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budget 2016: Minister Leo Varadkar sets out plans for better health Page 10

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President Higgins’s aide de camp, Col Michael Tiernan, and Sinn Fein party leader Gerry

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Gormley looks back on Cabo’s debut season Page 30

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Adams were among the many The town fell silent and people lined the streets as the funeral cortege quietly passed by. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

dignitaries paying their respects

Tears as coffins pass Bray community gathers in solemn silence to pay their respects to five Carrickmines blaze victims

 aisling kennedy

HEARTBREAKING scenes unfolded at the funerals of Willy Lynch, his wife Tara Gilbert, their daughters Jodie and Kelsey, and Willy’s brother, J i m my L y n c h , a t t h e Church of the Most Holy

Redeemer in Bray this week.

A community, united in grief, gathered to bury the victims of the Carrickmines tragedy at a mass presided over by Fr Derek Farrell, parish priest of the Parish of the Travelling People.

Hundreds of mourners

attended the funeral and watched as the three silver coffins and two small white coffins were poignantly laid out in a row at the top of the church, showing the unity of the close-knit family.

Family members of the Lynch and Gilbert families broke down through-

out the mass as Fr Farrell read touching tributes to the family who were “very happy and very loving”.

Of the tragedy, he said: “There are no words, no words to take away the pain.”

Full Story on Pages 6-7

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 22 October 2015

dun laoghaire: revamp

Street’s cred gets a boost  aisling kennedy

THE areas adjoining Lower George’s Street in Dun Laoghaire are set to undergo significant improvements as part of a specific local objective (SLO) passed at last week’s Draft County Development Plan meeting.

The proposal, put forward by Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) and seconded by Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind), was passed with 34 councillors voting in favour of the upgrade works, and nine voting against it.

The proposed plans will see the quality of the environment, historic streetscapes and the public realm of the residential streets in the areas adjoining Lower George’s Street in Dun Laoghaire, where there is early 20th century social housing, improved dramatically.

Cllr Merrigan told the The Gazette it was important that the proposal had been passed and that the improvement works were to go ahead.

He said: “Along with the new traffic scheme currently being designed for the Cross Avenue area of central Dun Laoghaire, this SLO seeks to transform this sadly neglected residential area of the town from a traffic rat-run with very little greenery into a safe, newly-paved and welllandscaped local neighbourhood, with trees and shrubbery enhancing the early 20th century streetscape.

“The residents have warmly welcomed this SLO as a long overdue and much needed regeneration of the public realm in this old neighbourhood of mostly early 20th century social housing right in the heart of Dun Laoghaire.”

sandyford Rezoning plan for shut facility

The vacant Total Fitness site in Sandyford, which could see a transitional care facility opened following the site’s rezoning

Total Fitness site could help transitional care  aisling kennedy

THE vacant Total Fitness site in Sandyford is set to be rezoned to potentially allow a transitional care facility to be opened in the near future.

As part of the draft county development plan meeting this week, a two-hour debate took place to establish the best way to move forward on plans for the site.

The outcome of the debate was a unanimous decision by all Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County councillors to zone the site in order to facilitate a proposal by the operators of Kiltipper

Woods Care Centre to reopen the former Total Fitness site as a transitional care facility.

The proposal to rezone the site will allow the operator, Kiltipper Woods Care Centre, to potentially buy the site and build the long-awaited care centre.

Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) welcomed the decision by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council councillors to rezone the existing, unused Total Fitness in Sandyford.

He said: “After opening to much fanfare in 2003, the Total Fitness gym closed in 2011, following a decision by its

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UK parent company.

Since then, many efforts have been made to try to reopen the gym in various forms but unfortunately none has come to pass.

“The increasing provision of nearby fitness studios and the success of a number of large gyms in the area means that there isn’t the business for a standalone gym.”

Cllr Richmond said that he was happy that the motion to rezone the land passed unanimously and discussed the vision he would like to see realised for the site.

He said: “The transitional care facility will essentially operate as a community-based centre bringing together medical and physiotherapy professionals to help individuals achieve the best possible health and overall quality of life.

“The integrated care model focuses on prevention and promoting lifestyle changes as an essential part of health care, catering not only for people recovering from illness or injury, but also for those striving to improve their overall well-being. This is designed to reduce hospital admission/readmission and the associated cost burdens.

“The proposal from the operators of Kiltipper Woods Care Centre is in response to the Department of Health’s key objective of realising health and well-being at all stages in life through rehabilitation, re-enablement and a return to health and healthy living.

“The concept is based on the Dan Abraham’s Healthy Living Centre at the Mayo Clinic in Min-

nesota.”

Cllr Lynsey McGovern (Ind) said she fully supported the proposed plans for the transitional care facility at the Total Fitness site in Sandyford.

She added that a “compromise” motion was reached at the draft county development meeting to protect the open green spaces and the car park areas, and said that when a planning application is lodged, she will insist that a major landscape plan is conditioned for the site.

“I am delighted that the compromise reached for the redevelopment was reached with the full and unanimous support of all my council colleagues.

“I hope the transitional care facility will become a reality in the very near future,” she said.

22 October 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 3

charity

harbour: proposal to create a national facility in dun laoghaire

Songs set to help the blind

‘Make watersports centre at Stena site’  aisling kennedy

A PROPOSAL for a National Watersports Centre to be located at the former Stena HSS terminal site in Dun Laoghaire is now available online to view.

The plans were recently put forward by the Dun Laoghaire Combined Clubs (DLCC) to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and the proposed plans are currently being submitted to An Bord Pleanala as part of the ongoing oral hearing this week.

The oral hearings into the future plans for Dun Laoghaire Harbour are currently being held over the course of two weeks and will culminate in

a decision by An Bord Pleanala into the future works and plans for the harbour.

Cllr Barry Ward (FG) spoke to The Gazette and said that he is in favour of the proposal for a National Watersports Centre for Dun Laoghaire.

He said the harbour “is a wonderful water sports facility that provides access for all kinds of water-based activities.

“There are locations that are shallow, and suitable for windsurfing, kite surfing and jet skiing; sheltered, and suitable for small-boat sailing, youth sailing and sail training; and easy access to Dublin Bay, and suitable for keel-boat sailing

and racing, dinghy racing and large leisure craft.

“Globally, Dun Laoghaire Harbour is unusual because it allows access to the water at all times, that is even at low tide.

“Dun Laoghaire has already shown that it can attract world-class marine events and competitions.

We want to ensure that Dun Laoghaire Harbour (DLH) remains a destination that primarily serves leisure activities.

“A national water sports centre would ensure that Dun Laoghaire Harbour’s future serves the local community and the residents of Greater Dublin, rather than being sacrificed for commercial gain.”

A FUNDRAISING event in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will be held on Saturday, November 14 in The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire.

The Celtic Choristers, a Dublin male voice choir founded in 1998, will perform on the night and will be joined by their musical friends for an evening of music.

Hair we go: Killiney pupils launch a fun, crazy way to help sick children WITH a little help from Dublin players Michael Darragh Macauley and Michael Fitzsimons, Ralph Villalonga Corr was hoisted aloft in the Sam Maguire trophy during a visit to Our Lady of Good Counsel NS, Killiney recently. As if there wasn’t enough excitement about the trophy and the players visiting the school, everyone was sporting some crazy hair, with extreme colours and styles (and a couple of wigs) helping to launch Crumlin Crazy Hair Day. The date for the inaugural event is Friday, November 27, with schools and workplaces alike urged to sport some crazy hair on the day to fundraise for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Picture: Mark Stedman

Songs Songs by artists including Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart will be performed on the night.

The Celtic Choristers’s One Moment in Time concert will begin at 8pm, and tickets cost €20.

To book, call T he Pavilion Theatre at 01 231 2929, or see www. pavilion.ie.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 22 October 2015

council Range of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown works, strategy garner success

Three wins for authority at landscape awards  aisling kennedy

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) was three times a winner last week at the National Landscape Awards.

The awards, held at the Irish Architectural Archive in

Merrion Square, were given to the council’s parks and landscape services department, which is a public-practice Irish Landscape Institute member (MILI).

The first award was a “commended” in the Design – Public Realm category

for the raised promenade at The People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire.

This elevated space offers a direct linkage between the park and the coastline at Newtownsmith and provides a place for rest, relaxation, viewing and events.

The project was managed by Eoin O’Brien, MILI, landscape architect with the parks and landscape services department.

The second award was a “highly commended” in the Landscape Heritage and Conservation category for the

restoration of The People’s Park. The project was once again managed by O’Brien.

Lastly, the third award was also a “highly commended”, but in the Landscape Management, Policy and Research category for the council’s Green Infrastructure Strat-

egy 2016-22.

This strategy was project managed by Aidan J ffrench, MILI, landscape architect, council parks and landscape services department, and Liam Walsh, senior executive planner, council planning department.

25 primary schools to get a two-day business workshop LOCAL Enterprise Office Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (LEO DLR) has partnered with BizWorld Ireland to deliver enterprise workshops to over 25 primary schools throughout the area.

BizWorld Ireland is a national organisation promoting entrepreneurship skills among young people.

It delivers workshops for children aged 10 to 13, teaching them about money management, critical thinking and enterprise.

The workshops in Dun LaoghaireRathdown will culminate in the holding of a regional BizFactor final in late spring, where schoolchildren will put

the skills they have learned into practice by addressing a social issue in their local community and making presentations on their project to a panel of high-profile judges.

Eibhlin Curley, head of enterprise, LEO DLR, spoke at the launch of the partnership in Monkstown Park Junior School recently. She said: “Critical thinking, entrepreneurship, money management and presentation skills are key life skills. We aim to provide children with the tools and inspiration to someday become employers themselves.”

Further information is available at www.localenterprise.ie/DLR.

Dun Laoghaire Lions Club are calling on locals to generously support their door to door collections

charity: call to support collections, appeal

Lions let it roar for needy at Christmas  aisling kennedy

DUN Laoghaire Lions Club will begin their annual door-to-door collection at the end of this month in aid of families in the area who are living in poverty.

The collections will begin at the end of this month and run through November.

Breda O’Brien, president of the Dun Laoghaire Lions Club, said: “Last Christmas, Dun Laoghaire Lions Club provided more than 500 food hampers and 200 toy hampers to needy families and individuals

in the Dun Laoghaire area. The club aims to do even better this year.”

O’Brien said there were many people in the area who needed the support of the community, particularly at Christmas time.

She said: “Our members have identified families and individuals in poverty as a result of unemployment, illness or old age. Regrettably, among the most impacted are children.”

All donations received as part of the door-todoor collections are then boosted by the Christmas Food Appeal at Bloom-

fields Shopping Centre, which helps to raise additional food hampers for families living in poverty.

The food appeal will begin on November 26 at the centre and will run for four consecutive weeks.

O’Brien said: “We are most grateful to all the people who have supported our activities through the years. This Christmas, we desperately need their continued support.”

Dun Laoghaire Lions Club was formed in 1969 and is affiliated to Lions Club International, which

is the world’s largest service club and charitable organisation.

In addition to their door-to-door collections each year, the club also provide much needed services to the Dun Laoghaire community, including diabetic screening, a holiday and party for senior citizens, and message in a bottle, which provides local people with a simple way to store their medical information in an easily identifiable location in their homes.

For further information, see w w w.dunlaoghairelionsclub.ie.

22 October 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 5

transport Councillor welcomes decision to scrap proposals

Bus route changes parked by council  aisling kennedy

THE National Transport Authority (NTA) has decided not to implement a number of proposed bus route changes put forward by Dublin Bus around Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

In a meeting between t h e N TA a n d D u n Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council councillors last week, discussions took place about proposed bus route changes to the number 7, 59, 7B, 63, 7D, 8 and 111 routes.

A proposed change to the number 59 route, which would leave Killiney village without any

bus route, has now been scrapped.

Cllr Karl Gill (PBPA) told The Gazette that the number 59 will now be retained in Killiney village.

A proposed change to replace the number 7 bus with the 45A, meaning there may be a potential new route for the number 45A, has also been scrapped.

In addition, the number 111 will be extended from Dalkey to Loughlinstown Hospital and then on to Brides Glen.

Cllr Gill said: “The 45A is going to be retained in full. I was h a p py t o h e a r t h a t

they’d backed down on the 45A and the 59 and that the 111 is going to be re-instated and extended. This is good news for the local community.”

A spokesperson for Dublin Bus said: “Following a public consultation process, Dublin Bus has comprehensively assessed and made revisions to the initial proposals for routes in the Dun Laoghaire area.”

A proposed change to the number 7 bus, which would mean the route would bypass Sallynoggin and go down the Sally Glen Road rather than through Sallynog-

gin is, however, still undecided.

Cllr Gill said: “It is yet to be confirmed as to what is going to happen with the number 7 bus route and Sallynoggin.

The NTA said that there will be a link between Sallynoggin, Dublin city and St Vincent’s Hospital but we’re unsure if they’re going to split the number 7 to go down Sally Glen Road and Sallynoggin.

“This means that there might be a reduced service to Sallynoggin. We’re unsure what the details are because they’re going to put it in writing to us soon.

Any potential changes have yet to be confirmed for the number 7 route

“We do know that the number 7 will remain in Blackrock village though.”

He added: “I’m very uneasy about what might come about with the issue of Sallynoggin with the number 7

bus route because if it means a reduced service, then it’s not good at all.

“I also don’t think that the Sally Glen Road is completely appropriate for buses either, given its traffic and the

number of children that use the road for school and GAA. It mightn’t be appropriate.

“So it’s not completely good news, but it shows that they have backed down some of the way,” said Cllr Gill.

6 dun laoghaire Gazette 22 October 2015

tragedy Community turns out en masse to pay their final

Heartbreak as family  aisling kennedy

A COMMUNITY was united in grief this week at the funerals of Willy Lynch, his wife Tara Gilbert, their daughters Jodie and Kelsey, and Willy’s brother, Jimmy Lynch.

The family who died as a result of a fire in their halting site in Carrickmines almost a fortnight ago were laid to rest in a ceremony presided over

by Fr Derek Farrell, parish priest of the Parish of the Travelling People at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray.

The sadness surrounding the tragedy was palpable throughout Bray on the morning of the funeral, with mourners from all across Ireland

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A message from Pope Francis was also read out at the mass, in tribute to the family. It read: “Pope Francis, having learned of the horrific fire in Carrickmines, expresses his deep sadness over this terrible time.”

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pouring into the church to pay their respects.

Among some of the delegates who attended the funeral were Tanaiste Joan Burton and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, while the President was represented by his aide de camp, Col Michael Tiernan.

Many of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown’s

county councillors also attended the funeral.

The funeral spilled out of the church and many local people lined the main street in Bray as a mark of respect for the five family members.

As the coffins of Willy (25), Tara (27), who was six months pregnant with the couple’s third child, Jodie aged nine, four-year-

old Kelsey and Jimmy (39) arrived in their hearses, people bowed their heads and blessed themselves as they drove by.

It was only when the little white coffins of Jodie and Kelsey arrived at the church that people all along the road and inside the church broke down in tears at the sight.

As the five coffins were laid out at the top of the church side by side, Father Farrell stepped up to the altar and offered the prayers and support of the congregation to the members of the Gilbert and Lynch families.

He said: “Saturday, October 10 2015 will forever be remembered as a horrific and tragic day in the history of our country.

Sympathisers and teachers from Jodie’s school lined the bridge, clutching white

There are no words ... no words to take away the pain. No words to restore what has been lost.”

Fr Farrell spoke highly of the family and said they were very happy and very loving.

“Willy cherished what he called his three girls – Tara, Kelsey and Jodie.

He brought the girls everywhere with him. Kelsey stuck like a magnet to Willy, always wanting to be close to her daddy.

Jodie meant the world to Willy as well.

“Tara was the boss, in the best possible way.

When it came to the care of her family and taking care of others, she took charge. Beautiful inside

Stand-off by locals at Rockfield Drive persists  aisling kennedy

THE stand-off between r e s i d e n t s o f R o c kfield Drive off Glenamuck Road and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is continuing this week with neither side agreeing to reach a resolution.

On Tuesday last week, residents of Rockfield Drive blocked access to a site at the top of the estate that was due to undergo works to set up temporary accommodation for the three s u r v i v i n g Tr ave l l e r families caught up in the Carrickmines fire recently.

Residents were upset with the lack of the consultation from the council after they received a letter through their door at 9am on Tuesday

informing them that the council would be arriving in an hour to set up the temporary accommodation.

Since the blockade at the estate, residents and members of the council have been involved in a number of meetings over the course of the week to plan how the two sides will move forward.

As of yet, no resolution has been reached.

Discussions A spokesperson for the council told the Gazette, however, that “progress has been made during lengthy discussions with the residents of Rockville Drive over the last number of days”.

T he spokesperson continued: “There

remain a number of outstanding issues which require further clarification and discussion, and work will continue on these issues.

“Ever yone is conscious of the need to provide an emergency site for the families of last week’s tragedy as soon as possible.”

One local resident, who did not want to be named, told the Gazette that this past week has been upsetting for everyone involved.

T he resident said: “We have been vilified by the national media and people from all around Ireland. It has been very distressing for all the residents.

“People have told us to our faces that if they were in the same situation they would

react the same way, but nobody will say that out loud.”

The resident explained that they are not “anti-Traveller”, but that they were upset with the lack of communication initially from the council.

Other local residents have identified a site next to Stepaside Golf Course as a potential alternative, and also a further two within the existing halting site at Ballyogan Grove.

Geraldine Dunne, director of the Southside Traveller Action Group, said: “I would hope this situation can be resolved in the best interest of the families in this crisis situation so that they can start to piece their lives back together.”

22 October 2015 Dun Laoghaire Gazette 7

R1

respects to Carrickmines victims

laid to rest roses. Picture: Aisling Kennedy

and out.

“Jimmy, brother of Willy, was very popular and loved by family and friends. He had a heart of gold, and being very good with his hands he liked to fix things, especially fix things for other people.”

A message from Pope Francis was also read out at the mass, in tribute to the family.

It read: “Pope Francis, having learned of the horrific fire in Carrickmines, expresses his deep sadness over this terrible time.

Sympathy “The Holy Father prays especially for all the members of the Gilbert, Lynch and Connors families, and he wishes to ensure all their family members and their friends, and the whole Traveller community, of his spiritual closeness and sympathy at this very, very difficult time.”

Throughout the ceremony, songs and hymns were sung, including Amazing Grace and Hallelujah, while the Lynch and Gilbert families held hands, comforted each other, and held their children that bit tighter.

Members of the Lynch and Gilbert families both spoke at the end of the mass to thank people for being so kind during their ordeal.

As the crowds exited the church, I Will Always Love You by Whitney

Jimmy Lynch’s remains begin their final journey

Geraldine Dunne, director, Southside Traveller Action Group

Tara Gilbert’s remains arrive

One of the many wreaths left by sympathisers. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Houston resounded throughout the walls and the streets as mourners once again lined the thoroughfares.

At a bridge towards the end of the town, a row of teachers from Jodie’s school stood clutching

white roses as they each cried, thinking of the little girl and the horrific circumstances in which she died.

As the hearses of the three adults and two children passed through the town, everybody stopped

and people came out of their houses and offices, all watching the poignant sight of the two small white coffins driving away into the distance to be laid to rest with their parents and uncle in Springfield Cemetery.

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 22 October 2015

gazetteGALLERIES fundraiser: CATWALK CHARITY

Adopting a new style T

HE style councillors were out in force recently at a special event to raise funds for Pact and Here2Help at the Royal Marine Hotel. Both organisations have suffered funding cuts and depend on events like this to keep going. Pact is a non-denominational accredited adoption agency. Here2Help was formed when Pact was split into two agencies in 2010, and provides information and tracing services, crisis pregnancy counselling and support, birth adoption support and related services.

Charity event guests Caroline Caffrey, Captain Tortue Group staff Paddi

Enette McCarthy, Angela Caffrey and

Mulholand and Lua McIlraith

Ciara Feehely

Pact and Here2Help charity event organisers Noreen Kavanagh, Marina Lyons, Claire Missen, Katherine Byrne (guest speaker from Image Matters), Debbie Duncan, Gael Leitch and Louise James. Pictures: Philip Murray

Charity event guests Rosemary Donohoe, Eleanor Herron and Vivien Hood

Glasthule’s Soul Women staff Alexandra Fitzpatrick, local independent fashion designer Margaret O’Callaghan, Mags Edwards and Cristina Andries

Maeve O’Brien and Sinead Cody of Choice Boutique,

Frewen and Aylward staff Shauna Cannon and Aoife

Sandycove and Stillorgan

O’Donovan

22 October 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 9

Philip Martin performing

Dr Elizabeth Dinn Anna Noran and Patricia De Valera at the performance

monkstown: musicians hit all the right notes at weekend of concerts

I

Ciaran and Amy Gilsenan

Music in Monkstown committe members Jane Carty and Cllr Patricia Stewart (FG)

T WAS a weekend of music and celebration at the Church of Ireland Parish Church in Monkstown Village. Music in Monkstown offered a varied array of concerts which included; pianist Philip Martin, the UCD Gamelan Orchestra which showcased the ancient music of Java; soprano Celine Byrne with Dearbhla Brosnan on piano; Anita Vedres, baroque violin, with Malachy Robinson, Gamba and David Adams on harpsichord and the final concert was performed by the Navarra String Quartet with John Finucane on clarinet.

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 22 October 2015

budget 2016

Health Minister defends health strategy

‘Our health plans are making a difference’  leo varadkar

Minister for Health

EARLIER this year we took the first big step towards universal healthcare with the introduction of GP care without fees for all children under six and adults aged 70 or older, regardless of income.

These age groups are the ones that need to see their doctor most often.

The next big step is to extend the service to children aged six to 11.

Negotiations are already under way with the Irish Medical Organisation on the new, comprehensive GP contract deal with all sorts of ways to improve GP services and health care in the community.

We intend to agree a new contract by the end of March 2016, and plan to provide this extended service as one of the first phases in the new contract before the end of 2016.

So far, some 300,000 senior citizens and children have benefited from GP care without fees. I know this has come as a huge relief to many young families and pensioners.

These are parents and seniors who work

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

‘The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community’ --------------------------

hard and have paid their taxes. I am glad they are no longer subjected to a means test.

It means real savings for pensioners and families. But it is about much more than that. The new enhanced service which is now in place covers all children under six, including those who already had medical cards.

They are benefiting from better management of asthma in general practice and have their height and weight recorded to identify issues like childhood obesity early.

We have also introduced a new diabetes programme for adults of all ages, meaning they can have their condition managed by the GP who

knows them, rather than in the hospital clinic.

Some 30,000 people have been enrolled already.

All these measures are a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. They also mark the most tangible step forward so far along the road to universal health care.

Minister [of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability] Kathleen Lynch and I believe that starting off with the youngest and the oldest groups in society is the right approach, alongside those with chronic diseases.

So, I also want to see further progress on chronic disease management in general practice and want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor.

The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community.

So long as we keep the economy strong and the recovery going, we will be able to generate the resources to do exactly that.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar: “I want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor”

22 Month 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 11

as charity attacks failure to do more to help older citizens

‘Changes to the State pension do very little to alleviate the difficulties many people face’  Sean Moynihan

Chief executive, Alone

WHAT problems is this budget trying to solve? If the Government wanted to target and effectively aid older people in need, as opposed to pleasing everyone – they would have acted very differently.

Whilst Alone welcome increases to the pension, and the Christmas bonus, they do very little to alleviate the very difficult situations that some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people find themselves in.

Some 160,000 people have turned 65 since the recessionary 2009 budg-

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‘This budget has nothing outlined in terms of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as ... older people are most at risk from raised rents’

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et. Yet, since then, the telephone allowance has been abolished, the fuel allowance season cut by six weeks, and the household benefits package reduced to a single rate.

In addition to these cuts, many older people are being crippled by the prescription charge – a direct tax on our sick – which the Government has made no move to

eradicate.

A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits.

This is without taking the rising costs of living and increases in charges and taxes into account.

Our work centres on aiding people to age at home with the right supports. This budget has nothing outlined in terms

of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as 50% of all calls to Alone are about housing, and older people are the group most at risk from raised rents.

The latest Daft.ie rental report revealed that the average cost for onebed accommodation in Dublin City is over €500 a month, which is completely unaffordable for an older person surviving on the Government pension.

Alone has been campaigning for many years to highlight the fact that older people are the next big housing crisis. Older people can’t compete in

the private rental market as they are not seen as attractive tenants by landlords in the private rented sector.

The Government needs to provide alternative housing options for these people. This Government continues to push older people into nursing homes ahead of their time, when in reality independent living with supports is a cheaper option for the taxpayer, and it is the preferred option for many older people.

At Alone, we believe every older person has the right to age safely, healthily and happily in their communities, and this budget does not ensure

Sean Moynihan: “A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits”

these basic rights.

Alone can be contacted at 01 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbe-

ing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community.

Alternatively, see www. alone.ie.

12 Gazette 22 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Paul Feeny and Noreen O’Malley

Louise Costello, Chris Douglas, Sandra Keeping and Una Clifford are pictured at the first ever Solas Project Ball which was held at the Hilton Dublin Hotel on Charlemont Place. After a champagne reception, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner before taking to the dancefloor as the party extended late into the night. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Making their mark in the finest fashion

Jennifer Kissane

Katie Tyrrell

Fateimi Zymati and Susanna Ann Spellman and Abby Demarest

Amy Carey and Emily McVicker

Ferreira

Michal Durmowicz and Alexandra Lewandowska

22 October 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem P15

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

a day in the life: busy comedian getting ready for upcoming panto

what’son

Al’s agenda is no laughing matter  Ian Begley

One of Ireland’s campest and most outspoken comedians, Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows and is preparing for his upcoming panto production Freezin.

This week, The Gazette found out what an average day for the Tallaght comedian is like.

“I’m one of these people who has to set four alarms. I set one alarm as a treat for myself at 6am, then another at 7am, then at 7.30am and finally at 8am, which is when I normally get up.

“I then flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my own name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning.

“My day begins with a green tea, then a lemon and ginger tea, an allergy tablet and a fruit juice. I then play a bit of Abba and dance around my dog until I have to be out the door for something around 10.30am.

“At the moment I’m working on a lot of different things. I’m writing a Panto at the moment with Karl Spain called Freezin which is definitely not a rip off of that Disney film.

Teenage angst is centre stage:

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

‘I flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning’ ----------------------------------------

“I’m also starring in it with Dustin the Turkey, which is great since he’s the only bird I fancy.

“I’m also going to loads of meetings with producers and doing open cast auditions for the show. I’m also making a new TV programme for RTE 2 in November called The Al Porter Show, which is going be filmed live in the Olympia.

“The meetings that I go to sound very boring, but actually they’re very fun and full of craic. I just make loads of mad requests in the hope that one of them gets chosen.”

Porter added that he does standup whenever he can and after his sold out show in Vicar Street, he says that he never tires of performing on stage.

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Comedian Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows

“Whenever I get the opportunity, I do a bit of stand-up in one of the many comedy venues that I started out in.

“Like last weekend, I popped into the Laughter Lounge and did a few minutes and met all of the comedians who I’m friends with there.

“Any free time I get, I might go down to my local and a have a few pints or even to The Workmans Club

and see where the night takes me. At home I like to just browse the web and maybe order a Dominos and watch a couple of films or shows. I just finished House of Cards and Hannibal, which were deadly.

“I then usually head to bed around 2am because I literally find it impossible to sleep any earlier. I only need about six hours of sleep to just about get by anyway.”

A DRAMATIC show that follows 14 Dublin city teenagers through their adolescent and tumultuous lives will be staged in the Smock Alley Theatre from October 27–31 at 7.30pm.

S h o w M e Love depicts a group of youths on what seems like just another ordinary day. Hearts will break, hormones will rage and loyalties will shift as our young heroes wrestle their conflicting emotions and each other. Today they will face choices that could alter the course of their adult lives. Some will rise, others will fall.

A large ensemble, multiple-narrative play, Show Me Love will explore and celebrate the ever changing, often complicated emotional life of this small group as their paths intersect and collide over the course of 24-hours on the last day of summer.

Written by Colin Thornton and directed by Deirdre Molloy, tickets cost €15/€18.

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

For more information, visit www.smockalley.com

14 Gazette 22 October 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Watch out for ghouls and goblins at Tayto Park ON Saturday, October 24, Tayto Park opens its doors to a fright fest in the dark.

For the first time, thanks to the launch of the Tayto Park After Dark Experience, visitors will be invited to confront the darkness and ride the Cu Chulainn Coaster in the dead of the night.

Racing along at more than 100km per hour and dropping more than 32m in an instant, this stomach-churning drop zone is scary enough in daylight, never mind riding it in the pitch darkness of night.

As with previous years at Tayto Park, ghouls, ghosts, goblins and all things gruesome will be out and about and making their presence felt in the Tayto Park House of Horrors.

Tickets for the Tayto Park After Dark Experience are €18 per person.

It is not necessary to book in advance and the latest admission is 7.30pm.

The Day Time House of Horrors is recommended for children over eight-years old.

Again it is not necessary to book in advance.

For more informa-

tion and opening times visit www.taytopark.ie/ events/halloween.

Say I Do to syrian refugee campaign A UNIQUE event to raise money in aid of Syrian refugees will take place in House, Leeson Street, on October 28.

Past brides and bridesmaids from all over the country have donated their wedding and bridesmaid dresses to the initiative.

The dresses will be sold at the event in aid of The Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis Appeal.

The organisers of the event are now calling on all brides-to-be to come along on the day as there will be spot prizes such as waxing vouchers, cakes, make-up trial vouchers, along with some beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses donated from bridal stores, including Myrtle Ivory.

There will also be a fashion show and hair and make-up tips on the day.

Tickets cost €21.65 and are available to buy on www.eventbrite.ie All money raised will go towards the Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis

diary

Appeal.

floored by store’s transgender ad A FLOORING business based in Crumlin has caused quite the stir on social media after it erected a billboard featuring a photo of Caitlyn Jenner alongside the words “Fancy a Change?”

According to Hamptons Floor Store, it deems the poster to be a celebration of the transgender community.

However, some people have been floored by the advertising and feel like the company is taking the mickey!

One woman wrote: “If it takes transphobia and cheap jokes to sell your product then you obviously do not have a very good product or need to fire your marketing team ASAP. Take this poster down.”

Another person stated: “This is lowest common denominator marketing. An absolute disgrace and completely irresponsible!”

In its defence, Hamptons Floor Store said the poster was a celebration of the new Ireland we’re living in, especially since the passing of the marriage equality referen-

The Cu Chulainn Coaster is scary enough without the addition of spooky ghosts. Inset: Hamptons Floor Store considers its poster to be a celebration of the transgender community

dum, which the shop is “very supportive of”.

P e r h a p s i t wo u l d be more to the point were it citing the Gender Recognition Act, passed in July of this year, which gives legal recognition and rights to transgender people, whatever their sexual orientation.

croke park can be a very scary place JOIN in the family fun at the GAA Museum in Croke Park this Halloween, where a wide range of activities will take place throughout the mid-term break.

From Saturday, Octo-

ber 24 to Saturday, October 31, the museum will host a Trick or Treat Trail Tour of Croke Park for younger visitors.

These tours are aimed at families and younger visitors and will involve a treasure hunt as part of the stadium tour; guess the answer to the clue to collect a pumpkin, with treats for all at the end of the tour.

There will also be extra stadium tours taking place from October 27 to 30.

Tickets cost €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.

This event is suitable for children aged four to

nine years.

Advance online booking is required as places are limited on these popular tours.

Visit www.crokeparkmuseum.tickets.ie for more information.

secret life of secrets revealed UNCOVER the world of secrets as the Science Gallery’s new exhibition reveals just how everyone holds something untold.

F r o m g ove r n m e n t surveillance to Hollywood spoilers, everyone has a secret.

How do scientists, hackers, spies, journal-

ists, psychologists, criminals, companies and governments approach t h i s n e w wo r l d o f secrets?

From Easter eggs to cryptocurrencies, puzzles to politics, the g a l l e r y ’s e x h i b i t i o n SECRET asks: W hat needs to be revealed?

And what should remain hidden?

Delve into this secretive space until November 1 at the ever-intriguing Science Gallery.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Visit w w w.dublin. sciencegallery.com for more information on this event.

22 October 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM escape the mayhem: The Seven O’Clock Show’s lucy kennedy

It’s all boxsets, ponytails and comfy pyjamas  aisling kennedy

Lucy Kennedy is a busy lady as she juggles her life between presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day and taking care of her two little children, Jack and Holly.

Finding time to relax and unwind in between her hectic schedule is something that is very important to her and she told The Gazette this week that she always makes sure to set aside some quiet, quality time each week.

“I can’t ever really totally escape the madness because I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old and they are part of the mad, fun world I live in. As a family we go to the beach a lot and we also love to go to the park and the zoo “Most things we do are family orientated, but if it’s myself and my husband Richard we like to just get away for a break every so often.

We like to get away

once every two months anywhere at all around the country.”

Listing some of her favourite destinations to escape to she mentions Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare and Galway city as favourites, but she also loves to fly away to the sun and explains that Lanzarote is her favourite sun holiday.

“That’s one place in the world that I love escaping to. I need the sun, I’m definitely one of those people that’s nicer in the sun!”

Pier Lucy also likes to find peace of mind on her own time too and explains that she loves to walk up Dun Laoghaire pier in the m o r n i n g w h e n i t ’s quiet.

“I’m lucky because I’ve grown up beside the sea so I’ve been near the sea all my life.

I love putting a pair of runnners on and walking the pier in the morning after the school run.

It’s a great way to start

the day and clear your mind.”

Lucy also enjoys watching Netflix and box sets and says that she just finished watching The Good Wife.

“I get home at about 8.20pm each night so after I’ve kissed Jack and Holly goodnight, I get into my pyjamas, cleanse my face, put Sudocreme on the spots, put my hair in a ponytail and watch my boxsets.

“I love TV time, I love TV time on my own. As much as I love my family, I like to watch it on my own in peace and quiet, and sometimes I’ll paint my nails or fake tan, whatever I’m doing.”

Lucy is also a big fan of yoga and credits it with de-stressing her.

“Yoga is my biggest saviour, I love it. I do it once a week because I love talking and I’m paid to talk but I do that all day every day. So it’s the only time during the week where I actually have to be quiet!”

€5,000 prize added to VUE Art Fair THE annual VUE 2015 Art Fair returns to the Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery in Dublin from November 6 to 8, and a prestigious new award for contribution to the visual arts in Ireland has been introduced this year.

The VUE Contemporary Art Prize, which is worth €5,000, is presented

by Real Estate Agents, and fair spon-

sors Savills.

It will be awarded at the fair to an artist who, in the preceding 12 months, has produced an outstanding body of work or some substantial contribution to visual arts.

The annual fair will see leading contemporary Irish art galleries showcasing new art and recent work

by Irish and international artists.

Lucy Kennedy juggles presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day with taking care of her two young children, Jack and Holly

Gazette

16 Gazette 22 October 2015

dublinlife

feature following: instagrammers are out and about

Snap happy people hit the city streets  aisling kennedy

Instagrammers Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts

I n s tagr a m m e r s Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts who upload photographs of beautiful shots from around Dublin on Instagram.

The group supports local talent and it has become increasingly popular with a reach of 10,000 followers around Dublin city.

Founder of Instagrammers Dublin is Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela.

When she moved to Dublin four years ago she noticed that there was no Instagram community in Dublin so she set about contacting Philip Gonzalez from the Instagrammers head office in Spain who advised her on how to set the official account up in Dublin.

She said: “More than 50 countries and 250 cities throughout the world have an Instagrammers community.

When I looked for the Dublin Instagrammers I saw there was none so I said ‘Okay, I want to create the Dublin account’.

I spoke to Philip about setting it up and together we set up the official account for Dublin and now I run it. I set it up in 2012.”

The idea behind the group is to showcase the beauty of Dublin and when users of the

account take a photo they can use the hashtag #IgersDublin to link into the Instagrammers Dublin account.

Delgado then picks the standout images she sees on a daily basis and showcases them on the account which then reaches an audience of over 10,000 followers.

Since Delgado set the account up it has taken off phenomenally with new followers joining everyday.

“The account started off slowly but a couple of months ago it reached 5,000 followers so I decided to do something more with the account.

That’s when I decided to set up Instameet.”

Instameet is when a group of followers from the account meet up and take part in different activities such as

afternoon tea, walks in beauty spots, and share apps and tricks for better mobile photography, while taking photos of the day to add to the account.

The two most recent events took place in Dublin Castle and also Dublin City Hall.

Delgado said: “Instameets are very nice because you can meet new people, get new followers, take beautiful photos of Dublin and take part in lovely activities.”

In November, a photo walk around Dublin will take place with a date for the Instameet soon to be announced.

For more information on Instagrammers Dublin follow them on Instagram @Igersdublin or email igersdublin@ gmail. com

Instagrammers Dublin creator Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela

22 October 2015 Gazette 17

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

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Pets

Dashing dixie needs a loving home

Dance star Robin Windsor (inset) will perform in “song and dance extravaganza” Puttin’ on the Ritz

showtime: classic song and dance favourites heading for dublin

Are you puttin’ on the Ritz?

 aisling kennedy news@gazettegroup.com

DESCRIBED as a “song and dance extravaganza” by Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, Puttin’ on the Ritz is a show that is perfect for anyone who enjoys good music and fancy footwork.

The show is coming to the Gaiety Theatre this November and will include performances by professional Strictly stars Robin Windsor, Trent Whiddon, who danced with Pixie Lott last year, his professional dance partner and wife Gordana Grandosek along with X Factor star Ray Quinn.

Music will be by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter with renditions of their 1920s and 1930s classic

songs including Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Easter Parade, I Got Rhythm and Puttin’ on the Ritz Windsor told the Gazette the night is filled with glamorous costumes and intricate ballroom skills.

He says: “This show will take you back to the golden era of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s when Fred Astaire was the pin-up of the day, and we have incredible music throughout the show.

“To dance to these songs is just amazing because they’re timeless.

They have been famous for almost 100 years now and they’re still going.”

Windsor explains that his favourite dance to perform on the night is Over the Rainbow because it is one of his all-time favourite songs.

He dances the rumba to that song

which, he explains, he also “loves to perform”.

There are 10 professional dancers in the show and six professional singers.

Windsor explains: “All of the dancers are phenomenal and they have some great songs to dance to such as Puttin’ on the Ritz. There is also a girl who sings an operatic version of Puttin’ on the Ritz, which is absolutely stunning, and then we move through the 1920s and into the other side of New York where they had the cotton club, and that’s where it all gets that bit more sexy. It’s a family show though so it’s for all ages from eight to 88.”

Windsor explains that he brought his partner’s grandparents, who are in their 80s, to the show in the UK recently.

“It took them back to one of the happiest times in their lives. They sat there and sang along to the songs from their childhood. They thanked everyone in the show for rekindling their romance and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. So I think everyone should bring their grandparents to it because they will adore it.”

He is looking forward to performing the show in Dublin: “I’ve been to Dublin a few times and it has always been the best audience we perform to on the whole tour. Everybody here knows how to go out, enjoy their night and have a great time.”

Puttin’ On The Ritz is at the Gaiety Theatre from November 2-7. Tickets cost from €35 and are available on www.gaietytheatre.ie

The Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Dixie, a handsome five-year-old male terrier cross. He is an independent little guy who loves his own space, so is looking for a home without children. Dixie loves his comforts and likes nothing better than to make himself comfortable on the sofa.

If you think you can offer Dixie a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000, or even better, pop into the centre and have a chat with their Rehoming Team. They’re open six days a week from 12pm-4pm, closed all day Tuesdays. Check out the other dogs available for rehoming on their website www.dogstrust.ie, follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ DogsTrustIrelandOnline

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Ribbed beanie €13 Smart wool blend overcoat €160

Extreme ripped Dylan slim jeans

Leather worker boots €94

Let’s hear it for the boys!  STAFF REPORTER

WITH Halloween coming up, some of us blokes like to release our inner child for one night only and go all out crazy with a Darth Vadar costume or Batman. The rest of us might like to give a nod to the festivities. A decidedly Edward Scissorhands theme is running through this collection from River Island with seriously gothic tones coming through. You will be rocking these cool threads for the rest of the autumn/winter season anyway so they are a good investment.

Lightweight scarf €20

Black leather funnel biker jacket €200

 XXXX ZZZZZZZZZ

Leather herringbone gloves €33

boohoo.com autumn/ winter: Top €25 Cardigan €34 Jeans €34

22 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE

BEAUTYnews

Ava Aztec tape panel clutch bag €22

Get a dreamy skin with a Dermalogica skin treatment

Leather dress €40

 MIMI MURRAY

Cream fur gilet €34

Boutique Maria Mongolian faux fur collar coat €74

Bella mixed stripe roll neck jumper €20

Lilly frin ge suedett trim pointed e ankle boot €4 1

Americans YOUNG

Boohoo.com have a fab range influenced by the suburban youth style of 70s Middle America. Young Americans creates a retro vibe with excessive layering of multi textural fabrics alongside fun and fresh new silhouettes.

Calm earthy tones and natural pigments come in the form of fur lined suedette coats, oversized chunky knits and flared denim jeans with colour pops of rich cranberry and burnt orange with complementing prints such as wallpaper florals, brushed checks and knitted stripes. The perfect autumn trend, fringing and patchwork continues through from spring/summer 15 to complete an easy take on modern vintage style.

All available from boohoo.com

Tara fringed trim block heel ankle boot €47

Abigail colour surge clutch bag €20

I RECENTLY tried out the new treatment rooms in Harvey Nichols, Dundrum.

Well almost new! The quiet little sanctuary was put into the bustling store in January 2015 and is a veritable oasis in the middle of the thriving Town Centre.

I plumped for a Dermalogica Skin Treatment; designed to treat clients’ individual skin concerns with a fullycustomisable 60-minute programme and prescribed at-home skincare regime.

It starts with an in-depth consultation then double cleanse to prepare the skin for analysing so that the therapist can build a full picture of your lifestyle before performing the face mapping skin analysis to ensure your treatment is entirely results-driven.

The treatment itself comprises a mixture of exfoliation of varying levels, extractions and masques depending on the results of the face mapping; and also includes an extremely relaxing mini massage.

I love the scent of Dermalogica products, not too strong and quite fresh. I left with my skin absolutely glowing and the rosy complexion continued for days.

Other treatments available are the bio surface peel, a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time.

The multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels.

There is also a 20-minute micro zone treatment which is a quick fix for troubled skin and won’t break the bank at €25.

The one-hour facial is €75 for 60 minutes.

I also bought their latest miracle product, Overnight Retinol Repair which I have just started to use. More of that in a couple of weeks but it promises big things so look out for my review!

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20 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

From the tree-lined drive to this early Georgian house to the airy but intimate dining room and delicately decorated bedrooms, a stay at Viewmount House will leave you feeling pampered

Foodie find: VM restaurant at Viewmount house puts Longford on the food lover’s map

A treat for that special occasion or a good excuse to break a journey west  Shane Rigney

LAST week I ran into an old friend from Longford who lives in Dublin. I haven’t been in Longford in years and my old buddy was surprised to hear I had been down just the previous Friday.

“I had a beautiful dinner in Viewmount House,” she said. “We go there all the time when I’m home! It’s gorgeous,” I have to agree.

Viewmount House is on the Dublin Road outside Longford town. A foodie friend and I wanted to check out the increasingly popular restaurant.

Chef Gary O’Hanlon (RTE’s The Restaurant) is at the helm, and the restaurant features on

Bridgestone’s 100 best places to eat in Ireland.

The house is a handsome early Georgian manor of moderate imposition, three-bays wide and three-storeys tall, and presents itself after a short drive up a quaint driveway surrounded by pretty gardens with old tall trees, herbaceous borders and a Japanese garden.

We were ushered past a roaring fire framed by two well-worn Chesterfields to the newer part of the house, in converted stables, comprising the main dining room and seven bedrooms. Subtle and considered period styling creates a seamless flow from the main manor house to the conversion.

No sooner were we doing

the bounce test on our luxurious mattresses – the bed and linen were divine – than Beryl, our hostess, arrived with two Hendricks gin and tonics to ease away the weary week and wet our whistles for the gastronomy ahead.

The VM restaurant fuses notes of traditional Irish cooking and flavours with European classic technique. All ingredients are sourced locally. The menu changes seasonally The main dining room is an airy yet intimate space, all exposed brickwork and cast iron pillars with comfy high back chairs and crisp linen; a lovely room for a good meal.

I went for an orange and anise cured confit duck leg with a beetroot

salsa starter and the beef cheek as my main. My partner had a starter of prawns in a delicate filo type pastry and a 10oz sirloin for the main. A selection of homemade bread with butter and red pepper hummus was delicious. The treacle bread was the best I’ve tasted.

We were then treated to a taste of the risotto from the starters list, which was flavoured with orange, carrot and a touch of tarragon. I loved the uniqueness though the rice was a touch too al dente and the dish a little sweet for my companion. There is a considerable element of sweet from fruits running through the menu, which can be a little marginalising for some. My duck

confit was cooked wonderfully though I found the orange cure a little heavy, but that’s really a matter of taste.

I stole one of the prawns from the mate’s plate and we both thought they were excellent.

Mains arrived a perfect 15 minutes later. Everything was plated and presented wonderfully, signalling a kitchen with a talent for style and substance, and a clear grasp of fine dining.

My beef cheek was an unctuous mound of slow cooked braised beef, with delicate wisps of shallot, a moss green quenelle of parsley mash and a dark cherry wine jus. It was topped with an egg cooked to 60C sous vide,

which melded with the beef when broken and created rich gravy that was sensational. A feast for the eyes and belly.

My friend’s steak came with a blue cheese butter and side of croquettes and seasonal veg. Unfortunately, her steak was cooked a little more than the medium rare she had requested, though its flavour was delicious and it was seared to perfection.

For dessert we ordered a chocolate brownie mousse concoction with a cherry sauce and a honey sponge with ice cream. The chocolate was chocolatey heaven, the sponge a little stodgy and lacked a sauce.

We drank a moderately priced Argentinian

Malbec at €30 that was silk in a glass. The wine list was excellent, with plenty of choice in the €20-€30 price range.

At €55 per person VM at Viewmount House delivers on service, quality and the personal touch for that feeling of quiet luxury.

An overnight stay at €110-130 will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Viewmount House and VM restaurant are worth watching out for.

Breakfast had all the choice you’d expect with full Irish, pancakes, salmon, scrambled egg, cereal and more of that stunning treacle bread.

Shane is a foodie vlogger, see riggersrecipes.

22 October 2015 Gazette 21

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22 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

food

BITESIZEDNEWS

Athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke

Ex-athlete runs up tasty Thai turkey dish A NEW dish has been created for Camile Thai Kitchen by champion athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke.

O’Rourke’s Turkey Chilli Stir Fry (Pad Med Mamung) contains Irish turkey breast mince with red peppers, scallions, onions, broccoli, grated carrot, edamame beans and cashew nuts in a delicious tangy sauce. It is served with brown and wild rice, and costs €9.95. Camile leapt at the chance to team up with O’Rourke for its latest chef collaboration because of her sporting background, love of food and knowledge of nutrition.

O’Rourke won gold in the 60m hurdles at the Moscow Indoor Championships in 2006 and competing for Ireland at three Olympic Games. After her retirement from athletics last year, she established a popular food blog and penned the best-selling cookbook, Food For The Fast Lane. She said: “To partner with Camile for this recipe made a lot of sense.

My thinking was always based around the idea that there is no reason why healthy food can’t be tasty too and that’s exactly what Camile are doing. I’m delighted with how the dish has turned out and hopefully the Camile customers enjoy it!”

New ales help smooth bitter winter months THE approaching cooler months have inspired two new winter seasonal O’Shea’s ales, which are available now in 120 Aldi stores nationwide.

O’Shea’s Dry Hopped Amber Ale is a subtle blend of fruit and spices, creating a perfect seasonal balance. Bitterness is accentuated from both the hops and citrus zest, and the dry cinnamon finish is balanced with the sweetness of crystal malt.

Visually, it is an amber ale with a lightly carbonated white head. The Spiced Winter Ale makes an excellent aperitif, but is subtle enough on spiciness to double as a post meal beer. It’s an ideal match for crumbling desserts such as cherry or apricot tart.

Winter ales are traditionally brewed stronger, richer and more full-bodied, so you can enjoy O’Shea’s new winter ales when sitting by a roaring fire Brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company, the O’Shea’s Spiced Winter Ale and Dry Hopped Amber Ale are on sale for €1.89 per 50cl bottle.

With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around

Autumnal tasting with a no-nonsense slainte  mimi murray

ONE of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the year for James Nicholson Wine Merchants is its annual tasting, an informal, walkaround affair with no knowledge required and no lectures to attend. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it – it’s all about sharing and enjoying wine with like-minded people.

This year, the tasting takes place in the banquet hall in Smock Alley Theatre at 5pm-8pm on Friday,

November 6.

This is the perfect, relaxed and friendly opportunity to broaden your wine drinking horizons as well as your wine knowledge, while becoming familiar with the JN Wine range.

The wine merchants are the current holders of the International Wine Challenge Regional Wine Merchant of the Year award – an award they have won 20 times.

Each member of the team is a professionally trained, educated, passionate wine drinker.

All are happy to share their enthusiasm along with their independent and personal selection of excellent wines.

The annual tasting is the ideal opportunity to meet some of the JN wine partners and to try the wines for yourself. With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around.

Producers confirmed to date include: from France – Billecart-Salmon Champagne; Domaine G ay d a , L a n g u e d o c ;

Roc des Anges, Roussillon; Agnes Paquet and Domaine Jean Fournier, both from Burgundy.

From Italy – Sartarelli from the Marche region, and Morisfarms Estate from Tuscany. From New Zealand – Pask Winery, Hawke’s Bay. From Spain – Pesquera Group, Ribera del Duero; Paco Garcia, Rioja; and Familia Martinez Bujanda. Massaya from Lebanon is also in the line-up as is Quinta da Falorca, Dao from Portugal; and Boekenhoutskloof from South Africa; Vina Casablanca

from Chile; and Shortcross Gin from Downpatrick, County Down.

The impressive backdrop of the banquet hall rich in character, will provide an ideal setting for an event to showcase wines full of character and their producers – many of whom are characters in their own right!

Tickets are €15 per person and must be bought in advance from James Nicholson Wine Merchant on www.jnwine. com or by calling Lo-Call 1890 667799. Places are limited.

22 October 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn, right) and Curtis (Ryan Rynolds) decide to head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to another

mississippi grind: the jackpot prize of redemption is a dice throw away

Take a gamble – it’s worth it Do you believe in lucky charms? Gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) does and when a well-dressed stranger squeezes in amongst the haggard regulars at his local poker night, he is sure that he has found his.

On the bad end of luck and growing desperate for a win, Gerry becomes quickly intoxicated by Curtis’s (Ryan Reynolds) fast-paced banter, topshelf liquor and seemingly unbreakable streak of good fortune.

It is a solid, albeit staid set up from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the writing and directing team who first came to our attention with the incredible Half Nelson back in 2006. Featuring a burgeoning Ryan Gos-

 Dave phillips

ling , Half Nelson still stands out as a superb piece of film that managed to treat the complex topic of drug addiction with equal parts gravitas, humour, and charm.

While this time out the tale revolves around gambling, there are some definite thematic parallels with Boden and Fleck’s earlier work.

Mississippi Grind plays out as a solid twohander for Mendelsohn and Reynolds. As Gerry and Curtis become fast friends, they decide to

head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to the next. While the pair set off on what seems like an amiable adventure, it soon becomes evident that they have embarked on a kind of gambling pilgrimage where the jackpot prize of redemption is always a dice throw away.

Part road-trip, part bromance, and par t downbeat drama Mississippi Grind is a constantly shifting film. But is a story that, like the river it follows, moves along very slowly and steadily – and this is by no means a bad thing.

The unhurried feel of the film leaves plenty of space for the actors to work on screen. Despite a long career in Austral-

ian film, Ben Mendelsohn remained largely unknown on this side of the world until 2010’s Animal Kingdom propelled

lives with each day have become so ingrained that you feel he actually believes the rationalisations and excuses that

some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine.

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

‘While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

him into the spotlight.

With some incredible recent work (including Netflix’s Bloodline) under his belt, Mendelsohn is really showing his capabilities and in Mississippi Grind he gives a very nuanced and captivating performance.

The shame, denial and deceit that Gerry

he spontaneously spouts.

Knowing what is best for him but never knowing when to quit, he has dug himself into a hole so deep that the only way out is to keep digging.

While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude

Never short of cash, he knows all the places you need to go, and the people you need to talk to. Harnessing a level of slickness that will make you wonder if he has made some kind of Faustian pact, Curtis is the perfect counterpart to the world-weary Gerry. Yet Reynolds is keen enough

to at times, let us see the mask of confidence slip, even if only slightly.

This slow-burner is accentuated by a very sturdy supporting cast, including Sienna Miller and Analeigh Tipton. And things are topped off with an incredible soundtrack, full of moody, deep south blues.

Mississippi Grind’s simple story and deliberate pacing may be its downfall for a lot of potential viewers, but those who feel like taking a gamble are likely to enjoy the rewards – the 108 quietly captivating minutes of top class performances will linger with you long after Ben and Curtis have headed South.

Verdict: 8/10

Gazette

24 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

Johnny Marr: 17 track double album

Documenting a long and eclectic career Adrenalin Baby has the right balance of killer and filler  colm murray

From The Smiths to THE THE, The Cribs a n d e ve r y t h i n g i n between, chameleonic guitarist-turned-frontman Johnny Marr has had a long and eclectic career, but until now, has never been front and centre.

Adrenalin Baby is his first live album, and loud and live it certainly is.

The Messenger (2013) and last year’s Playland form the bulk of the record, and are flanked by some long-awaited Smiths gems.

Recorded at shows in Glasgow, Brixton and his hometown of Manchester over the last couple of years, the album is a bonus addition to the late-career renaissance the sharpwitted Mancunian is deservedly having.

Opening with arcade game effects and a buzzing crowd hum, the album kicks off with Playland – the punchy title track of his most recent rollicking rock effort.

Marr’s lengthy melodic riff and fan screams hint at his stage arrival before his echoey vocals cut in.

His sultr y screams

“she does the real buzz, he does the real buzz” take flight.

After that, it is time for dance rock feel tune Easy Money followed by 25 Hours another track off Playland and New Tow n Velocity taken from his debut The Messenger.

incredible talent and all the passion of his guitar in four last songs There is a Light that Never Goes Out, another album standout, the shimmering Dynamo taken from Playland, T he Clash’s cover I Fought the Law to finally close the 17-track live

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

‘I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours’

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

Song 6 is the first Smiths’ classic to feature on the album The Headmaster Ritual followed by anthemic Back in the Box also taken from Playland.

In spite of the strength of his solo material, inevitably The Smiths’ tracks stand out.

Classic anthemic tracks such as Bigmouth Strikes Again, How Soon is Now and There is a Light that Never Goes Out are clearly some of the best tunes off the album.

Also Getting Away With It from Electronic is another standout.

The highlights of the live album are reserved for the last tracks where Marr sums up his

record with hymn How Soon is Now. “I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours,” says Johnny.

“It’s been a special time and the album is a document for fans who were there, and for people who haven’t seen me and might want to check out what the shows are about.

“I like live records when they’re a good listen, It’s turned out really well.”

It’s certainly a great document of his live shows over the last 18 months or so, with a 17-track double album it’s certainly value for money with the right balance of killer and filler!

22 October 2015 Gazette 25

NEXT

Gazette

GAMING STEPS

A number of consoles are facing likely extinction in 2016, ready to join the dodo. Illustration: Shane Dillon

It could be time to take an evolutionary step forward

Victorian world is a timekiller  shane dillon

WITH Christmas just around the corner, all kinds of gaming goodies are lining up, with 2015 marking a bumper year for gamers as the nextgen consoles get into their stride after their first, unsteady year.

One of the first is released this Friday, October 23, when Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (XBO, PS4; Cert 18; c. €75) runs, leaps and climbs into view.

There’s plenty of spying, sneaking and, frankly, assassinating missions to undertake here as a motley group of corrupt Vic-

torian rotters, bullies and scallywags are eliminated, with the cobbled streets, muddy paths, Dickensian poorhouses and grimy factories of 1868 London providing a compelling and familiar world to explore.

Speaking of Dickens, he’s just one of a cast of several colourful characters that the player can meet, with everyone from Florence Nightingale to the original Queen Vic herself to run into, and missions to carry out for them.

While history doesn’t quite record that Charles Darwin needed the help of shadowy assassins to

silence dangerous detractors, well, there’s plenty of fun to be found in chatting to such figures, before, say, setting off to climb to the top of “Big Ben” for a look across the wonderfully realised city, as barges criss-cross the crowded Thames below and vast clouds of black smoke billow and belch into the sky from rows of industrial revolution chimneys.

Certainly not a game for kids, Syndicate delivers a vast, compelling world that should be fun to explore – not least until the post-nuclearwar Boston ruins of Fallout 4 come into sight on November 10 ...

 shane dillon

Whether meeting famous people of the era such as Charles Dickens (top left), or exploring and pilfering around much of Victorian London, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a welcome addition to the franchise

curry steps aside, citing illness and industry sexism  shane dillon

READERS will recall a recent Gazette interview in September with acclaimed composer Jessica Curry (right) about her superb work on the esoteric PlayStation 4 exclusive, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture.

Curry and the game alike created a lot of positive press around the world.

However, since that page was published, Curry made headlines around the world again – for less positive reasons.

She announced via a highly personal, pragmatic blog that she is stepping down as co-director of the studio, The Chinese Room (Rapture’s developer).

Curry cited her battles with an unnamed degenerative illness, and industry sexism and

difficulties alike.

With many polls and studies noting the rise of women gamers (close to 50%), and yet with women developers and studio figures not matched by these statistics, any such reports of sexism are regrettable indeed.

Here’s hoping that Curry can recoup enough energy to cope with her illness, and resume her place in the industry.

WHILE Santa Claus may have access to all the toys known to man (and woman), gamers and people buying their own consoles and games have noticed how 2015 has largely marked the evolutionary dead end of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U consoles, which are soon set to go the way of the dodo.

While these consoles have huge established bases, and while of course there are plenty of great games still coming to all three in 2016 and beyond – realistically, their time is almost up.

Several key titles and franchises (see main review, left) are now abandoning these reliable but effectively retired platforms to focus on the new current-gen consoles.

Anecdotal evidence shows how the PlayStation 3, Wii U and XBox 360 games and consoles have been elbowed aside at games shops and relegated to evershrinking shelf space, where a scarcity of new titles compete against a sea of second-hand games.

So, the time has finally come to upgrade

platforms before obsolescence wins that evolutionary battle in 2016.

Watch this space in the run-up to Christmas, as I’ll take a look at some of the bundled consoles, games, price and platform comparisons for those looking to get a new console, but who can’t rely on Mr Claus to drop one down the chimney.

Nintendo NX Speaking of evolution, rumours and reports are widely circulating at present in the gaming press about Nintendo, and “Nintendo NX” – a software development system that’s potentially more powerful than both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

This would mark a massive departure for Nintendo, which has traditionally focused on crafting gaming experiences rather than getting involved in the hardware and coding wars fought by Sony and Microsoft.

Indeed, the Wii U console still lays claim to many of the best family-friendly titles of recent years.

However, we’ll have to wait until at least NX-t year to see what happens ...

26 dun laoghaire gazette 22 October 2015

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28 gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport basketball: portlaoise and DCU both seen off by home outfit boylan beats own personal best time: DUBLINER Lydia Boylan broke her own National 500m Time Trial Record in the omnium as five Irish riders completed a successful week of racing at the European Track Championships in Grenchen.

Boylan began day two of the women’s omnium in 16th place with three of the six races remaining and she moved up a place with a new national record in the 500m time trial, eclipsing the mark she set at the revolution event in Derby last month.

Her 36.628s effort shaved 0.147s off her previous best on her way to ninth and she topped that with eighth in the race five flying lap, her 14.589s helping her rise to 14th in the event ahead of the final points race.

In the sixth and final Omnium event Boylan was on the attack early on, taking points for third in the first two sprints of 10. She paid for her efforts, though, and fell back after that.

Killester firing on all fronts  sport@dublingazette.com

PYROBEL K illester claimed back-to-back victories last Saturday in the women’s and men’s Premier Leagues to make it two wins from three outings each thus far in the early stages of the new season.

On the women’s side, Killester responded to calls from head coach Karl Kilbride for improved offence with a 29-point opening quarter and an 88-78 win over Portlaoise Panthers.

“We wanted to get off to a hot start,” said Kilbride, “but Portlaoise brought in

Claire Melia who had one of the best games I’ve ever seen from a 16-year-old.

She did everything she wanted to do inside.”

The young Ireland international was making her Premier League debut and finished with 21 points.

Despite her run of form,

Killester’s Ciaran Roe on the attack

Pyrobel Killester’s Rebecca Nagle. Picture: Deryck Vincent

however, Killester had the greater spread of scorers with Raeshel Contreras landing 19 points, Mimi Clarke hitting 16 and Aisling Sullivan weighing in with 14 points at the National Wheelchair Association headquarters.

Elsewhere, Meteors were impressive 77-58 winners over the UL Huskies with Meghan McGuinness scoring 22 points while Jade Daly, Emily Leer and Karen Meeny also showed up well.

DCU Mercy landed a 68-61 win over SuperValu Brunell with Sarah Woods the key player, coming away with a weekend high of 26 points. Brunell had led 39-33 at the half-time break before DCU limited

their opponents to just 22 points in the second half of the contest.

In the men’s Premier League, Templeogue survived a late comeback from GCD Swords Thunder to keep their unbeaten run intact. With two minutes left, the league leaders were seven points clear but GCD Swords Thunder missed a shot to win it at the buzzer for an 81-80 win “It’s great to be put under that kind of pressure,” said Templeogue’s Conor Grace. “We knew Thunder would never be out of it.”

Swords’ boss Dave Baker, meanwhile, said it was “a difficult night”.

“We fixed a lot of mistakes during the week but there were still signs of

it and we gave away 51 points in the first half.

“We went smaller and quicker and pushed them hard in the second half and had a couple of chances to win it, but if you can’t execute at this level you’re going to get hurt.”

Killester had plenty to spare in their north Dublin derby date with the DCU Saints as they rolled out an 83-59 result.

Patrick Sullivan scored 20 points while Jermaine Turner drained 15 with healthy contributions also coming from Conor Gordon and Juan Martinez.

Martins Provizors topscored for the Saints with 225 but he struggled to get enough support from those around him.

Hopkins hopeful of raising required funds for Rio bid  sport@dublingazette.com

Olympic hopeful Aoife Hopkins

DUBLIN teenager Aoife Hopkins has been put forward as an Irish Sailing Association candidate for the Irish Olympic sailing team, and is hoping to fund her qualification for Rio next summer through PledgeSports.org.

Sixteen-year-old Hopkins is a member of Howth Yacht Club and competes in the laser radial category. In order to qualify for Rio, she must be the top performing candidate at three major events, beginning with Copa Brasil de Vela in Rio

this December. This will be followed with races in Miami and Mexico, in January and March respectively.

Last year, Hopkins won the Irish Youth Sailor of the Year Award for ladies. She is currently ranked 81st in the world in her category, and finished 20th in the World Championships in Kingston Ontario, Canada earlier this year, as well as scoring a top 10 finish at the Youth European Championships.

She was also the youngest sailor to be invited to compete in the Sailing World Cup in the

UK back in June, having qualified to compete amongst the world-class 40-sailor field based on impressive domestic results.

The fundraising project is a requirement for qualification due to the expenses involved in competing in the preceding races. Costs that Hopkins will have to cover include entry fees, flights, boat charter and equipment.

The funding event will take place over a period of a little mor than a month, with a finish date of Monday, November 16.

On her fundraising, Hopkins

said: “I have achieved my goals for this year, which were top 10 at the Europeans and top 20 at the worlds and my ultimate goal is to win a medal for Ireland at the 2020 Olympics, but Ireland has qualified for a place at the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Laser Radial and I have been put forward as a candidate for that place.

“The approximate cost of the Olympic campaign is €20,000 and I hope to raise €5,000 through Pledge Sports. Your help, no matter how small, will make my Race to Rio possible,” she said.

22 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Bernard still all go on trail with Sam

Winning a third All-Ireland in five years brings myriad new responsibilities for Bernard Brogan; he tells JAMES HENDICOTT what happens after the title has been won BE R N A R D B r o g a n could be forgiven for taking some down time: he recently starred in a team that took home their third All-Ireland title in five years, finding himself among the nominees for Player of the Year 2015 based on his astounding 6-21 in the championship.

But Brogan certainly isn’t using Gaelic football’s offseason as a time to unwind.

Alongside his day job with Legacy Consulting, the Dublin forward is heavily involved with mental health charity Aware, and will be taking part in the Petermarkathon from October 23 to 26.

The Beat the Blues programme specifically targets resilience and awareness among young people. Alongside cake

sales and a Dolly Parton Day, Brogan will be involved in jersey days and a cycle-athon.

“I do a lot of work with Aware,” he tells us. “We get asked to do a lot of charity work as footballers, and I try and do as much as I can.

“I took a conscious decision a couple of years ago to pick a charity that resonated with me and try to give real value, rather than just jumping into a picture and that. To try and get in there and help them on a real level.”

Off season, it seems, is the time for another kind of busy.

“We’ve also been going around a lot of schools with Sam” he tells GazetteSport. “Sam brings an aura travelling around, so it’s been a special few weeks. It’s been a challenge alongside run-

ning my own business.

“It’s more or less a full time job over three or four months. I still remember when Sam was brought in to me in 1995 in primary school. Those memories stay with you forever, and we’re very conscious of that.

“I never thought I’d be the next one bringing it around, as I was only a nipper back then. It was a long time waiting for Dubs, but that makes it so much more special.”

We asked Brogan to reflect on the county football’s issues of the day, and found him pragmatic. “We don’t feel sorry for Mayo, and I don’t think they’d want us to,” he argues of Dublin’s perennial nearly-men rivals.

“T he way they’ve changed their manager shows they feel they can

Bernard Brogan gets pampered by Peter Mark’s staff Louise Keaveney, Sharon O’Rourke and Aine Curley at the Petermarkathon launch. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall

add more. A minute longer and they might have pipped us in that semi.”

As for the talk of moving Dublin out of Croke Park, Brogan’s open to the concept, emphasising control being outside of the team’s hands: “I’ve never actually

individual awards again, but he’s quick and charitable in passing credit to his teammates.

“Personal awards are always nice,” he admits.

“I won back in 2010, and we didn’t win the All-Ireland that year, so it was a slightly lonely experience.

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

‘Sam [Maguire] brings an aura travelling around. I still remember Sam being brought to my school in 1995’ - Bernard Brogan --------------------------------------------------------

played a game outside Croke Park in the championship. We play league away games and with our clubs. The fans love a trip. I was on the bench last time Dublin played outside Croke Park in the championship in Longford and the atmosphere was electric. We’re players, though, and we’ll play wherever we’re put.

It’s a commercial thing I presume.”

Any potential split for Dublin is given shorter shrift, with Brogan arguing “a bit of success in Dublin is always talked up a bit. If we win 10 in a row, we’ll listen to the argument.”

Brogan is on record as having surprised even himself with the quality of his Dublin performances this year. Vital points and a glut of goals have seen him up for

You’d definitely take Sam over it, but it’s a great honour.

“It’s great to have Jack McCaffrey and Philly McMahon alongside me. Jack’s phenomenal; he’s really bought a new energy and power to our game. Philly as well. They do all the work, I just have to be on the end of it, you know?”

As for next year? “In early January we’ll get the boys back in together and work out how we go again and build on this year.

“There are a lot of young lads. Dublin under age has been quite successful the last few years, so we’re expecting a few new faces, as well as Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello pushing on.

“We need the competition. We still have great motivation as a team. And great expectations.”

FastSport

McKinley starts campaign for Irish clearance to play FORMER Leinster out half Ian McKinley is at the heart of a new campaign to allow rugby players to compete while wearing goggles in Ireland.

McKinley signed for Italian club Zebre this September, having transferred from Viadana in the Italian league.

Zebre play in the Pro 12 alongside the Irish provincial sides, and when it came time for the Italian club to line out against Connacht in Galway last Saturday, October 16, McKinley was told he would not be able to wear his protective goggles by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Twenty-four rugby unions have been participating in a trial of on-field goggles since January 2014, with every top 10 nation taking part with the exception of England, France and Ireland.

The IRFU has told McKinley he can’t compete in his goggles on Irish soil, though he will be able to take to the field against Connacht in the return leg in Zebre’s hometown of Parma.

McKinley, who spent his formative years at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, was playing for Leinster in 2010 when a teammate accidentally placed a stud in his left eye during a ruck, causing him to lose all sight in that eye.

He continued to play professional rugby, but suffered what he believes was deliberate gouging in the other eye in two All Ireland league matches, leading him to fear for his wellbeing.

As a result, McKinley played a central role in pioneering the sports goggles he now wears, alongside a team at the National College of Art and Design. They are now worn by several professional players in trial nations.

“In the longer term, I am hoping that this campaign will demonstrate that it is possible to resume a sports career at the highest levels, despite having suffered a serious injury,” McKinley said of his new petition, which targets both the IRFU, and World Rugby.

He hopes that the IRFU will voluntarily join the trial, and that World Rugby might require blanket acceptance.

“I’m also hoping that this will show those who are concerned about safety standards in rugby that there are workable solutions to ensure players at all levels can safely enjoy the game.”

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: gormley reflects on maiden season at stradbrook

Hockey Olympian David Judge dies aged 79 DAVID Judge, one of the giants of Irish hockey, passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday afternoon following an incredible life in the sport.

During his career, the long-time Killiney resident played 124 times for Ireland between 1957 and 1978, a time when international matches were far more scarce than the modern era.

Indeed, he played in over 90% of the fixtures available including the 1978 World Cup and first two editions of the European Cup. A determined defender, he would also captain Ireland over 30 times.

The pinnacle of his playing career came when he, along with Harry Cahill, became one of very few Dubliners to play hockey in the Olympic Games, lining out for Great Britain in Tokyo in 1964.

He was allowed to do so by a quirk in the rules, a grand-parent ruling of sorts that allowed him to qualify for GB – while also playing for Ireland – as they were British passport holders before to the formation of the Irish state.

He would later joke that he had some difficulty explaining to the Queen how he and Cahill came to be in Buckingham Palace at a homecoming lunch in the Long Gallery.

His debut came in Inverness after an overnight cattle boat to Glasgow and then an allday bus for 70 minutes of hockey, 0-0. Later that season, he played Holland and South Africa in Holland as part of the first team to fly to an international match.

1970, though, saw a seismic shift with the berth of the European Cup in Brussels, introducing increased tournament hockey and squad systems.

He fondly remembered the Santander Tournament where both Spain and Great Britain were defeated and the camaraderie at the World Cup qualifier in Rome, qualifying for the World Cup in Argentina.

It was the last one to be held on grass. On St Patrick’s Day, at the Hurling Club, before their fixture against the hosts, Judge and his team mates had to push start their team bus.

The Olympics, though, was another level, something he would later say of that the “competitive atmosphere in the village was electric.”

Cabinteely FC walking out for their first league match in the SSE Airtricity First Division at Stradbrook

Cabo end eighth in LOI debut  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

CABINTEELY FC ended their first ever season of League of Ireland football last Friday night with 3-1 defeat at the hands of Athlone Town last Friday night in Stradbrook.

The defeat means Cabo finished bottom of the Airtricity First Division but despite that, it’s been a season with plenty of positive and most importantly, one to build upon for the future.

Speaking to GazetteSport after the final game, Cabinteely manager Eddie Gormley is proud of his player’s efforts and

is already looking ahead to next season.

“Obviously it’s not ideal finishing bottom,” said Gormley. “But I think if you look at the time-scale we had at the start of the season to get a squad together, the players did a very good job and were competitive throughout the season.”

Cabo were certainly no whipping boys in the division. Of the 18 defeats suffered, 11 were by a single goal and their final tally of 20 points is the highest of any bottom placed side since 2010 (bar Salthill in 2012, who also finished on 20).

“We took points off

cross country Hargreaves leads home field in Phoenix Park dsdac’S Brandon Hargreaves led home

the field to win the senior men’s 8km race at the autumn open cross country in Phoenix Park last weekend.

Hargreaves was first across the line in 25.36 and was happy with his performance as he builds towards the U-23 race at the European Cross Country Championships in Hyeres, France on December 13

Picture: Tomas Greally/Sportsfile

every team in the division bar UCD, beat Wexford, the league champions, on the opening day and realistically should have took more points off them in the season,” Gormley added.

While the club’s focus this season was completely on youth, both with the players they signed from the start and the one’s now representing their underage teams in the new national leagues, Gormley was asked when he will start planning for 2016.

“I think that started about two months ago to be honest,” he answered.

“When you’re a manager

you always have to be planning ahead so we’ve already start looking at ways to improve. “ We ’ ve c o n t a c t e d a number of clubs to enquire about a few possible loan signings and looking closely at our own underage sides as well as other avenues.”

The introduction of even one or two more experience League of Ireland players would surely improve the side greatly as inexperience has seen the current crop squander one or two leads this season. Although the manager agrees with that logic, he insists the timing has to be right for the

club to take that step.

“When we started, we made it clear we were all about providing a platform for young players, from our underage teams, the local area, and further afield to play senior football on a national level,” he said.

“Naturally you would like to push it on, but the club might not be in the position to do that just yet.

“We don’t want to be a club who comes in, goes gung-ho for success for a couple of years and then disappears. I’m sure we will take that step-up eventually, but the timing has to be right.”

22 October 2015 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

minor championship

Crokes run comes to an end at Brigid’s hands

Club Noticeboard Cuala

kilmacuD Crokes bowed out of the minor A hurling championship at the semi-final stage on a narrow 2-11 to 1-11 scoreline last weekend at O’Toole Park.

Brigid’s held their nerve in the second period after they had amassed a 1-6 to 1-3 lead in the face of a Crokes’ onslaught.

But a Brigid’s goal punctured that momentum and they ran up three points of their own to carry the day.

OUR senior footballers beat St Mary’s

Earlier in the day, our U-15s won

(S) in Dalkey on Saturday evening in

the Division 2 shield final by beating

the quarter-final of the senior B foot-

Raheny 3-9 to 1-3 in Meadowvale while

ball championship.

the U-13s overcame Castleknock by a

They will play Round Tower (C) in the semi-final in a repeat of last season’s

ship in Phoenix Park.

Division 2 promotion final. On Sunday

Minor hurlers drew with Naomh

morning, our second footballers beat

Fionnbarra 2-17 to 3-14 in the B cham-

Crumlin in AFL5 in Hyde Park while

pionship quarter-final in Shankill last

our thirds drew with St Finian’s (S) in

Sunday.

AFL8.

camogie: dalkey club edge out whitehall

point to win the Division 2 champion-

Hard luck to our U-16 hurlers who

It was a brilliant weekend for Cuala

lost the A championship final to Bal-

camogie with three championship

lyboden on Saturday afternoon. This

final wins out of three. The adult team

bunch of lads has made huge progress

battled brilliantly for a two-point win

this year and we look forward to them

over Whitehall in an epic

playing minor next year where many

Division 5 championship final win on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix Park.

more trophy opportunities await.

This week’s Cuala lotto jackpot will

Onwards and upwards for Cuala

be €2,900. Our lucky dip winners last

adult camogie in their first year play-

week were Linda Gibson and Debo-

ing at this level a championship win is

rah Byrne. Buy your tickets online at

an achievement to be very proud of.

http://www.cualagaa.ie/lotto.

Shankill THE juvenile academy sponsored by

please check with your team manag-

O’Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill is tak-

er for details. Our U-8s football team

ing a mid-term break and will be back

travelled to Ballyfermot De La Salle.

in action on Saturday, November 7 in

The girls U-11s travelled to St Mary’s,

Shanganagh Castle at 10am, catering

Saggart and the girls’ U-9 had a home

for four- to eight-year old boys and

match against Naomh Jude. The U-12

girls.

boys football team lost by a point to

Learn the skills of Gaelic football, hurling and camogie in a safe and fun The Cuala camogie side who won the Division 5 championship title

Cuala’s dream return to the camogie scene

senior 5 final Cuala 1-10 Whitehall Colmcilles 1-8  sport@dublingazette.com

CUALA enjoyed a day to remember as their camogie squad won the Dublin Division 5 championship in their first year back in adult camogie.

This season they returned to the fray with two squads, the other operating at Division 7 level, with the Division 5 group lining out with an average age of just 17.

Both Cuala and Whitehall had come through their groups and semi finals unbeaten but had

not played each other at this grade, making it a step into the unknown for both.

Whitehall started much stronger as the Cuala girls showed some early nerves. However, Cuala worked very hard to stay in the game without playing their finest camogie, to ensure that Whitehall’s early goal remained the difference through to the half time break.

S o m e t e a k- t o u g h defending and brave goalkeeping kept Cuala in it with points from play and frees being traded.

Cuala used the halftime break to remind

themselves that they had much more in them than the first half had showed and they re-emerged with determination.

Cheered on by a large and noisy Cuala support, for which the players and management are very appreciative, the southsiders got into their stride in the second half and started showing the quality and brand of camogie they had demonstrated throughout the year – fast flowing and dynamic play was soon converted to scores, with the Cuala midfield and half forward line beginning to dominate and the workrate of

the inside forwards setting the tone for the rest of the team.

Some more last ditch defence was again called for as a gallant Whitehall side rallied in the last 10 minutes, but Cuala ran out two-point winners in what was a titanic tussle played in a great spirit by both sides. The full squad of 21 players had each played a big part through the group and playoff stages.

Most of the championship winning team are eligible for the minor camogie championship which will be run off during November.

Clontarf and we await the final league positions.

environment. If you would like your

The men’s adult football team is

child to join the academy or any of our

taking a short break before training

teams just come along on the day and

resumes in preparation for the new

have fun with your friends, there are

season. New players are always wel-

no trials, no selection processes and

come; contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

no annual subscription. The cost is

For more information, contact sec-

only €2 for each child.

retary.shankill.dublin@gaa.ie or 086

Training for the boys U-12 and girls

3215087.

U-9 and 11-year-olds is in the Castle

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

on Saturday at 10am when there is no

Join Shankill GAA Club. Your commu-

match.

nity, your family friendly GAA Club

The Wednesday night training is in the process of moving indoors so

where you’re not just a number and everybody knows your name.

Kilmacud Crokes WELL done also to our U-15A hurlers

ates going down to CBC by the mini-

who overcame Lucan in the league

mum margin but a great performance.

semi-final winning 3-11 to 0-12. They

Congratulations to our U-13 camogie

now face Ballyboden in the league

on winning their final defeating St Fin-

final.

ian’s.

Well done also to the U-13 hurlers

Congratulations to the U-14 cam-

with the A team who topped Division

ogie team who won the county shield

1 and the two B teams have finished

after beating Raheny. Hard luck to

first and fourth in Division 4.

the U-16 camogie team who lost out in

Hard luck to the minor hurlers who lost to St Brigid’s, 1-11 to 2-11, in the championship semi-final on Sunday.

their match.

Our adult football league Division 5 team lost out narrowly by two points

Hard luck also to the senior camogie

in their league playoff to Round Tow-

team who lost to Ballyboden, 1-10 to

ers of Lusk. Excellent performance

4-5, in their championship final.

through-out the season to get them-

Heartbreaking for our intermedi-

selves to this stage.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 28-31

The year in review: Cabo boss Eddie Gormley looks back on maiden League of Ireland season P30

october 22-28, 2015

Killester in flying form: Double basketball delight for north Dublin outfit P28

The Foxrock Cabinteely senior panel

Foxes look to crack Shels With a treble already under their belt, Foxrock Cabinteely are on the hunt for a fourth title in 2015 to cap a perfect 10-year anniversary

 james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely senior football side will come up against old adversaries in Wexford champions Shelmaliers in the Leinster club enior semi final.

It comes off the back of a high-pressure match with local rivals Kilmacud Crokes seeing the south Dublin side come out as emphatic 3-15 to 0-2 winners.

The two sides had agreed before the match that the game would be played as a double header, replacing both the delayed Division 1 League and Cup final games they were due to play. As a result, the win saw Foxrock Cabinteely simultaneously lift both trophies on the

evening of October 15.

“We didn’t tell the players about the amalgamation of the competitions until an hour before the game,” manager Pat Ring told GazetteSport.

“We didn’t want to add to the pressure.

We have a great young side this year, and we needed the competition of this game. It was highly competitive, and the scoreline really isn’t reflective of the game itself.”

Fox Cab will now travel to Wexford to face Shelmaliers, a side it is clear Ring has a lot of respect for. The Wexford team saw off his side by a single point to win the Leinster Championship back in 2012.

“They’re an even stronger side now,” Ring explains, “but I feel we are, too. We’ve had a lot

of young players come through the ranks, and they’ve all had game time. But we can’t look beyond Shelmaliers. It’s a really tough game.”

Recent successes for the club, according to Ring, come off the back of a focus on “specialisation” specifically on women’s GAA, a strategy adopted largely because the club is based between twin powerhouse clubs Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala.

“We’re 10 years old this year, and expectations were high even at the start because of the people involved,” Ring recalls. “We probably expected 200-300 people involved and some junior success. To have 500 and senior success after just 10 years is fantastic, and a tribute to dedicated volunteers and community links.

“We looked at our demographic, and found

a way to make the club work. We now have five girls in the Dublin senior panel, and 16 girls competing for Dublin across all grades.

“Dublin Ladies captain Sinead Goldrick has won two All-Star awards, and is up again this year. We’re not elitist, though. It’s important to us that the club is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

“We’ll just be celebrating with a few club events leading up to Christmas.” Ring tells us, “winning the triple [Foxrock Cabinteely also took the Championship back in August] was its own celebration.”

The Shelmaliers game will take place in Wexford on October 24 in Wexford, with Foxrock Cabinteely planning on running a number of buses to the game for supporters.