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Month XX, 2012 PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN
INSIDE: Check out our Mother and Baby guide with top tips about being a mum P20-22
MAKING HISTORY: Voters step into polling booths and give equality thumbs up P8-9
Ireland says Yes: Rainbow city marks big day Soccer:
Lucan United add Gilligan Cup to promotion Page 32
THOMAS McDermott and Sara Jane Flynn celebrate in style outside Dublin Castle as it was announced that the Marriage Equality referendum had passed. Crowds gathered in Dublin to hear the tally as votes from all over the State were counted. The historic day saw Ireland becoming the first country in the world to approve same sex marriage by popular vote. Picture: James Martin See Gallery on Page 8 & 12
Camogie:
Sarsfields face off with strong St Vincent’s Page 31
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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE.................. 13 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................28
Irish Water sanctions €25,000 for Griffeen Money to fund repairs to damaged drains in park as part of works plan
IAN BEGLEY
IRISH Water has sanctioned €25,000 to repair damaged drains in Arthur Griffith Park and tackle a pollution risk to Griffeen River.
The funding, part of the utility’s minor works programme, follows repeated lobbying by local representatives to address a pollution risk to Griffeen Valley Park. At the request of Lucan
Cllr William Lavelle (FG), the water pollution control section of South Dublin County Council investigated and found a foul sewer that services Arthur Griffith Park estate had been damaged,
causing regular blockages. Cllr Lavelle said: “Irish Water is working with the council with regard to the programming of this work in the coming weeks.” Full Story on Page 5
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Dublin Mid-West 17,000 people are now unemployed
Government ‘playing with jobless figures’ The Government are “playing around with the figures” regarding the drop in Dublin MidWest’s unemployment rate, according to some local councillors. According to the latest Central Statistical Office numbers, the unemployment rate in Dublin Mid-West for the first quarter of this year has fallen by 45% compared to 2013. 17,000 people in Dub-
ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com
lin Mid-West are now unemployed compared to 27,000 people in the first quarter of 2013. The employment rate for this area has grown slightly from 147,000 in
Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
the first quarter of 2013 to 149,000 so far this year. Last year during this time 145,000 were employed in Dublin Mid-West with 22,000 unemployed. Clondalkin councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) said he thinks the Government is “playing around” with these figures, along with people’s livelihoods. He said: “I can say for certainty from friends and family that unemployment is most definitely a huge issue in Dublin Mid-West. “I also can say that numerous friends of mine have emigrated due to lack of work in
the area. “T his Government has placed no emphasis towards getting people back to work or indeed getting them full-time employment.” Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) welcomed the drop in unemployment, but said a number of caveats need to be borne in mind. “The live register drop includes people who have emigrated, people who have been wrongly cut off social welfare and people in job schemes such as Gateway and JobBridge. “The real unemployment rate is in fact higher than the official figures indicate. “As for the employment figures when you look a little deeper you see a very high number of low paid insecure
Lucan’s looking for talent TALENTED individuals/groups interested in performing at this year’s Lucan Festival are now being encouraged to sign up for the four-day event. Taking place during the festival’s Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 13 in Lucan Village, any local band or entertainer selected to perform will be able to showcase their talent in front of thousands of people. Anyone interested in applying is asked to email lucanfestivalcommittee@gmail.com or post a message on the Lucan Festival Family Day Facebook page. People wishing to sell food or other items are also asked to contact the above email.
Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF): “The live register drop includes people who have emigrated, people who have been wrongly cut off social welfare and people in job schemes.”
jobs and a smaller number of secure high paid jobs with very little in between,” he said. Local TD Robert Dowds (Lab), however believes the figures show that the economy is get-
ting back on track. “While there is a lot of work still to be done, the fact that over 100,000 more people across the country now have jobs than when Labour went into Government
speaks volumes. “ I t i s a l s o wo r t h pointing out that the vast majority of people who leave the dole line are doing so for fulltime employment,” he said.
28 May 2015 LUCAN Gazette 3
Parkrun
salmon leap: Trad event’s first year is looking like a sell-out
144 take part in 100th run
Something for all at Leixlip festival ian begley
A NEW folk and traditional music festival is kicking off in Leixlip with some of Ireland’s most talented and upcoming trad musicians set to perform at the three-day celebration in The Salmon Leap Inn. T he Salmon Leap Festival will be headlined by music legends Damien Dempsey, Eddi Reader, Sharon Shannon, K ila and Altan over the period May 29 to May 31. The family friendly event will also feature a market and artisan food. Speaking about the event, festival organiser Cathal O’Sea told The Gazette that people
planned to travel across the country for the celebration. He said: “We are delighted to be hosting some of Ireland’s greatest acts at The Salmon Leap Festival in Leixlip this June Bank Holiday weekend. “This is the first year of the festival and already people are travelling from all over the country and from overseas to be here and it’s looking like a sell-out. “As well as the amazing line of acts over three stages there will be fantastic artisan foods and a special family fun zone with lots of kids’ entertainment,” he said. Early bird tickets for the event are priced at
€30 per day or €65 for the weekend and are on sale now at www.salmonleapfestival.com. Full price day tickets will be €35 and weekend tickets cost €75, including booking fee. T he Salmon Leap Inn is one of Ireland’s oldest music pubs and was a long-time music landmark and stopover on the road west. The festival aims to take visitors back to their roots, exploring traditional Irish heritage and music. For more information on the full line-up of performers taking to the stage at The Salmon Leap Festival visit their Facebook page or www. salmonleapfestival.com.
Well deserved: Running to raise vital importance of organ donations hundreds of people turned out for the Irish Kidney Associa-
tion’s Run for a Life, a family fun run held at Corkagh Park recently in support of organ donation and to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association. Young and old transplant recipients were joined by their families and friends in the annual event which celebrates the “gift of life” and aims to raise awareness about the vital importance of organ donation and transplantation. Pictured are Nicole Concannon and her son Jack with her sister Karen Concannon and her son Luke who received a kidney transplant. Picture: Conor McCabe
THERE was celebration at Griffeen Valley Park recently where 144 runners came out to take part in the facility’s 100th run. Parkrun events are free weekly timed runs held in various parklands all over Ireland – and the rest of the world. These 5km events are open to all – from junior and first timers to Olympians. Since the inaugural event back in June 2013, Griffeen Valley Park has had 2,868 individuals complete 13,732km in total – which adds up to 6,200 hours altogether. For more information on this particular parkrun and how to get involved visit the Griffeen Valley Facebook page or log onto www.parkrun.ie/griffeen.
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courts Used money to invest in another property in Navan assault: victim left with stab wounds
Jailed for failing to file VAT return
A RETIRED publican and farmer who failed to file a six-figure VAT return after he sold four apartments in County Meath has been sentenced to 10 months in prison. Patrick Murphy (69) owed the revenue commissioners €107,048 in VAT for the period of May to June 2007 after the sale of four apartments in Penny Lane, Cornmarket in Navan for €871,532 in the same year. But instead of paying his VAT, he invested
in another property in Navan for €375,000. Judge Nolan said an 18-month sentence was appropriate but taking into account Murphy’s age, medical conditions and other mitigating factors, he imposed a 10-month sentence instead. Murphy, of Westbury Park in Lucan pleaded guilty to failing to remit VAT returns to the amount of €107,048 to the collector general for May to June 2007. He had filed a zero VAT 3 return for the peri-
od and he accepted this was incorrect and that it should have contained a figure of €107,048. Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, defending, claimed the non-filing of the VAT returns was “not pre-planned”. “Initially he wasn’t aware a zero VAT return was put in by his agent. The agent claimed he didn’t have sufficient information of the liability due but the defendant fully accepts he was criminally liable as he knew soon after,” said Mr O Lideadha.
Pair attacked in Beech Park Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com
Patrick Murphy pleaded guilty to failing to remit VAT returns
He said an offer of €150,000 was put forward to settle the debts which were procured as
a result of his daughter’s offer to sell her home. But the collector general’s office rejected this offer. He said Mur phy was “embarrassed and ashamed” for putting his wife and family through this situation.
TWO teenagers socialising in Beech Park, Lucan, were attacked and robbed by a group of four males recently, leaving one with minor stab wounds. On Saturday, May 16 at around 8.15pm, t h e t e e n a g e r s we r e approached by a gang and one had his mobile phone taken. It was reported that during the incident, one victim was cut by a knife while another was punched by a member of the gang. Speaking to The Gazette, a Garda spokesperson said that a male juvenile was
arrested in connection with the incident but released without charge. “During the incident one of the boys received knife wounds of a minor nature. “Both injured parties attended Tallaght Hospital. The culprits fled on foot in the direction of Cherbury Park. “On May 19 a male juvenile was arrested in connection with this investigation. “He was detained at Lucan Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and was later released from Garda custody without charge. A file is being prepared for the DPP.”
28 May 2015 LUCAN Gazette 5
Griffeen: Irish water sanctions €25,000 to repair faulty drains
Utility to tackle pollution of river Ian Begley
IRISH Water has sanctioned €25,000 to repair the damaged drains in Arthur Griffith Park and tackle pollution risk to Griffeen River. The funding, a part of the utility’s minor works programme, follows repeated lobbying by local representatives to address a pollution risk to Griffeen River, arising from contaminated storm water discharge to the river close to the playground in Griffeen Valley Park. At the request of Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG), the water pollution control section of South Dublin County Council (SDCC) investigated and found a foul sewer which services Arthur Griffith Park estate had been damaged, causing blockages to occur regularly. The blockages, it is believed, have led to foul water backing up and overflowing into the storm water drains discharging into the Griffeen River. Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr Lavelle said: “As result of my repeated lobbying on this, Irish Water have now sanctioned works to repair and relay 48m of foul sewer and one new ring manhole. “The works will cost €25,000 and Irish Water is working with the council with regard to the programming of this work in the coming weeks. “In the case of the Griffeen, the 2009 [Eastern River Basin District] report categorised it as
having ‘bad’ water quality marking it out as one of the most polluted watercourses in the eastern region. This was unacceptable. “Since 2009, the number of river pollution incidents recorded in South Dublin County Council has more than halved, from 80 incidents in 2009 to 38 in 2013. In addition, recent fish survey data has shown a more acceptable range of fish species in the Griffeen River, indicating an improvement of water quality. “I wish to commend SDCC staff for their proactive efforts which have made a real difference in reducing the number of pollution incidents and improving water quality.” Lucan Cllr Danny O’Brien (SF) said he had received several complaints about blocked drains in Arthur Griffith Park and he welcomed any funding for the issue. Cllr Ruth Nolan (PBP) also received calls from concerned residents. She said “Residents contacted me about their suspicion of sewage leaking into the river. I asked the council if this was the case and the reply I received was that it wasn’t.” A utility spokesperson said: “An asset needs brief was submitted by the council for work to be carried out at Arthur Griffith Park to address an issue that was causing ongoing blockages... This work has now been included in Irish Water’s minor works programmes.”
FastNews
GAA club get keys to park
Mayor to close Bealtaine fest
After many years of campaigning, Lucan Sarsfieds GAA club have been given keys to the carpark at Griffeen Valley Park for their summer evening training. This will now allow the club to commence their training in the park at 8pm during the summer months. Lucan councillor William Lavelle (FG) who has long campaigned for Lucan Sarsfields to be given keys to the park told The Gazette: “I have been contacted again this year by many parents of children training with Lucan Sarsfields complaining about this. “I am now happy to report that Lucan Sarsfields are to be given keys to lock the carpark.”
South County Mayor Fintan Warfield (SF) will close Bealtaine, the festival celebrating creativity in older age, on May 29 at 3pm in the Red Cow Inn, Clondalkin. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age and Opportunity, the national organisation working to promote greater participation by older people in society. There was 100 events organised for the month and for the majority of the events there was full participation. The festival promoted social/community networking and stimulation of older people to participate in events. The winners in the Bealtaine Competition will be presented at the closing ceremony with their awards by Mayor Warfield. This will be followed by light refreshments and a tea dance.
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in the pink Voters flock to give equality the thumbs up
Olivia Walshe, Deirdre Burke, Niamh Beirne & Louise Quill
The power of Yes Hazel Kavanagh at Dublin Castle
Charlie Mooney waves the rainbow flag. Picture: James Martin
keith bellew
Sarah Whitford and Aoibheann Greenan
IRELAND made history on May 22, 2015, as the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote. The overall Yes tally – 62% as opposed to 38% for the No – was strongest in Dublin, with Dublin South East coming in at an impressive 74%. The outcome was celebrated both at home and globally with thousands gathering in Dublin Castle for a result that has been welcomed as a great victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) community. Speaking to The Gazette, Tiernan Brady, director of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Net-
work (Glen), said: “It’s a wonderful result. It’s phenomenal. The Dublin result is fantastic, it’s so emphatic, and sends a wonderful message to lesbian and gay people right across Dublin about how they belong here and how the rest of Dublin knows that, sees that and thinks it’s important that our laws reflect that.” LGBT Noise was the one of first groups in Ireland to campaign for marriage equality starting from humble beginnings with just a few hundred supporters and growing and building momentum over several years, culminating in a march in August, which was supported by 10,000 people. S p o ke s p e r s o n f o r LGBT Noise Max
Krzyzanowski told The Gazette the result was “a personal vindication on the level of our equal level as citizens of this Republic”. Brian Sheehan and Grainne Healy, co-directors of Yes Equality, said the result was the fruition of the extraordinary input of Yes Equality groups all across the country, who knocked on thousands of doors and asked people for their vote. “Thanks to this tireless work, Irish people have given a new sense of belonging to their lesbian and gay family members, friends and neighbours,” they said. Health Minister Leo Varadkar told the Gazette: “Last weekend Ireland did something
Cailin Foi and Austin Dunne
e x t r a o r d i n a r y. T h i s wasn’t just a vote for liberty and equality. It was a vote that said: ‘We believe in all our citizens; we believe in marriage; we support families in all their forms and we believe in love’.” He said he was pleased the result was not Dublin and the east coast against the rest of the country, as has been the case in previous referendums. “I felt we were – or at least could be – one nation. “The atmosphere around Dublin Castle at the time of the announcement was electric. The poignant moment for me was when the crowd, many of whom had not always felt welcome in their own country, spontaneously broke out in
the national anthem.” Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald spoke of her “sincere delight” at the passing of the referendum. She said: “Ireland is the first country to vote for equal marriage; this result sends a great message to the world. This is a clear statement to our gay and lesbian citizens that we view them as equals. “As Minister for Justice and Equality I will be introducing the Marriage Bill 2015 into the Oireachtas in the coming weeks. The Bill will have to pass through the Dail and the Seanad and I am hopeful this will happen before the end of summer.” See more photos on P12
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gazetteGALLERIES library: inducting kids into eco consciousness
Children learn to care about natural world Hamedo
Tosin and Luke
Lucan Library recently hosted Bare Soled Fools Theatre which put on an interactive game called To Be Or Not To Bee for the enjoyment of local children. The game covered topics such as peak oil, climate change, endangered animals, water, energy and litter. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter
Ella and Lauren
Hannah
28 May 2015 LUCAN Gazette 11
Teacher Marysia Harasimowicz and principal Diane Artist Gerard Mangan
Birnie
Trish O’Callaghan, Caroline Brady and Caroline O’Connor. As part of the Bealtaine Festival Lucan Library hosted an evening to showcase night school art classes. A range of subjects was on display including landscapes, portraits, still life, animals, flowers and town and cityscapes. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter
Painting the town red
Irina Lomakova with her Patricia O’Callaghan and Ann Ward
picture, Mr Cat
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gazetteGALLERY
Young and old turned up to mark the historic day
Niamh Beirne joins the celebrations at Dublin Castle. Pictures: James Martin
Equality rules, okay! David Walsh and Edward Flynn
Deirdre Garvey and Rory O’Donnell
Dublin Castle courtyard was jam-packed with colour
28 May 2015 Gazette 13
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dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
a day in the life: how karl bowe – also known as mr ireland – relaxes
what’son
A model approach to living dairne black
KARL Bowe, this year’s Mr Ireland, is an actor, model, presenter, host and, of course, a true Dub at heart, hailing from Crumlin. Bowe has had a varied career and most recently appeared on our screens playing an estate agent in TV3’s Red Rock. Having conquered the Irish scene, Bowe has plans to make the move across the pond and kickstart his career in London. With so much going on, it’s no surprise we asked Mr Ireland what a typical day in his life is like. He said: “I’m a bad sleeper, so I’m always awake early. I hit the gym at 9am every morning without fail, usually spend about an hour and half there and then come
back and get some breakfast. “After that, you never know where the day can lead; it could be a casting or auditions, TV commercials. “Some of my Mr Ireland duties would include photo shoots, too.” Bowe is not represented by anyone in Ireland, and everything goes through him. However, since his appearance on Take Me Out in the UK, he has had some work over there. “The work over here in Ireland isn’t consistent enough at the moment, I’m planning a move over to the UK to sign with BMA [models agency in London] – they have sent me for a lot of castings and the work is starting to pile up over in London. “I’m a trained actor and the dream would be
to play James Bond, but the aim is to get into a soap. “I just want to make a living doing something I love. It’s a big step up and a gamble, but acting is what I want to do,” he said. Bowe takes a break at weekends. “I always visit my granny in Terenure, and go to mass every Saturday night, then I might go and have a few pints somewhere and really just relax and take it handy.” For nights out, Bowe has a few choice places. “Fire Restaurant at the Mansion House is my favourite place. I prefer cocktail bars over clubs, so Copan Rathmines, or Capitol Bar, Lillies Bordello would be my club of choice; I might go there on a bank holiday weekend.”
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you’re growing to love bloom
Mr Ireland, Karl Bowe plans to make a move and start a career in London
NOW running until June 1, the Bord Bia Bloom Festival and garden show in the Phoenix Park is an ideal day out with plenty of sights, smells, tastes and entertainment for the whole family. The show gardens on display this year are full of surprise, with themes including Peter Pan, stiletto heels and WB Yeats. As well as the 25 Bloom show gardens, the Banter at Bloom marquee is a new feature for this year’s festival, and will host a series of discussions, talks, and conversations on topical issues around food, sustainability, agriculture, and everything in between. The Food Village at Bloom is also on hand offering a wide range of artisan produce and onsite dining options. Guests can also dine at Bistro Bloom restaurant, cafe and seafood bar, or visit the all-new Country Crest Food Fayre. This is just a small sample of the variety of fare available this year. Tickets, priced from €18 per adult, are available at www. bloominthepark.com, and children go free.
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dublinlife
diary
Ewe must be joking! Gardai stumble on woolly wanderer Gardai at Kevin Street station were baaaffled recently when they discovered a sheep in Oliver Bond Street flat complex in Dublin 8.
T h e wo o l l y w a n d e r e r w a s t a ke n t o Kevin Street Station for safekeeping until the DSPCA arrived This is not the first
time that a Garda station has had to double up as an animal shelter. Earlier this year Finglas Garda station was invaded by a brazen cat
who refused to leave. T he mischievous moggy made its way into the station and was feline right at home within minutes stretched out on a swivel chair it commandeered from one of the sergeants. Blanchardstown Garda Station briefly became a makeshift aviary on another occasion a number of months ago when a budgie flew in the window of the superintendent’s window and perched himself above the office door like Edgar Allen Poe’s Raven.
fry to fly in for bloomsday fest The wonderfully wordy Stephen Fry is coming to Dublin for this year’s James Joyce Centre’s Bloomsday Festival. Fry will be interviewed by the equally eloquent Senator David Norris about all things Joycean to be staged in the O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin on Bloomsday, June 16, 8pm. Fry said he was very much looking forward to coming to Ireland and discussing the incompa-
The woolly wanderer baaaffled gardai
rable Ulysses. This year’s festival will run over six days, from June 11 to 16, with walking tours, bizarre brunches, an evening of music and poetry and talks all lined up to enchant visitor and celebrate one of Dublin’s most famous literary sons. Tickets for the Bloomsday interview with Stephen Fry, cost €25-€22.50 and are available from Ticketmaster. Fry also showed his love of the Irish language and for the gay people of Ireland last week by tweeting a video as Gaeilge, urging voters to vote yes in the marriage equality referendum (www.votewithus. org/video/stephen-fry-qiguests).
disused computer equipment wanted Inte r n a t i on a l charity organisation Camara Education is seeking donations of disused computer equipment from the public to
support its work in developing countries. Camara is dedicated to using technology to improve education and livelihood skills in disadvantaged communities around the world. The organisation believes that with better education these communities can break the cycle of poverty they find themselves in. Camara has shipped 63,000 computers since its inception 10 years ago and has improved the education of 900,000 students and trained 16,000 teachers. Each computer donated provides 21 children with digital literacy as well as the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Camara is unable to meet the growing demand from schools for computers equipment such as flat screen monitors, desktops and laptops in disadvantaged communities. The organisation is appealing to the people of Dublin to drop any disused computer equipment at Camara in Chapelizod Industrial Estate, Dublin 20. Opening times are between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. For more information: visit www.camara.org/
give-computers/.
a journey through tapas Fans of Spanish cuisine and wine are in for a treat this June as the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail returns to the streets of Dublin. From June 3 to 28 guests on the trail discover “tapeo”, the art of enjoying tapas with friends and family at four of the best tapas restaurants Dublin has to offer. Participating restaurants in Dublin are: Bagots Hutton, Drury Buildings, Salamanca, and Zaragoza. Trailers can spend an afternoon or evening sharing a selection of authentic Spanish tapas created to complement Campo Viejo Reserva wine. Guests will be guided along the route by hosts who will regale them with Spanish anecdotes. Colourful art installations by renowned urban artists will be on display in each of the participating restaurants, and this year a giant outdoor mural has been created at Busy Feet and Coco Company on South William Street especially for the Tapas Trail. For further information visit: www.campoviejotapastrail.ie.
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dublinlife
FEATURE
escape the mayhem: the power of meditation
A calm and clear head is key to staying stress free Irish actress and theatre star Caroline Morahan admits to having quite the hectic life learning lines for upcoming productions and dealing with all the stresses that come with her profession. Fortunately, Morahan has unlocked the secret of escaping the mayhem of her life through the power of meditation. Speaking to The Gazette she said: “Escaping the mayhem is some-
thing that’s very important to me as an actress. You spend so much time in your head preparing for roles and everything that goes with it, which is very mentally challenging. “I meditate every single day and always feel better afterwards and I don’t listen to music and I don’t have to be by myself. I sometimes wear ear plugs while sitting in the makeup chair or while I’m getting my hair done to just clear my head.
“I can meditate just about anywhere from my own bed to the airport surrounded by people. I think meditation is really good because you can tackle everything much better when you have a calm and clear head.” Morahan added that Homeopathy, a natural form of treating ailments, has been a central part in her life for mental health. “I discovered homeopathy when I nearly had a nervous breakdown during my Leav-
ing Cert many years ago. I nearly lost it entirely with the pre-exam nerves and stress so I went to a homeopath and just kept it up afterwards. “When I started my TV career and had really debilitating nerves homeopathy came to the rescue. “I also like yoga a lot which really clears my head, it’s fantastic physically and mentally. When I was preparing for She Stoops to Conquer I would do a yoga warm up before I left the house
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Caroline with Liam Tolan and Lorna Dolan, calling on people across Ireland to take part in the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays. Picture: Shane O’Neill
or even in the dressing room to calm down before the madness of the show,” she said. Morahan is currently working with Down Syndrome Ireland and is calling on the public to host an ice cream party as part of the HB Hazelbrook
Farm Funday’s campaign to raise much needed funds for the charity. “It’s a really cool campaign which has being going on for about 13 years and they’ve raised a couple of million at this point. It’s so central because they’re relying
on donations in order to do all the crucial work they do,” she said. To get involved register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your party pack, which includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.
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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
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Pets Happy chappy hank loves his teddies
Dublin will be a hot bed of live music this June Bank Holiday weekend with over 50 acts performing at Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. Picture: Naoise Culhane
music and arts festival : plenty to see, hear and do in Kilmainham
Forbidden Fruit is sweetest
Keith Bellew
Forbidden Fruit, Dublin’s multistage music and arts festival, comes to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, from May 29 to 31. With over 70 music acts across five stages and a comedy tent line-up bringing the laughs, there’s plenty to see, hear and do at this year’s Forbidden Fruit Festival! The event, presented by Bulmers and POD, features a host of amazing acts from the Wu-Tang Clan, to Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada. Organisers are particularly excited about the appearance of pioneering DJ, producer, and legend of underground dance music Richie Hawtin, who is returning to Ireland for the first time in
four years to play Forbidden Fruit. Prolific producer and remix artist Jamie XX returns this year on Saturday along with dancefloor heavyweights Groove Armada with some of electronic music’s most enduring tracks. Influential Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus will also be on hand to perform his live show, Damian Lazarus and the Ancient Moons. Also in the electronic category on Saturday, Mount Krimbie, Waze and Odyssey and London trio Disciples will all take to the stage for what promises to be an epic DJ set. Saturday won’t be a strictly electronic affair however as “straight from the slums of Shaolin”, Brooklyn’s own Wu-Tang Clan with their unique brand of old-skool rap/hip-hop.
As part of the indie line-up, vocalist and songwriter Kelela joins Forbidden Fruit all the way from LA. Home grown groups are well represented as well with the ever-popular Booka Brass Band who have just released their amazing debut EP. Music isn’t the only attraction at Forbidden Fruit as organisers have announced a side-splitting line-up sure to have the audience rolling in the aisles. Some of this year’s main comedy attractions include the marmite-like David McSavage who is guaranteed to stir up a sensation, Kildare comic and winner of iTunes’ Best New Podcast in 2013 Jarlath Regan and Republic of Telly presenter Kevin McGahern. Patrick McDonnell, best known for
his roles on Naked Camera and as Eoin McLove on Father Ted will also take to the stage and with any luck he will sing My Lovely Mayo Mammy. Some of the best of the newcomers on the circuit including: Steve Bennett, Allison Spittle, and Danny O Brien will be given their chance to shine on the biggest stage of their fledgling careers. Belinda Kelly of Bulmers said: “Bulmers is very excited to kick start the summer with the fifth instalment of Bulmers Forbidden Fruit. This year we’re delighted that our partners, POD, have once again secured incredible acts. We’re pretty sure that the line-up will make the RHK the place to be on June Bank holiday weekend.” For more information on the Festival Line up visit: www.forbiddenfruit.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 Hank, who’s a bulldog of about two to three years old. Hank is a happy chappy, who loves tearing around his kennel with his teddies and also getting out for a good rough and tumble with his friend Darcy! Hank is a big guy, and for this reason, he’ll need to go to a home with someone who can manage his strength, older kids would be advisable if any. All his carers are very fond of Hank, and would love to see him find an amazing forever home. If you think you could offer Hank 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 28 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
FOOD&DRINK Coffee Angel With three locations in the city centre, it’s an up-and comer in the flat white wars €2.60
BITESIZEDNEWS
Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon demonstrated the high quality of SuperValu’s meat at a pop-up beef bistro
Here’s the beef on tasty SuperValu cuts SUPERVALU has launched its ‘best beef ever’ across its 221 stores throughout Ireland and to celebrate the store has set up its Pop Up Beef Bistro to showcase the real quality and taste of its product. Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon was on hand to prepare his famous rib of beef with all the trimmings for the lucky diners who were picked at random to eat at the pop-up eatery in Dawson Street bar, 37. The beef was expertly cooked and the cut superb. SuperValu is already synonymous with the best of Irish beef, with consumers rating SuperValu as the most trusted for quality in the market. Quality continues to be top of the agenda, demonstrated through its strong focus on sourcing, processing and ageing.
250 Square In Rathmines, try a Vietnamese iced coffee; delicious espresso poured over ice and condensed milk €4
FAB
Illustrating a new type We spill the beans of Sclavi’s Valdo rose VALDO Floral Edition Rose has been designed by Fabrizio Sclavi, an eminent fashion editor with a special passion for illustration, and is the perfect tipple for summer. The design is described as a tribute to nature, to beauty, to colours, to the joy of living. This new limited edition bottle was revealed at the Milano Design Week 2015 and displayed at the Superstudio Selected Gallery Design Exhibition. Valdo Floral Edition Rose Brut is on special promotion with an RSP of €20 for May and June while stocks last. It is available at independent off-licences including Donnybrook Fair, Dublin and Greystones; The Grape Vine, Dalkey; Kelly’s Wine Vault, Clontarf, Dublin 3; Martin’s Off Licence, Fairview, Dublin 3; Liston’s, Camden Street, Dublin 2, and Dublin Airport Duty Free.
FROM the humble filter coffee to the exceedingly trendy flat white, to the decadent and sweet cafe bon bon, there’s something for everyone who’s a coffee lover. In recent times, coffee in Dublin has gone through somewhat of a renaissance. Where once we struggled to find a good aul’ cuppa joe, we now have boutique baristas supplying their own revolutionary roasts. This month, we have compiled some of our favourite coffee experiences in the city. What do you think? Have we neglected a joyish java joint from our list? Let us know your favourite on The Gazette’s Facebook page, or on Twitter: @ DublinGazette. Next Month we will be searching for the perfect steak ...
Bald Barista Grab an espresso in Aungier Street €2
Clement & Pekoe Try a great flat white in South William Street €2.80
3FE Grand canal Street One of the most popular and best established names and roasters in the city; they do barista classes. Coffee Trio tasting tray €6
28 May 2015 Gazette 19
the west: high tea treats for two
TRAVEL
Oh, G – a great hotel you’ll love by Galway city mimi murraY
GALWAY has always been a difficult town to get into – quite literally. Traffic is always somewhat of a problem, so on a recent trip to the city I decided on the G Hotel, which is just outside and before the gridlock starts! When it opened in 2005, the G made waves with its bold colours, sleek lines and unusual touches, such as the origami birds swarming over your head in the spa. Designed by milliner Philip Treacy – one of Galway’s favourite sons – this hotel really is striking, from its pink parlour (where myself and my sister enjoyed afternoon tea) to the expansive restaurant with its lush purple seating.
We had 24 hours in the city and planned to make the most of it. Pink afternoon tea on arrival was being taken by lots of Galwegian ladies, and consisted of some pink bubbles and plenty of tasty morsels that more than see you through until dinner. I was determined to make it into the Latin Quarter before dinner and to have at least one glass of the black stuff. Galway was buzzing, as always, with plenty of people willing to engage us in conversation and have some craic. After a short walk back to the hotel, we changed for dinner and glammed it up ever so slightly, as the place almost commands it. The restaurant is headed by Cedric Bottarlini,
who was appointed the G Hotel’s new head chef in October 2014. He brings more than 15 years of international experience to his role, having returned to Galway from the Dead Sea in Jordan, where he worked as the executive sous chef in a leading luxury five-star international resort. Bottarlini trained in France and you can really see it in his food. Myself and my sister went for fishy starters – hers being seared scallops with watercress, radish and passion fruit, and mine being crab tian, crab bavarois, asparagus and pickled dillisk salad. We both wanted the rib eye steak and normally, in the name of research, would have tried something differ-
Copenhagen is set to be a Ryanair destination
Ryanair sets up new routes for winter 2015
Afternoon tea in the G Hotel’s Grand Salon is a refined experience, while its deluxe rooms offer pure comfort for travellers to the western city
ent but it looked so good that we both decided to go for that. This steak did not disappoint and was like butter to cut through, with the right amount of char and a delicious bearnaise on the side. A signature dessert in the G, the basil meringue, was an amazingly light treat after a big meal, but my sister made the wrong choice and death
by chocolate it was! She couldn’t move afterwards. The next morning, we were more than pleased to see that the spa was bathed in very dark light, good for the pot bellies and dark circles from the previous night. I had a fitness massage with a lovely therapist who used some reviving espa oils, and I walked away feeling renewed by
Stena Line trips to family breaks ian begley
IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering families the chance to enjoy a fun-filled summer break in July at a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales from €459 per family for seven nights when booked by May 31. The price, which offers holidaymakers up to 30% off pre-sale prices, includes return Stena Line travel from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, Belfast to Liverpool or Belfast to Cairn-
ryan for a car, two adults and up to two children, and seven nights’ selfcatering accommodation in Pontins Prestatyn in north Wales or Southport in Merseyside. Ian Bailie, key account and product sales manager for Stena Line, said: “From zoos to sea parks, castles to stately homes and walking trails to amusement parks, there really is something for everyone.” Prestatyn Sands is renowned for its beautiful beaches and is ideal
for families as it has a wealth of exciting things to see and do, including Prestatyn Castle, ancient cathedrals, stately homes such as Bodrhyhyddan Hall and lots of walks and trails in areas of outstanding beauty. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a firm favourite with visitors, as it is home to many interesting animals from around the world including snow leopards, chimpanzees, red pandas and Sumatran tigers, while the Llanberis Lake Railway is ideal for a
Gazette
TRAVEL fast
the whole experience. My sister said the sauna had almost killed her before it cured her, but we both left feeling the benefits of 24 hours in the west. The summer berrylicious afternoon tea at the G is priced €26 for one/€44 for two. Dinner is priced €48 for three courses. For fur ther information, see www. theghotel.ie.
RYANAIR has recently added extra flights from Dublin to Alicante, Faro, Tenerife and Warsaw as part of a significantly expanded winter 2015 schedule. The airline’s winter schedule is also expected to deliver two new routes to Copenhagen and Lublin and an extension to the Venice Treviso route. Irish customers and visitors can choose from 63 destinations across Europe this winter with Ryanair while also enjoying allocated seating, a free second carry-on bag, reduced fees, a new website, and a brand-new app with mobile boarding passes.
Local
Matters S u p p or t lo c a l b u s i n e ss
IRISH ferry company Stena Line is offering the chance of a summer break a Pontins Holiday Park, Wales
fun day out as families can travel onboard a steam train. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Southport is described as “England’s golfing capital” due to its high concentra-
tion of championship link courses, so budding golfers should be sure to bring their clubs. For further information, and to book, see www.stenaline.co.ie/pontins.
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20 Gazette 28 May 2015
mOTHER
& bABY
Bespoke baby bundles for your bundle of joy Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
A new shop for baby’s needs, providing prams, buggies, cots and everything in between, has opened in Finglas. Pitter Patter Prams is now offering a unique service to new mothers in Finglas village. The shop, on 1 Jamestown Road, will provide bespoke baby bundles including everything an expectant mother needs ahead of the baby’s arrival. Owner of Pitter Patter Prams Toni McKernan said of the new shop: “We aim to provide a very personal service that is tailored to what you need from your pram and baby necessities. “I have nearly 10 years’ experience in the pram and nursery industry. It’s a happy but confusing time as there are so many prams and my experience may help you select the pram for your everyday needs.
Our aim is to guide you through to ensure you buy the correct pram for you and your family.” McKernan is also trained in fitting car baby seats which he will do for free and because many parents install car seats incorrectly, he will also check that your seat fits your car. The tailor-made baby bundles special to Pitter Patter Prams are also tailored to suit everyone’s budget. The shop also provides free delivery of cots or prams and has a payment plan in place to suit all. If you prefer to discuss this privately, or cannot visit the shop during normal office hours, a one-to-one and by appointment only meeting can be arranged. For more information on the services provided by Pitter Patter Prams, you can go to www.facebook.com/www.pitterpatterprams. ie/info?tab=overview. You can contact the shop at info@pitterpatterprams.ie or by calling 01 8140810.
Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of a baby’s life
development: the pros and cons
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed, that has been a controversial question for new mothers over the years. Yet, nowadays there has been a rise in the number of women choosing to breastfeed, given that research shows it to be of the best for baby’s development.
Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged by medical experts for the first six months of the baby’s life. This, however, is the ideal, and do not fret if you cannot sustain breastfeeding for quite so long. A lot of mothers get upset when they cannot breastfeed, but this only puts additional pressure on new mothers and causes stress,
which is no good for the baby either. Therefore, if you can breastfeed, even for a little while, your child will be receiving a good portion of antibodies that will sustain them against infections for a significant amount of time. If you are one of the lucky ones, and can breastfeed your baby for the full six months, experts recommend weaning the baby off the breast with a combination of breast milk and solid food for a while. The benefits of breastfeeding for babies include less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting, less chance of constipation, less chance of developing type-two diabetes in later life and less chance of developing eczema. Breastfeeding is also good for mothers as it lowers the risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer, it saves money otherwise spent on infant formula and joy of joys, it also uses up to 500 calories a day. Another welcome fea-
ture of breastfeeding is that it can stave off the return of menstruation. The fear of breastfeeding in public is a common concern. However, according to www.breastfeeding.ie: “You are entitled to breastfeed in public places and you don’t have to ask. Some places may offer a private area if you would like this, but you do not have to use it. Your baby can look for food or comfort anywhere and at any time. Feel free to offer your baby a breastfeed whenever and wherever he or she needs it.” Finally, there is plenty of support out there for a new mother setting out to breastfeed. Websites such as www. friendsofbreastfeeding. ie, www.rollercoaster.ie, www.cuidiu-ict.ie and www.lalecheleagueireland.com, are all a click away to offer help and tips for Irish mothers who are breastfeeding. But don’t forget that if it doesn’t come naturally, bottle is a perfectly good way for baby to get all the nutrition it needs.
28 May 2015 Gazette 21
Developing a sleep routine ian begley
For parents with young infants the joys of getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep at night may seem like a distant memory. Although newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day, they do it in short bursts around the clock. This sleep routine can certainly drive new parents up the wall, but by following a few helpful tips getting your baby to sleep can be a lot less stressful than it needs to be. According to baby care expert and former presenter of the RTE show Baby on Board, Doreen Buckley, said
every baby is different and by monitoring your own infant’s behaviour and activity during the day, it will be a lot easier to develop a sleeping routine for them. Speaking to The Gazette she said: “If you want your baby to sleep well at night the training begins at about six weeks old. Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life and you need to start trying to learn how to settle them down. “Passing the baby around from one person to another is not good for the baby in the early weeks of its life and could disrupt sleeping patterns. “A baby under 12
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‘Babies require 18 hours of sleep a day for the first few weeks of their life ’ --------------------------
weeks old should be taking five or six naps a day and you should expect the baby to wake up twice during the night for feeding. “I think breastfeeding is my number one tip in helping your baby get to sleep. It’s not just about the act of feeding your baby, it’s the whole technique of settling it down and creating a calm, relaxing atmos-
phere between mother and baby.” Buckley went on to say that creating an ambience of dimmed lights in your home will also help settle your baby down. “Having your lights dimmed and also blackout lining in the room your baby sleeps in will help provide a healthy flow of sleep for your baby. “The cot your baby sleeps in should also be close to their parent’s bed. You can actually get a cot that attaches to the bed so that your baby is at the same level as you, but not actually sleeping with you. You can then meet their needs straight away and not cause them too much disruption.”
Newborns sleep for an average of 18 hours a day but they do it in short bursts around the clock
Gazette
22 Gazette 28 May 2015
mOTHER
& bABY
17 years of commitment to their mission at the Merrion Fertility Clinic Merrion Fertility was established in 1998 by Dr Mary Wingfield at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin and is Ireland’s only not-for-profit fertility clinic that is partnered with a large maternity hospital. Over 17 years ago, Dr Wingfield along with staff at the National Maternity Hospital undertook to provide couples with affordable access to reproductive care where decisions are based solely on best medical practice and supported evidence. Today the clinic is proud to be a leader in the area of reproductive medicine and surgery, providing over 500 assisted reproduction treatment cycles for couples per annum and achieving record pregnancy rates. Offering a wide range of advanced treatments, its current overall success rate for IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) is 52.4%, increasing to 55% for women under 37 (for more information on its success rates visit www.merrionfertility.ie). Other couples are helped to achieve pregnancy with simpler treatments and with surgery. Dr Wingfield has a particular interest and expertise in endometriosis and she and Dr Allen manage a wide range of gynaecological
conditions including fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome and pelvic adhesions. Male fertility treatment is also provided including surgical sperm retrieval where required. The clinic has maintained its close relationship with the National Maternity Hospital with all of its doctors continuing to work there as consultant obstetrician gynaecologists. As part of the hospital, the clinic benefits from a range of expert medical and surgical services, including early pregnancy services, consultant anaesthetists who provide sedation for IVF cycles, full laboratory services, operating theatres and access to Ireland’s best obstetric in-patient care. Once pregnant, the clinic’s patients have the option of continuing their pregnancy care at the hospital. Dr Wingfield and her team remain committed to the founding mission of the clinic by continuing to lead the way in research and quality in the area of assisted reproduction and by advocating for people in Ireland who have medical conditions that affect their fertility. If you would like more information on Merrion Fertility Clinic, please contact them on 01 6635000 or visit www.merrionfertility.ie
Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week
nutrition: foods for brain growth
A healthy diet for you and baby keith bellew
While a healthy diet is imperative for the development of your child once it is born, the right kind of diet during pregnancy can make an enormous contribution to your baby’s brain growth. According to experts, a baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops. A baby’s brain changes very quickly between the 24th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, with significant brain growth occurring from the 34th week. A wide range of nutrients are necessary to facilitate this development, so eating as healthy and varied a diet as possible is advised. The following is a list of super brain foods which will contribute to your baby’s brain development
and increase your chances of giving birth to a little Einstein. Pregnant women are advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week, and one of these should be oily. Oily fish is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which helps the
weight. We all know that spinach provides Popeye with the strength necessary to save Olive Oil from Bluto, but it also provides your baby with the natural folate necessary for the production of new DNA and the regulation of cell metabolism (on top
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‘A baby’s brain begins to form three weeks after conception and the food you eat plays a vital role how it develops’
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brain and central nervous system develop. Sardines and tuna are an excellent source of DHA. According to the World Health Organisation, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is the primary cause of preventable mental health problems. Yoghurt is rich in iodine, and Greek yoghurt is also packed with protein, which is imperative to ensuring a healthy birth
of your folic acid supplement). It also contains antioxidants which protect the baby’s brain tissue from damage. Eggs are a well known super food as they are a great source of lean protein and iron, which are crucial for brain development. Along with iron and protein, eggs also contain high levels of choline, which aids the development of memory and a
life-long ability to learn. Nuts are handy for snacking on the go, and Brazil nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats and selenium. A selenium deficiency can alter brain development in your baby, so Brazil nuts are a definite must. Peanuts are surprisingly beneficial to your baby’s brain development as they contain protein, niacin, monounsaturated fats and folate. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is their high levels of Vitamin E and supports DHA and also protects brain cell membranes. The roasted and unsalted variety are also a good source of antioxidants. As essential fats make up approximately 60% of the developing brain, avocados are rich in oleic acid which helps to create and maintain myelin, which is a fatty protective layer around nerves in the central nervous system.
28 May 2015 Gazette 23
Gazette
24 Gazette 28 May 2015
OUT&ABOUT
Concert Celebration of Yeats THE Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is hosting an unusual and melodic celebration of the 150th birthday of WB Yeats with a concert. Entitled Songs from the Swans at Coole, it’s based on the work of the great modern poet. Composer Michael Scott has created a new song cycle exploring Yeats’s poetry, with a particular focus on the development of the Irish State and his unrequited love for Maude Gonne. The poems being treated include Innisfree, Sailing to Byzantium, When You Are Old, The Sorrow Of Love, No Second Troy, September 1913. A selection of poetry will be read by actors Deirdre Donnelly and Des Cave, and singers Yvonne Brennan (soprano) and Anthony Norton (tenor) will put some selected poems to music. The musical style will be operatic and classical accompanied by a traditional Irish orchestra, complete with Irish harp, whistle, percussion, fiddle, cello, French horn, uilleann pipes and pianoforte. The concert takes place on June 13, and tickets are on sale for €21 from boxoffice@paviliontheatre. ie.
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ARTS
books: all over ireland
Short but effective looks at ourselves Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
ALL Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, is Faber and Faber’s fifth volume of short stories. In the introduction to this anthology, Madden makes the usual disclaimer that her selection of new short stories does not try to be definitive or form a literary canon. However, Madden need not be so circumspect, as she has done a fine job in choosing stories of great variety, innovation and artistry. Madden does draw our attention in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles. In her selection, Madden shows us a good slice of Irish society and the “rude health of the Irish short story”. The breadth of style and subject matter in the anthology is wonderful, and there really is something for every literary taste. In My New Life, by Andrew Fox, we are met with a traditional style – very reminiscent of the
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‘In All Over Ireland, edited by novelist Deirdre Madden, our attention is drawn in the introduction to certain themes cropping up in many of the stories, such as emigration, as seen from various angles’
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1950s – as a young boy tries to adjust to a new life in America. Fox’s use of language is economical and appropriate to the subject matter. His descriptions are spot on and often funny; for instance, when the young boy sees his father passed out on the sofa, he describes it as “his mouth hanging in a vague, unspoken vowel”. From childhood to
ageing, all stations of life are also covered in the book. In For Keeps, by Belinda McKeon, we are welcomed into a real snapshot of a brief moment in the life of the female protagonist. As she gets older, she notices that she no longer draws glances from men on the street; many women meet this cold fact of life with shock. On first encountering this, the character’s mind is stalled for a while and she is at a loss, even imagining that everyone is especially busy and distracted that day ... One of my favourite stories is Sean O’Reilly’s Ceremony, as it uses the short story form to present the essence of primal need. We discover over time that the character, Nathan, has a dark history. The story moves from slang-ridden and somewhat shallow developing into an exploration of the deep-end of the character’s subconscious with a simultaneous change in language to something more enduring. As Nathan becomes more philosophical, we become more attracted
All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber
to him as a character and O’Reilly lets some of the character’s propensities for destruction leak out. Nathan tells us of a friend who has found his calling in life. “He had found what we all need, a reason, a rock to smash ourselves against,” he says. O’Reilly’s final image of Nathan is one of the most extraordinary I can recall in any short story. Another favourite of mine in the collection is Frank McGuinness’s The Widow’s Ferret. It is about a Catholic widow of a murdered RUC man living in Coleraine. The widow’s interior life is fascinating as she tries to create a reason for continuing after her husband’s death. She is at war with herself as she swings from paranoia to rage. The
In this anthology, novelist Deirdre Madden has edited a fine collection of Irish writing from diverse voices
author’s poetic flair is on show and, in keeping with the subject matter, we are transported back to O’Casey’s histor y plays. The widow curses the violence of The Troubles, saying: “You are damned
in this country because you eat your own. You down the blood of your brothers. You devour your sister’s skin.” All Over Ireland, published by Faber and Faber, is on sale priced €13.99.
28 May 2015 gazette 25
Stylish new breed of Opel Astra is here
Gazette
new generation: saloon a big part of fresh-faced fleet
MOTORING MOTORING road
NOISE
dave phillips
With good reason, Opel has long enjoyed a stable place in the Irish market. With a logo that is filed in our national psyche next to memories of Jack Charlton’s halcyon days, the brand has long been associated with that golden era of Ireland when we were proud to be a robust, dependable, and functional people – and arguably no other car captured that spirit more than the Astra. Fast forward 20 years and the collective identity crises of both Opel and the Irish nation have settled into sync once again. A single glance at the new saloon model is enough to make it clear that here is a new breed of Astra in town. The latest generation of Opel cars signifies a boost of new energy in the brand, and the new Astra sits stylishly among the fresh-faced fleet. Without a doubt it is the visual leap from the hatchback that is most immediately noticeable in this model. The saloon version of the Astra boasts a sleek and distinguished aesthetic that flows from the burnished exterior to the subdued interior finish. This iteration seems to be less of a benevolent workhorse and more elegant executive, closer in style though smaller in stature to Opel’s stalwart Insignia. The test car offered came with the standard 1.6 CDTi engine, which performs incredibly quietly, particularly in com-
Versatile Vito van range from Mercedes-Benz invades Dublin streets
The Opel Astra saloon is a smooth, solid drive with prices starting at €19,495
parison to the last generation’s 1.7-litre engine. It’s a smooth ride getting around the city and suburbs, with a fairly economical fuel consumption thanks to the start/ stop set up. Take the car out onto long stretches though, and you can really get a feel for what the Astra is built for. An optional Flex Ride system adds to the enjoyment: sport mode stiffens the shock absorbers, so the car grips more firmly to the road surface, steering support is lessened as
it is intended for straight line driving, and acceleration becomes noticeably more responsive – it also switches all the main instrument lighting to red, which, it must be said, does make you feel at least three times as cool. Comfortable
A tour mode does practically the opposite with the shocks, allowing a more comfortable drive, but even on the standard set up, the Astra is exceptionally comfortable on the motorway.
The interior is classy and understated, with perforated leather facing seats and a clean matte finish on the dash. Housing a seven-inch sat nav unit, the Navi950 system will also stream your music, handle calls, and read your texts aloud. Combined with the climate controls (including heated seats) and radio, the array of buttons is daunting at first look, but you’ll have it down within the day. There’s ample space in the back seats, and
an absolutely massive boot that will no doubt make this car appealing to those looking for a functional family car that offers more style than most. Overall a solid drive, the new Astra saloon should carve out its own niche in the market. A base price from €19,495 makes it more attractive, but much of the long haul comfortable appeal is tied up in the extras which can bump this model up to around €25,000.
The latest Mercedes-Benz van range has been finding its way onto Dublin streets. Promising an unsurpassed level of versatility, commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady suggests the new Mercedes-Benz Vito “will send shockwaves through the mid-size van segment”. The Vito range currently comprises three models – the Vito panel van, which concentrates on maximising storage space with 6.9 cubic metres of cargo space in the back. The Mixto adds some additional seating, catering for up to six people while maintaining a cargo volume of up to 4.1 cubic metres. Finally, the Tourer is marketed as a crewbus that can seat up to nine people and still boasts significant storage. Six-speed manual transmission is standard, and there is the choice of rear-wheel or front-wheel drive formats. The Vito looks to be a smooth combination, melding together the best of robust haulage with in car comfort – the cockpit is redesigned, high quality, and airy. Meanwhile, power comes from two, fourcylinder turbo-diesel engines available in five power ratings. A long list of safety features land as standard on all models including, attention assist to monitor the driver’s condition and crosswind assist to eliminate the effects of wind gusts. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard, so too are twin driver and passenger airbags. In panel van format, prices for the range begin at €18,650 (ex taxes and delivery related charges). The Mixto range starts from €37,790 (inc VAT and VRT). The Tourer range starts from €47,950 (inc VAT and VRT).
The Mercedes-Benz Vito van range
26 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 May 2015
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Gazette
28 Gazette 28 May 2015
SPORT Passing of RTE legend O’Herlihy
FastSport
soccer: bill set to be honoured by the fai for services to sport
three rock finish fourth in europe: THREE Rock Rovers ended fourth in the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy as the ran out of legs against Azerbaijan’s Atasport yesterday at Grange Road, Rathfarnham. They ultimately fell 3-2, ending a tournament they started superbly on a low note. Friday saw a 5-2 win over Ukraine’s professional outfit OKS Vinnitsa before Ross Canning’s late goal saw them beat Scottish champions Grange 3-2. But Sunday’s agonising loss to eventual winner SC Stroitel Brest 2-1 denied them a final berth as they could not break through despite an overwhelming dominance of chances and possession. It left them playing for bronze against an Azeri side powered by nine players of Pakistani origin. The Dubliners looked good early on with Jody Hosking firing home a drag-flick inside two minutes but ultimately fell to a second last minute goal.
aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com
FORMER RTE broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy has died aged 76. The presenter passed away peacefully at his home on Monday and is survived by his wife Hilary
and two daughters. O’Herlihy was a household name across the country for his decades of beloved presenting of RTÉ’s coverage of sporting events, namely 10 World Cups and 10 Olympic Games in a career spanning over
O’Herlihy with John Giles and Eamon Dunphy
Bill O’Herlihy in the RTE studio
four decades. He retired last summer following the 2014 World Cup after announcing it would be his final appearance as presenter on RTE some months earlier. His coverage of football alongside pundits and life-long friends Liam Brady, John Giles and Eamon Dunphy won the acclaim and hear ts of people all over the countr y for their insightful analysis, years of experience and professional presence on screen. Bill began his career in media aged 16 when he was taken on as a journalist for the Cork Examiner, while his first appearance on television came in 1965 when
he presented a report on the sinking of the Lusitania off the Cork coast for Newsbeat. He went on to work on the programme 7 Days but left following an episode that dealt with illegal money lending that would go on to become a subject of inquiry through tribunal. He would go on to found the O’Herlihy Communications Group in 1973. O’Herlihy was synonymous with Italia ’90, and is remembered fondly for his work on RTE’s panel for Republic of Ireland games. Bill was held in high regard by Irish football fans for his unique
approach to his role as presenter, opening football up to both young and old, sporting and non-sporting. He had worked in broadcasting since the 1960s and was RTE’s chief sports presenter for the UEFA Champions League, World Track Championships as well as Republic of Ireland international games and Oly mpic Games. Speaking about O’Herlihy’s passing, John Delaney, FAI chief executive, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened at the passing of Bill O’Herlihy. “A t r u e n a t i o n a l treasure, he was a fantastic journalist and
interviewer, who made a unique contribution to Irish sports journalism. “I have known him for over 20 years. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, his wife Hilary, and his daughters Jill and Sally.” The FAI will honour Bill O’Herlihy’s contribution to Irish football at its international matches in June. He received the Jacob’s Award for his presentation of the 1990 World Cup, won Irish Sports Journalist of the Year in 2003 and was named Irish Film and Television Academy’s Television Personality of the Year in 2007.
Blackrock man Macken leaves Leinster for Wasps sport@dublingazette.com
Brendan Macken on the run for Leinster against Connacht. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/ SPORTSFILE
FORMER Blackrock College centre Brendan Macken has left Leinster for Coventry-based Aviva Premiership side Wasps, where he’ll play the 2015-16 season. Macken has already familiarised himself with the Premiership, having joined Gloucester after Christmas, a move the Blackrock man says was “an enjoyable experience” and no doubt played a role in his decision to move more permanently. In part due to the loan, Mack-
en has made only five starting appearances for Leinster this season. “I’m delighted to sign for Wasps,” he says. “They’re a massive club and their reputation is only getting better. “I hope to get as much experience as I can and will try to maximise any opportunities I have. “I’m looking forward to being part of the Wasps set-up, working hard and contributing as best I can to help the team continue to improve. Macken’s been part of the Leinster system for five years,
since leaving school, though he’s often been kept out of the side by the strength of the Leinster centre which has included Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Fergus McFadden. “I am incredibly grateful for my time with Leinster Rugby,” he says. “I have been proud to represent them, and I would like to thanks everyone involved with Leinster for everything they have done for me. It has been an incredible part of my life.” Wasps had a mixed 2014-15 season, which included a controversial move up to the Ricoh
Arena from their old home in Wycombe. Their current back row is full of international talent, including Kiwi star Piri Weepu, Scotland’s Ruaridh Jackson and England’s Joe Simpson and Christian Wade. Macken will be joining up with former Leinster man Jimmy Gopperth at the Ricoh Arena. Wasps finished sixth in the Aviva Premiership last season, 15 points behind league winners Northampton Saints, doing just enough to qualify for the European Champions Cup.
28 May 2015 Gazette 29
Gazette
‘Ais the Bash’ saving UFC return for Dublin Aisling Daly talks to James Hendicott about her move to UFC, The Ultimate Fighter experience and her struggles in the developing world of female MMA DRIMNAGH’S Aisling Daly - Ireland’s only female professional mixed martial arts fighter - plans to save her next big outing for the UFC’s return to Dublin in October, telling GazetteSport “I don’t think I want to risk missing a second Dublin card. I’d rather not risk another injury.” Daly is currently nursing a minor niggle following her recent loss to Randa Markos, but expects to return to full training in the coming couple of weeks. She sees herself as two or three fights away from a title belt fight in a division that’s still taking shape. “It definitely makes a difference fighting away from home a lot. I’d much prefer to fight in Dublin,” she says. “I’m used to the travel now, but it makes a big difference to wake up in your
own bed. The travel is an occupational hazard.” Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt Daly’s previous fights include appearances in Canada, the US, the UK and an impressive last-minute stand-in win in Amman, Jordan, in which she defeated Angela Hayes having excepted the fight at just three days’ notice. Her overall record currently stands at 15 wins and six losses. T he Dubliner has gained far more recognition in recent years as MMA has come to ever increasing prominence in Ireland through the exploits of Conor McGregor, but she still feels the women’s sport is under-appreciated, both here and abroad. “When I beat Jessica Eye, I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title”, she tells GazetteSport. “Nobody knew
Aisling Daly signs autographs at Wildcat Ink last Saturday.
who either of us was back then, but I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved. “Conor obviously raised the bar in Ireland, but not getting the recognition was a little bit usual. “The women’s sport generally is still in its infancy, however. “The women are still underpaid in the UFC. It’s partly the contracts you can only fight every three months. But UFC also recognises fighters based on how many fights they’ve had within the organisation.” Daly is currently ranked number 11 in UFC’s women’s strawweight division, a class that was only added to the championship in late 2014. Early rankings were determined by results in reality TV show The Ultimate F i g h t e r. D a l y w a s
defeated in the show’s quarter final. “I’ve had 21 professional fights, but I’m fairly new to UFC, because women’s MMA is fairly new to UFC. We’re still behind the men as a result, but it’s a take it or leave it kind of deal.”
anyone in the division. Daly recently moved down a division to the 115lb straw weight level, a weight at which she finds herself “pretty depleted”, but faces up against fighters her own size, rather than bulkier opponents who might take fights from Daly
--------------------------------------------------------
‘I was the first Irish fighter to hold a world title. I don’t think it got quite the recognition it deserved.’ - Aisling Daly --------------------------------------------------------
Poland’s Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the reigning belt holder in a division that’s yet to see a successful title defence, and Daly fancies her chances against the Pole’s kickboxing style. “I’m a jiu-jitsu girl,” she says. “So the ideal opponent for me is a wrestler. Someone like Carla Esparza would be the most difficult fight for me, because I’m always looking to get the take down, and Carla would be able to defend the takedown well. “Maybe Joanna wouldn’t be able to defend the takedown quite so well. But I think at this stage you just need to be well rounded and able to deal with all styles. You can’t afford to be too one dimensional. I’d feel fairly comfortable matching up with
on pure physical power rather than technical ability. It’s a bold move, but one that raise the fighter’s profile still further after her televised appearances on The Ultimate Fighter, and allows her to compete at the top of the international game. “The top two or three girls at 125lb are a lot bigger, a lot stronger than me,” Daly explains. “I want to be the best in the world. If I’m going to achieve that, I felt this was the right move, especially with the weight divisions available in the UFC.” Despite her recent defeat to Randa Markos, “Ais the Bash” is full of hope, and looking to harness Ireland’s growing affection for her sport. Come autumn, she’ll be back on the warpath.
FastSport
Tattarsalls Horse Trials set for world-class field EIGHT Dublin riders are set to represent Ireland at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair this coming weekend. The trials get under way this Wednesday, May 27 and continue until Sunday, May 31. Entries are at an all time high for the event, taking place in Ratoath, County Meath, with 364 individual entries representing an increase of 9% on last year. Eight of the world’s top 13 riders will feature, including William Fox-Pitt, currently number two in the world, from the UK, while 2014 winner Tim Price will return to defend his title. Irish entries Aoife Daly of Castleknock, Peter Garrigan of Baldurgan and Symone Brown of Dublin 13 will compete in the preliminary level, CCI one category, while Geoff Curran will compete in the intermediate CCI two. Nicola Ennis will compete at the highest level of the Dublin entries, with the Howth rider expected to compete at CCI three level, just below the highest international standard. Ennis has an impressive record in Irish eventing, including a fourth place finish in Ballindenisk earlier this year. She’ll ride her eight-year-old mount Westwinds Jack of Hearts. “We are overwhelmed with the calibre of entries received for the 10th running of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair,” director Roger Casey said. “The World’s Best Event riders will all converge in Ireland.” “This gives the public the exciting opportunity to witness the very best competitors in this sport. The increase in entry numbers is a testament to the event and how it has grown since its inception in 2006. ” Three equestrian disciplines will feature- dressage, cross country and show jumping. Dressage takes place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Cross country on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and show jumping on Saturday and Sunday. The grounds are opposite Fairyhouse Racecourse, and the action will take place between 9am and 5.30pm daily. Entry prices vary by day, from free entry on Wednesday and Thursday to €17 for adults for the prestigious Saturday schedule.
Gazette
30 LUCAN gazette 28 May 2015
SPORT
fastSport
20 in 20: Conlon set for huge personal running challenge
Harriers out in numbers in Kildare LUCAN HARRIERS made their annual trip to the Bob Heffernan 5K in Enfield, organised by Na Fianna AC in Jobstownbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday, May 19. Lucan had 20 runners taking part. First home for Lucan Harriers was Barry Aherne, in an impressive 17.28, closely followed by Karl Fitzgerald (17.35) and Gerry Byrne Junior (17.57). The course is known amongst athletes for its PB potential, and many Harriers were able to beat previous tallies. Winner Peter Brandon clocked an impressive 14.59, while Aherne’s spot was enough to earn him 65th place in a field of over 400. For the ladies, meanwhile, first home was new member Kathleen Trunk in 22.58, followed by Lorraine Heffernan in 23.56. Ursula Murphy clocked in third in 24.26. The club also competed at the Dublin Track & Field Championships. In the senior men’s javelin, Pat Dwyer (pictured) won a bronze medal in his first time competing in this event. He will now take part in the Leinster championships, which take place in Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Saturday, 20 June and Sunday, 21 June. Harriers have also announced that their next home race will take place on Saturday, September 12, in order to combine the event with Lucan Festival, an annual community event that will also feature local GAA club Sarsfields as well as stalls and entertainment. The race will be over five miles, with entries open nearer to the event.
Mark Conlon is attempting to run 20 marathons in 20 weeks in aid of Pieta House
Bawnogue’s marathon man sport@dublingazette.com
BAWNOGUE’S Mark Conlon – an experienced distance runner with Dublin Bay Running Club in Howth – is embarking on a fundraising binge for Pieta House, aiming to run 20 marathons in just 20 weeks. Conlon’s challenge will get underway this Saturday, May 30 with a 50km ultra-marathon in Donadea Forest near Celbridge, County Kildare. During the challenge, Conlon will complete a 100km ultra-marathon (June 13), ten marathons in five days (August 4 to August 8) and back to
back marathons in Portarlington (July 10 and 11). He’ll also complete a midnight marathon followed by a morning marathon over the weekend of June 20, meaning two separate full marathon distance races separated, no doubt, by a fitful sleep and all wrapped up in less than 15 hours. A tough man, clearly, but with his experience Conlon knows what he’s getting into. “The 100km race and the ten marathons in five days will be the toughest,” he told GazetteSport, “though I expect when I finish the whole challenge I’ll be on crutches for a while. During, you just have to make the most of your
rest and keep on moving in the races. “They key is taking it a day at a time, using ice packs at night and to just keep going.” Conlon is an ex-private in the Irish Army, and has previously completed 79 races at marathon distance or higher. His previous achievements include finishing ten marathons in ten days last year in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital. He’s chosen Pieta House as a charity based on his experience serving overseas, “to raise awareness, having seen people come back with severe depression. It’s important to know there’s someone
to talk to, and how much exercise can clear your head, as it does for me. “This won’t be the last time I raise money for them; any future sponsored events I do will also be in aid of Pieta House.” Conlon cites his running club and other marathon groups as a major source of inspiration, in particular the likes of Dave Grady, a fellow runner who’s completed in excess of 400 marathon or marathon-plus distance races. He’s also quick to nod to the low cost marathon initiative the East of Ireland Marathon Series, which enable much of his running to be officially timed.
The Clondalkin runner plans to wrap up his 100th full marathon shortly after completing this challenge, perhaps with a place at the Dublin City Marathon. While Conlon sounds optimistic about completing 20 marathons in 20 weeks, he’s the first to acknowledge its difficulties. “There’s no guarantee with something like this that you’re going to finish,” he says. “It’s for charity, so obviously I’ll do everything I can. “Pieta shows people who feel down that they can talk to friends and progress through exercise, it’s an amazing charity. It saves lives.”
28 May 2015 LUCAN gazette 31
Gazette
Points pave the way to Under-13 league sport@dublingazette.com
LUCAN Sarsfields Under13 girls footballers won the Division 1 league title last week as they got the best of their winner-takesall clash with Na Fianna on the Mobhi Road. Having played the same opposition at home only three weeks earlier in the first round games,
they knew they were going to get nothing easy in their quest for glory. Sars raced into a threepoint lead but Na Fianna reacted well and started to peg back the lead, making it 0-3 each after 15 minutes. Faye Murphy was leading the way, though, and, for the last 10 minutes of the half, Lucan dominat-
ed proceedings and went in at the break 0-8 to 0-3 ahead. The second half was pretty much a carbon copy of the first. The nonstop Aoife Coffey seemed to be everywhere, while Alannah Cassells linked up very well with the full forward line of Carla Wynne, Abby Shiels and Charmaine Gahan.
While they were unable to raise the green flag, Lucan ran into a 0-12 to 0-5 lead before Na Fianna won a penalty but they saw that saved. Na Fianna did keep p l u g g i n g aw ay a n d grabbed a goal but were well shy in the final reckoning at 0-16 to 1-5 as Lucan claimed the Division 1 league title.
camogie: Lucan battle hard against marino side
Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who
appear at the club on June 13. Tickets
sent in match reports this weekend.
are on sale every Tuesday and Thurs-
Full details can be found on our web-
day at the bar 7.30pm.
site, www.lucansarsfields.ie; over
Have you got what it takes to beat
1,500 players in action in the last week
The Kube? If so, keep Friday, June 5
across all four codes from age seven
free and contact the organising com-
to 40+.
mittee on 087 4650729 to register your
Well done to our U-16B footballers
interest.
who won their championship shield
The club shop is open on Thursdays
final at the weekend. It was also a
from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays
great week for the U-13 girls’ football
from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
team who celebrated winning their Division 1 league.
The Lucan District Credit Union GAA Academy at Lucan Sarsfields is
Bookings are now open for our
at 9.30am for camogie and girls’ foot-
summer camps; the Kellogg’s Cul
ball, 10am for boys’ football and hurl-
camp (football) – July 6-10; hurling/
ing, for boys and girls born in 2008,
camogie - July 13-17; football – August
2009 and 2010 at the 12th Lock, Lucan.
10-14; hurling/camogie – August 17-21,
Contact Johnny on 085 1294102.
see the website for details.
There was no winner of this week’s
There are only 12 slots left on
€17,500 lotto draw; numbers were 7,
timesheet for our golf classic on Fri-
16, 19 and 20. This week’s jackpot is
day, June 19. To book a slot or sponsor
€18,000. O’Grady Hearing Services are
a tee-box, call Michael at 087 2331983.
sponsoring with Gerry McAndrew’s
Clarevoyant Bernie Stokes will
team in charge.
st pat’s palmerstown THE senior footballers had a fantastic
A huge well done to our U-16 football-
win against Lucan Sarsfields away;
ers on their performances to get us to
nail-biting to the end but the finish
the semi-final replay in the C shield.
was perfect with a two-point win for
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be Pat’s day
St Pat’s in this local derby.
with some fantastic performances
There was an amazing performance from the U-15 footballers this week
Youthful Sarsfields undone by Vincent’s
against Ballyboden St Enda’s, recov-
division one camogie
The St Sylvester’s minor footballers are through to the final of the A championship
St Vincent’s Lucan Sarsfields sport@dublingazette.com
3-9 0-9
A YOUTHFUL Lucan Sarsfields side came out the wrong side of a serious Senior One clash with St Vincent’s at a breezy Marino. Shor t a couple of regulars, it was every Lucan woman for herself against a slightly more experienced home side. Lucan were well in the game when five points down – at 1-5 to 0-3 – at the break having faced both sun and
wind. However, two Vinnies’ goals early in the second half from Ellen McGovern and Carol Anne Canning effectively ended the contest as the Lucan forwards struggled to win any ball thereafter. Indeed, apart from a Sinead O’Toole point after 17 minutes and a similar score from Mairi Moynihan in the 49th minute, all Lucan’s scores came from freetaker Ciara Casey (0-7). Joelene Hoary was skilful and aler t in goal for Lucan and was utterly blameless for the
three goals. Sarah Courtney had a good outing and looked at home at corner-back. Laura Morgan again belied her youth with a very composed display at left-half back. Annemarie Courtney was one of the stars on the night for Lucan and had a lively battle with Dublin senior Aine Fanning. The pair of them fought this one to a standstill. L u c a n ’s b e s t s e ctor was probably in the middle of the park where Ailbhe Ryan’s consistent good handling and long striking
weren’t rewarded on the scoreboard. Her par tner, Dublin star Moynihan, was very strong under the dropping ball forming a solid partnership in the middle showing a high work-rate. Orlaith Murphy battled well on a fairly limited supply while Sam Fitzgerald has the little bit of magic that can unlock defences. They came up against tough customers but can be happy with their performances on a testing night for the Lucan girls who all battled bravely.
over the last two games. The St Pat’s Scor quiz team finished third in Scor na Paisiti this week.
erying from 12 points down at half time
Well done to the junior footballers on
and four points down in injury time but
Sunday at home; brilliant win against
the game finished in a 6-10 each draw.
Crumlin.
The St Pat’s U-7s had their first game
The St Pat’s senior camogie team
in Round Tower; we had 18 girls and
played their sixth league match of sea-
boys playing and they were wonder-
son against Naomh Jude on Thursday,
ful. A big thanks to all the parents for
winning a tight game by four points.
getting them there; thanks to Round
A Night at the Races takes place on
Tower for their hospitality and a big
Friday, June 19 at the Palmerstown
thanks to our mentors Keith, Kieron
House. Brochures and more informa-
and Edno. Finally, thanks to the group
tion will be circulated this week.
of lads who have helped us in the nurs-
Lotto numbers for the week: 3, 7 ,13
ery all year: Fiachra, Sean, Aaron,
and 21. The jackpot was won by Jim
Matthew and Mark.
Kennedy; congratulations Jim.
Round tower, Clondalkin THE inter footballers lost to St Brigid’s
Fancy an experience of a lifetime?
in the league but junior As overcame
Our hurling section is running a very
Thomas Davis.
novel fundraiser. Raise €100 and be in
Details of the Round Tower host-
with an opportunity to undertake a
ed summer camps for 2015 were
parachute jump. A night of entertain-
announced last week. The Kellogg’s Cul
ment in the club on Saturday, June 13
Camp will run from July 6-10. The club
will determine the last man or woman
camp will take place from July 13-17.
standing to undertake the jump. Spon-
Further details are on the website.
sorship cards are available behind the
Bookings are being taken for the
bar.
club Nursery on Saturday mornings.
Heading to Croke Park for the Dubs
Further detail is available from James
on Sunday? The club is running a return
on 086 4082561 or Catherine on 086
bus that will depart at 1.45pm. Only €5.
8303207.
Contact Jess at 087 6202873.
GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 28-31
may 28-June 3, 2015
narrow margins: Sarsfields’ senior camogie side Ais the bash’s dublin calling: Ireland’s only female MMA pro take the lessons from league tie with St Vincent’s P31 keen not to miss home date P29
Lucan add Gilligan Cup to promotion Aaron gallagher
sport@dublingazette.com
LUCAN UNITED will look back on this season with an immense feeling of pride. Having secured promotion to the Senior 1A Division, John Doyle’s side were celebrating again on Friday night after they hammered Edenderry Town 6-2 to lift the Gilligan Cup. Doyle’s side has been nicknamed the Galacticos on account of a team brimming with former Ireland internationals and League of Ireland players alike that includes Mark Kinsella, Mark Rutherford, Stephen Bradley, Graham
Gartland and Graham Barrett. They were simply too good for the Offaly side, who are ranked a division higher than the Dublin outfit. United’s Conor Walshe opened the scoring after just seven minutes in the cup final with Conor Foley adding a second soon after. Edenderry pulled one back before the interval to leave the game on a knife edge. But minutes after the second half began, Rutherford slotted United’s third, restoring Lucan’s two-goal advantage before Gartland made it 4-1. With 20 minutes to go, Sean Dunne put the game beyond doubt. Edenderry pulled one back but it would act only as a consola-
tion before Walshe bagged his second in a resounding win. Speaking about the season, manager Doyle said that gaining promotion was his side’s goal at the start of the season, but that to have gotten to and won the Gilligan Cup on top of Division 1A football next season was incredible progress. “We would have been happy with promotion at the start of the season as the 1B league is very hard to progress from with the introduction each year of teams from the top AUL league and very good teams from junior football.” Winning 17 of their 26 league games this season, with the most
goals scored with 68 on top of the second-best defensive record conceding less than an average of a goal a game, Doyle said it was not only the results that impressed, but also the development of his club at youth level. “What’s especially pleasing is the introduction of players from our Under-19s who have now become established members of the team. “This was the first time since I joined the club that we now have players coming through from the schoolboy end of the club to seniors. The club has been built up over the last 10 years to give us teams at every age group.”
Lucan United celebrate their Gilligan Cup final victory last Friday night