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October 8-14, 2015

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Month XX, 2012 PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN

INSIDE: Sink your teeth into our fun-packed Hotel Transylvania 2 pull-out P15

OPINION: Tanaiste Joan Burton on the Government’s Capital Plan Page 13

Arresting sight: Inside look at Garda station Boxing:

Esker host huge Box Cup with big entry list Page 32

LUCAN Garda Station’s prisoner cell was pretty crowded as it threw open its doors to the public during the recent Lucan Festival. Gavin and Eileen Lynch, Richard and Georgia O’Sullivan, Sean Kissane, Shane Broderick and Aaron Walshe, were happy to have a look inside and equally happy to be returning to the festivities in full swing outside.

See Gallery on Page 8

Football:

Sarsfields win twice in SFC to reach quarters Page 31

Find us on

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 TRAVEL .........................22 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

Curran denounces loss of local gardai ‘Recruitment drive has not adequately addressed the problem’

 IAN BEGLEY

IN THE past five years, 29 gardai have been lost in the Garda stations of Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown, according to newly released figures.

The figures, which General Election candidate John Curran (FF) requested, show that of July 31, garda numbers in Lucan are down from 83 in 2010 to 70 in 2015.

Curran believes the

G ove r n m e n t ’s r e c e n t recruitment drive has not adequately addressed the problem. Responding, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that when Curran was a Minister in 2009 he had “no problem

voting to cut funding to An Garda Siochana which resulted in the Garda College being closed to new recruits and the supply of new vehicles drying up.”

Full Story on Page 6

2 LUCAN Gazette 8 October 2015

housing Local authority turned down 460 Nama units

Blaming councils is a ‘cheap ploy’ SOUTH Dublin County Council has turned down 460 housing units offered to it by Nama between 2011-15, according to Frank Daly, the agency’s chairman.

In Dublin, Nama offered 2,030 properties to the four local authorities to use as social housing in the four-year period, but accepted only 757 of them.

The agency said in that in many cases the local authorities deemed the units to be in the wrong location or in areas where there was already a high density of social housing.

 ian begley ibegley@gazettegroup.com

These figures came from Frank Daly after members the Dail’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned Nama officials on what they had done to help tackle the housing crisis.

South Dublin County Council was offered 581 properties between 201115 and accepted 121.

L a b o u r ’s D e p u t y Robert Dowds, who is a member of the PAC, said: “The vast bulk of the properties offered to the council (over 500) were at Tallaght Cross. The reason why the council didn’t want to take too many of them is because they didn’t want to create somewhat of a ghetto. I can understand this to an extent but I feel they could have taken more than 121.

“This revelation is shocking considering the current housing crisis we see ourselves currently in. These units could have dramatically

helped in housing the homeless and those who have been forced out of their homes due to rent hikes,” he said.

Clondalkin Cllr Jonathan Graham (SF) told The Gazette that he accused the Government of “playing the blame game” regarding the housing crisis.

He said: “Repor ts that councils needlessly turned down units from Nama are far from the truth.

“It is a cheap ploy by many on the Government benches to place the blame on the lap of councils rather than live up to the failures of this Government.

“South Dublin County Council found there were substantial ‘issues in relation to the construction standard’ of some of the units. It is clear from this that many would rather the coun-

Deputy Robert Dowds: “The vast bulk of the properties offered to the council (over 500) were at Tallaght Cross.”

cil accept poor standard accommodation. This is not only unacceptable but nonsensical,” said Cllr Graham.

When asked for a response by the Gazette, a council spokesperson issued a statement from the County and City Management Association.

It read: “It is reported that local authorities have

been turning down offers of thousands of properties from Nama. In the provision of social housing, local authorities face a number of challenges – primarily the demand far exceeding the supply.

“Local authorities do not turn down available housing units unless there are strong reasons for doing so. We are committed to providing high quality social housing.

Local authorities cannot simply accept units as they are presented.

We must build sustain-

able communities in line with key government priorities, not just find quick-fix solutions to a complex problem.

“There were, however, additional factors such as a number of units not meeting standards or construction regulations.

“Some units had legal title and management issues. Other units were withdrawn by Nama during the process. Or in some cases, the cost of acquisition and leasing did not offer value for money.”

8 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 3

writing

homes: 90% of 550 acres on offer

Book festival returns

Ulster Bank to sell Adamstown lands  ian begley

Ulster Bank is planning to sell residential land in Adamstow n worth about €300m as part of a new portfolio named Project Clear.

The project’s aim is to sell 1,850 acres of residential land throughout Dublin in a renewed attempt to offload distressed loans to house builders.

It is estimated that the sale of the land in Adamstown will include about 90% of the 550 acres within the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) for over 7,000 homes.

The town is seen as a cornerstone asset in the first tranche of the project.

The housing units that

are already built in Adamstown were developed by Maplewood Developments and Castlethorn Developments.

Anyone interested in buying the Adamstown landbank will have to develop a community centre before developing any further homes, as outlined in the SDZ. M a ny p e o p l e a r e hopeful that the sale of the residential land in Adamstown will kickstart the development of the town.

As part of the SDZ plan (2003), 10,000 housing units were to be built, including a community centre, a swimming pool, library, cinema, a healthcare centre, transport hub and schools.

Since the economic

downturn, the project stalled with only 1,270 housing and apartment units occupied. The council has since made attempts to get the project started again by scaling back the number of units by 20% and by doubling the number of houses to apartments. But this was rejected by An Bord Pleanala last year.

Commenting on Project Clear, Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said: “Irrespective of who ends up owning these lands, the Adamstown strategic development zone will remain in place, including the requirement for the early delivery of the much-needed spor ts and community hall at Adamstown Community College.

Flagging it up: St Mary’s hoists the tricolour to remember 1916 heroes past pupils Kevin Fitzgerald, Eugene Mohan and Emmett Far-

relly recently delivered an Irish Flag to Dara Burke, principal of St Mary’s Boy’s National School in Lucan, and students Ben Kirwin and Sam Whitmore. The Defence Forces Flags for Schools initiative aims to commemorate the founding of the State. Part of the State’s centenary programme to remember the 1916 Rising, the forces will play a key role in everything from formal ceremonies to assistance for the local authorities, schools and communities throughout the festivities. Picture: Cathy Weatherston

The Red Line Book Festival returns to South County Dublin this October 11-17 with more of the best national and international contemporary writing of special significance to the literary landscape of Ireland.

The festival will present over 40 events in intimate settings that will take place throughout the county. With a mixture of competitions, readings, workshops, discussions, this festival will give special insight into the prolific new works, authors and creative thinkers on the scene in 2015.

Events take place in the Civic Theatre, Tallaght, South Dublin Library branches and in other venues throughout the county. For more information, visit www.redlinebookfestival.ie.

4 LUCAN Gazette 8 October 2015

democracy TD denies directly comparing activists with corrupt politicians

Jobstown ‘slur’ puts Dowds in the spotlight  ian begley

A local councillor has condemned the wording in Deputy Robert Dowds’s (Lab) General Election withdrawal statement, believing that he compared the “corrupt politicians of the past” to the role of Paul Murphy (AAA) and the Jobstown

27 in the Right2Water campaign.

W hen the Dublin Mid-West deputy said he would step down in the next General Election, he wrote in a statement: “In the last number of years, democracy has been degraded in this country, from the corruption of a small but influen-

tial group of politicians to the current vile abuse given to decent public representatives via social media and to politicians who should know better than encouraging people to break the law.”

Clondalkin Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said Dowds’s statement was a slur on the anti-water meter

activists in Jobstown who trapped Tanaiste Joan Burton in her car for over two hours. Twenty-seven people, including Deputy Paul Murphy (AAA) and councillors Kieran Mahon and Mick Murphy, face charges in relation to this incident.

Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr Kenny said:

“Clondalkin MeterWatch and People Before Profit are proud to stand with the brave people of Jobstown. The political policing and the demonstration by the Government is shameful.”

In his defence, Deputy Dowds said he did not directly compare the behaviour of corrupt pol-

iticians of the past to the AAA and the anti-water meter protesters.

“Personally, I’ve always found Gino to be a very acceptable person. His behaviour towards me has always been what you would expect from anyone who is decent.

“Having said this, you can’t get away from the

fact that there has been unacceptable, undemocratic behaviour from the Trotskyite left. “deomJobstown is an obvious example, but the atrocious treatment against some of the workers installing water meters is also very unacceptable and undemocratic,” he said.

8 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 5

college Parents urged to lobby politicians over delays

Call for action on school extension  Ian Begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

Lucan Community College parent’s association has issued an appeal to local parents to lobby their politicians and public representatives over delays in progressing the planned school extension.

The association is liaising with the board of management of the school to try and ensure that the extension will be ready for September 2018 in-line with the increased student intake agreed for 2016.

However the Department of Education can give no clear timeframe

for when it will be built.

T he extension of Lucan Community College is provided in the current five-year construction programme.

But, the Department of Education’s building programme has stalled.

In an open letter from the parents association to the Department of Education, it stated: “To date, the project has not reached the approval of the revised schedule of accommodation despite the submission of all relevant documentation by the design team last May. I don’t understand why the Department of Education and Skills has not authorised the project

to progress to Stage 2A given that this project is included in the current five-year construction programme.”

Lucan CllrWilliam Lavelle (FG), who is the chairman of the board of management of Lucan Community College, wrote a letter to the Minister for Education and Skills and to chief executive of Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB, highlighting the parents’ association’s frustrations.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said: “I know I speak for the entire school community in expressing our absolute frustration at the bureaucratic blockages in the Department of Education which have led

to unacceptable delays to our much-needed extension. It’s great to see the parents association getting so actively involved.

We need to keep maximum pressure on the Department to ensure this project progresses without any further delays.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said it will not be possible to provide a timeframe for the completion of the construction stage of the extension project at this time.

“Earlier this year, the Department met with officials from the ETB regarding progression of the project. Following this

Lucan Community College parent’s association has issued an appeal to local parents to lobby their politicians over delays on the school extension

meeting, further information was requested from the ETB and its design team. This was received in August and is currently under review. The Department expects to conclude this review and revert to the ETB shortly.

Upon successful completion of Stage 2A the project will progress to complete Stage 2B -

Detailed Design, which involves obtaining planning permission, fire certificate and disability access certificate and the completion of tender documents.

Following completion of stage 2(b) the project will be progressed to tender and construction stages.

“However, until such

time as planning permission has been secured and the project has progressed to and completed tender stage and the appointment of a building contractor, it will not be possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the completion of the construction stage of the project,” said the spokesperson.

6 LUCAN Gazette 8 October 2015

Suicide: charity fundraiser

Cyclists help Pieta House  ian begley The eighth annual TM Cycle was a success with 150 cyclists pedalling up to support suicide and selfharm charity Pieta House.

Others showed their support along the route.

The cycle, held at the end of September, was part of the first Pieta 100 National Cycle Weekend.

Cyclists could do a 100km or 140km route, beginning at Good Counsel GAA and Camogie Club in

Drimnagh. They passed through Rathcoole, Naas and Allenwood, and on to Barberstown, Celbridge and Lucan, returning to the GAA and camogie club, where they were welcomed by family, friends and supporters.

While raising awareness of suicide, the cycle raised much needed funds for the Pieta House service which has four centres in the greater Dublin area.

Charity chief executive Brian Higgins said:

blame Election hopeful told ‘to look in mirror’

“We’re so grateful to all the cyclists for coming out on Saturday and taking part in what was a hugely successful event. I’d also like to thank the organisers and supporters of the cycle for their support and commitment. Our goal of a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma are replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance; our commitment to offering a free service can be achieved only with help from communities,” he said.

The local Garda stations of Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown have seen a drop of 29 gardai in the past five years

Curran’s critique of gardai earns rebuff  ian begley

200 10

There has been a total drop of 29 gardai in the local Garda stations of Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown in the past five years, according to newly released figures.

The figures, which General Election candidate John Curran (FF) requested, show that as of July 31, garda numbers in the area were down from 97 in 2010 to 86 in 2015.

In Lucan, Garda numbers are down from 83 in 2010 to 70 in 2015, and in Ronanstown the numbers are down from 94 to 89 gardai.

The total number of gardai in 2010 was 274 and in 2015 is 245.

Commenting on these figures, Curran said: “The number of gardai is at a critically low level

in our communities of Dublin Mid-West and the Government’s recent recruitment drive has not adequately addressed the problem.

“The Government’s recent recruitment process is simply insufficient to fill the massive shortfall in personnel and in the strength of the force in all divisions. Gardai on the frontline in our communities are not able to gain any ground in terms of overall strength.”

Responding to Curran’s criticism, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that if he was unhappy with garda numbers and was looking for somebody to blame “then he should have a good look in the mirror”.

“John Curran was a Minister in the Fianna Fail government which ruined

our economy and public finances. In 2009, he had no problem voting to cut funding to An Garda Siochana which resulted in the Garda College being closed to new recruits and the supply of new vehicles drying up.

“This lack of investment had a devastating impact on An Garda Siochana and on communities, both here in Dublin MidWest and nationwide. We are now playing catch-up but we are making serious progress,” she said The Minister added that the Government had re-opened the Templemore college to new recruits for the first time since 2009 and to date, 400 new gardai had started their training. The first 290 had already passed out and were working in communities nationwide,

she said.

This includes 20 new gardai for the Lucan and Clondalkin districts, which includes Palmerstown and Ronanstown.

Up to 150 more recruits are due to enter Garda college shortly and she said they would continue recruiting next year and in subsequent years until all the gardai lost in recent years were replaced.

370 new Garda vehicles have also come on stream since the start of this year and in the capital plan published recently, the Department announced it will invest a further €46m in vehicles for 2016 -21.

Fitzgerald added: “In addition, I recently allocated €700,000 to An Garda Siochana to purchase new specialised vehicles to support gardai to respond to highly mobile gangs.”

8 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 7

council €200k allocated for Phase 2 of cycle scheme

Willsbrook works going to tender  ian begley ibegley@dublingazette.com

South Dublin County Council will soon go to tender for a contractor to carry out the widening works at Willsbrook Road, approaching the Outer Ring Road traffic lights.

In Januar y, it was announced that €200,000 has been allocated for the commencement of Phase 2 of the Willsbrook Cycle scheme, which will include the widening of the road to create two formal lanes approaching the Outer Ring Road traffic lights.

This funding is a part

of a €1.5m allocation by the National Transport Authority (NTA) for major traffic and cycle lane improvements in Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown.

It is hoped that this investment will lead to major improvements in traffic and greater options for cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposal for two lanes was first proposed by local Cllr William Lavelle (FG).

Welcoming the news, Cllr Lavelle said: “I have campaigned for these works for four years and I am delighted that they are now set to proceed. I hope

the provision of a second formal turning lane will help to alleviate local traffic congestion as well as improving cyclist-safety by moving the cycle track off-road.

“I have been briefed on the design of this scheme and I am happy that there will be no impact whatsoever on existing boundaries of either St Andrew’s or Willsbrook estates.

“I wish to thank Minister Fitzgerald for her active support in securing funding for Willsbrook Road. When all works are completed I hope we will see an overall improvements in terms of both

traffic flow road safety at Willsbrook Road,” he said.

Effectiveness

Some €300,000 will also be allocated to complete the Palmerstown cycle paths and €300,000 will go towards the design of improvements at the N4 junctions in Lucan.

Part of this involves an examination and preparation of designs to improve the effectiveness of the Woodies junction It was also announced that €250,000 is being provided for Newcastle Road traffic and safety works, although the exact nature of works has yet to

Concert for Pieta House A concert consisting of some of Ireland’s top and upcoming musician’s will be performing in the Olympia Theatre on November 1 in aid of Pieta House.

Some of the musicians who will be performing on the night include: In Tua Nua, Paddy Moloney, The Chieftains, Blink: The Page, Picturehouse, and Friends of Emmet.

Donations on the night will allow the Lucan based charity to sustain their free service which provides one-to -one counselling for people who are suicidal and people engaging in selfharming behaviours.

Tickets are priced at €20 and can be bought at www.top6.ie.

Anyone suffering with mental health and suicidal problems can contact Pieta House, Lucan on 01-6010000 or by visiting www.pieta.ie

The council will soon go to tender for a contractor to carry out the widening works at Willsbrook Road

be decided upon by South Dublin County Council.

Furthermore, an allocation of €150,000 for footpath and cycle path improvement will be

provided at Monastery Road Clondalkin and an allocation (amount not yet confirmed) for the Tallaght to Liffey Valley cycle scheme.

Phase 2, when completed, will hopefully result in more children walking and cycling to school, leading to less short-trip car journeys.

8 LUCAN Gazette 8 October 2015

gazetteGALLERIES

Zoe and Grace Birch

Rachel and Padraig Quearney. Pictures: Ykjhgdfkjgdkfgds

Callum Heinz

Nicola, Abigail and twins Zoe and Zara (asleep)

Nuala Byrne and Michael

Courtney

Cummins

8 October 2015 LUCAN Gazette 9

A feast of fun for all ages to enjoy Elizabeth Allen, Garda Anne Gabbett and Carol Barton

Garda Sinead Nooney trying the handcuffs on Ella and Abbie O’Donoghue in one of the cells during Lucan Garda Station’s participation in an open day. This was just one of the attractions at the recent Lucan Festival.

The event featured walking tours, live music, street entertainers, bouncy castles, walks and rafting. It also had an inter-cultural flavour with food stalls, crafts and dance and music groups.

Dancers from Westside Performing Arts Lucan

Maura Comiskey’s 90th birthday

10 Gazette 8 October 2015

gazetteGALLERY

Kirsten and Svea Killoran

Eileen Dunne, Mary O’Connor and Eileen Brophy. Pictures: Naoise Cuhane

Helping the council to help our immigrants

T

HE Shelbourne Hotel played host to the Immigrant Council of Ireland’s annual Mothers and Daughters fundraising lunch recently, with the aim of supporting frontline services for a variety of sex trafficking victims.

A cross-section of modern Ireland was at the launch, with the ladies

Niamh Farrell

drawn from all walks of life to share a common goal: that of helping the council to tackle sex trafficking gangs, whose actions affect women in criminal rings stretching from as far afield as Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil and Eastern Europe to Ireland.

With the council pursuing a number

of cases on behalf of women and girls brought into Ireland to be sexually exploited, those attending the lunch were happy to help play their part for other women around the world. The lunch is just one of several ways in which men and women help the council to help immigrants in Ireland.

Robyn Ferris, Deputy Anne Ferris (Lab), Amber Ferris and Leonie Stewart

Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh

Mary Fogarty and Emma Ardill

Majella D’Arcy, Larissa Griffin and Vanessa Simons

8 October 2015 Gazette 11

travel P22

asdfsdaf health P27 P24

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

a day in the life: No two days are the same for Lorraine Keane

what’son

Not a second to spare for busy TV star  aisling kennedy

With her new show The Interview due to air over the coming weeks, two young daughters who keep her busy, award shows to present and the launch of her new website, Lorraine Keane is a busy woman.

No two days are the same for her but this week she took time out to talk the Gazette through a day in her life.

“I get up at 7am and get the girls organised for school. My husband Peter leaves at about 8am and usually cycles into work or gets the Dart and then I bring the girls to school.

“They have to be in school for about 8.25am so I drop them off and then head onto my pilates class.”

Keane says that she doesn’t always have time to eat breakfast in the morning but if she has time she’ll usually have a slice of brown toast with a cup of tea.

Keane explains that she enjoys her pilates classes that she usually does from 9am to 9.45am in Eva Berg’s The Secret Pilates in Rathmichael.

“After pilates, I fly home to the house, have a quick shower and then I get into UTV for 11am.

“The show I’m working on is called

Calling all INK aficionados...

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

‘Myself and Peter try to use this time to catch up so we’ll either have a chat and watch a movie or box set’

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

Lorraine Keane

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The Interview where I will be travelling to do a one-on-one interview with various people.

“While I’m in UTV I set things up, research and prep, make phone calls, send a lot of emails, and attend meetings about the show.”

After Keane is finished in UTV, she heads home to work on her new website.

“I usually meet the website guys for a while and also Canon as they are sponsoring me and showing me how to upload video blogs. I want to upload the videos the best way I can so it looks well.”

During this time, her husband’s parents pick her daughters up from school so once she has finished working on the website she collects them



Gazette

opinion P13

Presenter Lorraine Keane is busy with her career, but home and family life with her husband and children are always very important to her. Picture: Barry McCall

from their grandparent’s house and then prepares dinner.

“We usually have dinner at about 6pm and then afterwards I’ll drop the girls to their Gaelic football training with Fox Cabs.

“While the girls are training I’ll go around the corner and do the weekly shop.”

Keane then picks her girls up from training, heads home and helps the

girls with their homework.

“Peter usually comes home from work at about 8pm and then the girls go to bed at about 9pm.

“Myself and Peter try to use this time to catch up so we’ll either have a chat and watch a movie or box set or sometimes we’ll have a bit of work to catch up on so we’ll use that time to work on our laptops from 9pm to 11pm.”

THE Dublin International Tattoo Convention returns for its 13th instalment this Halloween from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1 at the Red Cow Hotel.

The convention is the biggest event of its kind in Ireland and will see ink aficionados from across the world flocking to Dublin to exhibit their designs.

There will be tattoo companies from Japan, Switzerland, the USA, Bulgaria, Germany and a huge contingent from Italy.

Along with the foreign guests, native tattoo artists will also be exhibiting en masse.

These artists will also be plying their trade throughout the convention, so patrons will have the chance to avail of the skills of renowned artists from around the world.

Apart from the exhibitions and demonstrations, there will also be a Halloween Ball on Saturday, October 31, complete with music and drinks.

For further information on the convention, see www. dublintattooconvention.com.

Gazette

12 Gazette 8 October 2015

dublinlife

Despite being traditionally part of American celebrations, pumpkins – and fun pumpkin carving – are an increasingly common sight on our shores at Halloween

diary

P-p-pick up a pumpkin this Halloween N ow t h a t a u t u m n has officially arrived, it’s almost time to don your ghoulish robes and dunk apples.

Picking a pumpkin may be a very American concept but it’s something that Irish folk are doing more.

Kennedy’s Pumpkin patch in Meath will be open this year from October 24 to 27 from 11am to 5pm each day so you can pick your own.

They also offer tea/ coffee and cupcakes, pumpkin carving sets, face painting and other Halloween treats, which are all individually priced For more information, visit Kenny’s Pumpkin Patch Facebook page.

All little ghosts, witches and goblins welcome!

What on earth?

Spuds for a year K&K Produce donated a year’s supply of potatoes to Focus Ireland to mark National Potato Day, on Friday, October 2.

Focus Ireland works to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness through the provision of quality services, supported housing and advocacy.

Lisa Kennedy of K&K Produce said: “To celebrate this year’s National Potato Day, we want to help shine a light on the homeless

crisis. We are hoping to set an example for other food producers to give back to communities and charities.”

She went on to say that K&K is delighted to donate a year’s supply of potatoes to Focus Ireland to help support their food services.

National Potato Day is organised by the Irish Potato Federation and Bord Bia, and this year’s celebration of the spud will focus on highlighting all the benefits that potatoes provide in the daily diet.

Potatoes are the leading vegetable purchased by households throughout the country.

The boy is out of town again Phil Lynott, the Thin Lizzy frontman and accident-prone statue of Harry Street, has been carted off for repairs again.

The Rocker will be out of commission for four to five weeks nursing a broken bass after he was struck by a motorist.

Thankfully it was not a case of hit-and-run, and the guilty par ty notif ied the proper authorities and took responsibility.

This is not the first time such an accident has befallen the statue, in May of 2013, two men (possibly acting on the orders of a jealous Bono), pushed him over

and laid him up for over two months.

On that occasion, a sign was erected which read: “The boy is out of town. Philo is gone on holidays with his mum.

Back soon.”

Some conscientious individual who recognised that Philo was a Dubliner crossed out the word mum and replaced it with Ma. We can’t wait to have you back in town!

Palermo set for new dublin visit After fans of Olivia Palermo were recently left disappointed with the cancellation of her visit to Brown Thomas in Dublin, fashionista’s spirits were lifted with the announcement that she has set a new date to visit Irish shores.

Palermo, a style icon and creative director of Ciate London, is set to make an appearance in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street on Saturday, October 10, to officially launch her Olivia Palermo X Ciate London Make Up collection.

As Palermo is currently recuperating from a minor surgery on her back, everyone hopes that all will go to plan this second time around.

If not, Irish fashionistas will just have to make do with watching re-runs of The Hills and wishing that they too

could own her wardrobe.

tributes paid to late brian friel RENOWNED playwright Brien Friel has passed away at the age of 86.

One of Ireland’s most prolific playwrights, the Tyrone man wrote 30 plays over the course of his celebrated career and also served as a senator from 1987 to 1989.

He is best know n for his plays Philadelphia Here I Come! and Dancing at Lughnasa, the latter of which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The play, which Dublin T heatre Festival director Willie White describes as a masterpiece, won three Tony awards and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Play in 1992.

The Lyric Theatre Belfast’s 25th anniversary production of Dancing at Lughnasa continues at the Gaiety Theatre until October 11, and will no doubt be viewed with a deeper and more poignant appreciation

by Friel’s fans.

Tanaiste Joan Burton is among the many fans of the prolific playwright to pay tribute and offer their condolences to his family.

She said he “brought Irish theatre and arts community to the international stage”.

8 October 2015 Gazette 13

opinion

Building on Recovery for a better Dublin Tanaiste Joan Burton on the Government’s six-year €27bn Capital Plan to foster positive changes for all THE Government’s Capital Plan announced last week – Building on Recovery – will bring major new investment in roads, rail links, schools, health facilities and broadband, benefiting all parts of Dublin.

It’s great news, for example, that the new Metro connection, linking the city centre to Dublin Airport and Swords, has been included in the six-year €27bn plan.

Dublin will benefit significantly from this and a series of other major projects being funded under the plan. These include: – Work on the Phoenix Park tunnel is under way and is set to open in 2016.

– The Connolly to Maynooth line will now become a Dart service, as part of a series of expansions to the Dart network.

– The Cross City Luas line will involve the extension of the Green line from St Stephen’s Green to Broombridge in Cabra, and the Broombridge station will be fully refurbished to become a critically important hub point. That project should be completed in 2017.

– The revised Metro connection from St Stephen’s Green to the airport and on to Swords will mean a journey time of just 19 minutes from O’Connell Street to the airport.

– There will be signifi-

cant funding for new and replacement buses, further upgrading of quality bus corridors, and road maintenance.

These improvements will mean a faster and better transport service in Dublin and in the greater Dublin area, both for commuters and for visitors, but transport is not the only area included in the plan, further details of which will be published in the weeks ahead.

In health, we are making an additional €100m available to fund the relocation of the remaining two Dublin maternity hospitals, which will see the Rotunda moving to Blanchardstown, and the Coombe to St James’s.

Improvements The Capital Plan will also provide €450m funding for improvements to nursing homes, and for the provision of more primary care centres.

Better health services mean better facilities for vital treatments for those who need them most. Again, details of these projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

To improve crime prevention and make communities safer, the Capital Plan is investing in new IT systems for Garda stations, and an extensive modernisation and refurbishment of facilities and buildings.

T he Capital Plan includes an additional €500m for social housing projects, to boost

our €4bn housing plan.

There will also be a major investment in flood relief schemes to protect homes at risk from flooding.

We have also earmarked €3.8bn in direct funding for primary, secondary, and third-level facilities. This will mean more places for children, better and more modern school buildings for them to learn in, and better funding for research at third level.

The plan will fund an additional 19,000 primary school places by 2018, and 43,000 additional post-primar y places nationally by 2022.

I’m also delighted to say that, as well as upgrading ICT in our schools, the plan will ensure any remaining pre-fabs are replaced with permanent buildings.

Better broadband is vital to the development of local communities throughout Ireland. Better connectivity brings better quality of life and better opportunities for jobs and growth, and that is why the Capital Plan is investing significantly to deliver better broadband services.

Commemorative The plan will also make an additional €31m available for heritage and commemoration projects as part of the Government’s 2016 commemorative programme.

I’m on the record as stating that culture and the arts require ongoing support and investment,

and this is a major first step in that process.

This sector was not exempt from the difficult adjustments of recent years, but our artists showed remarkable resilience through that period in turning out work that continued to sustain – and, indeed, enhance – Ireland’s cultural reputation internationally. Fresh investment in culture and the arts will be returned many times over.

This plan will create 45,000 construction jobs

alone over its duration, as well as supporting hundreds of thousands of existing jobs throughout the economy.

Better roads, rail links, schools, health facilities and broadband – all of these make our communities better and our economy stronger. It’s a plan to build on recovery and make life better for our people.

Joan Burton Tanaiste and leader of the Labour Party

“This plan will create 45,000 construction jobs over its duration, as well as supporting hundreds of thousands of existing jobs,” says the Tanaiste

Gazette

14 Gazette 8 October 2015

dublinlife

FEATURES

Despite nearly drowning some time ago, actress Tina Kellegher loves to go swimming to relax

escape the mayhem: actress Tina Kellegher

A swim holds the key to beating stress  ian begley

Best known for her role in the BBC television series Ballykissangel and also as Sharon Curley in the 1993 film The Snapper, Tina Kellegher is still busy as ever performing in a vast range of theatre productions.

This week The Gazette caught up with Kellegher to see what she does to unwind and escape from her busy schedule.

“What I really love to do to unwind is go swimming. I’ve spent years bringing my son to swimming lessons and it wasn’t until about two years ago when I properly learned how to swim myself.

“It’s a really great way to shake off any stress and also a good endorsement to get fit.

“It’s a great form of exercise and it isn’t bad on the joints. I usually go at about 6.30am in the morning and try and do about 50 lengths.

It’s become my great love when it comes to relaxing.

“I grew up in Cavan and my mother was always nervous of the water so we were never really introduced to swimming lessons as children. I think I’m the only one in the family who swims now.”

Kellegher added that a number of years ago she had a near drowning experience with her husband while on holiday in Crete, but didn’t let the unfortunate incident stop her from enjoying swimming at her local pool.

“We were in the sea and the wind and currents changed suddenly and we were nearly swept away - It was a very close call.

“It seems just so typical that tragedies happen the day before you’re supposed to return home, but thank god it wasn’t our time.”

Tina Kellegher is performing in the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on in the production Hooked! as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival on October 8 to 9 at 8pm.

Tickets are priced at €18/ €14 and can be purchased at www.paviliontheatre.ie

An upcoming cocktail gestival will help to highlight the diversity of a wide range of Irish spirits or liqueurs

festival: an imaginative way to showcase irish spirits or liqueurs

Bartenders set to pour creativity into cocktails  keith bellew

THE second instalment of Great Irish Beverages Dublin Cocktail Fest will take place in 36 venues across the city from October 12 to 17 this year.

This year’s festival will have a uniquely Irish twist, as all of the city venue’s specially made drinks will contain an Irish spirit or liqueur as their leading ingredient.

Each of the venues involved is requested to create a specific cocktail to sell for the week at a 30% discount to anyone who has a festival wristband.

The wristbands cost €5 and will be available at each of the venues. They can be used throughout the week at

all of the venues.

TheTaste.ie have come on board for the festival and will have details of special rates and food pairings which are being offered by each venue.

Many of the brands involved will also be hosting tastings, workshops and masterclasses centred around cocktails.

Speaking to The Gazette, festival organiser Oisin Davis, of Great Irish Beverages, said the aim of the festival is to highlight and showcase all of the great Irish spirits out there and encourage their use in pubs in the way that Irish food is used in restaurants.

He said: “This year, we’re highlighting Irish spirits and liqueur.

There’s cocktail festivals

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

‘There’s cocktail festivals all around the world, and I wanted our festival to be different’

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

Oisin Davis, Great Irish Beverages

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

all around the world, and I wanted our festival to be different.

“I figured the best way to do that would be to highlight and showcase the Irish spirit element in cocktails.

“Often, you can find Irish spirits and liqueurs being mixed really well in cocktails in bars all around the world, so I wanted to see if we could challenge the Dublin venues to do something on par with what I see when I go abroad.”

He added that there is

also the added bonus of supporting Irish jobs by buying Irish products.

Each of the cocktails must contain an Irish spirit or liqueur as their primary ingredient, ie a martini with Irish gin or vodka or an Old Fashioned with Irish whiskey.

Each participating venue will be striving to provide the highest quality cocktail as festival goers will be Tweeting or voting on Facebook for their favourite cocktail of the festival from

October 12 to 18.

The winning venue will receive a handmade plaque and will hold the honour of having the best Irish-made cocktail in Dublin.

A wide range of indigenous drinks will feature in these cocktails, from single pot still whiskies, to premium gins and vodkas, old-skool poitins and liqueurs infused with wild Irish berries.

People can vote for their favourite cocktail by tweeting it with the hashtag #BestIrishCocktail on Twitter, or by visiting the Great Irish Beverages Facebook page.

For further information on the festival, see www.greatirishbeverages.com.

8 October 2015 GAZETTE 19

MUSIC

GAZETTE

OUT&ABOUT

ALBUM: LANA DEL REY’S HONEYMOON, THE FOLLOW-UP TO 2014’S ULTRAVIOLENCE

Consistent voice but cringeworthy lines  COLM MURRAY

HONEYMOON, Lana Del Rey’s follow-up to her 2014 album Ultraviolence, is at both compelling and occasionally boring, a record that moves and morphs, taunts and mystifies in equal parts.

Strings swell on the opening track and then Del Rey’s voice, dark and deep fills in.

But there are limitations to the complexity of Honeymoon’s music.

Many of the songs share repetitive orchestral arrangements, which makes the 14 tracks feel bloated and spans the history of Hollywood

and 20th century cinema (every song making some reference, big and small, to pop culture), and centres on some sort of tormented love affair The album’s standouttrack High By the Beach, is the most interesting song sonically. As the album progresses, it’s also apparent her development has made her confident to mix up her signature sounds as she starts to work with heavier beats, intricate soundscapes and sounds far removed from the album Born to Die. What is consistent throughout Honeymoon, though, is Del Rey’s vocals.

Her ethereal voice

floats from a sultry whisper to soaring croon effortlessly, transforming and bringing to life songs like The Blackest Day through her sensual and smoky delivery.

But repeated listens reveal some of the lurking absurdity: “You’re so art deco / out on the floor […] Baby you’re so ghetto / you’re looking to score” is a prime example of one of many eyebrowraising examples of the cringe-worthy lines.

From day one she has been dogged with authenticity jibes but finally she has created a world of her own and on this record she seems to have floated deeply into it.

Honey moon is a romantic obsession drowning in darkness.

Spanning over an hour, if the ghost town film soundtrack strings of Honeymoon and Terrence Loves You don’t leave a trace, the funereal The Blackest Day and Swan Song do the trick.

Everything is exact, (“Nothing gold can stay, like love or lemonade or sun or summer days”, “Come to California, be a freak like me, too”) to the last breath gasps of Religion’s dusky chorus.

Wrapping things up with a cover of Nina Simones’s Don’t Let Me Be Understood provides

a fitting footnote to her latest offering – equal parts melancholy, reflective and soothing.

If last year’s Ultraviolence felt like it shunned the singles-first pop approach, Honeymoon takes that approach and runs into the distance.

With the exception of High By The Beach’s, no song gets to the chorus

Honeymoon (above left), Lana Del Rey’s follow-up to her 2014 album Ultraviolence, is at both compelling and occasionally boring

before the minute mark.

This isn’t an album stripped of hooks - far from it - but everything’s

approached with a strung-out vibe.

Verdict: 6/10

Gazette

20 Gazette 8 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Jewellery designer Blaithin Ennis (front) and models wearing some of her jewellery, available available to purchase at Brown Thomas Dublin and Brown Thomas Galway. Picture: Photocall Ireland

Brown Thomas to continue showcasing Whisker, Ennis design FOLLOWING the success of this year’s CREATE 2015 installation, Brown Thomas will continue to showcase the work from talented Irish designers Mariad Whisker and Blaithin Ennis.

The Grafton Street store welcomes readyto-wear designer Mariad Whisker to Level 1 of The Designer Rooms, whilst jewellery designer Blaithin Ennis will continue to present her work in The Accessories Hall, sitting alongside some of the world’s most prestigious international brands.

Whisker’s collection features a clean, architectural silhouette in a palette of charcoal, black and ivory. The designs drape beautifully; exquisitely achieved with fabulous fabrics.

Ennis’s striking line of jewellery is beautifully hand-made, incorporating simple, craft-driven techniques, which is also available at Brown Thomas Galway.

The designer sources, manipulates and combines unusual materials from around the world to create striking pieces.

Ennis said: “Being accepted to participate in the CREATE project initially was a huge stepping stone for me. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my work in a wonderful environment, alongside amazing designers.

“I’m thrilled to have been asked to continue stocking here – it’s every designer’s dream.

I am so appreciative of the loyalty, helpfulness and encouragement I have received from the team and I am looking forward to continue working with them.”

Inspiring Whisker said: “It was inspiring to be a part of CREATE alongside the vibrant, eclectic group of designers and makers Brown Thomas put together for the showcase. It has been a wonderful success for me and such a pleasure to meet the Brown Thomas customers.”

Whisker’s collection is available at Brown Thomas Dublin, with Ennis’s jewellery available to purchase at Brown Thomas Dublin and Brown Thomas Galway.

Coat €219, fur waistcoat €149, sweater €109, skirt €199, scarf €55 – all available from Mint Velvet

Hugo Boss Outer coat €730; Laurel Inner coat €545; M&S Polo neck €32

Mango Jacket €79.95, top €34.95, trousers €49.95 – all available from House of Fraser; Hobbs Fur scarf €70

Sisley Coat €139, skirt €47.95, shirt €59.95, sweater €47.95

dundrum DELIGHTS  mimi murray

Abby Harris wears Topshop Coat €125, dress €38, poloneck €38; Ursula Kelly wears Pinko Coat €516, sweater €157, shirt €278, skirt €193 – all available from Harvey Nichols

DUNDRUM Town Centre presented its AW15 ladieswear and menswear collections last week, and it was a showcase of the season’s key trends, handpicked from high-street stores to high-end designers throughout the centre.

With more than 2,000 brands housed under one roof, there’s plenty to choose

from at the centre. There is also plenty for men, with brands such as Linea, Nicole Farhi, McQueen and GANT Rugger, to name but a few.

Showcasing oversized outerwear, delicate brocade styles that will take you into the depths of winter, and sleek, tailored separates to see you through the winter months, there is lots to choose from Dundrum Town Centre this autumn.

8 October 2015 Gazette 21

BT2 Victoria Beckham dress €825; Sisley Boots €155

Topshop Sleeveless belted jacket €65, striped plunge cami top €32, crop trousers €55; Clarks Shoes €95

Sandro Coat €325; Mint Velvet Denim jacket €149; M&S Skirt €70; Pinko Poloneck €130, shoes €221 – available from Harvey Nichols

Sportmax Coat €1,015, Missoni Top €255, Alice and Olivia Dress €505 – all available from Harvey Nichols

LK Bennett Coat €1,195, dress €350; Sisley Boots €155

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

22 Gazette 8 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

ReelReviews

the intern

A decent De Niro film BRIEFLY overshadowed by co-star Robert De Niro getting huffy over some less than stellar reviews, The Intern (Cert 12A, 121 mins) is actually an amiable enough film. Teaming up with Anne Hathaway, the likeable stars strike up an unlikely friendship as an older, bored widower takes up an intern job at an online company – and whaddya know, the old timer has life lessons for everyone!

The Martian

Stuck on a Damon planet MATT Damon is a stranded astronaut (yes, again, following his recent role in Interstellar). Here, in The Martian (Cert 12A, 141 mins), he’s presumed dead but very much alive on the red planet, and determined to survive until a rescue team arrives ... Director Ridley Scott has crafted a film full of plenty of good and bad science alike, but it’s one that’s undeniably a treat for the eyes.

life

A tribute to Jimmy Dean DONKEYS years after his death, and James Dean continues to exert a strange hold over pop culture. In Life (Cert 15A, 111 mins), the story of the iconic, troubled young actor’s friendship with a photographer is played out, with Dane DeHaan creating a striking Dean, while Robert Pattinson, as photographer Dennis Stock, creates a sympathetic character who took iconic shots of the star.

CINEMA

the walk: a dumbed-down plot can’t dilute its astonishing centrepiece

Delicately retreads an incredible feat of skill IN 1974, just as the second of the World Trade Centre towers was due to open for business in Manhattan, French acrobat Phillipe Petit flew across the Atlantic with a motley crew of his hippy friends and conducted an exquisitely daring wire walk between the peaks of the twin towers.

Presented here in The Walk (Cert PG, 123 mins), this is a rollercoaster of a story that immediately grips us, due to the sheer grandeur of it, which is bolstered by the fact that not only was Petit’s wire walk incredibly magnificent, it was also incredibly illegal.

It involved years of meticulous preparation, folders crammed with fake IDs and delivery dockets, pockets overflowing with dodgy moustaches, and buckets brimming with bravado to pull off.

It may be the stuff of fairytales, but it was a story that many of us were ignorant of up until a few years ago.

Back in those hazy days when Petit stepped out over an abyss, documentary equipment was

 Dave phillips

heavy and scarce, but some stuttering footage and stunning photographs exist to complement the colourful accounts of the morning commuters who were standing 1,364ft below.

This rich material was tapped expertly in 2008 for James Marsh’s documentary, Man on Wire, which also had Petit and his accomplices revisit their coup through indepth interviews with Marsh.

It was no doubt this deep blend of exhilarating action and characterdriven story that piqued the interest of writer and director Robert Zemeckis, who has treated us over 30 years to a plethora of family-friendly, blockbusting adventures.

In The Walk, Zemeckis attempts to capture the epic scale of Petit’s tale with a tried and tested Hollywood recipe: trim the more intricate edges

and discard. Bring to a boil and then add stock characters. Liberally apply Joseph GordonLevitt. Garnish with a flourish of computer graphics, and serve.

The result is a visual feast, but whether it will leave you satisfied really depends on your appetite.

The Walk is a colourful, vivacious, and over-thetop romp that will either float your boat or sink it entirely.

Gordon-Levitt’s French accent is nowhere near as steady as his wire-walking skills, but he makes up for it with an array of continental frowns and hand gestures.

It’s best not to dwell too long on Ben Kingsley’s manic performance as Petit’s Franco-Polish mentor.

The drama is played out with such extravagance that it becomes cartoonish – just imagine a French Scooby Doo cast in a heist flick, and you’ll be most of the way there.

And, while there may be nothing wrong with that, per se, at least Scoo-

Steady, steady ... Although the 1974 feat of French acrobat Phillipe Petit’s daredevil (and highly illegal) walk between the near-complete World Trade Centre towers has been presented before, despite The Walk’s flaws, the actual tightrope sequence is expertly handled and executed

by Doo left a bit of mystery as to how things may unfold.

Here, we are led unrelentingly by the hand – it feels like in between almost every scene “the fourth wall” breaks as Gordon-Levitt speaks again to us, while perched atop the flame of the Statue of Liberty, to tell us exactly what is on his mind.

It is an attempt, one must guess, to replicate

the sense of an enthralling yarn unfolding that made Man on Wire such a success, but here it feels unnecessary, over-used, and – consequently – annoying.

If this is a rollercoaster of a story, it is one with a very long cue. But there is no denying that when it counts, The Walk is spectacular. The climactic scenes are equally tense and beautiful to look at, and feature some seri-

ously impressive computer graphics and 3D. Zemeckis may have nailed an engrossing 15 minutes, but with cardboard characters and the more nuanced elements of the true-life story blotted out, the main feeling running through this film is disconnection, rather than immersion.

It is a great view but step out at your own risk.

Verdict: 5/10

8 October 2015 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 Gazette 8 October 2015

OUT&ABOUT

HEALTH

This sugar-free granola works really well with natural yoghurt and fresh berries for breakfast

You’ll be nutty about a sugar-free granola THIS recipe for Genuinely Sugar-Free Granola, which makes 12 servings, is taken from the Goodbye Sugar book by Elsa Jones, who says: “It is virtually impossible to find a tasty granola that is genuinely sugar-free. Most brands you’ll find on supermarket shelves contain the equivalent of three teaspoons of sugar per serving, which is a lot. The protein, fibre and essential fats in this granola will stave off sugar cravings and supercharge your energy levels at any time of the day.”

Ingredients Quarter cup coconut oil 1 cup oats 1 cup sunflower seeds 1 cup pumpkin seeds 1 cup chopped almonds (you can chop them in a food processor or use a knife) Half cup ground flaxseed 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract (I use both) Pinch of sea salt Preparation • Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper or grease lightly with coconut oil.

• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan and set aside.

• Place all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Make a well in the middle and add the melted coconut oil. Mix thoroughly until everything is lightly coated with the oil.

• Divide the granola evenly between the two trays and spread out in a thin layer. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.

Stir half way through to avoid burning.

• Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to one month.

• Serve with milk of choice or natural yoghurt. Delicious served with fresh berries, grated apple or sliced pear.

Tip Take care not to overcook as these ingredients burn easily and will taste bitter if cooked for too long.

I find that the baking tray that’s placed on the lower shelf of the oven cooks a little quicker than the one on the upper shelf, so I take it out a few minutes earlier. You might need to do the same.

Given the choice between what’s good for us – or not – too often we’re tempted to go for the sugary option instead

energy: cut down your sugar and reap the benefits

Sweet advice to heed ARE you in control of your sugar intake, or is your sugar intake in control of you? With sugar consumption levels increasingly a matter to be concerned about, especially with obesity levels on the rise, we all need to be aware of how to cut back on our sweet tooth’s cravings. This week, Gazette Health has some great advice on cutting back, courtesy of Elsa Jones.

Start as you mean to go on What you choose to eat for breakfast can set the stage for controlling blood sugar for the rest of the day, so make sure to eat a balanced breakfast.

Porridge oats topped with berries and a sprinkle of nuts/seeds, or eggs with rye toast, will keep blood sugars stable, whereas concentrated fruit juices, highly-processed cereals or those high in dried fruit will have the opposite effect.

Choose slow-release carbs versus fastrelease carbs Carbohydrates can be classed as fast- or slowreleasing. Fast-release carbohydrates (eg white bread, white pasta, corn

flakes, pizza) break down into glucose very rapidly, which can lead to blood sugar highs and lows.

Essentially, eating too many throws our blood sugar levels off balance, leading to energy dips and further cravings for sweet or starchy foods – it’s a vicious cycle.

C o nve r s e l y, s l owrelease carbohydrates (brown rice, oats, quinoa) break down into glucose at a slower rate, which helps to maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels.

Stop feeding your sugar monster In a nutshell, the more sugary foods you consume, the more your body will crave them. The less you consume, the less

you’ll crave them.

Once you stop fuelling your cravings, limiting your sugar intake becomes a lot easier.

So, I recommend you start by identifying and reducing the biggest sources of sugar in your diet.

For most, the obvious culprits are chocolate, biscuits, sweets, scones, soft drinks, etc. Within a week, you will notice a dramatic reduction in your cravings for sweet foods.

Include a portion of protein with every meal As well as being filling, protein helps to stabilise blood sugar levels, which keeps sweet cravings at bay. Protein also provides the building blocks for brain chemicals, which influence appetite and satiety.

At meal times, aim to fill one quarter of your plate with protein-rich

food/s, such as eggs, fish, poultry, nuts/seeds, beans or lentils.

Keep healthy snacks close to hand You’re much more likely to over-eat and/or choose the wrong type of foods when you are overly hungry and have a low blood sugar. Eating little and often counteracts this.

So, always make sure to have healthy snacks close to hand so you have no excuse when temptation strikes.

Healthy snack options that will help to curb sugar cravings and stave off an afternoon slump include a handful of nuts with a piece of fruit, natural yogurt with cinnamon and berries, nut butter spread on sliced apple, or an oat cake topped with hummus.

Know your emotional triggers If you’re like most peo-

ple who struggle with a sugar habit, much of your eating behaviour is probably driven by emotions.

In other words, you don’t choose to eat sugary foods just because you are physically hungry, you choose to eat sugary foods because you want to change or enhance the way you feel.

This is known as “emotional eating”. Take a moment to think about what feelings make you reach for comfort food?

Is it stress, tiredness, boredom ... perhaps there are certain times, people or places that trigger these feelings?

Once you know, you’ll be in a stronger position to overcome them.  elsa jones

Author of bestselling book Goodbye Sugar, available to purchase in book shops and online, Elsa Jones is a qualified nutritional therapist.

For further information, see www.elsajonesnutrition.ie.

8 October 2015 Gazette 25

Gazette

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Top chefs and cuisines are just some of the features of Taste City Fusion. Picture: Jason Clarke Photography

Take5

Beshoffs (O’Connell Street) Fresh cod €5.95; Chips €2.95

 mimi murray

SOMETIMES nothing will do but a good old-fashioned fish and chips. Chipper chips, as my mates and I say.

As an island, we are blessed with the best the sea and the ocean has to offer, and sometimes it’s okay to batter fish up and deep-fry it with lots of tartare sauce and chips with salt and vinegar on the side.

This week, we look at the old-style chippers around Dublin, as well as some new offerings – posh fish and chips, if you like – as well as an old favourite of mine, the Oarhouse in Howth.

So, here are our Top 5 fish and chips in Dublin. Next month, we will look at the Top 5 places for afternoon tea in Dublin.

Fish Shop (Smithfield) Beerbattered catch of day €12.50

Romayo’s (Chain) Fish and chips meal with drink €8.60 (daily; €7.50 Wednesdays)

Leo Burdocks (Werburgh Street) Fresh cod and chips €9.25

The Oar House (Howth) Deep fried fish in light crispy batter with pureed pea and tartare sauce €17

Tuck into a tasty new foodie festival in Dublin TASTE City Fusion, supported by CityJet, is a brand-new food and drink festival from the team behind Taste of Dublin.

Taking place from Thursday, October 22 to Monday, October 26, Taste City Fusion will see the capital transformed into the ultimate gourmet destination, across a range of venues.

With Christ Church Cathedral as the festival’s central hub, visitors will enjoy bespoke dining experiences, master classes and workshops, a street food fair, and more than 50 food and drink experiences – all dedicated to celebrating Dublin’s world-class food scene.

Culinary greats include Paul Kelly, Kevin Thornton, Sunil Ghai, Mark Moriarty and Gavin McDonagh, while visitors can look forward to unique dining opportunities in some of Ireland’s leading eateries, as well as engaging workshops and informative master classes.

Highlights One of the many festival highlights is the opportunity to enjoy a banquet prepared by the best young chef in the world.

Mark Moriarty, the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015, will create a four-course medieval banquet, combining fine dining with “peasant chic” in the atmospheric twelfth century crypt of Christchurch Cathedral.

Irish airline CityJet, which recently unveiled stylish new branding, is supporting the take-off of the new city-based food festival.

Guests can enjoy more than 50 food and drink experiences all across the city, with venues including Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Thorntons, Pichet, Klaw, FX Buckley, SODER + KO, Brioche, and many more.

Not to be forgotten is the street food fair, on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral, with free entry to all. The Pig’s Tale, Jack Rabbit, and a host of the most irresistible street food in the country will provide a smorgasbord of Irish and international culinary delights.

All festival detail is updated regularly on the website, where tickets priced from €10 are on sale now (booking fees apply). For further information, see www.tasteofdublin.ie.

26 lucan gazette 8 October 2015

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28 gazette 8 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport O’Gorman trio propels waves to shield win: AINE O’Gorman bagged a hat-trick as UCD Waves ran in six goals in their victory over Kilkenny United in Buckley Park in the Women’s National League Shield group stages.

O’Gorman and Julie-Ann Russell both found the net in the opening 25 minutes for Eileen Gleeson’s side before Jenny O’Keefe grabbed Kilkenny’s first goal since joining the WNL. O’Gorman restored UCD’s two-goal advantage four minutes before half-time with Orla Nolan extending their lead on 78 minutes. Ciara Grant made it 5-1 before O’Gorman finished things off.

On Saturday night, Peamount United came back from a three-goal deficit to claim a 4-4 draw in gripping battle with Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Shelbourne Ladies’ game with Castlebar Celtic was called off.

canoeing: annual liffey marathon draws over 600 entrants

Records tumble at Descent  sport@dublingazette.com

THE 56th international Liffey Descent took place last week with over 600 competitors taking part in the annual 30km race that runs from the K Club, Straffan, and finished at the Garda Boat Club, Islandbridge.

With a big international entr y hailing from the USA, South Africa, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Great Britain and Ireland, the ESB released extra water from Poolaphuca dam, to make for great conditions for racing.

The Senior K2 Doubles Class had some very strong crews and the anticipation of very

competitive race was on the cards.

The spectators were not to be disappointed.

The K2 Doubles were the first starters and the crews of Neil Fleming, Celbridge Paddlers, Robin Koenders, Netherlands, and last year’s winners Gary Mawer and Barry Watkins both from Salmon’s Leap were the first to Straffan Weir followed closely

by Tom Daniels/Andy Daniels of Great Britain, Peter Egan/Mathias Hamars (Salmon Leap/ Norway), the Van Reit brothers from South Africa and the mixed doubles crew of Jenny Egan and Jon Simmons all negotiated Straffan Weir safely.

Fleming and Koend-

ers were setting the pace down through the area known as the “Jungle” where boats have to go in single file due to the low overhanging trees.

The river is also very narrow in this area for four miles, especially so with these six boats so close together.

T he next weir on the course was Temple Mills and all the crews got safely over it with the exception of Egan/ Hamars who unfortunately damaged the boat badly thus ending their race.

Fleming/Koenders now had the bit between their teeth and were pulling away from the rest of the field as they reached Leixlip Dam where competitors have

Jenny Egan and Jon Simmons broke the mixed K2 doubles record

to exit their boats and run 500m and re-enter the river just above Leixlip Bridge.

At Lucan, there was a two-minute gap with Fleming/Koenders still in the lead. Mawer/ Watkins, the Van Reit brothers, Daniels/Daniels and Egan/Simmons were not making any inroads on the leading boat.

And so it was for the rest of the race with Fleming/Koenders winning impressively having extended their lead to three minutes in

a time of 1.48.32.

Mawer /Barry were some three minutes adrift in second place in a time of 1.51.00 and the South African crew finished in third in 1.51.42.

The mixed doubles crew of Jenny Egan / John Simmons had a superb race, finishing in fifth position overall, winning the class in a new course record timer of 1.53.26, beating their previous time of 1.56.20.

The men’s senior K1 race saw Tom Brennan

lead from pillar to post, racing very impressively to win his first Senior K1 title. John Boyton from Great Britain finished second and Mick Brennan of TPCC took the bronze medal.

The junior men’s K1 was won by Eamon Forrestal TPCC, Ronan Foley of KCC second and Brian O’Neill SLCC third.

In the Masters K1, SLCC’s Malcolm Banks won gold as did Gerry Collins/Brian Gallagher both SCCC won the Masters K2 class.

Four wins from four for Dublin side in EY league  sport@dublingazette.com

Nikki Evans and Anna O’Flanagan celebrate during the Hermes win over Ards. Picture: Deryck Vincent

DUBLIN clubs completed a clean sweep in the women’s EY Hockey League with Hermes, Railway Union, Pembroke and UCD all winning last Saturday afternoon on day two of the competition.

Indeed, Hermes and Railway retained their 100% records with emphatic victories Railway Union recorded their second successive win against Cork-based opposition and are yet to concede a goal in two games to date in the league. They

beat UCC 4-0 with alumni Julia O’Halloran on the mark twice in the victory at the Mardyke.

Hermes, meanwhile, scored an emphatic 5-1 win over Ulster league and cup champions Ards with Anna O’Flanagan boosting her goalscoring tally to five in two games.

She opened the scoring only for Chloe Brown – back in the Ards line-up having missed the first round – to equalise in a lively first phase.

Nikki Evans added her first goal for the club since returning from UCD to restore the two-goal

advantage before teenagerAmber Curran, with her first senior goal for the club, built a 3-1 lead for Hermes.

O’Flanagan and international team mate Evans added an extra flourish to the final score.

Pembroke produced comeback of the round when they struck twice in the last 12 minutes to beat Pegasus 2-1 having trailed to Hannah Grieve’s third quarter strike.

Sarah Clarke’s second goal in successive weeks levelled matters before Eanna Horan nabbed a dramatic winner with less than

three minutes to go.

UCD, meanwhile, were comfortable 4-0 victors over Greenfields with Galway native Elaine Carey scoring twice against the side from her home town. She scored the first and third goals, sandwiching Millie O’Donnell’s powerful sweep shot. Katie Mullan completed the victory in the third quarter.

On the men’s side, Pembroke beat Cookstown 3-1 in Co Tyrone while Monkstown were 5-2 winners at Lisnagarvey. TRR drew 1-1 at Annadale to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

8 October 2015 gazette 29

Gazette

Ger ends Dub career sufficiently satisfied St Vincent’s club man brings down the curtain on a glittering spell with the Dublin senior footballers after two All-Ireland titles and five Leinster crowns, writes NATHAN KELLY WITH five Leinster, two All-Ireland and one National Football League medal safely hanging in the cabinet, former All-Star Ger B r e n n a n t h i s we e k announced his retirement from intercounty football.

The St Vincent’s man confirmed he was stepping away from the panel on Monday following a frustrating couple of years due to an Achilles injury.

T he defender had been hampered by the injury since the 2013 AllIreland final, in which he played a crucial part, but returned to competitive action on Saturday in St Vincent’s Dublin senior football championship second round tie against Ballymun.

His statement read: “It is with both satisfaction and sadness that I

announce my retirement from inter-county football. I am sufficiently satisfied that I have fulfilled my boyhood dreams to wear the Dublin senior football team jersey and to achieve success on and off the field of play.

“I also feel sadness that a particular journey of my life is coming to a close, and I will miss everything that is associated with representing my county,” said the 30-year-old who made his championship debut when coming off the bench in the 2007 Leinster Final.

“W hile the public might measure a team’s success by the trophies raised, I feel I have won far more through the lifelong bonds and friendships I have developed with so many players and management throughout my career; and for these

I am truly grateful.

“I have been fortunate to have played for Dublin every year since I was 13 years of age and it has immeasurable enhanced the quality of my life.

“I would like to thank the many people who have inf luenced my personal, spiritual and sporting development to date.

“Thanks to Jim Gavin, Pat Gilroy and Pillar Caffrey for placing their faith in me to wear the senior jersey.

“To my club, St Vincent’s and the many coaches and volunteers who dedicated themselves to my advancement, thank you. A particular thanks to Mickey Whelan, a close friend and a mentor, whose blueprint permeates the person I am today.

“To the Gaelic Players Association for their

Ger Brennan has announced his retirement from intercounty football

continued interest in my wellbeing and development, thank you. And to the Dublin County Board and the Dublin supporters, a sincere thank you for all of the support throughout the years.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Dublin

als and a national league title.

“An outstanding leader both on and off the field of play Ger inspired those around him by his actions of self-determination, self-sacrifice and dedication to his sport – all focused on the team being the best it could

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

‘Playing for Dublin every year since I was 13 years of age has immeasurably enhanced my life’ - Ger Brennan --------------------------------------------------------

players, my friends, my family and especially my parents, Mary and PJ, for always been there for me through good times and in bad.”

Dublin boss Jim Gavin was quick to voice his praise for Brennan, paying tribute to the tenacious defender by saying: “On behalf of the Dublin Gaelic Athletic Association and the Dublin senior football team, I would like to wish Ger the very best wishes as he announces his retirement from inter-county football.

“Ger had a long and distinguished career representing the county of Dublin from a young age and through minor, Under-21 and senior grades.

“A two-time All-Ireland winner, Ger also won five Leinster med-

be.

“An exemplary individual and gentleman; Ger’s humility, poise and grace are a credit to his family, friends and club St Vincent’s and Dublin GAA wish Ger the very best on his new journey.”

Gavin’s tributes were shortly followed by plenty in Dublin GAA circles, with Brennan’s clubmate Eamon Fennell taking to Twitter to say: “Congrats on an amazing inter-county career.

A real leader both on and off the pitch. Dublin’s loss is Vincent’s gain.”

Current Dublin star Kevin McManamon also took to Twitter to praise Brennan. “Best of luck to Dublin legend Ger Brennan on his retirement.

“First man to welcome me at my first training in 2005 for the 21s, sadly missed.”

FastSport

The hosts dream is over as Aussies ooze class For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, ex-Edinburgh and Marlboro player and IRANZ Level 5 rugby coach Dennis Bowes will give his thoughts on the key battles in the RWC15.

WHAT a big weekend of rugby!

We saw Japan’s second win in the World Cup, Eddie Jones’ plan coming to fruition and doing something they have never done before in any edition of the competition – something truly great for Asian rugby.

Then Argentina looked strong with a big win over Tonga. Along the way, it seems they have recruited a new mascot in none other than Diego Maradona - will they have the hand of god on their side come the quarters?

Scotland faced the under pressure South Africa who, after being slated for their earlier loss to Japan, came out and simply bullied Scotland out of the game.

They now look like a real handful and maybe serious contenders for the World Cup. The big game came on Saturday night with the host England needing a win to keep their dream alive and this turned into a nightmare for them.

In a one-sided game against an Australian team who just oozed class, they showed serious intent to open this World Cup wide open.

The Aussies beat England at the set piece and their scrum tore the hosts to shreds while their attacking flair and shape was just so much better than anything seen this world cup so far.

Goodbye England – look out the rest of the challengers, Australia are here!

For Ireland, this was the first time that questions have been asked of them and they were worked very hard by an Italian team with not much form but loads of heart and bags of pride.

Ireland sneaked this one and now need to show that they have the big game to win this group and beat a French team under the same pressure.

Will we see the real Ireland win this group and show that they are the real deal?

Next Sunday evening we will have our quarter finalists - will we have a surprise or two?

Gazette

30 lucan gazette 8 October 2015

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: local trio to the fore in interprovincial success

Liffey Celtics come up just short in opening tie PYROBEL Killester beat Courtyard Liffey Celtics in a high-scoring encounter, 89-80, at the Irish Wheelchair Association on the opening day of women’s basketball’s Premier League.

“I think both teams will have some questions defensively.,” said Celtics’ Suzanne Maguire.

“We had a hard time dealing with one-on-one defence and Killester’s pressure in the second half threw us out of whack.”

Killester coach Karl Kilbride gave debuts to Aisling McCann, Emma Sherwood and Aine McDonnell on what was his first game in charge.

“We were down 11 for the first quarter,” he said. “We didn’t rebound the ball well and they got the looks they wanted but we kept the tempo up. We knew that they were going to be bigger than us and they’d want to slow it down and work the ball inside. We pressed from start to finish and put a lot of pressure on their guards.”

Liffey Celtics were in touch at 44-40 at halftime and ended up short in the final scores despite 24 points from Meagan Hoffman and 21 from Aine O’Connor. Christine Verrelle landed 10 points, too.

For Killester, Rae Contreras was the scorer in chief with 28 points while Aisling Sullivan and Anna Pupin dropped 17 each.

Blue Bulls on the charge with second victory MU Barnhall recorded their second win of the UBL Division 2B campaign with a 21-16 win over Bective Rangers to move up to seventh place in the 10 team division.

It was their second win from four games thus far in the campaign and puts the

Blue Bulls back into range with the sides in the top half of the table.

On October 25, meanwhile, the club will host its Hallowe’en party, named Enter the Abbatoir.

The fancy dress event is strictly over 18s and runs from 8pm with €5 entry fee.

There are prizes for the scariest and most creative outfits on the night.

The Leinster Schools side that won the Under-18 interprovincial title

Goals galore for Leinster sport@dublingazette.com

A QUARTET of local soccer players were part of the Leinster Schools team that retained the interprovincial honours in fine style as they snatched victory at the death to take the title from Munster on goal difference.

Colaiste Phadraig’s Ciaran Kelly and Conor Kane, Confey’s Jamie Aherne and Tony Archbold from Salesian College in Celbridge were all part of the Leinster side that took the title in dramatic fashion.

Manager John McShane was delighted with the team’s perform-

ance which saw his side put five past the Connacht students.

Two goals within the last six minutes ensured the Leinster celebrations with Jamie Aherne bagging a wonderful hat-trick for his side. Leinster’s phenomenal record in this competition remains as they secured their 12th title in 15 years.

Leinster were victorious against Ulster in the opening game on Friday evening with a goal in each half courtesy of Coffey and Ryan Byrne.

The second outing saw Connacht win 2-0 against a sluggish Munster side as Gary Higgins and a Paul

harriers half Healthy Lucan crew run fine race series times twenty-five members of Lucan Harriers took part in the last race of the Dublin race series – the half-marathon – recently, with Liour Matousk leading them home in 1.24.14.

For the ladies, first in was Breda Smyth in 1.44.25 with Kathleen Trunk behind her in 1.46.11. Patrica Gough ran a personal best in 1.48.48 while there were also fine runs from Donna Mulligan, Jana Radovica. Eileen O’Brien – third in her category.

Doyle penalty gave Alan Murphy’s crew the perfect start to their campaign.

Saturday proved a mixed bag for some of the provinces as Leinster’s great start was shortlived. A brace of goals from the talented Aaron Drinan and Mark Buckley ensured a 3-0 win for the Munster lads as Leinster were left pondering what happened.

Munster subsequently beat Ulster on Sunday, leaving Leinster needing to beat the western province in the final game of the competition to reclaim the title.

And McShane’s side settled in superbly and

were three up in the first 15 minutes. Aherne netted first while Gavin Howard converted from the spot as Conor Kane scored a screamer to take it to 3-0 at the interval.

Aherne’s hat-trick was secured in the last six minutes of the game, ensuring the lads finished with a flourish. A dejected Munster looked on as their title hopes vanished for another season. A brilliant showcase of football from the reigning Champions to secure another marvellous victory.

Off the back of the tournament, a provisional Ireland schools selection will be invited to

attend trials in the coming weeks.

A final squad of 16 will be selected for the Centenary Shield campaign which commences on March 17, 2016 against Northern Ireland.

The international management team of Paddy O’Reilly, Ollie Horgan and William O’Connor will have a difficult task to whittle down a provisional squad to attend trials at the end of the month.

O’Reilly is also conscious of the fact that a number of key players were unavailable at the weekend due to injury, club commitments and trials abroad.

8 October 2015 LUCAN gazette 31

Gazette

football: castleknock and st pat’s both beaten

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields MANY thanks to all the teams who

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 25

sent in match reports this weekend.

card drive resumes on Friday, Octo-

Full details can be found on our web-

ber 16 and will continue to May 2016 in

site www.lucansarsfields.ie with over

the clubhouse bar from 9pm sharp.

1,500 players in action in the last week

The 2007 girls mentors and parents

across all four codes from age seven

Runamuck with Arthur is on October

to 40-plus.

17. Some of our brave mentors and

Our senior footballers had an

parents will take on the 5km Runa-

excellent win over Palmerstown in the

muck Challenge to help raise funds for

championship and now face St Vin-

our club and our 2007 girls’ football

cent’s in the quarter final. There were

and camogie teams.

also excellent wins for our U-16, U-15,

Prior to this challenge, on Saturday,

U-14 and U-13 hurlers in their Division

October 10, we are hosting our annual

1 games.

fundraising night from 9pm in Lucan

The lotto sponsorship: the annual

Lucan Sarsfields combine to close down a Castleknock attack. Picture: John Conway

Lucan power through two rounds of the SFC

dublin sfc Lucan Sarsfields 4-15 St Pat’s Palmerstown 0-7  sport@dublingazette.com

IN THE space of four nights, Lucan Sarsfields moved from the first round of the Dublin Senior Football Championship to the quarterfinals with wins over Castleknock and St Pat’s Palmerstown.

L a s t We d n e s d a y night, Sean McCaffrey’s side edged out a gutsy Castleknock side 1-09 to 0-10 in a great battle at Monastery Road.

Despite starting on the back foot, Castleknock led 0-06 to 0-02 at halftime. Brendan Gallagher and Emmet O’Conghaile had scored early for Lucan but Knock hit back through two scores each from Tommy Corcoran and Ciaran Kilkenny as well as a well taken point from Dave McConn and a Des Carlos free. The gap was widened just after the restart through another Carlos free.

Lucan soon gained a foothold, however, as

Dublin panellist Emmet O’Conghaile hit two points to bring them right back into it.

Inspired by O’Conghaile, Lucan grabbed the game’s only goal just shy of the 40th minute mark after a well worked move landed at Sean Newcombe and he fired past the keeper to raise the green flag.

Despite some pressure late on, a Johnny McCaffrey point sealed the result to set up a second round clash with St Pat’s.

Again, Lucan enjoyed a good start against their West Dublin rivals in O’Toole Park on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals in the opening 10 minutes from Gallagher and Declan O’Shaughnessy really set the tone of this game as Sarsfields eventually ran out 4-15 to 0-7 winners.

Being two goals down so early made it look like an almost impossible task for Pat’s and it became even more difficult when they lost Leigh Dunne and Rob-

bie Carson to injuries in the first half. Graham Kelly had been sent off in that opening half too and at the break the score read 2-6 to 0-5 for Lucan.

Adding to their injury list, Brian Gilbert also left the field during play as the third Pat’s man to suffer a broken bone in this one. Gallagher hit his second goal on 45 minutes while Brian

Collopy added a fourth less than a minute later.

The points continuously kept coming too as Lucan breezed into the SFC quarter-final.

They will no doubt face a tougher test in the last eight as they were drawn against the holders; St Vincent’s who impressed with a win over Ballymun in their second round tie on the weekend.

This promises to be a great night

for renewal. We are appealing to busi-

out with music from local band Arthur.

nesses in and around Lucan to sign up

Spot prizes and raffles on the night; all

to this popular advertising scheme.

welcome.

The rates are: one week - €50; two

The club shop is open on Thursdays

weeks - €90; four weeks - €150 and six

from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays

weeks - €200. We are also appealing

from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

to club members who have their own

The Lucan District Credit Union GAA

businesses to consider taking up the

Academy at Lucan Sarsfields is at

sponsorship.

9.30am for camogie and girls football,

Business details are printed on the

10am for boys football and hurling, for

weekly Lotto tickets for the number of

boys and girls born in 2009, 20010 and

weeks you sign up for. It is an ideal way

2011 at 12th Lock, Lucan.

of gaining broad sponsorship in the greater Lucan area while helping the club to run its 70 teams or more.

There was no winner of this week’s €4,500 lotto draw; numbers were 1,

sponsors who have been so support-

13, 23 and 24. This week’s jackpot is

ive of this advertising scheme since it

€5,000; REA McDonald are sponsor-

began in 2001. Please contact Mary at

ing with Seamus Clandillon’s team in

087 7469143 for further details.

charge.

ST pat’s palmerstown THE lotto numbers for this week were 13, 17, 20 and 25; there was no winner so next week’s jackpot will be €4,800.

Draw takes place in the Palmer-

Glenaulin, smashing game.

The team is now in the championship semi final against St Peregrine’s on October 25.

stown House every Sunday night at

Our U-15 camogie side finished their

10pm and tickets cost €2. Thank you to

championship campaign on Sunday in

all our sellers and to all that support

a very tough match against St Jude’s.

Although a championship final place

Tickets are now available from

was not to be for us on the day, all the

Manor Hair Studios on Manor Road

team played exceptionally well and

and a big thanks to Siobhain for taking

we are all very proud of the U-15 team

this on for us.

playing in Division 2 for the first time.

Hurling and camogie skills sessions continue each Friday night at 6pm in Glenaulin.

This is open to all our juvenile members and a great chance for all to improve their skills no matter what level they are at.

The football/hurling /camogie

A huge well done to you all and they are still league winners.

Meanwhile, the U-14s will play their Division 2 championship semi-final next weekend against Castleknock.

Hard luck to our senior footballers who lost out in the championship on Saturday; it wasn’t to be their day.

creche is on in the Pobail School Hall

Thanks to all the supporters who

every Monday evening at 6-7pm and

came out to cheer them on and speedy

on Saturday morning, 10 to 11am, in

recovery to Leigh Dunne, Robert Car-

the clubhouse. New players always

son and Brian Gilbert.

welcome.

Fantastic win for our senior camflying Castleknock player

Contact Johnny at 085 1294102 for more information.

We are very grateful to our loyal

our lotto every week.

Lucan’s Darren Gavin holds his ground in the face of a

Sarsfields.

weekly lotto sponsorship is now due

ogie side vs Vincent’s on Sunday in

The junior footballers had a great win on Sunday against Castleknock at home; well done to all.

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

rapid fire results: Lucan Sarsfields win twice in quick succession to reach SFC quarter-finals P31

october 8-14, 2015

Brennan steps away: Ger retires from Dubs after glittering career in blue P29

Participants and supporters from the recent Esker Female Box Cup. Picture: Jolanta Rossiter

Esker Box Cup success Lucan club hosts excellent event in Colaiste Phadraig as biggest female entry list hosted with plans to more than double in size for 2016 edition

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

ESKER Amateur Boxing Club held their extremely successful All Female BoxCup 2015 last weekend with over 130 boxers from the UK and Ireland competing over two days.

Held in the Sports Hall of Colaiste Phadraig CBS, the event was deemed a massive success from the hosts while there was also high praise from those who travelled far and wide to Lucan.

With the weigh-ins taking place on Friday, Saturday was semi-final day for the most part, with dozens of fights taking place ahead of the big finals on Sunday.

Esker themselves had registered four of their boxers to fight but due to injuries, only two did so competitively. Rebecca Tuohy beat her Portlaoise opposition in her final while Shannon Kelly just came undone against a Galway fighter in their Sunday showdown.

Katie Kelly and Moya Kelly, ruled out competitively, boxed in exhibition bouts following the event.

In terms of Dublin clubs being successful at the competition, Chantelle Spencer (Jobstown) vs Shannon Glynn (Offaly) was announced as best Junior Bout while Mulhuddart Boxing Club won the Paddy Hyland Best Club award.

Ed Griffin, a member of Esker ABC, spoke to Gazette Sport after the event on how planning

for next year has already begun.

“This BoxCup was a massive success,” he said. “To welcome 136 fighters to Lucan over a weekend makes everyone at the club very proud.

“We plan on bringing around 300 boxers from Ireland and the UK to the event next year, and have already spoken to the IABA to include it on their official event calendar.

“We’ve spoken to Gerry O’Mahony, president of the Munster Council of the IABA and founder of the Celtic BoxCup, which is a similar event in Dungarvan.

“Next year’s Esker BoxCup will take place on the first weekend in October to ensure no clash occurs with the Celtic BoxCup.”

Griffin also stated that despite Esker’s recent success, a need for new facilities is massive and the club have had some major sporting stars such as Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Didi Hamann and Jason McAteer lend their hand on spreading the word for a permanent home.

“We’re are in urgent need of help from the council,” said Griffin. “The place we’re in at the moment has no electricity, and very expensive to remain in.

“We just want to create engagement with the council. I invited a whole host of counsellors and heads of management from the council to the BoxCup but the only ones to assist in anyway were William Lavelle, Eoin O’Broin and Danny O’Brien.”