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Month XX, 2012 Palmerstown • Celbridge • Leixlip • Adamstown • Dodsboro • Liffey Valley • ballyowen

INSIDE: Gallons of coffee and a zest for his work fuel Today FM presenter Anton Savage’s everyday life P11

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Hermitage man strikes winning Leinster blow Page 30

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Sarsfields top of AHL1 with Kilmacud win Page 31

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Garden takes root in new plot  Ian Begley

It has been confirmed that the recently closed Balgaddy Community Garden will move to the land behind the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre.

Members of the garden group have been fighting to stay on the plot of land since South Lucan Parish announced its plans to turn it into a car park as part of an extension to the adjacent Balgaddy Resource Centre.

Steve Wrenn, manager of the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre, said: “One of the things we are delighted about is being able to offer our garden as a community space for the residents to use, which was done in conjunction with the council.”

Natalie McDonnell, secretary of the Balgaddy Community Garden Committee, said they gratefully accepted the space as no other site in Balgaddy was available for them to use.

Full Story on Page 3

Feather in his cap: McGregor gives all and gains the title congratulations to “The Notorious” Conor McGregor, the new Interim Featherweight title holder. McGregor, who lives in Lucan, fought a hard won battle in Las Vegas recently at the MGM Grand against Chad

Mendes. He is pictured with his girlfriend Dee Devlin at the 2014 Gazette Sport’s Awards where he won Dublin Sports Star of The Year.

See full story Page 32 in the Sports Section

2 LUCAN Gazette 16 July 2015

opinion Minister highlights benefits of €20m project

Power line upgrade a win-win for Lucan  Frances Fitzgerald

Minister for Justice

In recent weeks, EirGrid, which is the Government agency responsible for managing the national electricity grid, announced the next phase of a public consultation on an ambitious new €20m project for west Dublin.

The proposal is to provide an underground high-voltage220Kv power

line and associated substation to service the Grange Castle industrial area.

The underground line would do a full loop of Grange Castle, from the Outer Ring Road at Griffeen Avenue, around to Nangor Road and around again to the Newcastle Road at Adamstown.

This plan represents a win-win for Lucan!

The first win, will come

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in the form of jobs and investment.

This project is designed to support the future development of Grange Castle Business Park and adjoining lands with a view to attracting more multinational firms to establish here.

Already leading global firms such as Pfizer, Microsoft and Google have developed facilities in the area. There are four separate word-class data centre sites in the area, which are in increasing demand as we all do more business and store more information online.

By providing an upgraded, secure electricity net-

work we can attract even more investment, particularly in data centres and high-tech manufacturing plants. This in turn helps to create jobs in the area and provides an ongoing revenue stream for the council in terms of commercial rates, which can be reinvested in local communities, such as Lucan.

The second win, will come in the form of the removal of the unsightly pylons from the Griffeen and Adamstown areas as a result of the relocation underground of the high-voltage power line between the Outer Ring Road and Newcastle Road.

I wish to commend residents form Tullyhall estate which has led the campaign to remove these pylons. I have been happy to support this campaign which, if successful, will greatly improve the visual environment of the Griffeen and Adamstown areas, home to thousands of local residents.

Last week, I met Ener-

Minister Frances Fitzgerald: “The EirGrid project and the potential road upgrade is only happening thanks to the commitment of this Government.”

gy Minister Alex White to discuss this project.

While job creation and removal of pylons would bring significant benefits for Lucan, a further win could arise from the possible associated upgrade to Newcastle Road, between Adamstown and the Polly Hops.

The development of an underground cable also this stretch of road provides an opportunity to also upgrade the road, to remove bad corners and improve safety for all road

users.

I am working with Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe to progress this impor tant road project.

The EirGrid project and the potential road upgrade is only happening thanks to the commitment of this Government, of which I am member, to invest in infrastructure and job creation.

As a TD for Lucan, I will continue to work with my Government colleagues and with

South Dublin County Council to develop the Grange Castle area to attract more jobs and investment.

Creating jobs and tackling unemployment has been the number one goal of the Government and me.

We have significant successes to date but we have more to do.

This ambitious investment by EirGrid is another step in the right direction and an important win-win for Lucan.

Public views and ideas being sought on the county’s future  Ian Begley

THE council is preparing a new development plan for 2016-22 and is looking for the public’s support and ideas.

The plan will set out a vision and an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county for a six-year period. A 10-week public consultation period relating to the plan is now in effect and will take place until September 24.

The council has included tourism as a major strategy in its plan which it believes will attract more visitors to the county, benefiting the local economy. It aims to support and

facilitate the development of the county’s tourism and leisure sector by setting out a framework that seeks to protect and preserve key natural and built assets, including the construction of the Clondalkin Round Tower Museum.

An Interim South Dublin County Council Housing Strategy for 201622 has also been prepared in the development plan. The strategy is based on the overall population and housing land requirements in south County Dublin.

It assesses the mix of house types and tenures required to serve the needs of the county’s projected population; measures to address housing segregation; and mecha-

nisms to provide social housing including the reservation of lands for social housing.

Clondalkin’s Cllr Emer Higgins (FG) told The Gazette she was encouraging everyone to have their say by contributing to the public consultation.

“This is our county and it’s our opportunity to help shape the future of it. We have done a huge amount drafting the plan and everyone is entitled to have their say,” she said.

Anyone interested in making a submission can do so until 5pm on Thursday, September 24. To view the draft development plan for 2016-22 or to make a submission, visit www. southdublindevplan.ie.

16 July 2015 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

BALGADDY Council permits use of space

Garden set to grow on new site  IAN BEGLEY

IT has been confirmed that the recently closed Balgaddy Community Garden will move to land behind the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre.

Members of the garden group have been fighting to stay on the plot of land beside the parish centre since South Lucan Parish announced it plans to turn it into a car park as part of an extension to the adjacent Balgaddy Resource Centre.

A resolution to issues with the closed community garden is not yet forthcoming,but the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre, along with South Dublin County Council, has given permission for the group to use green space behind the centre.

Steve Wrenn, manager of the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre, told The Gazette they were delighted to accommodate residents with a community space to grow fruit and vegetables. He said: “As centre manager

it is my job to try and find a solution to these problems. One of the things we are delighted about is being able to offer our garden as a community space for the residents to use, which was done in conjunction with the council.

“Thinking about this in the long-term we may introduce some courses for young people in the area, which will involve them growing their own vegetables and plants using the knowledge that the community group have already built up,” said Wrenn. Natalie McDonnell, secretary of the Balgaddy Community Garden Committee, said that they gratefully accepted the space as no other alternative site in Balgaddy was available for them to use.

She said: “We have been in negotiations for two years with Fr Eamonn Burke [of South Lucan Parish] trying to resolve this issue. When we got offered the site we were delighted because we

Pair dance their way to victory in competition TWO Lucan residents were recently crowned the winners of the Strictly Come Dancing competition in Moran’s Red Cow Hotel.

Gwen Phelan Moran from Foxbourough and Mickey Gibney from Adamstown danced their way to victory and managed to raise €2,000 for An Cosan in Tallaght to boot.

They both work in the Foxbourough branch of Centra and said the generous contributions from the people in Lucan ensured they gave the best performance possible.

Lucan artist’s set to show works at exhibition

The recently closed Balgaddy Community Garden will move to land behind the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre (inset)

were looking at eviction and had no other alternative. We have invested hundreds of euros into this garden over the years and are still hoping that Fr Burke will let us keep some things in the space until September or October when they can be moved. We are very disappointed that we had to leave our community garden, but this new smaller site is better than nothing at all,” said McDonnell.

It is expected that the council will provide new fencing to ensure that the garden is fully separated from the family resource centre, which is funded by Tusla, Dublin West Childcare and the council partnership.

However, Lorraine Hennessy, a Balgaddy resident and member of the Worker’s Party, told The Gazette the new site would not be ideal as it would be near impossible to move everything from the closed community space to the new location.

She said: “On top of not being able to relocate everything in our community garden, this site wouldn’t be suitable for us as it is already used by different groups using the centre at different stages throughout the week. We are still fighting for our community garden to remain open, which the parish had no right in closing in the first place.

Views sought on local property tax SOUTH Dublin County Council would like to hear your views and opinions in relation to the local property tax (LPT) and how any adjustment to the rate may affect you, your household, your business and your local council services.

A local authority may resolve to vary the basic rate of the local property tax within its functional

FASTNews

area by a maximum of +/-15%.

This means the local authority can either increase or decrease the rate of LPT in south County Dublin by up to 15% of the 2014 rate.

The LP T is an annual tax charged on all residential properties in the State and came into effect in 2013.

A half-year payment was due in

2013, with a full-year payment due in 2014.

The LPT is collected by the Revenue Commissioners.

Submissions must be received

by August 13 and sent to LPT, Finance Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 or LPT@sdublincoco.ie.

LUCAN artist Michael Power recently has his most recent piece Neighbourhood Watch selected to be shown as part of the 185th Royal Hibernian Academy exhibition.

Born and bred in Lucan, Power’s painting was selected after a rigorous selection process involving full-time acclaimed artists.

His paintings have also been displayed in exhibitions, such Rua Red in Tallaght and Eigse in Carlow.

The RHA exhibition continues until August 17 and has a total prize fund of €45,000.

4 LUCAN Gazette 16 July 2015

Eircode ‘€27m could have gone to social housing, reversing social welfare cuts’

New seven-digit postcode system irks some  Ian Begley

The new Eircode postal system, which cost €27m to design, was launched this week. Local homeowners and businesses will get their new address in the post soon, along with the rest of

the country. Eircodes comprise seven characters that are unique to each mailing address. The seven characters are divided into two parts – a routing key and a unique identifier.

Codes for each address are generated at random, so

codes for neighbouring properties bear no resemblance to each other.

Major delivery companies including UPS have said they will not use Eircode for this reason.

Minister Alex White said the system would make it

easier for postal deliveries, shopping online and for Government to focus its delivery of public services. If people are patient they will see the benefits of the system in the coming months, he said.

Cllr Ed O’Brien (FF) said: “The €27m could have gone

towards social housing, reversing cuts on social welfare or offset cuts coming in on lone parents.”

Clondalkin Cllr Emer Higgins (FG), also commented, saying: “With anything new it’s going to take a lot of getting used to and I think there

is a lot of information out there for those unsure about how the new system.”

Homeowners do not need to apply for it, and the new code will not eliminate existing addresses. People can look up their new code on www.Eircode.ie.

The Asian restaurant Mao is set to replace the Abtree bookstore at the SuperValu shopping centre in Lucan

mao: ‘I oppose opening takeaways near schools’

Minister’s appeal to halt eatery fails  Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

An appeal to An Bord Pleanala by Minister Frances Fitzgerald to prevent a Mao restaurant from opening in Lucan has failed.

Her appeal in February was on foot of a campaign to stop a fast food restaurant from replacing a local bookstore, which the council granted permission for.

The Asian restaurant Mao, which has four other outlets across Dublin, is set to replace the Abtree bookstore at the SuperValu shopping

centre in Lucan.

Although a specific date for the outlet’s opening is yet to be announced, news of the bookstore’s closure was met with hostility from local representatives and residents.

Conditions The granted permission included a series of conditions which included the clause that any business operating in the unit would only be allowed to open between 9am to midnight.

An Bord Pleanala also proposed that the

restaurant would not have an impact on “the vitality or viability of the Lucan shopping centre”, as argued by some residents.

It also found that the proximity of local schools was not part of the selection process in identifying the site.

Commenting on the board’s decision, Minister Fitzgerald said: “I have no difficulty with Mao opening here as I feel their stores are well run and do not target school children as customers.

“However, it is important to note that the

planning permission sought was not explicitly for a Mao restaurant.

“There remain serious local concerns that if Mao did not take the premises, or if they did and subsequently closed, then another outlet could open leading to a realisation of residents and parents original concerns.

“This was the basis for the community appeal to An Bord Pleanala which I facilitated.”

“In general, I remain opposed to the opening of new takeaways in close proximity to schools,” she said.

16 July 2015 LUCAN Gazette 5

don’sdublin Oldest museum in State yet hardly anyone knows it It is the oldest museum in Ireland and, until recently, a place that I had not known about. The Zoological Museum, in Trinity College, was established in 1777, although records show that there were collections of “natural history objects” dating back almost 100 years before. The museum was originally based in the Regent House and was established to house Polynesian artifacts from the South-Sea Islands, many of which had been brought back from the expeditions of Captain Cook.

A new building was erected in 1876 to house the growing collection, but due to renovations and the demand for space the museum is now on the first floor. However, much of the collection is intact and it is a vital resource for students.

Over the years there has been a number of curators with Whitley Stokes (founder of the Botanic Gardens and co-founder of Dublin Zoological Society) appointed in 1792, and Robert Ball in 1844.

He was the most influential appointee and was responsible for amassing most of what the museum now holds. And in that same year, when it was declared extinct, the museum was presented with a specimen of Ireland’s Last Great Auk. This flightless bird, a relative of the puffin and razorbill, was hunted by man for its fine feathers.

Only a few specimens remain in museums today, and it is one of the most treasured items in the museum’s 25,000 piece collection.

The great thing about visiting the museum is that you handle many of the items, and if you like (or dare!) you can have your photograph taken in the jaws of a giant shark.

Now that’s different!

From birds and butterflies to a royal elephant there is much to see and enjoy in this little museum.

And, appropriately for a zoological institution, there is a rare Charles Darwin item in a glass case at the entrance. Don’t miss it.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

The Zoological Museum in Trinity College was established in 1777 and houses a 25,000 piece collection for all to enjoy

EuroMillions Lucan man is sole winner of top prize

€500k Lotto win a ‘pleasant shock’  Ian Begley

A man from Lucan has described winning €500,000 in the EuroMillions as a “pleasant shock”.

The lucky man, who chose to keep his identity anonymous, was the sole winner of the top prize in the July 3 draw.

When picking up his money at the National Lottery offices he said: “I checked the results on Aertel on Friday night and it was certainly a shock when I saw I’d won – but a very pleasant shock.”

He bought his ticket in the Spar on Dodsboro Road in Lucan, on the same day as the draw.

Speaking about his plans for the winnings, he said: “I live a pretty simple life, so I won’t be running out and buying a Lamborghini. Top of the list is to buy a new shower door and to pay the bills.”

There have been 15 winners of the EuroMillions Plus €500,000 top prize so far in 2015, with €7.5m

paid out in EuroMillons Plus top prizes alone this year to date.

National Lottery good causes benefit from the sale of all National Lottery games, with around one third of all sales going to fund beneficiary projects around the country, as designated by Government.

To date the Lottery has raised over €4.5bn for good causes. This level of funding has made a significant difference to communities, projects and individuals in the areas of youth, sports, recreation, amenities, health, welfare, arts, culture, national heritage and the Irish language.

6 LUCAN Gazette 16 July 2015

project

education: Dublin mid-west staffing news is welcome

Footpath work is under way After a lengthy campaign, the construction of a new footpath between the Irish Wheelchair Association and Lucan Sarsfields is under way.

The proposal was first put to the Lucan area committee in 2014 by Cllr Liona O’Toole (Ind) and she followed it up with a series of formal questions to ensure it got done prior to this year’s summer camps.

Cllr O’Toole said: “As a parent of young children and a family member of the club I was made aware of the need for this footpath by many other parents. I’d like to thank council management for progressing this. Now we have a safe pathway for cyclist and pedestrian’s right up to Lucan Sarsfield’s.”

Eight schools set to get extra SNAs

Clash in the kitchen: Proving their skills extend past the sports field pictured are Dublin senior hurlers Eamon Dillon and Chris Crummey (Lucan), who placed their hurleys aside, and instead armed with a whisk and spoon, donned their aprons against Dublin senior footballers Jonny Cooper and Paddy Andrews for the Big Croker Cook Off. Under the watchful eye of sports broadcaster and commentator Des Cahill, who as a former five-star recipient on popular celebrity cooking show The Restaurant, knows his way around the kitchen, the GAA stars preheated their ovens to see which pair would end up with egg on their face. Picture: Maura Hickey

Eight schools in Dublin Mid-West will receive new special needs assistants (SNA) for September.

The July 8 announcement by Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said 610 schools nationwide would see new SNA posts created from the start of the school year.

Scoil Nano Nagle, St Mary’s Senior School, Talbot Senior School and St Ronan’s National School in Clondalkin will get new assistants along with Lucan Boys National School, Scoil Oscair, Esker Educate Together and St Andrew’s in Lucan.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the news, saying it was a huge step forward. She said: “This allocation is follow-

ing a significant increase in assessed need, following which the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education will carry out a review to ensure the SNA scheme is sustainable in meeting its objectives.

“Every single child with such a need will now receive access to SNA support, following [this] announcement. From my experience in visiting schools across Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Palmerstown, Newcastle and Saggart and in speaking to parents, I am fully aware of the huge benefits which SNAs bring to the education experience of children in the classroom.

“From September there

will be 11,820 whole-time SNA posts available in our primary and post-primary schools. This is an 11.7% increase since this Government came to office.

[This] announcement of additional SNA posts highlights their invaluable presence and impact on the education of children with an assessed care need,” she said.

Clondalkin Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) also welcomed the news: “These new posts will make a real difference to pupils who most need them in Dublin Mid-West.

“They will be allocated to relevant schools from September, which means the local impact of this announcement will be felt quite soon.”

16 July 2015 LUCAN Gazette 7

8 LUCAN Gazette 16 July 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Elaine Kinsella and ex-champion dancer Br¡d Cotter

Br¡d Jackman and Mary Gallagher

Roaring twenties: IT’S A PARTY AT MARYMOUNT CARE CENTRE

High time for high tea I

t was time for tea recently at Marymount Care Centre for the residents along with Nursing Homes Ireland week where the High Tea Express party was a happy affair. Every year, nursing homes are asked to mark the week by holding a special event or activity in their own premises. This year was another amazing success.

The party focused on the days of grandeur, the roaring1920s. Residents and guests were dressed to the nines with top hats and tails for the gents and ball gowns and pearls for the ladies. The staff also joined in sporting the most elegant of styles to relive this moment in time.

Great fun was had by all as the music played and the dancing began. With many stories and memories rekindled, laughter and fun flowed throughout the evening as the High Tea Express delivered the finest of food to all in pure 1920s classic style.

Faye, Ava and Luke Kelly

16 July 2015 LUCAN Gazette 9

Eoin and Paddy Whelan

Marion Reilly, Chris Bolger and Joan Crilly

Pat, Kathy and George Strong

Kathleen Heffernan

Elaine Kinsella and Pat Cotter

Kathleen Moore

10 gazette 16 July 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Orna Collins and Julia O’Leary

Karl Fitzpatrick and Elaine Hanley, Catherine Lonergan and Clodagh O’Hea

Alexandra Moore

Leah O’Donovan, Margaret O’Halloran and Grainne O’Sullivan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Having a ball and helping out charity W

ell-known faces from the Irish modelling business turned heads at the June Ball in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association recently at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dublin.

The glitzy event was attended by over 700 guests and was a resounding success raising more than €60,000 on the night.

The association is the primary support

Maya Geller and Dan McNamara

organisation for people living with motor neurone, their family and carers. Key services include home visiting by a motor neurone disease nurse, financial assistance towards home care, funding towards research and the provision of specialist medical equipment on loan to clients. Funds raised on the night will be divided between these crucial services that the charity provides.

16 July 2015 Gazette 11

HEALTH P14

asdfsdaf law P27 P16

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



Gazette

feature P13

what’son can you bear to miss a special day with your teddy bear?

THE tenth Teddy Bears’ Picnic will return to Blackrock Park on July 19 for children of all ages.

Also being celebrated on the day is National Playday, and there will be lots of fun and games taking place all around the park.

Broadcaster Anton Savage: “The only major part of my morning is having huge, vast quantities of coffee”

A DAY IN THE LIFE: tune in to popular broadcaster’s coffee-fuelled show

A Savage day for presenter  ian begley

ANTON Savage, the accomplished, suit-wearing presenter of Today FM, has built up quite an impressive CV over the years, working vigorously to deliver entertaining and informative shows to thousands of listeners from around Dublin each day.

This week The Gazette caught up with Savage to see what a day in his life is like.

“I usually get up at about 5.40am every morning. I don’t have much of a breakfast and have a mindless brain stem routine that just about gets me to the car. The only major part of my morning is having huge, vast quantities of coffee.

“I have one of those cheap Dunnes

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

‘When I get home, I go through the usual routine of finding something edible to force into my face’ -----------------------------------------

Stores coffee machines in my house, and drink about a half a pint before I leave the house and bring the other half with me in the car.

“I have a quick detour into a coffee shop before I get into the station, which would probably be the equivalent of another pint of coffee.

“The best thing about having to get up early is that the bus lanes are still open, which means that it only takes me about

12 minutes to get into work.

“Whenever it’s lovely and sunny outside, I say to myself that I wish I had a bike but on the days when it’s raining and dark, it’s lovely to be in a warm, comfy car with a cup of coffee listening to Paula [MacSweeney] and Ian [Dempsey] on Today FM,” he said.

Arriving into the Today FM studios at about 7am, Savage said he researches all the news of the day and helps to choose what stories would be best suited for the show.

“We go on air at 9am, and are done at noon. After the show, we would sometimes do a pre-record of the following day’s show or maybe I would interview a guest.

“I would then shoot across to the Communications Clinic, except on Wednes-

days when I would spend the afternoon writing a feature for The Herald.”

Savage, who lives on the northside of Dublin, usually gets home by 6pm and says that it would be very rare that he would have a day shorter than 12 hours.

“When I get home, I go through the usual routine of finding something edible to force into my face, and by the time it’s Friday I’m very eager for it to be the weekend.

“I’m becoming a huge fan of Netflix, because of the huge variety of documentaries that are available on it.

“I usually head to bed extremely early.

When I was doing Ireland AM, I was going to bed at about 8.30pm, but nowadays if I go to bed later than 9.40pm then it’s a miracle,” he said.

Check-ups Families are invited to bring their bears and blankets along on the day, where there will be free bear care and check-ups from the Bear Doctor and the Teddy Bears’ Hospital.

Teddy bears will be treated to minor repairs to give ailing grizzlies a new lease of life.

There will also be a DJ, face painting, bouncy castles and inflatable games for all ages, entertainment at the Lake Stage, a make and do area and picnic facilities with plenty of goodies on offer.

The event will start at 1pm and finish at 5pm. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic is a free event. For further information, see www.dlrevents.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 16 July 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

A very cheeky remark Government TDs and Ministers were appalled and outraged in the Dail recently when Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said a bold word.

Speaking in the Dail during a discussion on the Environment Bill, to which the Government had tacked on some new water charge legislation, Deputy Adams alluded to the Coalition’s preelection promise of a democratic revolution sayingL “Democratic revolution my arse.”

The Coalition members were disgusted by the remark, or went to great pains to appear so at least.

Enda Kenny’s answer to Don Corleone’s Luca Brassi, Government chief whip Paul Kehoe (FG), led the charge of indignation saying: “Shame on you, shame on you.”

A s u s u a l G e r r y ’s loyal Deputy Mary Lou McDonald was thrilled with her leader’s performance laughing away at his side and tweeting his remark with the kind of pride Mary Todd would have felt for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

clampers hamper new lord mayor IT’S probably fair to say that Dublin Lord Mayors and clampers don’t mix

– as Sinn Fein’s newly elected Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh found out when she was clamped recently.

In an ironic twist of fate, it occurred as she was parked outside Dublin City Council’s Wood Quay headquarters.

Just three months ago, her predecessor Cllr Christy Burke (Ind) said that he was opposed to any increase in the fees for the removal of clamps, saying that any increase would only work to serve the company operating the clamping service.

“It would appear to me that the requested increase is certainly to boost the profits,” he said.

While it is unclear whether the clampers in question knew whose car they were attaching the automotive fetters to, average citizens can take solace in the knowledge that even the Lord Mayor cannot escape parking regulations in this fair city.

a healthy way to learn about city Dublin City Council’s community initiative, Let’s Walk and Talk, is a great way for people to stay healthy, meet people and learn a little something about Dublin City.

This initiative com-

prises weekly walks in various parts of the city, themed historical walking tours and other special events.

To mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue last year, a new “leg” to this initiative was launched entitled New Shores, Ancient Footprints, which was aimed to educate Irish people about other cultures that exist in the city.

Felip Garzon from Mexico said these walks helped him greatly to improve his English “When I came to Ireland, I wanted to meet Irish people and learn about Irish culture but it was very difficult.

“These walks have given me the chance to do this as well as helping me improve my English,” he said.

For more information about these walks visit www.dublincity.ie/letswalk-and-talk.

a musical fable of Broadway The highly-acclaimed production of Guys and Dolls by the Chicester Festival Theatre production will come to Dublin next April following its run in London’s West End. The musical production will run at Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy

Gerry Adams struck a bum note in the Dail with some inappropriate language. Picture: Cathy Weatherston

Theatre from April 26 to 30. The story, which is based around the prohibition-era of New York, is a hugely popular and multi-award winning musical.

It is based on the colourful stories by American journalist Damon Runyon who was renowned for his vivid fictional depictions of gamblers, hustlers and nightclub singers of New York.

Tickets are available

from the Ticketmaster from July 3, 2015, and are priced at €20.

Come out to play at Curiosity fest The Festival of Curiosity will take place this July and as it was a sellout event for the last two years, now is the time to snap up a ticket.

During the day there is a list of events that are free for families including treasure trails, Lego building, rocket launches,

shows and workshops.

By night Dublin city will light up in a curated programme including a lively fusion of science, arts, culture and technology.

There is a special theme to the festival this year about making memories, and inviting people of all ages to come out to play and to try new things.

Ellen Byrne, co-founder and creative director of the festival, said:

“Going into year three at a festival – with two sellout festivals behind us and over 40,000 people visiting each year – it’s really wonderful to see a home-grown Dublin festival exploring science, arts and technology spread its wings so far so quickly.”

The festival will take place from July 23 to 26.

For more information information about the festival at www.festivalofcuriosity.ie

16 July 2015 GAZETTE 13

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM: ACTRESS AND AUTHOR KATIE KIRBY

Happy to exercise her thoughts  AISLING KENNEDY

KATIE Kirby is a busy woman who alongside her acting career in both TV and theatre, has just recently finished her first novel, Could It Be You. She also has a onemonth-old baby and a two-year-old, so finding time to relax and unwind is very important to her.

The Gazette spoke to Kirby to find out how

she manages to escape the mayhem of motherhood and deadlines.

She said: “I exercise as much as I can. I like to keep outdoors as much as possible, especially if the weather is good.”

Out and about

Kirby said that her two daughters keep her on her toes, and that she always likes to be out and about with them.

“My two-year-old in

par ticular loves being outdoors, so she’s a great motivator to get me out of the house!

Today, we’re visiting Glenroe Park to feed the animals, so I’m always trying to stay as active as possible with them.”

Kirby is also a big fan of Tracy Anderson exercise videos, and throughout her pregnancy she

kept herself relaxed and fit by completing the workout videos three days a week.

“I’ve been using her exercise videos for many years; she’s my fitness guru.”

Kirby said that since she had her second daughter four weeks ago, she has yet to get back into her fitness regime.

“I’ve been walking and things like that, but we have a very awake baby the second time around, so she’s giving us a run for our money.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to normal soon. I remember before my first baby was born, I used to think exercising was a bit of a chore but now, after I’ve had my children, I think: ‘Oh, I want this, an hour to myself to relax’,” she said.

Kirby’s biggest pleasure for relaxation is watching tennis in the summer months.

She said: “I don’t watch much T V, but when I do sit down to watch it, my guilty pleasure is the French Open and Wimbledon. I love watching tennis.”

K irby’s first novel, Could It Be You?, is a romance novel and is available to buy now as an eBook for £2.99 on Amazon.com.

Katie Kirby; right, her romantic new ebook, Could It Be You?

GAZETTE

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM

Gazette

14 Gazette 16 July 2015

dublinlife Micro-triathlon: Dublin people share their stories

Give it a Tri, raise  Keith Bellew

Pictured at the launch of Give it a Tri for Arthritis was Edel McCabe, communications manager, Arthritis Ireland and Arthritis Ireland volunteers Alison Paisley and Sinead McGuinness. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

Arthritis Ireland is holding a micro-triathlon this October 11 at Sportslink, Santry, to coincide with National Arthritis Week.

The micro-triathlon is the first of its kind in Ireland and consists of a 3km run or walk, a 3km cycle and three lengths of a pool or a 30-minute aqua-aerobics class. It is open to everyone, of all ages and all exercise levels.

To promote the event and raise awareness of the difficulties faced by those who suffer with arthritis, a number of Dublin people have shared their stories of coping with the condition.

One such person is 29-year-old Alison Paisley, from Walkinstown, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at age 16.

She said that due to her condition, even the most basic tasks which others take for granted can be a trial for her.

“I can’t do the same things other people my age could do. Basic things like showering, washing, drying my hair drained me.

“Constant pain and discomfort wake me up constantly, never fully enjoying a deep, relaxed sleep.

“Some nights I get no sleep and some mornings can be very difficult as I’m so stiff and feel like I haven’t even gone to bed,” she said.

She went on to say that apar t from the physical effects, a condition like fibromyalgia takes a huge emotional toll, which leaves her with a feeling of guilt.

Aged 31, Peter Boyd, from Ballbriggan has also decided to share

his story to raise awareness of the condition.

He was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid ar thritis when he was 27.

He was working and living in Scotland and working as a personal trainer at the time.

A fter he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and later with rheumatoid arthritis, he was forced to give up his job and move back home.

He described the difficulty faced by those living with a debilitating condition which does not show up on the surface.

“For a long time, I felt

trapped by my physical symptoms and beaten down by the emotional onslaught.

“It has been said that ‘in space no one can hear you scream’. Well, confronted by fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, no matter how hard I screamed no one saw, understood or heard the pain, fatigue and exhaustion I was feeling,” he said.

He is now doing the micro-triathlon as part of his goal to become more active once again.

According to Arthritis Ireland, a cornerstone of its philosophy is “moving is the best

medicine”.

With this in mind, it has launched a unique initiative to engage the Irish public to get out and get active.

Another reason this i n i t i a t i ve h a s b e e n launched is the need to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Ireland.

According to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ireland is on course to become one of the most obese countries in Europe.

Figures show that 85% of Irish women will be overweight and 57% will be obese by 2030.

16 July 2015 Gazette 15

of coping with chronic conditions to promote three-stage charity event

awareness of arthritis

John Murray, RTE Radio One presenter and Arthritis Ireland volunteers Alison Paisley and Sinead Mc Guinness at the launch

Around 89% of Irish men will be classified as overweight, and 48% will be obese.

A study from the UK

by Dr Stephen Messier shows that for each pound of body weight

lost, there is a 4lb reduction in knee joint stress among overweight and obese people.

Researchers say the results indicate that even modest weight loss may significantly lighten the load on your joints, which is of great benefit for those who suffer with arthritis.

RTE Radio One presenter John Murray, has got on board to lend his support to the initiative.

“T his is a fantastic idea from Arthritis Ireland. I have been a strong advocate of the benefits of exercise for many years, and with the alarming statistics released from the WHO the micro-triathlon couldn’t come at a bet-

ter time.

“Ireland has to reverse the ticking time bomb of obesity and the micro-triathlon is the ideal goal to help us achieve this,” he said.

S t e p h a n i e C a s e y, head of community development at Arthritis Ireland said: “We know that exercise is the magic pill for arthritis and fibromyalgia.

But for many people living with chronic pain, even a short walk can be a huge challenge.

“We have designed our micro-triathlon to suit everyone, whether they have arthritis or simply want to get

fit over the summer months.

“We believe that everyone has the potential to be a micro-triathlete!”

Interested

Those interested can take part as an individual or as a team.

Registration is €30 for a team and €15 for an individual entry.

For more information log on to www.arthritisireland.ie/microtriathlon.

For more information on fibromyalgia and rheumatoid ar thritis visit: www.arthritisireland.ie.

Gazette

FEATURE

Home for cats sought The DSPCA has made an appeal to the people of Dublin to assist them in their attempts to re-home some of the 160 cats and kittens currently under their care.

One such cat is Allie, who came into the DSPCA over a month ago from Ballymun.

She was shot with a pellet gun and as a result of this coupled with a suspected related fall she seriously fractured her front left leg, which had to be amputated.

If you would like to know more about the cats and kittens looking for homes, would be interested in offering a temporary foster home or are not yet a monthly supporter, check out www.dspca.ie for details.

Gazette

16 Gazette 16 July 2015

dublinlife

FEATURE

New Companies Act 2014 analysed  Noreen Maguire Solicitor, Maguire Muldoon Solicitors, Clonskeagh, analyses the New Companies Act 2014, and its main points

Why did we need a new Companies Act? The new Act was nec-

essary because the previous legislation was cumbersome, having been

amended 30 times in 50 years.

The original company legislation was aimed at PLCs – more than 86% of companies in Ireland are private companies limited

by shares, and at long last they are centre stage.

What does it mean?

The 2014 Act, broadly speaking, has five different types of company, as

follows: 1. LTD – Limited company 2. DAC – Designated activity company 3. CLG – Company limited by guarantee (charities and clubs) 4. PLC – Public limited company 5. UC – Unlimited company Here, I am going to deal exclusively with points one and two, above.

DAC and LTD The DAC is the closest to our usual understanding of what a private limited company is. The DAC has a memorandum and articles of association with an objects clause and a minimum requirement of two directors.

The new animal is the LTD. The memo and arts are changed to a onedocument constitution – most importantly, there is no objects clause – so the old idea of a company acting outside its powers, “ultra vires”, is now removed.

A company can be treated like any individual: it can enter into a contract and do anything it wants to do, as long as it is legal.

The other big change is that the LTD can have a minimum of one direc-

tor, but it must also have a company secretary. In both the DAC and LTD, a majority written resolution can now be passed.

For both the DAC and the LTD, the company name must be changed to include “DAC” or “LTD”, as appropriate, so if you opt for the DAC-type company, this will have implications for your website, stationery, etc.

The LTD no longer has to hold a physical AGM – it can adopt a written AGM .

What do we have to do?

A private company needs to decide whether to convert to the new LTD-ty pe company, “opting-in” to the legislation and its rules and regulations. Alternatively, a company can choose to “opt out” and become a DAC. The DAC-type company will be more suitable for special purpose companies: joint venture companies and regulated financial institutions, or where the members of the company would prefer to limit the scope of the company’s powers.

The third option is to do nothing. Once the time limits pass, all private companies will then

automatically convert to an LTD regardless.

So, you may ask, am I better doing nothing?

You should make a decision. If you don’t opt in or opt out, you are effectively in breach of your director’s duties under the new legislation, and this can have implications for a director.

What are the deadlines?

June 1, 2015 – Commencement of Act. August 31, 2016 – Deadline for opting out and becoming a DAC. Hold your EGM, and if agreement is reached by ordinary resolution, fill out the documentation required by the CRO. November 30, 2016 – You have until this date to opt in and become an LTD. Draft your new constitution – hold EGM, pass special resolution, and lodge in the CRO. After November 30, 2016, technically you will be in breach of legislation, you will convert to LTD regardless.

In the meantime, you are governed by the rules attaching to a DAC. Finally, our advice: be proactive and decide – deadlines approach quickly, so put it in your diary for next January.

Solicitor Noreen Maguire: “The new Act was necessary because the previous legislation was cumbersome, having been amended 30 times in 50 years”

16 July 2015 Gazette 17

style P20

asdfsdaf P27 music P23

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

health P19

Pets C’mon – give timon a great new home

Dara O Briain speaks at his BBC Science Club during The Festival of Curiosity

Dublin City: annual festival of science, art, design and technology

Ignite your curiosity  Keith Bellew

The Festival of Curiosity returns to Dublin from July 23 to 26 with a cultural feast of science, art, design and technology for all the family to enjoy.

Now in its third year, the festival will see Dublin City come alive with a free daytime family programme and a lively and curated nighttime programme.

During the day, the city will transform into a carnival of curiosities with lots of free family events including curious treasure trails, Lego building, rocket launches, shows and workshops where all ages can go on a city wide adventure in science, play and curious technology.

Step inside Smock Alley Theatre and experience the wonder of science

through an exciting carnival of handson workshops, adventures in electronics, interactive installations and games for all the family.

One daytime event which is sure to attract big crowds is Rawar! Digging for Dinosaurs: a palaeontology exhibition presented by world leading palaeontologist Jack Horner at The Round Room in The Mansion House on Friday, July 24 at 1pm.

By night the festival will light up Dublin City in a curated programme with a lively fusion of science, arts, culture and curious technology.

The Moon Cycle on Friday, July 24 promises to be one of the most interesting of the nighttime events, and is a must for stargazers.

Some of Ireland’s finest astronomers

will pack their telescopes and take participants on a nighttime sojourn through Dublin to Dunsink Observatory.

The party leaves from Smock Alley Theatre at 9pm and cycles for 45 minutes to Dunsink Observatory taking in the Phoenix Park on the way before bedding down for a picnic under the stars.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is an event called, Ugly Animals: The Search for Dublin’s Minging Mascot, which will be held at The Mansion House on Thursday, July 23 at 7.30pm.

Based on the premise that cute animals get far too much attention, a selection of Dubliners will be championing a series of ugly endangered species, one

of which will be honoured with the title of Dublin’s Minging Mascot.

Both previous instalments of the festival were sell-outs with over 40,000 people visiting each year. Co-founder and creative director Ellen Byrne, said it was great to see a home-grown Dublin festival exploring science, arts and technology establish itself so quickly.

“We have a special theme this year about making memories, and inviting people, of all ages, to come out to play and to try new things - which sees our Curious Nights (adult programme) expand later into the night and the beginning of a new and exciting flagship #Grandpals programme,” she said.

For more information visit: www. festivalofcuriosity.ie

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is Timon, a four-year-old male lurcher crossbreed.

Timon has been at Dogs Trust since 2013, and will require lots of time, love and commitment from his new owners.

He is a really playful fellow, both on his walks with his carers and in his kennel, keeping visitors to the centre entertained with his shenanigans! Timon is looking for a home with older children.

If you think you could offer Timon 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.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 16 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

FURTHERPREPARATION FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO GET READY FOR THE ROAD IN CONFIDENCE

The cycle will be a challenging part of your triathlon – so be sure you’re bike-ready IT WILL always be more effective to have a professional carry out your adjustments for you, but in the meantime, see below some simple fitting tips that anyone can do at home on their triathlon bike.

These great tips come courtesy of Jimmy’s Bike shop, Malahide.

Shoe cleats: make sure the middle of the cleat is just behind the ball of your foot, and just ahead of the fifth metatarcel.

Also ensure the cleats point very slightly outward.

Saddle height: a quick test to ensure an approximate height is to sit on your saddle and place the heel of your foot on the base of the pedal, in this position your leg should be fully extended.

Saddle position: when sitting on the bike with your right foot clicked in and positioned at three o’clock, your knee should be 2.5-3cm ahead of the pedal axle.

A good tip is to use a plumb line to gauge

this distance correctly.

Arm angle: when in the optimum cycling position, your shoulder to elbow angle should be about 90 degrees – or slightly less for longer distances on the bike.

Arm pad position: again, in the optimum position, arm pads should rest on the base of your forearm and generally they should be as wide as your shoulder width.

So, the combination of these little adjustments can have a significant effect over a half Ironman distance of 90km. It will also improve your comfort and ability to stay on the bike for longer periods of time.

Look out next week for Gary Crossan’s tips on basic bike maintenance.

Vanguard Wetsuit – male €550 The Zerod Vanguard is an advanced triathlon wetsuit. It is constructed of high-quality Zerod Flex 395 neoprene, and has an SSS coating to reduce friction and drag.

Zoggs Predator Mirror €29 Super-soft silicone seal for ultimate comfort and fit with easy-adjust silicone strap for fantastic strength, comfort and durability.

Compressport Swim cap €6 Along with the official swim cap, try the new Compressport classic swim cap for extra warmth. It, too, is designed for comfort in the water.

Zerod ISuit Black & Orange €175 The iSuit will be your most important ally when competing at Half Ironman and Ironman. The use of technical fabrics such as “water wear weapon” and mesh makes it super light, breathable and very efficient.

Bodyglide Anti-Chafe €14.50 BodyGlide protects against chafing and rash and it makes wetsuit entry and exit easier and faster.

These products are all available from Base2Race, Unit 46, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24, which offers the following quick tips for swim gear and accessories: 1. Place your goggle strap just above the widest part of your head. If they move down during the swim, they will become more secure rather than

loosen.

2. Ensure your hands are lubricant-free before to putting on your goggles.

Sticky lubricant on goggles can impede your vision.

3. Wetsuits are expensive, so try and swim in your wetsuit before purchase.

Height and weight guides do not factor in body shape.

Triathletes will need to be at the top of their fitness when they take to the water at Scotsman’s Bay, Dun Laoghaire

IRONMAN: PART 1 OF 3 TO GUIDE YOUR TRAINING

Top tips to help your race go swimmingly  TRIATHLON IRELAND

YIKES! With just over five weeks to the start of Ironman Dublin 70.3 on August 9 and, with most of the training done, it’s time to start thinking about what the day involves.

This week, GazetteHealth talks to Gary Crossan of Triathlon Ireland about the swim section of the event. His helpful hints for first or umpteenth-time triathletes are set out below. Onwards to victory in Ironman Dublin 70.3!

Participants will begin with a 1.9km swim in Dun Laoghaire’s scenic Scotsman Bay. Gary Crossan says this is probably the event’s most intimidating element.

Most important, he says, is to be prepared by knowing what to expect.

Everyone must complete the one lap swim in under 70 minutes, otherwise they will not be permitted to complete the rest of the event. Every athlete

gets a wave to start in and these run over a period of 75 minutes. Positioning for the start, sighting and drafting – these are the key points to consider here.

A simple thing like positioning at the outset can have a huge bearing on how the rest of the day will go. If you get it right, it can go swimmingly!

But, get it wrong, and you can find yourself being punched, kicked and half drowned. This doesn’t make for a fun start to a long day.

The stronger, faster swimmers get themselves up front and at the centre of the wave. Weaker ones should be more to the back and side of each wave, so things are less crowded and you can avoid the melee which is part and parcel of triathlon swimming.

Next up for consideration, says Crossan, are sighting and navigation.

You may not have had to deal with these while

doing your weekly training in the pool.

Good sighting prevents zig zagging and wasting valuable energy needed for the bike and run sections that follow.

Before diving in, get your bearings – where the buoys are and, if possible, a landmark on the shore.

Having a landmark means you don’t have to sight as often, which effectively means less interruption to the rhythm of your stroke.

The word “drafting” is frowned on in the triathlon world, says Crossan, but only in the bike section. It is perfectly legal in the swim and is a great way to save energy while also improving speed.

It is all about being able to swim as closely as possible to the person in front without constantly hitting their feet. It takes skill and practice, but can be worked on in the remaining weeks of training.

Another point to consider when drafting is to

make sure you keep sight of where you’re going. Do not just blindly trust the person you are following, as they might be going the long way round!

Crossan maintains that the last part of the swim is where you can most definitely gain a few positions if you do it well – that is the exit.

On the final 100m of the swim, kick your legs very hard to get a bit of blood back up to the top of your body (as being horizontal for up to 30 minutes-plus can leave you dizzy if you stand up too suddenly).

So, kick like mad, swim until your hands can touch the seabed, stand up slowly and then, when you have your balance, run with high knees out of the water.

At this point you will start to unzip your wetsuit and make your way to your bike, where you will get set for the next section – the 90km cycle. More on that next week ...

16 July 2015 Gazette 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 16 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Three staple make-ups to help your summer look M&S Earrings €17

M&S Playsuit €35

I JUST love summer beauty products, including fresh floral fragrances, eye shadows in gun metal grey and some bright sheeny lips.

Here are three of my current favourites. You don’t need to overthink it – just a couple of key products will have you looking as fresh as a daisy in the morning ...

7.50 d Jacket €12 River Islan

 MIMI MURRAY

Urban Decay Revolution lipgloss €19

Jacket €80

Littlewoods Ireland Bag €45

on jumpsuit €22 Therapy Chiff

River Island

8

YSL Couture Mono No 15 Frasque €31

Littlewoods Irel and Jumpsuit €4

The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig parfum €29.95

16 July 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE H&M Boots €149

1,469 Jumpsuit € Roksanda

6 Boohoo Striped blazer €2

Be A

 mimi murray

SEVENTIES fashion has been floating around all summer and is set to continue into autumn. While I’m not really a flares and funky floral prints kind of girl, I do love a bit of high-glam disco, and I’m sure Studio 54 would have been my spiritual home had I been born in the right decade and country.

Our Lust buy

Boohoo Striped trousers €34

Disco DIVA

Hey ho ....

In channeling my inner diva, I’ve picked some of the key items for a good old Donna Summer strut across the floor. There’s lots here to make you feel super sexy.

The black and red number, with some uber glam heels, will make an appearance at my next dressed-to-the-nines event – if I win the Lotto that is! We should be dancing ... yeah ...

M&S Dress €40

.99 €39

2 Alice + Olivia Floral trousers €42

ress

MD

H&

Gander for a look GRAPE & GANDER is a new luxury Irish sportswear brand designed for women who want to work out in comfort and style.

Co-founders Grace O’Rourke and Aoife Connolly from Dublin have created an exclusive three-piece collection featuring pants, sleeveless top and jacket.

The collection will officially launch on July 23 and will be available via www. g ra p e a n d g a n d e r. com.

r

de Gan & e p Gra et €95 a J ck

Gazette

22 Gazette 16 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

The spaghetti vongole with cockles, mussels and clams was bursting with taste

Picky Eater PASTA and pizza are too often regarded as “the lazy options”, or lie nondescriptly on those “fusion” menus so beloved of Dublin diners these days.

Not so at Pizza Stop, where “ersatz” is stopped at the door and the genuine Italian experience awaits.

You could pass the restaurant by on Chatham Lane, off Grafton Street – and what a mistake that would be.

Picky and friend met midweek for a quick bite before a gig. As oregano, yeast and vino tinto perfumed the air, we perused the familiar menu, happy amid the red gingham tablecloths and kitchen bustle.

Skipping the antipasti on display (a large cured ham, grilled courgettes and other sundries), we went for a shared tomato and mozzarella bruschetta and a plate of meats from the menu.

The former were the right combination of juicy and dry; the latter moist and tasty.

A glass of house red (each) helped the lot go down nicely. We were

ready for our main dish.

Picky’s pal toyed with the idea of roast suckling pig, but a night of music and beer beckoned so he turned instead to a good old-fashioned pizza with all the trimmings.

A basic margharita was piled high with olives, anchovies, more cheese, pepperoni and peppers.

It emerged fragrant, crisp and even, not buckling remotely under the weight of extra toppings.

Picky went for the spaghetti vongole with cockles, mussels and clams.

A liberal sprinking of black pepper and parmesan (yes, yes, we know you shouldn’t) delivered taste even towards the last mouthful.

The spaghetti was deliciously al dente, and reminded us of Roman holidays: sun, sea and the taste of salt. (It can do this

even in the depths of winter, bless it.)

The accompanying garlic bread and mixed salad were fresh and simple – ideal companions.

Replete and entering the digestive phase, Picky and friend concluded that there’s nothing like a good Italian meal and nothing better than good company to savour it with.

We rounded off our early supper with an inky espresso and Americano laced with sugar.

It can be a tight squeeze in Pizza Stop, and sometimes you can feel a little too close to your neighbouring diners for comfort. But the more you tuck in, the less of a problem this seems to be.

Our bill came to around €50 all in. For cheap, cheerful, tasty and atmospheric fare, you just can’t beat Pizza Stop.

Conclusion SOME may find the venue a bit of a squeeze, but the food on offer at Pizza Stop (at 6/10 Chatham House, Chatham Lane, Dublin 2; tel 01 679 6712) makes it worth dropping into. It doesn’t needlessly tinker with old staples, delivering instead truly tasty fare.

16 July 2015 GAZETTE 23

ALBUM: HOW BIG, HOW BLUE, HOW BEAUTIFUL

Florence learns to live and love in the world  COLM MURRAY

FRESH from her headlining slot at last month’s Glastonbury festival, Florence and her cohorts, The Machine, return with album number three.

For Florence Welch, the success of her first two Florence and the Machine albums Lungs (2009 – Album of the year, Brit Awards 2010) and Ceremonials (2011) meant five years of back-to-back recording, promoting and touring. Lungs ran straight into the making, promoting and touring of the Grammy-nominated Ceremonials, an album written while on the road and recorded straight after coming off tour. The shows were getting bigger, the hair redder, and the success wider and wilder.

A pop star at 21, with two international hit albums behind her, Florence discovered that in giving seven years to her music, some elements of real life had been left by the wayside. Coming back from tour and moving out of her mother’s Camberwell home, Florence reengaged with normal life: going out, falling in and out of love, and simply trying to learn how to look after herself outside of the hermetic bubble of life of the road.

“It was sort of a crash landing.” Florence freely admits.

“I guess although I’ve always dealt in fantasy and metaphor when I came

to writing that meant the songs this time were dealing much more in reality.

Ceremonials was so fixated on death and water, and the idea of escape or transcendence through death, but the new album became about trying to learn how to live, and how to love in the world rather than trying to escape from it.”

And so the new Florence, and her songs, started to swim into focus.

The result is How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, a collection of songs, written and recorded over the course of 2014.

Produced by Markus Dravs (Björk, Arcade Fire, Coldplay) the third album

by Florence is live-sounding, tune-rich, unhinged in all the right places and powerful in all the best ways. In voice and, ultimately, outlook, Florence has never sounded better. Anthemic hooks and bombastic orchestras are the foundations for the album as her vocal theatrics take the songs to the next level.

A prime example is the future Florence classic Ship To Wreck: it opens the album, and showcas-

es Florence and Dravs’s enthusiasm for reframing her distinctive voice.

The music is not unlike upbeat Cure hits from the 1990s – all polished and tight with catchy hooks.

The dynamics then shift with the first single What Kind of Man, topped off with brass section by lifting and building the momentum throughout.

The themes of love lost and breakups display world weariness from Florence who recalls the fights, drunken night and blissful moments of sadly defunct relationships.

Elsewhere, on Various Storms and Saints, the delivery is stunning, with dusty guitar and occasional keyboard humming accompanying Welch for the first two minutes or so, letting focus fall on Welch’s voice. It’s this restraint which is in contrast to the directness of the first two albums which Florence has learnt to harness. Third Eye is one of her most complete songs as Welch swaps between an uplifting chorus, and verses filled with her roaring near spoken word declarations with the horn section highlighting Welch’s wail of “You are flesh and blood!

And you deserve to be loved!”

An album full of shimmering tunes cl o s e s w i t h t h e uplifting and rocking Mother, leaving us in no doubt there is still a lot more to come from this formidable artist.

Florence and The Machine are set to headline this year’s Electric Picnic

GAZETTE

MUSIC

Gazette

24 Gazette 16 July 2015

OUT&ABOUT

mayo: cong’s most famous ‘son’ is just one attraction

A relaxing break that even The Quiet Man would praise  mimi murray

IN THE early 1950s, an American screen legend came to County Mayo to make one of the most famous movies ever made on these shores.

The Quiet Man starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and was set in the stunning village of Cong on the Mayo/Galway border.

This movie has effectively kept the village going for the past 65 years with a strong tourism industry growing out

of the movie, with Quiet Man tours taking place in the village every day, and busloads of tourists stopping to pay homage at all the film’s famous locations.

Cong is also known as the location for one of Ireland’s most renowned castles/hotels, Ashford.

Ashford Castle may not be within a lot of people’s budgets, but the lodge is.

Situated within the 350acre estate, The Lodge at Ashford Castle overlooks beautiful Lough Corrib.

It was originally built in

1865.

We arrived in Cong on a grand, soft day – translation: grey and wet, but as we all know in Ireland, it doesn’t take long for dull weather to move off in another direction, and we were able to ramble around the estate and take in all the lush scenery and magnificent countryside.

My other half was determined to teach our young son how to skim stones, and what better place than Lough Corrib: a serene lake, with the only thing breaking the

silence being a fisherman tinkering at his boat.

After plenty of fresh air, it was back to Wilde’s restaurant for dinner. This place is more on the side of fine dining, so probably not the best place for our almost three-year-old, but there is a bar serving food, which is probably better with young kids.

However, they do have a really adventurous menu for kids in Wilde’s, which impressed us.

Our meal was to be filled with lots of little surprises. Between all

courses there are small plates, selected by the chef and brought to the table, which allows you to sample so much more of this great chef’s cooking.

For starters I went for Johnny’s King Crab with mango and euchalyptus, sea urchin and coriander, while hubby went for pan-seared scallops with bacon, truffle, honey and apple.

My main was wild turbot with monks beard, leek and grape, while my other half went for venison.

Ashford Castle’s Wilde’s restaurant offers a great view over Lough Corrib, complementing the fine fare

I was impressed by the presentation and attention to detail, and the flavours married well together.

Our family suite was perfect, with lots of space for our son to run around, and we all got a great night’s sleep after a busy day of travelling and sight-

seeing.

If you plan a trip to Mayo, or are a Quiet Man fan, Cong is not to be missed and the Lodge is a great base.

For further information on Cong, see www. congtourism.com, and for the Lodge at Ashford, see www.thelodgeac.com.

16 July 2015 gazette 25

America: the perfect adventure destination

Gazette

TRAVEL fastTRAVEL

The best of culture, food and scenery Located in the south-west region of India, Kerala offers honeymooners the best of culture, food and scenery on their romantic getaway.

Unwind and allow all of your wedding nerves to float away in this destination, which boasts postcard-perfect beaches, shady coconut groves and lush paddy fields.

With GoHop.ie, you can spend 14 nights in Kerala in five different resorts from €2,280pp from October to April. Spend two nights in the Old Harbour Hotel in Kochi, two nights in the Windermere Estate in

There’s a lot more to this vibrant city than meets the eye

You should want to leave for Las Vegas  ian begley

With 10,000 Irish fans making the trip to Vegas to see Conor McGregor take on Chad Mendes last week, we take a look at some of the things Irish fans could expect to do on a trip to Sin City.

Famous around the globe for its world-class entertainment and casinos, there’s a lot more to this vibrant city than meets the eye. From incredible shops to fantastic scenery, you won’t be stuck for things to do in and around Las Vegas.

American Holidays has compiled a list of the most exciting activities and excursions to ensure you have a great trip.

1. Check out the incredible free water display at the Bellagio Fountains.

Water shoots up to 460ft in the air, perfectly choreographed to the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. The Fountains of Bellagio were destined to

romance your senses.

Take in a complimentary Las Vegas show of water, music and light thoughtfully interwoven to mesmerise its admirers.

2. Find out all there is to know about America’s most famous criminals, such as Al Capone, and learn about the origins of the FBI at the interactive Mob Museum.

The museum provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories. From the birth of the mob, to today’s headlines. Whether you like it or not, this is American history.

3. Experience the immense beauty of the Grand Canyon on a helicopter tour. Be wowed by the canyon’s breathtaking canyon which stretches as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the scenery of all the rims of the canyon where you can see the Colorado River, lush forests of the Grand

Canyon National Park, as well as the high deserts of the West Rim. 4. Built in 1931, the Hoover Dam draws millions of visitors each year and The Hoover Dam Tour offers a unique way to see, learn and appreciate what Hoover Dam is all about. This tour offers guided exploration into lesser known parts of the dam.

5. For a truly life-changing experience and adrenaline rush like no other, complete your visit to Las Vegas with a tandem skydive. Take in the stunning views of Mount Charleston and the strip as you free fall for 60 seconds.

6. Venture into the desolate and abandoned Area 51, journey along the infamous extra-terrestrial highland and learn about legends of aliens and UFOs on a special tour.

7. Shop til you drop on the Las Vegas strip. You’ll find everything from highend designer boutiques to

fun souvenir stores.

With the vast quantity of things to do in Las Vegas, you can spend six nights in the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino from €689pp in August.

For those looking to travel during the winter you can spend five nights in the Excalibur Hotel and Casino from €695pp in December.

If those who want two holidays in one, you can spend three nights in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas and seven nights in the all-inclusive Occidental Grand Xcaret in Mexico, from €1,579pp during the month of November.

Or for a thorough American experience spend four nights at the Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and three nights in the Ramada New York/Eastside in New York from €815pp.

For more information on these deals, visit www. americanholidays.com.

Munnar, two nights in Cardamom County in Kerala, two nights in Backwater Ripples in Kumarakom, one night in Lakes and Lagoons in Alappuzha, and five nights in The Leela Kovalam in Kovalam.

Highlights on this tour include soaking up the picturesque port town of Kochi, exploring the tea plantations and pristine valleys of Munnar, gliding along the Kumarakom backwaters and relaxing on the golden beaches of idyllic Kovalam.

To find out more about this offer, visit www.gohop.ie.

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 16 July 2015

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Gazette

28 Gazette 16 July 2015

SPORT Patterson all set for Euro debut

FastSport

softball: stillorgan called into ireland’s first slowpitch side

McGee back in irish davis cup tennis team:

CASTLEKNOCK’S James McGee will lead Ireland’s Davis Cup team to face South Africa in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Euro/Africa Zone Group II relegation play-off.

The Irish number one will be backed up

by Sam Barry and they will be joined by doubles specialists James Cluskey, from Swords, and David O’Hare for the tie which takes place at the Irene Country Club in Centurion, South Africa from July 17 to 19.

The Irish Davis Cup captain Conor Niland said: “I am very pleased to announce a strong team for this tie against South Africa.

It is great to have James McGee back in the squad and we are excited at the opportunity to play in South Africa.”

Ireland lost both their previous outings against the South Africans and need a win to avoid dropping into Europe Zone Group III for the first time since 2007.

 sport@dublingazette.com

THE inaugural women’s Irish National Fastpitch Softball Team will be competing in its first international championship at the European Softball Federation’s 2015 European Championships in Rosmalen, Holland on July 19 to 25.

Following the recent announcement by Softball Ireland, Ireland will be anchored by longtime Stillorgan resident, Jennifer Patterson (nee Bohan). She grew up in Lakelands and currently resides in Coolnevaun with her husband, daughter, and pets.

Patterson has qualified from an extensive

panel of players that will form the first ever women’s national team.

“To represent Ireland again is a great honour and one that I had hoped to do again.

So, to compete on an Irish Team that is brand new… it’s all the better,” she said. “This team has an opportunity to establish a benchmark for future teams to challenge. It will also provide the foundations for several young women and girls to participate in softball for years to come.”

She credits her love of sport to the success she had whilst playing hockey and rounders in the fields of Lakelands.

She and the teams from the estate had won

a number of All-Ireland championships in their respective age brackets.

Patterson began playing softball in the mid 1990s, and was selected to represent Ireland in the European Coed Slowpitch Championships in 2000 and 2004, in Maynooth and Linz, Austria respectively.

Those Ireland teams earned bronze and silver medals in their respective years. Patterson has followed those selections, with three national titles with her club, the Oddsox Greens.

She is also a core member of one of the most successful teams in the UK. Her team there, H2O Heroes, has won the national soft-

Jenny Patterson in action

ball league four times and garnered three silver medals in the British National Championships.

She has travelled to the USA, London, Jersey and Czech Republic to compete in further high profile championships.

The 2015 ESF European Championships is the most prestigious competition in Europe for this format of softball, the majority format played on the continent. It is also the largest development focus for the European Softball Federation (ESF) across many delegations within the breadth of

Europe. The ESF hold similar championships for men, and a number of age bracketed events across several divisions for both girls and boys youths.

With the selections now made for this initial Women’s Irish National Team, Team Ireland has been training regularly, both midweek and on weekends. They also took part in a tournament in Belfast, competing against teams of men and women, where the Irish ladies finished as runners up.

Although this is Team Ireland’s initial foray into women’s fastpitch softball, the team has

lofty aspirations. This year’s team is looking to achieve both a European and world ranking.

It is hoped that they can achieve a ranking in the top 15 in Europe, while its standings globally will depend on results elsewhere. Softball Ireland has already negotiated an at large bid to compete in Canada at the 2016 Women’s World Championships.

For Patterson, her involvement is also a family affair as her husband, Stephen, who is originally from the United States, acts an assistant coach for the team.

Four Dubliners called into Irish women’s hockey team  sport@dublingazette.com

Kate Lloyd is one of four Dubliners to join up with the Irish senior women’s hockey team. Picture: Adrian Boehm

FOUR Dubliners have been added to the Irish senior women’s hockey team panel for the EuroHockey Championship II in Prague as part of seven changes to the panel made by new coach Graham Shaw.

Shaw took over as head coach from Darren Smith in the wake of last month’s World League Round 3 in Valencia when 2016 Olympic hopes were dashed.

In the intervening fortnight, Railway Union’s Kate Dillon and Emma Smyth both

announced their retirements while UCD’s Nikki Evans is recovering from a broken jaw sustained against South Africa.

With Anna O’Flanagan, Lizzie Colvin, Aine Connery and Emma Gray unavailable too, it leaves Ireland shy half a dozen players with over a century of caps.

In their absence, opportunity knocks for a series of newcomers to stake their claim for a place in the side. Ards’ Kerri McDonald is the sole debutante while Railway’s Kate Lloyd has only two games under her belt

and is in line for a maiden tournament She comes into the panel along with UCD duo Deirdre Duke and Emily Beatty while Pembroke goalkeeper Stella Davis comes in as number two goalkeeper and Ayeisha McFerran will likely be the number one in Gray’s absence. Naomi Carroll is the other incoming player to the panel.

Speaking about the selection, Shaw said: “The objective of this tournament is a top two finish to secure promotion back to A Division.

“This is very important for this squad and the path we want to take.

“The squad selected has flexibility with multiple players able to operate in more than one position and physically fit to cope with the heat in Prague.”

Ireland - currently ranked 14th in the world - are drawn in Pool A with Czech Republic (world rank 35), Ukraine (26) and France (24) for the competition which starts on July 18.

The latter two sides have both been comfortably beaten by Ireland in the past year.

16 July 2015 lucan gazette 29

Gazette

Two out of three ain’t bad for Dublin clubs

FastSport

Both Shamrock Rovers and UCD made it through to the second round of the Europa League qualifying stages with wins over opposition from Luxembourg in the past week Dozen Dubs named in  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

FOR the neutrals, it was a case of two out of three ain’t bad for Dublin’s League of Ireland sides in Europe last week with UCD and Shamrock Rovers advancing to the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

Obviously, St Patrick’s Athletic fans will be disappointed after the Saints were booted out of Europe by Skonto Riga after a 2-0 defeat in Richmond Park last Thursday resulted in a 4-1 win for the Latvian side on aggregate.

But, for Rovers and UCD, the glamour of European football is set to last a little bit longer at least.

Rovers followed up

their 0-0 first leg draw against Progres Niederkorn in Luxembourg with an emphatic 3-0 win in Tallaght last Tuesday night.

Dave Webster scored his first goal for the Hoops while a Marty Waters double secured Pat Fenlon’s side route to the next round where they will face Odds Ballklub of Norway.

Speaking af ter his brilliant brace in the second leg last week, Waters praised the work ethic of his Tallaght teammates.

“From the first minute, we worked hard,” he said. “We came out in the second half and we started well, which had been our downfall in the last two or three games.

But we started both halves well, and we were

well on top. We got the result we wanted.”

Rovers famously reached the group stages of the competition in 2011 and the flying winger is aiming for a similar story this season.

“It would be amazing, going from watching some of the games to playing some of the games.

“But we’ll take the next games as they come. We’ll see how we can do,” he added.

With the second qualifying round due to begin this Thursday, Waters insisted he and his teammates had no time to rest on their laurels.

“You have no time to think, so we’re straight into training, and we’ll hopefully, hopefully, get

UCD will be hoping they can add to their excellent opening round victory when they take on Slovakia’s Slovan Bratislava. Picture: Ed Scannell

a result over there.”

The first leg of Rovers’ second qualification round tie against Odds Ballklub is in Tallaght Stadium this Thursday, July 16, at 8pm, with the return leg in Norway a week later.

Collie O’Neill’s stud e n t s p r ov i d e d t h e

advantage and on 43 minutes Joel Pedro levelled things up with a brilliant effort from 20 yards.

O’Neill must have been just thinking about getting his side in level at this point and drilling instructions into them for the second half but

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

‘It would be amazing to go from watching the [Europa League] games to playing in them’ - Marty Waters

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

shock of the night when they beat F91 Dudelange, also of Luxembourg, in their first leg two weeks ago thanks to a great finish from Ryan Swan.

The second leg was played in Dudelange last Thursday and while Shamrock Rovers struggled to play in the Luxembourg heat, the Students took the lead once again when their matchwinner a week earlier, Swan, headed past Joubert after Jamie Doyle had f licked on Mark Langtry’s throw-in.

The game was turned on its head on 28 minutes when UCD’s leftback Sean Coyne was shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Kevin Nakache.

It wasn’t long before the hosts began to use their extra man to their

Dudelange had other ideas.

Three minutes into injury time, Nakache headed in a long-throw from Da Mota to leave it 2-1 on the night, and 2-2 on aggregate but with UCD still ahead on away goals.

Despite an onslaught on Niall Corbet’s goal in the second half, the 20-year-old keeper dealt with absolutely everything, turning in a heroic performance which inspired the other nine UCD men on the pitch as they held on to book their path in the next round.

T he Students will travel to Slovakia to take on Slovan Bratislava this Thursday in their second qualification round first leg before the return leg in Belfield next Thursday, July 23.

Irish rugby Sevens panel TWELVE Dublin-based players will be looking to help the Ireland women’s and men’s sevens rugby teams keep their 2016 Olympic dreams alive as the squads for this weekend’s Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon are named.

The women’s side features a high volume of Dubliners with Railway Union’s Emma Murphy and Stacey Flood, Old Belvedere’s Hannah Tyrrell, pictured above, and Jenny Murphy and Blackrock’S Katie Fitzhenry in the panel.

They are in an initial group with Belgium, Romania and Ukraine in their 12-team competition.

The men have seven Dublin-based players including UCD’s Adam Byrne and Harry McNulty, Lansdowne’s Tom Daly, Ian Fitzpatrick and Mark Roche along with St Mary’s College’s Steve Toal-Lennon and Terry Kennedy. Their pool sees them up against Georgia, Italy and Russia.

Both teams must finish in the top three in Portugal to qualify for next year’s World Olympic Repechage, which will determine the final teams to travel to Rio 2016.

Speaking ahead of the tournaments, Anthony Eddy, IRFU director of Rugby Sevens, said: “Both squads have developed well and this weekend will be a real test as they face up to some of the best teams in Europe.

“This tournament is arguably the most important one of the season so far for both teams, and with a place at the World Olympic Repechage the prize for a top three finish I am sure they will give everything they have.”

Women’s captain Lucy Mulhall commented: “We have been training well and made steady progress this season, so we hope to put all that work into practice this weekend as we target a spot at next year’s World Olympic Repechage, where we hope to compete for a place at Rio 2016.”

Men’s skipper Tom Daly added: “This is a great opportunity for us to measure ourselves against some of the best Sevens teams in Europe. We are an ambitious team and our preparation, training and tournament experience to date have been great.”

Gazette

30 LUCAN gazette 16 July 2015

SPORT

fastSport

golf: hermitage teenager scores winning interpro point

Dublin Pitch and Putt series of titles decided THE Dublin ladies pitch and putt championship saw host club Lucan come away with two of the three main prizes on offer.

The intermediate championship proved the closest affair as Lucan’s Evelyn O’Gorman edged out Siobhan McDonnell by just a single shot to win the title. In the junior championship, it was even closer as two Lucan ladies played off for the top prize. Dora Keane, the Lucan lady captain, defeated her compatriot Trish Anderson in a three-hole playoff.

In the senior championship, Geraldine Ward from Portmarnock, the most decorated winner in the ladies game collected another county title after a six shot win over RGSC Siobhan Keely.

Ward shot an excellent -9 for 36 holes.

In the league finals, Lucan claimed the Class 1 ladies final with victory over RGSC 5-0.

The men’s league final, meanwhile took place in Glenville Pitch and Putt Club in Tallaght.

CPM (Clondalkin Paper Mills) took on Old County (Crumlin) with the former coming out on top.

A day later, it was the turn of the Senior Gents in Lucan Pitch and Putt. It was a northside against southside clash with Finglas Club, Erin’s Isle taking on Loughlinstown Pitch and Putt.

Loughlinstown emerged the winners in this battle.

At junior level, Lucan were going in search of eight wins in a row. Old County, again, had another grade in the final, and it was taking place over in Ierne Pitch and Putt on the northside.

It was a closely fought affair, with Old County trying to put a stop to Lucan’s run but it wasn’t to be, with Lucan coming out on top.

In the individual strokeplay events, Lucan ran up a clean sweep in the junior gents with Alyn Poleon in first place with club captain Stephen Needham in second place and David Lee in third.

The inter title was decided on a nine-hole playoff with Eric Byrne from Old County edging out Lucan’s Tom McMorrow. Portmarnock’s Tom Brady was third. Finally, at senior level it was a one-two for Lucan with Chris Gallagher and Darren Kane first and second, respectively, while Erin’s Isle’s Paddy Noonan finished third.

Leinster Captain Seamus McParland celebrates with Rowan Lester on the 17th green at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture: Pat Cashman

Lester the Leinster leader  sport@dublingazette.com

H E R M I TAG E G o l f Club’s Rowan Lester helped Leinster produce a phenomenal display on the final day at Rosapenna to reclaim the Interprovincial Championship for the first time in seven years.

Team captain Seamus McParland kept faith with his young guns throughout the week and they delivered in spades in the decisive match against Munster.

The winning point came courtesy of Lester in the afternoon singles

after the foundations for victory were laid in the morning foursomes as Leinster whitewashed their southern rivals.

Lester and Kevin LeBlanc set the tone with a gutsy one-hole win in the top match against Eanna Griffin and Ian O’Rourke.

One down with two to play, the Leinster pair made winning pars on 17 and 18 to steal a huge point for their side.

Thomas Mulligan and Paul McBride secured another big point on 17 with a 2 and 1 success against Robin Dawson

Lucan harriers Local club contests Drogheda graded meet LUCAN Harriers put together some great

team performances at the Drogheda and District AC Graded Meets last week.

On the men’s side, Gerry Byrne, Eoin Fitzgerald and John Canny all ran great times with Byrne and Fitzgerald, pictured, battling for position right up to the finish line.

For the women, Edith Coakley, Carol Kearney and Josephine Aliquant contested the 200m while Hilary Magee was in the 800m.

and John Hickey while Alan Lowry and Conor O ’ R o u r ke d i d l i ke wise in the final match against Pat Murray and Geoff Lenehan.

The third game also went the distance but Jeff Hopkins and Richard Bridges held firm on 18 to secure a twohole win.

That 4-0 result left Leinster one and a half points from victor y heading into the afternoon’s final session. In search of a miracle, Phil Cooney’s Munster side battled bravely but the tide was always against

them.

T he Island’s Paul McBride was the undisputed star of the tournament, finishing with a 100% record and he signed off in style with a comprehensive five and four victory against Robin Dawson.

After McBride collected his sixth point of the week for Leinster, the way was clear for Lester to wrap up the championship and he did so with a fine two and one win against John Hickey.

The Hermitage teenager went three up on

15 to secure the half point Leinster needed to take the title. In the end the new champions finished six points clear of Munster thanks to their 8.5-2.5 win.

The only bright spark for Munster on a dismal afternoon was Eanna Griffin’s two-hole win against LeBlanc but not even the Waterford man’s fine record - five from six - could gloss over their final day collapse.

In the battle for third place, Ulster got the better of Connacht 8.52.5.

16 July 2015 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

hurling: sarsfields top after win over Kilmacud

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who

Kilmacud Crokes attempt to clear their lines despite Lucan pressure. Picture: Diarmuid O’Gallchobhair

Lucan league form continues to rise ahl division one

Lucan Sarsfields 1-20 Kilmacud Crokes 2-12  sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields senior hurlers remain on top of AHL1 thanks to a fivepoint win over Kilmacud Crokes at the 12th Lock last Sunday.

Both sides went into the game with depleted squads due to intercounty commitments but that didn’t reduce the quality in a game in which either side could have topped the table with a win.

Crokes, fielding quite an experimental side, started brightly but a hungrier Lucan side soon settled and scored their only goal of the game from a well worked move that was finished

by Trevor Lee. The goal gave Sarsfields a serious edge in the game and they began to pull away until Crokes dug their heels in and managed to get in front at the break.

Lucan had the advantage of the wind pushing them forward in the sec-

ond half, and Kevin Reilly kept the scoreboard ticking with a number of points. Crokes tried to stage a late fightback and managed a goal but it wasn’t enough as Lucan ran out 1-20 to 2-12 winners to leave them a point clear in the league.

Lucan manager Vincent Teehan was particularly pleased with the win even though his side were missing key players in Johnny McCaffrey, Chris Crummey, and Peter Kelly who were part of the Dublin panel who staged a fantastic comeback to beat Limerick in the SHC AllIreland Second Round qualifier.

“We’re delighted to get the win and remain top of what is a very tough league,” said Teehan.

“Obviously we’d like to be in a better position in the championship but, in terms of the league, it’s always better to be in the top half or on top altogether as we are, rather than be down the bottom trying to fight relegation.”

Sarsfields form of five wins, one draw and one defeat in the league hasn’t reflected on their championship form which Teehan touched on. They were drawn with Cuala, Ballinteer and Faughs in group two of the SHC and drew with the latter back in April before losing to Cuala in mid-May. That’s set up a winner takes all game against Ballinteer for which a date is yet to be set and Teehan will be hoping

by then that league form can carry over to the must win championship clash.

“That game could still be some time away with the county team doing well and that. When it’s played we should have our full squad back which will help. I think we’ve only had our full panel in training once or twice this season, but I suppose it’s the mark of the level we’re at and it’s the same for all the strong sides.”

Sarsfields summer camps.

sent in match reports this weekend.

Bookings are now open for our

Full details can be found on our web-

summer camps: football from Mon-

site, www.lucansarsfields.ie; over

day, August 10 to Friday, August 14;

1,500 players were in action in the last

hurling/camogie – Monday, August 17

week across all four codes from age

to Friday, August 21. See the website

seven to 40+.

for details.

Congratulations to Johnny, Chris,

The club shop is open on Thursdays

Peter and Emmet on their wins over

from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays

the weekend with the Dublin hurlers

from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

and footballers. Our senior hurlers

There was no winner of this week’s

also had an excellent win over Kilma-

€1,500 lotto draw; numbers were 7, 18,

cud on Sunday morning.

21 and 28.

Lucan Sarsfields are also proud to

This week’s jackpot is €2,000.

announce that Ozone Cars are the

Carey’s Newsagents is sponsoring

proud sponsors of this year’s Lucan

with Edel Mooney’s team in charge.

st pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week are

Faughnan for all the organising and

1, 15, 16 and 21; there was no winner

for making the week so enjoyable for

this week so next week’s jackpot will

the kids. Our next camp is on August

be €2,400.

10 to 15 from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

The draw takes place in the Palm-

The camogie skills session is on every

erstown House every Sunday night at

Friday at 6-7pm in Glenaulin for all

10pm and tickets cost €2.

camogie players from U-11 to U-16 and

A big well done to Adam Murphy,

any new players are welcome.

Cathal Flood, Adam Lambe, Conor

The hurling/camogie creche is on in

McDonagh, Darragh Moore, Aaron

the clubhouse every Monday evening

Shorthall, Jack O Leary and Mathew

at 6-7pm and on Saturday morning at

Brennan who all played in Croke Park

10-11am, also in the clubhouse.

on Sunday at half-time in the Dublin v

Well done to the senior camogie

Westmeath Leinster final. Great to see

team with another great win in the

so many St Pat’s players on the field.

Summer Cup also the U-11 camaint

All the kids had a great week at the

team who put in three great perform-

summer camp and a big thanks and

ances in Crumlin last week; great team

well done to Maree O’Toole and Paul

efforts.

round tower, clondalkin CONGRATULATIONS to Jim and Frank

Thank you to all who supported our

on the Leinster Championship win

annual golf classic that took place

last Sunday.

last Friday at Newlands Golf Club.

On club playing pitches, the senior

Following on from the very suc-

and junior hurlers recorded cham-

cessful hosting of Kellogg’s Cul Camp,

pionship wins in midweek against St

this week the club is hosting its Sum-

Peregrine’s and Wild Geese.

mer Camp at Monastery Road.

The juniors followed up with a league win against Whitehall over the weekend but setback for seniors who were beaten by Setanta, also in

Round Tower lotto draw for July 6: the jackpot was €8,300.

Numbers drawn were 8,12,21 and 28, the bonus ball was 29.

the league. The minor hurlers regis-

There was no overall or bonus ball

tered good win in league against Na

winner; three €100 winners: Daniel

Fianna in midweek.

Morley, Paddy Stynes, Allen Geary.



Got a story? we want to know!

Call our sport team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Battling for possession

or email sport@dublingazette.com

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

july 16-22, 2015

Leinster leader: Hermitage’s Rowan Lester lands European ambition: Shamrock Rovers and UCD the crucial point for interprovincial success P30 pass Luxembourg tests P29

Conor McGregor celebrates his success, watched on by his parents (left) in Las Vegas last weekend

Long live ‘The King’ Conor McGregor claims UFC’s interim featherweight belt with superb salvo late in second round to end strong Chad Mendes early challenge  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

HE TALKED the talk in the build-up, and on Sunday morning, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor walked the walk with a showstopping second round knock-out against Chad Mendes at UFC189 in Las Vegas that crowned him the interim featherweight champion.

The outspoken Dubliner landed a combination of jabs on the American wrestler’s chin with just seconds left in the second round which caused Mendes to hit the canvas.

McGregor began to unleash a series of lefthands on his opponent before referee Herb

Dean intervened and ended the title bout.

The uber-confident McGregor broke down in tears seconds after the fight was ended, and speaking at the post-fight press conference, he described the work and effort it had taken to become a UFC Champion.

He said: “I didn’t really think what way I was going to react. I didn’t really know what way I was going to react, but when I put him away and I jumped on the cage and my coach [John Kavanagh] was right there on the cage with me and I just looked around at everything, I was just overwhelmed.

“It has been a hell of a ride. Just over two years to get here; I’ve already broken every record in the game and it does not come

easy.

“Trust me when I say that, there’s a lot of work involved. It’s not just about showing up at the gym; it’s not just about that, there’s a lot involved.

“I’ve been home 19 days this year, I’ve been constantly working, constantly promoting, constantly doing my media obligations as well as keeping on top of my weight, as well as keeping on top of my skill level, as well as managing niggling injuries,” the Lucan resident added.

“It’s just a crazy game, and you know, I absolutely love it. I love this job, I love this game, I love this ride I’m on, and I’m happy to have taken the gold.

“It wouldn’t have mattered if it was Jose [Aldo] or Chad, this was my belt and this was my night.”

The press conference revealed a more humble McGregor, who went on to say: “I honestly just want to give a shout-out to my team that have been with me since day one.

“Everyone that’s been on this journey with me, we all stepped it up a notch here. I honestly believe there is no such thing as selfmade, I believe that is a term that does not exist, or for me it certainly doesn’t.

“The people have that been around me my whole career have helped shape this moment and this night and this moment is for them, so we will celebrate.”