Gazette DUNDRUM
August 25-31, 2016
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‘Our children have nowhere safe to play’ Desperate parents appeal to the council for a playground for kids in Goatstown
EMMA NOLAN GOATSTOWN parents are campaigning for a playground to be built in the area. Members of the Roebuck Residents Association and Goats-
town residents say that despite the large number of young children in Goatstown, there is no playground within walking distance. They said: “The space for a playground exists, and the funds
and support are there. So why not build it? Physical activity is a habit that begins in childhood. “Let’s give the local Goatstown kids the best chance we can.” See Full Story on Page 2
2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25 August 2016
MOUNT MERRION | LOCALS URGED TO OBJECT TO PROPOSAL
FASTNews
reasons to enter Developers try again to 10,000 Dundrum Credit Union’s get cafe site plan passed scholarship fund draw EMMA NOLAN
Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG): “This development is akin to dropping a giant Gulliver in the heart of Lilliput.”
IT’S round two of Davis vs Goliath in Mount Merrion as developers who were rejected planning permission for a development have lodged an appeal to An Bord Plenala despite intense objection from local residents. Mount Merrion locals said that were delighted that the council rejected planning permission for
the development at the Union Cafe site on Deerpark Road. Almost 340 residents objected to it because it was “wrong for Mount Merrion and for most residents,” according to the Mount Merrion Residents’ Association (MMRA). DLRCC refused planning permission on the grounds the project’s “scale, siting, layout, bulk
and height” would “not comprise an appropriate design”, but this has not stopped the developers from trying again with An Bord Pleanala. The proposed development is for a 15,800sq m four- to five-storey development with a cafe, restaurant, and 46 residential dwelling units. The proposal has also been condemned by local politicians, with Minister Shane Ross saying that it is “entirely unsuitable for the area”. Speaking on the developer’s decision to appeal to the Bord, Deputy Joespha Madigan (FG) said that the council were right to refuse planning permission initially. --------------------------
Almost 340 residents objected to it because it was “wrong for Mount Merrion and for most residents”
TO CELEBRATE their 50th anniversary, Dundrum Credit Union is holding a special draw this October in which 10 lucky student members will win a scholarship of €1,500 each. The aim of the scholarships is to help fund the cost of college for students and their families. Speaking to The Gazette, Gerry McConville, the chief executive of Dundrum Credit Union, spoke about the simple entry process for the scholarship draw and about the quick, easy and affordable student education loans that Dundrum Credit Union provides. “Dundrum Credit Union recognises the high costs associated with attending third-level education. Each entrant to the draw will have an equal chance of winning €1,500 as the scholarships are not based on academic performance. “The draw is open to members who are entering college for the first time on a course with a minimum duration of three years. “Equally, Dundrum Credit Union’s student loans are fast, flexible and affordable. You can borrow to cover the costs of college and loans can be topped up as required.” The draw is open to all members of Dundrum Credit Union. Non-members who join on or before Friday, September 16 will also be eligible for the chance to win a scholarship. Scholarship entry forms are available from any of Dundrum Credit Union’s five offices – at Dundrum, Knocklyon, Ballinteer, Sandyford and Sandymount – and are also available to download from www.dundrumcu.ie. Terms and conditions for the scholarship draw can be found on the entry form.
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Growing calls for playground in Goatstown
Speaking to The Gazette, she said: “This proposal was totally out of character with the area. “I always opposed the proposed development. At its pre-planning stage, I put out a leaflet warning of the proposals. I attended meetings with the MMRA, and very publicly opposed this project and I put in a planning objection myself.” The residents who object to the proposal have until September 9 to submit their view to An Bord Pleanala. Deputy Madigan said: “I would urge the public to oppose this development. This development is akin to dropping a giant Gulliver in the heart of Lilliput.”
GOATSTOWN parents are campaigning for a playground to be built in the area. Members of the Roebuck Residents’ Association and Goatstown residents say that despite the large number of young children in Goatstown, there is no playground within walking distance. The residents say that they are “not looking for another Marlay Park or Windy Arbour”, but all they want is a small local playground within walking distance. They said that the Taney Green area would be ideal.
Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council confirmed to The Gazette that it has been approached by a group in Goatstown, and were advised of the level of interest locally. However, at present, there is no commitment or budget for the proposal. The spokesperson said: “The council has been asked to consider putting a playground in Taney, to which we are favourable, subject to there being overall agreement among the residents there. “The Residents’ Association was requested to ascertain the level of interest in this proposal and revert back to the council. If there is overall support ... consideration will be given to providing a playground.”
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3
PETS | MISSING JESS RETURNS HOME – AFTER GOING ‘WALKIES’ FOR EIGHT YEARS
Lost & hound SYLVIA POWNALL
A DOG which strayed from its owners has returned home – EIGHT years after going missing. Jack Russell Terrier Jess has been reunited with the family who adopted her as a pup in 2005, thanks to her microchip details. Her shocked owner, Fiona McCrea, from Old Bawn in Tallaght, told of the family’s delight when they went to collect their miracle mutt at the pound. She told The Gazette: “Jess was the family dog and we had her since she was a puppy until she went missing two years later. We were confident during our search that she would return, as Jess was very loyal and [micro]chipped with our contact details. “But a year after her disappearance, all hope was gone and we were given an opportunity to
After being found and coming home following an eight-year gap, Jess (right) met the new, replacement family dog – also called Jess
adopt a six-month-old Jack Russell Terrier, also called Jess in her honour.” Fast-forward eight years, and Fiona’s dad was shocked to get a phone call from the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Fiona said: “We could not believe it when they confirmed it was our Jess. She was returned to us as a healthy ten-
year-old dog, a little dirty and tired from wandering the streets. “It looks like she gave up the chase with the dog warden.”
Fiona, a carer at Mission House Nursing Home, said Jess was a little shy after getting home from the pound, but has since showed signs of recognising her owners. She said: “In the last two days, she’s beginning to come out of her shell, and being around the family a lot, I think she’s starting to remember the different tones of voice and is now responding to ‘Jess’.” Despite the potential confusion, the family have no plans to rename the dogs – they are calling them Jess Number One and Jess Number Two.
Jess may have had a ruff time – do you know where the prodigal pup went for eight years? Call our Newsdesk at 01 60 10 240, or email news@dublingazette.com. Tired but well, Jess is collected from the pound after being traced by her microchip
4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25 August 2016
INQUEST | HEARTBROKEN PARENTS SPEAK OF
Court hears of teen’s last hours THE father of a 17-yearold Carrickmines teen, who died after he fell from a bridge, claims his son was bullied because he was gay. Brian McGiff (inset) died in February, 2015, af ter falling from a bridge over the M50. The Coroner’s Court heard the young man was out with friends in the hours before the incident. He consumed alcohol during a shopping trip to the city centre and was described as “somewhat drunk”. Brian and a friend returned to Carrickmines, getting the Luas to Ballyogan, before
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‘Brian’s father, believes his son was “subjected to some bullying because he was gay”’ --------------------------
Brian went to a party where he was involved in an altercation that led to him being put out of the house. Brian then made his way to the top of the bridge crossing the M50 at Carrickmines. Witness Lee Maguire followed him. He said: “I climbed the railings.
Brian was sitting on the edge.” Brian turned his body so that his feet were dangling, and he was holding onto the ledge with his hands. “He asked me to help him, and said he was sorry. He was in a state; I don’t think he wanted to do it. I tried to help
him as best I could.” Brian reached out his hand and Lee grabbed it, but his hand slipped and the teen fell, the court heard. He was r ushed to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he died the following day. Brian’s father, Frederick McGiff, said that he believes his son was “subjected to some bullying because he was gay”, and his mother, Selina, said that he “had no ambition to kill himself”. “He was looking for ward to his 18th bir thday; to his college courses,” said his father.
Started shopping for Christmas? WHILE many of us are hopeful of a final summer heatwave, Brown Thomas are focussing on winter wonderlands. To the confusion of many, who are still wearing shorts, the Grafton Street store has just launched its renowned Christmas Market, which showcases typical festive offeringssuch as Christmas trees, exquisite decorations and other Yuletide gift ideas. Brown Thomas managing director
Stephen Sealey said: “The Christmas Market opens at the same time every year due to customer demand. We find there is a positive response from shoppers, with trees and some decorations selling out as early as October. ” Pictured at the launch were model Sarah Morrissey, Aimee Deering (6) from Kildare and Chloe Collins (8) from Castleknock, Dublin.
Picture: Leon Farrell
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GazetteGALLERY
| WAIT OVER FOR LEAVING CERT STUDENTS AT AN END
David Kelly, Aidan Crilly and Peter Egan from Cabinteely CS
Vina-Suzette Matibao, Lorna Kinsella and John Carlos Ramas from Cabinteely CS. Pictures: Rose Comiskey
The results are in T
HE long wait for the class of 2016 at Ballinteer CS, Cabinteely CS and Newpark Comprehensive came to an end as they were finally able to collect their Leaving Certificate results. The graduates were relieved and bid the school a final farewell as they now look forward to their future. Teachers at the schools were on hand to offer any advice and support and to wish students the very best for the future.
Amy Murray from Ballinteer CS on the
Tyhvion McGuinness and Kim Irwin from
phone to her mother
Newpark Comprehensive
Natalie Morgan, Amy Donnelly and Caitriona Travers from Ballinteer CS
Katie Walsh-O’Leary, Ryan O’Neill and Elizabeth Downes
Kellie Donnelly and Sereen Sarhan from
from Ballinteer CS
Ballinteer CS
Cathal Wright, Michael Fidgeon and Daniel Maher from Cabinteely CS
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7
Dundrum Credit Union are top of the class with €15,000 Student Giveaway! To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Dundrum Credit Union is holding a special draw this October in which 10 lucky student members will win a scholarship of €1,500 each. The aim of the scholarships is to help fund the cost of college for students and their families. Each entrant to the draw will have an equal
chance of winning €1,500 as the scholarships are not based on academic performance. The draw is open to members who are entering college for the first time on a course with a minimum duration of three years. Equally, Dundrum Credit Union’s student loans are fast, flexible and affordable. You can borrow
to cover the costs of college and loans can be topped up as required.” The draw is open to all members of Dundrum Credit Union. Non-members who join on or before Friday September 16th will also be eligible for the chance to win a scholarship.
Scholarship entry forms are available from any of Dundrum Credit Union’s five offices (Dundrum, Knocklyon, Ballinteer, Sandyford and Sandymount) and are also available to download from www.dundrumcu.ie. Terms and conditions for the scholarship draw can be found on the entry form.
Dundrum Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.
8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25 August 2016
JUSTICE | GROWING CLAMOUR OF INTERNATIONAL VOICES SUPPORTING JAILED YOUTH
Senior British lawyers join calls to free Ibrahim Halawa SYLVIA POWNALL A SENIOR panel of British lawyers have backed calls for the release of Dubliner Ibrahim Halawa from an Egyptian jail on the third anniversary of his arrest. The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales said he should be returned to Ireland immediately, and his treatment “constitutes a serious breach of international law”. Chairperson Kirsty Brimelow, a barrister, said: “He has been subjected to several years of pre-trial detention, violently assaulted by the Egyptian police, and denied access to a lawyer or a fair trial. “During part of this period, Mr Halawa was a child. His urgent release is required.” Ibrahim – who was 17 at the time of his arrest – is being prosecuted alongside 494 co-defen-
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‘Irish people, I’m sorry that for three years you have been fighting for my release. ... I’m fighting for others to gain democracy like back home’ --------------------------------------------------------
Ibrahim Halawa, in a letter (right) home
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dants for allegedly taking part in a political protest in 2013. His lawyers fear that if convicted, he may face the death penalty. Those standing in solidarity with him here painted #FreeIbrahimHalawa on the road outside the Egyptian Embassy in Ballsbridge last week. Meanwhile, his heartbroken family – including his three sisters w h o we r e a l s o arrested outside a mosque in
Cairo but who were later released on bail – shared details of a letter he passed to his family. Ibrahim asked for an Irish flag and a souvenir leprechaun to be sent over to him, and said he was “willing to die for freedom”. He wrote: “Irish people, I’m sorry that for three years you have been fighting for my release. I’m sorry for the years I
Part of a letter Ibrahim’s family received, in which the jailed Cairo youth speaks of his determination to stand up for democracy, no matter what he faces during his continuing incarceration
have missed ... I’m sorry I was stolen away from the warmth of the Irish laughter. I’m sorry for a limited language expressing limitless feelings. “But I’m fighting for what you taught me to die for. I’m fighting for others to gain Ibrahim’s niece sends democracy like him her support back home. I’m
sorry but I’m willing to stay in prison for a right you taught me to hold on to.” Ibrahim’s trial has been delayed 14 times since he was first detained in August, 2013. T he Government has vowed to support a new legal application to release him. His next
court date is scheduled for October 2. Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin said: “This ongoing situation is scandalous. It is unprecedented to be held in pre-trial detention for so long. “Ibrahim is the only Irish and EU citizen in this scenario, and yet it
persists. He has reported beatings and severe ill treatment while in custody. “T his young man could have been graduating from university this autumn, and building a life and a career. His fate, however, is uncertain and his wait interminable.”
DINING
The centre of attention for Alma’s lucky win
Restaurant has closed
LUCKY Alma Glynn was the winner of the Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre’s summer essentials hamper, which included prizes worth more than €300 from The Grafton Barber, Bookstation, Kilkenny Shop, Haven Pharmacy and Stillorgan Chiropractic. Ray Coary, centre manager, was delighted to present Alma with her prizes and congratulate her on her good fortune. Stillorgan Village was Ireland’s first ever shopping centre, and is celebrating its 50th birthday this year with a programme of events, competitions and special discounts to be announced in the coming weeks to mark the celebrations. The centre is also hosting a free Back to School event on Saturday, August 27 with circus skills workshops, face-painting fun, carnival characters and more – see stillorganvillageshopping.com/ for full details.
RESTAURANT and wine bar Harvey Nichols in the Dundrum Town Centre has closed, with nine staff members made redundant. According to reports, the restaurant closed after a deal to take over the outlet by an Argentinian restaurant company was shelved due to Brexit. It is understood the restaurant had been making losses of around €15,000 a month. Management informed staff of the company’s decision to close the store two weeks in advance.
IAN BEGLEY
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9
10 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
GazetteGALLERY
| SPOOKY GOINGS ON AT THE IRISH PREMIERE SCREENING OF
Kate Morgan and Kayleigh O’Sullivan
Lisa Naylor and Alan Hayden
Leah Moore and Kimberley Farrell
Michelle McKeon and Fionnula Moran. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
It’s fright night for horror fans H
ORROR fans headed to a special preview screening of Lights Out at The Light House Cinema last weekend. The super natural horror movie has been enjoying huge success in the US and is now showing in Irish cinemas. Critics say the movie makes for an unsettling, frightfilled experience that “delivers superior chills without skimping on story”.
Leanne Slevin and Robyn Fitzpatrick
Luke O’Faolain
Kumar and Gail Kaneswaran
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 11
LIGHTS OUT
Navis Binu and Ronak Modi
Hilary Johnson
Romy Carroll
Hannah Kearns and Kara Stein
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
DUBLINBUSINESS
Furniture Kings’ celebrating 25 NEXT month, brothers Paul and David Nugent will celebrate 25 years of Kingsbury Furniture. In 1991, the pair, who were born and raised in Tallaght, seized their opportunity and opened the business, specialising in household furniture and flooring. Over the next 25 years Kingsbury Furniture has expanded in size and have grown from three to 15 employees. They now have a modern and stylish 9,000sq ft store on High Street in Tallaght. During the recent crippling recession the brothers branched into full apartment and turnkey fit-outs, which led to a lot of showhouse fit-outs for builders and developers – ensuring that the business stayed afloat. The brothers, who both still live locally and train juvenile teams with
Thomas Davis GAA Club, say good customer service and quality products are key to surviving and being successful for this long. Paul, the older of the two, told Gazette Business: “We believe the company that builds through good customer service and quality products will stand the test of time. “We have many customers that would have bought furniture from us in the early 90s and are still buying and accompanying their sons and daughters into our store. “We are a family business and we try to support Irish suppliers and manufacturers as much as possible.” Kingsbury Furniture, which also offers a full interior design service, is located in Unit 3, High Street, Tallaght – just a stone’s throw from Smyths toy store. Visit www.kingsburyfurniture.ie to find out more.
Owner of Kingsbury Furniture, Paul Nugent with his daughter, Dominique and store manager Jimmy Owens
Dublin lads sock it to dull and mundane styles THREE Dublin lads have started a “sock revolution”. Funky Foot is a new start up that its founders say will “liberate people from a life of dull, mundane socks”. Aengus, Eoin and John spotted room in the market for socks that defy convention and have been selling their socks in markets around Dublin for the past two months. Now, after much stress for three web design rookies, the website, www.funkyfoot.co is now live.
Co-founder of the company Aengus Boyle told The Gazette: “We are starting a sock revolution. Out with the boring and in with the funky! Our socks are 90% cotton, 10% synthetic mix and 100% funky. That’s 200% in every sock!” The socks are available at www.funkyfoot.co for €7.95. To celebrate their website launch, the trio have offered a 40% discount code especially for Gazette readers. Simply enter the code “gazette40” at the checkout.
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 13
GAZETTE
14 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
Eye see a way to help launch the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards ... JuniLisa Murray, Aya Parker, Willow O’Sullivan and Ethan Manby give a hand. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Looking to a better future YOUNG budding Dublin artists are getting ready to sharpen their pencils and clean their brushes as Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards returns. Last year, schools
from Dublin submitted hundreds of paintings and with entries now open, Sightsavers are calling on children across the county to get thinking and create a masterpiece.
Open to primar y school students of all ages across Ireland, this year’s theme – Framing The Future – is expected to inspire thousands of imaginative entries.
Sightsavers wants to frame the future as an inclusive world where children living with disabilities get to go to school, and is inviting children to let their imaginations run wild and create their very own work of art which envisions what they see when they think of the future. Some 15 regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a special awards day next spring where three overall national winners will be announced. Eve r y c h i l d t h a t enters will receive a certificate of participation in recognition of their creative efforts. The closing date for entry is Friday, November 25 . Parents and children can get involved by speaking to their school
teacher or by visiting sightsavers.ie to request entry forms.
GO AHEAD TO THE THROWBACK PARTY FOR those heading to Electric Picnic this year, one of the stand-out events set to take place over the weekend is the Throwback Party at the Electric Ireland stage. The first act to be announced are popsynth princesses Bananarama, who will perform floor-filling classics such as Cruel Summer, Venus and Love in the First Degree on the Saturday night. Attendees will also be able to take time out to chill while enjoying classic movies such as Grease and Top Gun for the ultimate in nostalgic guilty pleasures. There’s also some good news for those still
looking for tickets to the sold out event as Electric Ireland is giving away 30 weekend tickets in its annual ticket giveaway. The tickets will be given away through a five-day Facebook Live competition from Monday, August 22, to Friday, August 26. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants simply need to visit Electric Ireland’s Facebook page each day at 7.30pm where they can participate in a live throwback competition.
HORRIBLY GOOD SCARES AT THE RDS IRELAND’S most chilling scare-house experience, The Nightmare Realm, is bringing its reign of terror to the RDS this October. T hrillseekers will explore the gruesome village of the damned to see
Dublin’s darkest nightmares brought to life. The Nightmare Realm has carved out a notorious reputation for pushing the boundaries of sanity and crafting the artistry of fear, with live characters and vivid special effects to capture the depths of the imagination. Nerves will be pushed to the limit with gruesome life-like props and characters, from the grotesque and bloodchurning to the sick and extreme, preying on the minds of fright fans and horror enthusiasts brave enough to face the RDS. The attraction, which opens its doors on September 29, will run for the full month of October. Tickets are on sale now at thenightmarerealm.ie, with adult tickets priced at €20 and students at €17.
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 15
GAZETTE
FEATURE CULTURE NIGHT 2016: POPULAR EVENT TO RETURN
Get ready for one night to explore the city’s diverse cultural riches
IAN BEGLEY
ON THE evening of Friday, September 16, Dublin will erupt with creativity when Ireland’s annual cultural spectacular – Culture Night – returns for its massively popular annual occurrence. From powerful spoken word performances that will stop you in your tracks to eye-catching art in motion, Culture Night will once again be an evening that is not easily forgotten, no matter what cultural corner of the city – or indeed, country – you find yourself in. Having grown in Dublin from 40,000 attendees to 172,000 in 11 years, Culture Night is now a countrywide movement, as the whole of the city, and country, is filled with cultural expression, exploration and appreciation on the night. Commenting on this year’s programme for Culture Night, Ray Yeates, Dublin City Council arts officer said: “Culture Night is a very special night for children as they and their families look forward to another wonderful night of civic engagement and cultural discovery.” As always, the celebra-
tory, exploratory event will include thousands of participants from all cultural genres, including photographers, illustrators, designers, composers, visual artists, dancers, aerialists, authors, singers and musicians. Some of Ireland’s most exciting minds have got behind Culture Night 2016 as ambassadors, promoting their own genres, new creative industries
including guided tours of the official residence of the President of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, along with some new additions to the programme. This year, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland’s iconic building at St Stephen’s Green will come to life with a spectacular 3D animated light show that will take viewers on a journey of the building’s history, from
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‘Having grown in Dublin from 40,000 attendees to 172,000 in 11 years, the whole of the city is filled with cultural expression, exploration and appreciation on Culture Night’
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and our rich history and heritage, including artist Pauline Bewick, alt-pop duo The Heathers, musician and poet Ronan O Snodaigh and author Colin Barrett. As well as a celebration of the arts and culture, much of the city and country’s rich built and natural heritage will also be opened up for the people to see and experience. Some of last year’s most popular venues in Dublin are returning once again,
its foundation in 1784, through the historical events of 1916, and ending with a glimpse into the future cutting-edge healthcare technology being developed by the college. North of the Liffey, and Smithfield Square will buzz with excitement on the night with interactive events from Makeshop to fencing, with the evening to close with Firefly, a fire spectacle by Dublin Circus Project.
Exploring the cultural side of the city by foot, bike or bus will be made easy with the Culture Night Tours, which include the Urban Potato Bike tour, Revolutionary France in Dublin tour, the Dublin Bus Ghostbus tour and tours of different areas in Dublin, presented in English and international languages. At the heart of its schedule of music, theatre and words is Culture Night’s live broadcast of RTE Radio 1’s Arena with Sean Rocks in the upper courtyard of Dublin Castle, which will also feature the RTE Concert Orchestra and special guests from music, theatre, comedy and poetry. Cultural audiences in the capital can travel with a “cultural edge” on the night thanks to transport partners Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. Dublin Bus will provide free buses every 20 minutes around the cultural quarters, starting at Bachelor’s Walk, Aston Quay, College Green and Eden Quay, to bring visitors to and from their favourite spots. For the full programme of events and participating venues for Culture Night 2016, see www.culturenight.ie.
John McMahon doesn’t seem convinced by Frances Matthews’s Capoeira skills, but Robyn Cassidy loved them! The trio were helping to promote upcoming Culture Night 2016, which will once again uncover many of Dublin’s historical, architectural and cultural gems for the public to see. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
LOVE&MARRIAGE
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
Don’t forget favours to help thank your guests
PLANNING a wedding obviously takes a lot of thought, and every last detail must be thoroughly thrashed out. In the midst of all the planning about venues, dresses, tuxes, honeymoon and so on, don’t forget to thank your guests for sharing in your big day with the gift of wedding favours. Picture: igstudio.ie
Wedding favours are a simple and effective way for the happy couple to show their appreciation to their guests for helping to celebrate their union. When selecting wedding favours, one must always take three things into consideration: budget, the number of guests, and the shelf-life of the item. If a large gathering is expected, wedding favours can be a huge drain on the budget. However, as modern weddings are often about adding a personal touch and a sense or originality and personality to the big day, you can kill two birds with one stone by providing home-made, personallythemed wedding favours. By doing this, you can not only reduce the cost, but give your wedding an extra personal touch at the same time. For a highly-personal wedding, why not get hitched at Dublin Zoo (above) or Westmeath’s Mount Druid (right)
LOCATIONS: ALTERNATIVE VENUES COULD BE LOTS OF FUN
Go wild and say ‘I do’ at Dublin Zoo! IAN BEGLEY
IF YOU’RE on the prowl for an alternative wedding venue that is a hundred miles away from the type of nuptials your grandparents had, you will be pleased to know that Ireland has a huge range of unconventional wedding venues on offer. From castles to barns, theatres, sports stadiums and Dublin Zoo, there are plenty of unique, charming and even eccentric wedding venues to suit all tastes. If your heart is set on a Dublin city wedding, but you’re looking for a large space to celebrate, then Smock Alley Theatre might be the perfect venue for your big day. With its exposed brick walls, ornate plasterwork ceiling, and stained-glass windows, this venue is
certainly a sight to behold. Its oak benches and tables offer options for the en vogue, long dining experience and the large space is very versatile for a ceremony or reception. Further afield, and if you’re considering a very intimate wedding with just your nearest and dearest friends and family, then Fanningstown Castle over in Limerick certainly has a nice ring to it. Set close to Shannon Airport, this 12th century grand castle has been converted into an atmospheric private house perfect for a small group. Another great alternative venue is at Mount Druid in Westmeath. The building and its surroundings comprise a converted barn, a consecrated tin chapel, 20 traditional Mongolian yurts,
three shepherds huts, a charmingly cosy gate lodge, a three-bed schoolmaster’s house, an 1820s Georgian house, several barbecue areas, a walked garden, a summer house and three lakes! A couple who choose to marry at Mount Druid can except a beautifully laid-back venue where red carpets and white chair covers are non-existent, and their guests can have a lovely relaxed time with an informal feel to the day. Closer to home, and why not choose to say “I do” at the zoo? Dublin Zoo is a unique alternative to the traditional wedding venue and provides a magical backdrop for your special day. Haughton House, a restored historical building with magnificent views of the zoo, is avail-
able seven days a week for all types of wedding ceremonies, including civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and blessings. You can add even more magic to your wedding day by having a unique drinks reception in the zoo’s interactive learning and discovery centre, or capturing some special photo opportunities. With weddings at Croke Park, GAA fans can marry their love of their lives with their love of the game. Whether you are interested in a large traditional reception, a small intimate celebration or something in between, Croke Park can offer you the perfect alternative venue. For further information on these alternative wedding venues, see www. alternativeweddings.ie and www.hitched.ie.
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 17
GAZETTE
SUPPLEMENT
A little planning goes a long way IAN BEGLEY
NOT only is the Athlone Springs Hotel the perfect venue for a celebration of endless love, but their wedding planners are primed to assist with all aspects of the happy couple’s Big Day, from the ceremony to the entertainment. The most important part when choosing your venue is that you feel welcome from the moment you arrive, and or course, excellent food that will
In tip-top shape for your big day IAN BEGLEY
YOUR wedding is an event to be remembered for the rest of your life and no doubt it will be chronicled in photographs as well as on film. For this reason among others you will want to look your best. Whether you’re looking to drop a few pounds, tighten up your muscles or completely overhaul your physique, Educogym, Dundrum can get you there. The Educogym system is based on a university validated study which proves that a clear goal combined with resistance based exercise and low glycemic nutrition caused a person to shape up faster than any other system in the world. On average, the participants lost 7.5lb of fat, and gained an average 3lb of metabolism boosting muscle, In just 12 days all with just 20 minute exercise per day. Educogym is designed to replicate
these incredible results, with each aspect of the programme finely tuned to ensure success. Educogym Consultants work with you to help you understand your goals and then devise a programme to make sure you achieve them. Educogym specialises in low-glycemic nutrition plans
designed to detox your body from sugar to lower body fat and get in your best-ever shape. The word educo means to lead or draw out from within. Educogym works with you to draw out your ideal figure or physique using their carefully crafted system. The big difference between the Educog y m resistance training and traditional aerobic exercise such as jogging is that by increasing lean muscle tissue you will increase your metabolism to burn fat and have a leaner and firmer body. All programmes include intensive 20 minute training sessions, regular consultations, nutritional programmes with expert advice and goal setting to help you look your best on your big day. For more information visit: www. educogym.com/ Dundrum
have your guests raving about your wedding for years to come. “It’s all about the little things that make a big difference to your day and it is our promise that we will take care of everything so you can celebrate with your family and friends,” says wedding coordinator Nicola Nestor. This contemporary venue hosts a welcoming lobby and drinks reception area in Cedar Cocktail Bar and the stunning Clonellan Ballroom
caters for weddings up to 300 guests. The hotel also has its own private garden for photos and the Manhattan bridal suite is the height of luxury. The wedding team recently launched its 2016-2017 wedding packages that starts from €45 per person. P a c k a g e s i n cl u d e complimentar y wedding favours and you can choose from a wedding car, three-tier personalised cake, photobooth,
music on arrival, three complimentary rooms for your guests on the night of the wedding, civil ceremony package, candy cart reception, personalised monogram and lighting for your ballroom, cocktail and canape drinks reception and evening buffet “chipper style”. If you would like to pop in and visit Nicola and the team just call 090 644 4444 or email events@athlonespringshotel.com.
LOVE&MARRIAGE
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18 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
Alluring Brilliant Bangle €89
Sparkle in style for your big day EMMA NOLAN
SOMETHING gold, something rose, something silver, something blue – affordable jewellery brand Pandora have a wide range of pieces that are suitably elegant for bridal wear. Whether for the bride herself or
for her bridesmaids and flower girls, the new autumn collection, which is launching in stores on September 1, contains a number of pieces that are bound to be popular amongst those with weddings on their mind. It features silver, rose and 14k gold bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings that would be perfect for
that special day, and for a reminder of the day that can be worn afterwards. Both chic and classic, there is something to suit most tastes. This stylish range is available from Pandora stores in Dundrum, Grafton Street, Liffey Valley and Henry Street.
Vintage Allure Drop Earrings €99
Alluring Brilliant Marquise €89
Vintage Allure Ring €119 Open Bangle €89
Vintage Allure Earrings €59
The write way tosay ‘I love you’ Twist of Fate Ring €129
IF YOU’RE not sure what to get a friend, family member or your significant other as a wedding gift, The Wedding Collection from Cross Pens carry a huge range of elegant writing instruments to suit all budgets that are sure to be treasured forever. Choose from a number of Cross pens, which are perfect for signing the marriage register, for guests to sign the wedding book, or even for writing those wedding thank-you letters. The collection is the perfect celebration of love, as each pen can be engraved with a meaningful message, making for a unique, personal memento. For the full collection, samples of which are shown above, see www.cross.com.
Century II Chrome Ball Point Pen €65
Townsend Chrome Ball Point Pen €115
Beverly Pearlescent White Lacquer Ball-Point Pen €40
Edge Titanium Gel Ink Pen €50
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 19
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EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
HELEN McAlinden, one of Ireland’s best-known designers, features a number of pieces perfect for wedding guests in her newest ready to wear collection, not least for the most important guest of all – the mother (in both parties), of course. While every Helen McAlinden
piece is distinguished by subtleties of form, fit and fabrication, her latest S/S16 collection is no different. Constantly evolving and developing, the blueprint silhouette of her unique and sophisticated style can be worn in a variety of ways, always keeping a focus on the woman who wears them. McAlinden said: “My designs are underpinned with the very best
fabrics, chosen for luxurious quality and durability of style. It is always my goal to create a range to suit real women’s shapes and to flatter all ages, and I feel my latest collection has achieved this.” The Helen McAlinden S/S16 collection is now available in the South William Street store, as well as in Arnotts, and House of Fraser in Dundrum Town Centre.
Georgia bodycon dress €245
5 ress €26
The Mother
Marcela navy porcelain dress €285
h cotton d
etc Evelyn str
The most important guest at the big day
Sandy stripe dress €265
Georgia bodycon dress €245
Astrid floral dress €285
s €285 Astrid floral dres
Marion dress €2
DRESSING
GAZETTE
SUPPLEMENT
THE overall influence for this Spring/Summer collection derives from the work of American fashion designer Claire McCardell, who, throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s became synonymous with ready-towear stylish women’s sports wear. With Helen’s recent collection, the florals for which the brand is so well known are showcased in form-flattering dresses and pencil skirts.
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 25 August 2016
DUBLINLIFE
AENGUS O’HANLON
ATHLONE is a place worth invading. The Vikings, the Anglo-Normans, the Williamites, and more recently, tourists have come to the ancient town expecting much and leaving happy, sometimes not leaving at all. And with good reason. Sitting on the banks of the mighty Shannon, just south of beautiful Lough Ree, Athlone is an ancient and unique destination. Unique because the town is split
in two not just by the river, but also by the map… twice. T he western tow n, with its impressive skyline dominated by Athlone Castle and the imposing twin towers of Saint Peter
and Paul’s Church, is in County Roscommon and as such in Connacht, while the larger, eastern town is in the Leinster county of Westmeath. So if you’re looking for a funfilled weekend away right at the very heart of Ireland, or the perfect base from which to explore the midlands, look no further. With plenty to do and see, and no shortage of wonderful old pubs and excellent, affordable restaurants, this is a town with a lot to
We Athlone
offer. We stayed at the Radisson Blu, right on the river, with stunning views across the water to the old town. With its friendly staff, nice pool and excellent bars and restaurant, you could say it’s a metaphor for the entire region. Their family suites are as good as The Gazette has ever experienced. Too often in our experience, “family rooms” can mean nothing more than a glorified dormitory, with about as much privacy for mum
and dad as you could expect in a small car. Not here. The rooms are spacious, and a bit like the town, neatly split into two distinct parts, giving the kids a mirage of independence which includes their own beds, river views, TV and play area, while parents can pretend to be grown ups in peace in the adjoining double room. With the kids – and us adults – immediately delighted with our welcome to Athlone, it set the tone
Sean’s Bar is listed in the
Viking Mike’s Viking longboat with the Radisson
Guinness Book of Records as
Blu in the background
the oldest bar in Europe
Musicians in Sean’s Bar
Oh baby – pampering awaits! MUMS-TO-BE WILL ENJOY WINEPORT LODGE’S SPECIALLY TAILORED PACKAGES
25 Augist 2016 GAZETTE 21
for the weekend, and sure enough, a brilliant few days it was. A quick dip in the hotel’s pool before a sumptuous dinner in Elements Bistro was followed by a relaxing drink at the Quayside bar and Lounge, where you can unwind on the open terrace overlooking the river. Athlone is all about the Shannon. And there’s no better way to explore the river and nearby Lake of the Kings, than with Viking Mike on his 21 metre replica
Viking longboat. Departing from the quayside at Athlone Castle daily, Viking Ship Cruises, which sail up the Shannon and into Lough Ree or down river to the historic monastic site of Clonmacnoise, are an absolute must. Mike and his staff know the area and its colourful past like the back of their well worn hands, and the big man and his staff’s hospitality knows no end. You learn a lot about the history of the river and surrounding
townlands during the 75 minute cruise, and the vessel, a National History Ship dating back to 1923, is equipped with a cafe, bar and even wifi. Back in the town, a trip to the Luan Gallery on the West side of the river will keep the culture vultures more than happy, and they should also make the quick dash across the road to take in the celebrated stained glass windows of St Peter and Paul’s. A minute’s walk away is Ath-
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
lone Castle with its innovative the pub’s walls have indicated visitor centre, where the town’s that people have been enjoying a history, people, and many battles sup here since 900 A.D. – and it’s are explored and brought to life in even listed in the Guinness Book a series of very impressive audio- of Records as the oldest bar in visual exhibitions. Europe, which most people agree Child-friendly multimedia dis- would also make it the oldest in plays and interactive games guide the world. spellbound visitors through the What isn’t up for debate, howevcastle; while the Great Seige of er, is the quality of the pint, or the Athlone is relived in a 360 degree wonderful, magical atmosphere climatic experience that transports that hits you as soon as you cross its door. viewers back in ------------------------------------Tourists, locals time. And, if you and stag parties like dressing up in mingle happily, historic costumes, while the back of you’re in luck! the pub stretches The more active all the way to the adventurers can riverbank. hop on their bikes Another fine and go for a spin along the Old ------------------------------------- o l d A t h l o n e Rail Train Greenboozer that simway, a scenic 42km dedicated cycle ply has to be enjoyed is Gertie path that follows the old Midland Browne’s on Custume Street, just Great Western Railway east before across the bridge back on the east snaking along the Royal Canal side of town. into Mullingar. The pub dates back over 1,000 With lots of entry and exit points years and was once a carriage along the route, you can hop on house as well as a tavern. and off to explore the quaint little Gerties serves up some truly villages and attractions along the excellent pub grub, but if you fancy way. a break from the pubs, La Cucina After all the exploring, you’ll no is a gem of a restaurant just across doubt need a drink. the road. And there’s no place like AthTouted as the best restaurant in lone for pubs. the midlands by TripAdvisor, this Possibly the king of them all lovely little family eatery certainly (and The Gazette is no stranger to lives up to its reputation, and like good pubs so has some authority everywhere else in Athlone, the on the matter) is Sean’s Bar. service came with a smile. The archaeological dating on We will be back.
‘After all the exploring, you’ll no doubt need a drink. And there’s no place like Athlone for pubs.’
Athlone’s skyline is dominated by the Church of St Peter and St Paul
MIMI MURRAY
“BABY mooning” is a fairly new concept for pregnant women – sort of like baby showers and an American thing, I’m sure. It’s the idea of taking some time out with your other half before your impending bundle of joy makes its noisy entrance into the world, leaving it never quite the same again. I don’t normally go in for this type of makey-uppey concept, myself, but if it means metaphorically sitting on a lily pad and letting myself be pampered – well, I’m willing to bend my own rules. With a four-year-old at home, and another child on the way, we decided to not venture far and plumped
for 24 hours R&R, just an hour down the road, at Wineport Lodge in Athlone. Many hotels offer baby moon packages now, which usually consist of an overnighter or two with some delicious beauty treatments thrown in for the mum-to-be. Wineport Lodge is located on the banks of Lough Ree, and a more stunning location you could not find. All rooms overlook the lake and a balcony meant we could sit and capture the magical early morning goings-on, such as a lone heron diving for fish, or two swans making their majestic journey across the dark waters. The hotel’s location so close to the shore genu-
inely makes you feel very at one with nature. The lodge is reminiscent of those boltholes in the New England states and the restaurant, with its leather-coloured booths and high-beamed ceilings, adds to this feeling of being somewhere like Vermont. It boasts a small spa area with an outdoor hot tub – something my husband indulged in while I went for my treatment. I chose the all-over body massage and my excellent therapist, Aisling, really knew her stuff. She has actually trained in massage for recovering cancer patients as well as maternity massage, so has a very good knowledge of the human body; the correct pressure to apply and
where to avoid when pregnant – something mumsto-be often worry about when indulging in something like this. An hour later, and back to the land of the living, it was time to start thinking about dinner. The food is really good here, with things like a mackerel pate and crab and scampi salad offering light-bite starters. We went for both of these, as we had our hearts set on the cote de boeuf – a rib of beef cooked on the bone for two people (well, three, effectively). This is actually enough for about four people, and came with bearnaise and cafe de paris sauce as well as some greens and fat chips. In a word: delicious.
An Eton mess was the lightest dessert we could find and we tried it purely for research purposes. The end-of-season strawberries and homemade meringues were the perfect choice to bookend a very tasty meal. After a good night’s sleep and a cooked breakfast we returned to Dublin with a pep in our step and a renewed sense of wellbeing – something every mum-tobe will never say no to! For more details on mum-to-be packages, see wineport.ie. For alternative baby moon breaks check out Hayfield Manor, Co Cork. From: €499pp. Telephone: 021 484 5900 or Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan. From: €240pps Telephone: 047 88100.
With superb wasterside views of the calming Shannon, Wineport Lodge’s soothing location is married to great service and delicious dining, too
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DUBLINLIFE
FOOD&DRINK
BITESIZEDNEWS
A new range of health foods has just been launched at several leading retailers across Ireland
Vitality fare that could set you up for the day HEALTH food brand Vitality Foods has just launched in Ireland. Now available in Dunnes, SuperValu, Centra, Spar, Mace and Londis, Vitality is a protein-based brand that is described as “food for active living”. Vitality is introducing a range of three products – oats, pancakes and protein bars – with a variety of different flavours, from cookies and cream, peanut butter crunch to honey and almond. Speaking at the launch of Vitality Foods, fitness model Maeve Madden said: “Protein is such an important part of my daily diet and routine and the Vitality Food range is so delicious and easy to prepare. “My favourite product from the range is definitely the pancakes, which are the perfect breakfast to set you up for an active day.” For recipes, workouts and wellness innovation, follow @Vitality_Foods on Instagram.
Coastal villages make it to national foodie list DUBLINERS already know to head to the sea for some of the best fare in the city – and the terrific cuisine found at eateries in Howth, Skerries and Malahide have seen the villages shortlisted for the best foodie destinations in Ireland. The three villages are in the top ten places selected by the Restaurants Association of Ireland for its Foodie Destinations initiative. The winning town or destination will be named on September 29.
Brazilian-style
Spring Green Spiralised
chicken salad
Courgette Salad
Serving up summer THE summer has been anything but sizzling, but this delicious Brazilianstyle chicken salad, from M&S, which serves four, will be a Rio-l hit when you bring it out. Inspired by salpicao, the classic Brazilian street food, it is often served with the chips mixed in, but you can serve them on the side if you prefer.
Ingredients l 2 tsp olive oil l 2 tsp smoked paprika l 2 medium potatoes (about 700g) l 1 green apple l 1.5 limes l 400g cooked chicken l 50g raisins (optional) l 4 tbsp mayonnaise
l l
25g coriander 4 white seeded rolls
Preparation l Peel and cut all the potatoes into thin strips. Shred the cooked chicken and finely chop the coriander. l Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. l Mix the oil with 1 tsp of smoked paprika, season with salt and pepper, then toss with the chips. l Spread out on a large baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. l Meanwhile, quarter, core and slice the apple into thin wedges and put in a large bowl. l Squeeze the juice of half a lime, then add the
chicken and raisins. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the zest and juice of one lime, 1sp smoked paprika and the coriander. l Stir 3tsp of the dressing into the chicken salad, then add the cooked fries; gentle toss if desired. l Serve on a platter with rolls and the remaining dressing on the side. l
FOR another tasty treat to feed four, we turn again to M&S, and their spirit of summer-inspired Spring G r e e n S p i ra l i s e d Courgette Salad. This light, fresh dish is easy to prepare, and is perfect fare to serve as summer drifts towards its end.
Ingredients l 120g fresh spinach leaves l 50g pine nut l 1 garlic clove l 125ml extra virgin olive oil l 50g fresh Parmesan l 1 lemon l 1 pinch salt and pepper l 250g courgette spaghetti l 150g frozen petits pois l 25g mint leaves l 1 large handful rocket Preparation l Mince the garlic cloves; grate the fresh Parmesan; chop the mint leaves. l To make the pesto, place the spinach, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor, and blitz to a
coarse puree. Transfer to a bowl, and add the olive oil and parmesan. Mix well. l Squeeze in lemon juice, to taste. l Season with salt and pepper – it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. l Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the peas, and cook for 2-3 mins. l Drain, and refresh under cold water. Set aside to cool completely. l In a large bowl, combine the courgette, peas, mint and 5 tablespoons of pesto. l Stir through the rocket last. Then squeeze some lemon over the salad, and serve. l
25 August 2016 GAZETTE 23
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DUBLINLIFE
ReelReviews
LIGHTS OUT
A bright idea for a film DIRECTOR James Wan takes the premise of a short film and gives it a decent treatment with Lights Out (Cert 15A, 81 mins). A young boy is being haunted by a dangerous and very real being who lives in the dark – however, she has direct ties to his family, some of whom know exactly who ‘Diana’ is ... Wan’s skill at directing horror come to the fore, with an interesting premise presented with skill.
NINE LIVES
An utter catastrophe KEVIN Spacey and Christopher Walken take the money and run – after first mugging their way through Nine Lives (Cert PG, 87 mins), widely slated as possibly the worst film of 2016. A billionaire workaholic learns lessons about life, family and love after ... he’s turned into a cat. Yes, a cat. There’s very little a-miaow-sing about this pretty dreadful film, which is cat indeed.
SUICIDE SQUAD
Mission incomprehensible WITH one of its main stars complaining about the film and how he was largely edited out of it, Suicide Squad (Cert 15A, 123 mins) has had a bumpy reception to say the least. A group of supervillains are sent on a near impossible mission – to keep audiences and fanboys happy. However, the film fails at this, with its muddled editing and plot hurting it throughout.
CINEMA
THE PURGE - ELECTION YEAR: POLITICAL OVERTONE IS NEW FOR THE FRANCHISE
A riotous but ultimately unsatisfying riff on violent tendencies
LIKE any dystopian action-horror worth its salt, The Purge: Election Year (Cert 16, 109 mins) is loaded with outthere violence, cringey dialogue and scenerychewing bad guys; it’s at its best when it sticks to this formula. Unfortunately, hackneyed attempts at political discourse bring Election Year down. 2013’s The Purge laid the groundwork for an interesting vision of the future, attractive in the simplicity of its dystopian premise: an America where crime rates have dropped to an all-time low thanks to the annual 12-hour “Purge”, during which all criminal activity – including murder – is legal. Unfortunately, The Purge failed to deliver, missing a delightfully twisted world-building opportunity by restricting the action to a single location and opting for a slow, cliched housesiege premise. Its sequel, The Purge: Anarchy, rightly took the action into the
MARTIN MACNAMARA
streets and was all the better for it. With this, the third entr y in the series, writer/director James DeMonaco attempts to expand on the universe he created, implementing issues of class, race and religion that had been lightly touched on before. His attempts to “smarten up” the series, however, are ill-suited to the over-the-top action and offbeat premise. Elizabeth Mitchell plays Charlie Roan, a US senator who survived the Purge as a young girl. Now a presidential candidate, Roan works to abolish the yearly tradition that killed the rest of her family. Shortly before commencement on the night of the Purge, Roan narrowly escapes an assas-
sination attempt. With the help of her head of security, Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo), she tries to make it through the 12 hours on the streets of Washington DC. The Purge: Anarchy knew exactly what it needed to be, learning from the mistakes of the previous entry and working from a dystopian-action template that brought to mind films such as 1987’s The Running Man. While Election Year is cut from a similar cloth, D e Mo n a c o t r i e s t o inject new life by structuring it as a kind of paranoid thriller, and riffing on the current political climate in the US. Consequently, Election Year is riddled with clunky, half-baked attempts at racial discourse that jar terribly with the rest of the film. Election Year, then, is at its best when its keeps it simple. The expansive world-building on display here is a welcome development for the series; of note is a look inside the annual Purge
In an America where the annual Purge makes every crime – including murder – legal for 12 hours, an anti-Purge senator and her dwindling team must use their wits to survive the chaos when they’re caught up in the mayhem
midnight mass, where church and state have become near-indistinguishable from one another. Other nice touches include an appearance from a “Purge victim removal and disposal” truck, a look at the murder-tourism industry, and a glimpse inside the world of Purge-related business insurance – trivial but humorous details that add to our understanding of this
darkly-eccentric, future America. Like its predecessor, Election Year is peppered with imaginative set pieces and surreal, striking images: the steps of the Lincoln Memorial littered with bodies, an enormous guillotine dispatching victims down an alleyway. DeMonaco has an eye for the kind of ghastly twists on modern America that make a dysto-
pian horror work. In the end, The Purge: Election Year falls victim to its own ambition. There’s a wickedly enjoyable film here – unfortunately, it’s buried beneath a little too much posturing and displaced discourse. Fans of the series will delight in Election Year’s finer points; it may prove a little tasteless, however, for certain audiences. Verdict: 6/10
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
GAMING WEEBYTES
West is best for zombies WHAT do lots of gamers love even more than catching Pokemon or matching three things? Zombies. Yes, zombies. Good news, then, as one of the silliest and most enjoyable zombie survival games – Dead Rising – will soon be rereleased. Proving that you just can’t keep a good game dead, Capcom have dug up the seminal 2006 game (and its bigger, but duller sequels) for the HD remaster and rerelease treatment. Once again, Frank West – a lovable schlub and photojournalist – will be free to roam a shopping mall during the zombie apocalpyse, saving oddball survivors, trying to get the story of his career, popping traffic cones over zombies’ heads, and even changing into a nice dress if he wants (all the better to run in more comfort, I suppose.) While HD rereleases and ‘upscaled’ versions of old games can be very hit and miss, Dead Rising’s lighthearted gameplay make it a very welcome rerelease. The series returns as digital downloads on September 13, giving PC, XBO and PS4 users the chance to face the zombie hordes with a camera in one hand, a homemade weapon in the other, and tongue firmly in cheek ...
At times, Abzu’s waters teem with life, with dizzying amounts of fish whirling, darting, dashing and drifting around – animation that must be seen to be appreciated
ABZU: WATER EXCELLENT GAME
DIVE IN TO A SEA OF REAL WONDER SHANE DILLON
Tech Editor
LAST week we took to the sea of stars above to go exploring, but this week is a wet one – and so it’s the actual sea, and the world below the waves, that’s firmly in our sights. Let’s dive straight in to the review... Abzu (PC, PS4, c. €15, Cert 7+,) is a somewhat slight game – with a budget price to match – that gamers will easily drift through in just two or three hours, and yet is easy to recommend. Whether you grew up
with a goldfish or your experience with sea life amounts to eating fish fingers, there’s something charming about the life aquatic presented in Abzu that will bring out your inner Cousteau. With a hazily defined story you may or may not glean as you travel, you take The Diver through a series of environments to the game’s finale, occasionally completing very mild tasks, and restoring life to some dead zones as you swim along. A b z u ’s g e n e r a l l y vibrant world has been stylishly designed and
presented, with cel-shaded artwork comprising most of the game’s assets. However, the attention to detail that’s gone into capturing the movements, and essence, of all the creatures in the game is marvellous – and the sight of huge numbers of fish and other sea creatures all floating about remains impressive and relaxing throughout. Throw in a subtle, occasionally powerful score by award-winning composer Austin Wintory, and Abzu’s journey, not the destination, is well worth undertaking.
From the mysterious depths of the ocean to sun-dappled shallows, Abzu’s waters all have a striking visual identity, with levels that teem with life. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon
26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25 August 2016
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SPORT Ailbhe on her Para Road to Rio
FastSport SWIMMING: CASTLEKNOCK’S KELLY ALL SET TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH LAST EIGHT FOR ROVERS AND PAT’S: ST PAT’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers will continue to carry the Dublin flag in the FAI Senior Cup following their respective wins in the third round. For Pat’s, goals from Conan Byrne and Christy Fagan at Richmond Park saw them defeat Limerick 2-0. Pat’s took the lead on 42 minutes when Byrne controlled a diagonal ball across the park. He darted in from the right before firing low into the bottom left corner, with his strike taking a deflection off a Limerick foot. Fagan got the second on 77 minutes when he headed home from close range after Sean Hoare had headed Mark Timlin’s corner back into area. Rovers swept to a 5-0 win over Athlone Town. A ruthless second half performance cast aside their First Division hosts as five goals put the cup specialists into the last eight hat with Gary McCabe, Sean Boyd, Brandon Miele, Simon Madden and James Doona scoring.
JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
CASTLEKNOCK native Ailbhe Kelly has pointed to long-term coach Dave Malone and the rest of the team at the NAC Swimming Club as the key personnel in her drive towards Rio, as she prepares to compete in three different event at
the Paralympic games. Describing the road to Rio as a four-year endeavour that has become “more and more of a reality” over recent months, Kelly told GazetteSport of how her mother overheard Malone on the radio, and how his expertise fits perfectly with her Olympic drive.
“I’d just finished lessons as an 11-year-old. I started swimming at the age of five, and I really loved it,” she explains. “The instructor suggested I find a club and try swimming competitively. Around the same time, my mum heard Dave Malone talking about Paralympic swimming coaching on the radio. “He’s just around the corner from me at the National Aquatic Centre. A key thing for Paralympic swimming is having a coach who understands the specific training needs and I’m very lucky to have that, and the facilities, just around the corner. I train six days a week, so I probably spend as much time at the NAC as I do at home.”
Ailbhe Kelly in action at the European Championships. Picture: Carlos Rodrigues/Sportsfile
Kelly is set to compete in three events in the S8 swimming category, having qualified for the 100 metre backstroke and 400 metre freestyle events in Rio at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow, and added the 100 metre freestyle at the Europeans earlier this year. She has identified the backstroke as her strongest stroke, and is hoping to achieve personal bests across her events in Rio, believing that these would give her a good chance of reaching some finals. “My focus is really on
my own performance; I think, for a lot of athletes, the first Olympics is really about having the experience and learning from it. I’ve been to the World and European Championships but I’ve heard that the Paralympics is a completely different experience, so I’m just so, so excited. It’s crazy to think it’s just a few days away after all this time, and I’m more determined and training harder than ever.” Kelly will travel to the Irish team’s Brazilian holding camp in Uberlandia ahead of the Olympics this week,
spending 10 days adapting to the change in timezone and temperature before travelling on to the Olympic village in Rio in early September. “I have no co-ordination,” she jokes, talking about her family’s sporting connections with Castleknock GAA. “But I think it’s just part of the family, we’re all very into sport. Both my brothers play with the club. “For me, swimming was a better fit. Rio will be fantastic, but I’m definitely looking ahead to bigger things in Tokyo in 2020, too.”
Collins stuns the chasers on cycle of 70.3 Ironman sport@dublingazette.com
America’s Ben Collins celebrates his Dublin Ironman 70.3 success. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
BENJAMIN Collins proved a surprise package in Dublin at the recent 70.3 Ironman event held in the city. The American exited the water in third place, only three seconds behind the fastest swimmer Mark Threlfall and Harry Wiltshire, but while spectators awaited a British race to come, Collins stormed away on the bike. He obviously knew about the running strengths of some of the top contenders and he nailed a huge, early gap to get out on the
run with a bigger advantage. Through 50 kilometres, Collins already had opened up a gap of more than eight minutes. Starting into the final half marathon, he was 11 minutes ahead of the chase group. Wiltshire entered T2 together with Fraser Cartmell, Threlfall, and Paul Reitmayr (from Austria) but he started to drop the two men only minutes later. Wiltshire downsized the gap to the front continuously but he was starting into the run too far behind to even think about catching up with Collins again.
Wiltshire had the best run split and no issues to secure second place in front of Reitmayr. Susie Cheetham defended her title at the Ironman 70.3 Dublin in a sensational way. The 30-yearold 2016 African Championship runner-up raced well from start to finish to celebrate a great success. When Cheetham came out of the water at Scotsman’s Bay in 27 minutes, she was 47 seconds ahead of Spain’s Saleta Castro and 2.31 in front of her compatriot Natalie Seymour and already in her own zone.
Cheetham embarked on a very solid solo ride, breaking away from the rest of the field. When she got off the bike, she was in the middle of the men’s pro field with Seymour already five minutes down. Hungarian Anna Halasz, in third place, was already eight minutes away from the lead in T2. At this point, it wasn’t really a question anymore whether Cheetham could run this race home. Although Seymour was working hard to reduce the gap on the run, the defending champ never allowed the runner-up to get closer than four minutes.
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
Brill motivation Usher’s in independent ambition
FASTSport
Dundrum native Carol wins big at blind golf events in the UK and Austria as she continues to campaign for an improved situation for those suffering from Usher Syndrome in Ireland JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
A POWERHOUSE of social activism, blind golfer Carol Brill is once again knocking down doors after a period of illness, and backing winning tournaments. Brill recently travelled to blind open events in the UK and Austria, and came out on top in Austria as she won the B2 [extremely limited sight] categor y of a mixed-gender contest. In the UK tournament, Brill was part of the victorious group in the team event. The Austrian win was particularly impressive, given Brill played directly off the back of a trip to a funeral in America, playing on a few hours’ sleep after a 30-hour
flight. Her improvement on the second – less tired – day was an astonishing 27 shots. The Dundrum native sees her golf as a way of living – a sport she can participate in despite suffering from a debilitating, rare and progressive condition called Usher Syndrome, which causes her hearing and sight to deteriorate progressively over time. Brill’s vision is currently limited to a small slot directly in front of her, and will continue to fade until she is completely blind. “It’s about living differently,” Brill told GazetteSport of her golf. “I’m very dependent on someone to guide me for golf, so it’s a new kind of independence
– it requires someone to spend six hours with me. But I can’t let Usher Syndrome take my desire to play.” Brill has previously been heavily involved in campaigns to recognise blind-deafness as a unique condition, something the Irish government has failed to do to date, making them the only EU government not to have done so. “HSE guidelines were released early summer on how to deal with deaf blindness, and they consist of ten bullet points. “I don’t particularly like the idea of ‘deaf blind’ as a term, really, as there are more than 70 different types of deaf blindness and it’s too simplistic,” Brill explains.
Carol Brill is flying high on the blind golf circuit and making an impact off the course
“Unfortunately, we had a new government and things have really slowed up with the summer break. Things seem to be at a standstill, which is a shame after my previous lobbying [Brill spoke in the Oireachtas about her condition last year], but we move on.” In a typically inspiring and outspoken way, for
is still in the early stages. “The record for a round of fourball is 13 minutes, and was set on a course here in Ireland, but there isn’t a specific women’s record. “If I can get four women per hole, and sponsor each player, then look for corporate sponsorship for the holes, too, I think it’s realistic to raise €100,000
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‘It’s about living differently but I can’t let Usher Syndrome take my desire to play’ - Carol Brill
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Brill moving on means simply driving in a slightly different direction, in which she hopes to mix the golf and fundraising into future Usher ’s Syndrome research. After visiting Disneyland in Florida – the end result of a campaign to be able to see the theme park with her daughter before her sight deterioration takes hold too strongly – Brill will now be campaigning to raise money for a new drug trial that will be headed up by the son of a close friend of hers. Tests on a form of female viagra have shown significant sight benefits and Brill hopes it might prevent more people from suffering with her syndrome in the future. “My plan is to play the fastest ladies round of fourball golf,” Brill said, admitting that the idea
for the research. “I also have some surplus money from the Seeing Disney campaign that I have to allocate. I haven’t decided how to use that yet, but it has to be in keeping with the reasons it was raised, so this might make sense. I need to talk to the Guinness Book of Records people, but we’ll see how it works out.” What’s certain is that Brill is abuzz with ideas, and determined to be a demonstration of how to live with a condition like Usher’s Syndrome. Having changed sports – she was originally a tennis player – adapted her lifestyle and made a point of being powerfully independent, her campaigning feels like something she does for someone else. There’s no telling what might come next.
Egan eases Rio pain with Sella Descent victory JENNY Egan has won gold in the prestigious International Sella Descent in Spain, beating 1,100 competitors in the process. Egan, from the Salmon Leap Canoe Club in Leixlip, missed out on qualifying for the Rio Olympics by just a single place, but was a member of a large Irish team who competed in the 80th International Sella Descent in Asturias. The race is similar to the Liffey Descent and is part of the International Canoe Federation’s Classic Series which consists of eight down river races across Europe, South Africa and China. Egan, who won senior K1 5,000m Canoe Sprint World Cup gold and silver medals earlier this summer in Portugal and Czech Republic respectively, completed the 20 kilometre course in under one hour and 30 minutes. She held off a strong international field to win by over two minutes ahead of second place Kristina Bedec of Serbia and third place Spaniard Sheila Saez Barrios. Speaking after the race, Egan said: “I am delighted to win the famous International Sella Descent and it was extra special for me as it was my first time to compete in this race. “Going into this race I knew there was a very strong field of competitors with the Serbian Bedec being a World Marathon Championship bronze medallist from 2015 and Great Britain’s [Lizzie] Broughton, who won a Silver medal at the World Marathon Championships in 2014.” In the Under-23 men’s K1, Sean McCarthy of Salmon Leap won a silver medal, with Ronan Foley from Kilcullen Canoe Club winning a bronze medal in the junior men’s K1. Liam McCarthy also won a medal, when he finished second in the over-50 men’s K1 category to take silver.
GAZETTE
30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25 August 2016
SPORT
FASTSport
GOLF: CASTLE MAN HOLDS NERVE TO DEFEAT GALBRAITH IN AIG FINAL
Wayside Celtic return to senior league in style KARL GRAHAM
WAYSIDE Celtic got the new LSL Sunday Senior season off to an excellent start with a 2-1 win over Tolka Rovers at Jackson Park. The Kilternan side were playing their first match in the LSL senior division since they made their return to the top tier of the intermediate leagues following relegation the previous year. The team went into the half-time break one nil up before Luke McWilliams gave them a two-goal advantage in the 65th minute. Tolka pulled a goal back with six minutes to go but Wayside held on to give themselves the perfect start. Speaking to GazetteSport, manager Pete Lennon told of his delight at their winning start, and the aspirations for this season. “I’m absolutely delighted; it’s our first game back in the senior division with a very young and inexperienced side. We’ve gotten off to a great start, with a great three points. “We lost one of our most experienced players in Alan Pratt after 10 minutes and brought one of the new lads in, who did very well,” said Lennon. Wayside has been in existence for nearly seventy years, and was seen as one of the senior division’s heavyweights until their unexpected relegation. They have won the title five times throughout their history, the most recent win coming in 2011, as well as numerous other titles and cups. “The aim is for these lads to gain experience and, going forward, to build a side that gets us back challenging to where we are used to being. We know, too, that it is going to be difficult to get the calibre of player we’ve had for the last 20 years. These lads now have a huge cross to bear. “If you look around every side, it comes and goes in cycles. We are in the middle of a cycle and building a new side now,” Lennon continued. They’ve brought in three more experienced players this summer but their main focus is to develop and keep the young players playing.
Castle Golf Club’s Alex Gleeson celebrates his AIG Irish Close championship success. Picture: Pat Cashman
Gleeson sinks Close title sport@dublingazette.com
BEATEN finalist in 2015, Castle’s Alex Gleeson finally got his hands on the trophy as he went all the way at Ballyliffin to capture the AIG Irish Close last weekend. Gleeson defeated John Ross Galbraith in the final, winning his first senior championship in convincing fashion. Ahead from the sixth, Gleeson was four clear on the back nine but had to withstand a late rally from Galbraith as the heavens opened. Eventually, the title was his when he parred 17 and, as the rain gave way, Galbraith embraced the new champion.
“There’s a lot of really good names on that trophy, it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” said Gleeson. “I’m absolutely over the moon, I can’t really put into words how happy I am.” A winner four times last season, Gleeson wanted to put a major title to his name in 2016. “I really wanted a championship this year. I felt my game was good enough,” he said and so it proved during a memorable week. By winning the silver medal for leading qualifier, Galbraith came into the knockout stages as the number one seed. Gleeson was cast in the bottom half of the draw,
COMMUNITY RUGBY Leopards change spots to land All-Ireland title LEOPARDSTOWN won the All-Ireland
Under-11 Community Games rugby final on Sunday last at Athlone IT. The team of boys hail from the local area, coming from Stillorgan, Dundrum, Sandyford, Foxrock and Leopardstown, play with five different rugby clubs and came together to form a super team. They beat the Ulster champions St Patrick’s from Cavan in the final by three tries to one.
where he faced one international after another. To reach the final four, Gleeson had to overcome Ireland teammates Robin Dawson and Colin Fairweather. Paired with Royal Portrush teenager Peter Kerr in the semifinals, Gleeson faced an even tougher battle as Kerr took him the distance. “I knew I needed to do something on 18. When I hit one in tight there, that was massive. It was a really tight one to get through this morning,” said Gleeson describing his semifinal encounter, which was only decided when Kerr bogeyed the last. “I had a tough route
but you’re always going to get tough matches in the Close so you’re going to have to play well,” said Gleeson, who found himself all square going down 18 against Kerr. Galbraith’s path to the final was more straightforward, a 3&1 win against Newlands’ Jake Whelan. In the final, four behind with six to play, Galbraith did not go down without a fight and holed clutch putts at 13, 14 and 15 to revive his challenge. As he studied a 25-foot birdie putt on 16, Galbraith was still staring defeat in the face. With Gleeson just 12 feet away, Galbraith found the cup to keep the
match alive. “That’s JR, he’s so clutch,” said Gleeson, explaining his conviction that Galbraith would make the putt. “I know how good he is down the stretch. Having a lead on him coming to the last five holes was massive.” When the pursuit was finished, Gleeson’s ecstasy was palpable. A year ago, he knew the agony of defeat. “I knew the mistakes I made last year going into that final and I didn’t make them this year. Playing in the final last year was a massive help for this year. I was a lot calmer and composed this yeathan I was last year.”
25 August 2016 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Kilmacud stars launch annual Crokes 7s event
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S WELL done to our senior footballers
KILMACUD Crokes hurlers, from left,
Niall Corcoran, Sean McGrath and Ryan O’Dwyer were on hand to launch the annual Kilmacud Crokes Hurling 7s at Croke Park. The event this year will be sponsored by Applegreen and will take on September 3 on the eve of the All-Ireland final in Stillorgan and surrounding areas.
Our Joker Wild draw continues this
cille and our junior A footballers on
Thursday; it is open to lotto play-
their fine victory over O’Dwyer’s –
ers present in the clubhouse on the
both in the league.
night.
Our junior B and C teams both got A great win also for our U-14 hurlers against Craobh Chiarain in the
the usual outlets. Bingo every Monday night in the clubhouse – starts at 8pm and all
league. There was no winner of the August
FOOTBALL: ST ENDA’S UP TO SEVENTH PLACE IN AFL1
Tickets are available online at www.ballinteerstjohns.com or from
walkovers.
Picture: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
is €8,600 next week.
on a great win over Whitehall Colm-
18 lotto draw for €8,400. The jackpot
welcome for a great night’s entertainment.
KILMACUD CROKES CONGRATULATIONS to the junior A
Palmerstown 0-12 to 2-9 while the
footballers who beat St Finian’s, 1-12
AFL8 team lost to Cuala, 1-14 to 4-13.
to 1-7, in the championship on Sunday
Hard luck to the Dublin U-21 hurlers who lost to Galway, 0-19 to 0-21,
morning. Congrats also to the U-15A foot-
in the All-Ireland semi-final after
ballers who had good win over
extra time yesterday evening. Cian
Castleknock in the first round of their
MacGabhann and Mark McCallion
championship.
both played on the team.
Hard luck to the AFL1 team who lost
The U-16B hurlers had a good win in
to Ballymun Kickhams on Saturday
the 1st round of their championship
on a score of 3-13 to 0-12.
beating Naomh Mearnog on a score
The AFL2 team lost to St Pat’s,
of 3-9 to 1-13.
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S
Ballyboden St Enda’s came back from a half-time deficit to beat Lucan Sarsfields at 12th Lock
Kerin key on Boden return from injury
AFL DIVISION ONE Lucan Sarsfields 0-17 Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-17 sport@dublingazette.com
B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s reignited their interest in the AFL1 playoff places with an impor tant win over Lucan Sarsfields with Andrew Kerin making a vital impact on his first return to action since April. After two minutes, he convereted a relatively straight forward free and it looked as if he had not taken a break at all. This point was quickly cancelled out
by Lucan before Alan Flood, in a busy evening, scored from play in the fourth minute and then Lucan took over. They scored seven points in 10 minutes with our only response being a point from a free from Kerin and a great score by Barra McGarr y, operating from left half back. Two more quick frees by Kerin were cancelled out by Lucan. A feature of the game up to this point was the number of times that play broke down in the forward area without reaching the full forward line.
Then Warren Egan, playing at full forward, moved out field looking for the ball. On gaining possession, his immediate reaction was to feed the inside line where Kerin won a high ball and fed it quickly to Flood who was powering through to rattle the net. Lucan replied with a point but Kerin cancelled this out with another free to leave the half time score, 1-7 to 0-11. Andy McEntee’s half time switches worked a treat in the second half. Within a minute, corner
forward Brian Kirwan knocked the ball into the Lucan net following a high ball into the square. Points were knocked over at will by Declan O ’ M a h o ny, S i m o n Lambert, Egan, Aran Waters, and two frees by Kerin. Lucan managed two points during this period of Boden dominance. In the last seven minutes, Lucan tried to make a game of it by scoring four points but Kerin, again from a free, and Egan replied with points to leave six points in the difference.
THE club extends its deepest sym-
Well done to our U-15 A and C cham-
pathy to the family of former hurler
pionship hurlers on their quarter final
Nicky Keary who has passed away.
wins.
The Galway-native was among the
Our A team were away to Lucan
first players to feature on adult hurl-
Sarsfields and won with a scoreline of
ing teams in Ballyboden St Endas in the
3-21 to 0-11. Our B team hosted Kilma-
early 1970s. Ar dheis De go raibh se.
cud Crokes and won by a considerable
Ballyboden St Enda’s academy resumes on Saturday, September 17. For more information, contact www.
scoreline. Our U-12s hosted Wolfe Tones from Armagh in a friendly in Ballycullen. Best of luck to the Dublin senior
bodengaa.ie. Congratulations to our senior footballers on their league win over Lucan Sarsfields with a scoreline of 2-17 to
footballers against Kerry in this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final. Best of luck to all our Ballyboden St Enda’s players.
0-17.
NAOMH OLAF FOLLOWING on from the very success-
Morrissey, one of Oliver’s favourite
ful KUBE night, our annual Corporate
characters, will be running the show.
Lunch at Croke Park is this coming
You never know who you might meet
September 2, just two days before the
there, as we also have a special guests
All Ireland Hurling Final.
panel from the football and hurling
Comedian Oliver Callan will be there to make us laugh at ourselves. Marty
worlds. Full details available on the
club website.
GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!
Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3
or email sport@dublingazette.com
GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
KING OF THE CASTLE: Alex Gleeson holds his nerve to see off Galbraith challenge to win Irish Close P30
AUGUST 25-31, 2016
BRILL’S BLIND AMBITION: Dundrum golfer’s incredible Usher Syndrome work P29
Scott Evans beat number 12 seed Marc Zwiebler and Brazil’s Ygor de Coelho de Oliveira
Rio sees the Full Evans Dundrum badminton star Scott makes Irish Olympic history with pair of highly charged victories in Brazil capped by emotional celebrations
KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
SCOTT EVANS’ Olympic journey came to an end after defeat to Denmark’s world number four Viktor Axelsen, as he left it all on the court – including his shirt. The Dundrum man made history at the Games by becoming the first Irishman to win a badminton match at the Olympics after his impressive victory over German 12th seed Marc Zwiebler, before overcoming a raucous hometown crowd to beat Brazilian Ygor Coelho de Oliveira. Speaking after the defeat, Evans said how much he has enjoyed his experiences in Rio.
“I’m proud of what I’ve done this week. I’ve overcome many things that I’d doubted before whether I could do or not. “There have been so many great moments it is hard to pick one. Beating Marc Zwiebler, then two days ago overcoming the most insane crowd I’ve ever played in front of. Then I’m up against one of the best players in the world.” Evans left Wesley College at just 16 to move to the badminton capital of Europe, Copenhagen, in pursuit of his dreams with a professional structure not present for the game in Ireland. He had to work hard to overcome the homesickness that inevitably comes when
someone so young is forced to live alone in a culture far removed from the one they grew up in. Evans’ highest ranking was 23 but when he began to run out of his funding for tournaments around August each year, he was forced to miss tournaments, plummeting his ranking to 70 and resulting in him paying his own way in order to complete qualification for Rio. Once there, the 28-year-old Evans became synonymous in Rio for removing his shirt, Ronaldo-style, in celebration and repeated the action after his defeat to Axelsen, in recognition of the support he received from Irish fans at the Games. The great Dane, who ended up winning the
bronze medal, proved too strong for Evans, running out winner in straight sets 21-16, 21-12 “I didn’t feel as good [against Axelsen] physically as I have been. “My lungs just didn’t feel like they were there today and that caused me to go after my shots a little bit more instead of being more patient,” said Evans. “That cost me hugely. I made more mistakes today than I did in the previous two days. I don’t think it was fatigue, I think emotions played a big part in it. Mentally, I was a little bit tired. “He’s one of the guys I said has a great chance for a medal before the tournament so I knew it would be very hard.”