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Month XX, 2012 MALAHIDE • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • PORTMARNOCK • KINSEALY • CLAREHALL

INSIDE: Just in time for St Valentine’s Day, here comes The Wedding Ringer P19-22

Football:

Carthy delighted with Dubs’ opportunity Page 40

Cycling:

North county route brings Ras home again Page 36

Council protest causes concern  KEITH BELLEW

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.....................11 DUBLIN LIFE.................. 13 OUT&ABOUT ................. 18 CLASSIFIEDS ................34 SPORT ...........................35

ROLL UP, ROLL UP: Hector and friends launch a giant craft beer festival Page 18

MEASURES to ensure the safety of council staff may need to be increased following a recent anti-water charge protest outside Fingal County Council offices in Swords, chief executive Paul Reid has said. After the monthly meeting on Monday, February 9, protesters delayed staff and councillors from leaving. Protesters with megaphones chanted throughout the meeting

and afterwards blocked the exit of the car park, preventing councillors from leaving. Gardai were called and the local representatives left some 90 minutes later. Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind), who was the focus of some of the protesters’ chants due to a motion he had tabled condemning violence against Irish Water workers, said: “I am opposed to the water charges, so once the protests are peaceful I have no problem with them at all.” Full Story on Page 8

Step by step: Jessica makes her way to victory in a talent show SWORDS native Jessica Horan’s talent shone through when she was crowned the winner of Malahide’s Got Talent contest recently. The 14-year-old was a hit thanks to her version of Alicia Keys’s If I Ain’t Got You. Last week, The Gazette

wrongly named another act as the overall winner, rather than Jessica. However, we are happy to clarify that Jessica was the winner, with her great victory ending the night on a high note at the Grand Hotel. See Gallery on Page 11

2 swords gazette 12 February 2015

council Proposal for new facility to promote Malahide

Dart tourist office makes ‘lot of sense’ FINGAL County Council is to liaise with the Fingal Tourism Office and Malahide Chamber of Commerce to discuss the possibility of setting up a tourist office in or around Malahide Dart Station. At a recent area committee meeting, the council notified local councillors about their intentions to discuss such a tourist office for Malahide.

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

Welcoming the commitment, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF) said: “I know initial enquiries have been made by businesses operating around Malahide, and I

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believe they are amenable towards agreeing an area for a tourist office. “It would make a lot of sense to be in and around that vicinity because a very large number of the visitors who are coming out to Malahide arrive by Dart or by train. “The broader issue, whether it be there or elsewhere, is that I think there is a lot of untapped potential around Malahide in terms of tourist numbers and I certainly think a dedicated tourist office would help to improve the offering that we have. “We see Howth is extremely popular with

day-trippers. It’s got its tourist office there, and I am sure it’s helping to highlight the offering, so I would like to see a focus from the council in that regard for the Malahide area,” he said. Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind) said: “By making the commitment and taking these steps it’s giving the right signal to businesses and community groups. More aware

“I have noticed in Howth – since the tourist office has opened – that businesses are stepping up more to the plate and are more aware, so I do think

The council is interested in setting up a tourist office at the Dart station to help further promote Malahide village. Picture: Google Maps

[regarding] that type of support for businesses from the council, where we can we should take the opportunity to [provide it].” Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said: “There are probably pros and cons to having it at the rail-

way station. “I suspect some parts of Malahide Chamber of Commerce would not particularly want to see it there. There will be opportunities with the coming of the Casino [building] as well to consider some sort of

presence there. “Definitely at Malahide Railway Station, there should be an information point or something to give the people arriving into Malahide information on what the area has to offer,” he said.

12 February 2015 swords gazette 3

charity Donation by parking space firm

Toys presented to children’s hospice APCOA Parking Ireland recently donated a treasure trove of toys to the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice charity appeal. The hospice provides palliative care and sup-

port for young people with life-threatening illnesses. F o r o n e we e k i n December 2014, 100 APCOA staff members nationwide donated toys which were col-

lected at the company’s base-camp in Swords. Gill Waters, fundraising manager for LauraLynn, said: “We are very grateful for the support that APCOA has given to our charity appeal.

“W hile we cannot change a child’s diagnosis, we can give families greater comfort and stability to care for young people and their families in a home away from home environment.”

Contest: Damien snaps to it SINGER Damien Dempsey took centre-stage at St Cronan’s JNS in Brackenstown, Swords, recently when he dropped by to help give pupils a lesson or two about helping others. He was visiting the school as part of a recent national PREDA Freedom Day competition, which saw children – including the St Cronan’s pupils, as one of the winning entrants – take photos to show what freedom meant to them.Based in the Philippines, PREDA works to help children trapped in lives of poverty and exploitation.

council: no start date yet for appointments

28 extra staff for housing department

 keith bellew

FINGAL County Council is to receive 28 additional housing department staff to help cope with the housing crisis. These additional members of staff are part of 200 staff members being made available nationwide by Environment Minister Alan Kelly as part of the Government’s Social Housing Strategy, which aims to accommodate every person on the waiting list for local authority housing by 2020. Chief executive Paul Reid said that although the process has begun to fill these additional roles, detailed information –

including start dates – are not available at this stage. He said: “Approval has been secured from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to recruit a number of additional staff into our organisation and also to provide some promotional opportunities to staff. This is very positive news, after six years of a staffing moratorium. “We can now begin the process of strengthening the organisation to deal with the strategic challenges facing us in 2015, including the county development process, implementation of the

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‘It was obvious that the internal resources of local authorities were stretched’ --------------------------

Cllr Mary McCamley

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Government’s housing and homeless strategies and finalising our economic, community and tourism plans.” Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) has said that this move is encouraging and will be vital in tackling the current demand for local authority housing in Fingal. He said: “I am pleased

to see that, in terms of staff allocations to local authorities, priority seems to have been given to the areas where housing lists are under the greatest strain.” Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) also welcomed the announcement, saying: “It was obvious that the internal resources of local authorities were stretched. “I do hope that the recr uitment process can be of benefit to the already stressed staff in Fingal County Council’s housing section and, of course, that the increase will see some advantage to the people waiting on the housing list.”

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transport Bikes to be safer at station  keith bellew

IARNROD Eireann has made a commitment to provide secure bike lockers in Donabate Railway Station within the next three months. With lockers recently provided in Balbriggan, Skerries and Rush/Lusk stations, Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) says train commuters who cycle to the station feel that secure bike lockers should be provided in Donabate. He said: “I’m glad to have received a response from Irish Rail to state that the company will be able to allocate a supply of secure bike lockers to Donabate. The company has further stated that they anticipate this will happen within the next three months.”

schools Fourth partnership praised for insight

Fujitsu to help Rush students prepare for ICT STUDENTS from fifth year in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, we n t h e a d - t o - h e a d recently to compete for a two-week internship with Fujitsu Ireland. Now in its fourth year, the School Business Partnership Programme between Fujitsu and St Joseph’s provides students with guidance in areas such as CV preparation, networking and inter view scenarios through workshops and seminars. This year, 27 students

will be marked on their performances in mock interviews and two participants will be awarded internships with Fujitsu Ireland this summer. There, they will work with various departments across the Fujitsu Ireland business, including human resources, marketing, sof tware development and finance. To date, more than 90 students have taken part in the programme. The Fujitsu team has been working closely

with students in recent weeks preparing them for the various aspects of the interview process, advising them on areas such as interview skills, body language and how to write an impressive CV and cover letter. This is the second year that a speed networking session has been introduced, where students are invited to discuss the various careers available in ICT with 10 members of the Fujitsu team. Cathleen Doohan, people and corporate

Students from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush have once again teamed up with Fujitsu Ireland to gain an insight into a range of careers in the ICT sector

and social responsibility director, Fujitsu Ireland, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain practical experience and the skills required to establish and build a successful ICT career. “ICT is Ireland’s fastest-growing industry, so it is important to introduce students to the pos-

sibilities of a career in the sector at an early stage. “As women are still underrepresented in the industry, it is particularly encouraging to see such high levels of interest from female students as well as boys.” Patricia Hayden, principal, St Joseph’s Secondary School, said: “St Joseph’s is delighted

to be part of this programme. The skills and knowledge the students develop over the course of the year never cease to amaze us. “We are delighted that so many staff from Fujitsu give their valuable time to help our students. Students finish the programme with enhanced focus and confidence.”

12 February 2015 swords gazette 5

council Cautious welcome for funding, initiative to tackle speeding in estates

Shortlist of areas being drawn up for 30kph limits  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council is currently drawing up a shortlist of areas in which to implement 30kph speed limits. The shortlist is being made using data obtained from a consultation process that was carried out last December. The council had discussed the possibility of introducing

these limits late last year, but funding had been an issue. This is no longer the case, as Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe recently announced an allocation of €2m for local authorities to support them in implementing 30kph speed limits in housing estates and residential areas. Cllr Mary McCamIey (Lab) welcomed the funding, saying:

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“I am so delighted that the local authorities have received funding for this. It just makes sense. “Last September, I put forward a motion to the full council asking that speed limits of 30kph be considered in built-up residential areas. “Fingal County Council, while positive to the notion of reduced speed limits, was reti-

cent in regard to the funding of such a venture. “Signage would have to be paid for throughout the whole of Fingal in addition to other alternative or complementary options, including traffic-calming measures – for example, speed ramps.” Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) also welcomed the funding, but said: “Who could object

to asking cars to go slower through estates? But implementing 30kph speed limits is one thing, enforcing them is another. “It is already illegal to drive without due care and attention. So, if you are driving through an estate at a speed that could cause a danger to someone, that is already illegal. “The problem with all of

these things is they are not enforced.” She went on to say that implementing 30kph speed limits in residential areas will not make them safer unless the behaviour of some drivers changes. “I welcome it [the funding], but I’m not holding my breath that it’s going to change driver behaviour,” said Cllr Devitt.

6 swords gazette 12 February 2015

malahide Development project progressing ‘very slowly’

Disappointment at village green delay  keith bellew

COUNCILLORS have expressed their disappointment at the fact t h a t the p ro ject to develop the green open space in the centre of Malahide village is progressing very slowly. According to a report from Fingal County C o u n c i l , € 15 0 , 0 0 0 has been allocated for improvement works on Malahide village green and the council is currently preparing a master plan for these works, using the findings of the Malahide Public Realm Strategy consultation process as the basis for the design of the area.

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‘It’s been an eyesore for most of the last few summers – not something we should be proud of’

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Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG)

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Detailed consultation will take place in the coming months with key stakeholders for the development of a prioritised plan for the green. A public meeting with stakeholders will be held at Malahide Library in early March. The project is due to be put out to tender in the summer months and it is hoped that the build can begin in September. Cllr Anthony Lavin

(FG) said: “I am very disappointed that it’s taking so long. This is not going to be completed this year. “It’s been an eyesore for most of the last few summers – not something we should be proud of in Malahide. “My fear was that later in the year we would see it completed, but the reality is that it’s not going to happen this year, so I am disappoint-

ed,” he said. Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF) said: “I think ‘eyesore’ might be a little bit harsh, but it certainly needs improvement. “It is a focal point within the village and it’s an area of public open space that has huge potential and will be an even bigger asset to the town [if developed]. “Timeframe wise, I would have hoped that there would have been a broad guideline in the report. “I appreciate that there is further consultation to be done and I am sure the councillors in the area will engage

Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF) described Malahide village green as: “an area of public open space that has huge potential”

with that. “When you are thinking about works on the likes of a green space such as that, a lot of it then becomes weatherdependent, and I would hate to see it pushed further out again and it may

be necessary to do so. “I would have hoped to have seen something this year that would be a tangible improvement.” C l l r D av i d H e a l y (GP) pointed out that an area such as the one in question requires a lot of maintenance and questioned whether the works to be carried out would make it necessary to carry out more

regular maintenance or less. He said: “I’m just wondering if putting so much money as a capital investment is going to bring about a higher maintenance demand and if so are we going to meet it or is it going to achieve a lower maintenance requirement, in which case it might be a good investment.”

12 February 2015 swords gazette 7

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council Water meter demo results in 90-minute hold-up

Protesters block councillors’ exit  keith bellew

MEASURES to ensure the safety of Fingal County Council staff may need to be increased following an anti-water charge protest outside the offices in Swords, according to the local authority chief executive, Paul Reid. A fter the monthly council meeting on Monday, February 9, protesters prevented staff and councillors from leaving. Reid has said: “I want to reassure my staff that their personal safety is my priority at all times.” Protesters with megaphones chanted throughout the meeting and could be heard

from the chamber. They blocked the car park exit, preventing the councillors from leaving. Gardai were called and councillors left after being held up for about 90 minutes in all. Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind) was the focus of some chanting because he tabled a motion which, while recognising people’s right to peaceful protest, condemned intimidation, bullying and violence against Irish Water workers and called on those involved to respect the workers and protest peacefully and within the law. Protesters took exception to this motion, and

chanted: “Jimmy Guerin, are you hearin’?” Cllr Guerin told The Gazette that the protesters were perfectly within their rights. He said: “I am opposed to the water charges, so once the protests are peaceful I have no problem with them at all. “The fact that they targeted me ... I think they misunderstood the motion – the motion was specifically about the way [Irish Water] workers were being treated. “If you stand for public office, you can be subject to that [public dissent] from time to time. “It wasn’t intimidating. Maybe if other individuals

heard their name being chanted in that manner, it might intimidate them, but I don’t find that at all intimidating. “When I left the meeting afterwards there was a group [of protesters] at the car park and there was no abuse,” he said. Of the protesters, Cllr Keith Redmond (FG) said: “There were about 20 or 30 of them, and they were blocking the car park, preventing cars from leaving. The gardai were called and as it turned out we had to stay there for an hour and a half before the protesters agreed to let us go.” He added that Cllr Barry Martin (PBP) had

This in-car shot by Cllr David McGuinness (FF) shows the scene as he, and other local representatives, were prevented by protesters from leaving a car park

encouraged the protest. He said: “Cllr Martin left the meeting various times and spoke with them. And, as far as I’m concerned, every time he came back in the noise level went up.”

However, Cllr Martin said: “I have protested at water protests with these activists within the water movement, so they are people I know and people I work with. I thought the protest was a good

thing; I was encouraging it. “The protesters ... feel they are not being listened to. They are trying [to have water classed as] a human right; it’s a just cause.”

12 February 2015 swords gazette 9

10 swords gazette 12 February 2015

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gazetteGALLERY

Sophie Doyle, Grace Maughan and Lucy McDonald

The impressive winner of Malahide’s Got Talent, singer Jessica Horan

Jessica’s better than all the rest

ESPITE many talents on show in the grand final of Malahide’s Got Talent recently, singer Jessica Horan was named as the overall winner, thanks to her terrific singing on the night. Despite the stiff challenge presented from the night’s other finalists, which included other singers, dancers, musicians and

more, Jessica stood out as the one to watch at the grand finale in the Grand Hotel. The Gazette is happy to clarify that due to a production error, a band – Red Head – was incorrectly named as the winner in last week’s paper, rather than Jessica. The Gazette apologises for the error and any confusion caused.

Dr Nicola Zammit, Ivory Dentalcare, main sponsor

Hanna May

Alannah McKnight with Niamh Hill and Lorna Barron

The members of All Stars. Pictures: Deirdre Wray

12 Gazette 12 February 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Gerry O’Brien

Deep in conversation ... Birch Hamilton, Milan Krslja and Franklin Leonard. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Many crumbs of wisdom ... A

Katherine and Ali Jack

WIDE range of media figures and practitioners attended the recent three-day Digital Biscuit forum held in Dublin, which aimed to explore the future of the moving image. Filmmakers, technologists and creatives alike gathered for a wide range of master classes and seminars, and network with likeminded figures across the diverse

Maura Murphy and Eoghan Kidney

sector. Several world-renowned figures – including David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, and Michel Gondry, director, screenwriter and producer of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – delivered some great insights. In addition, the rise of digital filmmaking was also explore in some depth at the popular assembly.

Emily O’Callaghan

Leah Mahon, Alejandro Salgado and Amoreena Mann

Maggie Jackson and Donogh McCarthy Morrough

12 February 2015 Gazette 13

escape the mayhem p15

dublinlife

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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



Gazette

diary p14

what’son food festival promises tasty delights: Food-

MEP Lynn Boylan (SF) gives The Gazette a glimpse into her busy life in the European Parliament

a day in the life: MEP Lynn Boylan shines a light on life in parliament

Hardly a minute alone at the heart of Europe  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

This week The Gazette got a glimpse into a day in the life of busy MEP Lynn Boylan (SF), who divides her week between Dublin and Brussels. Boylan told The Gazette: “I’ve taken an apartment in Brussels because I found the lifestyle very unhealthy; eating out every night and staying in a hotel and living from a bag. So, over the summer I found a small apartment in Brussels that’s a little bit away from the parliament and I run in every morning. “I get up about seven and jog in (it’s about 3km) and we’re very lucky in

the parliament that we have showers. I come into work and put on the coffee machine and start the day with an espresso and a bowl of porridge. Then I could have meetings from about 8am and generally myself and Emma (who works in my office) go through what we have on for the day and who we’re meeting. You meet different NGO groups and people who might be working on the same report as you, for example I work a lot on food issues, so I might go and meet with the green MEP who I share a lot in common with. Then I’ll have committee meetings. “There’s a canteen in the European Parliament which is a city under one

roof. It’s huge, there’s a hairdressers, a primary health care centre, four banks, so it’s a monster of a building and you tend to get sucked into it for the whole day. I believe there’s a bar somewhere but I haven’t found it yet. “I have lunch in the canteen, usually a salad, they’ve a nice salad-bar that changes every day. Then I might be expected to speak on a session that sparks a debate or I might have to go in just to vote. “I finish my day in the EU parliament building at about 8.30pm and then I’d have dinner when I get home. Generally I’d have an Irish meal like a stir-fry, something that’s quick to cook

and I’m always conscious to try and eat as healthy as I can. “When you’re on the go it’s very easy to reach for the junk food, so that’s another reason for having the apartment. Brussels food is very much like steak and chips, it’s stodgy. “Then I’d read what I have to catch up on. The hardest part of the job is finding the time to sit down and read what you need to prepare for the next day and I generally do that over dinner in the pyjamas, then I’d have a glass of wine and watch Netflix to switch off. I’d go to bed at around 11pm, watch The Big Bang Theory on Netflix and go to sleep.”

ies across Dublin get ready for some tasty delights coming this February with the sixth annual Dine in Dublin Festival set to kick off. Start saving those pennies for scrumptious mains and delightful desserts as top restaurants throughout Dublin’s city centre get involved throughout the week with special events, great value meal offers, and a dining experience not to be missed throughout the festival. Running from February 23 to March 1, the festival will also see well-known chefs get involved and help showcase the best of city dining. Already there are almost 40 restaurants participating in Dine in Dublin in 2015 including Bang, Brasserie Sixty6, Cornucopia, Gotham Cafe, La Cave and L’Gueuleton to name just a few, with more set to be announced. This event is being run by DublinTown and celebrates the fantastic food on offer in the capital. For further information and updates check out www.dineinedublin.ie

14 Gazette 12 February 2015

Gazette

dublinlife Stop the lights – Spire’s in the dark How many euros does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Well, if you are talking about the big bulb on top of the Spire on O’Connell Street, the answer is €10,000. The light has not been working since October 2014, though most Dubliners had not noticed it. Ballymun councillor Noel Rock (FG)

first spotted the glaring omission and informed Dublin City Council. Now, the council is getting to grips with the repair but it is a complex job and the light is not expected back on top of the spire until March. The replacement bulb is costing a whopping €10,000 as it had to be

specially designed by engineers to ensure it is sufficiently bright and robust enough not to be damaged again. A massive crane will be engaged to position engineers at the top of the 400-foot “monument of light” to install the costly bulb. Ahead of the repair work, the council has

DIARY

had to inform the Irish Aviation Authority so that no planes fly overhead.

Take a virtual spin around James’s Gate The Guinness Storehouse at James’s Gate recently opened its doors to a global virtual audience with Google. The free 360-degree interactive tour allows users to virtually travel across all seven floors of its 159,219 sq f t building, including its top floor Gravity Bar, the highest bar in Dublin city, live from their laptops, iPads and other digital devices. T hrough Google’s B u s i n e s s V i e w, t h e Guinness Storehouse has extended its reach beyond the 1,269,371 guests that passed through the doors in 2014 to a global audience; regardless of whether they are able to travel to Dublin in person. Celebrating the launch of Google Business View, Paul Carty, managing director of Guinness Storehouse, commented: “The Guinness Storehouse is a truly unique tourism product and we are proud to be one of the first in Ireland to offer Google Business View. A picture is worth a thousand words, and now with Google Business View people will h ave t h e a b i l i t y t o search online and walk through the doors of the Guinness Storehouse.”

Get 50% off a room with water bill For those defying the

The light on top of Dublin’s Spire has not been working since October 2014

latest utility charge, don’t bin your Irish Water registration packs just yet as a hotel in Phibsborough is offering a 50% discount on a night’s stay with every registration pack presented. The Charleville Lodge Hotel sent social media into a frenzy last week with its social media post regarding Irish Water registration packs. It is offering all its Facebook and Twitter followers 50% off a night’s stay at the hotel if they present their registration pack formed into the shape of a paper airplane. On February 2, the post read: “Did you register for Irish Water today? If so, you are a little silly, as paying for something twice doesn’t

seem to make much sense…If not, don’t worry!... If you present your IrishWater application form on check in at our hotel in the form of a paper airplane, we will give you a 50% discount on your room rate.” Now isn’t that nice.

Valentines Day Appeal to help the homeless Peter McVerry Trust will be selling roses as part of a Valentine’s Day Appeal to raise money for homeless and housing services in Dublin. The charity’s chief executive Pat Doyle said that in recent times the number of couples who have found themselves in need of homeless services has grown and he hopes the new

appeal which has been backed by Leinster and Ireland rugby star Cian Healy, will help raise awareness of the difficulties many couples face due to homelessness. He said: “As part of our response to the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, Peter McVerry Trust increased its capacity to support homeless couples with the opening of a new service just before Christmas.” The charity will be selling single roses, half bouquets, full bouquets and luxury bouquets. The roses can be ordered online at www. pmvtrust.ie/valentinesday-appeal or by calling Peter McVerry Trust’s fundraising office on 01 823 0776.

12 February 2015 GAZETTE 15

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Sean Mahon is currently starring in Red Rock on TV3

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM: ACTOR SEAN MAHON

A pint, a chat, and a good read – that’s the life  IAN BEGLEY

SEAN Mahon has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. Having a starring role in Philomena, which was nominated for Best Film at the BAFTAs, and now as Sergeant Brian McGonigle in TV’s Red Rock, Mahon has revealed that he does many things to unwind from his hectic schedule. “There are many things I love to do to escape from it all like having a quiet pint in my local pub in Leeson Street. It’s really nice to go in on a Tuesday evening and read a good book to decompress and relax, which I find really nice. “I just got a book called The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz which looks into many deep things that everyone goes through. Most of the time when I go to places like

these I find myself chatting to people I don’t know and learning about who they are.” Mahon also told The Gazette that he spends a lot of his time exercising. “At the moment I love to walk around the Leeson Street area where I’m from and I also walk into work every day. I walk around the canal by Ranelagh and Portobello, while listening to some of my favourite music on my phone. “During the weekend I tend to get up to a lot off outdoor activity with my brother in places like Powerscourt and Glendalough.” Asked what he gets up to after a long day of work, Mahon said that he loves to sit down and relax by the fire, often with a glass of hot whiskey. “When I get home, I also love to put on Netflix

and engross myself in programmes like House of Cards and Transparent. “Last year, when I was in New York during the winter I completely dove into Breaking Bad. “I was on episode whatever and the temptation of watching the next episode at all hours of the morning was sometimes too much. “Another thing that I really like to do is to go to museums and large buildings with a historic value. “In New York I like to go to the Metropolitan museum or City Hall when I’m in Ireland. I love to be in places that have a sense of history and become part of something else and get out of my own head.” Sean Mahon plays Sergeant Brian McGonigle in Red Rock, every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TV3.

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ESCAPE THE MAYHEM

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16 Gazette 12 February 2015

dublinlife Q&A

colm Mcgahern, kumon instructor

The freedom of being your own boss while helping others Colm McGahern is Kumon instructor at Castlenock Study Centre, the largest in Ireland. Kumon is a math and reading educational method which originated in Japan. “[My job is] a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience on a number of levels. I have always wanted to be my own boss. Having worked in

nine-to-five jobs for most of my working life, being a Kumon instructor now enables me to experience life as an entrepreneur with the added benefits and security of having the backing of an established, global company and highly regarded brand. “It’s nice to know you can write your own pay-cheques, with your potential earnings being

How long have you been in business?

Three years.

What makes your business successful?

I believe a complete customer focus is key to the business’s success. Also, as a small business you are more willing to work beyond the typical nine to five, Monday to Friday routine.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

A key advantage of the Kumon programme is that it is tailored to the very specific needs of each child, enabling them to work with confidence to realise their full individual potential.

How has the recession affected your business?

I have found that the recession has meant that people are prioritising the most important things in life, with education being central to this.

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

In the current age of austerity and EU involvement in national affairs, there are plenty of things I’d like to see changed, and not necessarily the ones that directly impact on my business.

equal to the level of work you’re willing to put in. “An essential part of enjoying the job is the huge variety in the role of a Kumon instructor. From the buzz of running a busy centre to the time spent assessing an individual child’s performance, and from managing the business finances to recruiting and training new staff.”

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

As people have become more price sensitive, having a more competitive pricing structure and offering greater value for money have been very important.

What is your ambition for the business?

To maintain Kumon’s position as the UK and Ireland’s number one supplementary education provider,

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

Although I recognise Facebook and Twitter can be important for business, I only use them for their news content and personal use. However, other Kumon franchisees have found social media to be very beneficial as a good way of communicating with students and parents directly.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

A young, diverse and multicultural population.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

People prefer to buy something rather than having something sold to them.

business Finalists: rewarding excellence in innovation

Dublin companies on shortlist for awards

Seven Dublin companies have made it onto a shortlist of 18 nominees from across the island of Ireland for the Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. The shortlist features entries from established companies, innovators, start-ups and academia and is very diverse with six different industry categories included. Two Dublin companies WholeWorldBand and ARCKIT are nominated in the Creative Industries category. The former is the brainchild of Kevin Godley the founder member of rock band 10CC. W holeWorldBand is a new music platform/app that allows anyone to easily make music and videos that can be shared and enjoyed worldwide. ARCKIT is the brainchild of architect Damien Murtagh and the model kit has been described as “adult Lego” or a type of “reality Minecraft”. The re-useable interconnectable components which he designs can be used to create model gardens, houses or office blocks. Two other Dublin companies shortlisted are BFree Foods for its wheat free fajita kits

The judges who nominated the 18 shortlisted companies were front from left; Dr Bernadette McGahon, Tim Brundle and Marion Boland, with back from left; Niall Campbell, Pat Daly and Frank Roche

which it claims are a world first (Agri Food) and Lloyds Online Doctor (Bioscience) which is an online alternative for a select number of GP treatment areas. Dublin is guaranteed a winner in the Energy and The Environment category with all three nominees - AmbiSense Ltd, REDT Energy and Surface Power HONE – hailing from the capital. AmbiSense has created a remote cost effective analyser for continuously monitoring landfill

gas, REDT Energy has created a new patented technology for storing energy while Surface Power Hone has created a heating and cooling system for buildings using its nanotechnology-based photon daylight system. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 17 in Belfast. Each category winner will secure a €10,000 media package with The Irish Times and an iPad. The overall winner of

Innovation of the Year will win a communications and advertising package from The Irish Times, worth over €150,000. In addition, they will also win a UCD Smurfit Business School scholarship for an executive education programme commencing in 2016 and a state-of-the-art laptop. For more information, visit www.irishtimes. com/business/innovation/innovation-awards2015 InterTradeIreland is a joint partner of the 2015 Awards.

12 February 2015 Gazette 17

18 Gazette 12 February 2015

MOTORS P31

asdfsdaf P27 health P33

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

music P27

Pets truly loving home needed for dani

Broadcaster Hector O hEochagain and Jerry Fish at the launch of Ireland’s largest craft beer festival

bigger and better: Over 60 breweries descend on Dublin for 2015 drinks fest

Brewing up a beer storm  Keith Bellew

The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair, Ireland’s largest craft beer festival, returns to Dublin’s Convention Centre for a third time from February 27 to March 1. Over 60 breweries from around the world along with Irish names like Hilden, the Porterhouse, Eight Degrees Brewing, White Gypsy, Rye River, Grand Cru Beers, and Blackwater Distillery will be involved. The fair will boast an expanded food offering in 2015, pairing the best of Irish artisan food with a wide range of brews from home and around the world. Exhibitors already in talks with the team include Donal Skehan’s Skoff Pies, Bretzel Bakery, Sheridan’s

Cheesemongers and Gourmet Food Parlour. Live musical entertainment will also be provided throughout the fair by acts such as Booka Brass Band, Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow, Amazing Apples and Interskalactic. A tradeshow will also be hosted upstairs by Irish Pubs Global, and exhibitors will have the opportunity to avail of free trade talks and network with attendees on Friday, February 27. Speaking to the Gazette, organiser Maeve Desmond said: “We’re basically there to gather a lot of the Irish craft brews and distilled products such as craft whiskey, poitins, vodkas, gins with the craft artisan food. We’re really just trying to make everyone aware of the choice that’s out there. We have also

introduced international craft beers to the fair so that consumers can really have a taste of what’s going on around the world with craft beer. “Last year we had about 17 countries from around the world featuring their craft beer and we run a competition for the brewers called the Dublin Craft Beer Cup and last year that was won by a Danish brewery called Coisbo, and the master brewer there, Anders Coisbo, is returning to exhibit at the fair again this year.” The Six Nations rugby will be shown live on the big screen and Hector O hEochagain returns to the main stage to host the Ireland vs. England Beer Grand Slam before kick off on Sunday, March 1. Speaking about the Beer Grand

Slam Desmond said: “We have beers from the UK vs beers from Ireland in a kind of taste-off competition with visitors from the fair. The big Ireland vs England match is on at 3pm and then we have Jerry Fish and his Electric Sideshow playing from 6pm on the Sunday. “We are delighted that the fair is growing in popularity we have already got hundreds of emails in with interested parties, both on the exhibitors’ side and the consumer side. We are really looking forward to welcoming everybody to the fair.” Tickets are on sale from €15 via www. entertainment.ie. For more information visit www.eu.alltechbrewsandfood. com or contact brewsandfood@alltech.com.

the Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Dani, a one-year-old Collie cross. Dani is only a young girl but she is very worried by handling. Due to this, she would need an experienced dog-owning home that understands she will need time to settle in and help teach her that the world is not so scary. If you think you could offer Dani a loving home, please call Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or pop into the centre. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. Treats and toys are always welcome!

12 February 2015 GAZETTE 23

The Body Shop Chameleon Blusher Marshmallow €14.50

STYLE Lancome Blush Subtil Figue Espiegle €38

Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls bronzer and highlighter €36

NYX Powder Blush Angel €7.49

THERE is nothing like adding a little blush to the face to put a spring in your step for the day or night ahead. It’s a make-up essential for every beauty bag and, with many different shades, tones and textures available out there, there’s a blush match for

everyone. This week, Gazette Beauty takes a look at what’s out there at the moment and what tools you need to apply blush with ease. For most women, applying blush is as easy as smiling. Look in the mirror, apply blush to the cheekbones with a blusher brush or with

your finger-tips with a smile, and brush or dot onto the cheekbones, edging your way out to the temples. When applying with a brush, make sure to tap off any excess blush, to ensure you don’t turn out like Aunt Sally! Highlighters and bronzers – such as the Elizabeth Arden Sunk-

issed Pearls bronzer – are a great tool for definition, as well as (what this one says on the tin) offering a sunkissed looked. Try to make the blush colour as natural as possible, so choose your blush carefully. Trial and error is the best way to find out, so have fun testing ...

New eyeshadows to glitter gorgeously  LAURA WEBB

URBAN Decay is known for its love of all things sparkling and glittering, and its latest range of eye-shadows lives up to that way of life. Glitter, glitter everywhere – no, it’s not the Christmas tree you forgot to take down, it’s the latest shades hitting the beauty stalls. Ur b a n D e c ay h a s introduced four new shades of Moondust Eyeshadow, from iridescent metallic white to a shifty purple that is bound to get even the shimmer-shy hooked. According to the brand, this range is not like the chunky glitter you might have experienced in your teenage years – instead, it’s super

refined, with microfine bits of iridescent sparkle combined with intense, dreamy hues and lush 3D metallics. Moondust feels like a cream but goes on like a powder to create a smooth, reflective look. It can be applied dry or wet for that extra oomph. The first thing beauty buffs notice is the packaging. Yes, we all go to what shines the brightest, and then it’s the product inside that makes the final buying decision and the Moondust shade comes in a very compact package with a cool pop-out feature. Moondust Eyeshadow is available in four new shades, priced €18.50 each: Ether (light purple with pink-blue 3D spar-

Urban Decay’s new shades of Moondust Eyeshadow (€18.50), clockwise from top-left: Ether, Scorpio, Solstice and Cosmic

kle and shift); Scorpio (matte black with gold 3D sparkle); Solstice (metallic pink-red with

green 3D sparkle) and Cosmic (metallic white with iridescent 3D sparkle).

The face of YSL, Cara Delevinge. YSL’s Blush Volupte is available in a

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain €15.95

Blushing beauty  LAURA WEBB

GAZETTE

OUT&ABOUT

range of shades, including Baby Doll No 4 (€40, right)

Urban Decay Flushed €29.50

OUT&ABOUT 50 Girls €

Women ’s

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(avail M ay)

€75

Gazette

24 gazette 12 February 2015

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Skechers stores and stockists are located at Henry Street, Liffey Valley SC, Blanchardstown SC, The Square Tallaght and Swords Pavilions

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THERE used to be a time when runners/trainers were just associated with people going for their daily exercise in the local park or around their estate, but times have changed with such footwear now being a style trend. Skechers has a variety of lifestyle footwear that is just as fashionable as you are and just as comfortable as you want your feet to be. For the young at heart, multi-platinum-selling recording artist and actress Demi Lovato has collaborated with Skechers to be the face of a fun and cool range of footwear. “My generation grew up with Skechers and now, with all of their cool styles and fun colours, I’m excited to help introduce the collection to a new generation by sharing this incredible brand’s campaign with my ‘Lovatics’,” she said. The brand expects her campaign to match the success and reach that Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Carrie Underwood brought to the Skechers brand over the years. Meanwhile, model,

actress and television presenter Kelly Brook has been announced as the face of the Skechers’s women’s footwear collections for 2015. She said: “It doesn’t get any bigger than Skechers when it comes to lifestyle footwear. Skechers has brilliantly comfortable shoes in so many colours and looks. I love them.” But the talent doesn’t stop there – legendary drummer Ringo Starr is set to appear in the company’s global marketing campaign for Skechers men’s Relaxed Fit footwear this spring, offering style and comfort to the everyday man. The brand recently showcased its spring/summer 2015 collection, and its sense of fun, colour and comfort for all the family certainly isn’t lost.

Men’s r

12 February 2015 gazette 25

Arboretum, Home & Garden Heaven Heath McCabe heart mugs €7.99

some lovely last-minute Valentine’s gift ideas

Selected stockists Victor & Rolf Spicebomb for him €79

Aldi Pink champagne brut €23.99

Kilkenny Shop Alan Ardiff 2 x Heart of Gold cufflinks €184.50

Widely available Alien by Thierry Mugler gift set €68.50

Widely available Valentine’s Day Swatch watch €55

Arboretum, Home & Garden Heaven 12 x Sweetly Does It cake cases €9.99

Aldi M pyjam en’s charac a t and s s (Perfect er shorty horts, Home r, above ) €7.9 top, 9

Gazette

STYLE

26 Gazette 12 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

Gazette

12 February 2015 Gazette 27

music: vicar street welcomes back folk heroine

Reader ready to reel in her Irish audience One of Scotland’s national treasures Eddi Reader returns to Ireland this month for her seventh annual Irish tour, and will play a special date at Vicar Street on February 19. Eddi is back in Ireland after a hugely successful 2014 and the release of her acclaimed solo album, Vagabond. It’s remarkable to look back at her long list of achievements - an MBE, three Brit awards, eight records in her own right and a timeless number one single, Per-

 ROB heigh

rheigh@dublingazette.com

fect which she made with Fairground Attraction. Speaking to GazetteMusic recently, Eddi was thrilled at the prospect of playing here again. “It’s a tradition that’s going back a few years now. As long as there’s an audience, I’ll always

invest time in singing to people. Music is always a communication, a voluntary communication. To indulge is always the choice of the audience, not the performer. I don’t like big publicity drives that tell people they should be buying this or listening to that. “I’m hoping that just by presenting it in my own easy way, it’ll be enough to attract people to stop and listen, and then encourage me to continue, and that’s what seems to be hap-

pening in Ireland. I went to Ireland and there was a little audience, and I came back and there were more, and now I have to do the likes of Vicar Street.” Eddi will be performing with former Trashcan Sinatras John Douglas and Boo Hewerdine on guitars, Alan Kelly on piano accordion and Kevin McGuire on double bass. Eddi explained that she is thrilled to be surrounded by such virtuoso performers, which means for her that every-

Scotland’s national treasure Eddi Reader

one gets their time in the spotlight and that everyone on stage is the star. “I can sing the beautiful songs, and I don’t have to worry about it all. I shouldn’t be all about one person singing for an hour or two, I love when you get tunes coming out of songs and the instrumentation being raised up and as important as the singer.”

As to what fans can expect, Eddi said that every night would be unique, but with one thing in common. “I can sing in an intimate room and bring people on a journey with me, with a spontaneous setlist and storytelling, or I can hit them with songs they recognise. It’s like an old house party, especially

when everyone is up for a bit of a ceilidh.” Eddi’s tour begins on February 12 in Kilkenny and comes to Vicar Street on February 19 - details can be found at www.vicarstreet.ie. You can find out more at www.eddireader.com. You can listen to the full version of this interview at theaapnetwork.libsyn.com

Gazette

28 gazette 12 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Catch up with ‘angelic’ singing  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE renowned Theatre Lovett production of The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly comes to the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire this March. Theatre Lovett’s Louis Lovett, who appeared in Moone Boy and played Dieter in Killnascully, stars in this fantasy play for children and adults alike as it makes a welcome return to Ireland, having toured the world. Since opening to rave reviews and

packed houses in Dublin in 2010, The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly has travelled to Edinburgh, London, Texas, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Melbourne, Sydney and to 42nd Street, New York. The story is about Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents, who are packers of all kinds of strange items. They squeeze fruit into tins, foxes into boxes, even bikes into brown paper bags., and all the while,

Peggy sings with the voice of an angel – an unfortunate angel, who can’t sing at all ... The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly runs at The Pavilion Theatre on March 10 and 11 and tickets, priced €6.50 per child, €10 per adult and €28 for a family, are available at www.paviliontheatre.ie.

Sadhbh Lawlor, Marja Almqvist and Maureen O’Dwyer with the knitted Fatima Mansions model. Pictures: Aisling Phelan

exhibition: knitting a community together

Portraits of Rialto  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke (Ind) recently launched an extraordinary exhibition of self-portraits by people living in Rialto, working in partnership with the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in an EU-funded project. Contemporary selfportraits, including paintings, photographs, crafts and video, were staged at European Union House on Dawson Street, with art tutors and professors from NCAD mingling with residents from Rialto and EU Commission officials in a spirit of artistic harmony. The centre-piece of the exhibition was a collective project and self-portrait of the old Fatima Mansions building, completed as a one metre-wide knitted model.

As well as many selfportraits, there are also specially designed and handmade medals that the Rialto participants made to honour their best traits. Entitled Medal of Honour, they include ribboned badges honouring things such as making people laugh and being kind. Barbara Nolan, head of the European Commission Office in Dublin, told The Gazette about the project’s inception. She said: “It’s NCAD in cooperation with the local community. NCAD is based down there in Rialto as well. “Some of the funding came from the culture programme, which is EUfunded, and is for projects that have a trans-national element, and this one did as there were other similar projects in other memberstates ... working with the

local community to develop their creativity.” The Gazette then spoke to Professor Philip Napier, head of the school of fine art in NCAD, who said: “This project actually makes good the rhetoric that art has the capacity to change how we see the world and that’s a radical thing. “Art can do this very well because it’s an experiential relationship, it’s learning through doing and that has a really active place that’s often underrated.” Of the knitted Fatima Mansions project, tutor Sadbh Lawlor said: “The first part was experimentation and then I took control of the model. Everyone involved decided which was the best stitch to use to represent things like ‘brick’.” Maureen O’Dwyer, who worked on the

project, said: “The whole experience was ver y good.” Since then, she has designed and knitted her own house, which she describes as “a three-bed semi”. Marja Almqvist, who runs the local Rialto Chinese restaurant, worked on the paving for the model and said: “I think the whole thing is fantastic and we are going to do it again.” Cllr Burke (Ind) said: “I think exhibitions of this nature proves the hidden talent that’s out there and the vision that people had of their lives is so clear. The marriage between the art colleges and local communities was never as strongly cemented, and any move to remove that would be a disaster.” The exhibition is running in the European Union House, Dawson Street until February 27.

12 February 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

ARTS

StepLively Try some burlesque lessons  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Eileen Leahy, Deirdre Lale and Ciara McGoldrick

Lord Mayor Christy Burke and Barbara Nolan, head of European Commission Representation in Ireland, study the knitted model of the old Fatima Mansions

Young Louis O’Baoill with Philip Napier and Neill O’Baoill

Nikki Chatham and Bryan Kinsella

ANYONE tempted by the allure of burlesque performance, especially as it relates to dance, is in for a treat this month as a series of special workshops is being run in Temple Bar to teach you all the most sultry moves. The Performance Lounge welcomes duo Kate Finegan and Elise Brennan, who will begin teaching jazz, burlesque and stiletto heel dance classes every Friday, from 6pm to 8.30pm, in Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios. The workshops run until the end of February. Organisers claim that not only will participants get fitter, but they will feel more exotic and seductive into the bargain. The classes are open to all, from beginners up, and anyone aged over 16 can join. Dance lessons cost €10 for one drop-in class, or €15 for two classes. The studio is located at Curved Street, Temple Bar, through the black door left of The Button Factory. For further information, you can email performancelounge@gmail.com, or telephone 086 874 5592.

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30 gazette 12 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

FASTTRAVEL

€149 fare to the US Starting in October you will be able to travel from Dublin to the US for as little as €149 with a new low-cost airline. Icelandic carrier WOW Air have revealed that they will be the first low-cost airline to fly to the States from Dublin. In October, passengers will be able to avail of €149 one way flights including taxes, to Boston and Washington. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, flying from Dublin to Reykjavik, Iceland and then on to North America. WOW Air chief executive Skuli Mogensen said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer our WOW prices for Irish passengers travelling between Dublin and North America. Our aim is to transform lowcost transatlantic flights and make travel to the US affordable for everybody.” This news comes shortly after WOW Air announced a new route from Dublin to Reykjavik, starting from June 2 from as little as €49 each way.

cavan: unwind in lavish spa retreat

Cosy resort blends old and new charm

 aishling phelan

There is no better way to spend the last weekend of a never-ending January than unwinding in a lavish spa resort. Farnham Estate, Cavan, sees the old infused with the new as the period style decor of the original house merges with the modern finishes

of the attached hotel. Our luxurious room had a clean-cut contemporary design and floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the impressive landscape of the estate. First it was time for a dose of indulgence at the health spa while my fellow guest geared up for a session at the gym.

Pretty white teapots, water jugs and fresh fruit were on display for guests to enjoy while awaiting their treatments. I left in an absolute state of serenity after my gorgeous coconut melt body massage, which consisted of being swathed in wet hot towels and skillfully covered in warm coconut oil. After the treatment session, I was taken to a dimly-lit relaxation room where guests are cocooned in thick white duvets, magazine in one hand, flavoured water in another. The highlight of my stay was the afternoon tea ritual in one of Farnham’s beautiful period drawing rooms. We were presented with a colourful assortment of cakes, canapes and sandwiches on a tiered stand. The attentive waiter talked me through the diverse selection of teas and I opted for Irish Afternoon Gold - heavenly! We tucked into the mini-feast beside a crackling log fire, listening to soft classical

Farnham Estate boasts some stunning grounds

music from a vintage phonograph. The light mint and cream palette throughout the room added to the calm and soothing atmosphere. Next it was time to enjoy the thermal suite which houses a range of hot and cold treatments and a heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the rolling countryside. How often does one get to swim outdoors in Ireland on a chilly January evening under the moonlight? After drifting through the extensive thermal suite, from the Finnish sauna to the amethystsalt inhalation room, it was time to get ready for the evening ahead. The Cellar Bar is the perfect setting to relax with some pre-dinner cocktails with its antique beer barrels and vintage typewriters dotted

The heated outdoor infinity pool

around the room. The brick-walled space is part of a network of underground tunnels at the estate which served as the kitchens and quarters for staff throughout the centuries. As always at Farnham, you quickly travel from the old to the new as next was the modern Botanica restaurant for dinner. I had a tasty soup starter and a tender Barbary duck breast main course with sweet potato puree and honey roast parsnips. The delectable dessert consisted of a steamed sponge pudding, spilling with salted caramel sauce. After a hearty breakfast the next morning, we left following the winding road out of the estate, soaking in the stunning grounds and planning our next trip to Farnham. See www.farnhamestate.ies

The music room

12 February 2015 GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Get your holiday off to the perfect start with a convenient hotel  SUZANNE SHEEHY

Castlemartyr Resort provides everything possible to help you unwind

CORK: TAKE TIME OUT AT CASTLEMARTYR RESORT

Relax like a king in luxurious surrounds

 DAVE PHILLIPS

CASTLEMARTYR is a gorgeous little blink-andyou’ll-miss-it spot in east Cork that holds a few colourful secrets. Stop there for a pint and you might be surprised to be served by Pat Shortt, who owns the local bar. And no doubt you’ll hear some vibrant

stories from the time the Rolling Stones painted the sleepy village black when they pit-stopped there in the mid-60s. But by far the most dazzling gem on display is the Castlemartyr Resort, a luxury hotel set amid expansive and lush surrounds just outside the village. Originally dating back

to the 13th century, remnants of the castle are still present on the grounds of the resort, but rest assured you’ll receive a very different reception today. On arrival we went straight for afternoon tea, situated in one of the high-windowed dining rooms that look out for miles over the flat, fertile land. Sitting and admiring the view while gorging on a selection of treats is one way to pass the hours. If there’s too much on the tiered plates (and there is quite a lot), it can be boxed up to nibble on later. The resort also houses a spa, thermal suites, and pool. There’s the usual long list of treatments you’d expect at this level, presented in very comfortable and warm rooms. Post-massage you are invited to chill out in a communal relaxation area, and provided with granola, fruit, and smoothies to ensure that you stay afloat on the healthy buzz for as long as possible. Inevitably though, din-

ner comes around. And at Castlemartyr that means some delicious decadence. A tasting menu at The Bell Tower restaurant guided us through five incredible dishes. Try to imagine the pan fried hake, gnocchi, oyster mushrooms and green beans with sherry and walnut veloute and you’ll get some idea of what to expect from this highly-recommended menu. There’s a band playing ballads in the bar on Friday nights, where you’ll also find the two resident Irish Setters who are keen to find cuddles. They’ll be eager to join you for a walk around the grounds in the morning too, on the long meandering trails that lead around the estate. And if you don’t feel like walking there are Dutch bicycles left outside the door that you can hop on. Full of little touches, Castlemartyr Resort provides everything possible to help you unwind. www.castlemartyrresort.ie

BEWLEY’S Hotel Dublin Airport is very conveniently located, only seven minutes from the airport. I recently stayed there the night before an early flight to Denmark. I was greeted by very friendly staff at check in. The room was very spacious, comfortable and quiet with free WiFi. It had all the amenities I needed to make my stay a pleasant one. Ironing board facilities, climate control, adaptable options, plus tea/coffee making facilities. Even for an overnight stay these all came in very useful! Later that evening I dined in the The Brasserie Restaurant which was informal and relaxed, and sat back in the lounge bar enjoying a glass of red. I checked out at 5.30am and even then the staff oozed enthusiasm. To have a free shuttle bus take me to the airport meant no stress and little organisation on my behalf.

I was unable to avail of the varied breakfast menu. However Bewleys have an Express breakfast which can be arranged for those on an early flight. This was a perfect on the go breakfast snack for me. Overall I found Bewley’s a good starting point for flying out of Dublin. If I’m staying longer next time I’ll be sure to avail of their Fitness centre, a fully equipped mini-gym facility. Park, Stay and Fly package starts at €89 per room with three days’ parking.

Gazette

32 Gazette 12 February 2015

OUT&ABOUT

wellbeing: you can be more resilient

Get ready for a 50k/80k challenge CYCLISTS are encouraged to get in training for the upcoming Stephen Roche 3 County 80km, and 2 County 50km challenges, taking place on April 12. The challenges are supporting Balbriggan Cancer Support Group, with both routes starting from, and finishing at, the village of Balrothery, near Balbriggan. Those cycling under the €60 entry package can cycle with Roche himself in either challenge, and afterwards have lunch (maximum 100 people). For further information, and to register, look for “cycling” under www.active. com/co-dublin-dublin/.

We bounce back from adversity

THE Oxford English Dictionary tells us that to be resilient means to be “able to spring back into shape after bending”. While this description

may apply to objects or something other than the human species, I am sure we can all agree that life bends us, twists and heaves us into all sorts of shapes and sizes that do not resemble our original

form. Resilience is our capacity to return to what or who we were after stressful life events have had their wicked way with us, or if necessary, to rearrange us into someone with substantially more capacity for living and coping with whatever else comes our way. Think of a ball filled with air – think of its ability to bounce back at you when you throw it at a wall, or dribble with it around your yard. If it takes enough bashes, or hits a nail or piece of glass, slowly releasing the air inside, then its ability to bounce back is gone – it needs repair. It is resilience that gives us our bounce, our capacity to recover from life’s knocks. It is resilience that fills us up again. Are we born with it? Can we grow and strengthen it in us? My answer would be ‘Yes’ to both of these questions; however, we are all different, and so, as is usual with most human qualities, some of us have it to a greater or lesser degree. Some of us do not recover from stressful life events as quickly as others, and it is important to recognise our own individual responses. W hile one person reacts to difficulty with

Aine Duffy: “... the stronger you feel physically, the easier it is for you to overcome difficulties [and] getting enough sleep will improve your capacity emotionally”

passion and gusto, another may crawl under the covers, lacking all energy required to tackle the situation. Genes, personality type, childhood and early life events all play a part in deciding how we react and it is vital that we do not compare ourselves to others.

resilient people possess, things like the ability to challenge, to control oneself, to commit, or having a positive view of yourself and the world. But what if we don’t have these qualities naturally? We can (and most research now supports it) develop our capacity to add to ourselves, to

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‘It is resilience that gives us our bounce, our capacity to recover from life’s knocks. It is resilience that fills us up again.’

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For those of us that understand our ability to bounce back can be compromised in any way, there is much we can do about it. My advice would be small steps, taken one day at a time and, with awareness. A lot of articles and research can tell us the characteristics that

be more than who we thought we were. Where can we begin? Did you know that the stronger you feel physically, the easier it is for you to overcome difficulties, or that getting enough sleep will improve your capacity emotionally? And what about avoid-

ance? Is there is something you have been side stepping lately, something that seems insurmountable? Try committing to tackling this thing for 10 minutes, or five if that seems too long. Notice how you feel afterwards – I can guarantee you will have more energy afterwards than before. Think too about what you’re good at, something uncomplicated. Try doing it every day, or every other day for 15 minutes or half an hour. Compare how you feel after doing this to how you felt before. Better? Be mindful, and appreciative of your capacity to feel that way. And what about pleasure? Ask yourself – and take some time with this – what has given you pleasure in the past? Keep it simple and achievable – then do it. Again, notice how you

12 February 2015 gazette 33

feel afterwards; make plans to do it again. Think about it – what puts the air back into you? Breathing deeper? Laughter? Exercise? Pleasure? Consider your personality, and be mindful not to compare yourself to others. What restores you may be very different to what restores another, so be curious about yourself and seek some awareness about the things that lift you, that make you stand taller, that create buoyancy in your step. If being around a lot of people causes anxiety or stress, then it’s important to have days alone to recharge, or if being alone depresses and erodes you, then seek out those that reflect the good things about you, or indeed those that might challenge you, playfully,

to laugh. H u m o u r, a g o o d belly laugh, will inject a cascade of hormones through you that promotes resilience and wellbeing. Resilience doesn’t mean we paste over painful life events, or negative ---------------------------------------

‘To younger readers, I would say to look forward with hope’

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

thoughts and emotions, it just means we can allow these things to co-exist with other, more healthy life giving experiences and feelings ... ‘ I ’m h e a r t b r o ke n about this, but I’m grateful for that.’ Stating something

like this with awareness keeps us buoyant, when we might other wise drown in adversity. Finding meaning in heartbreak and other painful life events will, for most of us, increase our capability to recover. So, allow yourself to ponder what there is to learn from something that has knocked you off your perch. There is research to support that extending ourselves to other, less fortunate people than ourselves increases our body’s ability to use seratonin more efficiently. This is one of our feelgood hormones and isn’t it interesting that forgetting about ourselves to think about others actually improves how we feel? So, get the balance right between self awareness and caring,

Gazette

HEALTH

Eucerin help for dry skin problems

If being around a lot of people causes anxiety or stress, then it’s important to have days alone to recharge – and vice versa, if you dislike being alone

but don’t overdo it to the point where we forget about others that might need a little encouragement, too. For those who have lived long enough to weather many of life’s adversities, it would be safe to say that resilience improves with age; therefore, to the younger readers of this article, I would say to look forward with

hope. Life will throw everything at us and if we live long enough, we will experience the full spectrum of events that shake us to the core and fill us with joy. It will knock the air out of us and we need to trust that we have a natural ability to breathe in again, to fill up once more, ready to bounce

back, stronger and more resilient.

Aine Duffy Duffy (a member of the Irish Institute of Cognitive and Humanistic Psychotherapy) is a psychotherapist working in the north east who has a particular interest in stress and anxiety management. Telephone 087 793 3561, or email ainebduffy@hotmail.com.

MANY people suffer from dry skin, and depending on the degree of severity of dryness, the skin tightens, is rough, prone to itching, scaling and irritation. Eucerin AtoControl products are clinically and dermatologically proven to help soothe and relieve dry, itchy and tight skin. To minimise the risk of skin irritation and allergies, no fragrance or colourants have been added. Suitable for people of all ages, Eucerin AtoControl products are also suitable for children and babies over the age of age months. The products are available in McCabe’s pharmacies now.

34 swords gazette 12 February 2015

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12 February 2015 Gazette 35

athletics P29

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

cycling P28

FastSport Clonliffe’s murray hits 800m target:

Three Rock Rovers’ Jonny Bruton celebrates after scoring the first of his side’s goals against Lisnagarvey last weekend

hockey: semi-final place secured after comeback win against lisnagarvey

Three Rock into last four after Hillsborough heroics THREE Rock Rovers became the first men’s side to qualify for the semifinals of the Irish Hockey League as they beat Lisnagarvey 4-2 in Hillsborough to remain the sole side with a perfect record in the competition. They trailed 2-0 after seven minutes, though, as Andy Williamson got Garvey off to a flying start, nicking in after just 19 seconds and nabbed his second soon after from close range. But Rovers were level by half-time as Mitch Darling and Jonny Bruton’s return from international duty played a big part. The former was the creator both times; his shot rebounded invitingly to Bruton to snap up the first,

while the second came off the back of an excellent left-wing interchange to make it 2-2 at the break. And, despite a fine performance from Garvey goalkeeper John Tormey, Three Rock pulled clear in the second half via Peter Blakeney’s rocket of a shot and Darling got a deserved fourth for his overall performance. In between those two goals, Blakeney took one off the line while Luke McSharry got a great touch in to deny Garvey as they fluffed a three-on-one chance as they tried to get back into the tie. Pool A remains a three-horse race between Dublin sides Monkstown

and Pembroke as well as Belfast’s Instonians going into the final day of the group phases after all recorded wins on Saturday. Town were too good for UCC in a 4-0 result at the Mardyke while Pembroke beat Annadale by the same scoreline. Inst just held off Cookstown 2-1 to stay in the running for a first ever semi-final spot. Pembroke got their third win from four outings in comfortable fashion. They won the penalty corner count 8-1, a measure of their control, holding court for the last three quarters after an initially well matched opening stanza.

Justin Sherriff opened the scoring on 34 minutes with a powerful shot. They tightened their hold on the points with penalty corner goals in the 38th, 46th and 68th minutes from Keith O’Hare, Nick Burns and Ronan Flannery. Monkstown moved to the brink of qualifying for the final four thanks to their 4-0 win over UCC with only a couple an unlikely permutation in round five seeing them eliminated. Andrew Ward and Richard Sykes put them 2-0 up at the break while Sykes’s second and another from Davy Carson after half-time saw home the win.

CLONLIFFE Harriers’ Declan Murray achieved the 800m qualifying time last weekend for the European Indoor Championships in Prague. Murray was in superb form on Saturday as he front ran a 1.48.32 800m at the Boston University Scarlet and White Invitational. The time was inside the required standard of 1.48.50 for the European Indoor Championships. Commenting afterwards Murray said “I went through 600m in 1:20 and brought it home,” he said. “It feels good to get the standard out of the way at my first attempt. I’m running a 1,000m at Millrose Games next week, and I hope to break the Irish record, then it’s off to Ireland for the GloHealth Nationals the week after that.”

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

Gazette

36 Gazette 12 February 2015

SPORT

FastSport lord mayor’s team set for bhaa race: The love of healthy living is in the air this Valentine’s Day as the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive team take on their third challenge race this year. The team will compete in the Garda/ BHAA cross-country race which takes place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, February 14 at 11am. Lord Mayor Christy Burke (Ind) said: “As we reach the half way stage of the Lord Mayor’s Challenge, it is great to see over 200 people still committed to the five race challenge. “For the first time in the history of the challenge, the participants will take part in a cross country run in the Phoenix Park. “I would like to thank An Garda Siochana and the BHAA for allowing us join them for their event and I look forward to cheering on all the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive team.” The Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive challenge highlights the benefits of an active lifestyle as an important part of healthy living. For further information on the route and registration, please go to www.bhaa.ie.

cycling: epic finish in prospect after changes to route for 2015

Skerries hosts the Ras finish  sport@dublingazette.com

Skerries is once again set to host the actionpacked finale of the 2015 An Post Ras for the tenth successive year when the peloton swings into the north county town on

may 24 at the end of what is likely to be another celebration of Irish cycling. Unveiling a fast and tactical route which totals almost 1,200km, the organisers of An Post Ras launched what could be one of the most suspense-

ful editions of the race in recent history. Deliberately omitting some of the tough first category climbs that have featured in recent years, the emphasis this time around is on opening up the possibility of attacks

Overall race winner Clemens Fankhauser crossing the line in Skerries last year

Rozanna Purcell pictured with Irish riders Damien Shaw, David McCann, former Rás winner, Sean McKenna and Eoin Morton at the launch of this year’s Ras

at any point in the race. Skerries will once again host the final stage of the race with the peloton travelling 132km in from Drogheda to battle it out for that coveted yellow jersey. The riders will also have to contend with an additional lap of the finishing circuit this year which will be sure to make for an even more dramatic finale. Double Olympian and former Ras winner David McCann was on hand to launch this year’s route and said that the path it will take will make for a thrilling spectacle, as well as being challenging for the competitors. “It’s going to allow for typical Ras style racing with plenty of attacking which is what we love so

much about the race. The final day in to Skerries will be a great one to watch. That extra lap up around the Black Hills will definitely add a new level of suspense. Hopefully, this year an Irish rider can take home the trophy.” Speaking about this year’s Ras, race director Tony Campbell said the choice of terrain is intended to strike the right balance between the international and the domestic competitors, and that the final day will make for a properly thrilling finale to the race. “The last stage is familiar to those who have been at previous editions of the An Post Ras, in that it finishes once again in Skerries” says Campbell. “It’s actually the tenth

year that we are doing so and that finale has been absolutely fantastic for the race. There is a fantastic committee putting it together, and each year it is just better and better”. “This time we have put in an extra lap of the finishing circuit. We believe it could be very close in the overall standings and so the third lap could make a difference and decide the race right in the final minutes. It could be a very dramatic finale.” For more information about the Ras this year and to keep up with the latest developments and news, log on to www. facebook.com/anpostras, follow @anpostras and the hashtag #ras2015 on Twitter or log on to anpostras.ie.

Commercials reap reward of AIG sponsorship with new kit presentation Commercial GAA Club were recently presented with a range of sports equipment including helmets, hurleys and sliotars by John Gillick,

sponsorship manager at AIG Insurance. As part of AIG Insurance’s commitment to promote safety at grassroots level in Dublin GAA, they invested in the support of 20 clubs in 2014 and will focus on 20 more this year.

12 February 2015 Gazette 37

Gazette

Local Outsider stars honoured at awards

KEN’SDiary

Endurance athletes, kitesurfers and mountain bikers from Dublin are among the winners at the recent annual Outsider magazine People Of The Year awards in Smithfield TONY Mangan took top honours at the Outsider magazine People of the Year awards night held in Dublin last week The 57-year-old Metro St Brigid’s man was named Outsider of the Year 2014 in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of running around the world. Mangan, who hails from the Liber ties, clocked up 55,000km as he ran around the globe. That’s the equivalent of 1,200 marathons and is longer than any human has ever run. Receiving his award, an emotional Mangan said, “This award means the world to me.” But he was quick to add that life is returning to normal now that he’s back. “My mam is still worrying about me. She was worrying about me walking a mile in the cold

weather. I have to remind her, ‘Mam, I’ve just run around the world; I’ll be fine.’” Kitesurfer Jade O’Connor (43), a fellow Dubliner, was named Woman of the Year. O’Connor won the British Ladies Championship in June 2014, came eighth at the World Championships in Istanbul Turkey, August 2014 and fourth at the European Championships in Poland in September 2014. She is Ireland’s highest ranked kiteboarder. Kiteboarding is a high adrenaline, high-speed water sport that sees up to 30 kiteboarders at a time race around a course reaching speeds in excess of 50km per hour. O’Connor commented, “I am over the moon… This kicks my 2015 race season off with a bang of good energy”.

A lifetime achievement award went to Maurice Mullins (72) from Skerries. Mullins organised Ireland’s first triathlon in 1983 and then long-distance triathlon. He also competed himself, running 130 marathons, 20 100km races, a handful of 24-hour races and competed internationally in ultra-distance events. Although he now has cancer and has had to slow down in life, he still keeps active by cycle training in his garden shed and continues to inspire. A modest Mullins stated: “It’s lovely to get this award but for every organiser there are so many helpers behind the scenes. When I organised that first triathlon, I had 104 helpers. They deserve this award too.” An award voted for by the audience on the night

Epic athlete Tony Mangan, who traversed the world on two feet over the last four years, at the Outsider Magazine People of the Year awards

went to Helen O’Sullivan, also from Skerries. The 37-year-old mum of one suffers from cystic fibrosis but overcame the odds to run the Dublin marathon in October in a time of 3.45.56. A clearly delighted O’Sullivan who received a huge cheer from the c r owd , s a i d , “ Eve n

online coach for Mark Pollock’s Run in the Dark, organised the crew behind the Bumbleance charity push and also helped coach Sinead Kane, the first blind Irish female to complete the Dublin Marathon in October. He is also actively involved in the local

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

My mam still worries about me. I have to remind her, “Mam, I’ve just run around the world” – Tony Mangan

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

through the training was hard, I loved every minute if it.” The Most Devoted to the Outdoor Scene went to ultra-runner John O’Regan (45) who hails from Ballybough in Dublin but now lives in Leixlip. In 2014, the Dubliner won the Red Bull Wings for Life World Run in Killarney and finished second in the inaugural Tralee 100km just two weeks after running 227km in the Belfast 24-hour race. He is also the current National 24-hour Champion. A level 2 athletics coach, O’Regan also trained 30 first-time marathon runners at Le Cheile Leixlip AC and also ran the half marathon and Dublin marathon as an official pacer. He was advisor and

Parkrun and coaches runners in Athletic Ireland’s Fit4Life programme. An understated O’Regan said, “We don’t do these things to get awards but it’s nice all the same.” The Breakthrough Achievement Award for 2014 went to Dublin mountain biker Conor Lavelle (17) who came third in the Enduro World Series junior category. Elite Event’s Ollie Kirwan, who hails from Garristown, Co Dublin, but now lives in Killarney, picked up the Best Outdoor Event award for the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race while the final Dublin award winner was Deirdre Mullins for Best Outdoor Film for her short film, Going the Distance about her father Maurice.

Padded and pleased with my pedalling progress Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurel’s Charity Crew Cycle from Galway to Dublin on April 19. In the run-up to the event, Egan has partnered with Gazette Sport to document his preparation for the big day, and here is his latest report from the road. I mounted my bike again for this week’s training session after a bad dose of the flu last week. I was in a world of hurt and I was annoyed with myself that I had missed the bike ride after finding out we had our biggest numbers last weekend - 26 riders turned up last Saturday morning for the 65km cycle. I was back with a bang, though - I finally turned up with my padded shorts and let me tell you that guy was right who told me that they were essential. I’m such an amateur. To ride a bike over any distance with padded shorts is quite simply heaven. I cruised along the 70km trail that day with a big smile on my face. I picked up some lessons in fixing a puncture this morning as you can see in the photo - easy when you know how. I also took some snack foods with me such as fig rolls and nuts for my protein intake, so I’m continually adapting to my new sport all the time and learning the little tricks of the trade. It was a brisk morning and 20 people turned up and, from what I hear amongst the group, this trek from Galway to Dublin is going to be epic. All I need to do is get the miles done on the bike, and as the old saying goes, keep it real and believe, one mile at a time I shall touch base with you next week as I continue on my journey to become the next Sean Kelly. For more information about the event, log on to www.facebook.com/laurelscharitycrew, and come back next week for the latest instalment of Ken’s cycling diary.

Gazette

38 SWORDS gazette 12 February 2015

SPORT

FastSport Thunder dealt second defeat by C&S UCC: TRAVELODGE Swords Thunder fell to just their second defeat of basketball’s men’s Premier League as leaders C&S UCC Demons recorded an 88-74 win. The victory means the Cork side only need to win their remaining home games to wrap up their second-ever league and cup double while Swords sit in third place. The Cork side are 18-0 in all competitions but captain Shane Coughlan admitted the trip to the ALSAA was their toughest test to date.

cricket: malahide CC star to line out for ireland as australia warms up

Chase sets sights on World Cup glory  sport@dublingazette.com

MALAHIDE Cricket Club’s Peter Chase is looking forward to his first major tournament this weekend as he is set to line out for Ireland at the World Cup in Australia. Chase earned his callup after a hugely impressive start to his first class career at Durham last year, and he is hoping to get a chance to continue that form in the warm up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh this week. Since arriving in Australia, Chase and the

Ireland squad have been based in Coogee, a few miles from Sydney city centre where they were hosted by Randwick Petersham CC, but after being beaten by the club in a friendly the squad have now moved to the city as preparations intensify. Starting the tour in the quieter suburb of Coogee before moving into the city has allowed the squad to settle in before the buzz of the World Cup really takes hold, meaning those players, like Chase, who are at their first major international tournament have had a chance to let the atmosphere sink in

gradually. “It didn’t really hit me last week, but since we’ve arrived here at the city centre in Sydney, it’s kind of hit me what’s going on. “It’s my first World Cup and it’s just unbelievable seeing how things work – just seeing all the other players walking around – I walked past Chris Gayle and some of the other lads the other day, it’s unbelievable and its starting to hit me now that I’m at a World Cup.” One of the highlights so far for Chase has been the opportunity to work with one of his idols, Brett Lee.

Peter Chase of Malahide CC is looking forward to the World Cup

“It’s been amazing. Obviously Brett is one of the best bowlers in the world and probably the bowler I looked up to as a child and it’s been fantastic to get to know his insight into the game. It’s been unbelievable. “He hasn’t tried to change anything with my action or anything, he was

just telling me to run in and do what I do, bowl as fast as I can and hopefully it pays off.” With Ireland up against some of the biggest teams in world cricket over the next month there is a lot of opportunity on the horizon for Chase, but there is no doubt who he is looking forward to fac-

ing most during the World Cup. “South Africa, just because of all the big name players that you kind of look up to when you’re watching cricket when you’re younger. Hopefully if I play against South Africa I look forward to bowling at de Villiers.”

12 February 2015 SWORDS gazette 39

Gazette

football: injury-time score levels against Galway

Club Noticeboard fingallians The season is kicking off for all teams

fitzgerald.gpo.Dublin@gaa.ie

over the coming weeks. Any teams

The Irish conversation group for our

wishing to publicise fixtures, results

Leaving Cert students is now at week

etc should send as much info as pos-

four out of 10. If you are in fifth or

sible to fingallians@gmail.com.

sixth year, this group will be of great

Our U-11 boys got their league off

assistance for the Irish oral exams

to an impressive start winning both

in early April. Free of charge, every

their football games on Saturday v

Thursday at 8pm. Failte roimh chuile.

Fingal Ravens. Good luck to Cian, Rory, Donagh and Michael who will represent our

There’s just two weeks left until the window to purchase your 2015 GAA hurling season ticket closes.

club and Dublin in the quiz section of

Log on to www.gaa.ie/tickets to pur-

the Scor na nOg All-Ireland final next

chase a season ticket now and avail

Saturday, February 14 at 11am in the

of some of the great offers available

Citywest Hotel. Admission to the quiz

including admittance to your county’s

is free; why not go along and cheer on

Allianz Leagues fixtures, the AIB All-

the lads?

Ireland club championship finals in

The Scor organisers are looking for

Croke Park and Dublin’s opening All-

The Dublin senior ladies footballers were thankful to Sarah McCaffrey who scored late to claim a draw in Tuam

volunteers to help steward on the day.

Ireland senior hurling championship

Battling Jackies leave it late in Tuam

All helpers will be fed and guaranteed

fixture.

nfl round 2

Galway 2-9 Dublin 1-12  sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S Niamh McEvoy played a key role for the Dublin ladies footballers as they grabbed a late 1-12 to 2-9 draw with Galway last Sunday at a fog-bound Tuam in their second Tesco Home Grown National Football League tie. Such was the dense nature of the fog, there were doubts whether the tie would go ahead but Sligo official Gus Chapman did eventually let proceedings get under way ten minutes

later than the scheduled throw-in time. To their credit Galway and Dublin went on to produce a tremendous exciting game of football playing out a hard fought draw with McEvoy landing 1-1. Dublin took a one point lead into the dressing room at half time despite being hit for two first half goals by veteran Galway forward Edel Concannon. Dublin had replied well to Concannon’s first goal with the Sylvester’s full forward McEvoy netting for the blues in the 17th minute. Galway received a

major boost in the third minute of the second half when McEvoy’s penalty free kick was stopped on the line by Johanna Connolly. The penalty kick was awarded as Eabha Rutledge had been pulled down in the small square but Greg McGonigle’s side were not able to capitalise. 2004 All-Ireland winning captain Annette Clarke kept her team in the game throughout the second half with some excellent free taking, bagging five points in total from dead balls. Roisin Leonard, who had started as a late replacement for Lucy

Hannon, edged her team ahead in the 28th minute while Clarke pushed Galway further in front with a 29th minute free. McGonigle’s side reacted well, with a Carla Rowe converted free leaving a single point between the sides. As the game edged well into injury time, up stepped Dublin midfielder Sarah McCaffrey to nail her second point of the day and clinch a well-deserved draw for the travelling Dubs. Dublin’s next game in the league will be a home tie against Mayo, who recorded their win of the campaign against Laois, on February 22.

a great day’s entertainment. Contact Liam 086 381 4422 for further info.

The 2015 GAA Annual Congress will take place in the Slieve Russell Hotel

A hurling workshop will take place

on February 27 and 28. Uachtarán

this Friday, February 13 at 7.30pm

Liam O Neill will hand over the reigns

on the all-weather pitch with John

to Uachtarain-Tofa Aogan O Fearghail,

Leahy. All mentors are encouraged

who will become the first Cavan man

to attend. Further info from Nicola.

to take up this position.

fingal ravens Congratulations to Darren Daly

gins in a great game at home against

and the Dublin football team on

Raheny.

their recent win over Donegal in the league.

Our juvenile awards were held in Kettle’s Hotel last Friday, congratu-

Our junior B team play Man O War

lations to all our winners and a big

on Sunday, February 15 at 2.30pm in

thank you to all who helped out on the

Rolestown in the Duffy Cup.

night.

The juvenile results from last week-

Our U-11s team made history by

end are as follows: U-9s had their first

being the first team from the club to

match of the year away to Castle-

play under floodlights in Croke Park

knock.

when they played at half time in the

U-11s put in a good performance

Dublin vs Donegal game in last Satur-

away to Fingallians on Saturday

day. Thanks to all who travelled into

morning. U-13s had a convincing win

Croke Park on our supporters bus

in the league away to St Sylvester’s.

and to Peter Kettle for organising.

U-15s got back to winning ways with

Special thanks to the Dublin County

a good win in the league at home to

Board for the tribute to the late Andy

Westmanstown Gaels.

Kettle on the night.

Hard luck to our U-16s who put in

Memberships for 2015 must be paid

a smashing performance but were

in full by March 31 - membership

beaten by the narrowest of mar-

forms are now available.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 35-39

february 12-18, 2015

chase’s status: Malahide cricketer getting ready to face international test at World Cup down under P38

pointing the way home: North county route rounds up 2015 Ras in Skerries P36

Carthy plans to keep shining for Dublin  rob heigh

sport@dublingazette.com

Naomh Mearnog’s Shane Carthy has been lighting up the Dublin senior footballers performances in the O’Bynre Cup and National League, and says he is grateful for the opportunity given to him by Jim Gavin. Speaking at the launch of the ESB EnergyFit programme last week, which saw 14 clubs from around the country take part in the campaign in an effort to become more energy efficient and ultimately save money, Carthy reflected on his participation in the senior footballers’ O’Byrne Cup success. “Being involved in the cup has been a good start to the year, to get a few

matches under my belt especially in pre-season. Now Jim [Gavin] has given me the chance, I hope I have been able to impress him. “At the weekend against Cork, it didn’t go to plan, but we need to take the experience of that and build for this weekend’s match against Donegal.” Dublin left it late to claim their wins in the cup, and it was Carthy’s contribution that led to victory in the final against Kildare in Newbridge at the end of January. “We did leave it late in a lot of games and I’m not sure whether it was the opposition being good or us not being bad, but we were able to push through and have the belief we could go right to the 72nd minute. We just played right

up to the final whistle and that’s what landed us the cup.” Dublin faced Donegal, the side who defeated them in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, this weekend, and Carthy expects that the Dubs can take something from that loss. “We’d like to think we bring on a bit of experience from what happened there, and hopefully go a couple of steps further this year, which is the aim this year. “You have to go through your bad spells as well as your good, whether you like it or not, and you do take more learning out of those difficult stages, whether it’s losing a game or taking a step back. But it’s about moving on from that and making sure you don’t

make the same mistakes again, building on the experience.” Naomh Mearnog’s senior footballers are looking to get themselves into the play-offs and a chance of graduating to Division 1 next season, something Carthy is hoping will be possible after some changes in the section. “It has been a bit of a change with the club, we have a new management team and there has been a bit of a transformation with new players coming up into the senior team as some of the other players left. But that can only do us good. Bringing new players in freshens things up and gives a new voice in the team, and it’s great to have [new senior football manager] Cormac Naomh Mearnog’s Shane Carthy. Picture: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE Sugrue at the helm.”