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Gazette DUN LAOGHAIRE

September 8 - 14, 2016

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‘One more traffic sign won’t change anything’ Council criticised over ‘wishy-washy’ response to calls for Cabinteely traffic-calming measures

 EMMA NOLAN ONLY one “rusted” sign is to be replaced by the council in Cabinteely despite desperate locals’ pleas for traffic-calming measures to be imple-

mented.

Emma Hamilton, who lives in Monaloe, Cabinteely, has been asking Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to implement traffic-calming measures in her estate since October, but says

she has only received “wishy-washy” and “noncommittal” responses.

This week, a council spokesperson told The Gazette that there is no further update apart from “we are providing a new ‘Children at Play’ sign

at the entrance to the estate”.

However, Emma says that this response is “disheartening”. She added: “One sign will not change anything.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

SANDYFORD | PLANNING APPLICATION

Company seeks another 492 units for Rockbrook

FASTNews

 EMMA NOLAN

Launching a €7m Beacon facility

MINISTER for Health Simon Harris (centre) was delighted to officially open a €7m facility at the Beacon Hospital, which has added an endoscopy facility to its leading range of leading services and expertise. The facility marks just part of the Beacon’s €34m investment in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and oncology, urology and endoscopy facilities.

Pictured with Minister Harris are Professor Mark Redmond, chief of staff at Beacon Hospital, and Michael Cullen, chief executive and of Beacon Hospital and co-founder of Beacon Medical Group. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

IRISH Residential Proper ties REIT, or I-RES, is seeking planning permission for 492 apartments as well as retail space at Rockbrook in Sandyford.

This would increase the number of apartments on its books by almost 500, bringing its overall Irish portfolio to just under 2,900 units.

The company applied for planning application to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for a mixed-use development at the Rock-

Stillorgan Shopping Centre. Picture: Google Maps

Stillorgan impresses in its first litter survey showing  EMAM NOLAN

View of part of the extensive Rockbrook development at Sandyford. Picture: Google Maps

brook site, comprising 492 apar tments and retail and commercial space.

If they get the go-

ahead, this will bring the number of apartments at the complex to 827, as it currently owns 335 units in the completed section of the scheme.

The site was originally owned by John Fleming before the crash. The unfinished Sentinel Building on the site is owned separately by developers, the Comer Brothers.

The new development would be built above a substantially completed three-story underground basement car park, which was unfinished by the previous developer.

Landscaped The proposal pro vides for three separate residential blocks with landscaped open spaces between them.

The new development would include 82 onebedroom and 410 twobedroom apartments.

T he proposal also includes a creche unit (187sq m) and a small element of retail/commercial accommodation (150sq m).

I-Res chief executive David Ehrlich said Minister for Housing Simon Coveney’s initiative to “rationalise planning regulations” had had a “positive effect” on the ability of I-Res to progress its plans.

STILLORGAN has scored well in the latest Irish Businesses Against litter (IBAL) litter survey.

Stillorgan, which was a new entrant to the IBAL survey for 2016, scored 17th with six out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade.

Some of the particularly good sites included Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre and the bottle Bank in the centre’s overflow car park, which was particularly commended for its cleanliness.

Other sites of note were Stillorgan Park Avenue, the N11 approach from Foxrock, Stillorgan College of Further Education and Oatlands College and Primary School.

Leopardstown’s locals invited to an annual fete THE Leopardstown Park Hospital annual garden fete is taking place this Sunday.

The hospital provides residential and rehabilitation services for the elderly, with their services reaching across most of Dublin and Wicklow.

Taking place from 1pm to 5pm, the annual fete is a day out for everybody with market stalls selling clothes and handbags, along with books, cakes, plants, bric-a-brac and more.

There will be a barbeque and kids’ entertainment includes bouncing castles and face painting, as well as a raffle with great prizes.

Originally a hospital and home for the care and treatment of soldiers who had been disabled or injured in the British Armed Forces, it now caters for the residential needs of older persons of the greater community.

All welcome at Kilmacud Stillorgan historical talks A NEW season of talks at the Kilmacud Stillorgan Local Historical Society is about to get underway.

The first talk is set to take place today, Thursday September 8, with a presentation by Mary Kirwan on Kilmanhaim Gaol, starting at 8pm in the function room of Glenalbyn Sports Club.

Talks will take place around once a month on Thursday from here on. Upcoming events include a talk on Statues And Sculptures Of Dublin, by Neal Doherty, and The Kearney Hangings at Bohernabreena, by John Fitzgerald.

An annual contribution for the talks is €20/€15, or €3 nightly, and visitors are welcome.

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

MUSIC | EVEN SIMON SMILES AS KINGSWOOD WOMAN WOWS JUDGES AT X FACTOR AUDITION

Jantastic!  SYLVIA POWNALL

DUBLINER Janet Grogan is bidding for second time lucky on The X Factor after she stole the show at the Dublin auditions.

The 28-year-old from Kingswood was cruelly ditched by Simon Cowell at the six chairs stage two years ago.

But on Saturday, TV3 viewers saw her brave return pay off as she blew the panel away, singing Zane’s Pillowtalk.

Eagle-eyed viewers will have seen our front page announcing “Louis has the X Factor” as it rolled off the presses (right).

There was a distinctly Irish air to Saturday’s show – which opened with Dermot O’Leary introducing the Dublin auditions at Croke Park.

Tallaght Leisure Centre, where Janet works as a lifeguard,

posted a good luck message to the talented brunette shortly before the show aired. It said: “Janet makes her first appearance & hopefully not the last one on this weekend’s show. Go Janet Grogan!!!!”

Simon Cowell (above) – who admitted on Twitter that he’d made a mistake axing Janet the first time round – said he’d been “praying” ever since that she would come back.

Janet revealed: “Once I

read what Simon had said after I lost out on a place in the final, I always intended on going back.

“It was just a matter of when I was ready, and I felt ready this time. I think the knowledge I gained the first time was invaluable.”

Since appearing on the show the first time, Janet has been busy improving her voice. She was the only Irish woman to feature on Saturday’s show, with Simon telling her it was the best audition he’d heard all day.

To see all the action from X-Factor at Croke Park turn to Pages 10/11

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

CABINTEELY | ‘IF THEY LISTENED THEY COULD IMPROVE ALL ROADS FOR ALL USERS’

Council’s inaction on traffic calming blasted  EMMA NOLAN ONLY one “rusted” sign is to be replaced by the council in Cabinteely since desperate locals have pled for traffic calming measures to be implemented.

Emma Hamilton, who lives in Monaloe Cabinteely has been asking Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to implement traffic calming measures in her estate since October, but says she has only received “wishy washy” and “non-committal” responses.

In July of this year, The Gazette asked the council if they had plans to implement any road signs or speed bumps in the area.

At the time they said that there are no proposals at present for the installation of ramps in the estate, but it might be considered for the next phase of the implemen-

tation of 30kph speed limits in residential areas under the “Slow Zones” guidelines published by the Department of Transport.

This week, a spokesperson told The Gazette that there is no further update apart from “we are providing a new Children at Play sign at the entrance to the estate”.

They maintained that the area will be considered for measures as part of the implementa- Monaloe resident Emma says she is disappointed by the council’s lack of response tion of 30kph “Slow Zones” in accordance with the “Guide- at each junction in the estate. son for not doing it? They never reducing the speed limit in the lines for Setting and Managing The council is continuing to fail seem to give us an answer. development.

“In order to make our develSpeed Limits in Ireland”. its residents.

“I’ve asked the council many However, Emma says that “‘Considering including our opment safer for all road users I times to meet with me and other this response is “disheartening”. area for the implementation of feel they need to look at traffic members of the community to Speaking to The Gazette, she the new speed limit is, in my calming measures which could discuss this matter but they include updating the road ignore my requests. said that while she welcomes opinion, not good enough. the replacement of the old sign, “The council has the power markings at the main entrance “Perhaps if they listened to she is disappointed by the coun- to implement this new speed to the development and within the residents of the county they cil’s inaction. limit, it’s been asked for by resi- the development. could improve all roads for all “One sign will not change dents in the interest of safety for “Updating road signage to users, creating a safer space for anything, we need more signage all road users. What is there rea- compliment this and crucially all.”

Red kites’ numbers slowly rising FINGAL is already home to some of the most diverse communities in all of Dublin, and now has welcomed some unusual new residents – young red kites. Two nests have been confirmed in the county, with three chicks recorded.

The chicks mark the continuing success of the all-Ireland effort to restore red kites, with almost a decade of careful monitoring and conservation efforts slowly but steadily seeing their numbers gradually rising. Birdwatchers all across Fingal, and beyond, have been thanked for playing their part in helping to monitor and support the birds’ return to the skies of Ireland.

Sea if you drink only water to help out the RNLI THIS September, the RNLI is challenging locals to give up all drinks except water for 10 days to raise funds for the organisation, which receives no state funding.

Organisers want participants to have “No tea. No coffee. No fizzy drinks. No wine. No beer. No orange juice.

Just water for 10 tough days”.

The H2Only challenge runs from 5pm on Tuesday, September 13 to 5pm on Friday, September 23, with participants giving up the drinks they love for 10 long days and drinking nothing but water throughout the challenge.

Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI crew member said: “The H2Only challenge is extremely tough.

We know that going 10 days without a morning cuppa, a pint after work or a can of fizzy drink will be really hard for everyone taking part.

“Every euro raised is so important to the RNLI. As a charity, we rely on the support and generosity of the public so that we can continue to save lives at sea. All the money raised by people taking on the H2Only challenge will be greatly appreciated.”

Everyone who signs up to take on the challenge will receive a pack containing two H2Only temporary tattoos to wear. The tattoos last up to 10 days – so participants can proudly display their exclusive H2Only ‘ink’ while taking on the challenge.

All those brave enough to take on the challenge can sign-up now at h2only.org.uk.

In 2015, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across Ireland launched 1,098 times and rescued 1,244 people.

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY

| ANNUAL REGATTA SHOWCASES SKILLS, TEAM EFFORTS

Blue look great ... Alva, Ella, Lily, Caoimhe and Emer

Water great day for sea scouts Members of Dollymount Sea Scouts grin through the heavy drizzle. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

D

ESPITE the best efforts of the late Irish summer, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of sea scouts who gathered at the coast recently for their annual regatta.

Finding the waters of Dublin Bay to be somewhat

dryer than the shoreline, the sea scouts took to a range of vessels to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a range of areas, with challenges and competitions adding to the good-natured day.

While many onlookers watched from the shore and

elevated viewing spots, the sea scouts criss-crossed the water, making the annual regatta a great way to demonstrate the camaraderie and skills enjoyed by young sailing enthusiasts from all across the island of Ireland, as well as the rest of the world.

Tadgh Geraghty,

Onlookers were treated to lots of demonstrations of

Conor Ennis, Malahide

Malahide Sea Scouts

skill out on the water

Sea Scouts

Sophie Beddoe and Sinead Whelan from

Luke Abbott and Ben Munn from

Bray Sea Scouts

Dollymount Sea Scouts

Members of Malahide Sea Scouts

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

FOOD EMPORIUM | ‘GREAT RECOGNITION FOR THE HARD WORK’

Award win has local store relishing moment of glory  EMMA NOLAN C AV I S T O N S F o o d Emporium in Glasthule was named the winner of the Best Food and Drink Shop for this year’s Irish Times Best Shops awards.

The shop has been a huge part of Glasthule since it opened in 1949 by brothers Jim and John Caviston.

Speaking to The Gazette about the win, current store manager and grandson of John, Mark Caviston said that they were over the moon when they found out they’d won.

“It’s great to win, both ourselves and the staff are all chuffed and the customers are delighted too – it’s been phenomenal.”

Having worked at the store for 18 years, Mark said winning the award was great recognition for the hard work they put in to ensure that their customers are always satisfied.

“There was a bit of excitement around the village when we won,” he says.

“Almost every second customer was congratulating us.

“It’s great that some-

FASTNews

Michael Lee, grandson of Edward Lee and author of the book, with his son, daughter in law and grand-daughter

New book celebrates renowned business man Mark Caviston was over the moon when he found out they’d won

where in the locality won an award for Best Shops.”

As for keeping the customers happy, Mark swears by three key ingredients; quality, variety and customer

service.

“We really try and look after our customers’ needs and we go the extra mile to make sure that they’re kept happy,” he says.

“We have to con-

stantly be thinking ahead and looking at what’s new.

“Quality products are extremely impor tant to us, our customers love our bakery and of course the fish counter.”

DUN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has published a new book about Edward Lee. Edward Lee was a renowned businessman who opened a chain of drapery shops in Bray, Kingstown, Rathmines and Dublin in the 1880s.

He was recognised for his caring attitude towards employees and his deep regard for the welfare of all workers, whether it was their housing conditions or their long working hours.

Edward Lee most famously showed his support for his workers during the Lockout of 1913 and he initiated the half-day holiday for all his staff before the Shops Act of 1912.

What was particularly striking was how forward-thinking he was, introducing a system of profit-sharing for his employees.

An Cathaoirleach Cllr Cormac Devlin was on hand to congratulate the Lee family on the beautifully produced and meticulously researched book” and thanked them for sharing their family history.

The book is titled Edward Lee: Model Employer and Man of Moral Courage and was researched by his great grandson Michael Lee. It will be available in bookshops in the coming weeks, including all dlr Libraries, price €10.00.

‘Use bus lanes to reduce bus strike impact’ WITH potentially weeks of Dublin Bus strikes looming, the AA has called for bus lanes in the city to be opened up to motorists on the relevant days.

According to AA research, more than 400,000 people will be affected by the strikes, while the additional traffic expected during the strikes will add to the city’s congestion.

In addition, a significant increase in the number of motorists on all routes to and from Dublin City, as well commuter towns such as Bray, Greystones, Maynooth, Celbridge and Dunboyne, is expected to add to commuter misery.

Conor Faughnan, director of Consumer Affairs, AA said: “The only sensible thing to do is to allow all traffic to use the empty lanes. That is a call that Minister [for Transport] Shane Ross should make.

“It is not ideal, of course, but this strike is going to inconvenience hundreds of thousands of people. We should be making pragmatic decisions to lessen the effect.”

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

CRIME | MURDERED LESS THAN 500 YARDS FROM FAMILY HOME

Appeal for information on murder of Raonaid  EMMA NOLAN SEPTEMBER 4 marked 17 years since Dun Laoghaire teenager Raonaid Murray was brutally murdered less than 500 yards from her family home.

Gardai have renewed their appeal for information about the murder along with Raonaid’s family and a full time incident room remains in situ at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station.

They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as they may be “unknowingly shielding a killer”.

Raonaid had been working at a clothes shop then known as

S a l l y We s t i n D u n Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

On the night she was murdered, she left the shop at approximately 9pm on Septem-

ber 3, 1999 and went with a friend to Scott’s Public House in Dun Laoghaire.

She made arrangements with a friend to go to a night club later that

Gardai are requesting those who knew Raonaid well to contact them

night.

She left Scott’s at approximately 11.20pm to go home and change before heading to the night club.

Her house was about a 15 minute walk from the pub she was in.

Raonaid’s body was then found at Silchester Crescent in Glenageary at 12.33am, less than 500 yards from her home.

Many of Raonaid’s circle of friends are now adults and gardai have recently contacted and spoken again with a number of her close friends.

As part of the ongoing review of this investigation, gardai are requesting those who knew

Raonaid well to contact the investigation team at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station.

“If any person has any information which could assist in identifying a motive for the murder of Raonaid and /or if any person has any doubts about the veracity of an alibi provided, we would appeal for your immediate assistance.”

The gardai and Raonaid’s family implore anyone with information to contact the Garda Incident Room at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, phone 01-6665000 / 6665012 or alternatively the Garda Confidential line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

A feast of fashion

TV presenter and ISPCC ambassador Amanda Byram (centre) officially launched the annual ISPCC Brown Thomas Fashion Show at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge. Amand, wearing Peter Pilotto from The Designer Rooms at Brown Thomas acted as MC at the highly-anticipated event which raises vital funds for the ISPCC. Over 370 elegant guests were treated to an exclusive showcase of the new Autumn Winter 2016 international collections. Also pictured are Yomiko Chen wearing Dior and Thalia Heffernan wearing Victoria Beckham. Picture: Leon Farrell /

Photocall Ireland

10 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

CULTURE | THE GAZETTE HAD A SPECIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN WELCOMING THE X FACTOR BACK TO

Who’s got the Factor?

WE DO! Screengrab: TV3 Player

A giant Louis face filled the side of a bus

Dermot’s got the moves all right

Special X Factor Gazettes

X Factor and Gazette fans Lisa Kenny and Jenny Ashe. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Fans Anna O’Hanlon and Katie

roll through the printing presses, ready to help spread the word

Nice to see you too, Simon

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 11

DUBLIN FOR AUDITIONS

GOT A STORY?

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@dublingazette.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION!

KING LOUIS ON HIS ROLE IN THE SHOW  IAN BEGLEY

WHEN The X Factor bus came rolling into Dublin, the programme makers knew they needed something big, local, popular and important to help them get their message out – and The Gazette was happy to help!

That’s why when Simon, Nicole, Louise and Sharon arrived at Croke Park, their X Factor fans were already in the mood for some unforgettable sights and sounds, with their special commemorative Gazettes, hot from the presses (see left) helping to set the mood – and giving them Dublin’s best read.

Once the judges had arrived, marking the end of a six-year departure from Dublin, the auditions at Croker saw the good, the bad, and the memorable from a wide range of eager performers wanting to become the next big thing.

Louis got a very welcome return to the show, arriving in style on an open-top bus with his face on it – which Simon couldn’t resist having a jab at it.

One of the contestants winning the judge’s approval was Janet Grogan from Kingswood, Tallaght – a familiar face for Cowell (see Page 3). The 28-year-old made it to his Six Chairs two years ago, but he eventually swapped her for another singer, which he later regretted.

I met up with Louis (top) at TV3’s autumn season launch recently to ask what it’s like being back on the panel, and if he genuinely believes that Ireland has the potential to claim victory in this year’s competition.

‘I’m having much more fun’ He said: “I absolutely love being back – it’s business as usual, but this time around I’m having much more fun and, with Simon being on the panel along with Sharon, it’s a dream come true. Simon is probably my favourite, because I’ve known him for so long, but to be honest I get along really well with everyone.

“I can remember about 10 people in the Irish auditions who did well, but I feel the ones we chose really have potential.”

But do you really think that an Irish person could win? “It’s possible, but it’s going to be tough. I’d obviously love it to happen, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Louis added that out of all the countries he’s travelled to, he loves being based in Dublin the most.

However, the one thing that really annoys him about this country is Irish radio.

“Dublin is such a great city to live in, but you only really appreciate it once you go abroad, even for a short space of time. The biggest problem I have with Ireland is that they don’t play enough Irish radio.

“We could play so many new Irish acts on our airways, but instead they just play the same type of music over and over again. This is why it’s so hard for young people here to break into the music industry.”

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS

Teaming up for better opportunities QUALITY and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for maintaining the ten level National Framework of Qualifications, is delighted to announce it has joined forces with Transition Year Ireland on a three-year partnership.

Through this partnership, QQI will get involved with the

upcoming TY Expo 2016, which is taking place on September 12 and 13 at the Punchestown Racecourse Event Centre, where they will actively engage with attendees through speaker opportunities and branding at the event.

The TY Expo is an annual event that focuses on TY students and places them, as well

as their teachers and parents, face-to-face with the people behind the many opportunities available to them throughout the year. Pictured at the announcement is Dr Padraig Walsh, chief executive, QQI (left) with Elle Loughran, student and Edwin Landzaad, CEO, Transition Year Ireland.

Picture: Robbie Reynolds

Green Innovator receives award UCD has presented professor Kevin O’Connor, a leading green technologies researcher and innovator, with the NovaUCD 2016 Innovation Award.

Professor O’Connor’s interests include research into the development of biodegradable polymers; methods of improving the recycling of plastic and other materials i.e. upcycling; the transformation of waste products and industrial side streams into value added products.

His expertise includes areas such as the bioeconomy, environmental technology, bioprocessing, biocatalysis, and protein engineering.

The award was presented to professor O’Connor, a professor at the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and a principal investigator at the UCD Earth Institute,

by UCD president, professor Andrew J Deeks, during an event held at NovaUCD, the centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event the UCD president said: “I am delighted to present this to Professor O’Connor in recognition of the quality and impact of his peer-reviewed research, his technological developments for the production of bio-based products as well as his

Professor Kevin O’Connor with his award

industrial collaboration and successes in the commercialisation of the intellectual property arising from his research at the University.”

On receiving the award Professor O’Connor said: “I am honoured to receive this prestigious

award.

“It recognises the huge effort, commitment and intellect of the current and past researchers and students in my research lab in UCD and in Bioplastech to develop and commercialise our technologies.”

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 13

ASDFSDAF P27 GAMING P25

FEATURE P22

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



GAZETTE

A DAY IN THE LIFE P14

DARLING, SUPER SID IS FULL OF POTENTIAL

The city’s many arches and bridges are always there to link and usher you along to a new shopping, cultural or entertaining experience. Photos: Shane Dillon

RETAIL: THERE’S MUCH MORE TO THE CITY THAN ‘JUST’ THE CENTRE – SO EXPLORE!

Dublin delights for shoppers RIGHTLY or wrongly, Dubliners are often accused of being insular by their country cousins, and it’s probably fair to say that many Dubs don’t know much of the capital beyond their own neck of the woods.

With budgets tight and the kids back at school, if you’re looking for a quick break from it all (but don’t have the time of money to venture far afield), why not look at some of the fantastic attractions on your own doorstep?

VisitDublin.com – the official tourist information website for the capital – recently rolled out a new video which highlights just some of the great destinations and experiences the capital has to offer (and you can check it out on

our website or Facebook page).

So, if you’re looking to get away from it all without going far – and, more importantly, you believe in supporting local businesses – Visit Dublin has given us some great pointers that highlight how lucky we are to have such a diverse range of towns and villages right in our own backyard, with all the attractions and businesses that they offer Dubs, culchies and tourists alike ...

Savour shopping in Dublin Dublin city and its coastal villages are not just vibrant, bustling and eclectic destinations for tourism, outdoor adventure, great food, culture and

unique experiences, but have helped make the city become known as a real shopping mecca.

Today, Dublin offers an abundance of choice for those shopping lovers who want to seek out independent stores, Irish crafts, family-friendly markets and venerable shops that have stood the test of time.

Whether it’s the work of an emerging Irish artist, a rare cheese or exquisite tailoring you’re after, there’s no shortage of places across the city and county to take your fancy, as the following categories illustrate ...

Womenswear Drury Street, in the heart of Dublin’s

“creative quarter”, is a mecca for fashionistas seeking brands not common on the high street.

Both Om Diva and Costume (the latter on the corner at Castle Market) carry Irish and international brands to turn heads.

Just around the corner, at Exchequer Street, there’s a distinctly retro feel to Carousel, where you can buy vintagestyle dresses for reasonable prices.

Malahide has several inviting boutiques, with Neola and Sans Souci among them.

For more about the wonderful range of shopping and activities found across Dublin, see P23

OUR Dog of the Week looking for her #SpecialSomeone* is stunning Sid, a oneyear-old male Rottweiler cross.

He has just completed his muzzle training and is ready and waiting to go to his forever home.

He is a big, bouncy boy and loves training games and playing with his doggie pals. Sid will do almost anything for treats, but he’s not too keen on sharing with fellow canines or children, so he would like an adult-only home.

If you can be Sid’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. *As part of their 10th birthday celebrations, MAXI ZOO IRELAND will be championing 10 of our dogs for the next 10 weeks in some of their stores, to help us try and find their #SpecialSomeone.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE: MRS BROWN’S BOYS STAR RORY COWAN NEVER ASPIRED TO BE AN ACTOR

Rory went from smash hits to Mrs with no training  IAN BEGLEY

MRS Brow n’s Boys’ e x t r ove r t s t a r R o r y Cowan has revealed that he only inherited the role of Agnes’s gay son after the man who was due to play him left acting — to become a train driver.

Speaking to The Gazette at the launch of TV3’s new-look autumn schedule, Rory said he never aspired to be an actor and fell into the job of playing flamboyant character Rory.

He explained: “I honestly never had any ambition to become an actor even though I was closely associated with the industry.

“I used to work as a sales and marketing manager for EMI and rubbed elbows with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina

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‘I used to work as a sales and marketing manager for EMI and rubbed elbows with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner and Diana Ross.’

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Turner and Diana Ross.

“I was also involved in the marketing for Mrs Brown’s Boys and about ten years ago it was revealed that the former actor who played Rory had trouble getting a mortgage for a home because he was an actor.

“He decided to leave acting to become a train driver – the only problem was they opened in Liverpool the next morning for a threeweek theatre show.

“Brendan asked me to fill in for him because I was so closely associ-

ated with the show and he thought I’d suit the character perfectly.

“I had only one day to learn all of the lines and decided to bleach my hair blonde and wear really bright clothes to stand out as much as I could.

“That was the only time I ever got nervous on stage. After that I fell in love with the role.”

Rory added that he isn’t surprised the hit TV show was voted the best British sitcom of the century. Viewers in the UK recently voted the series as the best

show of the millennium in an online poll for the Radio Times, where it beat off critically acclaimed shows such as The Office (2001), The Thick of It (2005) and Peep Show (2003).

Rory says he’s over the moon with the result, but he wasn’t exactly knocked for six.

He added: “The success of both the sitcom and live show is really staggering, especially in the UK. “We have between eight to ten thousand people attending our theatre shows each night and in the big cities like Liverpool and in London we would perform for about 60,000 people in a week.

“So when we were voted as the best sitcom of the century it really didn’t come as much of a surprise.”

FEATURE

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Drumming home a charity’s mission JONATHAN Irwin, chief executive of The Jack & Jill Foundation, was on hand at Argillan Castle to help drum up awareness of the charity’s annual initiative, Up the Hill for Jack and Jill.

At the castle, Irwin was joined by 70 friends and supporters to launch the campaign, including Sandra Salmon, whose daughter, Hannah, is supported by Jack & Jill.

She said: “This is an amazing charity – they have been our lifeline for the past year and a half, supporting us with home nursing care for Hannah and all sorts of practical support. We would well and truly be lost without them.

“Every donation is

greatly appreciated and the magic number is €16, as this is the cost of a nursing hour.”

Running all this month, the fundraising initiative invites people to walk or run a hill, with registration now open at www. jackandjill.ie, priced €16.

JUDGE WORD WAR’S DUELLING DEBATERS WORD WAR judges are needed in Dublin for the intellectual equivalent of The X Factor – a national debating contest run by Concern Worldwide.

I r e l a n d ’s l a r g e s t humanitarian aid agency is recruiting volunteers to join their panel of adjudicators for Concern Debates, the country’s biggest secondary

schools debating contest.

In the All-Ireland competition, teenage debating teams go head-to-head on highly relevant and topical arguments.

Each year, around 150 schools take part in the war of words, with the final held in The Helix.

The winning team is taken to one of Concern’s projects overseas, such as drought-hit Malawi, where last year’s winners – Cross and Passion College from Ballycastle, Co Antrim – witnessed firsthand the charity’s lifechanging work.

Anyone who wants to volunteer and join Concern’s panel of debates judges is asked to contact Concern’s Schools and Youth Programme

Administrator, Geraldine Carroll, at 01 417 7733, or by emailing debates@ concern.net.

TEAM CHALLENGE ROAD RUN RETURNS THE Twilight Team Challenge 5k Road Run returns to Sandyford Business District this coming September 29.

Last year, almost 1,000 people took part with applications for this year’s run expected to exceed this number significantly.

People can take part individually or as part of a team and the event offers an opportunity for team building and a lighthearted rivalry between staff from offices in the area.

Gerard O’Farrell,

Lisa Maguire with Jonathan Irwin, chief executive, The Jack & Jill Foundation; Sandra Salmon and Fran Cochrane with their daughter, Hannah, who the Foundation supports. Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennell Photography

managing director of the Spirit Motor Group, event sponsors, said: “We are delighted to see this event return for its second year. The enquiries are already coming in, so we

are expecting a significant turn-out of individuals and teams for this year’s challenge.

“We are supporting the Ross Nugent Foundation for this event, although

entrants can also fundraise for their own chosen charity.”

Registration is open at www.twilightteamchallenge.com, and the entry fee is €25.

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

GAZETTE

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16 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

BACK TO

Two-year-old Cora McIlhatton and best pal Leah Pownall, 3, can’t wait for their first day at Haven preschool in Clondalkin

Goodbye summer... hello learning IT WAS Back to School week for thousands of lit-

galleries, to run in our print editions throughout

tle Dubliners this week – and it’s a time of mixed

September.

emotions for one and all, with as many tears shed

We have some wonderful prizes to give away -

by mammies and daddies are there were by their

including a €150 gift card for Life Style Sports, €50

little students.

vouchers for M&S, Penneys and Dealz, a hamper

The response to our Back to School competition

from Flying Tiger, every kid’s favourite variety

has been magnificent, with hundreds of read-

store, AND a €100 voucher for the Base – Ireland’s

Audrey Buttner sent in this great pic of her three children. She

ers sending in their pix – so much so that we’ve

Number 1 entertainment centre.

said they had a great summer and were delighted to be heading

Sophie and Lucy Osbourne , Presentation

back to school...”or at least one of them was”!

Girls School, Maynooth

decided to extend it by another week. So keep an eye out for your little ones in our Back to School

And don’t be stuck folks - get your last minute Back to School essentials from Life Style sports.

Little Leo Byrne from Baldoyle is ready for anything school life

Little Bella wishes her big brother Tadgh

throws at him

good luck as he heads off to start Second

Roisin Fitzpatrick,

Rosa McManus, 9,

Senior Infants,

heading off to start third

Presentation Primary

class in Tyrrelstown

School Teranure

ETNS

Class at the Divine Word, Rathfarnham Little Rani Smith was really

school!

Kate’s as proud as punch that her little sister Lucy is

excited to be going into

Cian Fitzpatrick, Jamie Timoney, AJ Corish, Kate Melady

Junior Infants at Scoil

and Ella Burns are all smiles at St Marnock’s NS

Mhuire in Lucan

These Rathfarnham brothers are both starting big school, with Evan, 12, going into First Year at Colaiste Eanna and fiveyear-old Ryan starting Junior Infants at

Maya and Jessica Wilson are ready to start their school year

Scoil Naomh Padraig

at St Vincent de Paul Infants School Griffith Ave

Pals Mia Carroll, Lara Nola and Belle n O’Sulliva n froim S Helen’s N t S, Portm arnock

joining her in St Sylvester’s NS, Malahide

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

It’s the great beauty bake off

RUSH lady Anna Maguire won the Tipperary Crystal Rose of the Curragh competition this year in a dress of her own design.

Anna is a professional dressmaker at Ana Mac Boutique in north County Dublin, and the winning dress was originally designed for this year’s Dublin Rose.

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

WITH everyone’s favourite baking programme dominating our TV screens, it only seems fair that we, in the world of beauty, get to bake too!

This technique of making your foundation look flawless and creaseless has been an industry secret among make-up artists and drag queens for years, and involves layering concealers and powders and leaving them to set.

NYX Cosmetics have two suitable products for ‘baking’ that face ...

1. Begin with a hydrating eye cream to prepare the eyes for the make-up.

2. Thickly apply NYX Concealer wand (above; RRP €6.99) under your eye, all the way from the apples of your cheeks towards your temples. Blend it out.

3. Follow up the concealer with ... more concealer! Apply NYX Concealer wand lightly on top of the first layer.

4. Now it’s time to set the concealer. Use the NYX Stay Matte Not Flat powder foundation (right; RRP €10.99) and lightly tap it onto the eye area.

5. To ‘bake’ this make-up, use either a damp make-up sponge or a brush and apply a very generous amount of powder below your eyes (don’t worry if it looks a bit extreme at this stage).

6. Leave the powder to set on the face for 5-10 minutes.

7. With a fluffy brush, lightly dust off the powder and enjoy your flawless make-up!

ASOS €37.33

Dublin stylists hoping to be a cut above at Wella’s top UK and Ireland contest  EMMA NOLAN

EIGHT Dublin hairdressers have been recognised as Ireland’s top professional hair stylists by Wella.

Sinead Berrigan, Lisa Roe, Shauna Forman, Nicole De’Torre and Nadine Walshe from House of Colour; Darren Lacken and Nikita Purdey from Crowe Street Collective in Temple Bar; Alex Reid from Keville Salon on South Anne Street, and Leanne O’Gorman from Foundation in Dublin 8 reached the

UK and Ireland Final of the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award 2016, to be held in London.

Created to discover and acknowledge the industry’s most skilled hair stylists and colourists, the competition focuses on all aspects of hair styling and colouring, and the Irish heat is judged by some of the UK’s leading hair icons, including Rudi Rizzo from Sanrizz and Edward Darley from Sassoon Academy.

This year, the trend movements or theme of the competition are Molten Ecaile (a multi-

ASOS €37.33

ASOS €42.67

tonal colouring technique) and Bronde Luxe (a mixture of brown and blonde shades), with entrants asked to interpret one trend with their own style.

Alex Reid from Keville Salon, who competed in the Color Vision category, said she has always had a passion for hair.

She said: “I’m so proud to

have reached the final of such a prestigious competition. To be taking part and competing against the best hairdressers in the country is a huge honour.”

The hairdressers will spend the next few weeks preparing for the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award UK and Ireland Final in October.

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 19

Beauty of the pyjama blouse

GAZETTE

STYLE

THE

Penneys €11

 EMMA NOLAN

THE shirt of the season has arrived and laid-back luxe is on the agenda.

Pyjama blouses are simply, well, pyjama blouses, but we now have permission to wear them outdoors.

A good silk blouse will never go out of style, and this take on the trend offers a more relaxed and obtainable approach to adorning oneself in silk every day.

Penneys’ pyjama blouses are some of the nicest garments to come out of Penneys in a while, and at €11, they’re a steal.

Other high street offerings are good, but Penneys wins this time. Take to ASOS for some more interesting, albeit expensive, colour and shape combinations.

This sort of casual chic lends itself well to a “nonchalantly put together” vibe. The blouse is easy to throw on and is best paired with high-waisted pants.

New Look €TBC

Penneys €11

New Look €TBC

Penneys €11

New Look €TBC Missguided €33.25

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DUBLINLIFE

A NEW ERA: IRELAND’S FIRST LUXURY SLEEPER TRAIN FINALLY LAUNCHED IN DUBLIN

Your carriage awaits: A journey on Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train doesn’t come cheap - a two-day trip will set you back a whopping €3,160

A grand day for a train trip

 IAN BEGLEY

CHOO! CHOO! Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train has finally launched in Dublin with a six-day trip costing as little as €7,700.

Yes, you read that right: €7,700.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian was launched last week and includes 10 carriages, 20 en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car, all refurbished by specialist outfitters.

Two-day trips cost €3,160, four days cost €5,420 and six days cost €7,722. On board the passengers will have double or twin cabins with goose feather and Irish-made down bedding.

It’s inaugural journey from Heuston Station took 40 guests on a six-night Grand Tour of Ireland.

Marking a new era in luxury rail travel, Belmond Grand Hibernian is the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout the Island of Ireland.

The train’s contemporary interiors are elegant yet relaxed, evoking the sense of travelling in an Irish country house with genuine and warm service provided by the train’s crew.

Throughout the inaugural sixnight itinerary, covering 2,217 kilometres, guests will first travel from

Dublin to Cork where they will visit the Jameson’s Distillery, followed by a private visit of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone before the grounds are open to the public.

Belmond Grand Hibernian then heads west to Killarney and its National Park for a boat tour of the spectacular Lough Leane.

As the train heads north, a walking tour of the creative city of Galway is followed by a full day visit to Ashford Castle for a lunch and walk around the property’s stunning grounds.

The elegant, midnight blue carriages then travel to Northern Ireland and Belfast for a visit of the award-winning Titanic Experience.

The train then returns south to the Viking port of Waterford for a visit to the House of Waterford and Curraghmore House, home to the Waterford family. The journey then ends in Dublin.

Head chef Alan Woods has created mouth-watering dishes showcasing the best of Irish produce with a contemporary twist. On the menu are dishes such as seafood chowder, Roast Killarney Venison, Donegal Turf Smoked Salmon and Crab Cannon, Skeaghanore Duck Leg Confit and Warm Kildare Wild

Elderberry and Plum Compote. All food is regionally sourced from local producers.

Guests can expect to enjoy home-baked soda bread and scones; served with salty butter and homemade jams and fresh cream.

Each carriage is named after an Irish county with interiors reflecting the local flora and fauna and colours inspired by the county’s tartan.

Irish creative flair is also reflected in the staff uniforms, designed in Ireland, using materials such as Donegal tweed.

Kildare, the Observation Car and social hub of the train has the

charm of a local Irish tavern, with live entertainment each evening and a varied choice of Irish gin and whiskies for guests to enjoy after dinner is served in the elegant and light-filled dining cars Wexford and Sligo.

The sleeper cars, including Waterford, Leitrim and Kerry, feature 20 luxury en-suite cabins including four double cabins with spacious storage and elegant details such as the Galway crystal jewellery stands and Irish goose feather and down pillows and duvets, made in Westport.

Commenting on the launch, JP Kavanagh says: “As a proud Irishman, I am delighted to be part of

the launch of this exciting new train showcasing authentic Irish hospitality, scenery, produce and culture.”

Belmond Grand Hibernian offers two, four and six-night itineraries for up to 40 guests running from now until the end of October.

Guests will be immersed in the rich Irish culture, including history, art and music, or choose to play a round of golf at famous courses along the way.

In 2017, the season will run from 25 April to 14 October.

For more information or to make a reservation for 2016 or 2017 - visit Belmond.com/grandhibernian

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 21

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TRAVEL

Mexico: Bursting with culture and history  IAN BEGLEY

COMBINE relaxation with culture and history on an incredible 13-night trip to Mexico.

Your journey will bring you through the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the quaint streets of Merida, and from the ancient Aztec and Mayan empires to the white sandy beaches of Cancun.

You will begin your holiday with a half day tour of Mexico City, accompanied by your expert local guide.

A metropolis originally built by the Aztecs, today Mexico City is the cultural epicentre of Mexico and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Here, you will visit national landmarks such as the National Palace, the Diego Rivera murals and the Anthropology Museum.

Next, explore Teotih-

uacan, the 2000-year-old city that is known as The Birthplace of the Gods.

T his ancient settlement of the Aztecs was originally built between 100BC and 250AD, and is home to the oldest Mesoamerican pyramids on the continent.

En route, you will enjoy a stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Catholicism and one of Mexico City’s most spectacular buildings. You will also enjoy a full day e xc u r-

sion to the historical and cultural city of Oaxaca.

Stop off at the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal and enjoy a city tour of Merida on the way.

A UNESCO World Heritage S i t e , Uxmal showcases

buildings like the Governor’s Palace, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Pyramid of the Magician.

Then, journey on to Campeche, stopping for a visit to the archaeological Mayan region of Palenque.

Containing some of the finest sculpture and architecture that the Mayans have produced, Palenque will take your breath away.

Discover Mexico’s most popular tourist attraction which is also believed to be one of the oldest settlements on earth, Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan settlement which boasts the Temple of a Thousand Warriors, the

Great Ball Court and the Castillo Temple.

Ik Kil Cenote is a world famous lagoon, where you will descend a carved staircase in the rock face to reach the bright blue water. Open for swimming, the pool is 26m deep and a popular diving spot.

Spend your final two days relaxing and enjoying Cancun at your own pace.

Ask your guide for activity recommendations, or spend time chilling out by the hotel pool. Cancun is most famous for its beautiful beaches and the crystal clear water for swimming and snorkelling.

Prices star t from €2,799pp including return flights from Dublin, internal flight within Mexico, transfers, taxes & charges, 13 nights’ B&B/half-board hotel accommodation and excursions, with flight departing April 27, 2017.

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FEATURE

Squirm in your seat for an orchestra of oddities TRAVEL back to a time when gentlemen wore top hats, ladies wore corsets and mobile phones were steam powered – a time when the Freak Show dominated in all its odd and shocking glory.

Squirm in your seats as our Orchestra of Oddities thrill, shock and entertain in equal measure.

Bleedin’ Deadly - Bram Stoker Festival’s flagship evening event (strictly over 18’s) - will run for four nights only in the iconic Pillar Room, Rotunda Hospital: October 28 to 31.

Hosted by The Space Cowboy – extreme performance artist and 44 time world record holder – the Bleedin’ Deadly line-up includes the world’s most pierced woman Elaine Davidson, Coney Island’s side show impresario Donny Vomit, snake charmer and burlesque reptile queen Kitty LeRoux and local bizarrio Grim Squeaker.

See Australia’s internationally renowned sword swallow The Space Cowboy perform some of his death defying stunts including ingesting a 2000v neon lightbulb, catching a flaming arrow while blindfolded and his unmissable weight lifting eyelids.

T he human pincushion “Elaine Davidson” has adorned her

body with over 9,000 piercings which weigh in excess of 3kgs.

This Brazilian-born former nurse not only is the world record holder for body piercing, but has now achieved a new Guinness Record for The person holding the piercing record for the longest time (since 2000).

With over 192 piercings on her facial area alone, Elaine says: “People often just want to look at me or touch me - some even want to kiss me”!

Meet Coney Island’s freakshow frontman Donny Vomit who has made a living by hammering nails into his skull.

His tattoo “A hard way to make an easy living” pays homage to the long tradition of Human Blockhead at Coney Island which was created in 1930.

Also an escapologist, his performance will feature some heavy hardware - chainsaws, a strait-

jacket, a mouse trap and a bed of nails!

Introducing Ireland’s sizzling sideshow couple - burlesque snake charmer Miss Kitty Le Roux and local bizarrio Grim Squeaker.

The striking green haired belle Kitty Le Roux is known as the Reptile Queen with her menagerie of 12 exotic reptilian beauties - seven snakes, three lizards, one gecko and one tortoise.

Beautiful, deadly and cold blooded, this cabaret snake charmer extraordinaire is not to be missed.

Witness Kitty’s boyfriend, Ireland’s premier sideshow performer Grim Squeaker, as eats broken glass and sharpened razor blades and is smashed with sledgehammers as he lays upon a bed of nails.

Tickets to Bleedin Deadly, Ireland’s Freakiest Halloween Event, as part of Bram Stoker Festival are from €20.

It is an over 18 years event. Tickets available at www.bramstokerfestival.com / Booking Tel: 01 881 9613

Looking for a freakishly good time?

We have a pair of tickets to give away to Bleedin’ Deadly – just send us your scariest story to be in with a chance of winning!

8 September 2016 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

SHOPPING RETAIL: A LOOK AT SHOPPING DIVERSITY

Discover for yourself why Dublin has so much to offer Continued from Page 13

Menswear Dublin men keen to get their hands on designer clothes a little out of the ordinary are spoiled for choice at Nowhere on Aungier Street.

Those with a penchant for hard-to-get Scandinavian brands should head to Indigo & Cloth on East Essex Street, Temple Bar – it’s got a branch of the popular Clement & Pekoe cafe in-store for tea and coffee.

And, also in Temple Bar, in West Essex Street, Tamp and Stitch also offers cool clobber and excellent coffee.

Children Babies and toddlers can be kitted out with the best at JoJo Maman Bebe on Wicklow Street, which also boasts an impressive selection of maternity wear, while Pearl, on South King Street, close to the Gaiety Theatre, offers style with a difference for preschool kids and those who are a little older.

Irish Design Some of what’s great about Irish craft and design can be found at Powerscourt Townhouse

Centre on South William Street.

There, talented Dubliner Chupi Sweetman’s stunning range of delicate gold jewellery can be checked out in Chupi.

Further choice at Powerscourt comes courtesy of Article.

Industr y carries a wide selection of Irish and European goods at its Drury Street store, and there’s a fine cafe there too, specialising in exceptional salads.

Artisan Food Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street offers some of the most sumptuous food in the city, and its butcher is justly famed for its game and rare cuts of beef.

If it’s cheese you’re after, there’s nowhere better than Sheridan’s on South Anne Street – they’ve an unrivalled selection of Irish and international offerings.

Dublin’s coastal villages are well served with high-end food emporia, such as Caviston’s at Glasthule Road, Glasthule, celebrated for its stunning fish selection.

Back in town, and Liston’s, on Camden Street, sources a wide range of high-quality Irish and international food prod-

ucts, and it’s a great place to stop for delicious fresh breads, cheese and cold meats.

Books Dublin has a huge selection of bookshops and the country’s largest – Chapters on Parnell Street – has a massive second-hand section.

The Gutter Bookshop, West Essex Street, Temple Bar, has carved out a niche as an exemplary independent bookstore, with several writers’ events held here.

There’s a second Gutter Bookshop in Dalkey, on Railway Road – a place that’s especially busy during the popular Zurich Dalkey Book Festival – and the denizens of Ranelagh swear by their local haunt, The Company of Books.

Named after the Yeats poem, and in honour of its winding staircase, The Winding Stair Bookshop is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin, and its upstairs restaurant is also a favourite meeting place for foodies looking for relaxed dining.

Music The independently owned Tower Records

Whether browsing through some of the very latest on-trend styles or exploring establishments with a rich, long-standing heritage, Dublin offers plenty of choice to suit all tastes, needs and budgets

on Dawson Street boasts one of Ireland’s largest selection of vinyl.

If it’s a second-hand bargain you’re looking for, both Spindizzy in the Victorian George’s Street Arcade and the Secret Bookshop and Record Store on Wicklow Street are must-visits on your itinerary.

RAGE, in the short but hugely vibrant Fade Street, caters for both gamers and lovers of vinyl.

Markets The number and quality of food and crafts markets in Dublin has mushroomed rapidly in the past decade. The Temple Bar Market in Meeting

House Square offers a bustling experience on Saturday mornings, while the Dun Laoghaire Sunday Market in The People’s Park is the perfect place to grab an alfresco bite. It’s especially lovely on sunny summer days when the views take in Dublin Bay and Howth Head.

Be sure to check out some of the much-loved flea markets in the city.

Dublin Flea Market – a fantastic indoor market safe from the on/off Irish summer – takes place on the last Sunday of every month in The Co-op on Newmarket square.

The Grand Social at Lower Liffey Street hosts the weekly Ha’Penny

Flea Market every Saturday from noon til 6pm.

Elsewhere, the food market at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park, and the Red Stables Market in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, are ideal antidotes to the fast pace of modern life.

Arts and Antiques Francis Street, in the beating heart of The Liberties, is Dublin’s traditional antiques quarter and its proud tradition continues today, thanks to such well-regarded establishments as Niall Mullen Antiques and Martin Fennelly Antiques.

Those seeking work by the latest generation of

young Irish artists should high-tail it to the Jam Art Gallery on Patrick’s Street – in the shadow of St Patrick’s Cathedral – where a wide selection is available.

Whether you love contemporary or traditional art, Gallery Zozimus, also on Francis St, offers an excellent collection of paintings, sculptures in bronze, ceramic, glass and wood as well as street and urban art, and here you will find exciting work from many new and emerging artists.

For more cool ideas about exploring Dublin’s vibrant shopping scene, see www. visitdublin.com.

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24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

LIGHTS OUT

A bright idea for a film DIRECTOR James Wan takes the premise of a short film and gives it a decent treatment with Lights Out (Cert 15A, 81 mins). A young boy is being haunted by a dangerous and very real being who lives in the dark – however, she has direct ties to his family, some of whom know exactly who ‘Diana’ is ... Wan’s skill at directing horror come to the fore, with an interesting premise presented with skill.

THE PURGE 3

Gets a vote of approval TO GIVE it its full and correct name, The Purge: Election Year (Cert 16, 109 mins) isn’t going to win any votes for sharpness, but its twisted take on politics and violence in America is entertaining enough. A US senator and her team try to survive the annual Purge – 12 hours when any and all crime is legal – against the ever-shrinking odds. This latest Purge film provides some food for thought.

SAUSAGE PARTY A half-baked idea

Sausage Party (Cert 16, 89 mins) provides a side-order of utterly foul-mouthed silliness, sprinkled with crudity. What would happen if your food could talk, only to realise that – gulp – it’s doomed to be skinned, burned, boiled and eaten alive? Sausage Party starts off well, but runs out of juice before the juice – and the sausages, and the eggs, and the milk – try to run off to freedom.

Viggo Mortensen is perfect as the radical patriarch in this enjoyable, offbeat road movie.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR: A STRICT SENSE OF IDEALISM AND OUTSIDER POLITICS

A not quite fantastic dramedy

CAPTAIN Fantastic is a gorgeously shot, often heart-warming and occasionally poignant dramedy, telling the story of a father attempting to raise his family in seclusion with a strict sense of idealism and outsider politics.

Viggo While Mortensen is perfect as the radical patriarch in this enjoyable, offbeat road movie, Captain Fantastic suffers from underdeveloped themes and a tendency to fall back on flat political discourse and all-toofamiliar tropes.

Ben Cash and his family live off the grid in a secluded Washington woodland.

Exhibiting an acute disdain for the capital-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

ist culture of modern America, Ben raises his children with ideological fervour, training them in the basics of survivalism, teaching them multiple languages and lecturing a vast swathe of communist doctrine.

Despite some oddball tendencies, Ben’s children seem happy and healthy enough.

Tragedy, however, sets them off on a journey of personal discover y across America: Ben’s wife, suffering from depression in an

institution, has taken her own life.

The family leaves for New Mexico to reclaim her body from his inlaws and have it cremated, in line with her beliefs as a Buddhist.

Captain Fantastic is at its best when attempting to probe Ben’s seemingly unshakeable worldview.

While his idealism is often infectious, director Matt Ross doesn’t refrain from exposing the darker side of such an unwavering attitude.

Indeed, although Ben leads his brood with tenderness, humour and a kind hand, he is occasionally unsympathetic and often easy to dislike.

The Cash family, raised on ritual and

optimistic radicalism, occasionally borders on a cult – with Ben as its fanatical leader.

Ben doesn’t give his children freedom to grow. Rather, he leaves them no other option than to follow in his footsteps.

Consequently, Captain Fantastic works best when Ben begins to learn how to be a father, and not just a leader or guide.

Ross’s film is genuinely affecting when the cracks begin to show in Ben’s perception of himself.

Unfortunately, while this makes for an emotional, human story, it muddles some of the politics on which it is founded and leaves a number of interesting

themes underdeveloped.

T he alternative child-rearing politics it espouses often boils down to videogames = bad, reading = good.

Unfortunately, for all its radicalism, Captain Fantastic rarely thinks outside the box.

The road movie plot frequently journeys through well-worn territory and familiar fish out of water jokes dominate the script.

While there is plenty of room to explore the potentially hilarious interactions that Ben’s children could have with wider society, the most significant encounter comes down to tiresome clumsiness with the opposite sex.

Des pite its f laws , Captain Fantastic is

often moving, thoughtful and stimulating; the sense of idealism that permeates throughout is, admittedly, genuinely inspiring.

While it suffers from an occasionally torpid pace and about three e n d i n g s t o o m a ny, Captain Fantastic has much to say about family life and the cost of idealism.

Beautifully shot and replete with some great performances from its young stars, especially George McKay as eldest son Bodevan, Captain Fantastic is certainly worth a look.

It’s just a shame it never quite manages to tell the radical tale that its oddball beginning suggests.

Verdict: 7/10

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

WeeBytes

Set early on in Batman’s rise in Gotham City, the game has a host of familiar characters to introduce Illustration: Shane Dillon

Spot the difference?

As ever, Bruce Wayne is the mask that Batman wears, rather than vice versa  SHANE DILLON

Tech Editor

POOR old Bruce Wayne – his parents were killed in 1939, and yet here we are in 2016, but Gotham’s well-meaning (and wellheeled) socialites are still banging on about it!

The unfortunate Wayne family history – and their business dealings – are just part of the story driving part one of the five-part Batman (multiplatform; c. €5.99 per episode, Cert 18); the latest adventure title from critically acclaimed developer , Telltale Games.

At its simplest, Batman takes familiar elements from the masked vigilante’s established canon (Gotham as a fundamentally corrupt city, Jim Gordon as its gruffly honest police commissioner, and so on) but crafts a new story with these oh-sofamiliar components.

Chiefly, it asks ... what

if the Waynes weren’t as squeaky-clean as everyone – including their troubled heir, Bruce – thought they were? Could the whole Wayne empire come crashing down because of some alleged ties to ‘dirty money’?

The stage is thus set for a sprawling multi-part tale (with Episode 2 due for release on September 20), as Bruce’s tdarkest days and greatest personal trials loom ...

Despite the game’s cartoony cel-shaded graphics, there’s a decidedly adult, and engaging, tale being told here, creating a Gotham that’s worthy of the Batman legend.

With each chapter only lasting a brisk couple of hours, they won’t outstay their welcome, with a story that develops from any decisions you make.

Regular gamers may not go batty for this one, but it’s still worth flitting into Gotham to try this.

Adding a slight social element, the game keeps track of the major decisions you made at key moments (above left) compared to all other players. However, it’s your choices and decisions (above) that shape how the story develops.

Actress Lindsay Lohan and GTA V character Lacey Jonas.

Judges rule in Lohan vs GTA V NOT since Rumpole of the Bailey retired has the legal world been in such a tizzy as that seen a few days ago: actress Lindsay Lohan’s longrunning lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive (the parent company of Rockstar Games – the developer of the worldconquering Grand Theft Auto franchise) finally had its day in court.

Seemingly rumbling away since close to the dawn of time, Lohan’s lawsuit saw her attempting to sue the company for basing an iconic GTA V marketing character (‘Lacey Jonas’) on her.

She argued before the courts that Lacey’s image, peace sign, and in-game persona was clearly marketed on her.

Unfortunately, the five-judge panel that ruled on her case disagreed, dismissing her lawsuit and noting that, in effect, the game’s broad style, setting, characters and dialogue rendered it a work of fiction and satire.

Bad luck, La– errr, Lindsay ...

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

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28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

SPORT

FastSport FAI HONOURS 75 GRADUATES: THE FAI and the Education and Training Boards (ETB) celebrated the graduation of the 2015/16 class after they successfully completed the football training course.

A ceremony was held in the FAI National Training Centre where Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane were on hand to give out certificates to the graduates.

Keane shares a special connection with the course having been enrolled as a young player prior to a move to England and it is a course that has directly benefitted the SSE Airtricity League with over 100 graduates competing in the League.

The centres Cabra, Clondalkin, Irishtown, Limerick, Castlebar, Blarney, Carrigaline and Ringmahon - have proved to be hugely influential in developing young players to go on to a higher level.

LADIES FOOTBALL: CABINTEELY SURVIVE THRILLING BRIGID’S SALVO LATE ON

Connolly’s star turn for Foxrock SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Foxrock Cabinteely 1-13 St Brigid’s 2-9  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely maintained their Dublin senior ladies’ football title with the tightest of wins over rivals St Brigid’s, who they beat in the finale for the second year in a row to progress to provin-

cial level.

The current powerhouse of Dublin ladies club football faced a massive scare, however, as they almost threw away a game they controlled for huge chunks in the dying seconds.

The southsiders got off to a strong start in a low scoring first half, with Amy Connolly at full-forward looking particularly

threatening as she took on the role of playmaker, dropping back into the half forward line to power attacks herself.

While Connolly and co racked up the points, though, Brigid’s threatened goals. First, Marian Monaghan just failed to connect with a crossfield ball yards from the Foxrock goal, before the prolific Leah Mullins

Foxrock put 12 players on the line to block a late free. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Foxrock Cabinteely celebrate winning the New Ireland Assurance Dublin ladies football senior championship. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

went one better. Mullins got on the end of a scrappy attack, breaking into the heart of the box, where she beat the despairing dive of goalkeeper Laurie Ahern.

Fox Cab were the more efficient side throughout, though, and simply kept knocking over the points, with Connolly and Amy Ring the main protagonists. When Ring got on the end of a sweeping move to beat Ciara Trant from close range, Foxrock found themselves with a 1-8 to 1-4 half-time lead that reflected their dominance.

The second half was tighter, and in large parts the sheer athleticism of Foxrock Cabinteely meant they looked like

strolling away with things. The margin slowly stretched, until AnneMarie Murphy knocked over the tightest of points with five minutes left on the clock to open up a six point lead.

But there was almost to be a sting in the tail.

First, Enya Farrell finally found some space behind the Cabinteely defence, hitting a sharp strike to close the gap to a single goal.

Brigid’s awoke, with Caroline Brogan adding a point, and Farrell spinning a powerful second goal attempt just inches wide of the far post.

The game ended with a series of Brigid’s frees, and with a goal needed to snatch the title, the hold-

ers lined half the team up on the goal line and defended for their lives.

Str uggling to find space, Brigid’s refused the easy point knowing they were two down with seconds of injury time remaining.

Eventually, the ball broke to Elaine Kelly, who with a fraction of a second’s space, dragged a goal attempt just over the top as Foxrock held on.

Brigid’s – outsider based on their recent record against Foxrock Cabinteely – came within inches of pulling off a final shock that for much of the game didn’t look on the cards. By a single point, 1-13 to 2-9, Foxrock Cabinteely cling to their title.

Hoolahan helps launch new FAI schools season  sport@dublingazette.com

Irish internationals Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce and Wes Hoolahan at thge FAI launch. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

REPUBLIC of Ireland and Derby County duo Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce, along with Wes Hoolahan, Norwich City, launched the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Post Primary Schools competitions for the 2016/17 season this week at Abbotstown.

Joining the international players in the FAI National Training Centre were the winners and runners-up of last season’s Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Cups.

These prestigious competitions have featured many highprofile players through the years, most notable Ireland internationals Seamus Coleman (St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs) and Stephen Ward (Portmarnock Community School).

The interest in schools football has increased over the last number of years with 38,000 players from 510 schools participating nationwide last year.

Speaking about Bank of Ireland’s involvement, Laura Lynch, Head of Youth Banking,

said: “As Ireland’s leading bank for students, we are delighted to be sponsoring the FAI Post Primary Schools competitions for a third year. Sport plays a very positive role in youth development; helping to build character, foster higher self-esteem, and grow teamwork and leadership skills.

“The high level of involvement by schools across the country demonstrates the huge appetite out there for initiatives like this.

The strength of Bank of Ireland’s school and community ties through its 250-strong branch network makes us the perfect

partner to support this competition to continue to grow and develop nationwide.”

The numerous cup and league competitions offer huge variety with small and large schools catered for. There are various divisions that accommodate boys and girls from first year right through to Leaving Certificate.

The FAI Schools programme is co-ordinated at provincial level and schools are encouraged to sign up now for the forthcoming season as competitions will be commencing at the end of September.

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Liberty’s green space of Saintly rugby growth

FASTSport

Formed from an inner-city outreach project, the Liberty Saints rugby club is ambitious to keep growing, Peter Cunningham tells JAMES HENDICOTT, but needs much more green space AT 10-YEARS - OLD, there’s a very simple way to sum up Liberty Saints in Irish rugby culture: they’re the antithesis of Ross O’Carroll Kelly.

Coming from a charismatic but often overlooked inner city suburb, the Liberties-based club are still very much a team in flux. Currently running two sides – a league Under-17 side and a burgeoning Under-13 team – the club face a host of challenges associated with inner city living, space and recruitment, but power on as a testament to the way sport can influence lives.

“Liberty Saints spun out of the Solas Project, an inner-city outreach charity,” club secretary Peter Cunningham tells GazetteSport.

“It grew from playing tag rugby to playing friendlies and doing a couple of tours, with the teams made up of a

bunch of local 15 and 16 year olds.

“About five years ago, a guy called Tom Magee got involved. He has lived and has family living in the area. He’s a big guy, six foot eight or so, and he was introduced to rugby at 26.

“Within two years, he was on the Wanderers first team playing AllIreland League rugby.

He’s the club president and is passionate about rugby and what a positive influence it can have on young people’s lives.

We have two teams now, but we hope in a few years we hope to have three youth teams and possibly a minis section” The Under-17s have a decent squad and, last year, they played in a league for the first time, under the guidance of new coach and former Greystones RFC Captain, Barry Holmes.

“We were on the end

of a few big scores but the lads showed great heart and came back to win a few games near the back end. You’re playing teams that have played rugby for 10 years,” Cunningham explains. “It can be difficult. Some of our guys only took it up last September.

“It’s all about getting lads involved in anything, any sport.” he adds.

“Rugby aligns well with some of the guys’ athletic ability. It’s amazing, seeing guys come in in September to training, uncertain of what to make of the game for the first few weeks, almost fearful.

“Six weeks later, they’re just milling fellas on a rugby pitch, running into rucks full steam, tackling hard.”

Perhaps the greatest issue currently facing the club is training facilities. “We train in an area about two tennis courts in size,” Cunningham tells

The Liberty Saints are hopeful of gaining new facilities to grow their project

us of their training area, a tiny walled space that’s part of St James’ School, kindly lent to them as a training space near the Fatima Luas stop.

“For obvious reasons, we don’t play much of a kicking game. It’s hard to teach a drift defence in a small space, so we can have trouble playing teams that are good out

happening at all in the Liberties area at all, as there are no facilities to play field sports – of any code.”

As a result, Liberty Saints are one of a number of sporting clubs from the area campaigning with Sporting Liberties, a group looking to get a piece of land behind St Catherine’s Sports Cen-

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

‘It’s hard to teach a drift defence as the Liberties does not have a lot of green space’ - Peter Cunningham

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

wide. But if we moved the training sessions out of the immediate area we would struggle to get numbers to training. Liberties doesn’t have a lot of green space.

“It’s not a traditional rugby area at all,” Cunningham explains. In fact, there is very little sport

tre turned into a full sized sports field.

Despite a population of around 50,000, no full size pitch exists in this part of Dublin. At present, home games for Liberty Saints are played on an away basis, and these matches remain the only access they regularly get to a full-sized pitch.

Our interview takes place in Ballsbridge, and at one point Cunningham pauses to point out that if we were to look at a map, we are surrounded by rugby clubs.

The contrast is stark.

In terms of community importance, this small, limited-facilities, volunteer-driven enterprise is often fighting for its life.

It feels absolutely vital to provide the facilities. ** Liberties Saints are keen to recruit new players from the area for the coming season.|

Parks Tennis and Maxol link up for second year MAXOL will continue to sponsor Parks Tennis for a second year as it launches its Autumn programme.

This is the company’s second year supporting Parks Tennis, which encourages young people to enjoy the game at a great price and with all equipment provided.

The Parks Tennis programme started in 1977, and today employs 330 coaches in 150 venues nationwide. The programme has become increasingly popular with 25,000 youngsters currently enrolled across the country.

The Autumn programme will start mid-September and runs for eight weeks at a cost of €30 per child across Dublin.

Speaking about Maxol’s sponsorship of Parks Tennis, Fergal Harrington, Group Brand Development Manager, Maxol commented: “Maxol is thrilled to be part of the Parks Tennis programme, we love to see young people learn new skills which inevitably fills them with confidence.

It is important that youngsters find a sport that they enjoy.

“More than anything, it is so healthy for young people to be part of social outlet, which is interactive, results-driven and a bit of fun.”

Parks Tennis Ireland is a non-profit making company in operation for 39 years, run by 28 volunteers and supported by various organisations, such as Sports Ireland, the National Governing body, Tennis Ireland, and various local authorities. For more information, log onto www.parkstennis.com.

Harrington is pictured with James Cluskey, an Irish professional, and Parks Tennis enthusiasts at Shankill tennis club.

GAZETTE

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 September 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: FREE-SCORING SEAFORD RECORD STRONG MAJOR 1B WIN

Twilight Team Challenge returns to Sandyford THE Twilight Team Challenge 5k Road Run returns to Sandyford Business District on September 29 with event hosts Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club and sponsors Spirit Motor Group inviting teams and individuals to take on the challenge which they can walk, jog or run.

Last year almost 1,000 people from the Sandyford Business District took part with applications for this year’s run expected to exceed this number significantly.

People can take part individually or as part of a team and the event offers an opportunity for team building and a light-hearted rivalry between staff from offices in the area.

Gerard O’Farrell, Managing Director of the Spirit Motor Group, event sponsors said, “The enquiries are already coming in, so we are expecting a significant turn out of individuals and teams for this year’s challenge. We are supporting the Ross Nugent Foundation for this event, although entrants can also fundraise for their own chosen charity. It’s great to see the community come together socially.”

Total Physio and The Beacon Hotel have come on board as support sponsors of this year’s event and will be fielding teams to take on the 5K challenge.

Leopardstown-based Live Work Grow has also joined with the Sandyford Business District Association in supporting the event, as have An Garda Síochana and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Registration is open at www. twilightteamchallenge.com and entry fee is €25.

Entrants will receive a specially commissioned technical performance race t-shirt. Teams of four and individual runners will be accepted. Race headquarters is the Spirit Skoda Showroom on Rowan Avenue in Sandyford Business District.

Each entrant will be given an electronic chip device to track their progress. The team score will be determined by the total time of the team’s four runners while each finisher will be rewarded with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind race medal, as well as prizes for the best time for a group and individual.

The route is predominantly flat and will loop the Blackthorn Avenue, Road and Drive routes.

Entrants can tweet their pic on the night to @ SpiritMotorGrp with the hashtag #SpiritChallenge.

Seaford Rock United are looking to push on in the LSL Saturday Major 1B this term

Crowe flying high for Rock LSL SAT MAJOR 1B Seaford Rock United 5 Clontarf 3  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

SEAFORD Rock United produced a sensational comeback from two goals down with twenty minutes remaining, to defeat Clontarf 5-3 and secure their first win of the Saturday Major 1B season.

Harry Crowe was the hero as he bagged himself a five-minute hat trick to put his team up to seventh in the league.

Clontarf had an early strike disallowed for offside before Seaford’s Mike O’Neill tested the

visiting keeper with a powerful header. They then struck the crossbar before scoring the game’s first goal after Eoin English parried a shot.

Seaford equalised early in the second half after Stephen JohnsonBarker, making his debut, fired home a rebounded Crowe strike.

A brilliant reflex stop

by English prevented Clontarf from restoring their advantage within seconds of them drawing level, but he could do nothing to stop a curler from 25 yards.

Clontar f went 3-1 ahead on 56 minutes but free-scoring Seaford still

FLYING START Joeys young stars get season up and running ST JOSEPH’S Boys Under-8 Saturday team were among the club’s many teams making their first game of the season last weekend, taking on Esker Celtic.

Elsewhere, the club’s Under-14 Premier side won 4-1 in Sallynoggin against Belvedere while the the Under-14 Division 2 side won 3-1 against Lourdes Celtic.

The Under-15 Division 2 side beat Knocklyon 1-0 away from home in difficult conditions.

held the belief, and they pulled one back 12 minutes later through Luke Kelly.

The introduction of Darragh Connolly to the left-wing in the 74th minute proved an instrumental one as it allowed Crowe to return to his favoured role; leading the line.

A strike into the roof of the net by Crowe from a tight angle was instantly followed by James O’Neill pouncing on a defensive error to round the keeper and tee up Crowe for his second.

His third was a masterpiece, taking the ball out of the sky with a sensational chest control

before finding the corner of the net.

Clontarf rallied late on, rattling the crossbar for a second time, before forcing English into an impressive low save from a free kick, but Seaford held firm.

Seaford manager Alan Burns spoke to GazetteSport about his side’s first win.

“Obviously, overall it’s been a disappointing start. We’ve conceded an awful lot of goals, although happily, we’ve managed to net a few at the right end as well.

“Against Clontarf it was a very dramatic match. It was a very good comeback with 20 min-

utes left. Overall I think we just about deserved to get the three points but certainly we had to ride our luck to get there.”

Seaford’s mixed start to the season sees them on four points with one draw and two defeats prior to their win.

“We lost our two starting centre-halves from last season so we’ve had to experiment a bit to try and find the right combination at the back and we probably haven’t quite got that organised yet.

“Obviously when we do, we’re scoring enough goals that we’ll soon see an improvement in results,” said Burns.

8 September 2016 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

CLASS OF 2016

Cuala welcoming new academy members

CLUB NOTICEBOARD SHANKILL

CUALA is welcoming its newest members

next weekend with Saturday being the club’s registration day, followed on Sunday by a family fun day at Hyde Road.

It is part of the club’s first intake of new academy players since the Cuala was named the Irish Times Sports Club of the Year. For more information on joining the club, go to: http://www.cualagaa.ie/applyonline/.

HURLING: CROKES HOLD OFF UPPERCHURCH BLITZ

THE big news is the launch of our club

scription just €2 per child, while hav-

development fund lotto The launch

ing great fun with your friends.

event and the first draw will take

Well, after another Saturday hav-

place this coming Thursday night in

ing been washed out by the rain there

Brady’s of Shankill. Match 4 numbers

was better news on Sunday. We were

and win.

delighted to host an U-8 camogie

The lotto is sponsored by Slimming

blitz in the Catle with teams from

World, Shankill; the jackpot will start

Geraldine Moran’s, Cuala and Bray

at €500 and tickets are €2 each. Many

Emmet’s taking part. There was a

thanks for your support in this very

great mornings hurling with plenty

important venture.

fun and excitement.

Our juvenile academy, sponsored

Our adult football team is about to

by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, Shankill, is

finish their fixtures and are already

in action every Saturday morning at

making plans for next season. We are

10am in Shanganagh Castle. We are

seeking new players to strengthen

looking forward to another year of

the panel of players, contact Kevin on

fun and excitement and to seeing lots

086 8449902.

New players for all of our teams are

of new girls and boys.

If you would like your child to join

always welcome.

the academy, just come along any

For more information on the club,

Saturday morning or contact us by

contact secretary.shankill.dublin@

telephone or by e-mail at the address

gaa.ie or 086 4010438.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

below.

There are no team trials, no selection processes and no annual sub-

Join Shankill GAA Club. Your community, your club.

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

Bill O’Carroll lifts the Applegreen All-Ireland 7s trophy. Picture: Diarmuid O’Gallchobhair

O’Rorke the apple of Kilmacud Sevens eye

ALL-IRELAND SEVENS Kilmacud Crokes 7-19 Upperchruch Drombane 10-8  sport@dublingazette.com

OISIN O’Rorke’s goal glut saw Kilmacud Crokes take the laurels from an enthralling Applegreen All-Ireland hurling 7s at Glenalbyn last Saturday, claiming the title on home turf for the second time in three years.

He was later named player of the tournament, his performance in the decider against Upperchurch Drombane from Tipperary having eliminated Toomevara in the semi-final just an hour or so earlier.

O’Rorke was to the fore as one of twin forwards with Sean McGrath who wreaked havoc with the Tipp side’s defence, smartly eliminating the defence to open up goalscoring opportunities.

Backed up by captain Bill O’Carroll, defenders Ross O’Carroll and Niall Corcoran, they built a large half-time lead and while Upperchurch got back within two points near the final whistle; O’Rorke had the final say.

After an initial flurry of points, Upperchurch struck the first goal only for O’Rorke to strike instantly. He added a second soon after before

McGrath snatched another goal for a 3-9 to 1-2 lead.

It could have been more but for a big save while O’Rorke also cracked the bar. The Tipp visitors got one goal back from a free just before the break to limit their losses.

O’Rorke and McGrath added further goals early in the second half to counter-act two majors from their rivals as 13 points sat between the sides at one stage.

O’Rorke hit the post with yet another chance before Upperchurch battled back with a series of scores, eventually notching up eight second half

goals.

Kilmacud nicked two more, though, and while Drombane reeled the gap in to two points, they found Matthew Collins able to block two late goal chances.

O’Rorke chipped in with a few more key scores to see out the victory by three points.

Elsewhere, Eoghan Rua overcome Naomh Moninne to take the Shield; Clough/BallaColla beat Craughwell to take the Under-13 honours while the contribution of club stalwart Mick Hynes was acknowledged when he was awarded “Laoch na Seachtanna”.

WOW! What an evening and what a

Frida y to witness this historic

game. Our senior ladies turned in

occasion for the club.

an outstanding performance on

The Leinster campaign gets

Friday evening in Parnell Park to

under way on Saturday, October

retain the Michael Murphy Cup.

1 with an away game against the

This is the first time since 2008

Meath champions.

that a team has managed to do this.

The panel on Friday night was: Ali

Congrats to team captain Sarah

Coleman, Amy Connolly, Amy Ring,

Brophy and her panel on this out-

Anne-Marie Murphy, Cara Cooke,

standing achievement.

Ciara Crotty, Ciara Murphy, Ciara

Thanks to Pat Ring, Angie McNal-

Ni Mhurchadh, Ciara O Riordan,

ly, Niall Callan, Ena Brophy, Colm

Eimear O’Herlihy, Emma McDonagh,

Kearney, Peter Clarke and Edwenia

Fiona Claffey, Hannah O’Neill, Laura

O’Malley for all the hard work and

Nerney, Laurie Ahern, Lorna Fusci-

effort that has gone into getting

ardi, Niamh Collins, Niamh Ryan,

the team prepared.

Nuala Mohan, Sarah Brophy. Capt,

Finally, thanks to all club members who were in Parnell Park on

Sinead Delahunty, Sinead Goldrick, Tarah O’ Sullivan.

KILMACUD CROKES CONGRATULATIONS to captain Bill

ers who lost to Lucan 2-12 to 4-19 in

O’Carroll and the Crokes 7s team

their championship.

who won the Applegreen Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling 7s.

The minor C hurlers also lost to Erin’s Isle.

Well done also to Oisin O’Rorke

The U-16A hurlers won their cham-

who was named player of the tour-

pionship quarter final on Saturday

nament. Well done to all involved in

against Ballinteer with an 11-point

putting on the tournament. In spite

win. They next play Ballyboden.

of the weather, a great day’s hurling was enjoyed by all.

The U-166B hurlers lost out to Clontarf. Congratulations to the

Congrats to the junior A football

senior and intermediate camogie

team who qualified for the champi-

teams who had strong wins in their

onship final after their victory over

championship games during the

Ballyboden on Saturday morning.

week.

Hard luck to the AFL8 team who lost to Na Gael Oga 2-4 to 2-10.

Hard luck also to the minor A hurl-

Next up for the 7’s tournament, it’s the turn of camogie next weekend.

GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2016

CROWE NETS: Seaford Rock striker smashes quartet HOW THE TITLE WAS WON: Southsiders retain Dublin of goals in cracking comeback win over Clontarf P30 crown with gritty victory P28

Foxrock Cabinteely’s Amy Connolly battles for the ball against St Brigid’s Enya Farrell. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Dublin’s fantastic Foxes Amy Connolly hails the club spirit from the Kilbogget Park club to hang for victory against St Brigid’s to win back-to-back senior county titles

 sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely’s Amy Connolly described it as a “dogfight” as she and her club cohorts combined to win the New Ireland Assurance Dublin ladies football championship title last Friday evening.

It was the first time they had retained the senior crown, continuing their remarkable rise, as they beat St Brigid’s in the decider for a second successive year in the decider.

Connolly was named player of the match for a blistering performance, scoring 1-4 in a typically all-action showing. It helped her side run up a 1-8 to 1-4 lead before Brigid’s fought back to within a couple of points before having a chance to win the game with the last kick, a

free that saw 12 Foxrock players on the line to block the chance.

Speaking about the victory, Connolly told FM104’s Declan Drake: “That was a dogfight at the end and could have gone either way. I am actually in shock a bit still; St Brigid’s really put it up to us.

“We beat them well enough in the group rounds but we weren’t complacent and knew they were going to come out hard against us, especially as it was a repeat of last year’s final. If there was another 10 minutes, God knows what would have happened so I am just delighted.

We have such a great bunch of girls in FoxCab and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”

Reflecting on the dramatic finish to the tie, Connolly said that the end of the match could

not come soon enough.

“The second half wasn’t pretty but we still came out on top,” she said. “We knew it was one of the last kicks of the game so we had to throw our bodies on the line and were all back there.

“I am just grateful the final whistle blew.

Winning it back to back is that bit harder. It was always going to be so much tougher this year and everyone put their body on the line and it’s unreal.”

The club now have a Leinster championship to look forward after Dublin’s county footballers play their All-Ireland final against Cork in a couple of weeks time.

And Connolly is hopeful of retaining that title too.

“Hopefully we can go on and win back-toback Leinster titles and maybe go one step further but the first step is to win our first Leinster match. We know we can build on last year. It’s the same bunch of players, bar one or two, and we are hoping to go that one step further this year.”

It’s a view shared by team mate Sinead Goldrick.

“We understand what an achievement it is for our club; its down to the management and all our players for the work that we put in.

“We’ll take it game by game. The next focus is on the All-Ireland final with Dublin before going back to the club and where we came from. It’s a big few weeks ahead of football and just delighted to be continuing on.”