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Local players aid Ireland run to elite phase Page 32

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Sarsfields set for Senior 1 final replay Page 31

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budget 2016: Minister Leo Varadkar sets out plans for better health Page 10

Pool is on the way – Minister  Ian Begley

After 30 years of waiting, Lucan will finally get a swimming pool following the forthcoming re-opening of the national swimming pool programme, according to local Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

The reopening of this programme will eventually see the development of a public swimming pool in Lucan, to be located on a new sports and leisure centre campus at Griffeen.

Speaking exclusively to the

Gazette, Minister Fitzgerald said: “Lucan deserves and needs a swimming pool and this Government will deliver the funding for it.

“The national pool scheme will be re-opened for a number of pools and I am confident that Lucan will be included among them,” she said.

Helen Farrell, organiser of the pool4Lucan campaign said she was “lost for words” on hearing the news.

Full Story on Page 2

Wonderful life: Hindu festival springs into colour in Celbridge Jyothsna and Havisa Poveddy pictured at the recent Bathukamma celebrations in Celbridge GAA club on Hazelhatch Road.

Bathukamma is a floral festival celebrated by the Hindu women

of Telangana. Bathukamma is literally a celebration of life. It is a unique tribute to nature, which starts with colorful flowers and culminates in a display.

Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

2 LUCAN Gazette 22 October 2015

Griffeen Campaigner ‘lost for words’ as 30-year wait ends

Fight for pool entering final strait in Lucan After 30 years of waiting, Lucan will finally get a swimming pool following the forthcoming re-opening of the national swimming pool programme, according to local Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

The reopening of this programme will eventually see the development of a public swimming pool in Lucan, to be located on a new sports and leisure centre cam-

 ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

pus at Griffeen.

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, Minister Fitzgerald said: “Lucan deserves and needs a swimming pool and this Government will deliver

the funding for it. I’ve been working on this for a long time and have met with Michael Ring (Minister for Sport) and Danny McLoughlin (chief executive of SDCC), and discussed the need for a pool in Lucan.

“The council have opened up their funding and announced the money for its planning, and obviously their capital budget will have to contribute later in the

year towards its funding.

“Funding has to be provided from a number of sources, but I am confident that Government funding will be provided for a pool in Lucan.

“The national pool scheme will be reopened for a number of pools and I am confident that Lucan will be included among them.

“I would expect announcements will be made very shortly, later on this year. This is part of a large investment in services locally,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

The swimming pool was also recently included in the council’s Draft Development Plan for 2016-22 and will benefit from a sum of €400,000 towards the pre-design and tender preparation for the Lucan pool from a council surplus fund.

The project will also be incorporated in the council’s capital programme for 2016-18.

The last assessment on the estimated cost for the swimming pool was about €10m, and the total funding will be sourced from a number of bodies, including South Dublin County Council, government capital, and from the spor t’s capital pro gramme.

The campaign for a public swimming pool

Minister Frances Fitzgerald: “Lucan deserves and needs a swimming pool.”

in Lucan has been ongoing for about 30 years and has been the topic of many county council motions tabled by local representatives.

A lobby for a public swimming pool for Lucan has also been set up by local residents and to date has amassed over 1,200 signatures in a petition Helen Farrell, organiser of the Pool4Lucan campaign told The Gazette that she was “lost for words” upon hearing the news” and that this latest update is “fantastic news” and will be of huge benefit to Lucan.

She said: “We’ve been waiting 30 years for a pool in Lucan and for that to happen would just be incredible. “ I wo u l d j u s t b e ecstatic for Lucan and everyone who has been

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

involved and supported the pool campaign.

“There was a lot of negativity towards South Dublin County Council this time last year, but they seem to have really turned around in the way they’ve given their commitment towards a public pool for Lucan.

“Our campaign put a lot of pressure on many people and made them

aware of how much a pool is needed here.

“If you look at the large population of Lucan you just have to question why Lucan doesn’t have a public swimming pool already.

“I think a pool shows huge potential and it will vastly improve the quality of life for everyone,” said Farrell.

23 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 3

halloween

council: measures taken to deal with quadbikes and scramblers

Pumpkin carving contest

Move to solve park problems initiated  Ian Begley

South Dublin County Council has put in place a number of initiatives during recent months to tackle anti-social behaviour in its parks.

At the last Lucan area committee meeting, Cllr Paul Gogarty (Ind) asked chief executive Daniel McLoughlin to report on what the council had done to minimise anti-social behaviour and make public parks in Lucan and Palmerstown safer.

In his reply he stated that a number of works were completed to address the issue of quadbikes and scramblers from entering a number of parks and fields.

“Works to address

the issue in Waterstown Park during the summer months hvae related to the beefing up of park boundaries. Sixteen boulders were placed along the hedge line at Riverview/Riversdale Avenue.

A further six boulders were placed at the boundary with Coates Field and these measures appear to have been effective in reducing the incidents of quads and scramblers.

“A review of the nine entrances to Glenaulin Park was undertaken in early summer and a report presented at the Lucan area committee meeting in June. Following approval by the members, three of the barriers at Gurteen Road, Rossaveal Court and Glenaulin

Road lane will be replaced by ‘kissing gates’ to further restrict motorbikes accessing the park. These works will take place later this year.”

The council also announced recently that they are liaising with Lucan gardai regarding reports of anti-social behaviour in Hermitage and Willsbrook Park.

This move is in light of reports of residents dealing with verbal abuse, seeing broken bottles and bins being ransacked for bonfires, including several more serious incidents in both parks.

Residents are encouraged to report any antisocial incidences in public parks to Lucan Gardai station on 01 666 7300.

Hats off: Dressed to impress on a girly night out with a difference a girly night out with a difference took place in Colaiste Cois Life,

Castle Road, Lucan recently. A Style Night, designed to answer all those perennial questions – what to wear, how to wear it and why.

The glamorous event was full of advice and tips on getting your wardrobe right as well as how to shop more effectively. Guests enjoyed a reception on arrival, as well as lots of spot prizes, raffle prizes and more. All proceeds of the event are going to the charity Serve which is committed to tackling poverty in the developing world. Pictured are Donna Brereton and Cathriona Husband.

Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

With Halloween fast approaching, Celbridge Manor Hotel is inviting local primary and secondary level students to take part in a pumpkin carving competition.

The winning artist will receive a tablet and a family dinner in the Celbridge Manor Hotel. The winner will also win a second new tablet for their school.

Entry forms are available from the hotel and must accompany each carved pumpkin entry, with submissions closing Friday, October 23.

Entries should be submitted through the student’s school and the lucky winner will be announced on October 26 at 6pm in the Arthur Guinness Hall at the Celbridge Manor Hotel – family and friends welcome.

4 LUCAN Gazette 22 October 2015

crime CSO figures show average monthly tally up by two

Burglaries rise in first half of year  ian begley

CSO burglary figures for Lucan for this year up to and including June, show the average monthly tally has risen by two to 26. The data was collected from station figures.

Figures for the entire Dublin Western Garda Division show a total of 459 burglaries recorded in the second quarter of 2015 – a drop of 30 on the total of 489 in the same period of 2014.

The average number of burglaries reported to Clondalkin Garda Station, however, has risen from a monthly average of 30 in 2014 to 44 in

2015, according to newly-released statistics.

The figures from the Central Statistics Office show that neighbouring Ronanstown Garda Station recorded two burglaries a month extra on average, with the 2015 average standing at 23.

In Budget 2016, a total allocation of €1.5bn for the Garda force was announced for next year, including over €67m in additional funding.

This additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing is hoped to significantly disrupt burglaries in local areas.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “This [additional funding] will ensure that gardai have the necessary tools and manpower to tackle the scourge of highly-mobile criminal gangs and to seek to disrupt crime, particularly burglaries, across both rural and urban communities.

“I am working with the Garda Commissioner in relation to a new operational response to crime and burglaries and this is due to be unveiled shortly.”

Minister Fitzgerald added that grants had been doubled for crime prevention measures to support Community

Alert and Crimestoppers with a total allocation of €397,000 in 2016.

Security expert Jim Toal of Fairco.ie told The Gazette there was a new, more effective type of burglar who has taken over from the traditional opportunist.

“The average alarm doesn’t deter the new burglar and he has all the tools of the trade to break and enter into an average home.

“We would urge all householders to consider fitting windows that carry the policepreferred Secured by Design specification.

“Burglar-proof windows cost very little extra,

The average number of burglaries reported to Clondalkin Garda Station has risen

and we are at a loss why the rest of the industry has not followed our lead and invested in the technology that is out there to guarantee the security of people’s homes.

“A human being cannot generate enough

force to break into these windows and doors, and any traditional methods used by burglars have been closed off thanks to a series of enhanced high-security measures,” he said.

Residents from Lucan

and Clondalkin are also being asked to follow their local neighbourhood watch page on Facebook, which alerts people in the area of break ins, missing pets and any suspicious activity going on.

don’sdublin Literary treasure trove to be enjoyed

AS a nation in love with words and writing, the National Library of Ireland is the vault where all the treasure is kept. Irish writers have made a significant and profound contribution to the world for centuries. And many of their original works are safeguarded in the building on Kildare Street that opened its doors in September 1890.

Designed by architect Thomas Deane, it proved popular from the start. The library traces its history from the Royal Dublin Society which was founded in 1731 “..for improving husbandry, manufactures and other useful

arts and sciences”. A Royal Charter, which included an annual allowance, was granted in 1749. In 1836 a select committee recommended that the library should not just be accessible to a select few but opened as a national library.

At that time most of the books were scientific, and future acquisitions included books with a more general nature and, of course, those with an Irish interest. In 1840 one of its earliest purchases was the collection of 17th century Irish pamphlets bought from London bookseller Thomas Thorpe.

The library is open to one and all and is for reference purposes only – no borrowing!

The building’s main space, The Reading Room, is spectacular and definitely worth

a visit. In recent years with the surge of public interest in tracing family history, the genealogy department has become an important part in the search. With so much of material available it holds many exhibitions and lectures. The WB Yeats exhibition is permanent affording the visitor a “comprehensive view of the great poet”.

The library also holds many important papers belonging to James

Joyce (early workings of Ulysses) and those of Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, Colm Toibin and Brian Friel. It also holds the National Photographic Archive which is based in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. Over 20,000 negatives have now been digitised and they are available online.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

The National Library of Ireland’s main space, The Reading Room, is definitely worth a visit

22 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 5

Transport Initiative welcomed as Lucan not served by rail line

Local Luas line plan unveiled  Ian Begley

Plans to build a Luas line through Lucan have been published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in their draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area for 2016 to 2035.

The strategy sets out transport projects designed to serve the needs of the capital and its surrounding commuter belt for the next 20 years, with Luas lines to Bray, Finglas and the Poolbeg peninsula also published in the plan.

It identifies a new east-west Luas line, running from Lucan to the city centre. This is seen as a welcome initiative as Lucan is not served by any rail line.

The strategy says that

the Luas line would cater for the “high transport demand along this corridor”, serving Lucan, Liffey Valley and Ballyfermot along the route.

The proposal for the Lucan Luas line and the Metro South were included in the last transport strategy for Dublin published in 2010, but were not progressed.

The measures identified in the plan have b e e n a p p r ove d f o r funding under the Government’s capital plan, published last month and includes the €2.4bn Metro North line from the city centre to Dublin Airport and Swords.

Speaking to The Gazette, Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said that an appropriate

route from Lucan to the city centre is essential if Luas works are to be carried out in the area.

He said: “I very much welcome the plans to bring the Luas to Lucan, however, if we’re going to be spending €300m to €400m of tax payer’s money on the Luas to serve Lucan then I think it should be spent as efficiently as possible.

“We need to make sure that whatever route is selected is worth the price that it will cost to construct.

“If the Luas to Lucan does a zig-zag route to north Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, and the Liberties it would be much less efficient and will defeat the purpose of trying to get less people to use their cars.

“In this case, if you

A Luas line would cater for the “high transport demand along this corridor”, serving Lucan, Liffey Valley and Ballyfermot along the route

took the Luas from Lucan it would take longer to get into the city centre than a car or bus.

“I’ll be fully sup-

portive of it and will be pushing to get the most direct and effective route as possible,” said Cllr Lavelle (FG).

M e a nw h i l e , c o m -

muters in Lucan are expected to enjoy better services to the city centre once the €13.7m Phoenix Park Tunnel reopens later next year.

policy Value of trees underlined Mayor Sarah Holland recently launched South Dublin County Council’s Tree Policy – Living with Trees, which emphasises the importance of trees in Dublin Mid-West.

The mayor and local children planted five oak trees – quercus robur symbolising the five-year span of the policy.

The objectives of the policy are to: improve tree management and create a safer, healthier tree population; implement a proactive, planned programme of cyclical tree maintenance; maximise the use of the council’s resources to provide a better service and give better value for money.

A copy of Living with Trees is available on the council’s website, www. sdcc.ie

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

FAMOUS LUCAN CIRCUS WOMAN TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Generations of The Fossetts family, Edward Fossett Jnr (Otto the Clown), Edward Fossett Snr, Herta Fossett & Marion Fossett.

Fossett’s famous circus return to Lucan next week at Lucan Sarsfields GAA grounds with their spectacular 2015 show. The visit to Lucan marks Fossett’s final venue of their 2015 national tour and will culminate with a special event on Saturday October 31st as 84 year old Herta Fossett is being honoured with the CFA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to circus.

Herta, who was born in Czechslovakia, came to Ireland in 1954, fell in love with the late Teddy Fossett and has toured Irealnd ever since. Before coming to Ireland, along with her family, she toured some of Europe’s greatest circuses and was one the most famous circus acts in the world. Herta’s two sons, Edward and Robert, now run the show and the circus tours for 42 weeks

FOSSETT’S CIRCUS LUCAN SARSFIELDS GAA GROUNDS TUE OCT 27TH TO SUN NOV 1ST SHOWTIMES: TUE... 7.30PM ONLY WED, THUR & FRI... 4.30PM & 7.30PM SAT... 2PM ONLY SUN... 2PM & 5PM

of the year visiting over 60 towns and cities.

Fossett’s have toured Ireland for a consecutive 127 years making them the oldest continuously touring circus in the world.

To celebrate this wonderful achievement Fossett’s have put together an all new spectacular 2015 show featuring an array of international circus stars from all over the world.

This year’s show features the sensational Dolly Cretu Troupe from Romania with their awesome springboard presentation.

Also included in the two hour show are fire-jugglers, horses, aerial acrobats, foot-juggling, magic, trazpese and of course

Ireland’s best loved clown OTTO! Ring-mistress Marion Fossett says ‘We are thrilled to once again return to Dublin on our 127th Tour of Ireland. We are even more delighted to be back in Lucan and we look forward to entertaining thousands of local residents over the week’.

Demand for tickets is already extremely high so ensure to book early to avoid disappointment. You can now book tickets on www.fossettscircus.com OR www.tickets.ie (the presentation of the lifetime achievement award will take place during the 2pm performance on Saturday October 31st)

www.fossettscircus.com INFO-LINE: 087 797 8518

6 LUCAN Gazette 22 October 2015

council Proposal moves into public consultation phase

Horse owners hail move on park plan  ian begley

A proposal by South Dublin County Council to construct an equestrian facility on lands in Ballyowen Park has gone to public consultation (Part 8), which is welcome news for horse owners with no suitable land to care for their animals.

The 1.32 hectares, under council ownership, will be situated off Fonthill Road, Lucan, and consist of 20 equine stalls, ancillary facilities, an exercise paddock and a carpark.

The one-storey building has rendered masonry walls and is modelled on a US-barn type equine building intended to mini-

mise impact on the area.

The site will not be overlooked by existing homes nor will it be accessed through an existing residential estate.

The plan will be available for inspection until November 26 at South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, and South Dublin County Council, Civic Offices, Clondalkin.

Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP), founding member of the Clondalkin Equine Club, told The Gazette he very much welcomed this news, especially for club members who have been battling for suitable land for their horse for over three years.

He said: “I think this is an extremely exciting development for the Clondalkin Equine Club.

The club deserve enormous credit in getting it to this juncture.

“I have been working very closely with the club over the past three years in lobbying the local authority that this is a sustainable project not only on welfare grounds but on financial terms as well.

“Over the past few decades there have been numerous efforts to set up an equine project in Clondalkin but for a variety of reasons it never came to fruition.

“I believe that in this proposal it gives every

chance that finally we’ll see a social horse project become a reality in Clondalkin. In recent years we have heard only bad news stories about the treatment of equines.

“Hopefully with the advent of this project it will give specifically young people access to equine education and a safe and affordable place to keep their horses,” said Cllr Kenny.

The equestrian facility is expected to significantly reduce the number of horses euthanised each year in Dublin Mid-West.

“In 2014, the council revealed that out of the 469 horses seized in 2014, 422 were put down. Of

A proposal to construct an equestrian facility on lands in Ballyowen Park has gone to public consultation

the 47 saved horsessaved, 22 were reclaimed and 12 rehomed.” The figures from 2013 also show that of the 322 horses seized 285 were euthanised.

“This significant increase in the number of horses seized and put

down sparked outrage among local councillors with further pushes for a facility like this to be developed,” he said.

Written submissions or observations on the proposed development can be made in writing until

December 10 to: The senior executive officer, Environment Water and Climate Change, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght.

Alternatively, email submissions to info@ sdublincoco.ie.

22 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 7

dublin bus More direct route to city centre

Additional services announced Dublin Bus has confirmed that from October 27, two additional services will depart from west Lucan starting from the Adamstown terminus of route 25b.

These services will depart from Adamstown Railway Station at 7.25am and 7.45am and operate as Route 25d, via the Newcastle Road, N4, Chapelizod by-pass, St John’s Road, north quays, city centre to Merrion Square.

The new services are expecting

to provide a more direct route to the city centre.

Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA), recently stated that the NTA is not satisfied that there is a requirement for the deployment of a complete additional service via the Newcastle Road to the N4.

She said: “The introduction of such a service would have an impact on the current routes 25a and 25b and on rail services

between Adamstown and Dublin City to the extent that service frequency might have to be reduced on those services affecting other times of the day and week.”

Welcoming the additional morning services, Lucan Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said: “I am happy that my campaign has yielded some initial success. I continue to lobby for additional capacity on the main 25A/B routes.”

centenary: honouring historic period

Events to mark 1916 Rising are unveiled

 Ian Begley

The South Dublin County 1916 centenary programme of events was recently presented to Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the launch of 31 community and local plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

The launch recently took place at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham, and the county plans, led by the local authority network, are the outcome of 84 public consultation meetings held all around the country earlier this year.

More than 1,800 events and initiatives are set to take place across the country in honour of the historic period with Dublin Mid-West playing a significant part in the event.

South County Dublin’s centenar y pro gramme was created through consultations with local groups, organisations, individuals and local representative who were invited to participate in the planning and implementation of the programme.

Some of the events planned in South Dublin County include an official visit to the Pearse Museum at St Enda’s

South County Dublin’s centenary programme has plenty of events to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising

Park, to commemorate Padraig Pearse, the educationalist and literary figure.

An exhibition on South Dublin and the 1916 Rising will also take place and will include the 1916 Roll of Honour, and an updated and corrected list of Dublin 1916 combatants.

The Mayor of South Dublin County Sarah Holland will soon invite schools to participate in a poetry competition to commemorate 1916 and a time capsule for 2116 will be created in association with South Dublin Comhairle na nOg. Other plans include, South Dublin and the

1916 Rising Oral History Collection – a collection of recordings made with the descendants of South Dublin people who participated in the Rising, or those with a connection to South Dublin County.

Interviewees include former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and Fr Sean O’Cuiv, grandson of Eamon de Valera.

Taking place at the county library in Tallaght, a full-day conference on the many “shades of green” that existed in the run-up to the 1916 Rising will also take place.

Speaking at the launch of the county plans, An Taoiseach

Kenny said: “I know that these 31 county plans for Ireland 2016 represent the outcome of many hundreds of hours of reflection, consultation and discussion involving thousands of people all over Ireland.

“I would like to thank you all for your efforts in ensuring that next year will be a year for all of our communities to remember and a year in which active citizenship is celebrated.

“The story and events of 1916 belongs to all of us regardless of political or family background, or personal interpretation of our modern history,” he said.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 22 October 2015

GAZETTEGALLERIES

CIE’s Kim Danhum with Aisling Kelly of the Angels

Shannon Kelly of Esker and Aaliyah Butler of Monivea

ESKER BOXING CLUB: ALL FEMALE BOXCUP EVENT

Bell brings an end to top tournament E

SKER Amateur Boxing Club held their All Female BoxCup 2015 recently with over 130 boxers from the UK and Ireland competing. Held in the Sports Hall of Colaiste Phadraig CBS, the event was deemed a massive success from the hosts while there was also high praise from those who travelled far and wide

Courtney Swanton, Olivia Hussey, Ciara Hodnett

to Lucan. Ed Griffin, a member of Esker ABC, said: “This BoxCup was a massive success. To welcome 136 fighters to Lucan over a weekend makes everyone at the club very proud. We plan on bringing 300 boxers to the event next year, and have already spoken to the IABA to include it on their official event calendar.”

Katie, Eileen and Rebecca Toohey

Esker’s Shannon Kelly sparring with Aaliyah Butler of Monivea. Pictures: Jolanta Rossiter

Nicola O’Sullivan with coach Elaine O’Neill, both from St Bernadette’s Boxing Club

22 October 2015 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

Nicole and Emma Scally

Chelsea Touhey and coach Tanya Loran

10 LUCAN Gazette 22 October 2015

budget 2016

Health Minister defends health strategy

‘Our health plans are making a difference’  leo varadkar

Minister for Health

EARLIER this year we took the first big step towards universal healthcare with the introduction of GP care without fees for all children under six and adults aged 70 or older, regardless of income.

These age groups are the ones that need to see their doctor most often.

The next big step is to extend the service to children aged six to 11.

Negotiations are already under way with the Irish Medical Organisation on the new, comprehensive GP contract deal with all sorts of ways to improve GP services and health care in the community.

We intend to agree a new contract by the end of March 2016, and plan to provide this extended service as one of the first phases in the new contract before the end of 2016.

So far, some 300,000 senior citizens and children have benefited from GP care without fees. I know this has come as a huge relief to many young families and pensioners.

These are parents and seniors who work

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

‘The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community’ --------------------------

hard and have paid their taxes. I am glad they are no longer subjected to a means test.

It means real savings for pensioners and families. But it is about much more than that. The new enhanced service which is now in place covers all children under six, including those who already had medical cards.

They are benefiting from better management of asthma in general practice and have their height and weight recorded to identify issues like childhood obesity early.

We have also introduced a new diabetes programme for adults of all ages, meaning they can have their condition managed by the GP who

knows them, rather than in the hospital clinic.

Some 30,000 people have been enrolled already.

All these measures are a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. They also mark the most tangible step forward so far along the road to universal health care.

Minister [of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability] Kathleen Lynch and I believe that starting off with the youngest and the oldest groups in society is the right approach, alongside those with chronic diseases.

So, I also want to see further progress on chronic disease management in general practice and want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor.

The Government is determined to commit more resources to health and primary care every year, keeping people well in the community.

So long as we keep the economy strong and the recovery going, we will be able to generate the resources to do exactly that.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar: “I want to ensure that patients have better access to scans and cardiac investigations through their family doctor”

22 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 11

as charity attacks failure to do more to help older citizens

‘Changes to the State pension do very little to alleviate the difficulties many people face’  Sean Moynihan

Chief executive, Alone

WHAT problems is this budget trying to solve? If the Government wanted to target and effectively aid older people in need, as opposed to pleasing everyone – they would have acted very differently.

Whilst Alone welcome increases to the pension, and the Christmas bonus, they do very little to alleviate the very difficult situations that some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people find themselves in.

Some 160,000 people have turned 65 since the recessionary 2009 budg-

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

‘This budget has nothing outlined in terms of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as ... older people are most at risk from raised rents’

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

et. Yet, since then, the telephone allowance has been abolished, the fuel allowance season cut by six weeks, and the household benefits package reduced to a single rate.

In addition to these cuts, many older people are being crippled by the prescription charge – a direct tax on our sick – which the Government has made no move to

eradicate.

A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits.

This is without taking the rising costs of living and increases in charges and taxes into account.

Our work centres on aiding people to age at home with the right supports. This budget has nothing outlined in terms

of housing for older people and rent supports, which is concerning as 50% of all calls to Alone are about housing, and older people are the group most at risk from raised rents.

The latest Daft.ie rental report revealed that the average cost for onebed accommodation in Dublin City is over €500 a month, which is completely unaffordable for an older person surviving on the Government pension.

Alone has been campaigning for many years to highlight the fact that older people are the next big housing crisis. Older people can’t compete in

the private rental market as they are not seen as attractive tenants by landlords in the private rented sector.

The Government needs to provide alternative housing options for these people. This Government continues to push older people into nursing homes ahead of their time, when in reality independent living with supports is a cheaper option for the taxpayer, and it is the preferred option for many older people.

At Alone, we believe every older person has the right to age safely, healthily and happily in their communities, and this budget does not ensure

Sean Moynihan: “A person living on the State pension is now down €700 since 2008 in allowance and benefits”

these basic rights.

Alone can be contacted at 01 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbe-

ing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community.

Alternatively, see www. alone.ie.

12 Gazette 22 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Paul Feeny and Noreen O’Malley

Louise Costello, Chris Douglas, Sandra Keeping and Una Clifford are pictured at the first ever Solas Project Ball which was held at the Hilton Dublin Hotel on Charlemont Place. After a champagne reception, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner before taking to the dancefloor as the party extended late into the night. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Making their mark in the finest fashion

Jennifer Kissane

Katie Tyrrell

Fateimi Zymati and Susanna Ann Spellman and Abby Demarest

Amy Carey and Emily McVicker

Ferreira

Michal Durmowicz and Alexandra Lewandowska

22 October 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem P15

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

a day in the life: busy comedian getting ready for upcoming panto

what’son

Al’s agenda is no laughing matter  Ian Begley

One of Ireland’s campest and most outspoken comedians, Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows and is preparing for his upcoming panto production Freezin.

This week, The Gazette found out what an average day for the Tallaght comedian is like.

“I’m one of these people who has to set four alarms. I set one alarm as a treat for myself at 6am, then another at 7am, then at 7.30am and finally at 8am, which is when I normally get up.

“I then flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my own name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning.

“My day begins with a green tea, then a lemon and ginger tea, an allergy tablet and a fruit juice. I then play a bit of Abba and dance around my dog until I have to be out the door for something around 10.30am.

“At the moment I’m working on a lot of different things. I’m writing a Panto at the moment with Karl Spain called Freezin which is definitely not a rip off of that Disney film.

Teenage angst is centre stage:

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

‘I flick on the lights and check my emails and Google my name to see if I’m mentioned anywhere or if any senators are suing me that morning’ ----------------------------------------

“I’m also starring in it with Dustin the Turkey, which is great since he’s the only bird I fancy.

“I’m also going to loads of meetings with producers and doing open cast auditions for the show. I’m also making a new TV programme for RTE 2 in November called The Al Porter Show, which is going be filmed live in the Olympia.

“The meetings that I go to sound very boring, but actually they’re very fun and full of craic. I just make loads of mad requests in the hope that one of them gets chosen.”

Porter added that he does standup whenever he can and after his sold out show in Vicar Street, he says that he never tires of performing on stage.

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Comedian Al Porter has a round-the-clock schedule of stand-up shows

“Whenever I get the opportunity, I do a bit of stand-up in one of the many comedy venues that I started out in.

“Like last weekend, I popped into the Laughter Lounge and did a few minutes and met all of the comedians who I’m friends with there.

“Any free time I get, I might go down to my local and a have a few pints or even to The Workmans Club

and see where the night takes me. At home I like to just browse the web and maybe order a Dominos and watch a couple of films or shows. I just finished House of Cards and Hannibal, which were deadly.

“I then usually head to bed around 2am because I literally find it impossible to sleep any earlier. I only need about six hours of sleep to just about get by anyway.”

A DRAMATIC show that follows 14 Dublin city teenagers through their adolescent and tumultuous lives will be staged in the Smock Alley Theatre from October 27–31 at 7.30pm.

S h o w M e Love depicts a group of youths on what seems like just another ordinary day. Hearts will break, hormones will rage and loyalties will shift as our young heroes wrestle their conflicting emotions and each other. Today they will face choices that could alter the course of their adult lives. Some will rise, others will fall.

A large ensemble, multiple-narrative play, Show Me Love will explore and celebrate the ever changing, often complicated emotional life of this small group as their paths intersect and collide over the course of 24-hours on the last day of summer.

Written by Colin Thornton and directed by Deirdre Molloy, tickets cost €15/€18.

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

For more information, visit www.smockalley.com

14 Gazette 22 October 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Watch out for ghouls and goblins at Tayto Park ON Saturday, October 24, Tayto Park opens its doors to a fright fest in the dark.

For the first time, thanks to the launch of the Tayto Park After Dark Experience, visitors will be invited to confront the darkness and ride the Cu Chulainn Coaster in the dead of the night.

Racing along at more than 100km per hour and dropping more than 32m in an instant, this stomach-churning drop zone is scary enough in daylight, never mind riding it in the pitch darkness of night.

As with previous years at Tayto Park, ghouls, ghosts, goblins and all things gruesome will be out and about and making their presence felt in the Tayto Park House of Horrors.

Tickets for the Tayto Park After Dark Experience are €18 per person.

It is not necessary to book in advance and the latest admission is 7.30pm.

The Day Time House of Horrors is recommended for children over eight-years old.

Again it is not necessary to book in advance.

For more informa-

tion and opening times visit www.taytopark.ie/ events/halloween.

Say I Do to syrian refugee campaign A UNIQUE event to raise money in aid of Syrian refugees will take place in House, Leeson Street, on October 28.

Past brides and bridesmaids from all over the country have donated their wedding and bridesmaid dresses to the initiative.

The dresses will be sold at the event in aid of The Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis Appeal.

The organisers of the event are now calling on all brides-to-be to come along on the day as there will be spot prizes such as waxing vouchers, cakes, make-up trial vouchers, along with some beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses donated from bridal stores, including Myrtle Ivory.

There will also be a fashion show and hair and make-up tips on the day.

Tickets cost €21.65 and are available to buy on www.eventbrite.ie All money raised will go towards the Irish Red Cross Migration Crisis

diary

Appeal.

floored by store’s transgender ad A FLOORING business based in Crumlin has caused quite the stir on social media after it erected a billboard featuring a photo of Caitlyn Jenner alongside the words “Fancy a Change?”

According to Hamptons Floor Store, it deems the poster to be a celebration of the transgender community.

However, some people have been floored by the advertising and feel like the company is taking the mickey!

One woman wrote: “If it takes transphobia and cheap jokes to sell your product then you obviously do not have a very good product or need to fire your marketing team ASAP. Take this poster down.”

Another person stated: “This is lowest common denominator marketing. An absolute disgrace and completely irresponsible!”

In its defence, Hamptons Floor Store said the poster was a celebration of the new Ireland we’re living in, especially since the passing of the marriage equality referen-

The Cu Chulainn Coaster is scary enough without the addition of spooky ghosts. Inset: Hamptons Floor Store considers its poster to be a celebration of the transgender community

dum, which the shop is “very supportive of”.

P e r h a p s i t wo u l d be more to the point were it citing the Gender Recognition Act, passed in July of this year, which gives legal recognition and rights to transgender people, whatever their sexual orientation.

croke park can be a very scary place JOIN in the family fun at the GAA Museum in Croke Park this Halloween, where a wide range of activities will take place throughout the mid-term break.

From Saturday, Octo-

ber 24 to Saturday, October 31, the museum will host a Trick or Treat Trail Tour of Croke Park for younger visitors.

These tours are aimed at families and younger visitors and will involve a treasure hunt as part of the stadium tour; guess the answer to the clue to collect a pumpkin, with treats for all at the end of the tour.

There will also be extra stadium tours taking place from October 27 to 30.

Tickets cost €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.

This event is suitable for children aged four to

nine years.

Advance online booking is required as places are limited on these popular tours.

Visit www.crokeparkmuseum.tickets.ie for more information.

secret life of secrets revealed UNCOVER the world of secrets as the Science Gallery’s new exhibition reveals just how everyone holds something untold.

F r o m g ove r n m e n t surveillance to Hollywood spoilers, everyone has a secret.

How do scientists, hackers, spies, journal-

ists, psychologists, criminals, companies and governments approach t h i s n e w wo r l d o f secrets?

From Easter eggs to cryptocurrencies, puzzles to politics, the g a l l e r y ’s e x h i b i t i o n SECRET asks: W hat needs to be revealed?

And what should remain hidden?

Delve into this secretive space until November 1 at the ever-intriguing Science Gallery.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Visit w w w.dublin. sciencegallery.com for more information on this event.

22 October 2015 Gazette 15

Gazette

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM escape the mayhem: The Seven O’Clock Show’s lucy kennedy

It’s all boxsets, ponytails and comfy pyjamas  aisling kennedy

Lucy Kennedy is a busy lady as she juggles her life between presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day and taking care of her two little children, Jack and Holly.

Finding time to relax and unwind in between her hectic schedule is something that is very important to her and she told The Gazette this week that she always makes sure to set aside some quiet, quality time each week.

“I can’t ever really totally escape the madness because I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old and they are part of the mad, fun world I live in. As a family we go to the beach a lot and we also love to go to the park and the zoo “Most things we do are family orientated, but if it’s myself and my husband Richard we like to just get away for a break every so often.

We like to get away

once every two months anywhere at all around the country.”

Listing some of her favourite destinations to escape to she mentions Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare and Galway city as favourites, but she also loves to fly away to the sun and explains that Lanzarote is her favourite sun holiday.

“That’s one place in the world that I love escaping to. I need the sun, I’m definitely one of those people that’s nicer in the sun!”

Pier Lucy also likes to find peace of mind on her own time too and explains that she loves to walk up Dun Laoghaire pier in the m o r n i n g w h e n i t ’s quiet.

“I’m lucky because I’ve grown up beside the sea so I’ve been near the sea all my life.

I love putting a pair of runnners on and walking the pier in the morning after the school run.

It’s a great way to start

the day and clear your mind.”

Lucy also enjoys watching Netflix and box sets and says that she just finished watching The Good Wife.

“I get home at about 8.20pm each night so after I’ve kissed Jack and Holly goodnight, I get into my pyjamas, cleanse my face, put Sudocreme on the spots, put my hair in a ponytail and watch my boxsets.

“I love TV time, I love TV time on my own. As much as I love my family, I like to watch it on my own in peace and quiet, and sometimes I’ll paint my nails or fake tan, whatever I’m doing.”

Lucy is also a big fan of yoga and credits it with de-stressing her.

“Yoga is my biggest saviour, I love it. I do it once a week because I love talking and I’m paid to talk but I do that all day every day. So it’s the only time during the week where I actually have to be quiet!”

€5,000 prize added to VUE Art Fair THE annual VUE 2015 Art Fair returns to the Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery in Dublin from November 6 to 8, and a prestigious new award for contribution to the visual arts in Ireland has been introduced this year.

The VUE Contemporary Art Prize, which is worth €5,000, is presented

by Real Estate Agents, and fair spon-

sors Savills.

It will be awarded at the fair to an artist who, in the preceding 12 months, has produced an outstanding body of work or some substantial contribution to visual arts.

The annual fair will see leading contemporary Irish art galleries showcasing new art and recent work

by Irish and international artists.

Lucy Kennedy juggles presenting The Seven O’Clock Show on TV3 each day with taking care of her two young children, Jack and Holly

Gazette

16 Gazette 22 October 2015

dublinlife

feature following: instagrammers are out and about

Snap happy people hit the city streets  aisling kennedy

Instagrammers Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts

I n s tagr a m m e r s Dublin is an up and coming community of photo enthusiasts who upload photographs of beautiful shots from around Dublin on Instagram.

The group supports local talent and it has become increasingly popular with a reach of 10,000 followers around Dublin city.

Founder of Instagrammers Dublin is Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela.

When she moved to Dublin four years ago she noticed that there was no Instagram community in Dublin so she set about contacting Philip Gonzalez from the Instagrammers head office in Spain who advised her on how to set the official account up in Dublin.

She said: “More than 50 countries and 250 cities throughout the world have an Instagrammers community.

When I looked for the Dublin Instagrammers I saw there was none so I said ‘Okay, I want to create the Dublin account’.

I spoke to Philip about setting it up and together we set up the official account for Dublin and now I run it. I set it up in 2012.”

The idea behind the group is to showcase the beauty of Dublin and when users of the

account take a photo they can use the hashtag #IgersDublin to link into the Instagrammers Dublin account.

Delgado then picks the standout images she sees on a daily basis and showcases them on the account which then reaches an audience of over 10,000 followers.

Since Delgado set the account up it has taken off phenomenally with new followers joining everyday.

“The account started off slowly but a couple of months ago it reached 5,000 followers so I decided to do something more with the account.

That’s when I decided to set up Instameet.”

Instameet is when a group of followers from the account meet up and take part in different activities such as

afternoon tea, walks in beauty spots, and share apps and tricks for better mobile photography, while taking photos of the day to add to the account.

The two most recent events took place in Dublin Castle and also Dublin City Hall.

Delgado said: “Instameets are very nice because you can meet new people, get new followers, take beautiful photos of Dublin and take part in lovely activities.”

In November, a photo walk around Dublin will take place with a date for the Instameet soon to be announced.

For more information on Instagrammers Dublin follow them on Instagram @Igersdublin or email igersdublin@ gmail. com

Instagrammers Dublin creator Sofia Delgado who is originally from Venezuela

22 October 2015 Gazette 17

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

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Pets

Dashing dixie needs a loving home

Dance star Robin Windsor (inset) will perform in “song and dance extravaganza” Puttin’ on the Ritz

showtime: classic song and dance favourites heading for dublin

Are you puttin’ on the Ritz?

 aisling kennedy news@gazettegroup.com

DESCRIBED as a “song and dance extravaganza” by Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, Puttin’ on the Ritz is a show that is perfect for anyone who enjoys good music and fancy footwork.

The show is coming to the Gaiety Theatre this November and will include performances by professional Strictly stars Robin Windsor, Trent Whiddon, who danced with Pixie Lott last year, his professional dance partner and wife Gordana Grandosek along with X Factor star Ray Quinn.

Music will be by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter with renditions of their 1920s and 1930s classic

songs including Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Easter Parade, I Got Rhythm and Puttin’ on the Ritz Windsor told the Gazette the night is filled with glamorous costumes and intricate ballroom skills.

He says: “This show will take you back to the golden era of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s when Fred Astaire was the pin-up of the day, and we have incredible music throughout the show.

“To dance to these songs is just amazing because they’re timeless.

They have been famous for almost 100 years now and they’re still going.”

Windsor explains that his favourite dance to perform on the night is Over the Rainbow because it is one of his all-time favourite songs.

He dances the rumba to that song

which, he explains, he also “loves to perform”.

There are 10 professional dancers in the show and six professional singers.

Windsor explains: “All of the dancers are phenomenal and they have some great songs to dance to such as Puttin’ on the Ritz. There is also a girl who sings an operatic version of Puttin’ on the Ritz, which is absolutely stunning, and then we move through the 1920s and into the other side of New York where they had the cotton club, and that’s where it all gets that bit more sexy. It’s a family show though so it’s for all ages from eight to 88.”

Windsor explains that he brought his partner’s grandparents, who are in their 80s, to the show in the UK recently.

“It took them back to one of the happiest times in their lives. They sat there and sang along to the songs from their childhood. They thanked everyone in the show for rekindling their romance and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. So I think everyone should bring their grandparents to it because they will adore it.”

He is looking forward to performing the show in Dublin: “I’ve been to Dublin a few times and it has always been the best audience we perform to on the whole tour. Everybody here knows how to go out, enjoy their night and have a great time.”

Puttin’ On The Ritz is at the Gaiety Theatre from November 2-7. Tickets cost from €35 and are available on www.gaietytheatre.ie

The Dublin Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Dixie, a handsome five-year-old male terrier cross. He is an independent little guy who loves his own space, so is looking for a home without children. Dixie loves his comforts and likes nothing better than to make himself comfortable on the sofa.

If you think you can offer Dixie a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000, or even better, pop into the centre and have a chat with their Rehoming Team. They’re open six days a week from 12pm-4pm, closed all day Tuesdays. Check out the other dogs available for rehoming on their website www.dogstrust.ie, follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ DogsTrustIrelandOnline

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Ribbed beanie €13 Smart wool blend overcoat €160

Extreme ripped Dylan slim jeans

Leather worker boots €94

Let’s hear it for the boys!  STAFF REPORTER

WITH Halloween coming up, some of us blokes like to release our inner child for one night only and go all out crazy with a Darth Vadar costume or Batman. The rest of us might like to give a nod to the festivities. A decidedly Edward Scissorhands theme is running through this collection from River Island with seriously gothic tones coming through. You will be rocking these cool threads for the rest of the autumn/winter season anyway so they are a good investment.

Lightweight scarf €20

Black leather funnel biker jacket €200

 XXXX ZZZZZZZZZ

Leather herringbone gloves €33

boohoo.com autumn/ winter: Top €25 Cardigan €34 Jeans €34

22 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE

BEAUTYnews

Ava Aztec tape panel clutch bag €22

Get a dreamy skin with a Dermalogica skin treatment

Leather dress €40

 MIMI MURRAY

Cream fur gilet €34

Boutique Maria Mongolian faux fur collar coat €74

Bella mixed stripe roll neck jumper €20

Lilly frin ge suedett trim pointed e ankle boot €4 1

Americans YOUNG

Boohoo.com have a fab range influenced by the suburban youth style of 70s Middle America. Young Americans creates a retro vibe with excessive layering of multi textural fabrics alongside fun and fresh new silhouettes.

Calm earthy tones and natural pigments come in the form of fur lined suedette coats, oversized chunky knits and flared denim jeans with colour pops of rich cranberry and burnt orange with complementing prints such as wallpaper florals, brushed checks and knitted stripes. The perfect autumn trend, fringing and patchwork continues through from spring/summer 15 to complete an easy take on modern vintage style.

All available from boohoo.com

Tara fringed trim block heel ankle boot €47

Abigail colour surge clutch bag €20

I RECENTLY tried out the new treatment rooms in Harvey Nichols, Dundrum.

Well almost new! The quiet little sanctuary was put into the bustling store in January 2015 and is a veritable oasis in the middle of the thriving Town Centre.

I plumped for a Dermalogica Skin Treatment; designed to treat clients’ individual skin concerns with a fullycustomisable 60-minute programme and prescribed at-home skincare regime.

It starts with an in-depth consultation then double cleanse to prepare the skin for analysing so that the therapist can build a full picture of your lifestyle before performing the face mapping skin analysis to ensure your treatment is entirely results-driven.

The treatment itself comprises a mixture of exfoliation of varying levels, extractions and masques depending on the results of the face mapping; and also includes an extremely relaxing mini massage.

I love the scent of Dermalogica products, not too strong and quite fresh. I left with my skin absolutely glowing and the rosy complexion continued for days.

Other treatments available are the bio surface peel, a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time.

The multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels.

There is also a 20-minute micro zone treatment which is a quick fix for troubled skin and won’t break the bank at €25.

The one-hour facial is €75 for 60 minutes.

I also bought their latest miracle product, Overnight Retinol Repair which I have just started to use. More of that in a couple of weeks but it promises big things so look out for my review!

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20 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

TRAVEL

From the tree-lined drive to this early Georgian house to the airy but intimate dining room and delicately decorated bedrooms, a stay at Viewmount House will leave you feeling pampered

Foodie find: VM restaurant at Viewmount house puts Longford on the food lover’s map

A treat for that special occasion or a good excuse to break a journey west  Shane Rigney

LAST week I ran into an old friend from Longford who lives in Dublin. I haven’t been in Longford in years and my old buddy was surprised to hear I had been down just the previous Friday.

“I had a beautiful dinner in Viewmount House,” she said. “We go there all the time when I’m home! It’s gorgeous,” I have to agree.

Viewmount House is on the Dublin Road outside Longford town. A foodie friend and I wanted to check out the increasingly popular restaurant.

Chef Gary O’Hanlon (RTE’s The Restaurant) is at the helm, and the restaurant features on

Bridgestone’s 100 best places to eat in Ireland.

The house is a handsome early Georgian manor of moderate imposition, three-bays wide and three-storeys tall, and presents itself after a short drive up a quaint driveway surrounded by pretty gardens with old tall trees, herbaceous borders and a Japanese garden.

We were ushered past a roaring fire framed by two well-worn Chesterfields to the newer part of the house, in converted stables, comprising the main dining room and seven bedrooms. Subtle and considered period styling creates a seamless flow from the main manor house to the conversion.

No sooner were we doing

the bounce test on our luxurious mattresses – the bed and linen were divine – than Beryl, our hostess, arrived with two Hendricks gin and tonics to ease away the weary week and wet our whistles for the gastronomy ahead.

The VM restaurant fuses notes of traditional Irish cooking and flavours with European classic technique. All ingredients are sourced locally. The menu changes seasonally The main dining room is an airy yet intimate space, all exposed brickwork and cast iron pillars with comfy high back chairs and crisp linen; a lovely room for a good meal.

I went for an orange and anise cured confit duck leg with a beetroot

salsa starter and the beef cheek as my main. My partner had a starter of prawns in a delicate filo type pastry and a 10oz sirloin for the main. A selection of homemade bread with butter and red pepper hummus was delicious. The treacle bread was the best I’ve tasted.

We were then treated to a taste of the risotto from the starters list, which was flavoured with orange, carrot and a touch of tarragon. I loved the uniqueness though the rice was a touch too al dente and the dish a little sweet for my companion. There is a considerable element of sweet from fruits running through the menu, which can be a little marginalising for some. My duck

confit was cooked wonderfully though I found the orange cure a little heavy, but that’s really a matter of taste.

I stole one of the prawns from the mate’s plate and we both thought they were excellent.

Mains arrived a perfect 15 minutes later. Everything was plated and presented wonderfully, signalling a kitchen with a talent for style and substance, and a clear grasp of fine dining.

My beef cheek was an unctuous mound of slow cooked braised beef, with delicate wisps of shallot, a moss green quenelle of parsley mash and a dark cherry wine jus. It was topped with an egg cooked to 60C sous vide,

which melded with the beef when broken and created rich gravy that was sensational. A feast for the eyes and belly.

My friend’s steak came with a blue cheese butter and side of croquettes and seasonal veg. Unfortunately, her steak was cooked a little more than the medium rare she had requested, though its flavour was delicious and it was seared to perfection.

For dessert we ordered a chocolate brownie mousse concoction with a cherry sauce and a honey sponge with ice cream. The chocolate was chocolatey heaven, the sponge a little stodgy and lacked a sauce.

We drank a moderately priced Argentinian

Malbec at €30 that was silk in a glass. The wine list was excellent, with plenty of choice in the €20-€30 price range.

At €55 per person VM at Viewmount House delivers on service, quality and the personal touch for that feeling of quiet luxury.

An overnight stay at €110-130 will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Viewmount House and VM restaurant are worth watching out for.

Breakfast had all the choice you’d expect with full Irish, pancakes, salmon, scrambled egg, cereal and more of that stunning treacle bread.

Shane is a foodie vlogger, see riggersrecipes.

22 October 2015 Gazette 21

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22 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

food

BITESIZEDNEWS

Athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke

Ex-athlete runs up tasty Thai turkey dish A NEW dish has been created for Camile Thai Kitchen by champion athlete turned food writer Derval O’Rourke.

O’Rourke’s Turkey Chilli Stir Fry (Pad Med Mamung) contains Irish turkey breast mince with red peppers, scallions, onions, broccoli, grated carrot, edamame beans and cashew nuts in a delicious tangy sauce. It is served with brown and wild rice, and costs €9.95. Camile leapt at the chance to team up with O’Rourke for its latest chef collaboration because of her sporting background, love of food and knowledge of nutrition.

O’Rourke won gold in the 60m hurdles at the Moscow Indoor Championships in 2006 and competing for Ireland at three Olympic Games. After her retirement from athletics last year, she established a popular food blog and penned the best-selling cookbook, Food For The Fast Lane. She said: “To partner with Camile for this recipe made a lot of sense.

My thinking was always based around the idea that there is no reason why healthy food can’t be tasty too and that’s exactly what Camile are doing. I’m delighted with how the dish has turned out and hopefully the Camile customers enjoy it!”

New ales help smooth bitter winter months THE approaching cooler months have inspired two new winter seasonal O’Shea’s ales, which are available now in 120 Aldi stores nationwide.

O’Shea’s Dry Hopped Amber Ale is a subtle blend of fruit and spices, creating a perfect seasonal balance. Bitterness is accentuated from both the hops and citrus zest, and the dry cinnamon finish is balanced with the sweetness of crystal malt.

Visually, it is an amber ale with a lightly carbonated white head. The Spiced Winter Ale makes an excellent aperitif, but is subtle enough on spiciness to double as a post meal beer. It’s an ideal match for crumbling desserts such as cherry or apricot tart.

Winter ales are traditionally brewed stronger, richer and more full-bodied, so you can enjoy O’Shea’s new winter ales when sitting by a roaring fire Brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company, the O’Shea’s Spiced Winter Ale and Dry Hopped Amber Ale are on sale for €1.89 per 50cl bottle.

With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around

Autumnal tasting with a no-nonsense slainte  mimi murray

ONE of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the year for James Nicholson Wine Merchants is its annual tasting, an informal, walkaround affair with no knowledge required and no lectures to attend. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it – it’s all about sharing and enjoying wine with like-minded people.

This year, the tasting takes place in the banquet hall in Smock Alley Theatre at 5pm-8pm on Friday,

November 6.

This is the perfect, relaxed and friendly opportunity to broaden your wine drinking horizons as well as your wine knowledge, while becoming familiar with the JN Wine range.

The wine merchants are the current holders of the International Wine Challenge Regional Wine Merchant of the Year award – an award they have won 20 times.

Each member of the team is a professionally trained, educated, passionate wine drinker.

All are happy to share their enthusiasm along with their independent and personal selection of excellent wines.

The annual tasting is the ideal opportunity to meet some of the JN wine partners and to try the wines for yourself. With more than 20 winemakers and over 100 wines to try, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around.

Producers confirmed to date include: from France – Billecart-Salmon Champagne; Domaine G ay d a , L a n g u e d o c ;

Roc des Anges, Roussillon; Agnes Paquet and Domaine Jean Fournier, both from Burgundy.

From Italy – Sartarelli from the Marche region, and Morisfarms Estate from Tuscany. From New Zealand – Pask Winery, Hawke’s Bay. From Spain – Pesquera Group, Ribera del Duero; Paco Garcia, Rioja; and Familia Martinez Bujanda. Massaya from Lebanon is also in the line-up as is Quinta da Falorca, Dao from Portugal; and Boekenhoutskloof from South Africa; Vina Casablanca

from Chile; and Shortcross Gin from Downpatrick, County Down.

The impressive backdrop of the banquet hall rich in character, will provide an ideal setting for an event to showcase wines full of character and their producers – many of whom are characters in their own right!

Tickets are €15 per person and must be bought in advance from James Nicholson Wine Merchant on www.jnwine. com or by calling Lo-Call 1890 667799. Places are limited.

22 October 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn, right) and Curtis (Ryan Rynolds) decide to head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to another

mississippi grind: the jackpot prize of redemption is a dice throw away

Take a gamble – it’s worth it Do you believe in lucky charms? Gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) does and when a well-dressed stranger squeezes in amongst the haggard regulars at his local poker night, he is sure that he has found his.

On the bad end of luck and growing desperate for a win, Gerry becomes quickly intoxicated by Curtis’s (Ryan Reynolds) fast-paced banter, topshelf liquor and seemingly unbreakable streak of good fortune.

It is a solid, albeit staid set up from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the writing and directing team who first came to our attention with the incredible Half Nelson back in 2006. Featuring a burgeoning Ryan Gos-

 Dave phillips

ling , Half Nelson still stands out as a superb piece of film that managed to treat the complex topic of drug addiction with equal parts gravitas, humour, and charm.

While this time out the tale revolves around gambling, there are some definite thematic parallels with Boden and Fleck’s earlier work.

Mississippi Grind plays out as a solid twohander for Mendelsohn and Reynolds. As Gerry and Curtis become fast friends, they decide to

head down along the Mississippi, taking in the sights and sounds of the South from one casino to the next. While the pair set off on what seems like an amiable adventure, it soon becomes evident that they have embarked on a kind of gambling pilgrimage where the jackpot prize of redemption is always a dice throw away.

Part road-trip, part bromance, and par t downbeat drama Mississippi Grind is a constantly shifting film. But is a story that, like the river it follows, moves along very slowly and steadily – and this is by no means a bad thing.

The unhurried feel of the film leaves plenty of space for the actors to work on screen. Despite a long career in Austral-

ian film, Ben Mendelsohn remained largely unknown on this side of the world until 2010’s Animal Kingdom propelled

lives with each day have become so ingrained that you feel he actually believes the rationalisations and excuses that

some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine.

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

‘While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude some of his brand of charm. Curtis is the kind of guy who is au fait with just about everything you can imagine’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

him into the spotlight.

With some incredible recent work (including Netflix’s Bloodline) under his belt, Mendelsohn is really showing his capabilities and in Mississippi Grind he gives a very nuanced and captivating performance.

The shame, denial and deceit that Gerry

he spontaneously spouts.

Knowing what is best for him but never knowing when to quit, he has dug himself into a hole so deep that the only way out is to keep digging.

While Mendelsohn undoubtedly outshines everybody on screen, there is ample space for Ryan Reynolds to exude

Never short of cash, he knows all the places you need to go, and the people you need to talk to. Harnessing a level of slickness that will make you wonder if he has made some kind of Faustian pact, Curtis is the perfect counterpart to the world-weary Gerry. Yet Reynolds is keen enough

to at times, let us see the mask of confidence slip, even if only slightly.

This slow-burner is accentuated by a very sturdy supporting cast, including Sienna Miller and Analeigh Tipton. And things are topped off with an incredible soundtrack, full of moody, deep south blues.

Mississippi Grind’s simple story and deliberate pacing may be its downfall for a lot of potential viewers, but those who feel like taking a gamble are likely to enjoy the rewards – the 108 quietly captivating minutes of top class performances will linger with you long after Ben and Curtis have headed South.

Verdict: 8/10

Gazette

24 Gazette 22 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

Johnny Marr: 17 track double album

Documenting a long and eclectic career Adrenalin Baby has the right balance of killer and filler  colm murray

From The Smiths to THE THE, The Cribs a n d e ve r y t h i n g i n between, chameleonic guitarist-turned-frontman Johnny Marr has had a long and eclectic career, but until now, has never been front and centre.

Adrenalin Baby is his first live album, and loud and live it certainly is.

The Messenger (2013) and last year’s Playland form the bulk of the record, and are flanked by some long-awaited Smiths gems.

Recorded at shows in Glasgow, Brixton and his hometown of Manchester over the last couple of years, the album is a bonus addition to the late-career renaissance the sharpwitted Mancunian is deservedly having.

Opening with arcade game effects and a buzzing crowd hum, the album kicks off with Playland – the punchy title track of his most recent rollicking rock effort.

Marr’s lengthy melodic riff and fan screams hint at his stage arrival before his echoey vocals cut in.

His sultr y screams

“she does the real buzz, he does the real buzz” take flight.

After that, it is time for dance rock feel tune Easy Money followed by 25 Hours another track off Playland and New Tow n Velocity taken from his debut The Messenger.

incredible talent and all the passion of his guitar in four last songs There is a Light that Never Goes Out, another album standout, the shimmering Dynamo taken from Playland, T he Clash’s cover I Fought the Law to finally close the 17-track live

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

‘I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours’

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

Song 6 is the first Smiths’ classic to feature on the album The Headmaster Ritual followed by anthemic Back in the Box also taken from Playland.

In spite of the strength of his solo material, inevitably The Smiths’ tracks stand out.

Classic anthemic tracks such as Bigmouth Strikes Again, How Soon is Now and There is a Light that Never Goes Out are clearly some of the best tunes off the album.

Also Getting Away With It from Electronic is another standout.

The highlights of the live album are reserved for the last tracks where Marr sums up his

record with hymn How Soon is Now. “I wanted to capture the atmosphere and feeling of the last couple of tours,” says Johnny.

“It’s been a special time and the album is a document for fans who were there, and for people who haven’t seen me and might want to check out what the shows are about.

“I like live records when they’re a good listen, It’s turned out really well.”

It’s certainly a great document of his live shows over the last 18 months or so, with a 17-track double album it’s certainly value for money with the right balance of killer and filler!

22 October 2015 Gazette 25

NEXT

Gazette

GAMING STEPS

A number of consoles are facing likely extinction in 2016, ready to join the dodo. Illustration: Shane Dillon

It could be time to take an evolutionary step forward

Victorian world is a timekiller  shane dillon

WITH Christmas just around the corner, all kinds of gaming goodies are lining up, with 2015 marking a bumper year for gamers as the nextgen consoles get into their stride after their first, unsteady year.

One of the first is released this Friday, October 23, when Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (XBO, PS4; Cert 18; c. €75) runs, leaps and climbs into view.

There’s plenty of spying, sneaking and, frankly, assassinating missions to undertake here as a motley group of corrupt Vic-

torian rotters, bullies and scallywags are eliminated, with the cobbled streets, muddy paths, Dickensian poorhouses and grimy factories of 1868 London providing a compelling and familiar world to explore.

Speaking of Dickens, he’s just one of a cast of several colourful characters that the player can meet, with everyone from Florence Nightingale to the original Queen Vic herself to run into, and missions to carry out for them.

While history doesn’t quite record that Charles Darwin needed the help of shadowy assassins to

silence dangerous detractors, well, there’s plenty of fun to be found in chatting to such figures, before, say, setting off to climb to the top of “Big Ben” for a look across the wonderfully realised city, as barges criss-cross the crowded Thames below and vast clouds of black smoke billow and belch into the sky from rows of industrial revolution chimneys.

Certainly not a game for kids, Syndicate delivers a vast, compelling world that should be fun to explore – not least until the post-nuclearwar Boston ruins of Fallout 4 come into sight on November 10 ...

 shane dillon

Whether meeting famous people of the era such as Charles Dickens (top left), or exploring and pilfering around much of Victorian London, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a welcome addition to the franchise

curry steps aside, citing illness and industry sexism  shane dillon

READERS will recall a recent Gazette interview in September with acclaimed composer Jessica Curry (right) about her superb work on the esoteric PlayStation 4 exclusive, Everybody’s Gone to The Rapture.

Curry and the game alike created a lot of positive press around the world.

However, since that page was published, Curry made headlines around the world again – for less positive reasons.

She announced via a highly personal, pragmatic blog that she is stepping down as co-director of the studio, The Chinese Room (Rapture’s developer).

Curry cited her battles with an unnamed degenerative illness, and industry sexism and

difficulties alike.

With many polls and studies noting the rise of women gamers (close to 50%), and yet with women developers and studio figures not matched by these statistics, any such reports of sexism are regrettable indeed.

Here’s hoping that Curry can recoup enough energy to cope with her illness, and resume her place in the industry.

WHILE Santa Claus may have access to all the toys known to man (and woman), gamers and people buying their own consoles and games have noticed how 2015 has largely marked the evolutionary dead end of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U consoles, which are soon set to go the way of the dodo.

While these consoles have huge established bases, and while of course there are plenty of great games still coming to all three in 2016 and beyond – realistically, their time is almost up.

Several key titles and franchises (see main review, left) are now abandoning these reliable but effectively retired platforms to focus on the new current-gen consoles.

Anecdotal evidence shows how the PlayStation 3, Wii U and XBox 360 games and consoles have been elbowed aside at games shops and relegated to evershrinking shelf space, where a scarcity of new titles compete against a sea of second-hand games.

So, the time has finally come to upgrade

platforms before obsolescence wins that evolutionary battle in 2016.

Watch this space in the run-up to Christmas, as I’ll take a look at some of the bundled consoles, games, price and platform comparisons for those looking to get a new console, but who can’t rely on Mr Claus to drop one down the chimney.

Nintendo NX Speaking of evolution, rumours and reports are widely circulating at present in the gaming press about Nintendo, and “Nintendo NX” – a software development system that’s potentially more powerful than both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

This would mark a massive departure for Nintendo, which has traditionally focused on crafting gaming experiences rather than getting involved in the hardware and coding wars fought by Sony and Microsoft.

Indeed, the Wii U console still lays claim to many of the best family-friendly titles of recent years.

However, we’ll have to wait until at least NX-t year to see what happens ...

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 22 October 2015

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28 gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport basketball: portlaoise and DCU both seen off by home outfit boylan beats own personal best time: DUBLINER Lydia Boylan broke her own National 500m Time Trial Record in the omnium as five Irish riders completed a successful week of racing at the European Track Championships in Grenchen.

Boylan began day two of the women’s omnium in 16th place with three of the six races remaining and she moved up a place with a new national record in the 500m time trial, eclipsing the mark she set at the revolution event in Derby last month.

Her 36.628s effort shaved 0.147s off her previous best on her way to ninth and she topped that with eighth in the race five flying lap, her 14.589s helping her rise to 14th in the event ahead of the final points race.

In the sixth and final Omnium event Boylan was on the attack early on, taking points for third in the first two sprints of 10. She paid for her efforts, though, and fell back after that.

Killester firing on all fronts  sport@dublingazette.com

PYROBEL K illester claimed back-to-back victories last Saturday in the women’s and men’s Premier Leagues to make it two wins from three outings each thus far in the early stages of the new season.

On the women’s side, Killester responded to calls from head coach Karl Kilbride for improved offence with a 29-point opening quarter and an 88-78 win over Portlaoise Panthers.

“We wanted to get off to a hot start,” said Kilbride, “but Portlaoise brought in

Claire Melia who had one of the best games I’ve ever seen from a 16-year-old.

She did everything she wanted to do inside.”

The young Ireland international was making her Premier League debut and finished with 21 points.

Despite her run of form,

Killester’s Ciaran Roe on the attack

Pyrobel Killester’s Rebecca Nagle. Picture: Deryck Vincent

however, Killester had the greater spread of scorers with Raeshel Contreras landing 19 points, Mimi Clarke hitting 16 and Aisling Sullivan weighing in with 14 points at the National Wheelchair Association headquarters.

Elsewhere, Meteors were impressive 77-58 winners over the UL Huskies with Meghan McGuinness scoring 22 points while Jade Daly, Emily Leer and Karen Meeny also showed up well.

DCU Mercy landed a 68-61 win over SuperValu Brunell with Sarah Woods the key player, coming away with a weekend high of 26 points. Brunell had led 39-33 at the half-time break before DCU limited

their opponents to just 22 points in the second half of the contest.

In the men’s Premier League, Templeogue survived a late comeback from GCD Swords Thunder to keep their unbeaten run intact. With two minutes left, the league leaders were seven points clear but GCD Swords Thunder missed a shot to win it at the buzzer for an 81-80 win “It’s great to be put under that kind of pressure,” said Templeogue’s Conor Grace. “We knew Thunder would never be out of it.”

Swords’ boss Dave Baker, meanwhile, said it was “a difficult night”.

“We fixed a lot of mistakes during the week but there were still signs of

it and we gave away 51 points in the first half.

“We went smaller and quicker and pushed them hard in the second half and had a couple of chances to win it, but if you can’t execute at this level you’re going to get hurt.”

Killester had plenty to spare in their north Dublin derby date with the DCU Saints as they rolled out an 83-59 result.

Patrick Sullivan scored 20 points while Jermaine Turner drained 15 with healthy contributions also coming from Conor Gordon and Juan Martinez.

Martins Provizors topscored for the Saints with 225 but he struggled to get enough support from those around him.

Hopkins hopeful of raising required funds for Rio bid  sport@dublingazette.com

Olympic hopeful Aoife Hopkins

DUBLIN teenager Aoife Hopkins has been put forward as an Irish Sailing Association candidate for the Irish Olympic sailing team, and is hoping to fund her qualification for Rio next summer through PledgeSports.org.

Sixteen-year-old Hopkins is a member of Howth Yacht Club and competes in the laser radial category. In order to qualify for Rio, she must be the top performing candidate at three major events, beginning with Copa Brasil de Vela in Rio

this December. This will be followed with races in Miami and Mexico, in January and March respectively.

Last year, Hopkins won the Irish Youth Sailor of the Year Award for ladies. She is currently ranked 81st in the world in her category, and finished 20th in the World Championships in Kingston Ontario, Canada earlier this year, as well as scoring a top 10 finish at the Youth European Championships.

She was also the youngest sailor to be invited to compete in the Sailing World Cup in the

UK back in June, having qualified to compete amongst the world-class 40-sailor field based on impressive domestic results.

The fundraising project is a requirement for qualification due to the expenses involved in competing in the preceding races. Costs that Hopkins will have to cover include entry fees, flights, boat charter and equipment.

The funding event will take place over a period of a little mor than a month, with a finish date of Monday, November 16.

On her fundraising, Hopkins

said: “I have achieved my goals for this year, which were top 10 at the Europeans and top 20 at the worlds and my ultimate goal is to win a medal for Ireland at the 2020 Olympics, but Ireland has qualified for a place at the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Laser Radial and I have been put forward as a candidate for that place.

“The approximate cost of the Olympic campaign is €20,000 and I hope to raise €5,000 through Pledge Sports. Your help, no matter how small, will make my Race to Rio possible,” she said.

22 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Bernard still all go on trail with Sam

Winning a third All-Ireland in five years brings myriad new responsibilities for Bernard Brogan; he tells JAMES HENDICOTT what happens after the title has been won BE R N A R D B r o g a n could be forgiven for taking some down time: he recently starred in a team that took home their third All-Ireland title in five years, finding himself among the nominees for Player of the Year 2015 based on his astounding 6-21 in the championship.

But Brogan certainly isn’t using Gaelic football’s offseason as a time to unwind.

Alongside his day job with Legacy Consulting, the Dublin forward is heavily involved with mental health charity Aware, and will be taking part in the Petermarkathon from October 23 to 26.

The Beat the Blues programme specifically targets resilience and awareness among young people. Alongside cake

sales and a Dolly Parton Day, Brogan will be involved in jersey days and a cycle-athon.

“I do a lot of work with Aware,” he tells us. “We get asked to do a lot of charity work as footballers, and I try and do as much as I can.

“I took a conscious decision a couple of years ago to pick a charity that resonated with me and try to give real value, rather than just jumping into a picture and that. To try and get in there and help them on a real level.”

Off season, it seems, is the time for another kind of busy.

“We’ve also been going around a lot of schools with Sam” he tells GazetteSport. “Sam brings an aura travelling around, so it’s been a special few weeks. It’s been a challenge alongside run-

ning my own business.

“It’s more or less a full time job over three or four months. I still remember when Sam was brought in to me in 1995 in primary school. Those memories stay with you forever, and we’re very conscious of that.

“I never thought I’d be the next one bringing it around, as I was only a nipper back then. It was a long time waiting for Dubs, but that makes it so much more special.”

We asked Brogan to reflect on the county football’s issues of the day, and found him pragmatic. “We don’t feel sorry for Mayo, and I don’t think they’d want us to,” he argues of Dublin’s perennial nearly-men rivals.

“T he way they’ve changed their manager shows they feel they can

Bernard Brogan gets pampered by Peter Mark’s staff Louise Keaveney, Sharon O’Rourke and Aine Curley at the Petermarkathon launch. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall

add more. A minute longer and they might have pipped us in that semi.”

As for the talk of moving Dublin out of Croke Park, Brogan’s open to the concept, emphasising control being outside of the team’s hands: “I’ve never actually

individual awards again, but he’s quick and charitable in passing credit to his teammates.

“Personal awards are always nice,” he admits.

“I won back in 2010, and we didn’t win the All-Ireland that year, so it was a slightly lonely experience.

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

‘Sam [Maguire] brings an aura travelling around. I still remember Sam being brought to my school in 1995’ - Bernard Brogan --------------------------------------------------------

played a game outside Croke Park in the championship. We play league away games and with our clubs. The fans love a trip. I was on the bench last time Dublin played outside Croke Park in the championship in Longford and the atmosphere was electric. We’re players, though, and we’ll play wherever we’re put.

It’s a commercial thing I presume.”

Any potential split for Dublin is given shorter shrift, with Brogan arguing “a bit of success in Dublin is always talked up a bit. If we win 10 in a row, we’ll listen to the argument.”

Brogan is on record as having surprised even himself with the quality of his Dublin performances this year. Vital points and a glut of goals have seen him up for

You’d definitely take Sam over it, but it’s a great honour.

“It’s great to have Jack McCaffrey and Philly McMahon alongside me. Jack’s phenomenal; he’s really bought a new energy and power to our game. Philly as well. They do all the work, I just have to be on the end of it, you know?”

As for next year? “In early January we’ll get the boys back in together and work out how we go again and build on this year.

“There are a lot of young lads. Dublin under age has been quite successful the last few years, so we’re expecting a few new faces, as well as Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello pushing on.

“We need the competition. We still have great motivation as a team. And great expectations.”

FastSport

McKinley starts campaign for Irish clearance to play FORMER Leinster out half Ian McKinley is at the heart of a new campaign to allow rugby players to compete while wearing goggles in Ireland.

McKinley signed for Italian club Zebre this September, having transferred from Viadana in the Italian league.

Zebre play in the Pro 12 alongside the Irish provincial sides, and when it came time for the Italian club to line out against Connacht in Galway last Saturday, October 16, McKinley was told he would not be able to wear his protective goggles by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Twenty-four rugby unions have been participating in a trial of on-field goggles since January 2014, with every top 10 nation taking part with the exception of England, France and Ireland.

The IRFU has told McKinley he can’t compete in his goggles on Irish soil, though he will be able to take to the field against Connacht in the return leg in Zebre’s hometown of Parma.

McKinley, who spent his formative years at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, was playing for Leinster in 2010 when a teammate accidentally placed a stud in his left eye during a ruck, causing him to lose all sight in that eye.

He continued to play professional rugby, but suffered what he believes was deliberate gouging in the other eye in two All Ireland league matches, leading him to fear for his wellbeing.

As a result, McKinley played a central role in pioneering the sports goggles he now wears, alongside a team at the National College of Art and Design. They are now worn by several professional players in trial nations.

“In the longer term, I am hoping that this campaign will demonstrate that it is possible to resume a sports career at the highest levels, despite having suffered a serious injury,” McKinley said of his new petition, which targets both the IRFU, and World Rugby.

He hopes that the IRFU will voluntarily join the trial, and that World Rugby might require blanket acceptance.

“I’m also hoping that this will show those who are concerned about safety standards in rugby that there are workable solutions to ensure players at all levels can safely enjoy the game.”

Gazette

30 lucan gazette 22 October 2015

SPORT

expertView

soccer: Rivervalley through to next round of fai junior cup

Southern hemisphere holds sway in World Cup For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, ex-Edinburgh and Marlboro player and IRANZ Level 5 rugby coach Dennis Bowes will give his thoughts on the key battles in the RWC15.

Rivervalley Rangers during their half-time team talk against Garda. Picture: Bryan Daly

ANOTHER cracker of a weekend of rugby; we have our semi finalists.

An injury ravaged Wales played South Africa in a battle that looked at times, like an old fashioned rugby league game with one off runners and not an offload in sight. They just smashed into each other the whole game!

With five minutes remaining, Wales tiring fast, the South African backrow combined to put their influential scrum half Fourie du Preez over in the corner for the match winner - Wales go out bravely.

New Zealand destroyed France with the sort of rugby that’s simple in nature but done so well under pressure that it challenges every member of the opposition to do there individual job 100% for 80 minutes under with pace and skill, and France just didn’t have it.

I have spent much time in New Zealand and gained an depth knowledge on this approach, receiving one of only four High Performance Coaching accreditations last year in the New Zealand rugby academy.

I feel there is much to offer our own development here in Ireland and hope to share my experience in upping our knowledge base and understanding of the coaching process and how to maximise potential of our players and coaches.

Sunday saw Ireland playing Argentina at their very best with huge momentum and fresh bodies and a wide, wide attack approach that caused Ireland to defend softly and very narrow, allowing tries to be scored down the wings. Ireland looked shell-shocked and emotionally drained but managed to get back into the game only for Argentina to build momentum and pull away.

Scotland against favourites Australia on paper looked a formality. True to sport, Australia struggled to fight past Scotland and put them away.

In the end, a contentious call by the referee gave Brendan Foley one chance to save their World Cup from the kicking tee and he did not miss. We now have all southern hemisphere semi finals, what does this say about northern hemisphere rugby?

Murphy arrests Garda run fai junior cup Garda Rivervalley Rangers  sport@dublingazette.com

2 3

THERE may have been a warrant out for the arrest of Daniel Murphy after the Rivervalley Rangers striker committed all sorts of crimes on the Garda defence last Friday night in Westmanstown R iver valley rolled into the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup after front man Murphy bagged a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Garda AFC in an excellent cup tie.

On a bitterly cold

night in the Lucan venue, one of the first real winter nights of football, this game kicked off at red-hot pace. Two sides committed to playing football the right way, quick pressing and passing was to the fore here with some hardy tackling thrown in too.

Rivervalley opened the scoring after 22 minutes when right-sided midfielder Conor Dowd broke down the right.

The nifty wide man beat his man, brought the ball to the byline and served up a great cross which was meat and drink for Murphy as the

Dublin marathon Lucan Harriers in peak condition for big race twenty-one members of Lucan Harriers will be at the start line of the Dublin City Marathon next Monday. Under the watchful eye of Vinny Murtagh, training started in June with runs along the canal, building each week to a 22-mile distance.

Murtagh also organised a workshop with Mark Kennelly, an Irish Olympic Marathon runner. On Saturday last, the group had their last run together of six-miles, followed by breakfast in Ryan’s cafe in Lucan and some words of motivation from mentor Murtagh.

striker made no mistake with the finish.

In this battle of LSL vs AUL , it was the Leinster Senior League Major Sunday side who struck next when Craig O’Brien got on the end of a well-worked move to slot the Guards level.

For a moment or two, it looked like the sides would go in level at the break, but Murphy had other ideas.

Earlier on this season, voices inside the Rangers camp were highlighting how crucial the striker would be once he was fully fit and he’s certainly liv-

ing up to the hype. With about five minutes left in the half, the crafty striker assumed possession, looked to be well marked, but somehow created a yard of space before curling a fine effort into the corner.

He made the match ball his own just minutes later with a typical poacher’s goal. Rivervalley’s dynamic centremidfielder Ciaran Lattin drove forward and sent a stinging effort towards goal which could only be palmed away by the Garda keeper and Murphy pounced to tap in his third of the night.

The Swords side took their two-goal lead into the second half and once again, it was a half packed with lovely football and fiery tackles on a cold night in west Dublin. Garda got it back to 3-2 with 20 minutes left to play when speed merchant Moe Corr scored to set up an exciting finish.

Stephen Doran’s side had a few chances to seal the result in the closing stages but in the end, it wasn’t needed as three goals were enough to continue their early charge to the Aviva Stadium in May.

22 October 2015 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

Sarsfields SFC run ended by St Vincent’s  sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields Dublin SFC dreams came to an end last Sunday after a well-fought battle with reigning champions St Vincent’s in Parnell Park ended 2-21 to 1-11 in favour of the Marino men.

Sean McCaffrey’s men got off to a flyer, raising the green flag with

the game’s first attack. A high ball from Stephen O’Shaughnessy was flicked on by Brian Collopy and Brendan Gallagher raced in to finish past Michael Savage.

Vin’s crept back into it, however, and hit four unanswered points, with Tomas Quinn and Diarmuid Connolly pulling the strings and Shane Carthy scoring twice.

In the last 10 minutes of the half, the 2014 champions were dominating and got themselves 0-12 to 1-4 ahead before Emmet O’Conghaile and O’Shaughnessy hit back for Lucan.

Vincent’s got their first goal five minutes after the restart as Connolly picked out Quinn whose knockdown was perfect Nathan Mullins to palm into the

net. The second goal came 13 minutes from the end when Joe Feeney got on the end of a well worked move to bring the score to 2-16 to 1-08.

Lucan battled hard right till the end, and but for the goalkeeping heroics of Savage, could have netted twice. It wasn’t to be, however, and Vincent’s march into this Sunday’s semi-final vs Na Fianna.

camogie: lucan draw in championship final

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who

one week - €50, two weeks - €90, four

sent in match reports this weekend.

weeks - €150 and six weeks - €200.

Full details can be found on our web-

We are also appealing to club mem-

site www.lucansarsfields.ie with over

bers who have their own businesses

1,500 players in action in the last week

to consider taking up the sponsorship.

across all four codes from age seven

Business details are printed on the

to 40 plus.

weekly Lotto tickets for the number

Our AGM will be held on November

of weeks you sign up for. It is an ideal

26 in the function room all members

way of gaining broad sponsorship in

are invited to attend.

the greater Lucan area while helping

Our senior 1 camogie team must do

We are very grateful to our loyal

this week. Hard luck to our senior

sponsors who have been so support-

footballers who exited the champion-

ive of this advertising scheme since it

ship and will now focus on promotion.

began in 2001. Please contact Mary at

The minor footballers have a cham-

Set dancing continues every

11am on the senior pitch. Best of luck

Wednesday at 8.30pm in Lucan Sars-

also to the senior 2 camogie team who

fields GAA Club; all welcome.

end.

The club’s social calender will have a new addition in 2016. On Sunday,

Sars live to fight on in Senior 1 decider

senior 1 final

Lucan Sarsfields Naomh Uinsionn  sport@dublingazette.com

2-5 2-5

LUCAN Sarsfields will have to do it all over again after they drew 2-5 each with Naomh Uinsionn in their first ever Dublin Senior 1 championship final at Blakestown.

In front of a large crowd, the 12th Lock club almost got off to a flying start when Laura Murtagh popped the ball to Amy Conroy. But, as the full-forward aimed, to double to the net, Eimear Brannigan came off her lines to make a brilliant

stop. From the clearance, Naomh Uinsionn worked the ball upfield where Ellen McGovern fired over a great point.

Lucan were on form, though. Alison Maguire doubled the Vincent’s lead only for Ali Twomey to get Lucan on the board and, with the Lucan half back line of Sarah Cotter, Annmarie Courtney and Claire Rigney superb, Naomh Uinsionn were forced back.

Kate Whyte soon levelled and Mairi Moynihan slipped the ball between the posts on the 20-minute mark. Maguire drove a superb 65m free;

Orla Beagan countered with a score of her own.

Naomh Uinsionn, however, had their moment in the sun soon after. Dublin star Aisling Maher picked up the ball near the endline and showed real pace to work herself into space and fire past Joeleene Hoary.

Back came Lucan and Conroy played an intelligent pass to Beagan to hit a brilliant shot to the corner of the net with the last act of the first half.

Maher, though, profited from a Hoary slip early in the second half to back in front.

Two minutes later,

Naomh Unisionn stretched the lead to three points when 18-yearold Aine Woods put her name on the scoresheet.

Once again, Lucan fought back and got a piece of fortune when Moynihan’s attempt at a point dipped viciously to nip under the bar for a crucial goal, the sides level for a third time.

For a long while, it stayed that way before Aine Fanning nicked Naomh Uinsionn in front only for Beagan to drill a free. Neither side could break the stalemate, meaning they must both do it all over again.

087 7469143 for further details.

pionship quarter final on Sunday at

have a championship final next week-

Lucan Sarsfields and Naomh Uinsionn in action in the Senior 1 final. Picture: We Are Dublin

the club to run its 70 teams or more.

it all again in the county final replay

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 25 card drive resumed last Friday and will continue to May 2016 in the clubhouse bar at 9pm sharp.

January 17, we will host Lucan Sars-

The club shop is open on Thursdays

fields Leopardstown Leaps at the

from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Satur-

racecourse. A four-course dinner

days from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Lucan

followed by a superb day of national

District

hunt racing will set the scene for a

Credit Union GAA Academy at

great day’s fun. For further details,

Lucan Sarsfields, 9.30am for cam-

contact Eoin on 086 2734114.

ogie and girls football, 10am for boys

Well done to the Lucan Muckers

football and hurling, for boys and girls

on their very successful Runamuck

born in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at the 12th

Fundraising night on the tenth and

Lock, Lucan. Contact Johnny on 085

on completing the 5km challenge on

1294102.

Saturday.

The annual weekly lotto sponsorship is now due for renewal. We

There was no winner of this week’s €5,500 lotto draw; numbers were 9,11, 13 and 16.

are appealing to businesses in and

This week’s jackpot is €6,000

around Lucan to sign up to this popu-

Carey’s Newsagents are sponsoring

lar advertising scheme. The rates are:

with Shay Hurson’s team in charge.

ST pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week were

U-11 team with a win over Liffey Gaels

16, 18, 19 and 23; there was no winner so

on Saturday morning.

next week’s jackpot will be €5,200.

Super effort also on Saturday from

The draw takes place in the Palm-

our U-12 girls against Na Fianna; great

erstown House every Sunday night at

team game and all the girls gave 100%,

10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you to

well done girls.

all our sellers and to all that support our lotto every week.

Great game of football for the U-8s against Wanderers GAA, a big turnout

Our new senior hurling/camogie

for St Pat’s and strong performance

sessions will continue in Glenaulin on

gave us the win; well done also to the

Fridays at 6, open to U-14 up to minor

whole squad for a great training game

to improve their hurling skills with

as well.

senior hurlers taking the sessions.

The U-9s played football against

The juvenile camogie/hurling skills

St Jude’s of Templeogue. In our two

sessions will also continue in Glenaulin

games, St Pat’s players played very

on Friday at 6, open to all U-8 up to U-12

well in a evenly-balanced, fairly played

players; great chance to improve their

contest, winning one match and com-

hurling skills and all are welcome.

ing close in the other.

U-9 camogie training is on every

In both games, the Pat’s players

Saturday morning 10am all welcome

came back very strong in the second

born 2007 and 2008; just drop down

half with the wind behind them. Thanks

and ask for Conor or Emer.

to Darragh Garrigan and Ciaran

Great game of camogie from our

Deegan for stepping up.

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

october 22-28, 2015

final replay: Lucan Sarsfields earn second shot at Killester in flying form: Double basketball delight for Senior 1 championship glory with Vincent’s draw P31 north Dublin outfit P29

Niamh Farrelly, left, celebrates with Naoisha McAloon, right, after Ireland’s 3-0 win over Turkey. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Local duo join Euro elite Farrelly and Kelly, along with trio of Peamount United clubmates, help Republic of Ireland advance to the next phase of UEFA qualifying process  sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN’S Niamh Farrelly and Lauren Kelly along with Peamount clubmates Tegan Ruddy, Naoise McAloon and Lauryn O’Callaghan were all part of the Republic of Ireland Under-17 side that qualified for the elite stages of the UEFA European Championships on Tuesday.

They did so by beating Turkey 3-0 in Izmir to top group1, getting the result they needed courtesy of goals from Leanne Kiernan, Alex Kavanagh, and Lauren Kelly.

Ireland had previously beaten Ukraine and Andorra to move into pole position in a tricky group but they showed their quality to

overcome their hosts and take a step closer to next summer’s finals in Belarus.

“The girls have really come on as a group and they worked so hard to top the group. I’m really proud of them and it’s a great achievement,” said Bell.

“This is the first stepping stone towards the finals. The next thing is the draw for the Elite Round and once we know our opponents we can start preparing for those games.

“But the girls have been brilliant. I had a really difficult task in picking a team for each game and any of the girls could have made the starting 11.

“All 18 girls got to play and that shows the strength of this squad.

“We scored some great goals but we also didn’t concede any. When we came here to Turkey the girls spoke about topping the group, getting the nine points, and not conceding any goals, so it’s a credit to them that they achieved that.”

Early goals proved to be a theme in Ireland’s three games and that was certainly the case against Turkey as Kiernan opened the scoring after just six minutes – pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area.

Kavanagh doubled their lead with a superb curling effort into the back of the net on 35 minutes before Kelly finished things off with a neat finish in the second period after breaking free of her marker.

Bell was full of praise for his players after the victory, not just for their performance in the final qualifier but in their attitude around the team hotel, their professional approach to training, and their desire to win as a team.

“I’m delighted for them and couldn’t have asked for more,” said Bell after the game.

“We had a gameplan against Turkey and the girls put it into action. But we can’t think that we’ve made it to the finals yet.

“The hard work starts again after the draw but they have given themselves every chance of getting to the finals now.”

The draw for the Elite Round will take place on December 10 with the games being hosted early next year.