Lucan by Dublin Gazette

Gazette LUCAN

INSIDE: Ireland and Ulster winger Tommy Bowe is on

the ball with thoughts on rugby and marriage Page 15

Opinion:

Revised heritage book marks the legacy of our period buildings Page 14

Picture: Cathy Weatherston

Page 12

Gallery:

sport Football:

Lucan Sars return to AFL1 after playoff Page 32

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December 3-9, 2015

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Celebrating 50 years of Chapel Hill

Ct mary’s boys school celebrated its 50th birthday recently in Chapel Hill. Girls and boys, young and old, gathered at St. Mary’s Boys’ National School to share memories of the school’s 50 years. Lucan locals brought memorabilia including photographs and retro clothing to bring the school’s story to life. Ava Kennedy is pictured getting her face painted by Sheila Teehan during the day of celebrations on November 28. Teachers were brave enough to put up pictures of themselves as children. Dublin GAA hurling star and school coach Johnny McCaffrey also contributed to the exhibition and there was a visit from the king of rock ‘n’ roll! See full gallery inside.

Sr Stan launches an appeal for Focus Ireland as housing crisis worsens

James Joyce’s classic short, The Dead, gets an operatic revival

Plans for school sports centre move a step closer Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said a lot of effort was being made on the matter

 ian begley

“OP TIONS are being finalised” by the Department of Education to deliver a sports hall at Adamstown Community College. About 150 people attend-

ed a meeting recently where Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan assured those present that a lot of effort is being made to resolve the issue. The sports and community hall was originally promised six years ago when the

school was first built. Enda Creegan, a member of the Adamstown Sports and Community Hall Action Group, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. Ben Brady, of Castlethorn Construction, told the

Gazette Castlethorn was part of the negotiations and acknowledged the requirement to deliver the facility, but said the secondary school was not required until there were 2,601-3,400 dwellings in place. Full Story on Page 2

2 LUCAN Gazette 3 December 2015

community Minister for Education assurances welcomed

Sports hall close to starting line “OPTIONS are being finalised” by the Department of Education in its negotiations to deliver a sports hall at Adamstown Community College, a recent meeting has been told. About 150 people attended the community meeting at the school recently where Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said a lot of effort was being made to resolve the issue. Parents, residents, councillors and TDs, and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald heard students describe how the lack of a sports hall at the school affected them.

 ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

While the meeting, which took place on Monday, focussed primarily on the need for a school sports hall, many residents also spoke strongly about the importance of a community facility for Adamstown for use by the residents. The sports and community hall was promised six years ago when

the school was first built. Many local residents are frustrated at the lack of progress. The facility was supposed to be built by the developer of Adamstown as part of a contract with the Vocational Education Committee. Parents of Adamstown Community College and local residents formed an action group to campaign for the hall and are appealing to elected representatives to help. Enda Creegan, a member of the Adamstown Sports and Community Hall Action Group, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meet-

ing. “The meeting was very positive. [The Department of Enviornment] are working on resolving the issue and hope to report back to us in a few weeks. We were very grateful to have the support of our public representatives.” Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) said she was happy negotiations were under way. “These negotiations are confidential, but there certainly has been a lot of positive feedback from the Minister of Education.” Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said: “As local councillor I have pushed South Dublin County Council on the need to support the delivery of the muchneeded facility. I have had this on the agenda for every meeting of the Lucan Area Committee

People living in the area want a sports and community facility for residents

over the past 12 months. Ben Brady, residential sales and marketing manager for Castlehorn Construction told the Gazette: “Castlethorn is in ongoing negotiations with the Department of Education and Skills and the Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board with regard to the delivery of the community and school sports hall at Adamstown.” He said the

New charity shop seeks donations The National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) has opened its newest charity shop in Lucan Village and is seeking donations of unwanted clothing and other items. According to area manager Janet Kavanagh, sight loss is increasing as our population ages and demand for NCBI’s services is on the increase. “T he work we do wouldn’t be possible without these important fundraising efforts. The new location has great access for people who are blind or vision impaired.

And the shop offers great bargains in second hand clothes, books, bric-abrac and lots more,” she said. The Lucan Village shop is managed by Paul Green who will be looking for a core group of volunteers to support the running of the shop. NCBI must raise €4 out of every €10 it spends on services. Its 72 charity shops around the country make a vital contribution to its fundraising efforts. For more information on their services, visit w w w.facebook.com/ ncbisightloss.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Top Floor, Clarendon House, 39 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

company acknowledged the requirement to deliver the facility, but said the secondary school was not required to be delivered until there were 2,6013,400 dwellings in place. “To date there are circa 1,400 dwellings occupied at Adamstown.” A spokesperson from the Department of Education said: “A sports facility was originally planned for this site in Adamstown, to be devel-

oped by a third party. Due to circumstances outside the Department’s control, the facility was not delivered. Officials in the Department have engaged with the relevant stakeholders with a view to reaching an acceptable outcome and the matter is being actively progressed.” The Adamstown Sports & Community Hall Action Group Facebook page has more information on the issue.

3 December 2015 LUCAN Gazette 3

Entrepreneur Awards | vast array of ingenious business ideas

council

Park dog run to be inspected

Local schools set for competition  Ian Begley

TWENTY local schools from across South County Dublin are gearing up for this year’s South Dublin Student Entrepreneur Awards and have already submitted a vast array of dynamic and ingenious business ideas. Among the schools participating in Dublin Mid-West, the competition will see more than 700 students nationwide submitting approximately 280 business ideas, which they will then develop into lucrative businesses. The awards, which are run locally by the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office, are being supported by ITT Dublin, who hosted a dinner recently for participating

members. The categories in the competition are: Junior (1st years), Intermediate (2nd years) and Senior (TY and 5th years) and their challenge is to come up with an innovative business idea and develop it to a stage where they are generating sales. A local judging event will be held in February, with category winners progressing to represent their hometown in the national event in April. Ena Coleman, SEA coordinator in the Dublin South Local Enterprise Office, said: “It is an excellent opportunity for students to experience what it is really like to start up their own business as they have to brainstorm for ideas, identify

target markets, carry out market research, source materials to produce their product/service, develop a company brand, create a sales and marketing strategy, manage and record all of their finances and finally compile all of the above activity and information into a detailed business report. “With the help and support of their teachers and the local coordinators the students will experience first-hand the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur.” For more information on the awards, visit www.studententerprise. ie, www.localenterprise. ie South Dublin or call South Dublin LEO on 01-4057073.

Lighting up young lives

THE giant 30-foot tree on the grounds of the LauraLynn hospice in Leopardstown was lit in a special ceremony recently, attended by hundreds of supporters, including Robin Keane, Kevin Fitzgerald, Katie Harte and Emma Day (pictured). As well as children and their families attending the event, there were a host of special guests and of course Santa Claus himself, joining the festivities. As part of the ceremony there was a plan to celebrate life by dedicating a few moments to loved ones passed. Visitors were invited to hang a golden Remembrance Star with a special name or message written on it and to bring the stars home for their tree.

An inspection of the dog run in Griffeen Valley Park will be undertaken by South Dublin County Council, following reports of outstanding repairs. This commitment was given following a question asked by Lucan Cllr Liona O’Toole (Ind) at the November Lucan Area Committee meeting, where she asked the chief executive Daniel McLoughlin to revisit the dog park in Griffeen Park where works were recently carried out. In his reply, the chief executive, stated: “An inspection of the dog run will be undertaken and any works outstanding will be carried out. An onsite meeting can be arranged with a representative group of dog walkers upon receipt of contact details.”

4 LUCAN Gazette 3 December 2015

library

Festive fun aplenty going on Lucan Library is holding a vast array of activities throughout the month of December from preschool events to adult learning courses. Every Tuesday at 3pm, a story-time session for kids aged 3 to 5 will take place, with a special Christmas story-time on December 22. A fun musical workshop for six months to four-year-olds will begin on December 8 at 10.30am, along with an Art & Creativity workshop for 7-9 year olds on December 9 from 3.30 – 4.30pm. A ‘Frozen’ musical theatre workshop for 4-7 year olds will take place on December 19 from 12 noon to 1pm. Visit www.southdublinlibraries.ie. Many of these events need to be pre-booked asap at www. eventbrite.ie.

initiative: | extensive programme of events

Focusing on accessibility issues for the disabled  Ian Begley

The Local Authority National Accessibility Week 2015 is in full swing and will run until December 7 with an extensive programme of events. The week is an important annual opportunity for local authorities to encourage everyone to

focus on issues of accessibility for disabled people. Councils, businesses and community groups across the country are using the week to highlight the accessibility of their facilities and services, and to encourage the wider society to also be more inclusive of the varied access needs of

disabled people. The week is an initiative of the Local Authority Access Officer Network and the LGMA National Disability Steering Committee. Throughout the week staff across South Dublin Libraries will be demonstrating the large variety of assistive technologies and accessibility available throughout the library network. They will also be promoting the Disability Studies Catalogue and online resources list. An extensive programme of events has been developed across the county for National Accessibility Week and can be accessed on www. sdcc.ie. Meanwhile, Social Inclusion Week recently came to a successful close, marking its 10th year in existence in South County Dublin. With over 200 people in attendance, the launch celebrated the previous 10 years and showcased all of the talent and creativity that South County Dublin has to offer. Social Inclusion Week has proven to be a great opportunity to highlight and promote the positive work that South Dublin County Council is involved in to reduce social exclusion and poverty in the county. As with previous years, there was great interest in the many events held throughout the week. Each event was booked out in record time, giving

RTE 2FM presenter Ruth Scott said income was not the only measure of disadvantage

a great indication of the level of interest that people have in social inclusion and participating in their community. Speaking about the week, Ruth Scott, RTE 2FM radio presenter said: “I want to congratulate South Dublin County Council because this is their 10th year of running a Social Inclusion

Week. That is 10 years of commitment to creating a better community and lifestyle for everybody and striving for social fairness and a more inclusive society. “Very wisely, South Dublin County Council realised that a rising tide doesn’t lift all boats and created the week to help communities that may be

400

left behind. “It recognised that disadvantage isn’t just measured by your income alone. Now it’s known that it can be observed, through looking at who is socially excluded through lack of access to education, healthcare, housing, transport, social benefits that create opportunities for inclusion.”

3 December 2015 LUCAN Gazette 5

council | proposal “unfair to the rest of the county”

Christmas free parking plan is rejected  Ian Begley

A proposal to introduce free parking in Lucan Village during the Christmas period has been rejected by South Dublin County Council. Lucan Cllr Ed O’Brien (FF) tabled a motion at the November Lucan Area Committee meeting, where he called for the suspension of parking charges in the village in the lead-up to Christmas. He believed that this initiative would encourage an increased footfall

in the village during this period. The motion was supported by the majority of elected councillors at the committee, but the council deemed that the proposal would be “unfair to the rest of the county”. In his reply, the chief executive of the council, Daniel McLoughlin stated: “It is not proposed to suspend the parking charges in Lucan as requested. This measure would be unfair in relation to the remainder of the county. “In addition, there are

contracts in place which cannot be suspended [Parking Enforcement, Cash Collection].” Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr O’Brien said that he is disappointed with the council’s response, saying that it is a missed opportunity for the council to increase business in Lucan during the Christmas period. He said: “I received a number of calls from local businesses who were looking for a small break leading into the Christmas period and I thought that suspending

The council has rejected a proposal to introduce free parking in Lucan Village during Christmas

parking charges in the village would definitely benefit them, particularly retailers. “T hey have had numerous accounts from customers telling them that they won’t be coming back into the village because of parking fine fears. “I thought it would have been an appropriate show

of goodwill on the council’s behalf and would have led to an increase in footfall in the village over the Christmas period. “The council have suspended parking charges across their county in the run up to Christmas and think it’s a pity that the council’s response was what it was,” he said. In March 2014, the

council introduced 30 minutes of free parking in Lucan Village and other urban centres in South County Dublin, which proved to be very popular. This move was expected to reduce costs for visitors and shoppers in Lucan and support the commercial life of the village.

concert A night of festive melodies

The County Kildare Orchestra, with St Mar y’s Choir, Maynooth, will per form its Christmas concert in the Church of Our Lady’s Nativity, Leixlip, on Saturday, December 12 at 8pm. The programme will include a wide range of festive melodies, such as Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, as well as some Christmas favourites such as Walking in the Air, Oh Holy Night and The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Tickets for this event are priced at €12 and are selling fast. For further information call 086-8955787 or visit www.countykildareorchestra.ie

6 LUCAN Gazette 3 December 2015

programme | early arrival of migratory birds sparks concerns

Council preparing for harsh winter  Ian Begley The council are gearing up for what is predicted to be the worst winter in 50 years and have been allocated 3,710 tonnes of salt as part of its winter maintenance programme. There are fears that Ireland could be heading for a significantly long winter after the early arrival of migratory birds from Siberia. T he last time the birds arrived this early was in 1963 and their presence has led many to believe that Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe is in store for a very cold winter. The council are now prepping for this cold snap and have already

deployed its first gritting crews of the season. According to the council, its primary aim is to keep their roads safe and as free as possible from winter hazards. They have outlined seven routes that they will conduct their operations on, which include: Lucan (42km), Clondalkin (59km) , Saggart (27km), Tallaght (48km), Kimmage (44km) , Ballyboden (50km), N81 (54km). The council is operating its winter maintenance operations from the Bally mount and Palmerstown Depots. The Ballymount Depot Salt Barn is its largest and the newer Palmerstow n Depot came into operation in November 2011.

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‘We are constantly striving to improve the winter maintenance service’

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According to the council: “The council’s roads department spreads salt/grit on its roads before ice or snow is expected. If snow or ice settles, snowploughing, salting and gritting is put into action. We are constantly striving to improve the winter maintenance service. Priority routes have been prepared to deal with emergency scenarios such as sudden snow storms or prolonged periods of freezing temperatures.” The salt spreading operations are sched-

uled each night to finish approximately two hours before the onset of icy conditions on the road, and will continue until March 31. This year, salt bins will also be kept stocked with rocksalt so that members of the public can treat a road if they deem it required. These locations are in local estates and areas with severe slopes that are not on the council’s salting routes, but have been identified as problem areas during icy conditions. The salt bins have a

The council have already deployed its first gritting crews of the season

lock on them and local residents can nominate a member of the public to be the keyholder. The salt bins in Lucan will be located in: Ardeevin, Sarsfield Park, Woodfarm, Lucan

Heights, Airlie Heights, and at Lucan Garda station. While in Clondalkin the salt bins will be located in: Floraville, Monastery Heath, St P a t r i c k ’s C r e s c e n t ,

Monastery Walk, Monastery Gate, Calliaghstown, Highdown Hill. The winter maintenance programme for this year can be accessed on the council’s website – www.sdcc.ie.

don’sdublin Robert Mallet and his seismic affect on our modern vocabulary Making a significant contribution

College railings on Nassau Street

president of the Institution of Civil

to science and being recognised for

and on an iron, mooring bollard on

Engineers. Sadly, his eyesight was

it would be enough for most people,

the West Pier, Dun Laoghaire.

affected by an unidentified disease

but not Robert Mallet who is also

He was elected to the Royal Irish

in the early 1870s and he spent his

credited with creating new words

Academy in 1832, and by the mid-

last years virtually blind. He died

that are in daily use.

1840s he was using his mechanical

on November 6, 1881 and is buried in

Mallet was born on June 3, 1810

and engineering skills to investi-

West Norwood Cemetery.

in Ryder’s Row (off Capel Street),

gate and interpret earthquakes.

Dublin where his father, John, owned His work, On the Dynamics of a foundry. After schooling in Great

Earthquakes, was a breakthrough

Dominick Street he entered Trinity

and was the beginning of the sci-

College in 1826 where he studied

ence of seismology. He, in fact,

science and engineering. He gradu-

created the word in 1858 along with

ated in 1830 and went on a long tour

seismoscope and epicentre. He

of the Continent where he visited

famously blew up Killiney Beach

numerous foundries learning the

while testing his theories in late

latest techniques that he would use

1849. Assisted by his eldest son,

in Dublin. By the early 1830s with

John, and some soldiers, explo-

the introduction of railways into

sions were set off and he recorded

Ireland, the foundry was busy and

the time taken for the shock wave

Mallet became a wealthy man. He

to travel through the sand.

had become a partner and the name

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

In 1877, he was awarded the

J&R Mallet, Dublin appeared on their Wollaston Medal by the Geologiwork all over the country. You can

cal Society of London, its highest

see them at the bottom of Trinity

award and he was also elected as

Scientist Robert Mallet was born on June 3, 1810 in Ryder’s Row (off Capel Street) in Dublin

3 December 2015 LUCAN Gazette 7

8 LUCAN Gazette 3 December 2015

3 December 2015 LUCAN Gazette 9

courts | prank call prevented 4,000 Intel staff from going to work

Hoax bomb call to avoid work A former sub-contractor for Intel, Leixlip, who asked his friend to make a hoax bomb call to the company because he didn’t want to go work may be ordered to carry out community service. Aaron O’Neill (20) had been out drinking and taking tablets with his friend Colin Hammond (21) when he decided he didn’t want to go in the next day. He paid his friend to make the call from a payphone outside Hammond’s home. The resulting 999 calls shut down a motorway, disrupted air traffic control and prevented 4,000 Intel staff from going to

work. Garda Eamonn McFadden said that at a “conservative estimate” the incident lost Intel 6,000 hours of production. O’Neill of Chieftains Drive, Balbriggan, and Hammond of Bath Road, also in Balbriggan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making a false report on the Bath Road on January 13, 2015. Neither man has previous convictions. Hammond told the operator there were bombs located at Intel which would go off in 12 hours. “You will not find them. This is a warning,

we’re everywhere now,” Hammond told emergency services when asked who was making the call, he replied: “Islamic State.” Described by Judge Martin Nolan as “profoundly stupid”, Hammond claimed he had been paid to make the call. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours community service in lieu of a two-year prison sentence when his case was dealt with in October. Judge Nolan said he saw “no reason to depart from the same sentence” for O’Neill but adjourned the case to January to get a report from the Proba-

tion Service to see if he was suitable for community service. He said: “To put it politely” it had been a misconceived plan and accepted that the men hadn’t envisaged the calls to have the effect they did. “It is a ver y, ver y strange way to avoid going to work,” Judge Nolan commented. Gda McFadden told Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, that O’Neill was questioned and made a cautioned statement but took no responsibility, claiming he didn’t know who made the calls and didn’t ask anyone to make them.

Twenty-year-old Aaron O’Neill had been out drinking and taking tablets with a friend when he decided he didn’t want to go in to work the next day

He was arrested in March when he admitted that it had been his idea. He said he had taken tablets, didn’t want to go to work the following day and asked Hammond to make the calls. He said there had been

no set plan but it was decided that 6am was a good time to make the call and that it should be made from the phonebox on Hammond’s street. He told gardai he was sorry but added that he

didn’t think it was going to be a big deal. Gda McFadden agreed with James Dwyer BL, defending, that it had been a spontaneous decision and the only evidence against O’Neill was his own admissions.

10 LUCAN Gazette 3 December 2015

Gazettegallery

| St Mary’s Boys’ National School celebrates

Sam Donohoe, Luke Trunk and Andrew Hill

Ex-deputy principal Sean Nolan holding a picture of late ’60s and teacher Kevin Reynolds holding a picture President of INTO Emma Dineen

Eoin McEvoy

Elvis aka Thomas Gilson

the school at present. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

School marks 50 years in education S

t Mary’s Boys’ National School in Lucan recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The celebrations took place in the school building in Chapel Hill which was opened

in 1965. Those who attended included many past pupils and teachers who shared memories, photos and other memorabilia from their time in the school.

Deputy principal Anne Esther, Victor and Adetutu Adanikin

Manning

Ex-teacher Vincent O’Connor and ex-pupil Colm Maguire

3 December 2015 LUCAN Gazette 11

a major anniversary with past pupils and teachers

Ted and Henry McHugh

Matthew Doherty getting his face painted by Aoife Friel

Daire Maguire giving Elvis a high five

his father who also worked in the school in the Bernie O’Gorman, Bernie Boyle, Josie Brennan, Moya O’Donoghue, Catherine Woods, Anne

of Sean’s daughter who is a teacher working in Harry O’Connor and Clint and Tiernan Maguire

Cronin, Mary Loham and Anne Manning

12 lucan gazette 3 December 2015

opinion | ‘The human stories tell us not enough is being done’

It’s the children who suffer most from homelessness

Sr Stan makes an urgent Christmas appeal to help support the unprecedented numbers of people who are losing their homes WE ALL think about our home at Christmas. How will we celebrate this special time of year with our family and friends? It’s the one time of year that people living away always make that special journey home to spend with their loved ones. It’s hard to imagine as you read this that there are many parents actually dreading Christmas like a nightmare, as they are homeless Sadly, this is true for more than 800 families and 1,500 children who do not have a place to call home as they are homeless. One mother told me how she can’t wait for the festive period to be over. She said: “I hate having to spend another day seeing my two young children homeless, stuck living in one little hotel room for the past eight months. It breaks my heart.” The harsh reality is that, as you read this, at least two families lost their home today. More single people will also

become homeless. I have never seen it so bad. These families live under terrible stress, and it’s the children who suffer the most. I wrote a piece for The Gazette this time last year, when I thought things were as bad as they would ever get. Sadly, since then – despite all the good work being done by many – the homeless crisis has deepened to an emergency situation as the number of children and families homeless in Dublin has doubled in a year.

Economic The major change in recent years has been the fact that many families and individuals are now losing their homes and becoming homeless purely for economic reasons. At least two families lose their homes every day in Dublin alone, and the key reason is that they can’t afford their rent increases. The Government has taken some actions that have helped to prevent some families becoming homeless, and this is positive news.

However, the constant rise in the number of people losing their homes ever y month, and the human stories behind these increasing figures tell us that not enough is being done. Rents have shot up by between 30 to 40% across Dublin over the past three years. Many people can’t manage, as rent supplement is too low. They end up getting in to debt and losing their homes. Let us be clear on this: the Government has the power to prevent more children and people becoming homeless. They must raise the rent supplement to match market rents. The Government has taken some actions that have helped to prevent some families becoming homeless, and this is positive news. Focus Ireland’s family team supports families and children who are homeless and works to help them secure a home. Our team helps 15 to 20 families to secure a home each month (often in co-operation with

Focus Ireland (FI) founder Sr Stan with FI family team manager Roisin McDonnell and her daughter, Feile, launching the charity’s Christmas Appeal outside Government buildings. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

local authorities and other NGOs), but with 70 to 80 families becoming homeless ever y month, the need for our services has never been greater. There are also many people struggling to pay their mortgages, and the Government must take a firm hand with the banks and financial institutions to ensure we do not see the avalanche of repossessions of family homes that many have warned

about. Focus Ireland is working hard to help these people who are at risk of homelessness, and we depend on the generous support of the public and businesses to help keep our lifeline support and prevention services there for people when they need support. I am asking people to please give what they can afford to support our urgent Christmas appeal.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie, or call 1850 204 205. We need your support more than ever, as we have seen a 44% increase in the numbers seeking our help, from 8,000 to 11,500 people last year. This year is Focus Ireland’s 30th anniversary. Our work has touched many thousands of lives since 1985, and continues to do so today. You can help to play a part in helping more

people to make the journey home by supporting our work.

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy Life president and founder, Focus Ireland

Editor’s Note: If you are worried about your housing situation or becoming homeless, contact Focus Ireland at www.focusireland. ie, or telephone 01 671 2555.

3 December 2015 lucan gazette 13

pets | Animal charity stresses importance of proper care

A puppy is a lifetime commitment for you  ian begley THE DSPCA are encouraging people interested in bringing a puppy into their home for Christmas to adopt them from a shelter as opposed to buying them from private breeders. The DSPCA provides care and shelter to thousands of animals that have been the victims of illness, injury, cruelty or are simply unwanted. The animal charity have outlined several tips and words of advice for those interesting in making the long-term commitment. A spokesperson said: “When adopting, you are making a commitment to

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‘At the DSPCA, each potential new owner is interviewed and a home check is carried before an adoption is approved’

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Brian Gillen, chief executive, DSPCA

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care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs, and up to 20 years for cats. “Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and pooches who are constantly left alone can develop behavioural problems. “If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house

most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt. “Be sure to choose an animal who will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic, large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? “If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet

ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share petcare duties.” The DSPCA currently have 60 puppies looking for new homes over the next couple of weeks from its centre in Rathfarnham. There are a wide selection of puppy types, including lurchers, golden and black Labrador-type pups, Jack Russel-types and springers. Brian Gillen, the DSPCA’s chief executive, said that the animal charity would like to remind people that under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, all pups born in Ireland from this September 1 are legally

Matilda presents the same needs that any

puppy wants from her new home:

caring people to give her all the space, training and love she needs

required to be microchipped and registered on an approved database. He said: “We keep an eye on websites that advertise animals for sale, such as DoneDeal, Adverts.ie, Gumtree and Dogs.ie, and we notice many dogs [are being] advertised for sale or ‘free to good homes’ without

mention of microchips. “At the DSPCA, each potential new owner is interviewed and a home check is carried before an adoption is approved. Each puppy is microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, de-flead and post-adoption neutering by our vets is included. Our adoption fee is

€150. “ E a c h p up py ha s been well socialised in the home of one of our dedicated foster families before returning to the shelter for adoption, and there is post-homing support from our dog training team, our dog boarding facility and our veterinary team.”

14 Gazette 3 December 2015

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| heritage book launched at dublin castle

Joyce MacHale with Lee and Noreen Motherway

A new chapter in our period houses’ lives

Author Frank Keohane with Dublin Civic Trust chief executive Geraldine Walsh and Senator David Norris. Pictures: Rose Comiskey

ENATOR David Norris was a fine choice to launch Dublin Civic Trust’s flagship publication, Irish Period Houses – A Conservation Guidance Manual at Dublin Castle recently. With his passion for architecture and the city’s rich heritage, Senator

Norris highly praised the book, which is a complete revision of the previous edition of the book, Period Houses, printed in 2001. The new edition, undertaken by the same author – conservation surveyor Frank Keohane – greatly widens the scope of the manual, with a com-

prehensive array of new topics now covering all of Ireland, with Ireland’s distinctive period houses given great attention. Irish Period Houses is available to buy directly from Dublin Civic Trust at www.dublincivictrust.ie, priced €45 (€54 with P&P), and many good bookshops nationwide.

Kevin Baird and Dr

Aisling Dunne and Livia Hurley

Liam Boylan and Katrina Bouchier

Adam Browne, Stephan Farrell and Graham Hickey

Danielle O’Donovan

Gazette

3 December 2015 Gazette 15

dublinlife

the big interview

tommy bowe: Ireland and Ulster rugby winger

On the ball with some thoughts of playing for Ireland and his life beyond sport  emma nolan

AFTER sustaining a serious knee injury in one of the Irish rugby team’s most important games, to date, at the recent Rugby World Cup, Ireland and Ulster winger Tommy Bowe is making a swift recovery and is hopeful he will be better in time to play at the Six Nations early next year. In a match that saw the team’s World Cup run come to an end, Bowe tore a ligament in his knee, requiring surgery. He says: “I’m four weeks after having surgery on my knee and so far the recovery is going very well, although it’s kind of a slow process. “The first couple of months is about just letting it heal, so I can’t really do a whole pile at the minute.” Though he’s currently on crutches, he’s still training every day: “The first two weeks after the operation I was at home, bored out of my mind, so it’s nice to be back doing a bit of physio and weights to keep active.” With a few of his teammates injured for the Argentina match, he admits it was tough going into the game without them. “We put in so much hard work and effort to get ourselves to the World Cup, so to pick up an

injury then was very difficult.” Bowe is hopeful he’ll be recovered in time for the Six Nations next year, but he is being realistic: “To be honest with you, I’d be doing very well to be back in time, but who knows?” Getting back into the game without captain Paul O’Connell will “take some getting used to,” he tells The Gazette. He compares his departure to when former captain Brian O’Driscoll finished up: “It’s always going to be difficult to have such an influential person that’s been in the squad for over 10 years leave, but that’s the nature of sport – people move on pretty quickly.

Opportunity “But we were able to move on from Brian and I’m sure with Paulie gone, it will give an opportunity for new guys to come in and fill that hole.” T he recent terror attacks in Paris, some of which occurred at the Stade de France during a match, shocked Bowe, particularly as a fellow sportsman. “With everything that was going on in Paris, I know there were quite a few rugby teams over there at the time – it was scary, it was unthinkable. “You don’t expect that sort of thing to happen; the response from fellow

teams was incredible and a huge sign of solidarity.” Speaking on life as a newlywed, Bowe says it’s been great: “The first couple of months were pretty crazy, but it’s so nice to be back home and back to normality, and to have a new wife!”

Post-grad diplomas Bowe tells The Gazette how he and fellow Ulster player, Andrew Trimble, recently got their postgrad diplomas in business management from the Hibernia College at the University of London. “It took us three years to finish it – I thought it was never going to happen, but I was delighted to go and get my certificate.” Although he reckons that’s the end of his studying days, he says that it’s nice to achieve something he can focus on when he finishes his rugby career. His other ventures – XV Kings Clothing, and Lloyd and Pryce Shoes – have been growing steadily since they started in 2013. “The feedback has been brilliant; even to hear that the rugby lads are going out and buying it for themselves and for Christmas presents is a huge compliment. “It’s nice to have something outside of rugby, learning about selling and designing. It’s off the wall, compared to all the rugby

stuff I do every day.” At the moment, he’s taking on a Subway campaign and visiting school sports teams for a Train with Tommy day, where he trains and gives talks to the teams on nutrition, sports and staying active. “I’m delighted to get to meet these young players and answer any questions they have,” he says.

Tommy Bowe and SUBWAY franchisee Mark Ryan at St Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue – the Leinster winner of the SUBWAY chain’s #TrainwithTommy competition, which offered the chance to win a training session with Bowe, €1,000-worth of rugby gear for the school, lunch courtesy of their local SUBWAY in Applegreen, Knocklyon Road and a team picture with Bowe. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

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16 Gazette 3 December 2015

dublinlife

diary

Budding bakers needed to bake in aid of charity The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) recently launched its Christmas Holly Appeal and are calling on budding bakers to host a bake sale in aid of the charity. Holly Carpenter, who launched the campaign, is calling on the nation

to join her in supporting their Christmas Fundraising appeal #NoSilentNight. The campaign aims to run these fundraising initiatives to raise much-needed funds and to highlight the difficulties many children face at Christmas time.

In addition, ISPCC will be selling their annual Holly Badges throughout the country for €2 in early December and are looking for people to buy the badge and wear it with pride to show their support for every child in Ireland. For more information

on how you can help and on all the fundraising activities running throughout the festive season, visit www.ispcc. ie.

top culinary student chefs The search is on to find Ireland’s top culinary student chefs. The KNORR Student Chef of the Year, now its 19th year, is open to the very best student chefs from culinary colleges across the island of Ireland. KNORR Student Chef of the Year is the biggest competition of its kind in Ireland and allows up-and-coming student chefs to showcase their talent, love of food, creativity and innovation in front of some of Ireland’s leading food professionals. This year students are being challenged to create a starter using sustainable Irish seafood and a main course celebrating Irish venison. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of culinary sustainability, incorporating food waste management and allergen awareness. T he 2016 KNORR Student Chef of the Year competition is open to second year students from participating catering colleges, training centres and Institutes of Technology. Deadline for entries is Friday, January 22.

Holly Carpenter is calling on the nation to join her for ISPCC’s Christmas Holly Appeal and help to ensure that there is #NoSilentNight in Childline. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

For more information, see www.unileverfoodsolutions.ie/knorrstudentchef.

retained a dancefloor space that will hopefully continue to book great music acts.

across the country are offering free soft drinks for the designated drivers on nights out

Wigwam Bar open for business

promoting safe driving practices

biggest Christmas market yet

One of the latest additions to Dublin’s nightlife scene is Bodytonic’s Wigwam Bar. Located at the old Twisted Pepper premises, the new venue offers a slightly more mature night out than its predecessor, boasting an extensive range of the best beers, spirits, wines and coffee from around the world. The interior has been extended to facilitate a table service restaurant with a menu from Chef Pedro that is inspired by his Brazillian roots, Italian training and Irish home. Ser ving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Dublin’s newest hotspot also houses the popular Vice Coffee and Boxcutter Barbershop. Not straying too far from its roots however, the famed basement, though much less grimy than it used to be, has

Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe, has officially launched CocaCola’s Christmas Jumper Car campaign which promotes responsible and safe driving practices using designated drivers during the party season. Ambassadors Vogue Williams and Northern Ireland comedian Shane Todd are celebrating the designated drivers across the county who stick to water or soft drinks on nights out to ensure their friends and family get home safely. Nominations from families, friends and bar staff are accepted via www.DesignatedDriver. ie and a winning driver from each province will get a surprise visit from the Christmas Jumper Car with a boot jam-packed full of prizes. To further promote road safety, participating pubs and restaurants

The Dublin Christmas Cracker Flea Market at Newmarket Co-op has become a tradition for many Dubliner’s at this time of year for both shoppers and traders, and is the place to go for all unique stocking filler needs. This year the Flea is moving to the disused Old John Player Wills Factory on South Circular road to facilitate its biggest market yet – with over 100 market traders, food stalls and music all housed under the one roof. Organisers have always deemed the event, which is taking place the weekend of December 11 to 13, as “more than just a market” but a gathering of like-minded people, friends and bargain hunters with the best selection of design, craft, vintage, second hand, upcycled, downcycled, and handmade gifts for Christmas.

3 December 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25

food P22

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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travel P20

theatre: musical interpretation at the project arts centre adapts joyce’s classic

Bringing The Dead to operatic life  Keith Bellew

AN OPERATIC interpretation of James Joyce’s The Dead is set for its world premiere at the Project Arts Centre, with six performances from December 9 to 12. For those who are not familiar with the story, it is centred around a married couple, Gretta and Gabriel, who go to a Christmas party at the house of the husband’s elderly aunts, Julia and Kate. The tale, which was hailed by TS Eliot as “one of greatest short stories ever written”, and “just about the finest short story

in the English language” by the New York Times, explores the themes of life, love and death. This new version was adapted by acclaimed Irish composer Ellen Cranitch and awardwinning playwright Tom Swift, and taps into the deep vein of musical references running through the original story. Speaking to The Gazette, director Jo Mangan said that the show is not overly complex, but is very accessible and enjoyable. She described it as operatic in “a beautiful, almost Sunday afternoonkind of way”.

While the story itself is quite melancholic, it has many humorous moments, and Mangan says that the cast make full use of these to provide some comic relief. “Julia and Kate’s characters are great fun, so Ruth McGill and Clare Barrett are playing them and they’re great comic actresses. They’re milking every bit of comedy out of it. “It’s great comedy written by Joyce, and then adapted by Tom Swift, and then by adding in a couple of fantastic actors it really kind of pulls [all the comedy] out.

“I would say Kate and Julia are our main comic relief, but then there’s also a great character – Millie, the maid,” she said. She said that all of the comedic goings on are leading up to the moment at the end of the night when Gabriel’s wife, Gretta, tells him that she had loved another man before him who died, and infers that she loved that man more than she could ever love him. “That, for me, is the high point of the whole piece; everything else is sort of working towards that moment. It allows you to look at those two charac-

ters from the beginning. “Gretta is quite separate from a lot of the action, but [in this adaption] she is doing a bit of narrating herself, and we have framed it so it is kind of Gretta’s story all the way through,” said Mangan. She said this gives their piece a different thrust to other adaptations, and it allows Gretta to step in and out of the action from time to time, which is useful as the cast comprises just four actors. Tickets are on sale now from the Project Arts Centre Box Office, and online at http://projectartscentre.ie/event/dead-2/.

Actress Ruth McGill – one of the reduced but highly talented cast members starring in the production

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Two new stores opened recently. Joules, the much loved clothing and lifestyle store on Wicklow St and Selected Femme in Dundrum Town Centre. Selected Femme has a concession in BT2 but this is the first stand along store in Ireland. The brand is a fashion-forward and contemporary unisex brand. Part of the Bestseller family, its

fast affordable fashion for women, men, teenagers, and children. Their products are available online, in branded chain stores, in multi-brand, and department stores. Joules, who are renowned for things such as their tweed jackets, wellington boots and Breton tops opened their first full Republic of Ireland store and also their landmark 100th store. Here are a selection of the best of both.

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18 Gazette 3 December 2015

Danjas Ls Leather Blazer €139.95 Festive jumper €67.95

Hevia Top €69.95

3 December 2015 Gazette 19

20 Gazette 3 December 2015

Gazette

TRAVEL OUT&ABOUT fast TRAVEL NEWS Seize the day and enjoy the City of Lights visiting paris: standing in solidarity with Parisians

 Yvette Dolan-Collins

Journalist living in Paris

Alongside fantastic natural beauty, Malta is home to a fascinating blend of cultures and rich heritage

Make Malta your place for a winter getaway Escape the cold, grey skies of Ireland this January by jetting away to sunny Malta for the perfect winter getaway. There is no better place to recover from the hectic Christmas period and to escape the January blues as this magical paradise has everything holidaymakers could possibly want. It’s not too late to plan your trip and there are some fantastic deals on offer at this time of year. With Budget Travel, you can depart on January 3 and stay at the 3-Star San Pawl Hotel, St Paul’s Bay for €289 per person. Alternatively, you can depart on January 5 and stay at the 4-Star Park Hotel, Sliema (B&B) for €249 per person. With Mercury Direct you can stay seven nights at the 3-Star Panorama Hotel, Mellieha, departing on the January 5 for €358pp. Alternatively, you can jet off on January 26 and stay seven nights at the 3-Star Porto Azzurro, Xemxija Bay for €333pp. Concorde is offering seven nights at the 3-Star St Georges Park and La Vallette Apartments, St Julians, departing January 16 for €255pp. Otherwise you can depart on the January 21 and stay at the 4-Star Golden Tulip Hotel, Sliema for €339pp. There are some fantastic things to do and see in Malta in early 2016. The Valletta International Baroque Festival will take place from January 16 to 30. The festival has been created as a celebration of the baroque identity of Valletta which will resound with music from the period when it was built. This January is also the perfect time to experience some of Malta’s rich heritage such as the megalithic temples. Art lovers will want to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts which exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times. The Maltese Islands are also an ideal destination for those wishing to get fit after the overindulgence of the Christmas period. Malta has approximately 40 health and spa outlets that focus on your overall wellbeing. Visit www.visitmalta.com for further information on Malta.

Hemingway’s memoir of Paris in the 1920s, A Moveable Feast, is in French so aptly entitled Paris est une Fete (Paris is a Party). The party is far from over, but for a time on the weekend following the recent barbaric terrorist attacks, the City of Lights was plunged into darkness. The most often quoted line from Hemingway’s book is “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast”. Having just moved to the countryside of southern France after seven abundant years living in the the French capital, I know that these words still hold true today. Although happy as a clam in my new sylvan setting, I will always have an itch to go back. A proviso of my departure from my urban perch was that the new ‘chez nous’ would have to be within a short distance of the dedicated train station for the high-speed train, Le TGV. I know that a regular fix of Paris is vital to me and my vital organs. As I sit in my kitchen and think about the city that usually spakles, I ponder on whether it has lost its glow. Yesterday my friend Emmanuelle, 40, who works in the music industry, emailed me with news of her weekend, the second since the heinous terrorist attacks

were carried out on Paris. Although grief is still very raw and palpable, she said, ‘Parisians are making it a ‘point d’honneur’ (a point of honour) to go out, to fill cafes and restaurants. It’s as though, by this refusal to accept the terror, La Resistance Française has been reincarnated. In the same spirit, last week an ensemble of high profile personalities from the French cultural scene coined the rousing slogan ‘Paris, France, Le Monde, Debout!’ (Paris, France, The World, Stand Up!). This ‘élan patriotique’, or recent resurgence in patriotism is essential in order to ‘keep calm and carry on’ in the face of the uncertainty left in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Despite the serious infraction inflicted on French Homeland Security, the French, and Parisians in particular, will not allow their ‘art de vivre’, or lifestyle, be compromised. Nor should you compromise your plans to visit Paris. L a s t we e ke n d I received an email from a discount travel website offering luxury city breaks in Paris, discounted 70%. An indication no doubt of the fall-off in sales, combined, no doubt, with cancellations, owing to fear following the terrorist attacks. An opportunist might say it’s the ideal time to travel to Paris, stay in an top hotel and dine at a Michelin Star restaurant, all at a fraction of the usual going rate. If only one could grasp

Yvette Dolan-Collins grew up in Dublin but spent the last seven years living in Paris, in the 11th arrondissement, just metres from the recent atrocities and the January attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine occurred

a crystal ball and gaze deep into it, one could plan life in such a way as to avoid all mishap, misfortune and sadness. Alas that’s not possible. Instead we can visit Paris, with Versailles Palace and its ever luminous crystalcut mirrors. A myriad of other marvels also cry out for attention in the French capital. Something as simple as a ride on a local bus is a visual feast. Traversing the city from the bobo 11th Arrondissement to the chic quarter of St Germain fills me to the brim with Paris and its beauty. The No 96 is my favourite route. Le Champs Elysees is all-a-sparkle in the run up

to the festive season. Its Christmas market chalets sell all kinds of gourmet goodies which make perfect presents and stocking fillers. A visit to the Pantheon, sitting as it does like a sumptuous religieuse pastry upon a hill in the 5th Arrondissement overlooking all of Paris, is a preferable alternative to the overcrowded basilica of Sacre Coeur, and so awe-inspiring for all the history it exudes. A wintry walk through crunchy fallen leaves in the Jardins de Luxembourg, followed by a meltin-your-mouth macaron from nearby Pierre Herme (beats any competitor, hands-down), is a

priceless experience. A stroll from Place de la Bastille with its genie atop the column, along Boulevard Beaumarchais as far as Place de la Republique, is retail therapy not to be beaten. The answer to the question of whether the City of Lights has lost its glow lies with you and me. What the terrorists want is to divide and conquer, to cause chaos, to plant fear and loathing in the western world. Whether to visit or not, is an agonising quandry. My firm answer is carpe diem. All our cards lie in the hand of destiny. So go, visit Paris, and stand in solidarity with the Parisians.

3 December 2015 Gazette 21

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22 Gazette 3 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

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M&S Festive glazed Oakham turkey breast €48

M&S Musical Shortbread tree tin €14.99; Santa tin €17.99 Lidl Lobster

€6.99

Tesco Finest Six-month mature Christmas pudding 908g €10.50

Aldi Crispy Thai Prawn Baskets €2.99

Iceland Oyster Rockefella €13

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FOOD GUIDE M&S Chocolate Yule Log Cream 70cl €16.49

Tesco Finest Sloe gin €22

Lildl Stilton cheese €4.99

Celtic Cask Do Dheag 12 €135 (Celtic Whiskey shop)

James Whelan Ham €45 (Approx weight 5-6.5kg)

WHETHER celebrating faith, family or friendship this Christmas, there’s one thing that we can all rely on – an avalanche of delicious food from all the main retailers! Once again, timeless Christmas dinner staples will grace the nation’s tables, while quirky and fun nibbles will add the icing on the cake. So, whether you’re considering where to get the family ham and turkey, on a mission to get a tasty treat for your co-workers, or looking for the right drink to toast Aunty Mary when she pops around on St Stephen’s Day, here’s our round-up of some of the most delicious fare this year ...

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By Dickens, it’s delicious

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24 Gazette 3 December 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

nutrition: humble fare can have great power

Make your own soup for a real winter boost

 yvonne sheehy

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BA (hons) Culinary Arts

‘I don’t tend to use stock cubes.If you layer your soup with herbs and spices, it will have its own flavour.’

WINTER is here and it’s time to nourish the body and strengthen our immune system. There’s no better ways than super-soups; warming, nourishing and satisfying. The best thing about soups is that there are no correct quantities – it’s all right to put your own touch and taste to the pot! The more you make soup and play around with the process, such as the ingredients-to-liquid ratio, the better you will master the consistency and depth of flavour. Soup is an easily digestible meal which can provide a bowl jam-packed with valuable vitamins and minerals to help strengthen the immune system, and protect ourselves from winter colds and flu, and – although we may not escape them completely – the help from soups to have a strong and functioning immune system will help to alleviate their symptoms and minimise their duration. Garlic, fennel, onions, leeks and celery provide us with prebiotic goodness. Prebiotics feed probiotics through their fibre and natural sugars. Probiotics (found in sauerkraut, sourdough

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bread, miso, yoghurt, kefir or through a supplement) improve our gut function. This process helps to strengthen our microbiome, which is our defence system against toxins and viruses. The following tips are a few basic rules I follow when making soups ... 1. Soup base: this can be a combination of onions, leeks, garlic, carrots, fennel and celery. Chop finely and saute over a low heat with some sea salt and crushed black pepper to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables. I use coconut oil to saute the base in all my soups as it is a good oil to saute with, and I find it adds a nice flavour. I try to incorporate leeks, carrots and celery as a base to all my soups, and more often than not add all above ingredients to pack in as much variety and nutritional value

as possible. To this base, you can begin to build on the flavours and ingredients to your soup. 2. If a soup is to be pureed I like to keep the same colours in the pot so as not to end up with an off-coloured soup; for example, if I am making a tomato soup, I stick to red onions, carrots and red/orange ingredients, or if the soup is to be a green soup, I stick to asparagus, courgettes and peas, and add vibrant green leaves towards the end of cooking to keep the bright-green colour. 3. Once the main ingredients have been added, then add your liquid of choice to completely cover them, so as to easily stir the soup while it simmers. It is worth making your own stock as it takes the nourishment to another level. If you cook a chicken once a week, just keep the carcass and make a stock. I don’t tend to use stock cubes as they mostly contain salt and flavour enhancers. If you layer your soup with herbs and spices, it will have its own flavour. I keep fresh rosemary, thyme and bay leaves on hand to add to most soups as they simmer and, depending on the soup, fresh ginger, cin-

namon, paprika and turmeric are great to add flavour naturally. 4. Taking your soup to another level can make it a meal. By adding lentils, pasta or beans and keeping it chunky, you can serve your soup as a light and comforting winter’s evening meal. When serving a chunky soup, it helps the consistency to give it a small blend with a stick blender so as to blend it a small bit – but to keep it chunky, just blend for a few seconds. 5. Finishing your soup’s presentation can enhance the flavour and make it visually appealing. Serve in nice soup bowls with a drizzle of olive oil, some grated parmesan, home-made sourdough croutons, basil oil, balsamic vinegar, shredded seaweed or fresh herbs, depending on the soup. The three most popular soup recipes rotating through my kitchen at the moment are puy lentil soup topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and crumbled Clonakilty pudding; carrot and red lentil soup with garlic sauteed Swiss chard, and “Green goddess” (see recipe, right). So, pack a punch for your winter wellness with any of these three soups.

Make your own soup with carefully-chosen fresh ingredients, and you’ll be giving your immune system a great boost for the winter months

GREEN GODDESS SOUP

This is a thick and creamy soup. The amount of liquidto veg-ratio can vary according to your ingredients, but cover the veg with stock/ liquid. The greens will cook down a lot at the end of cooking; be sure not to cook for too long or put on a lid on after adding the final greens, in order to maintain that vibrant green colour. This may look like a lot of vegetables in the pot at first, but this soup is to pack a punch of green goodness. Ingredients – 2 leeks (finely chopped) – 2 sticks celery (finely chopped) – 1 fennel (remove tough stalks and core and finely chop) – 1 tablespoon coconut oil – 1 clove garlic, crushed or finely chopped – 2 bay leaves – 2 sprigs thyme – Quarter teaspoon cinnamon – 1 courgette, chopped – 1 small bunch asparagus (if in season – if not, replace with one cup of frozen peas), chopped – 200g bag of spinach, or half head of Swiss chard or kale (about 4-5 leaves)

To Serve – Extra virgin olive oil, red chilli seeds – Sourdough bread Preparation – Saute celery, leeks, fennel, salt, pepper on a low heat in coconut oil for 10-15 minutes until reduced in size and soft. – Add garlic to the pot and continue to saute for a further 5 mins. – Add thyme picked form sprigs and bayleaves and cinnamon. – Add courgette and peas/ asparagus and continue to saute for 5 mins. – Cover with stock/water and add more liquid, if required,

to cover ingredients. – Bring to boil then lower to a simmer for 30 mins until vegetables have softened. – Meanwhile, wash spinach and drain or wash and destalk chard or kale. Chop and add to the pot. Just as the greens have wilted (about 5 mins), turn of the heat and stir for a minute. – With a handheld or jug blender, blend the soup together. Season to taste. – Ladle into bowls and top with a tiny sprinkle of red chilli seeds (or cayenne powder), drizzle with olive oil, and serve with sourdough bread. – Serve, and enjoy!

3 December 2015 Gazette 25

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CINEMA

ReelReviews

PAN

Generally charmless PAN (Cert PG, 111 mins) by name, and panned by nature – by critics around the world, at least, who sharpened their knives to make this “origins” story of Peter Pan one of the worst-scored films of 2015. Telling of how Peter Pan became the boy who never grew up, and how he made an enemy of Captain Hook, it’s a mish-mash of jumbled ideas and poor editing, making it one to fly past.

There is, perhaps, an unintended resonance to Bridge of Spies thanks to current European events and increasing tensions and divisions. Such themes echo through this Soviet era-set tale of Cold War spying and frosty international relations, with Tom Hanks (above) adding some everyman warmth and integrity to Spielberg’s film.

bridge of spies: spielberg’s political thriller sees hanks on fine form

Feeling the Cold War’s heat PATRIOTISM lies at the heart of Bridge of Spies (Cert 12A, 141 mins), Spielberg’s fourth collaboration with Tom Hanks, though there is none of the brash flag-waving you might expect. The “inspired by true events” story sees Hanks take the lead role as James B Donovan – an IrishAmerican lawyer whose legal stringency sees him unexpectedly dropped into the mire of Cold War politics, where he must question what it means to be an American. In 1957, as tensions between the United States and Russia ramped up, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested in New York City and accused of being a Soviet spy. At the request of the US government, Donovan agrees to provide

 Dave phillips

legal defence for Abel, but quickly realises that all the US are looking for is the pretence of a defence – this is a situation, he is told unequivocally, in which there is no rulebook. The trial of Abel sets the scene for a much longer story of hostage negotiation that plays out in the film’s latter half when the action moves from New York to Berlin. And, while the streets may be meaner in the newly divided city, we do not see an awful lot of them – following on from its courtroom drama beginnings, Bridge

of Spies is the kind of film that takes place in large armchairs, in vast drawing rooms, and under gargantuan portraits. With visually lavish sets, Spielberg masterfully and immediately sets the tone for this Cold War showdown. It is a time of terseness and temerity, where orders are given and never questioned, and conversations ended by the cold clack of Bakelite phones being shoved back onto receivers. It is up to Hanks, who invokes that impossibleto-dislike quintessential everyman quality, to bring some warmth to this frigid environment. However, there is plenty to help him along, complementing Spielberg’s fine attention to detail is some serious on-screen talent – Mark Rylance, who with clipped utter-

ances and boundless intensity, steals the show time and again as the quietly enigmatic Abel. A Cohen Brothers screenplay brings a welcome sense of humour and philosophical whimsy that at several points saves scenes from falling into that staid, grey grimness we associate with Cold War-era movies. Bridge of Spies is a timely film, as through this mostly true story Spielberg not only brings an interesting period of history to life – he also brings into question what it is to be an American. The character of Donovan provides that answer loud and clear: The American Constitution.The Constitution is a rulebook, and if you stop playing by that set of rules, then you have ceased to be an American, and have

become something else. The patriotism expounded in Bridge of Spies is not of the overt variety, like, say, in Clint Eastwood’s shockingly galling American Sniper – rather, it is concerned with interior ideals. To be a real American, Spielberg seems to suggest, is to be virtuous, honest, and to honour the spirit of the law above the letter of the law. It is fitting that this exaltation of interior values plays out mostly indoors, unfolding through conversations and negotiations. Indeed, the one or two scenes with more typical action rankle, and seem

out of place. The distinct lack of loud and frantic action may be off-putting for some cinemagoers, but it shouldn’t be. Bridge of Spies is a solid film, with more than enough given by Hanks and Ryland to carry it through its 141-minute running time. Spielberg may apply a liberal dose of schmaltz to the affair, but there is no denying he knows how to tell a great story.

Verdict: 8/10

black mass

Lives up to the hype AS REAL-life Irish-American mobster James ‘Whitey’ Bolger, Johnny Depp’s prosthetic makeup is a little distracting – however, it’s one of the few unwelcome distractions about Black Mass (Cert 15A, 123 mins). Although broadly familiar content, it’s a skillfully told tale of the criminal underworld’s clash with law and order, with ’70s South Boston providing the backdrop to a great tale.

spectre

Bond’s latest romp DANIEL Craig takes another shot at playing Bond in Spectre (Cert 12A, 148 mins), with his latest outing smashing its way through the cinema charts, despite more than a few shortcomings. An overly convoluted attempt at creating a larger overall story from Bond’s recent films and adventures, Spectre ticks all the right 007 boxes, but misfires a little along the way.

26 lucan gazette 3 December 2015

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Lucan Golf Club is seeking to appoint a General Administrator on an initial Temporary Contract (6 months) basis but may become permanent. The person will have experience in some or all of the requirements listed below and also be familiar with working in a busy office which is in daily contact with familiar and new faces. Customer facing experience and attitude is a key component in the selection process. The day to day activities of the General Administrator will include (but not limited to); ADMINISRTATION, RECEPTION & GENERAL ENQUIRIES MEETINGS PREPARATION CASH HANDLING & RECONCILIATION COMMUNICATION SKILLS DESIRED •Literacy – Fluent English & written English •Numeracy •Computer Literate – MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES • Golf knowledge – Pleasant – Communicative – Flexible - Adaptable Should your CV match the criteria listed, we could be interested in taking your application further. Please email your current CV to manager@lucangolf.ie to arrive no later than Friday 18th December 2015 at 2pm.

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Gazette

28 gazette 3 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport Frustration as rain wipes out dublin games: THE Continental Women’s Nathonal League Dublin derby between Peamount United and Shelbourne Ladies and the UCD Waves against Galway WFC game were both postponed due to unplayable pitches over the weekend. For Shelbourne and UCD, it was the second time their fixtures have been called off in the league already, meaning they will have a busy second half of the campaign. The pair are due to play again next weekend on Saturday at 7pm. Both have won their two games in the competition thus far in impressive style to share second place at this early stage of the campaign. Elsewhere, Castlebar Celtic collected their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-0 home win against Kilkenny United WFC on Saturday evening . Reigning champions Wexford beat Cork 3-0.

athletics: blanchardstown distance runner back in top form

Olympics on Flynn’s agenda  james hendicott sport@dublingazette.com

COOLMINE athlete David Flynn has targeted a place at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016, after a successful end to the 2015 that has

seen him move right the way back into the frame for qualification. Flynn hopes to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Olympics, and is also targeting the world half-marathon championships, with

Flynn in action during his time in Arkansas

a qualification run in Houston, Texas on January 17. “I expect the strength [of my recent runs] to carry over into qualifying for the Olympics in the 3,000m steeplechase. The A standard is 8.28 and B standard 8.34; they are extremely hard to achieve as it’s very hard to find a world class steeplechase field without pacemakers but I’m very optimistic with my latest performances, new coach and training environment,” he said. Flynn has had a tough couple of years, and his seventh overall at the national cross country championships – ahead of Olympic qualified athletes and European finalists – shows the strength

David Flynn in training in California earlier this year

of his ambitions. He puts the performance down to three months at altitude in California as the key to Flynn’s ambitious return. “I went to University of Arkansas on an athletic scholarship,” he explains. “I had a very successful few years, including a national championship in 2013 where they flew us to the White House to meet president Obama. “After my eligibility was up and I graduated, I was about to join a professional group in Austin, Texas but I got diagnosed with mono [glandular fever] and wasn’t able to train for 11 months. “Instead, I became a coach at Arkansas during that time which I learnt a

lot. I then returned home to Ireland which I found very hard to settle back into living full-time.” Since then, he has been given the okay to train on a more frequent basis and admits that he initially found it “extremely hard to get back into shape” prior to his return to the US. “Moving up to the mountains in California was the best choice I have ever made in my life,” he adds. “I had been there for a few weeks in 2013 but the group had changed a lot over that time. It is at 8,000ft altitude every day I run with some of the best athletes in the world. “My coach Andrew Kastors’ wife Deena was

third at the Olympics in Athens and recently broke the masters world record in the Chicago marathon. “Having people like her around everyday is great.” And Flynn is now keen to get his local community behind him, speaking of the importance of support, and would be keen to hear from local businesses who might be able to help him attain his Olympic dream. “Support and sponsorship is extremely important for all athletes targeting the Olympics as the training and recovery involved is a full time job in itself. Some sponsorship from local businesses could really help me chase this dream.”

Loreto knock out second national league side in ISC  sport@dublingazette.com

Loreto’s Sarah Evans gives chase to a ball in her side’s 3-0 win over UCC. Picture: Adrian Boehm

LORETO knocked out higher ranked opposition for the second round of the women’s Irish Senior Cup quarter-final draw after they disposed of UCC on Saturday to be the one of just two provincial league sides still standing in the competition. The Leinster league outfit progressed as they beat the Cork side 3-0 with a superb second half showing. Hannah Matthews made it 1-0 before efforts from Sarah Evans and Niamh Small from

a corner move extended the lead out, adding UCC to Pembroke in their list of victims in this year’s competition. Donnybrook side Muckross, however, were unable to join them as Ballymoney eventually prevailed on penalty strokes in Donnybrook against Muckross after normal time had finished 2-2. Jane Gilsenan had give Muckross the early lead from a corner before Money swapped the lead by the 52nd minute. A minute later, Sarah Green equalised from another set

piece, setting up a lively closing quarter in which Nicci Daly saw one effort saved on the line and another hit the post with three minutes to go. It sent the tie straight to penalty strokes in which Ballymoney netted each of their first three while Muckross missed twice to set up the victory. Other wise, all the main players advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition with six EYHL sides making it through. For the second week running, Cork Harlequins put it up

to Booterstown’s Hermes but could not quite get the reward their performance deserved as they eventually succumbed 2-1 at St Andrew’s. Like a week ago, the first half ended scoreless. Nikki Evans broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period with a classy reverse-stick finish. Quins fought back with Miriam Crowley equalising but the Hermes’ reply was instant with Chloe Watkins restoring the home side’s lead, one which they held to the end.

3 December 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Pendred steps out of the MMA Octagon Dubliner ends his competitive career in the cage but says his love for mixed martial arts is not likely to be dimmed  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

CATHAL PENDRED - a high-profile UFC fighter based at Conor McGregor’s Straight Blast Gym in central Dublin - has retired from the sport, citing a loss of passion. T h e we l t e r we i g h t fighter represented Ire-

Cathal Pendred

land and is a former Cage Warriors champion, and also reached a semi-final in American UFC-based reality TV show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. He was born in Boston to Irish parents, and relocated to Dublin as a toddler, where he played in a Leinster Schools senior cup winning Belvedere

College side alongside Cian Healy before getting involved in mixed martial arts. Announcing the retirement, Pendred said: “I am a passionate person and I always give 100% to what I do. I have been passionate about MMA for a long time and my focus on the sport has been my

driving force for the last 9 years. “I now find that my passion is no longer what it was and I feel that it is time for me to move on. “I have other interests that I want to pursue. The time is right to close one door and open another. “My love of MMA remains with me. I intend to maintain my involvement with the sport, but I no longer wish to compete.” He continues: “I have developed as a person because of mixed martial Arts, as I learned to cope with the discipline and demands of the sport. MMA has made me a stronger person. This strength will carry through into other areas of my life, as I move on to pursue new goals. “I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates for their friendship and support. Thank you to ever yone who has followed

and supported me on this journey. Indeed, thanks to everyone that I met through MMA from star t to finish. This chapter of my life wouldn’t have been the same without you. “My participation in competing in MMA has come to an end, but my love for the sport has not. “I will maintain my interest in the sport and continue to support my team mates as they follow their dreams.” Pendred has recently opened a salad bar in Dublin called Chopped and he has also become involved in domestic v i o l e n c e aw a r e n e s s campaigns. He also found viral fame last year when he was pictured returning a stranded dolphin to the water on a beach on Doonbeg, County Clare. Pendred retires with a professional record of 17 wins and four losses, with one draw. He lost his final two fights.

FastSport Road races play big role in city’s Resolution Day DUBLIN’s New Year Festival has been named Resolution Day, a January 1 event intended to kick start those with New Year’s ambitions. The first of January event will incorporate the Lord Mayor’s Five Alive challenge at Liffey Valley Athletics Club (already fully booked for race one) through the Tom Brennan 5km road race in Phoenix Park, as well as TED Talk style motivations speeches. The Lord Mayor’s challenge continues into April, with five events in total. Alongside the sporting events, there will be a candlelit Procession of Light (December 31, St Stephen’s Green), a St Stephen’s Green Street Festival and the lighting up of buildings in an event called Luminosity. The festival will also attempt to beat world records for the largest Bodhran Session, with in excess of 980 people expected, as well as taxi drivers sharing their stories in talks called ‘On the Move, City Wide’. A music trail and arts workshops are also expected. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said of the event: “We have had an exceptional year in terms of tourism and we intend to end the year with style. Failte Ireland and Dublin City Council have developed this Festival together to grow Dublin’s reputation as a destination for New Year celebrations.” “The range of entertainment and events on offer during NYF will entertain visitors and Dubliners alike. I am confident that everyone who takes part in the New Year celebrations will have a great time and be impressed by the manner in which Dublin marks the year’s end.” He continues: “A young festival by any standard, the NYF is quickly becoming the jewel in Dublin’s winter crown, and proving to be a great draw for international visitors, with last year’s event attracting thousands of visitors from both home and abroad. The St Stephen’s Green Street Fest is a great new addition to the Festival and will provide festival-goers with more options to ring in 2016.”

Gazette

30 lucan gazette 3 December 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: kane, Aherne and Payne star for IrisH underage sides

Harriers cut a swathe through field in Swords NINE Lucan Harrier Ladies, in two teams, travelled to Fingallians in Swords to take part in the two-mile cross country run as part of the Meet and Train series last weekend. It was a tough race with the heavy rain for the previous 24 hours leaving a muddy running surface. Bernie Stapleton led the Lucan Ladies home with a great time of 14.31, followed by Jana Radociova in 14.53, Kathleen Trunk in 15.08 and Elaine Kelly in 17.56. Next in was Maria Donoghue in 18.16, Sinead Fleet in 19.20, Fanchea Gibson in 20.27, Bridget Kenny in 20.40 and Trish Byrne in 21.35 with Kelly and Fleet competing in their first race. The rest of the races in the Series will take place on January 3 at Sportsworld, Terenure (Bushy Park), January 24 at Brothers Pearse (Doddervalley Park, Firhouse Road) and February 7 in Dunboyne.

Taylor claims Irish title in ring for first time KATIE TAYLOR claimed an Irish title for the first time, but the Olympic champion was in fine form at the National Stadium in Dublin 8, overcoming Tipperary’s Shauna O’Keefe to win the vacant Irish Lightweight Belt. The Peamount United club woman took the title for the fifth time, but having had no opponent signed up to face her the first four times, this victory is the first time Taylor has actually had to contest the title.

O’Keefe, the current Irish intermediate champion, was in a confident mood going into the fight, telling local media that she fancied her chances, but women’s boxings figurehead was not to be upset, winning an unanimous decision 40-34, 40-36, 40-36. Taylor was joined by brother Lee, who took the place of her father Peter in the Taylor corner for the first time. Unsurprisingly, a brave and competitive O’Keefe was overmatched throughout the contest, with Taylor comfortably outmaneuvering her opponent, and also looking the stronger fighter.

Brandon Payne in his Lucan United days

Lucan lads star in green sport@dublingazette.com

THERE was plenty of Lucan interest as the Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad contested two friendly fixtures in Dublin last week. Lucan CBS student Conor Kane was included in Paul Doolin’s 19-man squad for the two games against Czech Republic as were former Lucan United players Jamie Aherne and Brandon Payne. Clondalkin’s Trevor Clarke was also included in the squad to heighten the West-Dublin interest. Kane and Aherne are teammates at St Patrick’s Athletic while Payne is

plying his trade in the development squads at Scottish giants Celtic. Clarke meanwhile is back home and with Shamrock Rovers having spent time in England’s North-East at Middlesborough. Doolin’s squad had an even mix of home-based players and ones who are learning the craft across the Irish Sea. Ahead of the fixtures, the Ireland manager mentioned one of the Lucan lads in his pre-match interviews. “The be all and end all is not the results but more so to prepare them for next year’s Under-19s. If you can perform and get a result then all the bet-

blue bulls Barnhall record fine win over Greystones mu barnhall picked off an important 17-5 win over Greystones to stay in touch of the sides ahead of them in the Ulster Bank Division 2B. It was their third win from eight outings this season which sees them sit in ninth place of the ten teams in the division but, crucially, puts them within five points of Armagh in fourth place in the table. Next on the agenda is an away date at Highfield on Saturday afternoon.

ter,” he said. “There are a lot of technically good players so going forward we have good options and if we can get those players to understand their defensive roles too then you have a good all-round player. “The likes of Conor Kane from St Pat’s and Ja mes Doona from Shamrock Rovers have a bit of potential so hopefully they’ll benefit from the experience,” Doolin added. Both of the international friendly’s were played at Home Farm’s Whitehall venue with both sides enjoying a win apiece with

Ireland enjoying a 4-0 victory last Saturday before the Czechs bounced back with a 3-1 reverse on the Monday. Clarke started that opening game while Payne emerged from the bench as Daniel Mandroiu put Ireland ahead, turning a shot from the Clondalkin man that fizzed across the box on 37 minutes. Steven Kinsella added a second for Ireland on the hour mark with a lovely curling shot from the edge of the area. It was 3-0 on 85 minutes when a Payne shot was parried by the Czech keeper and Kinsella swooped in to get his sec-

ond while Gerry McDonagh added a fourth late on. Two days later, Kane and Aherne stepped into the starting-line up while Clarke and Payne came on from the bench. Ondrej Sasinka opened the scoring on the half hour mark for the Czechs but the game was level three minutes later when Liam Brady was successful from the penalty spot, with Aherne involved in the build-up. Two goals in the second half gave the Czechs the result and the Lucan lads will now return to club action until the next international squad meeting.

3 December 2015 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

Minor star

McDonnell receives player of year award

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields

former Westmanstown Gaels player

Rebecca McDonnell was among the players honoured at the Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association annual awards and gala evening last weekend in Croke Park. She was named minor player of the year at the event which celebrates the very best in the county.

DIVISION 1 beckons in 2016 for Lucan’s

performances on Sunday, nomina-

senior footballers after a superb win

tions are well deserved.

over Skerries Harps in the Division 2

Eight Lucan Sarsﬁelds players are

top four promotion playoff; 1-9 to 1-5

included in the Dublin senior camogie

the ﬁnal score that saw jubilant man-

panel announced on the November 25

agement team and players get real

for 2016. They are Ali Twomey, Claire

reward for their 24 months of hard

Rigney, Emma Flanagan, Kate Whyte,

work.

Mairi Moynihan, Niamh Byrne, Orla

Success also for the U-21 hurlers

Picture: GAAPics.com

football: Lucan return to afl division one

Beagan and Siobhan Grimes.

who march on in the championship

Christmas draw tickets are avail-

with a 1-13 to 1-7 win over Castleknock;

able from any club mentor or at the

they now face Ballymun Kickams in

club.

the semi-final. Hard luck to the minor

Lucan Sarsﬁelds Leopardstown

B hurlers fell to Cuala at the quarter-

Leaps is on Sunday, January 17. A four-

ﬁnal stage.

course dinner followed by a superb

Lucan Sarsﬁelds AGM was held on

day of national hunt racing will set the

Thursday, November 26 last where

scene for a great day’s fun. For further

outgoing club secretary Frank Flem-

details contact Eoin on 086 2734114.

ming gave a very comprehensive, yet concise, review of the year. We wish Frank well in the future and in his efforts to reduce his golf handi-

Every Wednesday at 8.30pm, setdancing continues in the club, all welcome every Friday at 9pm sharp, 25-card drive.

cap. John Kennedy takes over secre-

The club shop is open on Thursdays

tarial duties and Billy Egan those of

at 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays

assistant treasurer.

from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Thanks in part to Tom Waldron’s

The Lucan District Credit Union GAA

recommendation to the AGM, the new

Academy at Lucan Sarsﬁelds is on Sat-

PRO (Michael Bowler) will get some

urday at 9.30am for camogie and girls’

additional resources.

football from 10am for boys’ football

Five Lucan footballers are amongst

and hurling for boys and girls born in

the nominations for Dubs Stars Dub-

2009, 2010 and 2011 at the 12th Lock.

lin Bus/Herald Football shortlist

Contact Johnny on 085 1294102.

Casey’s defensive stint seals Sars’ win

- Philip Greene, Paul Casey, Emmet

There was no winner of this week’s

O’Conghaile, Stephen O’Shaughnessy

€8,500 lotto draw numbers were 2, 8, 16

and Brendan Gallagher. Given their

and 17. This week’s jackpot is €9,000.

afl div 2 playoff

The Lucan Sarsfields senior football team

Lucan Sarsfields Skerries Harps  sport@dublingazette.com

1-9 1-5

AFTER 24 months of hard work both on and off the field, Lucan Sarsfields are heading back to AFL1 after the club’s senior footballers defeated Skerries Harps 1-9 to 1-5 in the AFL2 promotional play-off final Sunday. The match was played on an extremely breezy morning at the 12th Lock, a wind so strong that it dictated play and it was the home side who used it better. Lucan got off to a great start, going two points up after two minutes. It

wasn’t until the half hour mark that Skerries got on the scoreboard and by that time, Sean McCaffrey’s side had settled nicely into the tie. Sars added their third score after 12 minutes and immediately followed it up with another. The breeze was blowing across the pitch rather than in one direction but when it did get behind them, it drove Lucan forward and they went 0-5 to no score on 29 minutes. Skerries were back in the contest when, following some sloppy Sarsfields defending, former Dublin All-Ireland winning captain Bryan Cullen popped up with a

goal. Two minutes into the second half, Skerries got their first point of the game through the impressive Colin Daly. There was a 10-minute spell where neither side registered on the scoreboard but it was Lucan who got the next point to go 0-6 to 1-1 in front. Cullen and Rory Newsholme then hit back to pull the game level for Skerries on 46 minutes. With 10 minutes to go however, Lucan went back in front but probably more importantly at this stage, had pulled Paul Casey back to man-mark the troublesome Daly and it nullified much of

Skerries’ threat going forward. The Lucan backs in general were excellent throughout here once again, just as they had been in last week’s playoff semi-final. O we n E n n i s a n d Ciaran McHugh were unflappable at wing-back while Dan Gallagher led like a lion at centre-back. Substitutes were key for Lucan too with Rory Kelly coming on to bag 1-2 points late on while Johnny McCormack got Lucan’s crucial score which put them four ahead with a massive point towards the end which sealed the result and a return to AFL1.

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

please contact the secretary by email:

7,10, 22 and 28, there was no winner so

secretary.stpatrickspalmerstown.

next week’s jackpot will be €6,600.

dublin@gaa.ie stating date of birth.

The draw takes place in the Palm-

Rain, wind and even some sleet

erstown House every Sunday night at

couldn’t stop the U-8s and their brave

10pm and tickets cost €2.

parents from a great win away in Kil-

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

bride GAA. The guys were wet but brave with

Our senior hurling/camogie ses-

some stylish moves and a special men-

sions will continue in Glenaulin on

tion for Ciaran Whelan O’Farrell who

Fridays from 7 to 8pm, weather per-

put away every chance that came his

mitting, it’s open to U-14 up to minors

way. Well done all.

to improve their hurling/camogie

The U-7s football team battled

skills with senior hurlers taking the

strong winds and rain to win out

sessions. The juvenile camogie/hurl-

against Kilbride GFC, Meath, on Sat-

ing skills sessions will also continue

urday.

in Glenaulin on Friday from 6 7pm,

The team worked hard throughout

weather permitting; open to players

the game and won personal battles at

up to U-12 players; it’s a great chance

every position. Notable performanc-

to improve their hurling/camogie skills

es were produced by Sadhbh, Evan,

and all are welcome.

Eamonn, Lara, Myles, Jack, Rory,

U-9 camogie and girls’ football

Morgan, Caoimhe and Tadgh. The

training is on every Saturday morning

great Meath-Dublin rivalry continues,

at 10am; all welcome who are born in

but for now, the Dubs are on top. The

2007 and 2008, just drop down and ask

parents played their part, supporting

for Conor or Emer.

from the sideline, their commitment

Any girls or ladies out there interested in playing girls/ladies football,

is very much appreciated and necessary.

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

no payne, no gain: Former Lucan United star man Brandon continuing to build his Irish career P30

december 3-9, 2015

leaving the octagon: Cathal Pendred ends his competitive career P29

Lucan Sarsfields’ Paul Casey played a key part in the victory over Skerries Harps

Lucan return to AFL1 Selector Ed O’Brien pays tribute to 24 months worth of hard work for the Lucan Sarsfields’ senior footballers as they claimed promotion

 Nathan Kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ senior footballers return to the big time of AFL1 is a feat that is well and truly deserved after two years of serious graft on and off the field, according to selector Ed O’Brien. O’Brien, who is one of Sean McCaffrey’s right-hand men on the backroom team of the senior footballers in Lucan, spoke to GazetteSport after their promotional play-off final win over Skerries Harps on Sunday. “We are all absolutely delighted,” he said. “For the players, it’s a well deserved reward after 24 months of solid hard work and real

dedication.” On a game played in wind that blew furiously right across the pitch, changing its mind every few minutes on which team it wanted to gain an advantage, it was Sarsfields who coped better, going on to record a 1-9 to 1-5 victory at the 12th Lock. “We got to a play-off final last year and lost to Cuala and that’s really spurred us on this year,” said O’Brien when asked what he thought the difference was on Sunday. “The players have been excellent right throughout the campaign. We were probably unfortunate to come up against Vincent’s in the championship which ended our run there but now that we’re back in AFL1, we will be

competing with the best teams, week-in weekout which will, in turn, improve our chances of doing well when championship comes around.” There was delirium for the Lucan players after the final whistle, particularly the more experienced heads like Paul Casey. “For the likes of Paul, Stephen O’ Shaughnessy, Tommy Brennan and a couple of others, I am probably even more delighted for,” said O’Brien. “These are lads that have been around this squad for so many years and given so much. When we missed out on promotion last year to Cuala, it would have been fairly easy for these lads to wipe their hands of club football and say

enough is enough, but no. They’ve led the team and drove us forward this year and now they have another crack at the big time.” Speaking ahead of the game, O’Brien said that Lucan’s home advantage could play a significant role in the play-off final and it seems he was right. “I think it played a huge role,” he said. “We lost to Ballinteer not so long ago at home and since then we’ve done our best not to let it happen again and make home advantage count every time. “The support was fantastic up at the club on Sunday, it was like the old days really and hopefully we’ve plenty more like it next season and in seasons to come.”