Lucan by Dublin Gazette

Gazette LUCAN

Shane’s planes & automobileS: Exclusive interview with the new transport minister P4

WIN It’s your chance to win a pair of tickets for virtuoso violinist Vladimir Jablokov’s show at Draiocht. See P17 to enter.

gallery Look who’s back in town at the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards ... See Page 10

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Sixth time lucky for St Joseph’s as minor crown finally annexed

May 12-18, 2016

see page 31

Find us on

The future is local - the future is free

it’s a g’ day for sisters meeting for the very first time

PERTH woman Joan Crawford-Murray stepped off a flight from Australia and into the waiting arms of her younger sister, Lesley Fagan, at Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning. While there’s nothing unusual about emotional airport meetings, this one was truly remarkable – it was the first time they had ever met each other, after Joan was given up for adoption as a baby more than 60 years ago. Lesley had spent almost 30 years looking in vain for her big sister, who knew nothing of her Irish sibling. Luckily, Lesley’s plea on social media went from our small island to the other side of the planet, and a big surprise for Joan ... Full Story on Pages 24-25

Zaki jets off to US for life changing surgery

Mother full of praise for community’s help in raising €80k to help her sick son

 Ian Begley

A mother of an eightyear-old boy with cerebral palsy has smashed her €80,000 fundraising target after 18 months of raising money for her son’s life changing surgery.

Many community groups and individuals across the Lucan and Clondalkin community have helped Carmel Tuite raise vital funds for her son Zaki through various charity events since October, 2014. The money will be used

to fly Zaki to the USA on Saturday, May 14, where he will undergo surgery at The Children’s Hospital in Missouri. The latest fundraising initiative for Zaki was undertaken by Lucan IT company Nostra who raised more

than €16,000 for the eightyear-old boy’s aftercare. Speaking to The Gazette, Carmel said: “I’ve been really blown away from the generosity of the local community who brought all of this together.” Full Story on Page 2

2 LUCAN Gazette 12 May 2016

fundraising | target of €80,000 is smashed

Battler Zaki heads to US for surgery  Ian Begley

Zaki will undergo surgery at The Children’s Hospital in Missouri

A mother of an eightyear-old boy with cerebral palsy has smashed her €80,000 fundraising objective after 18 months of raising money for her son’s life changing surgery. M a ny c o m m u n i t y groups and individuals across the Dublin MidWest community have helped Carmel Tuite raise vital funds for her son Zaki through various charity events since October, 2014. The money will be used to fly Zaki to the USA on Saturday, May 14 where he will undergo surgery at The Children’s Hospital in Missouri. The operation Zaki needs has been pioneered by doctor TS Parks who has perf o r m e d ove r 2 , 5 0 0 operations with patients worldwide for over 25 years. Without surgery Zaki will become wheelchair dependent for the rest of his life. The latest fundraising initiative for Zaki was undertaken by Lucan IT company Nostra who raised more than €16,000 for the eightyear-old boy’s aftercare. Their Dawn to Dusk challenge involved 50 staff members who were split into four teams and raced from sunrise to sunset to see what team reached Loop Head, Clare first. The walking team were first across the line, followed by the running, cycling and

driving team. Speaking to The Gazette this week, Carmel said that without the endless support of the local community her son could not possibly get the surgery he needs. “ I ’ ve b e e n r e a l l y blown away from the generosity of the local community who brought all of this together. It started as a conversation at a friend’s kitchen table about 18 months ago where she decided to hold a cake sale at her work at St James’s hospital. “It all kicked off from there really with so many community groups and people of all walks of life getting in touch, wanting to run an event or donate money for Zaki. “At the moment Zaki has very poor stamina whenever he’s goes out walking. You have to tailor your activities to make sure he doesn’t have to walk too far because it’s very painful for him. The surgery he needs will lessen the pain he feels and to ease freedom of movement. “To raise over €80,000 is such a huge accomplishment and I cannot begin to express my thanks for everyone who helped me achieve this target. “My older boy Adam, who is 14, has also been such a huge help to myself and Zaki. He’s really gone above and beyond in his efforts to see that we raise the money Zaki needs.”

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

FastNews Award-winning gardening information at The Orchard

Award-winning garden designer Fiann O’Nuallain will deliver a free talk on bringing summer colour into your home and garden at lifestyle destination store The Orchard, Celbridge on Saturday, May 14. The Celbridge retail and garden centre just ten minutes from Liffey Valley is a partner in the Bord Bia backed GroMor campaign to encourage people to get out, get healthy and get gardening. Starting at 2pm it’s an opportunity for people to learn from an expert on how to create a flower border that pops and how to spruce up their garden with summer bedding, perennials, containers and pots.

Over 400 jobs on the line as part of Intel’s restructuring Over 400 jobs could be lost at Intel Ireland Leixlip as part of the company’s restructuring plan. Managers at Intel are currently informing targeted employees about the company’s redundancy plans and say details of the layoff process are being confined to specific managers and individuals affected. It is understood that the final redundancy figure will not be known for around about a month. Intel employs over 4,000 permanent staff around the country who will be able to apply for the redundancy package, consisting of five weeks salary per year of service plus statutory entitlements.

12 May 2016 LUCAN Gazette 3

competition | lucan woman in semi finals

A teacher by day, burlesque beauty when night comes

 Ian Begley

A Lucan school teacher who leads a doublelife as a tantalising burlesque per former has successfully made it to the semi-finals of the Miss Burlesque Ireland competition. Amy O’Keefe (30) , or Scarlett Van Tassel, as she is known in the world of burlesque, got in touch with The Gazette this week to describe how she first took an interest in the unique art-form. “I was absolutely obsessed with Marilyn Manson as a teenager and when he started going out with Dita Von Teese I became really fascinated with her life as burlesque performer. “Then in 2009 I noticed that a girl opened up the very first burlesque school in Ireland so I checked it out and decided to take the plunge. I started going to the classes on a weekly basis and about eight weeks later I was on stage performing.” Amy went on to say that these days there are several different types of burlesque acts, mainly classical and neo-burlesque. “The classic burlesque i s w h a t y o u wo u l d expect to see in the 1930s – showgirls showing themselves off for the male gaze – and neo-burlesque performances are centred around the art of storytelling, largely through parodies. “Burlesque shows have become really pop-

Amy O’Keefe, or Scarlett Van Tassel, as she is known in the world of burlesque

ular in Ireland over the past couple of years with classes

expanding all over the country. The ultimate goal for me is to make it into the finals of the Miss Burlesque Ireland competition, but to be honest I’m just happy to be a part of the burlesque scene in general.” Amy admits that she feels like a completely different person when she dons her burlesque persona – a Dita Von Teese

drastic contrast to her professional life as a special needs teacher for autistic children. “My role as an ASD teacher involves me working with children with autism on a oneto-one basis which I find challenging but extremely rewarding at the same time. “It’s like putting on a different hat and becoming another person entirely when I do burlesque, which is probably why I like doing it so much because the two roles are so strikingly different which keeps everything interesting.”

4 LUCAN Gazette 12 May 2016

exclusive | ‘it doesn’t mean i’m a fan of fine gael’

Minister Ross defiant despite a Cabinet role  emma nolan

news@dublingazette.com

“IT DOESN’T mean I’m a fan of Fine Gael,” Shane Ross, of the Independent Alliance (IA), told The Gazette in his first inter view since striking a deal with Fine Gael and gaining the title of Minister for Transport. T he new minister spoke to The Gazette about his new role, and his relationship with Taoiseach Enda Kenny. He said: “We hammered out the best possible deal. I regard this as a vote for our programme and this was the

only way to get it implemented.” The outspoken politician and journalist was the first TD to be elected in the 2016 General Election, and made no qualms about his opinion of the Taoiseach, who he famously called a “political corpse”. N ow t h a t t h e y ’r e Cabinet colleagues, however, Minister Ross has “accepted” the Taoiseach’s leadership. Laughing as he considered his response to his “political corpse” quip, he said: “Enda Kenny is still the leader of his party, and I accept that he is the leader of

the country as a result of that. “Fine Gael was the only vehicle offering a road to radical progress who had agreed to radical changes in the programme for government, and I would have been voting against those changes if I’d walked away from that deal. “We were faced with a choice – either vote Enda Kenny and FG back into office, or be faced with another general election and no government. “We decided that we would have to take our responsibilities seriously, not do what all the other

The breakdown of Enda Kenny’s new cabinet

Frances Fitzgerald –

Heather Humphreys -

Minister for Justice

Regional development,

Former senator Fitzgerald has been

Rural Affairs, Arts and

bumped up to Tanaiste and remains

the Gaeltacht

Minister for Justice and Equality. She

The Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan

has been a TD for Dublin Mid-West

is a former mayor of Monaghan County

since 2011.

Council.

Katherine Zappone –

Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Minister for Children

– Minister for Jobs

and Youth Affairs

The Dub Laoghaire TD, who was

Independent TD for Dublin South-West

a Progressive Democrats county

was nominated to the Seanad in 2011

councillor before joining Fine Gael in

and became the first openly lesbian

2007, has been promoted to Minister for

member of the Oireachtas.

Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Richard Bruton –

Michael Noonan –

Education and Skills

Minister for Finance

The long serving Dublin North-Central

No change here. The Limerick man, who

TD moves from Jobs, Enterprise and

has been a minister in every Fine Gael-

Innovation.

led government since 1982, has been

New Minister for Transport Shane Ross (IA)

small groups had done, which was to walk away from government.” The new minister told The Gazette that he was interested in the Transport portfolio prior to being assigned it. “It’s a challenge and it was certainly in my top three or four [ministries],” he said, while acknowledging his relief at not being assigned the dreaded Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ministry. “I have virtually no Irish at all – it would have been a cruel blow! I’d have to go off to learn Irish for 12 months, like poor Joe McHugh did.” He maintained that it would have been an “unlikely and inappropriate” appointment and said that he thinks the other appointments are “pretty good”. Speaking on his fellow IA Cabinet colleagues, he said it’s “tremendous that all five of us will be office holders”. “T he Independent Alliance is very different from Fine Gael, so I suspect we will have a somewhat disproportionate influence.” When asked if the current situation was his ideal outcome, Minister Ross said that he is really happy with the “parts of

programme for government which we put in”. In particular, he is pleased with the possibility for the reopening of garda stations, especially his local one of Stepaside, which he has campaigned to be reopened along with locals since its closure in 2013. Minister Ross revealed to The Gazette that there is going to be a pilot scheme put in place which will “in the very near future” see six stations across the country reopened. He is confident that Stepaside will be one of them. “We had to fight really long and hard for that,” he said. When asked if the IA would end up being accused of “propping up” Fine Gael as Labour were, Minister Ross was adamant that will not be the case for them and that he and his IA colleagues see the coalition as a “road to reform”. During Deputy’s Ross’ campaign trail, T he Gazette accompanied him door to door where he faced many questions from his constituents regarding Irish Water, which he says is now “unlikely to resurrect”. “Its suspension looks to me like it’s a way of giving Irish Water a decent burial.”

Finance Minister since 2011.

Simon Coveney – Minister for Housing The housing crisis means Corkman

Charlie Flanagan –

has a big challenge on his hands as he

Minister for Foreign

moves from Defence to become the

Affairs and Trade

new Minister for Housing, Planning

No change here as the Laois TD

and Local Government.

continues in the role he has held since succeeding former Labour leader Eamon Gilmore.

Leo Varadkar – Department of Social Protection

Denis Naughten –

There were some eyebrows raised as

Communications,

former Minister for Health moved to

Climate Change and

Social Protection.

Natural Resources The Independent TD for Roscommon-

Paschal Donohoe

Galway was one of six rebel TDs to form

– Minister Public

the Reform Alliance.

Expenditure and Reform The Dublin Central TD took over from

Simon Harris – Minister

Lucinda Creighton as Minister of

for Health

State for European Affairs in 2013

Aged just 29, the up and coming Fine

before being appointed the Transport

Gael TD for Wicklow takes on what many

portfolio a year later.

consider to be the poisoned chalice portfolio of Health.

Paul Kehoe - Minister of State at Departments

Michael Creed –

of the Taoiseach and

Minister for Agriculture,

Defence with Special

Food and the Marine

responsibility for

The TD for Cork North-West is back in

Defence

favour after being left out in the cold

The FG TD for Wexford was

after supporting Richard Bruton’s

Government Chief Whip from 2011

leadership challenge to Enda Kenny

to 2016.

in 2010.

12 May 2016 LUCAN Gazette 5

6 LUCAN Gazette 12 May 2016

DUBLIN Gazette newspaper HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK

Transport | bid to tackle traffic

Call made to open €6.35m Kishogue ghost rail station  ian begley

Calls have been made to persuade new Minister for Transport Shane Ross to open the multimillion ghost station at Kishogue in Lucan, to tie in with the planned reopening of the Phoenix Park rail tunnel. The reopening of Phoenix Park tunnel will allow trains from the Kildare line, including Lucan and Adamstown, to travel via Glasnevin junction to Connolly, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock stations. Cllr William Lavelle (FG) tabled a motion at this month’s meeting of the Lucan Area Committee.

He said: “This area committee calls on Shane Ross to commit to open the unopened €6.35m Kishogue rail station, including completion of any necessary works, such that it is open by the time that the Phoenix Park tunnel is reopened so as to facilitate direct commuter rail services from Lucan and Adamstown to the city centre and to further underpin sustainable development of the proposed Clonburris SDZ; and further invites Minister Ross, along with representative of Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority to meet with members of

this committee at the unopened station to discuss this matter further. “I am calling on Minister Ross to release the funding to complete the works to the access road and car-park. “Lucan is crippled by traffic congestion. It is therefore incredible, indeed scandalous, to think that this station, which is widely reported to have cost €6.35 million to build, continues to lie idle for nearly seven years, despite being located within a short walking distance of multiple Lucan housing estates, including Foxborough, Moy Glas and Griffeen Glen,” he said.

*Publishers Statement

ready to rock the yard

Cavan band The Strypes (top) are set to headline the Rock the Yard music festival at the Court Yard Hotel in Leixlip over the June Bank Holiday, June 3 to 6. The band recently received major

press attention in the US with live performances on Letterman and Conan, as well as print features in prestigious outlets including Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Dublin band Otherkin (left) will be providing support for what is sure to be a rocking good show. Otherkin are getting ready for a busy summer of festivals in the UK, Ireland and across Europe, which will coincide with the release of their second EP release, entitled The New Vice. For tickets check out www.courtyeard. ie or 01 629 5100.

advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240

12 May 2016 LUCAN Gazette 7

Up To

OFF

FREE+FREE

ALL MATTRESSES THIS WEEKEND ONLY

DELIVERY DISPOSAL On Mattresses Over €359

MATTRESS MADNESS

Save

€300

Aloe Vera 4ft 6' Mattress

Cashmere 4ft 6' Mattress

Elm Orthopaedic 4ft 6' Mattress

RRP €699 Now €449

RRP €849 Our Price €549

RRP €999 Our Price €599

MATTRESS MADNESS PRICE!

€399 €350 Save

All Sizes Reduced

€499 All Sizes Reduced

Save

€460

D'Arcy & Galvin Saol Fada 4ft 6' Mattress

All Sizes Reduced

Airside Retail Park, Swords, Dublin Blanchardstown Retail Park, Dublin Fonthill Retail Park, Dublin

Tel.: 0818 222272

RRP €1499 Our Price €899

RRP €1299 Our Price €899

MATTRESS MADNESS PRICE!

€679

Luxury 3200 4ft 6' Mattress

Extra Support

RRP €1199 Our Price €749

€520

All Sizes Reduced

COLLECTION

Lir 4ft 6' Mattress

Save

€539

MATTRESS MADNESS PRICE!

Save

€500

We Won't Be Beaten On Price

€799 All Sizes Reduced

IRISH OWNED

MATTRESS MADNESS PRICE!

Save

€670

www.ezlivingfurniture.ie www.facebook.com/ezlivingfurniture.ie Terms & conditions apply

€829 All Sizes Reduced

8 LUCAN Gazette 12 May 2016

Gazettegallery

| enjoying Flormar Beauty’s first birthday

Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon. Pictures: Brian McEvoy Photography

Stars step out in style to celebrate

Paul Mooney and Joanne Larby

Dominique Nugent

Rachel O’Connor and Laura O’Gorman

Dawn Kelly and Carla Foran

HE beauty world were out in force recently to celebrate international beauty brand Flormar’s first birthday in Ireland. Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon flew in to perform an exclusive set and mingle with the crowd, who included top blogger Joanne Larby, beauty expert Triona Mc Carthy, snapchat star James Patrice, and radio presenter Daniella Moyles. Guests arrived at the ‘Flower-Tales Wonderland’ in The Crypt Christ Church, to a show stopping, handmade, seven-foot flower wall, fire throwers and zamba drummers.

Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick

12 May 2016 LUCAN Gazette 9

Serving suggestion

ONLY

€ .99

Fresh Irish Chicken 1.8kg €2.78 2.78 per kg

ONLY

SAVE €3

€

SAVE €2

.49

Everyday Freshness Guaranteed

Available

We will REPLACE and REFUND*

Müller Rice Range 4 Pack 4x180g €1.49 €2.07 2.07 per kg

Carmen Discovery Range €7.99 per 75cl

Thur 12th- Wed 18th May.

Kenco Smooth/Rich Coffee

HALF

Hellmann’s Squeezy Mayonnaise

100g €4.92 4.92

PRICE

BUY GET OONNE E

€49.20 € 49.20 per kg

Range 750ml €4 per lt

FREE

€3

ONLY

SAVE €

Everyday Freshness Guaranteed

1.80

Bulmers Cider Cans

€10

8 Pack €2.50 2.50 per lt

We will REPLACE and REFUND*

I’m a fan of ... SPAR Sunflower Oil

Memb

ONLY

spar.ie

1lt €1 per lt

BUY ONers GET ON E E

Member

EACH

€1

FREE

Non-members Pay

€2.85 €8.14 per kg

59c

www.euro

Pay

Available

Thur 12th- Wed 18th May.

Non-members Pay

Weetos 350g

€2.09 €2.09 per lt

Everyday Freshness Guaranteed We will REPLACE and REFUND*

Fresh Choice Cherry Tomatoes 250g/ Butter Head Lettuce/ Scallions Bunch See instore for details.

EUROSPAR Ballyowen

Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre, Lucan

Phone: (01) 6211815/6. Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 8am-10pm; Sun: 9am-10pm. Offers available until 25th May 2016 unless otherwise stated, in participating stores only, while stocks last. Customer quotas may apply. *In participating stores. T&Cs apply.

10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 12 May 2016

Gazettegallery

Model, author and

| The annual Peter Mark VIP Style Awards

Model Sarah Morrissey

blogger Rosanna Davison

Personal trainer Leanne Moore Model Roz Purcell

Conor McGregor and partner Dee Devlin, who was awarded the prize of most stylish newcomer, Vogue Williams and model Louise Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Theresa Mannion, Darren Kennedy and Jodi Albert

Fashionistas flock to a night of glitz I

Sean Musnanje and Storm and Missie Keating

Chris Doyle

Grace Mongey

relandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most glamorous grown-ups came out to play recently for the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards. As usual the red carpet was filled with stylish celebs for the celebration of Irish style. Vogue Williams took home the coveted Most Stylish Woman of the Year award. Conor McGregor arrived back in Dublin to support girlfriend Dee Devlin, who won out in the Most Stylish Newcomer category. Blogger and social media influencer Rosie Connolly picked up the Most Stylish Social Influencer award. In the Most Stylish Male category, Eurovision hopeful Nicky Byrne came out on top ahead of Baz Ashmawy, Brian McFadden, Leo Varadker and Nathan Carter among others.

Gazette

12 May 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

dublinLIFE

Chicago: it would be a crime to miss this musical

Get set to have a razzle dazzle time  ian begley

Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…” T he international award-winning musical Chicago is taking to the stage in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week and it would be a crime a to miss it. Starring John Partridge as Billy Flynn, Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart and Sam Bailey as Mama Morton, this production is based on the 2002 Oscar winning movie. Set in the roaring 20s,

nightclub, sensation Velma murders her philandering husband, and slick Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn is set to defend her. But when Roxie also winds up in prison, Billy takes on her case as well – turning her into a media circus of headlines. Neither woman will be outdone in their fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity. John Partridge is probably best known for playing the role of Christian Clarke in EastEnders. His many musical theatre credits include Rum Tum

Tugger in Cats in the West End, on tour and the official film of the show, John in Miss Saigon on the first UK national tour and most recently Zach in A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. John was also a judge on BBC1’s Over the Rainbow, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search to find a Dorothy for the musical The Wizard of Oz. Hayley Tamaddon has just finished playing Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street. She also played Del Dingle in Emmerdale. Her

numerous theatre credits include The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show. Sam Bailey worked as a prison officer for three years until 2013. At the end of that year Sam won the tenth series of the X-Factor receiving more than a million votes over the course of the final weekend. Following her win, her debut single Skyscraper was released and achieved the Christmas Number One. Created by the musical theatre talents of John

Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart, John Partridge as Billy Flynn and Sam Bailey as Mama Morton

Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics) and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. The musical originally opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London in November 1997 to rave

reviews, winning the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for “Outstanding Musical Production” as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for Best Musical, and immediately became a sell-out hit running for 15 years. It is currently playing in

New York where it holds the record as the longest running musical revival and also the second longest running musical in Broadway history. Running until May 21, tickets are available at bordgaisenerygtheatre. ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 12 May 2016

dublinlife

diary

Can you take a shot worth €1,000? IRELAND Alive has been announced as the theme for this year’s Top Oil Amateur Photo Competition. Top Oil are calling on Dublin’s talented amateur photographers to grab their cameras and capture what they believe represents the life and soul of Ireland through the theme. For the 2016 competition, Ireland Alive encourages Dublin’s amateur photographers to capture Ireland in all its glory, full of life and bursting with spirit. From the indigenous flora and fauna found from The Burren to Dublin Bay, to the spectacular coastal views on offer along The Wild Atlantic

Way, snap and send it in. The overall winner of the Top Oil Amateur Photography Competition will feature on the coveted calendar cover, as well as winning a €1,000 voucher. The 11 runner-up winners will each receive a €200 voucher. To keep up to date with the competition, see Top Oil’s Facebook page www.facebook/topoilfuelingireland. The closing date is May 31.

win one of 20,000 holidays abroad THIS summer, Walkers is giving crisp and sunshine lovers alike the chance to win one of 20,000 holidays. With 26 worldwide

destinations up for grabs, Walkers will be sending winners and three friends on a 4-star, seven-night holiday. To enter, find a code inside every promotional pack of Walkers Crisps and just enter it online at www.walkers.co.uk/ spellandgo to unveil a letter. Keep collecting letters to spell one of 26 destinations and win a holiday to that destination. To i n c r e a s e y o u r chances, get family and friends to register online and swap letters to bag a dream trip. Walkers are also currently hosting one of the biggest letter hunts that Dublin has ever seen. Each day, Walkers

are asking the people of Dublin to hunt for one giant letter in the city centre in a different location – but hurry to the hunt, as it ends this Friday, May 13. For further information, see www.walkers. co.uk/spellandgo.

no codding – it’s fish and chips day The 131-year tradition of fish and chips in Ireland will be celebrated later this month with half-price fish and chips at participating eateries. Organised by The Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA), National Fish And Chips Day takes place on Wednesday, May 25. Established in Decem-

ber, 2009, and now with more than 180 members throughout the country, ITICA was created to promote and build on the traditional values and ethos of the Irish-Italian chipper community. In their first six months, I T ICA s u c c e s s f u l l y launched the national day to celebrate the tradition of fish and chips. The Irish-Italian chipper culture was started by members of the IrishItalian community who arrived in Ireland in the 1880s. All members of this community come from the villages in Val Di Comino in Southern Italy. To find out what chippers will be taking part, see itica.ie.

Brooke Briscoe was happy to help launch this year’s Top Oil Amateur Photo Competition. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

12 May 2016 Gazette 13

Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement

call 01 60 10 240

Entertainment broadcaster Colum McCormack Crowe: “With live radio, you just do not know what’s going to happen”

a day in the life: Colum McCormack CROWE

Happy to face the random nature of live radio work  ian begley

CORK native Colum McCormack Crowe is a rising star when it comes to entertainment news. Presenting as an entertainment presenter on Dublin’s Classic Hits 4FM on the Niall Boylan Show, and also as a freelance journalist, every day for the media all-rounder is very different. Colum said that there is no such thing as an average day for him. He said: “I usually get up around 6.30am and sit on the sofa for a while, then head out for a walk before I start working. “Because I’m a freelance journalist, I never know what the next day might throw at me. “One day I could be doing nothing but drinking coffee, but the next could have me bogged dow n with multiple assignments. “I have also a barbershop and a hairdresser in Cork, but on Fridays when I’m doing the Niall

Boylan Show I have to travel three and a half hours from Cork to Dublin by bus. “I would consider the bus as my office, because I have the opportunity to get a lot of my research done for the show while travelling to Dublin. “I actually love taking the bus because it’s certainly a lot more relaxing and easier than driving.” Colum added that up until recently he ran his own magazine in Cork, but decided to “lay it to rest” due to the stress and undivided commitment involved. “I much prefer working for someone else because when you’re running your own publication you have no time at all to do anything else. “It was literally a 24 hour a day job, and didn’t offer any variation. I prefer freelancing a whole lot more because of the versatility involved. “If you’re in the media industry, it’s very important to enjoy your job

and all the variations that come with it.” Asked if anything out of the ordinary every happened while live on air, Colum said: “All the time. With live radio, you just do not know what’s going to happen. Only two weeks ago when we were just about to go on air my computer just crashed. “I went completely blank because I didn’t have my notes in front of me, but luckily Niall had a couple of his notes on his computer so he just turned it around so I could have an idea what I was supposed to talk about, which was gas! “After the show, and after the long journey home to Cork, I would usually get in the door around 7.40pm. From then on I get into something more comfortable, maybe order a Chinese and just chill out. “I’m not as young as I used to be, and usually find myself getting tired by 10,” said the 39-yearold.

Gazette

FEATURE

Gazette

14 Gazette 12 May 2016

dublinlife

business

tie-in: imma connection announced

Art partnership at Dean Hotel  emma nolan

ULTR A-trendy hotel Dean Dublin say they are thrilled to announce that they are IMMA’s major hotel partner for 2016. Since first opening its doors in 2014, Dean Dublin say they have strived to create a fun and vibrant space for their guests, right in the heart of the city. T he Dean Dublin IMMA partnership begins with the opening of a new work by Simon Fujiwara, opening at IMMA on Friday, May 20.

Entitled The Humanizer, this new commission is an imagined Hollywood biopic of Roger Casement, with contributions from scriptwriter Michael Lesslie (Macbeth, 2015; Assassin’s Creed, 2016) and Oscarwinning designer Annie Atkins (Grand Budapest Hotel, 2013). This partnership will also allow Dean Dublin to offer their guests the unique opportunity to engage with IMMA’s creative and experimental programmes, while it

enables IMMA to invite some of the most influential figures in the Irish and international art world. IMMA director Sarah Glennie said: “IMMA’s partnership with Dean Dublin is one of our most important and significant relationships for 2016. “A major factor in the delivery of our ambitious programme is the ability to offer hospitality to our artists, enabling us to host some of the most influential figures in the Irish and International art world here in Dublin.”

Optimism returning to businesses – survey SOME 81% of Irish employees are looking to change jobs within the next two years, according to a new salary survey by Hays, Ireland’s recruitment specialist. The Hays Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2016 found that less than half (47%) of all employees were satisfied with their salaries, but almost two-thirds (62%) expect to receive a pay rise in the next 12 months.

The report, which surveyed 1,300 employers and employees, suggests that Irish businesses are increasingly optimistic about the future. It noted that 79% of organisations expect increased business activity in 2016, and 86% plan to recruit in the coming 12 months. This positive outlook is particularly apparent across sectors such as IT, construction, life sciences, financial services and insurance.

awards: prestigious aib win for dublin 12 firm

Nasal Medical founder knows a good product

 emma nolan

MARTIN O’Connell, founder of Dublin 12-based company Nasal Medical, was celebrating this week after being named the winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy. O’Connell will receive a prize valued at €250,000, which includes a cash injection of €20,000, an advertising and marketing package, as well as business development support and PR training. The final, which was held in front of a packed crowd in Dublin’s Sugar Club, saw 11 start-ups deliver a five-minute business pitch to an expert judging panel. T he AIB Star t-up Academy, which is run in conjunction with The Irish Times, invited entre-

preneurs from all across Ireland to apply for an intensive eight-week training programme. From the start-ups, eleven were selected to take part in the Academy, the search culminated with a final pitch. The finalists, drawn from varying sectors, all delivered outstanding pitches which left the judging panel with the unenviable task of selecting a winner. O’Connell, a native of Kerry, has developed a medical device which e n c o u r a g e s h e a l t hy breathing and helps people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea. The unique device fits inside the nasal cavity and is both comfortable and discreet. His pitch displayed a depth of knowledge of the medical device industry, an

Martin O’Connell celebrates after being named as the winner of the 2016 AIB Start-up Academy

understanding of his target market, and a strong desire to develop his product and business. Speaking after his win, O’Connell said: “I really can’t believe it! The last few weeks with the AIB Start-up Academy have been an invaluable experience and I would recommend any start-up to apply for it. “A lot of hard work

has gone into this company and I’m delighted that the judging panel believes in its potential.” Brian Keating, group brands director of AIB, and a member of the judging panel, said: “The standard of the presentations was incredible. We heard from some brilliant companies who are absolutely passionate about their products.”

12 May 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 12 May 2016

dublinlife

memories: commemorating 60 years of great work

Write your chapter in the story of hospital

ibegley@dublingazette.com

Crumlin Hospital have started a campaign that invites the nation to share any stories of their time in the hospital since it first opened 60 years ago. Crumlin’s Big Book of Memories is an initiative that aims to commemorate all of the great work Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin has done through their virtual memory book – crumlinmemories.ie. This designated web-

site will enable members of the public to share and read the touching stories which illustrate the hospital’s 60-year existence. From past patients and their loved ones to hospital workers and donors - anyone with a memory of the hospital can get involved, share their memories and help to shape the hospital’s future by donating online. Funds raised through this campaign will be used to make urgent renovations to the outpatients depar tment

which was built in the 1960s to accommodate 500 patients per week. Today, three times that amount (1,500 children) pass through its doors every week, leading to considerable overcrowding and insufficient resources. Another area of focus for campaign donations will be the refurbishment of The Nazareth Ward which treats the hospital’s youngest and sickest babies, many of whom have never left the hospital since birth. A portion of the funds

will also cover a range of equipment wor th over €2 million which is urgently required by the hospital, including cancer detection equipment, CF detection equipment and cardiac echo machines. Crumlin ambassador and Irish rugby player Rob Kearney said: “Having the opportunity to visit CMRF Crumlin has opened my eyes to the fantastic care that Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin provides the 150,000 children who pass through its doors every year.

SUPPORT

Local BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY



 ian begley

Call the Gazette on

60 10 240

CMRF Crumlin ambassador and Irish Rugby player Rob Kearney joined Ollie O’Connell

“The hospital and its staff have touched so many lives over the past 60 years so Crumlin’s

Big Book of Memories is a fantastic way for those people to honour the work of the hospital

and contribute positively to its future by sharing their own stories and donating online.”

12 May 2016 Gazette 17

travel P20

asdfsdaf style P27 P21

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

cinema P18

Vladimir, the virtuoso violinist Pets

Draiocht is delighted to announce the return of Vladimir Jablokov’s warmly received classical show, One Night In Vienna, to their main stage on Thursday, May 26 at 8pm. Join Vladimir as he plays some of the most beautiful classical melodies from the Romantic era of the Strauss family. Expect to hear The Blue Danube, The Voices of Spring, the Merry Widow Waltz and many more favourites you know and love. As well as being a showcase for Vladimir’s virtuoso violin skills, One Night in Vienna also features an ensemble of hand-picked musicians, including Vladimir’s sister, Olga, and his father, Alexander. With a growing reputation, Vladimir has now played some of Ireland’s most prestigious venues, including The Mansion House, The Gaiety Theatre, The Olympia Theatre, Marlay Park, Cork Opera House, Limerick University Concert Hall and Wexford Opera House. He has headlined the National Concert Hall on seven separate occasions. He said: “I am in Ireland for nearly 12 years now. Starting from busking in Grafton Street and progressing to playing the National Concert Hall in Dublin, I want to thank all my fans and supporters. The Irish people have been really good to me, and so welcoming. “So this show, One Night in Vienna, takes me back to my early days in Dublin 12 years ago, and is a way for me to thank all my fans. Myself and my brother, Anton, have now signed with United Talent Agency in London and will soon begin touring in the UK. “I owe my extended Irish family, friends and Irish fans a huge thankyou – without their support I could still be busking on Grafton Street!” Tickets are €25/€23 conc and can be booked from Draiocht’s Box Office at 01 8852622, or online at www. draiocht.ie.

this foxy lady would love a home with company most of the time

However you catch him performing, Vladimir Jablokov’s skill as a violinist is terrific, as his upcoming Draiocht show will show

win win win A pair of tickets to Vladimir Jablokov’s spectacular show at Draiocht, as well as a CD To win, just “like” and “share” our Facebook Vladimir post. That’s it! Winner announced on Friday, May 20 on our Facebook page! Ready steady SHARE!

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Foxy, a five-year-old female Labrador cross. She is a very affectionate dog and has lived with young children, is housetrained and loves to play. Foxy would love a home where she will have company for most of the day as she can find being alone quite overwhelming. If you think you could offer Foxy a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

18 Gazette 12 May 2016

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

ReelReviews

florence foster By Jenkins, it’s fun

WHILE not exactly a name that rolls off the tongue, Florence Foster Jenkins (Cert PG, 110 mins) sees Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant star in a kindly film about the one and only Jenkins. With her place in history secured as being, quite possibly, the world’s worst singer, the New York heiress and would-be star from the early days of the 20th century gets an affectionate film treatment.

i saw the lIght Hanks, but no thanks

STAYING with the bigscreen biopic theme, and Hank Williams gets a film about him in I Saw The Light (Cert 15A, 124 mins). Unfortunately, it’s a dull tale with even more flat notes than the one about Florence Foster Jenkins, above. Tom Hiddleston takes a decent stab at playing the early country music legend, but the film never rises above madefor-television mediocrity.

demolition

The story falls apart HERE comes another film with an only-in-Hollywood premise. In Demoliltion, (Cert 15A, 101 mins) Jake Gyllenhaal’s life falls apart after the tragic loss of his wife. However, he learns to rebuild himself – largely be tearing down (literally) plenty of ties to his old life, and past. Gyllenhaal’s as good as always, but the central premise of the story is just way too flimsy to build a solid film on.

While set in 1980, the timeless themes of bromance and jock obsessions make Everybody Wants Some!! just as relatable today as it will be to those who lived in the era

everybody wants some!! linklater’s latest is another affectionate tale

A juvenile film with heart

IT’S hard to believe that Richard Linklater’s coming of age classic, Dazed And Confused, is 23 years old this year. Laden with low-brow humour and some very high philosophy, Linklater’s seminal film foggily explored that frontier between adolescence and adulthood. What made it such a success was that it captured so poignantly a rich and vibrant stage of life. Adolescence is a time that is full of existential musing, trying out roles and beliefs, testing boundaries, and learning about where we might fit into the world. In a way, it is a shame that coming of age films like Dazed And Confused, that were watched by many of us as a rite of

 Dave phillips

passage in our teenage years, tend to become synonymous with that time and stay mentally relegated to a shelf that we’re unlikely to visit very often. Evidently (and thankfully), that adolescent part of Linklater is alive and well – and after the much deeper masterpiece that was Boyhood, he is returning to some wilder and more familiar ground with Everybody Wants Some!! (Cert 15A, 116 mins). W hile Dazed And Confused focused on the

last day of high school, Everybody Wants Some!! chronicles the weekend before class begins in college for a group of freshman students in Texas in 1980. Linklater may have a tendency to focus on the freak and geek fringes, but this time around we are thrust into the alphamale world of college baseball. Despite the more macho surrounds, we still maintain the outsider’s perspective through Jake (Glee’s Blake Jenner), who is new to the team and must find his footing amid his ultracompetitive housemates, who are concerned above all else with three things: training hard, partying, and hooking up with women. The hours pass by in

the weekend, and we follow Jake through night clubs, house parties, baseball practice and eventually into class. At each step we are meeting the motley crew that makes up the social scene in college. There’s a throwaway love interest for Jake, some necessary boundary setting among the housemates, and a couple of moments for him to prove himself. But like most of Linklater’s work, this is a film that is thin on plot points, where the beauty is to be found in the casual interactions and conversations between characters. While the bulk of the story follows Jake, there is time given to each member of the team – who each in their own distinctive way develops

a solution to the perennial problem of trying to get laid. If you’re expecting a more refined portrayal of women (or men) to develop as the film moves on, you’ll be disappointed. Eve r y b o d y Wa n t s Some!! is unrepentantly a film about the singlemindedness of people at a certain age. Linklater is content to let the juvenile, testosteronefuelled environment play out with little nuance and without any moral rebuke. That will inevitably be a stumbling block for viewers, but if you can embrace the laddish nature, you’ll find some pearls of wisdom amid the jockstraps and sweat socks. Think of this as an

incredibly well-written sport comedy with some heart and insight, and you’ll be close to the mark. The comedy is helped along by a tight cast, and by characters who may never develop, but who seem oddly perfect and instantly relatable. Eve r y b o d y Wa n t s Some!! is Linklater laying aside the deeper issues explored in films such as Boyhood, and Before Midnight, and instead embracing the gleeful freedom of youth – with all the stupidity and wonder that it entails. Sitting through a screening is like taking a journey back to simpler times, and for that reason it’s a highly recommended watch. Verdict: 8/10

commercial feature

12 May 2016 Gazette 19

Beat the heat!

Windows provide our home with light, warmth and ventilation but they can also have a massive impact on your homes energy efficiency. We spend thousands of euro every year to try and keep our houses warm. The high price of electricity, gas and other home heating sources means that consumers are now looking into other effective methods of temperature control. That is why it is so important to understand the impact that healthy windows can have on our homes energy efficiency. There are a few very obvious signs that a window is broken down and needs to be either replaced or repaired. These signs include; condensation or fogging between glass panes, difficulty opening or closing the windows, black mould forming on the frame and chipping or rotting of the frame. You can reduce energy costs and the above problems by installing energy efficient windows in your home. Budget

If your budget is tight you may be able to make repairs to the existing windows. Windows let in light and let people see out but they also interact with the environment around them. Windows react with the outside temperatures, sunlight and wind and also react with indoor temperature and occupant use. One of the best ways to measure the efficiency of a window is through its thermal efficiency or U-Value. The U-Value refers to the units of heat transferred through a product and is measured in watt per metre squared per kelvin (W m-2 K-1). The lower the U-Value the more thermally efficient the product is. Triple glazed units can give you a U-Value as low as 0.7 W m-2 K-1*, while double glazed units will give a U-value between 1.2 W m-2 K-1 and 1.3 W m-2 K-1. U-Values take into account the airflow around the window and the solar emissivity of the glass into account. Emissivity is the ability of a product to absorb energy and radiate the same energy through itself and out into the room. A single pane of glass contains high emissivity and therefore will transfer approximately 84% of the heat in a room to outside. This is why is is important to minimise heat loss by adding panes to become either double or triple glazed units, thereby lowering the U-Value. The technology and engineering for windows and doors has advanced dramatically over the last 15 years. Glass units typically come either double glazed or triple glazed, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to achieve a more energy efficient home. In addition glass units are argon filled and have a low-e coating on them. Argon is a gas that is denser then the atmosphere. It is a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas that fills the space between the panes. Argon gas prevents frost forming at the bottom of the glass as well as adding extra insula-

escape through the glass. All of the glass in our windows and doors are argon filled and low-e coated as standard. Our windows and doors can be chosen in either triple or double glazed and all of our windows and doors are sealed with specific expanding foam or silicone to ensure that the window or door is air tight throughout the entire frame. Performance

tion, as argon is heavier than air. Due to argon being used to fill the space between each glass pane triple glazing offers huge benefits over double glazed units. Argon gas is often used in conjunction with low-emissivity or low-e coatings. A low-e coating is a microscopic coating that reflects long wave heat. In other words it reflects the roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heat back into the room instead of allowing it to

With Low-e glass, combined with argon filled units and an air tight frame you can be sure that your windows and doors will perform at their very best against Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harsh elements. In addition, you will save money by reducing your energy bills by up to 30%! Drop into our 5000sq ft showroom, just off the Nangor road, where we have over 100 products on display including Timber, Aluclad, Aluminium and PVC windows and doors and composite doors. Our talented project managers will be able to show you how you can make your home energy efficient and save money! Visit our showroom at Unit C, Westland Business Park, Willow Road (off Nangor Rd), Dublin 12 or contact us on T: 01 424 2067 or E:sales@dkwindows.ie

Gazette

20 Gazette 12 May 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

TRAVEL

Game of Thrones: visit some key locations from top tv show

The thatched restroom is nestled in the stunning 1,000-acre County Cork forest park

Cork bog voted No 1 for number twos If the magnificent scenery of Gougane Barra in Cork doesn’t appeal to you then maybe you would be more impressed with visiting one of the world’s top 100 toilets at the site. Travel bible Lonely Planet has singled out the thatched restroom, nestled in the stunning 1,000-acre County Cork forest park, as one of the planet’s most “stunning lavatories” in its new publication, Toilets: A Spotter’s Guide. The book highlights the most memorable outdoor public lavatories in the world, including a remote toilet island in Belize, a waterfall washroom in Taiwan, and an Arctic outhouse in Lapland. The book’s introduction states: “As any experienced traveller knows, you can tell a whole lot about a place by its bathrooms. Whatever you prefer to call them — lavatory, loo, bog, khasi, thunderbox, dunny, washroom, or water closet — toilets are a window into the soul of a destination.” When describing Gourgane Barra’s eye-

catching restroom, which is the only Irish toilet to make it in the coveted list, Lonely Planet’s writers say: “Gougane Barra in Cork has been a retreat from the cruel world and a spot for quiet contemplation — since St Finbarr established an island monastery on the lake during the sixth century. These thatched toilets, tucked away in the forest park, continue that tradition.” Lonely Planet adds: “The lavatory is a great leveller.” Other global recommendations over where to spend a penny include the lobster loos in Wellington, New Zealand, a prototype space toilet, the Tardis in Warmley in Gloucestershire, a hi-tech interactive loo in Tokyo, and a remote jungle toilet in Laos. Globe-trotting toilet enthusiasts are also urged to check out an ultra-remote outhouse in British Columbia, which “features an automatic flush, powered by the moon, which washes away all waste twice a day”.

The intertwining beech trees of the Dark Hedges date back to the 18th century. Inset: The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

Go North for an epic tour  Ian Begley

Travel Editor

If you’re from Ireland and also a massive Game of Thrones fan there is no excuse for not travelling to the North of Ireland this summer and taking part in the official Game of Thrones tour. T hanks to HBO’s adaptation of George RR Martin’s epic tale, Northern Ireland’s stunning mountains, forests, lakes and countryside are now familiar to millions of people around the world, having helped create the magical backdrop that much of the show’s action is filmed against. Below is a list of destinations you can visit which have helped create some of the most noteworthy and remarkable scenes from the show.

County Down From the home of Ned Stark to the formidable Haunted Forest, what better place to start your Game of Thrones adventure than in County Down with its ancient gothic forests and historic ruins.

The Haunted Forest Tollymore Forest Park holds the honour of being host to the first ever Game of Thrones scene aired in 2011 when some Night Watchmen deserters were killed by a White Walker in the snow. Other famous scenes filmed in the forest include Ramsey Snow’s chase and recapture of Theon Greyjoy as well as many forest scenes North of Winterfell. The Riverlands Close by you’ll find the historic ruins of Inch Abbey, dating from 1193. The abbey provided the backdrop to the Twins, two identical castles joined by a bridge which are the seat of House Frey. It is here that Catelyn Stark crosses the bridge to agree a treaty with Walder Frey which resulted in an arranged marriage proposal between Robb Stark and one of his daughters. Causeway Coastal Route Hailed as one of the world’s most spectacular road journeys, this stretch

of coastline plays host to some of the most dramatic scenery seen in Game of Thrones due to its rugged cliffs and sweeping valleys.

Iron Islands This quaint coastal nook was used in the show to depict Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands – home to the Greyjoys. Stormlands The headlands leading down to the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge are better known in the show as The Stormlands – Renly Baratheon’s camp. This is where we are first introduced to Brienne of Tarth. King’s Road Although only in the show for a few seconds, the Dark Hedges has become one of the most recognisable Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. This intertwining beech tree lined avenue dating back to the 18th century features as King’s Road where Arya Stark makes her escape from King’s

Landing with Gendry.

Dragonstone One of Northern Ireland’s most stunning beaches, Downhill Beach in Derry is the spot where Melissandre burned the seven old golds as a sacrifice to The Lord of the Light and prompted Stannis Baratheon to draw a sword from the flames at Dragonstone. Dothraki Camp Set against Slemish Mountain in County Antrim and with its green grassy hills, Shillanavogy Valley provided the perfect camp for Daenerys Targaryen, Ser Jorah Mormont and the Dorthraki horsemen to pitch camp on their journey to Vaes Dothrak. Beric Dondarrion’s Hideout You may recognise Pollnagollum Cave, found in the picturesque Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, from series three of the hit TV show. The waterfall cave was used by Beric Dondarrion’s Brotherhood Without Banners as their secret

hideout where Arya Stark discovers Beric’s resurrecting powers. For more information on the official Game of Thrones tour and to book, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/ gameofthrones.

Robb’s Camp Found within the grounds of Castle Ward Estate, beside Strangford Lough, you may recognise Audley’s Field and Castle as the backdrop to Robb Stark’s camp where he first met his future wife, Talisa. It was here that Robb caught and imprisoned Jamie Lannister. Winterfell Overlooking Strangford Lough, the grounds of Castle Ward were used as the backdrop of Winterfell, affectionately known as the home to House Stark. Surrounded by acres of forest, one of the most memorable scenes filmed within the walled courtyard is when Rob Stark and Jon Snow taught a young Brandon Stark how to shoot a bow and arrow.

12 May 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE interview: designer Conaill O’Dwyer on his vision for a wardrobe staple

Updating some classic style to suit his identity

 emma nolan

Style Editor

COMING of age, masculinity and gay identity are the themes behind one young designer’s collection ahead of his graduation from NCAD this month. The Gazette spoke to Dublin designer Conaill O’Dwyer about his degree collection, Default Man, which was showcased at the NCAD graduate fashion show this week. “My menswear collection is inspired by my own coming of age and coming out story,” he says. Using the traditional tailored suit as a catalyst, Conaill’s aim was to create a “new masculine identity” using the ultimate symbol of masculinity – the suit – to represent a different kind of masculinity. Originally from Firhouse, Conaill’s fam-

ily moved to Enniscorthy when he was seven, but the 24-year-old has been back living in Dublin for the last six years. “I used to wear loads of suits so I did the collection in a way that within this ‘Default Man’, there can be a gay identity as well. “Growing up, any ideas of a gay man I had were always quite feminine, so with this collection I’m moving away from that and saying, just because you’re a gay man doesn’t mean you have to be a certain way.” Conaill’s collection consists of three different suits. “I looked at how to use the suit and looked at different fabrication methods and patterns. “All the suits are quite big and oversized; the first one consists of bonded wool and I used printing and dying methods to get the desired look.”

Traditional tailoring methods and menswear staples underpin the collection, yet Conaill has reinvented them and added a sense of freedom to the rigid perception of the suit. Texture is a key element of his work, and the unusual use of materials are typical of his style, including his use of handknitted plastic bags to create jumpers. “It’s amazing how many different types of plastic bags there are,” he joked. “It takes the suit one step further, and provides a new layered language of masculinity and the gay identity.” Having previously interned with Irish designers Sean Byrne and Zoe Carroll, Conaill plan to eventually take his skill further and hopes to work in London in the coming years.

Your chance to go for a scholarship  emma nolan

Part of the Default Man collection showcased by designer Conaill O’Dwyer (inset) at the recent NCAD graduate fashion show

WHO’S-WHO OF DESIGNERS GATHER TO HELP SUPPORT FIRST DEMENTIA VILLAGE  emma nolan

IRELAND’S rich design heritage was celebrated last week at Trinity College. The Lexus Irish Fashion Collective brought together collections from Ireland’s leading designers, including Philip Treacy, Simone Rocha, Orla Kiely, Deborah Veale and Sharon Hoey. The collective also includ-

ed designers such as Mariad Whisker, Umit Kutluk, Helen Steele, Aideen Bodkin and Mary Donoghue for Ireland’s Eye Knitwear, and Roisin Linnane featuring Melissa Curry Jewellery. Each designer showcased their seasonal collections, with the support of Lexus, to raise funds towards the vision of creating Ireland’s first dementia village at Saint

Joseph’s Shankill. Speaking at the event, designer Deborah Veale said: “I am very happy that some of Ireland’s most talented designers have generously agreed to show at this amazing event. “Saint Joseph’s Shankill is an amazing facility and myself and my family are very grateful for the loving care my father receives [there].”

Milliner Philip Treacy puts the finishing touch to model Sarah Morrissey’s look at Trinity College. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

LEAVING Cert students looking to pursue a career in the beauty industry have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship with one of Ireland’s leading beauty schools. The Galligan College of Hair and Beauty have launched a scholarship for school leavers to create the next generation of top Irish beauty professionals. The scholarship offers a coveted place on the CIDESCO Beauty Diploma course, ensuring graduates are among the elite of their profession. The college combines in class curricula with an on-site commercial salon with spa on Grafton Street, so students can gain essential first-hand and practical experience. Commenting on the scholarship Launch, Careena Galligan said that a qualification in beauty is a “passport to a lifetime career and gives a wide choice of potential professional pathways”. The scholarship will pay the private fees for CIDESCO Beauty Diploma course, which would usually cost €5,800, plus €1,270 in exam fees. Entrants must submit a video application. For further information, see The Galligan College of Hair and Beauty Facebook page.

Gazette

22 Gazette 12 May 2016

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORING

The Nissan Qashqai offers a very comfortable road position, with an interior designed to put you at ease as you take in a number of its refined features

Nissan: the compact crossover builds on the popular model’s strengths

Updated Qashqai adds even more to an impressive range

 dave phillips

THE Nissan Qashqai is a trend-setter, effectively popularising the compact crossover movement with its introduction to roads in 2007. But not only did it spark a demand, it has managed to keep up with the pack, remaining one of the best-selling cars of recent years. This second generation of the car beefs out the exterior, making the Qashqai sit well alongside Nissan’s larger X-Trail. The new generation brought along a wider range of engines too, with 1.2- and 1.6-litre options in petrol, and 1.5- and 1.6-litre options in diesel. With lower emissions and fuel costs, it is no surprise that the diesel con-

figurations have turned out being so popular, with the 1.5-litre model promising the best fuel economy across the range – so that was the model we took out for a test (with the SV Premium trim, it retails from €32,470, but with the standard trim this starts at €27,520). The first thing to notice from the car is the incredibly comfortable road position. From the moment you sit in it, the Qashqai instantly makes you feel at ease. The interior, fitted out with sturdy soft plastic and leather, is unfussy and you can tell it has been designed with function in mind. As well as feeling clean and simple, the Qashqai also feels safe – part of the upgraded trim includes a

camera pack and parking sensors that provides an easy-to-read, top-down display. If there’s one niggle, design-wise, it is the thick pillars at the rear – while they don’t make much difference to your driving, they can be an impediment when reversing in tight spots, so the cameras can really come into play here. Storage-wise, the Qashqai’s got a decent amount of room. There’s a slightly smaller boot than rivals such as the Sportage, but there’s a greater amount of versatility. A false floor in the boot opens up extra storage configurations, and the back row is easily dropped down. Seating in the back row

While offering a little less storage than rivals, the Qashqai offers plenty of versatility to meet your needs

is simple and comfortable – while the Qashqai offers ample head and leg space, the back row seems a little basic. The lack of little features such as rear climate control, or extra charging points for the back seats,

seems out of sorts, given the higher-spec trim. Any quibbles with the set-up tend to fade away once you get the Qashqai out on the road, where the diesel engine, combined with a well-insulated cabin, give one of the

quietest rides in the class. Nissan have hit a fine balance with this engine, with an unhurried, wellpaced feel. Motorway cruising is relaxed, while the Qashqai feels great on tighter country roads where the superb for-

ward visibility and solid handling combine perfectly. There’s a reason so many people have invested in the Qashqai, and the newest generation cements an already solid legacy.

12 May 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 lucan gazette 12 May 2016

OUT&ABOUT

EXCLUSIVE: the gazette

Cloud Lesley TWO sisters from other sides of the planet ended a lifelong search for each other with an emotional first meeting at Dublin Airport. Ian Begley reports on their unforgettable reunion, ending more than 60 years of being apart after one was given up for adoption soon after being born.

Tears of joy ... Sisters Joan Crawford-Murray and Lesley Fagan, moments after meeting each other for the first time at Dublin Airport

DUBLIN Airport was bursting with emotion this week after two sisters from opposite ends of the earth finally met each other for the first time after a 28-year search. Lesley Fagan (64) arrived in Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning with her husband, Steve, to meet her older sister, Joan Crawford-Murray (67), who was put up for adoption shortly after she was born. Joan, who had travelled all the way from Perth to meet her sister, who lives in Enniskillen, never even knew she had a sibling until Lesley tracked her down using social media. Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, Lesley described the fascinating story about her extensive search. “In 1989, whilst still living in Warrington, my mum said that she had something to tell me. She said I have a half-sister which she had to give up for adoption in 1948. “Although my mum was not a teenager at the time, she belonged to a very

devout Catholic family of six daughters. One of her sisters put my mum under a lot of pressure, saying that if her dad was to find out about her pregnancy, it would bring great shame upon the family. “She then decided to hide the pregnancy and put the child into a Catholic Mother and Babies home in Prestwich, Manchester,” said Lesley.

Documents “She stayed with her baby for six weeks, which must have been awful, knowing that she would have to give her up. When the day finally came, she had to sign some documents to authorise the adoption. “At this point, the nun left the room and mum saw on the desk the name and address of the prospective parents. She never forgot this information. Mum was able to recite exactly both parent’s names and their address, which was unbelievable, after 50 years. “With this information, I immediately began

12 May 2016 lucan Gazette 25

is on hand for an extra-special reunion at dublin airport

nine delight as finds her sister

FROM nervous anticipation to tearful delight, here are the moments around when Lesley and Joan finally met.

From the continent of Australia to the island of Ireland - Joan crossed the planet to meet Lesley

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

‘In 2015, Lesley read a story about how Chinese twins separated at birth found each other via Facebook. This inspired her to publish an online appeal with the hopes that someone would lead her in the right direction.’

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

Lesley Fagan and her husband, Steve. Pictures and video: Ian Begley

my search, starting with The Salvation Army, but unfortunately they were unable to help me track her down. “I eventually started searching every adoption facility to find my sister, and upon checking the electoral records, I discovered that the family disappeared off the electoral roll in 1958. “In hindsight, I probably should have known that they emigrated, but at the time I didn’t follow it up because I was so busy with my career and raising a family,” she said. In October, 2015, Lesley, who has two daugh-

of a lady who looked like myself, but also the model of our mother. “With the help of Terri O’Neill, I was talking to her on the telephone by the end of that very week. “My sister always wondered about her natural family in England, and her husband, Les, had been recently badgering her to start the search. Now, she doesn’t have to! “Steve and I are blessed with two wonderful daughters, and an 11-yearold grandchild, Emily. “Jo has two children from her first marriage, and two granddaughters that I’m very much look-

ters and a granddaughter, read a story about how Chinese twins separated at birth found each other via Facebook. This inspired her to continue her search and publish an online appeal on the social networking site with the hopes that someone would lead her in the right direction. Eventually, two genealogists – Jill Harrington, in the UK, and Terri O’Neill, in Perth – managed to track her sister down in just one week. “The search was difficult and complicated, but eventually I found myself staring at a photograph

ing forward to getting to know,” said Lesley. Despite her jetlag, Joan was delighted to talk to The Gazette about meeting Lesley. She said: “It was just such an incredible feeling, meeting Lesley for the very first time. “The moment I walked through the departure gates I immediately recognised her and started to cry with tears of joy. “Embracing her at last after all this time was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I felt an immediate connection to her and her husband, who I’ve been dying to meet. “The build-up over the

past couple of weeks has been just so emotional and surreal. I never even realised that I even had a sister until Lesley managed to contact me on Facebook. “They actually messaged my daughter, who then broke the news to me that I have a sister! “We’re now staying with Lesley and her family for 20 days, which will give us plenty of time to catch up and learn all about each other. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I know both of our families will have a wonderful relationship into the future.”

Gazette

FEATURE

For our exclusive video of their meeting, see the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Facebook page.

26 lucan Gazette 12 May 2016

lucanCLASSIFIEDS paving

dental services

roofing

ACTIVE PAVING

BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING

â&#x20AC;˘ DRIVEWAYS â&#x20AC;˘ PATIOS â&#x20AC;˘ FENCING â&#x20AC;˘ ASPHALT â&#x20AC;˘ DECORATIVE WALLING â&#x20AC;˘ IMPRINT â&#x20AC;˘ GRAVEL

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ON

Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

windows

Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients. Testimonials available. Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2

RECRUITMENT

landscaping

Green Team

TREES & GARDEN SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

9Over Grown Garden 9NRE Shed Supplied & Erect 9Tress Felled and Pruned 9Hedges Trimmed

9Specialty Brickwork 9Gutters Cleaned & Sealed 9Old Sheds Removed 9Block Paving 9LmjĂ&#x161;f_

9Driveways & Walls Painting 9Garage & House Clearance

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE/30% DISCOUNT For a free no obligation quote call:

Local

T: 01-8678791 M: 085 1474725 W: www.greeteamtrees.com

Matters Support local b u si n ess

Advertise with the Gazette call

local team win? we want to know! Call our SPORTS team on 60 10 240 or email sport@dublingazette.com

Unit E2 Nutgrove Office Park

0''*$&

Boombridge Business Park Dublin 7

6010240

12 May 2016 lucan Gazette 27

lucanCLASSIFIEDS Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement

call 01 60 10 240

Gazette

28 lucan gazette 12 May 2016

SPORT

FastSport Coolmine to host first ever long pass bid: COOLMINE rugby club are hosting the world’s first longest pass competition at their Ashbrook home, an event that is being run for players of all levels from Under-6s right the way up to senior. It takes place on Sunday, May 15 with the action getting under way at 12pm. The competition coincides with the club’s end of season party featuring awards, music, food and fun activities for all the family. There will be prizes for all levels and a cup to the player with the overall longest pass. All welcome to join in on the day. You can register in advance online or register on the day. Pass must be completed and between two players and it cannot be “a throw. That’s NFL!” For full details and registration go to www.coolminerugby.com or email coolmineinfo@ gmail.com.

rugby: coach andy wood hails high skill level in ubl final victory

Tarf Bulls’ first half rampage ubl division 1a final Clontarf Cork Constitution  sport@dublingazette.com

28 25

CLONTARF survived a second half onslaught to claim their second Ulster Bank League title in three years, ultimately prevailing 28-25 in a cracking final at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday. The Bulls raced into a 21-3 half-time lead with player of the match Joey Carbery landing 11 points before the break to go with tries from Matt D’Arcy and Tony Ryan in a helter-skelter run up to the break. But 10 quick points from Cork Con in the second half suddenly closed the gap. Mick

McGrath, the league’s top try scorer, raced through for a classy try to re-establish Tarf’s control but further tries from Rob Jermyn and Darren Sweetnam made for a nervy last 20 minutes. The north Dubliners held on, however, and claimed the top flight crown to add to their 2013/14 success by virtue of finishing at the top of the Division 1A table. While acknowledging that it has been a long time for the club to win via the play-off route, Tarf head coach Andy Wood was delighted that his side were able to get over the line. “It’s been a long time coming to win it through the play-offs. It’s very satisfying, in fairness. If

you sum up the game, the fact that we continued to play stood to us in the end. Regardless of the situation and the match points we backed our skills, and took one very important chance in the second half just after they’d scored,” he Wood. “We knew Con would come back after halftime. We knew they’d get close. I didn’t quite expect them to get that close, if I’m 100% honest. They went after our breakdown on the first two phases and really messed up our momentum on two or three occasions, which got them back into the game. “Some of the skills on display from both teams,

Joseph Carbery, Clontarf, being presented with the Man of the Match award by Gary Prior from Ulster Bank, Malahide. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

particularly in our backline, came to the fore. That is literally what got us the result in the end. Some really good work in the first half and then being able to punch it 10 minutes into the second half. Very, very pleasing.” This was the second year in succession that ‘Ta r f were contes ting the Ulster Bank League decider, and

although many would have seen their defeat to Lansdowne in that game 12 months ago as a motivational factor, Wood revealed that there was not much reference to it in the build-up to last Sunday’s encounter. “There wasn’t a lot of reference to last year’s game because you don’t want to dwell on negatives. Again, we had a lead in that one which

didn’t come to a good finish. We must like doing it because Con almost caught up with us. “It would be easier on the heart if we managed to extend our lead and left the ground running at the start of the second half. “Look, that’s rugby. Con are an excellent side with super young talents themselves.”

Castle’s Gleeson breaks top ten at Royal Dublin  sport@dublingazette.com

Castle GC’s Alex Gleeson on the eighth hole at Royal Dublin last weekend. Picture: Pat Cashman

CASTLE Golf Club’s Alex Gleeson on five under par, ended the week inside the top 10 thanks to a final round 71, at the Flogas Irish Amateur Open Championship at Royal Dublin last Sunday. He was among a number of fine finishers. His club mate, Daniel Holland, posted a final round 72 to finish in a tie for 31st on one over. Edmondstown’s Barry Daly was in contention after an opening round 69 but he failed to make the cut after rounds of 78 and 76.

Indeed, there was an Irish one-two as Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell edged out Walker Cup star Jack Hume. A final round 70 left Campbell on 16 under for the tournament, a record winning total at Royal Dublin, yet he had just one shot to spare. Hume, the world number 10, mounted a back-nine charge to push Campbell all the way but not even a 60-foot birdie at the last could deny the Ulsterman. “It was a very, very hard fought victory I can tell you,” said Campbell, who was six shots clear after

just five holes of the final round. Hume’s back-nine charge featured birdies at 13, 14 and 16 but Campbell sank a crucial birdie putt on 17 to restore a two-shot cushion heading down the 18th. Hume produced a stunning birdie at the last, holing from 60 feet, but Campbell made two putts for victory. “I knew Jack was going to come hard at me on the back nine. I stayed patient, kept trying to make good swings and picked good targets,” said 29-year-old Campbell. “It shows I’m heading in the right direction. If you

can hold guys like Jack off, who’s a phenomenal player and a guy that I really respect, who knows what can happen in the near future.” This was Campbell’s second major victory, having won the East of Ireland in 2014 when he beat Paul Dunne to the title. “It’s good to get another win under the belt. “It’s been two years nearly and you sort or always doubt yourself that will you ever get another championship because they’re so hard to come by,” said Campbell.

12 May 2016 lucan gazette 29

Gazette

FootGolf Open for all for second edition FootGolf’s Irish Open going from strength to strength with the Highfield golf course welcoming all-comers for the second edition of the innovative and developing sport THE second ever Irish FootGolf Open will take place this weekend, May 13-15, at the Highfield Golf Course, Co Kildare. FootGolf, a game that brings together the sports of football and golf, has been on the rise since it was first introduced into Ireland back in 2013. Since then, the popularity of the sport has grown massively with a further 18 FootGolf courses opening throughout the country. Now, after the success of the inaugural 2015 Irish Open which was won by Nick Iron from Britain, the 2016 tournament, sponsored by Carzone.ie, will take

place with over one hundred players from 17 countries already registered. This year the event will be staged at an upgraded Highfield Golf Course that has invested in new championship tees and redesigned holes that have incorporated challenging new water hazards and a unique first tee off from the roof of the clubhouse which will provide a real test to participants. President of the Irish FootGolf Association Ronan Cunningham was the first to introduce the game to Irish shores back in 2013 when he opened the Footee course in Tal-

laght, and he has seen it grow at an impressive rate ever since. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s event, Cunningham said: “The game has been growing at a great rate nationally. “Last year we had 16 registered players for the National League and this season we have increased that to 58. We play twice a month on the Irish tour and we are increasing the numbers all the time.” Cunningham is looking forward to a successful tournament with an increased level of participants from around the world. “Last year was the first ever Irish Open

The Irish FootGolf team that will form a large part of the field at next weekend’s Irish Open in Kildare.

and we staged the event at Footee in Tallaght with 68 players from eight countries. “This year we already have close to double the amount of players and we will have 17 countries represented. This year’s event will be totally different with an

“Anyone of all ages and ability can enter the Irish Open but they should also be aware that they will be mixing it with some of the best in the business including Irish champion Gary Mullin who recently came 14th in the world, and European cham-

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

‘FootGolf can be seen as a bit of craic but there is also a competitive side to the game’ - Ronan Cunningham --------------------------------------------------------

increased level of Irish players too.” In regular golf, players who par ticipate in an Irish Open are always at an elite level but, at the Irish FootGolf Open, any level of player can enter and play alongside the top stars. “FootGolf can be seen as a bit of craic and a kick about for a lot of people but there is also a different, competitive side to the game. “We don’t want to move away from the craic side of the game but we also want people to know that they can compete at a higher level in the game. “This tournament is part of the European FootGolf Tour so there will be really good players on show.

pion Lionel Jacot.” This weekend’s tournament will be staged ove r t wo d ay s a n d Cunningham is hopeful of getting more participants involved, and more spectators to attend the fun filled days out. “We are still accepting entries for players up until Friday at 6pm and it costs just €50 for an Irish player. “We are hoping for some good weather so hopefully we will see good numbers out to watch the action and suppor t the players as they go around the course. “Our sponsors Carzone have been brilliant and have helped us put on what we hope will be a brilliant two days of FootGolf.”

FastSport

Gillick continuing to roll back years in Belfast DAVID Gillick continued to roll back the years with a big season’s best at the Belfast International for a second place finish on Saturday, May 7. The Dundrum South Dublin AC man has been adopting a “one race at a time” approach to his comeback and posted an impressive 47.24 behind England’s Theo Campbell in 46.24. In Belfast, Clonliffe Harriers’ Timmy Crowe rounded out the top three with a 47.37 second clocking. For Gillick, the Beijing Olympian retired from athletics back in July 2012 but returned to competitive action in the past few weeks and could have an outside chance of running at his second games as part of the 4x400m Irish relay team in Rio de Janeiro. The 32-year-old began his comeback in Pavia, Italy, running 48.05 to finish fifth in the 400m. Gillick’s 47.24 improved significantly on his this opener in damp and inclement conditions at the Mary Peters Track. There were a number of good performances in Belfast despite the less than favourable track weather. John Travers (Donore Harriers) coasted to victory in the men’s 3,000m in 8:03.69 but led home three World junior qualifying times. Pierre Murchan (DCH), Jack O’Leary and James Edgar all clocked world junior B qualifiers for the 5,000m – a 3,000m time is taken for qualification. Murchan finished third overall in 8.11.77, O’Leary was fifth in 8.14.13 and Edgar was a place behind in 8:14.55. Ciara Mageean (UCD) was first woman home in the mixed 3,000m in 9.07.47. Laura Crowe (An Riocht) was just pipped for second in the women’s 800m by Scotland’s Katy Brown – Crowe running 2.04.21 to Brown’s 2.04.05. Carla Sweeney (WSAF) clocked her second world junior B qualifier which should seal her selection – she finished 10th in 2.08.47 with Rose Finnegan (Bohermeen) running her first B qualifying time with a personal best of 2.08.93.

Gazette

30 lucan gazette 12 May 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: new horizons for Beech park with under-13 success

Lions set to make step up to national league THE DUBLIN Lions will make a first foray into National League basketball next season, making the decision to step up in the ranks from the men’s Dublin divisions. The club will be based in Colaiste Bhride in Clondalkin and continue to build on a history which saw Clondalkin Lakers, Lucan BC and Rathcoole Rockets amalgamate in 1989. For chairman Michael White, it’s a chance for the Dublin Blue of the Lions to grace the biggest stage: “We’ve been very competitive in the Dublin men’s league for the last couple of seasons and we’re thrilled to have been accepted to Division One. “I was a founder member of Templeogue BC back in 1976 and they’ve made the step up to National League in a big way so it’s fantastic.” The club have 23 active teams with plans to grow to 28 for next season. Helping with the transition to National League will be head coach Sasa Punosevac. The Serbian is vastly experienced in Irish basketball after stints with Killester, Neptune, Limerick Lions and UCD Marian in the men’s Premier League as well as a term in charge of the Ireland senior women’s national team. It is part of a further expansion of the men’s National League with the Lions one of four teams added to the roster for 201617. A team from Tralee will compete in the top tier of Irish basketball for the first time since 2009 while Dublin side KUBS have granted promotion from the men’s Division One to the Premier League. Tralee’s return to National League basketball brings with it one of Ireland’s best known basketball players. Tralee Town BC is a collaboration between local clubs Tralee Imperials and 2016 Hula Hoops Men’s National Intermediate Cup Champions St Brendan’s. Kieran Donaghy was MVP in the final in January Sligo All Stars return to men’s Division One for the first time since 2009 where they will be joined by Dublin Lions LYIT will draw from clubs across Donegal and surrounds and compete under Head Coach Niall McDermott.

The Beech Park Under-13 side that won the SDFL Celtic Horizons Cup final

Beech hold Blessington tide sdfl under-13 final Beech Park Blessington  derek mckenna

2 1

sport@dublingazette.com

B E E C H P a r k F C ’s Under-13s captured the South Dublin Football League Celtic Horizons Cup last weekend with victory over Blessington FC at Ballyowen Park, adding their SDFL league title success. In Sunday’s game, Beech Park had the better of the opening exchanges and raced into an early lead with two goals in the opening 20 minutes. Striker Jack Lawlor

fired home an exquisite angled chip for the first after a great through ball from midfielder Mark Beagan. Soon after, he added an almost carbon copy after Adam Russell set him free. Beech Park took that two goal lead into the break but the game remained tight and on a knife edge. Early in the second half, Blessington struck back to set up an exciting finale. With the score at 2-1, the game became stretched with both teams pushing to get the next goal. In the end, the Beech Park defence held firm

bring a buddy Westmanstown celebrate end of fine season in style westmanstown RFC’s season drew to a

close last weekend with a busy final day last Sunday with two pitches full of boys and girls from Under-6 up to Under-18. The theme was Bring a Buddy with plenty of new faces trying out a new sport. One face that was very recognizable though was Sophie Spence, Irish International and World Player of the Year Nominee who was on hand to hand out some medals and awards.

and the cup was secured for the first time in their history. It was Beech Park’s second piece of silverware this season after they claimed the SDFL S u n d ay D i v i s i o n 1 league crown two weeks ago. The feat was made all the more impressive after the Jarlath Beagan managed side completed the season going undefeated, winning 11 games and drawing one. Speaking after completing the double team manager, Beagan spoke of his delight for the team and their achieve-

ments. “I’m really pleased for the lads. They are a great group of players and the hard work they have put in over the past number of years has paid off. “We have a great coach in Morgan Hughes and some really talented players including SDFL Development panel members Adam Mason, Sam Noctor and Jack Lawlor. “The club really is on the rise at the moment with two teams at most age groups.” Beagan was also keen to thank the SDFL committee for their hard work over the season.

“I want to thank the SDFL for hosting the finals and for all the great work they have done over the season. They don’t get the credit they deserve and really deserve a lot of thanks.” Chairman of the club Eamon O’Hara was also full of praise for the successful youngsters. “It has been a terrific season for the club with an increase in numbers participating. This cup double for the Under-13s along with the Under12s finishing runner in both league and cup is testament to the great work going on at the club.”

12 May 2016 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

Sarsfields seniors sweep past Vincent’s  sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN SARSFIELDS saw off Na Fianna in a dominant performance at Parnell Park with goals from Paul Crummey and Trevor Lee giving them a 2-14 to 0-10 win. The group 3 Dublin Senior Hurling Championship match came off the back of a Na Fianna

demolition job on Setanta earlier in the group, and the Glasnevin side looked to continue their scoring run early on, but it was Sarsfields that were to eventually wrestle control. Na Fianna led by two points but a quick run from the west Dubs bought Sarsfields level before the break.

And a confidently taken goal from Crummey inside a crowded Na Fianna square crept into the net to give Sarsfields a five point half-time margin to play with. Na Fianna struggled from then on, in particular in dealing with Dublin man John McCaffrey, whose accurate pot shots proved a source of

scores. With Sarsfields claiming an ever more convincing level of control, Na Fianna’s points started to dry up. When Trevor Lee flicked a high ball into the area into Na Fianna’s net early in the second half to give Sarsfields a ninepoint lead, the match was effectively over as a contest.

camogie: quinn leads way in memorable victory

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields SENIOR hurlers 2-14 Na Fianna 0-10

ing Lucan Sarsﬁelds, Lucan Gospel

in last Wednesday’s championship

Choir, Lucan Harriers, Local Histori-

encounter in Parnell Park. A seriously

ans, Westside Stage School and many

committed performance from the

more. Action kicks off at 1pm.

Lucan side. We look forward to seeing more of that. Their next outing is on May 18 at home to Craobh Chiarain at 7.15pm.

Tickets are still available for our premium draw and, with two big upcoming concerts now included, interest is good.

Both the junior hurling teams lost

The draw next Thursday will include

out in this weekend’s championship

the ﬁrst pair of Bruce Springsteen

games, but they ﬁght on.

tickets. Tickets are just €20 and you

Senior Camogie, having beaten Naomh Mearnog on Tuesday, last lost out to Ballyboden at the weekend.

are included for the year; they are available at the club bar. Lucan Sarsﬁelds Summer Camps

On the juvenile side, the U-15 foot-

2016 for age six to 13 begin on July 4.

ballers had an extra-time win over Na

More details will be on the website

Fianna in their championship encoun-

soon.

ter; there was also success for the

The 25-card drive is on Friday night

U-14 hurlers, U-14 camogie, U-14 and

next 9pm; it’s the last night, who will

15 ladies football, among others.

claim top spot?

Bingo will now run every Wednes-

There was no winner of this week’s

day in the club bar. Set Dancing is on

€1,500 lotto draw; numbers were 2, 12,

Wednesday at 8.30pm in the Function

14 and 27. The lotto sponsor was John

Room.

Ryan, accountant.

Big date for your diary is Sunday,

Next week’s jackpot is €2,000, and

May 29 – a 1916-2016 commemora-

the draw will be managed by team

tion, A big community event combin-

Shay Hurson on Sunday night next.

ST pat’s palmerstown

The St Joseph’s College, Lucan side that won the Dublin schools Minor A camogie title

Joey’s five final run ended by perfect win

minor a camogie final St Joseph’s College Our Lady’s, Terenure  sport@dublingazette.com

3-8 1-3

AFTER five final defeats, St Joseph’s College, Lucan finally clinched the Minor A championship title, beating Our Lady’s Terenure on Monday. Emma Morris got the Lucan side off the mark when she pounced for an early goal after Rebecca Flanagan drove a quick ball into the square. But they did not have it all their own way. Sinead Hussey and Amber Finnegan responded with well-taken points for Our

Lady’s. Caoimhe Morris was next to latch-on to a dangerous Joey’s attack, when she struck for goal, showing the instincts of a fine full-forward. Our Lady’s were battling to get into the game, but Joeys’ defensive unit of Lauren Dawson, Laura Lawless and Laura Sharkey, supported by halfbacks Emma-Kate Carroll, Siofra Byrne and Ali Dunne, all outstanding throughout, kept them at bay. A further Caoimhe Morris point and two pointed frees from Aoife Dunne gave Joeys a sevenpoint lead at the break.

Joeys’ captain Laura Quinn burst out of the second-half blocks with two superb points to strengthen their lead. Jennifer Hanrahan pulled back a goal with a stunning solo effort. An Ali Dunne shot from distance bounced over the bar to restore her team’s seven-point lead before Emily O’Brien struck between the posts from a 45 for the Terenure side. Despite the best efforts of Our Lady’s, however, Leah Concannon-Murray in the Joeys’ goal ensured there would be no comeback with some vital

blocks and clearances. Ashling Smyth, Maria Kelly and Lauren Hanlon fought hard to keep possession in the middle third. Laura Quinn showed her eagerness to get her hands on the cup when she burst through two tackles and fired an unstoppable shot to the net to put the result beyond doubt, and added two excellent points shortly thereafter. Joeys’ large crowd of supporters spilled onto the field on hearing the final whistle to join the players in celebrating their historic win.

THE lotto numbers for this week were

It’s a great chance for the kids to learn

4, 16, 20 and 22 for the first draw and

from experienced coaches.

8, 9, 24 and 28 for the second draw,

Memberships are overdue so any-

neither draw was won so next week

one that hasn’t paid can you please do

there will be two draws with jackpots

so urgently.

of €10,000 and €1,800.

Well done to the U-8s boys at Drim-

The draw takes place in the Palm-

nagh winning out convincingly in awful

erstown House every Sunday night at

weather. Tough and skilful too. Well

10pm and tickets cost €2.

done lads.

Thank you to all our sellers and to

Great performance in a wet St

all that support our lotto every week.

Mark’s for the U-9s; the guys played

Tickets available from all the usual

great with Lucas Collender highlight-

sellers including Supervalu, Palmers-

ing a great win. Well done to our U-9

town House, Manor Hair Studios.

girls with a midweek game against

Our Friday hurling/camogie skills continues on Friday and will be on from 6-7pm next week. Everyone welcome.

Fingallians. They are all coming on great. Keep up the good work.

na gaeil oga COMHGHAIRDEAS lenar n-iomanaithe.

einne a bhi ann. Comhghairdeas le

Bhuaigh siad sa Chraobh ar an Dom-

hEdel Ni Bhraonain (Ciarrai) a bhuaigh

hnach i gcoinne Chill Mochuda na

an comortas; rachaidh si ar aghaidh

Crocaigh 4-11 go 1-3 agus anois ta

go dti an comortas naisiunta ag

ait bainte amach acu sa Cheathru

Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta i mBaile

Ceannais le cluiche amhain fagtha in

Mhuirne, Corcaigh! Coinnigi an 3u-6u

aghaidh Cumann an Chloigthi, Lusca.

saor. Tuilleadh eolais le teacht.

Taimid an-bhuioch d’Ardmhear na

Beidh ar bpaisti ag traenail i nGaeils-

Cathrach, Criona Ni Dhalaigh a bhron-

coil Naomh Padraig, F7 ag 10.00 & F6

nadh Gradam an Ardmheara orainn

ag 11.00 (nios mo eolais ag Daithi ar

an tseachtain seo caite, onoir iontach

0833058326); beidh eolas seolta chuig

duinn mar Chumann.

tuisti an fhoireann F8 go luath faoin

Bhi oiche iontach againn i gClub

deireadh seachtaine ag teacht. Go

Chonradh na Gaeilge ag Comortas

raibh mile do na daoine a bhi ag cursa

an Chailin Ghaelaigh. Mile buiochas

chead chabhrach areir – leanann an

do gach duine a ghlac pairt agus gach

dul chun cinn ar aghaidh.

32 lucan gazette 12 May 2016