Dundrum

Gazette DUNDRUM

September 22-28, 2016

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Drop in number of social housing units ‘disgusting’ Decrease in social homes angers polictivians as housing list rises

 EMMA NOLAN THE NUMBER of social housing units to be built in a new Dun Laoghaire development has sparked anger – with one councillor labelling the arrangement as “disgusting”.

The Cualanor development in Honey Park is located on part of the old Dun Laoghaire Golf Club and consists of over 1,400 new housing units.

The amount of units that were to be procured by the council was 248 but new

legislation last year means that they will only get 124 units.

This has angered politicians as the housing list has grown from about 2,000 to nearly 6,000 families and individuals on the council housing waiting list.

However, the council says that the agreement with the Developers of the Northern Lands Golf Club site was for 124 social units provided on site and they confirmed that there has been “no change to this agreement”.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 September 2016

DEVELOPMENT | COMPANY REDUCES NUMBER OF HOMES BY 10%

Reduction in number of social housing units angers politicians  EMMA NOLAN

THE NUMBER of social housing units to be built in a new Dun Laoghaire development has sparked anger.

The Cualanor development in Honey Park is located on part of the old Dun Laoghaire Golf Club and consists of over 1,400 new housing units.

The original planning permission granted to Cosgrave Developers by the council was granted on planning regulations that guaranteed any such developments allocate at least 20% for the social and affordable

housing list.

When Cosgrave were initially granted planning permission for the project about 10 years ago, it was agreed that 20% of the units be made council owned social housing.

However, the company which has since been acquired by NAMA has decided to reduce this number to 10% in line with new planning regulations.

The amount of units that were to be procured by the council was 248 but new legislation last year means that they will only get 124 units.

This has angered politi-

cians as the housing list has grown from about 2,000 families to nearly 6,000 families and individuals on the council housing waiting list.

However, the council say that the agreement with the developers of the Northern Lands Golf Club site was for 124 social units provided on site and they confirmed that there has been “no change to this agreement”.

But People Before Profit maintain that 20% was agreed initially.

Local TD R ichard Boyd Barrett has condemned the “sweetheart

deals” aimed at large companies.

He said: “Given the scale of the housing crisis we must demand a much higher proportion of housing is developed for the purpose of social and affordable homes rather than enforcing these sweetheart deals that are aimed at allowing developer a higher profit margin than providing some relief for the biggest problem facing Dun Laoghaire.”

People Before Profit councillor Melisa Halpin, who said she is approached by families in need of housing every

day, told The Gazette that she thinks the situation is “disgusting”.

“It is disgusting that a NAMA developer can both profit off the sale of homes to the council and get away with only half of the units that was planned for in the original permission granted,” she said.

“T he Government would rather allow a greater profit for NAMA developers by guaranteeing a pitiful 10% of the development to the social housing list.”

Cosgrave Developments did not respond to The Gazette at the time of going to print.

FASTNews

Helping to celebrate the special birthday were Hannah Goff, Lyn Kelly and Yomiko Chen Conway

Mount Merrion celebrates as centre marks its 30th MOUNT Merrion Shopping Centre celebrated being 30 years in business last week.

To celebrate the occasion, the centre invited all of their customers to come along and enjoy the party, and to reward and thank all of their customers for shopping with them over the past 30 years.

Fun on the day included an artisan food fair from the centre’s Tesco suppliers, with musical entertainment, chocolate and ice cream surprises, beauty makeovers and demonstrations, nutritional one-to-one advice, and special offers from all of the 18 stores in the centre.

There was also a raffle in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital, with some great prizes.

The highlight of the celebrations was the fashion show organised by the boutique at the centre, Ribbon Rouge, featuring footwear from Cinder Shoes, which is celebrating 25 years in the centre this year.

Writing festival to feature high profile authors and writers

Okay to tackle 5K? AT LEAST 1,200 people are set to turn up for the eight annual DLR Community 5K, following in the footsteps of these participants last year.

This year’s Core Credit Union DLR Community 5Km takes place on October 8, at 2pm.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the event around Kilbogget Park is about more than just fitness as a DJ will be playing tunes and refreshments are provided after the finish line.

Children taking part in the event will also each receive a medal for taking part. For further information or to register, see www.dlrsportspartnership.ie. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

DALKEY Creates is returning for its third year and will take place from Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 16.

The festival will feature a range of writing workshops and events involving several high profile authors and writers.

These workshops will take place on October 15 and 16 and are designed to inspire, motivate and support writers through the writing process.

The workshop groups are small (maximum of 10) to allow for more one-on-one attention from the course facilitators.

This year, courses will include: Creative Writing for Beginners; Writing Crime; Writing for TV and Radio; Food Writing; Writing Memoirs/Non-fiction and more.

Aspiring writers will be able to learn the skills and techniques of writing from acclaimed writers and course facilitators who will include Monica McInerney, Anthony Glavin, Louise Phillips, Alana Kirk, Hazel Gaynor, Ferdia MacAnna, Emily Hourican, Amanda Webb, Oliver McCabe and Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin.

Visit dalkeycreates.com for prices and information on booking tickets for these events.

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Janet wows the

 SYLVIA POWNALL

X Factor judges on Sunday night

DUBLINER Janet Grogan admitted she was “a glutton for punishment” after making it through to X Factor’s Six Chairs Challenge for the second time on Sunday.

The 28-year-old from Kingswood in Tallaght came through bootcamp and is one of two Irish acts to take to the stage at Wembley’s SSE Arena this weekend alongside Derry lad Niall Sexton.

Janet, a lifeguard at Tallaght Leisure Centre, was axed by Simon Cowell in the dying minutes of the brutal Six Chairs round in 2014.

The head judge later admitted: “I should have kept Janet, my mistake” and when she returned to audition at Croke Park earlier this year he told her he’d been praying she would come back.

And the brunette belter got another boost from Si on Sunday’s show when he told her: “You’re becoming my new favourite thing.”

Janet was one of 48 hopefuls to beat bootcamp out of a field of 121. If she survives the chairs challenge she’ll be mentored by Sharon Osbourne.

After the show Janet took to social media and said: “What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment! 6 chairs round 2!”

She also revealed she’d watched the show “sick in bed” but hopefully resting her voice will stand her in good stead.

Both she and Sexton will sing in front of a live audience this weekend and their fate lies solely in the hand of her prospective mentors – Sharon and Nicole Scherzinger. If they get to take, and keep, a seat they go on to judges’ houses. X Factor continues this Saturday on TV3.

Janet’s huge Si of relief

SECOND -TIME LUCKY AS COWELL TELLS DUB SHE’S HIS FAVOURITE

The Tallaght beauty is looking good for a spot in the next round

4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 September 2016

PEOPLE | SPORTS BLOGGER DELIGHTED

CHILDCARE

Leo’s Mutterings scoop top award

Madigan calls for subsidies  EMMA NOLAN

 EMMA NOLAN A DUNDRUM man scooped the best Sports Blog Award at the Littlewoods Blog Awards.

Leo Nulty’s Motorsport.ie won the top award at the ceremony, which was held at Duffy’s Circus in Dun Laoghaire.

Leo set up his blog in 2012 and it covers all aspects of motorsport news, with a particular emphasis on Irish events and Irish drivers abroad.

He blogs under his Motormouth’s Mutterings column, whilst many race and rally drivers blog under the Inside Line category of the website.

In the past year, the site has begun covering F1 and has media accreditation from many of the top

Leo Nulty collects his Littlewoods Blog award for Motorsport.ie at Duffy’s Circus. Picture: Michael Chester

teams, as well as Pirelli F1.

Speaking on his win, Leo said that he is “over the moon”.

He said: “Last year, we were thrilled with silver in the Motoring section, but the competition is far stiffer in the Sports section. “ Mo t o r s p o r t i s a minority sport and I was delighted to make the

finals. The fact that we have won this award is a reflection of the time and effort that the team have put in.

“I would like to thank all of my Inside Line bloggers, but especially David Hall, who has worked tirelessly on the site and our social media, and Michael Chester, who has supplied us with superb images.”

Making golden Arch memories MARY, Philip and Larry Kelly were delighted to join in the party mood as Dundrum Arch Club marked a milestone event last weekend – its 40th birthday. Set up in 1976 by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, the weekly club has grown and grown down the years, and today has more than 100 members and 25 volunteers. Club members, their families and friends gathered for a great gala event to remember, with plenty of familiar faces dropping in to help celebrate the big event. And, with such a fun event to look back on, the Arch Club members were happy to help spread the message – that new members are always very welcome, and they’d love to help even more people across Dundrum, and beyond, be a part of the busy club as it marches on towards its 50th. For further information, see www.dundrumarchclub.com.

DEPUTY Josepha Madigan (FG) has said that childcare costs should be subsidised to “give families a break”.

She spoke on the topic as the Government were briefed on a potential new scheme of childcare subsidies, which is being considered for the upcoming budget.

Deputy Madigan said: “Government discussions on a new scheme of subsided childcare, whereby the State would pay a portion of the childcare bill directly to the childcare provider, is extremely welcome.”

She also said that the families in the “squeezed middle” who were badly affected during the recession would benefit from subsidised childcare.

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Out and About

Plenty to thrill the senses in dlr Lexicon on Culture Night

Aine Crowley, artist and printmaker; Cllr Cormac Devlin, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council with participants in the printmaking classes, Shauna, Sorcha and Tara Cull . Pictures:

Pictured at the Come and Create a Story event were Sarah Webb, dlr Writer in Residence;

Peter Cavanagh

Cllr Cormac Devlin and Alan Nolan, graphic designer

Be A Summer Star reading awards at dlr Lexicon

Councillor Cormac Devlin, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council who presented the first prize from the draw to Ella McQuinn

Eight-month-old Ben Jamison with his mother Lisa

Fergal McDonagh with Lucy and James

Shubham Mishra with Kavyaa Thumar, Suhanee Mishra and Janya Vishwakarma.

Andrew Clinch with Lucy

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CRIME | NO ARRESTS YET

FASTNews

Vehicles worth €90k are stolen from outside Milltown home  EMMA NOLAN THREE cars with a combined value of €90,000 were stolen from outside a home in Milltown.

The cars – an Audi A4, a BMW I series and a VW Scirocco – were stolen from the Abbeyfield Estate and have not yet been recovered.

Gardai confirmed that no arrests have been made and that investigations are ongoing in an attempt to recover the vehicles.

The cars were seen driving through Milltown towards Dundrum after the theft at 5am on Monday morning.

It is believed that at

least three criminals were involved in the theft.

The robbers are suspected of having the proper ty under surveillance before they picked a lock and broke into the house where they robbed three separate car keys from a hall stand in the house before escaping in the stolen cars.

The three occupants of the house - two men aged 30 and a 29-yearold woman - were all asleep upstairs during the robbery. One of the men was woken during the incident but when he looked outside, the cars had already been driven away.

Make it Maxol for a way to support Aware

MUSIC | DUNDRUM WOMAN LAUNCHES SOLO CAREER

Ali V’s hopes that Snakes & Ladders will lead to the top  EMMA NOLAN A DUNDRUM musician has launched a solo career with the release of her debut single.

Ali V, AKA Alison Vard Miller, had performed and recorded with the likes of Pixie Lott, Rebecca Storm and Frances Black but is striking out on her own with Snakes and Ladders.

She said: “Performing live is what I love to do.”

Ali is the daughter of Cathy Vard, one of the acclaimed Vard Sisters.

This musical lineage was passed on to Ali, who began writing and composing her own music from the age of seven.

By age 10, Ali was touring nationally and internationally as a successful support singer, with performances ranging from

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‘Snakes & Ladders was not written about one single event in my life, but rather an accumulation of times, where I have felt brought down, and how I dealt with getting back up’

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Ali V, AKA Alison Vard Miller

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The Late Late Show to the Eurovision, in Sweden.

Aged 27, Ali is also the founder and creative director of Miss Ali Stage School in Dundrum.

Here, Ali has written, directed and choreographed more than 15 sell-out shows in The Mill Theatre, The Olympia Theatre and The National Concert Hall.

Ali’s first solo single,

Snakes & Ladders, is a collaboration with cowriter and producer, Greg French.

Speaking about the new single, Ali V says: “Snakes & Ladders was not written about one single event in my life, but rather an accumulation of times in my life, where I have felt brought down, and how I dealt with getting back up.”

Formally of The Bril-

liant Things, French has worked with U2, The Corrs, Van Morrison, Weezer, Shania Twain, Aslan, Tara Blaise, Nicky Byrne and more.

He was also musical director of Ireland’s Eurovision Entries for 2015 and 2016, and is the current music director for The Late Late Show, and music associate for The Voice of Ireland.

On her song-writing methods, Ali says: “On a day to day basis I try to live with positivity, but at times, negative energy comes your way without warning and it is important to know how you will deal with it. This route is yours to choose.

“It will be great to gauge the reaction from fans first-hand during my upcoming gigs.”

A BAKE sale supporting charity Aware is set to take place this Friday and Saturday in Sandyford.

The charity’s partner, Maxol, is calling on local and weekend customers to support the cause with all proceeds going to Aware.

During the two-day event, the forecourt will be busy raising funds with a bake-sale, car washes, raffles and face painting.

Aware aims to promote positive mental health in communities nationwide, including youth mental health.

Speaking about the fundraising event, Tony Harnett, licensee at Maxol Sandyford said: “Mental health is such an important topic in Ireland and at Maxol Sandyford, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to raise funds for this cause.

“We look forward to seeing our customers who are always very supportive to us.

I hope that everyone enjoys the event.”

A cuppa ways to meet Ross MINISTER Shane Ross is inviting his constituents to join him for a cup of tea, on him.

The Dublin Rathdown TD and Minister for Transport has two upcoming dates planned where locals can meet his constituency team for a cup of tea and to hear about any issues in their areas.

The first planned tea date is Monday, September 26, from 3.30-5.30pm in The Gallops in Ballyogan.

The second one is planned for Monday, October 3, from 11am to 1pm in Sandyford House.

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GazetteGALLERY

| ROSANNA DAVISON SERVES UP 100 RECIPES

Rosanna Davison with parents Chris De Burgh and Diane Davison. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Ellen Weber and Grace O’Sullivan

Book launch is a family affair I

T was a family affair as Rosanna Davison launched her new book with mother Diane Davison and father Chris de Burgh in attendance.

The book, Eat Yourself Fit, features

Paul Byrom and Dominique Byrom

Emma McEvoy and Edward Smith

over 100 powerful recipes that complement and enhance your fitness routine, a sample diet, exercise plans and tricks to keep you motivated. The event took place in the Rustic Stone in Dublin.

Rosanna with husband Wesley

Gavin Drummond and Pamela Drummond

Erica Bracken

22 September 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 11

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12 GAZETTE 22 September 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS

REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE IN DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE TO ADVERTISE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA CALL THE GAZETTE PH.60 10 240

CONFERENCE: MOTIVATIONAL INSIGHTS ON THE WAY

Bedding down for top entrepreneurial tips  IAN BEGLEY

BORD Gais Energy will host its second national business conference Courage to Succeed with Joe Schmidt, George Hook and renowned Irish SME owner, Mattress Mick, as speakers at the event.

The conference will take place at the Mansion House from 8.30am to 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 5, and will offer a range of stimulating key note addresses, presentations and interactive question and answer sessions.

It will open with a motivational presentation from world-class coach, Dave Alred, who will discuss how pressure can be utilised as a tool for success.

George Hook will participate in an entrepreneurial panel discussion alongside the chief executive of Tweak.com, Jerry Kennelly, and the chief executive of UrbanVolt, Kevin Maughan.

The panellists will draw on their own business experiences to share

Cosying up ahead of the Courage to Success conference – broadcaster George Hook and retailer Mattress Mick, who are speakers at the event. Picture: Paul Nicholls

insights into the courage and risks required on the road to success.

Irish SME owner “Mattress Mick” will deliver a 15-minute marketing workshop, which will be followed by an interview with Irish Rugby head coach, Joe Schmidt.

Other speakers include lecturer in entrepreneurship at the UCD Quinn School of Business, Dr Orla Byrne, and digital account manager at NewSlang, Caroline Kelly.

The managing director of Bord Gais Energy, Dave Kirwan, said: “With

the economy showing signs of improving, businesses are growing.

“This growth stimulates competitiveness and means that now, more than ever, businesses need to take risks to succeed.

“Risk-taking in business requires great courage, and it is for this reason that we have chosen Courage to Succeed as the theme for this year’s national conference.”

Tickets are priced at €150 per person including breakfast, mid-morning refreshments and lunch. See www.bgebusinesshub.ie.

Switching on to power study at ESB GRADUATES from across Dublin have commenced a three-year Graduate Development Programme at ESB. They form part of a cohort of 76 graduates from third-level institutions, spanning fields of engineering, IT, HR, marketing, trading and finance.

The Graduate Development Programme is a tailored three-year programme which will see these graduates develop both professionally and personally.

It forms part of an ambitious drive by ESB to recruit the brightest talent from third-level institutions.

This year’s graduates will be placed across five business units – ESB International, ESB Networks, Generation and Wholesale Markets, Business Ser-

vices Centre and Electric Ireland – in the coming years.

Announcing the programme, ESB chief executive Pat O’Doherty said: “As Ireland’s foremost energy company, ESB is committed to offering a rewarding and dynamic career path for exceptional people interested in meeting the challenges of the coming decades.

“Our 76 new colleagues will play an important part in building this brighter, more sustainable future.

“Working across diverse business units in hands-on roles, I have no doubt that they will enhance our culture of collaboration and teamwork, as ESB seeks to remain at the forefront of energy innovation.”

22 September 2016 GAZETTE 13

ASDFSDAF P27 FOOD P23

STYLE P18-19

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

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GAZETTE

THE COMMITMENTS P14

PLAYFUL SPENCER WILL STEAL YOUR HEART

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr, and Failte Ireland Head of Dublin, Keelin Fagan, joined a group of children behind the walls of a North Great Georges Street gothic pile to summon the supernatural and launch the programme for Bram Stoker Festival 2016. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

BANK HOLIDAY: BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL FEATURES MANY UNUSUAL EVENTS

Dark adventures in the city

 IAN BEGLEY

THIS October Bank Holiday weekend Dublin is set to summon the supernatural as the Bram Stoker Festival presents four days of living stories and four nights of deadly adventures in venues across the city.

From October 28 to 31, thrillerseekers will be invited to Glasnevin’s Botanic Gardens for an after-dark experience like no other this year.

Step inside the world of Nightmare Plants (Oct 28 and 29, tickets €10), an immersive performance in the Victorian glass house.

Join a centuries-old plant-hunter and mysterious purveyor of new and unusual species as he opens his glasshouse for the first time to see the deadliest of Mother Nature’s creations.

Game-lovers and fans of some freak-

ish fun can take part in Werewolf (Oct 28 to 31), a high stakes parlour game which tests improv and observational skills.

Master-storytellers and creators of unforgettable interactive experiences, Macnas, return to Bram Stoker Festival (Oct 31, Henry St, 6pm, free) to summon spirits and awaken the ghosts with a new parade like no other seen in Dublin. Under cloak of twilight, magic will be released in a stunning crescendo of street art, parade and thundering music on Moore St and Henry St. Other ghoulish adventures taking place over the weekend include Prohibition: the Beautiful and the Damned at IMMA with Film Fatale (Oct 29, Tickets €34 plus booking fee), a night of gothic glamour, strange curiosities, the bewitching and the bizarre at Ireland’s most elegantly decadent Hal-

loween celebration; while Horror Expo in the stunning surroundings of Freemasons Grand Lodge (Oct 30, 2pm-2am, tickets €39.50) will deliver a one-of-a-kind event which promises to please the most ardent of horror fans.

The festival extends to Bram Stoker’s homestead of Clontarf where, in St Anne’s Park, Behind The Dark by Loosysmokes (Oct 28 and 29, various times, Tickets €15), a dark and frenetic aerial acrobatics show in the park’s centuries old trees which has previously wowed audiences in Kilkenny and at Dublin Fringe Festival 2015.

Families are encouraged to venture out in fancy dress and visit Stokerland (Oct 29 and 30, 11am-4.30pm, free).

See St Patrick’s Park like never before as it is transformed into a popup gothic theme park featuring the macabre talents of world-class street

performers, with rides and attractions to ensure a fangtastic time.

Previously announced events include Bleedin’ Deadly (Oct 28 to 31, 9pm, Tickets €20) a raucous celebration of a time when the Freak Show dominated in all its shocking glory, in the atmospheric Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital, and specially created for Bram Stoker Festival, Dracula Live at the National Concert Hall (Oct 29, 8pm, Tickets €27/€22) sees leading Irish musicians Matthew Nolan and Sean MacErlaine create a deathly new score for Todd Browning’s 1931 classic movie Dracula performed live on the night.

Dubliners and visitors to the city are invited to follow the fun using #BiteMeDublin at www.facebook.com/ BramStokerDublin and @bramstokerdub on Twitter and Instagram.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Spencer, a three-yearold, playful male Pit Bull cross.

He adores spending time with his carers in Dogs Trust, but he really wants to find a loving family.

Spencer loves being the centre of attention, so he would love to be the only dog in the home.

He adores toys, and is very happy to occupy himself playing with them.

If you’re looking for an active boy who excels in agility, then Spencer could be your perfect companion!

If you think you could be Spencer’s #SpecialSomeone, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 22 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Act now to nominate the city’s best carers PEOPLE across Dublin are being invited to vote for the county’s carers and young carers for the tenth annual Carers of the Year awards.

Hosted by Family Carers Ireland, the awards ceremony takes place on November 16 in the Westin Hotel, with RTE broadcasters and patrons Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.

Catherine Cox, head of communications, Family Carers Ireland, said: “Hosting our tenth Carers of the Year Awards is a special milestone. We want to celebrate family carers and young carers across Dublin and Ireland with these awards.

Catherine Cox (second left), Family Carers Ireland with Sam Norris; Des Coffey and his daughter, Danielle; and Jennifer Carroll and her two children,

Author Roddy Doyle (blue shirt) with the theatre cast of The Commmitments

Alex and Ava. Picture: Mark Stedman

THE COMMITMENTS: QUINTESSENTIALLY DUBLIN TALE IS HEADING HOME FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

“We are calling on people across Dublin to nominate these dedicated carers for this year’s awards.”

Nomination forms are available from Family Carers Ireland Resource Centres nationwide, or

call the Freephone Careline at 1800 240 724.

Nomination forms and further information can also be found at www. familycarers.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 30.

Reliving 1991... the year of the Rabbitte  EMMA NOLAN

“IT’S our responsibility to bring it home”. This was the collective outlook of the cast of The Commitment stage ensemble, who chatted to The Gazette on the 25th anniversary of the iconic movie as the production comes home to Dublin after two years on the West End. Some 30 years since The Commitments first burst from the pages of Roddy Doyle’s bestselling novel, the world’s hardest working soul band will be going on a seven-month UK tour.

“We really want to take care of the characters,” said Andrew Linne, who plays the part of Jimmy Rabbitte.

When asked if they felt added pressure bringing the story home to Dublin, each cast member agreed emphatically with Andrew, who said: “We have a responsibility to the Dublin audience.”

He added: “This is the

audience that really cares about the characters, so we have to be truthful to them while also being conscious of first-time viewers.”

The cast told The Gazette that they feel their performance of the story “reflects real life”.

Amy Penston, who plays Natalie, said: “We’re a group of people coming together for a common cause: to make music and entertain – just like The Commitments.”

Amy’s sister, Leah, is playing Imelda, and Christina Tedders, as Bernie, completes the backing trio.

Christina said: “I have

loved The Commitments since I was a little girl – my nightly renditions of Mustang Sally were both the joy and bane of my parents’ evenings!”

Leah said: “I’m so thrilled to be joining the cast of The Commitments, playing the role of Imelda Quirke, which was originally portrayed in the film by Angeline Ball. I have some pretty big shoes to fill!”

Also appearing on the tour, having appeared in the West End production, are Peter Mooney (Derek), Padraig Dooney (Dean), Sam Fordham (Mickah) and John Currivan (Billy).

They will be joined by Rhys Whitfield (James), Alex McMorran (Joey), and Christian James (Outspan) and Kevin Kennedy, of Coronation Street fame.

Speaking about his story coming to life on both stage and screen, author Roddy Doyle said: “I wrote the novel – invented the characters – in 1986, and it thrills me to think that they will be entertaining audiences throughout the UK and Ireland in 2016.”

The Commitments will run in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from October 12 to 29, and tickets are on sale now.

The theatre cast raising the roof during their show. Picture: Johan Persson

22 September 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Step up and help Crumlin hospital CMRF Crumlin, the principle fundraising body of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and the National Children’s Research Centre, are inviting everyone to put their best foot forward for Savills’s third annual Dublin’s Got Talent.

The talent show fundraiser is expected to attract more than a thousand people to the Ballsbridge Hotel on October 27, with a month of practise time expected to reveal some of the city’s best dancers, all in the hopes of impressing a celebrity judging panel.

TV3 Xpose presenter, and CMRF Crumlin ambassador, Karen Koster, is calling on the hospital’s supporters,

would-be dancers, and the people of Dublin to support the event in aid of the children’s hospital.

For further information or to register, see www. savills.ie.

RDS CRAFT SHOW IS WOOLLY UNMISSABLE CALLING all craf t enthusiasts – the Knitting & Stitching Show is coming back to the RDS this October.

T h e s h ow, w h i c h attracted more than 15,000 people last year, has been running in Ireland for 23 years and is the country’s only textile and craft fair.

Over the course of the event, guests will get the opportunity to choose from hundreds of work-

shops, demonstrations and master classes, all led by industry experts, and with more than 200 exhibitors set to take part.

Taking place from October 20 to 23, a standard day ticket costs €14.50. Find out more at theknittingandstitchingshow.com/Dublin.

THE BEST OF JAZZ AT THE COBBLESTONE JAZZ singer Violetta Curry is playing for one night only in Dublin this month.

A native of Philadelphia, and now living in Barcelona, Violetta’s father, Paul Curry – a much sought-after musical arranger and pianist – shared the same stage with many stellar artists,

including Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

Violetta will be performing as part of her Honouring My Roots tour in The Cobblestone pub in Smithfield on Thursday, September 29.

Appearing with Violetta will be Catalan jazz pianist and arranger Jaume Vilaseca, Dick Thom on bass, and drummer Kevin Brady. The gig starts at 8:30pm, and admission on the door is €10.

EXPLORING THE 1916 RISING’S LEGACY ANU and CoisCeim Dance Theatre are continuing the year’s Rising centenary commemorations with These Rooms.

Their show explores the 1916 events through

Meaghan Dunne and Kyle Moloney with TV3 Xpose presenter and CMRF Crumlin ambassador Karen Koster. Picture: Mark Stedman

the eyes of civilians at the moment when the Rising invaded their homes in North King Street.

It combines eye witness testimonies from 38

female voices with newly released findings of the Government inquir y which followed.

The world premiere takes place at Numbers

85/86, Upper Dorset Street, from September 29 until October 16. For further information, see www.dublintheatrefestival.com.

22 September 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

es ahir lik Kalim T n ETNS w o t ls Tyrre uch THIS m

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16 GAZETTE 22 September 2016

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They’re Lucan good ne Byr ma Em d an tie Ka Buckley are ready for da Gaelscoil Eiscir Ria

Kian and Ashleigh Kearney are reddy to hea d to Scoil Talbot SN S, Bawno gue Amelia Glenno n brought a frien d to St Mary’s, Blakestown

BACK TO

and Marcus Francis Victor Tuazon very smart k Emmanuel Tuazon loo an Convent nic mi Do to d as they hea ghaire Lao n Primary School, Du

Cody McLoughlin was looking forward to St Vincent’s, Glasnevin

school!

iting g is exc Learnin e d rson son An for Ma BNS, ’s n rca at St Lo stown Palmer

Christia n Mulliga n is in a playful m ood at Ed ucate Together, Swords

Kai O’Neill is a bi t upset that big brothers Rhys and Ethan are goin g off to Eiscir Riada, and Colaiste Cois Lif e

Thanks to everyone for entering!

WE HAD a terrific response to our Back to School photo competition, with lots (and lots) of our

super shots of children going to school.

To see if YOU (or rather, your child) won, check

readers only too happy to share some precious

our Facebook page (Facebook.com/Dublin-

memories of their children, grandchildren, nieces

GazetteNewspapers) today, where you’ll find all of

and nephews on their very first day at school, or

the winners.

their first day back at school after summer.

They’re all winners, in our eyes – sadly, we can’t

The prizes include a €150 gift card for Life Style Sports, €50 vouchers for M&S, Penneys and Dealz,

give prizes to everyone, but we’re delighted to

a hamper from Flying Tiger, every kid’s favourite

share some of the many wonderful photos you

variety store, AND a €100 voucher for the Base

sent in, which really made us smile!

– Ireland’s Number 1 entertainment centre. And

We’ve chosen our winners, and we’ll very soon be in touch with the grown-ups who sent in their

don’t forget Life Style sports for your year-round school essentials!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

Super sisters Tina an d Emma Zhang settle in to St Catherine’s, Cabra

The Kildee-Doolans troop out ... Siofra, Loreto College, Crumlin Road; Paddy, Central Model Senior School, and Ciaran and Fiach, bot h Central Model Inf ants’ School

lish Lucan girl Holly Eng il is ready for fun at Sco NS e uir Mh

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DUBLINLIFE

The Lash Lounge wins best salon  EMMA NOLAN

R AT H FA R N H A M salon, The Lash Lounge, has won best salon 2016 at the Irish Hair and Beauty Awards.

The awards, held in the Crowne Plaza on September 4, saw proprietor Alana Miley and her team pick up the awards for Regional Best Salon 2016 and Overall Winner Best Salon 2016.

Speaking on the win, Alana said: “To say we are delighted is an understatement – we couldn’t be more chuffed, and have a huge thank-you to say to our loyal clients and friends.”

Alana has been in the beauty industry for more than ten years and is a qualified beauty therapist, master lash technician, and one also one of Ireland’s elite trainers for HDBrows.

Try Forever’s new lip pencil  EMMA NOLAN

COOL TRENDS RIVER ISLAND

Faux fur lined €201

AT

Shearling collar jacket €113

 EMMA NOLAN

Style Editor

DUBLIN makeup brand, Make Up F o r e ve r, on Clarendon Street, have launched their new High Precision Lip Pencil.

At €12,99, the range offers 12 natural shades developed by professional make-up artists to contour the lips with high precision.

RIVER ISLAND’S latest collection of coats includes some choice outerwear pieces for men.

Focusing on silhouettes and varying textures, the line boasts both slick tailoring and casual luxe.

The palette consists of plush shades of plum, burnt orange and deep russet, complimented with earthy tones of stone, olive and sage greens.

Statement collars are a reoccurring motif of this collection, with faux fur making a larger than life appearance on parkas, and shearling polonecks and lapels give a Nordic air to the cold-weather essentials.

Technical hardware, such as functional patch pockets and chunky metal zips, imbue a note of authenticity while country elegance is touched on with hints of tweed.

This all creates a solid, yet somewhat out-there offering for the high street brand men’s customers this coming season.

Shearling neck jacket €95

Smart overcoat €127

Faux fur hooded bomber €100

22 September 2016 GAZETTE 19

A

Dublin does Littlewoods THE streets of Smock Alley provided a colourful backdrop for the launch of Littlewoods Ireland’s autumn/ winter collection, with the bold lines of the collection complemented by the vibrant features and dynamic culture found in the area. Pictures: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

B

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STYLE C

A) January wears military Jacket €42; Suedette fringed top €45; Pleated midi skirt €45; Victoria strappy peep-toe boot €52. Thalia wears patchwork blush gillet €81; ruffle sleeve jumper €38; pencil skirt €42, Round toe glitter shoes €35 B) Thalia wears leopard print faux fur coat €100; high neck ruffle front dress €52; Holloway caged heeled sandals

€38. January wears Floral jacquard bomber jacket €57; Metallic pleated skirt €45; Saffron mesh strappy tie sandal €38.

C) January wears Longline check shirt €35; leather fringe skirt €150; Victoria strappy peeptoe boot €52. Thalia wears Zig-zag sequin bodycon knitted dress €42; Canvas parka coat €70; Holloway caged heeled sandals €38.

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20 GAZETTE 22 September 2016

TRAVEL TRAVEL DUBLINLIFE Gourmet festival to set the town sizzling KINSALE: TOWN READY TO TRANSFORM INTO PARTY MOOD

Christmas in China can add an extra magical view to many of her already fascinating sights

Head East for Christmas DISCOVER China’s most fascinating historic and cultural sites at Christmas on this exceptional holiday, where you can choose between 4-star from €1,999pp, or a 4-star and 5-star Occasions holiday from €2,199pp – both for 12 nights with a December 22 departure.

In Beijing, spend Christmas Eve exploring Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is one of the largest squares in the world, and has been the site of many historic rallies and protests.

It is also home to numerous important buildings and monuments and is separated from the Forbidden City

by Tiananmen Gate.

Visit Qianmen Street, which is one of the oldest pedestrian streets in China – this ornate

shopping street has a mix of Chinese and Western shops and eateries, the most famous of which is Quanjude Chinese Restaurant, selling more than two million of its trademark Peking Roast Duck meals every year.

Enjoy a full day excursion to see the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and the Olympic Village, or take a trip to the Lama or Yonghe Temple, which is a monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, and take time for shopping at the Sanlitun Village shopping centre, which is a huge complex of shops and restaurants.

Both holiday options include flights, 12 nights’ hotel accommodation, transfers, excursions and taxes and charges, with flights departing December 22.

For more information and to book, see www. traveldepartment.ie.

 IAN BEGLEY

THE Kinsale Gourmet Festival running from October 7 to 9 marks the 40th anniversary of this ever-popular event, and will be celebrated in high style.

The festival is hosted

by Kinsale’s ten Good Food Circle restaurants, and promises a weekend of fine food and wine in a fun atmosphere.

Each restaurant works flat-out to show off the talent of their chefs, whose beautifully presented food – featuring largely local ingredients sourced from the sea and land – is accompanied by carefully selected wines.

The festival starts in style with a Laurent Perrier champagne reception at 6.30pm on Friday, October 7, followed by a celebratory five-course Taste of West Cork blacktie dinner at Acton’s Hotel.

The menu will feature locally sourced produce, including seafood

The event promises a weekend of fine food and wine in a fun atmosphere

and shellfish caught off the coast of West Cork; locally reared beef from Kinsale’s craft butchers, and farmhouse cheese from West Cork, accompanied by wines from Christy’s Wines and C&C Gleesons.

Saturday’s Musgrave MarketPlace Mad Hat-

ter’s Taste of Kinsale, is an escorted “foodie walking tour”, in a fun atmosphere, as people show off their colourful headgear and fancy dress costumes.

The town is transformed into party mood, as brightly dressed participants in amazingly

imaginative hats parade along the streets following Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse to four venues for a dazzling lunchtime spread of the finest food from Kinsale’s Good Food Circle restaurants.

The festival concludes

on Sunday with the fourcourse Fruits de Mer Spectacular – an elegant luncheon with platters of lobster, crab prawns and other delights from the sea.

For further information on the festival’s events, see visit www. kinsale.ie.

Holidays with pets gives paws for thought ALMOST a third of holiday-makers base their holiday around how suitable a destination is for their pet, according to a recent study by Visit Scotland.

The new report from the national tourism organisation highlights ways businesses can improve their animal instincts, potentially providing a multimillion euro boost to Scotland’s visitor economy.

The survey also showed that 72% of dog owners say they would take more holidays in their own country if there were a better attitude towards their canine companions.

Further research showed that holidays with pets had an average extra spend of

€148, compared to those without pets.

A third of people also said they leave voicemails so their dog doesn’t feel too upset while they’re away.

The lucrative pet market has continued to grow in recent years and is now worth more than £4bn in the UK. With an estimated 12 million households owning a pet – including 8.5 million dogs – the economic benefits of expanding pet offerings to domestic visitors could be hugely significant.

Working in partnership with recruitment agency Denholm Associates, the national tourism organisation is looking

for a four-legged friend to follow in his or her owner’s footsteps, taking in everything Scotland has to offer – all to be documented on social media.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is the perfect destination for pet owners, with our beautiful, spacious parks and award-winning beaches providing an excellent environment for furry friends.

“Pet tourism has the possibility to be worth millions to Scotland’s visitor economy and this latest paper offers some great tips for businesses on how to ... unlock the potential of this lucrative market.”

22 September 2016 GAZETTE 21

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22 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

EDUCATION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH CAN BE STRESSFUL FOR BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENTS

6th year to career

 CILIAN MURPHY WITH secondary schools around the capital having reopened this month, tens of thousands of students are slowly but surely getting back into the rhythm of school life.

This is often a difficult transition for most following a summer of freedom. For sixth year students in par ticular, knuckling down to regular study is taxing enough without the added burden of worrying about what path they’re going to choose once they leave second level education.

This decision can be hugely stressful for students and is quite often made worse by the good intentions of parents.

Naturally, parents want what’s ‘best’ for their children. T hey want to see them pursue a career which will give them the most amount of security.

The hope is that this security will enable their children to save money, buy a car, a nice house, get married and have children. These are the pretty standard hopes and dreams that any parent

might have for their child.

So, as a result, many parents steer their children towards certain careers in search of this ‘security’. If a student shows a promising aptitude towards accounting in school, they’re often encouraged to choose a number of accounting courses for their CAO form, for example.

Choosing university courses based on academic aptitude in a particular area seems to be the most popular method for students who are deciding what career to pursue once they leave school.

The difficulty with focussing solely on academic aptitude is that it ignores the student’s personality and suitability for a particular career role. For example, just because you show an aptitude with accounting does not necessarily mean that you are suited to working as an accountant.

According to a 2013 study conducted by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, under 30% of Irish workers have a high level of satisfaction with their jobs. So somewhere along the line, the pro-

cess of choosing a career is not working out for over 70% of workers in this country.

Parents can play a key role in a number of ways to ensure that their child has the best possible chance of success when choosing a career path.

Firstly, students should be encouraged to speak with as many people as possible who have experience working in a particular area of interest.

If a student thinks they might like to be a teacher, it is vital that they speak to a number of teachers to get a flavour for what it’s like to work in that sector.

It can also be hugely beneficial for a student to spend a day or more obser ving someone working in their area of interest, if it can be organised.

There are also a number of diagnostic career questionnaires online which take into account the student’s personality when suggesting what careers might be suitable for them to pursue.

Additionally, many parents seek the expertise of a career coach to help their children decide what they should pursue

Parents and students share the educational journey. However, while parents naturally may wish to ‘steer’ the student towards certain sectors, it’s important they work together for what is truly best for the student.

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

‘The difficulty with focussing solely on academic aptitude is that it ignores the student’s personality and suitability for a particular career role’ --------------------------------------------------------

after second level.

As parents, it’s vital to give students the best

possible opportunity to embark on a career that they have a passion

for. Many studies have shown that a person’s ability to be successful in work is directly linked to their job satisfaction.

T he security that parents crave for their children is absolutely possible with the right approach.  Cilian Murphy is a

Career and Life Coach specialising in career guidance and career change. For more information visit www.timetoshine.ie or phone 0874626072.

Next week:

Savvy college student saving tips.

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22 September 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

FOOD&DRINK DUBLINLIFE Indulge without the guilt

Creamy Curried Pork Ready Time : 25 min. Serves: 4 Ingredients 1 tbsp curry powder ½ tsp mustard powder l ½ tsp water l Four pork chops, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces l Two tsp vegetable oil l 250g mushrooms, sliced l 170ml Avonmore Cooking Cream l 150g green beans, trimmed and halved l l

Preparation Stir together the first 3 ingredients to form a smooth paste. Rub all over the pork to coat. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat and cook the pork for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to sear the meat on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat and add the mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Stir in the Avonmore Cooking Cream with a wooden spoon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the pork to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Add the green beans during the last 3 minutes of cooking, so they are tender but still crisp. Serve hot on a bed of mashed potato.

Abra Chicken Club Burger

Abra sweet potato fries

Fed up with boring salads? Try this idea to add a little colour with your main meal, Beetroot and Orange Salad with Avonmore Sour Cream and onions.

Ingredients l 170ml (6fl. Oz) Avonmore Sour Cream l 250g packet of pre-cooked beetroot with no added vinegar l Segments taken from two oranges l Greens of two scallions, sliced finely l 1 small or ½ large red onion, sliced finely l 1 small or ½ large white onion, sliced finely Preparation Method Arrange all ingredients on a salad plate, drizzle with Avonmore Sour Cream and enjoy.

T he Loaded Fries range continues to recruit new Abra followers. Diners can choose from the Katsu Fries and Aussie Fries or the CBG Fries, Pulled Pork Fries, or Original Taco Fries.

The new menu is even getting a lot of attention among celebrity din-

Cheese and onion pie Ready Time : 1 hour, 30 min. Serves 4 GIVE your taste buds a real treat with this great dish for a meat free night, served with lots of hot, buttered kale and broccoli.

Beetroot and Orange Salad

IRISH fit-fam members can now indulge in a late night Abrakebabra without the guilt.

Sweet Potato Fries are the latest addition to a growing menu of great new dishes from Abrakebabra, which includes the tasty new Abra Chicken Club Burger.

Ingredients l 1 kg onions – roughly chopped in chunks l 1 kg potatoes –well scrubbed l 30g Avonmore Butter l 100ml Avonmore Milk l Two sprigs fresh thyme l Salt and pepper l 1 x 250ml carton Avonmore Cooking Cream l 150g Avomore Cheddar Cheese - grated Preparation l Steam or boil the potatoes until they are tender l Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan that can go in the oven, add the onions and sprinkle over the fresh thyme. Cook the onions

slowly over a low heat for 30-40 minutes until they have turned a deep, golden brown colour, turning them occasionally. l Drain the potatoes and roughly chop them in the pot with a knife, leaving some chunks, add the butter and milk and season well with salt and pepper, stir well to combine l Top the onions with the potatoes and pour over the contents of the carton of Avonmore Cooking Cream, sprinkle with the cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 30 minutes l This is a great dish for a meat free night, served with lots of hot, buttered kale and broccoli.

Alternatively it makes a hearty meal to add to some meaty sausages or pork chops, enjoy it immediately to make the most of the creamy potatoes and sweet onions.

ers. Naomi Campbell and Colin Farrell both recently talked about their love for Abrakebabra. While other long-time fans include Jimmy Carr and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

In fact, Cheryl cites the Abrakebabra Doner Kebab as the tastiest she has ever eaten.

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DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

BRIDGET JONES 3

Oh, baby, what a pity ...

COMING along many years after the previous film, Bridget Jones’s Baby (Cert 15A, 123mins) attempts to recapture the zeitgeist of Bridget’s previous offerings – but falls a bit flat in the process. Now in her 40s, a pregnant Bridget (Renee Zellweger) isn’t exactly sure who the father is, but with a couple of choices she’s determined to work it out.

It’s a likeable film, but just not quite classic Bridget.

HELL OR HIGH WATER Shot with plenty of style PROVING there’s plenty of life in the modern western yet, Hell or High Water (Cert 15A, 102 mins) takes aim at America’s sleepy heartlands, where a pair of serial bank robbers (Chris Pine, Ben Foster) try to stay ahead of two rangers (Jeff Bridges, Gil Birmingham) doggedly staying on their trail. This slow-burning film lives up to the critical acclaim that’s also been following it.

AKIRA

A cel-shaded classic ANIME fans – and anyone looking for something a little different – are in for a treat with a re-release of 1988’s groundbreaking Akira (Cert 15A, 119 mins).

Set in a future Neo-Tokyo that was built beside the ruins of Tokyo, which was destroyed in a vast explosion, it’s a startling and complex tale of power, corruption, politics, gangs, teenage hopes, psychic powers and much more.

Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry) are part of a group that takes an ill-advised trip into the woods in search of the truth behind the infamous Blair Witch

BLAIR WITCH: AN ADRENALINE SHOT IN THE ARM OF FOUND-FOOTAGE HORROR

Horror sequel branches out GIVEN the talent behind Blair Witch (Cert 16, 89 mins), it occasionally feels like somewhat of a missed opportunity.

There’s a solid horror film here; unfortunately, it alltoo-often tends to favour jump scares over genuine tension.

Despite this, Adam Wingard’s direct sequel to the horror classic that launched an army of imitators is a much-needed adrenaline shot in the arm of the dying foundfootage genre.

Set 22 years after the original, Blair Witch is told from the perspectives of four college students, led by Lisa (Callie Hernandez), a film student, and James (James Allan McCune), whose sister, Heather, went missing during the events of The Blair Witch Project.

They journey into the

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Black Hills of Maryland to investigate her disappearance; Lisa captures everything via an arsenal of video-recording equipment. Naturally, strange and supernatural occurrences abound as the group ventures deeper into the woods ...

Director Wingard has offered up two fantastic pieces of genre cinema in the past few years. 2011’s You’re Next, and 2014’s The Guest established him as a force to be reckoned with in modern horror.

Written by frequent collaborator Simon Bar-

rett, Blair Witch exhibits much of Wingard’s commended flair for thrilling, distressing and expertlypaced genre filmmaking.

Indeed, the film’s first act does a great job of building tension. Some early exposition expands the haunting back story of the Blair Witch legend, and the anticipation felt as the group first enters the woods is disturbingly effective.

We know exactly what to expect as the first night falls, yet the thrill is no less chilling – a familiar trope worn threadbare by the Paranormal Activity series is given a new lease of life here.

Unfortunately, when supernatural forces lead to a darkness that doesn’t seem to end, the night gets tiresome. Much of the excitement of the original lay in the day/night cycle,

where the chilling events of the previous night would be discovered and picked apart the following morning.

Without day, there is less potential for tensionbuilding; the night is somewhat stripped of its power to scare.

Each character here is equipped with their own earpiece-camera. This is a nice touch and allows Wingard to get around a problem that has plagued every found footage horror – the characters now have an excuse to keep the cameras rolling.

However, the multiple perspectives deny complete absorption in the found footage experience.

An inexplicably empty tent in the light of morning is scarier than a nearindecipherable point-ofview shot of someone being dragged through

the woods in the dark of night.

The original film’s low budget meant that much was left to the imagination – this certainly isn’t the case here, and unfortunately this works to the film’s detri- Lisa (Callie Hernandez) is determined to find out what ment.

It’s hard not happened to her missing sister, to compare Heather, from the first film Blair Witch’s flaws to the triumphs of steps, and a reliance on a the original. On its own, relentless stream of jumpthis is a solid, often genu- scares, almost to the point inely scary horror film, of parody. particularly so in the taut Regardless, Wingard beginnings of its first act knows how to make a and the nail-biting ten- horror movie, and there’s sions of its final sequence. plenty here that will leave Unfortunately, Blair you feeling uneasy after Witch is let down by the credits roll.

Verdict: 7/10 some middle-act mis-

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28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 September 2016

SPORT

FastSport MORRIS FORCED TO RETIRE AT 28: FORMER Blackrock College man Niall Morris has been forced to retire from Leinster rugby due to injury.

The 28-year-old had played in two of the Bank of Ireland Pre-Season friendlies but didn’t feature in the third game against Bath nor in the first two rounds of the Guinness PRO12.

Commenting on the announcement Morris said, “Unfortunately my ankle, which I fractured and dislocated in an incident against Bath in May 2015 and have rehabbed for 15 months, wasn’t right after the Gloucester game, so I decided to seek further opinion and in the end I’ve been left with no choice but to retire.

“I’m disappointed that my rugby career has come to an end, having completed a degree at UCD and recently passed FCA Level 1, I feel I am well positioned to make what is a difficult transition and I am excited about what lies ahead.”

RUGBY: KEOGH KICKS REIGNING CHAMPIONS TO VICTORY IN SEASON OPENER

Clontarf Bowl over Students ULSTER BANK LEAGUE 1A  sport@dublingazette.com

FULL-back Rob Keogh came to reigning champions Clontarf’s rescue as his late penalty saw them edge past UCD 22-20 at the Belfield Bowl on the opening day of the Ulster Bank League Division 1A. This was a repeat of last season’s 1A semifinal and a league debut for new UCD head coach Andy Skehan, who gave starts to Ireland Sevens international Harry McNulty and Ireland Under-20 captain James Ryan, newly signed from Lansdowne.

Clontarf wasted little time in hitting the front.

Winger Rob McGrath turned a loose ball at half-

way into a superbly-taken opportunist try, and five points soon followed from Keogh’s reliable right boot.

However, UCD found their rhythm entering the second quarter, winger Cillian Burke slotting a penalty and then converting Stephen Murphy’s try which saw the centre open up a gap with a clever dummy.

That made it 10-all for half-time, and it was titfor-tat in the early part of the second half. A scrum penalty saw Keogh add to his tally before a break from McNulty teed up a response from Burke.

The momentum was with the students after Ireland U-20 flanker Greg Jones finished off a wellexecuted lineout maul,

with Burke continuing his excellent form with the boot for 20-13.

But Tarf showed their winning mentality in a nail-biting conclusion.

Two more penalties from Keogh, either side of a yellow card for UCD prop Liam Hyland, made it a one-point game with 10 minutes remaining.

Both Burke and Keogh were off target in windy conditions before the latter made no mistake with a final place-kick to land the points Elsewhere, Old Belvedere squeezed past Young Munster at the end of an enthralling contest at Greenfields, with former Cookies starWillie Staunton kicking 16 points in this 36-35 triumph.

Staunton’s handsome

Clontarf set a move in motion. Picture: Deryck Vincent

kicking contribution – two conversions, two penalties and two drop goals – proved vital for Belvedere as they leaked a last ditch try to Young Munster’s new flanker Dan Walsh. The touchline conversion was missed and the Dubliners hung won.

Two quick-fire tries from talismanic full-back Daniel Riordan – one of them a lung-busting intercept effort – had Belvo leading 15-13 at the interval.

Recent Ireland Under20 cap Walsh grabbed an early debut try for the

Cookies, but Riordan sparked his side into life with scores after 9 and 11 minutes.

Munsters were unable to convert their lion’s share of possession into points, although full-back Paul Downes’ late penalty cancelled out Staunton’s 38th-minute kick to keep the two-point deficit.

It was drama all the way in a rip-roaring second half, with the Cookies, including Munster back rower Robin Copeland, clearly determined to succeed in new head coach Gearoid Prendergast’s first league game in

charge.

Twice the Limerick men breathlessly snatched the lead from ‘Belvo’s grasp thanks to tries from blindsideDarren Ryan and scrum half Rob Guerin. Downes converted both and also nudged over a penalty for a 30-26 turnaround.

Staunton’s boot negated the damage for ‘Belvo and with time almost up, winger Shane McDonaldclinically cut through to complete his second half brace. Walsh’s lastgasp effort ensured that both sides finished with try-scoring bonus points.

Lawrie and Luttrellstown a perfect golfing pairing  sport@dublingazette.com

Peter Lawrie is the new Lutterllstown Director of Golf.

LUTTRELLSTOWN Castle have appointed Peter Lawrie as their new Director of Golf following his retirement from professional golf.

Lawrie stepped from the pro game which he has been part of since 1997. He was on the PGA European Tour since 2003 and has played in over 400 events but is now starting a new chapter in his career at Luttrellstown Castle Resort following his passion for golf and the golf industry.

Lawrie will continue to play

on the Tour until the end of the year and remain on the Player’s Committee.

Speaking about the move, he said: “I have enjoyed my years on the tour and have made many great friends and contacts. I hope to build on my relationships to promote Luttrellstown Castle Resort as the top class venue it is in Ireland.

“I am very excited by this new role. I know the course well and look forward very much to working with the team.”

Born in Dublin and educated at Terenure College, he had a

series of career highlights including winning the Spanish Open in 2008 while he had three runnersup spots to his name – runner-up by way of a playoff at the 2003 Spanish Open, the KLM Open in 2010 and the Czech Masters in 2012.

Indeed, he was awarded Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the year on the European Tour in 2003; the only man in Ireland to date to win this prestigious award.

He comes with a flowing endorsement from Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley who said of Lawrie: “Peter brings

great energy, enthusiasm and professionalism with him and is always a great ambassador for golf in Ireland and internationally.”

Colm Hannon, Chief Executive of Adare Manor and Luttrellstown Castle Resort, meanwhile, added: “Peter has also worked closely with the European Tour on a range of initiatives, including coaching programmes and developing relationships with new promoters for the sport. Peter was also elected onto the Player’s Committee, which is responsible for creating and updating rules.”

22 September 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

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Returning Olympians add to hockey line-up

FASTSport

Mitch Darling and Shane O’Donoghue have rejoined their hometown clubs ahead of the second edition of the EYHL as the sport looks to capitalise on appearance on biggest stage EY HOCKEY LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

FOLLOWING a first Olympic summer for hockey in over a century, Dublin’s hockey clubs are hoping the return of a number of Rio stars to domestic competition will help give the sport a further boost.

To this end, the EY Hockey League returns with a bang, a doubleweekend of action for both the men and the women’s national competitions returning for a second edition on an AllIreland basis.

Mitch Darling and Shane O’Donoghue add to the attractions, returning from Rotterdam and Antwerp, respectively, to play for their hometown clubs Three Rock Rovers and Glenanne – two of six clubs from the capital in the men’s division.

For both Dublin clubs, they will hope the new arrivals can provide the impetus to push them toward the playoffs. For Rovers, they were in the top four for the majority of the last campaign in a season when many anticipated they would struggle following some high profile departures.

With a young panel, they struggled in front of goal but will hope that Darling’s arrival along with Clontarf’s Kevin Mullins – who became the first player in the north Dublin club’s history to score over 30 times in a season – will add to their firepower along with Shane Madeley. They start off with a pair of games on the road, travelling to Banbridge on Saturday before facing UCD on Sunday.

For Glenanne, O’Donoghue can pro-

vide a similar boon. The Tallaght side will miss the scoring prowess of South African Shannon Boucher but the returnee is a more than adequate replacement having scored at over a goal every two games on the international stage including three goals at the Olympics.

They will hope Leo Micklem can step into the goalkeeping pads vacated by Polish star Lukasz Domachowski who has returned home after a couple of seasons in St Mark’s. The arrival of Richard Couse is another boost from Avoca.

The Glens were fifth in the league last season but will hope to move up a rank this term. They start with key games against Dublin rivals Railway Union on Saturday before meeting Ban-

Mitch Darling is one of a number of returning Olympians. Picture: Adrian Boehm

bridge on Sunday.

Railway, for their part, have added 10 players to their wider squad with Peter Catchpole from Cork and Australian Kieran Springett the key new players while James Dick has moved back to Tasmania.

Promoted UCD have a tough ask on their hands to avoid the relegation

rugby with UCD. As such, they will have a battle on their hands to return to the top four with only Maurice Elliott coming in on the plus side.

On the women’s side, the Hermes-Monkstown amalgamation is the clear favourite for the title. In the Hermes guise, the Booterstown swept all

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‘Olympians Mitch Darling and Shane O’Donoghue add to the star attractions to play for their hometown clubs’

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places but have retained the services of James Duncan and added YMCA duo Aaron Bailey and Ben Campbell.

Monkstown and Pembroke – playoff finishers last season – have both seen a number of departures during the summer. For the former, second place in the regular season, Olympian Peter Caruth has taken up a coaching role with Annadale in Ulster while Jonny Bruton moves to Corinthian in the Leinster league.

They have, however, drawn players in from Pembroke with brothers Karl and Jason Lynch moving down the N11 to Rathdow n. Pembroke have also suffered the retirement of Adam Pritchard, Scott Sullivan’s move to the US while Nick Burns has changed codes, playing

before them to win the inaugural EYHL title.

A couple of internationals have moved on like Naomi Carroll to Cork Harlequins but the triangle of Anna O’Flanagan, Chloe Watkins and Nikki Evans remain in effect.

They can give promoted Belfast Harlequins and last year’s strugglers Ards tough baptisms to the new season. Loreto, the other promoted side, have strengthened by hoovering up a number of young players from nearby clubs to add to a panel with a quartet of senior internationals but have lost Lena Tice to UCD who they meet on Sunday on what could be a key game despite this early stage of the season.

The Beaufort outfit begin with an opening tie against Cork Harlequins on Saturday.

St Pat’s in the game to retain EA Sports title ST PATRICK’S Athletic retained the EA SPORTS Cup in an exciting final against First Division side Limerick at Markets Field, winning out 4-1.

The Shannonsiders went into the half-time break ahead through Lee Lynch but secondhalf goals from Christy Fagan, Conon Byrne, Jamie McGrath and Graham Kelly sealed the win for Pat’s.

The home side dominated much of the first 45 minutes but should have gone behind but for the heroics of Freddy Hall. Byrne found space 25 yards out and his fierce effort was tipped over the bar before Hall somehow denied Fagan’s flicked header from the resulting corner in the 14th minute.

Four minutes later, Markets Field erupted as Lynch blasted home from the edge of the area to leave Conor O’Malley with no chance to cue wild scenes from the huge home support.

Billy Dennehy hit the post with a header five minutes later as Pats pushed their Premier Division advantage home in the second-half.

Dennehy was involved when he crossed for Fagan to tap home at the back post to level the tie and the away side were soon ahead.

Man of the Match Byrne found the net with six minutes remaining and the EA SPORTS Cup was won three minutes from time as Jamie McGrath lifted the ball over Hall to seal the win.

With Limerick pressed forward, Kelly ran the length of the pitch to put the ball into an open net as Pats lift the trophy for consecutive seasons.

St Patrick’s Athletic manager Liam Buckley said: “It was a fantastic final and a great occasion. We’re delighted to come out on top of course, it was a difficult game.

“In the first-half, they really pressed us back and I think we were taken by surprise. However, after the break, the players performed brilliantly and got the goals our play deserved.

“It’s great that Limerick will be back in the Premier Division next season as it’s a great facility down here and we’ve really been looked after since we came down.”

GAZETTE

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 September 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

RUGBY: BALLINTEER OLD BOYS TEACH CORK STUDENTS LATE LESSON

Castle celebrate. Picture: Pat Cashman

Smyth pushes envelope in historic Castle victory AFTER too many years of heartbreak, Castle Golf Club are wary to celebrate too soon but they finally got to taste AIG Junior Cup success at Carton House.

At 15, Tommy Smyth is too young to have a long memory and when he rolled a 15-footer home for birdie at the 17th green, Castle could finally pinch themselves.

Smyth’s 2&1 win against Lurgan’s Andrew Cummins confirmed Castle’s victory in the AIG Junior Cup for the first time. After so many failed attempts, this was sheer ecstasy and a guttural roar rose from the gallery as Smyth turned to face the jubilant horde.

“This is huge,” said Smyth. “We’ve been AllIreland finalists five of the last 11 years and it’s been a while. It was nice to hole the winning putt. I’m 15. This is all new to me.”

A Junior Certificate student at the start of the summer, Smyth’s results came through on Wednesday but the envelope remained unopened until after the competition with the Junior Cup has had his undivided attention for the two days of competition. He will return to Terenure College with the ultimate prize.

“I was a lot more relaxed than I thought I would be,” said Smyth, describing the winning putt on 17. “I have visualised that putt for the last three weeks, a putt to win. Everybody dreams about that growing up.”

Smyth’s match became pivotal once Fergal Moran claimed Castle’s second point with a 2&1 win against Jim McKee. Earlier, Harry Gleeson had beaten James Horan 4&3, avenging his own defeat in the 2014 final against Castletroy.

Although trailing by four holes after 12, Lurgan’s Andrew Cummins had clawed back most of the deficit by the time they walked off the 16th green. Smyth had just three-putted for bogey while Cummins held for par to get back to one down.

“There was a bit of pressure coming down 17 and the momentum was with him really,” said Smyth.

“I was kind of pumped. I heard Fergal [Moran] had just won his match, there was a big roar and I was ready to hit the shot. I actually can’t remember the yardage now, I hit eight iron and it spun back beautifully. And that was history. It was perfect contact.”

Old Wesley on the attack against UCC. Picture: Ken Richardson

Harte banks first Wes win

UBL DIVISION 1B

UCC 20 Old Wesley 23  sport@dublingazette.com

OLD Wesley opened their 2016-17 Ulster Bank League campaign with a hard fought but marginally deserved win over UCC in a match separated by just one missed penalty kick at the Mardyke on an ideal day for rugby.

From the start, UCC proved that their front row was a force to be reckoned with, winning the first scrum against the head. Wesley, however, got the next one right launching an attack into the opposition 22.

Off the back of the set play 12 metres out from the UCC line, a move through the backs brought play to the goal line and quickly recycled ball had the Wesley backs queuing up to score. It was Ger Finucane who had the honour of dotting down for the first try after 10 minutes. Barry McLaughlin converted to make it 7-0.

Soon after, the Wesley scrum was in trouble again and were forced to concede a penalty. The hosts had no difficulty in converting from 30 metres out.

Entering the second quarter, the Cork students

SOCCER SISTERS Dundrum and FAI link up for all girls academy DUNDRUM Football Club, in conjunction

with the FAI, have recently launched a new Soccer Sisters Academy on Sunday mornings from 10.30 to 11.30am.

The academy is open to all girls of five to eight years of age with plenty of coaches on hand to make for a fun atmosphere.

The FAI and Emma Martin provided top class equipment to get this all girls academy started and are hopeful this initiative will grow quickly.

were in a strong attacking position in the Wesley 22 and when mobile flanker Conor Barry saw a gap, he darted in for UCC’s first try. Kevin O’Keeffe converted from in front of the posts to swap the lead.

They would hold that lead until half-time but not before a blocked down kick saw Finucane pick up the loose ball to counter-attack into the 22. He passed to Stephen Boyle who looked to get over for a try but the referee adjudged a knock on; a decision that photographic evidence later proved highly controversial.

The second half saw

substitute Mark Rowley come on and make an immediate impact with some good carries.

UCC failed to capitalise on a penalty for a high tackle and suffered a double whammy when their out half Charlie O’Regan was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

Wesley looked to move the ball wide and Paul Harte was nearly in for a try only to be denied by the touchline. UCC’s indiscipline continued and McLaughlin had no difficulty in kicking a penalty goal from 15 metres out to level the score.

He went on to add two

further penalties, one of which resulted in a yellow card for Richard Moran.

O’Keeffe reduced the gap again to three points with a well struck long range penalty kick to keep the tie in the mix Crucially with eight minutes to go, Isaac Leota’s break brought play into the 22 and his perfectly timed pass found Harte who still with a lot of work to do but bundled over for a try.

McLaughlin’s penalty created a two-score lead at 23-13. Peter McCabe’s try made for a nervy closing few minutes but Wesley did enough to cling on for an opening win.

22 September 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

SHOOT-OUT SHOWDOWN

Kilmacud denied title after penalty drama

CLUB NOTICEBOARD NAOMH OLAF

KILMACUD Crokes dramatically missed

out on an All-Ireland 7s double as their footballers lost to St Gall’s in a penalty shoot-out last Saturday at Pairc de Burca.

Andy McGowan is pictured in action against Aidan Gribbon, left, and Kevin Noblock of St Gall’s during the Volkswagen Senior Football 7s final.

Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

FOOTBALL: JUNIORS ON FIRE IN AFL9 TITLE TRIUMPH

IT was an historic day for Naomh

tions before a large crowd at Naomh

Olaf as David Byrne started at num-

Olaf’s grounds.

ber four for Dublin in the All-Ireland

Olaf’s beat Bryansfort, the previ-

senior football final v Mayo and put

ous overall winners on several occa-

in another great performance in a

sions, drew with St Michael’s and

tough match.

beat Curry to proceed to the quar-

A large number of Olaf’s support-

ter final stages at Pairc de Burca.

ers lucky to get tickets attended the

Drawn against Bellaghy (Derry) - the

match while the remainder packed

game ebbed and flowed and ended in

the clubhouse to support David and

a hard fought draw. The winner was

the Dubs. We look foward to doing it

decided by a three penalty shoot-out

all again on Saturday, October 1 at

and unfortunately Olaf’s lost this by

5pm. Well done also to Kelci Roynane,

two penalties to one. Well done to the

U-12, who represented Olaf’s at half

panel and mentors.

time in Croke Park on Sunday.

On Sunday morning, the winning

The All-Ireland weekend got off to

streak continued with the U-15 hurl-

a great start for Naomh Olaf on Sat-

ers win over Kilmacud Crokes B in

urday evening when the junior foot-

Silver Park, topping the Division 3

ballers won the league with a com-

league and into the league final in

prehensive win over Clontarf away,

two week’s time. The minor B hurlers

0-19 to 0-8.

maintained their unbeaten run in the

This win was on the back of a very good outing for the senior football-

championship with a win over Clontarf 1-13 to 0-13.

ers in the Kilmacud Crokes 7s compe-

The Naomh Olaf Club AGM takes

tition on Saturday. The group includ-

place on October 26 at 8.30pm. Please

ed Bryansfort (Down), St Michael’s

submit nominations and motions to

(Galway) and Curry (Sligo) and the

the club secretary by 9pm on Friday,

games were played in perfect condi-

September 30.

KILMACUD CROKES WELL done to all involved in the

The Naomh Olaf junior footballers who have been enjoying a stellar season

Olaf’s warriors on the hunt for treble

AFL DIVISION 9

Naomh Olaf 0-19 Clontarf 0-8  sport@dublingazette.com

NAOMH Olaf’s junior footballers copper-fastened the AFL Division 9 title in comprehensive fashion last Saturday evening with a comprehensive 0-19 to 0-8 win over Clontarf.

The team have gone unbeaten all year with an incredible 14 wins in succession in the league and have a busy schedule in the coming weeks.

Indeed, a triple is on the cards with the Sheridan Cup final to look forward

to next weekend against Starlights of Ballymun and a county championship Final against St Oliver Plunkett’s on Sunday, October 2 in Parnell Park.

Although missing players on Saturday, the Sandyford club’s panel showed its strength in depth with Colm O’Neill, Jack Byrne and Colie Hughes starring in the backline.

The side was backboned by Rob Doyle in goals who kept a clean sheet and kept a 100% record on his kick-outs.

Fergal McCann was outstanding at midfield once

again and the youthful Bernie Gaughran worked tirelessly at midfield. Half forwards Liam Diskin and Ronan Morrissey proved to be great outlets with Brian Begley and Jamie O’Malley doing most of the scoring for the team.

It came on a busy weekend with the club helping to host the annual Kilmacud AllIreland 7s. Olaf’s played in a group that included Bryansfort (Down), St Michael’s (Galway) and Curry (Sligo) and the games were played in perfect conditions before a large crowd at Naomh

Olaf’s grounds.

Olaf’s beat Bryansfort, previous overall winners on several occasions, 5-7 to 1-12 before drawing with St Michael’s 1-8 to 0-11. They subsequently beat Curry to proceed to the quarter final stages at Pairc de Burca on a massive 15-4 to 1-4 scoreline.

T hey were draw n against Bellaghy (Derry) in the quar ter-final where the game ebbed and flowed and ended in a hard fought draw.

The winner was decided by a three penalty shootout and, unfortunately for Olaf’s, they lost this by two penalties to one

Naomh Olaf.

organisation of the VW Football 7s

The AFL8 footballers had a good

this weekend in the club. Great club

win over St Sylvester’s. The AFL2

day. Check the website for lots of

footballers lost out to Clontarf in

photo’s.

their league game.

Congrats to St Gall’s on their

The U-15A camogie players lost

tournament win. Well done to our

their championship group 2 game

own Crokes team also who did the

to Lucan.

club proud reaching the final and just lost out on penalties.

Next weekend it’s the turn of the ladies footballers in the last of the 7s tournaments.

Well done to both the minor hurling teams who had wins in their

Unfor tunately, both our U-16 ladies football teams were beaten in championship action this weekend by Jude’s and Ballyboden.

Both the U-16 hurling teams had good wins in their league games over Na Fianna and St Brigid’s.

ch a m p i o n s hip g a m e s ove r th e

Well done to Cian and Paul on

weekend. The U-15A hurlers had

their participation in the All-Ire-

a good league win over Na Fianna

land final and we wish them well in

while the U-15B hurlers lost out to

the replay on October 1.

WANDERERS NO winner of this week’s lotto jackpot.

Louise O’Loughlin on 086 8333587; all

Numbers drawn were 7, 32 and 35; €25

new members welcome.

goes to Linda Molloy, Stephen Gal-

The nursery for four- to seven-

lagher, Fergal Vaughan and Tim Healy.

year-olds is back in Frank Kelly Park

Jackpot next week is €2,200.

at 10.45 on Saturday mornings; con-

Adult men’s training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays; all new

tact Feargal on 087 6213142 for more details.

players of all standards very wel-

Juvenile football and hurling con-

come, if you are interested in join-

tinues for boys and girls aged seven to

ing please contact Stephen on 086

14 with midweek training and matches

0489379.

on Wednesday evening; please con-

If you are interested in joining the ladies team this year, please contact

tact Alan on 087 9976008 for more details. All new members welcome.

GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

VIKING WARRIORS: Naomh Olaf land league title and keep dream of a treble alive in emphatic fashion P31

SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2016

RUGBY’S BULLS ON PARADE: The new Ulster Bank League season returns with a bang P28

Kilmacud Crokes’ Molly Lamb has one of the big tasks for Dublin in Sunday’s All-Ireland final

Midfield maestro Molly Kilmacud star charged with taming the twin threats of Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery in one of the key areas in next Sunday’s All-Ireland final

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

KILMACUD Crokes star Molly Lamb has perhaps the hardest challenge on offer as Dublin take on Cork in the All Ireland Ladies’ football final this Sunday. She will be squaring up to a Cork midfield who – in Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery – have more than 30 All-Ireland medals between them across the codes.

“Our midfield’s changed a bit over the matches this year,” Lamb said ahead of the final.

“I started the last day [against Mayo] but not the day before that [against Donegal], so it’s been really competitive and that helps. I’ll find out if I’m playing the week leading up to

it. But it’s clear we’ve improved as a squad.

“We have to respect what Cork have done over the last few years, it’s incredible. If a lad’s team had won ten All Ireland’s we’d be hearing a lot more about it. But I don’t think we’d think too much about it,” she added. “They’ve been so dominant that we’re used to it, rather than spooked by it. We’ll do our own thing.”

Lamb emphasised the need for GAA fans to simply see the ladies games in order to realise the quality on offer, and asked that as many as possible make their way to what’s expected to be a record turnout at Croke Park.

“I think a lot of people aren’t exposed to the ladies’ game. I think people should come down, and once they break the mould they’ll keep coming, and see the quality on offer. It

helps that there aren’t senior games scheduled at the same time this year.

“In the past, a lot of people would have gone to watch lads’ senior matches instead of our final. There being no clashes is important.”

Lamb is at the head of a generation of Kilmacud Crokes players expected to make a huge impact on the Dublin panel, with five or six players consistently around the Under-21 panel over recent years.

“The last few years there’s consistently been four or five from Crokes on the minor team, which is incredible,” she explains. “My year there was Ciara Egan, who’s now on the senior panel, and Michelle Davoren who’s gone travelling this year.

“There’s an awful lot coming through.

There are a few who have played all the way up the age groups. It’s looking seriously good.

“Julia Buckley’s been particularly good, she’s come up to give us some opposition ahead of the All-Ireland, and she’s made quite an impact.

“We don’t feel like we’re very far behind Foxrock Cabinteely and St Brigid’s. Our problem is we’ve a very young team and it’s difficult to get players available all summer. It’s just about trying to keep everyone in Dublin.”

It seems Crokes’ players might well form the heart of the Dublin team in a few years but, for Lamb, the moment is now: an All-Ireland victory against domineering Cork on Sunday would mean everything; Dublin believe their time has come.