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

INSIDE: Trad session hits all the right notes with young music fans at Lucan Sarsfields clubhouse P6

OPinion: Cllr William Lavelle (FG) on the need to address Lucan’s car usage P8

Pitch-perfect: Getting ready to help Nagarhope MANY locals and well-known faces

Basketball:

Palmerstown land All-Ireland U-19 title Page 30

are limbering up for this year’s Nagarhope Challenge, which will see players take to the playing field at Lucan Sarfields this weekend to help support the charity’s life-changing work with children in Nepal. Joining local man and Nagarhope founder Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon (left) to launch the event were Deputy Derek Keating (FG), Fintan Clandillon and Michael O’Grady, former Dublin hurling boss.

See Story on Page 4

Camogie:

St Joseph’s win first ever A schools title Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

‘Great surprise’ for Volunteer of the Year Lucan’s Joe Byrne has been a pillar of the community for many years

 paul hosford

A LOCAL volunteer has said that being named Volunteer of the Year was a “great surprise”.

Joe Byrne, who volunteers with Liffey Sound

96.4fm, the Liffey Valley Park Alliance, Lucan Planning Council and Lucan Sarsfields GAA, was honoured at the Local Authorities Members’ Association (LAMA) awards last Saturday.

Joe has been a pillar of the Lucan community for many years. The key to maintaining this level of volunteerism is simple, he says.

“The particular things I’m involved with interest

me, and I’m only interested in things that mean something to me.

“And, if we can make small improvements in the area, that gives me great satisfaction.”

Full Story on Page 5

2 LUCAN Gazette 31 January 2013

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Sasha Delaney says the drug, Kalydeco, could make a huge difference to the lives of those with CF across the country

Introduce new CF drug with out delay – says sufferer A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer from Clondalkin has called on the Government to make a new drug to treat her condition available in Ireland.

Kalydeco, a new drug used in the treatment of the disease, can increase life expectancy in CF sufferers by an average of 28.2 years, nearly doubling many of their lives.

But, as yet, the HSE and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which manufacture the drug, have been unable to agree a pricing structure, leading to the drug being available in the North, but not here.

Sasha Delaney, who

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

has had the disease since birth, said the drug could make a huge difference to the lives of those with CF across the country. “ I t ’s n o t a c t u a l l y designed to treat the specific genetic mutation that I have, but the company are working on one that does. But, regardless, I know families of CF sufferers who do have

that gene and they are so angry and frustrated that this drug, which could make such a huge difference is being kept off shelves.

“That it comes down to such a logical reason as money really removes all of the humanity from the situation.”

Though the drug is expected to be a viable option for about 10% of the CF-suffering population, the knock-on effect could be potentially huge, with new phases within 18 months being able to treat most people.

Because the disease affects the respiratory system, sufferers often

have chest infections and require hospitalisation frequently, something Kalydeco could eliminate.

“I’ve been told that it is like taking a deep breath for the first time,” says Sasha “Having CF was once described to me as taking a clothes peg and putting it on your nose, sellotaping a straw into your mouth and only breathing through the straw. That is what it feels like to a CF sufferer.”

Having been through 28 years of treatment, Sasha is anxious that children in Ireland don’t have to suffer the same

fate.

“There are children in Ireland who if given access to this huge medical development will never ever have to go through the kind of illnesses, medical intervention and surgeries that I had to go through.

“They could be given a life that I was never expected to have.”

The HSE and Vertex are believed to be due to enter talks again soon, but that may be too late for some.

“I know families that are thinking of moving up the North to get access to the drug. They can’t wait.”

Forty jobs to be created at local tourism company Rathcoole-based transport and tourism company Dualway has announced that it is set to create 40 jobs this year.

Dualway’s planned expansion this year follows on from a recruitment drive the group carried out a short while ago.

Among the positions Dualway is creating are vacancies coach and city tour drivers, sales staff, promotional staff, and digital marketing executives.

Recruitment day

The company is holding a recruitment open day on Satur-

day, February 2 from 1.25pm, in the Gresham Hotel, O’Connell Street.

Local TD Derek Keating (FG) said the jobs represented a boost for the local economy.

“The Government is working assiduously to turn the economy around, focusing on potential

growth areas such as tourism, IT and the pharma sector to grow jobs so that our people can get back to work.

“I wish Dualway every success with its future endeavours and look forward to seeing the company grow and expand into the future.”

31 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 3

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pharmacy

Scoil Aine Naofa: funding given to address safety concerns

Improve health and weight

New classrooms for local school  PAUL HOSFORD

phosford@gazettegroup.com

The creation of two new classrooms for a local school has been warmly welcomed.

Under new Department of Education funding, Scoil Aine Naofa in Esker will receive the two-classroom extension.

The funding has been allocated by the Department after concerns were raised over the safety of some classrooms.

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald (FG) said that the funding was particularly welcome, given that the school missed out on capital funding under the Five

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Year Schools plan.

“I am pleased that the Minister has acted to provide two additional classrooms for Scoil Aine Naofa and I will continue to press for urgent additional resources for [schools in Lucan].”

Pressure Labour councillor Caitriona Jones added that the classrooms would help alleviate pressure on parents in Lucan.

“I know as a parent of a child starting school how stressful enrolments are, especially for those not guaranteed a place.

“You don’t want to get in a car and travel,

you want to stay local.

“At the end of the day, you want to go to your local school and we have great schools in Lucan.”

The schools crisis in Lucan has long been an issue amongst parents, but with this announcement, coupled with last year’s capital funding announcements, that the tow n is star ting to catch up, says Cllr Jones.

“It is welcome that Lucan is going to have an extra school, as well as various different extensions.

“We have been under resourced in previous years, we’ve been playing catch-up in Lucan,” said Jones.

On a roll: Kirsty gets stuck in and shows her community spirit

intel employee Kirsty Downey was on a roll as she was volunteer at a local school as part of the company’s Matching Grants Program which aims to recognise and motivate its employees to engage in outreach and volunteerism to make our communities a better place. In total during 2012 Intel employees volunteered a remarkable 53,504 with 44% of their employee population volunteering at least once during the year.

Lucan Village Pharmacy is calling on local people to consult with them as they attempt to improve their health and lose weight.

A spokesperson for the pharmacy said: “The most recent national survey shows 70% of men and 52% of women are carrying excess weight. The benefits of losing excess weight include increased energy levels, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, reduced diabetes risk, improved mobility and improved fertility.

“Successful weight loss is only achieved if you are prepared to dramatically alter your relationship with food and exercise.

Your local pharmacy can provide you with support to achieve your desired weight.”

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 31 January 2013

HEALTH: OPPORTUNITY TO CHARITY Celebrities support Nepal’s children HEALTH: TRANSFORM WELCOMED LOCAL SCREENING

Take part in local 5k run  PAUL HOSFORD

THE decision to hold an Opportunity To Transform 5km run in Corkagh Park has been warmly welcomed.

The event, which will take place on February 23, is part of the nationwide healthy-living campaign spearheaded by RTE’s Operation Transformation programme.

At last month’s county council meeting, Councillor Emer Higgins (FG) requested that the council approach the show with a view to promoting a park in the local area as a venue for any community initiatives, which the show encourages.

She said that she was delighted the venue had been chosen.

“I am delighted that Corkagh Park will this year host an event to mark

the end of the Operation Transformation Challenge. I would encourage residents throughout our county to accept the challenge and not to be put off at the idea of running it.”

The event will be open to walkers, joggers and runners alike and many people might like to complete the 5km with a combination of running and walking.

The event takes place next month, so there’s plenty of time to train and follow tips from the popular TV show.

“This event is aimed at people who see this event as a challenge and most people taking part will probably never have done anything like this before. some will walk it, some will run it, some will do a combination of both,” said Cllr Higgins.

Prevent cervical cancer with free test  HIROMI MOONEY

Last year’s Nagarhope Celebrity Challenge (inset) saw Lucan man and Nagarhope founder Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon (above left) joined by Brian Brady and local Fine Gael Deputy Derek Keating

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 PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

THE Nagarhope Celebrity Challenge returns to Lucan this weekend, aiming to raise muchneeded funds for some of the world’s poorest children when it takes to the playing field at Lucan Sarfields.

The charity, which was founded and is run by Lucanian Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon, sponsors the education of 230 children in the Nagarkot region of Nepal, which is one of the poorest regions in the world.

The charity is entering its fifth year in operation and has already changed the lives of numerous children, with the building of a community centre the next challenge.

“We’re very busy at the minute,” says Doc, who is

back in Ireland to oversee the fundraising event, which will see a team of well-known faces led by local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating take on a Lucan Sarsfields team led by Doc’s brother, Fintan.

The team will take on a team of Lucan players of all ages in the games of Caman Abu and Peil Abu – non-contact forms of both hurling and football.

Doc says that the support the challenge received from local people, and those from further afield, for last year’s event was exceptional, prompting this year’s follow-up.

“We ran a successful event in February 2012, and have decided to follow it up this year with something similar.

“Croke Park, in particular, were a great support to us last year, covering the event with a TV crew

and supplying sliotars and specially-designed hurls for the Caman Abu. O’Neills also secured a set of purple jerseys with our charity’s logo on the front,” he says.

Between them, the celeb team have 12 AllIreland medals, numerous All-Stars, a world athletics championship gold medal, as well as one managing Ireland’s senior football team, and another racking up hundreds of appearances on the longest-running drama in the country’s history.

Celebrities Celebrities already confirmed include Brian Kerr, Eamon Coghlan, Bernard Brogan, Ciaran Kilkenny, Paul Curran, Nicky English, formerArsenal striker Graham Barrett and Fair City actress Sorcha Furlong.

In July 2011, Nagarhope acquired one-anda-half acres of land in the small Himalayan village of Nagarkot, some 30km from Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu.

Nagarhope plans to construct and operate a children’s home and community centre that will benefit the wider community over the next three years, and Doc says that work is hectic at the moment.

“We’re working hard and it’s all go now that we’re in the planning and design stage of the community centre,” says Doc, who has said that support from the local community in Lucan is vital.

“We have a lot of longterm donors locally. People have a good heart.”

The games will throw in at 3pm, and admission is free.

LUCAN women are being encouraged to avail of a free smear test from their GP, as January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald is urging women to be more confident and aware of their own health and wellbeing, and help detect cervical cancer and prevent this treatable disease from becoming fatal.

“A smear test is a fiveminute, simple procedure. More than 300 Irish women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 90 lives are lost every year.

Screening “The good news is that free, regular cervical screening in practices across Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole and Palmerstown helps identify cervical cancer at an early stage,” she said.

“Women should not be afraid to discuss these issues and I would encourage all women to make a special effort this month to get informed about cervical cancer and to get screened.

“A quick and free test could save your life, as early detection can lead to successful treatment.”

The free smear tests are provided to women aged 25 to 60 by the National Cervical Screening Programme, and they are funded by the Department of Health.

To find a nearby medical centre that provides smear tests, see www. cervicalcheck.ie or call CervicalCheck on 1800 45 45 55..

31 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 5

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education Tuffy to brief attendees and answer questions on proposed reforms

Local information session on Junior Certificate changes  paul hosford

LOCAL Labour TD Joanna Tuffy will hold an information session on proposed changes to the Junior Certificate.

The session will take place in Deputy Tuffy’s constituency office on Dispensary Lane, Lucan village, from 11am to 1pm on Friday, February 1.

Deputy Tuffy, along with local Labour councillors Caitriona Jones and Eamon Tuffy, will brief attendees about the proposed reforms.

Last October, the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, announced proposals for the phased replacement of the Junior Certificate with a new school

certificate, beginning with English in 2014, and extending to all subjects for students beginning first year in September 2017.

The proposals include that 40% of the marks for each subject will generally be awarded for school-based components, such as oral exams in language stud-

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‘The proposals include that 40% of the marks for each subject will generally be awarded for school based components’

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ies, or work completed during second and third years, which could be presented in

electronic portfolios or other ways.

Deputy Tuffy says that the

purpose of the information session is to raise awareness of the proposed Junior Certificate reforms, to provide information about the reforms, to answer questions, and to let members of the local community with an interest in education have their say, adding that proposals will be forwarded to the Minister.

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

Local councillor William Lavelle (FG) congratulates local man Joe Byrne, and his wife, Margaret, on being named Volunteer of the Year

people: local volunteer of the year

Joe ‘honoured’ by prestigious win  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL volunteer has said that being named Volunteer of the Year was a “great surprise”.

Joe Byrne, who volunteers with Liffey Sound 96.4fm, the Liffey Valley Park Alliance, Lucan Planning Council and Lucan Sarsfields GAA, was honoured at the Local Authorities Members’ Association (LAMA) awards last Saturday at a gala event held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Northwood.

Joe originally hails from Dunmore, Co Galway, and lives with his wife, Margaret, and family in Lucan’s Beech Park.

Having lived in the area

since 1975, Joe has dedicated countless hours to various local causes, and says that the award caught him off guard.

“It was a great surprise.

I was told by Councillor William Lavelle (FG) that I had been nominated in November, and sort of forgot about it, then.

“He came back to me in December and told me I had been shortlisted, but I still didn’t think I would win. I am chuffed!”

Asked how he keeps up with his voluntary commitments, Joe admits that it requires some attention, but also passion.

“Well, it’s a bit of juggling. But a lot of [my commitments] don’t clash, so I’m able to manage.”

The key to maintaining

this level of volunteerism is simple, says Joe. “The particular things I’m involved with interest me, and I’m only interested in things that mean something to me.”

Having been involved with Lucan Sarsfields for many years, helping the Lucan Planning Council protect the likes of St Edmundsbury, and being a founder member of the Liffey Valley Park Alliance, Joe continues to work with all of them, as well as his work at Liffey Sound FM, where he is vice-chairman.

“I have made great friendships in all of the organisations. And if we can make small improvements in the area, that gives me great satisfaction.”

6 lucan Gazette 31 January 2013

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Holly Butler and Ailbhe Ni Chonghaile

in tune: lucan comhaltas hosts session

Cathal Dooley

Reviving traditions

T

HE Lucan branch of Comhaltas, the international traditional Irish music organisation, recently held a trad session at the Lucan Sarsfields clubhouse.

The Lucan Comhaltas formed four years ago, and now have over 70 members. They organise sessions, slower sessions for children

and music classes. They offer classes for all levels and ages in fiddle, tin whistle, flute, accordion, bodhran, banjo, mandolin and guitar. This is also the first year that they have had a concertina button accordion.

Local venues that host weekly trad sessions include The Ball Alley and Courtney’s Pub.

Ciara Nic Craith

Aidan and Conor Sheary

31 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 7

8 LUCAN Gazette 31 January 2013

FastNews

opinion ‘Car critical to quality of life’

WEEE Ireland to hold a free recycling day in village WEEE Ireland, the Irish compliance scheme for electrical and battery recycling, is holding a free recycling day in Lucan on Saturday, February 9.

The event will take place at DID Electrical in the Lucan Retail Park from 10am to 4pm, and will allow people to get rid of any household electrical equipment and batteries in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

Anything in the home with a battery or a plug can be recycled at this Saturday’s collections. Waste collection specialists from WEEE Ireland will be present on the day.

All batteries recycled on the day will go towards the Spread a Little Sunshine campaign for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

For further information on all future recycling events in Dublin, or to find the nearest civic amenity site, log on to WEEE Ireland’s website, www.recyclefree.ie.

Councillor William Lavelle (FG): Lack of orbital public transport services is a problem

We need to drive through Lucan traffic changes  william lavelle

Gardai appeal for witnesses to fatal crash GARDAI are appealing for witnesses after an 80-year-old woman was killed in a collision on the M50 at Lucan.

The woman’s car was involved in a crash near the Red Cow exit, at 10.30pm last Sunday. The injured woman was taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where she was pronounced dead.

The scene of the collision at the M50 was closed for a time to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, but reopened shortly thereafter.

Gardai are asking

anyone who may have seen the crash to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on 01 666 7700, the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666-111 or any Garda station.

Safer Internet Day at Lucan Library THE Safer Internet Day will take place at the Lucan library next Thursday, February 7.

This is an international day which promotes safer internet and mobile phone use for both adults and children alike.

For more information and for various tips on how to be webwise, log on to www. southdublinlibraries. ie.

Fine Gael councillor

TRAFFIC is part of everyday life in Lucan. This is the legacy of the bad planning of the 1990s and the past decade.

Responding to Lucan’s traffic situation represents a significant challenge.

However, like any challenges, the first task is to understand the scale of the problem.

At last week’s meeting of South Dublin County Council, a report was presented, at my request, on commuting and travel patterns recorded in Census 2011. This report identified a number of headline findings.

Car-Dependence We live in a car-dependent county. According to the census, 66% of work trips in South Dublin County are by car, compared to a Greater Dublin average of 61%.

This shouldn’t surprise us.

Most of our county, including Lucan, is outersuburban. In these areas, the private car remains critical to quality-of-life and economic activity. It is important that council planners remember this basic reality when considering roads planning.

Reducing road space for private cars may be a valid policy objective in the city centre, but not necessarily in outer suburban locations.

bus service on the Outer Ring Road, where there is a 24-hour bus lane.

Dublin Bus, in response to a recent request from myself, have again refused to deliver the promised new No 166 orbital bus route linking Liffey Valley, Lucan, Clondalkin and Tallaght.

The few existing orbital services which we have, such as the No 239, are pitiful in their irregularity and circuitousness.

Lack of orbital public transport route We suffer from the lack of orbital public transport services. The census indicates how only 24% of residents travel to work in the city centre, with most working elsewhere in our county or along the M50.

Despite this, more than 95% of public transport trips from our county are radial trips – to and from the city centre.

I am regularly asked by Lucan residents about the possibility of providing a

Primary school traffic The census highlights how we still have far too many car-based trips to and from primary school.

The rate of car-usage to deliver and collect children to and from primary school has, in fact, increased in recent years from 43% to 48%.

These trips are primarily short-trip car journeys, and add significantly to traffic congestion. We should be aiming to sig-

nificantly reduce shorttrip car journeys so as to free up traffic for those who need to use the road, while contributing to the health and well-being of school children.

Policy implications Having considered these headline findings, we must ask what are the policy implications for the council, Government and transport providers?

We should be seeking more direct orbital services, starting with the promised No 166 route using the Outer Ring Road.

If Dublin Bus won’t do it, then we should allow private operators to do so. This also applies to city centre routes.

Lucan has suffered from a reduction in services in recent years, starting with the loss of the Morton’s Circle Line, followed by Dublin Bus changes which resulted in less peak-hours services.

I intend tabling a motion for the next meet-

ing of the council calling on the National Transport Authority to introduce competition and to allow private bus operators to access State subvention.

This is not about Left/ Right political dogma – it’s about improving services for commuters, and I hope my motion will be supported by all parties.

We should continue to enhance pedestrian and cycle safety along routes to schools through provision of off-road cycle tracks, pedestrian crossings and guard-railings.

However, in car-dependent outer suburban locations, efforts to enhance pedestrian and cycle safety must not take from road space in a way that would have a net result of worsening traffic congestion. The right balance has to be struck.

I have worked with residents and schools to seek to introduce pedestrian and cycle safety measures, as well as seeking solutions to traffic problems.

31 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 9

initiative Scheme targets social challenges

Entrepreneurs urged to seek share of €500k  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL social entrepreneurs have been encouraged to apply for access to half a million euro of new funding.

The Social Entrepreneurs Ireland programme is now open for applications for this year’s awards, with a total cash fund of €500,000 available to support individuals with new solutions for social challenges in Ireland.

The awards programme will see eight social entre-

preneurs selected to partake in one of two support programmes: the Impact programme and the Elevator programme.

Three social entrepreneurs will be selected for the Impact programme, and will each receive direct funding of €130,000 over two years, as well as more than €70,000-worth of training, mentoring and support.

Five social entrepreneurs will be selected for the Elevator programme, and will each receive direct funding of €22,000

over one year, as well as more than €10,000-worth of training, mentoring and support.

Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) and her Government colleague, Minister Frances Fitzgerald (FG), encouraged local people to avail of the fund.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “The aim of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is to support people who have come up with new and innovative ways to change or fix social issues they notice not just nationally, but in their own commu-

Minister Frances Fitzgerald (FG): “If you see a problem, that you feel you can help solve, this competition is a fantastic way of making a lasting impact”

nities, too.

“The award money has enabled past projects to grow into fully-fledged businesses creating local jobs and combating societal issues.”

“Over the past seven years, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has supported 161 projects, invested €4.9 million – creating more than 800 employ-

ment opportunities, and impacting positively on communities.

“Winners in the past have ranged from ideas to help create a more literate IT generation through projects such as CoderDojo and CAMARA Ireland, to trying to address the lack of female political participation through Women For Election.

“If you see a problem, that you feel you can help solve, this competition is a fantastic way of making a lasting impact,” she said.

Full details of the application process, eligibility criteria and an overview of the awards programme can be found www.socialentrepreneurs.ie. The deadline for applications is Monday, February 18.

pharmacy Advice on shedding pounds LUCAN Village Pharmacy is calling on local people to consult with them as they attempt to improve their health and lose weight.

A spokesperson for the pharmacy said: “The most recent national survey shows 70% of men and 52% of women are carrying excess weight.

“The benefits of losing excess weight include increased energy levels, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, reduced diabetes risk, improved mobility and fertility.

“Successful weight loss is only achieved if you are prepared to dramatically alter your relationship with food and exercise.

“Your local pharmacy can provide you with support to achieve your desired weight.”

10 LUCAN Gazette 31 January 2013

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Olympic boxing gold medallist Katie Taylor with her parents, Peter and Brigid

Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and director Steven Spielberg

Lights, camera, action!

M

ANY people gathered outside the Savoy Cinema in Dublin recently to see the stars on the red carpet at the European premiere of Lincoln. World famous director Steven Spielberg and the film’s lead actor, Daniel Day-

Lewis, were joined by guests including Rosanna Davison and Olympic medallist Katie Taylor. Some of the guests later went to the Burlington Hotel where props from the film were auctioned off in aid of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.

Rosanna Davison with her parents, Diane and Chris de Burgh

31 January 2013 Gazette 11

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dublinlife

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centenary: events should be marked in ‘appropriate fashion’

Descendants of 1916 heroes call for creation of museum  paul hosford

The direct descendants of two of the leaders of the 1916 Rising have called on Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, the Minister for Arts and Culture, Jimmy Deenihan, and the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to back their proposal for the the creation of a 1916 Museum at 16 Moore Street. The group is also calling for the site’s National Monument sta-

tus to be protected.

The group want the premises to be ready so that the museum can be delivered in time for the 1916 centenary.

The members of the descendants group include Nuala O’RahillyPrice, the granddaughter of The O’Rahilly, the only leader of the Rising to be killed in action. He died on what is now O’Rahilly Parade, just off Moore Street.

Also in the group is John Connolly, the son of Roddy Connolly, a former Labour TD for Louth and grandson of James Connolly, who was the de facto leader of the rising.

The O’Rahilly and both Connollys were present in the GPO in Easter 1916.

John Connolly said that the museum would be a lasting legacy of a pivotal moment in Irish history.

“We want the centenary of 1916 to be marked with

a lasting legacy, not just another passing parade.

The proposed museum will be the centrepiece of an enduring legacy for our citizens and for visitors alike.”

Ms O’Rahilly-Price added; “The pivotal events of 1916 need to be marked in an appropriate and fitting fashion.”

The group also launched a newwebsite www.1916rebellion museum.com

Nuala O’Rahilly Price and John Connolly, grandson of James Connolly, with members of the Save No 16 Committee and Moore Street Traders’ Association at the launch of a new website and virtual tour for a proposed museum. Photograph: Eric Luke

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12 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife

diary

Healthy way to cook and eat

Students from across Dublin have been invited to take part in the Takeaway My Way contest once again this year.

T he nationwide schools cookery competition, which was launched by awardwinning chef Neven Maguire, along with Safefood and St Angela’s College in Sligo, challenges post-primary students to cook a healthier version of their favourite takeaway dishes.

Now in its third year, the competition is open t o a l l p o s t- p r i m a r y school students, including students in Youthreach centres.

Launching the competition, Fiona Gilligan, director, marketing and

communications Safefood, said: “Learning to cook and eat healthily are skills that can last students a lifetime and we would encourage all students, whether studying home economics or not, to grab an apron, pick their favourite takeaway dish, show us their passion for food and enter the competition.”

To enter, students can submit their recipe online at www.safefood. eu/takeawaymyway or complete and return by post the entry form sent to their school before February 22.

jigs and reels guaranteed to get you moving If you are looking for

Award-winning chef Neven Maguire was joined by Sophie Sherlock from Collegiate Grammar School and Tully Irvine from Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, to launch safefood’s Take Away My Way cookery competition for postprimary students

something a little different and bit more energetic this Valentine’s Day, then a Gathering event called Ceili for

Valentine’s could be just up your street.

You and your beloved can dance the night away to a live ceili band and, whether you are a set dancing aficionado or just like to leap around, the craic is sure to be mighty.

As well as live music from Traditional Arts Collective (TAC), there will also be sean nos dancing displays on the night.

TAC’s aim is to bring ceili back with jigs and reels guaranteed to get you moving.

Special guest for the night will be Amaliya Morgan-Brown from Bandon, Oregon in the USA – named after Bandon in Co Cork.

The entrance fee is €10 at The Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street on Valentine’s night from 8pm to 11.55pm.

Calling all volunteers for Lollipop Day With just one month to go until the 12th annual Lollipop Day, the Oesophageal Can-

cer Fund (OCF) is calling for the help of volunteers across Dublin this February.

Lollipop Day sees thousands of people selling lollipops for €2 nationwide every year, in an effort to raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer research, and the OCF are seeking the help of volunteers on Friday, February 22 and Saturday 23, 2013.

“We are very fortunate to have an everincreasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day a success every year,” said Noelle Ryan, chairperson of the OCF. “But we still need more volunteers, so if anyone or any group is interested in helping out, please contact us on www.lollipopday.ie or on Lollipop Day’s Facebook or Twitter page.”

For more information on Lollipop Day, to volunteer or to make a donation, go to www. lollipopday.ie or, to volunteer in Dublin call Sara on 087-2320970.

Got a Picture?

Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

31 January 2013 Gazette 13

C o m m e r c i a l F e at u r e

Tifco Group Photo – Mary Buckley (Group Operations Manager, Tifco Hotels), Pius Furlong (GM, Crowne Plaza Northwood), Niamh Murphy (GM, Crowne Plaza Dundalk), Garret O’Neill (General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Magda Rybka (Deputy General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Enda O’Meara (Managing Director, Tifco Hotels)

blanchardstown: EUROPEAN HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Prestigious award for the Crowne Plaza THE annual Hotel Stars Awards for Crow ne Plaza Hotels in Europe were recently held in Dublin for the first time, and at this annual event, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recognised hotels and people for their outstanding performance and contribution to the business and the local community in which they operate.

The winners are the best performing IHG hotels and individuals across Europe.

At the awards ceremony, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown was awarded both the Torchbearer Award and more importantly, the Crowne Plaza Hotel of the Year award for the Europe Region.

Hotel of the Year Award This category recognises hotels that have achieved outstanding results and have gone the extra mile to exceed expectations and bring their brand to life when looking after guests, employees and the local community.

Receiving the Award – Angela Brav, CEO of IHG Europe, Garret O’Neill (General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Richard Solomons (CEO IHG Worldwide) at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Torchbearer Award T h e To r c h b e a r e r Award recognises hotels that have achieved the highest levels of excellence through outstanding service.

The guests at these hotels have responded with extremely high guest satisfaction scores.

Garret O’Neill, General Manager, of Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown accepted the award at the IHG European Conference which was held in Dublin for the first time and said “I was very proud to accept these awards as it recognises all the hard work and team effort we’ve put in

this year.

“We’re constantly striving to go the extra mile so guests can expect a consistently high standard when visiting our hotel and we’ll continue to work together to keep delivering the same experience year on year”.

Angela Brav, CEO Europe said, “Our hotels are only as good as the people working in them, so we are fully committed to supporting and developing our people.

“We aim to provide the right environment, support and inspiration they need to fulfil their capability and these awards are a reflection of the fantastic talent we have working in our hotels across Europe”.

Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown is based at the Blanchardstown Centre with 188 guestrooms and conference facilities for up to 600 guests.

For more information please contact: Jennifer McKenna, Director of Sales & Marketing, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown, Phone (01) 897 7741; email – jmckenna@ crowneplazadublin.ie.

All of the staff at the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown were delighted to learn that the hotel has been awarded the acclaimed European Hotel of the Year Award by the InterContinental Hotels Group

Gazette

14 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife FEATURE From Pirates to Porter, Praed’s played them all theatre: high society star talks to the gazette

 bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

WHAT a swell party this is! The stage version of Hollywood musical, High Society, is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for five nights this February with a cast that includes Michael Praed – one of the heroes of 1980s TV show, Robin of Sherwood.

The show is packed with well-loved Cole Porter songs such as True Love and Did You Evah, and also stars Sophie Bould as Tracy Lord, Daniel Boys as Mike Connor, and Keiron Crook as George Kittredge.

Ahead of its Dublin run, The Gazette spoke to Praed, who plays Dexter in the musical. He started by reminiscing about his love for the city.

“It’s been a long time since I was in Dublin, and that was for the musical, Carousel – it must be 19 years ago now. I can’t wait, because Dublin is my all-time favourite venue and I really don’t give false praise.”

He discussed the genesis of the current stage musical version of High Society. “It’s very similar to the 1956 film version, but its true origin was a play called The Philadelphia Story in the 1930s.

“It was commissioned for Kathryn Hepburn on Broadway, and was then made into an awardwinning film with Jimmy Stewart.

“Then, 17 years later, High Society was made and some changes were made to the original

story, such as the Bing Crosby character – that I play – had been a yacht builder in the original, but is a jazz pianist now in High Society.”

For Praed, who has been in a string of musicals throughout his career, the music in High Society is the main star.

“It has such a beautiful score. Now, when I say that, I mean that there are very few composers who are truly iconic, and Cole Porter is one of them.”

Praed has been performing in plays and musicals since the 1980s.

“I got my lucky break with the Pirates of Penzance years ago. I love musicals, because there is a certain alchemy that can happen with them – when the music is good and the production is well done – that goes to the heart of truth.

Magic

“There is a magic in music that is different; it moves people in a different way, and with an evocative scenario, can have a huge impact on an audience.”

Harking back to his TV days, he recalled his time as Robin of Sherwood in the mid-1980s show.

“There were two seasons of it and, to be absolutely truthful with you, it was incredibly hard work.

We’d to be up at dawn and doing a fight scene, and work right through till evening. Yet, it was unbelievably rewarding, too, and the talented people I worked with were extraordinary.

“There was no time

When talking to The Gazette about his upcoming role in the musical, High Society at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Michael Praed was happy to reminisce about his roles in some of the smash-hit TV shows of the 1980s

for a private life though.

It was brutal going but, having said that, it wasn’t like coal mining or fighting the Taliban or even driving a bus.”

Praed then went on to play Prince Michael of Moldavia in the smashhit television show, Dynasty.

“It was the numberone show in the world,

and was a very well-oiled machine. I was welcomed with open arms and the crew was delightful.”

Special buzz

He does not have a preference between TV work and stage work. “I like them both, and you can’t really compare them. Yet, theatre does give you that special

buzz, thanks to the presence of an audience, and I can’t wait to feel that with a Dublin audience again.”

High Society runs in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Tuesday, February 5 until Saturday, February 9. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 0818 719 377, and cost €20.

31 January 2013 Gazette 15

DublinGazetteNewspapers cub reporters and photographers: december 2012 winners

H Reporter

Photo

of the

of the H

conor white

clara kinsella

Conor White from St Conleth’s College proved neither shaken nor stirred when he told us all about the school’s Build A Bank challenge which was given a special agent sheen with a James Bond theme. The mission was achieved and the project a big success, as was Conor’s article about the event, which wins him this month’s prize.

Clara Kinsella from St Finian’s Community College in Swords snapped a very jolly Michael Carruth when the Olympic gold medallist visited the school for its annual awards evening.

Michael encouraged the students in a motivational speech that included the wise words, “if you believe, you achieve”.

Well, Clara must have believed in her skills as a snapper, as she has achieved glory with this month’s prize picture.

MONTH

MONTH

Gazette

schools Get involved with our Gazette Schools pages

Dublin Gazette Newspapers are continuing to reach out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the schools pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.

Gazette

16 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

business

Each life stage needs a plan CONTINUING my examination of financial planning for each stage of your life, this week, I start by looking at where you may be after the “Young and free” stage (as detailed last week).

GWEN O’Donoghue, Fresh Images

The beauty of caring for your customers GWEN O’Donoghue of Fresh Images beauty salon in Churchtown is set to celebrate 20 years in business next month.

She qualified in 1989 at Loriam Beauty Therapy College in Dawson Street, with ITEC, CIBTEC and CIDESCO qualifications.

When she spoke to Gazette BusiHow long have you been in business?

It’s hard to believe but it’s 20 years this year. I opened my doors in 1993.

What makes your business successful?

I think it’s the personal touch. I’ve always worked in my business. There are so many salons where you are just a name. We get to know our clients, remember what treatments they like and how they like them done.

We remember their birthdays and get to know all about their families. It’s a friendship as well as a business.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We offer value for money and very competitive prices. We try to keep up with all of the latest trends and give the best customer care.

We really do care what our customers think about us. We want them to feel that their hard-earned money is well spent at our salon.

How has the recession affected your business?

Yes, I don’t think that any business hasn’t been affected. The spending power of people has decreased, so we have to make sure that they feel that they are getting value for their money.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

We invested in a new skincare brand called Guinot from Paris two years ago, and that has a large follow-

ness this week, she said: “I worked in a couple of salons before running a salon in Rathgar for three years, before opening my own in Churchtown.

“I started with just a couple of rooms out the back of a tanning salon, and, after three years, I took it over.

And here I am today, 20 years on.” ing. We felt that people were looking for more results .

There was a time when they just wanted a massage – now, they want technology coupled with pampering.

We all want to look and feel good, and especially in a recession, morale can be low, but if you look good, you feel good too, and it reflects on in all aspects of your life.

We constantly run special offers which keep clients interested. We also have a loyalty programme that returns free treatments to our clients to thank them. This is very popular, because when you get something for free, it always feels sweeter.

Old loyalty programmes meant you had to wait forever before getting your free treatment but with ours, you see results after just a few treatments.

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

I would like to see a set standard of training across the board. When I was at college, you had to have several top qualifications to get a job; they allowed you to work all over Europe.

During the Celtic Tiger era, there were numerous beauty schools setting up and running courses, but they are only pieces of the courses instead of the full thing.

It means that not every salon has the same level of qualified staff performing treatments, but they are charging the same. That is why you get such a variation in therapists – some aren’t as qualified others.

Relationship and children If you settle down with a partner, your financial priorities will almost certainly alter, especially if you have children. The financial actions you may want to be thinking about include such thrills as: • Creating an emergency fund.

• Protecting both your incomes (if relevant) in case you are unable to work.

• Life insurance for both you and your partner.

• Buying a home with the help of a mortgage.

• Whether you should be saving money, in case you want to send one or more child to private school, and/ or in case one or more goes on to further education.

• Retirement planning.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

If you have built up any debt, then becoming debtfree should be a priority.

The Middle Years Financial priorities in your middle years will vary according to how much money you have earned during your 20s and 30s – and how you have spent or invested it. For some, it can be a period of relative affluence with a higher level of disposable income

becoming available; for others, it is a period of worry as retirement looms. Your priorities may include any or all of the following: • Creating an emergency fund.

• Protecting both your incomes (if relevant) in case you are unable to work.

• Life insurance for both you and your partner.

• Paying off your mortgage and any other debts.

• Retirement planning.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

• Planning for long-term care if you are worried that your pension and/or the State may not provide for you sufficiently.

Although pension planning should have been a priority as soon as you started work, the truth is it is not until many people are in their 40s or even their 50s that they begin to consider their retirement. Providing for a comfortable old age, therefore, may be the most pressing need. Next week: retirement.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

technology: storymap tells capital’s stories

Reasons to be ’appy when uncovering Dublin’s story  laura webb

EXPLORING Dublin has taken on a whole new dimension, thanks to two film-makers who are behind a new smartphone app that sets out to tell the capital’s hidden stories.

The Storymap App was launched last week and aims to rejuvenate the old tradition of storytelling, while combining the latest technology in film and mobile apps to capture a portrait of Dublin life, past and present.

The app includes a library of 80 stories, presented in audio or HD video, each tied to a particular location in the city and told by a differ-

ent Dubliner.

C o - f o u n d e r s To m Rowley and Andrew Flaherty first launched the project in 2011 as a website, www.storymap.ie.

They discussed how they came up with the idea.

“We both arrived back from working abroad and we were really frustrated with the way the city was being represented – bleak, empty and finished,” says Flaherty.

“For us, the things that made Dublin truly special were still there to be celebrated – its people, its stories, its humour and its charm.

“We couldn’t find work, and so we began Storymap as a way to use our skills to showcase the real cultural wealth

Tom Rowley and Andrew Flaherty are pictured at the launch of Storymap. Picture: Dominic Ledwidge O’Reilly

of Dublin, in a way noone had ever seen before.

The support we got from people amazed us.”

Co-founder Rowley says: “For a local person, it gives them a chance to see the city with fresh eyes.

“By using the app and seeing a well-told story on the spot, you get to see it in a whole new light, and build a new

connection with it.”

Stories include The Spire by Roddy Doyle, The Gap In The Map with Ciaran Wallace, and The Liberty Boys by Colm Keegan.

The app was developed in DIT by Jamie Osler and Eoin Rogers, and overseen by Bryan Duggan, and is on sale in the Android and iPhone app stores for €2.59.

31 January 2013 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P23

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



Gazette

style P18

Pets can you give faye a new home?

A remarkable line-up: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Stephen Spielberg at the premiere of Lincoln at the Savoy

red carpet: legends of cinema come to dublin for lincoln fundraiser

A Presidential premiere

 rob heigh

A bitterly cold Sunday in January was brightened considerably last week when the stars and director of the acclaimed new movie, Lincoln, came to town to support a cause close to the heart of lead actor Daniel DayLewis.

The European premiere of Lincoln at the Savoy Theatre on O’Connell Street, and a special post-screening dinner and charity auction, were held in aid of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation, a fundraising organisation of which Day-Lewis, Katie Taylor and Chris de Burgh are among the patrons.

Wicklow-resident Daniel’s mother passed away in a palliative care cen-

tre in England and was moved to support the campaign for the creation of a similar facility in his adopted county.

Speaking at the premiere, Day-Lewis said: “I’m really grateful people turned out for this. We’ve been doing benefits like this for a while, but with the economic situation at the moment, we were not sure an event like this would be possible. But we explored it a little bit and it turned out we could do it.

Hospices are vital facilities that every county needs. We need these places, and we need to take care of people in the late stages of their lives.”

The screening and gala event afterwards are believed to have raised over €250,000 for the foundation, bringing it ever closer to its fundraising target of €3 million.

Director Stephen Spielberg explained how he came to debut his latest film in Dublin.

“Daniel really believed in the cause, and once he explained it to me, I believed in it as well. I’m very close to Ireland. I made Private Ryan here, and it’s a film close to my and Tom Hanks’ heart, and that was my introduction to the culture. It was such a wonderful experience; we have come back to Ireland time and again ourselves, myself and my wife and children.

“Daniel didn’t have to convince me for long to bring the European premiere here. He threw it out as a possibility, and I said we should commit to it now, it was a great idea.”

The film tells the story of the passing of the 13th Amendment to the

Constitution that abolished slavery at a time when the country was in the midst of the Civil War, which lasted for four years and claimed the lives of 750,000 citizens. Lincoln himself was committed to the reunification of the country at a time of extreme division, and his belief in democracy, the constitution and America helped to deliver peace and emancipation to the nation. Sadly, he only lived to see a few days beyond the end of the civil war before he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.

The film has been roundly hailed as another Spielberg masterpiece, and the lead role appears to have been one that Day-Lewis was born to play. continued on Page 22

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Faye, a three-year-old Lurcher cross. This lovely lady was abandoned because she was pregnant and went on to break records in Dogs Trust having the largest ever litter, 15 puppies.

All of her puppies have found their forever homes and we now hope its Faye’s turn to finally get a chance to relax and look after herself for a while.

Faye is polite, sweetnatured, affectionate with a beautiful soul. This supermom just wants to snuggle up on a big sofa with plenty of toys to occupy her.

If you think you can provide a good home for Faye, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. Further information about their work can be found at www. dogstrust.ie. All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT Dressing right  LAURA WEBB

LIFE STYLE SPORTS recently launched its first Men’s Fitness and Running Campaign – No Excuses. No Regrets.

This campaign is dedicated to men’s running and fitness and is supported by the store’s top brands Nike, Adidas, Asics and Under Armour.

Basically the message to everyone that as we all decide to get fit, following some overindulgence over Christmas, the one thing we need to make sure is that we train in the right clothing.

With this in mind, the retail giant is also launching Fitness

Accessorize Leather Driving Gloves €34 NOW €16.90 Nike Steady €50 Miss Selfridge Zip Detail Embellished Dress €85 NOW €32 rs: wea penterNOW Accessorize Mod Egyptian Study Belt €10.90 Car€23.50 el Holl

(Life Style Sports Exclusive), Adidas Prime Zip Hoody - €46 €35 , Adidas TF Perfect ¾ Pant Adidas Clima Long Tank - €30

Under Armour Coldgear Compression Mock €55

Adidas 3 Stripe Fitness Track Top €52 NOW €35

Nike Shape Medium Support Bra Top €35 NOW €25

Adidas Kanadia €70

Nike slim shorts €28 Adidas Clima Core 3/4 tight €35

31 January 2013 GAZETTE 19

when getting fit Product Experts in store. Their job is to advise customers on the right footwear and clothing to wear for each sport.

Mark Stafford, chief executive, Life Style Sports said: “More and more Irish people are looking to fitness and outdoor training to give them a release from the pressures of modern life. We know that participation levels are at a record high as people take to the streets, beaches, roads and bootcamps everywhere, determined to get active and be social. At Life Style Sports we are confident we have the best running and fitness range on the high street.” All items featured are available at Life Style Sports.

NIke Flex €65

Adidas Adiviz Jacket €65

Adidas Response 7in Shorts €32 €25

Under Armour Coldgear Compression Mock €50

Adidas Duramo 4 €50

NIke Dri Fit Cotton Sleeveless Tee €22

Acc essStyle orize Egy Life Sports ptian StuTeam d Belt Member €23.50 NOWAlvaro €10.90wears: Under Armour Storm Hoodie - €48, Under Armour Tech SS Tee - €22, Under Armour HG Mirage Short - €22 Adidas Clima 365 pants €45

GAZETTE

STYLE

Gazette

20 gazette 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 David Meade- Mind Reader

BBC’s fastest rising star is returning to the stage hot on the heels of his smash hit record-breaking TV series Make Believe, after three years of unprecedented success on BBC One. With a show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping, Meade has just returned from a US tour February 4, tickets €20.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Beckett X 3

GODOT Theatre Company London are back with three more short Beckett plays on Wednesday, February 6 at 8.15pm in the Draiocht Studio. Tickets are priced at €10.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 WAG

Former Fair City actress Gemma Doorly makes her directorial debut with her play WAG starring her former Fair City colleague and good friend Sorcha Furlong. Following its sell-out tour, WAG is a black comedy and modern fable. Set in the lavish surroundings of a sports star’s mansion while he is away, his wife has invited a guest around for a drink and a chat – his mistress. Running from Thursday, January 31 until Sunday, February 2, tickets are priced at €16 with €12 concessions.

Hugh Jackman takes Anne Hathaway’s Fantine to safety

review: les miserables hits the screen, led by hathaway

Not revolutionary IT IS one of the most famous stage musicals in the world.

It has continued to thrill audiences across the globe and has been the subject of countless school plays.

It is odd then, that Les Miserables would still, to this day, be without a definitive screen version.

It has been seen as unfilmable and a 1998 adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel, sans musical numbers, limped to a paltry $14 million at the US box office.

The difficulty comes from a number of different factors.

Firstly, it is a story that jumps forward in time of ten and suddenly.

Secondly, it is a story that is not about any one thing. It is ostensibly the story of Jean Valjean ( Hu g h J a c k m a n ) , a convict attempting to

Film of the Week: Les Miserables h h h (12) 158 mins Director: Tom Hooper Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

make a better life while evading the clutches of police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).

But the story of Valjean is weak as a central strand for a film that clocks in at two and a half hours.

Jackman does an admirable job, particularly vocally, in infusing his Valjean with whatever humanity he can, but the film is so scattergun, the exposition so wanting that he just doesn’t have the room to be a character on which to hitch such a large film.

It is a shame, ultimately, because Jackman does

OUR VERDICT: AMBITION is not a problem here, as Hooper takes on a massive task. He tries to capture a definitive screen version of one of the most famous musicals ever. Unfortunately, he comes up short, with excellent performances and some nice visual flourishes not enough to compensate for a weak script, muddled scenes and rushed characterisation making for a film that feels more like a missed opportunity.

his best and takes the film on Valjean’s famously broad shoulders.

He is aided by a star turn by Anne Hathaway, all blotched skin and short hair.

As her Fantine becomes more and more desperate, selling her hair, teeth and body, Hathaway excels and her version of I Dreamed a Dream, shot in one extended close-up, is spine tingling.

In one take, she claims the song as her own, demanding that hers be the definitive touchstone for the performance going forward.

It is incredible to see, particularly given that there were some who thought that Catwoman could not play the heroine of Les Mis. There are less good performances, though.

Russell Crowe’s Javert is purposely rigid and inflexible, but Crowe’s complete lack of humanity makes any late character changes completely pointless.

Amanda Seyfried is another who, while obviously talented, is hobbled by the script’s inability to nail down a central narrative.

Her Cosette, essentially the most important character in the film, is lost in the maelstrom of songs, revolution and characters.

Another criminally underused is Samantha Barks, the British actress making her film debut.

Her Eponine is excellent, but underutilised.

With the popularity of Glee, there is a weariness of musical film and television and much of that comes down to autotune and the lack of authenticity it brings.

Luckily, Hooper kept a dedication to live performance throughout the shoot and the results are mixed, but at least they are authentic.

Jackman str uggles occassionally and Crowe slips into rock power balladeer, but Hathaway, Barks and the surprisingly good Cohen and Carter lift the film as close to definitive as possible.

31 January 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

NIKE+ KINECT FITNESS: STEP UP TO EXERCISE

Plenty of help to fight the flab FOLLOWING Christmas over-indulgences, I’m probably not the only person wishing to ditch a few, um, unexpected kilos that have mysteriously jumped onto my weight.

How did that happen?

Why do I suddenly resemble Homer Simpson?

Well, step forward an interesting and well-developed Kinect title that should get that unwanted flab moving.

Nike+ Kinect Fitness for the XBox 360 is something that seems tailor-made not just for the New Year (and all those resolutions to get fit and healthy that we all tend to make, and then ditch by the time February rolls around), but for the whole year round.

Certainly, given our generally miserable weather,

A COLLAPSE OF NOTE

HMV vouchers anger many AT THE time of writing, HMV’s recent collapse in Ireland has stung a lot of consumers, angered at the now worthless HMV vouchers they have.

As was seen with the GAME chain’s collapse last year, the Irish wing of the international chain has been shut and shuttered, although the British stores have remained open and trading, as the Irish stores were placed into receivership, while the British stores entered administration – both procedures are disastrous for any company to face, yet have very different operations.

Of course, the most regrettable collapse of HMV in Ireland is the loss of hundreds of jobs across its 16 stores here (and the knock-on impact on local economies and sub-contractors). However, as extensive media coverage has shown, consumers have felt stung by its collapse, with the decision not to honour any gift vouchers sold in Ireland up to the point the chain closed its stores angering many.

This decision was not helped by the announcement that the still trading British HMV stores are honouring vouchers sold up to its administration, there.

With the news that restructuring firm Hilco has bought HMV’s debts, thus stabilising the firm – in Britain, at least, thus giving some breathing room to attempt to rescue the chain – HMV’s 90-year history isn’t fully concluded.

Unfortunately, for now, it seems likely that HMV Ireland’s legacy has struck a sour note with many ...

Although I’m not normally a fan of such home exercise titles, there’s no denying that Nike+ Kinect Fitness is a very well put together title – with ubiquitous Nike branding here and there, of course – and will reward those who want to get fit and will make an effort. As always with such titles, a decent amount of exercise space

 SHANE DILLON

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

and the continuing budgetary pinch of the recession, anything to help you exercise at a more than affordable price all year round at home is to be welcomed.

Enough wittering – what, exactly, is Nike+ Kinect Fitness about?

Well, as the name suggests, it’s all about getting fit, courtesy of a wide variety of programmes devised with Nike.

By picking a virtual fitness instructor, an initial fitness assessment then determines your general

BYTES&PIECES THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

is advised to help get the best results from Nike+ Kinect Fitness.

fitness etc, right now.

From that starting point, the title – you couldn’t call it a “game”, – then puts you through your paces over the following weeks, with a wide variety of exercises to put you through your paces.

And, believe me, there’s plenty there to face up to, as you’d be surprised how much you can do at home, and how challenging it can be.

While we’ve seen plenty of similar titles before – the entertaining Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii

springs to mind – there’s no doubting that Nike+ Kinect Fitness is a step beyond (no pun intended), as the range of exercises, challenging goals, genuine sense of achievement should be enough to motivate you towards becoming healthier.

Obviously enough, for such an all-round fitness title, you’ll need a decent amount of space for some of the more challenging exercises (just as you would at a gym, or exercise spot), and also for the required Kinect sensor

WITHOUT more solid details, I’m not delving too much into this just yet, but given all the smoke signals, wild speculation and pure gossip here and there, it looks very likely indeed that 2013 will see the successors to the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 released, following on the heels of the recently released Wii U. All of the current-gen consoles (well, really, that just leaves the PS3 and the 360, now) have enjoyed

attachment to properly track exactly what you’re doing.

And, of course, the biggest “flaw” with Nike+ Kinect Fitness is you, the user – it’s a great title that’s very polished and pretty comprehensive, but, not unlike learning Latin, it’s either something you want to do, or you don’t.

However, as a welldesigned title with a consistently good use of the Kinect sensor, and a genuinely motivating feeling of progress, it’s to be recommended.

the longest lifecycle of any console, to date, and both consoles continue to see remarkable games and franchises being rolled out – 2013 has some outstanding titles on the way for both consoles.

However, it’s no secret that both Sony and Microsoft are keen to release their next consoles, and given the evidence to date, 2013 looks set to be a lucky year for gamers (with deep pockets, of course). Watch this space ...

Gazette

22 Gazette 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Interview

stephen spielberg from p17 In the movie, Day-Lewis utterly inhabits the title role as the iconic leader Abraham Lincoln, which has led to him being tipped for more Oscar glory come February 24. Spielberg was fulsome in his praise of the actor.

“I’m so grateful Daniel agreed to play Abraham Lincoln. I never imagined anyone could play Lincoln other than Daniel. I approached him three times over a five-year period, and, eventually, he said yes.

“We had to get the research right. Lincoln is the most compelling figure on the American national landscape. He saved the American experiment in democracy, and pretty much saved the constitution. He didn’t do it alone, a lot of people helped him do what he did.

“We’re only telling a small part of the gigantic Lincoln story, on the last four months of his life, but it’s enough of an intimate focus to give you a real idea who he was as a human being,” said Spielberg.

Although the movie documents a very specific and significant moment in American history, Spielberg said that he felt there was a message in the movie for an international audience.

“The film is really about the power and responsibility of personal, intimate leadership.

It’s about a leader who was one of the people.

There was no firewall between him and the people who elected him, and no firewall between him and the compassion he had for the people of the United States of America, and the tremendous anguish and mourning [he felt] for the war that took more lives than all of the American wars combined.

“I think it’s a great story, he’s one of the most amazing characters in global history. Every country has a Lincolnian figure who was inspirational and did great things in its formation or during a crisis, and everyone can relate to Lincoln, based on figures from their own nation.”

Stephen Spielberg at the European premiere

MUSIC

MUSIC REVIEW: sophomore release from welsh power trio

Utterly Formidable and Joyous effort  ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

THERE are some things about music that are indesputable. That Prince will always test your patience as a fan.

That you will never completely get Captain Beefheart. That there are some people whose lives you’ll change when you introduce them to Tom Waits.

Another indisputable truth is the enduring appeal of the power trio.

Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, The Jam, Husker Du, Nirvana, Muse, the original PJ Harvey lineup — legends all.

Get set to reserve a place on that list for The Joy Formidable, who have just released their second album, Wolf’s Law, and who last weekend demolished The Academy with an astonishing live set.

The Welsh trio began to stake their claim for a place on rock’s pedestal with a couple of EPs and their debut release, The Big Roar, which collected some of the stand-out tracks from their initial releases.

Their studio incarnation, though, is only a small part of the story — live, The Joy Formidable truly soar with an energy and ferocity few current acts in any genre can muster, and they have thrilled and awed crowds

The Joy Formidable: Matt Thomas, Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Dafydd

at festivals internationally over the last two years since the release of The Big Roar. You don’t get an opening slot for Foo Fighters without being a little bit special, and TJF are way more than just a little special.

Some of that lightnng has been caught in the bottle of Wolf’s Law. From the dramatic, operatic strings that open the record and lead into their explosive lead single,

This Ladder Is Ours, this is a stadium-sized statement of intent.

From Cholla onward, there is a progression through the record as TJF seem to be intent to document their growing maturity and confidence as a band. Drawing on what they have learned on stages across the globe and in the studio, the dynamic and drama that fill this record are unparalleled. Recording

in Maine in winter obviously agreed with the band, and the fruits of those sessions have made for something that could well be high on the lists of the albums of 2013.

Even the beautiful acoustic Silent Treatment is filled with wisdom and power. When Matt, Ritzy and Rhydian play together, their unity of purpose comes out in the glorious rock noise they create.

Wolf’s Law is a pretty

amazing achievement for a second album. The kinds of heights achieved here are usually reserved for bands much further down their career paths.

Hopefully, this will lead to an absolutely legendary third record, which will have the added ingredients that the experience of loftier slots on festival bills will bring.

They are truly Formidable indeed.

31 January 2013 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORS road

NOISE Fiesta, a stylish mobile workshop

The Audi A3 has a top speed of 216 km/h and goes from 0-100kmh in 8.6 seconds

AUDI: ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL WITH THE FEEL OF AN EXECUTIVE MODEL

Awe-inspiring A3 is a cut above the rest  CORMAC CURTIS

AS a rule, I don’t like to know too much about a vehicle I am testing until I’ve been behind the wheel for a few days. I have even gone so far as to avoid walking behind the car entirely in case I see what size engine is under the hood.

So, a few weeks back, while I was waiting for the keys of the Audi A3 that the dealer was trusting me with for a week, I happened to glance at the spec sheet of the model in question.

The car was packing a 4-cylinder, 2-litre diesel engine pumping out 150bhp (almost as much pulling power as my first 6-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol saloon), it was going

to go from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds, top out at 216km/h and produce a paltry 106g of carbon per km (combined).

But that’s not all.

On top of all that, this little beauty was going to sip an average of just 4.1 litres of diesel per 100km driven (combined).

If you’re anything like me, the first time you sit in this car, the build quality alone will give you pause for thought.

Combine that with an exceptional driver’s cockpit, and you begin to feel that you are about to drive something very special indeed.

Frankly, I get the distinct feeling that the tens of thousands of euros more spent on each of Audi’s executive models

somehow trickles down to each of the A3s.

I was told that the air vents alone contain 42 moving parts, just so the driver can adjust the “shape” of the airflow – to me, that sounds like the kind of R&D reserved for the A8 fleet, but somehow makes it to this incredible entry-level model.

Even in the base-level trim, the driver is treated to a clean, uncluttered and incredibly intuitive set of controls.

T h e n ow- f a m i l i a r “i-drive” style wheel just rear of the gear stick takes care of much of the adjustments and settings of the sat nav, stereo and phone – there is even an option that gives the surface of the controller a touchsensitive feature that ena-

bles the driver to write letters and numbers in order to prompt and control sat nav, telephone and stereo functions without taking their eyes off the road.

I will fess-up that it took me at least a day to figure out how to make the LCD screen disappear back into its housing in the dash, but when I did, it was a delight.

I’m not a fan of the new big screens that seem to be in every car, the ones that stick straight up out of the console I find particularly annoying as most drivers only use them occasionally.

Going to the trouble of making this feature available in the A3 speaks volumes of the attention to detail that Audi have committed here.

T he test model I enjoyed was in Glacial White Metallic and is just so well-proportioned it almost seems a shame to offer it in a four-door version.

The front grille is almost disproportionately large… almost. In reality it, along with the gorgeous, slightly jaunty headlights, gives the front end of this car a perfect look and expression.

The body looks strong without resorting to an overly “muscular” look, so it really offers something different and attractive.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from the A3, but what I drove was something special, and I would gladly sit in it every morning for many years and never get bored.

THE new Ford Fiesta Van, which has just arrived in Ireland, delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and segment-first technologies for both large and small businesses.

All diesel engines in the new van achieve sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions and 3.7 l/100 km (76.4 mpg) or better.

“The new Fiesta Van is a stylish mobile workshop for light duty tools and equipment that makes great business sense,” said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland.

“Both local tradesmen and urban delivery fleets will appreciate its sharp, professional looks, while relying on its versatility, dependability and exceptionally low running costs.”

Fiesta Van powertrain choice now includes the new 75 PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, alongside the 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel and 82 PS 1.25-litre Duratec petrol units.

The van’s package of leading Ford driver assistance and safety features includes a number of important segment-first technologies.

In Ireland, the vehicle is available in three series: Fiesta Van, Trend Van and the really stylish Sport Van. Prices start at €14,620 excluding delivery and related costs.

CUTTING OUT THE NONSENSE ABOUT INSURANCE: LOW-COST car insurance company, No Nonsense, has announced the launch of SmartDriver – an innovative technology aimed at cutting out the nonsense in the car insurance market by offering cash back based on individual driver behaviour. This state-of-the-art telematics technology aims to

cut out the nonsense in the car insurance market by rewarding safe drivers for their behaviour on the roads.

The news comes as the EU gender directive has banned insurance discounts based on gender and will be seen by many younger women as an ideal way to avoid the significant increase in premiums and instead get cash back of up to 30% with No Nonsense.

Kate Cepeola and Darragh Griffin (both four) and Jackie McMahon, general manager of No Nonsense, pictured at the launch of SmartDriver

24 LUCAN gazette 31 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS Set your heart on a romantic getaway for two Valentine’s Day: perfect escape for two

Hotels.com have it all for a city break

If you plan on spending this year’s Valentine’s Day enjoying a romantic city break, choosing the right place to stay isn’t as complicated as you may think. Since love is in the air, Hotels. com are offering some great offers on some of their top hotels in some of Europe’s most romantic city destinations.

If it’s passion in Paris you’re looking for, the Platine Hotel is situated in the heart of this romantic city. The Art Deco hotel is in easy reach of the Eiffel Tower and plays homage to the life of Marilyn Monroe with pictures adorning every bedroom. Prices start from €252 per room, per night.

Love can also be found in Rome and staying at the Eurostar’s International Palace means you’re within easy walking distance of some of Rome’s most popular tourist hotspots. Prices start from €84 per room per night. For more information, visit www.hotels.com.

Make haste north with great offers Heading up north this Valentines? If so, Hastings Hotels have some great offers to help ensure your romantic getaway is one to remember.

With Valentine offers available from Thursday, February 14 until Saturday, February 16, why not enjoy a luxurious overnight stay, a romantic dinner for two, a glass of bubbly, as well as a full Irish breakfast (and an exclusive Valentine’s duck) from just £65pps.

Choose to stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry from £65pps, Ballygally Castle in Antrim from £70pps, Europa Hotel in Belfast from £80pps or the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle from £85pps. Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast is also available to book from £110pps.

Luxury extras are available at each hotel including champagne and chocolates in your room on arrival, or why not surprise your other half with a luxury spa treatment at the Culloden or Slieve Donard.

See www.hastingshotels.com or call 048 9047 1066.

Loved-up couples everywhere have plenty of choice when it comes to planning a romantic getaway this Valentine’s.

W hether you’re tempted to fly abroad for a romantic city break, or fancy making the most of the Emerald Isle, there are plenty of special offers and idyllic escapes to choose from.

Romantic Escapes Whisking your one and only off to west Cork will mean you find the perfect spot to enjoy long romantic walks at The Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery. From February 15-17, visitors will enjoy two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast and a romantic dinner in

Druid’s Restaurant.

The Valentine’s and Romance package includes some extra treats such as wine, chocolates, a love-heart balloon as well as a late check out. One night stays are available at €179.

For more information, visit www.selecthotels. ie For those interested in spreading the love while still keeping it within the budget, the Clarion Hotel in Sligo is offering the perfect escape for two.

The hotel is offering one night’s B&B on either February 15 or 16, with the addition of some subtle romantic touches.

Offering Valentine

dates a free upgrade to a suite – the package also includes a mini-spa treatment per person, a four-course dinner with a glass of bubbly and chocolates, as well as a complimentary drink.

Plus, the check-out time is extended to 2pm.

Available at just €99 per person.

Details: 071 9119000; www.clarionhotelsligo. com If it’s that something extra you’re looking for, The Twelve Hotel in Bearna leaves no stone unturned with its special Lovebomb package. In keeping with its name, the hotel is offering 12 special Valentine specialities.

First, you check into a suite. Next, petals are

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The Twelve Hotel in Bearna is offering 12 special Valentine specialities

strewn across the bed and you enjoy some bubbly, two red-iced muffins from the hotel bakers, a packed picnic for a romantic stroll and a candlelit dinner.

Then comes the pampering in-room treatments, Love Potion cocktails, fun framed caricatures of you and your other half, as well as a discount gift voucher for Hartman’s Jewellers (just in case the need to drop to one knee suddenly presents itself!) and a wrapped rose on checkout… And as for the twelfth? “The wonderful 12th itself!”.

At €450 per couple, the package is available from February 13-15.

Details: 091 597000; www.thetwelvehotel.ie

There is plenty of choice

Loved-up chic While the infamous Irish countryside pulls at most heartstrings, city chic can also spell romance.

A getaway to the fourstar Pembroke Hotel, located in the heart of Kilkenny City, promises a two-night escape with chocolates and champagne on arrival.

Couples can enjoy dinner in Statham’s Restaurant on the evening of their choice, as well as breakfast each morning.

And since it’s just a twominute walk from Kilkenny Castle, the stunning canal walk and the city’s renowned nightlife can ensure you see some of the local sights on the second day. Priced at €149pp.

Details: 056 7783500; www.pembrokekilkenny.com Whites of Wexford has the ideal package to help couples unwind

31 January 2013 LUCAN gazette 25

Gazette

Travel

fast

TRAVEL NEWS The Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery in west Cork

Cayo Coco in northern Cuba

Cliff House Hote in Ardmore, west Waterford

in romantic getaways this Valentine’s Day. Picture: Karolina Laser

this Valentine’s.

The four-star luxury hotel is located in the heart of Wexford Town and its Valentine’s offer includes an overnight break with dinner and a glass of bubbly on arrival for just €69 per person.

Relish the time out with a treatment in the Tranquillity Spa followed by afternoon tea or candle-lit dinner in the Terrace Restaurant.

For more information, visit www.selecthotels. ie.

Sultry Spa Break If you really want to spoil your loved one, adding a special spa treatment to the romantic night away will win y o u m a j o r b r ow n i e points.

Just minutes from Dublin, Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

From €112 per person sharing, guests can enjoy an overnight stay with a chocolate and rose-petal turn down, dinner in the hotel’s Ivy Brasserie restaurant with a complimentary glass of bubbly and access to the award-winning Seoid Spa, offering a range of Valentine’s treatments, including couples massages.

See www.dunboynecastlehotel.com or call 01 8013500.

Nothing else says I love you quite like a fivestar escape and where better than luxury on our own doorstep at The Shelbourne Hotel.

Enjoy an Elemis facial for her and an indulgent hot-towel shave for him, plus full use of the hotel’s fitness and thermal suites.

To round off your pampering treat, cosy up in the Saddle Room

Restaurant for a gourmet dinner by candlelight before ending the evening with a night cap at the popular Shelbourne Bar. This overnight break is priced from €370 per room per night, and the package is available until February 17, 2013.

Details: 01 663 4500; www.theshelbourne.ie

Food Lovers Food is the language of love this Valentine’s Day, according to the Cliff House Hotel, a five-star hotel overlooking the historic village of Ardmore, west Waterford.

And what other way to spend a romantic V-day evening then a feast at Martijn Kaiuiter’s award-winning, Michelin-starred cuisine.

The House Restaurant showcases the best produce to be found on Irish land and sea and

The luxurious spa at The Shelbourne Hotel

guests can savour the applauded delights of the prestigious chef. To complete the gourmet experience, wake in the morning to a full Irish breakfast before depart-

Whites of Wexford

ing for home. The Valentine’s Gourmet package is priced from €360 per room.

Details: 024 87 800; www.thecliffhousehotel.com

Pack your bags and enjoy an exotic Valentine destination Telling your loved one on the evening of Valentine’s Day to pack their bags for a flight the next day can only prove one thing – that your partner is clearly on to a winner.

For those looking to really spoil their partner this year, Thomas Cook Far and Away has two exotic Valentine destinations to offer.

Whisk your special someone off to the West Coast of Africa and stay in the threestar Hotel Seaview Gardens in gorgeous Gambia, just a short stroll from Kololi beach. A 14-night stay is priced at €1,249 per person sharing, departing on February 15 from Gatwick.

Or how about celebrating Valentine’s Day itself on a romantic beach on the sundrenched island of Cayo Coco in northern Cuba?

A hideout by buccaneers in the early colonial period, Cayo Coco is part of a chain of beautiful islands called King’s Gardens.

Thomas Cook is offering 14 nights on an all-inclusive basis at the three-star-plus Tryp Hotel, with all meals and drinks included from just €989 per person sharing, including transfers from Gatwick, departing 15 February. Connecting flights from Irish airports can be arranged.

Call the Thomas Cook Far and Away team in Dublin on (01) 514 0316, log onto www. thomascook.ie or visit your travel agent.

26 Lucan Gazette 31 January 2013

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dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community

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FastSport lucan make dream debut:

Michael Darragh MacAuley was on hand to launch Setanta Sports’ coverage of the Allianz National Leagues in Dublin city centre last week

football: ballyboden man admits 2012 league form did not reach full intensity

MacAuley hoping for fresh Dubs’ outlook for new year BALLYBODEN St Enda’s man Michael Darragh MacAuley believes there is a much stronger resolve around the Dublin senior football panel going into 2013 after a tepid reign as All-Ireland senior football champions.

Speaking at the launch of Setanta Ireland’s live coverage of the Allianz league last week, he admitted that the sky-blues “didn’t reach the intensity levels required last year in the league and consequently didn’t get results.

“In 2011 we reached the league final on the back of our high intensity levels

and this gave us a great platform for our successful championship campaign.”

But 2012 was a lower key affair in the league and it permeated into the championship campaign.

“I think we didn’t realise it at the time, but lads’ heads just weren’t as clued in as much as the year before, simple as that.

“I knew we’d struggle with that early in the year, but thought we’d get our heads together. But in talking to people, all the panel, everyone’s heads weren’t in the right place at the right time. Eve-

rything has to be 100%.

“If one player is off, and we had a few players not hitting full whack last year, that’s all it takes. It’s only a matter of inches in winning in All-Ireland, it really is,” he added.

But the Boden man says that, with the fresh impetus of Jim Gavin at the helm, the mood is confident.

“With Jim in place there is a blank canvas for all the players, consequently new players will want to show the new management team just what they can do and Cork will offer a great test first

day out.”

He is speaking of the opening day clash against the Rebel county on February 2 at 7pm in Croke Park.

The clash of the Dubs and Cork is not the only action from headquarters and at 5pm Kildare and Donegal throw in for what should be a great curtain raiser between the newly promoted Lilywhites and of course the reigning All-Ireland champions.

The third and final televised game of the opening weekend is the all-Ulster clash between Down and Tyrone.

CHESS teams from St Jude’s, Skerries, Lucan and Malahide all took part in the first community games event of the year in Jobstown last Friday night.

At U-12 level, Lucan were competing for the very first time and claimed the gold with former national champions taking silver with the former, featuring Muhtarim Ul Haiq, Jordan Maldianu, Andrei Buda, Mustakim Ul Haiq and Brandon Amerai, making it through to the Leinster finals.

Malahide took gold at U-16 level with a team featuring David Deneher, Killan Burke, Aaron Cummins, Alessio Roselli, Jacob Flynn, David Kearney. The Leinster finals will take place in Longford on Sunday, April 7.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 LUCAN Gazette 31 January 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards january nominees

AMID the winter weather and a glut of cancelled fixtures, local stars from around the city braved the elements to produce some truly stunning sporting feats, starting off the New Year in breathtaking fashion. Conor McGregor saw in the year with one of the earliest victories, further announcing himself on the world stage. A number of Dublin’s young stars made strong impacts in the O’Byrne Cup with Eric Lowndes, stepping straight up from minor into the senior ranks, chief among them while Swords man James Cluskey is in the form of his life on the tennis circuit. On the team front, January means basketball’s cup finals with Palmerstown CS shading out a number of other Dublin schools for this month’s nomination. Malahide United claimed All-Ireland glory to add to their 26-county title of last summer while St Joseph’s, Lucan made a significant camogie breakthrough.

H STARof the MONTH

james cluskey

eric Lowndes

conor mcgregor

THE Swords LTC club member had an amazing January, winning an ITF Futures doubles title in Germany before finishing as runner-up at another event in Germany and also in France, making for the perfect warmup for the Davis Cup

THE Naomh Peregrine tyro enjoyed a hugely impressive month as he made a smooth transition from minor level to Jim Gavin’s senior set-up, lining out to great effect in Dublin’s run to the O’Byrne cup final despite his tender years

LUCAN resident Conor McGregor became just the second double weight world champion in the history of mixed martial arts with a first round knock-out against Ivan Buchinger at Cage Warriors fighting championship on New Year’s Eve

st joseph’s college, Lucan

malahide united

palmerstown CS

IN QUICK succession, St Joseph’s College in Lucan landed the school’s first and second A camogie titles with their juniors starting the run with victory over St MacDara’s. Their senior side followed up with a win over Maryfield to match the feat.

MALAHIDE United’s U-16 side added an All-Ireland title to the SFAI crown they won last summer when they defeated St Oliver Plunkett’s from Belfast at the inaugural DB Sports Tour national cup finals in Dundalk’s Oriel Park

A BREATHTAKING display in the middle stages of their All-Ireland U-19B final at the National Basketball Arena saw Palmerstown claim the national honours with Cyril Kwan scooping the most valuable player title into the bargain

TEAMof the MONTH H

Sweeney and Cullen the Raheny star attractions  sport@gazettegroup.com

DSDAC’S Joseph Sweeney in the lead Picture: Peter Mooney /flickr.com/photos/peterm7/sets

DSDAC’S Joe Sweeney stormed to another decisive win in last weekend’s AXA 29th annual Raheny 5 road race but the star of the show was undoubtedly North Sligo AC’s Mary Cullen who lives in nearby Santry.

Her career has been blighted by injury and illness in the last two years but, in her first serious competitive race in over 15 months, she smashed the women’s course record finishing a remarkable 12th overall in the race in 25:55.

The magnitude of her achievement is underlined by the fact that she is the first Irish female athlete to dip under 26 minutes for five miles on Irish soil. The defending title holder and Olympic marathoner Linda Byrne, another DSD club member, stayed with Cullen in the early stages of the race but eventually had to give way. She finished second in the women’s race in 26:35.

The standard at the top of the field is underlined by the fact that 119 athletes finished under 30 minutes. At the head

of affairs Sweeney and his Tallaght AC rival Tom Fitzpatrick had broken away from the rest of the field by the one-mile marker while Kilkenny’s Brian Maher was alone in third spot.

In the end Sweeney prevailed in 23:53; Fitzpatrick was second in 24:02 while Maher took third place in 25:00. Simon Ryan was the host club’s top finisher taking fifth place in 25:11 just ahead of Cillian O’Leary while Ian Conroy was eighth.

Notable too was the performance of 47-year-old Mick Traynor who finished a remark-

able 17th overall and won the O-45 category in 26:10; his clubmate Damien Martin was second in O-45 in 26:46.

Of the other local clubs involved, 17 athletes from Lucan Harriers took on the race. In the men’s field, First home for Lucan was Derek Taylor, in 29:40 ahead of Patrick Holden in 32:13.

On the women’s side, Lucan’s first home was Bernie Stapleton in 37:01, she was quickly followed by Lisa Convey in 37:26 and Deirdre Counihan was seconds behind them in 37:50.

31 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 29

Gazette

30 LUCAN gazette 31 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport

basketball: All-ireland success as tullamore ousted

All smiles for Esker at Crumlin boxing show ESKER ABC’s boxers enjoyed another great week with over 25 club members taking on Crumlin last week.

Standout bouts on the day were Evan Fitzgerald who produced another fine performance to continue his recent heroics in the ring.

Sarah Quinn, Taylor Brady and Charmaine Reilly all kept the female pugilism flag flying high as they all continued to hone their skills in all action competitive bouts.

Making his debut was Daniel Gibbons who showed a lot of heart in a fine display. Sean O Connell and brother Ryan again boxed well on what is becoming a busy year for both boys.

Chris Roman also boxed well in his bout.

Warren Keating produced the performance of his short boxing career.

Meanwhile, the club’s Aaron McGrane, Claudiu Munteanu and Adrian Dolan box for Ireland against England next Friday, February 2 in Manchester.

The Palmerstown Community School players and coaches celebrate their All-Ireland school’s U-19B cup win in Tallaght last week

Kwan the Palmerstown king u-19b cup final Colaiste Cholm, Tullamore 58 Palmerstown CS 62  sport@gazettegroup.com

A BREATHTAKING m i d d l e p h a s e g ave Palmerstown Community School enough of an advantage to see off the challenge of a very brave Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore and claim AllIreland glory last week in the National Basketball Arena.

MVP Cyril Kwan led the charge with some superb three-pointers and, despite a very late surge from the Offaly raiders, Palmerstown

held firm.

The first score of the game thanks to early good work from guard James Lalor as Tullamore settled quickly and raced into a 10-4 lead.

A spate of missed Palmerstown chances, especially from steals, went begging but a time out seemed to settle the early nerves and they came out much more like a cohesive unit thereafter.

Colaiste Cholm’s Mark Dubrov did scored an excellent two-pointer before team-mate Ciaran Moloney limped off with a minute left of the first quarter.

sean gael awards Quinn and Lacey pick up lifetime honour lucan Sarsfields Jim Quinn and Martin Lacey received Sean Gael awards at Erin’s Isle last weekend Quinn is pictured with Andy Kettle, Dublin county board chairman, at the ceremony.

They were honoured with Cumann Luthcleas Gael Merit awards for over 60 years of service to Lucan Sarsfields. The Sean Gael awards is a method of paying tribute to GAA members by the county board for their lifetime of service.

In the dying seconds, Kwan fired in a threepointer to keep his side in touch at 12-8 down.

The second quarter saw some much better attacking, the team outscoring Tullamore 26-14, and Kwan was at it again with another super threepointer to draw his side to within a point of Tullamore.

Palmerstown were stealing possession at will but were missing the scoring opportunities at this stage to move further clear.

Kwan looped in another shot from outside the circle to put Palmerstown

into the lead for the first time, 17-18, and shortly afterwards his team-mate Gori Afolahan missed an opportunity to put daylight between the teams.

But more three-pointers from the magic Kwan and some missed free throws from Tullamore’s Jack Dunne saw Palmerstown lead at half-time 26-34.

The second half began much like the first had ended with Palmerstown in control. They stretched into a deserved 28-42 lead before Colaiste Choilm gathered themselves and fought back to trail 41-48 at the end of the third.

It made the final quarter a tense affair as the Offaly boys were pushing hard to close the gap while the Dublin side were holding out. There were plenty of fouls as the pressure mounted on both sides in a scrappy ending.

However, Palmerstown kept chipping away with two-pointers while Colaiste Choilm chased the game and while they landed some top scores down the stretch, the Palmerstown defence withstood extreme pressure and the Dublin boys held on for a deserved victory.

31 January 2013 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

Excitement builds for 12th Lock fight night  sport@gazettegroup.com

HYPE continues to build in the Lucan area and beyond as Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club prepare to host a White Collar Boxing extravaganza on Saturday, March 9.

36 brave male and female members plucked from all four codes are leaving their hurls and

boots at home as they get ready to rumble for the first time off the pitch and in the boxing ring The 12th Lock Fight Night will be officially launched on Thursday, January 31 in the club at 9pm.

The event will be staged in a Fossetts 750-capacity Big Top Circus Tent with RTE’s Darragh Maloney

the MC. Other attractions include a DJ, live traditional music as well as an auction and raffle.

Top of the bill on the night are former TD Paul Gogarty and Dublin’s AllIreland winning footballer Paul Casey, who captured the mood: “Already there are so many people talking about it, the atmosphere will be electric.

“I’m really enjoying the training already; it’s a completely different challenge to what we’re used to as GAA players. The night itself will be special for all the boxers; everybody is used to performing as part of a team, so being in the ring on your own is going to be something that makes us or breaks us. I can’t wait.”

camogie: miserly defence underpins famous win

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields THE annual Nagarhope Lucan vs

www.lucansarsfields.ie or at the

Celebrities challenge will take place

clubhouse bar.

this Sunday, Febraury 3 in the club on our all weather pitch at 3pm.

There will be a strict no pay, no play policy in place this year.

Celebs confirmed so far include

Training and fundraising for the

Bernard Brogan, Paul Casey, Paul

12th Lock fight night are now in full

Curran, Nicky English, Declan Carr,

swing. The launch night will take

Damien Fox, Paul Gogarty, Dermot

place this Thursday, January 31 in the

Earley, Eamon Coughlan, Sorcha

clubhouse bar. This is a White Collar

Furlong and Ciaran Kilkenny amongst

Boxing event, where 36 club mem-

many others.

bers including All-Ireland winning

There is no admission charge but

former Dublin footballer Paul Casey

donations will be greatly accepted

and former TD Paul Gogarty will take

on the day to further the work of the

part in a boxing extravaganza. Tick-

Nagarhope Foundation.

ets are available on line through the

Well done to all our adult awards winners for 2012.

Lucan Sarsfields website.

The golf society is in Big Mac’s cor-

Congratulations to Joe Byrne

ner. We are holding a par three out-

(Beech Park) who won Community

ing on Saturday, February 16 from

Volunteer of the Year at 2013 LAMA

9.30 to 11.30am. The format is teams

Local Government Awards.

of three people and two scores will

We wish Jack Tuite a very success-

count at each hole. The cost is €20

ful career with Derby County from

per person and all profits go the

all the mentors and players of the

club.

U-16 footballers as he starts with them this week.

Membership is now due and can be paid online through our website

We have lots of prizes. Why not try your luck and have a good day out as well. To book a slot text Michael at 0872331983.

st pat’s palmerstown THE club would like to express our

The St Joseph’s College, Lucan side that got the better of St MacDara’s last week

Joey’s claim first ever junior A title Junior A final

St Joseph’s, Lucan St MacDara’s  sport@gazettegroup.com

2-5 0-3

ST JOSEPH’S junior camogie team made history on Thursday, winning the school’s first everA championship.

The Lucan school finally brought home the cup after a hard-fought victory against hotly-fancied rivals St MacDara’s of Templeogue.

Samantha Fitzgerald opened the scoring with a fine point before Laura O’Mahony added another after a superb run through the heart of the Mac

Dara’s defence.

The favourites responded as expected however, and a period of relentless pressure on the Joey’s defence yielded two points from Caragh Dawson, who was a threat throughout.

The scoring remained low throughout, a tribute to the backs on both sides who gave an exhibition of blocking, hooking and marking to the large crowd in attendance.

Amy Gorman, centre-back for St Joseph’s, marked her 16th birthday with a player-of-the-match performance, thwarting countless attacks from

start to finish.

The key score of the opening half came after 23 minutes when St Joseph’s corner-forward Emily McIntyre pounced on a bouncing ball at the edge of the square, and struck low to the MacDara’s net, giving the Lucan side a one-goal advantage at the break.

Both teams battled hard for the crucial first score of the second-half, but the backs, including St Joseph’s Julie Kelly, Emma O’Flynn, Sadhbh Byrne and Jessica Condron, continued to keep the forwards at bay.

Ten minutes in, howev-

er, St Joseph’s full-forward Charlotte Rooney latched onto a loose ball and struck to the far corner of Faye McCarthy’s goal.

MacDara’s needed the next score but the Joey’s defence was not to be beaten.

A further Laura O’Mahony point and a pointed free from Ciara Casey opened up an eight-point lead for St Joseph’s, and while Mac Dara’s continued to attack the Joey’s goal, they could only manage one further point, which was cancelled out by another Casey free, earning a famous victory.

possible.

deepest sympathy to Philip Murphy

Tickets still available for our annual

following the death of his grandmoth-

dinner dance in Louis Fitzgerald hotel.

er.

Text your order to 086 7255586, €35

Well done to our young entrepre-

per head.

neurs on a very successful launch of

Lotto: first draw numbers were 10,

their new referee’s whistle. Check it

13, 15 and 25; there was no winner. The

out on Facebook. An feadog.

second draw numbers were 4, 6, 7 and

The AGM will take place on Wednes-

19; there was no winner; €50 each: Cian

day, February 20 at 8.30pm in the club-

O’Breen, Michael Somers, Nora Lar-

house.

rissy and C O’Brien. The next draw is

Annual memberships are now due

on March 3, 2013. The first draw jack-

and should be paid to your team men-

pot is €10,000; the second draw jack-

tor or committee member as soon as

pot is €6,200.

garda/westmanstown PRE-SEASON training continues for

Training continues for all juvenile

the men’s intermediate and junior

teams. Boys and girls from Clonsilla,

panels on Tuesdays and Thursdays at

Lucan, Clonee and Blanchardstown

7pm and Saturday mornings at 9am at

from eight-to 16 years are welcome to

Westmanstown.

join. Contact club GPO Declan Jennings

The ladies pre-season training on

for more information at 085 8006101.

Mondays at 7.30pm at Westmans-

Please note that all juvenile teams

town, the Tyrrelstown gym at 7pm on

(U-8s and higher) are now required by

Wednesdays and 7.30am on Saturday

Dublin GAA to wear gum shields in the

mornings at Westmanstown. New

2013 season.

members welcome. The Gaels nursery

Best wishes for 2013 to the newly

(five- to seven years) runs every Sat-

elected juvenile committee formed at

urday from 10am. Sessions are held

last Thursday’s AGM.

indoors in Crunch Fitness, Westman-

Finally on a personal note, a big thank

stown for the duration of the winter.

you to Kevin Heffernan for making the

Ask for Geraldine Cullotty. For the lat-

life of a Jackeen who spent his forma-

est information, visit www.westman-

tive summers in the wilds of Limerick

stowngaels.ie

all the more bearable.

GAZETTESPORT ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

HOOP DREAMS: Palmerstown storm to four-point win in All-Ireland school’s U-19 competition in Tallaght P30

JANUARY 31, 2013

SPORTS STARS NOMINEES: January’s shining lights up for monthly awards P28

Lucan star Payne signed by Celtic ONE of Ireland’s most heavily touted soccer prospects, midfield maestro Brandon Payne of Lucan United, has been confirmed as the latest signing to the academy of Glasgow Celtic on the back of fantastic performances for club and country.

A fearless tackler with exceptional vision, Payne has been influential for the Lucan United since his arrival nearly four years ago. The 15-year-old made his full international debut in December in Qatar when he captained the Irish to a 3-0 victory over European giants, Juventus.

Payne first grabbed the atten-

tion of scouts when he ran out for the FAI’s Emerging Talent squad in last year’s Hibernia Cup squad in Sallynoggin, and has remained a figure in the representative national side since.

Celtic’s head of youth, Chris McCart, spoke of the great potential that Payne has and the club’s delight in signing him.

“We had been monitoring Brandon, and there had been real interest in him from a lot of the English clubs, so it was great credit to get someone of his calibre signed.

“He is a very good standard, with being captain of the Republic of Ireland Under-15s, and is the type of player we want to bring to Celtic.

“Peter Lawwell and Neil Lennon were both involved in the signing process. We brought his family across and they were absolutely delighted with that, and the manager also brought him in for a small part of the training.

“His father and family are massive Celtic fans so it was a dream come true for them to come over and meet Neil Lennon and the first-team staff.

“It’s a great selling point for us in Ireland that there is that attachment to Celtic there. He really is signing for his boyhood heroes.

“Brandon is still young and has a lot of hard work ahead, and everyone appreciates that, but considering the amount of English clubs who were trying to sign him,

this is an excellent signing for us.

“It’s been a long while since we have signed a captain from any age group within the Republic, so again we are setting out the benchmark in the standard of player we are looking to sign now.

“We want to make sure if we are bringing someone in that we raise the bar. Brandon is a box-to-box player.

“He can receive, pass and score goals. He models himself on one of the current Celtic players but I won’t mention who as I don’t want to put pressure on him.”

It came in the same week that fellow Lucan soccer star Jack Tuite moved to Derby County from Cherry Orchadr as he reached his 16th birthday.

Lucan United’s Brandon Payne, left, with Ciaran and Conor Masterson

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sport@gazettegroup.com

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 PETER CARROLL

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