Gazette LUCAN
October 13 - 19, 2016
Find us on
Comedy: We get Al the best insights into Mr Porter’s hilarious gigs P13
WIN
SEE THE BIG INTERVIEW P16-17
A COPY OF MICK FLANNERY’S NEW ALBUM AND TICKETS TO HIS GIG
CINEMA Fassbender delights us again 24
Dreaded water charges could be back by spring SYLVIA POWNALL
Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
WATER charges could be back as early as next spring unless the Government makes a decision on the issue. Hard-pressed Dublin households – most of whom reaped a
net weekly gain of just €5 from the Budget – could see bills reintroduced by March 2017. Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar issued the stark warning yesterday as questions were raised over the lack of provision in the Budget to
cover the scrapped fees. Massive public pressure forced the Government to suspend charges earlier this year and an expert Commission was set up to decide on the best way to pay for water. But Minister Varadkar said:
“Water charges have been suspended and that suspension ends next spring, and in the absence of any policy change, or decision by the Dail otherwise, water charges come back.” A poll earlier this month
revealed almost two-thirds of voters in Dublin want the complete removal of charges. A series of marches opposing the charge are set to take place across the capital this weekend. Full Story on Page 6
2 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
INTREO CENTRE | MINISTER CONFIRMS NO SERVICE PLANNED
No plans for a Lucan social welfare office IAN BEGLEY PEOPLE in Lucan and Adamstown have yet again been denied a local social welfare office and must travel to Clondalkin to sign on and avail of other welfare services. In a recent parliamentary question, Minister Leo Varadkar confirmed to Deputy John Curran that he has no intention of locating an Intreo Centre in the Lucan and Adamstown area. Last year, the Department of Social Protection abandoned its plans to establish a social welfare office in Lucan, despite a threeyear search. The Office of Public Works has been exploring options in Lucan and Adamstown for an Intreo Centre since 2012, but
failed to find a suitable space due to the “limited choice of suitably sized and located offices”. Intreo is a service of the Department of Social Protection, which acts as a single point of contact for all employment and income supports. Clients from Adamstown and Lucan sign in at the Clondalkin Intreo Centre. They also have to travel to Clondalkin for community welfare services. However, the introduction of an email, postal and phone service lessens the need for customers to travel to Clondalkin. A call out/home visit service is also available for customers who are unable to travel. Dublin Mid-West TD John Curran said that the lack of interest in establishing a social
welfare office for the people of Lucan and Adamstown is a “very disappointing development”. “It is very disappointing to learn that the Department of Social Protection has no intention to follow this planned roll out because they were unable to find suitable premises. “I believe the ‘lack of suitably sized offices’ in the Lucan/ Adamstown area to be a farcical excuse from Government for the failure to provide the people of Lucan and Adamstown such a basic service. “People with young babies, carers, the elderly and people with disabilities should not be expected to travel this distance and so frequently for their welfare services “ T h e D e p a r t m e n t n ow
believes that the scale of the operation in Clondalkin is capable of serving the population catchment of the Lucan-Adamstown area. The Department has no plans for an Intreo Centre in Lucan-Adamstown at the present time; however the fact that the Clondalkin Office can service the catchment area is not the point for the many people in Lucan and Adamstown who find it so difficult to get to Clondalkin on a weekly and monthly basis. “It is a matter of urgency that a local social welfare office is provided to service the people of Lucan and Adamstown, this is laziness by Government to not find suitable premises and therefore abandon a vital service for the people of Lucan and Adamstown”, he said.
ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, Jan–Dec 2015)
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240
FASTNews
Fundraisers invite you to tuck in to a great evening with Neven Maguire
CELEBRITY chef Neven Maguire will give a cookery demonstration in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation later this month. The popular cook will be the main attraction at what has been billed as a “delicious” fundraiser for the charity. The event takes place on Wednesday, 26th October, in the Westgrove Hotel, Clane from 7pm with tickets now on sale for €20. The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation provides direct funding to families of young children who suffer severe intellectual and physical developmental delay, enabling them to purchase home respite care. They also provide end of life care to all children up to the age of four. The night out includes a drinks reception and a food and craft fair, with Neven due to the stage at 8pm where he will cook a delicious threecourse meal for the audience to learn and replicate for their own dinner party. There are lots of prizes to be won in the raffle on the night and a fantastic goody bag including a bath and candle treats. Tickets for this event are limited so the organisers recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
Enter another spooktacular Gazette contest IT’S bat time of the year again folks – when the kids start collecting wood for bonfires, skeletons appear in front gardens and scary clown stories start doing the rounds. To celebrate Halloween, The Gazette this week launches another reader pix competition, and we have some fire-cracking prizes to give away over the next six weeks. In the run up to the scariest night of the year, we want YOU to send in photos of your Halloween decorations – the best will appear in the paper
each week, with prizes for the most spooktacular images. And, after the big night, we’ll have more frightfully bad goodies to give away for the Best Dressed Trick or Treaters! You can email: competitions@dublingazette.com or upload your pix to our Facebook page. Happy snapping!
4 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
HOME SECURITY | SCHEME FOR OLDER PEOPLE WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE OR LIVING ALONE
Residents urged to get free locks IAN BEGLEY 500 high security locks will be provided for free to residents over the age of 55 under the Home Security Scheme 2016. South Dublin County Council has been allocated €44,000 for the
cylinder locks, which cost €85 each. This scheme is specifically for older residents (55 years plus) of South Dublin County Council who may be vulnerable or living alone. Applicants must also be living in privately
owned accommodation. The types of locks are: Anti-snap, Anti-drill, Anti-pick and Antibump. Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) told The Gazette he would “strongly urge” residents to apply as a matter of urgency
especially with Halloween and Christmas just around the corner. Earlier this year The Gazette reported that Lucan was ranked 37th in the Top 50 crime spots for burglary and related offences in Dublin with 285 burglaries per
100,000 people. The information, which was provided to the Central Statistics Office by An Garda Siochana, revealed that the neighbouring town of Clondalkin was the fourth highest with 519 burglaries per 100,000 people. Ronanstow n was ranked 34th with 285 burglary offences, Tallaght 11th with 372, Rathcoole 49th with 266, Rathfarnham 27th and Ballyfermot in at number 48 with 268 burglary
and related offences per 100,000 population. A senior officer from Lucan Garda Station said they have developed a strategy that targets repeat offenders with the aim of reducing burglaries. “Every week there is an analysis done on burglaries that have taken place – where they happened and the time they occurred. These create hotspot areas and our patrols would then concentrate on these locations.”
This free security lock scheme is not open to people living in private rented accommodation or to tenants of South Dublin County Council and only one lock will be available per household. Locks will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Deadline to apply is Friday, October 21. The scheme is for the replacement of European Profile Locks only. For more information visit www.sdcc.ie or call 01 4149270.
Public asked to Paint it Pink for Irish Cancer Society AS the number of breast cancer cases increases by 33%, model Roz Purcell is calling on members of the public to Paint it Pink this October as she launches the Irish Cancer Society’s campaign to support people affected by breast cancer in Ireland. Paint it Pink calls on members of the public to host a pink coffee morning or event this October and fight back against breast cancer by raising funds to support the Society’s work funding vital research, advocacy and services for those affected by breast cancer. Roz is pictured with Breast Predict researcher Lisa Dwane from Dublin whose research focuses on hormone driven breast cancer. Visit www.paintitpink.ie or call 1850 60 60 60 for fundraising ideas and information on breast cancer. Donate by texting Pink to 50300 to give €4 to the Irish Cancer Society. The funds will go to supporting the Society’s vital research, advocacy and services for those affected by breast cancer. Picture: Andres Poveda
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 5
6 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
GOVERNMENT | MODEST INCREASES TO HELP WORKING FAMILIES
‘Fiver Friday’ budget cautiously welcomed SYLVIA POWNALL ONLY one tax hike combined with modest increases to help working families were the hallmarks of what’s been dubbed the “Fiver Friday” budget. Finance Minister Michael Noonan’s book of estimates has been cautiously welcomed by most Dubliners – though there is nothing for stayat-home parents and cigarettes are up by 50c a pack. On welfare, five is the magic number – with State pensions, jobseekers allowance, carers’ allowance and disability supports all up by €5 from March next year. The cap on prescription charges for over-70s is also being slashed by a fiver, down to €20. A first-time buyers’ payback scheme gives a 5% income tax refund for houses worth up to
€400,000, and a cap of €20,000 for houses up to €600,000. However, the scheme, backdated to July 19 this year and running until 2019, only applies to new builds and has led to warnings that it will go straight into developers’ pockets, fuelling higher house prices, overheating the market and resulting in no net gain for buyers. The unpopular USC will be cut by 0.5% across the three lower bands, in a move costing €335 million. Those changes are worth about €3 to €7 a week for people earning from €35 to €70,000. There is no provision in the budget for the abolition of water charges. Yesterday Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar warned that meter charges could be back within five months unless a policy decision is made. South Dublin TD Eoin
Lucan dog lover out to make history
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
Michael Noonan
O Broin (SF) said the lack of commitment on the issue has left a €300 million “black hole” and Brendan Howlin warns a mini-budget may be required to fill the gap. Meanwhile, north Dublin TD Louise O’Reilly (SF) said Budget 2017 had failed primary care, with funding for new centres but no additional staff. She said: “We hear much of the shift to primary care but this is not a budget that moves to do that, to address the everyday services that people are so desperately waiting for.”
TWO Lucan dog enthusiasts are taking part in a bizarre competition in the Czech Republic this weekend that will see them harnessed up to their pets while they run, cycle or scoot. Canicross is a sport which originated from dogsledding and could be classed as cross country running with your dog. Louise Jones and Stephen Wynne will be competing with their dogs at the European Canicross Championships, which will be held in the Czech Republic on October 15 and 16. Dog trainer Louise told The Gazette: “My husky I use for canicross absolutely loves it. We set up Canicross Ireland last year so anyone serious about the sport can try it competitively.” Louise said that 600 people would be competing at the weekend’s comp, and added: “Myself and Stephen will be up against these hardcore athletes who are very competitive, but we’ll be sure just to embrace the event and to have as much fun as possible.”
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 7
8 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
COURTS | MAN HAD BEEN SMOKING CANNABIS AROUND TIME OF OFFENCE
No jail for teen caught with €100k of ketamine IAN BEGLEY A T E E N AGE R w h o was spotted handing €103,000 worth of ketamine to another man during a surveillance operation has been given a four-year suspended sentence. Lucan man Jordan Maher (19) had been granted bail earlier this year to prove he could turn his life around. The Dublin Circuit
Criminal Court heard there was a positive probation report, that Maher was in employment and had addressed the issues which lead to his involvement in the offence. Maher of Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Dublin pleaded guilty to possessing 1.718kg o f ke t a m i n e wo r t h €103,132 at Maidens Row, Chapelizod, Dublin on June 4, 2015.
He has no previous convictions. Detective Garda Daragh O’Toole told John Quirke BL, prosecuting, that he and colleagues had received confidential information about a co-accused. They followed this man’s van to Arthur Griffith Park, where he picked up Maher. T he sur veillance team followed the van to various locations,
including a self-storage unit in Kildare, before Maher was seen handing a brown paper bag to another man at Maiden’s Row. Det Gda O’Toole said Maher provided no material assistance in interview. He agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that the intelligence operation had not been targeting his client. He accepted the transaction would have gone ahead with or without the presence of Maher. The detective further accepted that Maher was a “young, impres-
sionable man” who had been smoking cannabis around the time of the offence. At the original sentence hearing in March, Mr Bowman handed in a number of testimonials to the court and submitted his client was unlikely to have further dealings with the co-accused. Judge Sarah Berkeley released Maher on bail on that occasion on condition he remained drug free, took up full time work and contacted the probation services. She told him he had to “prove himself” and his maturity level. Judge Berkeley noted
Maher had turned his life around and that the probation report outlined his remorse and deemed him to be at the lowest possible risk of reoffending. She imposed a fouryear sentence which she suspended in full and ordered 18 months’ probation supervision.
FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
FASTNews
Dubliners could soon be electing the city’s mayor A NEW proposal could see Dublin have its first directly elected mayor within three years. A bill has been drafted for the proposal and it is believed it could be backed by politicians. The proposal to have a directly elected mayor of Dublin has been put forward before, but now a new bill has been drafted by Fianna Fail. Its passing would see everyone living in the capital decide if a single person should run the county instead of the four councils. Under the bill, the vote would be held in May 2018 and, if the idea if approved, the capital could see the first mayoral elections for Dublin the following year. The proposal is due to be discussed by the Dail later this month. The previous government brought forward plans in 2014 for a directly elected mayor, but it was dependant on approval from all four councils and was rejected by councillors in Fingal.
DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers Statement
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 9
SUICIDE | SELF-FUNDING STOPPED
HSE slammed over cuts to key services IAN BEGLEY
A HSE decision to stop suicide-prevention services from funding their own crisis training programmes has been slammed by Mayor of South County Dublin Cllr Sarah Holland (SF). Local suicide drop-in centre HOPE had been self-funding crisis training up until March of this year. Their last intake saw 19 people trained to deal with people in crisis and at immediate risk of suicide. Mayor Holland said she has written to the HSE regarding this matter. “This service is much needed, as there is a countrywide lack of crisis services. “We all know A&E is no place for someone in danger of taking their
SUPPORT
LOCAL BUSINESS
SHOP LOCALLY
CALL THE GAZETTE ON
60 10 240
Mayor of South County Dublin Cllr Sarah Holland
own lives,” she said. Tallaght Deputy Sean Crowe also talked about the issue during a recent debate of the Sinn Fein Private Members Bill on crisis services. “Two weeks ago in my constituency, there were three suicides, one after the other,” he said. “They involved three young people in one parish in my constituency. One can imagine the impact it had on that area. “If there were three separate accidents on the road, what would
happen? There would be discussion and extra services. I do not know about any extra services that have been put into my area following these tragedies. That is part of the difficulty. “One person from my constituency who is in the public gallery was told by the HSE that there were no funds to run a crisis training course so she went out and got her own funding, venue and facilitators. “She has now been told by the HSE that nobody is allowed to self-fund to provide these services. Someone make sense of that. “I can introduce the Minister of State to the person in question af ter wards or w rite to her about the case. It does not make any sense,” said Deputy Crowe.
Raising awareness around mental health issues
PIETA House and Lyons Tea have announced a joint initiative to help raise awareness of World Mental Health Day. The pair have come together to to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the organisation and the vital services it offers free of charge in 18 centres around the country, including Lucan. Pictured are Hannah Tyrrell, Irish women’s rugby player, she has suffered from self harm and has used the services of Pieta House with Aiden Sheeran, who has lost two brothers to suicide. Picture: Jason Clarke
10 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
GazetteGALLERY
| IFTA GALA TELEVISION AWARDS AT THE DOUBLETREE
Telly stars come out to paint the Browns red Brendan O’Connor with the cast of Mrs Brown’s Boys. Pictures: Michael Chester
UTV news anchor Alison Comyn at the reddy
M
RS BROWN’S Boys creator Brendan O’Carroll was star of the show at the IFTAs on Friday night. The Finglas funnyman picked up the gong for Best Male Performance in Soap/Comedy for his role as Ireland’s best known female, Agnes Brown. Another comedian, Al Porter, scooped the Rising Talent award.
The red carpet was rolled out early with stars including Miriam O’Callaghan, Karen Coster, Samantha Mumba and Alison Comyn suitably dressed to impress at the glitzy bash in the plush DoubleTree Hilton in Ballsbridge. Accepting his award, Brendan quipped: “It just goes to show that cross-dressing can work!”
Baz Ashmawy and his mum Nancy
Julian Okines with Amanda Byram
Louise Ni Chonchuir with Steve Quinn
Kevin McGahern & Siobhan Cassidy
Television presenter Karen Koster
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 11
HILTON HOTEL
Model and singer Nadia Forde
Samantha looks stunning in scarlet
Jeanne Marine with hubby Bob Geldof
TELL US YOUR NEWS
Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@dublingazette.com
YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS!
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINBUSINESS
Looking for a meeting room or virtual office? Let Regus do the work THE WORLD’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, Regus, has opened a new office space in Foxrock. Regus the Gables in Dublin 18 is around five minutes from Sandyford Industrial Estate and just 30 minutes from the city centre. The new Foxrock premises is in demand because of its close proximity to tech giants and pharmaceutical firms the region is known for – but without town’s distractions. The office specialists, who boast a network of 2,850 locations across 107 countries, have around 2.3 million customers globally, including some of the most successful entrepreneurs, individuals and multi-billion dollar corporations. They give businesses of all sizes low risk, affordable and flexible workspaces and facilities. Their Irish network 11 locations across Dublin, Cork and Limerick enables people and businesses to work where they want, when they want, how they want, and at a range of price points and cost saving.
All Regus business centres are fully equipped with modern furniture, telecommunications, high speed secure internet and run by highly trained professionals. Their innovative products include private offices, open spaces for collaboration, conference and training facilities, co-working and virtual office services available by the hour, day or week. Regus prides themselves in providing an environment dedicated to productivity for firms of all sizes. Whether growing or reducing your business, they enable you to pay for the space you use and on top of that they remove the overheads from your balance sheets with an all-inclusive monthly invoice saving up to 60% on costs. They even take care of all the office headaches such as cleaning services, building insurance, utilities and receptionists. Visit Regus.ie or contact Regus today on 01 402 9401 to learn more about how to save costs on your office space.
Hospitality sector calls for greater action over Brexit IAN BEGLEY
T H E S u p p o r t Yo u r Local campaign, backed by publicans, restaurants, hotels, independent off-licences and drinks suppliers, has described sterling’s plunge to a 31-year-low following Brexit uncertainty as a major challenge, and has called on the Government to support the industry and reduce excise duties in Budget 2017. The hospitality sector in Ireland is a vital employer in every town and county, employing more than 204,000 people, creating a combined wage bill of €4.3 billion.
Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), said that “the uncertainty around Brexit and the devaluation of sterling is a real challenge for the industry”. He added: “We are calling on Minister Noonan to cut excise in Budget 2017 next week as it is a major tax on jobs, tourism and consumers in a time of increasing economic uncertainty.” Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Ireland was 19% more expensive between Jan and Oct of 2016 due to sterling’s
devaluation. “T he combination of high excise and the uncertainty over Brexit has caused the perfect storm for the hospitality industry. “Our high prices are driven primarily by our high excise levels, and an excise reduction of 15% would stimulate employment, help to prevent cross-Border shopping and maintain some degree of attractiveness for UK tourists. “In a recent poll, our members reported an average of 12% downturn for British tourists’ spend for July and August compared to the same time in 2015.”
John Phelan, national director of Halo Business Angel Network, with ‘business angels’ Conor Kinsella and Colm Healy. The network aims to raise €2m in Dublin as part of a nationwide campaign to secure €6m.
FINANCING | HALO STRATEGY AIMS TO RAISE €6M
Roadshow in drive to find angel investors IAN BEGLEY
THE Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), is aiming to raise funds of €2 million in Dublin over a 48-hour period as part of a nationwide drive to recruit more business angel investors. As well as Dublin, HBAN will visit Cork, Galway and Waterford for its “business angel” roadshow and aims to sign up a total of 27 investors with combined funds
of €6 million. The roadshow will also see 12 companies pitch for investment from existing business angels. Combined, the companies are seeking more than €10 million in funding. During the roadshow, which can be attended by pre-registered members of the public and potential angels, HBAN will share information on what is required to become a successful business angel investor.
It will also provide the opportunity for prospective angels to network with HBAN’s existing angels. The roadshow will also give 12 start-ups the chance to pitch to current business angels, as well as angel syndicates, for their investment and expertise. Business angels are ty pically successful entrepreneurs from the industry in which they are investing.
Hoping to take start-up plans to Web Summit EMMA NOLAN
FOUR Dublin entrepreneurs have all been shortlisted on a list of 12 Irish start-ups who are in with a chance of winning the coveted ESB Spark of Genius Award at this year’s Web Summit in Lisbon. Theresa Quick (right) of Fillit Space, Dervan Hughes of Buymie Technologies, Joe Borza of EnergyElephant and James McElroy of HouseMyDog will
all be hoping to be selected as one of three finalists to head to Lisbon. The ESB Spark of Genius Award provides a platform for high-potential technology start-ups who have been in operation for less than three years and have received under €1 million in funding. Entrants are judged on their idea’s uniqueness, their level of development thus far, and their potential for future growth.
Many Irish start-ups are attracted to business angel investment because it provides them not just with much-needed capital, but also the expertise, domain knowledge and network of contacts that each angel brings to the table. This strategic support can help companies grow and ultimately, scale. For more information and to register for your nearest roadshow, visit www.hban.org.
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 13
ASDFSDAF P27 FOOD P23
TRAVEL P20
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
STYLE P18
SHY OSCAR WILL MAKE YOUR HOME COMPLETE
Al Porter relaxes ahead of taking to the stage for another hilarious evening of anecdotes and Dublin-centric humour
COMEDY: HOW ORDINARY DUBLIN LIFE SHAPED RISING COMIC’S ROUTINES
It’ll be Al right on the night EMMA NOLAN
THE Gazette caught up with the hilarious Al Porter just as he is about to embark on his biggest Irish tour yet. “The thing is, I do do the big shows, like Vicar Street and Cork Opera House, with a big band and everything, but the good thing about doing shows in the likes of The Mill Theatre and The Pavilion is that because they’re slightly smaller venues, you can have the craic more with the audience,” he said. Al films his live performances in smaller venues where “literally anything can happen”. “At one of the smaller shows, me and Sil Fox ended up doing a duet of Bring Me Sunshine just for the
craic, and at a show in Longford, I just decided to get members of the audience up to march around the theatre and then made them leave. Al says the main difference between performing at bigger and smaller venues is that with big ones he may have to keep an audience of hundreds or thousands of people entertained, but with the smaller ones, it’s just a few people out for a good night. “There’s a lot of potential to improvise and interact with the audience – mainly because I can actually see them! “Even just at a practical level, it’s easier to see them, because the lights are blinding in Vicar Street, whereas in The Mill in Dundrum, I can actually see the
faces in the audience.” The “great characters” at his shoes are a great source of comedy for Al. “There was an elderly woman at this show a while ago who was a sacrist in the local church, and she just came to see what it was about. I told her: ‘I don’t think you’re going to enjoy this, Mary’, but she ended up having to – there is something for everyone in the show.” Al appeals to all ages, from around 16 to 80, he says. As for his very Dublincentric humour, Al says that despite the colloquialisms, his themes are universal and have been really well received abroad. “Even though I’m very Irish, and I’m always talking about Dublin and Tal-
laght, my English and Scottish audiences get it because everyone knows what a council estate is, and relationships are universal too. That’s the thing about my show, I’m just being honest about my relationships, family and even what it’s like to grow up gay. As for his hilarious renditions of various different Dublin accents and mannerisms, Al says that he just writes what he knows. “I’m not a good actor – I was cut from Love/Hate for playing Nidge’s gay cousin, Nudge, and when I auditioned for James Bond, they said I was too camp and more ooh7 than 007.” Al’s tour of Ireland started last weekend and tickets are available at ticketmaster.ie.
THE Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our dog of the week is Oscar, a six-year-old male crossbreed who adores his carers and just loves to play fetch. Despite his size, he’s very shy and takes some time to get to know and trust new people. Oscar is looking for an adult-only home, preferably with just one person as he isn’t too keen to share his favourite person. His adopters will need to be committed to following the advice of our behaviour and training team to help Oscar settle in to his new life. Please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 if you can give Oscar the home he so deserves. 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
14 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINLIFE
FEATURE
SSE AIRTRICITY DUBLIN MARATHON : EVENT HAS EVOLVED AFTER ALMOST FORTY YEARS
Excitement levels running high for Dublin Marathon IAN BEGLEY
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers statement
CALL 01 60 10 240
THE feeling of completing a marathon is second to none. Discover exactly what it’s like, this October 30, when the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon takes over the city with its start and finish lines situated in the heart of Dublin City. This single lap takes you all around Dublin as you run next to world-class athletes. 2016 sees the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon moved to a Sunday to encourage more international runners to take part. With a record number of 15,216 participants, comprised of almost 4,500 people representing 62 different nationalities and 10,800 Irish, taking to the start line in 2015, 2016 promises to be even bigger and better. Running for almost forty years now, the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon has evolved into a movement with its training runs, expos and many other events taking place on the lead up to the big day in October. Over 19,000 people took part in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series last year, and over 14,600 runners, joggers and walkers entered the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon. The marathon route will follow the same course as the previous marathon in 2014 where changes
had to be made due to the Luas works in Dublin City Centre. The route will start on Fitzwilliam Square and end at Merrion Square as per recent years, but it will run along St Stephens Green towards Meath Street, Lord Edward Street and Parliament Street, taking in City Hall and Dublin Castle – two well-known Dublin landmarks – before entering the quays and moving towards the Phoenix Park. Last year’s race finish from Mount Street Lower towards Merrion Square proved a success with the runners and spectators so it remains the same for 2016. Last year, Kenyan Eliud Too was a surprise winner of the overall title with a time of 2:14:47 while defending champion Maria McCambridge lost out by four seconds to Esther Wanjiru Macharia of Kenya who crossed the line in a great time of 2:34:15. “As the leading marathon in Ireland, we are continuing to improve the standard of marathon running in this country while also increasing participation rates,” race director Jim Aughney said this week. “This year, the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon is one of two major events announced as part of the new initiative to attract members of the diaspora to participate, with numerous networking events being organised in the
lead up to our races. “Additionally, we are also delighted to welcome Asics on board for the next two years. It is a great boost for the event and we are grateful for their support.” For more information or to register for any of the events, visit the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon website at www.sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie and stay in touch on Facebook/DublinMarathon or @dublinmarathon
Kenyan Eliud Too won the event last year
GAZETTE
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 15
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
ALONE urges elderly to ask for help A L O N E , t h e c h a rity that supports older people to age at home, is urging older people who may be feeling lonely or isolated not to be afraid to ask for the help and support they need and deserve. Sean Moynihan, chief executive of ALONE said: “We are asking all older people not to be afraid to ask for help if they are feeling isolated or lonely. “It is ver y easy to become cut off from your local community. However, there are supports and services available that can help link you back in with your community and neighbours.” ALONE is also call-
ing on all members of the public to check in with their older neighbours who may be living alone and to consider their needs. ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community or visit www.alone.ie.
HELPING CHILDREN TO RISE AND SHINE THIS year’s Cheerios Childline Breakfast takes place from October 17 to 23, when people around Ireland are encouraged to host or attend a breakfast in aid of Childline, or make a donation by text. As Ireland’s only
24-hour service for Children, ISPCC Childline believes that every child, every morning, deserves to Rise and Shine. Funds raised through Cheerios Childline Breakfast helps Childline ensure it is there for children, every day – and night. Childline answers over 1,000 calls from children all over Ireland, every single day, and night. Children call Childline to talk about everything from everyday troubles to major life issues, with thousands of calls every year from children experiencing issues such as loneliness, isolation, bullying, distress and abuse. To be part of Cheerios Childline Breakfast visit
www.childlinebreakfast. ie, call 1850 50 40 50 or email breakfast@ispcc.ie. Donations can be made by simply texting Rise to 50300.
HONOURING ROLE GRANDPARENTS PLAY GR ANDCHILDREN throughout Dublin are being encouraged to nominate their grandparents for the Specsavers Grandparent of the Year Award in association with Third Age. Legendar y broad caster and grandfather of 13, Micheal O Muirchear taigh, recently launched the nationwide search for Ireland’s most exceptional grandparent. The award celebrates
and recognises the extraordinary contribution that grandparents make to the lives of grandchildren and the community. Speaking at the launch, Specsavers store director Seamus Breslin said: “We are excited to launch the Grandparent of the Year Award, which recognises the many benefits of an ageing population and the special role that grandparents play in Irish families. “It is a fantastic opportunity for younger generations to recognise the many ways that grandparents and older people enrich our lives and I would encourage grandchildren across Dublin to nominate today to
give their grandparent the recognition they deserve.” Grandchildren of all ages can nominate their grandparents by fill-
ing out an entry form in any Specsavers store throughout Dublin or online at www.specsavers.ie/hearing/grandparent.
Micheal O Muircheartaigh, with Matilda Byrne and Tristan Bruen, launched the Specsavers Grandparent of the Year Award. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 17
DUBLINLIFE MIRIAM DOONA
Mick Flannery was looking for a job at the tender age of fifteen and under the council of his father opted to pursue the art of stonemasonry in lieu of working in a bar. A SUCCESSFUL music career ensued and has since evolved and sees him releasing his fifth studio album I Own You on October 14. After a recent chat with the Blarney native, I discovered his ritual of
drinking two pints before going on stage and what first sparked his interest in music was family and elaborating that it was genetics. “I suppose, my mother and her family
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
were singers. The ability to sing helps. My mother’s family informed me of a lot of American music, a lot of Johnny Cash and Joni Mitchell and then I got more into Bob Dylan and Tom Waits after that.” When asked about the animal reference in the song and indeed the album cover, Flannery explained: “The animal reference is about the rage. It’s a primal feeling, I suppose. It would be the bucking against the control down to the actual control of
the physical self, down to you losing your agency. The song is the mixture of the social inequality. “The idea of I own you is the master/ slave scenario of capitalist society and the song attempts to reverse the role. The slave takes back his agency through violence.” There is further references to animal imagery in the album. There is a song that tries to understand the psychopath,
the 1% man. The man that rationalises and compartmentalises his own feelings, because he maintains that we are just animals and nothing matters; why should there be the top gorilla? Further observation that there is a lot of rage in the song and inquiring that if an event in April 2015[The murder of Freddie Gray and The Baltimore riots] was a big inspiration for the song and the album. Of which, he explained: “It would have
WIN
The Dublin Gazette is giving away a copy of Mick’s new album AND a pair of tickets to his October 22 Olympia gig! We have three sets to give away – to enter just visit our Facebook page
Breaking into the “rich man’s” house Janet bounces back from X-Factor exit
SYLVIA POWNALL
SINGER Janet Grogan has bounced back from her X-Factor rejection by releasing a cover of Sia’s Elastic Heart. The video went live on YouTube at the weekend and has already racked up 6,000 views online. Janet, 26, told fans: “I have made a new video of a song extremely close to my heart and very relevant to how I feel right now. Thank you for all your support… and thank you for sticking with me.” Janet – who was axed from X-Fac-
tor at the Six Chairs Challenge by Simon Cowell in 2014 – suffered another heartbreaking rejection this year when Sharon Osbourne dumped her at Judges’ Houses in favour of controversial act Honey G. But Janet, from Kingswood in Tallaght, has vowed not to let the double blow end her singing career. After being shown the door Janet posted a short message on Instagram in which she assured followers they hadn’t seen the last of her. She said: “Obviously it’s not entirely the outcome I would have
fed into the song. There are people in the world powerless and undignified and disadvantaged. A good example of that would be a black person in America. The rage of someone exercising an assumed right over you. For me, I don’t like being touched, being grabbed; it naturally makes me want to buck against that. “An exaggerated example of that is the existing reality is what is happening between the police and black people in America. Someone can be without reason, without charge and taken from the street and murdered. “And there be no charge after that. If that had happened to someone in my family, I can’t imagine the extent of the rage I would feel. It would by far amplify the rage I feel just by being touched.” This subsequently prompted the question whether he had particular interest in US politics having spent time there and in particular his thoughts regarding the upcoming run for presidency. “Well, it’s hard not to be interested. In smaller capitalist societies like ours, their companies come in and hold us to ransom, their airplanes come in and land on the way to wars. “It’s hard not to be interested because you would think that should they change their ways for the better, surely it would be of huge benefit to the world.” Regarding the upcoming elections, Flannery expressed, it’s like a real cartoon, like a computer game. It’s a bad experiment. It’s hard not to think that politicians aren’t the ones running the show and they are involved in such entertainment; name-calling and horseshit, it’s hard to believe they actually mean anything.” The video and the concept behind the song and title track of the album I Own You was the next topic of conversation and he said he wanted to basically portray the man himself, the slave kind of making his way into the rich man’s house and in the end the video portrays the house, the idea that one man eats the same meal as
hoped for but all the support and love and everything through my whole journey has been amazing. “So thank you for all that – and I’m not going anywhere so stay tuned.” Her stripped back Sia cover is filmed, directed and edited by Ian James White who also plays piano on the track. Comeback queen Janet said: “This is the type of performance I would have brought forward for the lives (on X-Factor) and I had an epiphany that just because I didn’t progress on one platform, it
fifty people, in a reflection of the capitalist society. Asked if he feels he is evolving and becoming more aware with age and therefore impacting his writing and his work, he explained: “Yes it is as much as the world impacts me, as much as information is available to me. It seems to me that people are, generally speaking, very much self-involved in their twenties. “They are young and beautiful, look-
travelling aspect of your job, I asked, with the response There is a Difference in a home crowd in Cork. Different nationalities have different attitudes, I suppose. German and Danish audiences have a very resolved way of appreciating something, some of them even coordinate their clapping and it comes into unison after about ten claps and then it stops and at the end of the gig is when they will allow themselves to show appreciation. Irish
ing for maybe relationships and worrying about themselves and how they are perceived, and not comfortable in themselves, perhaps. So, once you overcome that, you maybe become less anxious about how you are perceived. “Maybe it’s because you are coming more into the stage of life where you are beginning to think about starting a family, settling down and worry about what life will be like and your children’s lives will be like. “ And, when you get older again you begin to care about everything less again and become happy with your lot.” As you are about to embark on a tour home and in Europe do you find differences in audiences and do you enjoy the
audiences are a little bit more dramatic.” Alluding to his inspirations and creative triggers and asking if he was a big reader, Mick explained: “I’m not as big a reader as I would like to be. Lately I have been a bit lazy and prefer to watch lectures on YouTube. “I try to educate myself as best I can and there is a need in me that tries not to influence myself too much, in order that I can have originality when I speak. “There is a man called Alain de Botton and he runs a nice website called The School of Life. It can present things in quite a compact way and little anecdotes can be portrayed in energies as opposed to hunkering overtext. “Humans are not good at accepting a
shouldn’t stop me from sharing my voice. “I won’t stop because I got thick skin and an elastic heart. Thank you for all the support… enjoy and share if you dig it.” It’s unlikely that Janet will take up an offer from fellow X Factor reject Christopher Peyton who last week suggested she form a group with him, James Wilson and Samantha Atkinson and audition for the show again next year. See Janet’s video at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=dW1Y0z4U Pv8&feature=youtu.be
lot of knowledge and with regards technology, we don’t know how it works and just accept it. A lot of us are becoming completely incapable of knowing which way is North, South, East or West. “We don’t listen to our elders, we want to see it for ourselves in a kind of selfish my life is my life way and how dare you minister to me, like I have my own unique experience. “The voice we hear for our phones is not the voice of a caring elder. In my experience, I find hangovers very useful creatively, as you are in a very sensitive state….. often I just sit at a bar on my own and spy and eavesdrop and observe. I don’t like to sit in a room on my own for too long.” Finally, posing the question about how he would like 2017 to transpire, both personally and socially, he said: “Somehow religion becomes obsolete and Bernie Sanders becomes American president. Clinton and Trump commit suicide. “A lot of people when you ask them what age you would like to have been born in a lot of artists say the 60s and revolution and all that, but I would say two or three hundred years or however long it takes for when religion has no impact on human thinking anymore, God willing, because I can see no use for it. It poisons everything. “Like the quote says, it’s like a leftover from the infancy of our intelligence and has to be replaced with rationality and reason. It’s similar to racism in a way, if we shut the f**k up about it, it will disappear but unfortunately we can’t do it, it’s not that simple. “I like to think that I would be messing around with creativity because it keeps me company, but I know my gestation period seems to be about two year stretches, It kind of goes from one song to the next. One thing I need to do is not have my phone on me so much, I go through a lot of philosophy posts on Facebook. It’s just a distraction, like, all the news repeats itself.
Janet’s new video went live on YouTube at the weekend and has already racked up 6,000 views online
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINLIFE Topshop Velvet panel body €36
M&S Per Una velvet jacket €109
Penneys Lace trim jumpsuit €18
Littlewoods Floral blouse €49.50
Little stars take over Arnotts for fun fashion days EMMA NOLAN
LAST weekend (October 8 and 9), Arnotts was transformed into a wonderland for a children’s weekend. Children from all across Dublin turned up in fancy dress, following the themes of Princess and Superhero on Saturday, with a Fairy theme taking over on Sunday. The highlight of the weekend were the kids-only fashion shows. Four high-energy fashion shows took place over the weekend, where 60 young stars took to the catwalk to showcase brands from the Arnotts childrenswear on offer. Before each show, guests enjoyed some amazing performances from the talented kids at the Leah Moran Stage School. Visit the children’s department at Arnotts to see the latest collection.
Topshop High neck peplum top
River Island Pink slip €28
Billie Bandit red hoodie sweatshirt €44.50
Billie Blush leopard print raincoat €50
Billie Bandit khaki coat €95
Billie Blush tulle skirt €45.50
Miss Selfridge Faux-fur cropped jacket
Topshop Longline slouch coat €110
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 19
Topshop Biker jacket
GAZETTE
STYLE Nike Womens Pro Hypercool Top €35
River Island Pom pom hat €12
EMMA NOLAN
New Look Pom pom hat €8
“
Topshop Ruffle jumper €57
WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK
ON
EMMA NOLAN
Style Editor
ONE colour is definitely taking over this season – yes, the days may be darker, but our wardrobes are getting ohso-brighter, thanks to pink! Love it or hate it, it’s the sartorial hue
KEEPING it pink, Lifestyle Sports have a delightful offering of pink sportswear in store now. Nothing gets you into the gym or out for a run faster than new sportswear. A pair of their Nike Free Runs in pink are a particular favourite, as well as the Ellesse printed leggings.
Ellesse printed leggings €36
Jansport bagpack €50
.
of choice right now. From dusty to carnation, rose to salmon and cerise to touches of magenta – pink is on the agenda. For those who have always shied away from the colour as a symbol of childhoodenforced gender segregation and stereotypes,
this new pink feeling is nothing to fear – introduce it slowly with a simple accent piece; a pale pink fur stole worn over an oversized grey masculine coat, or a pink silk blouse paired with some smart pants. Designers such as Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders
have given the colour a freshness that has transcended the runways to the high street. So it isn’t all Barbie dolls and Regina George, and once you realise that pink can
.
.
become sophisticated, Wednesday won’t be the only day you’ll be tickled pink.
Topshop Satin puffa jacket €155
New Look Velvet longsleeve turtleneck top €18 Miss Selfridge Deep-V rouched body
”
Nike Free Runs €130 Ellesse pink vest €26
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINLIFE
fast
TRAVEL NEWS
Glen Mowat, of the Lough Erne Resort, and Glenn Monahan, of Tourism Northern Ireland, are encouraging visitors to Say Hello to More in Northern Ireland by enjoying a great golf and spa break this autumn
Enjoy a fun tee-time holiday in the North NORTHERN Ireland is home to some of the most successful majorwinning golfers in the world, including stars such as Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who all honed their considerable skills on courses in Northern Ireland. Tourism Northern Ireland has outlined some of the best spots around Northern Ireland to try for a golf and spa autumn break ...
Lough Erne Golf Resort, Co Fermanagh The multi-award winning Lough Erne Resort is a luxurious five-star hotel nestled on a 600 acres peninsula with spectacular views of Lough Erne, and home to two championship golf courses – The Faldo Course, designed by sixtime Major champion Nick Faldo, and Castle Hume Golf Course. Book an autumn break away and stay at the Lough Erne Golf Resort from €99 per night. Galgorm Resort & Spa, Co Antrim Set in 163 acres of lush parkland and with
the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, the four-star Galgorm Resort & Spa is a truly unique and beautiful setting. Enjoy a destination deluxe package at Galgorm Resort & Spa this Autumn from €98 per person sharing. Roe Park Resort, Derry Set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Roe Valley County Park, the four-star Roe Park Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s premier golf and spa resorts. Enjoy a golf and spa experience at the Roe Park Resort in Limavady from €270. Portstewart Golf Club, Portstewart Situated on Northern Ireland’s magnificent Causeway Coast, Portstewart Golf Club is indisputably the jewel in Portstewart’s crown for both quality of game and scenery. The course offers stunning views at every turn of the Donegal hills, the Atlantic and the River Bann. For further details on all of these packages, see www.sayhellotomore.ie.
O
Oktoberfest is such an important part of Munich’s identity and economy that several purpose-built ‘tents’ have been built for the festival
ktoberfest
IAN BEGLEY
Travel Editor
GOING to Oktoberfest in Munich was something that was always on the front page of my bucket list. Every September, I found myself holding it off for one reason or another, but this year I decided enough was enough and spontaneously booked a return ticket to the Bavarian capital. For those who don’t know, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer fest and travelling funfair. Held annually from midSeptember to the first weekend in October, the festival attracts more than six million people from
Soak in the sights on a journey to Munich
around the world each year. During the event, approximately 7.7 million litres of beer are consumed – a fact that made me want to go so much! Visitors also enjoy numerous attractions, such as amusement rides, side stalls and games. There are also a wide variety of traditional foods and Bavarian delicacies on offer. Many hotels and hostels take advantage of the additional visitors to their city and raise their prices accordingly. Luckily for me, my friend, Sam, who moved to Munich last year, kindly offered to put me up for five days in his apartment.
Upon arriving, the first thing on my checklist was to buy lederhosen, which are essentially leather breeches based on the traditional clothing of Alpine peasants. If you wore this extrovert outfit anywhere else on the planet, you would be seen as the German equivalent of Crocodile Dundee, but during Munich’s Oktoberfest some 80% of men wear them.
Traditional Girls, on the other hand, wear traditional dresses called dirndls, which are extremely flattering and very pleasing to the eye. Lederhosen can cost up to €200, but since
I was only spending a few days in Munich I decided to buy a second-hand one for just €50, which was in excellent condition. We were all up bright and early the following day to ensure that we wouldn’t miss out on a table in one of the 14 beer tents. I use the word “tent” very loosely, because they’re nothing of the sort. In fact, these shelters are huge purpose-built structures, beautifully decorated inside and out, and capable of accommodating hundreds of people at a time. With a full day of drinking, eating and enjoying the festivities ahead of us, we arrived at the Winzer-
er-tent at approximately 9am. It was very easy to find a table at this hour, which came as a big surprise to my friend. Apparently, there was a significant decline in the number of people at the fest compared to last year, which was most likely due to the spate of terrorist attacks across Europe this year. Although the threat of an attack was never too far away from my mind, I was very reassured by the large and increased number of security guards present. When the waiter arrived at our table, I asked for a litre-sized glass of beer (€10.50) and
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
TRAVEL fast
TRAVEL NEWS The giant statue personifying the Bavarian homeland is just one of the city’s many gems on the tourist trail, with the city’s rich heritage giving it an unforgettable character
Lots of schools from across the city have already entered their class photo to win a Camino trip
Another impressive Oktoberfest ‘tent’
Sam Malone and Ian Begley dressed for the part at Oktoberfest
MUNICH’S MANY CHARMS
Traditional Bavarian clothing, large beer steins, and a great atmosphere are all key parts of the Oktoberfest festival experience
a giant Bavarian pretzel. I was surprised at how refreshing and easy to drink the beer was, but I knew I had to be very careful with the amount I drank. The last thing I wanted to be was an Irish stereotype, intoxicated and blaring out Christy Moore ballads before lunchtime. The salty pretzels greatly complemented the beer and were no doubt a life saver when it came to keeping me on my feet (you can buy miniature ones in Lidl for only 40c). Crowds started pour-
-------------------------------------------------------
‘The atmosphere in each of the tents I visited was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. With nearly everyone dressed in traditional German attire, it seemed as if I had stepped into a bygone era.’
--------------------------------------------------------
ing into the giant tents once the afternoon came around, and although we were all nicely settled at our table, I decided to go for a wander. The dynamic atmosphere in each of the tents
I visited was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Thousands of people were standing up on tables swinging their beer glasses harmoniously to live music. With nearly everyone
Munich was almost completely destroyed in two world wars, yet it has managed to recreate much of its folkloric, Bavarian past. Of course, its Oktoberfest is legendary, but you can visit the Hofbrauhaus any time of year if you’re a beer enthusiast. One of the main reasons that many visitors come to Munich is the world-famous Oktoberfest, but the city offers so much more to discover – both in winter and in summer – including its charming historical centre, the beautiful green areas, and many art galleries. As home to one of the biggest automobile companies in the world, Munich is also a destination of choice for many car and technology lovers. dressed in traditional German attire, it seemed as if I had stepped into a bygone, almost enchanted era. Back at my table, I decided to order the Weißwurst (a white sausage), along with the famous Hendl (roast chicken), which was by far my favourite thing I ate while in Germany. With two litre-sized glasses of beer drank already, we decided to join the mob of cosmopolitans on the tables and attempt to sing along to German songs we’ve
never heard of before. This continued until about 6pm, when we decided to call it a day – call us lightweights, if you will. The following few days of my Oktoberfest adventure were filled with just as much fun as the first, and despite having a very sore head on my return home, I’m seriously considering making it a yearly tradition for me. Many thanks to Sam, Emily and Michael for putting up with me. They haven’t seen the last of me yet!
One lucky class will win a free trip to the Camino de Santiago DUBLIN travel company FollowtheCamino. com are giving secondary school students the chance to win a life-changing trip to the magical Camino de Santiago in Spain. To be in with a chance to win a weeklong walking tour along the historic Way of St James – with everything from accomodation to all meals provided – all you have to do is take a photo of your class, send it to Follow the Camino and then get liking and sharing on Facebook. The competition is open to secondary schools, with a trip for 20 students and two teachers up for grabs. To enter your class, take a class photo with the the website’s Follow The Camino calendar. T hen email EduCamino@FollowThe-
Camino.com with the class photo to be uploaded to the Follow the Camino Facebook page. Finally, just wait to see the winner – the class photo with the most likes, comments and shares wins! The “EduCamino” was launched in 2013 as a way to get students and schools involved with the popular walking and pilgrimage route, with a focus on the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago. The walk is a fun way to see one of the world’s most acclaimed ancient routes, providing a trip away with a difference. For further information and a gallery featuring participating schools so far, see the Follow the Camino Facebook page. Alternatively, see www.followthecamino.com/
GAZETTE
22 GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINLIFE
FEATURE
AWARENESS: ACT TODAY AND REMOVE THE STIGMA
‘It’s time to make mental health an everyday part of your life to nurture’ IAN BEGLEY
THE founder and chief executive of one of the country’s leading suicide prevention organisations says we need to change the way we look at mental health. Following World Mental Health Day, which occurred on October 10, Caroline McGuigan, who founded Suicide or Survive back in 2003, has said progress is being made but says more work is needed when it comes to breaking down the stigma about mental health that is still alive and well, and that is preventing people from speaking out and getting support. She said: “We’ve made some inroads in the
national conversation about mental health, but now we need real leadership – in families, in communities, in politics, in business, sport and industry – to make mental health as normal as dental health in everyday life. “This means talking about mental health and, from a very young age, teaching our children to take care of their mental health just like they take care of their dental health as a daily practice that they will continue throughout their lives. “We need to view our mental health as a precious resource that needs to be nurtured and supported, not as something we take for granted and only consider when we
start to struggle,” she said. Anyone can struggle with their mental health, and Caroline believes we need to move the conversation from talking about other people and their mental health to having everyday conversations about our own mental health. She believes that it is only when we see that struggling is a part of everyday life and not something to be ashamed of that we will start to take a proactive approach to mind our mental health. In turn, thanks to such an everyday focus we could more easily reach out for support when our mental health is challenged. When the conversation
about looking after our mental health becomes as everyday as the conversation about looking after our physical or mental health, we will see real, meaningful and sustainable change, she says. Caroline, who is also a practicing psychotherapist, set up Suicide or Survive based on her own experience of mental health struggles. She survived a suicide attempt and spent eight years as a user of psychiatric services. Her own experience, and the experience of others who have used and continue to use the services of Suicide or Survive, have informed all of the programmes and services offered by
Having everyday conversations about our mental healh is key to help improve it. Suicide or Survive are urging everyone to support their nationwide drive to help people improve their mental health, and to remove the stigma from the issue.
the organisation. These include the Suicide or Survive Eden Programme, for people who have attempted or thought about suicide; the Wellness Recovery Action Planning programme, which supports people to develop their own action plan for their wellness, from daily maintenance right through to crisis and post-crisis planning. They also include the
one-day Wellness Workshop, which is delivered in communities and workplaces throughout Ireland, and is packed full of tips and techniques for anyone to use to manage and maintain their everyday wellness. Suicide or Survive have also launched a phone app and an online wellness workshop at www.wellnessworkshop. ie, available in several
languages. The organisation is currently running its National Tea Break campaign to encourage individuals, communities and organisations to break down mental health stigma by having a cuppa and a chat about their mental health, and to raise much needed funds for the organisation. For further information, see www.suicideorsurvive.ie.
No limits to I Wish plans
I Wish founders Caroline O’Driscoll, Ruth Buckley and Gillian Keating (centre) with students from St Finian’s CC, Swords. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
I WISH, a partnership initiative encouraging young women to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), was launched in Dublin last week. The upcoming initiative combines the power of industry, academia and the public sector in order to inspire and encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM. Set up in 2014 by three Cork businesswomen – Gillian Keating, partner at Ronan Daly Jer-
myn; Ruth Buckley, head of ICT and business services at Cork City Council, and Caroline O’Driscoll, partner at KPMG – this year, the award-winning I Wish conference and exhibition is expanding nationally to engage with more than 4,000 secondary school girls with the purpose of encouraging and motivating them to pursue careers in STEM. Speaking at the launch, I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating said, “Earlier this year we surveyed
2,000 Transition Year girls and 75% of them said that having a career that involved helping other people was important to them. “I Wish 2017 will explain to these girls how big the world’s problems are. We will put female role models centre-stage to show them the real jobs in STEM that can help solve these problems and, ultimately, help people in a truly remarkable way.” I Wish takes place in the RDS next February 13 and 14.
13 October 2016 GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS
Professor Robert Pickard, University of Cardiff with Dr Muireann Cullen, Nutrition and Health Foundation, and Dr Pamela Byrne, Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Picture: Naoise Culhane
‘Classic foods are still better than any fads’ IAN BEGLEY
Gold cutlery added a special touch of decadence to the wedding reception of a Churchtown woman
A golden opportunity to elevate your big day EMMA NOLAN
WHEN Churchtow n local Amy McGovern got married in Italy this year, gold cutlery for the reception was a big splurge that really elevated the table settings. A fter the wedding, however, Amy realised she had a 750-piece set of gold cutlery and no use for it. Not wanting such a beautiful collection of cutlery to just sit gathering dust in the attic, Amy is now renting the
set out for use at other weddings and events. “I really wanted it for my own wedding,” Amy says. “It was my one extravagant buy, and I looked in to hiring it in Ireland and I couldn’t find any option that was in any way reasonably priced. “So, when I researched it, it made sense for me to actually purchase it outright.” A my s h i p p e d t h e cutlery in from China and had a beautiful wedding, with the gold
cutlery adding a special touch of decadence to the reception. She has since set up
an Instagram profile showcasing the cutlery in all its glory. Visit goldcutler fo -
rhire on Instagram and email Amy on goldcutleryforhire@outlook.ie for a quote.
POPULAR fads and myths regarding nutrition and exercise are having a serious impact on the public’s health, and people shouldn’t follow the latest craze or make significant changes to their diet or exercise programmes without proper investigation. This was the view of the national and international experts at Food & Fitness – Fact V Fiction, the Nutrition and Health Foundation’s ninth annual seminar, where they debunked many of the latest fads and misconceptions regarding nutrition and physical exercise. Making the case for including red meat as part of a healthy Irish diet, Professor Robert Pickard, former director general of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “Human beings thrive best on a balanced diet where they eat a little bit of everything and not too much of any one thing. “Lean, red meat is the most satiating food and helps to curb appetite. It is also the richest source of vitamins and minerals in the diet. “Cows, sheep, and pigs share 80% of their genes with humans, so most of the molecules that they make are needed by humans.” The foundation is a multi-stakeholder group that brings industry, policy makers and health professionals together in a collaborative approach to reducing obesity in Ireland.
A Moreish way to get kids eating healthily MOREISH, seems like the fresh food brand by Maxol, is continuing a series of children’s healthy cookery workshops at its cafe outlets across the country. Once such workshop took place in the Moreish cafe at Maxol Donabate. The purpose of the workshops is to teach children key cookery skills and to encourage them to look at healthier options. The children enjoy a practical workshop, each with their own workstation, and are taught techniques including measuring, weighing and cooking on the hob while following recipes for healthy flapjacks and berry smoothies. The workshops are held in conjunction with Kater4Kidz, which teaches children about healthy eating and food skills.
GAZETTE
24 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS: RELENTLESS TRAGIC DRAMA FROM DEREK CIANFRANCE ReelReviews
A mesmerising movie experience TWO powerful and balanced per formances carr y the weight of this relentlessly tragic drama from director Derek Cianfrance. The Light Between Oceans (Cert 12A, 73 mins), adapted from the novel by ML Stedman, stars Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue and adopt a baby girl they find at sea. Though sumptuously arranged by Cianfrance and cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, The Light Between Oceans is encumbered with a little too much heav y-handed melodrama and a running time that outlasts the poignancy of its subject. World War I veteran Tom (Fassbender) takes up a job as a lighthouse keeper on a small island off the coast of Australia, where he lives with his young wife Isabel (Vikander). The newlywed couple try desperately to have a baby. After finding an infant girl washed ashore in a rowboat, Isabel is determined to raise it as their own. W h i l e To m f i r s t asser ts they should inform the authorities, he ultimately gives way to his young wife’s wishes, a decision that
SUPERSONIC Sibling rivalry
Supersonic is a spectacularly lairy new documentary, which takes a vivid look at the glory days of Britpop’s finest but also gently picks apart the torrid relationship at the heart of the band – that of lovers, fighters and brothers Noel and Liam. With two careerdefining albums under their belt they were the biggest band in Britain, achieving the feat in a mere three years. (Cert 15A, 122mins)
MARTIN MACNAMARA
will have devastating effects on the couple’s future. Each tragic narrative turn and crushing decision is affectingly driven by the lead actors’ superb performances. This is a story about profound loss, transformative bliss and devastating revelation, all the more stirring in the confined seclusion of its island setting. Unfortunately, for all its emotional potential, the film tugs a little too hard at the heartstrings a little too often and, consequently, is never quite as poignant or devastating as it should be. For such a sombre, softly shot film, there is little narrative subtlety – when happiness comes crashing down, it is immediate and forceful, inspiring frustration rather than tears. The Island of Janus is enchanting in its seclusion throughout the film’s first half; the puzzle of baby Lucy’s sudden appearance in this wild setting evokes the otherworldly mystery
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander turn in powerful and balanced performances
of Picnic at Hanging Rock. When certain crushi n g r e ve l a t i o n s a r e made in the second half of The Light Between Oceans, civilisation is suddenly much closer; each tragic development brings Tom and Isabel closer to a tragic reality. However, with each subsequent narrative turn the dreamy atmosp h e r e g i ve s w ay t o
unsubtle melodrama. Despite the film’s 132-minute r unning time, there is little space afforded to character depth – Tom’s harrowing wartime experience isn’t probed enough and Isabel’s own past family tragedy is barely touched on. Consequently, it is hard to empathise with Tom and Isabel and often frustrating to see them make bad deci-
sion after bad decision. T h a n k f u l l y, F a s s bender and Vikander’s wonderful chemistr y makes the tragedy here a pleasure to behold, lusciously framed with precision against glowing sunsets and vast, cold ocean expanses. The Light Between Oceans is very, very heavy on sentimentality and forceful in its tragedies. Cianfrance is cer-
tainly capable of more subtle, grounded romance, as we’ve seen in 2010’s Blue Valentine and 2014’s The Place Beyond The Pines. Nevertheless, this is a lovingly crafted film and although it would benefit from a little less exasperating melodrama, it is worthy of your attention, even if just for its stellar central performances. Verdict: 7/10
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Three-quel is years late ON April 20th, 2010, one of the worlds largest manmade disasters occurred on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. Directed by Peter Berg (Lone Survivor), this story honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change everybody lives forever. (Cert 12A, 108 mins).
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
TECH WeeBytes
Gotta catch ’em all ... Erna Solberg plays Pokemon Go during a Norwegian parliamentary meeting
Norway-re to hide a Pokemon Go game From base management to team loadouts and in-the-field battles, XCom 2 demands strategy, strategy, strategy at all times
XCOM 2: SAVING THE PLANET EARTH IS HARDER THAN IT SOUNDS
May be too difficult SHANE DILLON
Tech Editor
WHILE robots may be returning in force to our big and small screens (see below), and while cuddly creatures are captivating millions of people who’re supposed to be capturing them (see right), there’s still one group of beings that are always in vogue – aliens. The XCom series has always presented gamers with a crushing strategy challenge, where one false move can have drastic consequences as the player runs the shadowy XCom agency as it covertly fights back at
aliens trying to invade. XCom 2 (Cert 16, PC, Mac, PS4, XBO, c. €50) builds on all the conventions established in the long-running series. The twist here is that you start with the aliens having ver y successfully invaded Earth years ago, thank you very much, with the XCom resistance facing the daunting challenge of fighting back. It’s a game of move and counter-move, cause and effect, played out across isometric playing fields. You move your characters during your turn – and then the aliens do the same, like a particularly
rigid gentleman’s agreement. By maximising a wide range of variables, from height advantages to unit types, weapon types and special abilities, the hope is to win the day – or at least to survive the mission, as XCom enforces “permadeath”. If you play badly with poor strategies, your characters will die. Lose enough people, and XCom begins to lose support. Lose support, and the challenges get even harder to overcome, with the loss of a single important character potentially turning the tide of the whole war against you.
There’s little here that XCom veterans won’t have seen before. Despite being comparatively simple to look at, the nicely detailed levels and environments can suffer from occasional framerate issues, with the in-game assets sometimes battling to keep up. However, it’s still a decent XCom addition, presenting a stiff challenge that requires plenty of thought and planning, and there’s still little to beat the classic XCom feeling of completing a tough mission with everybody still alive. Well done, Commander – until your next mission ...
Say ‘Howdy’ to the return of the robots? COULD robots be the new zombies (which were themselves the new vampires)? Confused? Vampire-based films and TV series ruled the cultural roost for a while just a few years ago, before making way for a glut of zombie-related material, with several films and series featuring the undead plodding about on the big and small screen until the fad seemed to die back a bit earlier this year. However, the glossy new Westworld TV series (based on the classic old sci-fi
film about realistic robots going murderously haywire in an elaborate theme park) could well be an advance front of the next wave to hit the small and big screen. Although just a couple of episodes in, the terrific critical and audience reaction to the show that’s largely about robots (like Dolores Abernathy, right) at a Wild West-styled park who don’t know that they’re robots has sent a clear signal to execs: more like this, please.
With next year to see Harrison Ford return in the long-delayed Bladerunner sequel (Blade Runner 2049), and with a number of other robot and AI-related films and series in the works, 2017 could very well see the rise of the robot, and a deeper cultural exploration of the ever increasing role of AI in our lives. But whether next year or beyond, you may want to avoid any robot cowboys you find, just in case.
PERHAPS suffering from a sudden case of “Boreditis”, Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, was recently snapped playing Pokemon Go during a debate at a parliamentary meeting in the Storting (the supreme legislature). Nintendo’s smash-hit global mobile game (which largely involves spotting or tracking down virtual creatures using location services and augmented reality - and then ‘capturing’ them) has a huge following, with Pokemon Go players drawn from all ages and backgrounds. She’s not the first Norwegian politician whose attention has wandered away during a meeting, with the Liberal party leader, Trine Skei Grand, spotted in August playing the game during a meeting on national security. Whether or not either of the Norwegian politicians shouted “A-Ha!” as they found and then captured their Pokemon is currently unknown. Closer to home, and while Leinster House is reported to be full of exotic creatures and colourful characters, there’s no word as yet whether our beloved leader, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, is trying to catch ’em all. Seems like the particularly unique denizens there will be free to roam the halls for a little bit longer.
Samsung hangs up on the Galaxy Note 7 SAMSUNG are in the news for all the wrong reasons, thanks to what proved to be a terminal issue with its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. The troubled phone has been making headlines in recent weeks due to several reports of some of phones smoking and even catching fire, with social media shots showing scorched phones. The issue was so serious, it led to the global recall of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones. Unfortunately, some of the replacement phones sent out to customers also went up in smoke. And so, at the time of going to press, Samsung has just taken the drastic decision to cease production of the phone, with immediate effect, marking a very decisive end for the premium phone.
26 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
LUCANCLASSIFIEDS ALARMS
TV REPAIR
CLASSES
AUCTIONS
DVDS
DVD TRANSFERS Video & Camera Tapes
ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK
CineFilms Photos & Slides converted to DVD Music & Titles added
DENTAL
(ABC: Group MFD, Jan-Dec 2015)
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
WINDOWS
ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, Jan- Dec 2015).
TAXIS
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240
WINDOWS
FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette
GOT A PHOTO? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com
WE’RE ON
Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 27
LUCANCLASSIFIEDS DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK
RECRUITMENT
*Publishers Statement
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240 GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240
ZAKURA NOODLE & SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 13 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 requires a Head Chef with 1-year experience. Permanent contract. Salary of €31k per annum and working hours of 38 hours per week. Contact: Yan Phone: 083-3335388
GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240
GAZETTE
28 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
SPORT Fair Game gets top pod nod
FastSport
WOMEN IN SPORT: BUCKLEY AND GLEN HONOURED FOR NEW INNOVATION
SHELS THROUGH TO SENIOR FINAL:
SHELBOURNE Ladies and Wexford Youths WFC will meet in this season Continental Tyres FAI Women’s Senior Cup final. A Leanne Kiernan double helped Shelbourne Ladies to a 4-1 victory over Peamount United at Greenogue. Kiernan opened the scoring after 14 minutes after Peamount keeper Noaise McAloon had misjudged Siobhan Killeen’s cross. Kiernan doubled Shels lead on 22 minutes with a super goal, coming off the left wing and striking with her right foot find the roof of the net. Noelle Murray made it 3-0 from the penalty spot seven minutes before half time. New Shels centre forward Gloria Douglas sealed the victory on 61 minute with an excellent low drive from just inside the penalty area before Peamount got one back. Wexford progressed to the final after a 7-0 victory over Kilkenny United.
JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
FAIR GAME Podcast won the Realex Web Award for the Best Podcast Series last week, picking up the award as they prepare to produce the second series of the show. Fair Game is a serial podcast launched just a few months ago, and focused on discussing women in sport. Run by Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen, the show picked up the award at Dublin’s Liberty Hall, with Glen describing the win as “a bit of a shock after just nine months, but we’re incredibly proud.” The pair have explored numerous
elements of the sporting world in the first series, welcoming a host of national-level stars to talk on topics from the Rio Olympics to adventure sports, as well as tackling issues like Lidl’s notorious ‘ladyball’ campaign and wider aspects of female sporting prowess. “We’ve learnt about the power of collaboration,” Buckley explained. “If you have a good idea and you’re not quite sure what to do with it, then talk to l i ke - m i n d e d p e o p l e about it. You could well end up working with them. Our podcast is a testament to that.” Of course, the podcast deals widely with equality in sport, with
the dual aims of promoting and exploring the women’s game across numerous codes, and talking about where things currently stand. Both presenters agree that progress in the treatment of women’s sport is slow, with Buckley argu ing “it all comes down to attendance figures for me. Support at the frontline, and the much talked about factors like media and sponsorship will follow suit.” Speaking of her own contribution, the Muckross hockey player adds, “I think that we ourselves have progressed as presenters since we started out. I cringe listening back to episode
Fair Game creators Elaine Buckley and Emily Glen.
number one now, as we were clinging to scripts for dear life! “In comparison to our last episode, an unscripted preview of the 26 sportswomen representing Team Ireland at the Rio Olympics, we’re definitely a lot more relaxed in front of the micro phones.” Glen explained “Elaine and I are fans
of quite different sports so I got to rant about some of the events and athletes I was most looking forward to seeing and I learned loads about the sports she is more familiar with.” Speaking of their Web Awards victory, Glen added: “It didn’t really sink in for a few days that we’d won – we genuinely weren’t expecting to. We have a ball
making Fair Game so it’s a very pleasant surprise to learn that other people listen to it and like what we’re doing – never mind that some of those people are our sporting heroes!” ** You can listen to the award-winning first series of Fair Game Podcast on their website at castaway.media/ fairgame.
IABA launch new course for female boxing coaches sport@dublingazette.com
Potential coaches take in the new female coaching initiative at the National Stadium
OVER 50 boxing clubs from around Ireland have taken up a trial programme aimed at introducing more female coaches to one of Ireland’s traditionally most successful sports. The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) are hosting the new course, which was launched by World Elite silver medalist Kellie Harrington at Drimnagh Boxing Club on Saturday. The pilot versions of the level one coaching course will take place in Dublin, Kilkenny and
Wexford before the end of 2016. The training courses are specifically targeted at women already connected with boxing, with Glasnevin, Baldoyle, All Saints, Mulhuddart and Jobstown boxing clubs among the Dublinbased gyms sending representatives to the first course. Attendees from Crumlin and Lucan will travel to the Kilkenny event. “There are a lot of female boxers, but hardly any female coaches,” IABA club development manager Geraldine McTavish explained. “Most clubs wouldn’t have any female coaches. The
course will feature mothers of young boxers, boxers themselves, assistant coaches, administrators people like that. It’s being offered to women who are already regularly involved in their clubs, to try and get them on the ladder. “It’s about long-term development. We’ll be rolling out nationally next year, and already have a waiting list of more than 70 people for the next round. It’s important they understand the support is there. One thing you really see is the improved confidence and skill level over the two days. “Female boxers tend to be
more tactical, but almost all the coaches are men,” she continued. “Women sometimes work better with women. Doing it for free has brought in interest from people like mothers, who’d be dropping off and then waiting around, and see a chance to get involved. We plan to put in place a progression pathway from here.” The course is the first to be targeted specifically at women and is being operated in conjunction with Sport Ireland, with the three trial dates intended to test the concept ahead of a broader roll out.
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
Comerford launches bid for the Winter Olympics
FASTSport
Glenageary student attempting to combine engineering studies and fundraising with his pursuit of the Olympic dream and a potential place at the 2018 Games in Korea KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN could soon boast another Olympic skier in the form of Cormac Comerford, as he aims to represent his country at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The 20-year-old from Glenageary competes in two of the five alpine disciplines; the slalom and the giant slalom and has launched an ambitious campaign to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Comerford’s skiing journey started when he attended an open day at the Ski Club of Ireland in the Dublin Mountains when he was just eight. Within four years of first attached a set of skis, he became a European Youth Olympian and he recently spoke about his future ambitions and how
he is looking to step up to a new level. “I’m studying engineering there at the moment so I’m back and forth throughout the season, in between my studies and professional skiing career,” the DIT sports scholar said of his current situation. College can be tough enough on its own without the added pressure of trying to forge a sports career in a professional environment. This is something Comerford has had to get used to, and in fact only took a short break from studying to conduct the interview. “When I come off the mountain, I do some studying, and when I’m back in Dublin I’ll be doing physical training again so it’s a pretty tough job [to juggle the two]. “DIT suppor ts me quite a lot. I get sports
conditioning, academic aid, and they are very supportive of my road to Pyeongchang,” Comerford continued. However, the backing he already receives is not enough to cover the full cost of competing in such an expensive sport so Comerford has set up a crowdfunding campaign with PledgeSports to raise more funds and help him achieve his dream. Comer ford openly admits that getting to compete in some of the most beautiful parts of the world is a massive draw for him, but it can also offer up some challenging obstacles. “The travelling is a lovehate relationship. It is probably one of the best experiences and opportunities I have to travel. I love doing it but last season it took up about 40% of my total expenses.
Cormac Comerford is looking to continue his rise on the world skiing scene
“It is pretty rough, especially last season when I was travelling around Europe with pretty much zero funds and having to sleep while I travelled.” Comerford even had to sleep in the bathroom of an underground car park once – probably a nightmare thought for most parents. “The Ski Association
small amount of funding that I receive from them. “I would love to do it full-time if the opportunity arrives and at the moment DIT and PledgeSports are helping me get there but the funds aren’t here in Ireland to be able to do it. I don’t come from a family which would have the funds either so I work during the summer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘I am on track to becoming number one and it is definitely within reach’ - Cormac Comerford
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of Ireland gets funds from the Olympic Council but it a very small amount because there is not as many athletes competing as you might have in something like athletics. They support me as much as they can but it is only a
to save up.” Comerford is much stronger at slalom, ranked second in Ireland, but he prefers giant slalom, seeing it is a much more exciting and challenging event. “To make it to the Olympics, I will have to become number one or number one will have to qualify in the A standard. I am on track to becoming number one and with the season I have ahead of me it is definitely within reach. “Just getting to the Olympics is the main goal at the moment.” Comerford is looking to raise €3,000 through his campaign and if you would like to help him achieve his dream of flying the flag for Ireland at the 2018 Winter Olympics, you can make a donation at www.pledgesports.org.
O’Flanagan strikes again as Monkstown on fire FOR the second week running, Hermes-Monkstown’s Anna O’Flanagan struck the only goal of the game to hand the Glenageary club a fourth straight win in the EY Hockey League, denying an impressive Loreto in a 1-0 result. The game started at a fast pace with Loreto pressing high up the pitch. They had more possession during the first quarter but neither team created any clear cut chances. The second quarter was also played at a high tempo with both teams passing the ball well. Hermes-Monkstown won a penalty corner but the switch left was closed down. As time wore on, the game became more and more open. Both teams created chances in the third quarter with Louisa Healy making a few saves and Rosie Carrigan and Sarah Greene making a couple of very good tackles and interceptions. Hermes-Monkstown scored the only goal when an attack down the right led to a pass across the circle with Anna O’Flanagan sweeping in from around the penalty spot for her 11th goal of the campaign. The last quarter was very tight with Loreto pressing for an equaliser and Hermes-Monkstown breaking forward when they could. A yellow card slowed down Loreto’s play and they weren’t able to create a clear chance in front of goal as the Merrion Fleet Arena hosts closed out the result. Elsewhere, Deirdre Duke’s double saw UCD continue their strong start to the campaign, seeing off student rivals Ulster Elks to sit in third place after four rounds of matches. The Irish international struck early on, flicking home after a couple of early corners had come to nothing. UCD continued to push on during the second quarter with the Elks dropping deep and looking to counter but no further goals accrued before the break. The Ulster side did break out of their shell in the second half, winning two consecutive corners and were level when Kathryn Smiley managed to tap in at the back post. Katie Mullan, though, restored the lead for the Dubliners when she drove the ball into the circle, flipped it into the air and slotted home. Duke then created the third for Leah Ewart to tap in before the former netted her second.
GAZETTE
30 LUCAN GAZETTE 13 October 2016
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: LOCAL DUO CONTINUE EXCELLENT STARTS
Shortall’s top notch SDCSP seminar A LARGE crowd took in a seminar by Connacht rugby’s nutritionist Marcus Shortall on Monday at IT Tallaght, organised by South Dublin County Sports Partnership, in partnership with IT Tallaght. It is part of a series of free seminars organised by the partnership in the coming months. To book a place please email info@sdcsp.ie or text 086 0441071 giving your name, organisation and position. For more information on the seminars and other SDCSP events please visit www.sdcsp.ie, or for up to date information simply like the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sdcsp.
Liffey Valley are gunning for more success after some great recent seasons
LVR and Booth Road soar in Leinster JC
LEINSTER JUNIOR CUP Liffey Valley Rangers Baldoyle Grange United LVR win 4-2 on penalties sport@dublingazette.com
2 2
LOCAL clubs Liffey Valley Rangers and Booth Road Celtic both picked up strong victories in the Leinster Junior Cup to advance to the next phase of the competition. F o r L i f f e y Va l l e y, the battle was a much tougher one but they went the distance to register the shock of the round as they knocked Balydoyle Grange United in dramatic fashion on Sunday in a penalty shoot-out. Baldoyle looked set to progress as they lead with two minutes remaining but Liffey Va l l e y l e ve l e d a n d the LSL Premier Sunday side eventually accounted for the AUL Premier A outfit on pen-
alties. Rangers took the lead in the first half via Jack McDonnell and managed to keep the advantage up and until half time. The AUL top flight side had a chance to level af ter the turn when they were awarded a spot kick, but in a sign of things to come Mark Carmody saved from 12 yards. Baldoyle did manage to restore parity with 15 minutes remaining and forced extra time. T he Nor thside outfit then went in front when they converted from a corner, but just when it looked like they had survived a scare TJ O’Brien leveled the game again with two minutes remaining. Penalties followed as a result and Carmody managed to save once again as Valley won 4-2 and took up their place
in the draw. It continues Liffey Valley’s excellent start to the season with them riding high in the league. They have notched seven successive wins in the LSL af ter an opening day defeat to Valeview Shankill, a run that has seen the side rise to second in the table behind Pioneers but with a game in hand. They have also got a five-point between them and the chasing pack, setting themselves up nicely for a strong season in both the league and the cup competitions. Booth Road Celtic’s Saturday side produced three wonder strikes on Saturday afternoon as they saw off St Paul’s with ease, racing out to a 4-0 victory. The Clondalkin side put four – three of
which were stand outstrikes – past the Artane and booked their place in the next round of a competition won by Sheriff YC last season. James Kelly got the ball rolling by sending the ball flying into the top corner from 20 yards. Luke Darcy then ensured a two goal half time cushion when he rounded the net minder to double the lead. Darcy joined the spectacular effort club after the break with a delightful chip finish from the corner of the box. With goals to be had Philip Sheppard wasn’t going to miss out and the known front man curled a free kick home from 30 yards to put a seal on the win. It adds to Booth Road’s impressive start to the league season where they have won six out of six to date.
13 October 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
CAMOGIE: LUCAN CLUB DENIED AGAIN BY VINCENT’S
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN THE lotto numbers for this week
Well done to the our U-8s who had
were 9, 21, 24 and 28. There was no
a great win on Saturday morning
winner so next week the jackpot will
against Na Gaeil Oga.
be €6,200.
footballers on Sunday with a nail-
erstown House every Sunday night
biting finish and a two point won over
at 10pm and tickets cost €2.
Ballyboden, well done lads.
Thank you to all our sellers and
Well done to our U-16 camogie girls
to all that support our lotto every
on a brilliant performance in the
week.
Shield final on Saturday.
Tickets are available from all the
Unfortunately, they lost by four
usual sellers including Moriarty’s
points but they played a brilliant
SuperValu, Palmerstown House and
game and every one of them fought
Manor Hair Studios.
so hard to the final whistle; we are
Our Friday hurling and camogie
very proud of their performance and
skills continues on Friday and will be
couldn’t have asked for more from
on from 6-7pm next week. Everyone
them all.
welcome. It’s a great chance for the kids to Orla Beagan on the attack for Lucan Sarsfields
Sars comeback just short in final drama SENIOR CAMOGIE FINAL
St Vincent’s 1-8 Lucan Sarsfields 1-5 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
LUCAN Sarsfields lost out to holders St Vincent’s for a second year running in a topsy-turvy Dublin senior camogie final on Sunday, with Sarsfields falling just short by 1-8 to 1-5 after their late charge briefly threatened a replay. With the two teams cancelling each other out in a tight early battle, it took until early in the second half for a score to come from open play, but shortly afterwards the floodgates opened, with Vincent’s coming out on top in what swiftly kicked into a fast-paced shoot out. The first half, though, showed no signs of what was to come: with a notable bite to the game, midfield was everything early doors. Claire Donnelly in the Vincent’s midfield and Ciara Casey alongside late replacement Amy Conroy
for Sarsfields particularly impressed over the early stages, with very little clean ball available in the forwards lines. Claire Rigney at corner forward perhaps looked the most threatening, often requiring two to shut down her moves down the wing, but almost all the notable first half chances came through set plays. Casey was fouled whilst shooting for Sarsfields, and after seeing her effort fly wide, tapped over the subsequent free to put Lucan in front. Alison Maguire for Vincent’s returned fire with the pair getting two each to bring things to 0-2 each at halftime. The best moment fell to Vincent’s, with Joelene Hoary in the Lucan goal coping well with a late-half onslaught. The first score from open play was to be a goal, and took six minutes of the second half to arrive. Eimear McCarthy hit a slightly speculative shot at the Sarsfields goal, one that ricocheted off
Hoary’s stick and into the back of the net. T he goalkeeper redeemed herself soon after, nicking a goal chance away from the stick of Aisling Maher shortly afterwards in a vital defensive move. Vincent’s though, were going through a purple patch, with Maher, Aine Fanning and Maguire racing them into a sevenpoint lead, fuelled in part by the attacking verve of Donnelly in midfield. Sa rsf ields replied with their own period of dominance, but it never
reached quite the level of Vincent’s at their best. With ten minutes left on the clock, Orla Beagan gave the Lucan side reason to hope, finally notching the west-Dubs first point from play. Shortly afterwards, a pitched ball found Conroy who stretched above the Vincent’s defence to edge the ball past Nicole Burnett in the Marino side’s goal. Briefly, a great escape seemed on, but Vincent’s steadied the ship and rebuilt their three-point advantage.
Another great win for our U-16
The draw takes place in the Palm-
learn from experienced coaches.
New members welcome at all ages, full training will be given and check out our website for training times.
NA GAEIL OGA COMHGHAIRDEAS mor don Foireann
in aghaidh Cuala sa bhaile De Sathairn
Camogaiochta a bhuaigh a cluiche
ag a 10. Ta treanail na bpaisti ar siul
craoibhe leath cheannais i gcoinne
i nGaelscoil Naomh Padraig ag a 10
Oilean na hEireann, 1-8 go 3-3 an scor
gach Sathairn. Freisin ta treanail do
deireannach.
bhuachailli a rugadh i ‘09 ar siul gach
Criochnaiodar le 11 imreoiri de bharr gortaithe agus fos bhuadar. Ar aghaidh leo go dti an cluiche ceannais anois. Bhi comhscor maith ag an Foireann Iomanaiochta sa
Mairt i nGaelscoil Naomh Padraig ag a 5 agus treanail do chailini a rugadh i ‘09 agus ‘10 gach Deardaoin ag a 5. Nios mo eolas ar fail uaidh Eoin ag 0860545293.
bhaile, 1-7 an taobh a bhi ann, i gcoinne
Coinnigi an 26u de mi na Samhna
ceann dos na foireannacha ar barr na
2016 saor i bhur dialanna!! Ta Mor-
sraithe. Cuireann se sin crioch leis na
dhinnear Na Gaeil Oga le bheith ar siul
mbliain don iomaint.
an la sin. Nios mo eolas le teacht ar
Gabhaimid buiochas do Colm Mac
Facebook. Ma ta nios mo eolais uait
Sealaigh as an obair diograiseach a
fuinn, dean teagmhail linn ar Twitter
chur se isteach thar an mbliain. Ag
@NaGaeilOga, Facebook ‘Na Gaeil Oga’
suil le bliain torthuil an bhliain seo
no tri riomhphost, cumannclg@gmail.
chugainn.
com Faillte mor chuig imreoiri nua i
Beidh an fhoireann F8 peile ag imirt
ngach grad ‘s caighdean.
GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN WELL done to our intermediates who
season and a few challenge matches
progressed to the B championship
to look forward to over the coming
semi-final with a hard fought win over
weeks.
Lucan Sarsfields at Westmanstown on
The U-12 hurlers were also at home
Saturday evening. Date and venue for
on Sunday, beating Faughs by 3-8 to
semi-final to be confirmed this week.
0-7 with great performances from
Our minors, under the guidance of
goalkeeper to forwards.
Brian O’Connor, continued their excel-
The U-11 hurlers travelled away to
lent form, beating St Pat’s Donabate
O’Dwyers in Balbriggan on Sunday
by 6-11 to 0-5 at St Catherine’s Park on
morning where they got stuck in from
Sunday morning in their championship
the start with an excellent work rate
group match.
which never let the hosts into the
This result puts them into the semifinal of their championship date and venue to be confirmed. Our U-14 boys played their final
game. They picked off some great points and hit the net on four occasions to run out comfortable winners.
league match of the season at home
The U-9 girls were away at St James
in Westmanstown on Sunday, beating
Gaels for a hard fought league game.
Thomas Davis by 3-21 to 6-11. Hopefully
Great skill and determination from
enough done to stay in Division 3 next
both teams.
GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
FINAL AGONY: Lucan’s wait for a Dublin camogie crown goes on as Vincent’s the victors again P31
OCTOBER 13-19, 2016
SLALOMING TO SUCCESS: Comerford’s bid to reach 2018 Winter Olympics P29
Underdogs Sars eye Cuala takedown KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
LUCAN Sarsfields’ manager Mark Smith says underdog status will suit his charges as they gear up for their biggest game of the season when they take on Cuala in the semi-final of the Dublin senior hurling championship at Parnell Park. They earned their place in the semi-final after producing a spirited second half comeback against St Jude’s. Smith spoke to GazetteSport about his delight at finally getting the win and their preparations for the game against Cuala.
“It was just down to absolute hard word, with a bit of luck thrown in,” he said. “We were down by eight points at the start of the second half last week and the win was down to our work rate, determination, and leaders standing up on the field – along with a bit of luck.” Sars have been knocking on the door of the top table of Dublin hurling for the past few seasons, reaching the final in 2013 in addition to a series of semi-final appearances. But they have yet to break through and must get one over the current pace-setters in the
county with Cuala looking to complete a league and championship double for the second year in a row,. “We are in the fortunate position that we will obviously be the underdogs going into it so there is not the same pressure on us that is likely to be on Cuala. The lads are up for the game and we hope to do our best,” said Smith. Sarsfields now find themselves in the difficult position of whether to approach the game the same way as they would against any other team, but knowing that a much better start to the game will be
required. “Well, it’s the semi-final of the championship so we approach it as the semi-final of the championship. “It’s about trying to make sure that we get our game right because if we get our game right then we are in with a chance. If we start worrying about what they are going to do, that is when we will have problems.” Although not wanting to give too much away before the game in terms of the line-up, Smith did acknowledge that the squad is looking healthy. Throw-in at Parnell Park on Sunday is 4pm.
Lucan Sarsfields are looking to make it back to a Dublin SHC final for the first time since 2013