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School build is delayed to 2018  emma nolan

THE long-awaited primary school in Goatstown/Stillorgan that is due to open next September will now have to wait until 2018 for its new premises to be built.

In the meantime, the school – which is still set to open next September – will be housed in temporary accommodation until the new premises begins construction in 2018.

A spokesperson for Minister of

Education Jan O’Sullivan told The Gazette: “It is very common that new schools will open and begin to enrol pupils in temporary accommodation while construction of a permanent building proceeds.”

Cllr Barry Saul (FG) said: “The issue of the new school seems to have been managed very poorly, with the department only asking the council to look for a site in the last few weeks.”

Full Story on Page 4

Sharing sadness: Carrickmines orphans meet President Higgins MICHAEL and Thomas Connors’

faces said more than words could say when they met President Michael D Higgins recently. With confusion and sadness etched on their faces, the little boys were among the survivors of the Carrickmines fire tragedy who were formally received at Aras an Uachtarain,

where President Higgins echoed the national mood in offering his condolances. Donations to the victims’ families can be made through St Vincent de Paul, either over the phone, by cheque or online with a reference to the Carrickmines Fund in the message box provided at www.svp.ie. Picture: Maxwell Photography

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

environment Groups work way down River Dargle’s banks

350 trees planted for butterflies  emma nolan

MARLEY Grange residents rolled up their sleeves last Saturday as they got stuck in and planted 350 trees along the banks of the River Dargle to create a natural haven for the rare Brimstone butterfly.

Members of The Marley Grange Residents’ Association, Cabinteely Tidy Towns, Ludford Area Residents’ Association, local school children and their parents, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council assistant environment awareness officer Dean

Eaton and Cllr Barry Saul (FG) all turned out for the project.

Australian ecologist Dale Treadwell brought his expertise on the day, that saw 25 volunteers turn out.

Treadwell told The Gazette: “We got 350 trees in the ground in all, over half of which [were best placed] for the Brimstone butterfly.

“Planting was along two sides of the River Dargle to, hopefully, in the future act as a wildlife corridor along the river, filling in the spaces between already existing mature clumps of trees

and widening the areas of those mature clumps by adding an understory of shrubbery planting.”

As well as increasing the Brimstone butterfly’s range in Ireland, the extra trees – which included alder buckthorns, oak, ash and pine – are essential for pollution control.

Benefits of a tree A recent study by the University of Calcutta listed the benefits that a 50-year-old tree provides during the course of its lifetime. This includes €30,000-worth of oxygen, €60,000-wor th

of pollution control, €35,000-worth of water cleaning and, of course, their natural beauty.

Speaking on the day, Marley Grange Residents’ Association biodiversity coordinator Mary Connolly said: “The day was a great success with lots of digging and plenty of chat and exercise. Looking forward to spring and lots of butterflies!”

Pupils from Newpark Comprehensive Blackrock, St Gerard’s in Bray, Mount Anville Junior Montessori School and Our Lady’s National School in Balinteer turned out to help plant the trees for what is the first of four biodiversity projects planned by the council.

The council’s Eaton told The Gazette that the next four are planned for next year and include planting a native fruit tree orchard in Shankill, implementing a polli-

Ella O’Connell and Sophie Metchette help An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul, plant a tree by the River Dargle. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

nator-friendly estate in Kilcross, and the Brent Geese Project, which will see the Blackrock College campus being made more naturefriendly.

He said: “Though we only have this tiny area within Marley Grange, the intention is to create more of these little butterfly habitats throughout the Dun LaoghaireRathdown.”

He added that the project gives the community “a nice focus, and an opportunity to take action for a meaningful project that supports nature. Our impacts on the local environment focuses people’s minds on what we can do to mitigate the issues of climate change on a larger scale.”

Speaking at the event, Cllr Saul said: “It’s won-

derful to see community groups taking an active interest in our natural heritage, and the Marley Grange Residents’ Association should be congratulated for their efforts.

“I’m also pleased that so many volunteers have made it here today to work closely with staff from the council’s parks and environment departments on this project.”

Beacon Sandyford signs €20m deal  emma nolan

SANDYFORD’S private Beacon Hospital has signed a €20m contract in a partnership with technology company GE Healthcare to provide the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging and scanning equipment in the country.

GE Healthcare are providers of affordable transformational medical technologies and services

who aim to help medical professionals deliver the best possible healthcare to their patients.

Karl Blight, GE Healthcare’s general manager for Northern Europe, said: “It’s a pleasure to partner with Beacon’s clinicians as they continue to improve the quality and speed of their diagnoses with the help of GE technology.”

The Beacon Hospital is one of the most advanced hospitals in Europe.

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

Having treated 100,000 patients last year, the Beacon provides acute care services, including orthopaedics, cardiology, vascular surgery and comprehensive cancer care.

All existing imaging equipment at the hospital is set to be upgraded with next-generation scanners. As well as providing high-quality diagnostic scans, the equipment will radically improve patient experiences.

Dr Ronan McDermott, consultant radiologist at the Beacon, said: “We aim to provide the best possible experience and outcome for our patients on their visit to Beacon radiology.”

The new suite of scanners will enable all imaging departments – including MRI, CT, mammography, X-ray and ultrasound – to produce high-quality images, helping the Beacon’s clinicians to diagnose the condition of a patient as soon as possible.

Dr McDermott said: “Radiological science is at the cutting-edge of medical practice and technological advances are taking place all the time.

“By entering into a managed equipment solution contract with GE, we are ensuring that radiology in Beacon Hospital remains stateof-the-art.”

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

community

award: woman ‘felt like rose of tralee’ with her national title win

Seasonal bazaar to delight

Rathfarnham local is top care giver  emma nolan

A WOMAN from Rathfarnham has been named Top Care Giver in Ireland.

Jean Bennett from Nutgrove Avenue said she “felt like she won the Rose of Tralee” when she was awarded the prestigious title by home care providers Comfort Keepers, in recognition of her work with older people in South Dublin.

Speaking on her win, she told The Gazette: “I was shaking; I couldn’t believe it when they called my name.”

Having worked for Comfort Keepers for seven years, and in a nursing home prior to that, Bennett believes

she has found her calling, even though she started a little later than planned.

“I always wanted to be a nurse but after school, I went to work in a factory.

I see my career in caring as a dream job. Being a good carer involves having an understanding for older people and having an interest in them as individuals.

“It’s not always the case, but it often happens that these skills come with maturity, and the best carers are those aged over 35,” she said.

Bennett works parttime over six days each week and also covers for emergency calls too.

Most of her appointments with clients, who

require varying levels of care, last one hour and others are for part of the day.

However, she told The Gazette she always ends up staying and having a chat and a laugh with her clients, who she gets to know really well and is made very welcome.

“I always end up staying longer, I’m made to feel like part of the family.”

Bennett enjoys meeting people, listening to their stories about their lives, their history and their memories.

She enjoys looking after other people, cleaning their house, helping them with personal care if they need it and simply having a cup of tea and a chat.

 aisling kennedy

Remember us, Santa! Girls give Mr Claus a great welcome to Nutgrove SANTA Claus is busy visiting lots of places at the moment to check who’s naughty or nice, but Alexandrina Meriacre and Nicoleta Gavril made sure he’d remember them at Nutgrove Shopping Centre recently. The girls had some lovely smiles to greet Mr Claus, whose arrival at the busy centre was a cause of great celebration in a fun-filled day that was particularly great for children. Elves, facepainters, balloon modellers and a DJ really set the festive tone, while Rathfarnham Fire Brigade proudly escorted the man in red to the centre doors, where he can be found at his grotto.

A CHRISTMAS bazaar will take place at Rathfarnham Quaker Meeting, 62 Crannagh Road, Rathfarnham, on Saturday, December 5 from noon to 3pm.

The bazaar will feature stalls that will be selling antiques and collectables, cakes and savouries, books, DVDs and CDs, fresh fruit and vegetables and Christmas gifts and plants.

For children, there will be face-painting, a puppet show at 1.30pm, magic shows at 12.30 and 2.30pm, and an opportunity to decorate gingerbread people.

Delicious refreshments will also be served on the day. All are welcome to pop in.

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

education Wait continues for Goatstown/Stillorgan facility

School delayed till September 2018  aisling kennedy

THE long-awaited new primary school in Goatstown/Stillorgan that is due to open next September will now have to wait until 2018 for its premises to be built.

In the meantime, the school – which is still set to open next September – will be housed in temporary accommodation until the new premises begins construction in 2018.

A spokesperson for Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan told The Gazette that: “It is very common that new

schools will open and begin to enrol pupils in temporary accommodation while construction of a permanent building proceeds.

“In the ordinary course of events, this sees an intake of junior infants each September so that when a school is ready to move to its permanent location, there are perhaps first class, senior infants and junior infants attending the school and occupying the new building.”

He added that opening the school in temporary accommodation also ensures that the school

establishes roots in a community and that the principal and staff form a good working relationship.

“It also means the board of management can, among other things, have an input into the construction project for the permanent accommodation.”

The location of the temporary premises has not yet been established as the patronage of the school will need to be determined first.

T he spokesperson said that the first step to establishing where the temporary accommoda-

tion will be based is to determine the patronage for the new school.

“As the patron has to be consulted on the location of the temporary accommodation, this needs to be established first, but the Department will in the interim assess the available options.”

The new primar y school in Goatstown/ Stillorgan has been at the centre of confusion since Minister O’Sullivan first announced plans for it in February.

As previously reported in The Gazette in September, the Department of Education had up until a few weeks ago failed to contact Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council to ask them to source a new site for the school.

The council confirmed to The Gazette this week, however, that an assessment for a new site is currently under way.

A council spokesperson said: “The Department of Education and

A spokesperson for Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan (above) said: “It is very common that new schools will open and begin to enrol pupils in temporary accommodation while construction of a permanent building proceeds”

Skills has written to the council requesting that we arrange for an assessment of the locality of Goatstown/Stillorgan to determine some viable site options that could possibly facilitate a new primary school in that area.”

On the news that the new primary school will

Family fun with Stinky McRinky  aisling kennedy

THE Mill Theatre in Dundrum has a range of Christmas shows and performances coming up next month.

The Gazette’s pick this week is the show, Stinky McRinky Steals Christmas, which is about a little girl called Judy who wishes for some fun and adventure in her life. In a whirlwind of magic, thrills and spills, Judy gets swept along through the scary woods, where the oddest things happen.

The show is set in a madcap and zany world

of adventure, song and dance, with Judy, the wonderful Dame Dolly Mount, the hilarious Scarecrow Sam, the best Santa ever and the one and only Stinky McRinky – the villain everyone loves.

McRinky is a super criminal who has escaped from a very long “time out”, with a plan to try to steal Christmas ...

The show will run from December 8 to December 31, and tickets are priced from €10-€12, or €40 for a family of four.

For further information, see www.milltheatre.ie.

be located in temporary accommodation for the next two years, Cllr Barry Saul (FG) said: “I welcome the Minister’s updates with regard to a school in the Goatstown area. Schools in the area are facing increasing pressures from new applicants.

“However, I am calling

on a review of how school sites are announced and planned for.

“The issue of the new school seems to have been managed very poorly, with the department only asking the council to look for a site in the last few weeks, despite making an announcement nearly a year ago.”

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

community Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown girls share national awards stillorgan Book on the area’s rich past

Golden memories for Guides  emma nolan

SOME 22 Irish Girl Guide (IGG) members from Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Rathgar, Ballyroan, Whitechurch and Dun Laoghaire were among a record number of girls to receive Irish Girl Guides’ gold awards at a special ceremony held in the Gresham Hotel last Saturday.

Aged 14 to 15, the winning girls were chosen from 140 Guides who travelled from all across Ireland hoping to receive the prestigious gold award in recognition of their successful accomplishment of a number of challenges.

These included service to their local community, improving health and fitness, developing a variety of interests and acquiring

new life-skills.

Cllr Janice Boylan (SF), who was deputising for Dublin’s Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF), presented the awards to the girls, who she described as “impressive young women” as each Guide was given a certificate and gold award pin from IGG president Maureen Dillon.

Over the course of the past year, each recipient has worked hard on her own initiative and, in doing so, demonstrated self-motivation, commitment and enthusiasm.

The girls partook in optional activities ranging from public speaking and woodwork to taking part in Fairtrade and cultural awareness projects.

The girls also spent time working with younger IGG members, serving as

leaders with the younger IGG members, Brownies (aged 7 – 10) and Ladybirds (aged 5 – 7).

Speaking on the girls’ dedication to the IGG and their accomplishments, Cllr Boylan said: “They have clearly developed a wide range of vital life-skills as well as a keen social conscience, which I am sure they will continue to use for the good of their local communities and to the benefit of wider society.

“The future of this country is in safe hands with young women like these at the helm and any organisation that instils confidence in young women gets a big thumbs up from me.”

The winning girls from Dublin South are part of the IGG’s rich history which began with the first

 aisling kennedy

Rathfarnham Guides Kate McConnell and Virginia Tozer with their leader, Heather Bowen, pictured at Irish Girl Guides’ gold award ceremony in the Gresham Hotel with Cllr Janice Boylan (SF) and Irish Girl Guides’ president Maureen Dillon

unit in Harold’s Cross in 1911.

Their motto, “Be Prepared”, is applied by Guides to all aspects of life and the gold awards recognise their achievements along the way.

IGG president Maureen Dillon echoed Cllr Boylan’s word of praise. She said: “We are extremely proud to recognise the achievement made by our members receiving their Gold

Awards today.

“It is a celebration of their hard work and commitment to their local communities and to becoming confident and responsible citizens of the wider world.”

THE tenth anniversary edition of Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society’s journal will be launched on November 26 in Glenalbyn Sports Club at 8pm, with all welcome to attend.

Priced €7, the book will also be on sale in the Stillorgan village shopping centre on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19.

The book showcases memories and stories of local people and places, some local poets, stories of the 1916 Rising, articles about Irish women and men in the Great War, reports of society activities during the past year, and lots more.

See www.kilmacudstillorganhistory.ie.

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

fundraise Take to the hills for a run

schools Teenage Templeogue pianist plays his way to national title

A noteworthy win for Eoin  aisling kennedy

 aisling kennedy

THE Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team (DWMRT) are holding a fundraising event this weekend on Saturday, November 28.

The event, which is entitled Run The Line, will see up to 500 people take part in a run that has two separate routes to cater for runners’ different levels of ability.

All money raised will go towards the life-saving work the DWMRT do as they help people in need of assistance in the hills and mountains around Dublin and Wicklow.

People will be gathering for the run from 9am at Lamb Doyle’s car park. For further information, see www. runtheline.ie.

EOIN Fleming from Templeogue has won the Fr Frank Maher Classical Music Awards 2015 for his exemplary skills playing the piano.

Fleming (17), who is a sixth-year student in St MacDara’s Community College, Templeogue, competed against seven other finalists from around Ireland to take home the coveted title.

The competition took place at the Royal College of Physicians recently with the top prize of a bursary of €3,000 to help further the winning student’s musical career.

Fleming performed two pieces for the judges of the competition: Nocturne Op 27 No 2 by Frederic Chopin,

and Piano Sonate No 2 Op 36 by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

H e s p o ke t o T h e Gazette and said he was delighted to win the bursary competition.

“This is the first big bursar y competition I’ve ever entered and I was delighted to win. I plan to put the €3,000 towards the fees of the college I want to attend next year. “ My d r e a m i s t o attend the Shenandoah University of Virginia in the USA to study under Dr John O’Conor, who is professor of piano there.

I hope to audition shortly and, if I’m successful, then I will use my prize money to go towards my fees and costs,” he said.

Playing the piano is a very important part of Fleming’s life and he

practises a minimum of two hours every day.

He first began playing the piano at the age of five, and his love for it has continued to grow all throughout his life.

“I play every day – I never miss a day. It’s very important to me,” he said.

His passion for music runs in the family, as his father, Sean Fleming, is principal bass trombone with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, while his mother, Anne, plays and teaches violin, and his brothers, Marcus and Stephen, are also involved in music.

In June, Fleming was one of only 23 students in the world selected to compete at the inaugural Van Cliburn Junior International Piano competition at For t

Award-winning pianist, Eoin Fleming. Picture: Peter Houihan

Worth, Texas.

Fleming maintains that he will continue to enter bursary competitions this year alongside studying for his Leaving Certificate exam, given

his dream of attending Shenandoah University of Virginia.

“These competitions mean so much to me because it means I can further my education. It

will be a huge challenge to raise the money I need that will go towards paying for the college fees and flights and everything. I will do my best to achieve it,” he said.

don’sdublin How the wandering College of Physicians finally found its home at No 6, Kildare Street IN 1654, Dr John Stearne – who was a professor of medicine in Trinity College – founded what was then called The Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall, with the aim of improving the practice of medicine in Ireland.

Surprisingly, it was originally housed in Trinity Hall – a former prison on what is now Trinity Street.

In June, 1667, a Royal Charter was granted by King Charles II, and this was amended in 1692 as the original charter was considered “insufficient to compass the noble design”.

Sir Patrick Dun was president at

No 6, Kildare Street has many fine architectural and historical details that complement the College of Physicians’s heritage

It was not until 1864 that the

the 1916 Easter Rising.

the time, and he played a very sig-

college had a new home, and the

nificant role in the college’s history.

addition of the Kildare Street Club

sequently elected as a Sinn Fein TD,

racquet court and its conversion

but never took her seat.

He bequeathed his extensive library to the college, which is

into the Corrigan Hall in 1874 made

housed in the building and still in

No 6 one of the city’s most attrac-

Lynn was imprisoned, then sub-

She established St Ultan’s Hospital, Charlemont Street in 1919

use, and when the hospital on Grand tive and interesting buildings.

and received a state funeral when

Canal Street that bore his name

she died in 1955.

1877 saw Elizabeth Walker

was opened in 1812, the college had

Dunbar become the first woman to

its first permanent home in almost

be allowed to practise medicine in

beautiful interiors, and is a popu-

a century.

the British Isles, and Kathleen Lynn

lar city centre venue for confer-

(1874-1955) also made a mark.

ences and weddings.

The college bought the premises at No 6, Kildare Street in 1860,

No 6 is a great building with

She qualified in 1899, was a mem-

but before it could move in a fire

ber of the Irish Citizen Army, and

destroyed the property.

was its chief medical officer during

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

politics Rival candidates bicker over party’s prospects

FG ‘arrogance’ at centre of new row

 aisling kennedy

A WAR of words has erupted between Cllr Josepha Madigan (FG) and her Fianna Fail election candidate counterparts Cllr Mary Hanafin and Cllr Cormac Devlin this week.

The argument came as a result of Cllr Madigan’s remarks that Fianna Fail has effectively ruled itself out of being part of the next government.

Cllr Madigan told The Gazette this week that “comments made by Fianna Fail’s director of elections make it clear that the party has now ruled itself out of being part of the next govern-

ment”.

She added: “Billy Kelleher said that Fianna Fail would ‘probably’ go into opposition if it was not the largest grouping in any new coalition.”

Cllr Madigan, who is running in the new Dublin Rathdown constituency, said this “laid bare Fianna Fail’s lack of ideas and ambition, and should make it clear to voters that they face a stark choice at the general election between a Fine Gael-led government or a Sinn Fein-led one”.

She said: “It is now clear that Fianna Fail has absolutely no interest in entering government after the next election.

Fianna Fail managed to turn the most prosperous period in our country’s history into its deepest recession.

“This Fine Gael-led government has managed to turn the worst recession in the history of the State into Ireland becoming the fastestgrowing economy in Europe; creating more than 135,000 jobs and moving the unemployment rate below 9% for the first time in seven years.”

In response, Fianna Fail’s general election candidate for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cllr Mary Hanafin said: “It is both premature

and presumptuous to decide the result of the next election. The voters will tell us, the candidates, what result they want, what policies they want pursued and what government they want formed.

“There are clearly alliances which would never work and which would be damaging both for the economy and the long-term interests of the country. Fianna Fail will offer alternative policies to the electorate to ensure that the two-tier recovery is rebalanced.”

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF), who is also running in the Dun LaoghaireRathdow n constitu-

Cllr Mary Hanafin (FF) and Cllr Josepha Madigan (FG) are at odds over Fianna Fail’s strategy for the upcoming general election

ency, criticised what he described as “Fine Gael arrogance”.

He said: “It is increasingly clear that Fine Gael expect a coronation of Enda Kenny rather than an actual election.

“I have bad news for

Cllr Madigan – this is a republic, and in Dun Laoghaire, the people will decide who will represent them in the next Dail and who will make up the next government.

“What is clear to me is that Fine Gael is growing

more arrogant and out of touch by the day.

“Fianna Fail will be going to the people with a manifesto for a fairer Ireland, where enterprise is fostered and all of society gets to feel the benefit of any recovery.”

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Jodie Ellis with Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (Ind)

DJ Johnny

Jodie Ellis, Naoise McKeown, Mick Gregory, Liza Brown and Jean Ellis. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

charity: fundraiser for carrickmines families

Deputy Peter Mathews (Ind)

Michelle Southern

A sweet way to help fire victims T

HE community rallied around at Sandyford Community Centre in Lambs Cross recently, with a cake sale in aid of the families of the victims of the recent Carrickmines tragedy.

Organised by Cllr Lynsey McGovern (Ind) with Mick Gregory, the Sandyford Community Centre caretaker and a group of community volunteers, the day saw a steady stream of cakes-deliverers (and cake-eaters) arrive at the centre. Local businesses provided a range of raffle prizes, while several local politicians and community figures also dropped in for a cake and a cuppa, helping to push the total raised to â‚Ź2,235.

Mr Allen and Mary Fitzpatrick

Senator Shane Ross (Ind)

Some of the raffle prizes provided by local businesses

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 11

Linda Clohessy and Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab)

Just some of the many delicious treats at the sale

Haylee McLoughlin

David Burke and Harry McGovern

12 DUNDRUM Gazette 26 November 2015

family fun Celebrating the Christmas season across Dublin



 Tis the Season … 



Dun Laoghaire Christmas festival Dun Laoghaire began its Christmas market last Saturday, November 21 and celebrations will run until Thursday, December 24.

The Christmas festival by the sea is taking place directly opposite the main entrance to the LexIcon Library on the front grounds of the Maritime Museum.

As part of the Christmas market, there will be 20 seasonal wooden chalets hosting a wonderful range of artisan food and craft offerings.

In addition to the Christmas market at the Maritime, the museum will also play host to a number of seasonal concerts, events, children’s ar ts/craf ts/play and magic shows to coincide with market hours.

Santa’s Grotto will also be open from Sunday, November 28 on the first floor of the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre and it will operate on Thursdays and Fridays from 2pm to 6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 7pm.

Tickets cost €10.

For more information see www.dunlaoghaire.ie

Airfield at Christmas A Christmas festival will be held in Airfield Estate in Dundrum over the next month and it will include all things seasonal.

The Overend family home and gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a charming gingerbread village, an enchanted walled garden where Airfield’s



With Christmas just around the corner the Gazette checked some of the best seasonal events from around the city fairies spend their Christmas, giant nutcracker soldiers, and a warm welcome from an elf who will bring small children into see Santa in his cottage.

Santa’s reindeers will also be outside the cottage.

Airfield’s Christmas experience is currently running from now until Tuesday, December 22.

For more information see www.airfield.ie

Blanch The annual Carols

by Candlelight service organised by Blanchardstown Baptist Church will be held at Riversdale Community College on Sunday, December 20 at 6:15pm. The hour-long event will feature special music illuminated by 100 glowing candles.

Complimentary seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards and there will be a creche for children under five years during the event to facilitate families with young children.

For more information, call 085 702 1425 or visit www.bbc.ac.

Draiocht will host its two-day Christmas Craft Fair Extravaganza on Saturday, November 28-29. Patrons can come along and support local crafters enjoy raffle prizes, face painting and hot chocolate; and watch featured Christmas films, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol. The 30 stalls will feature some hand crafted work, including knitting, crochet, baking, jewellery, needlework, wood turning, origami, cards, journals, children’s clothes, buttons, key rings, handbags, photography and much more.

Snow Queen Rosanna Davison and Hannah O’Reilly snuggle up at the launch of

Ryan Curran at the official opening of the inaugural Dun

the Christmas Kingdom in Malahide. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

Laoghaire Christmas Festival. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography

See www.draiocht.ie for more information.

Swords Empire Bar in Swords is hosting a Christmas market at its Babylon club on Sunday, December 6 from 12 noon to 5pm.

Punters will receive warming mulled wine and mince pies on arrival and be treated to the sounds of local carol singers.

Lots of great exhibitors signed up and there will be wreaths and great gifts and stocking fillers and decorations on display such as Manilla Boutique, Country Couture Gifts, Lifetime Toy Company, Crannah Cakes, Gannon Craft, K•L•O Kids Lou Lou Belle and more.

Malahide plays host to the Christmas Kingdom this year at the Marina Green and the Castle.

Along with food and gifts there will be numerous amusements such as merry-go-rounds, vintage carousels, and chair-oplanes.

Other special features include the Polar Express train, a 2,200 square foot ice rink, a Charles Dicken’s themed street, Christmas markets, Rudolf and some real reindeer, elves, Santa and Mrs Claus, the Polar Post Office for sending Santa letters, the tunnel of lights and Christmas Tree Avenue.

The Christmas Kingdom is due to open every weekend from November 20 and every day from December 18 until 23.

Dublin City Dublin is borrowing from New York this Christmas with the I BELIEVE festival at Cus-

tom House Quarter from Thursday, November 26 to Wednesday, December 23.

Inspired by the 82-year tradition behind the world-famous Rockefeller Tree in New York, I BELIEVE will be centred on a 50-foot Christmas tree, donated by Coillte. It will be a festival of food, drink, craft and horticulture, With a focus on supporting Irish businesses, traders, crafts people, producers and charities, A carefully curated selection of the nation’s leading food, drink, craft and horticulture producers will trade in the festive village with exceptional quality and locally sourced products. They will be joined by Dublin’s iconic Clerys Santa who will be relocating his

workshop and elves to the I BELIEVE Christmas Tree and Village for 2015.

For more information visit: www.ibelieveinchristmas.ie/

South Dublin County In Dublin Mid-West this year, Lucan Library is hosting a small craft’s fair for Christmas. They’re currently looking to hear from local businesses and crafts people interested in showcasing their products in the library on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12.

From candles to cakes and everything in between, they’re open to ideas. Contact 01-6216422 or email lucan@sdublincoco.ie for more information.

On Saturday, December 5, St Andrew’s

National School, Lucan are hosting their own Christmas fair, opening at 10.30am. The items for sale during the fair include: toys, bric-abrac, cakes, teas, books, crafts, a raffle and many more. Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance at 11am.

Panto tickets for Beauty and the Beast will also be on sale.

On November 29, a celebration of song in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will take place in St Mary’s Church, Leixlip at 7.30pm. Sopranos Karen Nelson and Annmarie Corcoran will perform on the night, along with Our Lady’s Nativity Parish Choir.

Admission for this event is €12 for adults and €5 for children and can be purchased at the door.

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 13

rte Weekly papers ‘are imperative to the community’

A look into the heart of local newspapers  aisling kennedy akennedy@dulbingazette.com

An RTE documentary centred around how important local newspapers are in the wake of the onset of digital journalism is currently airing on RTE 1.

The producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds, is a strong advocate of the importance of local print having come from a print background himself and said that he believes now, more than ever, local papers are imperative to the local community.

Reynolds spoke to the Dublin Gazette about his documentary, The Local Eye, and said: “Local

papers are part of Ireland’s DNA and they’re absolutely vital and central to who we are as a community and as a society. In the first series we focus on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express which have been family-owned newspapers down through the generations.

“We knew that they were going through very hard times and we wanted to see how these newspapers, which had been around for over 150 years, are surviving.

“We found that absolutely yes they are surviving and we found that there’s a huge affection for them because they

reflect and speak to the communities where people live. We met a very interesting man who was an optician and he put a campaign out on social media for his business.

He said the campaign reached everywhere in the world but that nothing reached the people that he wanted to reach like the local paper.”

Reynolds also found that local papers are central to the local community especially when there is an issue that the community care about.

“There is also a huge range of material in them too with everything from court reports to humour.

The content is what makes it and the secret

is good journalism. The local papers invest in good writers and there’s nothing that can beat that.

“The reason local papers will survive is because they find the extraordinary in the ordinary, they find the wonder in the seemingly commonplace. They look at the detail in a way that you can see where the beauty is whereas in a lot of other media it’s glitz and glam and it just washes over you. They’re at the heart of it, they’re at the heart of human life and existence so I’ve a huge affection for them.”

Reynolds himself began as a freelance journalist for the Irish Times, the

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We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

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B e c a u s e L o c al M a t t e r s

The first series of The Local Eye focuses on the Clare Champion, the Mayo News, and the Munster Express and (inset) the producer behind the series, Gerry Reynolds

Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent.

He went on to win Young Journalist of the Year for a series on crime and he also worked as editor of the Garda Review.

He has worked for RTE for many years but still always takes time to read

his local newspaper.

“I think local papers are doing their very best and I think that as long as they migrate the stories and the brand that they have onto the online platform as well as print they will have a great future.

Over a third of a million

people tuned into our programme over the last few weeks which is huge numbers. So there is an appetite and an interest in local newspapers.”

The Local Eye is currently running every Thursday at 7pm on RTE 1.

14 Gazette 26 November 2015

gazetteGALLERY

The Bugle Babes, whose singing helped to set the classic musical vibe

Ken Stanley and Elaine Heaslip

Mike Hope Panti Bliss and Noel Sutton toast the ball’s success in the fundraising evening ahead. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Helping film workers in vivid technicolour P

With plenty of witty, colourful banter from Ms Bliss, songs from The Bugle Babes, and dance routines from The Dublin Burlesque Dancers, the evening was a lively, upbeat affair, with everyone happy to help film workers who have contributed much to the nation’s cultural coffers.

ANTI Bliss was the inimitable host of the annual fundraising Cinema Ball recently, which was held at the Intercontintal Hotel. Run by the Irish Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, the ball aims to help individuals in the film industry in Ireland who may for one reason or

another, find themselves in need.

Based on the theme of Glorious Technicolour – A Celebration of Movies Musicals, many ballgoers set aside formal, gloomy colours to sport vibrant hues, or accessorised classic ball staples with subtle splashes of colour.

Caroline and Grace Cassidy

Katharine Buckley, Orla King and Laura Nolan

GAZETTE

R1

26 November 2015 GAZETTE 15

DUBLINLIFE

THE BIG INTERVIEW

ALAN HUGHES: TV3 PRESENTER ON HIS BUSY LIFE

Proud to be a full and equal member of Irish society

 IAN BEGLEY

AFTER proposing to his long-time partner on national television recently, TV3’s Alan Hughes says that after years of campaigning for equal rights, he is proud to live in a society where same-sex marriage is now legalised.

As part of this week’s Big Interview, Hughes talks about his impromptu proposal to song/ scriptwriter Karl Broderick, and what it was like to live in Ireland as a gay man when homosexuality was still illegal.

He also discusses his upcoming panto, Beauty and the Beast, the famous 1980s ESB advert he starred in, and his recent health scare.

“Karl was totally stunned when I proposed to him [live on air on TV3’s IrelandAM] because I’m not the type of person who would usually do that sort of thing.

It was totally unexpected, and since the Marriage Bill was signed into law that week I thought it was the right time to do it.

“When we got back to the house, he kept saying: ‘I can’t believe you did that, I can’t believe you did that’, but he was delighted nonetheless.

“We had such a massive civil partnership celebration in 2011, and I don’t think we could ever dream of topping it, but after we finish up with the panto we’ll probably do something quiet in the country.”

Asked about the criticism he received from comic Oliver Callan, who described his public proposal as “crass”, Hughes said he thinks it’s very sad.

“For a man who came out of the closet on national television and who bases his career on television, it doesn’t make any sense as to why Oliver would have a problem with it.

“But I suppose since Mario Rosenstock is getting a new TV show on RTE, he probably feels like he needs to do something to publicise himself.”

The TV3 presenter went onto say that he first met Broderick 23 years ago, when it was still illegal to be gay in Ireland.

“When we first met it was a very different time. I knew people who would walk up and down

the street before heading into a gay bar and enter when nobody was looking.

“Myself and Karl never really went out to places openly as a couple together. It was not as if we were hiding our relationship, it was just the way Irish society was at the time for gay people.

“I remember when I got a job as the presenter of a big Friday night game show called Talk About on RTE, the producer told me not to be doing anything that would come up in the papers.

“He knew that I was gay and I’ve always been very open with people, but Karl wasn’t, so it was

a big learning curve for him at the start going out with someone from TV. “We’ve come on so far in the last 22 years, and now that same-sex marriage is legalised it’s just brilliant. TV3 have always been very tolerant of myself and Karl, and do everything they can to support us,” he said.

Talking about his health scare last year when he was rushed to hospital due to low oxygen levels, Hughes said that it was down to stress and being overworked.

“I’m grand now and don’t let myself get too stressed out. I’ve never cancelled a show in the 21 years I’ve been doing

panto, and I don’t plan on ever doing so.

“The panto is getting on really well this year.

Sales have gone up compared to last year, and I really think it’s going to be a big success.”

Asked about the iconic ESB advert he starred in during the 1980s when he played the part of a young man returning to Ireland to see his mammy, Hughes said that the commercial will most likely stay with him forever.

The Cheerios Panto – Beauty and the Beast, will start in the Tivoli Theatre from December 9 to January 10. Tickets can be purchased at www. panto.ie.

Presenter Alan Hughes (right) shocked his long-time partner Karl Broderick by proposing to him live on air recently

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16 Gazette 26 November 2015

dublinlife

diary

Paul puts in a massive tackle for Barnardos Irish Rugby Hero and Barnardos’ Ambassador Paul O’Connell called on people to dig deep and give children a happy Christmas and a brighter future as he launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently.

Barnardos works with more than 11,300 chil-

dren and families in 40 community-based centres across Ireland, supporting them to achieve their potential in life.

Speaking at the launch, Paul O’Connell said Barnardos is working to give hard-pressed families the Christmas they deserve and the support they need

to change their future “ T h e r e a r e m a ny parents out there who, through no fault of their own, may have to say no to their children this Christmas. Barnardos will use your donation to bring some Christmas magic into the lives of the children they work with

by helping families to make sure they have what they need for a happy Christmas,” he said.

To give your support to Barnardos this Christmas with a donation or toy, visit www.barnardos.ie/ christmas.”

celebrating Trad and Folk music The annual Temple Bar TradFest returns this year for its 11th instalment from January with what organisers are calling a vibrant programme.

The festival line up for January 2016 has been announced and once again includes a programme of Irish and international performers performing in some of Dublin’s most historic venues.

The festival will include the Front Row Sessions, a series of 13 free concerts in the pubs of Temple Bar. TradFest also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents to an international audience. Other elements include TradKids from The Ark, Ireland’s only dedicated Cultural Centre for children, TradFringe embracing many of the cities established cultural venues such as The Irish Film Institute, The Gallery Of Photography, Irish Writers Centre, and The Hugh Lane Gallery. In 2016 TradFest will also host a series of newly commissioned works commemorating 1916.

Irish rugby hero and Barnardos ambassador Paul O’Connell launched Barnardos’ Christmas appeal recently with the help of Molly Kennedy and David McNally

For more information visit: www.templebartrad.com.

Lord of the Flies production Following a hugely successful run earlier this year with their production of To Kill A Mockingbird, Regent’s Park Theatre’s critically acclaimed production Lord of the Flies will visit Bord Gais Energy Theatre from November 24 to 28.

After a group of s c h o o l b o y s s u r v i ve a catastrophic plane crash, what starts as a classic desert island adventure quickly descends into a struggle for survival in a darkly sinister world of superstition and immorality.

William Golding’s 20th century classic explodes onto the stage in this remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre.

This production is directed by Regent’s Park Theatre’s artistic director Timothy Sheader and co-directed by Liam Steel with design

by Jon Bausor, and composition and sound score by Nick Powell.

Tickets for Lord of the Flies are priced from €15 to €45 and can be purchased by visiting

w w w. b o r d g a i s e n e rgytheatre.ie.

see www.nationalgallery.ie.

Hennessy Portrait Prize winner

just who was in the GPO in 1916

The winner of the 2015 Hennessy Portrait Prize was announced last week at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Vera Klute was awarded the prize of €15,000 for her oil canvas painting entitled Anne Ryder and will also receive a commission worth €5,000 to produce a portrait for inclusion in the National Portrait Collection.

The aim of the competition is to showcase and encourage interest in contemporary portraiture and to raise the profile of the National Portrait Collection at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Klute has exhibited widely both in Ireland and abroad and is also currently working towards a solo exhibition in the Molesworth Gallery in 2016.

Of the 260 entrants in the competition this year, 12 were shortlisted by the judging panel and these 12 entries currently have their portraits displayed in an exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland until Sunday February 14, 2016.

For more information

A book which seeks to definitively answer the question of exactly who was in the GPO during Easter Week 1916 was launched recently

by Dublin Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh at City Hall.

“The GPO Garrison Easter Week 1916 - A Biographical Dictionary”, was written by retired Dublin City Council worker and Dublin historian Jimmy Wren following 30 years of painstaking research.

The book contains over 520 names of GPO garrison members, whose ages range from 12-63 years and includes full supporting evidence from many and varied sources.

The amount of people who claimed to have taken part in the action at the GPO during Easter Week could fill a small stadium and this book aims to give a definitive answer to the many claims and counter claims.

From Geography Publications and partlysponsored by Dublin City Council, the book is priced at €25 and is available from all good bookshops.

26 November 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25

food P21

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The Pavilion Theatre: RTE Contempo Quartet presents unique concert experience

Getting the classical treatment  Keith Bellew

Composer Glen Austin and the RTE Contempo Quartet, featuring renowned bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney will present a unique concert experience that unites classical music with Irish rock and pop from the last 30 years, at The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on December 5.

This follows the recent release of an album in the same vein called New Airs, which features classical arrangements of songs such as With or Without You by U2, Run

by Snow Patrol and The

Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy.

Other featured artists include Kodaline, The Script, Enya, and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

The album also introduces new settings of older Irish airs inspired by modern artist’s interpretations such as Sinead O’Connor’s version of She Moved Through the Fair and Luke Kelly’s musical adaptation of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem Raglan Road. Speaking to The Gazette, Austin said that the project is something he had considered doing for a long time as rock

music was his first love before he discovered classical music.

“Adrian Mantu, the director of Contempo Quartet, approached me and said he’d be interested in doing something with rock music and I jumped at the chance. I thought it would be great to explore Irish rock and pop because it had never been done before with classical music,” he said.

He went on to say that deciding which artists to include was quite difficult because there are so many to choose from.

“It’s only the first album and the first concert, we already have ideas for a second and third album.

It was just a matter of making a choice between all this great music.

“Everyone might feel that there’s one or two that could be included, but it won’t be the last album or concert, so if things go well, the plan is to have a second or third edition where we can actually put in those other great artists as well,” he said.

He said that adapting the rock songs and arranging them for the quartet was quite an

RTE Contempo Quartet will be joined by renowned Irish bodhran player Aimee Farrell Courtney and Glen Austin on electonics

undertaking and not one he took lightly.

“When it comes to something like this, the job is not only arranging it but interpreting it for the ensemble. On top of that you also have to try

to be true to the originals themselves, and try to show them in a different light that’s not losing the spirit of the case,” he said.

Despite the apparent gravity with which he approached the arrange-

ment, he said that the project has been a lot of fun, and he and the quartet are looking forward to their first performance.

For more information on the show, visit: www. paviliontheatre.ie/

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 26 November 2015

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Mary Grant AW15 Vintage floral print jersey wrap dress €195

Wrap up this winter!  PEARL PHELAN

MARY Grant hosted a breakfast at her boutique in the Powerscourt Town Centre recently to showcase her current autumn/winter collection.

The store manager, Fiona, baked banana bread for the Suede obi belt €65 occasion and a wonderful spread was laid out on an old wood turner’s bench. Accessories are displayed on beautifully textured cable drum tables in the shop. The warmth of the wholesome bread and respect for craftsmanship reflected in the choice of furniture and are revealing indicators of what the Mary Grant label stands for.

Only the finest materials are selected for use in the manufacture of her garments and knitted pieces are handmade by a family owned company in Italy. You would be very cosy wrapped up in her ribbed cowl, a clever piece which can be pulled down over the shoulders as an alternative to wearing it high on the neck. Not to mention the fine cashmere wrap to keep you chic and warm. But there is another kind of wrap that Mary Grant has on offer, and it is so flattering to all shapes. Check out the wrap tops and dresses made in jersey which falls softly and elegantly.

You can emphasise the waistline by adding an obi belt to flowy dresses, or to smarten up a plain winter coat. What a great way to add a pop of colour to a simple outfit to take you through the festive season!

You can shop online but a visit to the store is a must if you are in town so you can have a feel of the sumptuous materials and get an insight into Mary’s world.

Purple haze cashmere wrap €280

Denim dress with foldover €89

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 JESSICA MAILE

I LOVE DENIM. It’s a love that started in my teenage years even though I grew up in a decade where acid-washed jeans were chic. But in the 21st century, designing with denim has become an actual art form and no one does this better than COS. Forget the winter blues and dream of spring blues instead.

Think simple denim shorts with a crisp, white top or a func-

tional apron dress with a nonconventional drapey denim. The sleeveless all-in-one is the essence of simplicity and a modern must-have. Even the bikini gets the denim treatment with a distorted denim print.

Accent these pieces with luxurious leather shopper or an ice grey nubuck leather sandal.

From raw denim to their clever use of compressed recycled denim in the geometric metal jewellery, COS has reinvented this classic fabric with their fresh, new take on spring essentials.

26 November 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

skiing: find your perfect resort for a winter getaway

Turn dreams of a white Christmas into a reality  Ian Begley

Stylish comfort and luxury in the heart of the city  Ian Begley

I recently enjoyed a one night stay at the stylish four-star Trinity City Hotel, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas light. It’s located right beside Trinity College on Pearse Street.

We stayed in a room which is interestingly part of an original Victorian Fire Station.

The room was very jazzy in style and offered the height of modern comfort, ample velux windows, a smart lounge area and a range of unique artwork.

For the day that was in it we took a trip to the Irish Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street, just a five minute walk down the road. The one-hour tour was a lot more interesting than I expected with visual stories of Irish whiskey through the ages. The highlight of course was a whiskey tasting session and a complimentary Irish coffee at the end.

Coincidentally, the annual Christmas lights were being turned on in Grafton Street on the same day, which was the perfect way to bring the afternoon to a close before we headed back to the hotel for dinner.

Building up a hearty appetite, we feasted on a delectable six-course tasting menu after a few predinner cocktails at the hotel’s front lounge.

We had a cured salmon with horseradish cream and Guinness bread to start, followed by a delicious bowl of wild mushroom and tarragon soup. After a very refreshing champagne sorbet, we dined on a beautiful fillet of pan seared sea bass followed by a very tender cut of lamb. And if that wasn’t enough, the sixth course consisted of a chocolate plate involving a mousse, hazelnut brownie and raspberry sorbet.

Up bright and early the following morning I enjoyed a full Irish breakfast before checking out and heading on my very short commute to work. Just a stone throw away from the capital’s iconic landmarks and venues, Trinity City is certainly a great location for anyone looking for a city retreat.

Rooms start from €119 for two adults sharing, see www.trinitycityhotel.com

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well dream no more as there are many winter ski resorts to choose from this holiday season which offer a fantastic range of festive entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

With Highlife Ski & Snowboard you can spend a family winter vacation in one of three stylish French resorts – Morzine, Meribel or Val d’Lsere.

If a cosy Alpine chalet complete with an open log fire, outdoor hot tub, a sauna and your very own chalet chef sounds good to you, swap the pots and pans, long shopping queues and extended family reunions for a festive chalet.

Your chalet will be transformed into a festive retreat with open fires, sparkling decorations and your very own authentic Christmas tree to get you into the holiday spirit from the moment you arrive.

On Christmas Eve, guests returning from an action-packed day on the slopes will be greeted with warming mulled wine and mince pies fresh out of the oven.

On Christmas morning awake to the sound of crackling log fires and a visit from Santa bearing presents for the kids.

Your very own chalet chef will prepare a delicious breakfast allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones, cherishing the precious moments of unwrapping the gifts from under the tree.

Val d’Isere offers high quality, snow-sure slopes for everyone from complete beginner to veterans

So, turn your dream of a white Christmas into a reality with departures from Dublin on December 20, from €1,120 per adult and €910 per child aged 11 or under for seven nights.

For more information, visit www.highlife.ie, or contact 01 677 1100.

With Crystal Sky Holidays, embrace the holiday season by spoiling yourself and your family with an exciting ski vacation away.

From €460 per person, you can spend one week in the Austrian mountain resort of Mayrhofen with flights leaving on December 19.

Penken and Ahorn are Mayrhofen’s mountains - with 135km of skiing and Austria’s steepest

run, Harakiri, it’s one of the most diverse Alpine resorts.

Mayrhofen’s mountains have a wide variety of more challenging runs and, in the right conditions, some impressive off-piste. Plus, the Vans Penken Park is one of the leading freestyle parks in Europe.

Also in Austria is the Niederau Ski Holiday resort, which is priced from €525 per person for seven nights, with flights leaving on January 9.

Niederau, based in the Wildschonau valley, is picturesque and perfect for both families and beginners, with wide nursery slopes and easy to use drag lifts.

There’s also the excellent 1st Wildschonau Ski

School and a nursery childcare Snowboarders should watch out for a few flat sections and experienced skiers will probably need a little more challenging terrain. The link over to Alpbach opens up the Ski Juwel’s full 145km - all covered by your pass.

If France is more to your taste then from €474 per person you can spend seven nights in the traditional French village Les Carroz, which is located in the world famous Grand Massif ski area.

This resort is made for people who prefer skiing in a homely, more personal setting in comparison to its purpose built neighbour Flaine.

In the middle of Les Carroz you’ll find a pictur-

esque village centre with a small collection of shops, cafes and restaurants. The small scale of the resort means fantastic scenery and beautiful views across the valley that should not be missed.

Accommodation wise, we have different types of self-catering, from reasonably basic to luxury residences with wellness facilities to match.

When it comes to activities there’s plenty on offer, you’ll find toboggan runs, horse-drawn carriage rides and even dog-sledding to fill the hours for non-skiers or in your hours out of the skis. There’s also a resort ice rink.

For more information about these deals, visit www.crystalski.ie.

26 November 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Pat Whelan with the product

Campagne

French restaurant

The Arches, Gas House Lane Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable

The Picky Eater

Whenever I hear Michelin Star, my mind jumps to overly formal, over the top service. I always love the food, mind you, but waiters constantly fawning over you is slightly off-putting.

When I heard about Campagne restaurant in Kilkenny, I was eager to try it as the menu seemed less fussy and less overpriced than some other establishments that hold the coveted star.

When we arrived, those views remained as the restaurant is in a very quiet part of town just below what looks like apartments or an office block.

So far, nothing over the top or ostentatious anyway. Inside the dining room is very comfortable and was absolutely buzzing on a busy Saturday night.

Wood panelling and dark colours on the walls give this place a plush feel and seating was really comfortable.

The maitre d’ was a very friendly lady who took us

through the specials and explained anything that might be unknown to myself and my friend.

After ordering a delicious bottle of Picpoul de Pinet (€30) (a wine that is having a bit of a moment) we jumped straight in to starters.

I went for a fois gras pate layered with a delicious butter served on an autumn fruit jelly and a toasted brioche (€16).

This was absolutely sublime but the outright winner was my pal’s scallop royale, served with Jerusalem artichokes and lobster bisque (€16).

So much thought and time had obviously gone into this outstanding dish and we spent ages trying to figure out how they made it. I won’t spoil the fun and will leave it for you to the same guessing game.

Next up came my mate’s fillet of Hereford beef with glazed mushrooms, spinach puree, ox tongue croquettes and porcini butter sauce

(€32).

From a lady who is considering going vegetarian, she was certainly having fun at the wake and was almost in tears at the thought of what she was about to give up.

My poached turbot (€32) came with a similar sauce and could be eaten with a spoon, it had the perfect texture and taste.

My friend had a glass of ribera del duero (€8.25) with her meat and having lived in Spain for several years, she said it was one of the best she’d sampled outside of Spain.

A stunning side of mash and parsnips went down a treat with both dishes.

We really were not fit for anything more at this point, but seeing a hot chocolate fondant being brought to most tables, we decided this dish was obviously worth trying.

The locals were going mad for it. It was served with vanilla ice cream and glazed cherries (€9) and was certainly worth the longer waiting time.

All in all this was a fantastic experience and it’s well worth the trip to Kilkenny. T here are lots of places to stay in the city, after all it’s a really buzzing place.

We stayed slightly outside in Mount Juliet, which is a stunning old country house hotel.

For more see campagne.ie.

Conclusion Campagne boasts a stylish interior featuring oak flooring, curved banquette leather seating and modern paintings. The emphasis is on high-quality seasonal produce with French influences in a relaxed and comfortable dining area. (5, The Arches, Gas House Lane, Kilkenny. Phone:(056) 777 2858

Superb old-fashioned flavour returns FOR many, beef dripping is something our parents’ parents cooked with and not widely used today. However, James Whelan Butchers has brought this nostalgic delicacy back to the kitchen with their award-winning heritage product that delivers a superb old-fashioned flavour.

Intensely savoury, the beef dripping was awarded Supreme Champion at the Great Taste Awards 2015, receiving high praise from judge and food critic Charles Campion.

Speaking at an event celebrating the beef dripping in Avoca Kilmacanogue, Campion described it as “the simplest of products, that touched the hearts of all the judges”.

Seeing the upsurge of interest in heritage foods and traditional ingredients, Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers, was inspired to create his own beef dripping. With the very best of beef available to him, and with the guidance of his mother, he soon perfected a product that he was proud to share with his customers.

The dripping is produced in Clonmel by Whelan, a fifth generation butcher, and made from the purest suet from grass-fed Irish Angus and Hereford beef. These magical creamy ingots transform roast vegetables and potatoes and makes the most perfectly golden fish and chips.

The product stays fresh for up to six months.

With the festive season just around the corner, a little of James Whelan’s beef dripping will go a long way to adding a depth of flavour to all kinds of dishes - with a higher smoke point than goose fat, it makes the ultimate crispy roast potatoes and paired with butter, delivers the tastiest shortcrust pastry, not to mention simply spread on toast for a seriously nostalgic trip to flavour town. “It’s the taste of my childhood,” said Pat Whelan.

“Our beef dripping is nutrient rich, high in omega-3 acids, clean, pure and carries great flavour, whether for frying a steak, roasting potatoes, or spread onto good bread.”

Available to buy at: Avoca Food Market, Monkstown, County Dublin, Avoca, Rathcoole, County Dublin Avoca, Kilmacanogue, Bray, County Wicklow, James Whelan Butchers, Clonmel, County Tipperary and at jameswhelanbutchers.com

Gazette

22 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Scooter €55

S Em M&

toysfor thekids

ily Bu tton €24

WHETHER it’s your bonnie baby’s very first Christmas, or if you’re looking out for gifts for older children, there’s plenty of great toys to find in the shops as Christmas draws near, with some cutting-edge characters standing head to shoulder, dress to lasergun alongside classic toys.

This week, we’ve selected a range of toys and gifts that are available now from Smyths, ToysRUs, M&S and all good toy retailers nationwide.

Mattel

Monster High Go oli

Mega Bloks 60piece bag set €20

ope €50

All images not to scale

Mattel Barbie Rock & Royal €35

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26 November 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

GIFT GUIDE MOTORING Hasbro My Little Pony Equestria Girls €24.99

Mattel Barnie Malibu Dreamhouse €150

alo book €8 M&S Gruff

Mat Pric tel Fish e g ym toddle er €80 r

al Furre pin’ o r m b Has s My Ju rF iend 72.99 € pug

otel ter H s e h Furc €28.99 bro Has Phoebe g Talkin

Hasb r Intera o Avengers ctive H u Buste r €49 lk .99

Habro Jurassic World Stomp and Strike Tyrannosaurus Rex €57.99

Habro Bop It! Star Wars R2-D2 edition game

Mattel Fisher Price Dance and Move BeatBo €55

Gazette

24 Gazette 26 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTHYSTEPS

HEALTH

health conditions: ‘lack of reliable studies’ to support tests

Testing for food and chemical intolerances

A treatment called Lipiflow helps the meibomian glands produce more oil.

Look into preventing the causes of dry eye THE condition known as dry eye – which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, due to inadequate tear secretion – is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition most often caused by over-exposure. Those most at risk ------------------------

‘Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less’ ------------------------

are people who spend many hours in front of the computer.

Given the ever increasing numbers of people who spend long periods in front of a computer screen for work or leisure, or often both, more and more people are likely to be affected.

We tend to blink maybe 7/8 times per minute, and the moment we start looking at computer screens, we tend to blink 2/3 times a minute.

Every time we blink, we moisten the eye, so by blinking less we moisten the eye less.

The other common causes are the likes of contact lens wear and getting older.

For females, hormo-

nal changes as you approach menopause can also cause dry eye.

Many medications have dry eye listed as a side effect. These would include anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, anticholestrols, and so on.

The following is a number of ways dry eye can be averted. Using lubricant eye-drops, being aware of blinking when you’re working on the computer, and using something called the 20/20/20 rule, where for every 20 minutes you take a 20 second break by looking at something 20 feet away from the computer.

The wellington Eye Clinic offers a treatment call Lipiflow. Where a device is placed on the lids for 12 minutes, the device warms up over time to just above body temperature.

This softens up the oils and within the Lipiflow device are little massage rollers which milk the glands and ensure that by the end of the 12 minutes the oils have been expressed out of the meibomian glands. Cost involved: Dry Eye Assessment – €100 Lipiflow Treatment – €500 per eye.

For an appointment call the Wellington Eye Clinic on 01 2807873 or email info@wellingtoneyeclinic.com

 Ellen Roche Dietitian & Clinical Nutritionist at Nutri Vive

Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population and common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, tummy upset and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The triggers are often substances that naturally occur in foods (e.g. amines or fructose) or chemicals added during food processing (eg mono sodium glutamate added to ready meals or sulphites added to wine).

Enzyme deficiencies such as lactase usually results in an intolerance to dairy products. IBS is a bowel condition which can cause abdominal bloating, pain, cramping, constipation and diarrhoea; these symptoms are frequently caused by normal healthy foods.

The symptoms of food intolerances are usually delayed, which explains why they can be difficult to diagnose.

Food Intolerance Tests Food intolerance testing has become increasingly popular in recent years. A growing number of pharmacies in addition to complimentary therapists and private health clinics offer intolerance testing services directly to the public.

These centres claim that a wide range of

Food intolerances effect around 15% of the population

health conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sinusitis, skin problems, digestive issues and even obesity can be solved using such tests.

The kits take a small sample of blood to check the levels of IgG antibody (immune system activity) for a range of various foods eg. shellfish, wheat and dairy products.

If IgG antibody levels are elevated for particular foods, the test centres diagnose an intolerance and recommend complete exclusion from the diet to relieve symptoms.

These tests cost €100€250 approximately depending upon the number of foods tested.

Unfortunately the facts are that IgG intolerance tests are a complete waste of money and not worth the paper they are printed on.

I have seen the printouts from vulnerable and confused clients; many repor ts which

don’t even make clinical sense eg. gluten is rated high and to be avoided, yet rye (which contains gluten) is ok!

Lack of Supportive Science The websites marketing food intolerance testing claim that there is sufficient scientific evidence to prove that these tests are warranted when a food intolerance is suspected.

H av i n g e x a m i n e d these studies, many of the trials involved small numbers of people who were tested twenty years ago, therefore applications to the general population are not relevant.

The leading international food allergy and intolerance institutes are currently strongly advocating against IgG food intolerance testing.

There appears to be no correlation between high levels of a particular food antibody and the development of

symptoms. High levels only indicate the person has consumed a particular food in the past, the immune system has “acknowledged” this food and positive test results are to be expected in normal, healthy adults and children.

Furthermore, the inappropriate use of this test only increases the likelihood of false diagnoses being made, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions and decreased quality of life.

Food Exclusion Trials The Irish Food Allergy and Intolerance Network (www.ifan.ie) and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (www. indi.ie) strongly advocate against food intolerance tests because of the lack of reliable studies to support them.

At present, the “gold standard” method for determining if an underlying food intolerance exists is to follow an elimination or exclu-

sion diet followed by a reintroduction challenge.

The elimination a p p r o a c h p r ov i d e s sy mptom relief and subsequently helps to pin-point the culprit food(s) within two to six weeks and it’s the preferred method as recommended by health professionals, Allergy UK’s Intolerance Group and the NICE guidelines for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

These groups recommend guidance from a health professional such as a registered dietitian or doctor to ensure that the correct type of exclusion diet is followed in the short-term and to avoid any risk of longterm nutrient deficiency.

Ellen Roche is an experienced registered dietitian with clinics located throughout Leinster.

Contact the office for private consultations and corporate services (087) 680 2248 www.nutrivive. ie

26 November 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

CINEMA

ReelReviews

lady in the van

Motors along amusingly THE closest that The Lady in The Van (Cert 12A, 104 mins) gets to anything as exciting as a car chanse is the sight of a clapped-out van parked in the driveway of a playwright’s home for year after year. Maggie Smith plays the wily vehicle owner in this low-key but entertaining tale, as Ms Shepherd becomes a part of playwright Alan Bennett’s as the years roll by – even though the van doesn’t.

As true-life crime boss James ‘Whitey’ Bolger, Johnny Depp doesn’t keep his cards close all the time – his criminality involves many associates in a wide-ranging empire

black mass: for the first time in ages, depp delivers a great role

A great study of criminality

CHRONICLING the rise and fall of notorious South Brooklyn crime boss James ‘W hitey’ Bulger, Black Mass (Cert 15A, 123 mins) rings together a stellar cast to tell a story of crooked cops, hardened criminals, and insidious political corruption.

As the head of an Irish mob crew known as the Winter Hill Gang, Bulger rose to infamy through the ’70s and ’80s, piling up a wealth of charges including extortion, narcotics distribution, racketeering, and murder.

He also claims to have shipped more than one million dollars’ worth of weapons across the Atlantic to support the IRA. Furthermore, he racked up the litany of charges while under the watch of the FBI, with

 Dave phillips

whom he was co-operating against a common enemy – the Italian mafia families who controlled much of the black market in Brooklyn.

Yet, despite being one of the America’s most wanted fugitives (trumped only by Osama Bin Laden), ‘Whitey’ Bulger has a fairly low profile outside of the United States.

Most of us will have been unwittingly introduced to Bulger through Scorcese’s The Departed – which drew heavily on Whitey’s story for Jack Nicholson’s character.

It seems fitting then that when Johnny Depp steps into the lead role as Bulger in Black Mass, he brings a distinctly Nicholson-like energy with him.

It is safe to say that much of the buzz built up around Black Mass is connected to Depp’s transformative performance.

With thinning white hair combed tight against a balding dome and haunting dead-blue eyes, the actor is almost unrecognisable.

It is apt casting, too, given Depp’s recent propensity for familyfriendly and much more superficial characters.

The pairing of the chillingly off-kilter looks with the grisly and sociopathic character results in a monster that will stay in the

viewer’s mind long after the image fades from the screen.

Depp’s metamorphosis oozes the kind of ghoulishness that we don’t see enough of in cinema.

Part of bringing such a strong lead character to life involves surrounding him with a much less grotesque cast.

Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty) plays John Connolly, a childhood friend of Bulger who joins the FBI. While operating under the guise of justice, Connolly is often more concerned with his own career, and agrees to turn a blind eye to Bulger’s criminal ventures in return for assistance making a case against the Mafia.

Benedict Cumberbatch also stars as

Billy Bulger, the more respectable sibling, who served for 18 years as president of the Massachusetts Senate while his older brother continued to serve up corpse after corpse.

No doubt that Black Mass belongs to Depp and Edgerton, but there are great smaller parts studded throughout, including appearances from Kevin Bacon, Adam Scott, and Dakota Johnson – the latter of whom provides the most memorable scene in the film.

The story told in Black Mass is one massive tangled web of deception and exploitation, and director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is happy to revel in it.

Cooper delivers a wonderfully menacing and claustrophobic feel

through shots so close we can see the pores, stained teeth and bloodstains in grim detail.

Cooper’s vision is so bleak though that, in a way, it dulls the film.

We move across a decade of Bulger’s life in a disparate fashion. There is no sense of crescendo, no righteous corruptionbusting cop to provide the narrative drive, there is actually nobody to root for, and so there is no Hollywood ending.

More of a sociopathic character study than a traditional mob drama, the narrative sloppily unfolds like an onion rotted to the core.

With more hits than misses, Black Mass remains an engaging, beautifully-shot, and superbly acted film.

Verdict: 7/10

brooklyn

A tale worth visiting SAOIRSE Ronan impresses in Brooklyn (Cert 12A, 112 mins), with its tale of a young emigre in 1950s American – guess where – finding her life taking an unexpected path going down well with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. With Emory Cohen and Domnhall Gleeson providing strong supporting roles as would-be suitors, it’s a well-shot film that dials down Oirish overtones.

burnt

Still a bit of a stinker BRADLEY Cooper’s latest hasn’t gone down well with critics, with Burnt (Cert 15A, 101 mins) getting sliced to pieces faster than a cake made by his troubled-butbrilliant-chef character.

As a character who rides around town on a big motorcycle, wears leather jackets, and struggles with his inner demons – all while trying to kickstart his stalled career – the film is something of a mess.

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 November 2015

DUNDRUMCLASSIFIEDS BLINDS

DVD’S

PLANNING NOTICE

LANDSCAPING

DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

DVD TRANSFERS ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes ďƒźMusic & Titles added WWW.HENRYLANDSCAPING.IE

MOTOR

HEATING

Planning permission is sought by James Rossiter. The development consists of: Side extension with pitched roof, Velux roof windows to the front and rear, Separate front door to new side extension for disabled access.: At 69 Hillview Estate, Ballinteer Dublin.The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

25521

Southside Gearbox

PLANNING NOTICE DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

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FIND US

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Tel. 452 4018 / 452 3723 Web. www.southsidegearbox.ie

ACTIVE PAVING

LOCAL

DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is sought for, proposed two storey extension to front and rear of existing dwelling, use of attic space for domestic storage with dormer window to rear and associated site works at 29 Llewellyn Grove, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. By Peter and Kathryn Farrell.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its opening hours.A submission/observation may be made on payment of â‚Ź20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

25540

MATTERS

PLANNING NOTICE

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

PLANNING NOTICE

8"45& ."/"(&.&/5 "$54 50 /BUJPOBM 'PPE *NQPSUT -UE 4PVUI $JSDVMBS 3PBE 1PSUPCFMMP %VCMJO

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DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is sought for construction of single storey extension with flat roof to the rear of existing house; alterations to internal layout and elevations, roof light to the rear and all associated site development works at 30 Pine Valley Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 by David & Martina Lynch. To include pitched roof to the front and side over existing porch and garage conversion.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, DĂşn Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of â‚Ź20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

25551

I Lawerence Byrne am applying for planning retention for a two storey pitched roof extension to the front of No. 23 Woodbine Terrace, off Dundrum Road, Dublin 14. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

25517

PLANNING NOTICE DĂšN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Retention Permission is being sought for the Vehicular Entrance at the front of the Site and the single storey Kitchen, Toilet and Utility Room Extension to the side and rear of the House at 128, Loreto Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin.14,

by Colin Byrne.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours.A submission /observation may be made on payment of â‚Ź20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

25548

26 November 2015 dundrum gazette 27

DundrumCLASSIFIEDS roofing

recruitment

PLANNING NOTICE

windows

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Gazette

28 gazette 26 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport Search for new paralympic soccer stars: The Republic of Ireland Paralympic squad are searching for the next national hero as they begin preparations for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

After finishing sixth in the Cerebral Palsy World Cup, the squad are offering a fantastic opportunity for the best players around the country with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or those who have suffered a stroke to represent Ireland.

The FAI are partnering with Paralympics Ireland in this new campaign ahead of a trial day at the FAI national training centre on Saturday, December 12 at 12 noon.

Any players aged between 16 and 30-years-old, who have any of the aforementioned impairments, are eligible to try out for the team.

More informations can be found at http://www.fai.ie/ irelands-next-paralympic-football-star/ the-campaign.

cross country: raheny man storms to inter clubs national title

Clohisey cleans up in Santry  sport@dublingazette.com

MICK Clohisey, from Raheny Shamrocks, reigned supreme at the GloHealth inter-club cross-country championships in Santry Demesne.

A memorable day of competition saw big fields

and a large spectator crowd that needn’t have worried about the after effects of storm Barney.

A sea of colour dotted Santry Demesne with clubs from all over the country out in force with tents and tear-drop flags adding an extra dimen-

sion to the atmosphere created by Fintan Reilly and Nick Davis as the two main men on the microphone.

The senior women’s 8,000m race was one that whetted the appetite with a top-class field and with the uncertainty

Raheny’s Mick Clohisey celebrating his third title. Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Mick Clohisey on the trail at Santry Demesne

of the form of Fionnuala McCormack.

The start of the race was a cagey affair with the diminutive McCormack nestled in the leading pack led by the effervescent Lizzie Lee (Leevale).

Lee tried to take on McCormack but the the teak tough Wicklow woman was untouchable building an insurmountable lead.

Lee hung on gamely for second leading her club to a maiden team title with the surprise package Caroline Crowley (Crusaders) coming through for third.

Dundrum South Dublin were second in the team race with Raheny Shamrocks third.

Clohisey followed up as

an impressive winner of the men’s 10,000m with a front-running performance from the gun ahead of Metro St Brigid’s John Coghlan in second and Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) in third.

Leevale missed out on the team title by a single point to Clonliffe Harriers, 47 to 48, with Raheny narrowly behind on 51.

It was Clohisey’s third time to win the inter-clubs’ crown and he is now looking forward to competing in the European cross-country championships where his rivals will become his teammates.

“You don’t really think about these things,” he said referring to his third inter-clubs’ title. “You just move on to the next thing when you’re on form. It is

a good achievement and it was a good race out there today. I wasn’t expecting to be out in the lead so early on my own so it it was a question of keeping my concentration.

“I’m looking forward to wearing the Irish vest with pride now at the Europeans and putting in a good performance. We were all rivals today but I’m looking forward to us competing as team mates in France.”

Hope Saunders (Clonliffe Harriers) and Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track Club) were impressive winners of the junior women’s 4,000m and junior men’s 6,000m respectively.

DSD women and Clonliffe Harriers men won the junior team titles.

Duke and Pinder power UCD to win over Harlequins  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD’s Deirdre Duke gets away from Cork Harlequins’ Yvonne O’Byrne. Picture: Adrian Boehm

SECOND-half goals from Gillian Pinder and Deirdre Duke saw UCD land their third win of the women’s EY Hockey League season last Sunday, beating Cork Harlequins 2-0 to keep them in the shake-up for the playoff places.

UCD started the stronger of the two teams with Aisling Naughton and Sorcha Clarke creating chances down the lefthand side after good persistence from Leah Ewart.

They also had two corners but

neither were converted.

Quins duly grew into the game after an intial slow start, building from the back through Cliodhna Sargent who caused UCD problems with the long ball.

Olivia Roycroft came closest sending a deflection flying by the back post from a Sargent crash ball.

Into the second half, UCD remained patient in their build up play against a strong Quins’ defence that was proving difficult to break down. Gillian Pinder broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt into the bottom

corner after a brilliant five pass exchange that opened up the top of the circle for Pinder.

The fourth quarter started with Quins looking to get an equaliser but they found it difficult to get anything out of a disciplined UCD defence.

The Cork side earned their first penalty corner of the game with four minutes to go which Cliodhna Sargeant looked to strike home off a switch but it was brilliantly ran down by Naughton.

Deirdre Duke put the game away a minute later sliding in at

the back post to put away a good team move.

It was a fine riposte from UCD on a double-weekend as they lost 4-1 a day earlier to a resurgent Pegasus side in Belfast.

Booterstown side Hermes continued their brilliant form in the league with a pair of wins over two of their nearest rivals, seeing off Harlequins 3-0 on Saturday and then beat second placed Ulster Elks 3-1 on Sunday. Anna O’Flanagan scored three times over the weekend to extend her scoring tally to 18 goals in eight games.

26 November 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Peat adds another Irish string to incredible bow Following spells with the Irish basketball team and the Dublin footballers, Dubliner Lindsay Peat tells JAMES HENDICOTT about her rugby debut LINDSAY PEAT - an All-Ireland winning footballer and former co-captain of the Irish international basketball team - added international rugby to her considerable sporting CV over the weekend.

Peat was called up to the Ireland Women’s squad to face England at Harlequin’s London

ground The Stoop last week, named on the bench as the women played their first autumn international.

Peat - who plays her rugby with Railway Union in Sandymount - was named on the bench for Ireland, joining the fray in the final quarter of the game to earn her debut cap.

Amazingly, Peat only joined Railway Union (her first rugby club) in the early summer, after the club - that’s only three years old when it comes to the women’s game - talked her into turning out through friends who were already involved.

She quickly became hooked: “There are

Lindsay Peat in Dublin ladies football action. Picture: GAAPics.com

huge depths to Irish rugby, and a lot of injuries right now,” Peat told GazetteSport, modestly playing down her selection. “It never even entered my mind that I might be called up, and I feel very lucky.

“I had been trying to wind down when the call came, trying to avoid getting injured and to experience playing for my club.

“I’ve been learning the tactical side,” she adds. “There are a few crossovers from GAA and from basketball.

Tactically, the game mirrors basketball, but like football you’re always trying to find space, to work to create openings. It took me a long time to stop trying to run off someone’s shoulder and to come more deep.”

Before taking up rugby, Peat had stepped away from GAA back in May, after finishing her degree. She had studied

alongside a full-time job and multiple evenings of training across several sports, leaving “more often than not, only Sunday evenings free.”

“Looking back, I love basketball and football equally,” she explains.

“It’s like trying to choose between your children. Basketball was the sport that I first put a lot of work into, getting to the top level, playing in the national league and then getting to the international set up.

“It’s the foundation, so it’ll always have a very special place.”

Rugby is the new love, though, and Peat’s just had her first international taste.

An experimental Irish side that included nine new caps lost to a last minute maul from a line out, with England barging over the line with two minutes left on the clock for an 8-3 win.

Ireland had equalised through a penalty in an extremely low-scoring game, making the game 3-3 with seven minutes left on the clock.

“The game was played in horrible conditions that didn’t really suit us,” Peat tells us, “but it was really great to get that experience. There are two Ireland training camps coming up in December, where the squad train like professionals.

“I feel very, very lucky to be involved, and my next aim is to keep getting called up to camps.

We’ll see where things go from there.

“I’m grateful to Tom Tierney [Ireland women’s rugby manager] for giving me a shot.”

And why the multisport success? “There’s something for everyone that just makes them feel alive,” Peat concludes. “For me, that’s sport. I just try to take up things that I enjoy.”

FastSport Smyth signed up as academy manager: FORMER St Mary’s and Blackrock College coach Peter Smyth has taken up the role of Academy Manager at Leinster.

As a player Peter has represented both Ireland and Leinster at A, U21 and Schools level. He coached St Mary’s College RFC to Ulster Bank League success in 2012 and also coached Blackrock College to four schools senior cup and two junior cups.

Smyth’s role as Leinster Rugby Academy Manager will see him oversee the delivery of the academy and sub-academy programmes as well as supporting the national talent and the regional development squad programmes.

He will be responsible for the development and progression of players for the professional game in Ireland and the management of talent identification.

Speaking about the new job, he said: “There is huge potential in the underage system in Leinster across schools and clubs and I am excited to be in a position to help nurture that talent into future Ireland players.”

Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 26 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport

De La Salle Palmerston celebrate 30th season THE Sold Out signs were up once again in Stratton Hall at Kirwan Park, as De La Salle Palmerston FC held their annual club dinner recently for the club’s 30th anniversary.

John Corr is the current president for the 2015/16 season and is the 31st President since Palmerston FC and De la Salle RFC, became the first two rugby clubs in Ireland to merge in 1985.

Corr played on the wing for Salmo firsts for over 15 years with distinction and will bring his wealth of rugby knowledge to his new role. He played the role as master of ceremonies.

Corr welcomed club presidents from all over the province, as well as Niall Rynne, Dermot O’Mahoney and Dennis Collins from Leinster Rugby. Included in the crowd were former Irish international and Lions’ player Johnny Moloney enjoying the evening.

Guest of Honour on the night was IRFU President Martin O Sullivan, who was attending his first “gig” as the top man in Irish Rugby and he showed his true rugby credentials, regaling the crowd with stories from a lifetime on and off the rugby pitch.

DLSP were also thrilled to have Patrick “Rala” O’Reilly on hand to accept a surprise Special Award from the club on his retirement after over 25 years as bagman for the Ireland senior team.

Former Romanian international and DLSP player Dr Mihai Vioreanu spoke with great passion about the game, in particular the medical advances being made to help players recover from injury.

Vioreanu is a knee specialist in the Santry Sports Clinic.

Finally, it was left to former DLSP Club Captain Ciaran “Shanners” Shanley to send the crowd home in floods of laughter with his brilliant and witty speech. As well as being the first DLSP senior interpro with Connacht, he has a sound future on the “After Dinner Speech” circuit.

soccer: spartak record important win in premier promotion bid

The Spartak Dynamo LSL Sunday Premier 1 side

Walsh lights up Dynamo lsl sunday premier 1 Sallynoggin Celtic Spartak Dynamo  sport@dublingazette.com

2 3

A LAST minute winner in a south Dublin derby. In football, there are very few incidents which can cause so much elation or heartbreak depending on which end the goal goes on.

For Rathfarnham club Spartak Dynamo last Sunday, a last-minute derby went in at the perfect end as they beat fellow promotion chasers Sallynoggin Pearse in the LSL Premier 1 Sunday division.

It was Steve Walsh who proved to be the hero for Dynamo with an emphatic finish in the 89th minute which inflicted a first league first defeat of the season on Sallynoggin.

The game began in typical fashion for a derby with a second minute goal via Tony Williams’ head putting the hosts in front. Just eight minutes later however, the match was turned on its head when S a l l y n o g g i n ’s we r e reduced to 10 players after one of their midfield men received two yellow cards in quick succession.

national medallist Kilmacud’s Bailey stars at gymnastic event natasha Bailey, from Kilmacud, won two

medals at the National Gymnastics Apparatus competition, held in the University of Limerick, last weekend.

Bailey won the national silver medal in the vault and a regional gold medal for the vault for girls Under-13.

In 2013, Bailey won a national gold medal in the bars and a national silver medal for vault as well as winning several regional medals over the years.

The red card meant most of the first half was a bit of a disjointed affair. Spartak were still looking to settle into the game while the hosts were adjusting to coping with a man less.

As the half wore on, D y n a m o t r i o D ave Kernan, Steve Walsh and Steve Grier began to see more of the ball and began to use it with some effect. Sallynoggin had more of the clear-cut chances however with Adam Doran being forced into a couple of saves but the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Spartak started the

second half well, but were lucky not to go two behind early on when Sallynoggin struck both bar and post early on in the half.

The visitors then equalised moments later when Steve Grier got the final touch after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.

Buoyed by pulling level, Dy namo kept pushing forward and soon when in front when Walsh raced onto an inch perfect through ball from Neil McGowan and finished with ease.

McGowan spurned a chance to make it 3-1

when he headed over from close range and Sallynoggin hit back when Kieran Conway finished from a Brian McHugh pass when the Dynamo defence was caught out of shape after losing possession.

Both sides searched for a late winner and both had their chances but it was Spartak who would go on to rule the day and the bragging rights.

A long punt upfield from Doran set Walsh away and the frontman fired in his second goal moments before injury time to secure all three points.

26 November 2015 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

Football: firhouse road club battle through

Club Noticeboard Ballyboden St enda’s CONGRATULATIONS to our senior foot-

the clubhouse on Saturday, Decem-

Loman’s from Mullingar to now play in

ber 5. It is open to all Ballyboden

our first Leinster SFC final following a

members over the age of 16 and the

comfortable 1-11 to 0-9 victory.

club have negotiated a special dis-

A solid team performance proved to be enough to get us through to

Ballyboden St Enda’s Daniel Davey claims a high ball

Molony goal crucial as Boden march on

leinster sfc semi Ballyboden St Enda’s St Loman’s  shane o'brien

1-11 0-9

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s progressed to their first ever Leinster Senior Football final after a deserved five-point victory over Westmeath champions St Loman’s in Cusack Park on Sunday.

Sam Malony’s calmly taken first-half goal proved decisive and gave Boden a cushion for most of what was a stop-start encounter. Four points apiece from Andrew Kerin and Conal Keaney were equally crucial in a game that was dominated by placed balls.

In truth, the game was a staccato affair with referee Fergal Smyth giving 51 frees in total and killed the game’s momentum Nonetheless, it was Boden who benefited from the referee early on, as they were awarded two frees that were easily dispatched by the ever reliable Kerin to give them the perfect start.

St Loman’s replied with a free of their own minutes later, when Westmeath

forward John Heslin slotted over. Molony restored Boden’s two-point buffer after 10 minutes when he caught a diagonal ball from Colm Basquel and curled over the game’s first point from play.

Heslin, however, drew the sides level with two points in quick succession, one from play and one from a soft free. Heslin then turned provider moments later when he found Ken Casey in space and he made no mistake.

Boden restored parity almost instantly when Keaney converted an easy free after an apparent push on Molony. Paul Sharry replied with an easy score but Kerin levelled proceedings once more with a well-taken free, before Basquel curled over an excellent score.

Then came two crucial moments in the game.

Firstly, Boden keeper Paul Durcan saved superbly from David Windsor after a great St Loman’s move had carved open the usually watertight Boden defence. Within two minutes, Molony had struck for the game’s only goal.

Ironically, it was a quickly taken free that

led to it. Michael Darragh Macauley found Keaney, who squared to Molony in space. Molony had the presence of mind to set himself before slamming past two defenders.

The goal gave Boden a four-point lead when they could easily have found themselves two points behind. But on such fine margins games like this are won and Kerin quickly added to Boden’s lead when he gathered a high ball and curled over to make it double scores.

A Heslin free on the stroke of half time, St Loman’s first score in 12 minutes, cut Boden’s lead to four at the break.

Boden pulled away at the beginning of the second half with three Keaney points inside the first four minutes. Heslin

responded with a free of his own moments later, but St Loman’s failed to build momentum of any sort in the second half.

A 15-minute lull followed Heslin’s point, during which neither team looked remotely like scoring. Heslin ended the lull but, crucially, Boden responded when Macauley fisted over with 10 minutes remaining.

St Loman’s never looked like threatening Boden’s six point advantage and another Heslin free with eight minutes remaining was the best they could muster.

Indeed, St Loman’s corner forward Ken Casey was sent off in stoppage time for an off-the-ball strike to add insult to injury as they bowed out at the semi-final stage.

running a cardiac Screening Day in

ballers on their historical win over St

counted price of only €50 per screening.

a meeting with multiple Leinster

The screening, which must be pre-

champions Portloaise on December

viously booked, will take 20 minutes

6. Thanks for the great travelling

and all results will be overseen and

support. Congrats to our interme-

signed off by a cardiologist.

diate footballers who progressed to

Our Ballyboden St Enda’s calen-

the league final after a 1-12 to 1-8 win

dar will be available in Ballyboden St

over Good Counsel.

Enda’s clubhouse from December 7

The Boden Theatre Group are busy

– it’s a great Christmas present idea

rehearsing for their Winter produc-

and you never know you might just

tion called My Three Angels. The play

spot yourself.

will run until Saturday, November 28

For more information on Ballybod-

at 8pm nightly. Tickets available at

en St Enda’s, log onto www.bodengaa.

the clubhouse

ie or follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Healthcare Screening Ireland are

by searching Bodengaa.

kilmacud crokes CONGRATULATIONS to the U-21 foot-

club’s football strategy. Thanks to all

ballers who beat St Sylvester’s, 1-15 to

those who attended and contributed

2-5 on Saturday in the championship

over the two evenings.

semi-final. They will now play St Vin-

The football section AGM will take place on Thursday, November 26 at

cent’s in the final.

The AFL5 playoff final with St Maur’s

9pm in the function room.

ended in a draw after extra-time on

Well done to Cian MacGabhann,

Sunday. In the minor E championship,

Oisin O Rourke and Chris Thompson of

Crokes beat Clontarf 5-15s to 2-5.

Crokes who took part for the Dubs in

The football section completed its second workshop to get input on the

Sunday’s AIG Fenway hurling classic in Boston’s Fenway Park.

Cuala ALL roads lead to Dr Cullen Park,

and Cian O’Calla ghan on their

Carlow next Sunday as Cuala play

respective awards as hurler of the

Oulart the Ballagh in the Leinster

year and young hurler of the year at

final.

the annual Friends of Dublin Hurling

The Cuala ticket office is delighted

on Friday, November 20. Cuala also

to offer members and supporters a

won the FODH Hurling Club of the

chance to enjoy the Leinster club

year.

senior hurling final in style by join-

Well done to our minor football-

ing Cuala On Tour - the club’s spe-

ers who beat Clontarf on Sunday

cial coach service to Dr Cullen Park.

morning to win the minor B football

Tickets can be booked on the Cuala

championship.

The minor camogie team also had

website.

Well done to our third hurlers who

a good 2-9 to 1-1 win over Kilmacud in

won their AHL8 promotion semi-final

the minor B championship on Mon-

against Commercials by 2-16 to 1-5.

day. That’s two wins and one defeat

Congratulations to Mark Schutte

in their group so far.



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Boden’s Bob Dwan

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GazetteSPORT all of your dundrum sports coverage from page 28-31

spartak attack: Rathfarnham’s Dynamo get the best of Sallynoggin Celtic in fine performance P30

nov 26 - dec 2, 2015

master of all trades: Lindsay Peat adds rugby to list of elite sports P29

McEntee hails Durcan’s role in semi win  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s hardfought win over Mullingar side St Loman’s on Sunday, November 22, saw them through to a Leinster club final in early December, with the Dubs’ manager Andy McEntee pointing to the return of goalkeeper Paul Durcan as key to their success.

Durcan travelled from Qatar to play the semi-final, with McEntee saying this week: “Paul’s only back in the last week, he’s under pressure to head back there but we hope to have him back for the final.

“He’s huge to us. He’s got a

calm head on his shoulders and fellas have so much respect for him, it makes everyone feel calmer.”

“He sees things that other people don’t,” McEntee continued.

“He bloody well better be back for the final. I know he’s under pressure but we hope to have him back for the final. He’s huge to us.”

“There’s huge ambition in the team,” former Dublin hurler Stephen Hiney, who’s also part of Enda’s football panel, said after the game.

“When we were playing in the Dublin championship, we were just focused on each match. We certainly weren’t thinking about

Leinster titles or All-Irelands when we went in playing Vincent’s in the county final. We’re just taking each game as it comes.”

Talking of the strength of the St Enda’s squad - which has strong dual status with their hurling side also highly competitive - Hiney added: “We’ve a good mix of guys who’ve been playing for six or seven years now, even previous to that, and lads who are just in out of minor as well.

“I think having the likes of young Sam Molony [who scored Boden’s goal in the victory] coming in on Sunday, at corner forward, really leading by example,

shows that as well.”

“Hopefully we can keep it going against Portlaoise,” Hiney concluded.

St Enda’s progress to face Portlaoise on Sunday, December 6, with Dublin clubs having won eight of the last 12 Leinster titles.

Portlaoise, however, are the most successful club in the history of the Leinster Senior Club Football Championship, having won seven titles to Dublin side St Vincent’s six.

Ballyboden are looking to record a fourth successive Leinster title for Dublin sides, following wins in recent years for St Vincent’s and Ballymun Kickhams.

Sam Molony celebrates his goal in last weekend’s win over St Loman’s. Picture: Mark Magharan