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

INSIDE: We ask top comic Jason a Byrne-ing question – how does he escape the mayhem? P15

Soccer:

Rivervalley set for historic SFAI All-Ireland tie Page 30

Football:

St Sylvester’s stung by late Vincent’s show Page 31

Road fear holds up hospital project  keith bellew

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................28

relax: We’ve got all you need to know about Paddy’s Day celebrations P8-9

TWO motions to withhold support for the construction of a 170-bed national forensic mental health services hospital at St Ita’s Hospital Campus in Portrane until an alternative access route for construction traffic is provided were passed unanimously at a recent Fingal County Council meeting.

The motions were tabled by councillors Adrian Henchy (FF) and Paul Mulville (Ind), who believe that a

route through council lands in Ballymastone should be constructed by the HSE as an alternative to using the Portrane Road through the village.

The community have raised serious concerns about plans to bring construction traffic through the village.

Cllr Henchy said much of the initial support for the project has been soured by what they perceive as a lack of real engagement by the HSE. Full Story on Page 2

Choo-choose to read: Train ride shows the magic of books IT WAS full steam ahead for Ben Connolly and author Eoin Colfer when they took part in a memorable train journey along the Fingal coastline recently. The author of the popular Artemis Fowl series was one of five storytellers who joined 300 children to journey along the coast in an

old-fashioned train as part of the Once Upon a Place programme - a collaboration between Fingal County Council Libraries, Children’s Books Ireland, Irish Rail and the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland to help bring the magic of stories and books to young people. Picture: Brian MacCormaic

2 swords gazette 12 March 2015

health Impact of construction traffic cause for concern

Support for 170-bed hospital withdrawn  keith bellew

TWO motions to withhold support for the construction of a 170-bed national forensic mental health services hospital at St Ita’s Hospital Campus in Portrane until an alternative access route for construction traffic is provided were passed unanimously at a recent Fingal County Council meeting.

The motions were

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

tabled by councillors Adrian Henchy (FF) and Paul Mulville (Ind), who believe that a route through council lands in Ballymastone should be constructed by the

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

HSE as an alternative to using the Portrane Road through the village.

The proposed development is currently being assessed by An Bord Pleanala, and the closing date for submissions has been extended to Monday, March 23.

The community raised serious concerns about plans to bring construction traffic through the village with regard to congestion and the damage heavy construction traffic could cause the village streets. This was the case during construction of the Donabate/Portrane Sewage Plant, which was completed in 2012.

Following a public

meeting in October, the HSE provided additional information in which it rejected the suggestion of residents that a temporary alternative route be constructed through Ballymastone, saying that it would cost in the region of €1m to do so.

However, the residents have pointed out that it cost approximately €830,000 to resurface the Portrane Road following the construction of the sewage plant and that as a stipulation for planning permission, the HSE will be required to fund any resurfacing works that result from the development.

Cllr Mulville said: “On

St Ita’s Hospital, Portrane. Picture: Ophelie Ferlier National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

this basis, the financial cost will be roughly costneutral if the temporary construction road through Ballymastone is provided.”

A workshop for residents who wish to make a submission on the development to An Bord Pleanala is due to be held at Donabate/Portrane Community Centre on Saturday, March 14, from

11am to 1pm. This workshop is being organised

by Cllr Mulville and Cllr Henchy.

Cllr Henchy said much of the initial support of the community has been soured by what they perceive as a lack of real engagement by the HSE. He said: “Over the past six months, I have attended a significant amount of meetings across many sec-

tors on this proposal, and it is very clear the reaction to the additional information provided by the HSE is one of huge disappointment and frustration. The HSE has not addressed the serious issues which were highlighted in the community submissions.”

The HSE had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to press.

12 March 2015 swords gazette 3

parking

economy: cautious welcome for another reduction in live register

No space

by Dart station

Jobless fall again in latest CSO figures  keith bellew

THE Live Register figures for north County Dublin continued their downward trend in February as both Swords and Balbriggan social welfare offices logged a decrease.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed a decrease of 16.7% on February 2014 in Swords, from 4,130 people signing on last year to 3,442 people this year. Balbriggan saw a decrease of 9.8% on February 2014, from 4,596 people signing on last year to 4,146 people this year.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said the latest CSO figures show that the Action Plan for Jobs is

working and is benefiting people across the north county.

However, he went on to say that more needs to be done. He said: “While Live Register figures in the Swords and Balbriggan local welfare offices have reduced significantly in the past year, much work remains to be done to ensure that every person in Fingal feels the benefits of the economic recovery.

“Figures in both of Fingal’s social welfare offices peaked in July 2012, and between then and January of this year, Live Register figures in the Swords office fell by 29.4%, while figures in the Balbriggan office reduced by 22.1%.”

Cllr Eugene Coppinger

(AAA) said that he has no doubt that there are jobs being created, but while there may be a recovery for some, the effects are not trickling down to the working class.

He said: “I have been hearing since 2011 that the recover y is just around the corner, but there still has been no increase in wages. It [economic recovery] hasn’t and isn’t trickling down to ordinary people.”

Citing recent revelations in the media he said: “The 300 richest [people in Ireland] have increased their wealth again, and year on year that has been the case, so the recovery is obviously for the 1%, and not the 99%.”

Winning ways: Gaelscoil pupils claim two special merit awards at festival PUPILS from Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe, Swords, staged a vibrant production of Donaillin agus Diarmaidin at the annual Coirm Gael Linn festival in the Clasach Theatre, Clontarf recently. Kellin Nic Craith, Danny Levins, Stephen Hickey, Adam Boland and Jamie O hArdagain were among the hundreds of young actors treading the boards in the festival, with the Swords children impressing judges enough to scoop two special merit awards. Primary school pupils from several counties each staged a 20-minute show as Gaeilge, with singing, dancing and acting skills put to the test to help entertain in the popular showcase of Irish skills. Although not a competition, there was no doubt that all of the Coirm Gael Linn festival participants were winners.

FINGAL County Council has no available lands to designate for additional car parking spaces in the vicinity of Portmarnock Dart Station.

There is a current shortage of spaces at the station due to the closure of nearby temporary overflow parking spaces last month. These spaces were provided temporarily at a nearby site by a developer who has planning permission for a housing development, on condition that the spaces be returned when building starts.

A spokesperson from Irish Rail said: “We have provided additional spaces, but it is less than the previous capacity. Should any [parking] opportunities arise we would explore them.”

4 swords gazette 12 March 2015

tidy towns Flower box plan for station TIDY Towns Malahide’s latest project is a 10.8m planter (flower box) for the railway bridge in Malahide village.

The group has been given the green light by Fingal County Council and production is under way. The chairman of Tidy Towns Malahide, Gerry Rafferty, said: “This project will make a stunning display as you drive through the village. We will be having it professionally planted to insure maximum impact throughout the year.”

Due to the scale of the project, the group is looking for sponsorship to cover the costs. If you are interested in sponsoring this project, contact Rafferty at 086 809 7123, or email tidytownsmalahide@gmail.com.

protests ‘We are not responsible for Irish Water’

€33k spent on security since 2013 – council  keith bellew

A ROW over expenditure has broken out between councillors following revelations that Fingal County Council has spent approximately €33,000 on security since February 2013, with an average monthly spend of €1,375 for council meetings.

Security was stepped up in February 2013 following a sit-in protest at the council offices against the local property tax.

The release of this figure follows a protest

at last month’s council meeting which saw councillors prevented from leaving for more than 90 minutes by anti-water charge protesters.

At a council meeting on Monday, March 9, another protest took place, and while councillors were able to leave afterwards, protesters’ noise levels were disruptive to the meeting.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), who requested the figure from the council, said: “Unfortunately, it has to be done, but that

money could be better spent elsewhere if the threat did not exist.

“The funny thing is that no matter how many motions we pass calling for Irish Water to be abolished, they have zero impact. The Government set up Irish Water, not Fingal County Council.”

He went on to say that this makes the protests a waste of time, and the security measures are wasting taxpayer and ratepayer money. He also criticised the Anti-Austerity Alliance for its support

The council has defended the cost of security since February 2013, citing the rise in a range of protests and sit-in actions undertaken by some protesters

of the protests.

Cllr Eugene Coppinger (AAA) hit back, saying: “Funnily enough, it’s the same cost per year of the conferences, so if Cllr Butler is so worried about the loss of revenue to local services, he could do away with the conferences [on a range of matters relating to local

governance which councillors attend].

“We have heard Cllr Butler and others state that they respect the right to protest, but in fact they don’t. You can’t respect the rights of protesters on the one hand, and then start criticising them when they are chanting outside.”

He went on to say that Cllr Butler would like to see a FatherTed-style protest, where they just hold up a sign and say: “Down with this sort of thing”.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said that the money was spent “In order to provide a safe working environment for staff and councillors”.

12 March 2015 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

Treat yourself to a good night’s sleep this March at Des Kelly Interiors

What’s behind a good night’s sleep??

At Des Kelly Interiors, they know the one escapable truth behind a good night’s sleep, everyone is different! Des Kelly Interiors have built up a reputation over the last 45 years and continually strive to bring you, the consumer the best price, formidable selection and exceptional craftmanship. They are passionate about beds, and from their choice of mattresses, right through to their bedroom furniture , all the little things that make your bedroom you own, Des has it all.

Spring into action this month, and treat yourself to a good night’s sleep. It is always the last upgrade thought of by most households but it’s the change you’ll fell most presently.

So many of us are sleeping

on terrible mattresses that do nothing to support our spines. Taking the time to research mattresses, find the one that’s right for you, and investing in it can make a huge difference in your sleep quality. You will sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. That alone is worth the price.

Des Kelly Interior’s highly trained sleep consultants can help you find the right combination , so you can unlock the perfect night’s sleep, not just for one night but every night. At

the heart of their knowledge is all the experience they have accumulated over the past 45 years, combined with exclusive technology and a never ending commitment to offer you the very best latest innovations in sleep.

So why not invest in yourself this month, afterall you spend at least 1/3 of your day at bed, sleeping.

At Des Kelly Interiors, they have pocket sprung beds, memory foam beds, gel latex beds, in fact, they have every bed you can think of. So call into your nearest store, and let them, the sleep specialists help you find the bed that is designed for you to deliver the best night’s sleep possible. When you sleep well, the world is a brighter place.

D

R OA

AW R D

EE DB FR EA X 2 &H S ER

6 swords gazette 12 March 2015

FastNews

council Residents voice their worries

Nine jobs at new Permanent TSB NINE jobs have been brought to Malahide with the official opening of a Permanent TSB branch in the village.

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) officially opened the new branch. He said: “The branch has brought nine new jobs to the village and I am sure that, as they get busier, the potential exists for more jobs to be created.”

An evening for bereaved parents ANAM, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly parent evening on Wednesday, March 18 from 7.30-9pm Applewood Community Centre, Swords.

Anam Cara Services are available free of charge to all bereaved parents. For further information, see www. anamcara.ie, email info@anamcara.ie, or call 01 404 5378.

Fingal Failte for funding boost  keith bellew

Swords artist to hold a solo show A SOLO exhibition of the works of Swords artist Matt Cullen, entitled Coming Full Circle, will run at Filmbase in Temple Bar from Monday, March 23 to Saturday, March 28.

The exhibition will be open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with 20% of proceeds going to the Lung Fibrosis Association. For further information, call 01 679 6716.

tourism

Worries have been expressed over unchaperoned dogs roaming estates at the weekend, when no council dog warden is on duty

Concern at lack of dog wardens at weekends  keith bellew

FINGAL County Council has confirmed that dog wardens are not available in Fingal on weekends, and that residents concerned about unchaperoned dogs roaming estates should contact An Garda Siochana.

The issue has been raised on a number of occasions in recent months as a number of incidents of dogs roaming free around housing estates in Swords has caused much concern

among residents.

The latest incident occurred in the Castleview estate near Applewood recently when two large bull mastiff dogs were roaming the estate unchaperoned for two days before gardai took them into custody.

Bull mastiffs are included on the dangerous dogs list and, according to Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab), residents reported that the dogs attacked a cat in the area.

He said: “They were roaming free and attacked

a cat. They are very dangerous and intimidating dogs.

“We were unable to get a dog warden out, because they don’t work on the weekends.

“I raised this with the council and the answer was that if it was an out of hours matter with a dangerous dog, it should be reported to the gardai.”

Cllr Philip Lynam (SF) also raised the issue following calls from concerned residents.

He said: “A concerned resident called me to find

out what times they [the dog wardens] worked at the weekend [and] if there was one on Sunday.

“Something happened a couple of months ago where there were dogs which should’ve had muzzles on them let free.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “Ashton Dog Pound provides a combined dog pound and warden service for Fingal County Council.

“This dog warden serv-

ice is available Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm, and the pound service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 4.30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 12pm.

“In the event of an out of hours emergency, the gardai should be contacted directly as they have an emergency contact number for the dog warden, who is available up to 10pm in the summer months, and 8pm in the winter months.”

A NUMBER of Fingal festivals have received funding from Failte Ireland in an effort to boost tourism.

The Howth Midsummer Literary and Arts Festival has received a funding grant of €3,000, while the Flavours of Fingal Festival has also been awarded €3,000 and the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival has been awarded €5,000.

Deputy Sean Kenny (Lab) welcomed the funding, saying: “The funding will give Howth an additional reason to bring in tourists from the wider Dublin area, as well as from the rest of Ireland – not to mention tourists from outside of Ireland.

“Howth is already well known to tourists and is very popular, and this festival will continue to add to that.

“I’m also pleased that funding has been granted to two other festivals that will be of interest to our local communities.

“I really am pleased with this funding; the importance of festivals for Ireland should not be underestimated.

“These events will enhance the tourism calendar in local communities and add to our ability to grow overseas visitors and revenue, which is of vital importance to our local economy,” he said.

12 March 2015 swords gazette 7

8 swords gazette 12 March 2015

St Patrick’s Day

dublin celebrations: four-day extravaganza

Festival promises an abundance of events Rustle out the aul green, white and orange attire and join Dublin in its celebration of Ireland’s national day this March 17 with an abundance of events set to take place across the capital.

Once again, the city has high hopes for St Patrick’s Day with festival organisers making it a four-day extravaganza from March 14 to 17.

The I Love My City Cultural Programme was unveiled this week with

18 events and happenings taking place in some of Dublin’s most beautiful, historic and often hidden venues and spaces.

Events feature both established and emerging artists, from a variety of disciplines including literature, music, film, spoken-word, photography, design, visual art and more. Highlights of this year’s programme include the Ultimate Sunday in Belvedere House when I Love My City brings

the Sunday papers to life through talks, interviews, live music, comedy, games, films and more.

Bia Beatha at the Guinness Storehouse offers a unique dining experience, celebrating Irish cuisine and culture in a setting filled with old world charm.

A special screening of The Snapper plus Q&A with acclaimed Irish actor Colm Meaney will take place in the Pillar Room in Dublin’s Rotunda Hos-

pital.

But the highlight is of course the St Patrick’s Day parade led by Dubliner Brendan O’Carroll with its theme of Celebrate Now on March 17.

This parade will transform the city with fantastical creations and thrilling performances that are inspired by the present.

There is also a funfair, an Irish boat race, street theatre and more taking place.

Events are either free ticketed or paid ticketed. For further details on the St Patrick’s Day Festival and booking details see www. stpatricksfestival.ie A number of buildings in Fingal are Going Green on March 17. Among these will be County Hall, Swords; Swords Castle; The Seamus Ennis Art Centre, Naul and Skerries Mills and the Civic Offices in Blanchardstown.

Following on from the hugely successful parade in Swords last year, a number of Saint Patrick’s Day Parades will take place in Fingal this year.

The Swords parade will kick off at 11.30am and travel from the Dublin Road, down Main Street, and onto North Street.

The Balbriggan parade begins on Drogheda Street at 2pm, and travel to St Georges Square.

Parades will also take place in Rush at 1pm, Lusk at 1.30pm, and Skerries at 3pm.

The parade is not the only event in Skerries this year as St Patrick himself will once again grace the shores of the town, this time via row boat. At 1.30pm St Patrick will be returning to his historic roots and revisiting the

footprint he once made on Skerries harbour, all those years ago.

For more information on St. Patrick’s Weekend in Skerries visit; www.visitskerries.ie.

The new courtyard at the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul will be transformed into a huge dance floor for a Paddy’s Day ceili.

Advanced booking is advised as spaces are limited. For more information visit: www.tseac.ie.

In the greeen: Comedian Brendan O’Carroll is this year’s

12 March 2015 swords gazette 9

St Patrick’s Day

Grand Marshal of the St Patrick’s Festival Parade. Picture: Robbie Reynolds Photography

A funfair, a boat race and street theatre will be highlights of the event

10 swords gazette 12 March 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Musicians who provided some of the entertainment on the night

James Jordan

Eimer, Karl and Niamh Daly. Pictures: Niall Griffin

Karen Clince and Janice Devaney

Mags O’Donovan and Linda Murphy

Jules and Keith Mahon

Eoin and Julie Flanagan with RTE presenter Marty Whelan

12 March 2015 swords gazette 11

Robbie Kane and Claire Craig

Anne Marie Weldon and Louise Vaughan

Candlelight Bar staff members Marivic Baldoza, Sheryll Villanueva, Claire Maundsley and Moriah Sugrue

stirred: by new arrival to Malahide social scene

Cocktail hour

by Candlelight C

OCKTAIL hour just got busier in Malahide with the arrival of the Candlelight cocktail bar in Siam Thai Restaurant on the Green. Local “cocktail connoisseurs, pleasure seekers and bon vivants” were joined by celebrities for the opening night launch recently. RTE’s Marty Whelan and Classic Hits’ Robbie Kane and Claire Craig were among those who helped add some sparkle to the occasion.

Guests were treated to live music, “quirky cocktails and tempting Thai canapes” at what the owners are calling Malahide’s new cocktail emporium.

Patrick Delaney and Rhona Carthy

Jeannette and David Brophy

12 Gazette 12 March 2014

gazetteGALLERY

Ellen Keane and Aisling Byrne

Claire Hogan, Colin Mulcahy and Aisling Cunningham at the Irish premiere screening of Will Smith’s latest film, Focus, at Cineworld.

Pictures: Brian Mcevoy

dark romcom: focus on wily will Smith, THE con artist

All eyes on screen for Hollywood premiere

Emma Klyne and Lucy O’Shea

Carl Shabaan and Steph Hesnan

Jenny Dixon

Norman Pratt and Darren Kennedy

Barbara Healy and Thomas Korner

12 March 2015 Gazette 13

Gazette

diary P14

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

a day in the life: Corrie villain finds skyping his son brightens his day

what’son

‘Angry man’ visits churches between shows  laura webb

BEST known for his role as Corrie villain Frank Foster, Andrew Lancel is now making his mark on stage in Twelve Angry Men. For anyone on the road, living in hotels and out of suitcases, there are few typical days.

Lancel takes this in his stride as he tours t he UK a nd I rela nd alongside veteran actor Tom Conti.

He star ts his day early with a Skype call from his seven-year-old son, Isaac, and his wife, Louise.

“We have our breakfast together and always have a chat before he goes to school in the morning when I am on tour.

“It’s a great way to catch up and after that I would take it easy,

maybe snooze a little or look at the news. I read a lot too, so I might do that,” he said.

A day on tour could include interviews with the local press about the show.

Then he concentrates on his work with his production company, Quarry Street, before checking out the town where the play is being performed.

“I am quite churchy and one of the good things about being on tour is that it’s great to go to different places and visit amazing cathedrals, and different places.

“I am a stickler for art galleries so I will try to get one in before heading to the theatre.

“There is a lot of energy involved in this play; there are 12 of us, and we all get on really well so we would see each

other out and about, go to the pub and go for dinner together and things.”

Getting to theatre an hour before show time, he has a shave.

“I have a little routine that I do.

“The character speaks in a different accent [New York] and is very physical so I would practise that – a little warm up.

“Then I...walk the stage, sometimes for quite a while if it’s a new stage, look at sight lines to get used to it.”

He may go to the pub with other cast members afterwards or relax in front of the TV and chat with family.

Twelve Angr y Men is at Bord Gais Energy Theatre from March 16 to 21.

See www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie for ticket details.

BUSINESS asdfsdaf P27 q&a P16



escape the mayhem 15

a sneak peak behind the scenes: Cool-

Andrew Lancel: “I am a stickler for art galleries so I will try to get one in before heading to the theatre.”

mine Musical Society will be performing a variety show, called That’s Entertainment on March 20 and 21 in Draiocht, Blanchardstown.

The show is the society’s first big production of the year and is centred around what goes on in theatres behind the scenes before the curtain goes up. The show is described as a celebration of “the hoofers, the wannabes, the dancers and singers of the backstage musical”.

According to organisers, laughter and tears, rehearsals and auditions, callbacks and casting all come together in a fun packed show.

The show will feature music from the old Hollywood blockbusters right through to more recent production: “This show will pack lots of surprises and send you home with a spring in your step.”

The shows begin at 8pm on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March.

For further information or to book tickets call (01) 8852622 or visit www.draiocht.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 12 March 2015

dublinlife

DIARY

Stripped bare: More than 100 animals will go on display at the BodyWorlds: Animals Inside Out exhibition at the Ambassador this month. Pictures: Animal Inside Out

Inner animal life on view MORE than100 animal specimens stripped of their outer hides or skins, will be on display at the Ambassador in the Bodyworlds: Animals Inside Out exhibition from March 12 to April 12.

Exhibition organiser Dr Angelina Whalley spoke to The Gazette about the exhibition, which uses the preservative techniques of plastination invented by her husband, Gunther von Hagen.

She said: “My husband is the inventor of the technology in 1977 and has devoted his entire career to developing it to its state-of-theart form today.

“It was primarily to be used to help teach anatomy at the universities…it was by chance we became aware there was great interest from the public to learn about the body interior.”

She went on to say: “The animals are mostly from zoos, animal parks and a few private people.

“The animal exhibit is fantastic, holding a number of really dram a t i c a n d e xc i t i n g specimens like an entire Asian elephant with all the muscles and nerves dissected, and a huge giraffe but also domestic animals like cows and sheep.”

Tickets are €14 for

adults and €8 for children at www.ticketmaster.ie

stroll around the bay area and help aware MORE than a 1,000 people are expected to descend on Howth Harbour before walking to Dun Laoghaire Harbour, or vice versa, this St Patrick’s Day for the 10th annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk.

The walk showcases the beauty of Dublin Bay and its impressive 16.2 mile route offering a great alternative to mark St Patrick’s Day. Solo walkers or groups of family or friends can join in the

walk, which aims to raise about €40,000 for the work of Aware, the national charity providing support, information and education around depression and mental health.

Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship from colleagues, friends and family. Aware relies on events like this for about 92% of its annual funding. Online registration is available now at www. aware.ie

castle hotel chef is a Gold medal success C L O N TA R F C a s t e Hotel has reason to celebrate having been

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‘Participants can opt to walk the 16.2 mile route from Howth to Dun Laoghaire or vice versa on the 10th annual Aware Harbour2Harbour on St Patrick’s Day – experience the beauty of Dublin Bay’

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awarded gold and silver medals at the Catex Awards 2015, Ireland’s largest foodservice event.

Ca stle Hotel was among hundreds of the finest hotels and restaurants in Ireland competing in this recent ceremony, held in the RDS, Dublin.

The team was represented by Clontarf Castle’s head chef Gareth Carberry, who entered three competitions and received the highest points in each category, gaining two gold medals and one silver medal.

The highly coveted awards included an Irish fish competition, the

Irish lamb competition anda m Mystery Basket Competition.

Commenting on their achievement, general manager David Hennessy said: “The Catex Awards are highly regarded and respected within the culinary industry.

“To be recognised in this prestigious competition is a wonderful achievement.

“It provided external recognition of our culinary success, which is important to all of the hotel team and our loyal customer base.

“It also gives Clontarf Castle Hotel an enhanced profile in a competitive market place.”

12 March 2015 GAZETTE 15

DUBLIN STILL GOOD – BUT NOT AS GOOD DUBLIN has dropped nine places in quality of living rankings since 2009, according to the Mercer 2015 Quality of Living survey.

But on the bright side, our capital still ranks higher than London!

Dublin now sits 34th in the world (down from 25th) while London trails at 40.

Dublin outranks every other city in Britian and Ireland and, according to Mercer, “enjoys high standards of quality of living and remains an attractive location for business”.

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Mercer says that some of the reasons for Dublin being ranked in the top 50 for quality of living worldwide include lower levels of air pollution, an excellent choice of consumer goods and the socio-cultural environment.

‘Doran posed for selfies with fans at the Ireland v England rugby game at the Aviva Stadium’

50 SHADES OF SELFIES AS STAR HITS CAPITAL

Jay Duffy, son of Keith, with 50 Shades star Jamie Dornan

THE Number 37 on Dawson Street was the surprising scene for an A-list visit last Monday, March 2, when 50 Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan was spotted having a tipple.

The eagle-eyed Keith Duffy, who was also at

the bar, recognised the Hollywood A-lister and tweeted a photo of the meeting on Twitter.

Duffy’s son Jay, who goes to Belevedere College, was with his father and got a selfie with Dornan, who had been

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seen around Dublin over the weekend.

He was spotted at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland’s Six Nations Rugby victory against England, where he posed with numerous fans for selfies.

ESCAPE THE MAYHEM: RUNNING HELPS JASON BYRNE

Only way to switch off is get outside and leg it  KEITH BELLEW

BETWEEN his chaotic schedule of international tours and shoots for his comedy chat series the Snaptastic Show, Jason Byrne finds very little time for recreation.

He says that when he does get a chance for respite he doesn’t like to kick back and relax because his mind is inevitably draw n back to his comedy and career.

Because of this he finds exercise is the best method of Escaping the Mayhem.

He said: “I do a lot of fitness stuff.

“If I need to escape I’ll just run out the door and go for a run.

“I’ll do that or I’ll go training.

“I’ll do anything from weightlifting, to TRX [Total Body Resistance Exercise which incorporates ropes and

suspension into body weight exercises], Jujitsu, or boxing. As long as I’m on the move, that’s me escaping.

“I don’t escape into a book, or by just sitting there.

“If I’m sitting down reading a book, which I do as well, it takes me ages because my brain just thinks of standup.”

The main reasons he likes running so much as a means of escape is that it can be done almost anywhere, anytime, and if “you push yourself, you really feel the benefit”.

“If I’m boxing, or fighting or running it’s almost kind of like an adrenaline drug.

“I have been running for ages now, so the shortest run I’d do would be 10km and I’d do that quite lightly.

“I was doing vigorous training for the New York City Marathon

Jason Byrne finds very little time for recreation

in November, and that was just crazy training, but I never felt as fit and happy in all my life.”

He said that worries about bills and financial difficulties melt away after a run.

“If someone comes up to you and says: ‘Here’s a huge electricity bill for €500’, and you think: ‘What am I

going to do?’ What you need to do is put your runners on and go outside and leg it.

“If you run and you push yourself a little bit I guarantee you’ll come back and that €500 doesn’t look like anything anymore.”

You can catch Jason By r n e ’s S n a p t a s t i c Show each Thursdays at 9pm on TV3.

HELP – GREEN FELLA IS ON THE LOOSE AGAIN AS St Patrick’s Day approaches, the leprechaun at the National Wax Museum PLUS has run off again, and the museum is seeking

your help to find him!

A hunt got under way on Saturday, March 7, and continues until St Patrick’s Day. All visitors are tasked with finding the little rascal by following a number of clues. The first clue has been left at reception, and from

GAZETTE

FEATURE

there guests must search for more clues, leaving no stone unturned until the leprechaun is found.

Those searching are advised to enlist the help of resident Irish heroes in the museum, such as Michael Collins or St Patrick himself.

Those who find him are asked to upload a photo to the wax museum Facebook page or Tweet to #LeprechaunLost. Those who do will be entered for a chance to win a wax museum T-shirt, a wax hands vo u c h e r, a n d o t h e r merchandise. For more information visit www. waxmuseumplus.ie.

Gazette

16 Gazette 12 March 2015

dublinlife

Q&A

business

Airbnb expansion is ‘very exciting’ COMMUNITY-driven hospitality company Airbnb, recently announced that it has started hiring for 200 new positions at its Dublin Dockland hub.

These new positions are for roles in customer experience, human resources, finance, trust and safety, and IT. ICT Ireland, the tech-

nology sector representative body, said the move highlighted Ireland’s growing attractiveness for tech firms.

T he company has also confirmed a lease for a planned 40,000 sq ft office space at an old warehouse on Hanover Quay.

Over the next 14

months, the warehouse will be restored and modernised.

Aisling Hassell, global head of customer experience and head of Airbnb in Ireland, said: “It’s been almost one year since we officially opened our Dublin office and we have been really pleased with our

progress so far in terms of talent and growth.

“Our Dublin operation is a core part of the company and we are very excited to be in a position to build on our current success.”

Airbnb is an online service allowing people to rent their homes for short periods.

awards: reward good karen Gardiner, ground espresso bars corporate behaviour

Expert knowledge helps Firms get coffee chain to be strong chance to KAREN Gardiner has a background in food science and a Master’s degree in nutrition. Along with husband and cofounder Darren Gardiner, she has recently opened a Ground Expresson Bar in Next, Westend Business Park, Blanchardstown, which employs 14 people. It is the latest addition to the chain of 14 outlets on the island of Ire-

land. Maintaining her passion to grow the coffee bars while staying true to the company’s ethical approach, she feels she is enjoying successes following years of hard work and dedication.

She intends to remain a force to be reckoned with through the expansion of Ground Espresso Bars across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

How long have you been in business?

the recession, we now operate with an even more heightened sense that the climate in which we operate can change suddenly.

Ground Espresso Bars has been open for 14 years, with our first location opening in 2001 in Coleraine.

What makes your business successful?

I’m my own worst critic. I am constantly examining our business and the wider industry, remaining mindful that we work in an alwayschanging industry with evolving customer needs, and there is always room for improvement of our services and offerings.

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

We offer a high quality of coffee and customer service while keeping a local, family friendly level of service uniquely tailored to each customer’s needs.

How has the recession affected your business?

We used the recession as a growing experience and feel it had a positive effect on Ground Espresso Bars. It forced us to take stock and challenged us to re-evaluate our systems.

We were able to prepare for any negative downturn approaching us, enabling us to protect the business and the staff that rely on us as well.

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

As with any business that survived

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

Most laws are there for a reason.

To be honest I think that although sometimes they provide a challenge, guidelines and laws are put in place to help us to stay informed, organised and ethical in the business world – something we take very seriously.

What is your ambition for the business?

We aspire to be the largest coffee bar chain in Northern Ireland and Ireland, achieving a local reputation in all areas of offering a high standard of coffee and customer service to all our fantastic customers.

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

As our business expands we are really learning that no two customers are the same, and that makes every day different. Ireland has a rich tapestry of kind souls and colourful characters!

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

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always had!

show how they help in society CHAMBERS Ireland has announced that the application process for the 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards is now open.

The awards recognise the work being done by companies of all sizes to improve the lives of their employees, the local community and the environment.

The competition offers the business community a chance to promote their efforts in corporate social responsibility and to gain recognition for best practice.

The chair of the awards judging panel, John Cunningham, said: “Having chaired the judging panel for a number of years, I continue to be surprised by the exceptional ways that businesses are embracing CSR.

“Businesses in Ireland are unique in their unwavering commitment to running their businesses in a responsible and sustainable manner.

“These awards are an opportunity to recognise this hard work and dedication and to highlight best practice so that others can follow in their footsteps.”

Aw a r d c a t e g o r i e s include excellence in the environment, in the community (charity, volunteering and a community programme) , in the workplace, the marketplace, as well as international CSR, CSR communication, best SME [small to medium sized enterprises] and the overall Outstanding Achievement in CSR Award. Now in their 12th year, this year’s awards were launched in Dublin Castle.

Tina Roche, chief executive, Business in the Community Ireland, and Mike Jones, business development director, BAM Group Ireland at the launch of the 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards

The awards are run in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, partnered by Business in the Community Ireland and sponsored by construction company, BAM Group Ireland.

Tina Roche, Business in the Community Ireland chief executive, said: “The awards continue to go from strength to strength and each year we see how companies are enhancing and improving their sustainability strategies and embedding corporate responsibility at the heart of their business.

Businesses are increas-

ingly committed to the belief that customers, employees, investors and regulators place a high premium on trust, and that ethics and good governance are key in earning it.

“By adopting this embedded and sustained approach to corporate responsibility, companies are yielding the noticeable advantages it can have on the bottom line.

These awards champion this practice, which is integral to Ireland’s business reputation.”

The closing date for nominations is April 21.

For more information or to apply, visit www. csrawards.ie

12 March 2015 Gazette 17

travel P19

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 and essential across the city

arts P25



Gazette

cinema P18

Pets help mighty max find his new home

Anton and Vladimir Jablokov will stage a unique concert at the National Concert Hall this April, drawing on and complementing each other’s skills

classical music: slovakian brothers prepare to play at the nch

Violinists should take a bow

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

HAVING grown up with a Russian violinist/conductor as a father, it seemed inevitable that fate had musical plans for Vladimir and Anton Jablokov.

Playing since the age of five, Vladimir left the Conservatoire in Bratislava in his native Slovakia and moved to Dublin just over a decade ago.

Now Vladimir has joined forces with his younger brother, Anton, who is also a classical violinist, to put on a unique concert of collaboration and duets at the National Concert Hall this April.

The Gazette spoke to Vladimir about his career, to date. He said: “I came to Ireland about 11 years ago, having basically rebelled against my classical music studies for violin.

“I had got into my teenage years, and thought it [his studies] wasn’t cool enough and didn’t think it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I had been looking at musicians who’d studied at the conservatory of music and university and ended up just playing in an orchestra, and that wasn’t for me.

“Anton, however, continued his studies and is finishing his masters this year.

He took it much more seriously and did two years’ study in Switzerland, and another two in Germany. He travels from one professor to another, because he goes for the real ‘star’ professors who only use Stradivarius violins, and so on.

“Anton really likes to improvise as well, and he practised a lot with me as he’s been coming here for about nine years for gigs, playing second violin.

“A really good player, though, gets bored playing second violin, and he’d try to do his little tricks and go further with it. From him trying to make it more interesting, we came up with new arrangements. From that, we came up with a new show, and it’s really exciting for me to have Anton on the stage now as an equal. He now has much more freedom and can show off,” said Vladimir.

Vladimir and Anton have played together for 15 years; first as part of a family band of eight that travelled around central Europe, and then doing concerts in Ireland. His parents were full-time violinists all their lives and most of his siblings play violin, piano and cello. Like Vladimir, another younger brother rebelled and is now an athlete.

Vladimir said: “I came for a visit and

to see something new. At that age, you try to prove to your parents that they are not always right.”

So, off he went to Dublin, intending to stay for three months. He worked in cafes for a while but didn’t have enough money to live on. Then he noticed musicians playing on Grafton Street and decided to give it a go himself to make money. This led to his forming a band and building a reputation on the streets, and finally making it all the way to the National Concert Hall this Easter Saturday, April 4, as part of a nationwide tour.

Tickets for the NCH event, priced €25, are available now from www.nch.ie. The Jablokovs have now released an album, Two Brothers, on Vladimir’s Rubyworks label, through Warner Brothers.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Max, a four-year-old Labrador cross.

Max is a stunning dog, who is in the prime of his life and just loves to get out and get active. He loves to play ball games, swimming, chasing birds – you name it!

He can be nervous around new people, so any potential adopters would need to come and visit Max multiple times so he could get to know them.

He wouldn’t like a house with children, as they are a bit too much for him, and he could potentially go to a home with another dog (Max likes the ladies!)

If you think you could give lovely, energetic Max a loving home then please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and would love to show you around. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie

Gazette

18 Gazette 12 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

it follows: an impressive (and creepy) horror

Trying to stay one step ahead of fate ALL good horror tales can tap into some primal fear within us.

One of the earliest and most disturbing examples I can remember – enhanced, of course, by the fact that I was far too young to be watching it – comes from the movie, Child’s Play, which sees a possessed doll, Chucky, come alive to go on a murderous rampage.

At one point in the film, the boy who owned the doll is trapped in a police cell, and from the

 Dave phillips

window, he can see a long stairwell leading up the side of the building where, clambering step by step, Chucky is making a slow but inevitable ascent towards the boy.

This is the kind of expertly drawn out ten-

sion that lies at the heart of It Follows, writer and director David Robert Mitchell’s second film and his first foray into horror The film focuses on a small group of teenagers living in Detroit. As the eldest of the group, Jay (Maika Monroe) is a little ahead of the rest of the teens, she leaves them playing cards on the porch while she goes out on dates with her new boyfriend, Hugh.

Not much seems awry

until Jay eventually spends the night with Hugh, after which he tells her he has passed something on to her.

Something will follow her, he explains – he doesn’t know what it is, but it may take on different forms, mimicking people that are close to her – but it will follow ceaselessly, walking steadfastly toward her no matter where she goes.

If Jay lets it get close enough to touch her, the results will be disastrous.

She can pass the curse on by sleeping with someone else, but if they are killed, it passes back on down the line, pursuing whoever had it last.

Not only has Mitchell conceived of the most terrifying STI imaginable, but he has also created a seemingly unique horror device that works incredibly effectively.

Seminal The effectiveness is of course connected to Mitchell’s story and style.

Drawing on the seminal works of John Carpenter and Wes Craven, Mitchell’s film effectively captures that middleAmerican suburbia: all wood-panelled houses and neatly cut grass.

The fact that the monster moves at a walking pace here is a genius stroke – it allows plenty of time for the characters to get away and develop.

A car ride for an hour will buy several hours of respite.

There’s a subtle tenderness between the group of friends, with some burgeoning romantic feelings thrown in for good measure, and granting

In It Follows, a cursed teen (Maika Monroe) attempts to stay one step ahead of a stalking doom, which is pursuing her relentlessly at a walking pace

the time to see all this emerge on screen allows the audience care about and bond with the characters – which makes it all the more terrifying at the times when “it” eventually catches up.

Part full-blown horror, part horrific reflection on how our childhood must

end when we adopt the mantle of adulthood, It Follows is a stylish, very well executed – and at times, terrifying – affair that showcases ver y strong direction, coupled with an equally strong cast.

It joins last year’s The Babadook as another

refreshing example that mainstream horror can offer much more than just loud shocks (though it has a couple of those) – but it can give you a story and characters that will stay with you when the nightmares eventually subside.

Verdict: 8/10

12 March 2015 Gazette 19

Gazette

TRAVEL carlingford: ghan house is a grand getaway

A stately retreat with a welcome homely feel  mimi murray

GHAN House in Carlingford is the latest addition to Ireland’s Blue Book and is one of the smaller, more homely establishments on the list of great stately homes.

A group of us stayed there to mark a special birthday recently. The house is an 18th century Georgian structure, built in 1727 by William Stannus – a politician from Dublin who was of Scottish descent.

In the main house, there are four rooms, and eight further bedrooms in a garden annex. Rooms are decorated in muted, traditional fabrics and colours, but are more state-of-the-art than their setting, with iPod docking stations.

Carlingford reminds me of Kinsale – not only because of its picturesque streets and its focus on seafood in many eateries around the town, but also the influx of stag and hen parties to the area on

weekends.

Following a brisk stroll around the town, we promptly made our way back to the warmth of the house and its open fires.

It was early February, and everyone was in need of a hot toddy or something similar.

Dinner is served in a small dining room, mostly decked out for couples and a group of raucous women who were determined to have fun.

Starters included soft shell crab, scallops with

chorizo and lightly cured Irish salmon pastrami with wasabi creme fraiche and beetroot meringue.

Mains include such fare as oven-baked fillet of cod marinated in mild Indian spices with curried yoghurt, crispy shredded duck with saffron and coconut broth, rice noodles and vegetables Julienne, sirloin of Cooley beef and 12 hourbraised beef cheek with carrot and cumin puree, chestnut mushrooms and rosemary jus.

Built in 1727, Ghan House offers an idyllic respite from the hustle and bustle of Dublin life, yet is conveniently located just an hour away from the capital

This is simple enough home cooking with nothing too theatrical going on, but everything was tasty and staff were friendly, and good with the wine recommendations.

There is a lovely oldworld bar, and another drawing room with an

open fire where you can kick back after dinner. We made the decision to venture out and were lucky to catch a surprisingly good band in a packed local bar.

The Guinness is good, and the company good, as they say, and we qui-

etly snuck in “home” at around 1am ...

Next morning, and lots of tea and an Ulster fry sent us on our way back to Dublin, only an hour away.

For further information on Ghan House, see www.ghanhouse.com.

Gazette

20 Gazette 12 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT Catriona Hanly Vintage pink short sleeve top €170, Salmon bow detail skirt with rose floral applique €265

Fiona Kerr Silver rectangle earrings €80

Yvonne Ryan Ruby stacking ring sterling silver and gold €395

Stonechat Leafdrop earrings €90

Juvi Jewellery Rose quartz and vermeil earrings €89 Jill Graham Gold leaf stud earrings €79

Stonechat Blueberry drop earrings €175

Fee G Quilted crop jacket €209.95, Quilted dress €239.95 (Outfit available in Kilkenny Shop) Fiona Kerr Silver gold-flecked bracelet €225

Stonechat Chocolate diamond Anvers ring €3,050

Irish for design Spring  laura webb

WITH St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Gazette Style is feeling all patriotic – no, it’s not going to be a page full of green, white and orange; instead, we are focusing on Irish design.

Irish designers are fast making a name for themselves at home and abroad and why shouldn’t they – with their quality and unique designing, it’s easy to see how Irish designs stand out from the rest.

So, this week, we are saluting Irish designers ...

Catriona Hanly Blue and candy pink paisley top €295, Blue bow detail skirt with zip €260

12 March 2015 Gazette 21

Gazette

STYLE

Blush Make-up HD brow kit €24.95

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan €7.99

Anneco Mineral Foundation €25.50

You’ll love this range of Irish-made natural make-up products  laura webb

CONTINUING on with our We Love Irish theme, beauty and skincare products from the great green isle are making a mark for themselves both at home and abroad.

Anneco Natural Make-Up is Irish-made mineral makeup which has a great collection of long-lasting every-day makeup that is natural, ethical and kind to skin.

Made from 100% pure mineral ingredients, their line includes loose powder foundation, concealers, blusher and bronzers, primer and mineral veil, which are all among the extensive high-quality Anneco makeup collection, developed in Ireland.

Tan lovers everywhere are more than familiar with Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan

by Marissa Carter, and its many other tanning products that have come down the line. Now, Cocoa Brown is going Stateside, having recently launched its brand in the US after Ricky’s NYC scooped it up for its 30 stores. For further information, see www.cocoabrown.ie.

Blush Make-up and Nails was founded by award-winning make-up artist Nicola Walsh. Based in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, this range has everything needed for the perfect make-up look, from prep to finish.

Products include HD Brow Compact, foundation, blusher and bronzer, mascara, lipstick and concealer. For further information, see www.blush.ie.

Sligo brand VOYA is a family business built on seaweed which is harvested from the area and also supplies their own seaweed baths in the town.

It grew from a very successful seaweed baths business in Strandhill, Co Sligo, on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, set up

by Neil Walton. Products include sea-

weed soaps, essence oil, body oil and body buff.

Blank Canvas Cosmetics is an online cosmetic brand founded in 2011 that is based in Ireland, bringing quality beauty products at an affordable price.

Products include eyeliners, makeup brushes, airbrush blender sponges, as well as face and eye palettes. For further information, see www. blankcanvascosmetics.com.

Kinvara Skincare, suitable for men and women, is based in Co Galway and uses plant-packed ingredients (93% from an edible food source) to produce really effective products that can help transform people’s skin.

Products include cleansing products such as its cleansing face oil and moisturisers, and serums such as its Active Rosehip Day Cream and Rosehip Face Serum.

Kinvara Skincare is available in more than 80 stockists across the country, and also online at www.kinvaraskincare. com.

The Handmade Soap Company was founded in 2010 by Donagh Quigley and Gemma McGowan. This brand come a long way from being made in their cottage kitchen and is now found anywhere from Blarney Castle to Brazil. Products include bath salts, soaps, aftershave creams, body lotion and hand cream.

For further information, see www. thehandmadesoapcompany.ie.

So, when thinking about beauty and skincare products, why not try to think Irish and buy Irish? You might be surprised by the results!

Blush Make-up HD brow kit €24.95

Kinvara Skincare Absolute cleansing oil (100ml) €20; Rosehip face serum (30ml) €28; Rosehip day creme (60ml) €24

The Handmade Soap Company Witch hazel soap €6.95

22 Gazette 12 March 2015

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

INTERIORS

HABITAT

ARGOS

FOR ARGOS

LAURA ASHLEY

NEXT

ame photo fr Enamel €33

Malmo seven-light pendant €137

5 x butterfly plaques €27

Franco wooden desk lamp €61

Polka dot cushio

n €16.79

side Blossom 5 table € 9.50 irror tray €34 Juliette heart m

paz cushion €75

to Francesca pale

shion €16

€34

Topsy elephant cu

table lamp

Butterfly garden trinket jar €27

Teal capsule

n €16.79

Geo knit th

row €48

Ashdown cushio

Nest of t

hree sid

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s €93.

50

Vixen knitted cush

Wing it to

Labrador tapestry

ion €16.79

Westend

SPRUCE up your house this spring by updating rooms with key trends and pieces coming through this spring/ summer season.

Leave the dullness of winter behind and brighten up a room with vibrant colours, pale spring blues, geometric prints, metallics and coppers.

Whether it’s a new fixture in the room, a colourful cushion or a unique

lamp, remodelling the home doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here to help you update your room is Westend Shopping Park in Blanchardstown with its variety of best-loved lifestyle retailers such as Argos, Next, Laura Ashley and more.

Exciting news from Westend Shopping Park is that Habitat is returning, with its collection for Argos

cushion €63

online and in-store from July.

In advance of the range being launched in the Argos autumn/winter 2015 catalogue this coming July, products can be reserved online for free with instant pick-up from stores throughout the country.

This week, The Gazette showcases just some of the many items available to buy from the many stores across Westend Shopping Park.

12 March 2015 GAZETTE 23

FOOD&DRINK

GAZETTE

OUT&ABOUT

RECIPECORNER Berry nice souffles THIS week, we have a delicious recipe for Raspberry Souffles with Vanilla Ice Cream (to serve four), courtesy of top chef Neven Maguire.

Ingredients 400g (14oz) raspberries, plus extra to decorate 100g (4oz) caster sugar, plus extra to dust 1 vanilla pod, split in half and seeds scraped out 2 tbsp creme de cassis 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tsp water 4 egg whites unsalted butter, to grease icing sugar, to dust vanilla ice cream, to serve

Le Spice

Indian restaurant

Main Street, Dundrum Set off Dundrum’s Main Street, Le Spice offers a comfortable setting to concentrate on its great range of

The Picky Eater OVER in Dundrum’s village centre, Le Spice Indian restaurant is the new kid on the block, and local fans of authentic Indian gourmet cuisine will be hoping it’s there to stay.

Tucked away down the side lane beside AIB, this snug little venue provides an authentic Indian experience.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by the unmistakable sounds of Ravi Shankar picking away on the sitar.

This adds to the relaxing ambience of the restaurant, with its elegantly dimmed lights and curious paintings on the wall.

After sitting down, we were served with a basket of flat, crispy bread and a dish with three separate chutneys to munch on while looking over the menu.

This was followed by a bottle of fruity Spanish red wine from the impressive wine list.

The menu offers a selection of high-class,

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

Each dish has a series of letters beside it, from ‘m’ for mild, to ‘hhh’ for very hot, so as not to catch customers unawares

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

gourmet dishes which are a far cry from the stereotypical onion bhajis and curry.

The menu – which boasts duck, king prawns, and lamb, among other dishes – is very refined without being too pretentious to also offer French fries and a kiddies’ menu.

Each dish has a series of letters beside it, from ‘m’ for mild, to ‘hhh’ for very hot, so as not to catch customers unawares.

There are a variety of tempting starters, and The Picky Eater and companion both decided on the

spiced marinated Murgh Tikka, cooked in a clay oven (€5.45).

This was served up in no time and was tastefully presented, liberal and delicious.

For mains, I decided on Lamb Rogan Josh (€13.95) with egg-fried rice, while my companion chose Majadar Jhinga (€16.95), which is jumbo prawns cooked with fried onion and capsicum in a medium spicy sauce, a touch of Masalla sauce and coriander with eggfried rice (€3.20).

Rice is served in a separate bowl to allow the customer to mix as they see fit. The prawns were almost big enough to rival lobsters, and my companion was very impressed with the sauce.

The Rogan Josh did not fail to impress either, and not a scrap was left uneaten.

If you’re looking for a quiet, comfortable evening of Indian cuisine, The Picky Eater recommends a visit to Le Spice.

Indian dishes

Two delicious dishes from Le Spice – tandoori jumbo prawns (top) and lamb ragan jush (above)

Conclusion SAY goodbye to predictable Indian fare, as Le Spice (at 9A Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14; tel 01 551 9000) serves up a menu with some delicious, well-thought-out dishes that cover all the basics, as well as some excellent gourmet meals, too.

Preparation • Place the raspberries in a wide heavy-based pan with the caster sugar.

Mash down with a hand-held masher until they start to release their juices, then add the vanilla seeds and creme de cassis.

• Allow to bubble on a high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until you have achieved a jam-like consistency.

• Pass the raspberry puree through a fine sieve into a bowl and then stir in the cornflour so that it thickens the puree slightly. Leave to cool.

• When ready to cook the souffles, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). Generously grease 8 x 200ml (7fl oz) ramekins with butter and dust with caster sugar, shaking out any excess.

• Whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff, then fold into the thickened raspberry puree. Use to fill the prepared ramekins and level the tops with a palette knife.

• Arrange the souffles on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until well risen and golden brown on top. Dust with icing sugar and arrange on plates with a separate ramekin of vanilla ice cream and a row of raspberries. Serve at once.

Gazette

24 Gazette 12 March 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH SHORTS Food safety workshop In Ireland it is estimated that about 10% of the population suffer from a food allergy or a food intolerance (including coeliac condition), the effects of which range from mild discomfort to life threatening. About Hygiene Ltd have developed a workshop Putting Diet and Food Safety on the Menu, the one-day workshop is designed to inform the public especially caterers, childcare providers, community and private care settings how easily you can determine the calorie content and put calories on menus. It gives practical guidelines for businesses serving people who may have a food allergy, food intolerance, coeliac condition or who may wish to avoid a particular food for other reasons.

All staff working in a business offering food must receive basic food safety training before they start work and at regular intervals thereafter. This workshop may be used as refresher food safety training to increase staff knowledge and awareness. The workshop is on April 25.

For more details contact 071 9645111. E-mail: train@ abouthygiene.ie. Website: www. abouthygiene.ie

Reader offer Studio Figura are offering a special price for Gazette readers. Three 60-minute sessions €50 or 12 60-minute sessions €180. Studio Figura concept consists of three steps: 1. Personal lymphatic massage programme using unique highest quality machines - roll shapers.

2. Personal nutrition plan based on a healthy, balanced eating approach, determined by individual body statistics and activity level. 3. Support with unique “in house” diet supplements Go Clean and Go Slim. More information from Inga Captari at 087 065 9185, 8 Cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire

HEALTH

health: TV presenter on her exciting new business venture

Transform your diet, fitness and wellbeing  suzanne sheehy

Are you looking to lose weight, transform your fitness or kick start new habits?

You can achieve this and rediscover the joy of exercising outdoors on west Cork’s tranquil Inish Beg Island through Ireland’s premiere bootcamp, Pure Results (sponsored by Ireland’s one-stop adventure shop, Great Outdoors).

This is a six-night, sevenday bootcamp, which aims to transform your diet, fitness and wellbeing, all designed with your individual aspirations in mind.

No stranger to exercise, and adventure it is of no surprise that this is Kathryn Thomas’s latest venture.

GazetteHealth spoke to the TV presenter about her exciting new business venture which she speaks so passionately about.

“It has been an ambition of mine for the last few years. I have been a fan of wellness holidays firstly through No Frontiers when I did the travel show.

“When that finished it was the kind of holiday I continued to do myself. A week when you’re on your own meeting a group of like-minded people and it is a really nice way to spend a holiday.

“Pure Results bootcamp is all about the personal touch as it caters for all fitness levels – whether you’re a bride to be preparing for your big day, new mums looking to lose the baby

weight, to fitness fanatics searching for a new challenge. Age doesn’t mean a thing. Whether you’re 20 or 60 all are welcome.”

A typical day involves a 6am start enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Inish Beg with stretches and light jogging.

The weekly diet is wheat free, sugar-free and dairy free with no caffeine or alcohol.

There is a mixture of high-intensity circuits with some low impact exercise.

But fun is also a part of the week with informal team building such as battle stations, spider’s web, giant slalom.

The aim is to “have you moving but you won’t even notice the calories burning”, says Thomas.

Thomas has also learned a great deal from previous bootcamp holidays she has attended.

And noted that one of the most important things missing was aftercare, which is necessary for continued success.

Pure Results bootcamp (limited to 15-20 participants) has a specialised team of personal trainers, life coach, group leader and nutritional therapist guiding and supporting you through both your pre and post-camp care,

Specialised trainers will keep you on your toes and working hard at Pure Results Bootcamp

Kathryn Thomas: “Pure Results Bootcamp are all about the personal touch.”

preparing and motivating you all the way.

You will receive a realistic two-week nutrition and exercise programme so you will continue to reach your lifestyle goals.

“I don’t want people to just come, pay their money and never hear from us again. At the end of each week, a member of the Pure Results team will check in with you on your progress.

So there will be weigh-ins, meal plans, exercise plans the whole lot for two weeks after you leave,” continues Thomas.

This is also a great opportunity to experience one of the most picturesque parts of Ireland, according to Thomas, somewhere you can go hill walking, trail

running and have beach workouts.

Thomas’s last word is: “There’s no such thing as I can’t, just put a challenge in front of yourself and you will achieve it.

“It’s having the right support and believing in yourself that can help you accomplish any challenge you set.”

The Pure Results Bootcamps will be r unning April 17 to June 2015.

Costs are €1,199 pp (sharing), or €1,399 for single occupancy. Early bird offer of €999 for April 17 – for one week only.

For more information you can email: info@pureresultsbootcamp.com or phone: +353 (0) 87 441 7090.

12 March 2015 gazette 25

Gazette

ARTS theatre: reimagining a Midsummer Night’s Dream at the abbey

Hit and miss at times – but ultimately it’s on target  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IRISH theatre company Pan Pan, famous for its bold exploration of dramatic form which challenges traditional theatre, has not disappointed in its latest production – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – that is currently running in The Abbey Theatre.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s fanciful romp about the fairy world’s interference in the love lives of mortals.

It is traditionally a play to celebrate spring, love, Queen Elizabeth 1 and – above all – youth. This tradition is utterly turned on its head in this new production, with all the main characters being elderly and their village, a retirement home.

Hermia (played by Aine Ni Mhuiri) is the object of the affections of both Lysander (John Kavanagh) and Demetrius (Barry McGovern).

Hermia loves Lysander, though her son, Egeus/Peter Quince (David Pearse), takes the parental role by insisting his mother marry Demetrius instead.

Demetrius is beloved

Kane’s Grinding Water

Wonderful wooden art  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE launch of A Journey, a beautiful new show based on the career of Irish woodturner and artist Emmet Kane, was launched at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks recently.

Curated by Jennifer Goff, the exhibition traces 27 years of the artist’s work in the medium of wood.

Kane transforms his medium in most unusual, though always beautiful ways, to question our perceptions of wood and its place in the arts.

Such a master is Kane that he can render wood into many magical forms, until some of his pieces take on the apparent qualities of glass and even metal.

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

‘This is a largely successful reinterpretation of Shakespeare and shows that Irish actors and audiences have a huge affinity with The Bard’ --------------------------------------------------------

by Helena (Gina Moxley), though her love is savagely unrequited.

They all live together in the nursing home, which is run by Theseus/Oberon (Declan Conlon) and Hippolyta/ Titania (Fiona Bell).

This pair double as the king and queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania, who through the agency of a love potion, become inadvertently responsible for making both Demetrius and Lysander fall in love with Helena instead.

Enjoyable This Abbey production is largely enjoyable and the acting, in the main, is first-rate, which is an absolute prerequisite for making Shakespeare accessible and easily understood in a modern setting.

The role of Lysander in particular is very well executed by Kavanagh,

and Moxley does a fine job playing the nonplussed and abused Helena.

The fairy world scenes are not nearly as effective as the real-world scenes in the nursing home, which are often hilarious.

Great comic use is made of the elderly scenario, with walking sticks doubling for swords and the like.

The funniest part of the play is delivered by Peter Quince and his band of merry actors, who attempt to put on a diverting playlet for the fairy king and queen.

Pearse (Quince) has strong comedic talent and each time he stepped on the stage, the audience seemed immediately poised for a good belly-laugh.

Another of his comedy troupe, Andrew Bennet – who plays Nick Bottom, the unfortunate recipient

With their excellent turns, Lysander (John Kavanagh) and Hermia (Aine Ni Mhuiri) add to what is already a highly accomplished cast

of an ass’s head – is very engaging and full of fun in the part.

Pan Pan always throws in something unexpected in its productions and is very tuned into the zeitgeist of modern life.

A wonderful example of this was a physical fight between Hermia and Helena. The two repeated the same aggressive movements over and over, creating the image of a very funny “living gif” animation.

Successful All told, though a bit hit and miss at times, this is a successful reinterpretation of Shakespeare

Hermia and Lysander with Demetrius (Barry McGovern) and Helena (Gina Moxley)

and shows, above all, that Irish actors and audiences have a huge affinity with The Bard.

Famous for the line: The course of true love never did run smooth, the play, though largely a fantastic romp, really does explore how arbitrary and often fickle love can be.

A Midsummer Night’s

Dream runs at The Abbey until March 28 and tickets, available from the Abbey box office at www. abbeytheatre.ie, range from €13 to €40.

T he play lasts for around two and a half hours, and begins at 7.30pm, from Monday to Saturday, with matinees at 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday.

Remarkable The exhibition explores Kane’s remarkable journey of development as a self-taught artist and woodturner from 1988 through to the present day, and features a huge array of his work, from functional vessels and bowls, wall hangings, artistic pieces (both large and small) and recent small-scale works.

A Journey runs at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks until June 14.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 March 2015

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28 Gazette 12 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport National’s Finn Lynch wins isa young sailor: NATIONAL Yacht Club’s Finn Lynch landed the 2014 ISA Young Sailor of the Year at their annual awards ceremony last Friday at the Royal College of Surgeons.

During the year, Lynch brought the Under-19 Laser Standard world title back to his home club of National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire.

Speaking about the award, Lynch offered the following advice to other aspiring young sailors: “If you want to be competitive my advice would be to work harder than everyone else.

“Otherwise to just enjoy sailing is very important I think.”

Anthony O’Leary won the Sailor of the Year title for his exploits in winning the 2014 Commodore’s Cup along with his consistent pursuit of sailing excellence, claiming the title by a massive margin of 174 points last June.

hockey: south dublin clubs win big in leinster’s division one race

Glory for Hermes and Town  sport@dublingazette.com

BOROUGH clubs Hermes and Monkstown both won their respective Leinster Division One leagues last week and are already on the search for more silverware.

On the women’s side Booterstown’s Hermes, a slow start meant that they were scarcely in the pre-competition thoughts for the title but they managed to win a thrilling five-horse race on the final day of the

season with a 2-0 win over Loreto.

Aisling Na ughton scored one in each half, the clincher coming two minutes from time, to secure the title and coach Rudi Wortmann said an early season

Monkstown won the men’s Leinster league in comfortable fashion

Hermes star striker Aisling Naughton. Picture: Adrian Boehm

“wake-up call” provided the impetus for their first title since 2011.

He admits “preseason wasn’t that good” while their 1-0 loss Pembroke served as a powerful warning of the close-knit battle ahead for a new look panel.

Wortmann took on the side for a second spell having won most of the tophies in the game during his first stint almost a decade ago.

The Dutchman took on a side that had lost Irish internationals Lisa Jacob to the Irish rugby sevens game with Audrey O’Flynn following that route early in the campaign.

With four other squad members moving on, they needed additions

and they came in the form of Naughton – who ended as the league’s top scorer – and Sinead Loughran were late additions who have proven an irresistable force.

“Our key players are basically the whole team.

I’m not sure if we could have done without any of the players. I know it sounds trite but that is my genuine feeling,” he said of his panel.

Now, his side is looking to add more trophies to the league title with, incredibly, another three potentially in the offing. First up is the Jacqui Potter Cup final on St Patrick’s Day against Railway Union – the fourth meeting of the sides this term.

The Irish Senior Cup

final follows on March 29 while an Irish Hockey League semi-final against Loreto is also on the horizon for the Booterstown club.

For Monkstown’s men, their route was much simpler as they ended the campaign with an eight-point advantage over their nearest rivals.

They clinched the title ahead of their second last league game – an 8-0 win over Rathgar – as Pembroke, the only side to beat them over the course of the Leinster league, fell to Corinthian 3-2 to gift-wrap the trophy.

Town will now be focusing on the Irish Hockey League and trying to retain the title for a third successive year.

Griggs strikes late as Lansdowne down Constitution  sport@dublingazette.com

Lansdowne are eight points clear at the top of rugby’s Ulster Bank Division 1A

LEINSTER A scrum half Adam Griggs was sprung from the bench to be Lansdowne’s hero as his 79th minute try earned a 27-20 bonus point win at the expense of Cork Constitution in the Ulster Bank League Division 1A. The disappointment of the defeat lifted slightly for Cork Con when they learned that UCD and Ballynahinch had both lost, meaning that the Leesiders’ losing bonus point was enough to move them back into the top

four.

The afternoon had begun brightly for Cork Con as Munster prospect Darren Sweetnam touched down for the second week running. Lansdowne’s patience was tested until Conor McKeon’s neat offload played in hooker Tyrone Moran for an unconverted try in the right corner.

An opportunist try by Cork Con out-half Tomas Quinlan restored his side’s five-point advantage, but a late surge from Lansdowne made it 12-10 at the break as Tom Daly’s purpose-

ful break was finished off by his centre partner Tom Farrell and McKeon converted.

McKeon and Quinlan swapped penalties early on the resumption before Lansdowne, playing with increased confidence, swept through for their third try - a memorable run on the right wing saw Farrell break free to complete his brace in the 53rd minute.

McKeon missed the conversion, though, and with 13 minutes remaining a Lansdowne handling error allowed the speedy Sweetnam to latch on to

the loose ball and race in under the posts. Quinlan’s levelling conversion set up a grandstand finish.

However, Lansdowne produced the goods when it mattered most as Griggs ghosted through a minute from the end to score the game’s decisive try and give the headquarters club their 13th win in 16 games.

Elsewhere, centre Stephen O’Neill had a day to remember, scoring three of Terenure College’s six tries as they won their Dublin 6W derby with St Mary’s College on a 41-24 scoreline.

12 March 2015 Gazette 29

Gazette

Flying Flynn looking to leap to Olympics Coolmine athlete aiming to break a 27-year wait for an Irish steeplechase Olympian as he plots an ambitious course to Rio following successful spell at the University of Arkansas  stephen findlater

DAVID Flynn is plotting a course to become Ireland’s 3,000m steeplechase Olympian in 27 years. It is now 30 years since Brendan Quinn set the national record, one of the longest standing of all Irish athletics records.

Quinn was also the last Irish man to qualify for the Games, coming 11th in his semi-final in Seoul in 1988.

Despite Ireland having a decorated record in distance running, it is a race that has not really featured to any great degree but Coolmine’s Flynn is ambitious to see this change.

“Irish athletes are very tough and can grit out their events,” he told GazetteSport this week.

“The steeplechase is an event you need to be tough in.”

An accomplished runner at schools, he

impressed enough amid competitive fields with John Coghlan, Michael Mulhare and Craig Murphy to earn a scholarship to university in Colorado before switching to division one college University of Arkansas.

While there, he won the Irish Olympic trials in steeplechase in 2012 but missed out on the qualifying standard. Three years on, he is now looking to make another bid with a wealth of knowledge from the American system under his belt.

He returned to Ireland in November after an impressive college career, finishing in the top five three times at the hugely competitive Mount Sac races.

And he told GazetteSport that the experience will help him immeasurably.

“I learned so much there that you wouldn’t realise. You learn a lot

about the little things and so I think I have come back a better, maybe more cautious, athlete.

“It’s something unique to America. I coach a few athletes at Clonliffe now in the steeplechase; there’s basic things that some of them don’t know and it’s why the Irish record has stood for years.

“The usual thing is to train you like a 5km person but the technique is kind of old school. Something needs to change and there are some – under Chris Jones, who coaches Fionnuala Britton – who are trying to get things to change.”

Getting top level experience in the event is tough for Irish-based athletes with high quality fields and fast conditions tough to come by. Indeed, Flynn has recently been in Portugal for a month to lay his base level for the year ahead while all his fastest times have come at high

Coolmine man David Flynn, centre, last week with his Clonliffe club mates following their national inter-club cross country team title

altitude in warm conditions in the US. In Ireland, he has been running 90 miles a week while he helped his club Clonliffe Harriers to the national inter-club team title last week and will run in the Antrim international race next week.

All this is to prepare for

think people realise the training that has to go into it. It’s easy to say to someone you run 90 miles a week and they think it takes no time to drive that in their car and you laugh about it.

“It’s so different in America. After college, I was potentially going to

ken’sDiary

Cycling bug kicking in for Egan and the Laurels crew Olympic silver medallist and Irish boxing legend Ken Egan is to take part in this year’s Laurels 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.

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

Irish athletes are very tough and can grit out events. You need to be tough for the steeplechase - David Flynn

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

the track season’s inception in April with the target to run at least three top level steeplechases – along with good 5km and 1,500m times – in the summer to put him in the frame for the Olympics in 2015.

Flynn says, though, that while these are the best laid plans, an Olympic campaign is a difficult programme to balance.

“It is expensive; if you want to run a fast steeplechase, especially an Olympic qualifying time, you need to have the perfect conditions, running in a nice climate at 7pm.

“I ran all my personal bests in California so you can see you need a similar environment. You need a pace-maker and all the splits to be even. So, to get all those things in place, it can be expensive.

“In addition, I don’t

turn semi-professional and move to Austin, Texas with a group called Rogue Running but that fell through. That’s when I got into coaching.

“Here, there aren’t really groups that would fund things so you are looking to other avenues to help support your travel fees. To go for the Olympics, you need to be training full-time, paying for your gym – I go to yoga twice a week – and you go through shoes pretty much each month.”

Given he has only recently returned to Ireland, he has missed some of the funding rounds through the regular channels but Flynn says he is confident, that if he can get a leg up from local sponsors, he can really start making waves in his Olympic pursuit.

THIS week, I decided to leave the 8am start to the professionals and landed down at the Laurels for 9.45am, feeling well rested and ready for what was in store.

The word on the street was we were doing 90km and it was a flat journey, music to my ears.

The numbers were good again with about 30 bodies in action. I started close to the front and decided to stay there for as long as possible which was my own little mental test.

They say you should get to know your bike; I have borrowed mine for this Laurels Charity Cycle but I really have the cycling bug and will definitely invest in a good bike after the event in April.

We took off again from Clondalkin to the Pheonix Park which was taken over by some charity run so we had to play second fiddle to the runners which is fair enough.

As such, we soldiered on out toward Blanchardstown on up through Maynooth and onto Enfield before doing a full 180 degree at that roundabout before coming back towards Kilcock.

There we stopped for a well-earned scone and coffee. From there, we had the back of the journey broken and proceeded back towards home, running down through Celbridge and onto Newcastle.

Every time I climb onto my bike, I know it ain’t easy but it is for such a worthy cause and think how lucky I am to be able to jump on a bike and cycle 90km.

Your health is your wealth and all I can do is try as best as I can to raise awareness and money for this wonderful charity which the Laurels are such an important part of.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 12 March 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: rangers set for all-ireland quarter-final

Baker hails fairytale season for Thunder TRAVELODGE Swords Thunder confirmed their status as runners-up in the Basketball Ireland Men’s Premier League with a 72-71 win at DCU Saints.

Juan Torres hit six points in the paint in the last four minutes before Mark Nagle missed the game winner from the perimeter for DCU. Thunder were runners-up in the first division last season and head coach Dave Baker is planning to freshen things up.

“Teams are starting to realise they need to add to what they have year on year,” he said.

“There has to be a changing of the guard.

Just because you’ve been in the league for 20 years doesn’t give you any God given right.

We’re looking to increase training and bring in a sports psychologist for next season.

Teams who want to win silverware will continue to adapt.”

Saints led at half time but Swords had edged in front 66-64 with four minutes remaining. Juan Torres converted two tipins and a fast break down the stretch before Gary Barron’s bonus point left just one between the sides with 25 seconds left.

Didzis Lauskis took the next rebound for Barron to find Mark Nagle at the perimeter.

The attempted game winner was off target, leaving Baker to start planning for the Champions Trophy.

“For us it’s a fairy tale,” he said. “We feel we have more in us. Hopefully we’ll kick in again and make a Champions Trophy final.

We realised at Christmas we were capable of more and we just had a sloppy end to the season, so it was a bit of a strange atmosphere in the dressing room after the game.”

Nagle ended up with 18 points to his name while Eoin Darling scored 17 and Martins Provizors dropped 14 points in the final reckoning while Torres top-scored for DCU, also with 18 points.

The side will complete their regular season campaign by playing Belfast Star at 6pm on Saturday in ALSAA, five points clear of Dublin rivals Killester and well ahead of Templeogue and UCD Marian in fourth place.

The Rivervalley Rangers Under-12 side that will play St Kevin’s Boys in the SFAI Cup quarter-final

Valley eye historic victory  nathan kelly sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers Under-12s footballers are pushing to break club history as they prepare to face St Kevin’s Boys in the quarter-final of the SFAI Cup next Sunday.

Paul Kelly’s side are enjoying a fantastic season to date, leading the charts in the NDSL Premier Division as well as booking their place in the semi-final of the Kevin Moran cup last weekend with a 3-0 win over Maynooth.

League and league cup success are something

this talented squad are accustomed to, having achieved a double last season.

All-Ireland glory, however, is something far more rare not just to this team, but to Rivervalley as a club in general.

“It’s up there with the biggest games in the club’s history,” said Kelly.

“I think we had a team reach the quarter-final stage 10 or 12 years ago but lost to Crumlin United so if we can manage to go one further this season it’ll be the club’s biggest result at this level.

“It would be huge for the club, huge for the area

business houses Keogh and Melia win out at ALSAA race neil O’Rourke, pictured, ended up in fifth place at last Saturday’s Business Houses Athletics Association race in ALSAA, near Dublin airport, at a well-run event.

Eric Keogh was the ultimate winner of the men’s race with Michael MacMahon second on the five-mile course.

On the women’s side, Adrianna Melia led home the field with Sharon Grant coming second and Paula Grant third in a race over two miles.

and I hope as many people as possible can come out and support us.”

On the task of facing a St Kevin’s side comfortable in the top division of the DDSL, Kelly is under no illusions, but does have confidence in his team.

“We’ve seen them play and know what they’re about and I’m sure they’ve seen us too.

“They’re a top DDSL Premier side so they’ll be a good strong test but we’re a good side ourselves and when it comes to a lot of NDSL sides we probably don’t get the credit we deserve.

“We’ll give them a game, I’ll be hoping we’ll give them more than that but I think it will be very even, it could go either way. I’m just hoping it goes our way.

“We’ve a good side.

I’ve six lads on the NDSL academy squad. Val Adeodokun in particular was picked out to go and play for a Republic of Ireland selection against a Northern Ireland select which were put together by people at Chelsea FC after an invitational day out at the AUL. From there they’ll pick players to go over to Chelsea on official trials.”

Before the test of Kevin’s on March 22, Valley host Balbriggan in league action this Sunday and Kelly was insistent that his side must focus on their next game rather than the blue-ribbon cup tournament for now.

“The league is the one we always want to win,” said the manager.

“It’s your benchmark. If we can win that game it’ll put us on a good shape going into the following week.

“Hopefully we can get all the players through unscathed and then we can focus everything on the Kevin’s game.”

12 March 2015 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

night to remember

St Finian’s youngest stars lead out Dublin senior side

Club Noticeboard fingallians

st finian’s youngest members enjoyed a

day to remember as nursery players from the Swords club led out the Dublin football team on Saturday night for their game against Tyrone in Croke Park.

There, they met their heroes, including fellow Swords man Paul Flynn who took the time to greet the youngsters before the game.

THE Swords St Patrick’s day parade

O’Fearghail, from Drumgoon Club, Co

will leave Colaiste Choilm at 11.30am, 30

Cavan, as Uachtaran Chumann Luth-

minutes earlier than previous years.

chleas Gael, who took on the role for-

This year is extra special because our own Paul Flynn will be the Grand

Picture: Donal O’Hagan

football: malahide men undone by leinster champs

mally at the end of the GAA’s Annual Congress on February 28.

Marshall. We need as much red and

All club mentors and officials are

white as possible along with our big-

listening out for potential winners of

gest ever turnout. We will assemble

the Cainteoir na Seachtaine prize. The

at the Colaiste Choilm carpark from

prize will be awarded to the juvenile

10.45am. As usual there will be a big

that made the best effort to use Irish

party at the club afterwards.

during Seachtain na Gaeilge, not the

The championship draws took place

most fluent but the greatest effort.

during the week in adult football and

Camogie section: our U-13s were

hurling: inter football versus Naomh

defeated by Erin’s Isle in their opening

Fionnbarra; junior 1 versus Wander-

league game of the season. Our girls

ers and junior 2 versus Raheny.

are completely made up of U-11 and

The inter hurling championship group

U-12 girls playing up a grade.

is Clanna Gael Fontenoy, St Jude’s,

For the first time ever, the GAA has

Commercials, Raheny and Erin’s Isle

brought competitors from all around

and the junior hurlers play Cuala, Per-

the world to gather in Abu Dhabi for

egrine’s and St Joseph’s OCB.

the GAA World Games. You can follow

All the members would like to wish

reports and video on www.gaa.ie.

our U-15 player Sean O’Sullivan a

Last week lotto numbers were 4, 6, 7,

speedy recovery after he picked up

13 and 29. We had eight winners: Mar-

a serious injury on Saturday play-

tin Quinn, Darragh O’Murchu, Jimmy

ing with our U-16 footballers against

Sheridan, Joan Savage, Jennifer Dela-

Templeogue.

ney, Margaret O’Reilly, Elaine Howard

The club would like to welcome Aogan

and Jack Monaghan.

st finian’s St Sylvester’s Ross Hazley powered his club’s second half comeback

Syl’s fight back but fall to Vin’s late show afl division one St Vincent’s 3-16 St Sylvester’s 1-15  sport@dublingazette.com

S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S fought back to level late in their second AFL Division 1 tie only for the reigning Dublin senior football champions St Vincent’s to pull clear with a late flurry last Sunday at Pairc na Uinsionn.

They got back to 1-15 to 2-12 with five minutes left of the tie but Vincent’s showed their quality to pick off 1-4 without response down the final stretch to start

their league campaign in confident fashion.

Nonetheless, it was quite an effort by the Malahide men who played three quarters of the game with 14 players after Aiden Lawlor was shown two early yellow cards.

Vincent’s went on to score a penalty while another goal gave them a nice cushion as Syl’s did not make best use of some strong chances. Two goal chances were put over the bar while Gar y Sweeney dropped another ball onto the bar when Michael McCarthy was

well placed while Niall Coughlan missed out on a great chance.

Indeed, they controlled the ball for long periods but too often picked the wrong option and a lot of good work went unrewarded. McCarthy did find the net off a defensive mistake as Syl’s found their touch in the second half.

Glen and Ross Hazley drove them forward while Sweeney and Shane O’Connor provided some great football to swing the game right back into the mix.

But, as soon as the gap was closed, Vin-

cent’s found a second wind to push and score 1- 4 without reply to land a flattering looking seven-point victory.

Syl’s drew with Thomas Davis on the opening weekend of the season, leaving them on one point from four to date with their next tie an away game against Raheny on March 22.

Fingal Ravens, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-10 to 2-7 draw against Raheny on their return to the top tier of the Dublin football leagues. They travel to Templeogue Synge Street next.

WITH every passing week, we see an

Please ask all family members and

increase in the number of games being

friends to give us a vote. You can also

played by our teams, which brings

find the link on our Facebook and Twit-

up again the subject of membership

ter pages.

fees.

We had the proud sight of one of

The deadline of March 31 is fast

our nursery members leading out

approaching and it is therefore advis-

the Dublin football team on Saturday

able to get those fees paid as soon as

night, well done Niamh.

possible.

The club has a chance to win a grant of €5,000, from Version 1 professional

Good luck to all those who entered the Fantasy Chelthenham competition.

services, towards our nursery and

The club lotto jackpot was €2,100 this

academy costs, if we can get the most

week and the numbers drawn were 2,

votes for our video.

7, 8, and 18. There was no jackpot win-

All you need do is follow the link:

ner. The winners of the €25 lucky dip

http://t.co/yAEyjwpCvL to vote. Many

prizes were Wendy Burke, Eamonn

thanks to James Devlin and Aidan Mor-

Murphy, Brendan Turley and Vivenne

risey for putting together the video

Ryan. Next week the jackpot will be

and entering us in the competition.

€2,200.

fingal ravens THE seniors drew their league game

fantastic with some great score tak-

with Raheny on Sunday. Best wishes

ing and tackling.

and a speedy recovery to Alan Casey who was injured during the game.

Our girls U-14s were unfortunate against Na Fianna in a tight game on

The second and third teams both

Sunday. Our boys U-8 and U-9s played

suffered losses in their league games

very well away to Garristown in chal-

at the weekend.

lenge matches on Saturday morning.

The girls U-10s played their first

The boys U-15s won 6-7 to 0-4pt

game on Saturday - great to see so

against St Anne’s at home on Sunday

many new players taking to the field.

morning.

Keep up the good work.

Well done to our girls U-12s on a great win over Erin’s Isle; the skill levels were

The club would like to send best wishes to Colm Daly who was injured in a challenge game during the week.

32 swords gazette 12 March 2015