student Theatre Awards. As someone who has had a love for acting and performing since I was a child, I understand how important it is to encourage and celebrate

participation in the dramatic arts during school, and these awards do just that!

“As a judge, I’ll be looking for enthusiasm, innovation and commitment to the character whether that is through a powerful performance or captivating choreography.

“Above all else, I am really looking forward to seeing some of the standout talent from this year’s Awards.”

The deadline for entries in all production categories is January 27. The closing date for entries in the written categories is February 10.

Shortlisted schools will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on May 17 – some will even get the chance to perform on Ireland’s largest theatre stage.

Go to bgesta.ie to find out more, including how to enter the awards.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Challenge yourself and help raise vital funds for Concern Judges Niamh Farrell from HamsandwicH & RTE’s Paddy McKenna on stage at Whelans, where they and along with Bare in the Woods festival director Peter Dunne will choose a winner

Le Crunch time for cover artists THE hunt for Ireland’s next undiscovered musical talent is underway with the return of Le Crunch Apple of My Eye song contest for a fourth successive year .

The French apple brand has teamed up with JOE to launch this year’s search for Ireland’s best cover version.

Over the last few years, thousands of aspiring musicians from all over Ireland have entered the competition with fantastic interpretations of well-known songs.

The comp has also seen a number of those shortlisted gain huge recognition within the music industry and public domain, as well as perform at a number of top festivals around the Country including the Indiependence Music & Arts Festival and Electric Picnic.

A panel of music industry judges will select the top ten tunes to go through to a national semi-final, open to public vote for short listing down to a final five, who will then contest the final at Dublin’s iconic music venue Whelans in front of a packed live audience on March 23rd.

The winner will walk away with prize money and a guaranteed slot at the Bare in the Woods Festival 2017.

To be in with the chance of winning a share of a €2,500 prize fund, musicians are asked to record their favourite cover version (on video or MP3) and to enter the competition through JOE.ie. Deadline for entries is Friday, February 20, 2017.

Visit www.ouitolecrunch.com to find out more.

A DARING new contest that encourages people to do humanitarian-focused challenges has been launched by Concern Worldwide.

Surviving on €5 worth of food over five days or hauling around a daily allowance of five litres of water for cooking, cleaning and drinking are two of several tasks facing participants in the aid agency’s inaugural World Champions competition.

The winning team will spend over a week in one of the 27 countries where Concern Worldwide operates to find out how the money they raised goes to helping people living in extreme poverty.

The life-changing competition involves people setting up teams and winning points by completing regular missions, promoting their efforts on social media, and fundraising.

C o n c e r n ’s Wo r l d Champions manager, Jonathan Power, from Tallaght, south Dublin, said: “Adventure awaits those who register for this exciting new contest open to adults all over the country.

“Participants will be challenging themselves while raising desperately needed money to help fund Concern’s activities

in some of the world’s poorest countries with the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to see our work first-hand.”

The “survive on five” mission will see teams get a glimpse of a reality that is faced by over one billion people around the world currently trying to survive on less than €1 a day.

The winning team will be taken to one of Concern’s programmes this summer when they will meet some of the people living in extreme poverty, who are benefitting from the donations the aid agency receives from the public.

Registrations can be made by emailing worldchampions@concern.net with further details available at www.concernworldchampions.ie where a leader board and team updates can also be found.

FAMOUS ORCHESTRA COMING TO TOWN VIENNA’S Strauss Festival Orchestra, along with internationally renowned conductor Peter Guth, are set to perform at Dublin’s 3Arena on February 25.

The Strauss Festival Orchestra have had countless appearances at music festivals, TV concerts, tours in almost every European country, America and Asia.

The orchestra is synonymous with the authentic interpretation of Viennese music in historical formations, and with a wide repertoire from the classics to the Strauss Dynasty.

Peter Guth, the internationally renowned Johann Strauss specialist, shares the musical direction with his younger colleague Willy Buchler who takes over the annual tours in Japan and NewYear’s Concerts in the Wiener Konzerthaus.

True to the tradition of Johann Strauss, they both also conduct with the violin in hand.

Tickets for the event are priced from €29 to €59 plus booking fee are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationawide and from ticketmaster.ie.

LESLIE DOWDALL TO PLAY NUMBER 22 LESLIE Dowdall, the voice and songwriter behind In Tua Nua and

Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing will play Dublin’s newest theatre club venue Number Twenty Two, South Anne Street on Thursday, February 23.

This show is part of a nationwide tour beginning in February to support the release of their version of Antony and The Johnsons beautiful song You Are My Sister in January.

The live show features Leslie on vocals, keyboards and guitar and Mike on guitars and vocals.

Leslie and Mike (inset, left) have toured intermittently in recent years and this is their first recording since Learning to Let Go was released a few years back.

Tickets priced €17.50 for show or €55 for dinner and show are available at www. numbertwentytwo.ie

POIGNANT PLAY AT SMOCK ALLEY THE latest performance from Dublin-based Home You Go productions, Tender Mercies, will be performed in Smock Alley Theatre this February.

The “poignant, highly theatrical and blackly comic” play was written and directed by Colette Cullen.

Tickets are available on smockalley.com.

GAZETTE

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 15

To Have to Hold WI€N200 WORTH

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT PACK See Page 20

SUITED AND BOOTED: Classic style at Magee to ensure gentlemen look their very best Page 19

Planning your perfect day?

Look around for the perfect photographer to capture what you want from your treasured wedding shots.

SEE PAGE 20

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 17

LOVE MARRIAGE

Turn to The Inn at Dromoland for a luxurious, dream wedding

View the magnificent Ballyhannon Suite in full bridal set-up at The Inn at Dromoland

NESTLED on the 450-acre Dromoland Estate and overlooking the panoramic Shannon Estuary in beautiful Co Clare, The Inn at Dromoland is the ideal venue for your wedding day celebrations.

Part of the Dromoland Castle family, wedding couples can expect the very highest levels of hospitality and service.

The hotel aims to exceed every expectation, with the renowned service for which the hotel has long been known.

The hotel offers a wonderful private garden area overlooking Dromoland Castle Estate and Lake – ideal for post-wedding photographs, for the exclusive use of bridal parties.

Wedding packages start from €42PP. Each package has been carefully selected to ensure that your wedding day will linger in

the memory of your guests for years to come.

The Inn at Dromoland has also been approved by The Registrar’s Office as a suitable venue to accommodate civil marriages and partnerships.

Make a date for your diary: the hotel’s Spring Wedding Showcase will be held on Sunday, March 5 between 1-5pm.

View the magnificent Ballyhannon Suite in full bridal set-up, along with a host of exhibitors to help you plan your special day.

Marietta Doran will be on hand to talk you through the latest bridal fashion. View the newly-renovated bridal suite and sample some of the wonderful catering that is on offer at the hotel.

To make an appointment, call 061 368 161, or email claire.coughlan@theinnatdromoland.ie.

The Court Yard Hotel in Leixlip offers a captivating setting for the wedding you’ve always wanted

 OLD-WORLD CHARM CLOSE TO THE CITY'S EDGE 

A special €10,000 package will make any wedding or civil ceremony at The Athlone Springs Hotel even more wonderful

A perfect day for all at Athlone Springs

SET in Monksland, Athlone in Co Roscommon, The Athlone Springs Hotel is a beautiful venue in the heart of Ireland.

This contemporar y venue hosts a welcoming lobby and drinks reception area in Cedar Cocktail Bar, and the stunning Clonellan Ballroom caters for weddings up to 300 guests.

The hotel also has its own private garden where you can escape for your photos, and the Manhattan bridal suite is the height of luxury.

The hotel’s wedding experts know that planning your big day is not easy when you are trying to budget and still have the wedding of your dreams.

T he wedding team have been brainstorming over the past few months and are delighted to announce the launch of a new all-inclusive wedding package.

For €10,000, couples can choose their church wedding package, or their civil ceremony wedding package.

Each package cov-

ers everything you need for your special day.

Whether you are having a church or civil ceremony, your ceremony decor and flowers are all included.

You will also have two photographers to choose from, along with your wedding car, wedding cake, band and DJ, stationary, along with a full catering package from the hotel – it’s all included in this new, amazing package.

The groom and his groomsmen will also have loads of choice with

suits from Martin Feeney Formalwear in Galway.

The Athlone Springs Hotel have some great wedding open weekends and events planned over the next few months, so drop by and chat with the team or contact Nicola any time at 090 644 5808, or see events@athlonespringshotel.com.

Be sure to drop by The Athlone Springs Hotel stand at the RDS wedding show on January 28 and 29, or attend the wedding showcase and tasting evening on Thursday, February 2.

A unique, tranquil wedding setting with a difference BUILT on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, The Court Yard Hotel in Leixlip offers old-world charm, beautiful original stone work with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling.

The hotel truly is Kildare’s best-kept secret.

From its humble beginnings back in 1756, the Court Yard Hotel has become a popular choice with a unique space for weddings and events since opening its doors in 2005.

With a graceful renovation and rejuvenation of historic buildings, the Court Yard Hotel is unique in its character and design, with beautiful exposed brick walls, huge windows and vaulted and beamed ceilings.

Renowned for their ability to capture the true essence of the day, the hotel’s wedding experts

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

‘Renowned for their ability to capture the true essence of the day, the hotel’s wedding experts firmly believe that each wedding should truly reflect the couple’s own style’

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

firmly believe that each wedding should truly reflect the couple’s own style.

It all adds up to a beautiful tranquil escape for a wedding with a difference The Court Yard Hotel has a wide range of choices to offer for your wedding event.

Ideal for intimate gatherings,

celebrate with up to 100 cherished family and friends in the stunning RiverBank reception room – a truly beautiful wedding room with captivating views of the River Liffey and Leixlip Castle Boat House.

The RiverBank room offers its own private terrace for pre-drinks reception and evening party room with an exclusive piano bar.

For exceptional service, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable charm choose the Court Yard Hotel for your wedding celebration.

Packages provide an array of enhancements to choose from, all-inclusive to bespoke inspired packages starting from as little as €39.95 per person.

For further information, or details about wedding packages, contact the hotel by telephoning 01 629 5100, email info@courtyard.ie, or see www.courtyard.ie.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

LOVE MARRIAGE

Make your most memorable day perfect THE Bracken Court Hotel is a well-established 4-star luxury hotel, exceptional in design and character.

From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life.

They want to make sure that your day is everything you hoped for and more.

Every wedding is unique and special, as it should be.

A grand affair, an intimate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you.

They have the perfect stylish suites to choose from. It’s your special day, allow them to make it perfect.

Bespoke Venue The bespoke wedding venue is also registered to host civil ceremonies, and there is a variety of large and small spaces within the Bracken Court to host the most intimate wed-

ding celebrations to the most lavish occasions.

Guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodation, the beautiful open air terrace, the elegant formal banqueting rooms, the Bracken Grill dining room, and the intimate Jack Doyle’s bar.

Plus, the commitment to only one wedding a day, ensures the bridal party and their guests have all the space and personal attention needed to make the day as special as it should be.

Excellent value wedding packages at the Bracken Court Hotel start from just €39.95 per person, with a premium all-inclusive package priced at €79.95 per guest.

From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the bride and groom the following morning in their bridal suite, the Bracken Court in Balbriggan has a single focus on creating memorable weddings. Beautiful touches include per-

and entertainment is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements.

A late bar is organised for the reception after-party, as well as various catering options for evening guests.

Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations.

Spring Wedding Showcase The venue are holding a Spring Wedding Show on February 26 from 2pm - 6pm where they will set the scene as they present the reception suites and civil ceremony room dressed for the occasion.

Enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Bracken The Martello Suite at the Bracken Court hotel is a modern banqueting suite, and Court Hotel has to offer you on your can cater for weddings of up to 220 guests special day.

The Bracken Court Hotel can be sonalised menus, elegant stemmed colour scheme. The hotel’s dedicated contacted on (01) 841 3333, with candelabras, and chair covers and wedding co-ordinators will ensure weddings and other special occasion coordinating bows in the wedding everything, from the style of the wed- detail available on www.brackensuite that complement the wedding ding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, court.ie

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

Navy Dillon jacket €369

Tailored fit; three-piece suit €950

Tailored fit; three-piece suit €950

Tweed suits you, sir …

THE three-piece suit is more popular than ever right now (thanks Conor McGregor). And while they may not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying that they’re very dapper – especially when tailored in a subtle tweed. Check out Magee on South Anne Street, just off Grafton Street.

Let a CCU loan help plan the perfect day THE average cost of a wedding in Ireland is over €23,000!

Whether you are getting married on a small budget or with no expense spared, you need to keep track of your spending and avoid paying for your big day for years to come.

Maureen Brogan (above), chief executive, Community Credit Union (CCU), says: “With a fast, affordable and flexible loan from CCU, you will be able to cover all or part of your wedding expenses and plan your perfect day exactly as you would like it without the pressure of financial worries.

“You will be in a position to finance your wedding reception, dress, flowers, photographer,

invitations and any other wedding costs.

At CCU, we tailor your repayments to meet your own personal circumstances, and we advise you of the best method of repayment.

“You will also enjoy the added peace of mind of automatic Loan Protection Insurance at no extra cost; terms and conditions apply.”

Maureen adds: “You can also repay your loan at any time – without any penalties – and there are no fees, no charges and no costs for processing your loan.

“Make planning for your big day easier with a loan from CCU. Call us today at 01 869 2555; visit us at any of our four offices, or see www.communitycu.ie.”

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

LOVE MARRIAGE

WI€N200 WORTH

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Instax 300 Instant Camera • Three packs of 20 photos (total 60 wide-format shots) • Pen, bespoke wedding album and adhesive pads

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT BUNDLE

Your photographer may take some creative shots to add to your day’s memories

THANKS to our friends at Fujifilm, we have two Fujifilm Instax 300 Wedding Gift Bundles (worth €200) €200 to give away to two lucky readers.

This wonderful all-in-one pack would make a perfect gift for the happy couple – or be a terrific way to capture some on-the-go moments of their special day, with the easy to use camera making it so easy for everyone to capture and share the memories of the wonderful day.

TO WIN, just LIKE and SHARE this post on our Gazette Facebook page before 5pm on Monday, January 30, with both winners to be contacted soon afterwards. Best of luck!

Check the list, list, list...

SO YOU’RE getting married – congratulations! For most couples, that’s the easy part, as the big day marks the end of months (and sometimes even years) of meticulous marital planning.

To help ensure that the day passes off without a hitch, you’ll undoubtedly refer to The List a lot – the endless to-dos to get through before the I-Dos can start.

Here are just some of the main pointers to note, tick off, and move past as you prepare for a wonderful wedding – yours!

Rebecca and Gavin Cox Claire and Bren Regan

12 MONTHS TO GO

3 MONTHS TO GO

1 WEEK TO GO

• Set yourself a budget

• Three months out is pretty

• Print or do up place cards

• Start researching venue/

much your last chance to tell

and do up table plan

ceremony locations

everyone

• Organise envelopes with

• Look in to wedding insurance

• Compile your wedding gift

payments for suppliers – allo-

• Decide how many guests you

list (if you’re having one)

cate groomsmen to look after

want and make a rough list

• Start collecting addresses

them on the day

• Think about the style of

of friends and family for the

• Give reception venue/cater-

venue you’d like

invites and buy stamps

er final guest numbers

• Start researching wedding

• Decide on your song choic-

• Attend wedding rehearsal

suppliers and services such

es: first dance, reception etc

with celebrant

as wedding photographers,

• Arrange food tasting and

• Pack your honeymoon bag

entertainment, florists, etc

decide on menu

(don’t forget your passport)

Look around for your perfect photographer WHETHER or not you’re using a Fujifilm camera (see above) to capture some fun shots from the big day, or haven’t even thought about the perfect photographer, one thing’s for sure – you’ll want photos to treasure for the rest of your life.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the photos from your wedding day, with a good photographer being something that you should research just as carefully,

and as far in advance, as any other key part of the day.

While many of us turn to friends and family members to see who they used, these days it’s easier than ever before to see what specialist wedding photographers are out there, and to get a good look at their style.

Many have online portfolios to showcase their work, with subtle digital retouching, polishing and

copies often included in their packages and wedding deals.

These shots, by the Gazette’s own Aishling Conway, show how many couples still go for classic style in their timeless wedding pictures.

However, whether you’re going for traditional or something more contemporary, just remember to research and look around, with your photographer sure to be happy to work around your ideas.

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

Some things to keep in mind if your wedding will be abroad THINKING of marrying abroad? Well, on a chilly January morning, who could blame you?

As lovely as Ireland is, the lure of sun-kissed lands and tropical winds can be forgiven for luring the odd one or two (or a few hundred) couples away.

If you’re thinking of getting married away from home, Tropicalsky.ie’s Fred Harrison has some great tips to keep in mind ...

1. Check that you are not paying for any extra legal requirements while in the resort – always check before committing to any deal.

2. Always ask how many weddings a day your chosen hotel will have – you don’t want to be part of a ‘conveyor belt’ wedding just churning them out.

3. Always ask if you need to leave the hotel to complete formalities that could involve a visit to the local Licence Office or Registrar’s Office while on your holiday/honeymoon.

4. Go easy on the sunbathing – you definitely don’t want to get sunburnt before your wedding.

5. Always travel with your original documents and paperwork, regardless if you’ve sent copies beforehand – your wedding won’t take place unless you have these.

 CONSIDER THESE HONEYMOON HOTSPOTS 

Really engaging places to holiday FOR many newly engaged couples, dreaming of a wedding abroad or planning their honeymoon won’t be too far from their minds as the year gets under way.

Leading travel operator, Falcon Holidays and Thomson, predicts that there will be an increase in queries around destination wedding and honeymoons, with a surge of bookings expected.

The travel operator offers a range of exciting honeymoon and wedding destinations for newlyengaged couples – including Mexico and Jamaica – with direct flights from Dublin Airport.

Both the Caribbean coast of Mexico and the island of Jamaica boast endless sandy beaches,

crystal-clear waters and an infectious party spirit, offering the ideal destinations to allow the happy couple to take their vows, or to relax and unwind in magical surroundings after their big day.

Jamaica’s castaway backdrop, paired with its easy-going vibe, means that the island itself is the ideal location for a relaxed beach wedding.

It’s also packed with secret coves, sugary sands and crashing waterfalls, including the 600-feet-tall Dunns River Falls – where you can swap vows right next to its thundering cascade.

Honeymoons in Jamaica can be well spent sipping spiced rum in a twoperson hammock, or the more adventurous couple

Jamaica and Mexico’s crystal-clear waters (bottom) are calling honeymooning and engaged couples and guests

can explore, climb a water fall, or explore Jamaica’s beautiful coral reefs.

Further afield, and Mexico offers perfect beaches, ancient cultural sites, a rich history and a stunning choice of resorts along the Caribbean Coast.

Honeymooners can spend the time in Mexico experiencing jungle tours, swimming with dolphins in crystal-clear waters or taking part in a variety of water sports. with a vast range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, or live music or cultural shows to enjoy..

For further information on honeymoons and dream destinations with Falcon Holidays and Thomson, call 1850 453 545, or visit your local Falcon Travel Shop.

Fall in love with a special venue that’s deep in a Wicklow valley HIDDEN in a secluded Wicklow valley, less than an hour’s drive from south Dublin, lies BrookLodge and Macreddin Village – a luxurious 4-Star wedding venue.

Situated in the heart of Macreddin village, BrookHall is a dedicated wedding venue that is home to The River Room, which can seat up to 200 diners, a mezzanine bar, a dedicated reception area, en-suite bedrooms with French windows and a swimming pool.

The privacy of BrookHall will provide relaxed surroundings

for couples and their guests to make their day uniquely special and memorable for years to come.

For those lucky enough to be getting married on a balmy summer’s day or evening, five double-doors leading on to south-facing decking overlooking Ballycreen Brook will afford the perfect setting for showcasing the glamour of your wedding day.

For winter weddings, a great stone fireplace at either end of the room will guarantee a truly warm and romantic atmosphere.

Wicklow’s BrookLodge and Macreddin Village will delight, as will the Macreddin Chapel, above

Experience the calmness of Macreddin Chapel – a private and unique venue which seats up to 140 guests and is conveniently situated on the grounds just across the village green, and

approved by the HSE for civil marriages.

Macreddin Chapel can also be used for a simple but intimate blessing.

This multi-award winning country village setting includes: The Straw-

berry Tree – Ireland’s first certified organic restaurant, La Taverna Armento – a southern Italian bistro; Actons country pub and orchard cafe, The Wells Spa, a par 72 championship

golf course, Macreddin Smokehouse and Macreddin Organic Bakery.

For further information, telephone 0402 36444, email info@ brooklodge.com, or see www.brooklodge.com.

22 GAZETTE 26 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Kale loaf with feta & tasty roasted squash

BITESIZEDNEWS

The Library Bar

Something a little different in the city  AISLING KENNEDY

IF you’re looking for something a little different in the city this weekend then check out Number Twenty Two on South Anne Street.

The new venue, which opened in October, has two foodie spaces – The Library Bar which serves bar bites and drinks, and the Theatre Club which hosts a dinner and show on Saturday nights as part of the Cafe Society.

Some of the upcoming shows include ceol and traditional nights, and masquerade and spectacle nights which start from 7pm onwards.

Bar bites The Library Bar serves lunch daily from 12pm to 4pm and also has both an a la carte menu and bar bites available for guests from 12pm until late.

A DJ also features in the Library Bar every Friday and Saturday night.

In addition, there is a late-night bar in the Theatre Club each Saturday night that features fire breathers, knife eaters, snake charmers and special international DJ acts each month.

Visit www.numbertwentytwo.ie to find out more.

The Theatre Club hosts a dinner and show on Saturday nights

FOOD&DRINK

Serves: 4 people Ingredients l l l l

350g diced butternut squash l 1 tbsp olive oil l 100g kale 20g salted butter l 30g fresh breadcrumbs l Six eggs 200ml milk l One tbsp chopped dill fronds l 100g Feta Green salads

Preparation l Remove the tough stalks from the kale. Soften the salted butter.

Crumble the feta.

Method Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6., the put the squash on a baking tray and drizzle with the oil.

Toss gently to coat, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and beginning to char at the edges.

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C/140°C fan/gas 3.

Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil.

Add the kale and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until still bright green but starting to soften.

Drain in a colander and run under cold water until cool, then squeeze in a clean tea towel to remove excess moisture.

Grease a 2lb non-stick loaf tin with the butter.

Add the breadcrumbs and shake gently to coat the bot-

tom and sides of the tin, then tip out any excess crumbs.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until light and bubbly.

Fold in the squash, kale, dill and feta, then season with salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture into the tin and bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes, or until the filling is just set and golden on top (the middle should spring back to the touch).

Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.

Best served at room temperature with a green salad.

n This recipe is courtesy of M&S as part of an instore promotion to encourage healthy eating this January.

Raise up your glass to a celebration of Champagne NICOLE Snozzi, sommelier and brand ambassador for Champagne Laurent-Perrier, will host an exclusive fivecourse dinner at The Shelbourne on February 8 to showcase the champagne marque’s finest flavours.

The five-course menu, created by head chef Garr y Hughes, will have a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne as an accompaniment with each course and Nicole will introduce each glass with an in-depth knowledge for guests.

The evening will begin with a reception in the Adams Suite at 6pm followed by dinner in The

Saddle Room at 7pm.

T h e f i ve - c o u r s e t a s t i n g menu in The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne costs €96 per person including the welcome reception and matching Champagne with each course.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Week runs for the week from February 6 to 12 at The Shelbourne when a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne is available to all restaurant guests for the discounted price of €15 per glass.

Booking is essential, for more information and details on how to book call (01) 6634500.

26 January 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Now is the time to set realistic career goals and objectives for the year ahead JANUARY is the perfect time to set realistic career goals and objectives for the year ahead.

Whether it’s a new job title, more responsibility, career development, a pay rise or additional benefits, now is the ideal time to plan, making necessary amends and improvements to help reach your 2017 work goals.

Osborne chief executive and owner Shona McManus says: “Most people feel refreshed and motivated when they return to work in the New Year. This is why we advise setting realistic careers goals in January.

“People are feeling uplifted, confident and driven after their rest over Christmas, making this the perfect opportunity to review your career objectives.”

Here are Osborne’s five tips on how to progress ...

1. Be self-aware: Being self-aware in the workplace gives the opportunity to objectively analyse your role within the company.

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you pinpoint areas in need of growth, and allow you to focus on them throughout the year.

Be open to and encourage constructive feedback from peers and management to help you become 100% selfaware.

2. Manage your own expectations: Be realistic with your goals and time frame. While ‘bluesky thinking’ is exciting and will help you feel

charged and energetic about the year ahead, remember to be practical.

3. Develop a plan: Setting goals is not enough – a detailed plan on how you will achieve your goals is essential. A clear plan will allow you to review your strategy and introduce additional elements, such as training, as the year progresses.

For example, if you are applying for a team lead position, but lack management/supervisory expe-rience, get involved in a project where you could gain useful skills in this area, and get yourself on a relevant course to help you upskill.

4. Meet with your employer: Arrange a suitable time to speak with your manager to make these new goals known.

Prepare your development plan and speak knowledgably about it.

Also, know and understand your predecessor’s job spec, so you can visualise what is needed to move forward.

5. Dress for the job you want: Dress for success! Dress for the job you want, not the one you’ve got. Be aware of how you present yourself in meetings, in the office and with other staff members.

Lucan-based Nostra set to create 50 new positions There is good news on the jobs front as Lucan-based ICT company is set to create 50 new jobs.

T he company was established by Kevin O’Loughlin along with G a r y By r n e , S e n a n Finucane and Barr y O’Loughlin in 2006 and has grown rapidly in the last number of years.

The business has grown from just four staff in 2006 to 75 people in 2016 with 50 new positions to be filled over the next three years.

Recruitment for the new positions, with the support of Enterprise Ireland will begin immediately and includes roles for computer engineers and sales personnel who will be required to service recent client wins and support

the growth of new international business.

The company supports well-known brands including BoyleSports, Dawn Farm Foods and aerospace giant Avolon.

In 2016 the company turned over €7 million and it is currently in the second year of a 5-year plan to achieve a turnover of €25 million with 147 jobs by 2020.

To meet this expansion, Nostra recently extended its headquarters and has just completed a full renovation and state-of-the-art 9,000 sq ft facility which was unveiled on January 18 by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “SME’s

Kevin O’Loughlin CEO; Barry O’Loughlin; Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Cllr William Lavelle.

Picture: Conor_Healy_Photography

are the backbone of our economy and are creating jobs right across all regions of our country. They are filled with innovative, hardworking entrepreneurs. I am delighted that Nostra, an Enterprise Ire-

land supported company which started its life with just four people working out of what was essentially a shed in an industrial estate has now grown to be an international player on the world stage.

“I would like to congratulate Kevin O’Loughlin and his team for their hard work and vision and wish them the very best in their endeavours.”

Kevin O’Loughlin, CEO of Nostra said: “We are really grateful for the support we received from Enterprise Ireland which has allowed us to grow and expand the company.

“Our international business has really taken off and the support from Enterprise Ireland has been a game changer for us.

“It has helped Nostra to take on new business and create new jobs. We are very focused on reaching our goals and are currently working on building our business in North America and Europe.”

Moore tenants sign leases at the Ilac Centre

HAMMERSON and Irish Life, joint owners of the Ilac Centre, have commenced work on the redevelopment of the centre’s Moore Mall South. Agreements have been exchanged for four of the five newly-created units.

BB’s Coffee & Muffins has committed to 1,679sq ft, serving a range of pastries, sandwiches and coffee. Book retailer, The

Works, will occupy 1,958sq ft, and sport supplement store So Nutrition will occupy 560sq ft.

Specialist catering equipment retailer, Nisbets, will complete the new leasing agreements, occupying 5,554sq ft.

The redevelopment, which involves an investment of about €1.5 million, will be completed by summer, with the

latest centre additions forming part of the owners’ wider plans to improve the tenant mix at the centre.

The Ilac Centre comprises 291,808sq ft of retail accommodation and in the 12 months to December 31 last had a footfall of 17.8 million people.

The centre is adjacent to Henry Street, Ireland’s busiest

shopping street, and is home to 85 retail and catering units, including H&M, River Island, and Argos.

New high street brands introduced to the centre in recent months include Tiger, Paese Cosmetics and Chopped, adding to the diverse mix of homegrown and international stores at the centre.

GAZETTE

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

CINEMA

HACKSAW RIDGE: THIS TRUE TALE HAS SOME PRETTY INTENSE BATTLE SCENES

LION

A truly engaging film BASED on a non-fiction book, Dev Patel impresses in Lion (Cert PG, 118 mins).

Despite having been raised by a good family (with Nicoloe Kidman as his mum), a man adopted as a child is compelled to discover his past, and driven to find out what happened to his birth family in India. So begins an epic journey across a continent and cultures, with a compelling emotional narrative driving it forward.

UNDERWORLD

Still flapping about KATE Beckinsdale is still flapping about in leathers as a tough vampire in Underworld: Blood Wars (Cert 16, 91 mins). Once again, the vampire and werewolf worlds are continuing their age-old war, with humans caught in the middle. Expect lots of black leather, slo-mo shootouts and endless angst, but not much in the way of an engaging plot in the latest in the franchise.

LA LA LAND

Last - definitely not least LA LA Land (Cert PG, 128 mins) is as good as its multiple awards, award nods and audience reaction say it is. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone sing and dance theuir way through a slightly melancholy musical that pays tribute to Los Angeles, Jazz, Cinema, Romance, and more. Its terrific visuals, some striking editing and punchy music make it a delight, and one to watch out for at the Oscars.

Andrew Garfield presents a likeable lead, but the story of a pacifist medic determined not to kill is often overwhelmed by the film’s well-shot but violent action

Really not a hack job DIRECTOR Mel Gibson’s penchant for realistic violence, obvious to anyone familiar with his previous work, is on full display in true WWII drama, Hacksaw Ridge (Cert 16, 139 mins).

Each act of bodily harm, whether the result of a gun shot or an everyday accident, is captured with Gibson’s unflinching lens. The camera never shies away from framing the grizzliest details of each and every wound.

Oddly enough, the overarching theme here is non-violence. Gibson’s target subject is the horrific experience of war and the transformative power of religious conviction – most significantly, the sixth Commandment:

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

“Thou shalt not kill.”

However, for a film that seeks to champion the power of God’s peace in the face of man’s violence, it spends far too much time relishing in the horrors of the battlefield.

Gibson composes his wartime sequences with an artistic, nightmarish expertise and while he doesn’t necessarily set out to glorify said violence, it becomes the centrepiece of this fascinating but flawed picture, ultimately

dulling its central message.

Conscientious objector Desmond T Doss (Andrew Garfield) enlists for World War II intent on never touching a weapon.

As a deeply religious Seventh Day Adventist, Doss believes he can go to war as a medic without ever firing a gun.

However, after facing discharge and a possible court martial, Doss heads to Okinawa with his religious principles intact.

Doss is a good natured if not mawkishly allAmerican protagonist.

He’s likeable to a point, but is so convinced of his own principles, he is a character without conflict.

Consequently, there’s very little that endears him to

us bar his bravery.

Hacksaw Ridge also stars Hugo Weaving as Doss’s alcoholic father and Vince Vaughn as the sergeant of his platoon.

Vaughn does a more admirable job here than in his previous dramatic turn for True Detective, Season 2.

With Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson produces some of the finest, and most disturbing battle sequences ever committed to film.

However, once the battle commences – and it doesn’t relent – the central message of Hacksaw Ridge is swiftly obliterated, like so many massacred soldiers.

It becomes clear alarmingly quickly that the only way to survive is by indis-

criminately killing anything that moves.

It’s hard to ignore the notion that Doss would be a much more effective medic with a gun in his hand. Indeed, at times, he’s only able to do his job because someone else if firing for him – Doss gets by on admirable determination, religious conviction, and sheer luck.

For all its violent realism, Hacksaw Ridge keeps a sense of fantasy; at times it’s difficult to believe what we’re watching.

Still, everything we see is true – a fact hammered home when several interviews with those that were there follow the film.

Gibson tugs the heartstrings, twists the nerve endings and thumps

The Good Book relentlessly throughout his film, but it’s only here, when unmistakable reality sets in, that Hacksaw Ridge achieves a kind of emotional catharsis.

Unfortunately, despite Gibson’s masterful record of battle, some fine acting and a well-crafted, consistent sense of dread, Hacksaw Ridge remains an anti-war movie that relishes in the horror of its subject, muddling its message too much to really engage or affect.

Though not for the faint of heart, fans of war cinema will find plenty to enjoy here – just don’t expect the transformative experience that Hacksaw Ridge suggests.

Verdict: 6/10

26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS ROOFING

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

Ace Roofing & Guttering Family run business with 20 Year Guarantee Re-Slating • Re-Tiling • Felt Roofs • Flat & Asphalt Roofing • Roof Repairs Gutter Cleaning • Guttering Installation • Attic Insulation • All Home Improvements

01-9014850 / 01-5137136/085 7305786 www.acegutteringandroofing.com

30% off with this advert DVDS

TV/LAPTOP REPAIRS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers Statement

WINDOWS

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240

SUPPORT

LOCAL

MOULD REMOVAL

BUSINESS

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com



FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK



SHOP LOCALLY

GOT A STORY? CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 27

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

PASSIONATE WORDPRESS DEV PATCHY CV? PERM JOB AVAIL E; DEREK@BUABUA.IE

GOT A PHOTO? Email news@dublingazette.com



GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

SPORT

FastSport SHERIFF LAND HOME DRAW IN FAI JUNIOR CUP: SHERIFF YC will meet Waterford side Villa at home in the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup following the draw made last Thursday.

The AUL’s leading lights - currently unbeaten in the Premier A campaign - are one of just a five Dublin clubs still involved at this seventh round stae of the competition, one of the biggest club cups in Europe.

Near neighbours Donnycarney also have a home tie with Limerick’s Kilmallock coming to the northside on the weekend of February 3, 4 and 5.

Crumlin United, meanwhile, are on the road and will travel to Thurles to take on Peake Villa in their last 16 outing.

Terenure’s VEC FC go to Boyle Celtic while Finglas club Willow Park will make the trip to Kilkenny to take on Evergreen with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.

ATHLETICS: COOLMINE RUNNER LOOKING TO HIT NEW HEIGHTS IN 2017 SEASON

Flynn seeks a big climb in altitude

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

BLANCHARDSTOWN athlete Dave Flynn has revealed plans to stretch to much longer distances over the coming year, after finishing his cross country season by grabbing second out of the Irish competitors at the Antrim International Cross Country last weekend.

Flynn’s performance in Greenmount – at a race won by Kenyan steeplechase Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto – came despite the race taking place in extremely muddy conditions, a rarity for an athlete who does much of his training in California, and had recently returned from a camp in Portugal.

With his cross countr y season complete, Flynn told GazetteSport that he’ll be focusing on the 10k rather than his usual steeplechase, as he heads to train at altitude in California for several months, before making further steps up in distance.

“I had some long chats with my coach over the last week or so about this,” he explained. “ F o r t u n a t e l y, my training group has a lot of good 10k runners I can train with. I’m hoping to go as fast as anyone in Ireland in 2016, about 29 minutes and 10 seconds.

“There’s a saying in running, ‘live high, train low’. Mammoth Lakes is perfect for that.

“We live at 8,000ft, and can drop to 5,500ft

to do interval sessions.

“The ‘easy run’ can go to 10,000ft. I don’t know why it’s called the easy run, because nothing’s easy on the body at the altitude. But it’s the perfect environment.”

Flynn’s time in California will allow him to make his 10k debut in world class conditions, competing in exceptional fields locally.

“It’s a case of hanging on to the pacer for as long as you can, and then the real race starts at 5k,” Flynn says of his new discipline.

“T here’s a race in Belarus that I’m looking at competing in, and another in Highgate in the UK, that takes in the UK national championships, but also has a drum tent over the track.

David Flynn in action at the Antrim International cross country race

“I’ll be running a few.”

Not that he’ll be sticking with it for long.

With Flynn’s last 10k track race of the season lined up for June, he’ll again look to step up, with a series of half marathons towards the end of 2017.

“There’s a few I’ll be looking at.

“I will definitely

be r unning the Irish National Championships, which is part of the Rock and Roll half marathon in August.

Apart from that, I’m not sure,” he explains.

That won’t be the end, either, with the full marathon in sight for early 2018.

“It’s a hard thing to get right, with issues like

sorting out how to take on water and gels on the run,” Flynn explains of the full distance, but the enthusiasm shines through.

From steeplechase to the marathon in a year is a big move, but one the Flynn and his team of California-based backers seem genuinely excited by.

Belvo breeze through to Bateman Cup decider  sport@dublingazette.com

Old Belvedere are through to the Bateman Cup final

OLD BELVEDERE eased to a one-sided 44-14 win over Ballynahinch to reach the final of the Bateman Cup, setting up a date with Cork Constitution in the final.

Belvo established a 25-0 interval lead thanks to tries from captain John Kennedy, his centre partner Ben Woods and hooker Cathal O’Flynn to set up the win.

They were in front within two minutes. Woods did really well to gather Willie Staunton’s garryowen on halfway and pop the ball

back to the supporting Kennedy who sprinted clear to score in the left corner.

A Staunton penalty added to the scoreline. And it got worse for the Ulstermen as they missed a couple of penalties and then Staunton’s fine pass to the right found number 8 David Sherry.

He beat an initial defender and stepped inside another to set up O’Flynn’s close range converted score.

A terrific individual try from Woods, who burst through the ‘Hinch defence from just outside their 22, was converted by the

influential Staunton and the latter’s late penalty had the margin out to 25 points at the turnaround.

The Co Down side improved in the second half to reduce the arears to 25-14 after tries from James Simpson and Stuart Morrow.

But Belvedere rediscovered their scoring touch with a try from replacement David Brandon in the left corner. Staunton’s monster skip pass did plenty of the damage and Kennedy and Sherry linked well to send the waiting winger over.

Staunton’s impressive distribu-

tion was also a key factor in a 71st minute score for full-back Daniel Riordan after ‘Hinch had lost flanker Callum Irvine to the sinbin. The well-drilled hosts added a sixth try late on when the excellent Sherry charged through and passed for winger Shane McDonald to finish off near the right corner, with Staunton tagging on a tremendous conversion for good measure.

The result puts Old Belvedere through to their first ever Bateman Cup decider. They are bidding to be the first Leinster club to claim the All-Ireland title.

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

NSC opens doors for Paralympic hopefuls

Medalists from Rio 2016 were on hand to give their advice to the likes of Mark Nugent on how to get involved in Paralympic sport at a major event at the national sports campus in D15  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

PARALYMPICS Ireland hosted a major event last week at the National Sports Campus in a bid to encourage more people to get involved with Paralympic Sports.

They opened the doors of the National Aquatic Centre pool, indoor athletics track and basketball courts to prospective Paraathletes while a number of Rio 2016 medalists were also there to impart their knowledge.

The exhibition also saw coaches work with potential athletes on areas such as throwing technique and track speed repetitions.

Seven-time Paralympian Catherine Walsh spoke to attendees about their own experiences of the

games, including difficulties they have faced and overcoming their initial fears.

Walsh talked specifically about dealing with her initial anxieties around getting involved in athletics, and integrating into non-Paralympic groups for training purposes. The partially sighted athlete has travelled to the Paralympics to compete as a runner, cyclist, triathlete, discus thrower and long jumper. She explained how she is able to use familiar routes and local gym facilities to make her training sustainable.

“I used to think when I was younger that I was very nervous with a new group. But as I’ve got older, I’ve realised everyone has those anxieties,” Walsh explained. “Being

visually impaired can make it a bit harder when you don’t know where the door is. It can be a bit embarrassing. But taking part comes down to families, and transport.”

For some, the event offered a chance to reconnect with sport and explore possibilities after being hit with serious injury. Mark Nugent – a former marathon runner, rugby player, cyclist and Maynooth GAA regular based on Coolock – spent the event exploring possibilities for new sporting endeavours as he continued his recovery process following a spine injury sustained last April.

“I realised the day of my accident that I’d never walk again,” Nugent told GazetteSport. “I have a T2 spinal injury, which

Coach Declan Slevin with Robbie O’Sullivan as he tries out the hand cycling. Picture: Eoin Gleeson/Sportsfile

means I’m paralysed from my armpits down.

“Much of my sporting endeavour in the past has been around leg strength, and now I have to focus on my arms, so that’s going to take a bit of adaptation.

I’ve never really used my arms for more than passing a ball.

“I’ve always been involved in sport,” he

his surprise at the number of people in a similar situation he’s found unwilling to give sports a go. “It’s very challenging. It’s quite sharp, and it took me nine months since my accident to get here,” he explained.

“It’s not easy. The hardest thing is getting in and out of the chair, and, getting yourself off the floor.

It gets easier but you have

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

‘I’ve always been involved in sport and it’s not something I want to leave behind now’ - Mark Nugent

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

continued, “and it’s not something I want to leave behind now that I’ve had my injury. I’d like to do something active that’s going to challenge me.

“It’s important, I think, to have a challenge, otherwise you’re at a loss. I’d like to try a few different sports; I’ve had a look at the kayaking. I’ve done some short distance kayaking as part of a challenge called Coast to Coast, so I might go kayak training.

“It’s easy enough to get involved. In fairness, they’re all very friendly and encouraging. They all want you. Sometimes when you’re so involved in sport at a local level and try to move to a different sport, they might say they’ve got enough people.

I’ve found these groups all very welcoming, and to be honest I really enjoy it.”

Nugent also expressed

to have great support. I was in hospital for the guts of five months, and there wasn’t a day when someone didn’t come to see me. The support network means everything.”

Nugent’s view is reflective of many in parasports: the opportunities on offer and enthusiasm of the community are universally praised, and the added challenges in simply taking part in disability sport seen as things that the community in general suffers from, but are more than possible to overcome.

The more experienced athletes spend the day milling around, encouraging everyone to try things out.

For those who couldn’t make the day, the ‘get involved’ tab on paralympics.ie is the starting point, offering connections to numerous different sporting bodies.

FASTSport

Dillon the queen of the indoor hockey boards KATE Dillon was queen of the Leinster indoor hockey boards, scoring twice early in the second half to swing the tie Railway Union’s way at St Columba’s in the final, beating Glenanne 3-2.

The Sandymount native had trailed 1-0 to Glenanne at the break after Audrey Westlake’s clever finish from mid-circle, found by an intricate pass down through the centre.

But Dillon’s aggressive style swapped the lead in a quick-fire burst. Her first saw her bustle through a couple of tackles from right to left before popping an early shot that out-foxed Susan Byrne.

Anna-May Whelan then picked Dillon out from the right for a first-time finish. Whelan added another after her initial shot was saved

by Byrne but fell invitingly for the follow-up chance.

Roisin O’Brien got one back at the left post from Jessie Meeke’s cross to put the game back into the mix. Kate O’Hogan was brilliantly alert to snuff out a corner switch from Westlake while the same player saw another chance deflected over as Railway held on for the win.

On the men’s side, Ross Canning’s hat trick of set piece goals saw Three Rock Rovers ease to the Leinster indoor league title with a 5-0 win over Glenanne at St Columba’s College.

Much of the damage was done early on with Canning scoring two corner goals in the first three minutes before Jody Hosking added a fine individual effort, weaving through a couple of tackles before shooting home.

Eckart Geyer added another corner for a 4-0 half-time lead. The Glens had sporadic attacks and had what looked set for a certain goal chalked off as Neil Byrne slid to touch in a ball from the right – it was disallowed for breaching the three points of contact rule.

Canning’s stroke early in the second half closed out the scoring with Gary Shaw making a number of saves in his role as goalkeeper.

Wendel Armstrong, at the far end, had a couple of nervy moments to clear from some loose passes around the back while Glenanne were denied a consolation goal when Rhys Coleman’s shot bounced off the post.

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 26 January 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

Crumlin’s swift rise up the Under-19 ranks LORETO College, Crumlin drove home to an impressive 57-38 point win in the Subway Under-19 B Schools Cup final this morning, overcoming Gort Community School to be crowned champions on Monday in the National Basketball Arena.

Darren McGuiness’ charges were in control from the off, with fantastic performances from MVP Claire Quinn Nealon, Niamh and Ciara White proving to be crucial for the team.

Having won the Under-19 C girls league last year, Loreto had no hesitation stepping up to the mark in the Under-19 B section this year.

And, with strong performances throughout the team, they opened up a gap early on to lead 15-7.

It wasn’t all one way traffic though, as Ciara Helebert stole the show for Gort, proving crucial on both offence and defence and was the driving force behind her team’s display.

Loreto continued to dominate as the second quarter got underway, and strong defensive displays kept Gort to just five points for the quarter, while the Dublin team stretched out their lead in style to go in at the break 27-12 to the good.

Gort really began to shine in quarter three, with Helebert, Ava Lynskey and Olga Burke all stepping up impressively to meet the challenge.

However, Niamh and Ciara White and Reanne Devlin were determined not to let Loreto’s lead slide, and added more to their tally to see them into the last leading 42-22.

Gort continued to battle hard in the fourth, with Helebert once more leading the way.

Good scoring from Kate Tarpey and Ava Lynskey kept the scoreboard ticking over.

But it was to be Loreto’s day as Reanne Devlin, Niamh White and Nealon show skill, talent and flair to secure them a memorable victory in the end.

BASKETBALL: NORTHSIDE CLUB WARM UP FOR FINAL WITH BIG VICTORY

Killester’s Ciaran Roe celebrates with Alan Casey during their National Cup semi-final win. Picture: Tommy Dixon/Inpho

Killester shoot down Star MEN’S SUPER LEAGUE Pyrobel Killester Belfast Star  KARL GRAHAM

71 56

sport@dublingazette.com

PYROBEL Killester will take to the court against Griffith Swords Thunder at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght this Saturday as underdogs knowing that, whatever happens, the Hula Hoops Men’s National Cup will be staying in Dublin for at least another year.

Killester reached this stage after coming through a hard fought tie with fellow Dubliners UCD Marian, while

Swords dispatched of SSE Airtricity Moycullen to set up the all-Dublin final.

Swords have already beaten Killester both home and away in the league this season and with the former three positions and nine points – albeit having played one game more – ahead of the latter, Killester head coach Brian O’Malley knows his team will likely have to be at their best to triumph.

“It’s going to be a tough matchup so I have lots of work to do, lots of homework to get done, and then see what we can

FAI INTER CUP Wanderers in pursuit of more national glory LIFFEY Wanderers moved a big step forward

in the FAI Intermediate Cup with a 2-0 win over St Mary’s of Cork in a very tight encounter.

The Dublin side took the lead midway through the first half when Lee Roche finished calmly after brother Aidan’s shot came back to him off the post. Another cool finish from Clayton Maher with 20 minutes left gave them a strong cushion.

Wanderers are pursuing a first inter cup title having won the FAI Junior Cup in 2015.

do on Saturday night.”

Killester will be going into the game on the back of the back of a league win after a comfortable 71-56 win over Belfast Star last weekend. The visitors from the North may be struggling in the league at the moment but O’Malley knows that they are still a tough team to get past.

“There are no easy games in the Super League. Star are kind of a matchup problem for most teams with their American, he’s a tough cover.

“We were probably happy enough to keep

them to 25 points in the first half, I thought Cian Nihill did a pretty good job there, and then we had some good rotations.

It was good in terms of us finishing possessions with rebounds, and offensively there were some good passages of play where we made the extra pass and the guys hit shots.”

Lesser coaches may have let their minds stray when they have a national cup final on the horizon but O’Malley insists that his focus never deflected away from the game with Star. “ To b e h o n e s t , I

wouldn’t disrespect Star by looking ahead to Thunder. My focus all week has been on Star because they’re a good team.

“They beat us last year in one of the cup games up there so I don’t think you can afford to take any team lightly.

“Our attention now obviously turns to Thunder. It’s great to be back [in the final] because it has been a while since we’ve been in it.

“I’m delighted for the group of players we have here as well. They’ve put it all in but we haven’t won anything yet.”

26 January 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS

SCHOOLSFINAL

Brilliant Beaufort notch senior A shield title LORETO Beaufort claimed the spoils from their Dublin post-primary senior A shield last Friday at Clanna Gael with a 6-16 to 0-4 win over Maryfield.

Beaufort got off to a great start with a free from Eimear O’Leary to put them in front. Great defensive work from Laura Nagle, Cora Ryan and Ciara McCarthy meant Loreto Beaufort goalkeeper Eve O’Donoghue was protected from Maryfield and they duly retained that lead for the duration of the tie.

In the forwards, Olivia Meagher, Hollyn Kennedy and Eimear Butler kept Maryfield’s defence on their toes. With some excellent passing and point scoring from them Maryfield had a difficult task to keep them out. Alex O’Connor scored one of Beaufort’s much important goals to earn them the Senior A Shield.

Eimear O’Leary, a Dublin minor player had a huge impact, scoring a goal and several points to help give Loreto Beaufort the win with something to spare.

FOOTBALL: LATE COMEBACK UNDOES KILDARE EFFORTS

McHugh and Scully star in semi victory

O’BYRNE CUP SEMI Kildare Dublin  PADDY HEWSON

2-8 0-16

sport@dublingazette.com

A SECOND half resurgence by a young Dublin side saw them claim a place in the O’Byrne cup final after a twopoint win over Kildare at St Conleth’s Park last Sunday.

A more experienced Kildare side, carrying the favourites tag, were unable to close out a game on their Leinster rivals which they led for the most part despite notching up two valuable goals in the first half.

K i l d a r e , w i t h 11 O’Byrne cup titles to their credit, looked sharp in the early stages. Niall Kelly’s point in the opening seconds saw them take the initial advan-

tage, one which Dublin would play catch up to until the final minutes.

Thomas Davis man Paul Hudson was first to point for Dublin and was to have a hand in Conor McHugh’s point soon after. Hudson, who has impressed in this cup campaign, was to claim half the Dublin scores in the first half with four points.

But it was first half goals from Johnny Byrne and Daniel Flynn that put the lilywhite tails in the air as both short range efforts hit the back of the net.

Dublin were to have their own goal chances in the first half with Ross Hazley putting his opportunity wide and Hudson’s effor t well saved by Kildare keeper Mark Donnellan.

Points from Feely and

Cribbin saw Kildare stay just ahead in the opening quarter but their scoring stream was stymied at 20 mins as Dublin found a rhythm to keep their opponents scoreless for the remainder of the first half as Dublin tagged on more scores including a nicely taken point from Ciaran Reddin to leave Dublin trailing 2-4 to 0-8 at half-time.

After the break, Dublin had their own scoring drought. Despite an early goal chance for Eoghan O’Gara, the Dubs did not alter the scoreboard for 12 minutes whilst McCormack, Kelly and Flynn added to the Kildare account.

A busy Niall Scully, with an eye-catching performance, then broke the drought with two consecutive points to re-fire the Dublin engine

and this was followed by points from Colm Basquel and Hazley.

Despite faulty final passes and some loose finishing, Kildare managed to get further scores and keep the prospect of a final place alive.

But that was to fade quickly as, on the 65th minute, a foul on Basquel allowed Conor McHugh to point the resultant free to draw.

With Kildare now giving up easy possession, it wasn’t long before Scully pointed again to put the Dubs ahead with McHugh putting the matter beyond with an insurance point to secure a final place.

They will meet Drogheda in Louth on Sunday at 2pm in the title decider – the one trophy Dublin missed out on in 2016.

Iosagain’s first half blitz lands A championship COLAISTE Iosagain landed the Dublin Senior A post-primary schools championship title in excellent fashion, holding off the second half fightback from Our Lady’s, Terenure to prevail 4-7 to 3-5 at Clanna Gael Fontenoy last Friday.

Aided by a stiff breeze, the Booterstown outfit got off to a flying start.

With a number of early points and goals coming from Eleanor Ni Eachthigheirn – who ended with 1-3 – Grainne Ni Dhrisceoil (2-0) and Meadhbh Ni Ghallchoir (1-0), Colaiste Iosagain dominated the first half.

Much of the play was directed from midfield by a great individual display from the Iosagain’s captain Grace Ni She. A solid full back line limited Our Lady’s School scoring chances and helped to build a 4-6 to 0-2 at half-time.

But the second half was a complete role reversal with the swapping of ends and conditions. Indeed, Our Lady’s never let their heads drop and fought back bravely in the second half, outscoring their opponents by 3-3 to 0-1.

However, they left themselves too much to do and Colaiste Iosagain hung on for a five-point victory at the final whistle.

Iosagain’s rise up the ranks in the Dublin schools competition had been dramatic. Its only a few short years ago since they played in Division C. Much of the credit for their success is due to teacher and coach Ciaran O’Murchu and his principal mentors Michelle Ni Uirthile and Lusai Ni Chonchubhair, past pupils of the school and former camogie players.

For some of the girls, there was little time for celebration as the dual players had to go straight back too training in preparation for their Leinster Senior Division A football final against Port Laoise.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

KILLER INSTINCT: Northside club build up for cup tie with strong win as they look to strike down Thunder P30

JAN 26 - FEB 1, 2017

THE FUTURE PARALYMPIANS: NSC opens its door for major showcase of sport for all P29

Jonny Cooper says “2016 has definitely gone, it’s in the past” as he looks to make waves in 2017. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Cooper’s great expectations Na Fianna star says Dublin senior footballers are looking forward to clean slate for 2017 despite knowing all eyes will be on them for NFL

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

JONNY Cooper was keen to draw a line under Dublin’s second successive All-Ireland football success as he looked ahead to the fastapproaching new league season.

The O’Byrne Cup has seen many new faces tried out and a couple could lay claim to longer term spot, something the Na Fianna man reflected on along with the ongoing club vs county debate.

“2016 has definitely gone, it’s in the past,” Cooper said at the launch of the Allianz Football League, which gets underway in the first weekend of February with a game away in

Cavan in Breffni Park.

“From the outside, [the idea that we’re under pressure of expectation due to our success] is probably a fair assessment. 2017 is a new year.

There’s a new crop of lads doing very well in the O’Byrne Cup competition, and hopefully a few of them will step up.”

Having been black carded early in the final replay against Mayo, Cooper admitted the 2016 title was slightly tainted for him, and cited the experience as a motivating factor for the coming season.

“It probably left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth,” he explained. “It takes the shine off a bit for me personally, I have my standards for performance and coming off after a few minutes

wouldn’t be one of them.”

The defender is also hoping to appear more for club side Na Fianna in the coming year, and has committed to backing any proposal the Club Player’s Association might put forward to redress the balance.

“I’d like to see something cleaned up in terms of the calendar,” he argued. “I think I was with the club for about six weeks in 2016, and over the year that’s not good enough and it’s not what they expect of me.

“They’re the reason I’ve got to play for Dublin. Whatever proposal the CPA come up with, I’ll row in behind it.”

Dublin can expect to be as strong as ever this season, with Cooper suggesting there are no

retirements amongst the panel with star of 2015 Jack McCaffrey set to return.

With the alternate squad competing in the O’Byrne Cup while the first team holidayed in Jamaica, Cooper has been back in training for only a couple of weeks.

“We’ve been attempting to replicate the intensity in training, though it might not have quite the same bite as pre-season competition.”

The defender promises “the league is still a priority, and as a player it’s about getting the jersey for the championship.”

As far as hitting what will undoubtedly become an increasingly-hyped three All-Irelands in a row goes, it’s clear that for Cooper, there’s no shortage of motivation.