Lucan

Gazette LUCAN

INSIDE: Fota Island Resort makes the trip to Cork worth it, thanks to its superb 5-star facilities P20

Food: Spice up your diet and maybe improve your health with help from tumeric

Page 10

Picture: Brian McEvoy

sport Camogie:

Sarsfields make yet more Feile memories Page 31

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The future is local - the future is free

2FM’s Eoghan McDermott was among a bunch of celebrities who released their inner kid at the launch of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre Christmas Show 2016 musical, BIG.

Seagreen Boutique celebrates 10 years of on-trend style

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a theatrical treat for the Big kid in all of us

The theatre was transformed into scenes from the much loved Tom Hanks movie for the glitzy launch.

There was even a replica giant piano installed on the evening. Also in attendance were Maria Walsh, Sean Munsanje, Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick as well as Avila Lipsett and model January Russell. Tickets go on sale from Friday, April 29 at 9.00am.

For more information check out www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

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April 28-May 4, 2016

Bastille Day finds more than a oui bit of bother unfolding in Paris

Luas to Lucan not on track in five-year plan

Project could take another 20 years before a Luas line comes to the area

 ian begley

The planned Luas to Lucan has not been included in the Government’s Capital Plan (2016 – 2021), which could mean that it could take another 20 years before a Luas line

comes to the area.

The news, confirmed by acting Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe, follows shortly after the National Transport Authority identified a new east-west Luas line, running from Lucan to the

city centre.

Dublin-West TD John Curran (FF) said: “I cannot believe that the Government has not included the Luas to Lucan in the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021.

This means that the planning process cannot

recommence until at least 2021, with no visibility on a submission date of application and of course no date for a planning consent to issue and let’s not even talk about construction.”

Full Story on Page 2

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transport | Government’s Capital Plan (2016-2021)

Luas to Lucan could be twenty years away  ian begley

John Curran (FF): “I cannot believe that the Government has not included the Luas to Lucan in the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021.

The planned Luas to Lucan has not been included in the Government’s Capital Plan (2016 to 2021), which could mean that it could take another 20 years before a Luas line comes to the area.

The news, confirmed by acting Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe, follows shortly after the National Transport Authority (NTA) published a draft transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which identified a new east-west Luas line, running from Lucan to the city centre.

This was seen as a wel-

comed initiative as Lucan is not served by any rail line. The strategy said that the Luas line would cater for the “high transport demand along this corridor”, serving Lucan, Liffey Valley and Ballyfermot along the route.

Commenting on this issue Dublin-West TD John Curran (FF) said: “I cannot believe that the Government has not included the Luas to Lucan in the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021. This means that the planning process cannot recommence until at least 2021, with no visibility on a submission date of application and of course no date for a planning consent to issue and let’s not even talk about construction.

“T he Minister has informed me that there are plans to review the public transpor t requirements for the Lucan area and the N4 corridor and that an east-west Luas to Lucan is envisaged.

“This is published in the transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area covering the period 2016 to 2035 and all depend-

ent on the availability of funding. Does this mean it could be 20 years before the Luas gets to Lucan?

“If the economy continues to grow, this can only mean one thing – more cars on our roads!

Without the provision of quality public transport like the Luas and Metro, traffic in Dublin is only going to worsen.

“While everyone recognises that to commence construction of this project was unlikely in the short term due to financial constraints, to not advance the planning process of this project is the wrong decision and shows a worrying lack of vision for public transport in our capital city “Funding is being made in the new capital plan building for recovery for metro north but there are no plans and no funding to proceed with the metro west proposal or the Luas to Lucan. This is short sighted. I plan to continue to raise the issue of transport infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Area while elected to Dail Eireann,” said Deputy Curran.

FastNews

Console seeking volunteers for Women’s Mini Marathon Women from Dublin Mid-West are being asked to run, walk and talk for life in the Women’s Mini Marathon and help Console in the fight against suicide.

The national suicide prevention charity is seeking volunteers to sign up for the MiniMarathon on bank holiday Monday, June 6.

“Console needs to raise 70% of the money required to keep operating our 24-hour helpline and our centres, which provide oneto-one counselling and psychotherapy for people at risk of suicide,” said founder and CEO Paul Kelly.

Anyone who would like to become a Console mini-marathon volunteer is asked to contact 01 6102638 or email info@console.ie, for their fundraising pack including a sponsorship card and a Console tee shirt.

Campaign aims for energy savings in County Hall A new initiative by South Dublin County Council and Dublin’s energy agency Codema is helping council staff save energy by highlighting how their own behaviour can impact the energy efficiency of County Hall.

The campaign – which will run in partnership with the OPW - aims to achieve at least 8% in annual energy savings in County Hall, which is the equivalent to saving over €9,500 per year.

28 April 2016 LUCAN Gazette 3

Paralympian’s adapted car found  Ian Begley

Luca n Paraly mpian John McCarthy’s specially-adapted car, which was stolen last weekend, has been found after a widespread public appeal.

Gardai confirmed that the car was recovered on the morning of April 26 in the Lucan area and also thanked the public for their assistance.

Upon noticing that his black Audi A6 was stolen from his driveway in Abbeywood, McCarthy wrote on Facebook: “I am a wheelchair user so this car is

adapted with hand controls to allow me to drive it.

“Without this car I am unable to get to work or get to training which is so important to me at the moment as I am trying to qualify for the Rio Paralympics.”

Speaking on the Ray D’Arcy show after receiving support from thousands of people on social media, McCarthy said that culprits would have seen a ramp at the front door of his house, and a handrail, while they were entering the premises.

“I think they knew what sort

of house they were going into in the first place. I think they just thought “this is a nice easy target”.

Thankfully, the following day McCarthy updated his wellwishers with the good news. He wrote: “Hi all. I got a great wakeup call saying my car was found.

“I don’t have all the details yet but it sounds like it’s okay and I might have it back by the end of the day so I would like to thank everyone who shared and liked this post. I’m sure my car would not have been found without your help.”

support | raising awareness and funds

Fun day to support charity Feileacain

 Ian Begley

Montessori Matters, Lucan, are running a fun day for children on Friday, April 29 to support Feileacain, a charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.

Each year, the preschool chooses worthwhile charity and hosts a fun day for the children in the school to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for their chosen charity.

Their decision to raise money for Feileacain this year was due to one of their parents tragically losing their baby boy Jack recently.

The baby’s mother Clair, shared a touching letter telling her story.

“I was about 21 weeks pregnant when our baby was diagnosed with a terminal condition that meant he would not be able to breathe after he was born.

“The hospital staff told us about Feileacain and the services they provide, and gave us a memory box. “ W h e n I e ve n t u ally got the courage to contact Feileacain they were amazing.

“They were so kind

Memory boxes can be given to bereaved families

and knew exactly what we were going through.

“We talked for a bit and they said just let them know when Jack was born and they would bring a cuddle cot over.

“They also sent my little girls Izy and Amy a special purple teddy bear each, from Jack.”

A cuddle cot (or cold cot) cools the baby’s temperature which

allows families to keep their baby with them for a little bit longer.

“Yes, I am devastated at losing Jack but I love to talk about him.

“He is my baby, my little boy that never gave up and I am so proud of him,” said Clair.

Montessori Matters are asking parents who attend to make a suggested donation of €5.

The fun day will take

place in both their Esker and Griffeen schools from 10.30am.

Due to restrictions on numbers and insurance the pre-school is only able to cater for children who attend the school on Fridays.

All children and teachers will be asked to wear something purple on the day, the colours of the Feileacain charity.

4 LUCAN Gazette 28 April 2016

CCTV planned to deter dumping at Tandy’s Lane  Ian Begley

After many incidents of illegal dumping at Tandy’s Lane, Lucan, South Dublin County Council have agreed to install two CCTV cameras and warning signage at the site.

In February, council managers at the Lucan Area Committee, stated that the use of

CCTV may prove difficult due to the windiness of the lane.

However, it was agreed that a meeting would be held with CCTV contractors to examine the possibilities.

At this month’s meeting the council manager confirmed to Cllr William Lavelle (FG) that two CCTV cameras will be installed which can operate both during day-time and

night-time, along with warning signage.

The chief executive stated: “Following a request, the council’s CCTV contractor agreed to meet at Tandy’s Lane on March 29 for a site visit.

“On close examination, it was clear that the majority of the dumping is caused by passing motorists throwing

rubbish from vehicles, while in motion, and most likely at night.

“Following careful consideration, it has been decided to proceed with a proposal to install two CCTV cameras at the single straight stretch that exists on this road.

“These cameras will capture activity during darkness as well as daylight hours on a

maximum span of 100 yards in both directions, due to the frequency of blind corners.

“Signage will also be erected at both ends of the lane advising of the presence of CCTV monitoring,” stated the chief executive.

Commenting on his motion, Cllr Lavelle said: “Tandy’s Lane has regrettably become one of the worst

illegal dumping blackspots in our county.

“I have pushed for months to have CCTV installed to detect and deter the dumpers and I didn’t stop until I received the commitment I have now got.

“I hope that my efforts will help in deterring the disgusting recent trend of fly-tipping along Tandy’s Lane,” he said.

Fundraising motion | call for houses developed on a much faster pace dance event A dance school with branches in Lucan is hoping to raise €4,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital by undertaking a series of dancing events.

Catherine Casey’s school also has branches in Castleknock and Shankill and on May 14,15 and 22 all three will perform in Showcase 2016 to raise funds. This great idea by the principal deserves full support as it is for a really worthy cause.

Lucan children aged between 3.5-12 have their showcase in the Venue theatre, Ratoath, on May 14 at 6.30, Castleknock children aged 3.5-18 have theirs in the Venue theatre on May 15 at 3.30 pm Shankill dancers aged 3.5-19 have theirs in the pavilion theatre, Dun Laoghaire on the 22nd of May at 3.30 pm.

advertise your business to oVER 280,000* readers EACH WEEK call 01 60 10 240 *Publishers Statement

Declare housing crisis a ‘national emergency’  Ian Begley

Calls to declare a national emergency regarding the housing crisis were made recently at April’s county council meeting.

A number of motions were made during the meeting, including a report that confirmed that more than 100 rapid unit builds will be included within infill housing sites throughout South County Dublin.

These will be developed as par t of the €64.7m allocated to the council as part of the Government’s plan to tackle the housing crisis and are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

Cllr Ruth Nolan (PBP) tabled the motion calling on the Government to declare a national housing crisis and to present a housing programme that would see the development of houses on a much faster pace.

Her motion received unanimous support by all councillors present at the meeting.

Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr Nolan said she believed declaring the lack of houses in Ireland as a national emergency would lead to the EU providing

the Government with additional funding to fast-track the housing development.

She said: “It’s almost become a daily occurrence where people ring me describing how they’re being kicked out of their home because they cannot afford to pay their rent or because of their landlords are selling their property.

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‘It’s almost become a daily occurrence where people ring me describing how they’re being kicked out of their home’

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Cllr Ruth Nolan (PBP) believes declaring the lack of houses in Ireland as a national emergency would lead to

“We have more than 100,000 people nationally on the housing waiting list, but in reality there are much more people urgently needing to be housed.

“Many people are being put onto HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) which takes them off the housing list. However, the problem with the HAP scheme is that there is

the EU providing the Government with additional funding to fast-track the housing development

nothing stable about it.

“The entire situation is at crisis point and the only way to solve it is for the Government to undertake a massive house building programme. The council did say they will build 200 houses by 2017, but that’s far too low to alleviate the problem,” said Cllr Nolan.

Meanwhile, Dublin Mid-West TDs John Curran (FF) and Eoin O Broin (SF) have been appointed to a new all-party housing committee.

Commenting upon his appointment, Deputy Curran said he is “eager” to find solutions to the unprecedented housing crisis facing the state.

“If all par ties buy into this process, this housing committee can make a constructive difference to improve the housing situation. For our part, we will drive on home building as a core priority for this committee.”

Also commenting, Deputy O Broin said: “We need fresh thinking

and new policies aimed at reducing the flow of people into homelessness, increasing the supply of social housing, bringing down the cost of homes for first time buyers and providing greater quality and security for landlords and tenants in the private rental sector,” he said.

28 April 2016 LUCAN Gazette 5

6 LUCAN Gazette 28 April 2016

waste

Recycling Champion challenge Thousands of householders from Dublin MidWest are expected to take part in Dublin’s Recycling Champion challenge to get themselves in shape for new pay-by-weight legislation which will come into force in July.

Under the new legislation, householders around the country will be charged depending on how successfully they segregate their waste into black, green or brown bins.

Participants in the challenge will have their bins monitored over a period of four weeks. Two finalists will then compete for the €1,000 prize. The organisers, Greyhound Household, will offer weekly tips for those taking part.

For more information about this challenge visit www.greyhound.ie.

Leixlip Festival | Court Yard Hotel to host top music talent

Bands get set to battle it out to ‘Rock the Yard’ The search is on, in the Court Yard Hotel in Leixlip, for exciting new music talent to join an amazing line-up that will ‘Rock the Yard’ for the annual Leixlip Festival.

In the run up to the acclaimed local festival, over the June Bank Holiday, the Battle of the Bands will seek out new local talent to take to the main festival stage in the Court Yard Hotel.

N e w I r i s h Ta l e n t Join The Strypes, Ryan Sheridan, and Hermitage Green will be on the Festival main stage as well as the Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow.

Also rocking the yard will be Interskalactic’s unique big band Jamaican ska, indie rock energ y from Dublin four piece, Scoops, and an eclectic classic rock set by The Harleys.

Dublin-based grunge pop band Otherkin, tipped-for-the-top Kildare duo Picture This, and indie-pop threepiece Million Little Gods also feature on the jam-packed top line-up at Leixlip.

The winning act will also get recording studio time, regular monthly gigs in Arthur’s Live Venue in the Court Yard Hotel, and a cash prize.

Brian Bradley of Brass Neck Management will be joined by the Central Entertainment Bureau to judge the competition heats, with semifinals taking place on the May 19 and 26 in Arthur’s Live Venue, and the hotly contested final happening on the eve of the festival, on Thursday, June 2.

Further competition and festival updates, and all the family entertainment and fun, is available on the Court Ya r d Ho t e l we b s i t e www.courtyard.ie, with festival tickets available soon online, in the hotel, or by calling 01 629 5100.

The Battle of the Bands will seek out new local talent

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lucanGazettegallery | SOUTHSIDE STUDENTS WIN TOP PRIZES

Arran Smyth alongside his sister Jetta (8), mother Beth and best friend Naoise McCann Tara Watson (13), from St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School, Killiney, pictured with her prize-winning work entitled Hook Lighthouse

Putting young artists in the frame F Atia Chowdhury alongside her mother Hafiza and father Enamur

ive Southside students have won top prizes in this year’s 62nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. In the 12-13 years age category, first and second prize (€350 and €250) went to Tara Watson (13), from St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School, Killiney, for her work entitled Hook Lighthouse and Atia Chowdhury (13), from St Louis High School, Rathmines, for her entry entitled Riha, while second prize (€200 Art & Hobby gift voucher) in the 9-11 years age category went to Ava Henson (10), from The Harold School, Glasthule, for her work entitled Skipper. Other Southside winners are Arran Smyth (6), from St Mary’s National School, Ballsbridge, who won third prize (€100 Art & Hobby gift voucher) in the 6-years and under age category for his work entitled Gary and Lauren Murphy (13), from St Peter’s Special School, Dublin 6, who won third prize (€200 Art & Hobby gift voucher) in category G of the competition for her work entitled Steven. In total, 40 students from Dublin will receive prizes which will be presented at an awards ceremony in Dublin next month when all of the 126 top prize-winners will be in attendance.

Ava Henson, from The Harold School, Glasthule, alongside her mother Leonie, Lauren Murphy (13), from St Peter’s Special School, pictured with her prize-winning work entitled Steven

sister Esme, father Dan and grandmother Kathleen Algar

28 April 2016 LUCAN Gazette 9

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Gazettegallery

| Seagreen’s 10-year anniversary celebrations

Nicky O’Flanagan and Jennifer Lau

Jennifer O’Gara, Brendan Courtney, Claire Fortune and Tonya O’hEocha.

Pictures: Richie Stokes

Enjoying marking a major milestone S

Adriana McSharry

Jennifer O’Gara and Melissa Pierce

Tara Jerman and Dana Sloos

eagreen celebrated Fashion Independents Day in style this year, to mark the first of its 10-year anniversary celebrations. Festivities went on throughout the day in both their Monkstown and Ranelagh stores with fresh juices on offer, along with healthy protein treats.

Promotions ran throughout the day for lucky customers with lots of giveaways like Paige denim jeans, Seagreen gift vouchers, Molecules perfumes and lots more besides. Television presenter and fashion stylist Brendan Courtney visited both stores chatting style-savvy guests through the SS16 collections on offer from leading international and Irish designers.

Tonya O’hEocha

Clodagh Leo

28 April 2016 Gazette 11

rock n roll P14

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

asdfsdaf health P27 P15

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diary P12

a day in the life: actress on the day-to-day routines of travelling with a play

Staying focused while touring  ian begley

UP AND coming actress Imogen Wilde is currently on tour as Lulu i n H a r o l d P i n t e r ’s highly-acclaimed play, T he Bir thday Par ty, and having earned the much-sought after role just fresh out of drama school, it is clear to see that Wilde has a lucrative career ahead of her.

T his week, T he Gazette spoke to the young actress while she was on tour to find out what a day in her life is like.

“It’s going really well.

This is my first real theatre job and the whole experience is all completely new to me. It’s very nice being on tour for the first time, and I’ve visited so many different theatres around

the UK so far. “ My d a y u s u a l l y begins around 9.30am – it’s not too early, since I would be working until about 10 the night before.

“While on tour we stay in different people’s houses, which I find really interesting and fun. At the moment, I’m in Eastbourne, which is a really beautiful place to be and is also the town where the play is set.

“We’re not required to do anything during the day unless we have a matinee, so we’re free to do whatever we like.

“I usually head to the gym with another member of the cast or spend my time preparing for the show.

“We had three weeks’ worth of rehearsals in

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‘We had three weeks’ worth of rehearsals in London for this show, which seems like a short time, but is actually relatively normal’

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London for this show, which seems like a short time, but is actually relatively normal.

“On the first day that we arrive at a new theatre, we have to do a lot of preparation and checks, which includes adjusting to the different types of stage.

“When I go to a new theatre I do a big warmup on stage to get my voice and body ready, and then just take it from there,” she said.

Wilde added that playing Lulu – a child-

ish, flirtatious young woman who ultimately becomes the victim of a sexual assault – was difficult as she deems that Pinter was better suited at writing male characters.

“I don’t think he knew young women very much, but even still, she is a really interesting character to play who undergoes a very big journey.

“At the beginning, she seems strong-willed and sure of herself, but in reality she is quite eas-

ily manipulated due to the fact that she’s in this boring small town, desperate for excitement.”

Asked what she does to unwind after a night of performing on stage, Wilde said: “We often go for a drink together after wards because when you finish a performance, you’ve got loads of energy and need to release it in some way or another.

“Sometimes though, I just love heading back to my digs and catch up on my favourite TV shows on my laptop.”

Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party will run from May 30 to June 4 at The Gaiety Theatre, with tickets priced from €18.15.

For further information, see www.gaietytheatre.ie.

Imogen Wilde: “While on tour we stay in different people’s houses, which I find really interesting and fun”

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12 Gazette 28 April 2016

dublinlife

diary

Make a dash to this colourful event THIS year’s 5K Colour Dash event is back, inviting participants to run, jog and walk the 5km course.

At each kilometre, a different colour of powder paint is thrown at participants as they dash their way to the finish line.

The event is open to all, from fitness fanatics to those just looking for a fun day out for all the family, while also helping to support the Irish Cancer Society.

Colour Dash supports the Irish Cancer Society’s free cancer services for cancer patients and their families across the country. The Dublin leg will take place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, June 18. Registration is €30 per person, and free for

under-12s accompanied by an adult.

To register, see www. cancer.ie/colourdash, or Callsave 1850 606060.

help improve your staff’s wellbeing FOLLOWING Ireland’s second ever National Workplace Wellbeing Day, which took place on April 8, public health and clinical nutritionist Niamh Arthurs is campaigning to strengthen the health of employees by encouraging good nutrition, physical activity and mental wellbeing throughout the year.

According to Arthurs, there is a plethora of evidence which illustrates the clear benefits of an engaged, healthy, happy

workforce, for both staff and businesses alike.

She is encouraging people to try out a few ideas in the workplace in order to maintain a healthy wellbeing.

These include availing of travel to work schemes, which offer discounted bike purchase and/or free bike servicing; a 10,000 steps per day challenge, with employees wearing pedometers to measure their steps; workplace activity groups such as a lunchtime pilates class, or a post-work running/ cycling group; offering healthy options and nutritional information in staff canteens; providing healthy meal guides; fruit, vegetable and porridge loyalty cards in canteens;

Launching Dublin’s Colour Dash 2016 were sponsor Aldi’s suited buying director, Noel Birchall, and Spin 103.8’s Daniella Moyles, Cormac Moore, Peter Collins, Eoin Mitchell and Fionnuala Moran. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

and having health workshops or nutrition sessions in the workplace.

‘yes’ equality play relives the drama HOME You Go Produc-

tions is running a new play, YES, at the Pearse Centre Theatre as part of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May. YES captures the

excitement, drama and humour of the marriage equality campaign whilst also looking under the surface of what that vote meant.

The play follows four

very different Gay and Straight campaigners as they share their personal story. Running from May 9 to 14, tickets cost €13 and €15 and are available at gaytheatre.ie.

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dublinlife

Fangclub: full-blooded north dublin rock ‘n’ roll

Sink your teeth into this  Ian Begley The North Dublin t r i o F a n g cl u b h ave announced the preorder for their debut EP, which features their debut single Bullet Head.

Brought together by their mutual love of punk and ‘90s grunge, songwriter-in-chief and guitarist Steven King, bass player Kevin Keane and drummer Dara Coleman are the real, full-blooded rock ’n’ roll deal.

Having recently signed to Universal Music Ireland, the start of 2016 found Fangclub working furiously, in every sense of the word, on their new EP with Kerry-born Vancouverresiding producer Tadgh Healy.

“On the surface it’s punch your friend in the face whilst drunk fun, but underneath there are lots of layers, both lyrically and melodically” is how drummer Dara sums up the four-track EP.

Their debut single Bullet Head has been described as a sharp shocker that you want to play again the instant it’s over .

“That’s the one we always finish our set with, and which destroys the place!” says proud parent Steven.

“It’s chaotic and a bit dark round the edges, which has something to do I think with me having an addictive personality.”

Speaking to The

Gazette, bass player Kevin Keane said that their band’s intention was to do something different than what’s in the mainstream “There’s nothing really like it in Ireland at the moment and we’re trying our best to break the mould.

“We got together two and a half years ago and decided to do everything really old school and toured around as much as we could.

“We were big into bands like Nir vana, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Offspring, which were all a big influence for us growing up.

“Our type of music has a niche following in Ireland.

“You don’t find it played on the radio too often as much as you did in the early 2000s, which is unfortunate.

“It would be great to bring back some sort of rock revolution here.

“So far we’ve been on Today FM, 2FM, TXFM, and even Spin which was definitely a surprise.

We’re heading over to Toronto in May for Canadian music week and we were in New York last year which we really loved.”

EP comprehensively nailed and due for release on May 13, Fangclub return to live duty with headliners on both sides of the Atlantic, and then hit the summer festival circuit among their Irish dates.

All dates can be found at www.fangclubofficial. com.

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Fangclub have announced the pre-order for their debut EP, which features their debut single Bullet Head

28 April 2016 Gazette 15

Say yellow to tumeric  rachel cunningham WONDERING how to spice up your life? Apparently you need look no further than the tumeric sitting in your kitchen cabinet.

While you’ve no doubt been aware of tumeric for some time, before now you might have only associated it with turning your Indian curries yellow.

Health food experts are raving about the yellow powder’s power, and it certainly packs a punch for its medicinal benefits.

Coming from the root of the flowering plant Curcuma longa that is

native to India, it has been used in a healing capacity for thousands of years.

Renowned for its potency as an antioxidant, it’s said to do everything from dissolving gallstones, relieving digestion and improving arthritis, to even beautifying the skin.

Specifically, it is a compound within turmeric – curcumin – that has the scientific studies behind it to support the many health claims that surround it. Curcumin has proven benefits in alleviating allergies, treating depression and Alzheimer’s, and controlling diabetes and risk of heart attack.

However, before you start including turmeric with every meal, it is important to note that the curcumin in turmeric isn’t easily absorbed. While the only side effect to over consuming turmeric is kidney stones in those susceptible, be aware of the greater risk of taking turmeric or curcumin supplement tablets.

Fortunately, absorption can be increased by adding black pepper or cooking it in oil, meaning that you have a perfect excuse for a curry night (or two) this week. If curry isn’t your thing, then take after the longest-living people in the world – the Japa-

Gazette

health: indian plant’s powder has many positive properties

FOOD&DRINK RECIPECORNER THIS week, with spring well and truly in the air, we have a recipe for delicious lamb shanks, courtesy of Vue Restaurant, Castleknock Golf Club.

Ingredients 2 celery sticks, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 sprig rosemary & thyme; 1lt chicken stock; 1 bottle of red wine; 4 hind lamb shanks Tumeric’s vibrant colour is only part of its appeal, as it can be beneficial to your health, too

nese – and opt for turmeric tea.

Boiling turmeric in water is said to increase curcumin’s solubility up to 12 times. Although it is not to everyone’s taste, the internet is filled with recipes to sample.

As has been the case with most superfood explosions, the turmeric trend has caught the attention of health experts and celebrities alike, who can be seen Instagramming their vibrant yellow concoctions.

Preparation • Preheat oven to 170 Celsius. • Heat a little oil in a large frying pan. • Brown the lamb shanks all over and transfer to a casserole dish. • Brown off the chopped veg and herbs for five mins, and add these to the lamb shanks. • Pour on the stock and wine and cover tightly. • Place in the oven for two and a half hours until the meat is tender. • Remove the shanks and strain the sauce. • Bring to the boil and reduce until it thickens. • Serve the shanks drizzled with the sauce.

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dublinlife

Boost for research

environment: efficiency in focus

Energy awards for Dublin firms

 emma nolan

A DUBLIN SME has been selected for funding from the EU’s research fund, Horizon 2020.

Uni-tuition is based at the Digital Exchange at Crane Street in The Liberties that provides an online service connecting students and tutors.

The funding is provided under Phase 1 of the fund, which means that each project will receive €50,000 to finance feasibility studies for new products that can disrupt the market.

T he company is amongst 189 small companies from 26 countries who have been chosen for funding as part of an EU investment of €8.7m for innovative small firms.

business

 Ian Begley

Vouchers fuel success for driver

MAXOL’S customer feedback service proved useful for Margaret Boland recently as she was awarded €100-worth of fuel vouchers at the Maxol Lucan Road outlet. She was presented with her vouchers by Maxol regional manager Mark Walsh, and Maxol the outlet’s licensee, Aidan Curtis. The vouchers represent part of the fuel giant’s customer feedback programme, and which rewards retailers for high standards and excellent customer service. Walsh and Curtis thanked the winner for her input, and discussed how Maxol values customer input into helping to meet their needs.

TWO Dublin companies – MCC Energy, and Origen Energy – have been awarded accolades at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Energy Show 2016, which took place at the RDS recently.

MCC Energy, based in Dublin 22, won Best Renewable Product for their Giraffe 2.0 Hybrid Power Station, which is suitable for a variety of applications.

It can charge a summer cottage, a house, provide hot water or light, power electronic equipment

(either connected to the grid or in remote locations), or in some cases, replacing a diesel generator. In an urban environment, Giraffe 2.0 can function as a charging spot for electric vehicles or as an educational renewable energy installation.

Origen Energy, with offices at the Naas Road, Dublin 12; Santry, Dublin 9, and in Cork city, won Best Energy Efficient Product at SEAI show.

The award was for their product – the Robur Gas Absorption Heat Pump – which supplies hightemperature hot water for

high-efficiency heating, and for domestic hot water production.

It is able to recover renewable energy in the form of heat from air, water and ground sources.

Video highlights from the SEAI Energy Show 2016 can be seen at www. seai.ie/energyshow.

SEAI’s interim chief executive William Walsh said: “The sustainable energy sector is worth around €1.5 billion to Ireland annually, and we witnessed an encouraging level of business activity over the couple of days at the Energy Show.”

R1

28 April 2016 Gazette 17

Gazette

18 Gazette 28 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT H&M Earrings €9.99

Chupi Gold and fluorite ring €289

Roz and Imedeen want you to feel better without make-up  emma nolan

ONE third of Irish women won’t leave the house without make-up, according to research conducted by skin supplement brand, Imedeen.

The research found that Irish women rely heavily on make-up products to look and feel good about themselves, with 58% stating they wear make-up most of the time, and 70% admitting to wishing they had better skin.

Imedeen, with the help of model and foodie Roz Purcell (above), are encouraging women to celebrate natural beauty with the Reveal Your Real

campaign. Available in pharmacies nationwide, Imedeen daily tablets, which come in different variations for different age groups and are priced from €39.99, nourish the deep dermal layer where topical skin creams simply cannot reach.

Speaking on the products, Purcell said: “Taking care of yourself from the inside can really help how you feel and can boost your confidence. I love make-up and experimenting with different looks, but I think it’s really important that we don’t hide behind it, and are happy with what is underneath the war paint!”

9 old, ith g uartz €9 w t le q e c e a s ro Br Juvi orite and d a labr

Chupi Gold and amethyst earrings €189

Chu

pi Ro se go ld

and r

ose q ua

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H& The winners of the annual DIT fashion show, which was held recently

Fashion forward winners at DIT  emma nolan

colours mixed with modern fabrics and shapes to create a bold style”.

In third place was Connections, designed

by Aurelie Yolande. Her Metropolis-inspired inspiration “is a place where everything and everyone is connected”, Jane Leavey, programme director for Fashion Design at the college, said: “The Design faculty is delighted that both our secondand third-year students have had such success.”

nd da l o g 5 with €10 iR ng aline m vi Ju k tour ip n

Juvi Earrings with gold and citrine €69

FASHION Design students from Griffith College won first, second and third prize at the annual DIT fashion show recently.

Jerusalem – The Promised Land, designed by Sarah Murphy, was the overall winner, winning €2,000 sponsored by DublinTown.

Sarah says her outfit “incorporates traditional and modern ideals, reflecting a new path

for the city in the land of milk and honey”.

She added: “T he wooden embellishment on the bag is derived from the sandstone brick work at the Western Wall, which encompasses the old city.”

In second place was Modern Matador, designed by Clodagh Knight, from Palmerstown. Her design is “inspired by the city of Barcelona and the traditional culture of bull fighting, using traditional

rtz r

Juvi Bangle with gold and aqua chalcedony €145

9

€7.9

ing €

239

28 April 2016 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

Support your skin with some help from Eucerin specialist products  emma nolan

sparkle

 emma nolan

Style Editor

THERE’S something indulgent about coloured crystals and gemstones, especially when set in gold – and brightly coloured jewels are popping up everywhere this season.

From bright emerald greens to subtle labradorite stones and

shimmering yellows, pinks, blues and iridescent hues – bright jewels and unusual stones in luxury brands and jewellers have risen in popularity in recent years, and the high street translation provides an everyday fix for the rest of us.

Dublin-based jewellery brand Juvi’s Antibes collection features an array of shimmering stones

inspired by the Cote d’Azur and the sophistication of France’s lavish coastal resorts. The range is available in Arnotts, House of Fraser, Kilkenny and Avoca stores nationwide.

Fellow Irish designer Chupi Sweetman’s designs consist of nature-inspired aesthetics with a touch of sparkle. Chupi’s boutique, on the top floor of Pow-

Picture: Juvi

time to erscourt Townhouse Centre, is a treasure trove of delicate pieces.

I always stand by H&M when a quick jewellery fix is needed, and their selection of pieces with coloured stones doesn’t disappoint. A few choice pieces from Zara and Asos are also currently in stock to try out the trend before committing to investment pieces.

SKINCARE brand Eucerin is an affordable dermatologist-recommended range with an array of products to deal with a number of skin problems.

Whether you suffer with oily skin, excess seabum, dry patches, redness, hyper pigmentation or super sensitivity, Eucerin’s various ranges allow you to target specifically what you need in certain areas.

For example, an oily T-zone needs oil-free products that unclog pores and provide a mattifying base for make-up.

However, while such a zone will benefit from oil-free products, they may dry out less seabum-producing areas of the face, such as the cheeks, resulting in dry patches.

A bottle of Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Scrub, combined with cleanser and toner from the same range, will help calm excess oil production, and the Dry Skin Replenishing Cream will keep the less oily zones hydrated.

Available in Boots, numerous products available from Eucerin will appeal to all ages and all skin types. Their anti-ageing range contains products to target volume loss, fine lines and wrinkles and age-induced dryness.

The Hypersentive range contains calming and soothing ingredients such as licorice extract and green pigments to combat redness.

Those with sensitive skin will also be interested in the DermoCapillare rage, which includes a calming shampoo which provides relief for a dry and itchy scalp, and also prevents hypersensitive skin being aggravated by chemicals in regular shampoo.

Prices range from €8 to €40, with the more expensive items coming from the anti-aging products.

Eucerin products clockwise from the top: Anti-Age Volume Filler Concentrate 30ml €40; Dermo Purifyer Concentrate 30ml €11.17; Dermo Purifyer Hydrating Care 50ml €11.17; Ultra Sensitive Cleansing Fluid 100ml €14 and Dermo Purifyer Toner 200ml €11.17

Gazette

20 Gazette 28 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL

cork: fota’s unique resort will delight down in the rebel county

TRAVEL Blue skies and warm sun are waiting for you in Costa Blanca

Great deals to get away for a break  ian begley

AS THE last school term of the year starts, summer holidays become a bigger priority – particularly for families who are looking for that great value break that will tick all the right boxes.

Lowcostholidays are offering a number of all-inclusive and selfcatering offers for holidaymakers this June.

For example, travel to Costa Blanca on June 8 for seven nights at the 5-star Gran Bali Hotel for €1,020, on an all-inclusive basis.

It’s worth driving a few hours down the road to Fota Island Resort – heading to one end of the country is soon rewarded with a refreshing break from it all

Escape from Dublin to this relaxing, invigorating island  ian begley

All-inclusive Alternatively, for €1,365 you can fly to Majorca on June 8 and stay at the 3-star Club Bellevue Apartments, also on an all-inclusive basis. These prices are based on two adults and one child, including return flights, taxes and seven nights, allinclusive.

For those who prefer self-catering holidays, you can travel to Algarve on June 9, staying at the 3-star Rio Apartments from €295, based on two people sharing, and including return flights, taxes and seven nights on a selfcatering basis.

For further information on these deals, see www.lowcostholidays. ie, or call 01 485 3835.

Travel Editor

THE opportunity to pack up the car and take advantage of a wellearned break from The Big Smoke is always one that is far too good to pass up, so when the chance to take a trip to the 5-star Fota Island Resort in Cork came about, my partner and I were all too eager to say farewell to Dublin’s fair city.

The relatively boring two-and-a-half-hour journey to the Rebel county was livened up by the beautiful, mountainous scenery on the way, and as the island in Cork Harbour came into view in glorious sunshine, we knew that we had hit the jackpot.

The resort, nestled at the heart of this peace-

ful island, is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and mature woodlands, and as we drove up to our accommodation at the Fuchsia Woods Lodge – a stone’s throw away from the actual hotel – we knew we were in for a treat.

The stylish lodges gave us unrivalled views of Fota Island’s tree-lined shore, and from the entrance hall, the marble tiling led us to the classically-styled living room and then on to the contemporary kitchen and dining area.

Our room was very spacious and comfortable, featuring everything you would expect from a 5-star resort, including an en-suite and walk-in wardrobe.

Shortly after we settled in, I had to depart for my

much-needed Eastern Essence full-body massage appointment at the resort’s highly acclaimed spa.

As I had decided to do an intense, once-in-ablue-moon workout at my local gym the previous day, my body was riddled with aches and pains, so this was definitely a welcome blessing.

The massage started off with a Turkish foot scrub, followed by my body being polished with hot stones. I found this so relaxing that I involuntarily dozed off for about five minutes.

When I came back to my senses, my masseuse was giving me a head, face and neck massage, which almost drove me back into my slumber.

My massage was then finished off with a Thai foot

massage, alongside some complementary jasmine tea.

Feeling completely detoxified and relaxed, I met back up with my partner, who was taking a dip in the spa’s hydrotherapy suite, and we then departed for a very interesting whiskey tasting session, followed by dinner at Fota Restaurant.

Working up a very hearty appetite, I was delighted to see that we would soon be indulging in a six-course tasting menu.

For starters, I had the pan-seared scallop, with slow-braised pork and parsnip puree.

The second course consisted of herb-crusted venison, alongside caramelised figs and brandy cherries.

This was followed by a

delicious Irish Crab Tian with champagne melon gazpacho, cucumber and caviar.

A very refreshing passion fruit sorbet was next in line, tailed by a tender fillet of Irish beef with smoked sweet potatoes, oyster mushrooms, aubergine puree and truffle jus.

I was extremely impressed with the quality of food prepared for us, and when I thought that I could not possibly eat another bite, a generous portion of dark chocolate fondant was placed before me, which I devoured without any great effort.

After our meal, we went to the resort’s wellstocked bar for a few sensible drinks, and as the clock ticked past midnight, I deemed it wise to

stroll back to the lodge to hit the hay in order to wake up in time the next morning for an obligatory full Irish breakfast.

The buffet-style meal was average at best, but the freshly prepared waffle I ordered definitely made up for it.

Overall, I had a very nice time at Fota Island Resort, and will surely return for a visit at some stage in the near future.

There are a wide variety of excellent summer holiday packages available at Fota Island Resort, such as two nights in a threebedroom Fuchsia lodge for six people, including access to the kids camp, from €400 per night.

For detailed information on all of Fota Island Resort’s packages, see www.fotaisland.ie, or call 021 488 3700.

28 April 2016 Gazette 21

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22 Gazette 28 April 2016

Gazette

CINEMA Bastille Day: a film that stands out above the fray, with some very decent action

Elba demonstrates Bond credentials in popcorn thriller Cast your mind back to September last year and you might remember the bit of uproar caused by author Anthony Horowitz’s comment that Idris Elba would be too “street” to play James Bond.

Horowitz quickly apol-

ogised and clarified what he meant, while Elba brushed the comment off, but many of us were left intrigued, wondering just what kind of Bond would Idris Elba make?

Well, the answer has finally come – sort of –

in Bastille Day, which sees Elba dashing across Parisian rooftops, racing around in cars, and generally delivering justice to dastardly people in a 15A kind of way.

And while there’s not an Aston Martin in sight,

Bastille Day provides enough of a vehicle to see how Elba performs as the leading man in that allout-action type of environment.

Set in present day Paris, the film follows the pandemonium that follows liberal activist Zoe’s (Charlotte Le Bon) botched attempt to plant a bomb in an office block.

When her conscience gets the better of her, she aborts the plan and tries to fling the bomb into the river.

En route, she is unlucky enough to cross paths with Michael (Richard Madden, Game of Thrones’ Robb Stark), a pickpocket who steals the bag containing the bomb (conveniently hidden inside a Teddy Bear – because that is what grown women carry about in these kinds of films) and disappears into the crowd.

Michael unwittingly dumps the bag, the bomb goes off, and both the US and French forces are on the tail of the terrorists.

The audience is too, with Bastille Day so full of twists and turns that it feels like navigating through the back streets of Montmartre after one too many glasses of vino.

Director James Watkins has some very solid horror films under his belt (including personal favourite Eden Lake), and does an honourable job of bringing some of the

Elba storms onto the screen as Sean Briar, the CIA agent with a distaste for authority and a penchant for operating on instinct

 Dave phillips

edginess from that genre across to this latest film.

You can’t help feeling – given Watkins’ flair for tension and gore – that with a little more of an adult script and a higher censorship rating, he could have really made something quite special with this.

But Bastille Day isn’t the kind of film that wants to push any boundaries.

For the most part, it is another relatively brainless action flick that’s populated with the usual myriad of stock characters delivering the same tired dialogue.

Elba storms onto the screen as Sean Briar, the CIA agent with a distaste for authority and a penchant for operating on instinct.

“So you acted without confirmation… you just somehow knew that these men were armed?” shouts

Briar’s bookish superior.

“Oh I knew,” says Elba, “just in the same way I know you are wearing tighty-whities.”

Yes it is cringe-inducing at times, but don’t let that dissuade you.

Because for all it has going against it on paper, Bastille Day actually plays out as a very fun bit of cinema.

An annoying flaw of Bastille Day is that it never quite sets it tone assuredly, spending most of the first act fluctuating between being a light action romp, and a thriller that takes itself much

more seriously.

It stays in the former camp thanks to the odd couple pairing of Elba and Madden, but it takes a certain deliberate shift in viewer-attitude to fully embrace it.

If you can, you’ll find an action film that stands out above the fray, with some very decent action and a plot that, once you embrace the silliness, actually works out well.

Bastille Day is 90 minutes of good, dumb fun, and Elba certainly has the physical prowess and charisma to wear a much finer suit in future.

Richard Madden plays Michael, a pickpocket

28 April 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 lucan gazette 28 April 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FEATURE

With a long, muscular profile Kia have managed to give this executive saloon a lot of sporty flair

Kia: Fourth generation model is looking to carve its niche in the saloon segment

Fresh new look for Optima Outdoor Living at its Best!

Outdoor living has become an essential lifestyle requirement for the modern homeowner and this is the perfect time of year to give your garden, patio or driveway a little ‘TLC’! Tobermore can lend a helping hand in creating your ideal outdoor space with their inspiring range of paving and walling products.

The benefits of an outdoor living space are endless. As well as enhancing the beauty, character, and of course, the value of your abode, the creation of a landscaped outdoor space extends the size of your home in offering another living area for you and your family to unwind in over the glorious Spring/Summer months! It’s also ideal for holding parties and provides a safe play area for children.

Beth Moore, who provides a landscape design service at Tobermore, offers some expert advice on crafting the outdoor space of your dreams; “With clever landscape design and the correct choice of products and colours, a paved patio or driveway can help create the outdoor space your home deserves.”

“Although we design a number of patios and driveways at Tobermore, we also believe that the incorporation of landscaping shouldn’t be limited to this – why not add linking paths and steps to connecting areas within your garden to create unique areas of interest!”

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The centre offers the opportunity to view

the beautiful product colour blends, textures, sizes and laying patterns available in real-life landscaped environments. Free samples are also available for you to take home. Tobermore’s Paving and Walling Centre in Dublin is open this Bank Holiday Monday, so why not use your day off to kick-start those home improvement plans for Summer!

Call 01 8437440 or visit www.tobermore.ie for more information.

 dave phillips

The Sportage may be the flagship on Irish roads, but Kia are keen to continue the success that they have seen in recent years across their entire range.

On a global level, one of the Korean companys most popular offerings has been their executive model, the Optima.

Entering its fourth generation this year, the all new Optima - bursting with premium features – looks to carve its niche in the saloon segment and further cement Kia’s presence in the Irish market.

On the outside, the Optima looks undeniably slick.

With a long, muscular profile Kia have managed to give this executive saloon a lot of sporty flair.

Aggressive A tiger nose grille gives the front a wide, aggressive look while chrome side vents and moulding really pick out the subtle and protracted contours of the body.

This generation Optima has further stretched out the length of the car, and there is no doubt that Kia have nailed the look of the Optima this

time around – this is certainly the most attractive incarnation of it.

On the road, the Optima performs exactly as it looks like it should - this is a car that is more focused on delivering a refined driving experience than showcasing brute strength.

Keeping things simple, a single 1.7-litre diesel engine is on offer with the new Optima.

But with fewer emissions and a little more power than the previous generation, you may be thankful for the lack of engine options as road tax clocks in at €190.

Playing toward the executive market, the only choice that is important here is the trim level with EX, Kia’s entry-level option, coming in at €27,950. Not that there is an awful lot entry-level about it.

As standard with the EX model is a 7-inch touch screen with Sat Nav, 17-inch alloys, and a lane departure assist system that also displays road sign information.

Take a jump up in price to €31,450 and you’ll have the trim level that we tested – the Platinum.

T his includes 18-inch alloys, full leather seats (both

front and rear are heated), wireless phone charging and a pretty nifty seat memory system so you can save, and easily switch, between driving positions for two different drivers at the touch of a button.

Kia’s well-designed cabins continue here, where they manage to keep things uncluttered and user-friendly.

There is plenty of solid soft plastic, with the right amount of chrome-effect trimming, it keeps the costs down and it looks good, especially when paired with the leather finish.

But the most noticeable feature inside is the space – the Optima has a luxurious amount of legroom and there is plenty of storage space in cubby holes and drawers.

There’s an ample boot, where the only niggle might be a slightly narrow opening, but otherwise it is hard to fault Optima’s interior.

Bumping up further to the top of the range GSE trim (€34,450) will give a beige leather interior, smart key system, and panoramic sunroof, amongst other extras. One of Kia’s most comfortable rides to date, the new generation Optima seems bound to become more prevalent on Irish roads.

28 April 2016 Lucan gazette 25

26 lucan Gazette 28 April 2016

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28 lucan gazette 28 April 2016

SPORT Loreto too good for Harlequins

FastSport

hockey: beaufort club join ireland’s elite sides with playoff win

Skerries to host football for all:

SKERRIES Town FC, in conjunction with the FAI and Fingal County Council, are have announced the return of its football for all program.

It will run throughout May and is open to boys and girls with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Commenting on the program, Paul Keogh FAI/Fingal County Council Development officer said: “This is the third year of the program and the response has been very good. Skerries Town, are leading this initiative and we hope everyone in the local community and around North Fingal will promote it.

Bolger of Skerries Town added: “Skerries Town are delighted to be able to cater for boys and girls who may or may not have played football in such an environment before.”

For more information, contact Bolger on 087 2802279.

 stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

LORETO qualified for next season’s women’s national EY Hockey League as a superb second half display saw them overcome Belfast Harlequins at Grange

Road 2-0 last Sunday to win the playoffs.

It capped a superb campaign for the Beaufort club who won both the Leinster Senior Cup and Division One league Ali Meeke’s deft volley in the 43rd minute, cou-

UCD’s Ben McCrea against Instonians

pled with Kate Crotty’s touch to Jessica McGirr’s blasted pass with 11 minutes to go were enough to see off a gritty Quins who had their moments in the first half but ran out of legs.

For Loreto, they add this success to their Jacqui Potter Cup and Leinster Division 1 titles while Belfast Harlequins meet UCC for their second bite of the cherry next weekend in Havelock Park for a place in the all-Ireland league.

Loreto’s challenge was staccato at times, especially with Lena Tice serving a green and yellow card suspension in the first half. Their best chances did not test Jade Lamont in the Harlequins’ goal with McGirr

Loreto’s Niamh Small and Ali Meeke celebrate. Picture: Adrian Boehm

and Hayley Mulcahy unable to pull the trigger.

The Dubliners, though, showed much greater intent in the second half with Ali Meeke, like on Saturday in the semi-finals, producing a magic box of tricks. She weaved an opening that Mulcahy touched just wide as a warning shot.

And then the opening goal came eight minutes after the break. Tice was twice denied by Lamont after Sarah Evans’ dangerous cross made it to the back post. The second flipped up off the top of Lamont’s pad and Meeke fished the ball out of the air from behind her back and into the goal, a lovely finish.

They continued to

apply the squeeze as Quins – who only had three subs on the bench – struggled to retain their first half tempo. Indeed, Loreto controlled the pace even when Tice took her third suspension of the game, a green for dissent, in the 54th minute.

A n d t h e cl i n c h e r came with 11 minutes left when Quins were deemed to have played the ball out of play with a back-stick. The stop from the resulting corner was not smooth but Meeke recovered the ball, laid off to McGirr who lashed it into the mixer where Crotty guided home to start the celebrations in earnest.

On the men’s side, UCD missed out on a

place in the national division as they found Instonians too experienced for their young charges, eventually falling 3-1.

Inst had a glut of early chances but the students caught them on the hop when Jeremy Duncan thumped home in the 34th minute..

But James Corry replied instantly before William Robinson and John Watson made the game safe in the second half.

UC D h a d b e a t e n Dublin rivals Clontarf a day earlier in the semifinal 2-0 thanks to goals from Duncan and David Nolan.

They have a second chance at promotion next Sunday against Cookstown.

O’Gorman riding on crest of the UCD Waves’ form  sport@dublingazette.com

Aine O’Gorman with her player of the month award.

Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

UCD Waves striker Aine O’Gorman has been named Continental Tyres Women’s National League Player of the Month for March.

A stunning month saw UCD defeat Peamount United, Kilkenny United WFC and Galway WFC, scoring 13 goals along the way, with club captain O’Gorman leading by example.

“We had a good month of March, and won all our games which was the goal from the start,” O’Gorman said as she was

presented with the award.

“Once the team wins that is the main thing but to get on the scoresheet a couple of times was a nice added bonus.

“It’s obviously nice to get an individual award but you just want to see your team win and do well,” added O’Gorman, whose UCD Waves side level at the top of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League with just two games remaining for them.

An impressive month on the domestic front was added to with the international side as O’Gorman got on the scoresheet

in the 5-0 win away to Montenegro, before going on the play the full 90 minutes of the defeat to Spain.

“We always knew we had to go out and do the job against Montenegro, while we were going to be up against it facing Spain. As disappointing as the Spain result was, we are still in contention and have three big games coming up. If we win the three games, qualification is still there for us,” O’Gorman reflected.

Looking ahead to a busy period with her club, O’Gorman insists they are taking it one game

at a time, with Wednesday’s Continental Tyres WNL Cup semifinal against Galway WFC the primary focus.

“Preparations are going well for the semi-final. We are going to have to focus on winning the remaining games of the season.

The cup semi against Galway will be a great game and hopefully we can finish with a bit of silverware.”

Aine O’Gorman was presented with her award by Tom Dennigan, General Sales Manager with Continental Tyres, at the Glenview Hotel, Co Wicklow.

28 April 2016 lucan gazette 29

Gazette

Bulls barge way into UBL Division 1A final

Second half tries from Noone and Ryan power Clontarf into All-Ireland final showdown with Cork Constitution on May 8 in the Aviva Stadium thanks to fine win over UCD ubl division 1a playoff Clontarf UCD  sport@dublingazette.com

24 10

SECOND half tries from Michael Noone and Evan Ryan proved to be the difference for Clontarf against UCD as they booked their place in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A decider for the second year in succession.

Early tries from Bryan Byrne and Mick McGrath had Andy Wood’s charges 10 points to the good and, even though UCD worked their way back into contention with a Barry Daly five-pointer – after Michael Noone had

claimed a third touchdown for Clontarf – a late score from replacement Evan Ryan ensured the progression of the 2013/14 champions.

This semi-final stage is familiar territory for Clontarf, who overcame Terenure College in the last-four 12 months ago.

They booked their place in this season’s play-offs by finishing top of the table, and capped off the regular rounds by securing seven wins in-a-row.

Their most recent victory was last week’s dress rehearsal against the students at Castle Avenue.

Although their early season form had put them in a strong position, UCD

entered this contest on the back of five defeats on the bounce.

Playing on the allweather surface at the north Dublin venue, Noel McNamara’s young guns enjoyed a decent spell of possession early on.

However, the Clontarf defence held firm and, with just eight minutes on the clock, they broke the deadlock.

A series of drives towards the whitewash had kept UCD on the back foot. From a tight right hand angle, young hooker Byrne drove over the line in powerful fashion. Out-half Joey Carbery, playing against his former UCD team-mates,

Clontarf are looking to win back the Ulster Bank League Division 1A crown in two weeks time against Cork Con. Picture: Deryck Vincent

was off target with the tricky conversion. Just three minutes later, Tarf doubled their advantage.

The classy Carbery kick-started the attack deep inside his own half, and at the end of a sweeping move involving several players, winger McGrath managed to crash over in the left corner.

It was already beginning to look quite ominous for the Belfield outfit but, to their credit, they displayed great resilience as the first half wore on. They opened their account when the Leinster-capped Ross Byrne split the posts with a 16th minute penalty.

This was a much-needed boost for UCD and, but for a forward pass from winger Daly on 21 minutes, they may well have restored parity.

Consequently, the loss of full-back Rob Keogh was a blow for the hosts while Daly and prop Andrew Porter made promising breaks for UCD approaching the interval.

Ross Byrne was wide of the mark from a 22-metre penalty, however, and in spite of their best endeavours, they could not break down the disciplined Tarf defence.

A determined UCD persisted on the resumption and, weathering an early second half storm from Wood’s side, they once again gained a strong foothold.

Replacements Ian Hirst and Aaron Dundon, who

is also part of the Clontarf coaching staff, provided the home pack with a renewed vigour, though, and nearing the hour mark the table toppers moved into a 17-3 lead.

Powerful flanker Noone held off a number of challenges to cross the whitewash on the right, and from his third kick at goal, the excellent Carbery supplied the extra points. This left UCD with a mountain to climb in the final quarter, but they gave themselves a fighting chance with 16 minutes remaining.

Daly claimed his side’s first try – via exceptional approach work by skipper Emmet MacMahon – and thanks to an outstanding conversion by Ross Byrne, the gap was down to seven points once more.

This set-up a nail-biting conclusion, and the 68th-minute sin-binning of openside Karl Moran meant that Clontarf had to be careful during the closing stages.

Ross Byrne twice opted for touch when referee David Wilkinson awarded UCD penalties from kickable positions, but Tarf ultimately secured a penalty of their own.

The result was put beyond any doubt when Ryan raced in under the posts in the third minute of injury-time, setting up an Aviva Stadium showdown with his former club, Cork Constitution, on Sunday, May 8.

FastSport

Masters tournament set to be bigger than ever THE fourth edition of the largest masters basketball tournament in Ireland will take place in four South Dublin venues on the weekend of May 6 to 8.

This edition of the Dublin Masters International Basketball Tournament will be the biggest event in the competition’s history with 34 teams competing across three different categories – Over-40 men, Over-40 ladies and Over-50 men.

The four venues being used are Oblate Hall and St Michael’s in Inchicore, Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin and Presentation Secondary School in Terenure.

As always, there will be a great array of talent on display proving that you are never too old to play the game you love.

There are new teams in this year’s line-up including a number of foreign teams including Boroughmuir, Strathclyde, Aberdeen (Checkmate Knights) and Edinburgh Phoenix from Scotland, Sussex Hawks, London Eagles and Sussex All Stars from England, Flesbek ’98 from Holland, Team Belgium, Marino’s Friends from Croatia and Santander Masters from Spain.

These will compete with a strong selection of Irish teams to take home the various trophies on offer.

Some of the best known names in Irish basketball from the past will be in action such as Ricardo Leonard, Mark Keenan, Stephen McGuirk, Owen O’Callaghan, Kieran O’Sullivan, Scottie Summersgill, Adrian Fulton, Karl Donnelly, Jerome Westbrooks, Catriona White, Debbie Doyle, Karen Staunton and some current national league players in Suzanne Maguire and Siobhan Kilkenny.

While games will be extremely competitive on the court during the day, the competitors, officials and friends will let their hair down at night and compete for the title of the oldest swinger in town.

Masters tournaments are always hugely sociable events and many new friends are made during the course of these weekends.

Games commence on Friday and culminate with semi-finals and finals in The Oblate Hall on Sunday afternoon. Admission to all sessions is free.

Gazette

30 lucan gazette 28 April 2016

SPORT

FastSport

Garda arrest Barnhall charge to claim glory GARDA/Westmanstown claimed the Bank of Ireland Leinster Women’s Paul Cusack Plate Final at Cill Dara RFC with an impressive performance last weekend.

Garda prevailed 15-5 thanks to a Ciara McDonnell try and penalty along with an Emma Chamberlain try, counteracting Barnhall’s try from Fiona Mallon.

It was the first of four finals on the day as Garda finished the season on a high after they were initially in trouble for numbers.

They welcomed five new players this season from their underage set-up and were the stronger of the two sides from the off in the final. After some early dominance, the Westmanstown ladies were rewarded with a penalty kick from just outside of the MU Barnhall 22 which McDonnell ably converted.

Garda dominated periods of the first half but let their guard down 30 minutes in when Barnhall’s Fiona Mallon got over the line, a score created by an excellent run down the wing by Laura Mahon who broke a number of tackles from the half way line.

Joanne Forde missed the opportunity to extend the lead for Barnhall missing the conversion. The remaining minutes of the first half displayed some open and free flowing rugby from both sides eager to show their skills.

Garda came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half with both Grace Rogers and Emma Chamberlain who was named MVP showing great skill in defence and attack.

Barnhall also had chances, pinning Garda back deep in their own half. Two further tries from Garda scored by Emma Chamberlain and Ciara McDonnell put the game out of Barnhall’s reach.

Garda/Westmanstown will be delighted with their season having only a handful of players back in September. MU Barnhall will be a team to watch next season.

Garda’s Ciara McDonnell is tackled by MU Barnhall’s Elaine Rayfus.

Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

soccer: connolly and hughes learning tools to progress

St Francis footballers Jack Connolly and Cian Hughes

Saints duo moving on up  aaron gallagher sport@dublingazette.com

ST FRANCIS FC will continue to enjoy its recent successes at international level this May when two of its current Under-16 footballers, Cian Hughes and Jack Connolly, pull on the green jersey to represent Ireland in a UEFA development tournament held in Hungary next month.

Both players have represented their country before; Hughes having played international football at every age group from Under 15 upwards, while Connolly received his first call-up for April’s set of friendly

games versus Turkey.

Connolly has played at St Francis since the age of six, while Hughes was snapped up two years ago from the NDSL leagues. Both play in the middle of the park, with Hughes usually playing in a number ten, attacking role while his teammate sits further deep in front of his defensive line.

Paul Osam’s side will play all of Switzerland, Slovakia and host Hungary in the final set of games at Under 17 level for this group of players.

St Francis Under-16 manager Mark Connolly said that he is delighted with two of his players

drop kick for clubs Madigan launches the chance for big cash ian Madigan launched a new club rugby

initiative that will take place at half time during the Ulster Bank League final in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, May 8.

Ulster Bank is calling on players around the country to enter a competition for their chance to try a 32 metre drop-kick and win €10,000 for their club.Full competition details and terms and conditions are available on the Ulster Bank Rugby Facebook page -www.facebook.com/UlsterBankRugby.

getting the call-ups to represent their country, explaining that they work effectively as a midfield duo for the club.

“The two of them play very well together. Jack has been with St Francis since he was six so he is a Francis lad through-andthrough.

“This is Cian’s second year with us, but they definitely complement each other very well.

They won the league cup playing with each other last season and have had another good season this year.”

Connolly picked up a serious injury following a Kennedy Cup game and missed a large majority of

the Under-15 age bracket but worked his way back to full fitness and has earned himself a move to Premier League side Sunderland on a threeyear deal in June.

Meanwhile, Hughes will remain in Ireland in order to complete his Leaving Certificate, leaving his options open to play League of Ireland Under-17 and make the switch to England in the near future.

Manager Connolly said that this current crop of St Francis players is one filled with extraordinary talent which reflects the philosophy and playing style echoed down from the top, starting

with director of football and current St Patrick’s Athletics captain Ger O’Brien.

“The team itself is a golden generation of players coming through at that age group. Parents see that things are being done right at the club.

“They aren’t chasing glory and bringing their kids somewhere where they win leagues every year.

“These kids might not get anything out of it in the end – they’ll have a lot of medals but in the long-term they aren’t going to get the rewards that our lads are – getting contracts and international call-ups.”

28 April 2016 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

The perfect day

Sars storm back to win Division 4 camogie title

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields

lucan Sarsfields enjoyed the perfect day

at O’Toole Park with their Division 4 side claiming their title with a 0-8 to 2-0 against Erin’s Isle, an achievement later matched by their Division 1 counterparts.

They trailed 2-0 to 0-3 at the break but superb point-taking from Phoebe Shannon, Rachel Geoghegan and Kate Byrne turned the tide in the Lucan side’s favour, adding to their array of titles.

DUBLIN Feile champions. This time, it’s

The intermediate footballers start

the turn of camogie who delivered on

their champ on Saturday vs Trinity

the double with the As and Bs winning

Gaels in Pairc Ui Ruairc. The junior As

Division 1 and 4 respectively.

are away to St Pat’s Donabate at the

The Division 1 final finished Lucan Sarsfields 2-1 Kilmacud Crokes 0-3.

Incredibly, 10 of these players already have Division 1 football medals.

The Division 4 final finished Lucan

camogie: sars win division one title once again

On the juvenile side, hurling wins for

game having conceded a goal in the

U-14AB and U-15AB.

opening minute.

run every Wednesday. Set Dancing is

Mahon and Adrian Mahon who rep-

on Wednesday at 8.30pm in the Func-

resented the club in Croke Park at the

tion Room.

Lucan Sarsfields Kilmacud Crokes  sport@dublingazette.com

2-1 0-3

THREE scores apiece but Lucan Sarsfields got the crucial goals to make the main difference between two evenly matched sides as they claimed the Dublin Division 1 Feile crown at O’Toole Park last Sunday.

It continues an outrageous sequence of results for Lucan’s Under-14s, following success at both ladies football and hurling Feiles in recent weeks, opening up the

launching a threatening attack but the player was penalised for overcarrying.

From the resulting free

by Caitlin Maguire, the ball was superbly collected by Cora O’Toole and she finished in style.

From there to the finish it was the turn of the Lucan defence to stand up.

A wonder ful high catch by Roisin Egan stood out as Crokes pressed for scores. Two fine points by Niamh Comerford cut the gap but Ali Dunne was a very sound keeper and protected her net.

Tickets are still available for our premium draw. Tom Waldron won the seats for last Sunday.

championship v O’Toole’s on Saturday

The Cupla Focal Club continues on

night; 13 points a piece in the end. Their

Monday night. Eight O’clock for the

next championship outing is in Parnell

novices, nine for the more experienced

Park v Na Fianna on May 4 at 8.15pm.

speakers.

home to Clontarf on May 7 at 6.15pm

Lucan have created a knack of winning camogie Feiles in recent years; they have been in the last nine finals claiming five titles in Dublin.

A goal from Rebecca Flanagan after a defensive error put them ahead after 16 minutes and they were never behind after that. Earlier, Aoife Coffey had pulled the sides level with a pointed free.

All to play for in the second half but two minutes after the restart, Lucan struck a killer blow. Games can turn on little things.

Crokes looked like

From Wednesday next bingo will

Our thanks to Joe Whyte, Heidi

The junior A championship are at

possibility of an incredible clean sweep should they take the boys football crown.

Crokes enjoyed the best of the opening six or seven minutes but the only score on the board came from Caoimh Nic Eachain after two minutes.

After that, the scoring dried up for the Stillorgan crew and they would not raise another flag for all of 27 more minutes.

Not for the want of effort, especially the talented Niamh Comerford, who showed great leadership and skill throughout the game.

semi finals of the Leinster league.

U-15AB and U-16AB; football wins for

round of the Dublin senior hurling

division 1 feile final

The senior camogie side had a 5-8 to 2-5 win over Clara of Kilkenny in the

Lucan clawing their way back into the

The senior hurlers drew the first

Incredible Feile run continues for Lucan

7pm on Thursday.

Sarsfields 0-8 Erin’s Isles 2-0 with

Laochra event on Sunday.

Lucan’s Under-14 camogie side celebrate their success

same time as the senior footballers at

25-card drive is on Friday night next 9pm for anyone interested.

after a win at the weekend. The jun-

There was one winner of this week’s

ior Bs had a one-point loss to the Wild

€5,500 lotto draw (sold by Mick Roche).

Geese.

The numbers were 3, 15, 17 and 24. The

The senior footballers start their

draw was sponsored by Lucan Village

championship against Round Tower,

Pharmacy. Next week’s €1,000 draw

Clondalkin on Thursday at 7pm in New-

will be on Sunday night and will be

castle.

managed by team Seamus Clandillon.

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

usual sellers including Supervalu,

11, 16, 19 and 28 for the first draw and

Palmerstown House, Manor Hair Stu-

5, 9, 28 and 29 for the second draw.

dios.

Neither draw was won so, next week,

Our Friday hurling/camogie skills

there will be two draws with jackpots

was a packed session on Friday and

of €10,000 and €1,400.

will be on from 6-7pm next week. Eve-

The draw takes place in the Palm-

ryone welcome. It’s a great chance

erstown House every Sunday night at

for the kids to learn from experienced

10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you to

coaches.

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

Tickets are available from all the

Memberships are overdue so anyone that hasn’t paid can you please do so urgently.

na gaeil oga COMHGHAIRDEAS lenar n-iomanaithe!

Beidh Comortas Cailin Gaelach Na

Bhuaigh siad sa chraobh 3-16 go 1-5

Gaeil Oga 2016 ar siul an tseachtain seo

vs Naomh Seosamh BUC. Imreoidh

chugainn, 6u Bealtaine. Bigi linn i gClub

siad Kilmochuda na Chrocaigh aris sa

Chonradh na Gaeilge o 8.00. Ma ta speis

Chraobh ar 8u Bealtaine.

agat pairt a ghlacadh, dean teagmhail

Mi adh ar chailini NGO sa pheil agus camogaiocht le deanai, chaill siad vs Baile Baichaill agus Naomh Barrog.

le Maire ag cumannclg@gmail.com Beidh na paisti ar ais ag traenail i nGaeilscoil Naomh Padraig, F7 ag

Tharla ar seoladh feachtais: Pairc

10.00 agus F6 ag 11.00 (nios mo eolais

Bhuan do NGO i dTeach an Ardmheara

ag Daithi ar 0833058326); beidh eolas

an tseachtain seo caite. Mile Buiochas

seolta chuig tuisti an fhoireann F8 go

d’Ardmhear na Cathrach, Criona Ni

luath faoin deireadh seachtaine ag

Dhalaigh agus d’ar mbaill ar fad a bhi

teacht.

ann. Cabhraigh linn chun leanuint

Bhi 14 duine ag ar gcursa oiliuna le

ar aghaidh; nios mo eolais ar www.

deanai, buiochas le Paidi de Buitleir a

nagaeiloga.ie.

rinne an cursa linn.

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

garda heroes: Westmanstown outfit win westside derby with Barnhall to land women’s rugby title P30

april 28 - may 4, 2016

Bulls on the rampage: Ulster Bank League set for thrilling end of season P29

The Lucan Sarsfields’ Feile victors; left, the ladies footballers, top right, the hurlers and, bottom right, the camogie side in action against Kilmacud Crokes

Lucan’s historic Feiles

The 12th Lock club has claimed an incredible three Division One titles in the past month, landing the laurels in football, hurling and camogie

 aaron gallagher

sport@dublingazette.com

SUCCESS breeds success is the sentiment echoing from Lucan Sarsfields of late as the club registered its third and fourth Feile titles over the weekend, adding an unprecedented camogie double to its previously attained girls’ football and boys’ hurling successes over the course of a title-laden month of April.

Three weeks ago, the ladies footballers won their Division One football Feile following a 2-4 to 0-4 final win over Na Fianna.

Then came the hurling success as Lucan won a first ever Division One boys hurling Feile in the club’s history, beating rivals Castleknock 3-15 to 4-6.

This was added to by this weekend’s success

where both Sarsfields’ camogie teams reigned supreme with their Feile titles in Division One and Division Four.

This Sunday’s Division One final produced a low-scoring but nonetheless dramatic affair - just three scores between Sarsfield and Kilmacud Crokes 2-1 to 0-3 at the final whistle.

Aoife Coffey got Lucan’s opening score before a Rebecca Flanagan goal put the girls in green and white in control heading toward the break.

A second goal for Lucan courtesy of Cora O’Toole sealed a 2-1 to 0-3 win, adding a fourth title to the club’s success this year. It means that should Lucan’s boys football side win their respective final, a clean sweep across all teams – both boys and girls football and hurling – a further unique place in Feile history would be

secured.

On the sideline for Sarsfields’ camogie Division One final was manager John O’Connell who explains that Lucan’s five camogie Feile titles from nine consecutive final appearances down the years is owed to the continued hard work done in the background to build the young players skills.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced coaches, a lot of great mentors and there’s a lot of great work that goes on behind the scenes”, he said.

“The club has a lot going on in terms of a games promotion perspective which helps every club and no different in Lucan.

“Particularly in camogie, we have been doing very well in the last 10 or 15 years and, certainly, there is no golden wand, it has been down to the hard work and effort of everyone behind

the scenes.”

This on top of the evident talent possessed by this seemingly golden generation of underage players at Lucan Sarsfield which saw 10 of the ladies football Feile champions also turn out for Sunday’s Division One camogie final.

“We have a very high level dual squad with the girls”, said manager O’Connell. “That’s a credit to the girls and the club. There’s the part of success breeding success which is also an aspect which you can certainly see as a positive within the club.

“It’s nice to see teams ahead of you doing well and it has its own benefits to those who come after as they then have their own role models and relationships with older brothers or sisters within the club. There’s a great community feel to it.”