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Month XX, 2012 malahide • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Portmarnock • Kinsealy • clarehall

INSIDE: You can create some golden (or sparkling) moments with jewellery that needn’t break the bank Page 18

Camogie:

Finian’s endure senior 7 highs and lows Page 31

Soccer:

Rivervalley maintain top spot in AUL Page 30

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food: Howth Castle Cookery School serves up great seasonal lessons See P20

Smaller Kingdom to stage return  keith bellew

AFTER much protesting, arguing and compromising, the Christmas Kingdom will go ahead in Malahide – albeit in a downsized and less centralised form. After meeting local residents on November 12, and following discussions with the various stakeholders, a new format has been developed. It will link the revised event in Malahide Marina Green with enhanced

activities in Malahide Castle and elsewhere in the town. Steps will be taken to address issues raised by residents, including the relocation of merry-go-rounds, carousels, and other amusements from the green to the castle, allowing for unimpeded access to the green for locals. Christmas Kingdom director Andre Jenkinson said it provided 100 seasonal jobs, and he hoped it would “bring a big boost to businesses in the area”. Full Story on Page 5

’Tis the season ... For an early preview of Christmas delights SWORDS girl Annabelle Smith looked tree-mendously relaxed as she drifted through a glade of trees at the launch of M&S’s Christmas range recently. The international retailer unveiled a wide range of seasonal fare at its launch, from

decorations to delicious traditional food, and ranges suitable for a range of diets. With the retailer helping to create a Christmas mood, the spirit of festivities is gathering pace across Swords, Malahide and the wider region. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

2 SWORDS Gazette 19 November 2015

frustration ‘Six to 13 staff are needed for each meeting’

Council security costs hit €18,000 Fingal County Council spent €18,000 on security for council meetings between last October and this October, it has been revealed. A council spokesperson said that in order to provide a safe working environment for council staff and members, it has been necessary to have from six to 13 security staff available for each meeting. T he spokesperson added it has also been necessary to confirm gardai availability to support the council should the need arise. However, the council

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

has no information available either in relation to Garda response plans or numbers that might have been on standby at any time. Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) has expressed his frustration at the fact that the council has been obliged to spend this money on security at a time when it is “scram-

bling” to find money to deal with the homeless crisis. “At a time when we are scrambling to find money for the homeless crisis, the €18,000 spent over the last year on security for council meetings could certainly be better spent. “But as well as the dozen or more private security staff employed to protect our meetings, there are a similar number of gardai deployed, and they cost a good deal more. “I hope to get figures on this from the local [Garda] chief superintendent,” he said.

Referencing a series of protests by anti-water charge groups outside County Hall in Swords, earlier in the year in which councillors were prevented from leaving the car park on one occasion and a window was smashed, resulting in a protester receiving cuts to her head on another, he said: “There have been violent scenes outside some of our council meetings with council staff and public representatives being harassed and abused.” He went on to fire a shot at the opposition, saying: “Of course, the problem is not just confined to council meetings. Gardai have commented at our Fingal Joint Policing meetings about the resources that must be deployed to police antiwater protests by Sinn Fein and the Socialist Party.” Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP) hit back, saying that

The cost of providing security for Fingal County Council meetings has drawn criticism for using funds that could be spent elsewhere

while supported by the party the protests in question were carried out by citizens, who were exercising their democratic rights. “Protests are part of every democracy, and if you try to stymie protests then you live in a nondemocratic society. “The fact that there is a cost to police protests

at County Hall is kind of irrelevant in a sense that, if you take away their right to protest, then you don’t have a democracy. “You could weigh that up against the cost of six full-time gardai for three months in Tallaght to investigate the Joan Burton case [last November in which the Tanaiste was trapped in her car for two

hours during a protest in Jobstown]. The cost in that case is far greater than securing the council,” he said. Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) echoed Cllr Coppinger’s remarks about the right to protest, and added that Sinn Fein encouraged peaceful protest only, and did not support any unlawful acts.

No plans to lock Town Park at night  keith bellew

SWORDS Town Park will remain open at night despite calls to have it locked in order to prevent anti-social behaviour. Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab) requested that Fingal County Council lock the park each night to prevent it from becoming “an area of anti-social behaviour”. A small group of American tourists were

mugged and assaulted in the park in May. The group, which comprised a man and woman in their 20s and a woman in her 80s, were attacked by a group of youths while out taking photos of Swords Castle. The man suffered a fractured shoulder in the attack, the younger woman was also struck a number of times, and a bag, containing a camera, was taken. Cllr Smith said that

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while there had been no incidents of that severity since, he had received a steady flow of complaints about anti-social behaviour from residents living close by. “It is providing a place for people to go, particularly after local establishments close up late at night. People are going in and generally causing a worrying presence for the residents that live surrounding the Town Park, particularly on North Street. “The gates are open, the place is dark and they know from the sights, the sounds and what they find the next day that there are peo-

ple in there during the night, getting up to no good and creating a continued worr ying picture of the park,” he said. In response, a council spokesperson said the decision to leave the park unlocked at night was taken almost five years ago when the park came under the control of the operations department. “As the park is porous at a number of locations along the boundaries, locking the gates merely prevents the gardai from entering or patrolling in the park after dark. It is not intended to return to the practice of locking the park.”

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transport

television: 1o-year-old is part of troupe in upcoming toy show

Rapid bus still in plans

Skerries girl steps up to dance at TV3  keith bellew

SKERRIES girl Dafney Ndjatang will perform on the TV3 Toy Show this Friday at 9pm, as part of a troupe of Fit Kids/Teens from all across Dublin. The group heard of auditions for a performance spot at the last minute, and put together a routine with just two hour’s notice. They performed their hastily assembled routine of Breakin’, Poppin’ and Lockin’ at the show auditions at the Sean O’Casey Centre. Speaking to The Gazette, Fit Kids/Teens founder Jacinta Cassidy said: “We basically noticed that there was a deadline to get our sub-

mission in, so we just send a promo video in and got a call from the producers saying they absolutely loved it and they asked us if we could get up for an audition. “We only had two hours of a practice. The kids were from all over [the city] and some had never met each other before in their lives, and in two hours they had this routine together, and we went down and blew them away.” She said they were informed of their success while attending a Hip Hop Slumber Weekend event at The Barbican, Drogheda. They were surprised by a TV3 film crew who burst through the doors led

by Rose Of Tralee 2014 winner, Maria Walsh, who informed them they would be performing on the show. T he show will be hosted by Walsh and television personality Brian Ormond. She said the TV3 crew told the kids that they had bad news for them – that bad news being that they would need to take a day off school to perform on the show, at which point the kids “went mental”. This surprise announcement was filmed and featured on a special TV3 auditions show last Friday and Saturday night. The group are now busily rehearsing a brandnew routine for the show.

Something to puff about: Energia is greenest home electricity supplier DONABATE girl Arona Romeri was almost out of breath after helping energy provider Energia being awarded the title of greenest home electricity supplier in the Republic of Ireland, achieving the award for the second year running. With wind power driving a large part of Energia’s energy generation, the Commission for Energy Regulation factored it into their awarding of the title of Ireland’s Greenest Home Energy Supplier to the company. Arona generated plenty of energy at the park as she raced the wind to catch some of the last colourful leaves of lingering autumn. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

THE National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that despite the fact that a scaled-back Metro North is planned for Swords, a bus rapid transit (BRT) system remains in focus for the area. This confirmation is contained in the NTA’s draft transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. It states that Swords is in need of a higher level of public transport than the existing provision. The precise nature of this additional provision will be designed to take account of the likely future presence of the new Metro North. It further states that it is likely to take the form of a BRT-type service, but its extent remains to be determined.

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education Range of new builds, extensions set for county

16 school projects agreed for Fingal  keith bellew

FINGAL has been the biggest winner in Dublin in the latest school building project, with 16 projects announced this week including plans for two brand-new secondary schools in Swords and Malahide/Portmarnock. While the Department of Education has yet to identify sites for these two new schools, they will open in September 2017 in temporary locations until suitable locations can be identified and the construction completed, within the 2019-2021 period.

Of the existing schools to benefit, eight will get new buildings and five will get extensions. St Cronan’s Junior and Senior National Schools in Swords will have their buildings extended to cater for their growing needs, as will Loreto College, Swords; St Mologa’s SNS, Balbriggan, and Rush and Lusk ETNS. M e a nw h i l e , P o r tmarnock Community School will get a new school building, as will St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush; Colaiste Glor na Mara, Balbriggan; Rush NS; Balbriggan Community College,

Bremore ET Post Primary School; St Michael’s Special School; Hacketsttown, Skerries; and Baile Falbach, Hedgestown, Lusk. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said this was a very positive programme of developments, especially the two new schools, which he said are much needed as Fingal has the youngest age demographic in the State, and “requires huge investment in schooling to cater for demand”. He said: “As many parents are aware, the need to address the capacity of primary schools across the north county

has been of the utmost importance since 2011.” He added that this investment would also provide vital social infrastructure in Swords and Malahide/Portmarnock, where population increases and the number of young children continue to grow substantially. He said he has long held the view that Malahide and Swords required additional postprimary schools to cater for growing demand, and that it was apparent as far back as 2006. Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab) said the importance of this programme

Malahide crowned best Dart Malahide DART Station was crowned Best Dart Station at the 2015 Best Station Awards, at Iarnrod Eireann’s Inchicore Engineering Works recently. The station was praised for the “beautiful” community garden, which is maintained jointly by Iarnrod Eireann and Malahide Tidy Towns. The staff were also commended for their customer service and pride in their station. The winners are chosen by public vote, with almost 4,000 customers rating their stations as part of this year’s awards, by customer information, station appearance and staff helpfulness. Malahide scored highly in all categories, and station official, Mark Jolley accepted the award from Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Under plans announced by the Department of Education, St Cronan’s Senior National School is one of the Fingal facilities set for an extension . Picture: Google Earth

is massive for Dublin Fingal, and “a lot of crucial building needs have been included in this plan”. He said: “There are 16 projects for Dublin Fingal included in this

announcement, with many long-term needs, such as St Cronan’s Junior and Senior National Schools, and the overdue investment in Loreto College, Swords. “There is also big

investment in Lusk, Rush and Balbriggan, which are two areas in real need of increased school building and accommodation to meet the growing demand in these towns.”

19 November 2015 SWORDS Gazette 5

malahide Revised plans keep event in town, but less centralised christmas Parking is free on Saturdays

Christmas Kingdom to return  keith bellew

AFTER much protesting, arguing and compromising, the Christmas Kingdom will go ahead in Malahide – albeit in a downsized and less centralised form. After meeting local residents on November 12, and following discussions with councillors, Malahide Chamber of Commerce, Malahide Castle Management, the Christmas Kingdom event organisers and An Garda Siochana, a new format has been developed. It will link the revised event in Malahide Green with enhanced activities in Malahide Castle and elsewhere in the town. Christmas Kingdom director Andre Jenkinson said his team is over-

whelmed with the amount of support received and are grateful to the people of Malahide. He said: “This event provides more than 100 seasonal jobs and we hope to bring a big boost to businesses in the area.” Councillors Eoghan O’Brien (FF) and Anthony Lavin (FG) welcomed the outcome reached, saying it would have been a huge disappointment to many residents and business owners in the community. Cllr Lavin said that while he was glad it hadn’t been abandoned altogether, he understood the concerns of residents who were not properly consulted about the event. Steps will be taken to address issues raised by residents, including the

relocation of the merrygo-rounds, carousels, chair-o-planes and other amusements from the green to Malahide Castle, and there will be unimpeded access to the green for locals. As part of this festival, there will be a free shuttle service running between the green and castle, a traffic management plan, full-time litter crews servicing the event and 24-hour security to guard against anti-social behaviour. Entrance to the public areas of the Christmas Kingdom is free, while the Santa Experience and ice rink are by ticket only, with tickets available now from €18 at www.ChristmasKingdom.ie. Special features of the Christmas Kingdom include the Polar Express

Snow Queen Rosanna Davison and Hannah O’Reilly announcing details of the Christmas Kingdom in Malahide. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

train and vintage carousels, a 2,200 sq ft ice rink, a Charles Dickensthemed street, Christmas markets, Rudolf and some real reindeer, elves, Santa and Mrs Claus, a Polar post office for sending Santa letters, a tunnel of lights and Christmas Tree

Avenue. The Christmas Kingdom is due to open every weekend from November 20, and every day from December 18 until 23. Meanwhile, the annual St Andrew’s Parish Christmas Market will take place on Satur-

day, November 28 from 10.30am to 2.30pm in the parish centre on Church Road, Malahide. There will be a raffle draw at 2pm, along with numerous stalls selling cakes, toys, mince pies, mulled wine, bric-a-brac and more.

FOLLOWING the last three years’ successful schemes, it has been decided to provide free parking in Balbriggan, Malahide, Rush, Skerries and Swords for the three Saturdays in December in the run-up to Christmas. The dates in question are December 5, 12 and 19. Following a request from Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), Fingal County Council has confirmed that it is also giving consideration to the provision of the council car park at the junction of North Street/Seatown Road, Swords for the use of the public for these dates. This move would be undertaken in an attempt to encourage local commerce.

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policing Letter to seek reversal of Rush facility’s closure

Council to call for station reopening  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council will write to Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan to request that she meet the Swords/Balbriggan area committee to discuss the possibility of reopening Rush Garda Station. This comes as a result of a motion tabled by Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) who says that the closure of the station in 2012 has had a considerable impact on the community and given rise to anti-social behaviour. T h e a r e a i s n ow policed via Balbriggan Garda Station, which is a considerable distance away. Cllr Quinn said: “I’ve learned recently that the

closure of Rush Garda Station has only saved €4,000 for the State – that’s a very small price to pay for the Government, but a very high price to pay for the people of Rush. “[The station] should be reopened for two major reasons: it will provide for a combination of policing from Balbriggan down to the peninsula in Rush, which will accommodate policing across the whole of north County Dublin. “It will also give back some morale to the Garda force, and some confidence in An Garda Siochana [among the community] which unfortunately has been eroded from the time of the station being

closed.” He added that a business owner in Rush contacted him to say that he was afraid to visit his premises on a Saturday evening, due to a group of youths who were hanging around outside. He maintains that this problem would not exist if there was a stronger Garda presence in the area. Cllr Tony Quinn (Ind) said he attended a recent Fingal joint policing committee meeting, at which around 75% of the issues raised related to Rush. He said that the geographical location of Rush allowed for criminals to commit crimes and escape before gardai travelling from Bal-

briggan arrived on the scene. Meanwhile, Commissioner O’Sullivan has confirmed that Malahide Garda Station will remain open, and there are no plans for any further station closures in the country. She gave this assurance at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, and further stated that the public desk hours at Malahide Garda Station would not change at this point in time. These assurances were given in response to questions from Deputy Alan Farrell (FG), who is a member of the committee. He welcomed the

The council wishes to discuss the possibility of reopening Rush Garda Station with Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan

news, saying it will give some peace of mind to the community in Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy, some of whom were worried that services at the station would be scaled back or that it would be closed. Deputy Farrell said: “With Commissioner

O’Sullivan appearing before the Oireachtas Justice, Defence and Equality [committee], I used this opportunity to again raise the issue of Garda station closures, and in particular, to request clarification on the future of Malahide Garda Station.

“I am pleased that the commissioner confirmed that An Garda Siochana have no plans for any further station closures. “I am sure this will provide residents with reassurances that the local station in Malahide will not be closed,” he said.

don’sdublin

Unlocking rare treasures in a museum full of Eastern promise THE Chester Beatty Library is one of Dublin’s most interesting places and the only museum in Ireland

honour indeed for a private citizen. The short video about Chester Beatty just inside

to be awarded European Museum of the Year 2002.

the library’s entrance is informative and well worth

The exquisite collections of prints, manuscripts,

a view. In the bright atrium you will find the library

paintings and early printed books from western

gift shop and, with so much on show coming from

Europe through Egypt, the Middle East to China,

the East, the busy Silk Road Cafe. Another word of

are exceptional. They offer an insight into the rich

advice: Don’t miss the Roof Garden.

history of great cultures and religions over the past three millennia. Alfred Chester Beatty was born on February 7, 1875 in New York City. He graduated as an engineer from Columbia University in 1898 and went west to work in the mining business in Denver. Two years

The Chester Beatty Library is a great place for all ages and the word that most comes to mind about my visit? Colourful. Check it out.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

later he moved to Cripple Creek, Colorado and made a fortune mining gold. A millionaire in his early 30s, he moved to London for health reasons and established a successful consultancy firm and was often called the King of Copper. An avid collector since he was a boy he travelled widely buying and amassing the fabulous collection now housed in the renovated Clock Tower Building in Dublin Castle. The museum opened on February 7, 2000, the 125th anniversary of Beatty’s birth. He moved to Dublin in 1940, made a Freeman of the City in 1954 and granted honorary Irish citizenship in 1957. He was accorded a State funeral when he died on January 19, 1968 – a unique

Chester Beatty Library: Ireland’s only museum to be awarded European Museum of the Year 2002.

19 November 2015 SWORDS Gazette 7

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gazetteGALLERY

Paul Kinsella, Katherine O’Brien, Mary Dwyer and Rowena Dunne

Beernie Marks, chair, Swords Heritage Society, and

Director of Chambers Ireland Tony Lambert with Noeleen McHugh, Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid, Minister for Children Dr

Ken Duffy, chair, Swords Tidy Towns

James O’Reilly, Mayor David O’Connor and Purple Flag co-ordinator Toni Hogan. Pictures: Stephen Fleming Photography

Flagging Swords as a great centre

PIRITS were raised almost as high as the eponymous flag when the Purple Flag was officially raised at Swords Castle recently. Awarded in recognition of the town’s vibrant night life and business engagement in helping to foster Swords as a dynamic, safe, clean and fun place, the flag helps to symbolise the town’s vibrant business and community spirit. As a national standard similar to the Blue

Flag for beaches, Purple Flags are awarded under a number of strict criteria, with their designation acting as a seal of approval for a wide range of factors. The Mayor of Fingal, David O’Connor (Ind) was joined by a wide cross-selection of local business people and community figures for the special flag-raising ceremony, which was greeted with great applause and enthusiasm.

Mick Breen, Irish Centre for Cycling with Ciaran Staunton, Swords Castle and Darren Crampton, Swords Movies

Alan Farrell (TD) and Alan Spain, S&S Office Interiors

Philip Stimpson and Helen Murtagh

19 November 2015 SWORDS Gazette 9

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gazetteGALLERY

Actress Kate Stanley Brennan

Ger Kelly, Liam Heslin and Philip McMahon pictured at the recent announcement of details of Waking the Nation, the Abbey Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controversial 2016 Centenary Programme, which will feature major revivals of the some of the great plays from the Abbey Theatre repertoire. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Abbeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 plans cause quite a stir

Actress Geraldine Plunkett

James Connolly Heron, founder of the 1916 Dr Bryan McMahon, chairman of the Abbey, delivering a few words

Relatives Centenary initiative and a greatPhillip McMahon, writer of Town is Dead

grandson of James Connolly

Ian Lloyd Anderson

19 November 2015 SWORDS Gazette 11

health

Ross Nugent Foundation funds The Glade at Beaumont

Chill-out room launched to benefit many  keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

A chill-out room for patients and families at Beaumont Hospital, entientitled The Glade room, and provided by the Ross Nugent Foundation at a cost of €35,000, was launched recently by presenter Marty Whelan. The charity was set up by the family of Malahide teenager Ross Nugent following his death in 2013. Ross passed away following a battle with an illness called Ewings Sarcoma. This is a malignant

small, round, blue cell tumour. It is a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue T he Ross Nugent Foundation had the room designed by architect Andrew Lohan, and the Foundation fully funded The Glade. Whelan is an old family friend of the Nugents and knew Ross from the time he was born. Ross’s father, Don, said Ross received the very best care at Beaumont Hospital before he passed away.

“We strongly believe that rooms such as The Glade can benefit the patient as well as their families and helps them, at least for a while, forget why they are here,” he said. One of the patients using the room is Mary Coogan, who said: “It is as if I am sitting in a forest allowing me to forget about everything that has been going on. I almost forgot I was in the hospital till one of my machines started beeping.” Initially, the main

Sandra Nugent and RTE broadcaster Marty Whelan opening the new chill-out room at Beaumont Hospital. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

objectives of the foundation were to raise funds for equipment in oncology wards in Beaumont and other hospitals. Ross said one day that he would raise funds to buy a new blood pressure monitor for St Clare’s oncology ward in Beaumont Hospital. As he was never given

the opportunity to do this, his family and friends of the foundation promised to do so on Ross’s behalf. His family say it was important to Ross that conditions are made more comfortable for the patients, visiting relations and nursing staff. The objectives of the

Ross Nugent Foundation are based on Ross’s promise, and it has since exceeded these objectives, donating more than 150 pieces of different equipment to the oncology and haematology department of Beaumont Hospital. For further information, see www.rossnugentfoundation.ie/.

rush Lighting hopes dim at lane THE installation of lighting at Healy’s Lane, Rush will not be carried out at present but will be considered in future work programmes as funds allow, Fingal County Council has said. Local resident Brendan O’Reilly raised the issue of poor visibility in the area as far back as October 2014. At the time, the council said the request for lighting at Healy’s Lane would be considered for inclusion in a programme of works should funding be available in 2015. The provision of a footpath at the location has also been requested, but this requires land acquisition. In total, the provision of lighting and a footpath would cost €37,000.

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Gazette

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dublinlife

feature

a day in the life: singer songwriter Barbara Dickson’s life on the road

Artist who’s cautious about excess

 Keith Bellew

HIGHLY successful singer-songwriter and O l i vi er Award wi nning actress Barbara Dickson is currently touring Ireland, having performed in various venues throughout the Republic, including Dun Laoghaire, she is now making her way up North, before returning to her native Scotland. The Gazette recently caught up with Dickson, and found out what constitutes an average day in her life both on

and off the road. She said life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and a day in her life on tour is far more structured these days than it was then. “It has evolved over many, many years of touring. My first headline tour was in 1977, that’s a long time ago so since then I’ve evolved all sorts of things that I do. I get up at 8am, I go and have breakfast, a reasonably good breakfast and then I travel on

to the next place that I’m going to. Whether it takes an hour or threeand-a-half – four hours I always leave af ter breakfast,” she said. Once she reaches her next destination she would have a sandwich and go to sleep for an hour if possible. This is followed by as much quiet time as possible in the afternoon. After the afternoon recharge she goes to the pre-show sound check. This is followed by a meal, at which point she returns to prepare

Barbara Dickson: finds life on the road has changed considerably since she first came on the scene in the 1970s and touring is far more structured now than it was back then

for the show. “I go back to the theatre and I get made up and get ready, then I go on-stage. “I always stay in the place that I have played, so after the show I go back to the hotel, and wake up to start again at 8am the next morning,” she said. This current sched-

ule is in marked contrast to the way things were done earlier in her career as she explains: “I used to stay up later with the band, there would be a degree of pa r tying af ter each show, but we didn’t play for as many dates. “We maybe did eight to 10 dates whereas now I do five weeks of

touring. “So you could just about get away [by the skin of your teeth], with staying up late [and partying,” she said. However, she has always been cautious when it comes to excess as she relies on her voice, and too much partying could harm her voice.

She has always been careful of this as she does not want to disappoint her fans. Having played The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on November 13, her next show is Ilfracombe folk festival on November 21. For more information visit: www.barbaradickson.net.

Firm hits London to build important business links Representatives from 30 Irish-based companies recently joined Dublin Chamber of Commerce on a two-day business mission to London. The mission consisted of a number of different facets, including briefings from UK business leaders, site visits, and a networking reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Tourism Ireland. Chief executive of Dublin Chamber Gina Quin said the level of interest in this business mission was extremely encouraging and showed that Irish businesses are keen to engage with the wider business community. She added that it provided business owners in Dublin with the opportunity to engage with UK business leaders, seek new busi-

ness opportunities and to network with their peers. “These missions are hugely beneficial in terms of building important business links between companies in Dublin and key cities abroad. Dublin Chamber has also led missions to San Jose and Brussels this year,” she said. A large focus of the trip was on the potential for a UK exit from the EU. The busy two-day schedule included briefings with Philip Shaw, chief economist, Investec, Gavin McWhirter, UK manager, Enterprise Ireland, Denis Staunton, London editor, the Irish Times, and Des Crowley, chief executive, Retail UK Division, Bank of Ireland. Companies travelling with the delegation included AIB, Aramark,

BDO, Computershare, DAA, Dublin Citi Hotel, Eugene F Collins, Evolve, Gardiner & Theobold, Gibney Communications, Intellicom, Northgate, NSI Technology, O’Callaghan Hotels, QED Training, Ronan Daly Jermyn, Solgari, the Reputations Agency, UCD and Version 1. Dublin Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Ireland with over 1,300 members. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure and transport, promoting competitiveness and improving local governance.

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Gazette

diary dublinlife Save the puppies – don’t buy one for Christmas

D o g s Tr u s t h a s launched a thoughtprovoking awareness campaign appealing to the public to pledge their promise not to buy a puppy this Christmas. Early morning commuters in Dublin were recently surprised by large 4ft wrapped model dogs across key locations in the city to launch the Charity’s A Dog is for Life, Not Just For Christmas message. The dogs were “abandoned” at notable locations in Dublin city in an aim to provoke awareness and discussion around buying a puppy as a gift this

Christmas. Every November in the run-up to Christmas, there is a huge increase in the number of pups being advertised for sale both on and offline. The charity’s switchboard experiences a spike in phone calls from members of the public looking to surrender their unwanted dogs post-Christmas. The charity is asking the public to support and share this important animal welfare message at Christmas by joining the cause and pledging to take #TheP uppyPromise online at www. thepuppypromise.com.

dancing shoes at the ready for charity

A host of well-known personalities will take to the dance floor at the Convention Centre, Dublin, for the third Strictly Against Breast Cancer event for Breast Cancer Ireland. On November 21, guests from the world of business, arts, sports, media, entertainment and the community will gather on the pink carpet to experience this spectacle of glamour and expertise, while at the same time, enjoying a fabulous gala dinner and the opportunity to dance

as part of the build-up to the festive season. Some of the television personalities taking part on the night, include TV3’s Elaine Crowley and Tommy Martin, exrugby international and commentator Shane Byrne, Fair City actors George McMahon and Jenny Dixon, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran and Red Rock actor David Crowley as well as PR woman Roisin Tierney Crowe. All funds raised on the night will go to Breast Cancer Ireland, a charity established to raise funds in support of pioneering breast

Fair City’s Jenny Dixon, TV3’s Elaine Crowley, cancer survivor Teresa Costello, broadcaster Norah Casey, RTE Weathergirl Helen Curran, model Karena Graham and supporter Roisin Tierney Crowe are all set for Strictly Against Breast Cancer. Photography: Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

cancer research and awareness. Tickets which include a four-course meal including complimentary wines, the dance competition itself, entertainment by the Sugar Cubes and automatic entry into a valuable prize draw on the night are on sale at €150 per person at www.breastcancerireland.com.

true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers A play chronicling the fascinating true story of Oscar Wilde’s lovers finishes its week-long run at Sean O’Casey Theatre on Saturday, November 21. Described as a tale o f p e r s e c u t e d l ove , scandal and conf lict Wretched Little Brat tells the untold story of persecuted love, moralistic law and endless litigation between Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and Robbie Ross, Oscar Wilde’s lovers. The play derives its name from George Bernard Shaw’s summation

of Douglas and charts the lives of Robbie Ross who dedicated his life to maintain Wilde’s legacy after his death in 1900, and Douglas who did the opposite. The litigation that ruined Wilde went on to try to destroy Ross as Douglas hounded him through the courts for promoting homosexuality. The play charts the Wilde years and beyond to D o u g l a s ’s d e a t h i n 1945. Based on their own testimony, Wretched Little Brat reveals the lives underscoring one of the most “scandalous” episodes in Irish literary history and how it continues to impact in modern times. For more see www. gaytheatre.ie.

political pressure mounts on Taoiseach With the General Election just around the corner, the political fundraising balls complete with extortionate plate prices are in full swing. Fine Gael recently held one across the pond,

which was facilitated by Friends of Fine Gael, London, at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood. This year’s £100 a plate fundraiser, while greatly attended, was far less entertaining than last year’s, at which Enda had a pair of knickers bearing the message “Repeal the 8th, Enda” served up to him on a plate by pro-choice group Imelda – which stands for Ireland Making England the Legal Destination for Abortion. Poor Enda always seems to find himself in these embarrassing positions with delicate feminine issues. From this, to Graham Dwyer’s estranged lover accusing him of stealing her breast pump, to the latest incident, in which comedienne Grainne Maguire urged women to tweet details of their menstrual cycles to him in a bid to build pressure for a referendum on the repeal of the 8th Amendment. This may prove the best option, if political pressure doesn’t work, embarrass Enda into it!

19 November 2015 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 gift guide P22

food and drink P20

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



Gazette

style P18

Bord Gais Theatre: Our favourite Nanny arrives – in the most delightful way

Open wide for spoonful of Poppins  Ian Begley

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are bringing their multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this December, which is without doubt a musical not to miss. Recently embarking on a trip to Bristol’s Hippodrome to see the much-loved musical before its visit to Dublin I was truly amazed by the stage production and the cast’s performance. The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny, played by Zizi Strallen, arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible

effects and unforgettable songs. The stage production of Mary Poppins is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. It has a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier awardwinning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Without giving too much away, my favourite part of the musical was when Poppins herself soared into the audience on her iconic umbrella and when Bert, played by Matt Lee, liter-

ally walks across the side of the stage and onto the ceiling, which left every jaw in the Hippodrome hanging in bewilderment. The explosion of colour during the real-life cartoon sequence was also very well done and entertaining. The musical itself stayed more true to the original books and seemed slightly creepier than the 1964 film. The children who played Michael and James Banks were also brilliantly cast and managed to deliver their lines and songs flawlessly. Seeing many of the fantastic musicals that the Bord Gais Energy Theatre showcased this year it is safe to say that Mary Poppins leaves each one of them in the dust – in the most delight-

ful way. The stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production ran for over six years where it won the Tony Award for Best Set Design. Mary Poppins will play Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, January 9. Tickets cost €25 to €68 and can be purchased on www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins. Picture: Johan Persson

Gazette

18 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE Juvi Glamour Puss pendant in amethyst €119

Melinda Maria Pyramid drop gold earrings €50

Newbridge Silverwear Charm bracelet €40

Melinda Maria Gold and turquoise hunter studs €90

goldenpresents ALL that glistens isn’t gold, and never a truer word was spoken with these beauties. You don’t have to break the bank this Christmas to give a stunning piece of jewel-

lery to your loved one. From stunning turquoise earrings by Melinda Maria to the latest collection from Newbridge with brand ambassador Naomi Campbell at

Hugo Boss Classic rose gold watch €275

the helm, there is lots to choose from. So, if you really want to make someone’s Christmas sparkle, choose from our style editor’s choice this week.

Paul Costelloe Moving crystal earrings €125

Paul Costelloe Crystal double rose band ring €125

Thomas Sabo Silver and rose gold watch €259

r Silve grey in sequ s sock €39

Star print PJ boyfriend shirt €85

Fairisle hand warmers €39

Star print PJ set €65

WITH the days getting very, very short and the nights turning long and cold, what better time to update your loungewear wardrobe? These supremely snug seperates from Mint Velvet are just the ticket to keep you snug as a bug in a rug when the weather outside is icy and chilly. Think Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (all long socks and boyfriend PJ tops).

Grey Star hot water bottle €39

Snugglewear to cosy up to

Melinda Maria Gold white pod ring €90

19 November 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD&DRINK

BITESIZEDNEWS No sour grapes as top wines scoop awards THE gold star winner in the white wine category of the National Off-Licence Association (NOFFLA) 2015-2016 awards has been announced as Portuga Vinho Regional Lisboa 2014 (right), from Portugal. This wine is a light fresh blend of the classic white grapes of this region in Portugal – arinto, fernao pires – with a little sauvignon blanc for extra freshness. This is made with free-run juice and is a great example of the exciting new wines coming out of Portugal, and is available in many off-licences. In the red wine category, Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2010 (left) from Rioja, Spain triumphed. This classic Rioja is a blend of tempranillo (75%), garnacha (10%) and mazuelo (14%), and aged for 16 months in American and French oak casks. Boasting aromas of vanilla and spice, this wine is full-flavoured and complex, and is also available in many off-licences.

Cormac Rowe and Susan Bell – the latest expert chefs who have blended in perfectly with the winter classes schedule at Howth Castle Cookery School, which covers a variety of cookery topics. Picture: Angela Halpin

That’s Howth to cook HOWTH Castle has had many alterations since

it rose from the harbour on Dublin’s famous and most imposing peninsula. Built in the 12th century as a wooden structure, it has been renovated many times, notably in the 13th century and 1738, though recent modifications in 1911 and over the 20th century present themselves today. Through the lofty gates of Deer Park Golf Club and up a dimly lit gravelly path I travelled on a mild Wednesday night for the launch of the winter classes schedule at the Howth Castle Cookery School. The school has announced Susan Bell as executive chef of the golf club’s house menu and the cookery school, as well as a newly launched catering menu – Kitchen in the castle. Susan was presenting a demo menu with Michelin-star chef Cormac Rowe, of Mount Juliet Kilkenny, who has come on board to teach a masterclass and a demo with Susan on the winter schedule. She has worked under such scions of the industry as Marcus Wareing

and Raymond Blanc, so with this duo at the helm I was expecting an evening in a gastronomic dead poet’s society. There are classes running currently up to Christmas on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and these include Christmas food gifts, a dinner party menu, Christmas baking masterclass and pastry, as well as the demo and masterclass by Susan and Cormac, which cost €50 and €150 respectively. Weekday classes are 7-9.45pm, and Saturdays run all day. The menu for that night’s demonstration read as follows: scallops with cauliflower puree, lime jelly and brown butter, venison loin with beetroot, oatmeal, sprouts and balsamic jus, and vanilla pannacotta, mandarin, white chocolate and hazelnut. On arrival at the cookery school – which sits at the back of the castle and up the aforementioned and easy to miss gravelly path – you are presented with a glass of wine and ushered past the chef’s prep kitchen through to the teaching area. It’s very quaint and

warm with vaulted ceilings, Georgian paraphernalia and old ranges, but with all mod cons. Think: Downstairs Downton Abbey with Mrs Packmore and Daisy using induction hobs. The structure of the class saw Cormac and Susan run through all the prep for all three courses first, rather than to cook each course as they went – and there was a lot of prep! I felt the menu, whilst stylish and impressive, was reasonably simple if laborious for a cook attending such a class; however, it turned out to be incredibly technical and meticulous. The cauliflower was thinly sliced from minuscule florets; a jelly of lime was made with agar agar – a vegetable-based setting agent. Mandarin for the dessert was segmented then peeled and then veined; I was waiting on a surgeon to come in and say: “Scalpel”. A salt pastry was made to encase the beetroot that would eventually accompany the venison, roasted in its briny tomb. Of course, this level of explanation and detail is

to be expected from chefs of such esteem, though at points I would have relished a “Here’s one we made earlier” moment. After the technical presentation of the prep and the various accompaniments were done, the chefs cooked the three courses and plated up, and the food looked exquisite. Certainly, no one’s plate would come back empty if this was the result of a student’s dinner party! The demo ran over by half an hour, though I’m sure this will be tightened up, and I wished samples had been a little larger, given the appetite I’d worked up watching this food being made. Rowe and Susan are good presenters and so passionate, informative and friendly that it’s impossible not to feel enthusiasm for the food. Classes cost between €25 for the Christmas food gifts to €150 for the five-hour masterclass with Rowe. For further information, email info@howthcastlecookeryschool.ie.  Shane Rigney

Food vlogger

19 November 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

22 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT Tesco Along Came Betty bath crystals €7.49

M&S Rotating lenticular tin €17.99

Clarins Pretty Lips set €24.50 Available Lloyds Pharmacy

Dove Derma Spa body oil €13.99

Searching for a perfect gift? WITH the launch of a certain Christmas ad last week, and a slew of others now showing on television, we think it’s time to accept the party season is nearly upon us, but let’s not forget: it’s also the season for giving. And, as that perfect ad points out, it’s more about the act of giving than receiv-

ing that warms the cockles of our hearts. So, with that in mind, it’s time to start planning the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Whether it’s the next-door neighbour, the milkman, your mum or your other half, we have a selection of great gifts to pick from. Next week, we’ll look at the best in gifts for kids ... toys, toys, toys!

Makeup Forever 12 artist plexiglass range €166

CA Design Get Out black dog lamp €95

Thisworks Sleep pillow spray plus cracker €16

19 November 2015 GAZETTE 23

Photobox Personalised cushions www.photobox.ie

Bioderma Christmas pouch €17.50

The Body Shop Sugar plum gift set €29.95

Teeling Revival whiskey €100-120

Russell Hobbs Brew and go €49.99

Butlers Chocolates €10

Debenhams Gionni Adrianna bag €60

GAZETTE

GIFT GUIDE MOTORING

Gazette

24 Gazette 19 November 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

HEALTHYSTEPS

The best of practical New Zealand products are to the fore in Kiwi Country Clothing’s ranges

Say ‘hello, possums’ to this clothing range AS THE old saying goes: “T here is no bad weather, just bad clothing”. Monaghan entrepreneur Elizabeth McGuinness returns to South Anne Street with her New Zealand clothing company, Kiwi Country Clothing. An all-100% natural New Zealand product, the range includes oilskin coats, jackets and overpants (guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable), possum merino knitwear (35% warmer than cashmere, 5 5 % warmer than merino, low pilling and antiitch) and the enviro-friendly possum fur shoes, boots, insoles and fashion accessories. The range of clothing caters for farming, equine and outdoortrade sectors, as well as anyone with an eye for the outdoors fashion. There is also an impressive section of knitwear, jackets, and accessories available to purchase. All products are of natural fabric, merino lambswool, possum fur, silk, cotton, and angora. According to McGuinness, possum

merino has been proven to be a very successful product to counteract issues with Raynaud’s syndrome. Due to the natural properties of the mix of merino wool and possum fibre in gloves (below, left), for example, this allows the fingers to remain at body temperature. Similarly for diabetes, especially for those struggling with foot issues, the super-soft seamless socks are provi n g very efficient. The socks, gloves, mitts and possum fur insoles are available through www. kiwicountryclothing.ie. Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt swears by the products, attributing the socks and boots to fixing his cold feet issues. The outer rain wear, the outback range of oilskin coats, jackets and pants are guaranteed 100% waterproof and 100% breathable. For further information, see www.kiwicountryclothing.ie, or pop into their store just off Grafton Street, at No 18 South Anne Street.

Constant and regular self-monitoring are vital when living with diabetes, as is the right diet and steps to address the condition

Watch what you eat and move more in fight against diabetes  Dr Anna Clarke Health promotion and research manager, Diabetes Ireland

IN Ireland, it is estimated that there are 225,000 people with diabetes of which 200,000 have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or just diabetes as it is more commonly known, occurs when the body can’t produce or use insulin properly resulting in high blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems including heart and kidney disease, blindness or nerve damage. Therefore, keeping your blood glucose as close to normal (4-6 mmols) as possible is the key to good health.

Type I Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is when the body’s immune system turns against a part of the body ie in type 1 diabetes, the

insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to live, either by injection or through an insulin pump. Dietary intake or physical inactivity levels do not play a part in this autoimmune process.

Type 2 Diabetes About 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2, which usually develops gradually, with few, if any symptoms, in adults. The pancreas continues to make insulin but the body does not use it effectively. About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Type 2 diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome that includes obesity, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. Controlling Diabetes Control of diabetes means control of blood sugar, blood fats and

blood pressure. Each is important in its own way but control of all three is essential to reduce your risk of future ill-health. The most important aspect of diabetes management is diet, then exercise, taking medication and regular check-ups.

The Role of Diet A healthy balanced diet is the type of diet that all people ought to be eating. There is no such thing as a special “diabetic” diet but guidelines on what is healthy eating for all persons. You should talk to a dietician about your eating habits and see www. diabetes.ie for more details. For all people, regular meals are recommended as well as a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and refined sugar, high in fibre, and includes plenty of vegetables and fruit. Physical Activity Everyone can move a

little more and movement is good. Movement keeps the muscles toned up and helps the insulin you have to work more effectively. Even when you are sitting in a chair you can be exercising your arms, feet or head. Every little helps. Aim to have a minimum 30 minutes of activity or 10,000 steps each day.

Conclusion Lifestyle issues play a large part in the day to day management of

diabetes after diagnosis but equally play a major role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Every person, regardless of having diabetes or not, needs to pay attention to their food intake and physical activity levels. If overweight, the risk of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and if pregnant, gestational diabetes rises. Take action today. For more information on diabetes see www. diabetes.ie or phone 1850 909 909.

Heart Up +, the 100% natural high-fibre super food, is partnering with Diabetes Ireland this November to raise awareness of Diabetes in Ireland. During the month of November, Heart Up + will donate €1 of every pack sold to Diabetes Ireland with all monies raised going towards research into the condition. Heart Up + can be purchased in all major pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets (nationwide) as well as online at www.truelifehealthfoods.com RRP: €7.79

19 November 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

GAMING gamers: things to remember when shopping around

Consoling words as you face ‘trading-up’

 shane dillon

WITH Christmas around the corner, many people are buying new consoles for their nearest and dearest and loved ones (even if that happens to be themselves). Whether you’re looking to take the plunge and finally trade up, or if you’re looking to buy a great gift for someone else – or yourself – here’s what you should keep in mind. For the sake of argu-

ment, I’m referring only to Sony’s PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Microsoft’s Xbox One (XBO), as Nintendo don’t have a new console yet to trade up to. Firstly, consider your storage options – the console’s hard drive space for storing digital games, films and content on. Consoles usually come with one of two hard drive sizes like a PC – typically, with 500GB, but 1TB hard drives are becoming the norm, twice the

storage space of 500GB, for which you pay a little more. Next, be aware of the ratings system for games, which can affect the console “bundle”. Many bundles are for specific or exclusive games – new consoles are increasingly shipped with marketing branded for a hot, big new game (thrown in free). However, if it’s a bundled deal, you should always check the box to see what the game is. If a game has a Cert 18 rat-

ing, you’d hardly hand that over to Little Timmy or Tara! Finally: the costs. Trading up to, or buying a new console as a gift, is never cheap, but at least it only needs to be done maybe once or twice a decade. As always, shop around for the best offer. However, as a general rule, at the time of writing a PS4 or an XBO are quite similar: €350 for a 500GB console, or €400 for a 1TB console, as outlined above.

Whether buying a new console for your other half – or just for yourself – there’s lots of choice to get you gaming again in no time. Illustration: Shane Dillon

Confusingly, you can often find the “same” console with different prices, either as a bundle with a game (or two) or just by itself, which doesn’t seem to make sense! In general, games for the ”new” consoles are currently more expensive than before. Whereas the

biggest new games were typically €65 before, the average price is now €75. However, many games can be downloaded digitally, and bought directly from the Sony or Microsoft store; indeed, many slightly-older or indie games can be bought and downloaded for anything

from €10 to €25-plus. U l t i m a t e l y, s h o p around. There are several bundled consoles with one hit game or another, and with Christmas and New Year sales – not to mention any price cuts – a great gaming Christmas is just about affordable after that initial pricy outlay.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 November 2015

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SPORT Hermes keep 100% run going

FastSport

Hockey: dublin clubs leading the way in the EY national leagues

Blackrock and Railway draw in women’s AIL:

LEAGUE leaders Blackrock remain unbeaten in the AllIreland women’s league but they were held to a 5-all draw by a feisty Railway Union team at Stradbrook. Rock’s Carrie Hanley made the switch to inside centre due to the inclusion of Jeamie Deacon in Ireland’s starting line-up. She showed her class in defence and also struck for a well-taken 38th minute try. Railway were missing seven first choice players due to both the 15s and Sevens international fare over the weekend. However, 20-year-old lock Kate McCarthy, in just her third senior league game, fitting in seamlessly into the second row berth vacated by Ciara Cooney. McCarthy’s workrate and tackle count helped Railway to nullify Blackrock’s attacking threat, and the visitors’ outside centre, Martina McCarthy, duly dotted down with less than 10 minutes left on the clock for the draw.

 sport@dublingazette.com

HERMES maintained their two-point lead at the top of the women’s E Y Ho c ke y L e a g u e with a dramatic 3-2 win over title rivals Railway Union in a thrilling tus-

sle at Park Avenue in Sandymount. All the goals came in a stunning first half with Hermes taking a 2-0 lead inside five minutes via Chloe Watkins and Naomi Carroll. Emma Smyth got one back

before Anna O’Flanagan’s ninth league goal of the season made it 3-1 at quarter-time. Kate McKenna got another back for Railway and they came within a sniff of nicking a last second equaliser

Three Rock Rovers goalkeeper Jamie Carr makes a save. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Hermes’ Naomi Carroll on the attack. Picture: Deryck Vincent

but Emma Gray made a brilliant save at the death to ensure the points for Hermes. It means they stay two points clear at the top of the division with Ulster Elks, the nearest challengers. They won their Ulster derby 2-0 against A r d s w i t h 18 - y e a rold Jessica McMaster breaking the deadlock when she got on the end of Shirley McCay’s cross. On the men’s side, Monkstown remain a point clear at the top of the EY Hockey League as both recorded double wins over the weekend. Town have the slight edge as they snuck a 4-3 win over Cork C of I on Saturday before thumping Cookstown a

day later. Against C of I, they had trailed 3-1 in the first quarter but two goals from Gareth Watkins – in a week he celebrated his return to the Irish senior setup – and one each from Josh Gregory and Kyle Good earned them the spoils. There was much less difficulty a day later as they led 6-0 at half-time in County Tyrone and never looked overly troubled in the second half – Watkins added three more to his weekend total. Gar vey’s tie with Cookstown on Saturday was much tighter, nicking a 2-1 result. They followed up with a gritty 2-0 win in Tallaght against Glenanne

with Sean Murray adding to his growing reputation. Three Rock Rovers’ youthful side continued their fine start to the season. A 0-0 draw with Banbridge on Saturday owed much to goalkeeper Jamie Carr’s heroics while Sunday’s 2-1 win against Pembroke came courtesy of a Jody Hosking thunderbolt with 17 minutes to go. Ross Canning and Sothern had traded first quarter goals. Rovers move up to fifth place in the division after six rounds of matches and can move into the top four should they win their next tie against Cork C of I on December 5 on home turf at Grange Road.

Straight Blast’s Lobov enjoying his second chance  sport@dublingazette.com

Artem Lobovwho fights under the Irish flag

DUBLIN-BASED Russian Artem Lobov is looking to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, and is progressing well through UFC’s popular reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter. Lobov, who has an Irish passport and fights under an Irish flag, is a sparring partner of McGregor’s, and is fighting for the Irish champion’s Team McGregor on the TV show. He’s a member of Straight Blast Gym, located off the Naas Road, the same gym that McGregor fights for, and moved

to Dublin back in 2003. The Russian has been slightly fortunate in his competition progress so far, helped by McGregor. Lobov was defeated by Medhi Baghdad on a majority decision during a series of fights that were aimed at determining initial places in the house. However McGregor and American team leader Urijah Faber were both offered the chance to take one losing fighter back into the fold. Lobov was surprised by the decision when informed by UFC president Dana White, saying “When Dana said to me you have

a second chance to go back into the house, I was very happy but I said it to him right away: I don’t think I deserve this but I’m sure as hell going to take it.” Lobov defeated American team member James Jenkins in last week’s episode, aired on November 12, and dominated the fight throughout, finishing the American towards the end of the first round after flooring his opponent. “I think, after that performance, there’ll be no more questions about who should be here and who shouldn’t,” Lobov com-

mented after the fight. “Everybody knows that Artem Lobov belongs in this place.” Lobov/ McGregor’s Team Europe currently hold a 5-3 lead over theirAmerican opponents in the series. McGregor has admitted that his knowledge of Lobov before the show played a role in his decision to bring the Naas Roadbased fighter back. The final fight of the competition takes place in Las Vegas on December 11, with a contract with the UFC on offer for the winner.

19 November 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Dublin’s skeleton king eyes up Olympic dream Brendan Doyle tells JAMES HENDICOTT about how he is looking to compete with the world’s best in an unlikely sport for an Irishman IN EARLY 1990s classic movie Cool Runnings, a Jamaican bobsleigh team take on the Olympics in a sport that’s so unsuited to their climate it makes for sensational comedy. Based on a true story, the movie overlooks one key aspect: bobsleigh pace links closely with sprinting ability, and the Jamaicans are truly world class at that. In the world of winter sports, Ireland are arguably an even more unlikely contender. Brendan Doyle, though, aims to do just that: compete. Doyle is

currently campaigning to raise money to represent Ireland at the Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018, following in the footsteps of Clifton Wrottesley’s unlikely fourth place for the Irish team in Salt Lake City back in 2002. Doyle references Wrottesley as his inspiration, reflecting on his start in the sport: “In 2003, during one of my training sessions, I was approached by the Skeleton and Bobsleigh Association where they asked would I be interested in giving a skel-

Brendan Doyle in skeleton action

eton sled a push. “I jumped at the opportunity. I had recently seen Ireland finishing fourth in the Olympic games in 2002 so I was captivated by the sport.” Overcoming serious injuries in his role as a member of An Garda Siochana and bouts of depression and insomnia, Dubliner Doyle has progressed incredibly well, using sport to help him progress other areas of his life. He spent last week in Calgary, where he competed with world class

sliders at two North American Cups, making a final and securing a top 20 finish. He’s getting sharper, and says his goals are “ever changing”. Referencing Cool Runnings in describing his Dublin-based training – “like the movie, I concentrate on my sprint section at home. I use videos, too, but unlike Cool Runnings, I don’t do it in my bathtub” – Doyle explains the demands of his sports. “Obviously my sport is a little insane and athletes require a certain personality type; we’re all a little crazy. Pushing ourselves down an ice track at 140kph head first you have to have a few screws loose, but at the time the mental strength to maintain composure under such pressure is something you just need. “You need the physicality of an Olympic sprinter and mental agility of a chess player basically. In a sport where races are won and lost in thousandths of

a second we can’t afford to be slow anywhere. So I train strength and speed.” Doyle has set an ambitious target for the South Korean Olympics: making the final, a big challenge given the quality of international skeleton competition with day-today access to slopes. “Making the final would be a big achievement,” he said. “There is so much to the sport, regardless of the start list. “Things like ice temperature, air temp and weather can change everything, so a successful Olympic campaign is to get there and adapt to the conditions. Making the final is my goal, and I’ll take it from there.” As for qualification, that will require Doyle to compete in a range of competitions to pick up points, outscoring other potential competitors in order to make it in South Korea. So why the need for money? Doyle is fundrais-

ing through PledgeSport, in part because there’s little financial support in place for minority sports like this in Ireland. “One thing I’m in desperate need of is a new sled and speed suit as the sled I have now is 12 years old and doesn’t meet standards for official competition. It will allow me to get ice time in training but when it comes to competition, it’s not allowed. “So I have to try rely on the kindness of other sliders to lend me their sled. It’s not ideal because, in my sport, the slider and their sled are one and you need to be able to know how it will act on the track.” Thus far, Doyle has raised €2,200 towards his Olympic dream with his fundraising campaign due to end on November 29. To support Brendan online, google “Pledge Sports Cool Runnings Ireland”, of track him down on Facebook at facebook. com/facedoyle.

FastSport Ormond hopes to nail down Crolla Date: STEPHEN Ormond is hopeful that he could be placed on the undercard of the Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg world title bout on February 27. The Rock, who hails from Clondalkin, could be in line for a bout with Anthony Crolla on the card providing the Manchester man claims victory in his rematch with Darleys Perez on November 21 and takes the WBA World lightweight title. Ormond has seen the reports that this is a possibility and the Celtic Warrior gym member says that it is a fight he would love to take. “I think it would be a great fight and it would generate a lot of attention,” he said this week. “I believe he will win [his World title rematch]. I would love that fight in February it would be a great fight. There were rumours out there and talk about the fight in February. It is all talk and rumour, but I would love that fight. But, listen, I would fight any of the lightweights in the UK. I am here and I am ready; it’s a great division.”

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 19 November 2015

SPORT

FastSport

Soccer: Rivervalley roll on in Premier b with brendan’s win

Swords Thunder build first leg cup advantage GCD Swords Thunder carry the advantage going into the second leg of their national cup tie after they beat Eanna 78-59 at ALSAA last weekend. It was a well-balanced performance, building on a 35-29 half-time lead before storming the second half with Kaylim Noel, Sergi Guardia, Kevin Lacey and Alex Dolenko scoring in double figures. Eanna struggled without the services of top scorer Luke Thompson, something the Rathfarnham club’s player coach Ciaran MacEvilly pointed to. “We were automatically down 18 points without Thompson. But, having said that, some guys have never played in this league before and most of us have never played together as a team so it’s going to take time. “We take a lot of outside shots and they’re not going in,” he said. “If we’re going to take a lot of three-pointers we have to score a certain percentage. We’re just not doing that at the moment. “We definitely showed some improvement defensively over the previous number of weeks where we were giving up very high numbers.” Elsewhere, DCU Saints have a huge amount of ground to make up on UCD Marian as they fell 116 to 85 in their meeting in Belfield. It was the first time Ioannis Liapakis’s side have broken the 100 point barrier, but that was of little value to the head coach at the final buzzer. “The identity we want is to be a winning team that keeps the opposition to 65 points or less,” he said. “We’re not happy with this kind of scoreline where we give up 85 points.” DCU Saints were stricken without big Latvian Martins Provizors, who will be out for a number of weeks with a hand injury. Joey Boylan’s youngsters were still able to hang with last year’s beaten cup finalists in the early rounds and trailed by just six points after 17 minutes. “DCU have good young guys coming through,” said Liapakis. “Two or three years’ experience at this level will make a huge difference to them.”

Rivervalley Rangers are continuing their excellent form from recent seasons

Rangers stay on top of AUL aul premier b Rivervalley Rangers St Brendan’s  nathan kelly

3 0

sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers solidified their place at the summit of the AUL Premier B with a convincing win over St Brendan’s on a weekend where games were few and far between in the capital. Stephen Doran’s side welcomed a Brendan’s side struggling in the division to the AUL on Sunday morning looking to take advantage of the lack of games around them and move further

ahead at the top of Premier B. It was the visitors who started the better however, applying early pressure and looking sharper to the breaking ball. Despite a few corners and free-kicks though, Brendan’s failed to create much clear-cut chances and allowed Rangers to grow into the game. Were it not for some wasteful shooting and perhaps some added finesse in the final third, Rivervalley would have probably gone in ahead at the break, but as it were, the sides went in scoreless. The hosts looked sharp

cricket award The Hills’ Bennett gets major recognition jim Bennett, from The Hills Cricket Club in Skerries and the Cricket Ireland Youth Committee, was presented with the Flogas Outstanding Contribution to Irish Cricket award for his services to the sport. John Rooney, managing director Flogas Ireland, made the presentation at the 2015 Hanley Energy Cricket Ireland Awards lunch at Fallon and Byrne in Dublin. Picture: Cathal Noonan/Inpho

after the break and began to zip the ball around, limiting Brendan’s to possession deep in their own half. Just after the hour mark, the deadlock was broken and unsurprisingly, it came from a move inspired by the Rivervalley striking pair. Daniel Murphy won the ball 30 yards from goal, turned swiftly, spotted his partner-in-crime John O’Donoghue on the move, played the pass and O’Donoghue applied the finish. The lead was doubled in spectacular fashion eight minutes later through Adam Elbouzedi. Standing over a free-

kick 25-yards from goal, the creative talent, full of technique, wrapped his boot around the ball and watched it sail straight into the top corner. To t h e i r c r e d i t , Brendan’s gave it a go and went close to pulling one back moments later but for a top save from Kevin Matthews. In a one-on-one battle with the Brendan’s frontman, the big keeper, who had just come on for his Rangers debut in place of Ian Doran spread himself and dropped low to make a smart save. Deep into injur ytime, the gloss was put on the win when Mur-

phy grabbed a deserved goal. Taking control of the ball around the half-way line, the deadly striker went at a tired Brendan’s b a c k- l i n e , c u t t i n g through them with ease before breaking into the box and applying a tidy finish to round off the win. The win leaves the Swords side five points clear on top of Premier B. It’s a comforting cushion as this side are set to contest a number of massive cup fixtures in the coming weeks, such as the Leinster Junior Cup third round and the FAI Junior Cup fifth round.

19 November 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

flying finnegan

Fingallians’ Sinead wins ladies football All-Star

Club Noticeboard FINGALLIANS

FINGALLIANS’ Sinead Finnegan, centre,

Dublin, was presented with her first ladies football All-Star award last weekend following her superb form during 2015 in the half-back line. She was handed the trophy by Marie Hickey, president, LGFA, in the company of Pol O Gallchoir, ceannsai of TG4 at the CityWest Hotel, Saggart last weekend.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sinead Finnegan

tion playoffs with our Division 6 and

on winning a ladies football All-Star on

11 teams now in the play-off finals. All

Saturday evening on the half back line.

these games are currently scheduled

This is deserved recognition for her

to take place next weekend (details to

brilliant and consistent top level per-

follow on social media). This Saturday, November 21 at 7pm,

formances for Dublin all year in both the league and championship.

Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

camogie: swords club presented league title

Ireland play Australia in the inter-

This Thursday, November 19, in the

national rules in Croke Park. Tickets

main hall, the annual general meeting

are available on www.gaa.ie/tickets;

will take place. The start time will be

adults €25 and U-16s €5 (any early

9pm sharp. Prior to the AGM, the fol-

birds to Croker can watch the shinty

lowing information will be available in

international between Ireland v Scot-

the club and sent via email – minutes

land at 4.35pm). The last date for Christmas club

2014, motions, nominations and secretary’s report.

shop orders will be November 30 and

Our minor stars beat Oliver Plun-

the last trading day for the shop will be

kett’s in the quarter finals on Sunday

December 12, opening hours 10-12pm

morning 1-15 to 2-6. They now advance

each Saturday morning.

to the semi-final v Ballinteer St John

The club’s Irish language group

(details on the date, time and venue to

meets each Wednesday at 9pm in the

follow).

club bar. New participants are sought.

Our three adult football teams recorded league victories to keep

Failte mor to all, regardless of standard. The end of season awards night will

promotion hopes alive. Our Division 3 team now advance to the promo-

be held on Saturday, December 5.

ST FINIAN’S

St Finian’s Senior 7 camogie side

Finian’s lose Senior 7 final amid mudbath

senior 7 final St Mark’s St Finian’s  sport@dublingazette.com

2-0 0-1

ST FINIAN’S missed out on the Senior 7 championship title in dreadful conditions in O’Toole Park last week at the hands of St Mark’s in an enthralling but lowscoring encounter. Mud, strong winds and lashing rain made spectacular camogie impossible but both sides gave everything to the cause. In a rain-soaked first half, scores were hard to come by with defenc-

es on top throughout. This was the story of the game. St Finian’s took the lead when their centre forward Louise Green sent over a hard won point. St Mark’s wing forward Christine Aherne replied in kind giving the southsiders the lead with a cracking goal. Both sides continued to battle it out until half time but no further scores accrued. The second half was a game within a game with Finian’s doing most of the attacking in the earlier part of the half.

St Mark’s defence was under huge pressure but good defending, missed frees and several wides meant that Finian’s didn’t add to the scoreboard. Then, it was Mark’s turn to mount sustained attacks for most of the latter stages of the second half. Again resolute defending, missed c h a n c e s a n d m a ny wides ensured that St Mark’s did not add to their total. Just when it seemed that the Swords side had weathered the storm, Mark’s were awarded a free about 25 yards

out from goals near the sideline. Martina O’Connor’s well struck free went into the net to give the Tallaght team a fivepoint led going into injury time. St. Finian’s disappointment was somewhat alleviated when an runai, Brendan Cooper, announced that they had won the Senior 7 league. It led to an unusual after match presentation followed as the winners were presented with the championship cup and the runners-up received their league trophy.

OUR adult footballers had the narrow-

Nuala Halpin on 086 8121817 if interest-

est of losses in their relegation play-

ed or come along to the meeting.

off against St Sylvester’s. The loss

There will be a player performance

means it’s Division 4 next year for our

workshop next Friday evening in St

first team footballers.

Margaret’s at 7.30pm. The workshop

The junior football team missed out

is designed for coaches from U-8s up

on the promotion play-offs despite

to senior grade and it will be delivered

getting a walkover in their last game,

by Philip Kerr of Ulster GAA. It’s a football workshop, following

due to wins by others around them in the league table. The adult ladies football team are looking for ladies who would be inter-

on from our hurling one last year, and coaches in all codes will benefit from it.

ested in playing competitive Gaelic

Please contact James Devlin on 086

football. We have an information

4000324 or James.devlin.gpo.dublin@

evening this Thursday, November 19

gaa.ie to reserve a place.

at 8pm in our clubhouse.

The lotto jackpot was €5,700 this

Please come along if you would like to

week and the numbers drawn were

get back playing, especially any ladies

7, 18, 21 and 22. There was no jackpot

who may be new to the area. Contact

winner.

FINGAL Ravens CLUB lotto results: numbers drawn

The club would like to send our con-

were 4, 6, 11 and 19. There was no win-

dolences to the family of Joan Kelly

ner. Six players matched three num-

who sadly passed last week. May she

bers: Ned Newman, D Donnelly, Noel

rest in peace.

Dwyer, Pat Kinsella, Peter Beveridge

Our club AGM will take place on

and Seamus Reilly who all share €250.

Tuesday, December 1 at 8pm upstairs

Our lotto jackpot is now capped at

in the restaurant of Kettle’s Country

€17,000.

House. We encourage our members to

All our pitches remain closed both for training and matches until further

attend. Official communication has gone out to members.

notice (at the very least until weekend

If you have not received this com-

of November 21 subject to inspection

munication, please text your email

at the end of this week). Pitch co-or-

or postal address to Lisa on the club

dinator John McCarthy: 087 6599348.

phone on 086 1765932.

School Hall co-ordinator Alan Manning: 087 2364559.

Our Fairyhouse Raceday takes place on November 28. Tickets are €100.

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

november 19-25, 2015

senior sevens: St Finian’s lose championship final The Skeleton king: Brendan Doyle on his pursuit battle but win league war on final day of season P31 of an Olympic dream P29

St Kevin’s alumni claim Euro destiny  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

TWO products of the illustrious St Kevin’s Boy’s underage system in Santry played key roles as the Republic of Ireland booked their place at Euro 2016 by beating Bosnia over two legs this week. Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick started both games, with the former grabbing the crucial away goal in Friday’s 1-1 draw as well as creating the second in Ireland’s 2-0 win in the Aviva Stadium on Monday. Edin Dzeko cancelled out Brady’s goal in Bosnia but Ireland still had the advantage going

into Monday’s second-leg. Martin O’Neill’s side went ahead thanks to a first-half penalty from Jon Walters. The same man grabbed the second in the 70th minute when a Brady free-kick found its way to the back-post and Walters made no mistake with his strike. Before that second goal, the Norwich City man had had a mixed-night from his deliveries on set-pieces, and former club-mate and old friend Hendrick looked to be taking over on the free that led to Walters’s goal but Brady convinced him that he should have one more go. Speaking after Monday’s 2-0 win, Brady revealed just how spe-

cial reaching a major competition is for him personally. “Growing up it’s been my main goal ever to play in front of the fans back here, and to be able to achieve something for everybody that’s ever been there for me is just out of this world,” he said. Despite his goal meaning Ireland took an advantage to the Aviva on Monday, the former Manchester United man insisted O’Neill’s side were completely focused on getting the right result against a dangerous Bosnia side. “There’s no way you want to let anyone down, especially these fans who have done all the travelling and come and support us

every time we play,” he said. “You don’t want to let them down first and foremost, as well as your friends and family. It’s a great honour to do this and we’re in a position to do it for everyone else that’s watching.” Having shared the pitch at Shanowen Road countless times, Brady was asked if he ever envisaged himself and Hendrick qualifying for a major tournament together. “I thought he would because he was excellent when we were growing up,” laughed the 24-year old. “It’s a special night for the two of us because we’ve started from since we were kids.”

Former St Kevin’s Boys man Jeff Hendrick has become a key figure for Ireland. Picture: Ben Ryan