Dundrum

Gazette DUNDRUM

the big interview: Irish designer Paul Costelloe

on the joys of coming back to his home town Page 16

Inside: The Coronas are among the stellar line up for New Year’s concert Page 17

Festive fare: See our top tips to take the stress out of Christmas dinner Page 20

December 17-23, 2015

Find us on

There’s no grey area when it comes to these chic looks

see page 19

The best things in life are FREE!

Upcycling siblings are joint winners

FOR the first time in the 13-year history of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s annual recycled Christmas decoration competition, there was not one, but two winners: Tori and Tadgh Timmons, siblings from Queen of Angels National School in Dundrum. The recent awards ceremony was the culmination of the annual countywide competition, which saw every primary school in the county selecting a recycled Christmas decoration champion. Some 40 winners gathered at County Hall for the big announcement. The children made their pieces from unused household items with little cost and a lot of imagination.

Picture: Peter Cavanagh

sport Football:

Kilmacud sweep to Under-21 win over Vincent’s Page 32

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

New secondary school for Stepaside in 2016

Next September is announced as opening for Educate Together facility

 emma nolan

EDUCATE Together have announced the opening date for their new Stepaside secondary school as September 2016.

Stepaside ETSS will open in temporary accommo-

dation on the site beside Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille in Belarmine. This is the future permanent location of Stepaside ETNS, and the second-level school will share the site temporarily.

The permanent location of Stepaside ETSS has yet to

be confirmed.

There are currently only four Educate Together secondary schools in the country, and the Stepaside school will be a welcome addition to the area.

Barbara Mulhall has been announced as the school’s

principal. An advocate for equality and inclusivity, Mulhall comes to Stepaside from Mount Anville Secondary School, where she is currently head of guidance and director of school self- evaluation and school planning.

Full Story on Page 6

2 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

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council | rosemount-taney seek action for area

Community calls for sports facilities

Residents of the Rosemount-Taney area in Dundrum have voiced their frustration at the ongoing delay in getting community and sports facilities

ROSEMOUNT-Taney residents, along with Senator Mary White (FF) and Cllr Shay Brennan (FF), have been campaigning for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to deliver on promises made to develop community and sports facilities for the area following the demolition of Rosemount flats five years ago.

Rosemount has been promised community and sports facilities by the council for years, but locals they say that “every promise has been broken” and, as a result, trust between them and local authority management has been shattered.

Now, planning permission for a development of 40 new housing units has been granted on the site of the old flats.

Gary Roberts, of the Rosemount Taney Residents’ Association, told The Gazette that the residents are campaigning for the community and sports facilities to be included as part of the plan for the new housing development.

He said: “We believe that as a community we deserve to get some facilities because there’s absolutely nothing down there – of all the promises that were made to the community in the past, none have been fulfilled, and we believe that before any other houses can be built, they should be developing facilities for the existing residents.”

The Rosemount community lives close to Dundrum Town Centre, one of the richest sources of rev-

don’s dublin Exhibition focuses on a strange yet fun literary wonderland CHRISTMAS is always a time when fairytales are in the air, and none more so than Alice in Wonderland, which was published 150 years ago, on November 26, 1865.

To celebrate this

 emma nolan enolan@dublingazette.com

enue for the council.

Roberts said: “We are looking for some investment into the area – Dundrum Town Centre brings in more than €10m a year – we live five minutes’ walk from it, and we’ve never received a penny.

“The local football club asked for goalposts two years ago, and the council’s response was: ‘You buy one and we’ll buy the other’, and we just don’t think that’s right.”

When contacted by The Gazette, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Due to funding constraints, the council has been unable to proceed with the community centre as planned.”

They said that they were examining the options available for the provision of a new sports facility in the area, and hope to progress these plans in the near future.

Senator White has worked closely with Rosemount locals in their campaign. She said: “I find it hard to believe that the community were treated so badly over the years.

“The residents seek an irrevocable commitment to the provision of a community and sports centre before the construction of 44 new housing units.

I will continue to support the campaign in every way open to me as a senator.”

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

landmark in publishing, Trinity College has arranged a special display of related books and illustrations from its collection, which will be on show until early January and is in the foyer of the Berkeley Library.

The book’s full title is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and it was written by Lewis Carroll.

His proper name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-1898), who was a mathematician (lecturing in Christ Church, Oxford), logician and a pioneer of the new art form of photography.

Among his most famous portraits were those of Michael Faraday, Lord Salisbury and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

He Latinised his names Charles Lutwidge to ‘Carolus Ludovicus’, reversed them, and then changed them to ‘vulgar’ English, arriving at ‘Lewis Carroll’.

He was also an Anglican deacon, and the greatgrandson of Charles Dodgson, who was the Bishop of Elphin in Roscommon in the 1770s.

The idea for his most famous book came during a boat trip along the Isis from Folly Bridge, Oxford to Godstow on July 4, 1862.

He made up the story as he went along to entertain the three young Liddell sisters: Lorina, Alice and Edith, whose father was the dean of Christ Church.

The girls liked the story, and Alice asked Carroll to write it down for her. In 1864, he gave Alice a handwritten copy of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, in which he added his own illustrations.

Others read it, and over the next year he tweaked the story and, with the help of top illustrator John Tenniel, it was published by Macmillan.

Since then, it has never been out of print, so new generations are still meeting the colourful cast of characters: The Hatter, The March Hare, The Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit, and the manic Queen of Hearts, who loves to shout “Off with their heads!”

Great stuff!

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

Author Lewis Carroll’s (inset) classic Alice in Wonderland tale still delights, today

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

enterprise | councillors say rates rise will support growth

artwork

Student to help with calendar

Broad welcome for Sandyford scheme  emma nolan

A NUMBER of councillors have welcomed Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Development Contribution Scheme 2016 – 2020 in the hopes that it will “unlock growth potential” for the Sandyford area, despite initial hesitation from the Sandyford Business District Association (SBDA).

The scheme sets out the various rates of development levies applicable to future development in the county which will be used to fund delivery of infrastructure such as parks, village improvement, library development, roads and flood alleviation measures necessary to ensure the

future growth of the county, and quality of the life of its citizens.

The levies at Sandyford Business District (SBD) are set to increase by 47% a unit in 2016, rising from €8,580 to €12,588.

The scheme will also introduce a specific contribution for the SBD, providing funding to address deficiencies in the local infrastructure which have constrained development.

More specifically, the scheme will ensure the development of two new parks in the Sandyford area and, crucially, the roads necessary to unlock development potential.

Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) pointed out that the SBDA were “cau-

tiously in support” of the scheme at a meeting on Monday night.

However, when contacted by The Gazette, they did not want to provide a comment on the “sensitive issue”.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind),who is in favour of the scheme, said: “The new levy scheme will provide certainty for developers regarding exact levies to be charged for both commercial and residential development across the county.”

His thoughts were echoed by Cllr Nic Cormaic, who said: “The levies are necessary for the infrastructural projects due to take place in the time ahead as part of the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan.”

scandinavian style in store

BRAND-new to Level 2 of Dundrum Town Centre is Nordic-style store, Selected FEMME/HOMME, a fashion-forward and contemporary brand.

Pictured checking out the latest looks on offer were Tara O’Brien, Bestseller Wholesale (Ireland) Ltd; Aoibhinn McGinnity, Love/Hate actress and Fiona Hayes, stylist. Bringing a whole new meaning to the term “boyfriend jumper”, many garments are unisex, so can be worn by everyone. It is funny to think of Aoibhinn, in her role as Trish in Love/Hate, sharing clothes with her on-screen hubby! Though Nidge is probably not a man in the market for a timeless and classic Scandinavian look ...

An artwork by 15-yearold Dublin student Vitaly Dergachev from Wesley College, Ballinteer, has been chosen to illustrate the 2016 Texaco Children’s Art Calendar.

One of 13 chosen to illustrate the publication, Vitaly’s colourful piece, entitled Wisdom, will appear during the month of January and will be seen in thousands of homes throughout Ireland in 2016.

Winning first prize in the 14-15-years age category of the 2015 competition, the judges said Vitaly’s piece perfectly ref lected the incredible talent and imagination of children and the essential role played by schools who encourage and inspire their students through art education.

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

business | sinn fein, labour at odds over national impact of initiative

Energy utility use Living Wage rate  emma nolan

A BUSINESS based in Leopardstown is the first in the country to become a Living Wage employer, as implemented by the Labour party, but Sinn Fein have said it’s “fooling no one”.

Energy utility SSE Airtricity announced last week that it will be the first large corporate business in Ireland to become a Living Wage employer – guaranteeing all its employees a living wage of at least €11.50 an hour from January 1.

The announcement was made at SSE Ireland’s HQ in Leopardstown, and was attended

by Tanaiste Joan Burton, and Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash.

Almost 750 staff across SSE’s businesses in Ireland will receive the Living Wage rate, which is set at €11.50 an hour and is designed to ensure that people can cover their basic cost of living including housing, bills, food and work travel.

SSE Airtricity managing director Stephen W heeler said: “T he announcement demonstrates that we value the people who work for SSE very highly, and that we’re willing to pay our people at a level which shows we mean it.

“We believe it is a matter of basic fairness that people should be paid a wage which is enough to cover their living expenses.”

Of the move, Deputy Alex White (Lab) said: “Our Living Wage initiative demonstrates Labour’s determination to ensure that the recovery delivers improved living standards for all our citizens.

“SSE’s announcement shows that large, successful corporations also see the value of paying their staff a living wage.”

However, while the move has garnered a positive reaction, Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) said

that there are issues with the overall Living Wage scheme that is “straight out of the Fianna Fail play book”.

She told The Gazette: “If Labour were really serious about committing to the living wage, they had numerous opportunities during their almost five years in government to do so.

“Not only has [Minister] Alex White and his party been responsible for five budgets which have done nothing to address the issue of low pay and in-work poverty, they have stood over draconian cuts to public services and social welfare payments.

“Labour’s, and Alex

Siblings take first prize for recycling TWO Dundrum siblings were awarded joint first place in the annual Recycled Christmas Decoration competition.

Tadgh and Tori Timmons from Queen of Angels National School in Dundrum were the first joint winners in the countywide competition’s 13-year history.

They were chosen from 40 young hopefuls at a ceremony in County Hall, Dun Laoghaire.

Each school champion was invited to County Hall to participate in the celebration ceremony where they each received a certificate and prize from An Cathaoirleach, Barry Saul.

Dean Eaton, assistant environmental awareness officer for the council, said: “All the children who entered this competition know that the best decoration on their Christmas tree is the one they made themselves.”

Tanaiste Joan Burton with SSE Airtricity managing director Stephen Wheeler and Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash at the announcement that Leopardstown-based energy utility SSE Airtricity is the first large corporate business in Ireland to become a Living Wage employer. Picture: Maxwells

White’s, days are numbered. This fake concern for workers’ pay and conditions is fooling no one,” she said.

In response to Cllr Nic Cormaic’s comments, a spokesperson for Minister White told The Gazette: “Sinn Fein should be judged by their actions.

Their 2015 pre-budget submission said absolutely nothing about the minimum wage, which Labour has increased twice – by a total of 20% – since being in government.

“Sinn Fein made no submission to the Low Pay Commission. Last month in the Dail, they

voted against taking 90,000 low-income earners out of the USC net – a policy that Labour will deliver from January 1.

“Meanwhile, Labour has restored the Registered Employment Agreements, which have since awarded 50,000 low-paid workers a pay rise.”

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

education | temporary accommodation beside Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille

New school will be ‘vital’ to Stepaside  emma nolan enolan@dublingazette.com

Educate Together have announced the opening date for their new Stepaside secondary school in September 2016.

Stepaside ETSS will open in temporary accommodation on the site beside Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille in Belarmine.

This is the future permanent location of Stepaside ETNS and the secondlevel school will share the site temporarily. The permanent location of Stepaside ETSS has yet to be confirmed.

Deputy Alan Shatter (FG) has welcomed the announcement of the new Educate Together

Secondary School in his constituency.

“I am delighted that this vitally important Educate Together school project is being brought to fruition. I am very grateful to Educate Together for the work done and to the Minister of Education and Skills for granting the required school sanctions. This is just one of many major school initiatives taken during the lifetime of the current government to benefit families and pupils within the Dublin Rathdown area.”

Barbara Mulhall has been announced as the school’s principal, an announcement which has been welcomed by

Shatter and DLRCOCO politician Neale Richmond who said: “I would like to congratulate Ms Mulhall on her appointment, it is a massive achievement for her following her stellar career so far. This appointment comes at a vital time in the establishment of this desperately needed new school for our community, it is another step on the journey to the school’s opening.”

Passionate

Mulhall, a passionate advocate for equality and inclusivity comes to Stepaside from Mount Anville Secondar y School, where she is currently head of Guidance

and director of School Self-Evaluation and School Planning and has previously worked as a guidance counsellor in Rathdown Secondary School, Glenageary and in The High School, Rathgar. Prior to that, she was for many years head of Business in Sion Hill, Blackrock, where she taught business, accounting, economics and maths.

Speaking on her appointment, Mulhall said: “This is the fulfillment of a lifetime’s ambition for me and I look forward to commencing work in February and engaging with students and families towards building a wonderful

Season of Smiles at Oxfam

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Matters

Oxfam Dundrum is now selling Season of Smiles Christmas gift selections based on a recent Oxfam survey where almost half of the participants said they would consider buying an ethical/charity gift for a loved one this Christmas.

T he gif t selection is comprised of alternative gift card range Unwrapped, stocking fillings, Fairtrade chocolate and other food treats.

The range was launched

by Oxfam Ireland ambassador Lorna Weightman who said: “This survey shows that Dublin people like to support charities, particularly at Christmas time which is a vital time for fundraising.”

Manager of Oxfam Dundrum, Charlotte Erhardt said: “Buying a gift from our shop is a unique way to help a charity, and there really is something for everyone in our gift range.

The current premises for Stepaside Educate Together

school community in Stepaside ETSS”.

Educate Together say that their second-level schools will provide an education that will

enable all students to contribute meaningfully to their communities, embrace the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic

society, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to live their lives and build their careers in the 21st century.

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

politics | elected figures clarify positions after rte probe Comedy

South Dublin councillors in investigation  ian begley

T WO South Dublin county councillors were among those mentioned in an RTE investigation which revealed a list of politicians who had not declared properties or commercial interests.

Cllr Anne-Marie Dermody (FG), who represents Rathfarnham, and Cllr Paul Foley (FF), of the Templeogue-Terenure electoral area, were featured in the investigation, which inspected property, corporate and occupational interests of every

public representative in Ireland.

T h e i nve s t i g a t i o n revealed that General Election candidate Cllr Dermody failed to register two properties: a house in Clondalkin, and another in Portumna, Co Galway.

She also did not disclose her directorship of a garden design firm, called Diarmuid Gavin Designs Ltd. Responding to RTE, Cllr Dermody said the failure to include her property interests had been “an omission” on her part.

She said she had previously listed them, but that she had “erroneously failed to include” them in her most recent declaration. Cllr Dermody said she had rectified her error, and that there was no conflict of interest with either property.

She added that both were let to tenants, and both were registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

Cllr Dermody also said that the company Diarmuid Gavin Designs Limited “has not traded in several years”, and that

Jarlath to take over Mill Theatre

Cllr Paul Foley (FF) and Cllr Anne-Marie Dermody (FG) have both clarified their position on undeclared properties or commercial interests linked to them

she had formally resigned both her directorship and shareholding in the firm.

“In conclusion,” she said, “the facts remain – through oversight, the declaration was not completed correctly, but the record has since been rectified”.

The investigation also revealed that Cllr Paul Foley failed to register his directorship of two different companies – Reefer-

care Containers Limited, and Tolka Quay Holdings.

In his response to RTE, Cllr Foley said that both companies were “nontrading”, and that neither had traded in over eight years.

“For this reason, they slipped my mind while I was making my return,” he said. Cllr Foley added that he had contacted South Dublin County Council to correct the

record.

Following the screening of the RTE Investigates programme, Clondalkin Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said that he was shocked by the revelations with respect to some councillors.

He said: “The DPP should investigate any criminal activity, and anyone found guilty of any corruption must face the law.”

Comedian Jarlath Regan of Irishman Abroad and The Panel fame is taking over the Mill Theatre Dundrum for his annual night of festive stand-up comedy like no other this December 22.

Featuring Kevin McGahern (Republic of Telly), Hip Hop Improv Comedy from Abandoman (8 Out Of 10 Cats) and Rory O’Hanlon (Comedy Central) viewers can expect a show filled with laughs, surprises and festive funniness.

Now based in London, his annual Christmas show in Dundrum is a rare chance to see the man they dubbed a “comedy genius” by the Irish Times.

Show starts at 8pm and tickets are €15.

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

message | Season’s greetings at this very special time of the year

Wishing you all a very joyous celebration Frs Liam Belton, Kieran McDermott and John Bracken – Pastoral Area of Dundrum, Ballinteer, Meadowbrook Being together with others is an important dimension of our Christmas celebrations and it reflects something at the heart of the Incarnation. Emmanuel is God-with-us.

Christmas celebrates the overwhelming love of God that bursts into the world through the conception and birth of Jesus Christ There is a large beautiful crib at the entrance to the Dundrum Town Centre which was recently visited and blessed by representatives of the Christian Churches in Dundrum and Ballinteer. In this traditional representation of the birth of Christ the figures of shepherds and wise men surrounding the Holy Family once again tell a story that is in danger of being forgotten.

It silently witnesses to the values of faith that are more important than ever for the well-being of our cities. One of those values is mentioned in the Benedictus, the Song

reality of Jesus Christ.

Over the Christmas season there will be the opportunity to hear traditional carols, attend church services of praise and worship but making a personal connection with the living Jesus Christ can begin in private, in this moment, right now. Approaching Jesus as a friend in private prayer will open up the reality of who He really is and invite Him into our lives.

May God bless our homes and families at this Christmas time.

Cribs are a lovely way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas,

of Zechariah from St Luke’s Gospel.

It speaks of ‘the loving kindness of the heart of our God, who visits us like the dawn from on high’.

The story of Jesus’s birth still has the power to move people to be kinder and more considerate towards one another.

We are living what we celebrate – a sharing in God’s loving kindness and mercy that comes to us through Christ like the daylight at the beginning of each day.

Reverend Scott Peoples – St Andrew’s Church, Lucan The first Christmas involved an invitation to shepherds and kings to come and see Jesus. Rich and poor, powerful and weak, insider and outsider are invited to the stable.

This Christmas the invitation is repeated as before to rich and poor, powerful and weak, insider or outsider, saint and sinner. The essential message of Christianity is an invitation to connect with the

Reverend Sam Mawhinney – Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, Dublin 2 On behalf of the members of Adelaide Road Presbyterian, I want to wish all the readers of the Dublin Gazette a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

May you know the wonderful truth and encouragement of “Immanuel” God with you in 2016.

This Christmas we have celebrated Jesus’ birth already with the children of Sunflower Creche which meets on

our premises and with our Church children.

This coming Sunday we have a traditional Carols by Candlelight service where we will look at the idea that Jesus is the missing piece in the jigsaw that is the picture of life! All are welcome and we will, as a church family, celebrate our Saviour’s birth on the December 25 at 10am with a family service of worship.

One of our members last Christmas experienced the trauma of having their son diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. It has been their testimony that God has been Immanuel to them and they can speak of his living presence and help through that very real issue in their lives.

In essence that is the meaning of Christmas.

God saw, cared and loved us enough to get involved, to come to us and bring us all the help we need to navigate this often broken world. It is the desire of the Church in Adelaide Road Presbyterian to offer that hope to others.

God bless you all.

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

stepaside | politicians attract attention of community activists

‘No Garda station, no vote for you’ warning

 emma nolan

THE residents of Stepaside, who have been campaigning for the reopening of the Stepaside Garda Station, have turned to social media to warn local politicians that they will not be getting their vote come elections if they do not see the station reopening.

A community page – enti-

tled, No Stepaside Station, No Vote – was created by an “independent, non-political group of businesses and local residents” spearheaded by Michael Fleming, of Fleming’s Fine Foods Stepaside, John McCluskey of The Step Inn, and Des Kennedy of Kennedy’s Centra Stepaside.

Of the Facebook page, Fleming, who is also the chairman

of the Stepaside Business Association, told The Gazette: “A lot of the local businesses need the security of the Garda station there so we had a meeting with a member from each local residents’ association and got the rest of the community involved.”

At the meeting held in early December, they concluded that collectively they only had

facility | anger at ‘stalling’

Pool supporters stage a protest march to village

 emma nolan

LOCAL residents angered by the closure of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool marched in protest to mark two years since the closure to highlight the lack of action by the council in reaching a decision on developing a new facility.

The “beloved” pool closed without warning in December 2013, and two years later the former staff, members and locals from Stillorgan and surrounding areas are still waiting on the council to reach a decision and “stop stalling” in providing the local amenity.

A number of residents battled the elements and marched as far as Stillorgan village last Sunday, along with Independent TD Shane Ross, who has described the delays as “unacceptable and inexplicable”, and Independent councillors Deirdre Donnelly and Seamus O’Neill.

Cllr Donnelly, whose son’s school has nowhere to take swimming lessons since the closure, said: “I am saddened that Glenalbyn Swimming Pool has become such a political

The protesters make their feelings known about the ongoing closure of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool

issue. This should really be about the community – the people who have been badly let down by its closure in 2013.

“Each week I am contacted by constituents and clubs asking me when a new pool will be rebuilt. A local property tax was imposed on the people two years ago, and they deserve better.”

Deputy Ross and Cllr Donnelly have held three public meetings on the future of the pool since the closure, which saw a large turnout of concerned residents at each.

The council put forward two options in September; one option was to build a new pool

and centre on a new site in Stillorgan, and the other was to remain in Glenalbyn.

In response to the complaints, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council told The Gazette: “At the council’s special meeting on November 2, the council agreed to progress the preliminary design proposals for the two options.

“The next step is to procure a design team/s to develop proposals for presentation to a future council meeting. It is envisaged that such proposals would be presented within the next six to nine months.”

one objective: to get Stepaside Garda Station reopened.

Fleming said: “We decided that we are going to have a march on January 24 in the village and we are going to invite the politicians that are running in the next General Election to speak at the rally.

“We are sending letters to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald,

asking her to meet a group of us to outline our plans to ask if she will consider doing a U-turn on the closure of Stepaside Garda Station.”

He said that “there’s no shame in admitting that they [the Government] were wrong in closing the station”, and they will welcome all communications from the Minister and other politicians.

He stressed that a Garda presence is necessary for the community, as well as a community garda who knows the locals. “The vital link between the local gardai is missing.”

Along with the Stepaside Business Association and local residents’ groups, he will be updating the Facebook page with all developments as they continue to campaign.

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

opinion | ‘changes due to take effect from january will help everyone’

2016 will see plenty of new reasons to make work pay Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald looks forward to a range of budget changes on January 1, and future Government plans AT THIS time, it is normal for us to look back on the year that has been, and to look forward to a New Year with hope in our hearts for better prospects for us all.

One thing is sure, however: 2016 will be a better year for everybody in our country who goes out to work and for their families and for those who worked for many years and are

now enjoying their later years.

In particular, January 1st will be an important day for the workers of Ireland.

Firstly, new year’s day will see the coming into effect of the first substantial rate cute to the Universal Social Charge (USC) since it was introduced by the last Government.

Reducing the USC

from 7% to 5.5% on people’s earnings between €18,668 and €70,044 will make a significant difference for working families and individuals.

As local TD for Dublin Mid West, I know that this reduction in the USC will be welcomed and will help ensure that every worker in Lucan, Clondalkin and the surrounding areas will benefit from the economic

recovery that is under way.

This is the second year in a row that the current Government – of which I’m proud to be a member – has reduced the tax burden on low- and middleincome earners.

If re-elected, we will get rid of the USC altogether over the lifetime of the next government. In addition, more than 700,000 of the lowest-paid workers will be exempt from paying the USC from January.

Overall, our tax cuts reduce the tax rate on low- and middle-income earners to below 50% for the first time since 2009.

Our planned income tax cuts will create 15,000 more jobs by encouraging increased workforce participation and entrepreneurship, growing domestic spending and consumer confidence, and encouraging foreign investment.

Tax cuts will encourage home our emigrants, and is key for attracting foreign investment, such as the significant investment we are now seeing being delivered in Grange Castle.

Put simply, this Government is delivering on our commitment to reduce taxes on work, to make work pay.

January 1st sees another increase in the national minimum wage. This will be the second increase in the minimum wage under the current Government, bringing the minimum wage from €7.65 in 2011 to €9.15 in 2016.

We have increased it

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald

twice so as to incentivise work and to better protect low-paid workers. Again, this Government is delivering on our commitment to make work pay.

A further key part of plans to make work pay involves making childcare more affordable and removing barriers to work from lack of affordable and accessible childcare.

I’m happy to report that 2016 will see the extension of free pre-school for children from age three until primary school (up to an additional 50 weeks); 8,000 extra community childcare scheme places, two weeks’ paid paternity leave, and a €5 increase in child benefit.

We will also extend free GP care to under-12s. We

will recruit 2,260 extra teachers and reduce the pupil-teacher ratio from 28:1 to 27:1.

As Minister for Justice, I am recruiting a further 600 new Garda in 2016.

We are also increasing the weekly pension rate by €3. Our plans are not just good for workers – they are good for families, for communities and the elderly.

This is only possible because of the economic recovery, which the current Government has overseen.

Ireland now has the highest economic and employment growth in the EU, and more than 135,000 jobs have been created since this Government launched the

Action Plan for Jobs.

Our recovery is real, and is helping to improve lives. However, I am aware that many people are still to feel the benefit.

We’ll continue to make responsible and prudent decisions to keep the economy strong and the recovery going.With your support, we will continue with our long-term plan, to the benefit of everybody in our society.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2016.

Frances Fitzgerald Minister for Justice, and FG deputy for Dublin Mid West

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 11

Gazettegallery

| the capital glows with christmas atmosphere

Sarah Bartley and Isabella Bartley at the Shelbourne Hotel for it’s lighting ceremony. Picture:

Sara Sheilch, Rebeea Mussabir and Meena Aiun at

Marc O’Sullivan

the Shelbourne Hotel. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Cadbury Chorus Line dancers at Grand Canel Dock launching the Cadbury Christmas Cadvent which will see Cadbury Christmas trucks throw open their doors to reveal a series of seasonal surprises and events. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Festive fun in the city

A

round up of festive fun happenings around town for young and old.

Reindeer, angels, chorus line dancers and Santa’s little helpers add to the cheer in the city, with visits from Santa and his help-

ers to meet good girls and boys.

There are delights for young and old in Dublin this Christmas as we join in the spirit of things with trees, tinsel and glad rags galore!

Nia John from St Joseph’s Nursery in Dublin 8 at the opening of the Dublin City Hugh, Eve and Maebh Breathnach at the

Council live Crib at the

Shelbourne Hotel Christmas tree lighting

Mansion House. Picture: Andres

ceremony. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Poveda

12 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015

R1

DUNDRUMGazettegallery |

Anne Cooney and Brian O’Connor

Kellie and Ken Martin brought their puppy, Teddy, to meet Santa and his elf

Gisela Hanal

Zoe Bourne, sales manager with Patrick and Debbie Walsh

Hannah Wallace

Santa makes a flying visit to kbc, dundrum

T

Ariana Castillo with her mother, Ana Salas

HE KBC branch in Dundrum had a touch of the North Pole about it recently with a community day that saw Santa Claus and an elf helper call by. A number of local boys and girls called to the branch to meet the man in red, and were happy to come away with a tasty treat to remember their visit, while the grown-ups tucked into some seasonal treats of their own. The KBC staff were delighted to welcome everyone to the branch, with a number of visitors enquiring about the bank’s services – all of which younger minds naturally ignored, as they focused all their attention on Mr Claus in the corner.

German flavours spice up bazaar

Ronald Boehme

Irina Garde and Martha Villar

A

DISTINCTLY German flavour was found throughout a Christmas market at Clonskeagh recently, thanks to St Kilian’s German School and St Finian’s Lutheran Church. A wide range of goods and attractions were to be found, with crafts, treats, bargains and bites to eat competing to tempt visitors and browsers into parting with a few euro, and help the school’s fundraiser. German food and crafts were a popular feature, while the face-painting, a raffle, toy stand and Santa’s grotto all added to the fun atmosphere at the busy bazaar. Parents were praised for their great work in organising and manning the stalls, providing a great social aspect to the event.

Sean Muphy and Fianca Foehkner

Teresa Schmuck and Deputy Shane Ross (Ind)

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM Gazette 13

busy christmas market fundraiser to help support st kilian’s school

Maja O’Lonargain, Leah Carberry and Maeve Marin

Caroline Fitzgerald, Anne Bertz, Sylvia Dunne and Traudi Ferguson may have found a bargain. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Bordan Gencer and Andrea McNamara

Gazette

14 Gazette 17 December 2015

dublinlife

diary

It’s a magical wonderland of thrilling attractions This year ’s Winter Funderland has already been very well received by excited thrill seekers nationwide.

Open until Sunday, January 11, this year sees the arrival of three brand new attractions amongst over 50 other established rides and attractions.

T hese include the

child-friendly Dumbo, Magic Circus and the thrilling Ultra Buzz.

One of the largest indoor events of its kind in Europe, Winter Funderland features thrilling roller coasters and a giant Ferris wheel alongside the well-known rides like Extreme, Snowdrop and

Take Off. With top of the range attractions catering for all ages, Bounceworld, The Fun Factory and the Crazy Worm rollercoaster will be sure to capture the hearts and imagination of those younger family members.

For those visitors who prefer to keep their heart

Fossetts Christmas Circus can be seen only at Winter Funderland at the RDS. Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

pace at an even keel, there will also be an area filled with games of skill and the chance to win one of the famous Winter Funderland soft toys.

For more information, visit www.winterfunderland.ie.

students praised for winning art Twelve Dublin students were invited to the Mansion House last week to receive prizes from Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF) for their winning pictures which are featured in the 2016 Dublin Fire Brigade Fire Safety Calendar.

Dublin Fire Brigade, as part of Fire Safety Week, invited all the primary school children in Dublin to participate in an art competition with the aim of increasing fire safety awareness among young people. The 12 best fire safety themed pictures were used to create the calendar which will be sent to all Dublin primary schools for display.

Chief fire officer Pat Fleming said: “There was a great response to the competition and we would like to thank all those that took part. With Christmas approaching it is important to be aware of the extra hazards that occur at this time of the year. Dublin Fire Brigade would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.”

valuable record of 1916 events The National Library of Ireland (NLI) has

launched its 2016 programme, which includes the release of a unique digital repository of personal papers and photographs that tell the story of the momentous events of 1916.

Over 20,000 items related to the seven signatories of the Proclamation will be available online by April 2016.

An event was held in the National Library’s iconic premises on Kildare Street to mark the launch and was presented by broadcaster and historian, Dr John Bowman and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys.

Paul Shovlin, chair of the National Library’s Board, said: “In 1916, the National Library was an intellectual and social hub at the heart of Ireland and is proud to take its place in the centenary events 100 years later, through a programme built around our unparalleled collections.

“We are delighted to contribute to the commemorations by cataloguing and digitising materials that tell the story of 1916, commencing with the seven signatories of the Proclamation.”

a rare insight into world of doctors Secondary school students will be given a unique insight into the lives of a neurosurgeon, microbiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon in episode two of the RCSI’s (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) livestreamed video broadcast called So You Want To Be A Doctor?

The second episode in the three-part series will profile three doctors based in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital. Viewers will be shown around the surgical theatre ahead of an operation Dr David O’Brien will perform to mend a patients back.

Dr Fidelma Fitzpatrick, senior lecturer in Microbiology and consultant microbiologist at Beaumont Hospital will discuss what exactly a microbiologist does and will also talk about antibiotics and how their overuse has led to the rise of superbugs.

Students can get involved in the broadcast as a live-streamed question and answer session will take place at the end of the episode.

Students can send in their comments and questions via Twitter and Facebook using #RCSIBeADoc.

17 December 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

feature A DAY IN THE LIFE: Seamus Fahy, owner of Voltaire Diamonds

The diamond life is a very busy one  emma nolan

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and so is Seamus Fahy. Gazette sat down with the owner of Voltaire Diamonds to find out about the day in the life of a diamond dealer.

The Limerick-born entrepreneur was working in the financial services industry in London before moving back to Ireland to venture into the diamond by appointment business on King Street South across from Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.

A typical day in the life for Fahy involves liaising with international diamond traders, fine jewellers and, finally, the clients themselves.

As for his daily routine, he admits that he’s a bit of an insomniac so is always up early checking emails.

He explains that the key to developing and maintaining strong client relationships is to respond to them quickly.

“I find the quicker you get back to a customer, the more likely they are to do business with you.”

Upon arriving at the office, Fahy’s first task consists of contacting his workshops which are in Dublin and London to get a status report on jewellery that are in the process of being made.

After that he contacts

his international diamond suppliers in London and Antwerp. “I’m constantly looking for new stones – there’s all the different diamond shapes, round, brilliant, princess, cushion cut, oval cut – I’m constantly liaising with my suppliers all the time looking for diamonds that match the customers’ budgets.”

Fahy starts his appointments after this, all of which are face-to-face and Fahy and his two members of staff meet 10 to 20 clients per afternoon.

F a hy e n c o u r a g e s his customers to shop around prior to making an appointment with him so they know what they want.

“We talk to all our clients before they come into us and we tell them; number one, congratulations, number two, go to all the high street jewellers and try lots of styles so you know what you’re looking for and then come to us.”

Generally customers come with pictures of rings they want and Fahy then sets about having it made to suit their budget, “Because we don’t have the overheads of a high street shop, our prices are a lot more competitive.

Fahy then negotiates pricing and the handmade finished product

Seamus Fahy, owner, Voltaire Diamonds

will be ready three to four weeks later.

Most of Voltaire’s clients come from word of mouth and online

reviews, social media also plays a big role and takes up about an hour-anda-half of Fahy’s day. He updates the social media

accounts daily with new content.

As for downtime, the self-confessed workaholic admits he’s “always look-

ing for the next angle” and doesn’t get much, especially with his weekly trip to Voltaire’s London office, but he enjoys

socialising with friends and going for a nice meal when he gets the chance.

“I only sell the dream!” he jokes.

Gazette

16 Gazette 17 December 2015

dublinlife

the big interview

Paul Costelloe: a man with an eye for style

‘This Christmas will be very much a family occasion’  Aisling Kennedy

Famed worldwide for his beautiful catwalk creations, Paul Costelloe is a man with an eye for style.

His designs have graced catwalks from Milan to London and he was one of Princess Diana’s

favourite designers.

Flying into Dublin from his home in London to take part in interviews to promote his new jewellery range, the Richmond Collection, Costelloe is relaxed, chatty and fun.

He has a dry sense of humour, a trait that has

on occasion landed him in hot water over the years but he is an Irish rogue full of charm and character.

Arriving home to Dublin is always a welcome break he explains, as he gets to stay in his mews in Monkstown and enjoy the beautiful views all around

the area.

“I grew up in Booterstown and I moved to Monkstown when I got married. I lived in Monkstown for 25 years and I still own a house there to this day.

“What’s nice about Monkstown is that it hasn’t changed that much which I love. It has become a lot more fashionable and I have noticed a lot of extra restaurants and shops popping up, but it’s still the same. The atmosphere is still the same.

“Hewett’s newsagents is still there and the church is still there and it’s still a lovely place.”

Costelloe moved to London from Monkstown in 1999 to expand his Irish fashion business and it is a move that has served him well.

Living in the affluent suburbs of Putney with his wife, daughter and six sons, he has built up a fashion, jewellery and beauty empire.

Ireland is never far from his thoughts, however, and he explains that he named his new jewellery range after an area in his home town.

“The Richmond Collection was inspired

by Richmond Hill in Monkstow n because the collection is so elegant, understated and beautiful and that is very much the character of Monkstown. It just has those traits that

Paul Costelloe is a man with an eye for style

are what Monkstown is all about, simplicity and style. It’s not flash like Dalkey! I’ll start a war now!”

While living in London, Costelloe leases out his home in Monkstown on a short-term basis but should the mood take him he can return whenever he wants as he also owns a mews that he stays in when he returns.

“We still have the house and I do think about coming back a lot,” he explains.

“We would love to, we’d love to spend more time here. We love Richmond Hill, it really is beautiful.

This morning it looked lovely because the weather was so nice and it has some beautiful traits to it.”

Costelloe said that he believes that Irish women have come a long way in their fashion choices and are understated and more aware of how to style themselves.

“I think Irish women have a very specific and unique sense of style

now. The Irish have a very strong point of view on fashion and because women are travelling so much now they’ve infused different types of styles together. Irish women have learned that you don’t have to spend a lot to look great. It is more about spending a little more time on what you buy and mixing high street clothes with more high-end clothing. I think that has certainly happened here.”

As it is only a little over a week to Christmas, Costelloe was very much in the festive mood as he chatted to the Gazette and he said that he is looking forward to spending time with his family over the Christmas break.

“This Christmas will be very much a family occasion. We will get up in the morning, there will be about 13 of us altogether including my two daughter-in-laws and my sons, and it’s just a lovely family day.

“We will go to mass and that’s usually fairly

chaotic as we try to get everybody out on time.

“We will then head down to the church in two cars and then after mass we will come back and have a small, light breakfast, and then open up the presents. Then we will go out onto Putney Heath and the boys will play rugby and the ladies will go for a stroll with the grandchildren.

“After that we will go back and have Christmas dinner at about 5pm and then I suppose we will all end up watching some awful TV which we shouldn’t do but I know we will!”

Costelloe reminisces about spending Christmas in Dublin for many years and says: “I do miss going to the 40ft. When we lived in Monkstown we would always go to the 40ft and jump in. I hope to do it again.

“For now, London keeps me on my toes and keeps me competitive but I’ve got my 6ft 3-inch legs in both camps so I’m very lucky.”

17 December 2015 Gazette 17

cinema P22

asdfsdaf P27 gift guide P25

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



Gazette

travel P21

Pets can you give GUY a new home?

The Coronas are part of the stellar line-up for Dublin’s New Year’s Festival

new location: indoor and outdoor entertainment from dec 30 to jan 1

New Year fest biggest yet

 Keith Bellew

Dublin’s New Year’s Festival (NYF) returns this year and is bigger than ever with a new location, both indoor and outdoor entertainment, a festival of light, world record attempt, a spoken word festival, Love Dublin events, fringe events and cultural trails across the city over December 30, 31 and January 1.

Due to Luas Cross City works the Countdown Concert has relocated from Dame Street to the Three Arena, but a new NYF Street Fest will take place in St Stephen’s Green South.

Speaking to The Gazette, organiser, Niamh Holohan said this has worked out well as the public have the option of going to the arena where there will

be a stellar line up of home grown and international talent with The Corona’s and Fatboy Slim, or to the Street Fest.

“We really wanted to make some of the events more participative as opposed to just being spectator [oriented], so we’re bringing back the Procession of Light [on December 31], which is a really enchanting and magical light parade through Dublin.

“We’re allowing people to collect lanterns on the day and all of the donations are going to Focus Ireland,” she said.

This will be followed by an attempt to break the world record for the world’s largest bodhran session, currently held

by Sydney, Australia with 980 people.

“We’re hoping to smash that record with 981, so again proceeds are going

to Focus Ireland. We really wanted to have an eclectic mix. There’s obviously people who want to go out and party and have a good time, but we want to have more of a cultural programme as well.

“We have a spoken word programme that we’re running over December 30 and 31. This is bringing together the best in Irish comedy, poetry slam and discussion/debate.

“It’s really important for us to have that dimension to the festival for people who want to enjoy day time and night time events,” she said.

She added that there is an interesting addition to this year’s festival called Story at Work which has seen live story telling taxis driving around Dublin throughout December with live

cameras and three hand-selected storytelling taxi-men with hilarious and emotional stories.

“We’re going to have a rolling film of the footage screened at the festival on December 30 as well. You can actually hop in these taxi’s for the rest of December. They’re completely kitted out with ‘bonkers’ in magnetic letters so you cant miss them,” she said.

The celebration continues on New Year’s day with Resolution Day. Events include a New Year’s Day 5km run, children’s story telling and art workshops, evening events with TED-style talks, interspersed with music, comedy and poetry at Christ Church Cathedral.

For a full programme of events visit: nyfdublin.com/

Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Guy is a male five-year-old Pit bull-cross. He is quite an agile young man who will need a home with a warm, cosy bed inside and a fully secure garden.

He is a firm favourite in the rehoming centre with his handsome expressive face and bundles of charm.

With the right adopter, he will make an amazing and very loving pet.

Guy is very clever and already knows a lot of commands he has been taught by his dedicated carers. He is suitable to live with older children of 16 years of age and over.

If you think you can offer Guy a loving home, 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 www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Dogs Trust are asking members of the public to visit www.puppypromise. com and make the puppy promise.

Gazette

18 Gazette 17 December 2015

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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Avila Lipsett at the Gwen Stefani Urban Decay palette reveal at The Spencer Hotel

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Gazette

STYLE

Aoife Walsh at the Jameson Black Barrel Craft Market at The Bernard Shaw Pub

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 pearl phelan

STYLISH Dubliners are photographed most nights of the week attending various fashion, art and cultural events across the city. We couldn’t help but notice a colour scheme amongst them: a soft shade of grey. So we hit the shops to see how we could emulate the effortlessly chic looks sported by these fashionistas!

Grey pieces will easily blend into your wardrobe, pairing well with black, burgundy and gold trims. Get the look of these smartly dressed ladies with our picks.

Aisling O’Loughlin at the launch of Ireland’s Blue Book 2016 at The Merrion

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Gazette

20 Gazette 17 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

Executive Chef of Howth Castle Susan Bell (right) with Cormac Rowe. Picture: Angela Halpin

A stress-free Christmas dinner  Susan Bell Executive Chef of Howth Castle

One question we are always asked at Howth Castle Cookery School is when should one start cooking Christmas dinner and how do we go about organising it. My answer is always the same - the further in advance you have everything prepared, the better the day and the dinner will go.

With three children at home, the last thing I want to do on Christmas morning is spend the day in the kitchen; missing out on the kid’s excitement as they open their Christmas presents, while I worry about what time the turkey needs to go on.

I always try to prepare a meal that the whole family will enjoy, the kids as well as granny.

On December 23 I do any last minute food shopping, I buy all of the perishables like fresh

vegetables, cream and an extra carton of milk.

Then in the afternoon of Christmas Eve I start the preparation for Christmas dinner.

Many elements of the meal can be pre-prepared, vegetables can be blanched, soup prepared, potatoes can be peeled and even garnishes can be prepared in advance to add those final flourishes to this very special feast.

Starter: Homemade Parsnip and Chestnut Soup I like to begin our meal with a small bowl of homemade parsnip and chestnut soup.

This dish can be made on Christmas Eve. If you have fussy vegetable eaters in the family I would just tell them it’s soup and leave it at that.

It always amazes me that my children will eat almost any soup but will snub the same cooked vegetable.

Main: Turkey Escalopes with Ham and

Thyme Stuffing One of my favourite Christmas main courses that we teach at Howth Castle Cookery School is our Turkey Escalopes with Ham and Thyme Stuffing.

The great news is that these boned, stuffed and rolled pieces of turkey or “ballotines” can be made up to two days in advance. Keep in the fridge tightly wrapped in cling film until ready to cook.

On Christmas Day these would take up to 30 minutes max to cook and takes the worry out of trying to fit the turkey in the oven and getting the turkey on with enough time to cook through.

The Trim: Roast Root Vegetables, Creamed Brussel Sprouts and Spuds!

Peel your potatoes the day before and leave in cold water ready for mash and roasting on the day.

Creamed Brussel Sprouts are a firm favourite and again a day in advance blanch and refresh the shredded sprouts.

Then on Christmas Day all you need to do is reduce your cream and re-heat the previously cooked sprouts in the cream. Season and serve.

Roast root vegetables finished with cardamon and honey are really delicious.

The root vegetables can be prepared and diced a day in advance so Christmas Day, just put on a roasting tray and into the oven an hour before sitting down to dine.

Bread sauce can be made Christmas Day by simply heating up milk with a small onion infusing in it for flavour, then adding in your bread a little at a time until the right consistency is achieved.

Dessert has caused many arguments over the

years - who wants what.

A firm favourite and great family fail safe is Toblerone cheesecake.

Again, this can be made on Christmas Eve. Thus bringing us to Christmas Day which should be fairly hassle free, allowing lots of time

table should be considered in advance.

Glasses washed and polished, table settings and crackers ready to go with festive napkins and a lovely centre piece at the ready.

This could be a Christmas lights within a beau-

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

‘Many elements of the meal can be pre-prepared in advance to add those final flourishes to this very special feast’

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

for opening presents and family fun.

You don’t need to think about the final cooking of everything until about an hour and a half before dinner is due to be served.

Whilst the children are small I leave the setting of the dinner table to the last minute, for those with older children or adults, get them involved in setting the table in advance.

The dressing of the

tiful glass bowl dressed with holly or a festive candle framed within a Christmas wreath.

Serve the soup from the kitchen in small bowls and have everything else ready to go in serving bowls, gently warming in the oven.

These serving bowls can be placed in the middle of the table for family service style once the starter has been cleared.

Then sit down with the family and enjoy.

Susan Bell is executive chef at Howth Castle with responsibility for Howth Castle Cookery School, Deer Park Golf’s Club House menu and the estate’s newly launched “The Kitchen in the Castle” catering menu.

This new service will see cooker y school’s chefs prepare delicious party food for special events, beautifully packaged and ready to be enjoyed – and impress guests at home.

Cooks of all skill levels are invited to take part in upcoming classes at Howth Cookery School.

A number of special classes are being presented including ‘Christmas Foodie Gifts’ and ‘Preparing the Perfect C h r i s t m a s D i n n e r ’.

Christmas Gift Vouchers are also available.

Howth Castle Cookery School, Howth Castle, County Dublin.

See howthcastlecookeryschool.ie or call 01 839 6182.

17 December 2015 Gazette 21

travel treats: surprise your loved ones this christmas

Think outside the box and give the gift of travel

 ian begley

Christmas presents – it’s difficult to continue to surprise and please every year. There are only so many sets of bath salts and lotions, pairs of socks and bottles of wine that you can buy – and giving money is just a tad impersonal.

So what to do? Have you thought about giving the gift of travel this Christmas? What better way to get through the dark and dreary winter than looking forward to a holiday or short break in the New Year?

Who wouldn’t love a trip to a European city for a long weekend or a week in the sun, whether it’s a romantic trip to Rome, a shopping trip to Milan, a weekend of culture in Berlin, Lisbon or Madrid,

or even a beach break in the Canary Islands.

Abbey Travel are now offering a three-night trip to Madrid for Valentine’s weekend from €155, and a seven-night stay in Fuerteventura for €205 in January.

Gazette

TRAVEL

fastTRAVEL

Makes some memories with a luxurious river cruise

If you fancy a memorable, unique getaway in 2016,

then a luxurious river cruise along some of Europe’s many historic rivers may be the perfect holiday for you and your family.

One of the range of cruises on offer, organised by Travel Department, include a journey along the River Seine and Normandy, between March and October for eight nights from €1,599pp.

Spend your first night in a city centre hotel in Paris and enjoy a guided city tour and welcome dinner with the group before commencing your cruise.

Travelling on board the MS Amadeus Diamond, you will then experience the elegance of a boutique hotel as you’re transported along the Seine.

On March 31 or June 25, you can sail along the Danube for six nights from €1,299pp. Discover the highlights of the Danube, dotted along the stretch

Delight

of river from Germany to Hungary. Spend your first

For parents looking to surprise the kids with an extra treat on Christmas Day imagine the delight on their faces if they found out they were going to meet Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck on a magical trip to Disneyland Paris.

A three-night stay for a family of two adults and two kids under seven starts at €528, including three nights staying at Disney’s Santa Fe Hotel with free half-board meals and three days park

night in a city centre hotel in Munich, before travelling to the pretty port town of Passau and commencing your cruise.

An additional cruise along the river Danube is on offer on April 4 and June 29 for five nights from €1029pp. For more information about these deals visit www.traveldepartment.ie.

The Plaza Mayor in Madrid

tickets.

Treat the sports fan in your life to a trip to see their favourite team. The most popular are Liverpool and Manchester United packages. Onenight hotel and match ticket packages to Pre-

miership matches start from €169 per person.

Still unsure? Abbey Travel gift vouchers are a great alternative.

Call Abbey Travel on 01 8047100 for more information or book online at www.abbeytravel.ie.

Live the high life and hit the slopes this winter  ian begley

Flying solo doesn’t mean that you can’t have an unforgettable ski holiday away.

Highlife Ski & Snowboard is offering a range of ski chalet holidays in France for those wanting to embrace a solo adventure.

The set-up of a Highlife getaway offers the perfect environment for socialising and meeting your fellow snow bunnies and to ensure you can look forward to the best holiday at the right price, Highlife have waived single supplements to Chalet Carine in Meribel during the weeks commencing from now until April 10.

As you arrive in the resort you will be treated to a drinks reception in the comfort of your chalet, providing the ideal oppor-

tunity to meet and get to know other guests over a glass of vin chaud (hot wine).

During daylight hours, take advantage of Highlife’s complimentary ski discovery tours where the Highlife team will be available to answer your questions and will also arm you with a route map that includes detailed instructions to make sure you get to see the best of the resorts and ski areas, the best runs and incredible views from the mountain tops.

Return to your chalet where the Highlife chef and host will prepare afternoon treats with homemade cakes to be enjoyed over a post-ski catch-up. In the evenings, you can all sit down to a delicious three-course meal with a selection of good wines, rounded off with digestifs and

a cheese board in front of the roaring log fire.

Prices for a solo getaway start from just €795 per person (for December date) or €695 per person (for April date).

For more information on Highlife’s range of ski chalet holidays in France, visit www. highlife.ie or call 01-6771100.

Have an unforgettable ski holiday away in Meribel, France

Gazette

22 Gazette 17 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

netflix fix

Have a very, very Murray Christmas IF YOU are on the lookout for something to get you into the festive spirit, then the answer might be on a cinema screen. This year Netflix has released what appears to be the most amount of Christmas that you could possibly cram into a one hour slot, in the shape of A Very Murray Christmas.

Directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray (who worked together on the stunning 2003 Lost in Translation), this one-off special casts Murray as himself, hosting a star-studded cabaret on Christmas Eve in New York City that goes terribly wrong. A freak snowstorm shuts the city down, and with no audience, a desolate Murray tries to host the live broadcast by himself, before admitting defeat and retreating to the hotel bar – where luckily a bit of Christmas magic is about to take place.

With warm colours and many, many famous faces (including Paul Shaffer, George Clooney, Michael Cera, Miley Cyrus, Chris Rock, and Jason

Legendary Lily Tomlin plays Elle, a poet and academic, who is grieving the recent death of her partner who goes on an impromptu road

Schwartzman) A Very Murray Christmas man-

trip with her pregnant teenage grand-daughter

ages to continue that long-standing tradition of watching celebrities poke some fun at themselves. The story quickly descends into back to back renditions of festive classics, some of which work better than others (Fairytale of New York probably should have stayed a duet).

There’s nothing beyond the light entertainment, but sometimes that is all you need. If ever there was a time and a place for such a silly romp, it’s Christmas.

Verdict: 6/10

Netflix’s A Very Murray Christmas is directed

by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray and includes many famous faces

grandma: a thought-provoking comedy drama

Unfettered Tomlin takes the road less travelled There is no escaping Lily Tomlin’s legendary status. With decades of work in cinema, TV, and in stage productions, the 76-year-old star is famed for her uniquely subversive style of comedy.

Tomlin’s infamous expletive-fuelled run-in with director David O Wilson on the set of I Heart Huckabees some years ago showcased another side to the veteran actor.

Full of furious acerbicism, the viral video captured somebody who was driven to hostility through exasperation – and you can imagine that this is exactly what Tomlin could connect to in Grandma.

 Dave phillips

Tomlin plays Elle, a poet and academic, who is grieving the recent death of her partner.

When Elle’s teenage grand-daughter, Sage (Julia Garner), shows up pregnant and in need of cash for a termination, the two embark on an impromptu road trip that forces long-underlying contentions in each of their lives to be faced.

In case you haven’t guessed, you can dispel

any thoughts of doilies and purple rinses. Writer and director Paul Weitz (About a Boy) has a very different image of growing older – a more grounded and holistic view that encompasses the manifold and often contradictory impulses that make up a human being.

Elle is a character that is absolutely unfettered, with no filter between her thoughts and the expression of them. But she is also unfettered in the sense that she is now aimless, and for the first time in years forced to think about who she wants to be.

Can the lesbian poet, the shrewd academic, the wayward traveller, the

loving mother, and the nurturing grandmother all co-exist?

Grandma starts out slow and clumsy with Tomlin caustically dismissing so many of the first-world problems that irk us in the modern world.

Elle mischievously tips the sacred cows of civilisation and offers a kind of comeuppanceby-proxy for the viewer, though it feels more like shooting fish in a barrel.

Thankfully if you stay a little while with Grandma, you will find there is a wealth of depth just below the surface.

Any clunkiness in the comedy dynamic between Tomlin and

Garner dissolves once we begin to meet other characters from Elle’s past and present – including a particularly outstanding scene with Sam Elliott, who plays one of Elle’s old flames.

As a bittersweet comedy drama, this film will sadly end up being lost amid the Christmas cinema bustle, but it will no doubt receive award recognition for Tomlin.

While it may not offer a conventional subject matter or narrative, Grandma is one of the most thought-provoking and authentically human character studies on screens this year.

Verdict: 8/10

17 December 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

HEALTH detox: drinks packed with live enzymes, vitamins, minerals

Juice up your body’s cleansing Tis the season for over indulgence, but why wait till January to start the detox?

The juice business in Ireland has been booming over the last year but ahead of the curve was Paula Heaney when she set up Skinny Malinkys in 2013 with the aim of making healthy, nourishing juice accessible to as many people as possible.

Currently the premier raw cold-pressed juice company is based

in Northern Ireland, but Paula Heaney has recently started to trade in the Republic: “While initially we only delivered their fresh juices within a three-mile radius of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, we have now expanded our offering to the UK and Ireland. We provide free delivery across Ireland.’’

The juices are raw, unpasteurised and unadulterated, packed with live enzymes, vita-

mins, trace minerals and other vital elements to your health.

Paula explains the reasons to juice: “Juice cleansing is the ideal way to reset your body and kick-start a healthy new you. Living off these liquid nutrients gives your digestive system a well earned break.’’

A little known fact is that solid foods can take up to 10 hours of digestion before it’s nutrients become available to

the cells in your body. A freshly pressed raw juice on the other hand will provide your body with nutrients immediately.

“This means that when you drink the juices your cells will get nourished in approximately 15 minutes with little to no effort on your body to digest.

“Whilst many associate juice cleansing as a quick fix for weight loss and beating the bloat, there are many more long-term health benefits to cleans-

ing. By introducing daily juices into your lifestyle, they can help control diseases, such as Eczema, Psoriasis, Urticaria, Rosacea and acne.

“Our bodies should always be more alkaline than acidic, however when we eat consume processed foods, sugar, alcohol and even coffee we inadvertently create an acidic environment within our body.

“However by cleansing we can help to reduce

The juice business in Ireland has been booming

and remove these toxins and make your body a much more healthy environment,” she says.

Skinny Malinkys provide a range of juice packages from the full three to five-day juice cleanses,

consisting of six juices per day, to a “juice till dinner” package, for those who might not fathom three days with no food.

For more information visit www.skinnymalinkys.com.

Gazette

24 Gazette 17 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Apple TV 32GB €179/64GB €229 Although people are increasingly ditching watching televisions (yes, we mean that dusty, unloved thing in the corner of the room) to go for all-digital content, Apple may have just the thing to tempt you back to the big(ger) screen – the Apple TV gizmo (available online at www.apple.com). From streaming all your favourite digital channels to an apps explosion that’s gathering pace, the Apple TV brings games, apps and – of course – TV shows together into this small gadget that packs quite a punch.

Amazon Fire HD 8” tablet, 8GB €180 Although there are ever more powerful tablets coming on the market, many people just want something to cover the basics – something handy to maybe play a few games, watch their favourite shows

and films on, and to browse their favourite sites on in a cosy chair. Amazon’s tablets have been getting better and better, with its light weight – 300gm – creating a very portable book and media viewer.

LET’S

Tech A LOOK

PlayStation 4 Star Wars Battlefront 1TB bundle C.€400 With Star Wars fever once again sweeping in to cinema screens and pop culture, fans will have a blast – literally – with this acclaimed shooter (Cert 16, online multiplayer only gaming). The chance to play for the Empire or the Rebels (and step into the shoes of some much-loved heroes and villains) make this great fun.

XBox One Fifa 16 500GB bundle C.€350 There are a number of console ‘bundle’ deals to kick about at the moment, but Microsoft and footie fans sure to shoot straight for this one. Pick up a XBO console with 500GB storage and the latest in the smash-hit Fifa series (now including women’s teams, at long last) for about €350, with many retailers adding another game for €50 extra.

With its decent specs for its budget price, as well as access to Amazon’s vast range of content the Fire HD would make a great gift or a handy second tablet for the whole family to use

 shane dillon

GADGETS and games are a staple part of Christmas gifts these days – so what better time to consider some of the most popular (and useful) tech this season?

Whether looking to trade up your phone, or get something useful for a loved one – or something that the kids (and the young-at-heart) will love, here’re a range of great gifts that won’t break the bank ...

Motorola G Third gen C.€140 We’ve mentioned the Moto G series of budget phones before, but for our – and your – money, they represent an awful lot of bang for your buck, making them a great pay-asyou-go present this Christmas.

Motorola surprised everyone when they launched the original Moto G a few years ago, with the award-winning budget Android phone offering features and power that rivalled significantly more expensive phones. Since then, the updated Moto G has further refined its feature set and design, making it once again a great (and pocket friendly) phone to recommend.

17 December 2015 Gazette 25

ay Gwen Urban Dec dow €46 Stefani eyesha

Gazette

GIFT GUIDE Ireland Littlewoods n journal €13 Happy Jackso

Lauryn Rose Jewellery to support The LauraLynn Foundation Online retailer and fashion jewellery specialist Lauryn Rose has teamed up with children’s hospice The LauraLynn Foundation. The Think of Me collection will see 10% of all sales donated to the hospice. For further information, and the range, see www.laurynrose.com.

For him, her and you a healthier year ahead, right? Of course!

These accessories may help ... But for those looking to feel good without all that exercise malarky, we can point you towards some silky-smooth nightwear.

And, last but definitely not least, we have a great way to do some good this Christmas, and beyond, thanks to a lovely way for your gift to help children’s hospice, The LauraLynn Foundation.

RunLogic Led lenser headlamp €30

CHRISTMAS is but a cracker’s length away – but don’t panic if you’re still looking for a great gift for your nearest and dearest (or even if you’re just looking for a treat for yourself).

In addition to some “his” or “hers” gift ideas, this week we’re also considering some healthy gifts, as we all know that New Year resolutions are just around the corner, too, and we all want to have

RunLogic

.50

Weir & Sons Henry London watch €129

www.skinboosters.ie Thavma lift anti-wrinkle cream €95

Nuxe Nuxellence anti-aging men’s fluid €38

Nivea M en’s ultim ate sports

kit €50

Topdrawer Silk sleep wear From €105 Bed linen specialists Topdrawer now stock a range of luxury silk sleep and lounge wear, with classic French designs inspiring the beautiful range of dressing gowns, nighties and more.

FlipBelt €32

RunLogic Garmin forerunner watch €350 See store at Smock Alley, Temple Bar

26 dundrum gazette 17 December 2015

DundrumCLASSIFIEDS planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Helen Gorman is applying for planning permission for a domestic extension and alterations to existing semidetached dwelling at 2 Taney Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 14. The extension and alterations are comprised of: single storey extension to the rear and side; conversion of a portion of the existing garage to the side to habitable use; extension of the existing main roof over the garage to the side; elevational changes; widening of the front entrance gateway; and all ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire, during its public opening hours.

A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Derek Davis of Dublin 18 Strength & Conditioning Ltd., am applying to the above mentioned for retention planning permission for the change of use from a light industrial unit to a Crossfit gym, use of existing offices, reception area and toilets and all associated works at T27 Rowan Avenue, Stillorgan Ind Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: PDS - Planning & Design Solutions. w w w. p d s c a r l ow. i e

DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is sought for the demolition and reconstruction of existing cottage with the addition of an extension to rear of the dwelling at 87 Ballyedmonduff Road, Stepaside, Dublin 18, by Nick Burrett & Orla O’Shea.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission sought by Frank Mullan for a new vehicular access off the public road and on-site parking space at his house at 43 Patrick Doyle Road, Milltown, Dublin 14.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during public opening hours 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday – Friday at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire.A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of € 20. Submissions must be made within 5 weeks from date Beginning on the date the application is received by the planning authority.

25709

planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission sought by Larry & Marie Byrne for a new vehicular access off the public road and on-site parking space at their house at 39 Patrick Doyle Road, Milltown, Dublin 14.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during public opening hours 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday – Friday at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of € 20. Submissions must be made within 5 weeks from date Beginning on the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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28 gazette 17 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport O’Donoghue on shortlist for world award: Templeogue’S Shane O’Donoghue has been named on the five-person shortlist for hockey’s World Rising Star player of the year award following a superb 2015.

The former Glenanne and UCD midfielder helped Ireland qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908 while he also played a key role in Ireland’s run to bronze at the European Championships, the best Irish finish in the history of the event.

On the club front, he helped KHC Dragons win the Belgian league in devastating fashion to cap an incredible year. He is up against players from Australia, India, Canada and Germany.

He is one of two Irish players in the mix for the awards with David Harte up for the goalkeeper of the year nomination having won player of the tournament at three separate events in the past 12 months.

hockey: duke leads students to important national league win

UCD back in playoff shake-up  sport@dublingazette.com

DEIRDRE Duke’s double saw UCD claim their fourth win of the women’s EY Hockey League campaign as they saw off Ards 3-1 in the second half of their tie in Belf-

ield.

She scored in the second minute of the tie when the impressive Aisling Naughton got to the baseline and set up her strike partner for a simple finish.

Ards replied in kind

when they won a corner that Hannah Coey scored from in the second phase. And the Ulster side pushed on in the second quarter to pin the hosts back for decent portions of the game.

UCD, however, bossed

UCD’s Deirdre Duke celebrates making it 3-1. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Pembroke’s Kylie Deverell, right, takes on Railway Union’s Sarah Canning

the third quarter and got back in front from a Katie Mullan drag-flick. Duke made the game safe with Naughton again to the fore. She drove into the circle and picked out the Irish international for 3-1.

Ards, aided by a UCD sin-binning, pushed forward in the last quarter but found Mullan in excellent form to deny many attacks while Sarah Robinson made a key interception to keep out the lively Chloe Brown.

Sara Twomey also made a big impact on her return from injury.

Elsewhere, Pembroke held Railway Union at bay to earn a point at Serpentine Avenue in the Dublin 4 derby with Stella Davis having a

fine game in the face of a heavy amount of work.

Railway coach Colm Blennerhassett, meanwhile, will rue a series of missed penalty corner chances that meant his side dropped a couple of points in their title pursuit.

Three first half corners were denied with Davis, Erika Hinkson and Sarah Clarke to the fore while the goalkeeper made some more good saves from play as Railway’s full press worked well but they could not finish off their openings.

There was respite of sorts when Emma Smyth took a yellow card in the third quarter while another Railway corner went a begging with Jilly Collins charging it down.

Pembroke upped their work rate in the closing quarter and had their best chance when Maeve Ott went close but they will probably be the happier of the two with the draw.

Leaders Hermes were not in action due to the weather conditions with their game against UCC postponed. Nonetheless, their lead at the top was not overly affected with third place Ulster Elks losing 2-1 at home against Pegasus and second place Railway drawing.

Hermes face Railway in another Dublin derby next Saturday in the final round of matches before Christmas while UCD play Pembroke in another derby.

St Vincent’s drown opposition in water polo sweep  sport@dublingazette.com

The St Vincent’s Leinster senior cup winning team

ST VINCENT’S Water Polo Club proved the dominant force at the Leinster Water Polo Cup Finals for 2015, winning six of the seven finals.

The Marino club claimed the men’s Leinster Senior Cup for the third year in succession with a thrilling 9-6 win over North Dublin last week.

The end of the first quarter was 1 all with goals from Adam Caulfield from St Vincent’s and Karl Wilkes from North Dublin.

But, after that closely fought

opening, Vincent’s made their move in the second quarter as they built a 5-2 lead with goals from Damiano Costa, Eoin Bridgeman, and two goals from Brian Murphy from St Vincent’s and a goal from Steve Nolan from North Dublin.

The third quarter saw North Dublin came back with two goals from Brendan Cope and a goal from Jordi Albert for North Dublin leaving the score at five goals each and a reply.

Bridgeman replied, though, to give St Vincent’s leaving the score 6-5 for St Vincent’s going into the last quarter. And the

Marino side pulled away in the the fourth quarter with another three goals from Bridgeman, Shane Drumm and Eoin Nolan They had already claimed the Leinster Division 3 cup for men.

In addition, they were winners of the four junior cups for both boys and girls at Under-19 and Under-16 level. The St Vincent’s senior ladies teams were also awarded the Leinster Senior Ladies Cup as their opponents withdrew at the last minute.

Away from the pool, St Vincent’s have also raised over €3,000 for Temple Street Hos-

pital from bag packs in Tesco Clear Water in Finglas over the last 12 months.

The club are holding a bag pack on Saturday, December 19 in Tesco Clear Water in aid of Temple Street Hospital and support would be gratefully appreciated.

Leinster Water Polo have been organising matches and leagues in Dublin from the 1880s and have one of the oldest water polo cups in Europe which dates 1881 and is still being presented to the winning ream in the Leinster Senior Cup.

17 December 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Just 13 seconds to conquer the world Dubliner Conor McGregor fulfilled all the hype in the most comprehensive fashion possible as he claimed the UFC’s featherweight title with a stunning knock-out of Jose Aldo  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

13 SECONDS. That is all it took for Dublin’s Conor McGregor to become the undisputed, unified, UFC featherweight champion of the world.

Whether it was a seat in the MGM Garden Arena, or a barstool in Dublin, or the sofa at home, people had barely settled into their seats when the Notorious knocked Jose Aldo to the floor.

After a couple of early swing and misses from both fighters in the opening seconds, the Brazilian, and undefeated champion of 10 years threw out a right-jab. In doing so, he left that side of his chin exposed and McGregor landed one of his devas-

tating left-hooks and Aldo collapsed to the canvas, catching the Dubliner with a decent right-hook on the way down.

With Aldo dow n, McGregor took his chance and let two clinical hammer punches rain down on his opponent before referee John McCarthy stepped in and ended the bout.

The Las Vegas crowd, w h i c h l o o ke d a n d sounded about 80% Irish, erupted as months of talk was finally backed up by a ferocious walk.

Speaking in the ring afterwards, the ever-confident and assured Irishman was perhaps more humble than ever before.

“Again, nobody can take that left-hand shot,” he said. “But I tell you, he’s powerful and he’s

Conor McGregor, the new world champion

fast. But precision beats power, and timing beats speed, and that’s what you saw there.

“I feel for Jose, he was a phenomenal champion.

We deserved to go a little bit longer but I still feel at the end of the day, precision beats power and timing beats speed every day of the week so it would have happened sooner or later.”

What McGregor does next is already the subject of much debate. Immediately after Sunday morning’s fight, Aldo suggested a rematch.

However, the next contender in the 145lbs featherweight division would more likely to be Frankie Edgar, who knocked out Chad Mendes the night before in the main-event of the Ultimate Fighter

finale.

Another likely option for the 27-year-old is a move up to the Lightweight Division, a weight which many feel would be more natural to his 5’9” frame.

In the UFC 194 postfight press conference, unusually but unsurpris-

does move up to 155lbs, the featherweight belt will remain in his hands. “I tell you one thing that won’t be happening.

“If I go up to that lightweight division there’s no way in hell I’m vacating my belt. That’s not happening.

“There’ll be a belt on

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

‘Precision beats power and timing beats speeds and that’s what you saw there’ Conor McGregor

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

ingly, the Notorious practically ran the event itself, without a moderator.

Again, he was respectful towards Aldo and spoke about the possibility of moving up to the 155lbs lightweight division.

When asked, having beaten Aldo, if he now believed he was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, McGregor answered: “I believe so.

I believe there are many great fighters.

“There are many people who do great things but when you combine it all together, the whole package, the whole animal that is the fight game.

“I don’t think there is anyone who does it better than me. I think I am the pound-for-pound number one.”

Having first held an interim title since July and now the unified title, the SBG fighter insisted if he

one shoulder and a belt on the other shoulder. I understand why previously they would have fighters do that [vacate titles], because many fighters don’t fight as frequently as I do; tell me how many fights I’ve had in the past year, I’m busy, I stay active, I’m fresh. So when I go up and take that lightweight belt I will still be the featherweight champion.”

On the possibility of title-defence in Dublin, he didn’t hide his ambition.

“If they offer me Croke Park, or they offer me the football stadium, you’re damn right I’m going to take it,” he said.

On whether his profile in the UFC means he can demand it, he added: “Maybe I can these days, but for now I’m going to sit back in the shadows for Christmas and plot, then I’ll be back in the New Year with something.”

FastSport

Garth and Delany called up to Aussie pro league CRICKET stars Kim Garth and Laura Delany have joined up with the Hobart Hurricaines and Perth Scorchers respectively, as the pair were given the opportunity to join the women’s Big Bash League in Australia as part of their rookie programme.

Both players were nominated for the rookie programme by Cricket Ireland and selected after performances in the ICC World T20 Qualifiers in Thailand and headed straight to Australia instead of returning home with the rest of the squad.

Mount Merrion’s Garth travelled on to Hobart where she joins up with Heather Knight’s Hurricaines squad, while Delany, who went to school at Loreto Beaufort has joined up with England’s Charlotte Edwards in Perth.

Garth spoke of her excitement about the program at her first training session with the Hobart Hurricanes this week.

“I’m really excited to join the Hurricanes this summer and be part of a professional set up. Getting to play and train with some of the best players in the world and see how they operate is also something I am really looking forward to.”

Garth will join players from China, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and the Netherlands in the eight Rebel WBBL clubs as part of a joint initiative between Cricket Australia (CA) and International Cricket Council (ICC) development program for emerging players in non-traditional cricket countries.

The players were selected following the recent ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier in Thailand.

The programme will provide the players with an opportunity to be involved in the rebel WBBL and be exposed to elite cricket. It also serves as important preparation for players from Ireland, who have qualified for the 2016 ICC Women’s World T20 to be held in India.

Each of the rookie players will train with their Rebel WBBL club during a two-week placement and attend home matches during that period.

In the event of an injury to a contracted player, Rebel WBBL clubs will be permitted to use their Rookie as a local replacement player, which would not contribute to the club’s overseas player limit.

Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 17 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: ucd undone by malahide in lsl sunday senior

DSDAC runners show well at Euro champs DUNDRUM South Dublin Athletic’s Club had three of their members in continental action last weekend at the European Cross Country Championships.

Sophie Murphy (Junior Women), Joe Sweeney (Senior Men), and Brandon Hargreaves (U-23 Men) were all in action and finished respectively at the event in Hyeres, France.

Murphy was part of a junior women’s team who finished 11th overall in their category. The promising Dundrum runner was their first of the Irish to cross the line in the race, finishing 54th.

Directly behind here was Emma O’Brien (Inbhear Dee) in 55th while Templeogue’s Nadia Power wasn’t long after 59th. In fact, the whole Irish team finished within 14 places of each other, with Aoibhe Richardson (Kilkenny City Harriers) finishing 60th and Deirdre Healy (Ratoath) coming in at 67th.

Sweeney meanwhile ran in a senior men’s team that also finished 11th in their category.

The team’s individual finishes consisted of Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock), who came in at 37th, Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) in 45th, John Coghlan (MSB) in 47th, Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) in 52nd, Sweeney in 58th and Leevale’s Ryan Creech in 65th.

Dundrum’s other member in action in France, Brandon Hargreaves, was part of a Under-23 men’s team who finished in an impressive seventh place at the championships.

Hargreaves was the first to finish on the team in 31st place and was soon followed by Sean Tobin (Clonmel) in 39th, Aaron Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers) in 43rd, Hugh Armstrong (Ballina) in 48th, Thomas Moran (Dunshaughlin) in 50th, and Keith Fallon (Galway City Harriers) in 59th.

While Dundrum will be proud of their runners for their performances, no doubt the highlight of Athletics Ireland’s weekend was the senior women’s team, pictured above, returning home with a bronze medal, largely down to a brilliant fourth placed finish from Kilcoole’s Fionnuala McCormack.

UCD manager Diarmuid McNally

United’s Cashin cashes in

lsl sunday senior Malahide United UCD  sport@dublingazette.com

2 1

UCD’s fall down the LSL Senior Sunday Division continued last Friday night after a 2-1 defeat to Malahide United at Gannon Park.

The students’ bright star t to the season, which saw them right up there around the top of the table the beginning of October, has well and truly ended with this being their fifth defeat in seven in the LSL top-tier.

In what was a tight

game on a bitterly cold night by the sea, Diarmuid McNally’s men went ahead after just 10 minutes when Mark Boland fired in from close range. The home side enjoyed more of the ball throughout the opening half but failed to carve out too much in the way of real chances and went in one behind at the break.

UCD enjoyed a promising start to the season themselves and found themselves towards the top at the beginning of October. Since then however they have managed just four points

Joey’s representing Letmon stars in huge win for Metro Girls leopardstown’s Kerri Letmon provid-

ed a star turn last week as she scored four times for the Metropolitan Girls’ League panel that got the better of Wexford 8-0 in their opening WFAI Under-18 interleague game last Sunday, beginning their title defence in style.

She was one of four members of St Joseph’s Girls in the panel alongside Lydia Cook, Shauna Whelan and Niamh Sheehan

from seven after this result as they squandered their lead.

As the second half rolled on, Malahide upped the pressure and with 20 minutes remaining drew level through the impressive Jake Hyland. Once they got one, they wanted another and as the game crept into the final stages, Dylan Cashin struck for United to put them ahead for the first time.

UCD threw numbers forward in the closing stages but never really caused too much panic in the Malahide half and the Northside club held on to claim the

three points. The result means that at the midway point in the season, the college have played 12, won five, drawn one and lost six, putting them in eighth place, one spot better off than where they finished last season.

The Christmas break may come in at a good time for the boys from Belfield as they regroup and look to hit the ground running once more in January. Their good start, which saw them win four of their first league games means that they are far from trouble in the division. And on a positive

note, the college can look forward to competing in the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup in the New Year.

T h e d r aw f o r t h e four th round of the competition was made at the start of the month and McNally’s men were draw n at home against league rivals and Senior Sunday champions Bluebell United.

A tough game no doubt, but the old phrase of ‘anything can happen in the cup’ will be sure to be thrown around once or twice ahead of their January 24 meeting.

17 December 2015 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

Boden to face Clonmel in All-Ireland semi  sport@dublingazette.com

B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s will face Clonmel Commercials when the All-Ireland club championship gets back underway, as the Knocklyon club resume their chase for a first men’s All-Ireland title.

Tipperary side Commercials brushed aside Londoners Tir Chonaill

Gaels with goals either side of half time in Ruislip to book a date with Ballyboden, despite having to take a slightly circuitous route due to black cards for two crucial players.

Ian Fahey and Padraig Looram got the goals that saw Clonmel clinch their victory and take another step into the unknown.

The Tipperary club are sixteen times county

champions, but had never taken a Munster title until their surprise win over Nemo Rangers.

The semi-final will take place on February 13.

Meanwhile, one of Boden’s most impressive hurlers Conal Keaney has dropped a retirement hint. The 33-year-old is a former Dublin hurler and also part of the St Enda’s football squad, and will

continue to compete as long as the side progress in the All-Ireland, but his hint seems to relate specifically to the Dublin hurling squad.

“I’m 33 now and is it the right thing for me or is it the right thing for Dublin for me to keep going?

I don’t know. It’s just as well we won so the decision won’t be for a while,” Keaney said.

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

photos for 2015 Boden News! Dead-

ballers who won the title of team of

line for all reports and pictures for

the year at the Echo awards after the

Boden News is December 21 to boden-

completed a historic year. Congrats to

news2015@gmail.com.

all the players and management.

who won this week’s Ballyboden St

calendar. See can you find yourself!

Enda’s lotto. Lotto numbers drawn

Log on to www.bodengaa.ie for more

were 23, 2, 8 and 19. There was no

information. Calendars are on sale in

match three winners.

the clubhouse.

Have you had a baby in 2015 or got married this year - send us in your

football: vincent’s no match for kilmacud

Kilmacud Crokes celebrate their victory over in the Under-21 A championship final

Crokes U-21s cap year with big win

u-21 AFC final Kilmacud Crokes St Vincent’s  nathan kelly

3-10 1-5

sport@dublingazette.com

KILMACUD Crokes’ footballers ended the year in style by claiming the Dublin Under-21 A Football Championship over St Vincent’s last Sunday in Alfie Byrne Road.

The 3-10 to 1-5 win was as comprehensive and comfortable as you will see in a county championship final with Crokes playing outstanding football from back to front.

A couple of goals from Shane Cunningham but the gloss on a perform-

ance that’s shining light was really Crokes’ captain and centre-half-back Ross McGowan.

The former Dublin minor led by example not just at the back but all over the pitch. He was at the helm of many of the Glenalbyn men’s attacks and scored the game’s opening goal.

McGowan took his goal like a full-forward and it helped Crokes begin the game in whirlwind fashion, as they were 1-03 to nil after 12 minutes. Dara Mullin and Callum Pearson kept the scoreboard ticking and, at the break, Gabriel Bannigan’s side were 1-8 to 0-3 in front.

Just three minutes into the second half, Crokes went 11 points in front when Cunningham got his first goal of the game.

Despite trailing heavily at this early stage, Vin’s hadn’t thrown in the towel just yet. A Lorcan Galvin gave the Marino supporters something to cheer but it was shortlived as Crokes struck again.

It was Cunningham who delivered the final blow with his second goal of the game which reinstated his side’s 11 point advantage. The goal came thanks to a brilliant solo run from McGowan.

He tore through the Vin’s midfield and half-

back line before offloading to his full-forward who made no mistake with the finish. Further points from Mullin, Pearson, Cian O’Connor and Aidan Jones completed the rout.

Bannigan said afterwards: “You don’t normally win a championship final so comprehensively so the players deserve credit.

“The players were extremely focused going into the game. It was our second final against Vincent’s in a week after they beat us to the AFL1 title with a lot of our lads were involved that day so that spurred them on.”

Congratulations to Stephen Hiney

Get your 2016 Ballyboden St Enda’s

Operation Transformation is back for 2016 - for more information log on to www.bodengaa.ie.

naomh olaf WELL done to the U-21 footballers and

day evening in Coolock. The girls have

their mentors on their semi final win

had a long season and deserve a well

on Sunday. This was a superb team

earned rest.

performance. Final score: Naomh

Back by popular demand follow-

Olaf 4-13 St Mary’s 1-5. Thanks to all

ing last year’s successful event, The

the supporters who made the jour-

Wolfe Tones are in Naomh Olaf GAA

ney to Bray.

Club on December 28.

It is end of season for the minor

Tickets can be purchased online

camogie team who were defeated

at www.tonestickets.com or from

by a much stronger Erin’s Isle side in

the club bar. Contact Darren on 087

more atrocious conditions on Thurs-

8567595.

32 DUNDRUM Gazette 17 December 2015