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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Pieta CEO hits the road to mark 10th anniversary  IAN BEGLEY

THE chief executive of charity Pieta House completed a gruelling 10-day, 1,000km rickshaw road trip across Ireland recently to help mark the LucanEoghan on his rickshaw road trip

based charity’s 10th anniversary. Brian Higgins, of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of suicide and self-harm, set off from the original Pieta House in Lucan on August 31.

His tour took him to Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Tralee, Listowel, Limerick, Ennis, Galway, Tuam and Athlone. Brian came up with the idea of the “Pieta Grand Tour” as Pieta House is

marking its 10th year, the organisation has just opened its 10th centre, in Water ford, and he planned to complete the feat in 10 days (10x10x10 = 1,000). Full Story on Page 2


2 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

HOPE | EOGHAN MCDERMOTT OF PIETA HOUSE TAKES ON 1,000KM TOUR

Rickshaw road trip to shine a light on suicide  IAN BEGLEY

THE chief executive of charity Pieta House completed a gruelling 10-day, 1,000km rickshaw road trip across Ireland recently to help mark the Lucan-based charity’s 10th anniversary. Brian Higgins, of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of suicide and self-harm, set off from the original Pieta House in Lucan on August 31. His

tour took him to Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Tralee, Listowel, Limerick, Ennis, Galway, Tuam and Athlone. The aim of the journey was to raise awareness of – and to try and combat – the stigma that still surrounds suicide and self-harm. Brian came up with the idea of the “Pieta Grand Tour” as Pieta House is marking its 10th year, the organisation has just

opened its 10th centre, in Waterford, and he planned to complete the feat in 10 days (10x10x10 = 1,000). He said: “Our vision is of a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance. “In the past 10 years, we have been brilliant at replacing suicide with hope and bringing people to self-care, but the biggest struggle for us is

Eoghan McDermott and Shane Byrne show their support for Brian Higgins on his rickshaw road trip

to replace stigma with acceptance. “So, the idea of the rickshaw came from the concept of creating a vehicle that allows people to talk about stigma and the pain that they feel. I

wanted people to journey in the rickshaw with me and tell me their stories. “The aim was to try and create a mechanism where we are more tolerant of each other. “At Pieta House, we

have helped more than 25,000 people since 2006, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to do it for another 10 years – to think of a time when suicide and self-harm aren’t options for people?” TV presenter and RTE 2FM broadcaster Eoghan McDermott was quick to lend his support to Brian on his journey, jokingly labelling the Pieta chief executive as “insane” as he set off on the tour. “I think his ambition far outweighs his fitness levels, which makes it all the more admirable a feat,” said Eoghan. For more on Pieta House, see www.pieta.ie

FASTNews

Hundreds of new jobs for Ptizer plant

350 jobs are expected to be created following the council’s decision to grant planning permission for pharma giant Ptizer to build a multimillion euro expansion at its Grange Castle plant. The first phase of the development will deliver 200 new jobs when finished, followed by an additional 150 jobs after the second phase. Pitzer will now pay over €2m to South Dublin County Council under conditions of the planning application. Ptizer employ a total of 1,300 people across the country and promise to expand its operations in Ireland after plans for a multi-billion euro merger with Allergan. Pfizer already employ 1,300 in Ireland, is looking to expand its Irish operations after plans for a multi-billion merger with pharma company Allergan. Approximately 1,250 construction jobs will be created at the Grange Castle site during the development, which will take an expected 24 – 27 months to complete. Grange Castle Business Park is a 90-acre site located on the Old Nangor Road. It has seen an investment of €1.6bn and employs about 1,100 people. First opening in 2005, Grange castle has seen numerous expansions over the years and has over 40% of room left for further development. The project amounts to between €300 and €400 million at the Grange Castle site, which produces some of Pfizer’s biggest drugs.


15 September 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

WIN!!!

Vivienne Fole y

Your last chance to

Kasim Tahir

hed Abdul and Al-Riged Rus

Caoimhe and Saoir se Sutton

We have some terrific prizes to give away, including a €150 gift card for Life Style Sports, €50 vouchers for M&S, Penneys and Dealz, a hamper from Flying Tiger, every kid’s favourite variety store, AND a €100 voucher for the Base – Ireland’s Number 1 entertainment centre. So, scroll through the pics on your phone, click through your social media posts, and show us your little darling(s)

on their all-important first day at school. Just Email competitions@ dublingazette.com, or post your shot to our Facebook or Twitter page with the hashtag #firstday, to be in with a chance to win. All entries must be in by the end of this Sunday, September 18, with the winners to be announced on September 22. Best of luck!

Cian Foran

Chloe Knowles

WE’VE had a terrific response to our back to school giveaway contest – but all good things must come to an end, and time is almost up for one of our most popular competitions, ever! It’s your last chance to share a shot of your darling child’s first day at school, or their first day back at school – but if you’ve more than one child braving ‘big school’, the more the merrier in your photo!


4 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

FAMILY FUN | WIDE RANGE OF FREE ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL EVENTS ENJOYED LIFFEY SOUND

Thousands turn out to enjoy Lucan festival  IAN BEGLEY

THE 8th annual Lucan Festival was a “jampacked success” as thousands of people from Lucan and further afield came to enjoy the host of family fun events and performances throughout the day. The festival, which took place from September 8 – 11, featured a wide range of free activities, cultural events and of course the Family Fun Day, where Lucan Village was pedestrianised. On September 8 there was a walk around the village and later that night there was a talk in Lucan Presby terian church

about the historic republican Anne Devlin who acted as housekeeper to Robert Emmet. The following morning saw several primary school classes meet up with senior citizens from the area who talked about what it was like growing up in Lucan when they were children. Some of the activities during the Family Fun Day included international dance and singing, food stalls from around the world, a historical exhibition and the annual much loved rubber duck race. Local groups and organisers were there to show what they could

contribute to the community and bouncy castles and slides were available for the children to enjoy, along with pony rides down on the weir promenade. The Italian Ambassador Giovanni Adorni Braccesi had also given permission for a fund raising walk to take place in the grounds of Lucan House. People who attended were able to see the wellkept grounds, the original Church of Lucan, the Vesey’s private burial grounds, Sarsfields’ Monument, the Summer house, the stables and of course walk along the banks of the Liffey. Lucan Festival organ-

iser Joe Byrne said: “It was a very successful year. The outdoor events went very well and I’m happy that so many people came out to see what the festival had to offer. “People seemed to love the Italian ambassador’s house because of the historic importance that it has in Lucan and as always the raft rides along the weir were a great success. “ We ’r e s o lucky that we have so many good people from the area who are willing to give up their time to make all of this possible,” he said. Minister F r a n c e s F i t z g e rald said: “I would like to

take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved with the festival, the volunteers who helped out on the day and all those who came out to support this positive community initiative. “It is great to see local sports clubs, community groups and organisations working

together to ensure the festival is a success. Many thanks also to the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi for opening his residence again to the public on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing what next year’s festival holds!” Cllr Ruth Nolan said her favourite part of the festival was the exotic bird display organised by the Liffey Valley Park Alliance. “The selection of birds they had was very interesting and I think kids really benefited from this display because children in urban areas aren’t introduced to wildlife like kids living in more rural areas.” See Gallery on Page 6

Licence extension music to station’s ears

THE Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) have awarded Liffey Sound 96.4FM Community Radio Lucan a further 10-year full licence to broadcast to Lucan and its environs. T his is subject to all the relevant documents being signed and approved by the BAI and the board of Liffey Sound Communications Co-operative Society Limited. Pat Quinn, chairperson of Liffey Sound, said: “Congratulations to Mairead Cullen, station manager, board members and all the staff and volunteers for all the hard work put in over the past while. The news has come at the time we are celebrating the great Lucan Festival and Liffey Sound are proud to be a part of it.”


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GazetteGALLERY

| VARIETY - THE SPICE OF LIFE AT THE LUCAN FESTIVAL 2016

Members of 180th Lucan South and 142nd Esker South enjoying the Sophie Byrne having an owl of a time with Dennis Mc Carthy, Animal Magick Wildlife Rescue

Zara Curtis, Academy of Irish Dancing

festivities

Lucan like a fun fest W

One of Cinderella’s ugly sisters

HAT a fantastic day was had by one and all at this year’s Lucan Festival! People came from far and wide, travelling not just from Lucan but from Clondalkin, Leixlip and further afield to enjoy the numerous activities which included singing, dancing, theatre, wild animals, treasure hunts and historical walks.

Bollywood Beats take to the stage to show their dance moves. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon


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RESCUE | ‘SCUMBAGS’ BLASTED AS DOG FLUNG FROM CAR WINDOW

Elsa lands on her doggy paws with help from a local woman  EMMA NOLAN

A TERRIFIED dog was abandoned on a busy road after being flung from a car window in Clondalkin. Local woman Danielle Fitzsimons was driving past when she noticed a box being thrown from a car. After realising the box contained a live dog, she turned around to help. “I saw a dog was walking on the road, and I’m dog-mad, so I had to go see if it was ok,” she told The Irish Daily Mirror. A group of passers by stopped to help the dog who was “shaking like a leaf” after the incident, which occurred last Tuesday near Corkagh Park. Danielle said: “I picked her up and she just snug-

gled into my shoulder with relief. She was filthy – I don’t think she was ever washed. “It’s clear that she wasn’t looked after or treated well. She was so timid and scared of her own shadow, after what those scumbags put her through.” The dog lover said that she sometimes jokes about liking dogs more than people, but that was unfortunately true last Tuesday. She said: “The fact that there are people out there that can do this completely sickens me. This little dog wasn’t hurt, thank God, but she was extremely shaken up.” Witnesses say that there were two “lads” in the car that drove away

after cruelly throwing the box from the window with the dog stuffed inside. Danielle brought the westie mix, which she has since named Elsa, to Claire Sherry, in Clondalkin Animal Aid, where she was brought to the vet. Luckily, the pooch was uninjured and has been given a new home by Graham Hughes, from Newland’s Manor. Danielle said that Graham has “already fallen in love with Elsa”, and while he is unsure of whether he can keep her or not, there is a “waiting list” of families who would love to bring her home. She said: “Graham is figuring out if he can keep her. He doesn’t want to give her up, but his aunt, who is recovering from

Elsa just after she was rescued

cancer, would also love to take her. “Some of the passers by who helped when she was first thrown from the car also volunteered to bring her home for good, so she will be in good hands, whatever happens. “One thing is for sure – she certainly won’t be returned to her ‘owners’

Elsa after her first bath

who abandoned her like that.” Danielle said that Elsa, while still timid, is a “gorgeous little dog” who deserves a “brilliant home”.

Clubs in limbo as Ross delays funding for 2016 SPORTS clubs in Lucan and Clondalkin are losing out on important funding because of Minister for Sport Shane Ross’s “failure” to announce this year’s Sport’s Capital Grant, according to Dublin Mid-West TD John Curran (FF). Minister Ross has confirmed that no decision has been taken on when the next round of the grant will be made. According to Deputy Curran: “It is scandalous that there has been no Sports Capital Grant announcement for 2016. “Even if a decision is made in the next few months, the fact of the matter is no money will be drawn down at all this year. “I am worried by Minister Ross’ lax attitude, and particularly his comment that ‘no decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds’ [of the grant funding].” In response, Minister Ross said that he and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan expect to make an announcement shortly in relation to the next round of Sports Capital Grants. He said: “Work is under way on the design of the next round. We are trying to make the process more user-friendly by simplifying the online application process. In Dublin alone, 300 clubs and organisation have received €35m in grants since 2011,” said Minister Ross.


15 September 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 9


15 September 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7


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HOUSING | DEMOLITION MARKS “FRESH START” FOR COMPLEX

Tears and cheers as flat complex levelled  EMMA NOLAN

THE last remaining block of flats at St Teresa’s Gardens was demolished last week amid tears and cheers from residents. Residents gathered to watch as the 1950s Donore Avenue block was torn down as part of the current phase of its regeneration. It marked a significant moment in the first phase of a €12.5 million project which will eventually see dozens of families rehomed on the site of the old buildings. Locals attended a countdown party ahead of the demolition with

Deputy Lord Mayor Rebecca Moynihan and Cllr Criona Ni Dhalaigh (SF). Minister for Housing Simon Coveney said that the demolition marks a “fresh start” for the complex. He said: “For once, I am happy to see a demolition. This was a flat complex that was built in the late 1940s, early 1950s. At the time, it was a solution for housing for many families, but it’s totally outdated now. “What we’re trying to do here, what we’re doing in Dolphin House, what we’re going to be doing in O’Devaney Gardens, is about regen-

erating communities, not just building new homes.” As the f lats came down, golden balloons were released along with sealed envelopes with memories written by former tenants inside. Locals spoke of the happy memories they had. Speaking to The Herald, former tenant Carmel Radford (50) said: “I’m very emotional – it’s heart-breaking to see your whole life going. “It was brilliant. You wouldn’t get neighbours or friends like it. You could walk out your door, leave it wide open, and just say: ‘Throw your eye on the door there’.

St Teresa’s Gardens before the demolition began

“At one stage, you could see them [neighbours] every day of the week, every second of the day, and now all of a sudden, you’d be lucky to see them once a year.” The St Teresa’s Gardens scheme design for the demolition of 10

houses, seven flat blocks, refurbishment of two flat blocks and the construction of 34 terraced houses and 16 apartments was agreed, supported and funded by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

FASTNews

Residents hope meeting can help in anti-social behaviour battle

A MEETING has been scheduled to take place between local residents, business owners, politicians and the board of directors of Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI). Locals of Audoen’s Terrace, who say that their quality of life is “diminished” by living close to MQI’s needle exchange service, told The Gazette that this meeting signals some progress for them in their ongoing battle with anti-social behaviour in the area. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The pressure is being put on them [MQI] now to take responsibility for the damage they have caused to residents and business owners with their needle exchange centre.” The chief executive of MQI will be present at the meeting with his board of directors.

Thumbs up for outdoor gym CLLR Ray McHugh (SF) paid a visit to the newly installed outdoor gym on Bunting Road and Drimnagh Valley. He welcomed the funding being put into outdoor activities in the community, saying: “I have been campaigning for these facilities for many years, and raised my concerns at every opportunity about obesity in Ireland. “I believe that monies put into sport and physical activities are an investment in our people, and we will be rewarded with a healthier nation.”


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10 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

GazetteGALLERY | STARS ARE OUT ON THE STARTING LINE FOR LAUNCH OF THE

2FM Breakfast Republic presenters Bernard O’Shea, Jennifer Zamparelli and Keith Walsh

Stephen Kelly, models Julia Mielcarek and Aoife McGrane, and David Patton. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

RTE host Miriam O’Callaghan with broadcaster, journalist and rugby Don O’Neill and Tracey Moroney

pundit George Hook

Supercar spectacle roars into city centre A

Orla Glackin and James Byrne

Singer and model Michelle McGrath

WHOLE host of stars came out for the start of Cannonball 2016, which had its starting point at Point Village. This is the largest ever Cannonball event and it takes place all over Ireland. The gleaming convoy is driving through 900km of Irish open roads, with stops in Dublin, Cavan, Westport, Bunratty, Galway, Tullamore and Wexford. Now in its eighth year, the Supercar spectacle has raised more than €850,000 for charities and this year, proceeds will go to Pieta House. Spectators could view the supercars and meet the drivers whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Pat McCloskey and fashion presenter Glenda Gilson

Model Emma Quinlan

Some of the superb muscle cars on show


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 11

2016 CANNONBALL EVENT

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GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS

Pupils right on the money as Ulster Bank launches online finance lessons ULSTER Bank has unveiled a range of new MoneySense content for five- to eight-year-olds as the summer holidays draw to a close. MoneySense is an impartial, free financial education programme covering a wide range of topics such as money safety and money management. The programme, which is Ireland’s largest and longest running free financial education programme, has helped millions of young people learn about money in nearly 60% of schools in the UK and Ireland,

and has been running in Ireland for more than eight years, having been introduced to secondary schools here in 2008. T he award-wining free programme offers a full range of curriculum-

linked practical and interactive resources for students aged up to 18 years. It aims to help students understand money and make sound financial decisions in the future.

Eamonn O’Reilly, chief executive, Dublin Port Company with Andrew Hetherington, chief executive, Business to Fergal Fitzgerald, Ulster Bank MoneySense volunteer

Arts launch Port Perspectives. Picture: Shane O’Neill Photography

and primary school pupils unveil a range of exciting

INITIATIVE: LOGISTICS HUB BRUSHES UP ON ARTS

new MoneySense content for 5 to 8 year-olds

Artists could make some waves thanks to their site-specific port works

 IAN BEGLEY

D U BL I N P o r t h a s announced the launch of an open call to artists and arts projects to create site-specific works in Dublin Port as part of Port Perspectives. The commissioned artworks will respond specifically to the built environment and local areas in and around the port, enhancing the public realm to draw audiences and port visitors, while creating a living exhibition and cultural trail. The inspiration for this project comes from Dublin Port’s increasing interaction with the arts. In recent years, a series of commissioned arts projects have provided an effective and powerful means to tell the story of

the port and are helping to renew the historical link between it and the city. A central objective of Dublin Port’s soft values strategy is rebuilding these links, which have been traditionally forged through long-standing education, cultural, sporting and community initiatives, and now the arts.

Challenges E a m o n n O ’ R e i l l y, chief executive of Dublin Port, said: “One of the challenges for Dublin Port is to create stronger links between the port and the city, and through the arts we are working to achieve that. “With Port Perspectives, we want to bring the port and surrounding

areas to life, using new and original artworks that inspire, engage and tell the story of Dublin Port to audiences far and wide. “This is a project that celebrates both the visual arts and built environment where we live and work, and one that will greatly enhance the quality of the public realm at the port. “I look forward to seeing how artists respond to the brief and working with them on this exciting new initiative.” The commission is open to practitioners in the areas of visual arts and film, including projections. There is an open category for artists and arts projects that are keen to respond to the commissioning brief.

Proposals may be made for temporary and permanent artworks and a number of locations within Dublin Port have been selected as locations. These include Poolbeg Lighthouse, the Half Moon Battery, Dublin Port Company’s headquarters and the North Quay Extension, close to the East Link Bridge. The shortlisted artists will be notified in November, and the commissioned artists will be announced next January. The deadline for applications is October 10. Artists can find more information and learn about the application process on the Business to Art website, at www. businesstoart.ie/portperspectives


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 13

P27 THE ASDFSDAF IPHONE 7 P25

BUS STRIKES P16-17

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

ROBERT ARKINS: SPEAKS TO GAZETTE ON HOW HE WAS LANDED ICONIC ROLE

BON JOUR, CLAUDE – A LOVELY DOG INDEED ...

Twenty five years on and still focused on the music  IAN BEGLEY

25 YEARS ago, on the big screen, wannabe band manager Jimmy Rabbitte put an advert in the local newspaper and before long a loveable ragtag group of Dubliners got together to form the soulful sounds of The Commitments. Renowned director Alan Parker’s funny, uplifting, gritty film, based on Roddy Doyle’s debut novel, took the world by storm on its 1991 release, garnering critical acclaim and awards galore, including a BAFTA for Best Film. It has since spawned a slew of touring bands and a hugely successful stage musical which commences its UK tour later this year. Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) knows he’s the world’s greatest band manager… now he just needs a band. Auditioning anyone and everyone

he can find from the rough streets of Dublin, he eventually gathers the ten most talented, but least experienced musicians with the aim of launching the greatest Irish Soul band of all time. Speaking to The Gazette this week, Robert told the story of how he was landed the role of Jimmy. “The keyboard player of my band had a girlfriend who was an actress. She told her agent about the band and somehow we were tracked down and asked to come in for an audition. “I didn’t know anything about what they were doing even though I read the book about a month before. It was when I was on holiday in Copenhagen that I got a call from the agent to say I needed to come back to Dublin because I got the part of Jimmy Rabbitte.” Robert added that he wasn’t nervous about playing the role because

GAZETTE

FEATURE P14

Robert Arkins starred as Jimmy Rabbitte in The Commitments

the director of the film said he believed he could do the character justice. “Acting and filming never crossed my mind at any point before The Commitments. “I definitely was a bit of a film freak before then, but I never really thought about what the film would entail, but what it really entailed for me was more to do with contracts and negotiations. “They all wanted me to be at their beck and call… I didn’t have time to absorb how big the film was at the time. My time was taken up with lawyers and potential managers and agents, which just went on and on

and on. I didn’t really get to enjoy the whole thing of being in films and being famous. I was in a band and only focused on my music. I wasn’t interested in being famous, selling records or making money – it was all about music.” Robert said that music is still a big part of his life and plans on releasing something in the near future. “I reckon down the line I’m going to release something as soon as I can, which has nothing got to do with the 25th anniversary of The Commitments or anything like that.” The Commitments 25th anniversary special edition DVD and BlueRay will be released on September 19.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Claude – a four-year-old pit bull cross that you might recognise from Dog Tales with Andrea Hayes on TV3 (Fridays at 8:30pm; shown again at noon on Saturday). He is a handsome (and now famous) boy who adores people and loves affection and cuddles. Claude is super strong, 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. Although he really loves people, he struggles with other dogs, so would prefer to be the only dog in the home. We really believe this dog will make the most amazing pet! If you can be Claude’s #SpecialSomeone*, then 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. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.


GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

INTERVIEW: ONE OF IRELAND’S BEST-LOVED COMEDIANS ISN’T SHORTT OF A FEW INSIGHTS

Pat’s amount of projects are nothing short of D’Unbelievable  EMMA NOLAN

H AV I N G r e c e n t l y starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in The Cripple of Inismaan on Broadway, The Gazette caught up with comedian and actor Pat Shortt to find out about his latest projects and why he thinks writing is “f***ing miserable!” The popular Limerick funnyman, who is best known for his hilarious show, D’Unbelievables, was in town for the launch of TV3’s newlook autumn schedule, which includes his new drama, Smalltown. Shortt has a long list of projects he’s been working on – his latest movie is due out in October, and he’s gearing up to take his new live show on the road from next month. He told The Gazette: “I’m writing a new live show at the moment,

which has me in the office writing, scripting, editing, proofing posters – basically, doing everything to get ready for the tour to start at the end of October in theatres all over Ireland.”

Touring The show will also be going on the road to New Zealand, Australia and to New York, where he plans to visit his favourite pub there, the Red Lion in Greenwich Village. He added: “I’m in Dublin doing a lot of publicity for that – the usual running around.” As well as that, the busy Killinaskully actor’s latest film is coming out on October 14. He said: “I’m really looking forward to that; it’s by the same team who did Man About Dog.” Dow ntime doesn’t

come often for Pat, but when it does he likes to go fishing on Lough Derg, leading him to muse: “The young fella and meself, we go camping and fishing and all that carry on.” When asked if he prefers writing or acting, he said: “Acting, hands down! Writing is f***ing miserable!” he laughed. “It’s miserable – it has its great moments where you get excited. What happens is, the craft of writing kicks in and you have to make it work either for stage or television. “The mechanical aspect of it kicks in and you have to sacrifice good material to make it work. It’s like losing weight – it’s f***ing awful!” It’s all go for Pat right now, and with a new RTE show also in the pipeline, we’ll soon be seeing him everywhere.

Pat Shortt takes time out at the TV3 autumn schedule launch to talk to The Gazette’s Emma Nolan

Dublin’s delights impress Richard  EMMA NOLAN

A FAMOUS face was spotted out and about on a bike on the streets of Dublin last week as actor Richard E Grant paid us a visit. The Withnail And I star was in town with Tourism Ireland to help promote Dublin to British visitors. Richard hung out with locals and immersed

himself in local culture in an effort to showcase some of the experiences on offer here. Whether on foot on by bicycle, the film star and luxury travel presenter took in a range of the city’s top attractions, with the world-famous library at Trinity College (right) proving a highlight. When complete, the campaign will reach more than 5.5 million

people across Britain. Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s deputy head of Great Britain, said: “We are really excited to be

working with Richard E Grant and Smooth Radio, as they are a great fit with this important demographic.”


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GAZETTE

DIARY

Barber festival is combing to town DUBLIN’S first ever barber festival is set to launch this October. Taking place in the Opium Rooms on Wexford Street, Barber Cut Dublin will be the biggest gathering of celebrity and master barbers for a festival-style, day-long event. The festival will showcase all aspects of traditional and modern barbering, including shaving techniques by some of the world’s most talented professionals. Founded by master barber Sam Donnelly and event organiser Kieorin Black, together they have brought some of the world’s most skilful barbers to share their years of knowledge and expertise of barbering in the hope

of motivating and inspiring those of all ages and levels of experience within the industry. Tickets for the event are €50 and are available at Eventbrite.ie.

BIRR-ING YOUR FILM SKILLS TO OFFALY TAKE your first step on the road to the Oscars and get involved in the 57 Hour Filmmaking Challenge at the 2016 OFFline Film Festival, which runs from October 12 to 16 in Birr, County Offaly. Teams of filmmakers are asked to register on October 13, then shoot and edit a short film in and around Birr. They’ll have access to equipment, locations and a database of local actors and extras.

On the evening of October 15, their films will be submitted to a panel of judges and screened to the public the next day, with the winning short film guaranteed a coveted slot at the Galway Film Fleadh 2017. The first prize is €3,500 post-production studio rental and equipment rental as well as a slot in the 2017 Galway Film Fleadh. The second prize is a €1,000 equipment rental voucher. To sign up, see www. offlinefilmfestival.com and click on the Challenge tab.

SCREENING TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS OSCAR-nominated director Lenny Abraham-

son is on his way to Dublin for a special screening of his film, Adam and Paul, in support of the Peter McVerry Trust. Lenny will be joined by Francis Doherty, of the trust, in Herber Park to highlight the increasing homelessness issue in Ireland. Taking place on September 16, gates will open at 6.30pm with a panel discussion at 7pm, and the film is scheduled to start around 8pm. Tickets are listed at €5 per person and are available at www. happenings.ie, or can be purchased at the gate. Also in discussion will be the recent international success of the Irish film industry, which has been spearheaded by Lenny

and Ed Guiney, and their four-time Oscar-nominated film, Room. As part of this event, €500 plus 15% of the total gate take will be presented to the Peter McVerry Trust.

A DREAM TICKET FOR THEATRE LOVERS SHAKESPEARE’S A Mid Summer Night’s Dream is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for six performances only as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival. Taking place from September 28 to October 1, this “gleefully mischievous” take on one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies is set to be a festival highlight. The festival, which is

Hirsutes you, sir... hipsters and all beard lovers will welcome the arrival of Dublin’s first barber festival

now in its 59th year, will run across 18 days and nights, making Dublin the go-to destination for a myriad of exciting theatrical experiences from Ireland and across the globe. The 2016 programme showcases the diversity

of contemporary theatre and includes drama, opera, both classical and experimental, dance, performance art, documentary theatre and film. For full programme details, see dublintheatrefestival.com.


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

VOX POPS

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Dubliners and visitors to the city alike have found themselves dragged into a public transport row yet again. With the city bracing for the next two days of bus strikes, Emma Nolan and Ian Begley took to the streets to hear what you think about the strikes, their impact and how they affect you ...

COMMUTING A SENTENCE ON THE CITY

 SUSAN

FORSYTHE I CAN understand why they’re doing it, but I think to hit the public this way is not fair. Personally, I had an appointment and I couldn’t make it because I couldn’t make it in on time. Fair enough, [the drivers] haven’t got a pay rise in eight years, but at the end of the day they have a job and they have a pension, which many people today don’t have. I’m for it and against it ...

If we [Ireland] were in a better financial state, they should maybe get it, but it’s always the average Joe on the street that has to get the bus who’ll be affected by [such strikes]. I won’t be affected personally, though.  NORA

DUNNE I DON’T think I’ll really be affected, because I usually get the Dart, and I support the strike because I always support worker’s rights.  FIONA

 CAROL

FOGARTY I DON’T support them – I think the workers a r e a s king for too much, and they’re asking [for a raise] because they’ll know they’ll get it.

O’DONOVAN I WON’T be affected by the strikes on Thursdays, but I will on Fridays, and will have to get the Dart to work instead. It won’t take me longer, but it’s just a little inconvenient for me,

and the train will be very packed as well, which isn’t nice. The pay rise they’re asking for seems reasonable to me, but I’m sure a lot of people also haven’t had a pay rise in eight years. I would say I’m undecided on it – it’s probably reasonable for them to want a pay rise, especially with the Luas drivers getting one.  ERIC WAN

I AGREE that the strike is a big nuis a n c e for many c o m m u ters, but at the same time I think it’s good that more people are using this as an opportunity to walk or cycle into work. Some Dublin towns will be more affected by this strike than others, so I hope the strike will be resolved very quickly. Dublin Bus is such an important amenity, and we can’t afford to have them off our roads for much longer.

 SABRINA

BEEHAN I’M A bit m i x e d about the w h o l e thing, to be honest. I u n d e rstand why they’re striking, but it’s still a big inconvenience for commuters. A lot of people depend on the buses. and the hassle of it all will create a ripple effect on the amount of traffic in Dublin. People are worried that it will turn into another Luas dispute, but hopefully it won’t.  TRACY

SALTER I WON’T be affected by the strikes, because I can either get the bus or drive to work, so I’m lucky. I might get stuck in traffic, so I’ll have to leave extra early. I don’t support the strike –

Because of the bus strike, Clondalkin man Gordon Sweeney faces a two-hour round trip walking from Clondalkin to Ballyfermot to get to and from work

You spoke, we listened – it’s clear that the strikers enjoy a decent level of public support – for now – despite the difficulties the strikes pose for commuters and businesses

they’re looking for extra money when they’re already getting enough.  SARAH

BURKE I WILL be affected by the strike because I have to go to the airport very early in the morning – I’d usually get the bus, but I’ll just have to get a taxi this time. I always support workers and strikes – I supported the Luas drivers too. I think [the bus drivers] get a lot of bad press for going on strike, but we can’t have workers’ rights eroded. Ultimately, I’m for it – obviously, it’s inconvenient, but that’s life.  CONOR

GANLEY I THINK it’s an absolute joke. We keep giving in to

all these ridiculous demands for more money. At the end of the day they’re sitting around, not doing an awful lot. If you want to earn more money go back to college and learn something – don’t just sit around and ask for a hand-out. The Luas drivers were bad enough! Students are looking for jobs all the time, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to operate [a bus]. Obviously, a bus takes some level of skill, but at the end of the day it’s not rocket science.  ANDREW NUDING I DON’T get the bus that m u c h because I drive and get the Luas the odd time too, so the strikes won’t really affect me. I s u p p o r t t h e s t r i ke s because I think everyone is entitled to strike. The Dublin Bus workers

are well within their rights, especially since they haven’t got a pay rise in eight years, and since the Luas drivers got their rise. I think the bus drivers work really hard and they deserve the raise.  RYAN COULTER I DEFIN I T E LY 100% support the strikes. [Bus driving is] a

really important job to sustain Dublin’s mobility. The Dublin Bus workers have to have a basic standard of income to support themselves and their families, and the people who said it’s easy to drive a Luas – well, a bus is a different story ... It’s definitely an important service for the city, and the staff need to be looked after and well paid. Hopefully, the public will understand the importance of the service that Dublin Bus provide through the deficit of that service.

 JOY HOWLIN I WILL be affected because I’m going to have to get a taxi to college. I do support the strike, but I don’t support [the strikers] taking away a whole public transport service. If you look at people like the Gardai – they haven’t gone on strike in a long, long time, and their pay conditions aren’t great either.

THE BUS DRIVER’S VIEW  ANONYMOUS STRIKER I KNOW that this strike affects many passengers around Dublin, but we’re being forced into industrial action by Dublin Bus and the Government for reducing Ireland’s subvention to this service. Driving a bus takes a lot more skill compared to operating a Luas, and unlike [Luas operator] Transdev, Dublin Bus is making a big loss. Driving through the city centre dur-

ing rush hour, and weaving past road works, is extremely challenging and you have to be fully wired in throughout the journey to avoid potential hazards. We also have to interact with the public every day, which also be very demanding, especially if the passenger is problematic. We haven’t been given a pay rise in eight years, and I don’t think we’re asking for a lot.

It’s a Clon-g way for man to walk during the strike CLONDALKIN man G o r d o n Swe e n e y was one of thousands of commuters lef t stranded without public transport as a result of last week’s industrial action by Dublin Bus. He was forced to walk almost two hours to and from work on Friday – and uploaded a video of his travails and travels to highlight the inconvenience caused by the bus strike. Gordon, who lives in Thornfield Square apartments off Watery Lane, does not own a car, so is dependent on Dublin Bus to get him to and from work in Ballyfermot.

Normally, he gets the No 13 bus, which stops just outside the apartment complex, but he was left with no choice but to make the onehour journey on foot last week.

Australia The strike also prevented him from visiting his sister – who arrived home to Knocklyon after a trip to Australia on Friday. Gordon said drivers at Dublin Bus have been offered a good deal, and should take it. He added: “It’s a major inconvenience. They should take the deal and not be affect-

ing the city as they are. “I understand they want their money, but they have had a decent offer of 2.75% [per year] for the next three years. “I would be delighted to get 1% over the next three years. I’m lucky to have a job. What they are being offered is very good. When the Luas drivers got their way, this [strike] was always going to happen.” Gordon said the strike had left countless commuters in the same boat as himself. He said: “People have had to do shift changes, get taxis and rely on other people to get to work. It is unfair.”


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DUBLINLIFE

STYLE

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celebrate autumn Because I love You True Direction €36 ALEX AND ANI are back with their striking 1970s-inspired collection for autumn. The latest pieces from the eco-conscious brand “in charge of their own destiny”. The colour palette of navy, warm golds, and deep neutrals reflects the 1970s vibe along with their new symbols for honour, liberation, love and freethinking. The pieces are available in Dublin in Arnotts,

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River Island bomber parka with faux fur collar €80  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

THE BEST and worst thing about summer ending is that we now have to wear more clothes. It’s bad because we have to say goodbye to sandals, bare legs, bare arms and a rather care-free approach to dressing, thanks to the increasing fear of colds and flus. It’s good, however, because one of life’s greatest pleasures (for me, anyway) is shopping for a

new winter coat! It’s something I like to always splash out on – after all, it’s what you will be wearing most days for the next few months. The latest trends are in no way uniform, with the autumn/winter 2016 runways unveiling everything from giant puffa jackets to patchwork faux fur, military-style trenches and lots of colour. Some more reasonably priced transitional coats are also a great option for autumn while it’s still relatively warm.


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 19


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DUBLINLIFE

TITANIC Belfast has been named Europe’s top visitor attraction, beating some of the world’s biggest hotspot attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace and the Acropolis.  IAN BEGLEY

NAMED as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in Italy, the museum has attracted three million visitors from more than 145 countries since opening in 2012. It becomes the first Northern Irish site to win the award in its 23-year history. The museum celebrates Belfast’s shipbuilding history and the crea-

tion of the Titanic – the world’s most famous ocean liner. However, it is the second year in a row a tourism initiative from Ireland has won the accolade after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin bagged the top prize in 2015. Reacting to the award, Titanic Belfast chief executive Tim Husbands said it was a huge achievement, considering the attraction was still relatively young in world tourism circles. “After only four years in opera-

tion, to be recognised and beating stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum is a true honour. “We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is special and something our city and country can be proud of, and we are so pleased this has been recognised at an international level,” he said. Husbands added that since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast had established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage. “Last month, we welcomed our three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number

expectations. “This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day, to date. “The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth, to date, from France, Germany, USA and China, year to year,” he said. Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister Mar tin McGuinness described the award as a “phenomenal achievement”. He said: “The story of the Titanic ship is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world-class visitor attraction to match.” Titanic Belfast was also honoured

recently in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel list of 500 of the world’s most striking locations. The museum is housed in East Belfast in a six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her. Chief executive of Tourism Ireland, John McGrillen, said the organisation was “extremely proud” of the win. “I congratulate Tim and his team and I have every confidence that Titanic Belfast will remain at the heart of our tourism industry for decades to come,” he said.

A titanic attraction FROM January 14 to March 26 2017, Disneyland Paris awakens with the Season of the Force. Summon your inner Jedi and lead your young Padawans to Walt Disney Studios Park for an intergalactic extravaganza, where a spectacular night time show blasts you to the heart of the Star Wars saga. During the day, the light or dark side, you must choose. But be sure to pick wisely, as the fearful First Order

march perilously close and Stormtroopers patrol the streets. And if it’s more of the Force you’re after, fulfil your destiny at the Jedi Training Academy in Disneyland Park. Book with Abbey Travel and you can get up to two extra days and nights free for arrivals from November 1 right up to March 28, 2016. Also, for each adult booked children under seven receive free hotel and park tickets for the entire stay. This means a

family of two adults and two kids under seven can stay in Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe for four nights starting from €498, including five days’ park tickets. Flights and transfers are not included. Price based on Sunday to Thursday arrivals between January 8 to February 2, 2017. You can avail of this Galactic Winter Offer if you book before October 3. To book call Abbey Travel on 01 804 7160 or visit www.abbeytravel.ie

Let the force light up your holiday


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 21

The Titanic was the world’s largest ship when it was constructed in 1912. It could carry 2,453 passengers, and its first-class section boasted a swimming pool, a squash court, a Turkish bath and a grand staircase that descended through seven decks. The ship travelled from Belfast to Cobh, on the south coast of Ireland, before sinking after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic.

The museum is located at the spot where the ship was launched, and is designed to mimic the bows of a ship. Visitors to Titanic Belfast have included James Cameron, Queen Elizabeth II and Adele.

Sales Since opening, Titanic Belfast has sold 338,000 postcards and more than 20,000 Titanic snow globes. Along with the TV series Game

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TRAVEL of Thrones, which is filmed in the region, the museum has been credited with raising Northern Ireland’s profile among visitors. A record-breaking 2.3 million people visited the region in 2015, with the Giant’s Causeway the most popular attraction. Titanic Belfast will now go on to compete for the title of world’s leading attraction at a ceremony in the Maldives later this year.

There’s now a retreat where you can do yoga with goats

You’ve got to be kidding! Goat Yoga becomes a hit Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in Italy

Enjoy a spooktacular family-friendly Halloween ALTON Towers Resort is set to unveil a number of new attractions at its forthcoming Scarefest this Halloween and, to celebrate, Irish Ferries has announced a “spooktacular” family-friendly package deal that will be sure to appeal to parents seeking fun-filled adventure over the mid-term break. Valid for stays between October: 8, 9, 15, 16 and 21 to 31, a threenight stay with breakfast in the

nearby Best Western Tillington Hall Hotel costs €615 for a family of two adults and two children under 11 years, sharing a family room. The price includes return car ferry crossing on Irish Ferries’ sailings between Dublin – Holyhead, and Rosslare – Pembroke, and two full days at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire. For bookings, call 0818 300 400, or see www.irishferries.com/alton.

Enjoy the Scarefest at Alton Towers

Travel Department has the perfect break for sun seekers to culture vultures TRAVEL Department, which is celebrating 20 years in business this year, has announced the launch of its exciting range of holidays for 2017. Everyone from sun seekers to culture vultures will be well catered for in 2017, with holidays at amazing prices such as seven nights in the Algarve starting from €399pp, or a city break to stunning Prague from just €289pp for three nights. There are plenty of new and

carefully planned itineraries on offer, such as the Highlights of the Veneto, including Venice, Padua and Bologna from €799pp between April and October; the magic of Munich and the Black Forest in May from €749pp; or April in the stunning Greek Island of Crete, from €999pp. For more information on Travel Department’s 2017 departures, or to book, visit www.traveldepartment.ie or call 01 637 1600.

a little head-scratching of goats. “They can be a little distracting,” admits Morse-Dyer, who says that it’s not just her lovable goats that get in on the fun—sometimes her barn cat and chickens join the action too. The farm, which is situated in the middle of Oregon’s idyllic wine country, currently houses six goats, including two Nigerian Dwarf mini goats—Ansel and Adams—as well as a rescued Boer goat named Dodger, and two Pygmy mini-goats. Morse-Dyer plans to launch a line of goat milk food and beauty products to sell at the farm as well as the local shops and farmers’ markets that sell locally-produced food and the area’s revered wines. The fact that animal-loving yogis are flocking to MorseDyer’s farm is particularly surprising, because she is not one of them. “I actually don’t practice yoga!” she says. “Isn’t that funny? Maybe I better start.” So far. Goat Yoga has been a runaway success and MorseDyer continues adding classes to the schedule to meet the growing demand for the unusual activity. The class schedule is posted to the farm’s Facebook page (Your Daily Goat), making it easy for daytrippers to add Goat Yoga to their agenda. For more information, visit www.lonelyplanet.com.

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YOU’VE got to be kidding! A farm in Oregon has just launched a bizarre and unique new programme to entice visitors to the Willamette Valley, otherwise known as “Goat Valley”. When you thought that yoga trends couldn’t get more ludicrous, the class takes place among a number of free-range goats joining in the fun. “I have a yoga teacher come in and I supply the atmosphere and the goats,” Lainey MorseDyer, who hosts the class at her No Regrets Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, told Lonely Planet. The class lets participants find their inner peace by kicking back in Warrior Two pose with goats in a rolling green field with views of Oregon’s coastal mountain range in the distance. “The whole atmosphere is extremely relaxing,” said MorseDyer. The idea of adding goat yoga to the farm — located a little over an hour from Portland, Oregon — came about when a local yoga instructor asked if she could hold a class in one of the farm’s fields. “I thought it was a great idea and thus Goat Yoga was born.” For just $10 a class, yogis get to practice their tree poses while goats join in the fun, sitting on the yoga mats, and try to entice attendees away from their downward-facing dog poses into


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22 GAZETTE 15 September 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

PEOPLE: REVEALING THE ORDINARY DUBLINERS DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS TO HELP OTHERS

Honouring Hidden Heroes  EMMA NOLAN

DUBLIN’S ever yday heroes were honoured at a special ceremony last week. Broadcasters and celebrities were out in force to crown Ireland’s Hidden Heroes at a national awards ceremony hosted by Hidden Hearing in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel. The Dublin Heroes came from all across the city and were praised for feats of heroism. Broadcaster Mar y Kennedy joined Hidden Hearing’s managing director Stephen Leddy to present 21 people with awards in recognition of their achievements and contributions to communities throughout the country. A “Charity Hero” was also voted on by the public on the day, and presented with a cheque for €2,000 from Hidden Hearing. Commenting on this year’s Hidden Heroes, Kennedy said: “This is my second year hosting the Hidden Hearing Heroes awards. “I was incredibly moved last year by the stories from ordinary people who are doing

extraordinary things the length and breadth of the country, and I was delighted to be invited to be a part of it again this year. “These ordinary people, from all walks of life, are making our communities and our country a happier and healthier place through their kindness and generosity of spirit. --------------------------

‘These ordinary people are making our communities and our country a happier and healthier place through their kindness and generosity of spirit’ --------------------------

Broadcaster Mary Kennedy

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

“They are helping others without expecting anything in return. This is our opportunity to acknowledge them and say a huge ‘Thank you’.” 13-year-old Tadgh O Midheach from Shankill was named the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing hero.

Ta d h g c o n t r a c t e d meningitis when he was two, and lost his hearing as a result, but uses international sign language and speech to communicate. Tadhg also has autism. He is known for his sense of humour and has overcome his challenges to make a huge contribution to his school and community. He also managed to raise more than €500 for children with autism. Lucan man Damien Douglas was awarded the Family Hero Recognition award. Damien retired from work to take care of his twin daughters, who require full-time care due to their condition, Wolf Hirschorn Syndrome. Margaret Reilly, from Cabra, won the Family Hero award for taking in her three-year-old niece after her sister died. Along with eight children of her own, she brought everyone up in a small two-bedroom house. Margaret also moved her grandmother in to care for her until she passed away on Christmas Eve in 1981. Even though on Christmas Day her heart was broken, Margaret

Barbara Clarke, sister, and Ava, daughter of Clare Clarke, with Conor Campbell Perrie with Lorraine Keane

Stephen Leddy, Hidden Hearing

Joanne O’Riordan and Young Hero Sean McCullagh

made sure that Santa came and there were presents and turkey for everyone. She also advocated and cared for her son, Michael, when he became ill with cancer and stayed strong for everyone, despite her grief when he passed away in 1995. She has since become a grandmother 17 times and has one great-grandchild. The Young Hero Recognition award went to Conor Campbell Perrie from Glenageary. Conor saved his uncle’s life when he slipped into unconsciousness due to low blood sugar. His uncle is a diabetic and Conor realised that he was unresponsive when playing with him. An ambulance was called and his uncle’s life was saved as a result. Sean McCullagh from Blanchardstown received the Young Hero award. Sean was paralysed at the age of four in a car accident. He has overcome the

challenge to excel in sport and sailing, in particular. He was part of the Leinster sailing team which was awarded the Causeway Award, and also represented Ireland at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation 2016 games, in Prague, and won two bronze medals. Sean helps children with disabilities and recently trained to be a wheelchair skills trainer. A special Lifetime Achievement award was presented this year to the family of Clare Clarke, from Artane. During her life, Clare, who was the mother of two young girls, found she struggled to explain her own cancer diagnosis to them. She sought help and was stunned to find that there were no services available for children until they were bereaved. Clare decided that this was unacceptable so investigated and found the Climb programme,

Donal Gill with Stephen Leddy, Hidden Hearing

Dolores Madden, Hidden Hearing, with Susan Dowling, daughter of Family Hero award winner Margaret Reilly

which was only available in Northern Ireland. Clare campaigned to bring the services nation-

wide and now, thanks to her efforts, the Climb service has 22 centres throughout the country.


15 September 2016 GAZETTE 23

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FOOD&DRINK

A tea-riffic new way to see the city AF TERNOON tea is always a treat but a Howth woman has come up with a twist on the norm with her Vintage Tea Tours – Afternoon Tea with a Difference. “It has been said that ‘If tea can’t fix it, then there’s no hope’. Or maybe that’s just another Irishism!” So says Karen Nixon, who was inspired to start her new venture after a trip to London. Vintage Tea Tours is a Dublin City tour with a difference. Passengers get the chance to enjoy some of the city’s well-known sights, whilst comfortably seated in a vintage double decker Route-

master bus named Pauline, and while indulging in some afternoon tea treats. The tour runs three times a day, at 11am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm, with tickets starting from €40.

Juicy facts Passengers are in the safe hands of driver Bob and the on-board Vintage Tea Tours team, who share some interesting and juicy facts about Dublin, its sights and, of course, the bus Pauline, named after Karen’s grandmother. All of this can be enjoyed while nibbling on an array of delicacies and some surprising treats, such as a vanilla

panna cotta with forest berry compote, or a Guinness brownie, all freshly prepared daily by fine dining Italian chef Donato Romano. Entrepreneur a nd founder Karen Nixon, with the suppor t of her family, felt that the romance and fun behind the concept of being chauffeured in a double decker bus, while enjoying pastries and the likes, needed to be shared – so much so that she bought a bus (inset, right). Speaking about the new venture, and about Pauline the bus, Karen said: “We are so excited to be introducing Pauline to the world of tours and afternoon tea.

Entrepreneur and Vintage Tea Tours founder Karen Nixon

“As a family, we’ve all had a part in making this venture happen and it is fantastic to be able to include my beloved gran on this journey with us. “There is so much history and romance involved in Vintage Tea Tours and we want our customers to be able to

experience it all. “ We w a n t t h e m to share a nostalgic moment with family and friends, as they remember the simple pleasure of tea and cake while sitting at their gran’s table in the snug warmth of her kitchen – it’s just on wheels this time!”

Recipe: Bayin Oils Chickpea Curry BAYIN Oils, a pioneering Irish start-up, is the first company in Europe exporting any food product from Myanmar to Europe. Naturally produced oils are cold-pressed and unrefined, retaining the numerous health benefits of sesame seeds and peanuts. Bayin are sharing this recipe for Chickpea Curry – the perfect healthy curry to warm you up on cold evenings.

Ingredients l 6 tbsp Bayin Peanut Oil

2 onions sliced 1 tsp fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped l 1 tsp ground cumin l 1 tsp ground coriander l 1 tsp garlic crushed l 1 tsp chilli powder l 1 tsp turmeric l 1 tsp smoked paprika l 2 fresh green chillies finely chopped l Bunch of fresh coriander chopped l 300ml vegetable stock l 1 large potato l 400g tin chickpeas l 400g tin tomatoes l 1 tbsp lemon juice l l

Method

Heat Bayin Peanut Oil in large pan. Add onions and cook until golden. l Reduce heat, add ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic, turmeric, smoked paprika, chilli powder, green chillies and coriander leaves (reserving some coriander for garnish). l Stir-fry for two mins. Add stock and mix well. l Dice potato and add to pan with chickpeas and tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 mins. l Sprinkle with lemon juice and remaining coriander. Serve hot. l


24 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

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CINEMA DUBLINLIFE A wild & wonderful comedy

HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE: DEADPAN WIT & CHARMING ABSURDITY

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

Juvenile delinquent Ricky (Julian Dennison) and sour Hector (Sam Neill) are forced to get along as circumstances drive the mis-matched pair together in the wilderness

T H I R T E E N -Y E A R OLD Julian Dennison carries the weight of this wild and wonderful comedy from New Zealand director Taika Waititi. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Cert PG, 1h 41m) is consistently hilarious, loudly absurd and quietly emotional; an odd-couple comedy that isn’t afraid to get heavy. Split into 10 chapters, the film is structured along the lines of an archetypal children’s narrative and, accordingly, follows a kind of haphazard fair y-tale logic, despite dealing with some fairly adult themes. Dennison plays Ricky Baker, a troublesome orphan sent from the city to live in the countryside with new foster parents: loud but loving Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and cantankerous bushman Hector (Sam Neill). After some short-lived growing pains, Ricky

embraces his new home. However, tragedy strikes and Ricky finds himself running away again, out into the bush. “Uncle Hec” pursues, but when child services find the house abandoned, they surmise he’s kidnapped Ricky. A national manhunt thus ensues ... You’d be forgiven for expecting heaps of syrupy sentimentality after one read of Hunt for the Wilderpeople’s plot – Waititi’s script, however, is heavy with the kind of deadpan wit and charming absurdity we’ve come to expect from the filmmaker. Despite a few handkerchief moments, then, Hunt for the Wilderpeople never indulges in the maudlin or melodramatic. Whenever the story teeters on the edge of mushiness, an off-thecuff remark from Ricky, drenched in innocent ignorance, quickly grounds everything. While Neill may have top billing here, and does his job amicably as the

film’s straight man, it is Dennison’s performance that drives everything. The young actor wonderfully communicates a kind of innocent, simple wisdom and curious selfconfidence that is both comically endearing and outright inspiring. Ricky has been put through the grinder of the foster care system and envisions himself as a gangster, an outlaw; followed everywhere by his canine companion, Tupac. His unwillingness to return to that system gives the narrative a sense of danger: a kind of desperado charm that drives the adventure forward. A couple of bizarrely placed but riveting action sequences, and a retro -sy nth score straight out of a 70s Italian police- thriller, keep the pace fast and flowing throughout; there is never a dull moment in a run time that just about borders on overly-long.

Verdict: 9/10


15 September 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

COMMUNICATIONS: ANOTHER YEAR, AND ANOTHER VERSION OF THE FAMOUS PHONE

Care to take a bite at Apple’s latest iPhone?

 SHANE DILLON

THOSE of you with close to a thousand quid burning a hole in their pocket (I know, I know – that could be anybody) may already have made up their mind to plump for the highest-spec version of Apple’s newly announced latest mobile phone, the iPhone 7 , which starts – starts! – at a wallet-whalloping €749 for the basic 32GB model, before strolling up to €919 for a snazzier, larger iPhone 7 Plus (256GB). However, eye-watering prices aside, what makes

the iPhone 7 the latest must-have (or can’tafford) to take note of? The greatest change in the latest iPhone is, arguably, Apple’s ditching of the good ol’ earphone jack, found in just about every audiovisual device over the past 30-plus years, at least. Well, gone, but not gone-gone, as some might say – no need to throw away your twisty earphones just yet, as audio adaptors are available, with one supplied with the phone. However, in essence, Apple wants you to ditch

your ye-olde headphones (providing sound that’s about as crisp and clear as granny’s ear trumpet) and switch to its EarPods instead – snazzy wireless earphones using proprietory tech. It’s a somewhat divisive move – after all, enforced wireless audio connectivity is anything but the norm – yet it plays into Apple’s gradual iteration game, rolling out key tech, hardware or software changes every so often. Moving on, and while there are many changes across the board, one of

As always, the iPhone is a beautifully designed and finished piece of tech, with further design changes adding to the iPhone 7’s tactile appeal

the more obvious ones comes to light courtesy of the camera. Whether the iPhone 7 or its bigger brother, the Plus, the cameras have been beefed up a little, with the Plus’s two cameras delivering a little more oomph in the picture quality. But away from the loss of the audio jack, and the tweaking of the camera, however, there’s nothing that’s particularly revolutionary about the latest iPhone.

Apple fans will know exactly what they’re getting – a powerful, beautifully made phone with a wealth of features, and apps and usability that are unmatched. In this regard, the iPhone 7 (and Plus) lives up to the hype. Ultimately, tech watchers have 2017 marked in their diaries, as the tenth anniversary of the iPhone then may see Apple unveil something that’s even more revolutionary than ‘just’ ditching the jack.

Be more like Bosco – bin those batteries and help sick PEOPLE (and tech writers) of a certain age will remember RTE legend Bosco only too well – and everyone’s favourite high-pitched, red-haired presenter is currently boxing clever, helping WEEE Ireland to ask people to recycle their batteries and help LauraLynn, Ireland’s children’s hospice.

Bosco is asking the country’s boys and girls, and adults too, to recycle their old batteries at the blue WEEE Ireland box that can be found at many retailers all across the country. With WEEE Ireland acting as the country’s biggest recycling scheme for used bat-

teries, the call has gone out to help Ireland in the EU-wide role to reach a target of recycling 45% of all batteries sold by the end of 2016. With a WEEE Pledge programme in place at many schools (for info, see www. weeepledge.ie), the recycling efforts also help to raise some

much needed funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. By safely and responsibily helping WEEE Ireland to recycle old batteries, everyone can help to support the children’s hospice in its vital work – something worth helping Bosco to make a fuss about ...

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26 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

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LUCANCLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

Lucan Educate Together National School

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PART-TIMER CARETAKER to join the staff at this friendly primary school

We are looking for a candidate who is dynamic and forward-thinking and who will display a high degree of commitment to the school community and can work well as part of a team. Duties involve routine maintenance, repair work and grounds work and we are looking for candidates with a good broad knowledge of D.I.Y. – full duties of the post can be found on the school website www.letns.org The hours of this post are part-time (currently 20 hours per week) and operate on a splitshift basis (1 hour each morning and 3 hours each afternoon Monday - Friday). Applicants should note that the successful candidate will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to commencing duty. Applications should be made by standard application form available to download from the school website www.letns.org. Completed applications should be sent to the following address to arrive no later than 12 midday Thursday 22nd September 2016.

Caretaker Post, Lucan Educate Together National School, Mount Bellew Way, Willsbrook, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Attn: Chairperson, BOM

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28 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

SPORT

FastSport MARKEY ON THE MARK AS BLUES WIN INTERPROS: SANTA Sabina schoolgirl Erica Markey proved one of the stars of the show as she scored four times in three games for the Leinster Under21 women’s hockey team who claimed the interprovincial title in the first action of the new season. It was the teenagers first involvement with any representative side but she took full advantage of the call up with a goal in the opening 7-0 win over Connacht before scoring twice against Munster last Saturday at Donabate. She then put Leinster in front in their final game on Sunday against Ulster.. They held that lead for a long time before Erin Getty equalised for the northern province with eight minutes to go. The blues bounced back immediately, however, with Ellen Curran firing home on her backhand to give the blues a 2-1 win and ultimate victory in the tournament.

DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL: PHIBBLESTOWN CLUB’S EUROPEAN CHALLENGES

Handball hopeful for funds  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN International Handball Club are looking to return Ireland to the European stage of the sport with a fundraising campaign to take the team to the EHF Cup – a right won by the team as

national champions – in place to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The club, based in Phibblestown Community Centre near Blanchardstown, play the Olympic (as opposed to the GAA) version of handball, and have represented Ireland at Europe-

an level before, with the most recent of their four European Cup appearances taking place in the 2011/12 season. The side currently consists of a host of Irish internationals as well as a number of former youth internationals from other countries, and are look-

Dublin International celebrate their success last season.

ing to raise €20,000 to get their first team to the tournament. Goran Seselj, one of the club’s key players, is behind the fundraising campaign, which has arisen out of a difficulty getting hold of sponsorship for the club, and a belief in what the club – Ireland’s most successful in recent years – are doing. “I got together with my teammate Piotr to put together the fundraising campaign,” Seselj tells GazetteSport. “We think we can make a name for the sport in Ireland and being there will help us do this and get sponsorship. It will also help other clubs that are struggling like us.” “Every year, the level in

Ireland is getting better, and that’s a good thing,” Seselj continued. “Lots of teams depend on players who come here to study, and that can be a problem for teams like UCD and UCC as they never know what kind of team they will have year on year. “For now, there are six league teams but there are four more that only play cup games. We hope things will go from there. More teams and a bigger league will make the sport easier to promote.” The Dublin-based club started out as part of DIT but went on to become an independent entity. They are always looking for new players, both in seniors and in their developing youth set up,

and have seen a surge of interest after the sport was regularly televised as part of the Rio Olympics. “Handball was the second most watched sport after football at the Olympics,” Seselj said. “Television is a powerful promotional weapon. It has lots of similarities to GAA, football and basketball. It’s a very attractive sport with lots of contact. I think it would intrigue Irish people.” As well as attending the EHF, the club have plans to bring in men’s and women’s teams from across Europe to play a tournament in Dublin. The club can be contacted via Dublinhandball.com, where a link to their fundraising campaign is available.

Belvo’s Rock Dublin rivals as title defence starts  sport@dublingazette.com

Old Belvedere began their title defence in style.

OLD BELVEDERE got the defence of their women’s AllIreland league title off to a flying start as they recorded a comprehensive 24-0 victory over Blackrock. Winger Alison Miller scored the first try of the game after 15 minutes, in her first start for Belvedere. Out-half Jackie Shiels kicked the ball into the Blackrock half allowing Miller to cross the line, and followed up her try with a conversion.

Their second try came on the 30 minute mark through Roisin O’Donnell, giving Belvo a 12-0 lead going into the break. Franziska Klappoth got her first try of the season to bring the score to 17-0 after good work from Shiels sent her down the wing. Miller crossed the line for the second time before the final whistle to ensure Belvedere left Anglesea Road with a bonus point victory. Railway Union returned from Belfast disappointed after they lost out to newly-promoted side Cooke by 14-7.

Cooke raced into an early lead in difficult conditions at Shaw’s Bridge, with Beth Cregan fighting her way past Railway’s determined defence to cross the line. When the referee ruled that Eliza Downey had been taking down illegally through a high tackle, Grace Jackson converted a penalty try for Cooke, who is managed by former Ireland star Grace Davitt. With 56 minutes on the clock, it was Railway’s turn to be awarded a penalty try when Nikki Caughey was also deemed to have been taking down with a

high tackle. The conversion was no more than a consolation but it did ensure that Railway left with a losing bonus point. There was also away disappointment for St Mary’s, being managed for the first time by Gareth Logan and Philip Lynch, as they were heavily defeated 41-5 by Galwegians. Full- back Mairead Coyne ran in four of the home side’s tries as the Dubliners were forced to finish the game with 14 after scrum-half Sarah Duignan and flanker Aoife Moore had to be stretchered from the pitch.


15 September 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

O’Dwyer’s Shannon shoots out lights  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER helping overpower Na Fianna in the Dublin Ladies’ Junior C Final a fortnight ago with her fluid and punishing attacking play, O’Dwyer’s full forward Shannon Richardson has been named the New Ireland Assurance Player of the Month. Richardson scored a stunning 3-11, with only a single point not scored from open play as the i nve n t i ve f o r w a r d ’s play overwhelmed the Glasnevin side and confirmed their promotion to the junior B Championship next season. The Balbriggan club saw their lead cut as they took their foot off the gas in the dying minutes, conceding three goals, but still came out with an emphatic 4-17 to 3-6 margin in the most

important game of their season. Siobhan Roy and Shauna O’Hara starred alongside Richardson in O’Dwyer’s cutting forward line. Trinity College Earth Sciences student Richardson, who scored just over half of her side’s points, told the Gazette: “our team is stronger than ever” following the award. “We are unbeaten in the league with one match left and we are into the semi-final of the cup. “This has probably been one of my best seasons so far in terms of my scoring and my performances. I’ve had a few off games but I’m really enjoying it this year with the team because we are all like family.” Richardson has also been making her mark with the Dublin Under-

FINALFever

Supreme talent lights up championship finale A HIGH octane series of championship finals saw no end of hugely impressive performances across all levels of competition, aiding the various clubs’ paths to glory. The senior final at Parnell Park was a thriller with Amy Connolly and Amy Ring catching the eye of Dublin boss Greg McGonigle who sited the duo as the key players for Foxrock Cabinteely in landing the big title once again, holding at a Caroline Brogan-inspired St Brigid’s. For Gazette writer James Hendicott, Olivia Leonard’s nerve to kick the winning point for St Maur’s in their Junior A success ahead of Castleknock was another pivotal moment, capping a sublime overall performance. Clontarf’s Sarah Fagan, St Brigid’s Caoimhe O’Connor and O’Dwyer’s Erin Healy were all cited on the shortlist for the third New Ireland Assurance Player of the Month award of the summer for performances in the Dublin ladies football championships. But Shannon Richardson’s epic haul of 3-11 for Balbriggan club O’Dwyer’s - with a massive 3-10 from play - was the singularly most dominant and defining moment of all as the 19-year-old underpinned a huge moment in the club’s history. She joins Ballyboden St Enda’s Emiy Flanagan and Naomh Barrog’s Laura McGinley as winners of the awards in 2016.

Xxxx XXx O’Dwyer’s Shannon Richardson in action against Na Fianna. Picture: GAAPics.com

21 side, and recalls the final as very much a team effort, despite her scoring antics. “We didn’t start off our best but by the second half ever y thing started to go our way, we didn’t give up, our defence put in some great tackles and fought extremely hard which stood to us, and our shooting was very on target which resulted in a good win. “Junior B will be tough. We are a young team, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle if we play our best and

stay focused on our goal. “Things came together very well for the final we have been doing a lot of work in training and putting a hundred percent into all of our matches which has stood to us as a team and gave us the extra edge in the final.” Manager Michael Blount was quick to praise R ichardson’s maturity and development at O’Dwyer’s, and sees her as a potential county star. “Shannon has continued to improve year on year,” he said. “She

is very focused on what she wants and has the potential and drive to go as far as she wants in the game.” “She was rewarded with a deserved call up to the Dublin Under-21s this year and they went on to win the All-Ireland tournament held in Naomh Mearnog. “Amazingly at 19, she is one of the senior members of our squad and has a very bright future ahead of her.” Congratulations to Shannon and to O’Dwyer’s on their season.


GAZETTE

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: LUCAN UNITED FLY OUT OF THE BLOCKS IN THE MGL LEAGUE

South Dublin TKD start Olympic 2020 initiative SOUTH Dublin Taekwondo has announced their intention to embrace the Tokyo 2020 Talent Identification initiative, aimed at growing the country’s participation in the sport. The initiative has been set up by the Irish Taekwondo Union who hope to encourage talent from other martial arts to train in WTF taekwondo in time for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo. WTF taekwondo is primarily a kicking sport originating from South Korea and contains some kicks that are also practiced in other martial arts. South Dublin Taekwondo was founded in 2008 and train people of all ages, beginning at just three years of age, and experiences, while placing great emphasis on the Kyorugi and Poomsae disciplines of the sport. They have already exceeded their goal of producing members who compete at all levels from novice up to national. Speaking about their involvement with the new initiative, founder of the SDTKD club and High Performance Director of the ITU Robert Taafe said: “I released this initiative throughout Ireland after it had been proved that martial artists from other kicking sports can transition to Taekwondo. “In Ireland, we have a small pool of Olympic Taekwondo athletes and we would like to tap into any resource possible to build our team and help athletes reach their full potential.” The initiative is similar to one set-up by Great Britain that proved to be a success as they landed five gold medals during the last two Olympic Games. Taafe himself is a fifth dan and transitioned to WTF from ITF taekwondo. One of the main differences between the two sports is WTF is focused more towards being trained for competition while ITF is more about self-defence. While the club sets its training primarily around sport competition, they also factor in fitness and self-defence. South Dublin Taekwondo is hosting the next national training and development training session on September 25 in Tallaght Leisure Centre, where the majority of national training sessions are now held.

The Lucan United Under-16 Premier team

Delaney double caps win MGL U-16 PREMIER Kilmore Celtic Lucan United  KARL GRAHAM

1 5

sport@dublingazette.com

LUCAN United’s ladies team got their season off to a flying start as they defeated Kilmore Celtic away 5-1, in their first game of the Under-16 Premier league at Oscar Traynor Road. They took control of the game from the off, and impressed with their slick passing and movement, to leave their opponents chasing shadows throughout. The first goal was well orchestrated as the ball

was worked from the defence to attack in no less than a dozen passes. The final ball rested at the feet of Ann Marie Byrne who made no mistake with the finish. Lucan doubled their advantage before the break with a goal that was almost a carbon copy of their first, only this time it was Aoife Hanley who got her name on the score sheet. Only for some fine goalkeeping and poor finishing were Kilmore not dead and buried by halftime. The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with a

NATIONAL BRONZE Grennell makes mark with first ever medal ARCANE Cycling Team’s Joe Grennell

won his first ever national medal in the masters national track championships on Saturday. Riding in the M60 (riders over 60 years of age) category, he took bronze in the sprint event after narrowly losing out on the gold/silver ride-off. Liam Collins also won a bronze to add to his massive national tally. Collins was competing in the M40 category, finishing third in the time trial.

lot of passing and moving from Lucan. They played with an emphasis on retaining possession in an excellent display from a side who is clearly well drilled. With Lucan having so much of the possession, it was unlikely to be long before there was another goal on the score board. It did indeed come early in the half through a well struck shot from Kayla Brady. Despite being three goals to the good, Lucan had no intention of taking their foot off the gas and when Abby Delaney entered the pitch as a substitute, things were

about to get a lot worse for the home team. Delaney struck her first not long after entering the fray before Kilmore notched a well taken consolation goal. Lucan had the last say, however, with Delaney again keeping cool to make it two for her and five for her team. Manager Ian Cassells spoke to GazetteSport about his side’s performance and how he is more concerned about helping his players reach their full potential than he is with getting results. “The win was great. It is great to get off to

a winning start and the girls are playing really attractive football. “Our football is pass and movement and passing out from the back so we are looking forward to keeping that going throughout the season. “I suppose if that means being successful and winning trophies then so be it but we are more about progressing the girls themselves. “It seems we have a unique set of players who can play, certainly a lot of them, at international level and we want to help progress that forward,” said Cassells.


15 September 2016 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

PITCH OPENING

St Mary’s BNS usher in new era of school sport

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS

ST MARY’S BNS, Lucan, welcome GAA

President Aogan O’Fearghail next Tuesday at 12.30pm for the formal opening of their full length juvenile pitch which will allow the school to host matches this season. The school levelled their existing pitch and also fundraised for additional pitchside poles and netting. Dublin heroes and former students Paul Casey, right, and Johnny McCaffrey will also be in attendance.

PAST-President Joe Byrne pinned the

Rock the Lock is a three-day music

new Uachtaran’s medal on Seaghan

festival taking place at the 12th Lock

O’Lanagan’s chest as he takes to role

over the October Bank Holiday week-

for the next three years. Our thanks

end. See the website for more details.

to Joe and best wished to Seaghan.

FOOTBALL: DUBLIN WELL SET FOR MAYO SHOWDOWN

results from the Donabate outing:

for Saturday, September 24; a date

overall winner – John Boland (19) 41pts,

that does clash with the senior hurl-

second overall Dave Whittle (20) 37pts;

ers next championship game in O’Toole

Category 1 winner Michael Malone (18)

Park, in preparation for which Lucan

35pts; Category 2 winner Sean Breen

lads played a challenge game away to

(22) 35pts; Category 3 winner Mark

Oranmore on Saturday, which they

Carton (29) 32pts. Congratulations

won on the double, their accumulator

to all the winners. Next outing is Liam

paying for the refreshments.

Carton’s Captains Day on Saturday,

The senior footballers also played a

Bingo continues every Wednesday

ogue Synge St in advance of their next

evening at 8.30pm with free tea/cof-

fixture against St Sylvester’s on Sat-

fee.

senior pitch. After the game, they are running a

 sport@dublingazette.com

LUCA N S a r s f i e l d s ’ Emmet O’Conghaile will be part of the Dublin panel that will look to add another trophy to their incredible recent history as Sunday’s All-Ireland senior football championship final with Mayo rapidly closing in. The Lucan man has been part of the Dubs’ set-up that has claimed two All-Ireland crowns and will be hoping for a third in four years to go with four national league crowns and four Leinster senior championships.

He has found championship opportunities tricky to come by in a hugely competitive panel this year with the trio if Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh Macauley and Denis Bastick doing the lion’s share of midfield duties. Nonetheless, he is part of a panel in confident mood ahead of the Mayo showdown. Darren Daly, another panel player with plenty of experience under his belt, said that the Dubs’ ability to win games no matter what courses through their belief, the Kerry semifinal win a case in point.

“It was the same as any other time, whether we were five points up or five points down,” says Darren.“Very calm, controlled, follow the same pattern at half-time no matter what position we are in. “We didn’t make a change, it was controlled, just chipped away and thank God, we came out the right end. This group is a special group. “We are tight-knit, lads just generally work really hard and a few games that were in the melting pot, we gelled well and we dug them out.” Daly has played his

part in the panel in three previous All-Ireland successes and he says that the team’s know-how to win in tough circumstances is a pivotal factor in how they regularly dig themselves out of a seemingly difficult hole. “It just comes from experience. Sometimes you are not always at your best but you know the things to do to get that ultimate performance,” Daly added. “There is huge hunger from all the lads. It is great to see when we came under a bit of pressure, that lads did respond, for lads going into the next game.”

Saturday 10.30am to 1.30pm. The Lucan District Credit Union

As this is the eve of the football final,

academy is back in full flight on Sat-

it promises to be a great night and

urday mornings at 9.30am is the start

maybe your last chance to get your

for girls and 10am for the boys. New

hand on a ticket.

members (5+) always welcome.

The senior 1 camogie side lost out to

€11,000 is the prize on offer for next

St Vincent’s in the latest championship

week’s lotto. This week, there was no

clash while the senior 2 and senior 6

winner where the numbers were 6, 10,

side both overcame Ballyboden. The

18 and 26.

ington on Wednesday last.

ALL-IRELAND FINAL

The club shop is back in action and is open on Thursday from 7-9pm and on

Race Night in the club starting at 9pm.

ladies footballers won against Bless-

Lucan’s O’Conghaile All-Ireland final date

October 1 in Luttrellstown Golf Club.

successful challenge against Temple-

urday, September 17 at 5.30pm on the

Emmet O Conghaile in action for the Dubs in 2015

Lucan Sarsfields’ golf society

The family Fun Day is now scheduled

This week’s sponsor was Matt Reilly, Autoparts.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN THE lotto numbers for this week were

We are holding our golf classic on

6, 9, 12 and 17. There was no winner so

Saturday, September 17 in Slade Val-

next week the jackpot will be €5,400.

ley Golf Club from 12.30-4pm; team of

Draw takes place in the Palmerstown

four is €240 with meal afterwards.

House every Sunday night at 10pm

Hole or Tee Box sponsorship is €50.

and tickets cost €2.

Followed by a Decades Disco in the

Thank you to all our sellers and to

Palmerstown House Function room

all that support our lotto every week.

at 9 o clock, entry €10, free entry for

Tickets available from all the usual

golfers.

sellers including Moriarty’s Super-

Contact Robbie on 087 169 8166,

valu, Palmerstown House and Manor

Paul on 087 661 3104 or email the sec-

Hair Studios.

retary.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN THE intermediates are out next Satur-

them with his various tricks and off

day, September 17 at Westmanstown

course the ice cream van was a big

in their final league game of the season

attraction.Thanks to all who made the

against Fingallians; throw in at 6pm -

day a success with special mention

please come out and support in this

for those who prepared and served

our last home game until 2017.

the food,ran the tuck shop and bar,the

The club family fun day on Saturday was a great success with over 400

face painting and of coursed cleaned up afterwards.

turning up at Westmantown to take

Our U8 hurlers hosted a blitz on

part in the various activities.One of

Saturday morning where teams from

the day’s highlights was the mixed

Crumlin,Naas,and Liffey Gaels were

7-a-side tournament which saw juve-

our guests.

nile and adult players join in a fun but competitive contest. For our younger members the magician worked his magic as he enthralled

All matches were evenly balanced and our boys played very well and thanks to all the parents who attended.


32 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2016


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