Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE
January 24, 2013 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE • BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANSGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY
INSIDE: Check out The Gazette’s complete guide to the perfect wedding P15
PRESTIGIOUS PRESENTATION: Researcher to set out findings on lung cancer Page 8
RDS showcase: Big ambitions for small businesses Rugby:
Old Wesley come up short against UCC in league Page 30
Football:
Crokes minors into final after Na Fianna win Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27
SEAN O’Sullivan, chief executive,
South Cork County Enterprise Board joined Martin Kennedy from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board at the Enterprise Zone “Showcase” event held at the RDS recently. The event featured 75 small businesses, with the record number of micro-enterprises from the craft sector showcasing their wares to buyers from more than 17 countries, in the hopes of increasing their presence in the Irish and export markets.
Council seeks NAMA units for social housing DLRCC in talks with national agency to secure 300 dwellings
BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has identified 300 NAMAowned units in the county that could be used for social housing, and is now engaged
in negotiations with NAMA to secure them for that purpose. Local Sinn Fein representative Shaun Tracey is calling on the council to step up the pressure on NAMA to release the units as soon as
possible to get people off the housing list. He said: “There are 4,389 housing applicants on the waiting list in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown – one of the longest waiting lists in the State.”
The council has confirmed where demand exists in a number of local areas through the Housing Agency, which are co-ordinating the national approach to engagement with NAMA. Full Story on Page 2
2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 24 January 2013
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Agency Over 300 usable units in county
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c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has said that where accomodation demands exist, it may use NAMA-owned housing
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Council may use NAMA stock for social housing
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown has confirmed it will potentially utilise over 300 National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) housing units in the county for the purposes of providing social housing. A spokesperson from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said that: “In excess of 300 properties were identified as potentially available for social housing in Dun LaoghaireRathdown’s area.” Sinn Fein representa-
Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
tive Shaun Tracey said that following the council’s assurance that the units had been identified for social housing purposes, he now wants the council to lobby the Government to release the identified units for those on the housing list
as soon as possible. Mr Tracey said: “There are 4,389 housing applicants on the waiting list in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, one of the longest waiting lists in the State. Many of them are living in unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation for up to 10 years. “In fact, I am aware of one constituent who has been on the waiting list for nearly 11 years and still has no indication of when she and her family might be housed. “The recently-introduced rent caps are causing further despair for those waiting for social
housing and are forcing many families to uproot from their home communities.” The council has confirmed where demand exists in a number of local areas through the Housing Agency, which are coordinating the national approach to engagement with NAMA. In a statement issued last week, Mr Tracey was calling on the council to apply pressure on NAMA for the identified units so that many of those on the housing list can be housed sooner rather than later. “It is imperative that
the council does all in its power to house as many people as possible as quickly as possible. “It is incredible to think that there are roughly 300 empty housing units in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown in perfectly good condition while there are thousands desperately waiting to be housed. “I would urge the council to lobby the government to release these homes so that they can be put to good use,” said Tracey. NAMA was not available for comment at the time of going to print.
Extra CE places welcomed LOCAL councillors in Dun LaoghaireRathdown have welcomed the news that the Community Employment programme is to be extended by an additional 2,000 places. Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond said of the additional places: “This will bring the total number of
Community Employment places this year to 25,300 as part of the Government’s wider efforts to help jobseekers to become employment-ready.” Priority will be given to groups and individuals involved in childcare, drug rehabilitation schemes, innovation and service to the community.
24 January 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3
screening
DLRCC: outstanding money from development is revealed
Keaton classics unreeled
Council chasing €29.18m in levies DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is owed €29.18m in outstanding development levies and is actively pursuing their payment, it was revealed at a council meeting this month. Local politician, Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) brought up the issue of development levies at a council meeting on January 14 and asked the county manager to provide a schedule of outstanding development levies due to the council. In answer, manager Owen Keegan said that council planners carried out in-depth site inspections, visited all major sites under development in the county for the purpose of determining what had
been built on each site and how this tallied with permission attained. “The results of the analysis of these inspections to date show that based on completed units on site an estimated €29.18m is actually due to the council in respect of development contributions invoiced since 2004,” Keegan stated. “This €29.18m represents a number of major and smaller developments and the Planning Authority is pursuing these outstanding monies vigorously. However, it should be noted that this sum of €29.18m includes levies associated with firms which are in receivership.” The manager went on
to say that negotiations were under way with the receivers of these companies to redeem the levies due to the council. “The council is in detailed discussions with these receivers in relation to payment of the amounts due. Approximately €6m of this amount relates to cases where phasing agreements are in place. “Approximately €5m is being pursued by way of reminders and the balance is with legal services department to commence legal proceedings.” The manager went on to add that 251 of the outstanding cases are now in the hands of the council’s legal team.
It’s a cert: Sean and Sheila look up their marriage certificate online pictured are Sean and Sheila O’Kiersey from Deansgrange, Co Dublin, married for 43 years, who looked up their marriage certificate at the launch of Findmypast.ie’s Irish Family History Day. Sean and Shiela are joined by their daughter Mide Maher (40) and her children (l-r) Roisin (14), Liam (13) and Nina (18), researching their family tree at the launch of Irish Family History Day. Findmypast.ie offered free access to the site this week to celebrate the addiition of 21 million new birth, marriage and death certs, bringing their total number of records on the site to over 60 million.
AS part of the upcoming Jameson International Film Festival, two classic Buster Keaton films will be screened in Dalkey Community Unit for adult deaf and deaf blind people. T he films will be shown to residents of the Dalkey Community Unit and St Joseph’s House on February 4 as part of the Picture House project, supported by Age and Opportunity, the HSE and DLRCC’s Arts Office. Picture House is a programme engineered to bring the live film festival experience to those who cannot usually participate in it. HB Ice Cream is also involved and will supply plenty of treats during the show.
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 24 January 2013
CODERDOJO A wonderful outlet for the talent of our young people – O’Connor
Computer club comes to Dun Laoghaire IADT A NEW CoderDojo, the highly-popular computer club for school children, opened in Dun Laoghaire on January 23. The dojo was launched at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) by Sandra Maguire, MD of EduBills.ie. CoderDojo was originally
set up by James Whelton and Bill Liao in Cork in 2011 and is a free, non-profit, computer club for children. Since then, it has enjoyed international success, with CoderDojos operating in around 24 countries, and over 10,000 children attending weekly.
Organiser Sandra Maguire said: “I first heard about CoderDojo in February 2012. There was no CoderDojo in the Dun Laoghaire area, and I kept hoping one would be started. “Eventually, I decided to start one myself, and went to IADT, where I had studied
Cyberpsychology a couple of years before. The support of IADT and Mary Mitchell O’Connor has been invaluable in getting the project ready to launch.” Annie Doona, president of IADT, spoke of the CoderDojo’s fusion of creative thinking with technological know-
how: “We strive to nurture a powerful combination of creativity and technological capability within our students, and hope to see some Coder Dojo participants joining us on our degree programmes in the next few years.” Local TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) said she sees
ENTERPRISENEWS
the new club as a seed planted for future technological business in the county: “CoderDojo provides a wonderful outlet for the talent of our young people – no doubt, it will result in many future entrepreneurs and jobs. I have great faith in the potential of our future generation.”
COUNCIL: BUSINESS FUND TO BACK PROJECTS
€30k for Gathering events BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
Need advice on how to get going? ARE you thinking of starting a business or are you already in business and looking towards expanding? The County Enterprise Board can help you! Every week we hold Business Advice sessions where you can meet an experienced Business Advisor who will be able to give you information about all of the services the Enterprise Board can provide and will be able to point you in the right direction so that you can avail of the supports which are available to you. The Enterprise Board has four key support areas – Training, Mentoring, Networking and – in qualifying cases – Funding. These are available to all small businesses in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The Business Advice sessions are the best way to learn about how best you can be helped in your business. The Enterprise Boards are funded by the Dept. of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and there is no cost to anyone attending these meetings. So how to get involved? It’s easy – all you have to do is call us on (01) 494 8400 or email: info@ dlrceb.ie . You can also find out about all of our activities and current courses and network activity on our website – www.dlrceb.ie . The Enterprise Board has a number of publications which might be helpful to you – Business Start Up, Social Media for Business, Business Marketing, Managing Business Finances and Your Business & the Law. If you would like a copy of all or any of these – free of charge – please contact us on the above phone number or email address.
Ahoy, matey: Shiver me timbers there’s a seadog in town
A PIRATE has arrived at the National Maritime Museum in
DunLaoghaire. Now everyone can be a pirate too. Labour councillor Niamh Breathnach walked the plank and agreed to show how it is done. The 6ft high pirate is set up so that children of all ages and sizes can be photographed. It was painted by Nessa O’Brolchain whose father Padraic is involved in setting up the permanent exhibition and has designed several interactive exhibits for children who visit the museum. Work is now going ahead on the upper gallery in the church and visitors may expect to see more exhibits there during the coming year. Special exhibitions are also planned for the Gathering and to commemorate the Lockout of 1913.
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€30,000 from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Business Support Grant is to be given to The Gathering projects throughout the county, it was agreed at a council meeting last week. DLRCC’s director of environment Richard Shakespeare who is coordinating Gathering events in the county, asked councillors for leave to use €30,000 of the €100,000 business support grant funds for additional Gathering events in 2013. Mr Shakespeare said that the DLR Gathering’s steering committee had now met some 15 times and that progress on events in the county was good. However, he added that around 40 applications for events had not met the criteria for Government funding and were therefore outstanding and in need of another source of funding. The €30,000 he was asking to be transferred from the business grant fund would meet these outstanding applications. Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said he had no problem giving the okay to Mr
Shakespeare to use a portion of the business support grant for the Gathering as he thought the two went hand-in-hand. All other members in the chamber agreed to Cllr John Bailey’s motion to transfer €30,000 of the grant into the Gathering pot and therefore the motion was agreed unanimously. Labour councillors Niamh Bhreathnach and Carrie Smyth said the response to the New Year’s Eve fireworks held in Dun Laoghaire Harbour augured well for future events in the county during 2013. An additional €2m was given to local authorities for local Gathering projects, €1m of which was provided by Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance and the other half by the Gathering Ireland. This additional funding was announced last week, where it was declared that a total of 1,322 funded events, made up of 82 county flagship events and 1,240 local community events would take place in The Gathering year. A key factor in the evaluation criteria for funding of projects was their capacity to attract overseas visitors.
24 January 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5
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gazetteGALLERIES
Jack Breen has the answer, with his sister Hannah
Jack Breen with his sister, Hannah, and Zara Mulhall. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
johnnie fox’s: GAA club launches quiz fundraiser Anthony Daly and Alan Brogan
Little Zara Mulhall with her dad
Loadsa money to be won! J
ohnnie Fox’s Pub in Glencullen was packed to the rafters recently for a launch night for the Stars Of Erin GAA club’s annual fundraiser, Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire? The main aim of the night was to raise enough money to put in place better toilet facilities at their rural pitch.
Paudge McHugh, chairman of the Stars of Erin
Special guests who attended the event were Dublin senior footballer Alan Brogan and Anthony Daly, Dublin senior hurling manager. RTE’s Pauric Lodge was MC. The event received a great show of support which was much appreciated especially in these tough economic times.
Paudge McHugh, Alan Brogan and Anthony Daly
24 January 2013 dun laoghaire Gazette 7
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Anthony, Alan and Tom share a joke
The event was great fun for all ages
MC Pauric Lodge
Roisin Mulvey and Carol Roe
Chris Collins
Roisin Mulvey with Carol and Eugene Roe
The children pose with special guests on the night
Anthony Daly
8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 24 January 2013
FastNews Motion to overhaul council business adopted
research Findings set for major conference Academy: Music maker
School of rock set to roll
AN internal overhaul of how Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council conducts its business was adopted at a council meeting recently. According to Labour Councillor Richard Humphreys, the motion to alter many of its internal structures will result in a smoother and more efficient council in the future. “The number of council rules has been reduced from 143 standing orders down to 38, in a more simplified and streamlined form,” Humphreys said. The changes also deal with how the council fills vacancies left by councillors not affliliated to any party who die in office or resign early.
Julian Lloyd Webber set to thrill Pavilion Theatre audiences THE Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is playing host to Julian Lloyd Webber this month when he brings his show, Travels With My Cello to the popular venue. Uniquely, Julian will invite the audience to ask him questions in the second half of the evening. Returning to Ireland after his hugely successful visits last year and his appearance in the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, the renowned cellist will perform classics by Bach, Debussy and many more. Tickets cost €30 and the show is on February 2. Tickets can be booked online at www. paviliontheatre.ie.
Glengeary’s Susan Heavey: always wanted to be a researcher
Susan leads study on lung cancer care Bairbre ni bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
A MEDICAL researcher from Glenageary is to present her findings on lung cancer at the British Thoracic Oncology Group Conference (BTOG) which takes place in Dublin this month. Susan Heavey, a PhD student in the Thoracic Oncology Research Group at St James’s Hospital, has led a study that shows that cancerous cells with particular mutations respond differently than others to a combination of treatment strategies. Some 120 lung cancer patients from St James’s Hospital are being tested as part of the research, which is being funded by the Irish Cancer Society. Susan spoke to The
Gazette recently about the forthcoming conference and what it will mean to the field of lung cancer research. “Those attending will be delegates from the British Thoracic Oncology group as well as nurses and other medical professionals. “I will be updating them on the latest work we’ve been doing. It’s very exciting. “We’ve been looking at certain genetic mutations in specific lung cancer cells and seeing how much better these mutated cells respond to certain drugs and treatments. “I work in St James and, at the moment, I am studying cells in the lab. “So far, 120 sample cells of patients have been used to give us an idea of how many people would
have these mutations, and how many people might be helped by the treatment. “I hope it will be a big figure, but all of the research hasn’t been completed yet.”
Research Susan always wanted to be involved in research and is currently in the second year of her PhD. Her thesis which is due to be finished in October, 2014 will be on her current research. Susan said: “Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer death in women in Ireland, and has the highest mortality rate of all cancers, combined with less than 12 per cent of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. “My hope is that by the
end of this project, we will be able to predict which types of lung cancer patients will benefit most from these new drugs, as well as which treatments are used most successfully in combination. “However, further validation through clinical trials is needed.” Professor John Fitzpatrick, head of research at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “We know that with early detection, there is a very real chance of effective treatment for lung cancer. “In an era of personalised medicine, Susan Heavey’s research and patient genotyping will give us a better understanding of how patients may respond to combination treatment strategies and hopefully will make lung cancer controllable in the future.”
DUN Laoghaire School Of Music is currently offering the first-ever fulltime rock and performance programme for DLR residents. The new school of rock, Music Makers’ Academy, and is owned and operated by Simon Jordan and Chris Cole from Ballybrack. The school’s ethos, according to Jordan is to simplify music training across all genres, and provide tuition in guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and singing, with weekly sessions giving students the opportunity to play and learn together. Jordan said: “We’ve done away with theory and made music-making simple, fun and direct. Our Jam Programme courses are unique. Tutors love them because they’re easy to teach, and customers love them because they’re easy to understand. “The Jam Programme is open to both children and adults and, with a variety of other conventional music lessons available; there is something for everyone at Music Makers.” Simon and Chris are also offering local musicians the opportunity to become part-time tutors and provide training for this at the school. “Interested people should apply online now at www.musicmakersacademy.com,” said Chris. Music Makers’ Academy runs classes from 10am to 3pm every Saturday and 5 to 9pm every Monday on Convent Road, Dun Laoghaire. For further information, contact Simon Jordan on 086 349 5073.
24 January 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9
Construction Complex set to cost €36.6 million
Tender sought for Beckett centre project bairbre ni bhraoinain
THE tender to build the Samuel Beckett Centre and Library in Moran Park has been advertised by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the first phase on the road to creating a €36.6 million library and cultural centre. Phase 1 of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus, will see the construction of a two-storey building which will house a community centre and a library. There will also
be GAA pitch, soccer pitches, a playground and more facilities created at the location. Local Labour councillor Lettie McCarthy welcomed the news: “I’m delighted to see that the council is keeping its part of the bargain for the complex and driving the whole thing through from within. The quicker I see yellow helmets working on the site, the better.” A statement from the council said that the site on which the centre is to be located is an 18-acre
green-field site adjacent to the Luas line in Ballyogan. The building will be a composite timber and concrete frame construction. The building’s natural ventilation strategy and environmental operation are delivered in part by the performance of a timber window/cladding system. “The tender process to choose a building contractor to carry out the works has begun and the council anticipate com-
Labour Councillor Lettie McCarthy has welcomed the tender advertisement
mencing constuction on site this summer,” said the statement. “DLR Leisure Sevices will operate the centre when it is completed in late 2014.” Dundrum councillor, Tom Murphy (FF) said of the announcement: “It’s gone out to tender
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
now and to be honest, I’m delighted. I think the whole area has been a long time waiting for this to go ahead. So it’s great news. “This first phase will cost around €15 million which the council collected from a lot of levies from development in the
area over the years, so it’s really important that that money goes back into the area so the local people can get the benefit of this facility. “It will create plenty of jobs from construction to those in the community and be great for children in the area.”
rescue RNLI boat saves two sailors A Dun Laoghaire lifeboat was responsible for rescuing two sailors who got into difficulty on Thursday, January 17 in Dublin Bay. The pair had been training on the 49-er skiff dinghy which had been on the water since mid-morning and got into trouble when strong winds rose in Dublin Bay. When the winds got more power ful, the sailors tried to return to shore but, after two hours, had still not succeeded as the vessel continually capsized. The pair’s plight was noticed by a passer-by walking on the pier who called the coastguard, and the lifeboat was deployed to rescue the sailors.
10 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 24 January 2013
gazetteGALLERY
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Elaine O’Brien and Ciara Lambert
Helen Dwyer and Valerie Roe
Christine Urban and Ally Morron. Pictures: Una Williams
That’s a wrap, as TV show ends on a high D
andelion on Stephen’s Green hosted the official wrap party for the cast and crew of the hit TV show Dublin Wives recently. The wives, or shall we say wannabe wives, as only one of them is married, Lisa Murphy, Virginia Macari, Jo
Jordan, Roz Flanagan and Danielle Meagher were all in attendance and looking as glam and sparkly as ever. The group of five opinionated, ambitious and very glamorous young women had the nation fascinated with their fluffy antics around Ireland and beyond.
Lisa Murphy, Roz Flanagan, Virginia Macari, Jo Jordan and Danielle Meagher
Jane Lundon, Deirdre Lundon and Melina Skvortsova
Patricia Olufemi and Joanne Kimani
Emma English and Bernie Cafolla
24 January 2013 Gazette 11
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dublinlife
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools
dance ireland: honouring European dance
Putting best foot forward to mark coming of age Dance Ireland is celebrating its 21st anniversary over the next two months with a series of performances which honour a variety of European dance traditions to mark Ireland’s EU Presidency. Made In Dublin is the first part of Dance Ireland 21; a year-long programme of dance events to celebrate the organisation’s anniversary. Dance Ireland will
showcase the Irish dance community throughout the year with a programme including live per formances, film, photography, talks and more. Made In Dublin is a week long introduction to this year of dance and is a season of performances to be held in the Project Arts Centre and the Abbey Theatre by international and national artists in Dance House
over the last six years. The season kicks off on January 28 with Body and Forgetting by the Liz Roche Company, who are based in Ireland. Others lined up are Portuguese artist, Claudia Dias performing her solo show, Vontade de Ter Vontade; a triple bill of Irish dancers Liv O’Donoghue and John Scott Dance and Italian dancer Elena Giannotti; French troupe La
Zampa, Austria’s Loose Collective and many more triple and double bills featuring dancers from Spain, Ireland and Cyprus, all located at the Project Arts Centre. Tickets for Made In Dublin performances can be purchased at Project Arts Centre at www. projectartscentre.ie or by ringing 01 8819613/4 and the full programme of events is available at www.danceireland/21.
Dancer Liv O’Donoghue will perform. Pictures: Enrico Fuga
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dublinlife
Ellie Mooney (five) and Gavin DeRoste (five) launch Engineers’ Week
diary
Sparking enthusiasm for engineering This year’s Engineers’ Week, an annual campaign to promote engineering as a career, is set to take place from February 25 until March 3. T his year ’s event, themed Bringing Dreams To Life, and organised by Engineers Ireland, is focused on showcasing the possibilities a career in engineering can offer. John Power, director general of Engineers Ireland, recently called on enterprise and academia for their full support: “Engineers are involved in so many exciting and
essential roles – they build cities, they design medical devices, they create entertainment products and much more besides. Without the input of engineers, many great ideas would remain fixed in the imagination and never become a reality.” Engineers Ireland is asking businesses and colleges to open for public tours, to run engineering-related workshops or activities or to develop an initiative of their own. Those who wish to participate are invited to visit www.engineersweek.ie.
the only game in town If you have not gone to see GAME: The Future of Play in the Science Gallery in Trinity College, you still have a few days to see this fascinating exhibition before it closes this weekend. The free exhibition features work by worldrenowned game designers such as Eric Zimmerman and architect Nathalie Pozzi. GAME offers you the chance to get directly involved in the future of gaming as many hitherto
unrevealed games are available for the visitor to sample. Not only that, but there is also an opportunity for avid gamers to design their own game with John Healey and Game Design Lab. Once you realise your own creation, you can then upload it onto the Science Gallery’s GAME Lab PCs for other visitors to play. GAME runs until January 20 in the Science Gallery, Trinity College from 12 noon to 8pm on weekdays, and from 12 noon to 6pm at the weekend.
boost in toy donations The bleak economic outlook did nothing to dampen Irish people’s giving spirit over Christmas as the 2012 RTE 2fm Toy Appeal for St Vincent de Paul in association with SuperValu saw some 65,000 toys donated and distributed to families. The number shows an increase of 9,000 on the 56,000 toys collected during last year’s appeal and the toys donated have been calculated to have a value of over €1 million. Led by 2fm presenters, including Ryan Tubridy, Hector O hEochagain, Ruth Scott, Colm Hayes and Larry Gogan, 2fm Toy Appeal’s stated wish for 2012 was “that every child got a toy for Christmas”. Tubridy said: “The figures this year speak volumes about the generosity of the Irish public. “Even during times as tough as these, people have dug deep and helped to put smiles on the faces of children who might otherwise have had nothing to wake up to on Christmas morning”
24 January 2013 GAZETTE 13
FEATURE
The voice artistry of Winslow back in Ireland ROB HEIGH
IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery, so Michael Winslow must be the sincerest man on the planet. The vocal gymnast who leapt to fame in the Police Academy movies in the 1980s is coming back to embark on a two-week tour of Ireland in the next few weeks, including a date with Dublin at Whelan’s on Sunday, February 2. Currently on the east coast of the US, the Gazette asked Michael how and where he got his start in comedy: “I started by watching every old T V show I could to do with comedy, and the Saturday
morning cartoons on TV. The voice artistry and sound effects were what appealed to me – they were cool, man. I started adding my own sound effects, putting extra noises to the cartoons, and Charlie Chaplin movies.” The youngest of six children in a US Air Force family who travelled from air base to air base as Michael grew up, the travelling lifestyle was something he was used to from an early age. “It was tough, and we travelled a lot, I had to make new friends all the time – or make up new friends, or dogs, or cats, or trucks, any thing that would keep me occupied.“
Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in comedy, where there were some hard lessons to learn before he reached where he wanted to be. On stage
“Well, to begin with, I wouldn’t recommend hitch-hiking to California, not even to Navy Seals! And I wouldn’t recommend being homeless, either, which I was for a while. But I knew what I wanted to do, and so I would try to get on stage at every comedy club there was – the Improv, the Comedy Store. “I was starting at the bottom and working my way up. I was lucky
to get onto [classic US talent show] The Gong Show, with Chuck Barris, and from winning the show, I could afford a car to live in – so I was mobile homeless! That gave me the chance to drive to other clubs and get sets there.” Michael’s career went from strength to strength, eventually being cast as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy. Since then, he has used his skills in classic movies like Gremlins, Back To The Future, as well as numerous TV shows. We asked Michael what he would call his brand of comedy – “My wife calls me a voicetrumentalist, so that’s close enough.”
American actor and comedian Michael Winslow at work (above) and as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy
F i n a l l y, M i c h a e l explained what it is that he most likes about coming to Ireland, a regular slot on his
stand-up tours. “What I like most is that Ireland in terms of comedy is so openminded, and I get the
chance to work with local musicians. For me, my job is to help everyone forget about the rent for an hour.”
Gazette
14 Gazette 24 January 2013
dublinlife
business
finance: each stage of living needs a plan
Use ‘15 seconds’ to save for your life I’VE been at my wits’ end trying to turn financialplanning theory into something a bit more practical. What I have come up with is a series of checklists, each designed to summarise the sort of things one should be thinking about at different stages of one’s life. Here is the 15-second version of the 15-minute guide to sorting out your finances: 1. Decide what you want to achieve, and over
what period. 2. Work out what action you need to take to achieve it. 3. Take the required action. 4. Monitor the results and change your tactics if things are not going according to plan. A big part of this process is going to involve choosing the right financial products for your needs. A few words of warning: think carefully before you buy any financial
The founders of PlayFit, Liz Crotty and Mark Sweeney
product because someone has told you that you should. A good example of this is the way mortgage brokers and lenders push life cover on people without partners and/or dependants. I mean, why worry about paying off your mortgage after you’re dead if there is no one you actually want to benefit? There follows a series of steps to suit whatever stage of life you are in.
Young and free Young? No responsibilities? Anyone who tells you to “enjoy it while you can” is not your friend. I mean, yes, enjoy it – but this shouldn’t preclude planning for the future. Here are the key action points you may
want to consider: • Creating an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. • Paying off any personal or student loans. • Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth. • Income protection in case you are unable to work for any reason. • Starting a pension plan. It is never too early. • Saving for major purchases, such as the deposit to buy a home. Next week, I offer financial advice for your other stages in life ... Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
growth at exercise company
PlayFit expansion plan set to create 10 jobs Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
TEN jobs are set to be created by PlayFit, the children’s exercise company, across greater Dublin as they continue to expand their operations. The employees will travel to venues including Sandyford, Swords, Dundrum, Stillorgan and Terenure to give multi-sport and activity play classes to children aged three to eight. The majority of the new PlayFit positions are for exercise physiologists with a third-level education in exercise or teaching, along with playing and coaching experience in activities such as gymnastics, rugby, soccer, GAA, basketball and athletics. According to a Dublin City University report, only 19% of primary school children get the 60 minutes of daily exercise that is recommended by the Department of Health and Children. PlayFit was formed in 2012 by Liza Crotty and Mark Sweeney. Crotty said: “Since we launched in September 2012, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal. “While this expansion will initially cover the Dublin area, by September of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country. “Interested candidates should visit our website – www.playfit.ie – to apply, as we are recruiting immediately for these positions.” Candidates for the new positions need to have their own transport to get from the PlayFit venue to their
--------------------------------------
‘Since we launched, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal. While this expansion will initially cover the Dublin area, by September of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country’ --------------------------------------
Liza Crotty, co-founder, PlayFit
--------------------------------------
required venue. The 10 new roles are a combination of full- and part-time positions and would suit gym instructors and personal trainers. Successful candidates will host PlayFit classes designed to aid the development of children’s fundamental movement skills (tumbling, running, hopping and leaping) and ball skills (bouncing, kicking, throwing and catching), while building self-confidence in a noncompetitive, supportive environment. There will be two sets of classes for two age groups – juniors, which will be for ages three to five, and seniors, aged six to eight. PlayFit is a joint venture subsidiary of ClapHandies, which provides developmental training for babies and toddlers, and Fit For Life, which is a service to keep those in nursing homes fit and healthy.
bride& groom
Gazette
24 January 2013 Gazette 15
Dublin’s complete
g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g
l w eddi n g sh owc as e l
Red carpet treatment at Bracken Court Hotel Brides-to-be can experience the red carpet treatment at the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan later this month, when they hold their Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 13. With the hotel hosting over 100 weddings in 2012, they are one of Dublin’s busiest and most experienced wedding venues. Only one wedding a day is hosted in the Bracken Court, to ensure an exclusive wedding
experience, and complete focus on the wedding party. The showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the hotel set up for a wedding, allowing them a unique insight into how the venue will look for their special day. On hand to offer advice and tips will be the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators, who will be available to speak with on the day, while providing a vast experience and knowl-
edge on the hotel and its services. The hotel will be presenting the complete wedding experience, allowing visitors view the hotel’s two suites, which will be dressed in a variety of wedding styles. Menu selections can be discussed, and advisors will be on hand to address all aspects of the special day, from accommodation and guest services, to the reception, meal, flowers, and entertainment.
T he hotel have a number of packages available, including the all inclusive wedding from €2,450 for 100 people, while unique touches can be designed to suit each occasion, from bespoke menus, right down to the complimentary chair covers and coordinating bows in the wedding suite. Admission to the Bracken Court Hotel wedding showcase is free, and complimentary sparkling wine and canapés
The wedding showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the hotel set up for a wedding
will be served. A select number of exhibitors will also be there, including limousine companies, cake designers, and entertainers, who can
advise and help plan the special day. For further information, or to enquire about 2013/2014 wedding package specials, contact the
Bracken Court Hotel’s dedicated team, Jean Bermingham and Helga Duffy, on 01-841 3333 or e-mail weddings@brackencourt.ie
bride& groom
Gazette
16 Gazette 24 January 2013
l glowing sk in l
Skincare tips for brides-to-be Janette Ryan Pharmacy training manager
Skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-Posay
It’s your wedding day, all eyes are on you, and every bride wants to look their very best on their big day. Glowing skin is key to a radiant bride and to achieve this you need to put in the work – preparation is key! To ensure you wake up with healthy skin that’s glowing with vitality on your big day, invest in a skincare plan as soon as possible. The more effort you put in, the better the results. Skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-
Vichy Idealia Smoothing and Illuminating Cream refines skin texture and illuminates the skin
Posay, has put together some top tips for brides: The lead up
• If you don’t already follow one now is the time to adopt a daily skincare routine. Speak to the skincare advisor in your local pharmacy to develop a regime specifically
for your skin. • Avoid any drastic diets for your wedding, as it will show negatively on your skin. Adopt a healthy eating regime, exercise and drink lots of water for a radiant glow. • Choose a daily moisturiser that will help with extra radiance.
• Start using a facial mask once a week; this will give skin a great boost. Choose a product that best suits your skins unique needs – hydrating, radiance or deep pore cleansing. • Get your skin in peak condition by dry brushing your body with a natural bristle brush once a week. Start at your feet and work upwards towards the heart in long, firm strokes. Follow with a moisturising body lotion. • It’s important to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you work in airconditioned offices.
The week before
• Avoid deep-cleansing masks which might bring imperfections to the surface. Opt for something hydrating and soothing. • Relax as much as possible – stress can manifest as imperfections on your skin. Have a bath, light a candle, take some time for yourself and forget any wedding anxieties. • Include a daily gentle exfoliator to your beauty regime, which will really help give your skin a flawless look and leave you ready for all those camera lenses! On the big day
• Sleep is the best thing you can do for your skin. Get a really good rest the night before, you will look rested and avoid bags under the eyes. • Choose a mattifying base product that will ensure you are shine-free all day. • Have your chief bridesmaid keep a mini thermal spa water on hand to keep you cool and hydrated. Relax, laugh and enjoy your special day.
24 January 2013 Gazette 17
Dublin’s complete g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g
A dedicated team for the perfect day It’s that time at the turning of the year when thoughts turn to plans for special wedding days, and with that in mind, the Red Cow Moran Hotel is holding their wedding showcase on February 17, from 2 to 6pm. The Red Cow’s wedding packages start from €40pp and include everything every wedding day requires, from drinks receptions in the contemporary style of the hotel’s four-star surroundings and four-course meal with selected wines for the all-important wedding guests, to the champagne toast, evening reception and bar extension. The welcome extended to
happy couples includes a red-carpet welcome, floral centerpieces for tables and the bridal suite for the bride and groom. The Red Cow also offer preferable accommodation rates for wedding guests, who can enjoy the best that this renowned Dublin landmark has to offer. The hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinators promise that they will
Search is over for good fit
always go the extra mile to make your big day truly unforgettable, and the showcase is an ideal opportunity to get a taste of what the Red Cow have to offer on wedding day. For more information,
contact Sinead at the Red Cow Moran Hotel on 01 459 3650, via email at scallaghan@moranhotel. com, or log on to www. redcowmoranhotel.com.
Showcase: Newgrange Hotel to hold a wedding open evening navan’s Newgrange Hotel is holding a wedding open evening on Thursday, January 31 from 5 to 9pm where Karine Kavanagh, the hotel’s wedding coordinator, will be helping to showcase the hotel and its wedding facilities. For more information, contact the hotel on 046 90 74100, or log on to www.newgrangehotel.ie.
Wedding shoe designers Aruna Seth have tapped into the bride’s innate magnetism towards footwear and have made it that little bit easier for brides to get their hands on that perfect pair of shoes. Earlier this month, the brand launched a newlook website, especially designed to simplify the bridal shoe shopping process and make the experience even more pleasant. For Irish brides hoping to get their hands on these beauties, as well as visiting arunaseth.com, you can also stop by Aruna Seth’s newest stockist, Knightsbridge Boutique in the Powerscourt Centre.
bride& groom Honeymoons at the right price Gazette
18 Gazette 24 January 2013
l r om a n ti c a n d a ffo r da b l e o pt io ns l
BETWEEN paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there’s not much money left in their budget for the honeymoon. But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic hon-
eymoon at your dream destination? Here are some simple ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon. Gift of a honeymoon
You can spread the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the
cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china, your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic
district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful. Exchange homes
If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours. Sound risky? Maybe, but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes across the world since the 1950s. For an
Who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy your honeymoon?
annual subscription, home exchange clubs will help you find someone willing to swap homes with you, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go
smoothly. According to exchangehomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half. Travel in the off-season
It may be obvious to seasoned travellers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the “off-season” — basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination.
Certain destinations’ accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30% or more during the off-season, compared to the peak travel season. Consider airline alternatives
When booking airfare online, don’t overlook the discount airlines — some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination.
24 January 2013 Gazette 19
bride& groom
Gazette
20 Gazette 24 January 2013
Fairytale Big Day at Trim Castle
l bloom f i el d ho u s e l
Wedding game show returns Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullinger has announced the return of Red Or Black, their wedding game show, which offers everyone who enters the opportunity to play for the wedding of their dreams, and everyone who plays the game has an equal chance of winning. Based on the TV gameshow of the same name, the contest will take place at the hotel on Sunday, February 17. The overall prize includes a huge range of special day prizes,
including personalised handmade wedding stationery by Janice Baker Stationery, and bridal make-up by Bloomfield Spa and bridal hair by the five-star Indulgence will complete that glamorous look for the day. Chauffeured
The winning couple will be chauffeured in style in a vintage Bentley Rolls Royce from Rover Coaches, and on arrival, guests will enjoy treats from Mrs Maguires Sweet Shop, as well as a sparkling wine and cana-
pes reception. All the happy memories on the day will be captured by Helena Flynn Photo Services, and the wedding cake, a treasured focal point on your special day, will be provided by Cakes by Una. The prize also includes a Supreme Wedding Package for 100 persons at the four-star hotel. “The wedding package itself, the hotel, rooms, food, band, dancers, DJ, cake, florist, car/driver, photographer, videographer, hairdressers, make-up people, were
The Marleys: Last year’s Red Or Black game show winners
all superb,” said Roisin Marley, the 2012 Red Or Black winner. “Now, after the big day all I can confirm is that all that warmth and willingness to make the day the happiest and best of our lives
shone through from everybody.” With over 33 years’ experience in hosting wedding receptions, the four-star Bloomfield House Hotel is renowned for service, atmosphere
and customer care. For the chance to win the wedding package, contact Bloomfield House Hotel on 044 9340894 for full details, or log on to www.bloomfieldhousehotel.ie
If you are dreaming of a fairytale wedding day at a historical castle, then the enchanting Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster, may be the venue for you. The hotel is holding its annual wedding fair on Sunday, February 24 from 2 to 5pm, and if you are in search of a unique wedding venue, this is a day not to be missed… Trim Castle Hotel sits with quiet authority overlooking the mystical Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church. A spokesperson for the hotel commented: “Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for your reception as it possesses the old world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.” The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle. The floor to ceiling windows of the Great Hall banqueting suite and prefunction area allow a view of the castle and church lawns. The roof-top garden located on the third floor provides an impressive backdrop for wedding photography. An all-inclusive package is available on key dates in 2013, 2014 for only €55pp. There are also excellent packages available for January and February 2015. For information, contact the wedding co-ordinators at Trim Castle on 046 948 3000, or email info@trimcastlehotel. com. More is available online at www.trimcastlehotel.com
24 January 2013 Gazette 21
bride& groom
Gazette
22 Gazette 24 January 2013
Successful fair at the Bridge House The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last week celebrated another successful wedding fair that saw prospective brides and grooms-to-be gather at the hotel. The hotel is located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, and aims to provide for all their wedding needs, including venues for civil ceremonies, large weddings up to 350 people and smaller wedding receptions for up to 60 people. The hotel’s dedicated wedding team carry over 40 years of wedding experience while the stunning Secret Garden at the hotel, designed to be a prime spot for the allimportant wedding party
pictures, is a little place of mystery where brides and grooms can hide away in a magical place on their special day. Another key photography location at the hotel is the staircase, which was designed to exactly replicate the infamous staircase in the film Titanic. Now with a dedicated wedding website, http:// tullamore-weddings. bridgehouse.com/, potential brides and grooms can preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team. For further information, visit www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie or Locall 1850 312 312 / 057 9325600
l what to we ar l
A perfect hiromi mooney
The shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses
EVERY woman desires to have the perfect dress for their special day, to walk up the aisle to marry the man of their dreams. So getting the right dress is of utmost importance. The shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses, according to owner of bridal wear supplier DarlingWear, Miriam Dempsey. “I know brides read it in books, but I really think they need to wear dresses in a shape that actually suits their figure. I think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line, and I think people can get very lost in – maybe wearing
strapless dresses when they ordinarily wouldn’t wear strapless dresses. “I always ask a bride if they’re looking at a strapless dress, would they ever wear a strapless top, and if the answer is no, they probably shouldn’t be looking at strapless bridal dresses either. There’s a reason that they probably haven’t worn them for the last 10 years,” she advises. Miriam understands how difficult it can be to choose the right wedding dress, so at DarlingWear she offers customers oneto-one appointments at the showrooms, which are located at The Gables at Kill in Tullow, Co Carlow.
24 January 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 23
Dublin’s complete g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g
dress for a special day --------------------------
‘I think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line’ --------------------------
DarlingWear source their products worldwide
This exclusive personal time gives customers a chance to select their dress in a comfortable and private environment. DarlingWear are open on an appointment basis only, seven days a week. “There’s a lot of flexibility on appointments,”
she says. “I have brides and bridesmaids who come for appointments at night because sometimes it’s hard to get bridesmaids and brides off from work at the same time. A lot of people work on Saturdays, so that doesn’t work, so I also do appointments on
Sundays.” DarlingWear have sourced their products worldwide, and as well as bridal wear and the bridesmaids collection, they also stock a wide range of accessories, footwear, communion wear and evening wear. The bridal collection includes designs from Venus Bridal, D’Zage, Romantica, Mascara and Manon Fashions. “I’m competitive on pricing, and the big thing is the discount options
and very good value on accessories – I’ve really gone and researched and got some good accessories and veils,” says Miriam. “I give 10% off if people are buying two or more bridesmaid dresses, and then there’s the order and collect service. There’s 20% off where [customers] come and place the order for the dress that they want, they get measured up, and then they collect them when they come in, and they get their alterations done [by] themselves locally.”
Showcase: Viewing at Thomas Priory Hall thomas prior hall, an award-winning wedding venue situated in
Ballsbridge in Dublin, is holding a wedding showcase this weekend on Saturday, January 26 and 27. This will be a great opportunity for brides- and grooms-to-be to view the venue as it would appear on their wedding day. For more details, contact wedding co-ordinator Barbara on 01 668 1111, or email thomaspriorhall@moranhotels.com.
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 24 January 2013
Gazette
&ABOUT OUT Motors road NOISE The going is great with GT renault megane: the gazette tests an impressive line-up of cars
Toyota have announced Cars for Good winners
Toyota Ireland have announced that Irish Dogs for the Disabled and St Ultans in Cherry Orchard, Dublin were selected as the recipients of new Toyota cars as part of its 2013 Cars for Good programme. To date, Toyota have donated more than €80,000 worth of vehicles to charity since the programme’s inception in 2012. As the awarded recipients, both St Ultans and Dogs for the Disabled, which are based in Co. Cork, will receive a donation of one vehicle each from Toyota Ireland, up to the value of €20,000. The organisations can choose to raffle the car to raise funds or register the car for day to day needs.
n Cormac Curtis
The motor industry never tires of acronyms – ABS, EBD, ESP, CVT, EGR, TC. There is a dizzying array of abbreviations for all kinds of features and every level of spec, but the one that really resonates is GT. Coming from the Italian, Gran Tourismo, simply put means that the car can go the distance in comfort, and with some serious spring in its step. I have recently been lucky enough to test three different models all given the GT Line spec, all of which came from the same manufacturer – Renault. From the punchy little Megane Coupe GT Line to the muscular Megane Hatch GT Line and the daddy of the three, the Grand Megane GT Line, this is an impressive lineup of cars. They may come from the same manufacturer, bear the same family
name and spec, but we are talking about three very different personalities here. The first of the three I drove was the Hatch, and what a surprise it had in store. Packing a 110bhp 1.5litre diesel engine, but boasting fuel-saving stopstart technology, this model has all the practicality of a five-door car with the thrill of something far more lunatic. The car combines a sport chassis developed by Renault Sport, for extra driving excitement, with exclusive interior and exterior design elements, rear diffuser, 17” alloy wheels, sport seats and aluminium pedals. Next in line for me was the Grand Megane GT Line – the model that is begging to be taken for a spin down through France and perhaps to the north Spanish coast? Yes, this is the kind of trip the Grand Megane was built for.
The Megane family may come from the same manufacturer, but they have three very different personalities
The 1.5-litre diesel engine, this time coupled to an automatic gearbox, was well matched to the weight of the car, giving plenty of power when needed. This car gives the driver a wealth of features to make serious touring a pleasure. Starting with the heated, split-leather seats, the interior oozes comfort. The contrast stitching around the gear stick and steering wheel feels reassuring to the touch, while a host of clever compartments offer practical
storage in every corner of the cabin, even in the footwell. Entertainment comes in the form of the Renault R- PLUG & R A DIO + , o f f e r i n g c o n n e c t i vity solutions for all your mobile devices including a jack plug in the front and built-in Bluetooth® technology for mobile phones, with voice recognition and audiostreaming. With the Plug & Music option you can connect your MP3 player to the USB or Jack socket and control the system using the central
control. Navigation is handled by the Carminat TomTom® LIVE, which is Renault’s new onboard, connected navigation system. Its central control provides intuitive, safe access to the various functions. So, to the last of the family, the sexy Megane Coupe GT Line. Keeping in mind this little beauty has the same 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood, you can imagine the kind of drive you have waiting in store.
Every bit the mad yoke you would expect, yet brimming with bags of the aforementioned GT Line spec of its siblings – this was my favourite of the three cars. Maybe not my very first choice when I put my practical hat on, but the amount of features crammed into this little motor is nothing short of staggering, and man does she move about. These are cars that Renault should be proud of, and are sure to tempt some new buyers in their direction.
24 January 2013 DUN lAOGHAIRE gazette 25
getaway: rooms with a view
Relax in style in Dubai’s newest beach front hotel natalie burke
Dubai is no stranger to luxury. Whether it’s a private beach, a five-star hotel or designer shopping experiences, the Middle-Eastern destination is one that is ever-increasing in its popularity. But for those seeking a more exclusive visit, it will come as good news that Dubai’s recently opened four-star Ocean View Hotel is not only Dubai’s newest hotel, but the only beach-front hotel to grace the shores of Dubai and the only four-star to be situated on The Walk. Having just opened its newly carved doors to the public, as recently as December 2012, the hotel has already gained a hugely positive response. Perhaps one reason being that it is the latest venture of the prestigious JA Resorts and Hotels. Its parent company already owns the wellknown Dubai resorts –
the Oasis Beach Tower and Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Ocean View Hotel celebrates its surroundings by boasting a total of 342 rooms and suites, most of which feature sea views (hence the befitting name). With each room featuring all the mod-cons, including a flat-screen television, guests can make the most of the large selection of international satellite channels and avail of free-wifi across the premises. Shopping
Holding a prominent and fortunate position on The Walk, a 1.7kmlong retail and beachside shopping promenade, the hotel is steps away from the public beach it presides over. It also offers a selection of five different restaurants, meaning there is variety for every guest,
as well as a number of bars, with the inclusion of an executive lounge. While there is plenty to see and do outside, the hotel hasn’t taken a ny c h a n c e s w h e n it comes to four-star facilities and features a temperature-controlled free-form swimming pool with its own sea views, as well as a spa and health club. With its for tunate location just seconds from the beach, guests can access the public beach or hop onto a complimentary shuttle to the nearby five-star private beach at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. For a day away from the beach, the hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to all major shopping malls. “Ocean View Hotel appeals to a range of travellers, whether its families with young children who’ll love the kids club and pool, or couples who prefer the
Dubai is becoming ever more popular as a destination for sun, relaxation and, of course, a bit of luxury
A spacious Ocean View Hotel bedroom suite
range of different dining concepts,” explained William Harley-Fanning, the general manager of the new hotel. Five-star service
“Ocean View Hotel has been positioned as a four-star but with fivestar service and five-star facilities. We’re located right in the heart of Dubai Marina, so it’s a fantastic base to explore all Dubai’s famous sights and landmarks.” With fantastic offers set to launch the hotel, William says it has been
a positive start to the year. “Until October 13, we’re offering a free upgrade from bed & breakfast basis to half board to celebrate the opening and the unique range of dining concepts within the grounds. We’re sure that’ll be an influencing factor for a lot of our guests and we hope that they’ll then come back again the following year.” For more informa-
tion, visit www.jaresortshotels.com.
Gazette
Travel
26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 24 January 2013
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24 January 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 27
soccer P28
asdfsdaf P27 gaelic games P29
dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community
Gazette
cricket P28
FastSport Lucan club takes on Air Corps : ESKER
Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala Britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda Byrne help launch the Great Ireland Run 2013 at the Radission Hotel last week. Picture: Geraldine Woods
athletics: world body confers silver status on phoenix park event
Britton a marquee name for 2013 Great Ireland road race EUROPEAN cross country champion Fionnuala Britton says she is anxiously looking forward to this year’s Spar Great Ireland Run, and “just loves the Phoenix Park”. She was speaking at the launch of the annual 10km race last week as the Sunday, April 14 was confirmed as the date for this year, announced at the Radisson Hotel in Stillorgan. Britton is one of the marquee names to compete in the race and launched the event along with fellow European senior women’s team mates Linda Byrne, Ava
Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee who all won gold in the team event. Britton committed to lead the women’s field in the run where she finished seventh in 2011. “I just love the Phoenix Park,” she said. “There is no place better in Europe to run and the buzz around the Spar Great Ireland Run is incredible. Each year it gets bigger and better with more and more kids in their own races; and then runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities start in a top class international race to aim for their own personal best.”
This year’s run will be all about enjoying a family running day out. It will begin with a Spar mini-run for five- to eight-year-olds over a lap of a mile and an adult can run or walk alongside each child. After the mini-run comes the junior run for nine- to 15-year-olds over a longer distance of 2.5km. The day is topped off by the 10km main event which covers a scenic single lap of the Phoenix Park in its springtime glory. The International Association of
Athletics Federations has conferred its Silver Road Race label on the Spar Great Ireland Run, in recognition of the event’s high standard of organisation, elite participation and media profile. This is the only Irish event recognised in this way by the IAAF. Last year’s event was won in a stunning course record time of 27.49 by multiple Olympic gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia. The women’s champion was Gemma Steel of Great Britain in 32.06. The 2013 run will also act as the Irish 10k road championships.
ABC are running a boxing competition with The Irish Air Corps on Friday, January 25 at 7.30pm in Baldonnel Aerodrome. With over 10 senior and intermediate bouts on the night, it promises to be a great match up that the two organisation are hoping to turn into an annual match. It also serves Esker ABC in their preparations to take on a team from The New York State Athletic Club in New York on March 14. Esker senior coach Martin O’Connell is a serving sergeant with the Defence Forces and has been instrumental in organising this event alongside Irish senior champion Tommy Sheehan.
c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com
For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205
Gazette
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 24 January 2013
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: large local contingent in international squad
Tyrrelstown school enjoy cricket explosion A NEWLY formed sponsorship arrangement between Cricket Ireland and RSA has seen a vast amount of cricket sets distributed to schools around the Leinster area. Karl Lynch, a teacher at Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS in west Dublin, was delighted to receive the new RSA-sponsored equipment and has seen first-hand the progress cricket has made since it started within the school. Lynch, from Ballygawley in Co Tyrone and a playing member of the well-known Aireagal Chiarain GAA club has witnessed the game’s rise within the school of late. “Last year, through the help of Cricket Ireland and Fingal County Council, we started a cricket coaching programme with a small number of the fourth and fifth class children. “The sessions proved a great success and from the teacher’s point of view it was most enjoyable as the children were so involved that behaviour was not a problem. “It is a great game for both boys and girls to compete in evenly. The children learned some great skills relating to teamwork and more importantly communication’. “Since then, they have been nagging me to start up a school team and to partake in the various competitions that run during the final school term. Give us another year and we will look to enter the Leprechaun Cup.”
Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan is among the more established names in Giovanni Trappatoni’s panel to meet Poland
Dublin duo eye Republic debut peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
COOLMINE man Stephen Henderson a n d P o r t m a r n o c k ’s Conor Sammon could be in line for a Republic of Ireland debut after he was named in Giovanni Trappatoni’s extended 27-man panel to face Poland in the Three international friendly on February 6 in Aviva Stadium. The shot-stopper was one of three goalkeepers named in the panel along with Kieron Westwood and David Forde as a number of Dublin-
ers received call-ups. Sammon, meanwhile, gets the nod after a particularly impressive festive period with Derby County, netting four times since the start of December. Former St Joseph’s Boys players abounded as Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane and Andy Keogh have all been included while Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan and Portmarnock’s Stephen Ward are among the more established names in the panel. The Republic of Ireland manager was forced
to cancel his press conference in Dublin last Monday after his sister, Romilde Trapattoni, 81, passed away after a long illness in the early hours of this morning. Speaking about the selection, though, the Tr a p a t t o n i s a i d : “ I have decided to use this friendly game as an opportunity to work with younger players to see their potential. “As a result, I have given senior players like Robbie Keane and Stephen Kelly a break for this fixture. We saw a number of strong performances from our
younger players in the second half of last year . “We intend to build from those strong foundations, using this friendly match to introduce more new talent like Anthony Pilkington, Jeff Hendrick, Sammon and (Richard) Keogh. I look forward to working with these players, and seeing what they have to offer.” Elsewhere, former Joey’s player Sam Byrne has been included in Republic of Ireland U19 team manager Paul Doolin for the forthcoming friendly inter-
nationals against the Czech Republic. The Irish will face the Czechs in Longford on Tuesday, February 5, and again in Athlone on Thursday, February 7, as they build up their preparations for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying round in June. Doolin is pleased to have a number of players back at his disposal after injuries curtailed their involvement in the first phase in Luxembourg last October when the Irish finished joint top of their group with Germany.
24 January 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 29
Gazette
Fresh faces driving hope for New Year
Anthony Daly is hoping that his side can make use of this year’s Walsh Cup campaign to get 2013 off to an upbeat start after a chastening 2012 season for the Dublin hurlers DUBLIN boss Anthony Daly says the addition of Cuala duo Cian O’Callaghan and Colm Cronin along with Lucan Sarsfields’ Sean McClelland has added an extra pep to the step of the county’s senior hurling panel ahead of the new season. All three were part of the Dublin minor side that reached the All-Ireland final last September but have been making an impact at training ahead of the side’s 2013 opener in the Walsh Cup this weekend. To date, Daly has been working off an extended panel of 37 players as she tests his deck before trimming the squad for the national league. Long-term injuries to Maurice O’Brien, Martin
stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com
Quilty, Stephen Hiney and Ryan O’Dwyer have limited his options somewhat but those that have stepped into the breach have impressed. Speaking at the launch of Stars of Erin’s Who Wants to be a Thousandaire? Fundraiser – which takes place on March 16 in Stillorgan Park Hotel – Daly told GazetteSport, the youngsters are making quite an impact at training. “There’s a lot of young lads who have brought in a great old energy.
Those three off last year’s minor team, they’ll knock you good and hard and they’re still only repeating or doing their Leaving Certs! “All the older lads have commented how the younger lads being around has given a fresh impetus. Hopefully that will rub off.” It’s a fresh outlook that Daly hopes permeates the squad. The two steps forward of a superb 2011, winning the National League and reaching the All-Ireland semi-final, were followed by three steps back in a low key 2012 in which only a Leinster championship win over Laois interrupted their losing streak. Last January, Daly said he did not mind too much losing in the first round of
Dublin senior hurling boss Anthony Daly at the launch of the Stars of Erin Who Wants to be a Thousandaire? fundraiser in Johnnie Fox’s last week Picture: Geraldine Woods
the Walsh Cup but, with the benefit of hindsight, he does see a value in getting back into a winning mode. “Being relegated dented confidence so we’d be mad keen to get back and getting results flowing even though all the
one to see more of the lads in.” From an upbeat base, he is hopeful this can permeate the rest of 2013 in spite of Tomas Brady, Ciaran Kilkenny, Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello opting to play with the footballers.
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‘Those lads off the minors; they’ll knock you good and hard and they’re still only repeating or doing their Leaving Cert’ - Anthony Daly
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psychologists will tell you now, it’s not about results but performances. “Looking back to last year on the Walsh Cup, Laois beat us and we saw what we could do to Laois in the championship. “Driving home that day, I probably thought we were just as well off out of it as we can focus on the league but maybe it was the thin end of the wedge and allowed standards to slip early on. “We certainly would be focused on trying to get out of the blocks. It does give us a chance to try out a few lads. The Walsh Cup is not the be all and end all but at the same time, we want to get a couple of good games out of it. “If we can win the quarter-final, we are likely to have Galway in Parnell and that would be a great
To that end, he says that while he would like to have an enlarged squad, the door is only open for them to return to hurling in the right circumstances “I have great respect for my own panel and you take every case on its merits and if it will upset your own panel, maybe its not right. “We’re happy with our squad, we have a few injuries coming right and hopefully the four longterm players out will come back about March or April. “We’ll have a good strong squad, one that got to a league title and an All-Ireland semi-final. If we get a few more percent onto 2011, we’ll be a match for everyone and that’s what we have to focus on.”
FastSport
Grange man McGinley the first Irish Ryder captain GRANGE golf club enjoyed a proud week as one of their own, Paul McGinley, became the first Irishman to be appointed captain of the European Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in 2014. Speaking about the appointment, the Rathfarnham man said: “I am a very proud Grange man to be appointed the first Irish Captain of the Ryder Cup team. “I have been a member of Grange for 30 years, and little did I think as a young lad, practising on the new lands that I would assume this high office. I have met many Grange members on my travels around the fairways of the world and I always get a very warm feeling when I see the famous black sweater in the gallery. I look forward to the challenge and to the club’s continued support.” At the announcement of his appointment, McGinley also paid tribute to his days at Ballyboden St Enda’s, something that engendered the team ethic that he has exhibited in the Ryder Cup in the past few years. Famously, his 10-foot putt at the Belfry in 2002 won the Cup for Europe while he also played his part in the 2004 and 2006 teams and was an assistant captain at the past two events under Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal. Speaking about the appointment, he added: “I can’t wait to get into the role of being the captain and I’m relishing the thought of taking on one of my great heroes, Tom Watson. “He’s not only a wonderful person about a great ambassador for the game of golf. I’ve never had an opportunity to go up against him in a playing sense. To go up against him in a captaincy sense will be a real thrill for me.” McGinley brings captaincy experience from his time as Britain and Ireland captain against Continental Europe in the Seve Trophy in 2009. He also received high level backing with world number one Rory McIlroy saying: “He has been a great player and a great personality for the European Tour over the years. I also played under him at the Seve Trophy in 2009 and I thought he did a great job. “From all the captains I’ve played under, I think he was the best.”
Gazette
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 24 January 2013
SPORT
FastSport
rugby: top table students have sharper cutting edge
St Andrew’s through to Premier semis SAINT Andrew’s senior girl’s hockey team experienced the highs and lows of the Leinster schoolgirl’s scene this week as they stormed into the Premier League semi-finals. But four days later they saw their cup dreams undone by an emerging Muckross Park to fall in the second round on Monday afternoon. Last Wednesday, they completed the semifinal line-up as the most dramatic group stages in the Leinster Schoolgirl’s Premier League’s four-year history. The Saints’ clinical edge saw them run up a deceptively comfortable 3-0 win over Mount Anville for second place in their group, coming out on top of a three-team playoff. Third year student Sally Campbell showed some of her prodigious talent as she got her side off to a flying start, opening the scoring inside the first five minutes. Rachel O’Brien added the second 20 minutes in at the back post with a very neat finish under pressure, getting on the end of a right wing cross. And Joanne McDonnell completed the win early in the second half when she finished off an intricate penalty corner move. From there, the Goatstown school had a wealth of chances to try and get back into the game as Sara Twomey and Ailbhe Marsh created a number of chances but found Aoife Daly in inspired form between the posts. It was a harsh end to the Premier League campaign for Mount Anville who, four days earlier, had beaten Loreto Beaufort in the first of the playoff series, setting up this all or nothing date with Andrew’s. But their fortunes turned on Monday afternoon as Molly Sheridan struck the single goal for Muckross to progress at Andrew’s expense to the third round of the competition. It came midway through the first half when Sheridan crefted the chance herself when she dribbled down the left wing and found the net from the left side of the circle. The goal capped a good period of pressure in the early phases and they remained on top until the break. Andrew’s fought back well in the second half and had a couple of corner opportunities but to no avail.
Old Wesley remain in sixth place in Ulster Bank League division 2A after they fell to UCC
UCC too strong for Wesley Ubl division 2A Old Wesley UCC sport@gazettegroup.com
17 31
THE resumption of the All-Ireland League saw Old Wesley host the current league leaders UCC. It also saw the return of club captain Richie Morrow to league duty on a pitch in good condition despite the recent rainfall. It was evenly contested throughout even though the score at times did not reflect this. UCC took the lead after eight minutes with a penalty for not releas-
ing. This was to be a crucial area as Old Wesley conceded a number of penalties in this manner. Barr y McLoughlin responded by kicking a penalty but, from the restart, Old Wesley infringed again to leave the score 3–6 in UCC’s favour. The home team then went on the attack and a great break by Alan Large almost led to a try but the UCC proved to have a very strong defence. Indeed, Wesley had most of the possession in the first half but the students held firm.
club of the month Shankill honoured by national club award Shankill football club were honoured with
the first Aviva club of the month awards last week when they were named the top club in Ireland for October 2012 by the FAI. The club received a cheque for €1,500 at a presentation in the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown. To celebrate this achievement, the club will run a special training session on Saturday morning with famous club alumni Darren Quigley and Stephanie Roche will be in attendance from 9.30am onwards.
In response, UCC increased their lead with a penalty and then a breakaway try after 36 minutes. The second half saw strong Wesley pressure and some good rugby but another penalty increased the UCC lead. Just when Old Wesley looked like they were going to score their first try they received a killer blow. A pass was intercepted in the UCC 22 and the opposition player sprinted the length of the pitch for their second try. To make matters worse another try,
this time from a counter attack brought the UCC tally to 31points. Old Wesley made a number of substitutions and Colin Wallace had a number of good attacking runs. Stephen Harvey got over the tryline under the posts but the referee adjudged a knock-on to increase frustrations. Eventually, following some solid forward play Thomas Ratahi got in under the posts. Old Wesley were starting to dominate but they were running out of time and the opposition defence stood firm. As the final
whistle approached McLoughlin showed his pace down the wing to round his opposite number and score under the posts. Despite the defeat this was a very encouraging display against a strong UCC side, showing great team commitment to keep attacking to the final whistle. The result leaves Wesley in sixth place after eight rounds of matches but with eight points to make up on the top four in Ulster Bank division 2A as UCC continue to top the table, just ahead of Terenure.
24 January 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31
Gazette
Dubs cruise into O’Byrne Cup final Club Noticeboard sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN cruised into the final of O’Byrne Cup with a 4-15 to 0-10 win over Louth in Drogheda last weekend. Four first half goals paved the way for the win, setting up a final date with Kildare next Saturday evening at 7pm in Parnell Park.
Two of the goals came inside a 60-second spell with Bernard Brogan on the mark on both occasions in the tenth minute as Dublin got off to a flying start to lead 2-4 to 0-2 after only 20 minutes. In the 22nd minute Emmet O’Conghaile raised Dublin’s third green flag when his point effort dipped under the cross-
bar as the Wee County’s defence found themselves under constant pressure with Denis Bastick and Declan O’Mahony on top at midfield and wing-back Jack McCaffrey breaking with telling effect from the middle sector. In first half injury-time Paul Hudson fisted to the net to end a confident move by Dublin that
invovled Diarmuid Connolly, Paddy Quinn and Paddy Andrews as the Dubs led 4-8 to 0-7 at the interval. Dublin used the second half to introduce a number of subs including newcomers like Shane Carthy, Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello all members of this year’s U-21 panel.
naomh olaf FRIDAY saw our annual adult awards
com and follow the simple steps. Pay
take place where the player of the
before the end of January and receive
year of 2012 was awarded. It saw the
a 5% discount.
club acknowledge the ladies team who
There was no winner of the jokers
won the junior F championship, as well
wild competition which was for €1100.
as the reunion of the junior B champi-
Declan O’Dwyer’s name was drawn
onship winning team of 2002.
and failed to turn over the joker so
A great night was had by all and we would like to congratulate all those
€1,200. There were two winners of the
players who got an award and hope that 2013 is another successful year.
football: crokes’ minors see off na fianna
next week’s jokers wild is worth
jackpot this week they each receive
Club membership is due for the com-
€700 each: Jennifer Murray c/o Leah
ing month. You can now pay for your
Murray and Dave Keenan c/o Brian
membership online through a link on
Keenan. The numbers drawn were: 3, 9 and
the website just go to naomholaf.ie and click the link for myclubfinance.
16. Next week’s lotto is for €1,000.
foxrock cabinteely THE annual medal presentation ceremony is on Sunday, January 27 at 1.45pm in Johnstown School. Presentation of medals will be for all teams from U-12 up to senior who won or were runners-up in the league or championship. Help will be needed to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Please contact Denise Connor to volunteer your
support. Next Saturday, January 26 is Club Fork day. Our new juvenile pitch at Kilbogget needs to be “forked” in order for it to improve. We need as many players or parents with their garden forks on Saturday at 11am. We need at least 25 people to volunteer for approximately one hour.
ballyboden st enda’s LOTTO - there was no jackpot winThe Kilmacud Crokes’ minor footballers are through to the final of the A championship
Kilmacud set up final date with Sylvester’s mafc semi-final Kilmacud Crokes 0-13 Na Fianna 0-9 sport@gazettegroup.com
K ILMACUD Crokes b o o ke d t h e i r p l a c e in the minor football championship with a win over a valiant Na Fianna who chased them close right up until the final whistle, with a late goal bringing them to within a point of their southside opposition, 0-13 to 0-9, at the final whistle. Crokes now move on to face Malahide’s St Sylvester’s in the final of the championship,
and despite the fantastic work rate, performances and history of success, manager Michael McNicholas believes that “no team has a right to win a championship” and that anything can happen on the day. “It was a close game against Na Fianna, they are a fantastic side and they always give us a game,” he said. “We always seemed to get three or four points ahead, but they showed immense character and never gave up, constantly pinning back the score. “They got the late goal
and our lads showed great confidence, composure and maturity to hold onto the ball and let the clock tick down.” Now with the final looming against Syl’s, McNicholas does not believe that the prior successes of his team, including the 2008 All Ireland Feile, will give them any edge on the day and insists that Sylvester’s pose very significant threats. “It will be a completely different game. Na Fianna play a very open style of football that allows them to attack
more frequently, while Syl’s have a very good backline and a ver y measured approach in the attacking. “I’m not taking anything away from our group – they are a fantastic bunch of players who train hard, stay committed and always give 100%. They’ve had their success in the past but history counts for nothing in a championship final. “It’s a new game, it’s all about that 60 minutes on Sunday and who is willing to put everything on the line, who wants it the most.”
11am. We need you there.
ner of last week’s lotto draw. Next
Noel Browne will present a caba-
week’s draw will be for €9,000. Tick-
ret show on Saturday, January 26
ets are available in the clubhouse
in the members’ lounge - everyone
or on www.bodengaa.ie.
welcome.
John Small, Woodstown Road,
There will be a box office operat-
Knocklyon, Michael Gillen, Moy-
ing in the club on Thursday evenings
ville, Dublin 16 and Eamonn Phillips,
from 8-9pm for the sale of Battle of
Woodfield, Knocklyon all matched
The Boden tickets. It will run up to
the first three numbers while Sheila
the event which takes place on Fri-
Byrne, Glenbrook Park, Rathfarn-
day, February 22.
ham was drawn in the subscribers’ draw.
For any Ballyboden news or information check out www.bodengaa.
Next Sunday, January 27 sees the
ie. Follow us on twitter @bodengaa
final of the 2012 Minor Hurling Final.
or on Facebook by searching Bod-
BBSE play Na Fianna in Chanel at
enGAA.
wanderers NEW 400-member quarterly draw
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.15pm
tickets with great prizes now on
in Frank Kelly Park and Sundays at
sale. Contact any committee mem-
10.30am in Knocklyon Community
ber for more information.
School.
Adul t men’s football tr aining
The juvenile U-11 and U-13 teams
has resumed and is taking place
are looking for new players and all
throughout the week. All new play-
newcomers are welcome. Contact
ers welcome at any time.
Gabby on 087 2444444.
For the first team, please contact
A unique fundraising pla yers’
John for details on 086 8118372 and
calendar is now available: contact
for the second team, contact Mark
shop@wanderersgaa.ie for more
on 087 6732628 or Damian on 086
details or Mark on 087 6732628.
8632565. Training is on Mondays at 8pm in Firhouse Community College gym;
New club gear is now available, namely polos, hoodies, jackets etc. Contact Niall on 086 8857303.
GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 27-31
january 24, 2013
Harsh lesson: UCC students teach Old Wesley new Daly’s Dublin show: Senior hurling manager uptricks as Ulster Bank league returns to action P30 beat for 2013 campaign P29
A local meeting to reform Shankill GAA is hoped to be the first step in bringing Gaelic Games back to the area and aid the county’s success
Shankill set for return Local residents keen to resurrect GAA club after nearly 20 years as Blue Wave report highlights south east Dublin as ripe for growth peter carroll
sport@gazettegroup.com
AF TER nearly 20 years of inactivity, Shankill GAA club are priming themselves for a comeback with a meeting to gauge the interest in the community taking place on Thursday, February 21, in the resource centre of St Anne’s church. One of the key figures in the re-emergence of the club is former coach and player Mick Killeen who claims that the idea really gained momentum after the publication of the GAA’s Blue Wave, which indicated that Shankill was a location that needed a club. “The club was quite successful,” Killeen
told GazetteSport earlier this week. “We just didn’t have the resources to keep it going. It’s quite hard to isolate one reason but this time we won’t make the same mistake. “We have a group of people that are dedicated to getting the club back up and running and with the help of the community, we can make it happen. “When the Blue Wave report came out, we knew that we had to do something. The report pointed out the need for a club in the area and that gave us an added incentive.” Killeen remembers the days of successful juvenile teams in the Shankill area and is adamant that the club’s focus should be in
that area but is open to suggestions of junior football for adults if there is an interest. “It used to be two clubs, the camogie and then the football and hurling. “The camogie U-14 side went to the county final and our junior hurlers got to two B finals but came up short on both occasions. “We had another group of minor footballers that went to the semi final of the championship, it was just a great community club. “We have three schools in the area with over 1,500 kids that could be interested in the Gaelic Games. “Of course there are some fantastic clubs around the area but, really, parents can’t
keep making treks to the likes of Cuala and Kilmacud just to get their children some training. “If we all come together as a community, this can be a great outlet for all of the children and adults in the community. “We are not ruling out anything at this early stage and if we get 20 lads or ladies that want to play junior football, hurling or camogie – we’d be behind them 100%. “I cannot stress the importance of people showing up on Thursday, February 21 as the number of people that turn out will act as a measure of interest for the people who are trying to get the wheels turning on the project,” he finished.