Dundrum

Page 1

Gazette DUNDRUM

INSIDE: There’s neigh-where better than our

round-up of Dublin’s biggest stories in 2015 P4-11

Travel: First look at an Irish luxury sleeper train car that’s getting ready to wow Page 20

Cinema: Fashionistas make waves at In The Heart of The Sea Page 24

sport Football:

Naomh Olaf win first ever Under-21 title Page 31

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

January 7-13, 2016

Find us on

Spring for some of the very latest make-up to help brighten January

see page 18

The best things in life are FREE!

Flood defence installed at Dargle  emma nolan

A FLOOD defence has been installed on the Dargle River running through Loreto Park in Rathfarnham. The river burst its banks in October 2011 and November 2014, devastating many homes and businesses on Nutgrove Avenue. The new defence has proved effective, in light of the flooding that has affected many parts of the country in the past few months. Resident Anne Marie Mulhall, of Nutgrove Avenue, told The Gazette that she was “absolutely delighted to say there had been no flooding thus far this season”. She was relieved that they weren’t flooded again this year. She said: “They did a great job on the

Rathfarnham avoids repeat of devastating deluges of recent years new culvert – I’m down there checking it every day.” Mulhall said the flooding both times caused “dreadful damage” to her home. She said: “It was appalling – it was about six inches, and my wooden floors are still buckled.” Full Story on Page 2

happy to help support the berkeley victims

ELLEN O’Shea and Keeva Kavanagh were dressed to impress at Glenalbyn House recently, where Kilmacud Crokes were holding a fundraising Berkeley Ball. The tragedy in which six young people lost their lives in Calilfornia last year was the inspiration for the event, which sought to support an initiative for those

affected by the tragedy. Almost 400 people attended the ball, including a number of young people who had been in Berkeley at the time. There was a great atmosphere at the black tie event, with everyone happy to help support the cause, which raised an estimated €12,000. Picture: Diarmuid O Gallchobhair


2 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

rathfarnham | residents relieved as area averts watery washout

Dargle’s new flood defence is praised  emma nolan

A FLOOD defence has been installed on the Dargle River running through Loreto Park in Rathfarnham after it burst

its banks in October 2011 and November 2014, devastating many homes and businesses on Nutgrove Avenue. The new defence has proved effective in light

of the flooding that has affected many parts of the country in the past few months. Senator Mary White (FF) told The Gazette: “I personally witnessed

the devastating effects of the flooding on Nutgrove Avenue last year [2014]. “My heart went out to the local business owners and residents who were soul-destroyed by the severe damage caused to their homes and companies.” One of the residents, Anne Marie Mulhall, of Nutgrove Avenue, told The Gazette that she’s “absolutely delighted to say that there’s been no flooding thus far this season”. She said: “We have no insurance from the first time we were flooded in 2011, so we haven’t been able to repair the damage. We are in battle with the council over this, at present.” Mulhall said the flooding both times caused “dreadful damage” to her

The exterior flood at Anne Marie Mulhall’s Nutgrove Avenue home in 2014

home. She said: “It was appalling – it was about six inches, and my wooden floors are still buckled.” She also lost her dishwasher and washing machine because of the flood damage. Mulhall is relieved that they weren’t flooded again this year. She said: “They did a great job on the new culvert – I’m down there checking it every day.” Business owner Rob-

19-year-old stabbed on New Year’s Day A BALLINTEER teenager was stabbed in a residential estate in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The 19-year-old male was attacked on Llewellyn Grove in Ballinteer shortly before 3am on Friday, January 1. Investigating gardai from Dundrum say he was involved in an altercation with another male. He is currently being treated for stab wounds in St James’s Hospital, but his injuries were described as non-life threatening. An investigation into the attack continues, and no arrests have been made. The incident comes shortly after The Gazette reported on the insufficient lighting in the Llewellyn estate, when local resident John Dillon said: “When you’re walking home on a winter’s evening, it’s totally dark – you don’t know who’s standing behind you or behind the next hedge.” Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have said that the lights in the estate “meet the current street lighting standards”, despite numerous complaints from residents. Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

bie Campbell, of Campbell Motors on Nutgrove Avenue, spoke about the damage caused to his business from the 2011 and 2014 floods. He said: “In 2014, we had 3ft of water and I don’t think the council were keeping an eye on it. In 2011, the water came up 7ft, and the cars were all floating around. It destroyed the whole place.

“Debris used to block up the old barrier, and the water would spill over into the park, over the wall and down Nutgrove Avenue.” Campbell has not been flooded again this year, and says he can now sleep easier without worrying about flooding. O f t h e c o u n c i l ’s response, he said: “I can rest happier now that they’ve installed the new culvert.”


7 January 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

courts | judge deems resident’s action fell outside time limit

Legal bid to restrict the sound of music at Dundrum ice rink rejected A LEGAL bid to restrict the sound of music and hours of skating at an ice rink next to Dundrum Town Centre was thrown out by a High Court judge on December 29. Retired businessman David Cooper, from Main Street, Dundrum, claimed the Dundrum On Ice activities caused damage to his nearby property. He also complained about the noise levels. Cooper asked the High Court to set aside a decision by An Bord Pleanala on October 19 to grant planning permission for the rink, and he sought injunctions limiting both the hours it could oper-

ate and restrictions on amplified music. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan dismissed the application because he said it was brought outside of the required time limits allowed to challenge a decision of the planning authority.

Opposed An Bord Pleanala and the ice rink developer, Crossridge Developments, also opposed Cooper’s demands. Cooper said that permission for the Dundr um On Ice rink’s operation had been renewed on several occasions since it opened in 2009, with the most recent permission being granted last

October. However, he claimed the current permission replaced one granted in 2013 which limited amplified music being played at the rink to a maximum of four hours a day, with no music at all after 7pm. Cooper said the October 2015 planning permission did not have these conditions, and there were nearly seven hours a day of amplified sound coming from the rink this season.

Challenge Judge Noonan said that under the planning laws, any judicial review challenging a decision to grant planning permission must

Skaters enjoying Dundrum On Ice. The rink was the subject of a complaint, rejected by the High Court, that objected to noise levels from the temporary leisure facility.

be brought within eight weeks, and Cooper had brought his action outside of that period.

In addition to being outside the required time limits, the judge said Cooper had failed

to raise sufficient arguable grounds to allow the court to allow him to bring the action.

the rising

Asgard’s role to be analysed  emma nolan

THE community centre in Mount Merrion will host a historical society talk at 8pm on January 7 on the role of the Asgard vessel, and its role in The Rising. Historian Pat Murphy will discuss the part played by nationalists Erskine and Molly Childers when they landed the first major consignment of arms and ammunition for the Irish Volunteers in Howth in July 1914 from the Asgard. Organised by the Mount Merrion Historical Society, this illustrated talk also presents the life of the Asgard’s 23-day voyage, accompanied by the Kelpie yacht, to collect guns and ammunition for the Irish volunteers.


Gazette

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

2015

Gazette review of the year that was from around dublin

TOP STORIES: january to march

Floods and ferries mark a very watery start to 2015 JANUARY Vital funding is agreed for Residents’ fury Balgaddy centre L U C A N : Tu s l a , t h e at flood damage

increase in investment in community facilities, particularly for older teenagers.

national child and family agency, announced that it would provide crucial funding for the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre for 2015. The centre previously received funding from Atlantic Philanthropies and was in urgent need of financial support in order to continue its service within the community. At the time, then Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said: “I am delighted that the discussions initiated at this meeting have led to a commitment from Tusla to provide core funding for the centre in 2015. “Coming under the auspices of Tusla also means that the centre is well placed to thrive in 2016 and beyond.” Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) also commented, saying that although the announcement was good news for the local community, Balgaddy still needed a significant

C LO N DA L K I N : R e s i dents of Ashwood estate claimed to have been left in limbo following flood damage to their property in November, 2014. The estate suffered significant flood damage following a burst water main, leaving the contents of residents’ garden sheds, garages and cars damaged. While no homes had been affected by the flooding, the water flowed inside a number of garages and parked cars at Ashwood Drive and f looded several garages and garden. In one case, a woman whose boiler was damaged had been left without heating for two months. Another resident from Ashwood Drive told The Gazette that Irish Water’s lack of response had been “outrageous”. The matter was dealt with by the insurance company with which Irish Water has a policy.

FEBRUARY New lease of life for cottage after €536k revamp

DUNDRUM: A new lease of life was given to historic cottage Laurelmere at Marlay Park after a €536,000 revamp by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. After being vacant for more than 30 years, the newly-refurbished Laurelmere Cottage was reopened as the base for the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI). An 18th century building, Laurelmere Cottage was first acquired by the council with Marlay House in 1972. The revamped cottage is now the RHSI’s home, with a garden school and horticultural programme. A spokesperson for the council said: “The cottage has an iconic past and is inextricably linked with Marlay House. “The restoration works have taken one year to complete and were made possible by the income from the Marlay Park concerts.”

Crucial funding was agreed for 2015 to support the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre in Lucan

d Students from Hartstown Community School (above) in Blancharstown were approached by a man in a car – one of a number of incidents which alarmed

Stena Line finally ended its long-standing operations in Dun Laoghaire,

the Blanchardstown community

decided to focus on developing operations from Dublin Port, rather than

d

Water protesters dropped in to Swords, with anger Resident Yvonne Farrell at her Ashwood Lawns home in

at the contentious charge spilling over into a series

Clondalkin – one of many badly affected by flooding

of protests outside Fingal County Council offices

Segregation at breakfast time C I T Y: T h e G a z e t t e learned that people seeking emergency accommodation in a Dublin City hotel were being segregated from regular guests during breakfast hours at weekends. The Gazette learned that the hotel made its emergency accommodation guests eat in a separate, smaller breakfast area on Saturdays

and Sundays, away from other paying guests. On weekdays, they could access normal breakfast quarters, but only for a 30-minute period, from 8am to 8.30am. A Clondalkin motherof-three, who was living in the hotel on a day-to-day basis, told The Gazette she felt degraded having to eat her breakfast away from regular guests. She said: “My children have asked me why

they have to eat in this room and not the other one with everyone else. I’d rather starve than eat away from everyone else. I just don’t think it’s fair.” A spokesperson for the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) said: “If there is a logic to it, I need to be able to establish what happened in that situation.” The DRHE spokesperson said that if The Gazette named the hotel, they ran “the risk

of losing hotels because they’re commercial entities”.

Stena Line sails away for good DUN LAOGHAIRE: Marking the end of 170 years of local service, Stena Line announced the withdrawal of its ferry service from Dun Laoghaire, to consolidate all ferry services into Dublin Port. The ferry carrier


as the ferry company the coastal town

withdrew its Christmas service from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead in 2014, but was in talks with Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) about reinstalling the service. However, the company subsequently pulled out of Dun Laoghaire altogether. Ian Davies, Stena Line’s route manager (Irish Sea South), said: “With two ser vices operating approximately 10 miles apart, we needed to make a decision in relation to what operation best serves the needs of our customers now and in the years ahead, and that operation is Dublin Port.” DLHC has since been looking for alternative providers to operate a seasonal service on the route.

Water protests spill into Swords SWORDS: The first in a series of protests by antiwater charge protesters was staged outside Fingal County Council offices. The protests were discontinued after some months when a motion calling for the abolition of water charges was passed. On the first occasion, councillors were prevented from leaving the car park after the meeting by the protesters, who barred their way. Gardai were called and dispersed the crowd. Councillors left after being held up for about 90 minutes. The protests persisted each month, growing steadily more raucous with loud chanting and even banging on win-

dows. Many councillors said the protests were an affront to democracy, but many others said the protesters were completely within their rights. The protest got a bit out of hand in April when one protester tried to get through the glass doors and, in the ensuing struggle with gardai, the glass smashed and she received lacerations to her head. The motion, which was tabled by Cllr Philip Lynam (SF), was passed in May and the protests ceased.

MARCH Couple killed by carbon monoxide DUNDRUM: An investigation was carried out following the discovery of a couple in their 80s

who were found dead in the sitting room of their home at Landscape Park, Churchtown. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told The Gazette: “Neighbours hadn’t seen them in a few days. Gardai were notified, along with Dublin Fire Brigade. Foul play is not suspected.” It was since established that carbon monoxide poisoning had caused the death of Sidney and Lorna Graham, who had lived in Churchtown since the 1950s and whom neighbours described as nice, quiet people. Father Dermot Nestor, PP of The Good Shepherd in Churchtown, said he didn’t know the couple, but: “At 7.20am mass [March 10], their neighbours were obviously shocked and we prayed for them.

“The people who knew them said they were quiet people and nice neighbours, and wanted to pray for them, which we did at both masses this morning.”

Shock as girls attacked by men BLANCHARDSTOWN: The entire Blanchardstown community was on alert following a series of incidents in which young girls were either approached or attacked by men. T he first incident occurred on Thursday, March 12, when a man in a red car allegedly approached a student of Scoil Mhuire Senior National School in Blakestown as she was walking by Mount Symon Green in Clonsilla. Just six days later on

Gazette

7 January 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 5

Wednesday, March 18, two schoolgirls from Hartstown Community School were approached on the Hartstown Road at around 8.30pm by two men in a black car. The following week, on Monday, March 23, a girl believed to be 13 years old had a plastic bag pulled over her head as she jogged through the Manorfields area. The girl had been training for her school athletics team when she was approached from behind by a man. She managed to struggle free and escape unharmed back to Colaiste Pobail Setanta, where she alerted staff to what had happened. Gardai were called, but the assailant had already left the scene when they arrived. No arrests were made regarding any of these incidents.


Gazette

6 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

2015

Gazette review of the year that was from around dublin

TOP STORIES: april to june

Birth, deaths create shock as some lives left ‘in limbo’ APRIL Mixed reaction to harbour plan DUN LAOGHAIRE: A PLANNING application was lodged for an €18m berth to accommodate cruise liners stopping off at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, but the proposed project received a mixed reaction from locals, business interests and politicians. Dun Laoghaire Business Improvement District, which along with the harbour company and the council comprises the Dun Laoghaire C r u i s e S t a ke h o l d e r Group, expects the berth

to result in a €27m boost to the area. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said the new berth would allow new, bigger ships to visit the harbour. However, Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBP) called the berth project a “mad-cap” idea and criticised the council’s support of it.The application is currently with An Bord Pleanala, and the decision is expected imminently (early this coming month).

MAY Grief as biker fundraiser killed LUCAN: THE funeral

mass of much-loved Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) fundraiser Aidan Lynam took place at St Mary’s Church. The father-of-three died when his motorbike collided with a car near Kilkee in County Clare on Sunday, May 3, during his annual Rev-Up4DSI fundraising run. Traffic around Lucan was brought to a standstill as mourners made their way to the church. A huge guard of honour accompanied the hearse, and crowds of people lined the streets as the procession arrived. Also present were representatives of An

Garda Siochana, with several gardai on motorbikes taking part. More than 60 motorbikes of all sorts – from choppers to light bikes – drove into Lucan for the funeral. In delivering the sermon, Fr Thomas Kennedy said: “Aidan was loved by many and will remain in the hearts of his family, friends and everyone he touched.” Tributes to the local hero had been flooding in well before the funeral, with politicians, DSI, friends and fellow bikers all expressing admiration for their extraordinary friend. Aidan is survived by his wife, Nikki, and their

three children, Robyn, Jake and Harry.

Baby abandoned in plastic bag CLONDALKIN: A BABY girl was found abandoned in a plastic bag on the Steelstow n Road, Rathcoole near the Blackchurch Inn. The baby, who was named Maria after the find, was doing ver y well in the care of her new foster parents. Investigating officers at Clondalkin Garda Station have still been unable to identify “Maria’s” mother,

despite a vast line of enquiries. The baby had been fed and nourished when found, but was suffering from hypothermia. Unless her mother or father is found, she will have to remain in foster care until she is 18, as only a biological parent can sign the adoption papers, according to Irish law.

JUNE Nation shocked at death of six students in US DUN

LAOGHAIRE:

OUR Lady’s Church in Foxrock was the focal point for an outpouring of grief by the community, who came in their droves to pay their respects to the six students killed after they fell four floors when a balcony collapsed in Berkeley, California. Five of those who lost their lives were from south Dublin. Niccolai Schuster (21), Eoghan Culligan (21), Eimear Wa l s h ( 21) , O l i v i a Burke (21) and Lorcan Miller (21) all died in the accident, a week after arriving at Berkeley on J1 visas to work during the summer. The sixth victim was Irish-American Ashley


Donohoe (22) , who was a cousin of Olivia Burke. The subsequent funerals involved huge turnouts with the community uniting to pay their respects to the students.

Study proposes banning cars CITY: A TRANSPORT study that proposed the banning of private cars and taxis from Dublin city centre as one of a number of major changes to the cityscape was announced. The study aims to ensure the city continues to function efficiently and to accommodate future growth as the National Trans-

port Authority (NTA) plans to invest €150m in public transport. It recommends cycling- and pedestrian-only links along the north and south quays and at College Green, along with the pedestrianisation of Suffolk Street and Stephen’s Green north. The body’s chief executive, Anne Graham, said hard decisions now would pay dividends in the future. A public consultation process during the summer had to be extended due to the level of engagement from stakeholders. The NTA and Dublin City Council are currently working through the issues and the submissions raised, and meeting with stakeholders.

Gazette

d

7 January 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 7

The death of biker fundraiser Aidan Lynam in May was a loss of life that shocked people far beyond Dublin

In June the entire nation was shocked at the news of the deaths of five young southside students in a balcony collapse in California. (Clockwise from top left) May’s official opening of the €24.5m St Francis Hospice

Niccolai Schuster, Eoghan Culligan, Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke and Lorcan Miller

in Blanchardstown was warmly welcomed by all

lost their lives, as did Irish-American Ashley Donohoe, a cousin of Olivia Burke.


Gazette

8 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

2015

Gazette review of the year that was from around dublin

TOP STORIES: July to september

Rich heritage is celebrated, contemporary issues raised JULY Homeless family Swords Castle figures released IT WAS officially opened CLONDALKIN: revealed that the num-

ing, and has increased funding for housing. However, more and more people continue to be made homeless.

SWORDS: IT WAS a momentous moment for the town as Swords Castle was officially opened to the public on Wednesday, July 1 by the Mayor of Fingal, David O’Connor (Ind), who cut the ribbon at the ceremony. Fingal County Council’s conservation of the castle has reached a stage where sufficient buildings have been restored and regular daily tours are now being provided by Fingal Tourism. It is intended that the 12th century landmark will once again become the centre of Swords, and a number of activities, including a photographic exhibition and archaeological digs, took place in summer. Later in the year, a number of events also took place there during Halloween, including a festival of fire. At the opening, Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) said she was “over the moon” that the castle had reopened, saying it defined Swords. She added: “To my mind, it’s a sign that it’s the beginning of a new time for Swords.”

Hundreds drop into Glenalbyn pool protest

ber of families listed as homeless had risen by 20% in South County Dublin since the start of the year, with urgent calls for the Government to increase funding for social housing. In January, the area’s homeless households stood at 233, but in April the figure had risen to 287. This announcement was published in the form of a detailed report by the council’s housing section at the request of Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF). The report also showed a decrease in the number of people presenting themselves to the homeless service unit since January, dropping from 238 people at the start of the year to 224 in April. Cllr O’Broin said: “Central government must significantly increase the funds available to the council to build and buy more social housing.” The Government has since introduced a number of extra measures, such as modular hous-

DUNDRUM: MORE than 300 people attended a protest in Glenalbyn organised by Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) and Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (Ind) to express their anger and frustration at the lack of developments at the closed Glenalbyn Swimming Pool site. Deputy Ross said: “Glenalbyn has been closed for more than 18 months now, and the progress on its future has been inexcusably slow.” Previously, in 2014, a capital budget of €10m was allocated by the council for the refurbishment of the swimming pool. In response, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said a working group had been set up “to investigate all alternatives open to the council”. Later on, in Septem-

d

Stating her belief that there is a “life outside politics”, Deputy Olivia Mitchell – a Fine Gael stalwart in Dublin South (now Dublin Rathdown) – announced her retirement

There was further good news for Swords with the official opening to the public of Swords Castle, following a range of significant conservation works at the historical site

ber, a review was implemented, which recommended that a new pool and additional facilities be developed on a different site adjacent to the N11 in Stillorgan. The option of moving to a new site at a cost of €10m was deemed more attractive than repairing the existing swimming pool, with fewer extra facilities, at an estimated cost of €5m.

AUGUST €15m awarded for rehabilitation hospital building DUN LAOGHAIRE: THE National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire was awarded €15m in funding as part of plans to redevelop the hospital for patients.

The funding will go towards a new 120-bed building on the hospital site. The hospital secured planning permission for the development but there was a shortfall in the original estimate for the work, and this funding will go towards bridging that gap, according to Deputy Eamon Gilmore (Lab). Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitch-

ell O’Connor, welcomed the extra funding, saying: “This redevelopment is something that has been badly needed for a long time, by both patients and staff. This new development will be purposebuilt to accommodate the needs of patients requiring complex specialist rehabilitation services.” Following planning approval, the National Rehabilitation Hospital


 and design team is currently finalising negotiations. It is expected to have a building contractor on site in the latter part of 2016 to commence groundworks.

Displeasure at the ongoing closure of

Homeless families featured regularly in

Glenalbyn Swimming Pool spilled over

news across Dublin, as the housing crisis

into a protest

continued to cause great hardship

The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire received a significant funding boost, with €15m allocated to help build a 120-bed building at the site

SEPTEMBER Children in unit focus of report LUCAN: CHILDREN at the Ballydowd Special Care Unit were left to urinate on the floor of their locked bedrooms because they were forbidden to go to the bathroom, according to a report published by HIQA. HIQA reported that troubled children within the special care unit had to urinate on the floor while isolated in a “safe room” for lengthy periods

ABC CERTIFIED 51,340 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, July–Dec 2014)

advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240

of time. In response to the findings of HIQA’s inspection, Fred McBridge, chief executive of the child and family agency Tusla, told The Gazette they accepted that on some occasions the use of single-separation was not adequate.

Olivia Mitchell (FG) retires DUNDRUM: DEPUT Y Olivia Mitchell (FG) announced her retirement from politics in a move that will leave an opening for her seat in the next General Election. In an exclusive interview with the Dundrum Gazette, Deputy Mitchell said: “I’ll miss always having something to do and always having issues to deal with in the local-

ity. But it’s time to go, and I’m happy with my decision. I’m sure there’s a life outside politics.” She added that despite the fact that she is retiring, she will remain involved in politics and could not imagine not being involved in some form or another. In the weeks following her announcement, Deputy Mitchell said she was supporting the full Fine Gael ticket in the DublinRathdown constituency.

Call to inspect hotel conditions B L A N C H A R D STOW N : DEPUTY Ruth Coppinger (SP) called for inspections of all hotels being paid public money to accommodate homeless families in September, after a local family showed her video

Gazette

d

7 January 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

footage of cockroaches in the room in which they were staying. She said: “I’m horrified, having seen video evidence of cockroaches in the bedroom and shower of a family in a Dublin hotel receiving taxpayers’ money over a long period. “How much is being paid by Dublin City Council to ‘hotels’ who ignore complaints about cockroaches? What sort of hotel in this century doesn’t even provide a TV in rooms? Why is a kettle too much to ask for?” Deputy Coppinger added that she recently held a meeting in her constituency office in Blanchardstown with 10 local homeless families. She said: “Infections of impetigo, eczema and lice are widespread in some accommodation centres.”


Gazette

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

2015

Gazette review of the year that was from around dublin

TOP STORIES: october to december

Blaze deaths cast sombre mood over final months OCTOBER Nation shocked as blaze kills 10 in Carrickmines

DUNDRUM: THE community of Carrickmines mourned the tragic deaths of 10 Travellers who were killed in a blaze at a temporary accommodation in Glenamuck. Three separate families were caught up in the fire – the Gilbert, Lynch and Connors families. Five of the deceased were children aged under 10, including a six-monthold baby. One pregnant woman, Tara Gilbert, also perished. Two boys – four-yearold Thomas Connors and six-year-old Michael Connors – were left orphaned. In the days that followed, a division appeared when a new temporary site was earmarked for the survivors. Residents of Rockfield Drive, off Glenamuck Road, staged a blockade to prevent works being carried out by the council to house the Travellers. After weeks of protests, Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down County Council announced that a car park owned by the council would be used as temporary accommodation for the surviving families of the Carrickmines tragedy.

Dublin’s oldest house revealed CITY: THE oldest house in Dublin was revealed, at Thomas Street. Dating from 1639, No 130 – although unremarkable from its exterior – hides stunning details from the 1600s, including a beautiful early staircase. The house’s unusual roof and chimney were noticed by Dublin Civic Trust Officer Graham Hickey on Google maps, and he then gained access to the house, discovering the beauty within. Hickey applied to Dublin City Council to have the building listed as a protected structure. The house was bought by builder Paul Sinnott in March 2014, who then had samples of wood from the house sent to Belfast to be dated, revealing it to be from 1639.

There was finally some good news for councillors approving extensive reno-

Sinnott now plans to make the house into apartments, while conserving its original features.

€2.4bn Metro North ready to roll – in 2027 SWORDS: THE fabled and long-awaited Metro North project was put back on the table as it was included in the Government’s €27bn Capital Plan. However, commuters weren’t jumping for joy, as the project won’t be built till 2027. With a cost of €2.4bn, works will commence in 2021. This optimised version of the original plan will be a 16.5km light rail connecting St Stephen’s Green to Swords, via Dublin Air por t. There will be 14 stations between Swords and St Stephen’s Green, and almost 8.5km of the route will run in a tunnel from St Stephen’s Green to Griffith Avenue, and under the airport. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the announcement, while Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said he wouldn’t be get-

d Glenn Walsh, secretary of the Clondalkin Equine Club, with Una. The horse became the focus of attention Michael and Thomas Connors were left orphaned by the blaze at a

in the area after she was found

Traveller site in Carrickmines which killed 10 people in October. The

abandoned and severely injured

nation was shocked by the tragedy, which once again highlighted the

in a field. Happily, she made a full

poor housing conditions experienced by many Travellers.

recovery and has found a home.

ting too excited as he saw it as nothing more than an election promise.

NOVEMBER Anger at cost of modular housing CITY: THE cost of the 22 modular houses under construction in Ballymun came under fire as it was revealed that each unit was costing an average of €191,000 to build. Dublin City Council announced that it had entered into a contract with Western Build-

ing Systems, from Co Tyrone, to build 22 units on a site in Poppintree, Ballymun. There was shock and indignation when it was announced that the units would cost around €4.2m in total.

Happy ending for a lovely horse CLONDALKIN: THE sad story of an abandoned horse who was severely malnourished and left trapped in iron railings at a field in Fonthill earlier in 2015 came to a happy

conclusion this month when the fully recovered horse was given a new home. The grey mare, who has since been named Una, suffered serious injury after trapping herself in a section of an iron fence that had fallen onto the ground. Local horse charity, My Lovely Horse, travelled to the site to free her. She then underwent an emergency operation and was sent into rehab on a small farm in Kildare. Glenn Walsh, secretary of the Clondalkin Equine

Club, has since given Una a new home, saying that she’s now in full health and in great form.

Rundown baths to be restored DUN LAOGHAIRE: COUNCILLORS council gave the final goahead for Dun Laoghaire Baths to undergo extensive restoration works. The plan is to redevelop and revamp the site, following its closure two decades ago. As part of the plans, the Victorian bath house will


f

d

the dilapidated Dun Laoghaire Baths, with

vation works for the disused Victorian landmark.

be restored, and a new walkway will be created connecting Newtownsmith and the East Pier. There will also be water features, sea bathing jetties and landscaped areas. Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind), who proposed the adoption of a report that was published by the council in March to develop the baths, said he was delighted that the much loved site in Dun Laoghaire would be redeveloped. Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBPA) also welcomed the decision.

DECEMBER Gardai note a big rise in assaults This unassuming Thomas Street building (centre) was revealed as Dublin’s oldest house, dating from 1639

S W O R D S : G A R DA I revealed that Swords and Malahide saw sig-

nificant increases in the number of assaults committed in 2015, when compared to 2014. 2014 saw 20 assaults causing harm in Swords and one in Malahide, while 2015 saw 32 in Swords and nine in Malahide – an increase of 49%. This was according to a Swords/Malahide Sub District report presented to the Fingal Joint Policing Committee by Superintendent Gerard Donnelly. In his report, Supt Donnelly noted: “A large number of incidents [were] associated with late night venues and environs.” H e s a i d we e ke n d patrols had been introduced across the district, utilising uniform and plain clothes patrols.

Planning agreed for horse facility CLONDALKIN: SOUTH Dublin County Council granted planning permission for a new stateof-the-art equestrian facility to be built in Ballyowen Park, off the Fonthill Road. This new development came as welcome news to the Clondalkin Equine Club and local horse owners who have no suitable land to look after their horses. The 1.32 hectare site – currently under the ownership of the council – will consist of 20 equine stalls, ancillary facilities, an exercise paddock and a car park. C l l r G i n o K e n ny (PBP), who has worked closely with the equine club over the past three

years, said: “There has always been a long tradition of horse ownership in Clondalkin, particularly in north and south west Clondalkin. “This facility will give young and old a place that’s affordable and accessible in the locality.”

Energy utility first to offer a ‘living wage’ DUNDRUM: A BUSINESS based in Leopardstow n was the first in the country to become a “living wage” employer, guaranteeing all its employees a wage of at least €11.50 an hour from January 1. Energy utility SSE Airtricity announced it would be the first large

Gazette

7 January 2016 DUNDRUM Gazette 11

corporate business in Ireland to become such an employer from the start of the new year. A l m o s t 75 0 s t a f f across SSE’s businesses in Ireland will receive the living wage rate, as implemented by the Labour Party, which is designed to ensure that people can cover their basic cost of living including housing, bills, food and work travel. Dublin South Labour deputy Alex White said: “Our living wage initiative demonstrates Labour’s determination to ensure that the recovery delivers improved living standards for all our citizens. “SSE’s announcement shows that large, successful corporations also see the value of paying their staff a living wage.”


12 DUNDRUM Gazette 7 January 2016

new year resolutions | politicians tell the gazette what they hope for in 2016

Busy working lives can’t interfere with family life

Despite party differences, representatives begin year on remarkably similar footing... I want to achieve a better work/life balance in 2016  cllr neale richmond, fg

2015 was a very eventful year for me, both personally and professionally, so I am hoping to balance things a bit better in 2016. Working full time and serving as a councillor can leave very little time for family and friends, but as a newlywed, my resolution is to achieve a bit more work/life balance. Politically, my resolution is to do as much as I can to support the Fine Gael team in the General Election, and to help return this Government to power, while on a local level I will endeavour to continue to represent our area to the very best of my ability.

Visiting my mam more often is a new year resolution that I intend to keep  cllr sorcha nic cormaic, sf

TRADITIONALLY, I make new year’s resolutions that I never follow through on. These would include the old favourites, such as “more exercise”, “give up junk”, etc. Every year, for various reasons, I fall at the first hurdle. For a few years I resolved not to have any resolutions (that was quite successful, actually). This year, I’m going to give it another go. Apparently, the key to success is to keep it simple, set a goal, make a plan and stick with it. Firstly, I am resolving this new year to visit my mammy more often. With two young children and a very busy work schedule, I find I have less time to do all the things I enjoy, and visiting my mam is one of them. Aside from the odd dig, I know she understands, but I can no longer push her down the list of priorities. As for keeping it simple, secondly, I am going to use and share “life hacks”. For those who don’t know, life hacks are low-budget tips and tricks to make your life simpler and easier. Google it – you won’t be sorry – and you’re welcome.

I will continue striving for the highest standards in this new year  cllr josepha

madigan, fg

MY NEW Year’s resolution is to be more patient with myself and everyone else. I like to get things done yesterday, so I am going to try to be more tolerant. I loathe inefficiency in any area and I have little sy mpathy for incompetence. I will endeavour to improve my level of patience but I will still insist on the highest standards nonetheless!


Gazette

7 January 2016 Gazette 13

dublinlife

feature

day in the life: aisleen green loves animals

Job in the zoo is a keeper for Aisleen

 ian begley Zookeeper and veterinary nurse Aisleen Green has quite the nonconventional day-to-day life, as one can imagine. Working with some of the most dangerous and exotic animals in the world each day may sound like a very unnerving job for many, but for Green it has become her passion. This week, The Gazette caught up with the Dublin-based zookeeper to see what a day in her life entails.

“I start work at about 8am and begin my day by meeting up with everyone to discuss what needs to be done. “I work on the far side of the zoo which covers the big cats, the primates, and the wolves. I could be working on any one of these areas on any given day. “I go around the zoo and check that all of the animals are well, healthy and in good form. You also have to do a count just in case one of them has gone for a little wander.

“The majority of our cats have access to their main habitat the entire time. T he only time we would have them locked in their enclosures would be during high winds. “We have seven Asian lions, two Sumatran tigers, three snow leopards, three more tigers and four grey wolves. “Each morning they would usually come over to greet us and wait to be fed. We have at least two doors between us and them at all times and would feed them

either horsemeat, pork or chicken. “We put their food out in their habitat and place it high in the trees or else hide it somewhere so they get great exercise and keep busy throughout the day. Once they’re fed, the lions and tigers are like your typical domestic cat and just find a nice sunny spot somewhere and go to sleep.” Green added that some of the lions and tigers she looks after have taken a personal liking to her, but said she

A tiger cub on the prowl at Dublin Zoo and (inset) zookeeper and veterinary nurse Aisleen Green

always keeps in mind that they are wild and dangerous animals. “Segra, our female tiger greets me every morning at the fence. She rubs her face against it just like a domestic cat. It’s very cute, but I have to remind myself that she’s a tiger and not to give her

a rub. “Kuno, our first born Asian lion cub, is the biggest sweetheart you’d ever come across. He’s the first Asian lion to be born in Dublin Zoo so he holds a special place in my heart. “Most people think that they’re tame animals,

but in reality they’re not. They’re very dangerous and as a safety measure we don’t share any space with them at all. “It was a fairly steep learning curve, but it’s just been a brilliant job and I haven’t regretted anything since coming here,” she said.


Gazette

14 Gazette 7 January 2016

dublinlife

Some of the members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, who are moving from the RDS to the Round Room at the Mansion House in the city centre

music: collective on the move

Round Room to be a new base for orchestra THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is moving to a new city centre venue ahead of its upcoming spring season for 2016. The Limerick-based orchestra renowned for its diversity, energy and unique sound is moving from the RDS to the Round Room in the Mansion House for its Dublin concerts in February, March, and April. The concerts will commence at 7.30pm in the new central location. The upcoming concerts taking place in the Round Room include Gabor Takacs-Nagy, the ICO’s principal artistic partner/ conductor, introducing Death & The Maiden – a programme featuring liturgical music of beauty by Pergolesi, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert, and sung by soprano Ailish Tynan on Wednesday, February 10.

March will see a celebration of the beginning of a three-year collaboration between the ICO and one of the world’s up-andcoming pianists, Russianborn Igor Levit, who will perform a Mendelssohn and Mozart piano concerti on Wednesday, March 16. Levit will perform Mendelssohn’s popular Piano Concerto No 1 alongside his long-lost Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. Works by Widmann and Weber will also feature. This coincides with the commencement of a three-year international ICO residency in Heidelberg, Germany beginning in April. The ICO will dedicate its April concerts to the 1916 Centenary celebrations, with a commemorative programme featuring works by Irish composers with themes of love, loss and transience.

Renowned stage and screen actor Des Keogh, of Ryan’s Daughter fame, will present this intimate and nostalgic mix of music, songs and poetry featuring special guests on Wednesday, April 6. The ICO will take to the road in May, bringing their Magic of the Movies tour to venues in Mayo, Waterford, Wicklow, Dublin and Sligo. Directed by Katherine Hunka, the programme features music from classic scores as well as today’s most popular soundtracks, and features renowned composers such as Bernard Hermann, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini and Michel Legrand. The ICO is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, and is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/ An Chomhairle Ealaion.


7 January 2016 Gazette 15

Gazette

diary

Go on, go on – give up the oul gargle! The Irish Heart Foundation is asking the public to go on, go on, go on the dry this January for the second year running. F a t h e r Te d a c t o r Frank Kelly joined by the RTE 2FM Breakfast Republic crew Jennifer Maguire, Bernard O’Shea and Keith Walsh, are channelling Mrs Doyle to ditch the booze for January and give their New Year a healthy kick start. T he campaign not only raises vital funds for the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke in every corner of the country, but those who sign up to take part and tell their family and friends, have

a greater chance of realising their goal to make a healthy beginning to 2016 and reaping the health benefits they desire, than if they go it alone. Giving up alcohol for a month can help improve sleep, energy and weight loss. In a survey of last year’s participants, 62% said they had better sleep and more energy after taking part, 49% reported losing weight, 79% saved money and 82% said they felt a sense of achievement. Visit onthedry.ie to sign up.

new attractions at Funderland This year ’s Winter

Funderland has already been very well received by excited thrill seekers nationwide. Open until Sunday, January 11, this year sees the arrival of three brand new attractions among over 50 other established rides and attractions. T hese include the child friendly Dumbo, Magic Circus and the thrilling Ultra Buzz. One of the largest indoor events of its kind in Europe, Winter Funderland features thrilling rollercoasters and a giant Ferris wheel alongside the well-known rides like Extreme, Snowdrop and Take Off. With top of the range attractions catering for

Actor Frank Kelly joins the 2FM crew Jennifer Maguire, Bernard O’Shea and Keith Walsh and ditches the booze. Picture: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

all ages Bounceworld, The Fun Factory and the Crazy Worm rollercoaster will be sure to capture the hearts and imagination of those younger family members. For those visitors who

prefer to keep their heart pace at an even keel, there will also be an area filled with games of skill and the chance to win one of the famous Winter Funderland soft toys. For more information,

visit www.winterfunderland.ie

big brother seeks housemates Exhibitionists are gearing up for the chance to appear on the new

series of Big Brother this summer 2016. Open calls are taking place in the city centre on January 15, 16 and 17 2016 for exciting, outgoing and stand out characters for what producers are promising will be the “biggest, boldest and best series yet”. If you, or someone you know, would make the perfect housemate and want the experience of a lifetime spending a summer in the UK’s most famous TV house and a chance to win a life changing amount of money, then call 0044 208 222 4429 to book a slot and meet the team and show them why you should be a Big Brother UK housemate in 2016.


Gazette

16 Gazette 7 January 2016

dublinlife

feature

families: report details scale of online lives

Campaign to keep children safe online  ian begley A NEW digital trend report has revealed that 17% of children in first class have reported interacting with strangers online and have experienced cyber bullying, according to Zeeko, an Irish company that educates parents to teach their children how to stay safe online. In 2015, Zeeko visited more than 45 schools across Ireland, providing training for children, parents and teachers, and

surveyed 2,200 children about their online activities. When asked “if they had ever been cyberbullied or experienced cyberbullying happening to people around them”, 26% of second class students and 34% of sixth class students said they either had, or knew someone who had been cyberbullied. Some 15% of first class children, 26% of third class children, 24% of fourth class children and 23% of fifth class children

said they had been cyberbullied or knew someone who had been cyberbullied. In addition, 54% of sixth class students admitted to speaking to a stranger online. The report also highlighted that 50% of children in fifth class spend one or two hours a day on “screen time”, and more than 30% of first and second class children are spending one or two hours a day in front of screens. Zeeko is launching a crowdfunding campaign,

with a target of raising €5,000 for its internet safety guide for parents and educators – a digital copy of which will be distributed to all 3,300 schools in Ireland this year. Speaking in relation to the report, Joe Kenny, Zeeko founder, said: “Some of the results of this report indicate that children as young as six and seven are creating their own online digital relationships by interacting with strangers online. “This should be of

A new report outlines the time that children are spending online, and also outlines their exposure to strangers and cyberbullying

concern to parents and educators. The internet is a great resource and has enormous potential in the education setting as we know it; however, there are also many risks online, especially for children. “Our advice to parents is that the best thing they can do is teach children how to navigate the inter-

net safely. The feedback from parents attending our seminars is very positive. Parents are looking for information and guidance in this area,” he said. Speaking about the Zeeko crowdfunding campaign to fund the publication of the Zeeko Internet Safety Guide for parents

and teachers, Kenny said: “We are asking people to back our campaign to get a digital copy of the guide into every primary school in Ireland. We need to raise €5,000 to do this. Those who contribute €15 or more will receive a printed version.” For further information, see www.zeeko.ie.


7 January 2016 Gazette 17

food P22

asdfsdaf P27 cinema P25

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

Gazette

style P19

Pets

Can you help Claude find his new home?

The Stunning will play at The Button Factory on Saturday, January 30 at 8.30pm. Tickets are €25.99.

music: series of gigs and events set to take over temple bar

Toe-tapping radical trad

 keith bellew kbellew@dublingazette.com

This month get your toes-a-tapping at a specially commissioned series of gigs and events as part of TradFest Temple Bar 2016 on January 27-31. This year’s festival is packed with headline concerts, presenting the cream of both Irish and international trad and folk artists in iconic Dublin venues, free concerts in intimate settings featuring five of the very best in Irish music, up close and personal, and a music trail which will allow festival goers to explore daily music sessions throughout the great pubs of Temple Bar. Some of the great acts lined up this year include The Fureys, Foster

and Allen, Gilbert O’Sullivan, The Whileaways, The Young Folk, Dougie McClean and more. To mark the centenary year there will also be a number of 1916 themed events at St Michan’s Church including: 1916: Visionaries and their Words on Saturday, January 30, photo exhibition, Dublin Burning on Sunday, January 31, and at City Hall there will be a musical performance entitled A Requiem for 1916 on January 31. Other niche aspects of the programme include Tradfringe, which is a taste trail of exhibitions, film-screenings, workshops, masterclasses and much more, and Tradkids, TradTastic Fun for all the Family; with a trad farm, family concerts, children’s club, children’s trad sessions and lots more.

As part of Tradkids, there will be a range of events designed especially for children and families on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 at The Ark. The venue will be the family hub for TradFest with events for ages two to 12 and their families and friends. Events will allow the kids to explore the world of trad, join in an open trad session, or try their hand at a new instrument or traditional crafts. According to organisers, the festival started out in 2006 as a small niche traditional music festival, which was a first for Dublin. “We wanted to create something special – a festival showcasing the cream of both Irish and international

trad and folk artists while also providing a stage to promote the next generation of Irish musicianship. From modest beginnings the festival has gone from strength to strength. The past decade has seen the festival grow in terms of size, ambition and musical breadth, with a line-up that now appeals to the purist and the merely curious alike,” they said. They added that the festival had evolved over the years and now also features artists from the worlds of folk, nu-folk, and even rock-and-roll. “We invite you to join us, to feel every note. This is more than just trad, we call it radical trad,” they said. For more information and a full programme of events, visit www.templebartrad.com.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is Claude – a five-year-old male pit-bull cross with possibly a boxer. Claude is a real people person and would happily snuggle up to you all day. Unfortunately he had to have his tail amputated as he injured it badly from constantly wagging it and banging it off things. To compensate for this, he now wags his rear end and is affectionately know as wiggle bottom. Claude is very gentle but is also a very strong boy and will need a family who are able to manage his size and strength so he would be best suited to a home with older children. He does struggle with other dogs so would prefer to be the only dog in the home. Claude is very nervous around vets so will need a family who are willing to help him with this. If you think you could offer Claude a loving home please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.


OUT&ABOUT uture nt Co €55 a r u La pe ie Jas Saint Yves ollector Ind eC Palett

te Eye bsolu n of A e c i i Catr The Capta .29 3 r, u € o l l r o C Pea k c a l the B

NYX Round Lipstick – Eros €5.49

Catrice Ultimate Lacquer The Glamour X Factor nail polish €2.99

Gazette

18 Gazette 7 January 2016

Spring

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm 150ml €58

Lancome Correcteur Pro Ouvert concealer €39

Think

 mimi murray

Spring is just a mere month or two away (okay we’re being very optimistic here in Gazette land) and many new season colours will soon be available in the shops. While Christmas is all about strong, bold colours – red lips and darker smoky eyes, spring should be more fresh and subtle. Check out these new eye compacts from YSL in gorgeous pale colours and the packaging is just swoon. A good concealer is vital at this time of year. Let’s face it, we’ve all just been through a few late nights and under-eye circles and bags will be wiped out by this beauty from Lancome.

Lancome Miracle Cushion €38

Flormar CC Cream €11.95

Clarins Printemps MultiBlush €21.50


7 January 2016 Gazette 19

Aldi ladies active fitness capri €10.99

RunLogic Hoka One One Clifton 2 €120

RunLogic Tech Garmin Sapphire Fenix 3 €599

RunLogic Adidas Wind Response jacket €55

Think healthy Wireless activity tracker €39.99

Aldi fruit infuser bottle €5.99

Available at Life Style Sports

Aldi dumbbells €6.99 per set

Women’s fi

tness top

€7.99

Available at Life Style Sports

Gazette

STYLE


Gazette

20 Gazette 7 January 2016

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Belmond Grand Hibernian: company to provide overnight rail experiences

All aboard for a trip on Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train  Ian Begley

50% off fare for second guest For a limited period only, Royal Caribbean International have launched its All In package which offers 50% off their cruise fare for a second guest. What’s more, third and fourth stateroom guests will receive more than a third (35%) off their cruise fare on any cruise booked by February 29. All inclusive packages for the first and second guest includes the Royal Select Beverage Package for adults or the Royal Refreshment Soda Package for people under 18. People who book their cruise 57 days or more before their departure date will also obtain a reduced deposit of €70pp. This promotion is applicable to new bookings made before February 29 on selected 6+ night worldwide sailings, depar ting between Febr uar y 1 and December 31, 2016. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.ie

TRAVEL

Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train will take to the tracks in August 2016, and already there has been a lot of interest in the two, four and sixnight itineraries from Dublin through the Republic and Northern Ireland. The first images of Belmond Grand Hibernian’s carriages have now been released as the transformation into 20 luxury en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car gets

under way in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

World-class A team of 40 multiskilled craf tsmen at specialist outfitters Mivan Marine Ltd, will undertake 35,000 hours of work at the worldclass production facility in County Antrim preparing the train for its inaugural journey from Dublin on August 9, 2016. Belmond has a legacy of operating some of the world’s most famous trains including the

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman; building the company’s seventh luxur y train to exacting standards requires cutting edge technology mixed with traditional skills. “We chose to work with Mivan not only for their extensive experience but they have also shared our passion and vision for Belmond Grand Hibernian from the outset - it is very important to Belmond that we work with local experts and craftsman to create

a truly authentic train that reflects the spirit of the countries through which it will travel,” said Gary Franklin, managing director of Belmond Trains and Cruises. Belmond bought the 10 carriages and locomotive from Irish Rail earlier this year and began transformation of the mark three carriages into Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train. The work started with the mechanical engineering and painting of the exterior midnight blue and silver livery at

Brodie’s in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The carriages have been carefully transported back across the Irish Sea for this next stage in development

Design The interior design of the 10 carriages, by James Park Associates, reflects Dublin’s Georgian architecture with inspiration taken from the flora and fauna of Irish landscape. All interior furnishings are supplied by local businesses includ-

ing hand-crafted stone counters in the observation car from a Dublin-based company and wool blended carpets from Ulster. The designs all feature Belmond Grand Hibernian’s Celtic knot weaved throughout in colours matching the tartan of the counties after which the carriages are named including sleeper car Waterford and dining car Sligo. For more information or to make a reservation visit Belmond.com/ grandhibernian

Belmond bought the carriages and locomotive from Irish Rail earlier this year and began its transformation into Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train


7 January 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

HEALTH

Sharon pictured before and after her weight loss

The great health benefits of losing those extra pounds Robert Waldinger reveals why other people and social interactions are the key to our happiness

make a fresh start: New Year’s resolutions

Inspirational talks  Suzanne Sheehy

Having just entered a new year it’s time to make a fresh start. If you use social media, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you most likely come across memorable quotes being shared about new beginnings, fresh-starts. I have checked out TED talks (Technology, Entertainment, Design) an online website which posts short, powerful talks. Under the categories fitness, health, and happiness I have brought you the most uplifting, motivating and inspiring talks to help you keep your 2016 New Year’s resolutions whether this is your year to get back into shape or find what makes you happy. With fitness in mind I came across Christopher McDougall who is a marathon runner and author of Born to Run? He tracks down members of the reclusive Tarahumara Indian tribe

who have the ability to run ultra distances (over 100 miles) at incredible speeds. During his talk McDougall speaks of this tribe and humans desire to run. It will inspire you to put on your runners perhaps not for 100 miles but certainly enough to get you fit. Secondly, Matt Cutts: Try Something New for 30 Days. His words will make you think outside the box when choosing how to spend your time whether it’s something you have always wanted to do, writing a novel or starting a new fitness class you should do it. Cutts says 30 days is long enough to form a habit and stick with it. But if you end up disliking it 30 days will soon pass. It is impossible to ignore the importance of health and Andy Puddicombe’s talk All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes reminds us not to always be in a rush. With a never ending list to get through

we are distracted and we don’t take time to enjoy the present moment. Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment will help you in achieving optimum health. It’s often heard that you control your own happiness. So lastly Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness. Waldinger reveals data on true happiness and satisfaction. It’s neither fame or money but in fact good relationships that keep us happy and

healthier. If we are more socially connected to family, friends we tend to live longer. Also the opposite side of the coin he highlights the fact that those who are lonely and isolated are less happy and live shorter lives. Waldinger closes his talk with a quote from from Mark Twain. “There isn’t time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving, and but an instant, so to speak, for that.” The good life is built with good relationships. For more inspiring talks visit www.ted.com

Christopher McDougall explains why humans are built to move

It has been an amazing year for Sharon Carton, not only has she seen her daughter start secondary school, she has also lost five stone and can now wear her skinny jeans with style. “I am thrilled with my new waist line and with all the energy I have, by making small changes to the way I shop, cook and eat food, I am now feeling fitter and healthier than I have in years. “I love sports and have recently returned t o p l ay i n g s q u a s h which is something I love and can play with my daughter and enjoy together.” Sharon explains how for most of her adult life she has battled with her weight and has tried all diets in the book and could not shift it, her energy levels were at an alltime low and clothes shopping was a nightmare as she seemed to be in-between sizes. “My self-confidence took a battering and I knew I had to do something about this.” After seeing a poster for her local group at the end of her road for a few weeks, Sharon took it as a sign and joined her local Slimming World group on

January 3, 2015. Feeling a little embarrassed and apprehensive she arrived in the group but soon found that she was among l i ke m i n d e d p e o p l e who were there to listen and support you along the way. “I knew I could contact my consultant Fiona at any time and I also found the Slimming World website very helpful. “The fact that you don’t have to count calories and points and weigh and measure everything is fantastic, you lose weight without ever feeling hungry.” Sharon began to lose weight straightaway and received her Club 10 award by February 18. T his award is to celebrate 10% of your body weight being lost; this has great health benefits and is a huge boost to your weight loss journey. “My favourite slimming world meal is roasted tomato and basil soup, chicken lemon and garlic casserole and fluffy chocolate mousse. Enjoying all this and losing weight is great news. “One of my joys in life is eating out and I

found restaurants to be very accommodating by substituting chips for baked potatoes or other vegetable options I was probably making healthier choices. “Of course I got discouraged at times but the group were always there for support and encouragement in times of need. “I feel very confident that I can maintain my new weight, I never want to be the ‘old me’ again. “Clothes shopping is such a pleasure now I will continue to go to the group on a regular basis and I also make much healthier choices. “My extended family are delighted to have ‘an energetic’ me nearby and I have the energy and the confidence to have a very full and happy life, we love to travel and I know I will be very happy in my summer clothes this year and will shop and pack suitcases with pride and delight.” Sharon attends Slimming World in St Sylvester’s infant school, Malahide, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm her consultant is Fiona Riordan and can be contacted on 087 1901559.


Gazette

22 Gazette 7 January 2016

OUT&ABOUT

FOOD

Bijou

European menu

Rathgar village Bijou in Rathgar village has always been a reliable and decent mid-range bistro

The Picky Eater’s jewel  Shane Rigney

Food Vlogger

Bijou in Rathgar village has been a favourite of the neighbourhood restaurant scene for years, serving faithfully the locale of Rathgar, Terenure and the environs of D6W. In a rather gastronomically underserviced pocket of Dublin, Bijou has always been a reliable and decent mid-range bistro. Last Sunday, myself and a mate headed over for an early bird, we were in the mood for something greasier but wanted to stay as close to home as possible. I live in Terenure and as bedraggled as we were from the festive exertions the night before, a trip to town or even Ranelagh seemed like a donkey trek. So to Bijou it was. The room was twinkly and sparkly and full of leftovers from family Sunday lunches and Christmas

catch ups, those oncea-year occasions with friends and loved ones that leave you wondering why you don’t see each other more often. It was warm and inviting and exactly what we needed to salve our selfinflicted weariness. With coats taken, bums on seats and a glass of restorative red in hand all in seven minutes - we were coming back to life and greedily perusing the menu. As I said Bijou is a neighbourhood foodie s e c u r i t y b l a n ke t s o nothing too weird or wonderful pops off the menu. The early bird had a traditional Christmas turkey and ham dinner, a steak and chips, baked salmon, supreme of chicken and confit leg of duck. T he a la car te is much the same with a little more flesh on the bones. I opted for the duck

and the mate had the C h r i s t m a s d i n n e r, ordered with an apologetic shrug of his shoulders. I told him to have what he fancied and that this was no time for experimenting. He made the right choice! The turkey and ham where soft, succulent and came sandwiching a delicious chestnut stuffing. Perfect goose fat roasters, sausage meat cake, tender parsnips and lovely al dente sprouts all drowned in a light densely flavoured gravy made for satisfying and nostalgic ooohs and aaahs. I fared worse with the duck and had a classic case of “I want what you’re having” as soon as I saw mine. I love anything confit and especially a duck leg but whilst the meat was tender it hadn’t been confited long enough or finished in

the oven to impart that sensational fat to the skin and to crisp it just right. T h e m e a t h a d n ’t taken on the f lavour in the cooking process and it was just a poorly roasted duck leg. The accompaniments were ill advised, the sweet potato mash was under seasoned and the sweetness overpowered

The duck failed to impress

the flavourless meat. I was at a loss as to what to do with the mound of watery spinach and what should have saved it was the red wine shallot jus but this was under reduced and bland. I rarely push my food around the plate looking for a redeemer but that’s what happened here and I had a burger

on the way home. We had a brownie with ice cream to share for dessert which was really lovely and gooey and sticky and all the better after my disappointing main. The Christmas dinner was great value at €17.95 and my duck was a fair €22, had it been done a little better. With a bottle of

soothing and full bodied cabernet merlot and a coffee the bill came to €72. With such a great atmosphere and really lovely staff, I’ll be back in Bijou soon no doubt for a great quality family Sunday lunch or quick early bite. I’ll know what to have next time. Bijou, 46-47 Highfield Rd, Dublin 6.


7 January 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

CINEMA

Quentin Tarantino’s new western, The Hateful Eight boasts an impressive cast. Inset: Leonardo Di Caprio is in Oscar-winning form in The Revenant

upcoming films: check out the top movies we’re anxious to see in 2016

Sneak peeks at the year ahead It is a fresh year for film, and while the blasting horns of The Force Awakens will still be ringing out in cinema screens for some time to come, there are plenty of huge films due in 2016, some of the most i m p r e s s i ve l o o k i n g releasing in the coming weeks ahead of the Oscars in February. Two firm favourites which will hit screens almost immediately are Creed and The Hateful Eight. Ta r a n t i n o ’s l o n g awaited The Hateful Eight finally gets to our screens, promising buckets of the director’s well-established and undeniably entertaining style. It is after the American Civil War and eight bounty hunters find themselves in close proximity when they are forced to shelter from a

 Dave phillips

blizzard. Starring Tarantino favourites like Samuel L Jackson, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, The Hateful Eight boasts an incredible cast, an intriguing plot, and an ingenious director - making this one a must-watch. Also looking exciting, Creed sees Sylvester Stallone step back into the boots of Rocky Balboa, this time to coach the son of his former rival Apollo Creed. The seventh film in the franchise looks to pass the torch and reignite a new era of legendary fights.

But what looks to undoubtedly relish some award limelight is Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s The Revenant. The director of Birdman and Babel pushes the limits in a dark story of frontier revenge starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Domhnall Gleeson. While Inarritu has managed to bag three Oscars, The Revenant may yet be the vehicle that will supply DiCaprio’s first. Post-Oscars we can expect the first smattering of superhero films before the now traditional summer deluge. Amid the inevitable premature reboots and so-so spin-offs this year looks to offer a handful of more intriguing comic book films, particularly coming from the DC Universe.

M ay w i l l s e e t h e release of Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. And while director Zack Snyder ’s 2013 Man of Steel was disappointing, there is something interesting about Ben Aff leck stepping into the role of Batman alongside Henry Cavill’s Superman. Affleck will don cape later in the year for David Ayer’s supervillain ensemble piece Suicide Squad. Featuring Jared Leto as the Joker and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad looks to offer a welcome spot of darkness amid the Summer blockbusters when it is released in August. Following last year’s Bridge of Spies, Stephen Spielberg and Mark Rylance will work together again on in a

much more fantastical setting in the world of The BFG. A long-time children’s favourite, Roald Dahl’s novel provides fertile soil for some classic Spielberg adventure. And we are bound for another nostalgic trip with Paul Feig’s reboot of Ghostbusters. Reuniting with several of his Bridesmaids cast, and with many of the 1984 Ghost Busters cast involved, this newest rendition may well match the original in terms of action and humour. Back to the real world for two final films, we revisit the American Civil War in a much more grounded way in Gary Ross’s The Free State of Jones. While much of this one remains a mystery, the combination of Ross (The Hunger Games,

Pleasantville) and Matthew McConaughey is certainly garnering plenty of interest, with a release date pegged for early summer. Expect core American ideals to be examined in Oliver Stone’s Snowden – which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the CIA employee turned whistleblower.

The veteran director has long had an interest in American politics and looks to continue exploring the themes of justice and freedom with this release in May. It is plenty to keep us distracted until the next helping of Star Wars – Rogue One – hits the screens in December.

Batman and Superman do battle


24 Gazette 7 January 2016

Gazettegallery

| Waves of sea salts and film buffs wash up at the

Victoria Balandino and Natallia Zhahlova

Brent Raynor and Hilary Johnson are all smiles at the Irish premiere screening of In the Heart of The Sea

Jenny Dixon

Daiva Juskyite and Ilona Turauskaite

Colin Dowling and Deirdre Kenny


7 January 2016 Gazette 25

savoy cinema to enjoy in the heart of the sea ‘s first screening in Ireland

Sarah Conroy and Steph Dickinson

Anita Nikolaisen

Michael Lavelle and Jolanda Kawalec

Whale of a time as true tale unfolds

Suzanne Kennedy and Isabel Mullarney

Paul and Niamh McMahon

Joyce O’Reilly and Gavin Carberry. Pictures: Brian McEvoy


26 dundrum gazette 7 January 2016

DundrumCLASSIFIEDS

ABC CERTIFIED 51,340 COPIES EACH WEEK

Advertise your business to over 280,000* readers each week *Publishers statement

call 01 60 10 240

PLATINUM PAVING Granite, Stone and Natural Stone Specialists.

(ABC: Group MFD, July–Dec 2014)

advertise your business to our readers call 01 60 10 240

0VS QSJDFT XJMM OPU CF CFBUFO $BMM GPS B RVPUF

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS FROM â‚Ź975 6Q UP

0'' .PCJMF 5FM &NBJM QMBUJOVNQBWJOHJF!HNBJM DPN 1MBUJOVNQBWJOHEVCMJO DPN ,$3 *OE &TUBUF ,JNNBHF %

DVD TRANSFERS ďƒźPhotos & Slides converted to DVD ďƒźCineFilms ďƒźVideo & Camera Tapes ďƒźMusic & Titles added

PLATINUM HOME IMPROVEMENTS t t t t t

3PPĂśOH 1BJOUJOH )PNF .BJOUFOBODF %SBJOBHF 3VCCJTI 3FNPWBM

1MBUJOVNQBWJOHEVCMJO DPN $"--

Got a Picture?

Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin. For up to date news follow us on Twitter @DublinGazette

Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@dublingazette.com

Send us the pictures from your local event, celebration or function!


7 January 2016 dundrum gazette 27

DundrumCLASSIFIEDS planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission sought for proposed new porch extension to front of house at 112 Ballinteer Drive, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 for Barry & Susan O’Leary. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission / observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

WE’RE ON

Visit: Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

dL `jd djG& z `L 6RL&d y9j z GG ÷ jj9 9MdnG j9RM `&#n & Rn` 6& j9M1 Rdjd ƢƢü

Ƽƾ Ƅ ƍ 1Ə ƍ ƎƄƄ GG Ƒ ƍƈ  ^ƈƅƊ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƏ ƇƆ ƈ Ƌ Ɨ ƒƆ Ɔ ƆƏ ƕ ÷ ƌ Ɔƕ

0`&& _nRj j9RMd

 ƋƋ Ɠ ƏƊ ƅ ƏƏƈƆƗ ƑƐ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƈ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ Ɨ ƏƗ L ƂƆƉƄë ƞƢơ ơƟƽ ƼƼƾƠ ƞƾƟ ÕƽƾƟơÕ ƑƑƑê Ɗ ƍƎ ƃ ƎƉƄƑ ƍƊ ƊƄ êƆƄ Ɔ ƅ Ɗ ƍƎ ƃ ƎƉƄƑ ƍƊ ƊƄ êƆƄ

ơƠü

#9d RnMj ƓƈƐ Ɛ ƈ ƗƒƆƏƐ

25802

planning Notice

BOSS PAVING & LANDSCAPING

• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • FENCING • ASPHALT • DECORATIVE WALLING • IMPRINT • GRAVEL Quality Paving at affordable prices, just a phone call away. Highly recommended by Clients. Testimonials available. Contact: John Maloney 087 3591000 / 01 6972087 Email: bosshomeimprovements@gmail.com Web: www.bosspaving.ie Dundrum Bus Park: Ph. 01 6971896 Pearse St, D2

DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Electricians, Apprentice Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Joiners, Groundworkers, Scaffolders, General and Skilled Operatives, Plasterer’s, Tilers, Blocklayers, SLG & TM Operatives. All Plant & MEWP Operators, all Tradesmen & All Professional Construction staff required for Dublin. Pracownicy Budowlani z safe passem potrzebni.

Send CV to cv@clsrecruitment.ie

LEGAL & PLANNING APPLICATION

ANNOUNCEMENT We can now officially accept planning & legal notices from all four County Councils in greater Dublin region · Dublin City · Dun Laoghaire South Dublin · Fingal

ALL BUDGET DRIVEWAYS

• Driveways • Patios • Concrete Imprint • Decoration Walling • Fencing Natural & Coloured Stone PH: 0873900300 / 01 6971796 www.allbudgetdriveways.com allbudgetdriveways@yahoo.com Malahide Rd & Kimmage Rd

UP TO 50% OFF

25801

SUPPORT

· Standard rate from €75 + VAT · Payment in advance

Ph. 01 601 0255

Permission is sought for the demolition and reconstruction of existing cottage with the addition of an extension to the rear of the dwelling and new on-site waste water treatment unit and associated site works at 87 Ballyedmonduff Road, Stepaside, Dublin 18, by Nick Burrett & Orla O’Shea. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

Local

planning Notice DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Higgins Off Licence intend to apply for Permission for development at this site, 34 Gledswood Drive, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. The development will consist of the construction of 1 no. single story storage shed to the side of existing off licence building and all ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding a reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, during its public opening.A submission or observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority. 25803

BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY Call the Gazette on

60 10 240


Gazette

28 gazette 7 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport Shels keep winning run going in wnl: SHELBOURNE Ladies inflicted a first league defeat of the women’s National League season on Galway WFC with Rebecca Creagh striking in either half in a 2-0 win in Drom last Sunday. Creagh found the net for the first time this season on 36 minutes before sealing the three points five minutes before full-time. The result sees Shelbourne join Wexford and Galway at the top of the table with nine points each. Elsewhere, the Sunday ties between UCD Waves and Kilkenny United WFC and Cork City WFC versus Peamount United were both postponed due to unplayable pitches. Both games will be re-arranged in due course. They are among a number of refixes in the competition due to the ongoing inclement weather with three rounds of pre-Christmas games also falling foul of the conditions, making for a hectic few months.

hockey: templeogue’s o’donoghue features among rising stars

Shane on world’s shortlist  stephen findlater sport@dublingazette.com

THE FAMOUS firsts keep rolling for Irish hockey following a breakthrough 2015 in which the men’s national team qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908. They followed up that success with a bronze medal at the European Championships in London. It has led to the sport receiving its first nomination for RTE awards in both the team of the year and coach of the year – Craig Fulton. In addition, Dubliner Shane O’Donoghue – for Rising Star of the Year – and Cork’s David Harte – in the goalkeeping category – have become

the first Irish men ever to be nominated for world player of the year awards. For O’Donoghue, who hails from Templeogue and played for both Glenanne and UCD, he hails his nomination as “a massive achievement and something I never imagined before”, admitting that it came as something of a shock despite a brilliant year in central midfield. His form saw him win player of the tournament at World League Round 2 in San Diego before being the anchor in midfield in World League 3 in Antwerp and scoring the final penalty stroke in a 4-2 win in London to rubber-stamp the Euro bronze.

Speaking about what raised him to such a level, O’Donoghue told GazetteSport that his move to play hockey on a full-time, professional basis with the Dragons club in Belgium was a crucial factor. “Obviously 2015 was a successful year for the team. For myself, individually, making the move to play professionally over in Belgium was a big part of it. “I was in a squad, playing a big role, with world class players training at a really high level every week. That gave me a good foundation for 2015 and allowed me to express myself and play some of my best hockey to date in the World League and the Euro-

Shane O’Donoghue in action against Argentina. Picture: Adrian Boehm

pean championships.” He said that this was a catalyst to become a more central figure in Fulton’s panel. “I took it upon myself to become one of the key players in the team, using the confidence of being a key player with a big club team in Europe to get there. “I have been in and around the Irish scene since I was 17 but really have got into it in the last few years. When I was in as a youngster, you do try and keep the head down

and maybe hold back. But your natural talent and ability is why you are there in the first place. “With the more international games you play and the training you do, it makes a big difference. Being scouted by Dragons was a big thing and instilled a lot of confidence in me to perform well for both club and country.” “A f ter an initially tough transition, after you see the way the guys train and play, you see there is no reason I can’t

do it and I backed myself to be as good as anyone in the team – physically and mentally – and make the games. When you are full-time, focusing fully on the game is the only way you can do it. It is a nice lifestyle to play the sport you love and devote yourself fully to it.” The Rising Star of the Year award is decided by public vote via the following link: http://fih. ch/global-stars/hockeystars/. Voting is open until January 26.

Howth’s Elmes and O’Sullivan claim world bronze  sport@dublingazette.com

Colin O’Sullivan, Douglas Elmes and coach Ross Killian following their medal success

HOWTH Yacht Club’s Douglas Elmes and Colin O’Sullivan secured a bronze medal at the Youth World Sailing Championships last Sunday, capping a remarkable year for Irish sailing. The Howth duo’s medal is Ireland’s third in four years – it is, however, the first medal achieved in a two-person boat since Laura Dillion and Ciara Peelo achieved the feat in 1996. The Howth Yacht Club team

held off a much fancied Australian pairing to finish a point ahead and take the bronze medal for Ireland. The pair started the week brightly, claiming a number of top 10 finishes, including a first place on day two. With mixed conditions on the race course, skills were truly tested. All week, Elmes and O’Sullivan progressively climbed the leaderboard to secure third place heading into the final day’s racing. After a tense final race where the Aussies mounted a strong

challenge, ultimately the boys were not going to be denied their podium position. The Irish Sailing Association’s performance director, James O’Callaghan said of their result: “2015 has been a fantastic year for Irish youth sailing. “Doug and Colin’s result is the standout of many great performances. Success at the youth worlds is rare and with the largest fleet ever to compete, this year’s championships were tougher than ever.” Following this result, Elmes and O’Sullivan’s 420 coach,

and former Olympian, Ross Killian, described the path to their success: “Doug and Colin have been working really hard for the last two years to podium at this regatta. “The last few months have been particularly challenging from a training point of view with all the storms at home, but at every opportunity the guys were on the water. “This really paid off this week, where they showed great control on the water at the most challenging and unique of all youth regattas.”


7 January 2016 gazette 29

Dublin ladies football manager’s pursuit of the Holy Grail has already begun in earnest as he plots a way to bring an end to Cork’s reign as All-Ireland champions  james hendicott

sport@dublingazette.com

IN A season where Dublin Ladies Football will be looking to take that coveted final step and overcome the dominant Cork outfit who edged them out of the All-Ireland final in 2015, manager Gregory McGonigle has a key focus: marginal, seasonlong gains. “We want to win the league, that’s the first thing,” he told GazetteSport. “We want to go through the gears every game we play. “Every day we go out we want to give our best for the Dublin jersey. We want to leave the jersey in a better position than when we came in. It’s about improving inches, and hopefully come September it will look after

itself. “We always talk about 1%,” he says. “Sometimes I think Armagh talked about inches. It’s about getting every advantage you can get, to me it’s maybe getting the belief into the girls; letting them know that we believe they’re the best team in Ireland. I believe if we do that this year, the trophies will take care of themselves”. The focus, for McGonigle at least, will be very much internal. “We talked about setting our own standards and not worrying about what’s going on in other counties,” he says. “Cork, Monaghan, Kerry and Mayo are all going to have the same ambitions. We just need to make sure we put all the building blocks in place.”

There are reasons for optimism, too, with Dublin’s performance in 2014 arguably their strongest since the squad took home the All-Ireland title back in 2010 - the only break in 11 years of Cork dominance. “I think skills levels are something we can improve on, and if we can incorporate the fitness into the skills levels so much the better,” McGonigle says. “This is the strongest squad we’ve had over the three years I’ve been in charge. There are girls coming back from travelling, and younger girls coming through from minors. The likes of Lauren McGee will add to the squad.” While post-Christmas games certainly fall into the “pre-season run out”

Camillus Kilpatrick presents Noelle Healy with the KCC Cup at the Dublin ladies Gaelic football at the annual Dubs Stars last Saturday. Picture: GAApics.com

category, preparations on the management end have been under way almost since the last ball was kicked in September. “As a management team, we probably took a week off after the AllIreland final,” McGonigle said. “Then we did a two

that marks the start of the year in earnest - McGonigle said: “It’s better than a first day being straight back in training, to get a look at some players and give recognition to a few who might not be on the panel. “T here were some decent performances on

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

‘We always talk about 1%. It is about getting every advantage you can possibly get’ - Greg McGonigle

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

week review amongst the management team, then started meeting with some players who we thought might be undecided about January. “We also had a couple of senior team meetings reviewing last year. It was more a preview than a review. We’ve had a busy year. I’ve been down watching maybe nine college games, six championship matches. We’re always working. “We have a squad of 35 or 36 picked for this year and ready to get up and going. We’re back in the gym this week for a fitness test, and then back on the pitch for training; full steam ahead for the nine months really.” Speaking of the value of the Dub Stars match on Sunday - largely an exhibition match, but one

both sides, Molly Lamb, Sinead Aherne, Sinead Goldrick for Dublin and Fiona Claffey for the Dub Stars impressed me. “There’s only so much you can read into it, but It’s great to be back out and back at it for another year with a really strong squad. “Some passes went astray at the game. But it would be very harsh to be looking at players on January 3 and expecting them to be where we want them at the end of September. There were a lot of decent passages of play and some great scores.” The Dublin Ladies get their season under way in the league on January 31, when they take on Kerry at home. They take on All-Ireland champions Cork - also at home - on February 28.

Gazette

McGonigle plans Rebels’ downfall

FastSport

Nowakowski wins Neville Cup for Railway Union MATUEUSZ Nowakowski applied a suitably spectacular winning touch to earn Railway Union the first major silverware of the Leinster hockey season, crowning a wildly entertaining 4-3 Neville Cup final result at Serpentine Avenue. His touch from Richard Forrest’s right wing cross picked out the top corner with 23 minutes to go, the pick of a game packed with high quality goals. Indeed, this St Stephen’s Day tie can sometimes be a sleepy affair but this final was a classic end-to-end battle, light on wholesale tactics with plenty of thrills and spills amid the downpour of rain. Railway raced into a 3-0 lead inside the first 19 minutes as Monkstown struggled initially without several front-line players, especially in their back four with David Cole and Richard Sykes missing from the centre. Simon McKeever guided in Kenny Carroll’s swept pass through a hole down the line of the right post. James Dick made it two in the ninth minute after a horror-show in the Town back-line coughed up possession for Nowakowski who took his time before eventually rolling to the Australian who bundled in. Carroll’s drag-flick, aided by a healthy deflection, stretched the lead to three with barely a quarter of the match played. Any thoughts of an easy ride, though, were quickly put into sharp relief. Town got a precious lifeline before the break when the experienced Ian Horsfield rolled back the years with an old fashioned straight hit from a penalty corner. The left-back then created a sublime second one minute after the interval. He worked his way out of a tight spot at left back with Gareth Watkins before unleashing Guy Sarratt. The teenager’s flick over the immaculate Simon Thornton – he made several saves in each half – was going in but Andrew Ward touched in to make doubly sure. Peter Caruth’s rebound completed the comeback to tie the game at 3-3 but Railway had the last laugh when Forrest found an opening and picked out the path of Nowakowski – a Polish underage international – to nick the victory.


Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 7 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport

rugby: Ballymena prove too strong for ballinteer old boys

Leicester Celtic’s most famous old boy retires FORMER Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic, St Kevin’s Boys and now Shamrock Rovers man Damien Duff called time on his professional career just before Christmas. H announced he was cutting short his contract with Rovers and shutting the curtain on a remarkable career spanning 20 years. Duff moved across the Irish Sea in the mid90s and went on to play for Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Fulham. In announcing his decision, Duff said: “After much deliberation, I have today decided to bring my professional football career to an end. “My heart wants me to continue playing but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop. “I’ve lived every young boy’s dream and I know I am a very lucky man. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the journey from schoolboy football in Dublin and moving to England as a teenager right up to today. “I am extremely proud to have won 100 caps for my country – it was always my greatest pleasure to represent Ireland and I have many magical memories from my international career. “While I have finished playing, I am progressing with my coaching badges and will stay involved in the game for many years to come. “I am grateful to Pat Fenlon and Shamrock Rovers for giving me the opportunity to finish my career back home - they have some exciting plans for the club for the future and I wish them well. I had hoped to play for one more year but it was not to be. “Thank you to all the many fans for your support over the years. I would like to especially thank my wife Elaine, my children, my parents Gerard and Mary and my family for being, and continuing to be, my biggest supporters.” A short spell down under at Melbourne City came before the flying winger’s move to Shamrock Rovers which fulfilled his well-known ambition to finish his career back on Irish turf. To add to his 100 caps, Duffer can boast two Premier League medals, two League Cup medals and a place in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2002, following his performances at the World Cup for Ireland.

Wes undone in Ulster Old Wesley on a rare attack against Ballymena last Saturday. Picture: Ken Richardson

ubl division 1b

Ballymena Old Wesley  sport@dublingazette.com

48 0

AF TER a four-week break, Old Wesley found little comfort in the new year on their return to Ulster Bank League Division 1B action as Ballymena ran out comprehensive winners Played on a soft pitch but in a rare spell of dry weather, Old Wesley were on the back foot from the start as Ballymena had the better of the opening encounters. Indeed, the home side was on the score sheet after just five minutes

with a try by Callum Patterson converted by Andrew McGrath. Soon after the restart, a break by Wesley out half Alan Large looked promising but it came to nought and it was his opposite number, McGrath, who extended the lead with a penalty goal. For the rest of the first half, the Ulster side monopolised possession and continued to look dangerous regularly breaking the Wesley defence. By contrast, the Dubliners seemed to be running up against a brick wall on the rare occasion they had possession. The pressure eventu-

Olympic time Hehir under qualifier mark for Rio 2016 rathfarnham WSAF’s Sean Hehir received an Olympic boost in recent weeks with confirmation that the qualification times for Rio 2016’s athletics events have been revised. As such, his run of 2.17.48 at the Berlin marathon last September moved him under the qualification mark. He still faces a big battle to be included in the Irish squad, however, as he is now one of eight runners to have made the qualification time.

ally told when winger Jordan Foster crossed for the northerner’s second try and it was now starting to go pear shaped for the visitors. A fine break by David Shanahan came up just short of the Wesley goal line but flanker Clive Ross, an Ulster cap who is cousin of Irish international Mike, was on hand to score from the quick ruck ball. Just before half time, influential winger Foster crossed for his second and Ballymena’s fourth try, making it 24-0. Wesley started the second half with a little more gusto with Large and cap-

tain Ian Cassidy taking on the opposition. However, they failed to capitalise with any scores. By contrast, once the opposition regained possession they counter-attacked with ease. Wesley looked to have halted a strong Ballymena attack however the referee awarded a penalty try for an off the ball tackle. Wesley responded and gained some good attacking positions inside the Ballymena 22. Rory Stynes eventually crossed the Ballymena line but the ball was held up. There was a glimpse of hope for Wesley when Ballymena centre Patter-

son was shown a yellow card for a ruck infringement but, even down to 14 men, the northerners were unbreakable and rubbed salt in the wound by scoring a try during the same period. O l d We s l e y we r e awarded a number of late penalties in the opposition half. They bravely kicked to touch or ran the ball but once again they were unable to cross the whitewash. A try by the hosts in the last play of the match summed the tie. Old Wesley must now regroup before next week’s meeting with table toppers St Mary’s.


7 January 2016 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

O’Carroll’s New Zealand move rules him out for 2016  sport@dublingazette.com

K I L M AC U D C r o ke s ’ R o r y O’Carroll will not play a part in Dublin’s quest for back-to-back AllIreland titles, it was confirmed last Sunday. Dublin senior football manager Jim Gavin confirmed that O’Carroll has decided to move to New Zealand to work and travel for a period of time that will rule him out action this year. “Rory has decided to go away

during the 2016 season,” confirmed Gavin after Sunday’s draw with Wexford in the O’Byrne Cup. “He’s moving to New Zealand, so he won’t be a part of us for the year. But we wish him the very best. We’ve always said to players it’s important to get the life balance, between family, their profession, and their sport.” The 26-year-old was honoured with an All-Star for his 2015 performances and was also part of the Ireland panel that won the International Rules series against Australia

in November. “We will miss him, but we certainly wish him the best, and he goes with the sun on his back. “And we look forward to the day when Rory puts on a county jersey again, and his club, Kilmacud Crokes, who will miss him as much as us.” As well as his two intercounty All-Ireland medals, O’Carroll can also boast an All-Ireland club title success with Crokes from 2009. “A player like Rory you would like to

have around, but we’ve a big squad, and we’ve always espoused the team ethic. “He’s a top class guy, a real leader on the field, and we’ve worked with him since the Under-21s, going back to 2008. “But it’s a great opportunity for Rory to go away and experience a different lifestyle and culture, for a year or two, and it’s a great opportunity for the gap that he’s left, and the different players pushing for that particular position.”

Club Notes

wanderers HAPPY New Year to all at Wanderers. Our next lotto draw will be held on Sunday, January 10 with the jackpot €2,000. With the new season upon us, the men’s junior footballers return for pre-season on Thursday, January 7 with an important meeting in Frank Kelly Park, 8pm sharp. All players

football: sandyford side record famous win over finbarr’s

who intend to play this season need to attend. All new players of all standards are very welcome and should contact Stephen on 086 048 9379 for more details. If you are interested in joining the ladies team this year, please contact Louise O’Loughlin on 086 8333587; all new members welcome. Juvenile football and hurling continues for boys and girls aged seven to 12 with midweek training and matches on Saturday morning. Nursery training for boys and girls aged four to seven on Saturdays at 11am in Ballyroan Boys school. Girls football training for ages nine to 13 will take place each Saturday at Rockbrook Park School on the all weather pitch at 12 noon. All levels welcome. For further information, call Fergal on 087 6213142. If you would like a match report or photos submitted to the website

The Naomh Olaf Under-21 side celebrate their success

Olaf’s claim maiden U-21 title

under-21 c final Naomh Olaf Naomh Fionnbarra  nathan kelly

0-10 0-5

sport@dublingazette.com

IT MAY have come three days late, but Naomh Olaf’s Under-21 footballers gifted the club with a massive Christmas present two weeks ago by delivering a first ever Under-21 championship. A 0-10 to 0-5 win over Naomh Fionnbarra at Alfie Byrne Road in Clontarf on December 28 landed the Dublin Under-21 C crown and ensured history for the Sandyford side. Olaf’s made a blistering

start to the game thanks to early scores from Tom Keane, Glenn Soraghan, David Byrne, Jamie O’Malley and captain Steven Mulvaney. Those points meant the Southsiders led 0-08 to 0-02 at the break but Fin’s came out fighting in the second half. Going into the final 10 the lead was cut to just three points. The introduction of Keith Noonan however proved an inspired one as he drew two late fouls for Olaf’s which were converted by Soraghan which sealed the win and the championship. Soraghan and Keane were scorers-in-chief but

the full-back line of Rory Gallagher, Oisin McDermott and Aaron Walsh and keeper Adam O’Callaghan were just as crucial for Cathal Soraghan’s side. After the game, Soraghan spoke of the significance of the win for all at the South Dublin club. “It was a great day, not just for the players and the coaches of the team but for everyone at Naomh Olaf,” he said. “A first Under-21 championship for the club and what’s more there was plenty of support there to see it all. It was a strange date to have a championship final but the county

board decided that if both clubs were happy it could go ahead and both were happy. “The benefit was that a lot of people were off work and looking for something to do so we got a great crowd in Clontarf.” T he big thing about Under-21 football is that players can come and go quite quickly but Olaf’s look set to make a real mark on the age-group with the majority of this panel remaining at the level for the next two years, which Soraghan explained. “We’re only losing two players now going into the new season and even

this time next year we’ll only lose a couple more so the Under-21 age-group could be a big thing for the club in the next couple of years.” Soraghan is involved in the club’s minor set-up too, which he hopes can push on once more after a respectable first year in 2015. “The club had two minor sides in 2015, the one I would oversee had their first year in minor but it was really more of an Under-17 team,” he said. “They’ll have learnt from last year and hopefully can improve on a respectable finish last year.”

or press, please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie. All items for the club notes must be submitted by 10am each Monday to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

kilmacud crokes NOW that the Christmas celebrations are behind us for another year, it is time to start working on those new year’s resolutions - in particular, to improve your health and wellbeing. The CrokesTalks committee in the club have just the activity which will help you along in this regard. We are inviting anybody who is interested in taking part to come along to the club on Wednesday, January 13 at 8pm to learn more. Any questions just drop a note to our Club Wellbeing Officer Kevin Mulligan at kevinmulligan@eircom.net or just come along on the night.


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

rising star: Templeogue man nominated for hockey world player of the year award after superb 2015 P28

january 7-13, 2016

new year’s perspective: McGonigle looking to build Dublin ladies momentum P29

Kilmacud’s youthful outlook for 2016  nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

WITH near rivals Ballyboden St Enda’s landing a Dublin and Leinster double in recent months, the football fans at Kilmacud Crokes may be looking on and pining for similar success. It’s now five years since a county or provincial football crown came through the doors of Glenalbyn, which is the longest the club have gone without such championship success since the early 1990s. An AFL1 final defeat to Vincent’s meant this campaign ended on a damp note on the

senior front but just a week later positivity returned as the club’s Under-21s beat Vincent’s in their county championship final. Gabriel Bannigan, manager of both the senior football team and the Under-21s spoke to GazetteSport following that win and suggested that, at a time when some players are set to step-down from senior football, the time is now for these Under-21s to step-up. “In 2015, we had a lot of players over the age of 30 in the squad so, naturally, you would expect to lose a number of those,” said the Crokes boss. “Over the coming weeks, we will find out what lads will be

stepping down from club football and then one or two might drop down a level. “So, at a time when I expect to lose quite a few of the more experienced heads, it’s great to be able to have such a talented and promising Under-21 squad to work with and try out some players who will no doubt lead the team in years to come. “In the 2015 season, we had nine players from our Under21s who were also on the senior panel. Five or six more from this season’s Under-21s will make the step up and join the senior panel too. That means half of our senior squad next year will be made

up of Under-21 players,” added Bannigan. Offering experience to fresh talent is always a worthwhile exercise but the Crokes boss will want results from his willingness to give youth a chance. “I think it’s important for the younger lads that will be given a chance to know that they have to seize it,” he said. “There’s no point breaking into senior football just for the sake of it. “The older players at Crokes have achieved great things over the years and it’s up to these new players to emulate that and push on.”

Kilmacud Crokes celebrate their Under-21 championship success


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.